Powassan Virus: What You Need To Know
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- Written by Stacie M. Waldman
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An alarming tick-born virus has emerged in the Northeast and poses risks to adults and children. Powassan virus is a tick-borne disease that can be transmitted to humans and has no known cure. It has long-term neurological consequences for at least half of those infected and in some cases it is fatal. The news of the virus is trending on Twitter and is one of Facebook's top stories. So what is Powassan virus and are you and your kids at risk of infection? What are the signs and symptoms of the virus? If it's not curable, can it be prevented?
Definition: According to the CDC, Powassan virus is a Flavivirus that is transmitted to humans by the black- legged deer tick (and some other tick types as well). Humans are dead end hosts, meaning humans can't transmit the disease to another host once they are infected. Powassan causes no symptoms in some, and very severe symptoms in others, including encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. Half of patients who are diagnosed with Powassan go on to develop long-term sequelae including muscle wasting, memory loss, and chronic headaches. Whereas Powassan is a virus, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection; both are transmitted by deer ticks. A tick needs to feed for 24 -48 hours before it can transmit the Lyme infection to a human. In order for a tick to transmit Powassan virus, it only needs to be attached for as little as an hour or two (and studies in mice have shown 15 minutes). "It is pretty scary," said Judy Stone, MD, an infectious disease specialist and blogger for Forbes.com. "The tick doesn't have to be attached for long to transmit infection."
Statistics: There have been approximately 60 reported cases in the last ten years, mostly in the Northeast and Great Lakes areas. However, more than half of these cases were reported in the last four years and the numbers seem to be increasing as recognition of the signs and symptoms and diagnostic testing improve. Diagnosis is still in its infancy due to the rarity of the virus and not all cases are symptomatic. People have tested seropositive in our area (lower Westchester) without symptoms. Those cases would not have been reported and therefore the true prevalence is likely higher than the data suggests. Ticks in Branford and Bridgeport, Connecticut recently tested positive for being carriers of Powassan virus, so epidemiologists have warned the public that this tick-borne threat is real and prevention measures should be taken seriously. Most cases of Powassan occur in late spring, early summer, and mid fall since that is when the ticks that carry the virus are most active.
Signs and Symptoms: If symptomatic, a person may develop a fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. If it worsens, a person may develop encephalitis or respiratory failure. Half of symptomatic people will go on to experience chronic neurologic effects from Powassan virus.
Diagnosis/Treatment: If a person shows signs or symptoms of Powassan virus, medical attention should be sought immediately. Although it is not typically tested for, it can be detected in blood and spinal fluid. There is no treatment. Supportive care will be given including IV fluids, respiratory support, and medications to reduce swelling of the brain.
Prevention: Preventiing Powassan virus is particularly important since it is incurable and has the potential to be fatal. Avoid brushy or wooded areas and areas with overgrown grass. Long pants should be worn even if it's hot outside and pants should be tucked into socks. Long sleeves should be worn as well. Places like EMS and REI sell lightweight and breathable clothing. Do a full body check when you return home from the outdoors. Parents should be especially mindful of checking their children's hair. DEET insect repellant works to repel ticks –- use DEET with a minimum concentration of 20%. Dr. Stone recommends using DEET with a concentration of 30-50% and re-applying it to bare skin every 4-6 hours. Clothing and gear can be treated with Permethrin. Although natural repellants may claim to deter ticks, these have not been proven by the EPA to prevent ticks from attaching to clothing and skin.
For more information, see the CDC website.
The Center @ 862 Seeks Board Members and Scholarship Funds Available from the PTA
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Board of The Center @ 862 (also known as the Scarsdale Teen Center) invites community members who support the mission of a safe, alcohol and drug free place for Scarsdale youth, to join them.
Responsibilities of the Board include oversight of and setting policy for The Center, promoting community relations and encouraging community driven programming and events. Board members work in various committees depending on their interest and skills. While lawyers and financial wizards are always welcome, the Board also needs energetic fundraisers, publicity gurus to reach the tech savvy teen and skillful jack of all trade volunteers.
