Sorority Brings Fashion To The Valley

(Poughkeepsie) - Models from all over the country sashayed down the runway in the auditorium of the Poughkeepsie High School for the 49th Annual Ebony Fashion Fair. This high fashion event, sponsored by the Iota Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was held on Wednesday, September 27.

The theme for this year's fashion show was "Stylishly Hot" and was produced by Eunice W. Johnson, widow of Ebony magazine founder John H. Johnson.

The fashion Poughkeepsie show was sponsored by the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha to raise funds for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Community Scholarship Fund. The chairperson for this show was Alpha Kappa Alpha's Nyhisha Gibbs.

Prior to the evening's fashion extravaganza, the multi-talented commentator/spokesmodel Jada Collins met with the media to discuss this year's fashion trends. "This year is all about what's hot!," exclaimed Collins. "It's fashion that sizzles, with bright color, but more reasonable to wear." With a list that reads like a who's who in the fashion world, (Bill Blass, Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta, Gianni Calignano, Punto, Chloe, Pierre Cardin, Emilio de la Morena, and Wayne James) this years show featured top designers from America, Italy, France, Britain, Jamaica, and Canada, to name a few.

This year Ebony Fashion Fair showcased the elegance and glamore that have elevated it to the level of being the world's premier traveling fashion show. As has been the case in previous years, the show again featured a unique display of cutting-edge attire for women and men. According to producer/director Eunice Johnson this year's fashions are more than just fashion-forward and trend setting. They're hot...stylishly hot!

Fashions from Italian designer Angelo Marani ignited the fire for a "Stylishly Hot" fashion with a flame-embellished trumpet gown and matching flame ombre fox cape that scorched the haute couture runway with sizzling flames printed on the luxurious fabric.
The French couture house of Jean Louis Scherrer turned the fashion flames up with a sexy, red-hot decollete neckline jumpsuit adorned with a plush fox swing coat dyed the same "stylishly hot" shade of red.

But when the fiery hot Italian fashions simmered, American designers filled the runways with an array of "stylishly hot" designers that once again projected the color black to be the hottest and most stylish color to wear from early morning to well past midnight.

Although black dominated the color palette, it was the attention that designers gave to hot and stylish details that dominated the fashion buzz from Paris to London to New York to Milan. According to Johnson this year, "a good sense of style along with the know-how to look hot is of great value this fashion season, and is especially needed to enlived this season's dark tailored suits, little black dresses and ebony-hued evening attire."

Pictured above: Ebony models show off this years "Stylishly Hot" fashions during the Annual Ebony Fashion Fair. The above individuals make there way down the cat walk enjoying their time at the event.

Pictured to the Right: The 49th Ebony Fashion Fair was sponsored by the ladied of the Iota Alpha Omega chapter of the Alpha Kapa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Blood drive marks awareness month

(Newburgh) - Newburgh Free Academy and New York Blood Center (NYBC) teamed up to mark Sickle Cell Awareness Month with a blood drive and press conference, in hopes of drawing attention to the important role blood donors play in treating this disease. This followed the New York Blood Center's recent emergency appeal for donors.

On September 13th, faced with bare shelves, NYBC issued an urgent appeal for donors. Since that day, the Blood Center has increased from a 2-day supply to a 4-day supply. However, a 7-day supply is ideal for meeting patients' needs and avoiding a critical shortage. That's where the students of NFA come in.

During the press conference, Jo Ann Cella, NYBC Account Manager stated that, "with one in every 500 African-Americans affected, Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is a real and very serious illness for many residents in Orange County."

NFA student Neil Patel spoke of the Sickle Cell disease and how the SCD is an inherited disease afflicting people of African, Hispanic and Middle Eastern descent. Ninety-eight percent of SCD patients are African-American. There is no cure and the average life expectancy of SCD patients is 55. The best treatment for SCD is blood transfusions.

When it comes to treating SCD patients, donors of the same ethnic background are most likely to have compatible blood types. For this reason, NYBC is actively recruiting African-American, Hispanic and Middle Eastern donors in our area as part of its Precise Match program. However, because approximately 60% of New York's population is eligible to donate blood and only 2% do so, this recruitment effort remains a challenge.

In the girls gym, NFA students were up to the challenge. First checking to see if they were eligible to donate blood (must be at least 17 years old; weight at least 110 pounds; and be in good general health), the students bravely waited for the donor specialists to draw their blood.

