OCC begins process to find new president

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Crabill plans to retire after this academic year ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The Onondaga Community College board of trustees has chosen Asheville, North Carolina–based search firm RH Perry & Associates to help the college find its next president. Casey Crabill, who […]

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Crabill plans to retire after this academic year

ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The Onondaga Community College board of trustees has chosen Asheville, North Carolina–based search firm RH Perry & Associates to help the college find its next president.

Casey Crabill, who has served as president of Onondaga Community College (OCC) since July 2013, has announced plans to retire from the role following the current academic year. She confirmed her decision to retire during the Sept. 14 board-of-trustees meeting, the community college said in a news release.

Crabill is a lifelong educator who began her career teaching English, OCC said. She served as a college president in California, Connecticut, and New Jersey before returning to New York and becoming OCC’s eighth president on July 1, 2013. She is a native of East Greenbush in the Albany area.

OCC described Crabill as a “fiscally conservative leader, demonstrating the ability to reduce expenses efficiently in the face of reduced support.” When she started at OCC, the annual operating budget was $78 million. That has declined to $64.5 million in the 2021-2022 academic year, the college noted.

Crabill has served on numerous community boards including the Central New York Community Foundation, which she chaired; CenterState CEO; Clear Path for Veterans; and MACNY, The Manufacturer’s Association.

Crabill accomplishments

OCC’s news release listed what the college considers accomplishment highlights during Crabill’s tenure as president.

They include her leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes remained primarily in-person while OCC expanded virtual options. The 2020-2021 academic year concluded with three in-person commencement ceremonies.

During the pandemic, OCC “continued respond to industry demands” by creating new degree and certificate programs including paramedic, health sciences, health studies, electromechanical: drone technology, geospatial science & technology, sound recording, and creative writing.

In addition, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaccredited OCC.

The highlights also included creation of what OCC calls the “first-in-the-nation” Box of Books program, which cut student textbook costs in half and provided students the opportunity to purchase laptops at a reduced price.

OCC also created the Lillian Slutzker Honors College, which provides 15 new students each year the opportunity to attend OCC tuition-free. The school also started “OCC Advantage,” which gives graduating high-school students in partner school districts the chance to attend OCC tuition-free.

OCC also listed accomplishments that included the complete renovation of the Coulter Library building; the complete reconstruction of the quad on the west side of campus; and the certification of campus buildings Academic II and the SRC Arena as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Gold buildings.

“The list of Dr. Crabill’s accomplishments and contributions to Onondaga Community College and Central New York are truly remarkable. We have all been extremely fortunate to have her working as our partner in education,” John Sindoni, chair of the Onondaga Community College board of trustees, said.

Crews start work on $1.25M DEC project at Carpenter Falls Unique Area

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NILES, N.Y. — Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced that construction has begun on a $1.25 million project to improve public access at Carpenter Falls Unique Area in the town of Niles in Cayuga County. The site will remain closed for the duration of construction, which is expected to be completed

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The site will remain closed for the duration of construction, which is expected to be completed in 2022.

“DEC is thrilled this project, which will create more opportunities for visitors of all abilities to safely view Carpenter Falls, is underway,” Seggos said in a Sept. 8 news release. “In addition to improving public access at this special place, DEC designed these new features and upgrades to help reduce long-term environmental impacts to the area and protect water quality in Skaneateles Lake, a popular recreation destination and the source of drinking water for the city of Syracuse and surrounding areas.”

Carpenter Falls Unique Area contains dramatic steep terrain and waterfalls. The 37-acre property was conveyed to the DEC in 2008 by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. The project is being tackled in two phases and includes enhancements to ensure safe and convenient access to the site’s popular waterfall. The effort is supported by $1.25 million from the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

All-new Phase 1 improvements include a new on-site paved parking lot for 20 single vehicles, designed with green infrastructure to manage stormwater; bicycle rack to accommodate cyclists; accessible commercial chemical toilet with a screened enclosure near the parking area; new elevated boardwalk accessible to visitors of all abilities, leading 630 feet from the parking lot to an observation platform; accessible observation platform where visitors can enjoy a view of the 90-foot-tall Upper Carpenter Falls; and a new trail with stone steps to safely guide hikers down a steep ravine to view Upper Carpenter Falls from a stream-level vantage.

