Possible Medal of Honor for Albany Native Sgt. Henry Johnson

WASHINGTON >> Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (H.R. 3979), which includes language that allows the President to award Albany native Sgt. Henry Johnson the Medal of Honor for acts of incredible bravery demonstrated during World War I.
“If you’re from Albany, you know the story of Henry Johnson. The superhuman bravery demonstrated by Sgt. Johnson in defense of our nation and his fellow soldiers is a great source of pride for our community, and for almost a century these acts have gone un-recognized by our country. Today we passed a very large hurdle and I look forward to our work being completed to honor this American hero,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “I have followed Sgt. Johnson’s story since long before becoming a Member of Congress and have worked hard to make sure his story is heard by others. I thank the many individuals who never gave up on our tireless efforts to accomplish this goal, including Sgt. Johnson’s relatives, Senator Schumer, and my predecessor, Mike McNulty. This was a decades-long team effort across the board and I could not be happier to see our efforts pay off.”

The legislation, which includes language based on a bill that Rep. Tonko introduced, is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Barack Obama. After that, the President will have the authority to officially award Johnson the decoration.
Unless a waiver is passed by Congress, service members who exhibit extreme valor in combat can only be awarded the Medal of Honor if their acts occurred in the previous five years. Tonko has worked to pass this waiver by working with leadership from both parties in the House of Representatives as well as the House Armed Services Committee. On September 11th of this year, he introduced legislation in the house, H.R. 5459, as a companion to Senator Schumer’s bill in the Senate.
A member of the Harlem Hellfighters, Johnson fought off a German raid almost single-handedly after being wounded twenty-one times. When his rifle ran out of ammunition, Johnson used it as a club until it broke. At which point, he used his bolo knife to kill four Germans and wound at least twenty, who retreated in fear, officials said.

Cohoes PD will Showcase New K9 on Friday at Harmony Hill Elementary

Cohoes, N.Y.- Mayor Primeau and the Cohoes Police Department are pleased to announce the newest addition to the police department's fleet. The City acquired a 2015 Ford Explorer K9 Unit this past October that will be assigned to K9 Officer Sean Mckown, a 10+ year veteran on the force and his K9 dog Jeter who has served along side Mckown for 8 years.  Officer Mckown has a flawless record and has earned a very favorable reputation among other K9 handlers in the area.

K9 dog Jeter is a 9 year old Belgian Malinois who is trained and certified in narcotics detection which includes marijuana, hash, heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine. Jeter is also patrol certified in criminal apprehension, tracking and evidence/article recovery. Besides being superior in performance and behavior, Jeter is also a big hit in the community and is the main attraction at community events such as National Night Out and the Safe Summer Festival or can also be seen at local schools and playgrounds.

Police Chief William Heslin states "The K9 unit has proven itself time and time again with multiple apprehensions. It's a deterrent, that's the way we look at it. People see the dog and they just know, and that is the point we are trying to get across to the public with this program."

"Having a K9 in our department is a valuable resource that has enhanced our community policing program and has helped us take a "bite" out of crime," said Assistant Police Chief James Ward.

The K9 program has been in existence for a long time and has cost the City very little money when other similar programs in the area can be very costly.  Officer Mckown takes on a lot of the financial burden and appreciates the support of local businesses, especially Boght Veterinary Clinic that periodically donates money, supplies and services to help offset the cost.

"The department's K9 program provides a great service to the Cohoes community. The acquisition of the new unit is a very positive move and long overdue.  I can't thank Officer Mckown enough for the time and dedication put forth in making this a successful program," adds Mayor George Primeau.

Members of the community and media are invited to join City of Cohoes Officials, members of the Cohoes Police Department and students for an opportunity to meet Jeter and Officer Mckown and enjoy a live demonstration. The event will be held on Friday at 1:30  p.m. at Harmony Hill Elementary School, located at Madelon K. Hickey Way, Cohoes.

Made by Hand Event in Cohoes Saturday, December 6 at The Foundry for Art Design + Culture

Cohoes - If you’re an avid collector, or you simply appreciate quality and beauty, be sure to mark your calendar for December 6, for the 3rd annual Made by Hand Invitational at The Foundry for Art Design + Culture in Cohoes, New York.

Not to be confused with the myriad “craft fairs” that dot the capital region landscape in the holiday season, the Made by Hand Invitational is a unique, upscale shopping experience with 15 jury-selected artists and designers from across the region who have been selected according to the highest standards of excellence in quality workmanship.

Featuring fine hand-crafted new and compelling works in ceramics; silver, bronze, and copper; mixed media; decorative and wearable fiber; jewelry; paper; wood; and glass, the Made by Hand Invitational truly offers something for everyone.

The Made by Hand Invitational is the latest in an ongoing series of exhibitions, but as Alana Sparrow, Principal Founding Artist at The Foundry, notes, “Each piece represents an inspiring facet of the American spirit, transmitted from the artist's hands to yours.” One of the most compelling aspects of this show, she added, “is the opportunity visitors have to actually meet the artist who created the work. No gallery owners, no agents; just the artists and their art.”