Senior Erika Hernandez, a first time donor, said she wanted to give blood to, "help someone in need [of blood]." With friends by her side, she braved the needle, as did Talish Boykin and Amy Lau - all first time blood donors. With a little juice and a couple of cookies, they were on their way back to class.

Between September 1st and September 10th donations in the Hudson Valley were 11 percent behind what is needed with the NYBC taking in 1,700 instead of 2,000. NYBC provides 2,000 units of blood daily to 200 area hospitals. If you would like to donate blood or want more information, contact the NYBC at (800) 933-BLOOD.

Pictured above: NFA senior Erika Hernandez is all smiles while Nurse Ruthann prepares to draw blood for the NYBC blood drive.

Pictured to the right: Donor Specialist Zaib prepares to draw blood from Amy Lau, who holds tightly onto her friend Catherine George's hand.

Medical center recently receives funds

(Middletown) - New York State Senator John J. Bonacic (R-Mount Hope) recently visited Orange Regional Medical Center and presented $250,000 in State aid to the hospital for new technology to better serve patients and their families.

"Discretionary funds, within the New York State Senate, can be used to help fund firehouses, libraries and hospitals," Senator Bonacic explained.

Orange Regional prides itself on bringing state-of-the-art technology to the Hudson Valley. Over the past year, the hospital has brought the community three full-field digital mammography machines, initiated cardiac electrophysiology (EP) services and installed a high-speed, 64-slice CT scanner.

While at the Horton Campus, Senator Bonacic met with Orange Regional's new President and CEO Scott Batulis. The Senator toured areas of the hospital including the Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization Lab which has performed more than 800 cardiac catheterizations since opening in 2004. The Senator also visited Orange Regional's Bone and Joint Center where about 450 total joint replacements are done each year.

During his visit, Senator Bonacic also talked to hospital officials about Orange Regional's plans for a new, 606,000 square-foot, 354-bed, single-site hospital on East Main Street in the Town of Wallkill and said he'd like to help where he could.

Pictured above : New York State Senator John Bonacic toured Orange Regional Medical Center and spoke with Cardiology Nurse Carol Morin about the technology used in the Cardiac Cathetherization Lab. Return to top of page

(Newburgh) - In the 19 months since St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital opened their cardiac cath lab, it has become one of the most active in the region. According to Board Member Richard O'Beirne, over 1,100 procedures have been performed since its opening. "Three or four years ago, this type of facility would only be found in Manhattan." The community fought to bring this vital service to Eastern Orange County, and its need is demonstrated each and every day by the people who seek state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostics and treatment there.

St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital celebrated another milestone in its enhancement of cardiac and stroke services last Wednesday, with the ribbon cutting of a new Special Procedures Room for interventional radiology. Part of a $4.7 million expansion and renovation of imaging services at SLCH's Newburgh campus, the facility will provide additional capability for angiograms, carotid stenting, lumbar punctures for pain, and other advanced procedures.

Construction of a separate, dedicated Special Procedures Room was necessitated by the success of the hospital's 19-month-old cardiac catheterization lab, which has become one of the most active in the region. Since the technology required for both services is much the same, SLCH's Interventional Radiology and Cardiac Cath teams had shared the cardiac cath lab, each scheduling nonemergency patients for approximately half the day. The new Special Procedures Room, essentially a mirror image of SLCH's state-of-the-art Cardiac Cath Lab, will enable both services to increase availability and enhance care to our community. Director of Cardiac Services and Interventional Radiology is Margaret Deyo Allers, R.N.; Radiology Department Co-Chairs are Hilario Martinez, M.D. and Stephen Daly, M.D.

A new digital X-ray room also has been completed under this initiative; soon to follow are a new ultrasound suite with three bays, registration and waiting area renovations for enhanced patient comfort and privacy, digital reading room, and an advanced image-distribution system to get patients' results to physicians faster.

Community members, physicians, board members, and hospital staff were on hand to celebrate this latest accomplishment in SLCH's 10-year plan for the future of health care in our region. Board Chair Richard O'Beirne noted that SLCH is "turning vision into reality," and that the next several weeks would bring additional milestones, with the openings of affiliate Athena Women's Wellness Ob/Gyn in New Windsor, a medical office building and same-day surgery center in Cornwall, and multilevel parking garage in Newburgh. Recently, SLCH celebrated the grand opening of its New Paltz facility, which offers a Center for Rehabilitation, and satellite offices for the physicians of Athena Women's Wellness and Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Pictured above to the left: Joseph Racanelli M.D.; Allan E Atzrott, Margaret Deyo Allers, R.N., John Salerno, M.D., Stephen Daly, M.D., Rev. Coleman Briggs, and Richard O'Beirne cut the ribbon at the entrance to St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital new Special Procedures Room.

