Nurse practitioner
PLATTSBURGH — Carla K. Hausrath, N.P., adult health nurse practitioner, has joined Stephen Guy Hausrath, M.D., internal medicine and infectious diseases, and Lynn Schneider, N.P.C, adult health. They are located at 210 Cornelia St., Suite 202, Plattsburgh, and can be reached at 563-6348.
Hausrath received her Masters of Science Degree this spring from Stony Brook University. She completed her certification in adult health this fall. Prior to this, she was a registered nurse for more than 20 years practicing clinically in the areas of neuroscience, critical care, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and office-based nursing service.
She will offer a comprehensive range of primary-care medical services including annual exams, preventive medicine and care of acute and chronic illnesses, in the office. Founded in 2001, Hausrath's practice has continually served patients in the North Country with a customer-service focus and commitment to the individual's well being. The office is currently accepting new patients and participates with most insurances.
Bank promotion
CROWN POINT — Champlain National Bank President and CEO Jon J. Cooper has announced the appointment of Kimberly Woods to branch manager at its Crown Point Office. She is responsible for the management of a full-service branch and business development and sales activities in that market area.
Woods joined Champlain National Bank in January 1985 and has held various positions to include part-time teller, full-time teller, secretary for the branch, and customer-service representative prior to her recent appointment to branch manager.
She can be reached at Champlain National Bank's Crown Point Office, 2687 Main Street, at 597-3322, and is available to assist customers with a full range of personal and business services.
Champlain National Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. It is an independent, locally owned and operated community bank with nine offices in the North Country.
Awards announced
PLATTSBURGH — The Advocacy and Resource Center has announced the 2009 Volunteer of the Year and the Employer of the Year awards presented at the center's annual convention held at the Crowne Plaza in Albany.
Gilbert Duken was presented the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of continued dedication, service and advocacy on behalf of people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Duken has been involved as a volunteer with the chapter since 1956. He has served the agency in many capacities including being a member and officer on the Board of Directors, the ARC Foundation and several agency committees. Duken has contributed thousands of hours of volunteer time assisting the chapter to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities who reside in Clinton County. He has proven to be a goodwill ambassador for the interests of people with developmental disabilities and many doors have been opened in the community due to his constant influence and education of others.
Hannaford Supermarket was presented the Employer of the Year award in recognition of their outstanding support in providing job opportunities for people who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Hannaford has employed people with disabilities for 14 of the 20 years they have been in Plattsburgh. Currently, the store employs seven people with developmental disabilities from the chapter whose careers span in longevity from three to 14 years. Hannaford of Plattsburgh has years of dedication in helping their employees have more enriched lives.
Cooking school
LAKE CLEAR — The Adirondack Cooking School, a program of the Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat, has announced a series of Holiday Cooking Classes to be held Nov. 14-15. Participants can come for the day or take in the full range of programs by staying the weekend. The Cooking School program will be led by Executive Chef Cathy Hohmeyer and her team as well as guest appearances by a certified nutritionist and wine and beer connoisseur.
"There is a growing emphasis on cooking at home in an effort to eat healthier and work within tightening family budgets," Hohmeyer said. "These workshops and demonstrations are aimed at developing a fresh look at holiday cooking with an emphasis on local products, cooking with a budget in mind and creating healthy yet delicious meals. Holiday appetizers and desserts are also a great way to give a personal holiday gift."
As a special treat to encourage couples or families to attend, there will be a special Holiday Rustic Furniture Demonstration on Nov. 14 that will run concurrently with the Holiday Cooking Class.
Participants may attend the Saturday workshops only or for a more complete immersion stay the evening and participate in additional educational, fun and savory activities. Finally, participants can make it a complete weekend getaway with additional Friday evening classes with a special half-price Cooking Class special.
Adirondack Cooking School founder Hohmeyer has been executive chef at the Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat for 25 years. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Naturopathy and is founder of the Adirondack Chapter of the Weston Price Foundation, an international organization promoting "nutrient dense" foods as part of good nutrition. The Adirondack Cooking School was featured in the October issue of Adirondack Life magazine. The Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat was awarded the 2008 National Geographic Traveler Stay List for "sense of place" with its historic, green and local emphasis. The facility was originally built in 1886 and is one of the last original Adirondack lodges still open to the public.
For more information, visit www.LodgeOnLakeClear.com or call 877 (6) Adk Alp.
Marketing talks
PLATTSBURGH — SUNY Plattsburgh's American Marketing Association Collegiate Chapter hopes to foster an understanding of marketing and business outside the classroom by bringing professionals to campus for its Fall Speaker Series.
