Contributed photo H. Carl McCall addresses students at SCCC. (Click for larger image)

Supporting quality education

LOCH SHELDRAKE — New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall addressed the students, faculty, staff and guests during a special lecture held at Sullivan County Community College (SCCC). McCall, who has served as comptroller since May 1993, stressed the importance of supporting quality educational institutions like community colleges.

“If we want this state to be competitive in this global economy, we’ve got to have educated and trained young people to fill technical jobs and develop new products. We need them fighting for us if we are to succeed,” said McCall. “That’s why, as a state, we simply can’t afford not to build up our public colleges and universities, especially community colleges.”

Assemblyman Jacob E. Gunther, III, of Forestburgh arranged for McCall to speak at SCCC. His son, Jacob E. Gunther, IV, is a Monticello High School senior and a full-time matriculated student at SCCC.

McCall’s address was followed by a question and answer session.

ACT now for college placement

REGION — The next ACT assessment will be administered nationwide on June 9, 2001. College-bound high school students must register for the college admissions and placement exam by May 4. An extra fee will be charged for late registrations, which must be postmarked by May 18.

ACT scores are accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities and are used by colleges along with high school grade point average and other information in admissions decisions and to help place students in appropriate-level courses. The test fee is $23 ($26 in Florida).

Students can register for the ACT by getting information from their high school counselors or by registering online at www.act.org.

Quilt creates awareness

HONESDALE — The Honesdale High School National Honor Society will host The AIDS Memorial Quilt. Viewing will be open to the public on Friday, April 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The quilt will be on display in the Honesdale High School gymnasium.

Also, an awareness program focusing on HIV and hepatitis C will be held on Tuesday, April 24, at Lakeside Elementary School, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The program will be presented by Dave Reynolds, MD, and Dan Polino. For more information call 570/253-8422.

Job fair a huge success

MILFORD — The Pike County Workforce Development Agency’s annual Job Fair, held at the Best Western Inn in Matamoras, on April 2, was the best yet, according to Workforce Development Director Cynthia DeFebo.

Almost 500 jobseekers attended and spoke with some or all of the 57 vendors, comprised mostly of tri-state area employers seeking to recruit new employees. Area social service agencies, various training providers and community colleges made up the remainder of the vendors.

Sponsors of the job fair included Western Inn at Hunts Landing, CDE Computer Learning Centers, Clear Channel Communications, Eyewatch News TV 13, Pike/Wayne Bureau and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Teachers supporting teachers

HONESDALE — Wayne Highlands Education Association (WHEA), a local association of teachers and counselors, offers two scholarships of $1,000 each to students who plan to pursue a career in the field of education.

Applicants must be residents of the Wayne Highlands School District. Applications are available in the guidance office of Honesdale High School. The application deadline is April 23.

G’day, mate

REGION — PAX Abroad Director Peggy Jackson has announced an opportunity for New York State high school students to participate in a Summer Adventure in Australia. The homestay and outdoor adventure program is arranged by PAX-Program of Academic Exchange, a foundation which promotes cross cultural education for teenagers.

“Summer Adventure in Australia provides a teenager with the chance to really live the Australian experience,” said Jackson. “Australians are incredibly hospitable people; the country boasts splendid scenery and a relaxed lifestyle that revolves around the outdoors. Participants first live with a host family to experience everyday life while visiting local sights and attractions in either Sydney or Brisbane. Students share a very different culture without the challenge of a different language.”

The adventure portion that follows takes students to Far North Queensland, site of some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, a visit to the Daintree River and rain forest and a chance to learn about Aboriginal culture are included in the eight-day adventure.

Students between the ages of 15 and 18 interested in learning more about the PAX Summer Adventure in Australia should contact Jackson, in the PAX national office at 800/555-6211. Application deadline is May 1.

Summertime and livin’ is healthy

HARRIS — Classes in yoga, t’ai chi, aromatherapy, self-hypnosis, kinesiology, Feldenkrais and self care for seniors are part of Community General Hospital’s (CGH) Complementary Medicine program for summer 2001.

Hatha Yoga classes will be held on Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., for eight weeks. The classes will begin on June 26 and continue on July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; and August 7 and 14. “Hatha Yoga teaches a series of body postures, asanas, which tone the body, reduce stress, relieve aches and ease pain,” said Laura Loftus, class instructor.

Loftus will also hold stretching classes on Saturdays, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., for six weeks. The classes will begin on July 21 and continue on July 28; August 11, 18, 25; and September 1.

T’ai chi classes will be held on Wednesdays, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Class dates are June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; and August 1, 8 and 15. An additional series of classes will be held on Thursdays, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., beginning July 5 and continuing on July 12, 19, 26; and August 2, 9, 16 and 23.

The four-week course in kinesiology will be held on Wednesdays, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held on July 11, 18, 25; and August 1.

The eight-week series in the Feldenkrais method will begin on Thursday, July 5 and continue on July 12, 19, 26; and August 2, 9, 16 and 23. The one-hour class will start at 12:30 p.m. “Feldenkrais uses movement to help people overcome limitations caused by stress, misuse of the body, accidents and illness,” said David Marks, PT, class instructor.

Nandini Weitzman, CCN, BRCP (Eng.) will present the first of a series of six classes on the art and science of aromatherapy on Wednesday, July 11. The two-hour classes will continue on July 25; and August 1, 8, 15 and 22.

The use of the mind for positive personal change will be the subject of a six-week series of self-hypnosis classes led by Eric Boles, MS, DCH. The two-hour classes will begin on Monday, July 2, at 6:00 p.m. Classes will continue on July 9, 16, 23, 30; and August 6.

Self-care for seniors will be held on Wednesdays, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Class dates are July 11, 18, 25; and August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Advance registration for the classes in CGH’s summer program is requested. For more information or to register call 845/794-3300, ext. 2094.

[Editor’s Note: The Hatha Yoga class at CGH, running Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning June 26, was inadvertently omitted from TRR’s listing of Sullivan County yoga classes in last week’s issue.]