Pictured above to the right: President and CEO of St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital Allan E. Atzrott, Rev. Coleman Briggs, Judy Moore, Cardiovascular Technologist,and John Salerno, M.D

Pictured to the right: Rev. Coleman Briggs gives the benediction for the new special procedure room at St. Lukes Hospital.

Hospital Program Reaccredited

(Newburgh) - The oncology program at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital has been reaccredited with commendation by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, "ensuring patients quality care close to home," according to the Commission. Fewer than one in four hospitals that treat cancer receive this coveted approval, which is granted only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing "the highest level of quality cancer care" and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. The reaccreditation applies to both the Cornwall and Newburgh campuses.

According to the Commission, receiving care at an approved cancer program ensures patients will have access to "comprehensive care, including state-of-the-art services and equipment; a multispecialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; information about cancer clinical trials and new treatment options; access to cancer-related information, education, and support; a cancer registry that offers lifelong patient follow-up; ongoing monitoring and improvement of care; and most importantly, quality care close to home."

"The Commission on Cancer approval is a reflection of St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital's ongoing commitment to deliver advanced and comprehensive cancer care to our community," said Dr. Gurinder Mehar, President of the SLCH Medical Staff. "Our highly skilled physicians, nurses and others on our health care team are dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care to cancer patients and their families."

As part of the approval process, hospitals are measured by national standards and scored according to adherence. Among the five inpatient and outpatient-related categories in which SLCH received commendation were: prevention and early detection, cancer-related program improvements, and review of cancer staging. Accreditation is granted for a three-year term.

In addition to comprehensive care, SLCH offers free cancer prevention and education programs for our community. A cancer survivors' support group, led by a cancer survivor, is held at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Cornwall campus. Call 784-3812 for more information. Another support group, for those recently diagnosed with cancer, and led by an SLCH social worker, is held at 11 a.m. the third Saturday of each month. Call 568-2328 for more information.

Leg pain, a heart attack symptom?

Few people give leg pain or cramps a second thought, especially if they occur during a long walk or while exercising. However, most people do not know that significant leg pain and cramping are common symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a chronic condition in which leg arteries become narrowed or clogged due to the formation of plaque.

PAD is not just a disease affecting the legs. Poor circulation in the legs may be a warning sign of a similar problem in the arteries leading to a person's heart or brain. If the arteries supplying blood to the heart or brain get significantly blocked, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In fact, patients with PAD are six times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than are those without PAD. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risks associated with PAD.

Most people with PAD meet one or more of the following criteria:

* Aged 50 years or older

and:

* Have high blood pressure

* Have high cholesterol

* Have diabetes Smoke or used to smoke

* Have a family history of heart attack or stroke or

* Aged 70 years or older or

* Have already had a heart attack or stroke

Up to 12 million Americans are affected by PAD, but many of them do not have any noticeable symptoms such as leg pain or cramping and do not know they have the disease. A recent survey showed that nearly 80% of American adults could not even identify what PAD is.

"Many of the patients I diagnose with PAD initially either ignore the warning signs and symptoms or attribute them to other conditions, such as arthritis, overexertion or even old age," explained Dr. Peter Sheehan, Director, Diabetes Foot and Ankle Center, Hospital for Joint Diseases. "Early diagnosis and treatment is important to help reduce the associated risk of heart attack or stroke."

When a diagnosis is confirmed, lifestyle changes are an important step in helping to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke associated with PAD. The sooner a person knows that they have PAD, the sooner they can seek help to reduce this associated risk. Smoking cessation, lowering blood pressure, losing weight and exercising are essential elements in risk reduction. However, in some patients, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to manage the risks associated with PAD.

"Medications are available that help keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots-a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. Your doctor can prescribe such medications including clopidogrel, also known as PLAVIX, a therapy that can further reduce risk of clot formation," said Dr. Sheehan.

If you have a stomach ulcer or other condition that causes bleeding, you shouldn't use Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate). When taking Plavix alone or with some medicines including aspirin, the risk of bleeding may increase. To minimize this risk, talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or other medicines with Plavix. Additional rare but serious side effects could occur.

