Project to protect Oswego’s Camp Hollis from future flooding is now complete

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — A construction project to protect Camp Hollis in the town of Oswego from future flooding and high-water events is now complete. Camp Hollis is a summer camp for children, providing recreational opportunities to more than 2,000 at-risk youth per year, as well as a location for private events. The completed resiliency project […]

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — A construction project to protect Camp Hollis in the town of Oswego from future flooding and high-water events is now complete.

Camp Hollis is a summer camp for children, providing recreational opportunities to more than 2,000 at-risk youth per year, as well as a location for private events.

The completed resiliency project stabilizes nearly 600 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline and prevents further erosion and encroachment of the bluff toward the camp’s facilities, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

The state awarded the $500,000 project to Oswego County through the Lake Ontario Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). Wave and horizontal ice pressure, generated by severe storms, “continuously eroded” the toe of the bluff causing sloughing and intrusion of the bluff in toward Camp Hollis’s playing field and facilities and “creating a hazardous condition” for camp visitors.

The project’s resiliency features include the installation of an onshore riprap revetment system with a regraded slope. In addition, crews added vegetation between the revetment and the slope to minimize potential erosion loss and protect the toe of the bluff. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) oversaw the county’s implementation of the project.

“It’s great to see this important project completed at Camp Hollis. The shoreline stabilization will secure its longevity, guaranteeing this facility will provide an outlet for kids of all ages to continue to partake in summer camp experiences,” New York State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R–Pulaski) said in the state’s announcement. “The investment from the state has ensured the Lake Ontario shoreline remains sound, and it will prevent further erosion. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this has on Camp Hollis and the community.”

The project “further supports” Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which was launched earlier this month, her office said. It seeks to promote physical and mental health by helping New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

MVHS announces new chief operating officer

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UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has announced the hiring of William W. LeCates as chief operating officer (COO). As COO, LeCates is responsible for clinical-support services, operational-support services, supervising MVHS product lines, and working closely with quality and medical education. He joins MVHS from JPMorgan Chase, where he provided clinical oversight of

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SHA, HUD make local announcement about $50 million to help redevelop Syracuse public housing near I-81

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A late Wednesday morning ceremony at Wilson Park in Syracuse included the unveiling of a big check with a big dollar amount. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday delivered $50 million for the upcoming East Adams neighborhood transformation project. William Simmons, executive director of the Syracuse Housing

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A late Wednesday morning ceremony at Wilson Park in Syracuse included the unveiling of a big check with a big dollar amount.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday delivered $50 million for the upcoming East Adams neighborhood transformation project.

William Simmons, executive director of the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA), called it an “exciting” time and one that’s filled with “gratitude” for the SHA’s redevelopment project at both Pioneer Homes and McKinney Manor, both located just west of the elevated viaduct of Interstate 81 (I-81).

“It’s been a process that’s been in the works for over 10 years now and getting to the point where we’re starting to receive some of the federal and state dollars and to make the project come to fruition is very exciting,” Simmons said to open the ceremony.

This funding comes through the HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative program, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) said in a joint announcement back on July 12.

The lawmakers called the grant “one of the largest single federal housing investments in Syracuse’s history.”

Simmons called it “a great deal of opportunity” that’s going to be happening in demolishing the current 675 units and replacing them with more than 1,400 units of mixed-income housing along with the Children’s Rising Center.

“As you can imagine, it’s a project that [is] going to be transformative and very impactful for our residents, for the city of Syracuse, and actually for the region because it’s all happening in partnership with the I-81 infrastructure coming down, so we want to acknowledge all of that,” Simmons said.

He went on to recognize various partners in the project that include the City of Syracuse; Onondaga County; St. Louis, Missouri–based McCormack Baron Salazar, SHA’s developer; Urban Strategies; Blueprint 15; New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal; and the Syracuse City School District.

Blueprint 15 is a nonprofit organization that’s “working with residents, community partners and local leaders of the old 15th ward to reconnect and rebuild what was once a vibrant and thriving neighborhood,” per its website.

The speakers at Wilson Park also included Richard Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary for public & Indian housing at HUD.

“I’ve seen a lot of these projects all over the country, and they are amazing. But it doesn’t happen without that resident, on-the-ground involvement helping us design this and being involved the whole way,” Monocchio said in his remarks. “Not only because it’s the right thing to do … because it brings everybody else that lives here together. We’re giving you something better, and you’re building confidence and you’re building hope.”

