Thursday, December 8, 2011

LONA's Annual Holiday Party!

Please join us as LONA celebrates the holidays!

Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association's
Annual Holiday Party:

Monday, December 12th, 2011

at the Lyell Branch Library

from 6:00pm to 7:45pm

Please bring a delicious dessert to share with everyone!

Pam and Frank are bringing the pizzas,

and Pam will also make coffee and hot cocoa!

~ And please invite your nice neighbors to join us as well! ~

We will be festive with: RFD's Engine 5, NSC's/RPD's CPOs,
and by other local elected officials.

Friday, November 25, 2011

LONA Meeting - Nov 2011

A recent letter to the editor by a LONA homeowner - Nov.2011

A letter to the editor from one of our LONA homeowners.
Many may share her opinion. Some may not.
LONA is always glad when our citizens express their views on issues that they are passionate about.
We are glad when people speak up for themselves!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

LONA meeting - Oct 2011

Hi! It's Pam!
Yes, I've temporarily posted handwritten notes from our October meeting.
I wanted them to be available for perusal as soon as possible, and I haven't had a moment to type them yet. But, with the election coming up, I wanted to get any and all info out!



This is a wonderful community man, James Muscatella.

He is running as a WRITE IN candidate for the NW City Council seat.

To elect James Muscatella, please WRITE IN his name in Column 8, Row K, as shown in the sample ballot below.

Good Luck to all the NW City Council candidates!



Yes, these are messy, I agree. I will try to get these in a more legible form after getting my daughter home from swimming lessons this week! I thank you for your understanding!


















Tuesday, September 13, 2011

More good press for our LONA area!

http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/556939/polls-open-for-primary-election-today/


8:08 AM
Polls Open for Primary Election Today
By: YNN Staff

Several counties in the Rochester area are holding primary elections Tuesday.
Voters head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in several primary races.

Winners of Tuesday's primaries will appear on the ballot for the November 8th general election.

The Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association had a last minute gathering Monday night so voters could hear from some of the candidates. Concerned residents urged their fellow community members to get out and vote.

The polls open at noon today and will stay open until 9 p.m.

Monroe County Board of Elections
http://www.monroecounty.gov/elections-index.php

YNN coverage of our LONA September meeting!

http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/556921/lyell-otis-residents-encourage-people-to-vote-in-primary-election/


09/12/2011 10:10 PM
Lyell-Otis Residents Encourage People to Vote in Primary Election
By: Sheba Clarke


Several candidates in the Northwest district of the city heard concerns of residents loud and clear.

“We need to hear them at our meetings when we have our concerns,” said Frank Louk, Rochester.

Voters are getting last minute answers before heading to the polls Tuesday.

“You have a lot of candidates running. You have a lot of different ones,” said Michael Visconte, President of the Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association.

Two city council candidates showed up to the LONA meeting Monday night.

“We invited the candidates so everybody can hear a little bit about what they stand for,” said Visconte.

Also, there were three of the eight school board candidates on the ballot who attended. It’s a race that has four open seats.

“There are some interesting choices for the school board and there are a lot of them and that’s good,” said James Muscatella, Rochester.

This leaves a big decision for voters, but many like Muscatella know exactly what they want in a candidate.

“A school board member that has the willingness to work with the community and some new ideas,” Muscatella.

“The school board, I would like them to be realistic,” said Louk.

Concerned residents in this community are urging people to get out and vote in this primary.

“Whoever wins the primary usually wins the election,” said Muscatella.

“So this is the best time to come out. You can change it on primary day,” said Visconte.

The opportunity to do that is from noon to 9 p.m. at your polling place, Tuesday.

Monday, September 12, 2011

LONA meeting - Sept 2011

What a wonderfully attended meeting! I'm happy I got there early to get a seat!

I'm very glad so many people took time out of their busy schedules to join us!

I thank all of the candidates/incumbents, firemen, and city recreation representatives for addressing our lively group this evening.

And, if you are a registered Democrat, please exercise your right to vote in tomorrow's primary election!


















Sunday, September 11, 2011

Monroe Ambulance’s upcoming Fall EMT classes

Subject: FW: EMT Schedule
Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:56:00 +0000


Attached is the information regarding Monroe Ambulance’s upcoming Fall EMT classes. Please note that one is a refresher class, and the other is an EMT original class. They’re great job opportunities in the local emergency medical services community. I understand that unfortunately many organizations have to deal with letting good people go because of budgetary shortfalls, so this may be an opportunity to for some of those folks to look into another career. People with EMT certifications are also put ahead of other applicants when they apply for jobs in the hospital settings. Considering the fact that our areas largest employer is the University of Rochester, this might help some people open those doors to future employment. This is also good for someone looking for some rewarding part-time employment also.



