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New York corn production projected to rise slightly this year
New York farms are forecast to produce 95.76 million bushels of corn for grain in 2024, up 0.4 percent from 95.4 million bushels last year. That’s according to a USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop-production forecast based on Sept. 1 field conditions. The total yield per acre in the Empire State is estimated to […]
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New York farms are forecast to produce 95.76 million bushels of corn for grain in 2024, up 0.4 percent from
95.4 million bushels last year. That’s according to a USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop-production forecast based on Sept. 1 field conditions.
The total yield per acre in the Empire State is estimated to average 168 bushels this year, up 9 bushels per acre, or nearly 6 percent, from 159 bushels in 2023, the USDA NASS said. Area harvested for grain corn is projected at 570,000 acres in 2024, down 5 percent from 600,000 acres a year prior.
U.S. corn production is estimated to decline just over 1 percent to nearly 15.19 billion bushels this year from 15.34 billion bushels in 2023, the USDA reported.
United Way’s Thrive at Work gets $250K from KeyBank Foundation
SYRACUSE — The United Way of Central New York’s Thrive at Work program is getting a boost from the KeyBank Foundation, which is providing it $250,000. The new initiative is meant to help people who are employed but face challenges meeting basic financial needs “due to limited access to financial resources and support,” per the
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SYRACUSE — The United Way of Central New York’s Thrive at Work program is getting a boost from the KeyBank Foundation, which is providing it $250,000.
The new initiative is meant to help people who are employed but face challenges meeting basic financial needs “due to limited access to financial resources and support,” per the KeyBank announcement.
“KeyBank Foundation’s investment makes it possible for us to launch this critical program to assist hardworking families who are striving yet struggling to get by,” Nancy Kern Eaton, president of the United Way of Central New York, said in a KeyBank news release. “Far too many people in our community are one financial emergency away from a downward spiral. Helping people manage financial and other crises will keep people focused on work while they continue to move forward in efforts to achieve their dreams and build a more stable future.”
Thrive at Work will focus on employees in entry-level or lower-income positions at small- to mid-sized companies in Central New York. Following a six-to-nine month build phase, the program will offer financial education, low-interest loans, one-on-one financial coaching, and free tax-preparation services, “empowering employees to better manage their finances.”
“We applaud the United Way of Central New York for their innovative approach to helping working people in our community overcome challenges and access resources and support that can help them grow financially,” Stephen Fournier, KeyBank’s Central New York market president, said in the announcement. “KeyBank’s purpose is to help the communities we serve thrive. Thrive at Work is a program we are proud to help build and support. We look forward to seeing the ways this will help people and communities in Central New York grow.”
Specifically, Thrive at Work will provide “financial stability and resilience” for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals in Onondaga County, who represent 25 percent of the county’s households.
The United Way of Central New York anticipates participants will show “significant improvements” in financial literacy, credit scores, debt reduction, and savings. Additionally, it expects enhanced workplace engagement, reduced absenteeism due to financial stress, and increased job satisfaction.
“We are excited about the resources and education Thrive at Work will bring to our community,” Tamika Otis, KeyBank corporate responsibility officer in Central New York, said in the announcement. “This initiative will help working people in our region access the tools they need to help them reduce debt, save money and build wealth.”
Since 2017, Cleveland, Ohio–based KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) says it has made more than $700 million in investments in Syracuse and Central New York, supporting affordable housing and community-development projects; small business; home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities; and “transformative” philanthropy.
Naturally Lewis names three new board members
LOWVILLE — Naturally Lewis, Inc. recently appointed three new members to its board of directors: Jessica Dunn, Michael Jackson, and Harley Snyder. Dunn, a senior budget analyst for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has chosen to call Lewis County home after her retirement from service with the U.S. Army. While in the Army, she
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LOWVILLE — Naturally Lewis, Inc. recently appointed three new members to its board of directors: Jessica Dunn, Michael Jackson, and Harley Snyder.
Dunn, a senior budget analyst for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has chosen to call Lewis County home after her retirement from service with the U.S. Army. While in the Army, she served as a finance officer, making her way to the highest level at the U.S. Department of Defense. “Jessica has remarkable experience working with taxpayer funds, and strategic insight to effectively contribute to the board’s decision-making processes,” Naturally Lewis, a nonprofit economic-development organization, said in a news release.
Jackson has worked as the general manager of Viking Cives in Harrisville for the last 10 years, equipping him with a unique perspective on the manufacturing industry in the community. Additionally, he is a Lewis County Leadership Academy alumnus, an experience that enhanced his substantial leadership skills and provided an immersive experience into the diverse landscape of Lewis County, Naturally Lewis said.