The speakers at Wilson Park also included U.S. Representative Brandon Williams (R–Sennett); a representative from Sen. Schumer’s office; and Tara Harris, a Syracuse Housing Authority resident.

Severe storm spreads damage across Rome

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ROME, N.Y. — The city of Rome continues to clean up from a devastating, confirmed tornado that struck on Tuesday afternoon, July 16. The storm

SUNY launches venture-capital fund for startups on a SUNY campus

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — SUNY officials on Monday announced the launch of Upstate Biotech Ventures, a “first-of-its-kind” venture-capital fund for startups and small businesses on a SUNY campus. Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, announced the fund during an afternoon ceremony at Upstate Medical’s CNY Biotech Accelerator at 841 E. Fayette St. in Syracuse.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — SUNY officials on Monday announced the launch of Upstate Biotech Ventures, a “first-of-its-kind” venture-capital fund for startups and small businesses on a SUNY campus.

Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, announced the fund during an afternoon ceremony at Upstate Medical’s CNY Biotech Accelerator at 841 E. Fayette St. in Syracuse.

SUNY established the $6 million fund with a $3 million capital investment from Empire State Development’s Community and Regional Partner Fund, part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative through the U.S. Treasury. Upstate Medical University also provided a $3 million allocation through the SUNY Research Foundation.

“Upstate Biotech Ventures will provide critical early-stage venture capital for startups commercializing game-changing life sciences and biotech innovations,” Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, said in the SUNY news announcement. “This $6 million investment fund will be the initial vehicle for investing in professionally vetted, high potential start-ups and small businesses affiliated with our campus. With Upstate Biotech Ventures, we are clearly hanging out a Made in New York sign right here in the heart of New York.”

Excell Partners, an early-stage venture capital fund, will manage Upstate Biotech Ventures and will invest in “high-potential” startups and small businesses affiliated with Upstate Medical University to “drive research and technology innovation.”

The initial funding of $6 million is expected to help support nearly 20 companies with investments ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. The fund will give preference to businesses led by founders from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Those attending the ceremony included SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr.

“SUNY plays a crucial role in New York State’s economic development, by educating generations of leaders and professionals, and by supporting business across our state through investment and infrastructure,” King said in the SUNY announcement. “Venture capital provides us with another tool to drive research and innovation, and I am grateful for the partnership with Empire State Development in establishing Upstate Biotech Ventures. As SUNY works to double research across our system of colleges and universities, I hope other campuses have the opportunity to consider the path mapped out by Upstate Medical University.”

Attendees also included Hope Knight, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development; Melur (Ram) Ramasubramanian, SUNY executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost and president of the SUNY Research Foundation; and Theresa Mazzullo, CEO of Excell Partners.

Oswego Health says first robotically assisted surgery performed at its surgery center

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — Oswego Health says it had the system’s first robotically assisted surgery using the recently purchased da Vinci Xi surgical system. Dr. Kenneth Cooper — a robotically trained bariatric surgeon with the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery — was the first to use the da Vinci Xi system at Oswego Health’s surgery

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OSWEGO, N.Y. — Oswego Health says it had the system’s first robotically assisted surgery using the recently purchased da Vinci Xi surgical system.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper — a robotically trained bariatric surgeon with the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery — was the first to use the da Vinci Xi system at Oswego Health’s surgery center, the health system announced.

“This additional surgical option will improve clinical outcomes and has significant advantages to our patients,” Cooper said in the announcement. “I’m thrilled that Oswego Health has made this investment as we strive to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Its creator designed the da Vinci Xi system to further advance the technology used in minimally invasive surgery. A surgeon can use the system across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures. It has also been optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries performed at Oswego Health in the areas of bariatric, general surgery, and urology, the health system noted.

The da Vinci Xi system provides the precision and visibility needed to take on more complex procedures via remotely operated surgical tools that are inserted through small incisions in the patient. Benefits of robotic surgery include shorter post-surgery hospital stays, faster recovery times, lower probability of complications, and less need for opioid painkillers.