The Center, located at 862 Scarsdale Avenue, first opened its doors in 1999. It provides programming to Scarsdale's middle school tweens and high school teens residing in Scarsdale and/or attending Scarsdale's public schools. Staff supports teens organizing their own events at The Center as well. Learn more at: www.TheCenter862.com
For further information, contact the Nominating Committee at 914-722-8358 or email [email protected].
Scholarship Funds Available:
Applications for a one-year grant from the Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund for college are now available. Grants are made anonymously on the basis of financial need. The application form and the dean's evaluation form may be downloaded from the Scarsdale High School PTA website, http://www.scarsdaleschools.org/scholarshipfund, or may be obtained from the deans' offices at the High School. Completed applications must be submitted by May 1st.
For additional information regarding the Scholarship Fund, please visit the SHS PTA website or contact Monica Rieckhoff: [email protected].
Maroon and White Celebrates Winter Athletes
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Maroon and White held their winter awards event at Scarsdale High School on Thursday March 12th after snow delayed the event for a week. Co-Presidents John McCann and Kathy Coleman presided and thanked the Fitzgeralds and the Maroneys for organizing the night of desserts and awards.
McCann highlighted three teams for their success this season.
He recognized the girl's varsity basketball team and Coach Mike Blanco who led the team to a record of 15-6 season. The team had 4 all section selections and came on strong at the end of the season, knocking off number 2 Ursuline to reach the final four at the County Center. They were ranked in the top 5 in AA in the section.
The boys swim team under the direction of Coach Tim Callahan extended its unbeaten streak to five years. The current seniors have never lost a dual meet. They have multiple all-league, all-conference, all-section and all-state selections in individual events, relays and diving. This year' s team won its league, conference and was Section 1 champions beating Horace Greeley by 4 points. They also made a best ever showing at States by placing 6th overall.
Boys hockey coach Jim Mancuso was named coach of the year for the second year in a row. The Raiders have 9 all league selections and 4 all section selections. They have the highest winning percentage in Section 1 with a record of 23-1. They won the section 1 Hockey title for the second year in a row by beating Suffern, then beat Massena, the number 4 team in NYS to advance to the NY State frozen four state championships.
McCann gave a shout out to the Raiders of the week. Throughout the school year Maroon and White awards one week to underclassman and woman who based on input from their coaches have demonstrated raider pride and athletic accomplishment over the entire winter season. These athletes are featured in the video monitors in the high school, in the Scarsdale Inquirer and via links at scarsdale10583 and on our website
The 2015 winter raiders of the week for underclasswoman are Kendall Bensche – indoor Track and Shannon Reagan - JV Basketball and for Underclasssman the raiders of the week are Tanner McFarland –Swimming and Michael DaBramo Wrestling.
McCann asked the guests to support the organization by purchasing "spirit wear" and by supporting the advertisers in the journal who support the teams and athletes.
PTC Legislation Committee Urges you to Act Now
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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This letter was sent to Scarsdale10583 from Diane Greenwald of the Scarsdale PTC Legislation Committee:
We urge Scarsdale to get involved TODAY to insist the New York State Legislature reject Governor Cuomo's misguided agenda for our public schools.
Superintendent, Dr. Hagerman, explains the issues clearly in a recent community outreach:
Governor Cuomo's proposed budget and 2015 Opportunity Agenda have been coupled with reforms that could significantly impact our District and those across the State. Some of the more worrisome reforms include the following:
(a) Linking the Governor's reforms to State Aid. In his words, "no reforms, no increases;"
(b) Increasing the weight of state test scores for teacher and principal evaluations to 50% of the score; using outside, independent evaluators to observe teachers 35% and building supervisors only 15%;
(c) Reducing the amount of teacher professional development from 175 to 100 hours over five years;
(d) Raising the charter school cap by 100 and providing state aid similar to public schools;
(e) Ending the STAR property tax exemption and making the tax cap permanent;
(f) Requiring bond votes to occur at the same time as school budget votes.
