Wednesday, June 30, 2010

StarGazette: Broome County Council of Churches mentioned





June 29, 2010


Veto override unlikely as Democrats revise budget

By Nick Reisman
Albany Bureau

ALBANY - An override of Gov. David Paterson's vetoes of 6,900 spending items appeared unlikely Tuesday as Republican lawmakers in the Senate blasted a budget they said drives up spending and does nothing to control property taxes.

Meanwhile, Democrats in the Senate and Assembly said they plan to pass revenue bills on Thursday that would complete the state budget, now three months overdue.

The bills were changed in order to strengthen support among some rank-and-file lawmakers who had raised concerns Monday about aspects of the bills.

The changes included striking a provision that would have allowed same-sex couples married outside of the state to file an income-tax return as a married couple and eliminated a proposal that would have exempted those with homes valued above $2 million from participating in the STAR rebate program. Another change gave New York City the option of adopting a state plan that would halve deductions from charitable contributions made by those with incomes above $10 million.

Despite the changes, Republicans were unlikely to vote for the revised bills.

"Any tweaks they're making right now is just a drop in the ocean when they didn't provide any property-tax relief at all," said Mark Hansen, a spokesman for the Senate Republicans.

Sen. Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie, said Democrats had failed to produce a solid figure of how much would be spent in the 2010-11 fiscal year, which started April 1.

"I think it would take a cross between a wizard and an alchemist to determine where we stand now with the budget," he said.

Senate Democratic officials have estimated the final budget number at about $136 billion.
The governor followed through on his promise to veto new spending - including $419 million in restored education aid - on Monday after lawmakers approved a series of spending bills.

Paterson told the Associated Press on Tuesday that he was ending negotiations with legislative leaders over the vetoes and said, "as far as I am concerned, this budget process is over."

Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said he was focused on passing the revenue bills before overriding Paterson's vetoes. The Assembly and Senate would have to mount a two-thirds vote in each house in order to pass an override. "Once we pass a revenue bill, we will take it up in conference and make a determination as to whether we'll move an override," he said.

Democrats hold a slim 32-30 seat majority in the Senate, so Democrats would have to lure 10 Republicans in order to successfully override the governor. Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson said an override would have to wait.

"That is something we can consider, but my goal is to work it out with the speaker and the governor," he said after meeting privately with the governor.

Paterson is also vetoing $193 million in member items, commonly known as pork.

The governor also plans to strike about $95 million in spending added by the Legislature on Monday.
The member items to be vetoed include $10,000 for the University of Rochester Medical Center, $250,000 for Elmira College, $20,000 for the Yonkers Public School District and
$7,500 for the Broome County Council of Churches.

"We understand very clearly how bad the situation really is and we've tried to share with our constituents that they may not get member items," said Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Mount Vernon, Westchester County, adding that many of her funding projects include anti-gang programs.

"We're not talking about frivolous stuff. All of these are very critical to the ongoing survival of the communities."
Sen. George Winner, R-Elmira, said the vetoes have a greater effect on districts with Democratic senators because they get more of the member items.

"If we have to cut back, we cut back," Winner said.

The governor had been pushing the Legislature to approve his proposals, which included a 4 percent cap on property taxes and a plan that would allow grocery stores to sell wine.

Instead, lawmakers passed part of a joint budget agreed to over the weekend.

Paterson had promised to veto new spending, the education aid and the member items if lawmakers failed to pass a contingency plan in case the state loses up to $1 billion in Medicaid aid from the federal government.
Paterson has argued that the Legislature's budget doesn't close what is left of a $9.2 billion deficit, the main stumbling block in passing a budget.

Sampson, the Senate Democratic leader, said that the focus remains on property-tax cuts and restoring the school aid.

"It's not about member items," Sampson said. "What's more important is making sure that we get back that money for education and also for property tax (cap)."

The Senate is also refusing to draft legislation submitted by Paterson's office and the Senate Judiciary Committee set aside several of the governor's nominations for judgeships.