Each year the event has attracted upwards 700 attendees from around the region that made over $14,000 in sales in the six hour event. "The economic impact that art and creativity have on this region is real, and Made by Hand is an excellent demonstration of this impact." said Sparrow.  

The Foundry strives to support access to exhibition, performance, educational and lecture opportunities to creatives working in all sectors of the creative industry, thus supporting the local econmy. The Foundry believes that quality, handmade fine craft strengthens the cultural, educational and economic vitality of local communities.

Rosamilia announces ‘Open House’ for four properties on City foreclosure listing

Rosamilia announces ‘Open House’ for four properties on City foreclosure listing

TROY, NY – Mayor Lou Rosamilia has announced that there will be “Open House” opportunities for four city-owned buildings on Friday, 12/5. Each property is currently on the City of Troy foreclosure listing. The properties include a Laundromat, two buildings that formerly comprised the Vanilla Bean Baking Company and an attached row house.

“It’s important that we give the individuals who may be interested in purchasing these properties from the City the chance to get a firsthand look at the buildings and their surroundings,” said Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia.

The first “Open House” will be held from 11 am until 12 noon at 3 Winter Street, previously known as Creekside Laundromat. The building is classified as a single use small building. It sits on .35 acres of land and is currently assessed at $110,000.

Next, two buildings located between 214 and 226 Fourth Street, will be shown from 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. Both buildings formerly comprised the Vanilla Bean Baking Company. The buildings can be purchased together or separately. The first building, 214 Fourth Street, sits on .05 acres and is currently assessed at $200,000. The second building, 216-226 Fourth Street, is situated on .15 acres and is assessed at $295,000.

Finally, 6 Franklin Place, an attached row house, will also be shown from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm. The property sits on .03 acres of land and is assessed at $105,000.

Each of the properties to be shown lies within the Troy School District.

For additional information on each property, please visit the City of Troy website at: http://www.troyny.gov/Libraries/assessor/openhouseinfosheets.sflb.ashx

Best Buddies Albany Announces 2015 Friendship Walk Committee

Annual Albany Friendship Walk Set For April 19 at Crossgates Mall

ALBANY –Best Buddies of the Capital Region announced today the formation of its Friendship Walk committee. The committee will organize, support and bring awareness to the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk to be held at Crossgates Mall on April 19in 2015. Peter Gannon, has been an active member of several community organizations such as the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and Albany Pop Warner and was selected to serve as the committee’s chair. Gannon currently serves as President of the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership and works as a member of the adjunct faculty at Schenectady County Community College.

“I was recently introduced to Best Buddies and was astonished by the impact this organization has on so many lives,“ said walk committee chair Peter Gannon. “This committee is going to create a positive, inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for the upcoming walk. We encourage people to educate others and spread the word about Best Buddies. This event presents the opportunity of friendship to everyone who participates and helps this organization continue its amazing work.”

The Friendship Walk is the latest and greatest life-changing movement created by Best Buddies. Since 2009, more than 55,000 participants have walked in over 26 states and 3 countries, raising over 5 million dollars for Best Buddies. Ultimately, the Friendship Walk changes lives, as participants walk for inclusion, friendship, leadership, and opportunities for people with and without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

“Best Buddies walks have made a profound impact in our communities here in the Capital Region, especially for individuals with IDD,” said Area Director Nicole Burch, Capital Region Best Buddies. “Our local chapters have grown because of this annual walk and community support. It is a wonderful event where you can make new friends while making a difference in your community.”

Proceeds from the walk play a fundamental role in funding Best Buddies programs, which provide one-to-one friendships and leadership development opportunities for individuals with and without IDD. These programs can be found in 29 middle schools, high schools and colleges throughout upstate New York and will create promising opportunities for over 1,300 people this year.

2015 Walk Committee

Peter Gannon, Chair
Chris Anderson, Vice Chair
Matt Cannon, Income and Development Chair
Meghan Williams, Logistics Chair

Caitlin Garrity, Mission Chair
Mike Bohne, Publicity Chair

Kathleen DiSpirito, Team Development Chair

Aimee McGinniss, Team Development Chair
Kelly Obermayer, Team Development Chair

The public is encouraged to attend this event, which takes place at Crossgates Mall onApril 19, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can register and get more information about the walk at: http://www.bestbuddiesnewyork.org/albanywalk

ABOUT BEST BUDDIES

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,700 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ eight formal programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs, Ambassadors, and Promoters — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in over 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 800,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. 

NYISO Forecasts Adequate Electric Capacity for Winter 2014-2015 Peak Demand

Enhanced Measures Address Gas-Electric Coordination

Rensselaer, N.Y.— New York’s electric system has the capacity to meet demand for electricity and the necessary operating reserves during extreme cold through the 2014-2015 winter season, according to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).

The NYISO anticipates a peak load demand of 24,737 megawatts (MW) for the winter season. The forecast is below last winter’s peak, when polar vortex conditions produced a record-setting winter peak load of 25,738 MW on January 7, 2014.