The series will include Michele Powers, vice president of marketing for the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Powers will present "Marketing the Adirondack Coast," where she will discuss the marketing of the Lake Champlain and Adirondack regions as tourist destinations. This event will take place Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Lounge of the Angell College Center.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Sophie Mitsoglou of Mountain Lake PBS will speak on marketing restraints during tight budget times for a publicly funded non-profit organization. Her presentation, "Tight Budgets and Guerilla Marketing," will be at 5 p.m. in the Cardinal Lounge.
"As a club, we utilize strong communication abilities to establish outside business ties within the college, and to enhance the students' knowledge of business and the fundamentals of marketing," said Katie Villman, the AMA's vice president of programs. "By bringing in outside business professionals, we, as students, have the ability to use what we do in the classroom and see it implemented in real-life business environments."
All events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
For more information contact Villman at kvill001@mail.plattsburgh.edu.
Horse benefit
AuSABLE CHASM — From now through Dec. 20, the Ausable Equine Center is offering a special rate of $22 per hour (more than 50 percent off) horseback rides to all North Country residents.
Proceeds from the rides will directly benefit Adirondack Horse Rescue and its efforts to raise hay money for its rescued horses. For further information and reservations, call the Ausable Equine Center at 834-9933. It is located on Route 373, Ausable Chasm.
For more information about the Adirondack Horse Rescue as published in All Points North Fall 2009, visit http://apnmag.com/fall_2009/Mizer-Horse.php
Not only families suffer from the faltering economy, but the plight of unwanted horses that need to be rescued grows as well and this fund-raiser will help those horses.
Green lodging
PLATTSBURGH — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced the launch of a new initiative, The New York State Green Hospitality Partnership, to certify lodging establishments as "green" for employing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
Three of the 43 hotels and inns selected, spread across every region of New York, were New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association members located in the Adirondacks region. The properties include Holiday Inn, Plattsburgh; Shaheen's Motel, Tupper Lake; and YMCA of the Adirondacks, Silver Bay.
The Green Lodging Certification program combines environmentally sound business practices with financially feasible solutions. Under the program, hoteliers focus on saving energy, trimming waste disposal, using water efficiently and conserving resources, all while improving their bottom line. Participants will be evaluated in energy efficiency, environmental management, pollution prevention and resource conservation. Green credentials will be certified by Audubon International's GreenLeaf program. Audubon International provides people and businesses with the education and assistance needed to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife and natural resources.
Based on environmental performance, a hotel could be assigned one to five green leaves. The certification program is part of a larger initiative to support and market sustainable tourism throughout New York State, highlighting the state's diverse natural resources as tourism destinations, connecting travelers to green businesses and assisting New York's tourism businesses to go green. The New York State Green Hospitality and Tourism Partnership is a combination of state agencies, business associations and academia that worked together to initiate the certification program.
"The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association is excited to be a part of Gov. Paterson's statewide program to assist hoteliers in obtaining green certification," said Association President Daniel C. Murphy. "I know that the partnerships that will be formed between our hoteliers and Audubon GreenLeaf during this project will have a long-lasting impact on New York State's green movement and serve as a shining example for how New York State hotels can become more environmentally friendly."
Teacher promotion
PLATTSBURGH — It's time for Plattsburgh-area teachers to step out of the classroom and into the spotlight during dressbarn's special V.I.P. (Very Indulgent Party) shopping event for educators. In support and recognition of all teachers, from Nov. 12 to 15, every dressbarn store, including the Plattsburgh location at Smithfield Boulevard, will host a special event on one of the four days.
At the V.I.P. shopping celebration, teachers will be welcomed with fun and fashion, get tips on how to make the most of their wardrobe, and be pampered with personal service. Plus, they'll enjoy 15 percent off their entire purchase.
"Role models in the truest sense, teachers need a wardrobe that looks professional and also reflects who they are. It has to be easy on their wallets and easy to wear," said Crystal Kandravi, district manager of dressbarn in Plattsburgh, who offers the following style lessons to teachers:
Grade-A Versatility — Choose sweaters that go from desk to dinner, like polished cardigans layered over flowing tops or lightweight knits with feminine cap sleeves. Well-fitting dresses of all kinds get extra credit when it comes to extracurricular activities.
Color Rules — Add a pop of personality to your palette by pairing brighter accessories like patterned scarves. Pick from the fruits of the season including rich berry tones and warm spicy oranges.
