Friday, July 31, 2009
Bed and Breakfast Owner Back In Court
By Emily Lenihan
NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WIVB.com/Channel 4) - A former Niagara Falls Bed Breakfast owner is expected back in court Monday.
Eva Hedges is charged with code violations.
Her unlicensed business was shut down last summer after Magdalena Lubowska fell into the Niagara River and drowned.
The New York City girl was hiking with Hedge's son and fellow campers when she slipped and fell into the rapids.
LUBOWSKA DEATH: Hedges heading to trial
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The story below was duplicated in its entirety from a July 28, 2009 article in the Niagara Gazette. It does, however, contain one major inaccuracy: Magdalena Lubowska categorically DID NOT dip her feet in the treacherous waters. She actually had a well-known fear of water.
By Rick Pfeiffer
rick.pfeiffer@niagara-gazette.com
Niagara Gazette
It now appears that a Falls woman, accused of running an illegal bed and breakfast will go to trial on charges involving housing code violations at her property.
Eva Hedges now has a Sept. 21 violation trial date on charges that include failure to get an application for a permit to operate a bed and breakfast, operating a bed and breakfast in an area zoned for single family residential homes, and having a fence on her property that is taller than four feet.
In April, Hedges had been given an additional two months to bring her Fourth Street property into compliance.
Her attorney has steadfastly denied that Hedges runs a bed and breakfast out of her home.
“We deny she ever operated a bed and breakfast,” George V. C. Muscato said. “Our future course of action is there will be no bed and breakfast there.”
Attention was drawn to Hedges’ home after a 12-year-old Bronx girl, who was staying there as part of a Polish children’s camp, slipped into the Niagara River gorge on a field trip and drowned.
The incident has drawn the attention of Niagara County District Attorney Michael Violante.
“Our investigation is still on-going,” Violante said on Tuesday.
The DA is reportedly “still deciding” whether or not to bring charges against Hedges, 62, and her son, Timothy, 23, who was leading the field trip of more than 20 children to the Niagara Gorge.
Magdalena Lubowska slipped off a rock as she dipped her feet into the river. She was swept away into the gorge and drowned.
Falls building inspectors have charged that Hedges has continued to operate a bed and breakfast out of her home in the aftermath of Lubowska’s death.
Lubowska’s parents have said they will sue Hedges and others in connection with their daughter’s death.
“We have filed a notice of claim against the state of New York, the city of Niagara Falls and the county,” attorney Gus Michael Farinella said. “Somebody has to be responsible for the death of this little girl.”
Contact reporter Rick Pfeiffer at 282-2311, ext. 2252.
By Rick Pfeiffer
rick.pfeiffer@niagara-gazette.com
Niagara Gazette
It now appears that a Falls woman, accused of running an illegal bed and breakfast will go to trial on charges involving housing code violations at her property.
Eva Hedges now has a Sept. 21 violation trial date on charges that include failure to get an application for a permit to operate a bed and breakfast, operating a bed and breakfast in an area zoned for single family residential homes, and having a fence on her property that is taller than four feet.
In April, Hedges had been given an additional two months to bring her Fourth Street property into compliance.
Her attorney has steadfastly denied that Hedges runs a bed and breakfast out of her home.
“We deny she ever operated a bed and breakfast,” George V. C. Muscato said. “Our future course of action is there will be no bed and breakfast there.”
Attention was drawn to Hedges’ home after a 12-year-old Bronx girl, who was staying there as part of a Polish children’s camp, slipped into the Niagara River gorge on a field trip and drowned.
The incident has drawn the attention of Niagara County District Attorney Michael Violante.
“Our investigation is still on-going,” Violante said on Tuesday.
The DA is reportedly “still deciding” whether or not to bring charges against Hedges, 62, and her son, Timothy, 23, who was leading the field trip of more than 20 children to the Niagara Gorge.
Magdalena Lubowska slipped off a rock as she dipped her feet into the river. She was swept away into the gorge and drowned.
Falls building inspectors have charged that Hedges has continued to operate a bed and breakfast out of her home in the aftermath of Lubowska’s death.
Lubowska’s parents have said they will sue Hedges and others in connection with their daughter’s death.
“We have filed a notice of claim against the state of New York, the city of Niagara Falls and the county,” attorney Gus Michael Farinella said. “Somebody has to be responsible for the death of this little girl.”
Contact reporter Rick Pfeiffer at 282-2311, ext. 2252.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Summer Camp, Safety and Your Child
Watch CBS Videos Online
Dr. Jennifer Ashton On Frequency and Severity of Camp Injuries
(CBS) Summer camp is in full swing, and more than 11 million kids and adults are enjoying a dose of summer fun. For all the swimming, running and high-intensity activities, most kids actually manage to have a safe and healthy experience.
