GHVHS President & CEO, Scott Batulis said, “While we value every position within the System, we are making every effort to minimize the impact within nursing and departments that provide direct patient care.  It is with heartfelt sadness that our need to reduce staffing has come at a time in which our highly productive workforce is ranked among the top 25% in productivity for hospitals across the nation.  Federal sequestration cuts and other major reimbursement reductions hit hard and fast; without any transition plan or conversion funding that would have allowed us to reduce costs through attrition or other means.”

At Catskill Regional, revenue has declined due to government cuts and lower patient volume. The hospital is therefore restructuring and downsizing management and non-nursing areas to reduce expense by $5M annually.  At Orange Regional, expenses for employee wages and benefits, medical supplies and prescription drugs have increased by $12M with no revenue increase expected due to these direct reimbursement cuts.  Therefore, Orange Regional has to reduce costs by $12M to make up this shortfall.  Combined, staffing reductions are 5.0% of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System’s total workforce.  At this time, there are no plans for further staff reductions.

Mr. Batulis stated, “We are committed and will work diligently to assist employees directly affected by this reduction in workforce.  Our Human Resources Department will review open positions within the System and will also help to research career opportunities at other local healthcare organizations.  Career counseling services will also be provided.”

Employee forums are scheduled at both hospitals for employees to voice concerns and ask questions.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $90 million in NY Works funding will advance nearly 90 construction projects to upgrade and repair more than 50 state parks and historic sites across New York.

“Through the NY Works program, the state is investing in much needed projects to repair our parks and historic sites while creating jobs and generating local economic activity,” Governor Cuomo said. “These projects to rehabilitate park infrastructure and address health and safety issues will improve the experience for park visitors, create jobs and support New York’s tourism industry.”

“A first-class parks system encourages healthy recreation, protects the state’s natural resources, and attracts residents, tourists, and private investment to communities around our state,” Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “Governor Cuomo’s investment in parks and historic sites across the state will improve New York’s quality of life, while strengthening important economic assets.”

This year’s State Budget provides $90 million for state parks to begin construction on the next round of the New York Works capital program to address the backlog of environmental capital needs and spur job creation and economic development. Additionally, State Parks will undertake 60 architectural and engineering designs to advance shovel-ready capital improvement projects in nearly 50 parks in future years. The State Budget capital plan calls for investing $90 million annually in state park improvements over the next five years.

“Following decades of deferred maintenance and under-investment, New York’s state parks are on an exciting upswing, thanks to the leadership and commitment of Governor Cuomo and members of the legislature. The second installment of NY Works funding is a critical acknowledgement that New York’s state parks are important recreational, cultural and economic destinations. On behalf of the more than 60 million people who visit state parks each year, we express our appreciation for this ongoing commitment to upgrade parks and enhance the visitor experience throughout the system,” said Erik Kulleseid, director of the Open Space Institute’s Alliance for New York State Parks program.

“This infusion of capital funding is breathing new life into a park system that has suffered from decades of underfunding. Thanks to the strong commitment of Governor Cuomo and the Legislature the revitalization of our state park system can continue, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and securing New York’s parks and conservation legacy for future generations,” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks and Trails New York.

Last year, Governor Cuomo committed $89 million through the New York Works initiative to rehabilitate dozens of state parks and historic sites, enabling State Parks to move forward with more than 100 overdue projects to improve 55 parks and historic sites. Construction is underway at parks and historic sites across the state on health and safety-related improvements and critical infrastructure rehabilitation, including modernizing bathhouses, repairing deteriorated restrooms, improving trails and replacing dilapidated playgrounds.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. A recent study by commissioned by Parks & Trails New York found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

STATE PARK CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN PROJECTS

Bear Mountain State Park
Swimming pool bathhouse improvements $500,000

Harriman State Park
Repairs and upgrades to children’s summer group camps $1,250,000
Construct new comfort station in Lake Welch area $450,000
Resurface Arden Valley Road $1,500,000
Engineering studies/repairs to low-level outlets for up to 13 dams $2,000,000

