Domestic violence bill signed

ALBANY, NY — Sen. David Carlucci (D-Rockland) and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-West Nyack) announced that their legislation to allow domestic violence victims to report an incident of abuse to any law enforcement agency in New York State was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on August 9.

“Our bill will lead to increased domestic violence reporting, allow survivors to get to safety, and hopefully prevent future tragedies,” said Carlucci. “I thank Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Center For Safety & Change, and survivor Angela Rivera for working with me on this legislation and seeing it through to the end.”

At a recent press conference Carlucci, Zebrowski and Rivera highlighted the importance of allowing survivors to file a complaint with any law enforcement agency across the state. Previously, individuals were able to report an incident of domestic abuse only to the police who have jurisdiction over that area. Sponsors say this law will lead to an increase in domestic violence reporting, encouraging survivors to come forward. Additionally, survivors will be able to leave the area where their abuser is located in order to get to safety. Advocates say requiring individuals to return to the area where the attack occurred leaves them vulnerable and at risk to their abuser.

Money for Wayne Memorial

SCRANTON, PA — Congressman Matt Cartwright on August 12 announced $334,000 in federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The award is a supplemental allocation from last year’s grant titled “Expanding Access to Quality Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services (SUD-MH).” It was designed to increase access to substance-use disorder and mental-health services, by assisting health centers in implementing and advancing evidence-based strategies that best meet the substance-use disorder and mental-health needs of the populations they serve.

The following centers received this supplemental award: Scranton Primary Health Care Center, Inc. for $176,000 and the Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers for $176,000.
“Community health centers are a vital source of timely, quality health care to children and families in our communities,” said Cartwright. “I continue to be a strong advocate for federal funding that ensures centers like both of these, and other centers across Northeastern Pennsylvania, will have what they need to continue the critical work they do.”

Nature writer to present at canal festival

HAWLEY, PA — Wayne County resident John Harvey will present the story of his latest book, “The Stillness of the Living Forest: A Year of Listening and Learning” at the 7th annual D & H Canal Festival on Saturday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m. At 1 p.m., he will lead a Mindfulness Nature Walk along the Riverside Trail at the D & H Canal Park at Lock 31, located on Route 6 one mile west of Hawley.

Harvey’s book is based on a commitment he made to sit for an hour a week for a full year in the same spot in the forest. His intention was to deepen his connection with nature and observe the weekly progress of the seasons.
He chose a “sit spot” along the shoreline of Prompton Lake, Wayne County. Close, but not “too close” to home to become a distraction, this solitary observation point would be where the mysteries of nature would unfold, he decided. As the year progressed, Harvey learned more about the natural world, and by extension humanity and himself, than he would have ever imagined possible.

DEC hunter education programs registration open

ALBANY, NY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminds all new hunters and trappers that registration for required hunter education classes is now open. Courses fill quickly so interested hunters and trappers are encouraged to register early. Each year, more than 45,000 New Yorkers take DEC’s hunter and trapper education courses.

“Hunting in New York is a proud tradition that helps us manage our state’s incredible natural resources,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Before getting their license and going afield, all new hunters and trappers must complete a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education course. I encourage all prospective hunters and trappers to sign up for one of the hundreds of courses offered across New York over the next several months by our dedicated volunteer instructors. We’re proud of our hunting safety record in New York, in part because of DEC’s Hunter Education Program, which teaches the principles of safe, ethical hunting.”

DEC’s online registration system offers a list of available courses. Students can register from any device—smartphone, tablet, or computer—24 hours a day, seven days a week.