In addition to the new accessibility features, the elevated boardwalk and stone steps will protect sensitive soil and vegetation from destruction and erosion sometimes caused by pedestrian traffic on the site’s steep slopes, which will also help safeguard water quality in Bear Swamp Creek and Skaneateles Lake, the DEC contends.

Phase 2 of the project will address access to the Lower Carpenter Falls, including the repair and improvement of an existing foot trail.

New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund has grown from its original appropriation of $31 million in fiscal year 1994-1995 to $300 million. The fiscal year 2022 enacted state budget sustains the EPF at $300 million.

Number of service-disabled veteran-owned businesses reaches 900 in New York

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New York’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Program has 900 certified SDVOBs now active, a figure the state considers a “significant milestone.” That’s according to New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner RoAnn Destito, who made the announcement Sept. 2 while visiting the New York State Fair in Geddes. “New York State recognizes the important contributions

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New York’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Program has 900 certified SDVOBs now active, a figure the state considers a “significant milestone.”

That’s according to New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner RoAnn Destito, who made the announcement Sept. 2 while visiting the New York State Fair in Geddes.

“New York State recognizes the important contributions our veterans make every day to our country. This program honors our service-disabled veterans by offering opportunities to grow their businesses. This wonderful achievement proves that SDVOBs are a growing force in New York State’s economy,” Destito said.

She noted that the program reached the 900 figure with the latest 15 businesses that were recently certified as SDVOBs.

Some of the newest businesses certified as SDVOBs include Vee Management LLC, a management consulting firm located in Syracuse; Matthew Grant Jubelt, Attorney & Counselor at Law, located in Cazenovia; Paro Brothers Construction Services, located in Gloversville; and M&P Engineering and Land Surveying, PLLC, which specializes in engineering and surveying and is in Skaneateles, OGS said.

The owners of two state-certified SDVOBs joined Destito for the State Fair announcement, along with Ken Williams, executive director of the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development.

The local SDVOB owners included Tony Baird, owner of Tony Baird Electronics Inc. in Syracuse and Christopher Geherin, owner of Builder’s Choice Lumber Co. in Auburn.

Besides certification as an SDVOB, Baird’s company is also a minority-owned business that was established to support the inner-city community. Tony Baird Electronics has three main divisions: custom cable and wire-harness assemblies; audio-visual installation and distribution; and its largest division, distribution, OGS said.

Builder’s Choice Lumber is a supplier of lumber, doors, windows, and building materials of all types for residential and commercial work. Geherin’s company was already doing business on a state contract and was seeking additional opportunities when it became one of the first 100 companies to receive its SDVOB certification. OGS noted.

About SDVOB certification

The Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development was created within OGS following the enactment of The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act, which was signed into law on May 12, 2014.

The law allows eligible business owners to get certified as an SDVOB and encourages and supports eligible SDVOBs to play a greater role in the state’s economy by increasing their participation in the state’s contracting opportunities.

The legislation promotes and encourages participation of service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in New York’s public procurements of public works, commodities, services, and technology. The law established a 6 percent participation goal for SDVOBs on state contracts, OGS said.

State agencies’ utilization of SDVOBs has grown from about $16 million in payments to certified companies in 2016 to nearly $150 million in 2020 and is on track to reach about $170 million by the end of the current fiscal year, according to OGS.

A searchable, web-based directory of New York State-certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses is available on the OGS website, allowing state agencies as well as private-sector companies and the public to search more easily for and find SDVOBs based on their location and the services, commodities, or technology they provide.

The directory, along with more information about the program and the certification process, can be found at www.ogs.ny.gov — in the “Do Business With OGS” tab.

