The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health from Bassett Healthcare Network is holding a free Rural Farming Community Skin Cancer Screening this Saturday, at the Covered Bridge Gardens Reception Hall, in Unadilla. Sheila Ayres is one of the nurses participating in the screening:
(Sheila Ayres 10-30-13)
The event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday, appointments are requested during the week at 1-800-343-7527 extension 292.
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The state DEC is issuing a new round of deer permits, sending about 35,000 deer management permits to hunters who didn’t get them during the initial application period earlier this fall. The permits allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer and are issued for specific wildlife management units to control deer populations. This year, DEC received fewer permit applications than projected in many areas. For more information go to dec.ny.gov
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Some standardized tests in New York public schools will be eliminated, according to state Education Commissioner John King. The move comes after years of criticism from teachers and parents. The first target will be an eighth-grade math test, which comes at the same time as a federally required standardized test in math. The Board of Regents is considering eliminating other tests as well in other grades. Grants will be provided to help schools reduce local standardized tests. King said the Board of Regents discussed the changes in a meeting last week.
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Governor Cuomo has signed a law to double unannounced inspections of state-licensed facilities for disabled New Yorkers to a minimum of two annually. The measure applies to group homes and facilities licensed or operated by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. The law previously required at least two annual visits including one without prior notice. The agency recorded over 10,000 abuse allegations last year at its sites and those run by nonprofit contractors.
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