But as CBS News medical correspondent found out during her week at Camp Dudley YMCA in the New York's Adirondack Mountains, the infirmary can often be a busy place.
On "The Early Show" Friday, Ashton said practically all the 300 male campers found a way to pay a visit to the infirmary during her visit.
Sheila Kapper, head nurse at the camp, said lots of things happen.
"You name it, we pretty much have seen it," Kapper told Ashton. "And (we) are pretty much prepared for everything."
But are your kids protected at their camp?
Ashton told "Early Show" co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez you should check with your camp director, camp nurse or physician, about the protocol for medical care before your child attends camp this summer.
"But big camps, they see it all," she said. "...and they're ready to handle anything."
In her time at the camp, Ashton and her husband, Dr. Robert Ashton experienced the busy time for the medical staff, from minor sunburns, sprains, rashes and thorns to one significant hip injury.
Ashton said most camp injuries are minor and pretty straightforward. But, she said, sometimes a stomach ache is code for something else: homesickness.
Kapper, who is called the "camp mom" by camp officials, said she can usually tell the difference between the two in 30 seconds.
Kapper said she provides 50 percent medical care and 50 percent mothering to the kids at camp.
Ashton added on "The Early Show", "Camp Dudley's medical staff is on duty 24/7, ready for whatever health or emotional issues come their way."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Seeking Parents Whose Children will Skip Sleepaway Camp This Summer
From The New York Times
A writer for The Times, Lisa Foderaro, is reporting a story about parents in the New York area opting for day camp over sleepaway camp for their kids this summer. Lisa writes:
I’m working on a story about parents whose children will attend day camp this summer instead of sleepaway camp,. (It might be because of the economy, but a longer family vacation might make sleepaway camp impractical, or perhaps a child simply didn’t enjoy being away from home.) In any case, the focus is really on the parents’ feelings about having their children home this summer. Are they already feeling wistful about last summer when, for a few carefree weeks, they didn’t have to plan dinner and could go straight from work to a grownup movie? On the other hand, maybe they’re looking forward to spending some unhurried time with their kids? Or both?
I’d love to hear from mothers and fathers in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey (whose children have gone to sleepaway camp in the past) who want to share their thoughts in a brief phone interview. I can be reached at 212-556-1659 or by email at foderaro@nytimes.com.
A writer for The Times, Lisa Foderaro, is reporting a story about parents in the New York area opting for day camp over sleepaway camp for their kids this summer. Lisa writes:
I’m working on a story about parents whose children will attend day camp this summer instead of sleepaway camp,. (It might be because of the economy, but a longer family vacation might make sleepaway camp impractical, or perhaps a child simply didn’t enjoy being away from home.) In any case, the focus is really on the parents’ feelings about having their children home this summer. Are they already feeling wistful about last summer when, for a few carefree weeks, they didn’t have to plan dinner and could go straight from work to a grownup movie? On the other hand, maybe they’re looking forward to spending some unhurried time with their kids? Or both?
I’d love to hear from mothers and fathers in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey (whose children have gone to sleepaway camp in the past) who want to share their thoughts in a brief phone interview. I can be reached at 212-556-1659 or by email at foderaro@nytimes.com.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Recession doesn't mar summer camp season
Posted by Gina Chen / The Post-Standard July 02, 2009
Camp directors across Central New York were worried this summer might be a slow one for camp -- given the economy.
But they were happily mistaken. It's shaping up to be a pretty normal camp season around the region. Read my full story about summer camps by clicking on "continue reading entry."
If you're still on the hunt for summer camp for your kids, there's still time. Browse the online version of The Post-Standard's "A Camp for Everyone!" guide.
By Gina Chen
Family Life editor
Summer camp directors in Central New York were bracing for a slow summer, as the nation struggles through its second year of the worst recession since the Great Depression.
But they got a welcome surprise. Enrollment is on track to be normal this summer.
"I was really ready to be humbled by a decrease or the status quo," says Martha Cameron, director of community programs and the Manlius Pebble Hill Summer Program, which is seeing increased enrollment this summer. "I have to tell you I'm surprised."
Last summer, about 530 children attended the MPH Summer Program. So far, 561 kids are enrolled, Cameron says. The program saw 15 financial assistance requests, up from the 8 to 10 in previous years.
Other camps in Central New York are seeing a similar trend -- increased or steady enrollment with hints of the recession's impact.
The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse's Camp Rishon saw more sign-ups for the less-expensive camps, although they expect to see more total campers than normal. Prices ranges from $143 per week to $274 per week for members, depending on the activity.