Successful completion of this class will certify a person as a NYS Emergency Medical Technician. If you can think of anyone that might benefit from this class, please have them contact Aaron Horowitz for more information, his information is attached. This class will be 2 nights a week for 3 ½ months.



For those that are already have EMT/Paramedic/Nursing certifications needing any re-certification classes for any of the alphabet courses such as CPR, ACLS, PALS, and others, please feel free to talk to Aaron about our monthly schedules. Thank you all for your time.



Luis Aponte

Community Liaison/Paramedic

Monroe Ambulance

1669 Lyell Ave

Rochester New York, 14606

(585) 327-7686 Direct Office

(585) 509-3648 Cell

laponte@monroeambulance.com

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Citizens Police Academy

Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 6:47 PM
Subject: Citizens Police Academy

Good afternoon Community leaders,

Chief Sheppard will be announcing to the media that the next R.P.D. Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) will commence on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. The CPA and run for approximately (10) consecutive Tuesdays, 6:00PM to 9:00PM.

The Citizen’s Police Academy (C.P.A.) provides a broad based look at the policies, procedures and operations of the Rochester Police Department. At its conclusion, you will be more familiar with law enforcement in our city neighborhoods and also with the training currently being provided to police recruits. You will have opportunities to offer comments and suggestions on police procedures and the recruit academy curriculum.

The Citizen’s Police Academy Instructors will include experienced trainers and operational personnel from several units of our organization. Upon your graduation, you will return to your community with greater knowledge and a unique perspective of the Rochester Police Department. This increased familiarity and interaction helps to improve police-community relations, recognizing the partnership between the citizens and their police force.

Classes are held at the Public Safety Training Facility, 1190 Scottsville Road.

For more information please contact CPO Lamar Cousins (428-1220) or email Lamar.Cousins@cityofrochester.gov

Attached you will find the CPA application. All applications must be submitted to CPO Cousins no later than September 23rd.

Thank you for your assistance.



Monday, August 29, 2011

Here's another candidate for the NW Council seat!

Tom: Please forgive the odd cropping, as I'm off to a b-day party... I'll try to recrop it later. I wanted to get your info out/up as quickly as possible.
Good Luck to all of the candidates! :)




Saturday, August 6, 2011

Recycling Update

Recycling/Recovery Program Expands
http://www.monroecounty.gov/des-residentialrecycling.php

For almost 20 years, Monroe County residents have enjoyed a progressive, convenient and continually expanding curbside recycling program. As is its charge from the county, Cascades Recovery, the Monroe County Recycling Center’s (MCRC) contract operator, examines the waste stream for sustainable recovery opportunities. In 2004, the MCRC began accepting all clean paper--allowing county residents to make a clear and affirmative impact on our local environment. The MCRC will now accept plastic containers numbered one through seven for recycling/recovery. Additionally, aluminum foil, foilware and household metal pots and pans will be accepted for recycling. Customers of the MCRC may now rest assured that their yogurt cups and margarine tubs will stay in North America and be recycled into sustainable end-products. Click here for a listing of new items accepted by the MCRC.
http://www.monroecounty.gov/File/DES/MCCurbsideRecyclingRecoveryReferenceCard.pdf
Some waste haulers are not customers of the MCRC and are not required to participate in this recycling expansion. Customers should contact their hauler to confirm what is accepted.


The MCRC “Blue Box” Recycling/Recovery Program

The following commingled and paper materials should be placed in your recycling box and taken to the curb before 6:30 a.m. on your regular trash collection day. If high winds are forecast on your collection day, please delay recycling. White goods (major appliances) are also required to be recycled by Monroe County law--contact your waste hauler for details.

Commingled Materials

Only the materials listed below are accepted for recycling/recovery. All containers should be clean and placed loosely on the top of paper items in your recycling bin (use two bins to separate paper from commingled materials, if possible). Please do not separate the types of containers using plastic grocery bags—they should all be mixed together. Labels are accepted.

Metal Food and Beverage Cans: lids are accepted.
License Plates: defaced
Metal Pots, Pans and Aluminum Foilware
EMPTY Aerosol Cans:
remove caps. NO pesticides or spray paints.
Plastic Containers and Items (#s 1 through 7): including CD cases, broken recycling bins, clamshell or blister packaging, flatware, etc.--remove and recycle caps, spray pumps and lids.
No styrofoam, prescription bottles, bags or product wrapping.
Glass Bottles and Jars: Clear, Green and Brown ONLY—remove and recycle all lids and caps.
No drinking glasses, window glass, etc.
Gable Top (Milk and Juice) Cartons and Drink/Soup Boxes: remove and throw away plastic straws.


