Summer 2015 Newsletter Herkimer Housing AuthoritySummer Picnic/Barbecue We are planning our annual picnic/barbecue at the Midtown Apartments Community Room and outdoor area for Herkimer

Table of

Contents

Page 1

Letter from the Director

Page 2

Social Security Info

Play ball!

Pest control

Kids on bikes

Page 3

Summer Picnic

Rabies Clinics

Page 4

Summer/Fall Activities

Page 5

Farmer’s Market

Dial 211 for Info

Maintenance yard

work

Page 6

Bed bug info

Summer 2015 Newsletter

Herkimer Housing Authority

315 North Prospect Street

Herkimer, NY 13350

315-866-2252 - (Fax) 866-3942

Letter from the Director

It is wonderful to see that our long winter is behind us.

Let us now enjoy the summer blooms and the long sunny

days!

With that being said, I would suggest spending time

outdoors by doing some barbequing and children utilizing the

playground. At the same time, please be mindful of the rules

about noise and quiet time from 10:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

Hopefully, our residents are planting flowers around

their apartments and keeping their yards clean of litter. These

properties are your home, and we all need to take pride in our

homes, inside and out.

Enjoy your summer and we all hope that it will be a

happy and safe one.

Sincerely,

Richard M. Dowe

Executive Director

Now that the weather is nice and the children are

going outside to play, please remind them that playing

ball in the yards is not allowed. Eastern Garden

children may play ball on the field at the end of the

complex by the visitor parking lot, and Creekside

Courts children may play in the field by the

playground.

Kids On Bikes and Skateboards

Parents, please instruct your children not to ride their bikes or skateboards in the parking lots or on the sidewalks

An accident could occur when a driver doesn’t see a child when they ride out between parked cars. Drivers are not accustomed to looking for bicyclists or skateboarders in the parking lots, and skateboards damage the curbs.

Also, there isn’t a lot of room between parked cars, and we have had instances of bicycles scratching parked cars.

Because of these things, riding bikes and skateboards in the parking lot is not allowed.

Don’t forget, according to NYS law, all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear approved bicycle helmets when bicycling or riding as passengers on bicycles in New York State. The maximum penalty for an offense is a $50 fine.

How to Get a Copy of Your Social

Security Statement

Up until 2011, the Social Security Administration

mailed annual Social Security Statements to every-

one age 25 and over (who was not already receiving

Social Security benefits). Now you need to go online

to get a copy of your statement or view it online.

Go to www.ssa.gov/mystatement/ and open an

account with Social Security to view your statement.

If you can’t or don’t want to use your online account,

you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-

0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Summer is Pest Time!

Just a reminder that with the warm weather, bugs start to appear in and around the apartments. In order to keep bugs to a minimum, it is important to follow some simple housekeeping rules:

Limit where you eat. Contain food to the kitchen so that pests aren’t attracted to the other areas of the apartment

Keep your floors clean. Just a little spill will attract bugs

Be sure not to leave food around that will attract pests

Wash your dishes right away

Wipe up spills right away and be sure not to leave any sticky residue

Report any slow drains, pests look for a water source, and standing water will attract them

Dispose of fruits or vegetables that are past their prime. Overripe produce will attract fruit flies!

Remove garbage and recyclables daily in the warmer weather

Wipe down jars and bottles that you have used before putting them in the cupboard

Summer Picnic/Barbecue

We are planning our annual picnic/barbecue at the Midtown Apartments Community Room

and outdoor area for Herkimer Housing Authority residents. All residents at Midtown

Apartments, Creekside Courts and Eastern Gardens are invited to join us for a traditional

summer barbecue. Please save the date, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Come enjoy a traditional barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh salads, and watermelon

with your friends and neighbors!

Pet Vaccination Information

All pet owners must keep their animals up to date with their vaccinations. The office checks the

pet paperwork at recertification time, but it is your obligation to be sure your pet is up to date

with its vaccinations. We may require a statement from the veterinarian verifying that a dog is

within the weight requirement of 30 lbs. In addition, all dogs must be licensed with the Town of

Herkimer. Below is the Herkimer County Public Health rabies vaccination schedule. It is much

cheaper to have your pet vaccinated at the clinics than at a veterinarian’s office.

Herkimer County 2105 Rabies Vaccination Schedule

1. All cats, dogs, and ferrets three months or older must be vaccinated even if they stay indoors

2. Every dog and cat needs two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one every three years

3. Bring proof of the pet’s vaccination history to receive a three year rabies certificate

4. Ferrets must be vaccinated every year

5. Dogs should be on a leash, cats and ferrets should be in a carrier or pillowcase

6. WELLNESS EXAMS WILL NOT BE GIVEN

7. Owners are responsible to clean up after their animals

8. A $5.00 donation per pet is suggested to defray costs

*Pre-register at: www.herkimercounty.org

June 10, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Norway Community Center, 3114 Military Road, Norway, NY

June 17, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Ilion-Frankfort VFW Pavilion, 4274 Acme Road, Frankfort, NY

July 16, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - East Herkimer Fire Department, 193 Main Road, East Herkimer

Sept. 3, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Salisbury Fire Department, 2549 St. Rt. 29, Salisbury Center

Sept. 10, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Cedarville Fire Department, 960 St. Rt. 51, Cedarville

October 1, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Little Falls Town Garage, 478 Flint Ave. Ext. Little Falls, NY

Nov. 7, 2015 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - East Herkimer Fire Department, 193 Main Road, East Herkimer

Summer/Fall Activities for Families

Summer is here and the kids will be home looking for things to do over summer vacations. Here are a few suggestions for activities in the area that are inexpensive and fun for the whole family.