To learn more about the risks associated with PAD and treatment options, visit www.plavix.com or call 1-888-547-4079 for more information. Return to top of page

Condoleezza Rice and Civil Rights

By George Curry

When I sat down to watch "60 Minutes" Sunday night, I knew that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would be appearing. I expected the same old run-of-the-mill defense of the Bush administration and, in that respect, she was predictably predictable. But when the discussion turned to her upbringing in my native state of Alabama, it was clear that this smart, able and doctrinaire bureaucrat was basically pimping the Civil Rights Movement.

She talked in moving terms about the four girls killed in the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. One of them, Denise McNair, "was my little friend from kindergarten" and another, Addie Mae Collins, "was in my uncle's homeroom in school."

Referring to her childhood, Rice said: "Nobody lived in an integrated fashion. Since you couldn't go to a restaurant until 1964, or stay in a hotel, or go to a movie theatre unless you wanted to sit in the rafters…in the Black only section…colored-only section. And my parents were determined to try and shield me from some of those humiliations."

Rice was 8 years old when that bomb exploded in Birmingham. I was 16 years old at the time. Perhaps because of our age difference, I knew then and I know now, there was no way any parent could shield their children from the indignities of de jure segregation. My mother couldn't shield me from the fact that after working all day as a domestic, she was forced to ride home in the back seat of her employer's car. My stepfather couldn't shield me from the knowing that if I rode the city bus to town, I would have to sit in the back - which is why I always walked if I couldn't catch a ride with a relative or friend. My parents couldn't shield me from racist ministers appearing on television, saying that if God had wanted us to be equal, He would have made us the same color. Nor could they shield me from being called the n-word or being forced to attend all-Black schools and live in all-Black neighborhoods.

By all accounts, Rice was a Black blue-blood. Her father, John Rice, was a Presbyterian minister and guidance counselor. Her mother, Angelena, was a science and music teacher. And what did they do to eradicate those oppressive conditions that African-Americans were forced to endure?

"My father was not a march-in-the-street preacher," Rice told an interviewer for the Washington Post. The decision to use children in protest demonstrations is one of the main reasons the walls of segregation came tumbling down in my home state. But Rev. Rice would have no part of it.

"He saw no reason to put children at risk," she told the Washington Post. "He would never put his own children at risk."

And that's the point. Many Black middle-class families refused to confront America's version of apartheid, yet when the doors of opportunity flung open, they were the first to march through them, riding on the back of poor people who were unafraid to take risks.

Many of us teenagers were willing to take risks that many adults wouldn't. I was in the 10th grade when Joe Page, a fellow student at Druid High School, drove us to Birmingham to protest the deaths of those four girls. We were supposed to be in school, but going to Birmingham was the best education I could have received at the time.

Another childhood friend, Ronnie Linebarger, and I were in the middle of most street demonstrations in Tuscaloosa and we know the smell of tear gas. Another schoolmate, Jean Corder, and her entire family were active in the movement. We found a way in 1965, my senior year in high school, to participate in the last leg of the Selma-Montgomery March.

As teens, we took risks and in most instances, our parents would have preferred that we take the safe way out. Our parents didn't want us harmed. They didn't want us beaten. They didn't want us tear-gassed. They loved us as much as Condoleezza Rice's parents loved her. But our parents also knew that the system was wrong. And while they worried about our safety, they allowed us to fight for our rights.

So, watching Condoleezza Rice on "60 Minutes" talk passionately about the Civil Rights Movement when her family sat on the sidelines, stirred a lot of emotions. She can talk passionately about the horrors of that era yet seemingly feel no shame that her parents chose to sit on the sidelines.

Perhaps that's why Rice feels so comfortable defending George W. Bush, arguably the worst president on civil rights in more than 50 years. Unlike her parents, she is not on the sidelines - she's on the wrong team. And in the wrong role - Super Fly.

George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com.

U.S. savings bonds information

For some people, U.S. savings bonds are what you give your newborn grandchild or your niece who just graduated from high school. But according to the New York State Society of CPAs, savings bonds could have a place in your own investment portfolio, particularly if you're looking for low-risk investments. The answers to these frequently asked questions concerning savings bonds might help you decide.

What types of U.S. savings bonds are available?

There are two types of savings bonds currently available - Series EE and Series I. As of May 1, 2005, newly issued Series EE bonds have a fixed interest rate, based on 10-year Treasury note yields. Series EE bonds purchased May 1997 through April 30, 2005 pay interest based on current market rates. The fixed rate and inflation adjustment on new bonds are announced every May 1 and November 1.

