Daily Archives: February 3, 2011

Gary Lee’s Daybreak to Twilight

We finally had a nice weekend weather wise, for all the events that went on. The pond hockey Adirondack Bowl had good conditions for the event with very little wind for the spectators to contend with and temperatures that kept the rinks in good shape for the players. The Zippy riders had god trail conditions for snowmobiling and temperatures that were done right enjoyable for riding. It was a hopping weekend in Inlet with a little new snow each day that made it good for x-country skiing and temperatures in the twenties, above that is.

I got down and watched a few pond hockey games on Friday and took a few pictures. It’s not the National Hockey League but it was fun and the players seem to be enjoying themselves. The spectators changed with the teams that were on the ice so there seemed to be a following for each group. I didn’t go down when they had the games under the lights but I’m sure that was neat also. The parking lot was sure lite up with the bright highway lights.

We have the most snow on the ground than we’ve had in a long time, well over twenty inches and mostly light powder. It’s fun to snowshoe in with my big shoes, I don’t know how it would be with the smaller shoes on a unbroken path. I see a lot of people with the smaller shoes going on a broke trail but not many just going off through the woods on their own.

I did some trail breaking on the x-country ski trail along Limelikn Swamp with skies Saturday and it was very nice. I had three following me and on the way out I let them go first so I could get a nice glide in the broke track. I was with my daughter Erin, grandson Jacob and his friend Dillon. Dillon had fallen twice in the same spot on the way in and since he had marked the spot I stopped there to take his picture on the way out. Well he didn’t disappoint me as he fell right on cue in the same spot as was taking his picture.

Jacob and Dillon had downhill skied and snow boarded all day Friday at McCauley Mountain, they said the conditions were great and the price was right. They started at nine and ended when the lifts stopped running, I guess they got their moneys worth that day. After we x-country skied Saturday they went over to the sliding hill at Fern Park and played until dark so they had two full days of outdoor air and fun.

Friday night we played a new card game that Dillon had brought Card Monopoly, which was interesting. I won the first game, which was to get three monolopies. Since no one told me that was the object of the game and my turn had passed so when it came to Grandson Jacob’s turn he also got three and declared he had won. I cried fowl and we played another hand and I don’t remember who won that one. It certainly doesn’t take as long to play this as a real game of Monopoly for sure.

This light fluff snow is sure good for the Grouse to spend their cold nights in. I don’t know how many times I’ve been going through the woods and a Grouse has come right out from under my snowshoe. That will get your heart pumping for sure. There are many birds that use the snow as and insulator. Many of the northern birds that come here for the winter have learned this trick to survive in their harsh climate. I was watching the Common Redpolls the other night as they literally fluttered in under the snow on my back porch for the night. At first I thought they had hit the window and were struggling to get air borne again. Instead they were flitting to get under the snow where they stayed the entire night. If these birds don’t plan right and an ice storm or freezing rain comes during the night they will be sealed under the snow. I’ve heard this has happened to Grouse but never have seen this myself. Many times in the spring you will find a pile of Grouse droppings in one place and this was where one had spent the night under the snow during the winter.

A Perch fishing I will go but that’s another story. See ya.

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Talkin’ Code wtih Andrew Getty

Does a C/O a Guarantee everything is Finished?

Let’s ask the same question in a different way….. Is any building ever really totally 100% finished?

All the inspections that lead up to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy [C/O] help to ensure that substantial compliance has been achieved. The magic term or phrase here is substantial compliance. All too often the Code Office is questioned as to why a C/O was issued, or, in the reverse, why a C/O cannot be issued. A building can appear unfinished or appear completely finished. This is typical in any town, village or city.

The C/O merely represents that the structure, on the date of the C/O, along with the mechanical, energy, fire safety, plumbing and electrical aspects, have been designed and installed in substantial conformity to the NYS Code requirements. And that some method of inspection(s) has been carried out by either the Code Office or an approved and recognized third party agency. And furthermore, that the structure on the date on the C/O was safe for occupancy.

Will the issuance of the C/O guarantee that everything is finished? …. Of course not. Here are a number of things that could be left unfinished, but has very little to do with the issuance of a C/O: carpeting, painting, ceramic tile, finish on a concrete floor, kitchen cabinets, trim around windows & doors, storage shelving, light fixtures, landscaping and general cleaning after construction. Many of these items can be left incomplete.

Fire safety and life safety items that impact the structure as a whole, and not just one little place in the structure cannot, and will not, be overlooked. Fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, exit paths, all points of egress, heat and smoke detectors will always trigger a denial for a C/O. Almost anything else can be itemized and corrected in a reasonable length of time. There is quite a bit of discretion on the part of the Code Officer in some cases. Some, common sense, some pure code and life safety.