Rockland Lake State Park
Renovate bathhouse at north swimming pool $1,000,000

Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Rehabilitate Phillips House as new visitor center and park office $1,050,000

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
Enhance exhibits and update computerized Purple Heart recipient registry $400,000

James Baird State Park
Golf course irrigation system $1,000,000

John Jay State Historic Site
Upgrade climate control and electrical systems $1,000,000

FDR State Park
Swimming bathhouse and entry plaza renovation $1,000,000
Reconstruct parking area at swimming pool, including green elements $1,465,000

Mills-Norrie State Park
Hoyt House roof repair and exterior stabilization project $315,000

Regional Total: $13,180,000*
*includes demolition of several condemned building in multiple parks throughout the Hudson Valley area

The service will honor those members of Troop K who gave their lives in the performance of their duties.

This service will begin promptly at 11:00 A.M. at the front of Troop K Headquarters, 2541 Route 44, Salt Point, NY 12578 and will be attended by representatives of the various law enforcement agencies throughout Troop K, which includes Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties.

Several Orange County Departments are working together to bring Orange County Senior Health and  Fitness Day to Thomas Bull Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 29 from 10 am -2 pm. The Office for the Aging, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, and the Department of Health are providing facilities, programs, activities, and personnel to encourage Orange County seniors to exercise, eat well, and have fun on this special day. Local businesses and vendors will also participate with information booths and giveaways.

“The Office for the Aging is always proactive in reaching out to our County’s older adults with resources to help them stay fit and enjoy life longer,” said County Executive Diana. “The OFA staff has done a great job of gathering together so many community partners to provide an informative, interactive, and fun Health and Fitness Day again this year. I hope all older adults will come out, learn a little, and have a good time.”

The activities will center on the Boathouse and Lake Pavilion at the park. At 10:30 am, a walk will be led by Sue Nichols, OFA’s popular nutritionist and Registered Dietician. Danielle Moser and her team from the County’s Department of Health will demonstrate the park’s fitness trail, and Healthy Orange will offer a variety of health information. ShopRite Supermarkets will provide a healthy light lunch.

Hudson Valley Heart Center, Montgomery Village Pharmacy, Dr. Laura Piluso, Podiatrist, Shop Rite Supermarkets, Access Physical Therapy, Crystal Run Healthcare, and Orange Regional Medical Center are some of the businesses who will participate with information tables and health screenings. In addition to the Department of Health, Community Development and Emergency Services will have tables. Other agencies and organizations include: AARP, SUNY Orange’s Center for Rehabilitative and Adaptive Technology, Cornell Cooperative Extension/Orange County, Hospice of Orange/Sullivan, and Pets Alive. Anyone who brings a donation of a pet supply, pet food, or cash for Pets Alive will be entered into a special drawing.

Allison Johannessen, RSVP Coordinator at OFA, will be on hand to provide information on volunteer opportunities. There is scientific evidence to support the concept of volunteering as a healthy habit.

Ivy Strausberg from Bare Fitness’ Silver Sneakers program in Goshen will lead a Silver Sneakers exercise class at 11:30 am and Stefanie Hubert of Cornell Cooperative Extension/Orange County will do a healthy cooking education session and demonstration at 1 pm with recipes, handouts, and samples.

There will be a variety of special raffles and prizes, both from the participating businesses and the Orange County Arboretum. The whole day is free and open to any Orange County resident over the age of 60.

“I am here to be accessible and get results for my neighbors in the Hudson Valley,” said Representative Maloney. “This town hall gives me the chance to hear from thousands of folks across the district about what matters most to them.”