Series I savings bonds differ in that they pay an interest rate that is indexed for inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index. The inflation adjustment ensures that your savings earn money over and above inflation.

How are U.S. savings bonds sold?

Savings bonds are available in paper or electronic form. Paper Series EE and Series I bonds come in eight denominations: $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. (Paper EE bonds are issued at 50 percent discount from face value.) Electronic Series EE and Series I bonds are sold at face value in any amount from $25 to $30,000.

There is an annual purchase limit of $30,000 per owner for Series EE Bonds and $30,000 for Series I Bonds. A husband and wife who purchase bonds as co-owners may purchase up to $60,000 in Series EE bonds and $60,000 in Series I bonds in a single year. Purchases of one series do not count against your limit for the other series.

How long do savings bonds earn interest?

Savings bonds earn interest on a tax-deferred basis for 30 years from the issue date.

Where do I buy savings bonds?

You may buy paper savings bonds at financial institutions authorized by the Treasury Department or through employer payroll deduction plans. You can buy and hold savings bonds in an electronic account at www.TreasuryDirect.gov.

How can I find out how much my bonds are worth?

To calculate the value of your savings bonds, go to http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/sav/savcalc.htm.

How do I redeem my savings bonds?

To cash in your Series EE or Series I bonds, take them, along with proper identification, to your financial institution. Keep in mind that savings bonds issued after February 2003 must be held for a minimum of one year before they can be redeemed, and if you redeem them in less than five years after purchase, you forfeit the three most recent months of interest.

What tax advantages do savings bonds offer?

The interest earned on savings bonds is always exempt from state and local income taxes. You can defer federal income taxes on the interest your bonds earn until the savings bonds reach final maturity or you redeem them. However, you may elect to treat the annual increase in value of these bonds as income in each year.

Your earnings from Series EE and Series I savings bonds may be excluded from federal income tax if you pay qualified higher education expenses in the same year you redeem the savings bonds. Your household income must meet certain guidelines to qualify for this exclusion.

A CPA can help you determine how to make the most of your investment in savings bonds.

Complexities Of School Tax

Co-Authored by Bill Zopf, Board President & Dr. Jean Parr, Superintendent

(Beacon) - Quality of education, student safely, property taxes, home values, educated work force. What do these topics have in common? Either directly or indirectly the Board of Education of your local school district makes decisions affecting these and other aspects of community life.

To help people better understand the policies and operations of a school district, a new column about the Beacon City School District (BCSD) is being introduced.

Demystifying the Complexities of School Tax Estimates

By the time you read this column, school tax bills will have been mailed. Property taxes are a mixed blessing. No one wants to pay them but they help fund public education, an essential part of our society.

School taxes are estimated as part of the budget process. First the district decides how much money it will need in order to achieve its goals and objectives for the coming school year. It then estimates how much money it will receive in aid from the state and federal governments and from other non-property tax sources. The difference between these two figures becomes the amount to be collected in property tax: the tax levy.

In years when the state budget isn't approved on time, the actual amount of state aid won't be known until after the school budget has been put before district voters. When this happens (and it happens much too often), the district must estimate the aid it expects to receive based on preliminary information. This is very difficult to do. Even in years when the state budget has been approved on time, the district's estimate may be accurate but may ultimately be wrong because the state aid is not yet finalized.

Everyone wants to know how much they will pay in taxes if the budget passes. The school district determines the tax rate by dividing the tax levy among the three taxing municipalities in the school district (City of Beacon, Town of Wappinger, and Town of Fishkill) based on assessed and market values of the properties in each municipality. Each municipality assesses differently, so properties in different municipalities with the same market value may have different assessed values and are therefore taxed differently. To correct this, the state calculates an equalization rate for each taxing municipality and the school district uses this rate to determine the municipalities' market values. This presents some problems. At the time of the budget vote, the assessment of each taxing municipality hasn't been finalized and the state equalization rates are also preliminary. This means the school district is making an educated guess about the tax rate prior to the budget vote and determining the actual tax rate after the budget vote. This is unfortunate, but it is how the various school district, state and local municipal deadlines are configured.

When the Beacon school board presented the budget to the public, it estimated the district-wide tax levy would increase 4.14% over the current year tax levy. It also estimated-based on experience in recent years-that total district assessments would increase, meaning the tax rate increase as a district average could be 1 to 2 percentage points less than the tax levy.

