Assemblywoman Jenne: Deadline is March 9 for North Country Historical Writing Contest submissions

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says the deadline for submissions for the annual North Country Historical Writing Contest is just over a week away.

The contest, sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne and NorthCountryNow.com, offers aspiring authors an opportunity to share stories based on the region's long and rich history.

The writing contest is open to people of all ages with three age brackets: children up to age 12, young adults from age 13 to 18, and adults 19 or older. Contestants must live in Jefferson or St. Lawrence counties to enter.

While true stories about North Country places and heroes are welcome, the contest is also open to writers who want to explore the region through historical fiction. Stories must be at or below 2,000 words to be eligible for consideration.

Stories are judged based on their historical and dramatic content, style and connection to the region. The ideal story is one that demonstrates knowledge about the North Country’s history and people while creating a narrative that’s hard to forget.

Authors should submit their stories to Sean Ewart at ewarts@nyassembly.gov with “Historical Writing Contest” in the subject line, with entrant’s name, age and address at the top of the submission.

The deadline is March 9.

Writers in the past have shared stories based on their family’s history in the region, the role a hometown played in the nation’s past or the imagery that has been set loose by a North Country landmark.

Assemblywoman Jenne, a seventh-generation resident of the North Country, said she is always learning more about her own family's connection to the region.

She said as she has traveled through the River District she has learned more and more about the history of the communities from the shores of Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River in Massena.

"We're a region that has produced political leaders on the national stage, world-renowned artists and leaders in the retail business," she said.

"It's a history that starts with the Iroquois Confederacy and has seen the region on the front lines in the War of 1812. It's a history that has included transborder trade even in times of Prohibition in the United States,” the assemblywoman added.

"And it is a history that saw North Country residents tame the rapids of the St. Lawrence to form the current St. Lawrence River and open up our nation's Fourth Coast to international trade opportunities," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Each one of those events – and so many more – provide fruitful settings for stories connected to our region's history," she said.

The contest judges include SUNY Potsdam History Department Chair Thomas Baker, Jefferson County Historical Society Director Jordan Walker, Potsdam Public Library Children's Librarian Rebecca Donnelly, Reading Room Association of Gouverneur Director Linda Adams, and Canton Free Library Director Emily Owen Hastings.

An awards ceremony will be held at the Potsdam Public Library to honor the winners.

Winners will be notified at least a week prior to the event.

“I’m again looking forward to reading the submissions and learning even more about the North Country. Last year, the winning story in the Adult Division told the tale of a Canton man returning home from World War II to a life far different than he hoped to be living," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The top entry in the Teen Division put the spotlight on two heroes of the women's rights movement in the moments before they took the national stage," she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne tours WISER greenhouses at SUNY Potsdam

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently visited the Wagner Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Research (WISER) greenhouses at SUNY Potsdam.

Ray Bowdish, coordinator of the WISER Center, said the program provides applied research and educational programming in sustainability and ecology. He told Assemblywoman Jenne the WISER activities and outreach begin on campus and extend to the local and global communities.

The program's goals are to increase applied learning opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, focused on sustainability and ecology; enhance awareness of sustainability and ecological conservation issues; provide technical support and educational collaboration around food and nutrition curricula; and promote sustainability initiatives on campus and in our region by teaming with local community groups and institutions.

Assemblywoman Jenne saw greens growing in power towers as well as other flowers and produce being grown in more traditional greenhouse settings.

"It was interesting to see the tower technology and work being done to use natural ways to control pests. They have developed a curriculum that can excite the next generation of growers, which is vital to the future of our economy," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"There is room for both specialty crops and industrial production, and we can support both here in the North Country. With today's technology, farming can look very different from just 30 years ago when I was helping in the family garden," she added.

"As we incorporate new growing methods and grow different things, our next challenge is getting it into markets and processing for storage. It's exciting times. And rewarding to be involved in helping our farmers/growers evolve and get their products in front of new consumers," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Mr. Bowdish shared steps the WISER Center program has taken to form relationships with schools from Salmon River to Canton.

The program benefits from the work of 24 interns and student volunteers. He said the program has been modeled to collaborate with the farm-to-school effort.

Those interns, for example, helped Canton Central students determine the cause of issues with produce they were seeking to grow at their school campus.

He said the interns were able to interact with the middle school students and identify the cause of the growing issues.

Produce grown in the greenhouse and in grow racks located on the SUNY Potsdam campus are utilized by PACES, the food service provider on campus.

John Van Kennen, a PACES chef, estimated approximately 50 pounds of greens have already been used in the PACES kitchens this year.

"We try to incorporate the micro-greens into our garnishes," he pointed out.

Assemblywoman Jenne has been a strong proponent of the farm-to-school program in the North Country.