"It's all about negotiations," Sampson said. "You have to use whatever tools you have to negotiate."
The Senate Judiciary Committee was due to take up the nominations of Michelle Ila Schauer as judge of the Westchester County Family Court; Vincent J. Rizzo as judge of the Monroe County Court; and Glen T. Bruening as judge of the Court of Claims.

http://www.stargazette.com/article/20100629/NEWS01/6290350/Veto-override-unlikely-as-Democrats-revise-budget


Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Letter from Ramp Recipient to Dr Joe

Dear Reverend,


I am sending you this letter to not only express my heartfelt gratitude for the attractive and liberating (literally and figuratively) wheelchair ramp built through the "Ramp It Up" program but also to commend the people involved in the implementation and "nuts and bolts" aspects of this worthy project.


Mrs. Joanne Kays, who I have not had the pleasure of meeting, has obviously taken pains in directing the community outreach and structural aspects of the program as my awareness and access to the process of application, planning,etc. was dignified and thoughtful.  Greg Jenkins, who managed the hands on phase of the project at my home, met with me many times to work out the logistics of scheduling, materials and personnel.  He insured that the entire set-up and construction were as non intrusive to daily life as possible. I was pleased to find that Mr. Jenkins was a recipient of the 2010 Lighthouse Award as his demeanor indicated this recognition would be well deserved.


Last, but certainly not the least, is the team from the Home Education Exchange Youth Through Youth Initiative.  All these individuals, from the site supervisors to each carpenter took the time to do the job well and not merely by rote, but with an eye to detail that indicated the true Spirit of their undertaking.


The Broome County Council of Churches should be proud to have people such as these working with it.


Thank you for the good works the council is engaged in and I will continue to be a supporter in any way I can.

Ramp was built the weekend of June 5, 2010

Letter from someone who helped build a wheelchair ramp for Ramp It Up 2010

Greg,

On behalf of Church of The Holy Family youth group, and personally, I'd like to thank you for your leadership and the positive example you set for our youth.  Your commitment to this program and it's dual beneficiaries - the resident and the youth volunteers, is commendable.  As a father I'd like to thank you for giving my boys an opportunity to challenge themselves, to learn new skills, to be relied on to complete a difficult task, and to serve someone else selflessly.  You are a positive witness to what it means to be a Christian man in daily life, and for that I am thankful.

This is a wonderful program that I hope continues to receive the necessary support from the community.  On the way home Sunday afternoon my son Louis said two things worth noting.  First, he said, "I feel good" - for having helped a person in need.  Second, he said, "Do you think we'll do this again next year?". 

I certainly hope we have an opportunity to do this again next year.

I would also ask that you pass on to Eric that he similarly guided my boys and it was a pleasure working with him.

Sincerely,
Peter


Helped build the ramp the weekend of 6/12/2010

Monday, June 14, 2010

PressConnects: Golf Classic







June 10, 2010

Golf tourney to benefit volunteer program
The ninth annual Faith in Action Volunteers Golf Classic and BBQ will he held Aug. 13 at Traditions at the Glen in Union, the Broome County Council of Churches announced. The tournament, which will be conducted in a four-person captain and crew format, kicks off at 1 p.m.
All proceeds benefit Faith in Action Volunteers, a network of about 300 volunteers who assist some 400 elderly, ill or disabled clients by providing transportation to medical appointments, help with grocery shopping and light housekeeping, home visits, minor home repairs and yard work.
Registration and a putting contest begin at noon. Discount rates of $100 for individual golfers are available through July 30; the rate rises to $125 July 31. The cost covers the greens fee, golf cart, barbecue dinner, refreshments, gifts and prizes, including a hole-in-one contest for a new car from the Miller Auto Team.
Several levels of business sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Joanne Kays at 724-0130 ext. 304 or visit www.broomecouncil.net.

Golf Classic on WBNG Up To The Minute News

Up To The Minute News

Faith in Action Volunteers/BC Council of Churches Golf Classic Aug. 13


Last Update: 6/10 9:35 am
From Broome County Council of Churches:

The 9th Annual Faith in Action Volunteers Golf Classic and BBQ of the Broome County Council of Churches will be held on Friday, Aug. 13, at Traditions at the Glen in Johnson City. The four-person captain and crew format tourney begins at 1 p.m.