The actual district-wide tax levy increase is 4.14%, as shown on the tax bills. The actual district wide tax rate increase is 2.92%. Both of these figures match the estimates given in June. However, the state determined that the difference between the market value and the assessed value of property for Beacon increased more than for Fishkill and Wappinger, thus decreasing Beacon's equalization rate by a larger percentage. Beacon's equalization rate changed from 33.39 to 28, a 19.25% decrease, Fishkill's went from 49 to 44.5, an 11.22% change and Wappinger's changed from 39.5 to 35, an 11.39% change. Beacon's equalization rate decrease coupled with Fishkill's total assessed value increase caused a larger portion of the total tax levy to be assigned to Beacon. This increased the tax rate in Beacon by 5.88%, while Fishkill's tax rate decreased by 2.67% and Wappinger's tax rate decreased by 0.21%.

The school district business office did an accurate job of estimating our state aid revenue, the tax levy and the district-wide tax rate. The unpredictability of the final assessment figures and equalization rates makes it more difficult to estimate the tax rate by municipality. I hope this explanation gives everyone a better understanding of the complexities of predicting tax rates based on estimated figures.

Restoration, A Gospel Music Ministry

Formerly known as Elder JC Woody and NY Unity, is a community gospel choir that is available in the area to perform at a gospel events. This group Restoration recorded their first album in October 2005. They have performed at events such as: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service sponsored by the Black Ministerial Fellowship, Mount Saint Mary College Youth Night, and they’ve gone as far as Greensboro, N.C. to perform at the Youth Pentecostal Crusade. Restoration is doing great and wonderful things for God to ensure that he is being glorified. The purpose of Restoration is to reach as many people as they can through gospel music to win souls for the Lord.

The public is invited to come and rejoice with us at the Greatest Gospel Concert of the year! Featuring recording artist J Moss with 21:03, Youthful Praise and of course Restoration the concert will be held on October 7, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the House of Refuge located at 131 Broadway, Newburgh. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: House of Refuge from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. weekdays, Newburgh Performing Arts Academy located at 62 Grand St. in Newburgh. For further information, please call the church at (845) 565-5910. Leave a message and someone will return your call within 24 hours.

Picture above: Pastor J.C. Woody and Restoration

Restoration, A Gospel Music Ministry

Formerly known as Elder JC Woody and NY Unity, is a community gospel choir that is available in the area to perform at a gospel events. This group Restoration recorded their first album in October 2005. They have performed at events such as: The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service sponsored by the Black Ministerial Fellowship, Mount Saint Mary College Youth Night, and they’ve gone as far as Greensboro, N.C. to perform at the Youth Pentecostal Crusade. Restoration is doing great and wonderful things for God to ensure that he is being glorified. The purpose of Restoration is to reach as many people as they can through gospel music to win souls for the Lord.

The public is invited to come and rejoice with us at the Greatest Gospel Concert of the year! Featuring recording artist J Moss with 21:03, Youthful Praise and of course Restoration the concert will be held on October 7, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the House of Refuge located at 131 Broadway, Newburgh. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: House of Refuge from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. weekdays, Newburgh Performing Arts Academy located at 62 Grand St. in Newburgh. For further information, please call the church at (845) 565-5910. Leave a message and someone will return your call within 24 hours.

Picture above: Pastor J.C. Woody and Restoration

Legislation honors Sojourner Truth

Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) recently introduced legislation to honor women’s suffragist leader Sojourner Truth. The bill calls on the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a statue depicting Sojourner Truth and display it in the United States Capitol Building. This legislation reflects important revisions to a previous bill introduced in the 108th Congress that also honored Sojourner Truth.

“It is past time that we honor a woman who, despite all of the hardships she faced, was a tireless advocate for women’s rights. Sojourner Truth deserves to be represented in the United States Capitol Building along with others who have been recognized for their work in the women’s suffrage movement,” said Senator Clinton.
“Sojourner Truth was a leader in the abolitionist movement and a groundbreaking speaker on behalf of equality for women,” Senator Specter said. “It is important that she be honored for her contributions to the women’s suffrage movement with a monument in the United States Capitol Building.”