Paper Materials

Place paper materials in the bottom of your recycling box. Paper items may be kept together by using a brown paper bag (except for holding shredded paper, do not use plastic bags). Almost any kind of clean paper product can be placed in the recycling bin (NO soiled papers, paper toweling or wet paper).

Some examples:

Newspapers, Magazines, Catalogs, etc.
Corrugated Cardboard: flattened, 2x4 feet maximum—if you have a large stack of flattened boxes, it should be tied together with string or twine.
Phone Directories
Paper Boxes
—cereal, cracker, soda, tissue, shoe, gift, toy, etc.: flatten box and recycle any plastic liners at grocery store with other plastic bags.
Pizza Boxes & Paper Egg Cartons: discard all contents and flatten.
Junk Mail, Advertisements and Brochures
Home Office Paper, Files, School Papers, etc.: shredded paper in clear plastic bags only.
All Envelopes: window envelopes too!
Paperback and Hardcover Books
Gift Wrap
and More!


Plastic Bags/Wrap - What and Where Can You Recycle?

Except to contain shredded paper (clear bags), plastic bags and wrap are not allowed in your curbside recycling bin. A recent county residential waste characterization study found that eight percent of household garbage was made up of plastic bags or wrap--much of which could be recycled. New York law requires that major retailers that offer plastic bags for purchases take them back for recycling. Many other kinds of plastic bags/wrap should also be included. Please click here http://www.plasticbagrecycling.org/plasticbag/s01_consumers.html for a listing of what can and cannot be returned to the store for recycling. If you would like a downloadable guide to plastic bag and product wrapping recycling, click here. http://www.monroecounty.gov/File/DES/Plastic%20Bag-Film%20Recycling.pdf


Reduce Junk Mail

Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by calling the following toll-free number: 1-888-567-8688.


New or Replacement Recycling Bins

In order to obtain a new or replacement recycling bin, homeowners must call their garbage collector. City of Rochester residents should call 585 428-5990.


Material the County’s “Blue Box” Program Does Not Include

How to recycle (or properly dispose of) items not covered by the “blue box” program.
Click here http://www.monroecounty.gov/File/DES/2011%20Non-Blue%20Box%20Program%20Materials1.pdf for a searchable list of materials that cannot be placed in the curbside recycling bin, but that have programs for recycling (or proper disposal). Some of these items include:

Aerosol Cans (full or partially full)
Appliances Containing Freon (refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers)
Asbestos
Automotive Care Items (vehicle batteries, motor oil and other fluids)
Batteries
Business (hazardous) Waste
Cellular Phones
Computer/E-Waste Recycling/Disposal
Confidential Paper
Electronic Data Storage Media (and its packaging)
Fluorescent Lamps/Ballasts
F.O.G. - Fats/Oils/Grease
Mercury
Metals (Scrap)
Metal Tanks (propane, fire extinguishers, helium, fuel oil, etc.)
Microwave Ovens
Plastic Grocery Bags and Product Wrapping
Printer Cartridges
Sharps (syringes, lancets, etc.)
Smoke Detectors
Styrofoam Packaging
Tires
Unwanted/Usable Products
Wire Coat Hangers

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Crime Prevention Bulletin
It has come to the attention of your Crime Prevention Officer that there has been an increase in the number of "Pan Handlers" in your neighborhood. This increase may be attributed to residents giving money to these individuals as well as leaving returnable cans and bottles out in the open for "bottle collectors" to pick up.

While I'm certain that this is done with the best of intentions, it is not uncommon for "Pan Handlers" and "bottle collectors" to commit crimes of opportunity such as burglary, larceny and robbery while in your neighborhood soliciting handouts. Furthermore, some habitual burglars use the guise of "bottle collector" to conduct surveillance on their potential targets.

