Announcements

Government revamps child seat rating system National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 7 in 10 child safety seats are either wrong-sized or misused, reducing their ability to protect kids in a crash. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Parents who struggle to install their child safety seats or fasten their toddlers in the back-seat chairs are receiving some new guidance from the government. The Transportation Department said Wednesday it was revamping a consumer ratings system for child safety seats to help parents and caregivers make the best choice for their kids. The new approach will use a five-star rating system, based on the seats' ability to secure a child and the ease with which the seats are installed. It will also consider the seats' labeling and instruction manuals. "We believe that the new star system will help simplify one of parents' most important decisions: choosing the best safety seat that will protect their children," Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said during a news conference at an Arlington, Va., fire station. Many parents can attest to the frequent frustration found in securing a car seat or making sure their child is strapped in. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said seven in 10 child safety seats are either the wrong size or misused, reducing their ability to protect kids in a crash. Consumer Reports adjusts after flawed car-seat tests "If one of these things is difficult to use, even if someone buys one, they may not be willing to switch them among cars ... because they remember what a pain they were to install," said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "If we get seats that are easier to install, then it's more likely that people will use them." When used properly, the seats are very effective. NHTSA estimates that child restraint systems reduce fatal injuries by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars and by nearly 60 percent for infants and toddlers in sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and vans. Transportation officials stressed that the new ratings system does not assess how effective a seat is in protecting a child in a crash. All child seats must comply with federal safety standards to protect children in a car accident. The government recommends car seats for children up to 40 pounds and booster seats for children over 40 pounds until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. All children should ride in the back seat until age 13. The new system, which assigns an overall rating of up to five stars, replaces an older ratings program which used letter grades. The five-star rating system is also used in NHTSA's consumer crash test program for new cars and trucks. Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, said the changes will be an improvement because under the old system the vast majority received an "A" rating. "The tests were too darn easy and it flew in the face of what parents knew," she said

Events

12/17/2007 12:00 AM, Cazenovia Jewelry presents the 4th Annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk. The race will take place this year on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Packet pickup will be held on Friday, February 8, 2008 at Fleet Feet in Dewitt from Noon to 6:00 pm and also on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Race Day registration will be held at the Cazenovia Middle School starting at 11:00 am - 12:45 pm. The Afte After Party - Chili Cook-Off between area restaurants will take place at the Cazenovia College Athletic Center Lower Gym following the race. Turn up the heat in your winter and join us for the race and the fun!! Proceeds to bene,

12/17/2007 12:00 AM, Over 20 miles of year round trails are the prime attraction at the "Adirondacks of Central New York." The oldest county park contains more than six square miles of rugged forest terrain detailed in free maps available at Skyline Lodge; a self-guided Nature Trail is the perfect introductory hike. Popular Activities/Attractions include: Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & Sledding - Click here for up to date condition reports. Click here for ski trail map (pdf). Updated snowshoe map coming soon. Sledding is at Skyline Hill which is accessed just past the entrance to the park. Horsedrawn Sleigh (or Hay) Rides - Weekends and school holidays (except Christmas), December 15-March, 11am-4pm, $5 per person (under 5 free). No reservations needed. www.onondagacountyparks.com ,

1/16/2008 12:00 AM, COMMUNITY SHOWCASE (Formerly the Business EXPO) SATURDAY, APRIL 5th at the Chittenango High School Gymnasium If you're interested in hosting a booth for the SHOWCASE, please contact Pete Hilts (687.6355) _______________________________________ ,

January 25 - Arctic Tale will be shown in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room
1/16/2008 12:00 AM, Arctic Tale will be shown in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room at 3:15 and 7:00 pm. From the creators of March of the Penguins, narrator Queen Latifah follows Nanu, the polar bear cub, and Seela, the walrus pup, as they struggle to maturity in the vast snow kingdom at the top of the earth. This film is rated G and has a running time of 86 minutes. Free and open to the public with free popcorn. ,

Manlius Chamber Annual Spring Dinner/Auction Fundraiser
1/22/2008 12:00 AM, Thursday, March 27th SAVE THE DATE: Annual Spring Dinner/Auction fundraiser at Traditions at the Links benefiting the Chamber, Heaven’s Pantry and F-M Food Pantry. Help the Chamber and our local food banks at this super annual event. Details to follow.