“At Oswego Health, we care about making investments in patient care. The da Vinci System is state-of-the-art technology that will extend our surgeons’ capabilities in a way that will be safer, less invasive, and more efficient,” Michael Backus, president & CEO of Oswego Health, said in the health system’s announcement. “I expect that our patients will notice the results and this will be another step for Oswego Health to demonstrate the quality of healthcare offered in our hospital. Expanding into robotic surgery at Oswego Health allows us to continue our commitment to be the very best for our patients.”

Tioga State Bank to open Johnson City branch

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JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Tioga State Bank (TSB) will open a new branch in Johnson City later this summer. It will be the bank’s fifth location in the greater Binghamton area, where it already has two branches in Binghamton, one in Vestal, and one in Endwell. “We are thrilled to open this office in the

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Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.

Oneida County Childcare Taskforce outlines recommendations to improve childcare

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UTICA, N.Y. — A report by the Oneida County Childcare Taskforce made a number of recommendations to improve childcare in the county including initiatives to

Cayuga Health, CRC announce affiliation agreement

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ITHACA, N.Y. — Cayuga Health System (CHS), based in Ithaca, and Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes (CRC), located in the village of Cayuga Heights, have announced an affiliation agreement that went into effect on July 1. “The Cayuga Cancer Center has worked closely with CRC for decades. The Cayuga Health team is very

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“The Cayuga Cancer Center has worked closely with CRC for decades. The Cayuga Health team is very pleased to announce this enhancement of our relationship,” Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health, said in the July 11 announcement. “The affiliation ensures that the critical support services CRC has provided to cancer patients in our community will continue for decades into the future. With additional resources of the health system, CHS expects to enhance and grow the support services CRC provides to those in our community.”

CRC was founded as the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance in 1994, CHS said.

In the last 20 years, CRC’s mission has evolved to “create and sustain an inclusive community of support” for people living with and affected by various kinds of cancer. The CRC board of directors has made the decision to affiliate to “ensure the financial sustainability of the important services” the organization brings to those facing cancer in the region.

“The Cancer Resource Center team provides one-on-one personalized support and facilitates support groups to make sure that no one in our area faces cancer alone,” Jerry Dietz, president of the CRC board of directors. “The affiliation with Cayuga Health will introduce efficiencies, allowing more of the money raised for CRC to directly support the care of patients and continue our mission-based work.”

Donations previously received by CRC and those raised in the future will directly benefit the CRC programming. The CRC signature fundraising Walkathon and 5K will be held again this year on Oct. 5, CHS said.

“The efforts of Cayuga Health Cancer Center and Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes have a natural synergy,” Tom LiVigne, chairman of the Cayuga Health System board of directors, said in the announcement. “But be assured, all oncology patients and survivors in the community will continue to have access to CRC services, no matter where they receive care. Cayuga Health is pleased to ensure the longevity of the CRC support programs for our entire community.”

MACNY wins $6 million federal grant for advanced-manufacturing apprenticeships

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DeWITT, N.Y. — MACNY, the Manufacturers Association will use a $6 million federal grant to expand registered apprenticeships for advanced-manufacturing jobs, including those in the semiconductor industry. The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the funding, the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) announced. The new program is expected to help more than

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The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the funding, the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) announced.

The new program is expected to help more than 800 workers get the training they need to begin careers at companies that include Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU), Wolfspeed, Indium, and other regional manufacturers, Schumer’s office said.

“The New York Registered Apprenticeship Hub – Registered Apprenticeship Manufacturing Partnerships (NY-RAMP) will allow manufacturers from across the state to provide career pathways in high-need areas to individuals from all backgrounds,” Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, said in Schumer’s announcement. “This will foster growth across all manufacturing sectors — new companies relocating to New York in emerging fields like semiconductor and nanotechnology, biotechnology, and clean energy and legacy manufacturers who have been the backbone our economy for generations. This effort is only possible because of the strength of federal and state officials, our Manufacturing Alliance of New York partners, and the nearly 100 industrial, academic, and community partners who support this program. We especially want to recognize the continued advocacy of Senator Schumer to strengthen American manufacturing and the workforce needed to meet New York’s manufacturing moment.”

Schumer explained that with this funding, DeWitt–based MACNY plans to expand its programs in a new effort called the New York Registered Apprenticeship Manufacturing Partnerships (NY-RAMP) program.

Building on MACNY’s Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP), NY-RAMP will expand MIAP efforts to “promote equitable access” to registered apprenticeship programs for all individuals, “regardless of their work experience or academic qualifications,” Schumer’s office said.

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