SUNY Empire State College was awarded
$400,000 to develop a Bachelor of Science degree
program in health science, a new program that
will contribute to achieving SUNY’s system-wide
completion agenda of awarding 150,000 degrees
each year by 2020, officials said.

Modeled after the college’s successful RN-to -B.S.
in Nursing program, SUNY Empire’s new bachelor’s
degree will provide a clear, direct and efficient path
for radiologic technicians, emergency medical technicians,
dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants
and many others who have earned an associate and
want to complete their bachelor’s degree, according
to the college.

“The B.S. in health science is the latest example
of SUNY Empire’s dedicated faculty and staff using
innovative, alternative and flexible approaches
to higher education that transform people and
communities through rigorous programs that connect
individuals’ unique and diverse lives to their
personal learning goals,” said Associate Professor
Kim Stote, who was a member of the team that developed
the successful proposal. “The B.S. in health
science is designed to promote seamless academic
progression for students moving from the associate
to completion of a bachelor’s degree.”

Graduates of this program can become directcare
providers, managers, educators or individuals
focused on state-population health issues.

The Saratoga Builders Association Inc. announced
its continued monetary commitment to
education with the awarding of a $1,000 student
scholarship in 2016.

The organization makes this scholarship
available annually to high school seniors who are
planning to pursue a construction industry education
at a two- or four-year accredited college
or university or to students who would like to
purchase tools for employment in construction.

The association said students must have a
GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. They must
also demonstrate current or past involvement
in the construction field, including classes taken
in high school. Each applicant must also submit
a high school transcript or list of construction
classes taken, plus a short essay describing why
they are interested in a construction industry
career and what events led to this decision.

Applications for the scholarship program
must be postmarked on or before April 1. Only
the first 25 completed applications will be accepted.
The winner and their school will be
notified by June 1.

The New York State Brewers Association
(NYSBA) launched its Draft Beer Quality Certification
Program, the first of its kind in the
U.S. for a state brewers association, intended
to help retailers consistently pour great beer
and preserve profits through industry-accepted
best practices.

The program “could be the best thing to happen
to craft beer in New York state,” said David
Katleski, owner of Empire Brewing Co. and
NYSBA president. “NYSBA will work closely with
retailers to help ensure that their draft beer systems
are cleaned and maintained in accordance
with the association guidelines.”

He said poor draft line maintenance is the
number one factor affecting the quality of draft
beer. Over time, deposits such as yeast and bacteria
begin to build up in draft lines. Without
proper cleaning these deposits can affect beer
flavor and the system’s ability to pour properly.
Not to mention, dirty draft lines are extremely
unsanitary for consumers.

When draft lines are cleaned properly, using
the right equipment and chemicals, it prevents
the build up of deposits and eliminates the flavor
changing microbes, Katleski said. Industry
experts say draft beer lines should be properly
cleaned every two weeks.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA)
concluded 2015 with a second consecutive
operational profit, officials said in December.

NYRA officials said an operating profit
of $4 million was achieved, exclusive of
statutorily-guaranteed VLT revenue, which
NYRA received starting in 2010, following
transfer of its real estate holdings to the state.

The operating profit of $4 million exceeds the
original budget of $2.2 million, as projected
within the 2015 NYRA budget.
The operating surplus reflects the first time
NYRA has achieved back-to-back operating
profits since the 1999 and 2000 fiscal years.

“This is an important milestone and a very
meaningful achievement,” said Christopher
Kay, NYRA chief executive officer and president.
“Working together with our board and
numerous stakeholders, we are fulfilling Gov.
Cuomo’s vision of a reformed, revitalized and
financially sustainable thoroughbred racing
leader.”

Five therapists from the Wesley Community’s
outpatient therapy program have completed training
and received certification in both LSVT Big
and LSVT Loud methodologies through funding
from an anonymous donor.

The certification allows the outpatient therapy
program to provide new services to those diagnosed
with Parkinson’s disease.

“We are grateful to our anonymous donor for
funding the training needed to achieve these certifications
and allowing the Wesley Community to
better serve those who need specialized therapy
as a result of having Parkinson’s disease,” said J.
Brian Nealon, CEO of the Wesley Community.

LSVT certification programs, run by LSVT
Global in Tucson, Ariz., are designed to train
rehabilitation therapists in an evidence-based
treatment approach for individuals with Parkinson’s
disease.