Pan Handling in itself is not illegal, however Aggressive Pan Handling is a violation of Rochester City Code 44-4. This Municipal code states:
"No person shall solicit in an aggressive manner in a public place."
SOLICIT- shall include the spoken, written or printed word or such other acts or bodily gestures as are conducted in the furtherance of immediately obtaining money or any other thing of value.
AGGRESSIVE MANNER shall be defined as: (condensed version)
- Intentionally or recklessly touching another person or approaching within an arms length, without consent during a solicitation.
- Following the person being solicited, if that conduct is likely to cause imminent fear or intimidation of a criminal act against them.
- Continuing to solicit within five feet of a person who has responded negatively, if that conduct is likely to cause fear or intimidation.
Intentionally or recklessly blocking the safe or free passage of the person being solicited, or requiring the person or driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact with the solicitor.
- Intentionally or recklessly using words likely to cause a reasonable person fear or intimidation.
- Approaching a person in such a manner as to cause fear or intimidation

In addition, the Rochester Police Department would like to remind all residents of this neighborhood to follow these basic tips to deter crime:
1. Report to 911 immediately all suspicious activity such as persons loitering, going door to door, or the sound of glass breaking.
2. Report any attempt to break into your house or garage, such as cuts on your window screens near the locks.
3. Keep your doors, windows and garages locked when not at home (even when in the yard or at a neighbors).
4. Install and use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
5. Notify a neighbor when you are going to be away.
6. Discontinue newspaper delivery when going on vacation.
7. Keep outside lights on all night or use motion sensor lights all around your home.
8. Trim shrubs to deny burglars a hiding place, especially shrubs around windows.
9. Lock up ladders and trash toters where they cannot be used by a burglar.
10. Don’t leave returnable cans etc. out for the "homeless".
11. Never open your door for a stranger.

Be a good neighbor…watch your neighbors' property.
CONTACT YOUR CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND A FREE SECURITY SURVEY FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

Deter Crime!

Crime Prevention Bulletin

Residents in your neighborhood have recently raised concerns about possible scam artists going door to door in an attempt to trick citizens out of their money and/or case their homes for a future burglary.

The Rochester Police Department would like to remind all city residents to follow these basic tips to deter crimes of this nature:

- Keep your doors locked at all times. Never open your door to a stranger without first identifying them. Legitimate callers will be able to provide identification and will NOT take offense to your asking to see it. This is an important rule to follow for ALL strangers. Scam artists will often appear friendly and courteous to gain your trust. Even City Inspectors and utility company workers should be asked for ID and will provide it willingly.

- NEVER give cash to a solicitor. Persons soliciting for a charity will be happy to take a check or (better yet) provide you with a contact phone number for you to call and arrange a donation through official channels. Legitimate "Door to door salesmen" must carry a permit issued by the City, and should always provide the service or product before expecting payment.

- Be skeptical of "get rich quick" schemes, secret deals or any offer that requires you to turn over large sums of money before you get what is promised.

- Don’t be rushed into a deal. Never sign any contract until you and your lawyer, banker or other expert has read it thoroughly.

- Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

- Report ALL suspicious persons immediately to 911. Officers will respond in an effort to identify and apprehend these criminals before they prey on someone else.
 

Don’t be taken in by a stranger’s "sob story".
Many scam artists will play on your good nature and desire to help someone in need. If a total stranger approaches you and asks for your help, your best response is to call 911. The 911 center is able to dispatch many forms of aid including: police, fire, medical, social and mental health experts. These responders are properly trained to assist persons in legitimate need. We will also be able to deal with those who are just trying to "con" you out of your hard earned money. Common scams in this area include:

 "My car ran out of gas, can I borrow some money to fill this gas can?"
i. (People who really run out of gas call for roadside assistance or call a friend or family member for help…hey DON’T ask strangers for cash.)

 "I need money for food" or "I will work for food".
i. (There are MANY social programs that provide free food to those in need. A person who is really willing to work for food would probably have a job and money to buy their own food. It is much more likely that your money will feed their addiction to drugs or alcohol. A call to 911 can allow police to steer this person towards the nearest food kitchen or assist them with other social services.

 "I need money for my baby’s medicine, can you help me?"
i. (If someone really has a child who needs medical attention, 911 is the fastest and most certain way to get them what they need. A parent who really got themselves to a point that they can’t get medicine for their child is not likely to use your cash for the right purpose. It is more likely that the money will buy drugs or alcohol. Call 911 and allow our Family Crisis Team to get them genuine aid.)

 "I’m going door to door cleaning gutters / shoveling driveways / raking leaves"
i. (Legitimate contractors don’t solicit door to door. People who do go door to door may seem like a bargain compared to professional contractors, but they are likely to do a poor job or do nothing at all…xcept take your cash. Also keep in mind that these door to door workers will not carry insurance, which means that you will be liable for any injury they sustain while on your property.)

Be a good neighbor… Watch out for your neighborhood!