Herkimer Diamond Mines - Located just outside Herkimer on Route 28. Families can prospect for their very own world famous Herkimer Diamonds. The cost is $11.00 for ages 13 and up, $9.00 for persons aged 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. Admission includes all day prospecting, use of a rock hammer, all day museum entrance, zip lock bags and mining information. They suggest that you bring protective eyewear or you can purchase goggles there. You may also bring your own equipment that you find necessary, such as chisels, screens, small shovels, buckets, and other hammers (up to a 12 lb sledge). They are open 9:00 - 5:00 daily. The museum has a rare dinosaur skull. Nicknamed “Randy” by a team of paleontologists after being unearthed in Madagascar, the rare Tyrannosaurus-like Majungatholus skull is the centerpiece at the Herkimer Diamond Mines Museum exhibit on prehistoric geology, fossils, and life.

Little Falls Canal Harbor and Rotary Park - Kayak and Canoe rentals for a fun day out on the water. The cost to rent a canoe or kayak is $10 per hour, $20 for 4 hours, $32 for 8 hours. Group rates are avail-able. The Harbor is located on Southern Avenue in Little Falls. At the south end of the route 167 bridge in Little Falls, turn onto Bellinger St. which quickly becomes Southern Avenue. The Harbor is about 1/2 mile down, on the right. Call the Harbor Master Christine Cadle or Assistant Harbor Master David Talaba at 823-1453

Old Forge Father’s Day Weekend Car Show and Parade– The parade is at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19th and the Car Show is on Saturday, June 20th at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street from 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Free Fishing Weekend! - June 27th and June 28th. Check our website www.herkimerhousing.org for more information

Take the family bowling! - State Bowling Center, Ilion, NY See their website for more information: http://www.statebowlingcenter.com/

RD’s Gorge View Lanes, Little Falls, NY See their Facebook page for more information

Herkimer College Nature Trail - Enjoy a beautiful walk through the woods. The nature trail is located at the end of the parking lot by the tennis courts, and it’s free and open year long for hiking and cross country skiing!

Herkimer BOCES Nature Trail - Herkimer County BOCES Nature Trails are also a great option. They offer two nature trails, one being very extensive and scenic while the other is handicap accessible. Great for everyone!!

Trenton Falls Scenic Trails - Open to the public only twice per year, the hiking trails lead to a beautiful waterfall. This year the trail will be open on October 3rd and 4th from 9 - 5. Take State Route 28 through Poland and continue approximately 6 miles to 3-way intersection of Old Poland Road, State Route 28 and Trenton Falls Road. Take right turn onto Trenton Falls Road continue to four way stop. Continue straight through to end of road where you will park.

Howe Caverns Adventure Park - More than just the cavern tour. They now have a High Adventure park which includes a 900 foot long zip line, a ropes course, rock climbing, and a 12 foot inflatable ball filled with water that rolls downhill over 1,100 feet for a wet and wild water ride. Check out their website for more information https://howecaverns.com/

The Utica Zoo - From African Lions to Zebu, the Utica Zoo boasts over 200 animals. They have camel feedings everyday at 11:30 and sea lion feedings everyday at 12:30

Herkimer Public Swimming Pool - Located on Harter Street, the pool is planning to open on June 29th and is open 7 days a week from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m.

Herkimer Farmer’s Market

The Herkimer Farmer’s Market is open every

Monday 1:00 - 5:00 through October 19th. They are

located at 420 East German Street (near the corner

of German Street and Rt. 28). You can purchase

fresh produce, baked goods, and other homemade

items much cheaper than you would pay at the

grocery store, and since the produce is grown locally,

it will be fresher and healthier! And as a bonus, you

can use your SNAP card there to pick up fresh,

nutritious fruits and vegetables for your family!

Dial 211 for Community Information!

2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone

number that connects people with community

resources and volunteer opportunities! The phone

line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is

completely confidential and free. Multilingual

service is available.

Some of the resources that 2-1-1 can help you with

are:

Basic needs: food, clothing, shelter

Consumer services: education, protection,

managing finances, making informed

decisions

Disaster management: storm and shelter

information, emergency resources,

evacuations

Education: skills, behavior and character

building, general competencies

Environment: environmental preservation

and protection, public health and safety

Healthcare: prevention, screening, evalua-

tion, treatment, health, and substance abuse

Transportation to doctors appointments

Help with shopping and errands

Employment: skills building, finding and

sustaining employment

Income support: public assistance and

support

Lifestyle: social and spiritual development,

volunteer opportunities

Mental/emotional health: preventative,

diagnostic, and treatment

Community: new resident settlement, travel

and tourism

Business support: meeting space coordina-

tion, access to equipment, services

management

Check out their website at:

http://www.211midyork.org/

Yard Work Has Begun!