Snyder currently works as the UP! Coalition coordinator and operates a small hobby farm in Copenhagen. She has a strong passion for local agriculture and community involvement; Snyder also serves on the Lewis County Cornell Cooperative Extension board of directors and sits on its 4-H Program Committee.
After a competitive application and interviewing process, these candidates showed a strong commitment to the mission of Naturally Lewis, which involves championing the growth of a community where people want to live, work, build business, and play, the economic-development organization said.
“Naturally Lewis, Inc. is focused on creating a board of strong community leaders with diverse backgrounds and skills. We also make a conscious effort to ensure our board members live and work in different areas throughout Lewis County. It is exciting to see the interest expressed by our community members to participate in our work and join our board,” Eric Virkler, chairperson of the Naturally Lewis board of directors, said.
Drakos Urgent Care plans expansion to Camillus
CAMILLUS — Not quite two years after opening its first location, Drakos Urgent Care will open its third urgent-care center later this year in Camillus. Parent company Drakos Clinical Dynamics first opened its pediatric urgent care in the town of Clay in May 2023, followed by a general urgent-care center in Cicero earlier this year.
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CAMILLUS — Not quite two years after opening its first location, Drakos Urgent Care will open its third urgent-care center later this year in Camillus.
Parent company Drakos Clinical Dynamics first opened its pediatric urgent care in the town of Clay in May 2023, followed by a general urgent-care center in Cicero earlier this year.
The company’s explosive growth isn’t surprising, according to Drakos CEO Heather Drake Bianchi. “There’s a huge shortage in accessibility,” she says.
That includes a lack of enough primary care doctors and a shortage in hospital capacity. Urgent-care centers help bridge that gap.
Before founding Drakos, Drake Bianchi was part of CineMedics, a set medical support company serving the entertainment industry. During the pandemic, CineMedics provided on-set medical support on movie sets around the country and the world.
When the pandemic ended, after years of sleeping in hotel rooms, Drake Bianchi and others in the business were ready to head home to Central New York, she says.
They decided to put their skills as first responders and medical professionals to use, combined with what they had learned during their travels.
“We saw a lot of different ideas on how other cities and other states and other countries do things,” she says. They combined many of those ideas, with their foundation in mobile medical services, to open Drakos Pediatric Urgent Care. The facility sees patients up to age 21.
It wasn’t long before the parents of their young patients were asking for a location of their own, Drake Bianchi recalls. That led to Drakos opening the Cicero location, which sees patients of all ages.
“As far as Camillus goes, residents out there kept calling and asking,” she says. After doing their due diligence, Drakos decided to go ahead with a third location, selecting a 5,000-square-foot site at 5301 Genesee St., in the Camillus Commons Plaza. The space was once home to a Bon Ton department store.
“We were very deliberate about picking that spot,” Drake Bianchi says. A Camillus native, she says the location was appealing because it’s central to everything.
Granite Real Estate Group is handling the provision of design and construction services. Work on the site has begun, and Drake Bianchi is hopeful for a late 2024 opening.
Drakos is working with Tompkins Community Bank on financing.
To support the new location, Drakos is currently looking to hire about 40 people to fill positions including EMTs, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, X-ray technicians, and front-desk staff.
“We’re planning to bring the same good level of care to the Camillus area,” Drake Bianchi says.
Drakos prides itself on doing things a little bit differently, she adds. That starts with treating the whole patient — not just one illness or symptom.
The biggest difference may be accessibility. Understanding that illness and injuries don’t always happen at convenient times, the company’s urgent-care locations are open starting at 6:30 a.m. and stay open as late as 10 p.m. every day. That’s seven days a week, 365 days per year.
Services include anything from back-to-school vaccinations and physicals to acute care such as splinting or suturing. “We also have a complete lab on site as well as mobile X-ray,” Drake Bianchi says.
Once open and fully staffed, Drakos will employ about 120 people across the three offices. More locations could be on the horizon, once the dust settles from opening three urgent-care centers back-to-back, she says.
While the firm has focused initially on the greater Syracuse area, as that’s where the company’s founders are all from, it could also pursue other areas like the Utica–Rome region.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap where there is a lack of health care,” says Drake Bianchi..
MVHS adds new orthopedic surgeon
UTICA — Prashant Deshmane, M.D., recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Orthopedic Group as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and sports medicine. MVHS Orthopedic Group is located at 1903 Sunset Ave. in Utica. Dr. Deshmane offers nonsurgical and surgical care for hip, knee, and shoulder injuries, according to an MVHS news
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UTICA — Prashant Deshmane, M.D., recently joined the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Orthopedic Group as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and sports medicine.