Samaritan Health boosts minimum wage to 15 bucks

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Health Care, Regional News, Subscriber Only

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Samaritan Health of Watertown has adopted a $15 minimum wage benefitting about 1,300 current employees and all new hires. The new standard raises current and starting wages 19 percent, the health-care provider announced on Aug. 18. Employees working the evening and night shift will receive additional compensation beyond that. Samaritan is actively

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Jefferson County hotel-occupancy rate jumps 33 percent in August

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Hotels in Jefferson County saw significantly more guests in August compared to the year-prior month, as the hospitality industry continued to recover from the pandemic, according to a recent report. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county rose 32.8 percent to 69.9 percent in August,

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Deep Roots Market & Bistro opens in Lewis County

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LYONS FALLS, N.Y. —The Deep Roots Market & Bistro, a new business specializing in offering North Country food and products, recently opened in Lewis County. Deep Roots held a grand opening on July 28 at its location in the Edge Plaza on Route 12 in Lyons Falls. Owners James and Bethany Munn said the event

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St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum uses grant for restoration of historic church

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MADRID, N.Y. — The St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum in Madrid is working to stabilize and restore the historic Nevin Memorial Church that once stood in Lisbon in St. Lawrence County. The Northern New York Community Foundation provided a grant of $10,000 for the project. The structure, which was built in 1855, was donated

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MADRID, N.Y. — The St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum in Madrid is working to stabilize and restore the historic Nevin Memorial Church that once stood in Lisbon in St. Lawrence County.

The Northern New York Community Foundation provided a grant of $10,000 for the project.

The structure, which was built in 1855, was donated to the museum in November 2020. In February, museum officials commissioned its deconstruction and successfully moved the structure to the Power and Equipment Museum’s main campus at 1755 State Highway 345. It joins more than a dozen other historic buildings on the museum’s village green.

Nevin Memorial Church permanently closed its doors in December 2019 after 164 years of worship. Anticipating its closure, church trustees approached the Power and Equipment Museum’s board and offered the building and its contents to the museum.

The museum plans to feature historic exhibits in the church and add it to campus tours. The structure features 12 stained- glass windows created by the Horwood family of stained-glass artists from Ogdensburg.

In addition to its role as an addition to the village green and depiction of early North Country life, museum officials plan to offer the church as a venue for weddings, memorial services, and other community gatherings.

“The museum is one of our region’s gems. Our holistic partnership has helped enhance the museum’s work and mission now, and will sustain it for future generations,” Rande Richardson, executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation, said in a statement. “We are pleased to be part of this project, which will be a meaningful complement to its current offerings for those who visit.”

Ronald Sheppard, president of the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum board of trustees, said Community Foundation support “is an invaluable addition to our efforts as we build out this significant and impressive contribution to our campus.”

“This will enhance a strong sense of community involvement and pride, foster historical preservation, and promote economic development in our rural corner of the county,” Sheppard said. “Thanks to generous supporters like the Community Foundation, the museum continues to grow its endowment and develop exciting plans for the future.”

The museum has a near decade-long history of working with the Community Foundation.

In 2012, not long after the Community Foundation expanded its service area to include St. Lawrence County, the Power and Equipment Museum was one of the first nonprofits in the county to establish a Foundation partnership with a permanent endowment fund.

In 2017, the museum successfully fulfilled a matching grant challenge for its endowment that is stewarded at the Community Foundation.

Since 1983, the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum has aimed to preserve and teach the history of how early North Country residents lived and the many ways technology and equipment helped shape their lives. It says its collection includes hundreds of artifacts and features approximately 30 historical buildings, exhibits and collections. Featured buildings and artifacts include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a two-story granary, a gas station, steam engines, and log cabin.

Clarkson prof. uses NSF grant to study children’s statistical thinking

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POTSDAM, N.Y. — A Clarkson University professor is using a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study statistical thinking in children. The NSF grant will support Andreas Wilke’s investigation of the cognitive mechanisms underlying children’s perception of randomness, and their susceptibility to erroneous judgments. Wilke is an associate professor and chair of

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POTSDAM, N.Y. — A Clarkson University professor is using a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study statistical thinking in children.

The NSF grant will support Andreas Wilke’s investigation of the cognitive mechanisms underlying children’s perception of randomness, and their susceptibility to erroneous judgments.

Wilke is an associate professor and chair of the Clarkson University psychology department.

