CCHN Grant gives boost to putting new playground equipment in Lillian Dickson Park...
The Chautauqua County Health Network has made a more than $12,000 contribution to the city of Jamestown towards the project to renovate and upgrade Lillian Dickson Park. In announcing the grant... Mayor Sam Teresi thanked the Health Network for the "very generous" grant... which is actually being initiated by the state Department of Health. Teresi says the city itself is involved in a $30,000 upgrade outside the playground... and, providing in-kind services. He says the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department has been "hard at work" making a lot of other improvements, such as putting in new fencing and landscaping. Teresi says the Health Network grant monies are actually coming from the state Health Department to initiate "recreation and healthy lifestyle" projects. He says they appreciate the donation... which will be used to help pay for the playground part of the project. The committee involved is still raising money for that part of the approximately $65,000 effort. Teresi says the grant is the second the Health Network has provided for the Lillian Dickson Park project. He says the first was last year for "Fall Zone" safety materials. The city council will vote on accepting the grant later this month.
Activists rally in Albany for Cuomo's Women's Rights proposal...
A large coalition of activists is rallying and lobbying in Albany for a 10-point women's rights proposal. They're calling for equality for women in the work place... and, stronger laws against discrimination and human trafficking for child prostitution, along with strengthening abortion rights. Governor Andrew Cuomo released a bill Tuesday that details of his women's rights proposal for the first time since he announced the initiative six months ago. In the meantime... opposition has built in the Senate. Cuomo called that ``fear mongering'' by anti-choice legislators and advocates. The Democrat says he simply wants to bring the state abortion law in step with federal law, which he fears could be struck down. Opponents say that's unnecessary and would expand abortion.
Lack of hospital access in some rural areas may inhibit revitalizing upstate region...
Rural Hospitals were the focus of a roundtable event State Senator Cathy Young took part in Monday in Albany... and, representatives from a number of organizations took part in the dialogue. One of Young's major concerns is access to rural hospitals. The Olean Republican says lack of access may hold up state efforts to revitalize the upstate economy... and, she says if the loss of population continues, their efforts may be "all for naught." Another challenge facing rural hospitals is attracting new physicians. Chautauqua County Health Network Executive Director Ann Abdella was among the panelists. She says she would like to see an apprenticeship program established... similar to what many industries offer. She says this would help those who are struggling to pay their student loans... and, admits they've been surprised by the number of medical students from the area who didn't know their hometown "needed... or wanted them."
City Parks Dept. announces Summer Concert Series...
Six concerts are scheduled as part of the city of Jamestown's annual Summer Concert Series at Allen Park's Goranson Bandshell. City Parks Coordinator Julia Ciesla-Hanley was joined by other city officials... sponsors... and, others Tuesday afternoon to announce this year's schedule. The first concert of the season is one week from tonight... Wednesday, June 12. It'll feature Jamestown High School Band, under the direction of Meghan Murray. She says the kids really enjoy putting on the first concert of the year... because they normally don't do outdoor concerts. There will be a one-week break before the Jamestown Municipal Band does the first of it's five concerts of the season... beginning June 26. The band is celebrating it's 60th anniversary this year... and, Director Rick Lundquist says their theme the first night will highlight that... and, "Light Classical Music" during that time period. Lundquist says they'll be celebrating one member's being part of the group all 60 years. He says another highlight will be the final night on the schedule... which will be presented by the Scandinavian Studies Program at Jamestown Community College. He says they'll feature a number of Scandinavian tunes. Each of the six concerts begins at 7 p.m. at Allen Park.