Maintenance has begun their outdoor work, and

would like to remind everyone that the lawns must

be clear of toys, figurines, solar lights, etc. When

mowing lawns, maintenance can’t be expected to

stop and pick up items belonging to the residents. If

items are run over or damaged by the mowers or

lawn trimmers , Herkimer Housing Authority will

not be responsible for replacing or reimbursement of

the item.

Bed Bugs - Do I have them? How do I get rid of them?

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping. Adult bed bugs have flat, rusty-red colored oval bodies, no wings and are about the size of an apple seed. They are big enough to be easily seen, but hide in mattresses, box springs, bedding, cracks in furniture, floors, or walls. When bed bugs feed, they swell and become brighter red. They can live for several months to over a year without feeding. They don’t jump or fly, and they crawl and move about the same speed as an ant.

How do I know if my home has bed bugs?

Look for signs of an infestation that may include: Itchy skin welts on your body Small blood smears on bedding from crushed insects Tiny dark spots on your sheets which are their fecal droppings Dried remains of shed bed bug skins Be aware other insects, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, can leave bites that look like bed bug bites. Bites alone cannot prove you have a bed bug infestation. Important note: The only way to be sure you have a bed bug infestation is to find and positively identify a live bed bug. If you suspect your have bed bugs, you will have to conduct a thorough search of your home. Bed bugs are hard to find because they hide in, under, and around beds. They also hide inside, under and behind furniture, and in small cracks or corners in furniture, floors or walls or in carpeting close to where they feed at night. Newly hatched bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed, almost transparent, and very difficult to see. Once they feed, they become larger and red or brown in color which makes them easier to see. The eggs are white and about the size of two grains of salt. When laid, they are cemented to surfaces making them difficult to remove.

What do bed bug bites feel and look like?

A bed bug bite is painless and some people have no reaction to the bites. Most people have itchiness, red spots, or welts that look like mosquito or flea bites hours later. These usually fade after several days. A few people have se-vere allergic reactions. Remember: Bites are only a clue that you may have bed bugs, but you can’t tell from bites alone that you have a bed bug problem.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bug bites are a nuisance and annoying, but bed bugs are not known to spread diseases. Try not to scratch bites because it increases the risk of skin infections. If you have a severe reaction to a bed bug bite, see your doctor.

How do bed bugs get into homes?

Bed bugs are not a result of poor housekeeping; anyone can have bed bugs. People bring bed bugs into their homes unknowingly in infested luggage, backpacks, purses, furniture, bedding, shoes or clothing. They can also travel between apartments through cracks in walls and floors. Total release pesticide foggers or ‘bug bombs’ can force bed bugs in to adjacent apartments. Do not use ‘Bug bombs’. They do not control bed bugs and using bug bombs improperly can be dangerous and spreads pesticide throughout your home. If you have bed bugs and live in a rental property, notify the property manager immediately. Do not use pesticides to treat for bed bugs yourself. General use pesticides are not effective against bed bugs and their use may cause the bed bugs to spread to adjacent units.

If you suspect that your apartment may have bedbugs, please call the office for an inspection. We will make sure that your apartment gets the proper treatment to eliminate the bugs at no charge to you.

Bed Bug prevention tips:

Do not trade or buy used furniture. Bed bugs or other pests can be transferred from one residence to another in this way.

Reduce the number of hiding places - Clean up the clutter.

Regularly wash and heat-dry your bed sheets, blankets, bedspreads and any clothing that touches the floor.

Don’t pass your bed bugs on to others. Bed bugs are good hitchhikers. If you throw out a mattress or furniture that has bed bugs in it, you should slash or in some way destroy it so that no one else takes it and gets bed bugs.

Bed bug mattress covers which encase the mattress to prevent infestation can be purchased at Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

On June 4, 2015, BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco, a public health policy advocacy program

aimed at preventing the many deadly diseases caused by tobacco in Herkimer, Oneida, and

Madison Counties in Upstate New York presented Executive Director Richard M. Dowe

with a plaque honoring Herkimer Housing Authority for its efforts in reducing the adverse

health effects of second hand smoke. A reception was held at Harts Hill In where Herkimer

Housing Authority and a few other businesses and municipalities were honored.

Be Vigilant when it comes to Fire Safety!

Over the past week there have been two fires in Ilion, one at the Red Carpet Inn

which was caused by a burning candle, the other at London Towers which has yet to be

determined.

Burning candles is a violation of the House Rules. Never burn candles because they

are such a fire risk to you and to your neighbors!

We would ask every tenant to be very careful when running appliances. Be alert to

strange sounds and smells. Be sure to turn off all appliances when you leave your

apartment. If you aren’t home and an appliance malfunctions, you could lose everything,

as well as put your neighbors at risk of losing their belongings and maybe even their life!