She has secured $300,000 in funding in each of the past two state budgets, bringing locally grown products to school cafeterias in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

Nineteen school districts are taking part in the pilot program, which has resulted in over 150,000 pounds of 47 different local food products being served at breakfast and lunch in participating schools. The program has led to 15local farms selling directly to schools.

The WISER Center comprises three greenhouse zones (including the Stowell Biodiversity Classroom), a "link" to Stowell where the public can enter from outdoors and a classroom space with computing stations for students.

The WISER Center is utilized by a host of current classes, including sustainable agriculture, general biology, genetics, ecology, plant physiology and botany. New courses in horticulture urban farming, hydroponics and aquaculture will be offered through the WISER Center in the near future.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E.Jenne discusses indoor growing techniques with Ray Bowdish, coordinator of the WISER Center. Dr. Jan Trybula (background left), chair of SUNY Potsdam's Biology Department, and PACES chef John Van Kennen (background right) discuss some of the greens growing in the WISER greenhouse.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

John VanKennen (l), a PACES chef at SUNY Potsdam, explains the length of the greens he likes for his garnishes during a discussion with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne. Ray Bowdish (r), coordinator of the WISER Center, was also part of the conversation.

John VanKennen (r), a PACES chef at SUNY Potsdam, talks about some of the produce grown on campus that he uses in the university's dining centers during a discussion with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne. Ray Bowdish (center), coordinator of the WISER Center, was also part of the conversation.

Ray Bowdish (r), coordinator of the WISER Center, talks with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne about some of the work SUNY Potsdam students do in the campus greenhouses.

Ray Bowdish (r), coordinator of the WISER Center, discusses the use of power towers being used to grow greens with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Ray Bowdish (l), coordinator of the WISER Center, discusses the use of power towers being used to grow greens with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Assemblywoman Jenne appointed to Assembly’s Workgroup to Address Sexual Harassment

Assemblymember Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, has been appointed to a new workgroup being convened to examine various sexual harassment issues and policy solutions.

“Sexual harassment and sexual assault have been swept under the rug for far too long,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

“Fortunately, brave women and men across the country have broken their silence and brought the issue to center stage. It’s finally being taken seriously, and this workgroup is part of an ongoing effort to bring change to New York State,” she added.

"We have made positive strides in addressing this issue in the Assembly during my time in Albany, including policy changes that I worked to update, and this is an appropriate next step forward," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The workgroup will be responsible for identifying sexual harassment issues in the workplace and creating policies that help improve workplace environments throughout the state. This includes helping victims come forward without fear of retribution and developing policies that foster a safe workplace for all employees, Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

In 2013, the Assembly undertook an extensive review of its anti-harassment policies and crafted a comprehensive procedure to handle and investigate complaints.

Developed after consulting with nationally recognized experts, the Assembly’s Policy Prohibiting Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation has been widely recognized for its thoughtful approach, and could serve as a template for future legislation.

Under the policy, the Assembly Committee on Ethics and Guidance is authorized to receive, investigate, hear, make findings and recommend disciplinary action against members on complaints alleging a violation of the policy. Additionally, those in supervisory positions, including legislators, are mandatory reporters required to report harassment allegations to the Committee or outside counsel.

Other assemblymembers named to the workgroup by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie were:

• Helene Weinstein
• Jeffrey Dinowitz
• Michele Titus
• Aileen Gunther
• Crystal Peoples-Stokes
• Charles Lavine
• Matthew Titone
• Kenneth Zebrowski
• Aravella Simotas
• Nily Rozic
• Victor Pichardo
• Pamela Hunter
• Carmen De La Rosa
• Monica Wallace

St. Lawrence County highway superintendents share concerns with Assemblywoman Jenne

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, met with over a dozen highway superintendents and Department of Public Works superintendents from around St. Lawrence County on Friday to listen to their concerns about funding cuts in the executive budget proposal.

St. Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Donald Chambers, who led the delegation, stressed the importance of the state's Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) funding to maintaining town and county roads and village and city streets.

Assemblywoman Jenne stressed that she would be fighting to have a $65 million Extreme Winter Weather fund restored to the state budget. The executive spending proposal eliminated that funding.

She said she will also advocate for the first increase in CHIPs funding in five years.

"As New York continues to work to attract new businesses, support existing employers and lay a foundation for the future, we must continue to expand our investment in critical infrastructure," Assemblywoman Jenne said following the meeting.

"Local governments continue to face intense financial pressure, making it especially important for us to increase CHIPs funding," she added.

"Last year’s enacted budget saw no CHIPs increase. This is a difficult budget year because New York faces a sizable deficit, but I’m hopeful that we can find a way to support this program to ensure struggling communities across the state have access to reliable infrastructure upon which to build future economic growth," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

She said she will call for maintaining the PAVE NY funding and seek to increase the state's funding commitment to the BRIDGE- NY program so that its distribution recognizes the dire state of many of the bridges in the region.