Peak demand is a measurement of the average total electric demand by consumers for a one-hour period. One megawatt of electricity can serve approximately 800 to 1,000 homes.

The winter peak forecast is based on average winter weather conditions, with composite statewide temperatures of 15-16°F. If extreme weather produces colder conditions, with temperatures in the 5-6°F range, peak demand across the state could increase to approximately 26,300 MW.

Installed generation capacity in New York state this winter amounts to 39,803 MW. Net external capacity purchases of 1,078 MW also have been secured for the winter period. When combined with the 843 MW of projected demand response in the Special Case Resources program, which enlists consumers to reduce electricity use during peak conditions, the total capacity resources equal 41,724 MW. 

The electric system requires surplus power supplies to guarantee that sufficient electricity is available in the event of unanticipated power plant outages, transmission outages or unexpected increases in power consumption. Each day, New York’s grid operators maintain 1,910 MW of operating reserves, which means additional generation resources are scheduled above the amount needed to meet the projected demand for electricity on that day.

“Last winter, as much of the country dealt with frigid temperatures from polar vortex events, New York’s electricity use set a new record winter peak,” said NYISO President and CEO Stephen G. Whitley. “Last winter’s record-setting demand, combined with natural gas fuel constraints, led to significant price volatility. We continue to work with our regulators and stakeholders on fuel assurance initiatives, operational measures and potential improvements to our market design that will address the growing reliance on natural gas and strengthen grid reliability and market efficiency.” 

Natural Gas and Electric System Reliability

Disruptions in the supply or delivery of natural gas can affect the ability of gas-fired generation to provide power, which could affect electric system reliability. In New York, natural gas supplies much of New York’s generating capacity, mostly from “dual-fuel” units capable of using gas or oil to produce power. This fuel-switching capability helps to mitigate the impact of fuel supply disruptions. The NYISO also has control room procedures, including procedures for extreme cold weather events, to respond to potential gas system disruptions.

The NYISO also conducts fuel inventory surveys and daily monitoring of those recourses. In addition, the unique hourly bid process, the ability to adjust bids in real-time for fuel costs, and a timely day-ahead market for posting gas nominations are all part of the NYISO’s strong market design.

For the 2014-2015 winter season, the NYISO has added expanded visualization of the natural gas system so grid operators can see more clearly the status of the pipeline system; increased day-ahead reference level flexibility for generators; conducted winter preparedness outreach among market participants; and expanded both the fuel and emissions surveys to enhance reliability. New gas infrastructure serving the downstate region also is expected to help improve generators’ access to fuel sources.

Winter vs. Summer Peaks

New York’s electricity system experiences its greatest demand during summer months due in large part to the power demands of air conditioning and cooling systems. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, less than 10 percent of New York households rely on electricity as the main source of home heating, while more than 70 percent use air conditioning.

This year, for the first time since 1983, New York recorded its annual summer peak load in the month of September. The NYISO recorded a 2014 peak of 29,782 MW on September 2, the third lowest since 2000. Only the peaks recorded in 2000 (28,138 MW) and 2004 (28,433 MW) were lower. New York set an all-time record peak of 33,956 MW on July 19, 2013.

The NYISO prepares estimates of peak demand as part of its comprehensive planning for New York state’s electric system, which supports the reliable operation of the bulk electricity grid and the effective management of the wholesale electricity markets.

Iconic Christmas Poem to go on Display at Point of Publication During Troy’s Victorian Stroll

Original copy of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” can be viewed at Gramercy Communications, in the former home of the Troy Sentinel

TROY>>Gramercy Communications announced today it will display the original copy of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at its open house during the Troy Victorian Stroll Sunday, December 7.

Gramercy has its offices at the former home of the Troy Sentinel newspaper, which operated at 225 River Street between 1823 and 1832 and carried the first publication of “Account of a Visit from Saint Nicholas” on December 23, 1823. Today, that historic Collar City connection is recognized with a plaque outside the building.

Gramercy Communications will display an original copy of the Troy Sentinel newspaper on loan from the Troy Public Library during its open house, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual Victorian Stroll will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Troy.

“Offering the public a chance to see this historic document in the very place it was first printed will make this a memorable Victorian Stroll for Gramercy,” said Tom Nardacci, President and Founder of Gramercy Communications. “It’s amazing to think this iconic poem was printed in Troy, and our firm is glad to continue to make that story more widely known.”

The poem’s authorship is still up for debate. Following the open house display of the poem, Gramercy Communications will sponsor a juried re-trial of the true authorship at 2 p.m. at the Rensselaer County Courthouse.

Last year, "The Trial Before Christmas" was a surprise holiday spectacle that gained national media attention and attracted more than 500 spectators. But the jury was unable to reach a verdict, so the case will be heard again this year.

This is not Gramercy’s first involvement with the roots of the Troy Sentinel. In 2012, the firm provided the Troy Public Library with a $2,324 grant for the digitization of the library’s collection of the newspaper’s archives.