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Hochul appoints LaFave as State Fair director, removing interim tag
GEDDES, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday appointed Julie LaFave as director of the New York State Fair. LaFave had been serving as the interim director since the state announced the departure of previous director Sean Hennessey back in February. LaFave served as the State Fair’s operations director in 2023, managing the day-to-day operations […]
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GEDDES, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday appointed Julie LaFave as director of the New York State Fair.
LaFave had been serving as the interim director since the state announced the departure of previous director Sean Hennessey back in February. LaFave served as the State Fair’s operations director in 2023, managing the day-to-day operations of the Fairgrounds, including the oversight of contracts, budgets, more than 50 buildings spread across 375 acres, and over 100 full and part-time staff.
Prior to joining the State Fair in 2023, LaFave was commissioner of the department of parks, recreation, and youth programs for the City of Syracuse
LaFave was selected for the position after a nationwide search that “attracted a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates,” Hochul’s office said.
“Julie’s experience as Operations Director and Interim Director, coupled with her creativity and knowledge, are incredible assets to the long-term growth and vitality of The Great New York State Fair,” Hochul said in the announcement. “I am proud to officially welcome her as the Director of one of our most beloved traditions, and look forward to working with her as we continue to invest in and grow this extraordinary showcase of New York’s farmers, products, culture, and diversity.”
As the interim director, LaFave has led the planning of the 2024 State Fair. The state contends her efforts will result in a Fair with “one of its most diverse, dynamic, and family-friendly entertainment lineups with shows ranging from acts geared toward children to Grammy winning artists and Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame performers.”
Additionally, LaFave has worked to develop several attractions that demonstrate the importance of the state’s agricultural initiatives in boosting New York’s economy, tourism efforts, and educational endeavors, Hochul’s office said.
This year’s State Fair opens Aug. 21 and continues through Labor Day on Sept. 2. Admission, parking, and tickets to the Fair’s midway are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting the State Fair’s website.
UTICA, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun a $2.3 million project to enhance public safety along North Genesee Street
SU, Hamilton College, other private schools awarded state funding for capital projects
ALBANY, N.Y. — Syracuse University (SU) and Hamilton College in Clinton will each use a $3 million state grant for capital projects on their respective campuses. SU will use its funding for the creation of the Quantum Technology Center in the school’s Physics Building. The project will “renovate an entire floor into modern research laboratories
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ALBANY, N.Y. — Syracuse University (SU) and Hamilton College in Clinton will each use a $3 million state grant for capital projects on their respective campuses.
SU will use its funding for the creation of the Quantum Technology Center in the school’s Physics Building. The project will “renovate an entire floor into modern research laboratories while also renewing the major building systems to support future renovations,” per a May 1 announcement from the SU CFO’s office.
Hamilton College will use its grant for the construction of the Hamilton Innovation Center.
They’re among projects at 33 private New York colleges and universities awarded a total of $38 million through the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant program (HECap), Gov. Kathy Hochul announced June 26.
The funding awards support projects that provide construction and renovation of new laboratory and research spaces, the purchase of new instructional technologies and equipment, and many other significant investments.
The state also gave Le Moyne College more than $705,000 for athletic equipment. Keuka College will use a more than $101,000 grant educational-technology equipment.
Hartwick College will use a grant of more than $92,000 to buy equipment for an athletic training facility.
The state also awarded Nazareth University a $15 million grant for renovations to the Smyth Building.
Regional small businesses win New York SBDC awards, “Roadshow” presentations scheduled
ALBANY, N.Y. — Businesses in Lowville, Utica, Oneonta, and Hogansburg in Franklin County are among those that will be recognized in the weeks ahead as
Partners finalize operating agreement for upcoming combination of Harris Beach, Murtha Cullina
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The partners in Rochester–based Harris Beach PLLC and Murtha Cullina LLP on Tuesday have approved an operating agreement that will govern the upcoming combined firm of Harris Beach Murtha. Harris Beach has offices in Syracuse, Ithaca, and other locations in New York. Murtha Cullina has offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and White Plains
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The partners in Rochester–based Harris Beach PLLC and Murtha Cullina LLP on Tuesday have approved an operating agreement that will govern the upcoming combined firm of Harris Beach Murtha.
Harris Beach has offices in Syracuse, Ithaca, and other locations in New York. Murtha Cullina has offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and White Plains in Westchester County.
The firms announced their intent to combine in May and will operate as one firm beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
The operating agreement will “create a regional legal powerhouse,” the announcement contends. Harris Beach Murtha will have more than 250 attorneys across 16 offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
“The overwhelming vote in favor of the Operating Agreement is a powerful testament to the strength of this combination. I am delighted with the firms’ continued progress toward a successful combination and the enhanced capabilities Harris Beach Murtha will offer our clients,” Chris Jagel, CEO of Harris Beach, said in the announcement. “Together, we will deliver expanded, innovative services to an extended geographical footprint that will support our clients’ unique needs.”
Harris Beach and Murtha Cullina will continue integration efforts while they work together toward completion of all necessary reviews and closing conditions. The firms will continue to operate as separate, independent entities until the operating agreement takes effect on Jan. 1. Until then, Jagel and Andy Corea, managing partner of Murtha Cullina, will co-lead an interim advisory committee ensuring clients continue to receive high-quality, focused services throughout this process.
Cornell food science professor wins $50K research grant
ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University Professor Carmen I. Moraru received a $50,000 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Collaborative Research Grant in honor of Marcel Loncin. The funding provides research funding for conducting basic chemistry, physics, or engineering research applied to food processing and improvement of food quality, according to a press release from the university.