"St. Lawrence County was only able to fund one major bridge project last year at a time when they have a number of structures that need to be repaired or replaced in the very near future," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"A number of our bridges in the region were built around the same time and are nearing the end of their life spans. We are approaching a crisisand need to make necessary repairs. I'm hopeful that our federal officials can reach a major infrastructure deal that will invest more funding to road and bridge projects in the coming years," she pointed out.

Assemblywoman Jenne, who noted that she travels hundreds of miles each week, said major fluctuations in temperatures this winter have taken a toll on the North Country's infrastructure.

"We need to restore the $65 million Extreme Winter Recovery program. Winter weather is constantly a strain on municipal resources, and extreme weather is making this impact more severe. It’s important that we fund this program," she stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she was appreciative of highway superintendents from Clare to Brasher to Morristown taking time to meet with her and share their concerns.

"It's so important to hear the concerns from the men and women in the trenches dealing with the impact of the decisions we make in Albany," she said.

She cautioned highway officials that state lawmakers are facing a challenging budget year and acknowledged the final spending plan will be a result of some tough funding decisions.

Assemblywoman Jenne said in addition to hearing concerns about the state budget she also gained information from the highway superintendents and DPW chiefs about policy changes at the state level that are impacting local highway projects.

Highway superintendents also said they have had roads damaged by flooding this winter and last summer that need major repairs.

They noted emergency funding was not made available to communities with tributaries that flow in to the St. Lawrence River even though they also were impacted by last summer's high water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

St. Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Donald Chambers shares a concern with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne about funding in the executive budget proposal for work on local roads and bridges.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

St. Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Donald Chambers shares a concern with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne about funding in the executive budget proposal for work on local roads and bridges.

Ogdensburg Public Works Director Scott Thornhill chats with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne following a meeting to discuss highway funding in the FY 2018-19 executive state budget proposal.

Assemblywoman Jenne takes part in ceremonial tree tapping ceremony in Canton

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, pledged she would work to have funding restored in the New York state budget that helps with research, development and marketing for the state's maple syrup industry.

She made the comments during the annual ceremonial tree tapping at the Cornell Cooperation Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm in Canton. The event was co-hosted by Cooperative Extension and the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers Association and is typically held just before the maple syrup season in the North Country.

Future Farmers of America and 4-H club members provided support during a free pancake breakfast that is part of the annual event.

Cassondra Caswell, youth and family lead for Cooperative Extension, said this is the second year her agency has teamed up with the St. Lawrence County Maple Syrup Association to offer the breakfast. Maple treats, including maple cotton candy, were also available at the breakfast.

"The ag budget in New York State is always under fire, but the state Legislature traditionally works to get that critical funding back in the state budget that we adopt," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She pledged she and the region's other state representatives, including State Senator Patty Richie, chair of the state Senate's Agriculture Committee, would again fight to have funding restored.

The current state budget allocates $125,000 to Cornell University for maple research and $214,000 to the state's Maple Producers Association. The executive budget proposal zeroes out funding to both programs.

"That funding is important as we look to the expansion of the market. We have to make sure those funds are put back in the budget. You've got the state Legislature behind you," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

Gavin MacKellar, president of the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers Association and owner of MacK Maple Supply, Potsdam, said the funding is used in areas like food quality and food protection as well as for the promotion of maple products.

"Our mission is to educate and promote the maple syrup industry. We're not your grandpa's operation. It's very different than it used to be. We're using modern technology," he said.

He said maple syrup is also being used in a variety of new ways including in a variety of sweeteners and as a granulated sugar.

"Maple has a big heritage part here, dating back to the Native Americans. A lot of people just tap a few trees for fun. It's just a nice activity that gets people back outside," Mr. MacKellar noted.

But he said there are also a number of large producers in the region as well.

He said some of the larger producers have already tapped their trees, but most will be making that move over the next two weeks. He said hobby maple syrup makers will likely wait until the weather forecast looks favorable for the sap to start running.

"It's still a little early. The sap started running Feb. 20 last year. That was pretty early. Many of us are hoping it will be a little later this year," Mr. MacKellar said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne lifts Eliza Miller. 2, to take a peek inside the bucket after a ceremonial tree tapping Saturday morning at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm. Gavin MacKellar, president of the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers Association, supervised the hanging of the bucket.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne drills a hole in the tree, hammers in a tap with some assistance from two-year-old Eliza Miller and hangs a plastic bucket on a maple tree during Saturday's ceremonial tree tapping Saturday morning at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm. Gavin MacKellar, president of the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers Association, offered some advice during the process and then challenged the assemblywoman to figure out to get the cap on the bucket. She passed the test.