The Code Office has NOT received any complaints in regards to the new Art Center of Old Forge; however we have received a few questions. Like “how could you grant the C/O if they are not done?” The C/O has been issued, as it should have been. However, not until all fire safety, mechanical, sanitary and certain other features were exhaustively inspected and tested and found to meet minimum standards. The items not yet complete have little or no impact on the facility being safely occupied and used by the staff or the public. In-fact, the facility was substantially ready for a C/O for some time except for only a few things, but those few things were critical to life-safety.……specific to fire alarms, early warning and detection. All those remaining issues were addressed, corrected and verified.

Back to the title of this article, does the issuance of a C/O a guarantee everything is finished? Of course not!! All the things that really do not impact the fire safety, structural, energy efficiency requirements can be in various states of completion.

The Town of Webb Code Office wishes to extend our appreciation to the contractors, architects, engineers, the Art Center Staff and the Board of Directors for all of their efforts [and lack of complaints!!] to bring this facility to the state of readiness to enable this office to comfortably issue the C/O. More often than not, for whatever reason, people often want their C/O long before they are ready…or at least before ‘substantial’ compliance is met. Good Luck Art Center!!!!

Now it’s onto the Property Maintenance Code. Doesn’t this code stuff ever go away??

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Nourished Living by Dietician Kelly Hamlin MA, RD, CDN

Food Allergies

One question that I seem to get a lot is about food allergies and why they are so much more prevalent now than they used to be. A food allergy is a potentially serious immune response to eating specific foods or food additives. There are eight different types of foods that account for over 90% of allergic reactions in affected individuals: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Different people react differently and can range from a tingling sensation around the mouth and lips and hives to death, depending on the severity of the allergy. It is largely unknown why people devolope food allerties. Food allergies can greatly affect children and their families’ well-being.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

In 2007, approximately 3 million children under age 18 years (3.9%) were reported to have a food   or digestive allergy in the previous 12 months.

From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy increased 18% among children under age 18 years.

Children with food allergy are two to four times more likely to have other related conditions such as asthma and other allergies, compared with children without food allergies.

From 2004 to 2006, there were approximately 9,500 hospital discharges per year with a diagnosis related to food allergy among children under age 18 years.

So you look at those statistics and ask why? I wish I had an answer, but in the research that I’ve done, there are theories as to why, but no concrete answers.

Food allergies can be so dangerous not because of the obvious food that causes reactions (i.e. peanuts or shellfish) but the little ways that the offending foods may be hidden in places you would never think of. For those of you who remember the old Ground Round restaurants, remember the peanuts on the floor? A person with a peanut allergy would NEVER have been able to even go in the restaurant. The peanut dust alone would be enough to cause a reaction. I’ve heard of people having reactions from kissing someone who has had peanut butter, shellfish, etc. My sister-in-law is allergic to shellfish and she cannot eat french fries that are cooked in the same oil as fried shrimp.

You all know that I preach reading labels, usually for serving sizes, calories, etc. With food allergies, reading the label can mean the difference between life and death. Yes, I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Read labels because:

Ingredients can and do change over time. Ingredients can and do change over time. Don’t assume that a food product’s ingredients are going to always be the same just because the last time you purchased the product it was safe. Manufacturers are notorious for changing ingredients without warning.

Manufacturing practices can vary from one locale to another. Different plants across the country and run by the same manufacturer can and do use different ingredients even though the basic packaging may look the same. When searching for products, don’t assume that the same product you are shopping for has the identical ingredients or cross contamination issues. It may not.

Look for names of hidden ingredients on the label. Become familiar with names of hidden ingredients for all of those unusual words like casein for milk or albumin for egg — that mean they indicate the presence of a food to which you are allergic. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network sells wallet size “read a label” cards you can use as a resource when shopping for foods to assist you with reading labels.

Natural flavoring can contain many allergenic ingredients and the components of natural flavor can vary from product to product. Don’t assume that a product is safe if it contains “natural flavoring” without calling the manufacturer to ask about the safety of the natural flavoring for your unique food allergy issues.

 

And it’s not just foods that can have hidden allergens.

IV solutions can contain corn-based dextrose.

Flu shots contain residual egg proteins.

Glucosamine contains shellfish.

Adhesives can contain wheat.

Natural rubber latex cross-reacts with food allergies to banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut.

Topical creams and medications can contain arachis oil, a peanut derivative.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can contain bindings, fillers or coatings made with potato, corn, wheat, tapioca, dairy, coconut, gelatin, lactose or milk sugar.

Source: Food and Drug Administration

I wish I had a concrete answer as to why food allergies are on the rise, unfortunately there isn’t one. People with food allergies are more than aware of the information in this article, but for those of us without food allergies, it is soooooooo important that if you are having someone with a food allergy over to your house, that you keep these important points in mind. Have a great week everyone!