Registration and a putting contest begin at noon. Discount rates of $100 for individual golfers are available through July 30; the rate goes to $125 on July 31. The rate covers greens fee, golf cart, BBQ dinner, refreshments, gifts and prizes, including a hole-in-one contest for a new car from the Miller Auto Team. Other contests will be held for longest drive (male and female), closest to the pin and the putting contest.

Several levels of business sponsorship are available for the tournament and include sponsorship signs on the tee and flyer or company publicity in all giveaway bags. For more information, contact Joanne Kays at the Council of Churches, 724-9130, ext. 304, or visit www.broomecouncil.net.

The proceeds from the tournament benefit Faith in Action Volunteers (FIAV), a program of the Council of Churches. FIAV is a network of individuals from religious congregations that share traditions of human concerns for others, working with the frail elderly, the chronically ill and the disabled to help these people maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life. About 300 volunteers assist some 400 clients-at no cost to them—by providing transportation to medical appointments, help with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, home visits and minor home repairs or yard work.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Lots of Facebook Posts Recently. Here is a Sampling:

Deacon Ed Blaine Tentative change in the Orchard Planting date. We are now looking at Sunday, August 22 beginning at 10:00 AM. Sign up by call the Broome County Council of Churches. Let us know if you will be bringing a pick and shovel.

The Broome County Council of Churches 9th Annual Faith in Action Golf Classic
Friday, Aug 13 at Traditions at the Glen. Noon registration, 1:00 pm shot gun start. Teams of 4 Captain & Crew, join in the golfing fun! Try your luck at winning a car! Golfers, $100 by 7/30/10. Tee, Birdie, Eagle and Major sponsorships available.

The Broome County Council of Churches Knock 'M Down for Ramp It Up bowling tournament. Four to a team, $20 per person. Lane sponsorships are $100 each and $50 for each additional lane. Major sponsorship is $500. Join the fun on Saturday, October 23, Noon to 4:00 pm.
Yesterday at 3:28pm ·  · 

animoto.com
Lives of Commitment Breakfast
Yesterday at 3:19pm ·  ·  · Share
Broome County Council of Churches Faith in Action Volunteers Program Ramp It Up program began on June 5 & 6 with the Home Education Team. Ramp building went well and the homeowners are very happy. Next weekend Church of the Holy Family will build a ramp. Join in with Knock 'M Down for Ramp It Up, our fun-raising bowling tournament on Saturday, Oct 23, Noon to 4:00. Four to a team, $20 per person. Lane sponsorships start at $100.
Yesterday at 10:26am ·  · 

Broome County Council of Churches Faith in Action Volunteers Program The Faith in Action Golf Classic will be held on Friday, Aug 13 at Traditions at the Glen. Noon registration, 1:00 pm shot gun start. Teams of 4 Captain & Crew, join in the golfing fun! Try your luck at winning a car! Golfers, $100 by 7/30/10. Tee, Birdie, Eagle and Major sponsorships available.
Yesterday at 10:18am ·  · 


This is just to name a few.  Join Facebook and Follow the Council to see all of them :)






Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Lives of Commitment Breakfast


View a neat slide show of the Awards Breakfast. Thanks, Judy for putting it together!

Lives of Commitment Breakfast

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Ramp It Up program

The Ramp It Up program began with the Home Education Team on June 5 & 6. The team did a great job and the homeowners are thrilled. You can help us by planning to participate in Knock 'M Down for Ramp It Up bowling tournament. Four to a team, $20 per person. Lane sponsorships are $100 each and $50 for each additional lane. Major sponsorship is $500. Join the fun on Saturday, October 23, Noon to 4:00 pm.

9th Annual Faith in Action Golf Classic

The Faith in Action Golf Classic will be held on Friday, Aug 13 at Traditions at the Glen. Noon registration, 1:00 pm shot gun start. Teams of 4 Captain & Crew, join in the golfing fun! Try your luck at winning a car! Golfers, $100 by 7/30/10. Tee, Birdie, Eagle and Major sponsorships available.