St. Lawrence County Legislator Larry Denesha taps a tree at Saturday's ceremonial tree tapping at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm. His work was supervised by Gavin MacKellar, president of the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers Association; Isaac Miller, 4; Ethan Amell, 3; and Eliza Miller, 2.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne waits for the start of the ceremonial tree tapping at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm with Ethan Amell, 3;  Isaac Miller, 4; and Eliza Miller, 2.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne speaks about the importance of the maple syrup industry to the region during an event co-hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County and the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers Association. Cassondra Caswell, youth and family lead for Cooperative Extension (background), introduced Assemblywoman Jenne.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Naomi Moon of Gouverneur about the high school senior's future plans following the ceremonial tree tapping at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm. Naomi is a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America and attends the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Ag Academy.

Assemblywoman Jenne welcomes Fort Drum delegation to state Capitol

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, enjoyed a proud moment when soldiers from Fort Drum traveled to Albany for the seventh annual Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day Tuesday at the state Capitol Tuesday.

The assembly passed a resolution, sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River, honoring the soldiers for their service to the state and country. Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, recognized the 10th Mountain Division during proceedings in the New York State Senate.

Assemblywoman Jenne, speaking on the floor of the assembly, said the members of the 10th Mountain Division are a part of the North Country fabric.

She noted a number of soldiers at Fort Drum are currently preparing for deployment to Iraq, a reminder of the sacrifices the soldiers and their families make for their country.

"We have a unique situation at Fort Drum in that the children of the soldiers that are stationed here attend our local schools, live in our community and utilize the same healthcare system. We really are one big happy family up in the North Country," the assemblywoman said.

"And so as they are here today, to interact with us and let us know more about what they do, not just in the state, not just for our nation, but for anyone who shares the ideals of democracy throughout this world, I would ask that we pause and really give due consideration to all of their sacrifices made by both our soldiers and their families," Assemblywoman Jenne added, noting the role the soldiers have played in the defense of the nation's ideals since 9/11.

Members of the 10th Mountain Division had several displays of military gear and the equipment used in modern warfare at the state Capitol for the event.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the displays gave her colleagues a reminder of the work being done around the world by our nation's military.

"The equipment they brought down includes a stretcher. There was a grappling demonstration, and they brought down several of the weapons they carry in battle,"Assemblywoman Jenne said after the assembly’s session.

"It's a vivid reminder that war isn't just planes flying at high altitudes dropping bombs. It's up close and personal, and there are casualties," she noted.

"That's what the 10th Mountain Division is called upon to do time and again. They go to where the fight is, and fight is what they do for us," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie later met with Maj. Gen. Walter Piatt and representatives from Fort Drum.

The resolution noted Fort Drum is the largest military installation in the Northeast. The 10th Mountain Division is known as the Army's most deployed unit.

Fort Drum is the largest single-site employer in New York State, and an economic engine for the state and region, with a direct impact of roughly $1.2 billion in 2016. The post supports more than 72,000 people, including military personnel, their families, retirees and civilians.

"Fort Drum has and will continue to play an important and essential role in ensuring our nation's military readiness to defend our state and nation against hostility and threats to our safety and national security," the resolution noted.

IN THE PHOTOS:

IN THE TOP PHOTO:

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (center) jokes with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Major Gen.Walter Piatt of the 10th Mountain Division during a meeting Tuesday afternoon in the Speaker's Office.

IN THE TOP BOTTOM PHOTO:

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (l) and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (r) visit with Major Gen. Walter Piatt (center) and Deputy to the Garrison Commander Eric Wagenaar (second from left) Tuesday afternoon during 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day at the New York State Capitol.

Assemblywoman Jenne says medical malpractice law she supported has been signed into law

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne announced legislation she supported to allow patients whose cancer was misdiagnosed or not detected more time to seek just compensation in court has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The bill, known as "Lavern's Law," would change the date when the statute of limitations clock begins from the actual date of alleged malpractice to the date that a patient learns, or should have learned, they are a victim of medical negligence.

“When a doctor fails to diagnose or misdiagnoses a patient, the results can be fatal. Often times patients and their families have been unable to seek justice because mistakes can go unnoticed for years, well after the statute of limitations has expired," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"That’s why I helped push for this legislation that will make sure medical professionals and hospitals can be held accountable for misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose cancer in patients after the mistake is caught," she added. "It's important to protect the health and safety of patients and their families and ensure a fair justice system.”

Under the previous law, the statute of limitations begins when the malpractice occurred and ends two and a half years after the date of the alleged malpractice.

Under the new law, the statute of limitations for medical, dental or podiatric malpractice for actions involving a failure to diagnose cancer or a malignant tumor would not begin until the patient discovers, or should have discovered, the alleged malpractice.

Missed diagnoses sometimes go unnoticed when patients do not experience any new symptoms following the alleged malpractice. The new law offers a legal remedy for an individual who has suffered as a result of such malpractice, according to Assemblywoman Jenne.