Tim Cleary, Interim President Northern Dutchess Hospital and Denise George, Interim Co-CEO Health Quest. courtesy photo

Recently, Northern Dutchess Hospital spoke to a large audience at the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck. Denise George, RN, MPA, Interim Co-CEO of Health Quest, highlighted the many successes of the hospital and discussed their future initiatives.

Northern Dutchess Hospital continues to focus on enhancing the quality of care, providing access to care, improving effectiveness of care and partnering with physicians. Over the last year, they have added many services to support the community needs.

The Center for Healthy Aging opened in May of 2012. As the one year anniversary has approached, patients have been provided transitional care for mature adults by assisting them and their caregivers to ensure a safe level of care. The recently opened Wound Care Center has treated many patients with difficult-to-heal wounds. The Bone and Joint Center is one of the most recognized orthopedic programs in New York State and continues to be acknowledged by outside agencies on its many successes. And the hospital attracts many highly qualified physicians to Northern Dutchess Hospital in order to bring more specialties to the area.

Jodi Friedman, Medical Director, Center for Healthy Aging, Dr. W. Andrew Wilson, Medical Director, Emergency Medicine and Dr. Russell G. Tigges, Co-Director, Bone and Joint Center all shared patient success stories to the attendees.

Ms. George reviewed the upcoming building project at Northern Dutchess Hospital. The final design of the proposed new space has been submitted to New York State for review and the Hospital hopes to put a shovel in the ground by late summer, early fall.

“It is important to keep the community informed on the progress of Northern Dutchess Hospital,” said Ms. George. “It is a challenging time in healthcare and we will continue to focus on the needs of our community.”

L to R Tim Cleary, Interim President Northern Dutchess Hospital and Denise George, Interim Co-CEO Health Quest

“When our veterans become disabled through service to our country, they sacrifice their health and well-being to preserve ours,” Senator Gipson said. “It is fitting and proper to give them access to affordable home ownership when they return home.”

The legislation, S.4287, establishes priority access to the AHODP for any veteran with a Veterans Administration disability rating of 40% or higher that resulted from military service in the line of duty. The program subsidizes qualified buyers for the purchase of a new or existing single family home. Previously, eligibility was determined solely on the income level of applicants.

“These brave men and women who fought for our freedoms and suffered as a result have earned our respect and appreciation. The least we can do for these American heroes is ensure their quality of life when they return home,” Senator Gipson concluded.

“Protecting doctors who treat patients with chronic Lyme disease is critically important.” said Gipson. “Right now, doctors can often be investigated by insurers and licensing boards because of the lack of a consensus surrounding treatment and diagnosis for chronic Lyme disease.”

“Chronic Lyme disease is a debilitating illness that has had a devastating effect on New Yorkers of all ages, particularly in the Hudson Valley,” said Barrett. “If long-term antibiotic therapy is providing relief to those who are suffering, it should remain an option. This bill protects doctors and patients alike, allowing doctors to make medical judgments without fear of an unwarranted investigation and patients to receive the best possible care.”

Senator Gipson explained that this doctor protection bill for Lyme disease is a companion piece of legislation along with the TickBITE Act (S3478, A5174) in which Assemblymember Barrett is co-sponsoring the same-as in the Assembly.  The TickBITE Act requires insurance companies to cover the cost of treatment for chronic Lyme. That bill has passed the Senate Insurance Committee and is now currently in the Senate Health Committee.

“Lyme disease is a serious health issue in the Hudson Valley and across New York.  This legislation provides necessary protections for patients and doctors who are trying to relieve the suffering of people with chronic Lyme by giving them the treatment they need,” Gipson concluded.