MVHS Orthopedic Group is located at 1903 Sunset Ave. in Utica.
Dr. Deshmane offers nonsurgical and surgical care for hip, knee, and shoulder injuries, according to an MVHS news release. He also serves as clinical associate professor in orthopedic surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
Prior to joining MVHS, Deshmane was the orthopedic residency site director and attending orthopedic surgeon for the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. He previously worked as the adult reconstruction and sports-medicine surgeon at Carolina Pines Medical Center in Hartsville, South Carolina.
Deshmane received his medical degree from King Edward Memorial Hospital and completed his residency at Seth Gordhandas Sundardas Medical College, both in Mumbai, India. He completed a clinical-research fellowship tribology of articular surfaces in joint replacement at Dorr Arthritis Institute in Los Angeles, California, per the release.
Following that, Deshmane trained in hip and knee-joint replacement and revision joint replacement at Lenox Hill Hospital and at Insall Scott Kelly Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in New York City. He also completed additional training in orthopedic sports medicine with a fellowship at Northwestern University, near Chicago, where he worked as assistant team physician with the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Cubs.
Expanded rapid-evaluation unit now open at Crouse Health
SYRACUSE — The newly expanded rapid-evaluation unit (REU) in Crouse Health’s Pomeroy Emergency Services Department (ED) is now assisting patients. The Aug. 16 opening followed a four-month renovation project, Crouse Health said in its announcement that day. When patients arrive at the ED walk-in entrance, they are directed to a team of health-care professionals (usually
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SYRACUSE — The newly expanded rapid-evaluation unit (REU) in Crouse Health’s Pomeroy Emergency Services Department (ED) is now assisting patients.
The Aug. 16 opening followed a four-month renovation project, Crouse Health said in its announcement that day.
When patients arrive at the ED walk-in entrance, they are directed to a team of health-care professionals (usually a physician and a technician) who then assess the patient’s condition. This includes all walk-in critical and non-critical patients, Crouse Health noted.
“As part of the rapid evaluation process, the Crouse ED team assesses the patient’s medical history, performs necessary tests, and determines the appropriate course of action,” Hilary Reeves, a registered nurse and Crouse Health’s emergency services director, said in the announcement. “By streamlining processes and dedicating specific staff to lower acuity cases, patients receive timely, efficient care without compromising quality.”.
The process helps manage ED flow by “efficiently” caring for patients who need lower-acuity care, Dr. David Mason, medical director for Crouse’s emergency services, said in the announcement.
“This benefits all patients by preventing overcrowding,” Mason said. “Faster evaluation and treatment lead to improved patient satisfaction.”
The REU project was made possible through a federal grant of $1 million secured by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.).
“Senator Schumer’s tireless focus and dedication in securing critical funding for our region’s healthcare providers continues to have a major impact on thousands of patients,” Dr. Seth Kronenberg, CEO of Crouse Health, said in a release.
The renovation of the ED’s main entrance also included the installation of a weapons-detection system, which is meant to “increase access and safety in the department overall.” Crouse Health went on to say that the physical environment has been designed to support safety and security with an open floor plan that “enhances visibility throughout the space.”
“The grand opening of Crouse Health’s newly renovated Rapid Evaluation Unit is a shot in the arm for Central New York’s healthcare system. Crouse’s REU will help advance operations in their emergency department, allowing for improved evaluation and treatment of patients to streamline the best care possible,” Schumer said in the Crouse Health announcement. “I was proud to help secure $1 million for this project to ensure that Crouse receives the resources it needs to continue saving lives.”
Francis House names health-care leader as new board member
SYRACUSE — Francis House recently announced it has added Maryann Roefaro, CEO of Hematology-Oncology Associates (HOA) of CNY, to its board of directors. She has been the top executive at HOA of CNY, a prominent area cancer-care provider, since 2002. Roefaro is a board-certified fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives and maintains
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SYRACUSE — Francis House recently announced it has added Maryann Roefaro, CEO of Hematology-Oncology Associates (HOA) of CNY, to its board of directors.
She has been the top executive at HOA of CNY, a prominent area cancer-care provider, since 2002. Roefaro is a board-certified fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives and maintains an active role in leadership development through various speaking engagements and internet radio shows. She has served the Central New York community for more than 30 years in senior health-care leadership positions.
Roefaro is the author of the leadership development book, “Building the Team from the Inside Out,” as well as the author of books “A Human’s Purpose by Millie the Dog” and “Snippets from the Inside Out by Millie the Dog.”
Roefaro earned her bachelor’s degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy and her master’s degree from Upstate Medical University. She obtained a doctoral degree in divinity from the American Institute of Holistic Theology.