The Fit Test — Most importantly, only buy what fits and feels good. Lightly tailored jackets and pants are clean and professional. Mix them with a cozy sweater or a pair of jeans and easily go from work to weekend.
"V.I.P. shopping celebrations can be hosted at dressbarn anytime. From birthdays to girls' night out, they're perfect for any time women want to get together and be treated to fashion and fun at affordable prices," Kandravi said. "V.I.P. hosts receive a 25-percent-off hostess coupon, as well as up to 10 postcard invitations that double as an exclusive discount for each guest. When guests arrive, they're greeted with a personalized welcome sign and party favors."
Women in the Plattsburgh area who are interested in learning more about dressbarn's Teacher V.I.P. event should call the store at 563-2019.
Energy assistance
PLATTSBURGH — Applications are now being accepted for the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist income-eligible families in paying their energy bills, and National Grid is reminding customers to see if they qualify.
"National Grid knows that energy costs will be challenging to some of our customers this winter and through the power of action, we are reaching out to remind customers that LIHEAP may be one way they can help meet that challenge," said Tom King, president of National Grid in the U.S.
LIHEAP payments vary depending on household income, household composition and heating fuel costs in relation to income. If a household receives public assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or food stamps, the household will most likely be eligible for LIHEAP benefits. If a household is not receiving public assistance, it still may be eligible if the gross monthly household income is at or below income guidelines based on household size.
Since LIHEAP funding is limited, customers who feel they may qualify for the funds should contact LIHEAP immediately. Applications are being accepted now for the 2009-2010 heating season.
In New York, eligibility is determined by the county Department of Social Services. If over 60, contact the local New York State Office for the Aging. You can also call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
There are several other programs available to National Grid customers to help manage energy costs:
Low-income discount rate: Discount rates are available to many National Grid electricity and/or natural gas customers, based on service area and certain eligibility requirements. For more information about availability of low-income rates and to determine eligibility, customers should contact National Grid or their local energy assistance agency, Community Action Agency or state Department of Social Services.
Billing options: National Grid's budget billing program helps to spread payments out more evenly across the year. This is particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. Visit www.nationalgridus.com for more information on this and other payment programs.
National Grid's Web site www.powerofaction.com features energy-efficiency programs and saving tips, a list of qualified energy services companies and much more.
Toy drive
PLATTSBURGH — Price Chopper Supermarkets is again partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps for the 2009 Toys for Tots drive.
"Bringing the resources of Price Chopper and our associates to the Toys for Tots drive is a way for us to make the holidays more special for the entire community," said Mona Golub, Price Chopper's vice president of public relations and consumer services. "This year, with the support of some of our suppliers, we will be able to do even more. As examples, Clorox will donate $1 to Toys for Tots for every $15 spent and Snapple will donate $.05 on all Snapple cases sold. Shoppers can find these incentive details and more in our flyers, in stores and on our Web site."
Through Dec. 13, customers can donate new, unwrapped toys at all 119 Price Chopper supermarkets throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania. Local Marine Corps leagues and Marine Corps Reserve units in each county will be monitoring the boxes and collecting the toys.
Last year, the Marine Corps was able to distribute toys to 107,000 children in Upstate New York. Albany was named 2008 National Campaign of the Year.
The mission of Toys for Tots is to collect and distribute new toys as holiday gifts to needy children within the community as a message of hope that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.
Lang Media is serving as a media sponsor for the toy drive to help get the word out. For more information or to make a donation to the 2009 Toys for Tots drive, visit www.pricechopper.com or www.toysfortotsalbanyny.org.
New service
PLATTSBURGH — PrimeLink, a leading communications service provider serving upstate New York, announced that it is able to offer DIRECTV service to provide affordable, high-quality service options at competitive if not lower rates than cable's "Triple Play" offerings.
By teaming up with DIRECTV, PrimeLink is able to offer more customers an alternative to cable and a range of services that will fit most any budget. PrimeLink has always had reliable telephone and Internet product offerings and will now be bundling with one of the best television entertainment packages in the country.
"PrimeLink is always developing new services and providing added value for its customers and is pleased to now offer DIRECTV service," said Greg MacConnell, PrimeLink president. "We can now provide customers with our continued quality phone and Internet services plus the most advanced digital TV service available."
For a limited time, new DIRECTV customers can get the new Triple Play option starting at just $94.98 per month for 12 months after online or mail-in rebate from DIRECTV. To learn more about the PrimeLink bundle and offers, call 518-324-LINK (5465).