“We developed three novel statistical decision-making paradigms — based on our work with adults — that will assess how three- to 10-year-old children decide whether sequential events will continue in a streak, how they understand randomness, and how they reason about sequential patterns in space and time,” Wilke said in a release. “Our results will contribute to developing better methods of science education for helping children and students to more accurately recognize what are likely patterns and what is random. The world is statistical in nature. A sound understanding of randomness is central to teaching statistics, informs our decision-making processes, and provides guidance when facing judgments under risk and uncertainty.”

Wilke and his co-investigator Annie Wertz — a developmental psychologist at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Germany — will team up to test children at daycare facilities such as the Childcare Center at SUNY Potsdam.

The research team also includes Peter Todd (Cognitive Science Program, Indiana University-Bloomington); Clark Barrett (UCLA Anthropology); Bang-Geul Han (Design and Digital Media, CUNY College of Staten Island); and Steven Pedersen (Communication, Media, and Design, Clarkson University).

For their project, they’ll give the children involved “fun and engaging” short iPad tasks and study the development of their statistical thinking. Wilke’s study will begin later this fall “under strict and safe” COVID-19 testing protocols. His team is seeking to enroll more children for the study, ages three to 10.

To learn more about these studies and/or help by enrolling your child in it, those interested can email the Evolution and Cognition Lab at ecl@clarkson.edu.

Part of the funding from this grant will go directly into training Clarkson undergraduate students in conducting multidisciplinary international research, supporting their attendance at scientific conferences, as well as accompanying Wilke on research visits to Germany, the school said.

VETCON event for transitioning veterans returns this year

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ALBANY, N.Y. — The Veterans in Economic Transition Conference (VETCON) is returning in 2021, set for the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Albany on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The conference seeks to assist veterans in their transition from service to everyday life. It focuses on providing financial tools, resources, and support, according to the

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ALBANY, N.Y. — The Veterans in Economic Transition Conference (VETCON) is returning in 2021, set for the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Albany on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

The conference seeks to assist veterans in their transition from service to everyday life. It focuses on providing financial tools, resources, and support, according to the Tully Rinckey Foundation.

A press conference, held May 27, brought together members of the 2021 VETCON Alliance to announce the plans for this year’s conference.

Anthony Kuhn — founding partner of the Albany–based law firm of Tully Rinckey Kuhn PLLC and chair of the 2021 VETCON Alliance — spoke about the plans and expectations about this year’s conference.

“In this, our first VETCON since the pandemic, our goal is to continue to enable veteran business owners to grow their businesses, build their networks with other veterans and market their products and services to New York State agencies,” Kuhn said.

In the past, this event has brought together public and private businesses, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and New York State agencies for two days of hands-on workshops and networking opportunities.

More than 100 service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs) and more than 130 state agency and authority personnel participated in the inaugural VETCON in 2016. The in-person conference and job fair was held again in 2017, 2018, and 2019, but didn’t take place last year due to the pandemic.

Attendees at this year’s event will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops and in numerous informational and networking sessions with businesses, organizations, and state-agency purchasing personnel.

Practical workshops will include information about certifying a veteran-owned business and obtaining federal and state contract set asides, proposal and business plan writing, business fundamentals, and matchmaking between entrepreneurial business and government agencies.

All proceeds from VETCON will be donated toward the advancement of veterans’ services.

Registration and more event information is available at the website: www.VetConNY.com.

About the Tully Rinckey Foundation

The Tully Rinckey Foundation is the charitable arm of Tully Rinckey PLLC, which in addition to its Albany headquarters has an office in Syracuse and other offices throughout New York state, along with Washington, D.C. and San Diego, California.

The Tully Rinckey Foundation sponsors VETCON events in Albany and Buffalo.

DeWitt firm wins more than $27M Army contract for Fort Drum work

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FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Structural Associates Inc., of DeWitt, was recently awarded a more than $27.3 million contract from the U.S. Army for design and construction of a new operational campus for a new railhead-loading area and facilities at Fort Drum. Bids were solicited via the internet with three companies submitting them. The estimated completion date

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