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in New York’s Hudson Valley in 1797. After gaining her freedom in 1826 she moved to New York City and by 1843 had changed her name to Sojourner Truth. For much of her adult life she traveled the country preaching for human rights. After attending the 1850 National Woman’s Rights Convention, Truth made women’s suffrage a focal point of her speeches, portraying women as powerful, independent figures. Her most famous speech, “Ain’t I A Woman,” given at the IBM Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, has become a classic text on women’s rights. Truth was a powerful figure within several additional national social movements, including the abolition of slavery, the rights of freedmen, temperance, prison reform, and the termination of capital punishment.

Similar legislation honoring Truth was passed by the House of Representatives in December 2005.

Pictured Above Senator Hilary Clinton

End of Summer At Morry's Camp

Young people from urban areas of New York and Connecticut enjoyed the fun-filled and supportive environment of Morry’s Camp, a nonprofit, year-round youth development organization that provides inner-city youngsters with free four-week residential camp experiences in Glen Spey, New York and programs throughout the school year. Campers return home with a feeling of accomplishment, having developed goals and gained the skills they need to succeed in school and in their community.
Morry’s Campers had fun singing around campfires, hiking in the woods, learning to swim. playing musical instruments, cooking and attending nutrition classes, reading and writing during their stay in the wooded surroundings of the Catskills. In addition, the strong educational component of all Morry’s Camp programs better prepares youngsters to return to school in the fall. Monthly meetings throughout the school year offer continued support by Morry’s Camp staff.
Established in 1996, Morry’s Camp continues the vision and values of Morry Stein, an icon in the camping world whose life was taken in the crash of American Eagle Flight 4184 in October 1994. Inspired by Morry’s dream to make summer camp available to all children, regardless of their economic status, Morry’s friends, colleagues and family created Morry’s Camp, a nonprofit youth development organization.
Over 300 children from New York and Connecticut leave their urban homes each summer to enjoy camp adventures and benefit from supportive programs throughout the year.
Pictured above Campers gather around the neighboring lake for a time of fellowship.

4 Residents Join The Ranks of Newburgh's Bravest

(Newburgh) - Four City of Newburgh residents have joined the ranks of Newburgh’s Bravest. Jason Blackwell, Dany Camacho, Jonathan Pomerantz, and Conor Schultz reported for duty Sept. 7. The new firefighters, now in the Fire Academy, were selected from more than 125 applicants.
For this group, being a Newburgh firefighter is much more than a childhood dream. “I want to be a part of the City a little cog,” said Blackwell. Pomerantz added, “It’s about taking care of your own back yard.” Schultz and Camacho agreed, “It’s a good job.” Being a positive role model for kids is also important, they agreed.
“Not only do these new fire fighters reflect the diversity of the City of Newburgh, they are the best of the best,” said City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane. “In addition to written and oral exams, each passed a rigorous physical agility test. Each candidate brings unique skills and qualifications to the position.”
“I am very proud that our personnel can communicate with and relate to all segments of the community,” said Fire Chief James Merritt, noting that the department is now at full complement.
William Haight, retired Newburgh Fire Department Assistant Chief, and former owner of Haight Fire Equipment Supply, stopped to wish the new guys well. “This is probably the best job you’ll ever have for the rest of your lives,” he said.

Pictured Above: Assistant Chief Robert Bain, Jr, Jason Blackwell, Dany Camacho, Jonathan Pomerantz, Conor Schultz, and Deputy Chief Glen Burres. Return to top of page

Rev. Baker Suprise Party

(Beacon) - The citizens of Beacon and around the Hudson Valley Joined in with the congregation of Springfield Baptist church to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Rev. Barbara E. Baker. The “Surprise” event was held in the grand hall of the Springfield church named in honor of Mrs. Bakers Mother Rev. Mattie Cooper Hall. The special invitations given out billed the event as “Music, High Cusine, and Merriment”.

Mrs. Baker is the daughter of spiritual organizer of Springfield Baptist church Rev. Mattie Cooper who headed the church from October 1945-1987. Rev. Baker a native of Harlem.N.Y. She attended New York City schools, and also Harlem and George Washington High Schools. Rev. Baker studied Nurseing for two years before launching a career in the Dept. of corrections. She is also the holder of an Associates Degree in Correctional administration from Orange County Community College. She also obtained a B.S. Degree in Sociology from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz. She is a member of Southern Dutchess coalition, Le Soers Amiable civic club, Beacon-Fishkill NAACP and Greater Metropolitan New York Ministers Conference.