Roefaro serves as a board member and advisor to several community organizations and is the co-founder and president of the board of directors of CancerConnects, Inc. She is a Reiki Master, a certified heart-centered hypnotherapist, and a senior ChiRunning instructor.
Francis House, now in its 33rd year of service to the Central New York community, provides a home and a supportive extended family to people with terminal illnesses — those with a prognosis of three months or less to live.
Oswego Health’s chief nursing officer adds COO duties
OSWEGO — She’s been serving as senior vice president (SVP) and chief nursing officer (CNO) at Oswego Health and has now been promoted to serve as the system’s chief operating officer (COO). Kathryn (Katie) Pagliaroli will retain her current titles in serving as COO, Oswego Health said in its Sept. 9 announcement. Michael Backus, president
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OSWEGO — She’s been serving as senior vice president (SVP) and chief nursing officer (CNO) at Oswego Health and has now been promoted to serve as the system’s chief operating officer (COO).
Kathryn (Katie) Pagliaroli will retain her current titles in serving as COO, Oswego Health said in its Sept. 9 announcement.
Michael Backus, president and CEO of Oswego Health, served as the organization’s COO between 2020 and 2022, before he was appointed to his current posts in 2023, Jamie Leszczynski, SVP of communications & chief brand officer at Oswego Health, tells CNYBJ in an email.
Pagliaroli has worked at Oswego Health since 2001, starting as a registered nurse (RN) in the intensive-care unit and advancing through various leadership positions. Her career trajectory includes roles such as clinical trainer, RN case manager, and director of quality management — culminating in her recent positions as corporate director of integrated health care and VP of clinical services.
As COO, SVP, and CNO, Pagliaroli will oversee the integration of clinical and operational strategies to elevate patient care and ensure alignment with Oswego Health’s mission. Her role will involve driving strategic initiatives to improve health-care delivery and strengthen the organization’s role as a leading regional provider.
“Katie Pagliaroli’s dedication to Oswego Health needs to be recognized and this promotion demonstrates her tremendous professional growth,” Backus said in the health system’s announcement. “…Katie will build off her deep expertise and unwavering commitment to local healthcare transformation. Through her leadership, Katie will undoubtedly enhance the quality of care we provide and expand our impact in the community.”
Pagliaroli earned her master’s in management degree from Keuka College in 2009 and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2001.
Bassett, ONC BOCES celebrate launch of new educational partnership
ONEONTA — Bassett Healthcare Network’s A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta and Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services (ONC BOCES) recently celebrated the first
OPINION: Cuomo’s Continued COVID Lies Leave Families Without Answers
In the months following the [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo Administration’s March 2020 order forcing nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, we have learned the administration leaned heavily on misinformation, cover-ups, and outright lies to avoid taking responsibility for one of the worst public-health decisions in recent memory. More than 15,000 long-term care residents died during the
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In the months following the [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo Administration’s March 2020 order forcing nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, we have learned the administration leaned heavily on misinformation, cover-ups, and outright lies to avoid taking responsibility for one of the worst public-health decisions in recent memory. More than 15,000 long-term care residents died during the pandemic, and their families continue to wait for answers.
The former governor [recently] had a chance to give thousands of families some closure by owning up to his mistakes and providing real answers when he testified before Congress about the state’s handling of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Cuomo did nothing of the sort.
Instead, we got more of the same finger-pointing and misdirection. As he has done time and again, the former governor deflected responsibility and refused to acknowledge the facts. His administration’s actions led to people dying in adult-care facilities, then it intentionally undercounted those deaths by several thousand — in reality, Cuomo underreported the death toll by 50 percent and was called out by Attorney General Letitia James for doing so.
Making matters worse, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Cuomo’s former lieutenant, seems uninterested in righting the wrongs of her predecessor. The independent report she ordered from Virginia–based consulting firm the Olson Group to investigate the matter was woefully inadequate.
We have been talking about the state’s COVID-19 response for too long. It has been more than four years of vagaries and finger pointing, and it has been nearly impossible to move on for many of those directly affected. Massive mistakes were made at the state level, which should never be repeated, but they must first be honestly acknowledged. Neither the Cuomo nor Hochul administrations seem interested in doing so, and that has become apparent every time the matter is publicly raised.
The Assembly Minority Conference, good government groups, and officials from both political parties have repeatedly demanded the truth from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. We have introduced legislation, written letters, repeatedly requested hearings, called for subpoenas, and demanded answers on behalf of those impacted, because an open and honest dialogue about what happened still hasn’t taken place. We will continue to seek answers for the sake of our state and the thousands of families who lost their loved ones, and it is my sincere hope we can finally close the book on this dark chapter of failed leadership.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.
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