Jill Auerbach, chairwoman of the Hudson Valley Lyme Disease Association stated: “I am grateful to Assemblymember Barrett and Senator Gipson for crafting legislation to assure the protection of doctors who are treating those who suffer from chronic Lyme disease. As someone who has battled Lyme disease and its complications for 15 years, I know firsthand how chronic Lyme disease can affect a person. As an advocate for patients for almost two decades, I know of the widespread suffering of patients, and how difficult it is for them to become well, when physicians are reticent to treat chronic Lyme for fear of being targeted by those who choose to deny the existence and severity of the disease. With the passage of this legislation, doctors will be able to provide the necessary and appropriate clinical treatment of these patients.”

“Jacquemae Perrotta is the definition of service to both our country and community,” said Senator Gipson. “From enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War, to becoming the first woman Commander of Dutchess County, her love for her country and fellow veterans has remained unyielding to this day.”

The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves in military and civilian life. Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.

In October 1951, 16 months after the start of the Korean War, Jacquemae (Tucker) Perrotta enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After Basic Training, Airman Tucker was transferred to Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for training as a Communications Center Specialist. Upon completion of her training, Jacquemae was assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and in November of 1953, she was assigned to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii as a Senior Communications Specialist.

In April of 1954 Airman First Class Tucker married Sergeant Anthony Perrotta of Poughkeespie, NY.  Jacquemae was discharged in September of 1954 and in November she and Tony returned to Poughkeepsie, NY.

When Jacquemae returned to civilian life, she worked for Western Union Telegraph and raised three children. Jacquemae decided to serve Veterans by being a member of Lafayette Post #37 of the American Legion. She has been a prominent member of this post for the past 54 years.

In the 1980s, she was elected the first woman Commander of Post #37, the first woman Commander of Dutchess County, and the second woman commander of the 9th District American Legion.  She headed committees in the Department of New York American Legion network (Membership, Boys State, and WINAL) and is still active in these committees. She also served as National Director 20/4 Honorary Society Women Legion.

Jacquemae currently serves on the Director’s Advisory Committee at Castle Point Veterans Hospital and also works as a VAVS Representative and 20/4. She frequently visits the hospital and has become a regular face. She heads the Pernell Christmas Party and on Valentine’s Day she distributes American flags to each veteran’s bedside.

On Veterans Day, each year Jacquemae helps others obtain flags for the local VFW and Jewish War Veterans to place at their cemeteries.

Kimberly Barela, Plaza Manager presents Donald Petruncola, President of the Board for Mid Hudson Animal Aid with a check for $542. courtesy photo

The Poughkeepsie Plaza donated $542.00 to Mid-Hudson animal aid (MHAA) located in Beacon, NY. MHAA is a not-for-profit, independent, no-kill animal welfare organization. The shelter relies on private donations and their purpose is to protect and provide for abandoned and abused animals in the Hudson Valley. For more information please visit www.midhudsonanimalaid.org.

The donated funds were vendor and raffle proceeds that were collected from the 2nd annual pet expo that was held at the Poughkeepsie Plaza on May 4, 2013.

For more information about the Poughkeepsie Plaza, visit our website at www.poughkeepsieplaza.com or call 845-471-4265.

There will be more than two dozen vehicles of all types for kids to see, photograph and climb on at the event.

Vehicle commitments are still coming in for the family-friendly fundraiser that is anticipated to attract more than 4,000 people.

New event features include TumbleBus, a gym on wheels filled with equipment for the kids to use; a 20-lap model car racetrack game; and the Children’s School of Yoga in Rock Hill which will teach youngsters yoga skills.

The event will introduce a special Literary Tent with children’s author Jodi Lobdell Bulson of Milton, NY who will read from “Arrival,” the first book in her series titled “The Toddler Room.”  There will be an opportunity for kids to join Barnes & Noble’s free Kids’ Club. The tent will offer activities such as coloring pages from Lobdell Bulson’s book, crafts provided by Barnes & Noble, read-alongs and give-aways. United Way’s Young Leaders will be on hand to assist in the activities. The Literary Tent is an example of United Way partnering with local organizations to support children’s literacy and help improve grade level achievement and advancement in the community.

