Back in the Headlines...

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Vaping (or Juuling) is once again making headlines throughout the country. However, this time, it is not the school systems attempting to bring information forward for people to understand the epidemic, it's health agencies, governments, and the medical field reporting significant concerns over the products. On almost every news media website, you can find numerous stories on health concerns and deaths related to vaping or vaping products. Michigan, this week, became the first State in the country to official ban the sale of flavored vaping syrups. The movement for requesting regulation and banning of these syrups has been ongoing for many years. In fact, two years ago I was honored to speak at an event with Senator Schumer calling for the very same restrictions that the medical field is finally coming to the table about. The conversations are not new, they are just becoming more serious. In New York, the Public Health Commissioner is asking residents to suspend use of the products due to the recent rash of illness and death occurring throughout the country, while the medical field takes time to learn more about the products. Our local media has (WKTV) has done numerous stories and has links to many more from around the country on vaping and the dangers specifically to teenagers. Recently, the CNY Poison Control Center has also been doing work in the area of educating the public on the health risks. What does this all mean, it means that if vaping (JUULing) is something that you or your children are doing or want to do, please take the time to understand the associated risks. Signs are starting to trend to being one of the most harmful products that we could put into our bodies. As I said several years ago in another blog on vaping, we all have the right to use whatever we want as human beings, however, being educating and understanding the harms associated with various products is important. Most importantly, for our children and teens, these products are dangerous and they are causing serious illness and even death. I urge you all to take the time to research the industry before allowing your kids to use the products, or if they are already using the products. Below is a link to a WKTV story on the topic, as well as a copy of the blog that received the attention of Senator Schumer to provide you avenues for resources. 

(January 2018) One of the growing topics of conversation in the media lately has been the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers (commonly known as a vape) amongst youth and teens in our society. This is not a new topic as the onset of the devices occurred roughly a decade ago and they began to be used regularly by teenagers nearly 7 years ago now. Unfortunately, society at the time was not sure of the implications and the devices and substances used in them were loosely regulated, despite research that showed concerns relative to children using electronic cigarettes and vaporizers. Fast forward to today, the devices have been banned on school property through New York State law, there have been increased regulations about the age at which people can purchase or possess a vape (currently the age is 18), and the level of research has grown tremendously. As a parent, it is important to know that the syrups that are used in a vape do contain small amounts of nicotine, which causes the addictive nature of vaping. The industry was able to get around the listing of nicotine as an ingredient when the trend began because a.) they were not required to list the ingredients initially and b.) once regulated, the amount of nicotine in the syrup was so small that it was not required to be listed. Also, people have found ways to liquify marijuana and will lace the syrups with more hard core substances that could be more damaging for children. Finally, current research is showing that vaping has become the new gateway drug to cigarettes and other smokable drugs that are less healthy. While the choice of smoking or vaping is something that adults have the right to do, it is important to know that it is illegal for minors and highly unhealthy. Before allowing your children to venture into the world of vaping, I highly recommend that you take time to review the current research and literature about the outcomes and effects of the devices. More information can be found by visiting the sites below:

NAACP 20/20 Census

On September 16, 2019, the Rome NAACP will be hosting a census event, "Census 20/20, We Count." There will be a representative from the US Census Bureau who will give an hour seminar on the importance of the census and then take questions. The event will be held at MVCC, Rome Campus, 1101 Floyd Avenue beginning at 6:00 p.m. ALL are invited. Please plan on attending and spread the word!! Any questions regarding the event, please contact branch President Jacqueline Nelson at 315-271-7703.

Figure Skating Club


 The Clinton Figure Skating Club will be celebrating their 70th Anniversary this year! In kicking off the celebration, they will be hosting a registration event on Friday, September 20th from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. The club has Learn To Skate opportunities for everyone of all ages and all styles. For more information, please visit their website at https://clintonfsc.com/

After School Bowling

King Pin Lanes, located on East Dominick Street, will be providing after school bowling opportunities for students and families throughout the fall. The program will run from October 3 through December 5 and entails bowling on Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. The cost is $7.00 per bowler and the pricing includes two games and shoes per week, a pizza party on the last week, and participation medals for all who participate. For more information, you can check out King Pin on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/kingpinlanesrome or via email (kingpinl@twcny.rr.com) 


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