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Growing up Adirondack by Mitch Lee

Pistol Pete

In the early days of February 1970, I became a college hoops fan even before my father put up the short basketball hoop that summer against our garage wall. I was five going on fifteen and all boy as my mother recorded in my baby book. This was a special time in college basketball though and it formed a beginning passion for me. A quintessential time that comes once in a boy’s lifetime. Pistol Pete Maravich a senior player at LSU was leading the nation in so many categories that his story seemed larger than life. I was watching for any news about his games.

Pete was electrifying the nation and me with his efforts on the floor by taking basketball unknown LSU into unfamiliar playoff contention by putting up points like a machine. A machine gun to be exact as one broad caster punned. At Tulane in a 110-94 win Pistol Pete put in 66 points and the news broadcasters were now taking a closer look at what Pete did to become so proficient. Pete in an interview was shy and quiet but those who knew him explained that his skills were perfected through hours and hours of repetitious drills at all hours of the day and night.

I was marveling at his prowess and loved that his home court was nicknamed the Cow Palace. Our television at Limekiln lake was a small black and white dial affair with three stations and only one that would tune in with good reception. It was difficult to find the games of Pistol Pete on television because the basketball power houses of Kentucky and UCLA were National icons.

It was always the same on a Saturday as the afternoon game came on broadcasters would talk about Pistol Pete while they were doing play by play of two other teams. Snow was drifting down out side as a tried to watch the game the occasional snowmobile passing made our television go haywire and there were twenty second stretches that went blurry but that was the way I fell in love with the sport.

I had a plastic bowling ball that I used to try and dribble and shoot with. In later years I developed a coat hanger bent into a hoop that could slide in the top of the door jam in the groove between two knotty pine boards. The net I made from an onion bag. I spent hours in our living room making a record of how many free throws in a row I could make on my homemade indoor Adirondack cottage court.

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A Column of News & Comment by Senator James L. Seward

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

The most recent blast of arctic weather to hit our region has everyone scrambling to recall the vital, sometimes life-saving, tips necessary to survive the winter months in upstate New York. While many helpful hints are common sense, a little reminder is always beneficial.

The New York State Office of Emergency Management is a terrific resource for winter safety advice. The site, www.semo.state.ny.us, is filled with useful information like the difference between a winter storm warning, watch and advisory; steps to winterize your home, techniques to clear snow from your roof, and how to protect your water pipes from freezing.

The site also offers some important winter driving tips and what to do if you are trapped on the road during a blizzard:

Stay in your car and wait for help to find you;

Run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow;

Turn on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal rescuers;

Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car;

Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

New York motorists have another excellent safety tool right at their fingertips. The state Department of Transportation recently upgraded its 511 New York system to include a new free mobile device application that provides New Yorkers with up-to-the-minute information regarding traffic, transit and emergency service notifications as well as weather advisories.

The 511NY mobile application is a free app that Blackberry, iPhone and Google Android mobile device users can download to easily access weather, transit and traffic conditions. The new services make real-time travel information, already available via phone and web through 511NY, more accessible to people as they are traveling. The new app as well as information on other free, personalized services can be found on-line at www.511ny.org.

One other specific cold weather concern is a power outage. Heavy snow can drop tree limbs on power lines, knocking out service for hours or even days. Ice storms can also wreak havoc. With that in mind, here are several suggestions from the New York State Public Service Commission to help ensure health and safety if you fall victim to a lengthy, unexpected power outage:

Stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing your time outdoors;

Know the mental and physical signs of hypothermia (shivering, drowsiness) and how to treat it (wrap the person in warm clothing, move the individual to a warm location and seek medical attention);

Hang blankets over windows and doorways to insulate your home;

If you have a working fireplace, use it for heat or light, but be sure to keep the damper open for ventilation;

Open your faucets to a steady drip so pipes don’t freeze;

Stay nourished. Food provides needed energy and drinking helps you avoid dehydration;

Never use a charcoal grill inside or a gas stove for heat as they give off harmless levels of carbon monoxide;

If using a generator, place it outside for proper ventilation. Turn off the main electric breaker before using the generator to prevent electricity from traveling to otherwise de-energized electrical lines outside your house and possibly injuring repair crews;

Check on neighbors with special needs;

Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling. If you use dry ice, handle it with gloves so it doesn’t damage your skin;

Turn off major appliances to prevent damage from a possible surge when the power is restored.

By keeping all of these thoughts in mind you can stay safe throughout the winter season.

Senator Seward’s office web site is www.senatorjimseward.com.

Follow Senator Seward at www.facebook.com/senatorjimseward.

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