There also will be bounce houses, face painting and Roaming Railroad trackless train rides for kids to enjoy.

There will be a “horn free” hour from 10 to 11 a.m. for children with special needs and sensitive ears.

Tickets are $5 per person; kids under 3 are free. Tickets are available at the gate on the day of the event. Event proceeds go into the United Way Community Fund that supports programs and partnerships in the areas of education, income and health. United Way collaborates to build a stronger, healthier community and provide lasting and positive change in the lives of our friends and neighbors.

Event sponsors include Mix 97.7 and 94.3/97.3 The Wolf, DSL Financial Services, WellCare Health Plans Inc. and D’Arcangelo & Co. Providing in-kind donations for the event to help United Way reach its goals are New York Communications Co., Hudson Valley Renegades and TAM Enterprises.

There is still time for vehicle owners to participate in the Touch-A-Truck event. For more information and how to get involved, log on to www.uwdor.org/truck, or call Sarah Schick at 845-471-1900 x. 3114.

Joe Daily of 92.1 LiteFM with assistant shelter manager, Leah Hapeman after accepting the DCSPCA’s Four Paws Business Partner Award at the shelter’s annual meeting on May 19. courtesy photo

Joe Daily and the team at 92.1 LiteFM have helped hundreds of shelter animals find new homes. Hyde Park Antiques Center has been a true friend to the shelter for many years. Mary Elwell has worked on many fundraising events to support the animals at the shelter. She often received help from the dealers at Hyde Park Antiques.

The shelter recognized long-time foster family volunteers Nancy Jo and Joe Cote and Sharon Weber. The Cotes have fostered 554 animals for the DCSPCA, helping the most fragile kittens survive. Sharon Weber is an experienced animal handler who fosters pregnant and nursing dogs, caring for their puppies around the clock. Both households accept dogs and cats and specialize in caring for animals with significant medical needs.

The Dutchess County SPCA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the lead agency for animal rescue and adoption in Dutchess County. The DCSPCA is a no-kill shelter with a 142-year history of concern, caring and providing shelter for unwanted, abused, abandoned and neglected animals. The Dutchess County SPCA rescues, shelters, and secures permanent homes for adoptable companion animals; advocates for the highest standards of animal care; and enforces animal cruelty laws throughout Dutchess County.                                                                                                              

CutLine: Joe Daily of 92.1 LiteFM with assistant shelter manager, Leah Hapeman after accepting the DCSPCA’s Four Paws Business Partner Award at the shelter’s annual meeting on May 19.

Mayor Bryan Cranna

Tivoli…  Village of Tivoli Mayor Bryan F. Cranna will deliver a Memorial Day Address as part of the Annual Memorial Day services hosted by the Harris Smith American Legion Post of Tivoli.   The ceremony will be held at the Historic Red Church (9G in Tivoli ) at 10AM on Memorial Day, May 27th.   The ceremony is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend.

Mayor Cranna stated, “I am proud to have been asked to deliver remarks at the Memorial Day ceremony.  To stand with the men and women of the Harris Smith American Legion Post is an absolute honor.  Their service to our nation is not to be forgotten and must always be recognized.”

“As we kick-off  the busy summer driving season it’s important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night – no excuses,” said Major Michael Kopy. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing their seat belt – Click It or Ticket.”

On the morning of May 20th,   State Police will be joining law enforcement agencies throughout the northeast in mobilizing the Click It or Ticket (CIOT) “Border to Border” Operation.

Law enforcement agencies that share State borders will team up to provide increased seat belt enforcement at border sites, sending a ‘zero tolerance’ message to the public: Driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket, no matter what State.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. As noted, deaths involving seat belt nonuse are more prevalent at night than during the daytime.  According to NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

“Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater,” said Major Kopy. “We want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists – clicking that seat belt.”

In 2011, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide according to NHTSA. While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.

For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.