Tens of thousands of residents from the 18th Congressional district will receive an invitation by telephone to participate in the conference call on Wednesday. Constituents in the 18th district can also request an invitation in the following ways:

·          Emailing their name and complete phone number to ny18townhall@mail.house.gov

·          Calling Rep. Maloney’s Washington office at 202-225-5441

·          Visiting Rep. Maloney’s website at http://seanmaloney.house.gov/

Participants will also be given the opportunity to leave a message with their questions or comments at the end of the call. For those unable to participate in the telephone town hall, questions or concerns can be sent to Representative Maloney by calling any of his offices in New York or Washington, by visiting his website at http://seanmaloney.house.gov, connecting with Rep. Maloney on Facebook , or following him on Twitter .

Since January, Rep. Maloney has participated in multiple town halls back in the Hudson Valley. In coming weeks, Rep. Maloney will also announce a series of “Speak with Sean” events in neighborhoods across the region.

“Our town has been stagnant for so many years and has fostered an anti-business climate while consistently raising taxes on the residents and not keeping good controls on spending,” said Coleman.  “I will bring new energy, enthusiasm, and a hybrid of private and public sector knowledge to our town ensuring that fiscally smart decisions are made, spending is kept to a minimum, economic development and job creation are encouraged, and the quality of life for our residents is improved!”

Coleman added that he will be running on a business friendly platform which includes encouraging economic development, supporting conservative financial policies, long-term fiscal planning, implementing cost savings, continuing to improve the quality of life through expanded recreation, job creation, enhanced public safety, and improved roadways, establishing an open communication policy with residents through various mediums, and working to make town laws and policies more business-friendly.  The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013.

Police say a 17 year old girl was on Bloomer Road near the intersection of June Road in the Town of North Salem, when a dark colored four door sedan pulled up and a male subject exited the vehicle and approached her.  The girl told police that the man insisted she get into his vehicle with him but the girl refused and left the area.

The male subject is described as approximately 5’7” tall, medium brown complexion, medium build, with black hair and he was wearing a dark business suit.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police at (914) 769-2600.

In this case the victim saw an ad for an apartment rental in Kingston. The communication they had with the “landlord” was through emails. The “landlord” provided an address of the rental property in an email. The victim drove past the location and saw a realtor’s “for sale” sign on the lawn. After contacting the realtor, the realtor advised them that the house was not for rent and in fact the realtor had received calls from other persons that had answered the same Craigslist ad.

The victim in this case caught the scam before it went too far. Unfortunately, they did provide family names, dates of birth and family photo to the scammer – but did not mail any money or provide any other vital personal information, such as a social security number.

There were a couple of red flags that victim saw but initially ignored – poor grammar, extremely low rental price, and the “landlord” was from out of area (out of state in this case).

Kingston Police warn never, under any circumstances, wire money at the request of any prospective landlord via Western Union, MoneyGram or any other wire service. And never send scans of any of your ID’s.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com.

Messages from local area police may include road closures, wanted or missing persons as well as other relevant safety and community event information.

The service is secure, reliable and easy to use. When citizens receive information from our agency via Nixle, they know it can be trusted.

The messages can be sent specifically to registered residents giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy information relevant only to their neighborhood. Subscribers can also choose the way in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, or over the web.

Residents of the Town of Newburgh and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com.

According to reports, a pickup truck and a Mobile Life Support Services ambulance crashed head on just before 7:00 AM. Both vehicles were heavily damaged. The ambulance was not carrying any patients at the time of the crash.

The driver of the ambulance, 43 year old William Spadafora of Hurley, a paramedic, had to be removed from the wreckage. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries. Spadafora’s passenger,  Gigi Williams, an EMT, also of Hurley was transported to Kingston Hospital with a head injury.

The driver of the pickup, 18 year old Kingston resident, Marco Ochoa, had to be removed from his vehicle. Both he and his passenger, 21 year old Reyes Lucero, were taken to Kingston Hospital with minor injuries.

The severity and condition of those involved were not known at the time of this story.

The investigation is ongoing as police try and determine the cause of the accident.

Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by State Police, officers from Ulster and Rosendale Town Police, Bloomington Fire, New Paltz Rescue and Mobile Life Support Services.