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ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University Professor Carmen I. Moraru received a $50,000 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Collaborative Research Grant in honor of Marcel Loncin.
The funding provides research funding for conducting basic chemistry, physics, or engineering research applied to food processing and improvement of food quality, according to a press release from the university.
She will be honored at IFT First: Annual Event and Expo, which takes place July 14-17 in Chicago.
Moraru, a professor in the Department of Food Science, joined Cornell in 2003. Her research focuses on physical and engineering properties of foods, food and dairy processing, and food-safety engineering. Prior to joining Cornell, she served as a research assistant professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
She is the recipient of several awards including the Cornell CALS Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty Award, the SUNY Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching award, and the International Dairy Foods Association’s Teaching Award in Dairy Manufacturing. In addition to the IFT grant, she also serves as an IFT fellow
Moraru received her undergraduate degree and Ph.D., both in food engineering, from Dunarea de Jos University of Galati in Romania.
The Institute of Food Technologists is a global organization of more than 11,000 members from more than 90 countries committed to advancing the science of food.
Cayuga Health now offers lab services at The Shops at Ithaca Mall location
LANSING, N.Y. — Cayuga Health says laboratory services are now available at its location at The Shops at Ithaca Mall at 40 Catherwood Road in
ALBANY, N.Y. — People can continue to use cash to be admitted into sites operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. A new state law prohibits the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment for use of parks’ facilities. It was one of two bills that
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ALBANY, N.Y. — People can continue to use cash to be admitted into sites operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
A new state law prohibits the mandated use of credit cards as a means of payment for use of parks’ facilities.
It was one of two bills that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed July 3 to increase access to state parks, recreational facilities, and historic sites, and to support the tourism industry in New York.
Many New Yorkers — including seniors, those without access to a bank account, minors, and others — use only cash. Credit cards offer convenience, but not everyone has access to them or wants to use them. The new state law ensures “equal access” to New York’s state parks, historical sites, and recreational facilities, Hochul’s office said.
Besides the means-of-payment law, the governor also signed a bill saying certain operators of leased personal watercrafts can remain exempt from the boating-safety certificate. The extended authorization will support the tourism businesses that lease these vehicles to those vacationing at New York’s waterfronts, Hochul’s office said.
Her office went on to say that those new laws build on Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” summer campaign. The initiative promotes physical and mental health by encouraging 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.
“Our State Parks are an important driver behind our state’s economy, and my administration is committed to ensuring everyone has access to our breathtaking sites and to boosting the tourism industry,” Hochul said. “These acts of legislation will make sure that New Yorkers and our visitors can see and experience all that New York has to offer.”
Herkimer College to keep a lid on tuition, other costs for a fourth year
HERKIMER, N.Y. — Herkimer County Community College announced that the tuition, housing, and fees it charges students will again remain unchanged this next academic year. This is the fourth straight year the college has kept full-time tuition at $2,558 per semester and part-time tuition at $189 per credit hour, the college said in a news
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HERKIMER, N.Y. — Herkimer County Community College announced that the tuition, housing, and fees it charges students will again remain unchanged this next academic year.
This is the fourth straight year the college has kept full-time tuition at $2,558 per semester and part-time tuition at $189 per credit hour, the college said in a news release.
Herkimer College’s board of trustees decided on the tuition freeze at its May meeting.
“We are grateful to the board of trustees and the Herkimer College Housing Corporation for their continued efforts to hold down costs for our students,” Officer-in-Charge Nicholas Laino said in the release. The freeze demonstrates the college’s commitment to maintaining an affordable and accessible higher-education opportunity for all learners, he contended.
Additionally, the cost of the college’s delivery program for course material, called BookMarket, will remain at $24 per credit hour. The program, made possible through a collaboration between the college and Barnes & Noble College, lowers the cost of materials and ensures students have access to all their required textbooks on or before the first day of classes.
Herkimer County Community College offers more than 40 certificates and associate degrees in areas including art, business, criminal justice, and health care, to a student body of about 2,400.
MVHS announces 11 residency-program graduates
UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) celebrated the graduation of 11 doctors from its Family Medicine Residency Program on June 28, bringing the total number of family physicians completing the three-year, postdoctoral training program to 338. The physicians were trained and provided care at Wynn Hospital, Sister Rose Vincent Family Medical Center, Women’s
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UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) celebrated the graduation of 11 doctors from its Family Medicine Residency Program on June 28, bringing the total number of family physicians completing the three-year, postdoctoral training program to 338.
The physicians were trained and provided care at Wynn Hospital, Sister Rose Vincent Family Medical Center, Women’s Health Services, and MVHS’s legacy hospital campuses St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare.
The graduates are Alexander Benitez Rodriguez, Lizeth Duenas, Osman Hamid, Mandeep S. Kataria, Asim Khan, Yousaf Khan, Ecaterina Komarnitsky, Kyaw Zay Latt, Khaing Metoe, Angel Riveron Leyva, and Scott Schumacher.
Two of the graduates are staying on to work for MVHS, where they will practice outpatient family medicine. Kataria will practice in the MVHS Herkimer Medical Office, and Latt will practice in the MVHS North Utica Medical Office.
The program started in 1975 to help attract more doctors to family medicine. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and is affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Elmira, and University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine.
Historically, close to 50 percent of the program’s graduates have settled in upstate New York to practice medicine.
A graduation ceremony and dinner were held at Delta Marriott in Utica with several awards presented honoring graduates, residents, and faculty members.
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