Pictured above is Reverend Barbara Baker interacting with a few of her many guests that attendended her suprise birthday party.Return to top of page

Dutchess rail trail design takes next step

(Poughkeepsie) - Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus participated in a design work session on the preliminary design of the Dutchess Rail Trail, the proposed 11.8 mile multi-use linear park that will run through the middle of the County along the former Maybrook Rail corridor and including the towns of

Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Wappinger and East Fishkill.
Clough, Harbour and Associates (CHA), the firm retained by the County to provide engineering design services for the project, and representatives from the County Department of Public Works provided updated elements of the preliminary design including alternatives and options for trail surface treatments, access points, parking facilities, amenities, and roadway crossings.

According to County Executive Steinhaus, “We are considering how multiple kinds of uses of the trail can be provided which dictates different types of surfaces, different widths and potential splitting of the trail for different uses. I am pleased with the progress made and we will be ready shortly to submit our design to the New York Department of Transportation.”

The county design team presented various options and some preferred design suggestions for the various roadway crossings of the rail trail, which include the construction of bridges over Titusville Road in Lagrange and the northerly crossing of Route 376 in the Fishkill Plains hamlet of the town of East Fishkill. The construction of grade-separated crossings at other locations is also being studied.
Commissioner of Public Works Michael Murphy and the County Department of Public Works design team expect to present the various design alternatives studied to the County Legislature and local communities later this fall. Budget requirements are also expected to soon be finalized which is expected to include a majority of funding coming from federal dollars.

County Executive Steinhaus concluded, “This is a process that has gained great momentum and we will have many more meetings before the project is completed. I believe the final design will be embraced by county residents and the new rail trail park will become an enormously popular destination for Dutchess County families and visitors.”

Sorority Brings Fashion To The Valley

(Poughkeepsie) - Models from all over the country sashayed down the runway in the auditorium of the Poughkeepsie High School for the 49th Annual Ebony Fashion Fair. This high fashion event, sponsored by the Iota Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was held on Wednesday, September 27.

The theme for this year's fashion show was "Stylishly Hot" and was produced by Eunice W. Johnson, widow of Ebony magazine founder John H. Johnson.

The fashion Poughkeepsie show was sponsored by the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha to raise funds for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Community Scholarship Fund. The chairperson for this show was Alpha Kappa Alpha's Nyhisha Gibbs.

Prior to the evening's fashion extravaganza, the multi-talented commentator/spokesmodel Jada Collins met with the media to discuss this year's fashion trends. "This year is all about what's hot!," exclaimed Collins. "It's fashion that sizzles, with bright color, but more reasonable to wear." With a list that reads like a who's who in the fashion world, (Bill Blass, Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta, Gianni Calignano, Punto, Chloe, Pierre Cardin, Emilio de la Morena, and Wayne James) this years show featured top designers from America, Italy, France, Britain, Jamaica, and Canada, to name a few.

This year Ebony Fashion Fair showcased the elegance and glamore that have elevated it to the level of being the world's premier traveling fashion show. As has been the case in previous years, the show again featured a unique display of cutting-edge attire for women and men. According to producer/director Eunice Johnson this year's fashions are more than just fashion-forward and trend setting. They're hot...stylishly hot!

Fashions from Italian designer Angelo Marani ignited the fire for a "Stylishly Hot" fashion with a flame-embellished trumpet gown and matching flame ombre fox cape that scorched the haute couture runway with sizzling flames printed on the luxurious fabric.
The French couture house of Jean Louis Scherrer turned the fashion flames up with a sexy, red-hot décolleté neckline jumpsuit adorned with a plush fox swing coat dyed the same "stylishly hot" shade of red.

But when the fiery hot Italian fashions simmered, American designers filled the runways with an array of "stylishly hot" designers that once again projected the color black to be the hottest and most stylish color to wear from early morning to well past midnight.

Although black dominated the color palette, it was the attention that designers gave to hot and stylish details that dominated the fashion buzz from Paris to London to New York to Milan. According to Johnson this year, "a good sense of style along with the know-how to look hot is of great value this fashion season, and is especially needed to enlived this season's dark tailored suits, little black dresses and ebony-hued evening attire."

Pictured above: Ebony models show off this years "Stylishly Hot" fashions during the Annual Ebony Fashion Fair. The above individuals make there way down the cat walk enjoying their time at the event.

Pictured to the Right: The 49th Ebony Fashion Fair was sponsored by the ladied of the Iota Alpha Omega chapter of the Alpha Kapa Alpha Sorority, Inc.