Last year 300 campers attended, and so far 241 have signed up, says Lori Innella-Venne, the JCC's director of children, teen services and camp. Signups continue through summer.
"I think we all went into this summer with a little bit of caution," Innella-Venne says. "We're spending cautiously right now. In the end, we may end up just where we were last year."
Lourdes Camp at Skaneateles Lake, Camp Beaver Lake in Baldwinsville, City of Syracuse camps and the camp run by Tawn Marie's Dance Center in Liverpool are all seeing enrollment on par with last year.
The camp run by Gifford Family Theater at LeMoyne College has 39 kids enrolled for this summer, compared with 32 in 2008, says Steven Braddock, artistic director.
Camp directors aren't sure why numbers are steady or up. But they say it may be related to the recession. Parents may be relying on camp more because they need to spend more time at their jobs.
Or families may be scrapping the big vacation and staying home instead.
"They may be pulling back," says Mike Preston, director of Lourdes Camp, which offers overnight and day camping. "Instead of going to Darien Lake for a week, let's let Suzie or Johnny go to camp for a week."
Preston says parents may be requiring that kids pick one choice for camp, rather than let them attend several.
That's what Stephanie Salanger, a mom of three from Liverpool, is doing. Last year, the family spent about $500 on summer camp, with her two oldest children attending three weeks of camp each. Her youngest, age 3, stays home with her.
This year, the girls could pick one week of camp each, plus they could attend Bible camp at church. Total cost: about $200, Salanger says. She made the change to save money -- and her sanity.
"Really, there are so many options out there that you get caught up in investigating them," Salanger says. "Before you know it, your summer is over, and you've spent a lot of money."
Camp directors across Central New York were worried this summer might be a slow one for camp -- given the economy.
But they were happily mistaken. It's shaping up to be a pretty normal camp season around the region. Read my full story about summer camps by clicking on "continue reading entry."
If you're still on the hunt for summer camp for your kids, there's still time. Browse the online version of The Post-Standard's "A Camp for Everyone!" guide.
By Gina Chen
Family Life editor
Summer camp directors in Central New York were bracing for a slow summer, as the nation struggles through its second year of the worst recession since the Great Depression.
But they got a welcome surprise. Enrollment is on track to be normal this summer.
"I was really ready to be humbled by a decrease or the status quo," says Martha Cameron, director of community programs and the Manlius Pebble Hill Summer Program, which is seeing increased enrollment this summer. "I have to tell you I'm surprised."
Last summer, about 530 children attended the MPH Summer Program. So far, 561 kids are enrolled, Cameron says. The program saw 15 financial assistance requests, up from the 8 to 10 in previous years.
Other camps in Central New York are seeing a similar trend -- increased or steady enrollment with hints of the recession's impact.
The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse's Camp Rishon saw more sign-ups for the less-expensive camps, although they expect to see more total campers than normal. Prices ranges from $143 per week to $274 per week for members, depending on the activity.
Last year 300 campers attended, and so far 241 have signed up, says Lori Innella-Venne, the JCC's director of children, teen services and camp. Signups continue through summer.
"I think we all went into this summer with a little bit of caution," Innella-Venne says. "We're spending cautiously right now. In the end, we may end up just where we were last year."
Lourdes Camp at Skaneateles Lake, Camp Beaver Lake in Baldwinsville, City of Syracuse camps and the camp run by Tawn Marie's Dance Center in Liverpool are all seeing enrollment on par with last year.
The camp run by Gifford Family Theater at LeMoyne College has 39 kids enrolled for this summer, compared with 32 in 2008, says Steven Braddock, artistic director.
Camp directors aren't sure why numbers are steady or up. But they say it may be related to the recession. Parents may be relying on camp more because they need to spend more time at their jobs.
Or families may be scrapping the big vacation and staying home instead.
"They may be pulling back," says Mike Preston, director of Lourdes Camp, which offers overnight and day camping. "Instead of going to Darien Lake for a week, let's let Suzie or Johnny go to camp for a week."
Preston says parents may be requiring that kids pick one choice for camp, rather than let them attend several.
That's what Stephanie Salanger, a mom of three from Liverpool, is doing. Last year, the family spent about $500 on summer camp, with her two oldest children attending three weeks of camp each. Her youngest, age 3, stays home with her.
This year, the girls could pick one week of camp each, plus they could attend Bible camp at church. Total cost: about $200, Salanger says. She made the change to save money -- and her sanity.
"Really, there are so many options out there that you get caught up in investigating them," Salanger says. "Before you know it, your summer is over, and you've spent a lot of money."
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