Scarsdale's PTC and STA have joined together with a response to Governor Cuomo's proposed budget and educational policies:
Governor Cuomo's one-size-fits-all proposals assume our schools are failing Scarsdale's students. Further, the Governor's proposed approach will add expense and diminish the community's control over our schools.
We assert that the Scarsdale school district is not broken. Like so many other communities across New York State, we value the decision-making role of local school districts in our public education system, and this district should not be penalized for choices made in the best interest of our students. (see the statement below)
Action Now
We can stand united with many in Scarsdale and join voices with millions across New York against a 'reform' agenda that will not serve our students. We urge you to sign the below petitions:
NYSPTA PETITION
REJECT Governor Cuomo's demand that would link school aid increases to destructive teacher evaluation reforms:
NYSAPE PETITION
DEMAND that the NYS Legislature and the Board of Regents stop the anti-public school agenda of the Governor and Chancellor.
NYSUT PETITION
Protect Pubic Schools
Take Action Now!
Diane Greenwald and Lisa Eisenstein, Co-Chairs, PTC Legislation Committee
(Statement from the PTC Legislation Committee)
Maintain Local Control For Scarsdale Schools • One Size Does Not Fit All
The Scarsdale Parent Teacher Council (PTC) and Scarsdale Teachers Association (STA)
present this joint response to Governor Cuomo's proposed budget and educational policy plans
Governor Cuomo's one-size-fits-all proposals assume our schools are failing Scarsdale's students. Further, the Governor's proposed approach will add expense and diminish the community's control over our schools.
We assert that the Scarsdale school district is not broken. Like so many other communities across New York State, we value the decision-making role of local school districts in our public education system, and this district should not be penalized for choices made in the best interest of our students.
Scarsdale School District is committed to useful assessment as tools for on-going student learning and curriculum improvement. We are concerned that state-mandated high-stakes assessments undermine our community's authority over our schools and unnecessarily stress our students. We want standardized assessments to serve their original purpose, as measures of educational attainment and the effectiveness of the school community as a whole. Tests should be diagnostic, as a means to providing feedback, and not be punitive or unduly stressful.
The flawed State teacher review system (APPR) has consequences for students and teachers that can no longer be ignored. The existing local partnership of the Board of Education, its administrators, and the faculty are best positioned to provide the necessary oversight of this district's instruction. This community's Board of Education employs a professional staff able to develop curriculum and a system of assessment required to provide students with a world-class education. We know this is best achieved when the district's faculty and administrators work collaboratively as a means to encourage educational innovation and creativity. The educational community of Scarsdale is committed to constant reflection and improvement and we do not welcome intrusive policies that create divisive competition and undermine morale.
We believe our Legislators must demand that Governor Cuomo disconnect his educational "reforms" from the passage of the State budget. The link between State Aid and an educational reform agenda is unprecedented and coercive. Governor Cuomo should provide the financial data and ultimately the funding needed by local school boards to establish their budgets.
Scarsdale urges the Legislature to consider our positions on these proposed "reforms." We stand united in preserving and promoting the existing excellence provided through a Scarsdale education.
Submitted by,
Pamela Fuehrer, PTC President
David Wixted, President, STA
JCC to Celebrate 60 Years: Share Your Story
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The JCC of Mid-Westchester is celebrating their 60th anniversary and would like you to share your story about what the JCC has meant to you for their memory wall. These memories will be showcased in the JCC front lobby. They will also launch an online photo exhibit through social media that will feature JCC and Y memorabilia, photographs, and video clips.
Contribute your stories to the wall. Did your child learn to swim in our pool? Did someone in your family perform on our stage either through our theatre or dance programs? Were you involved in the JCC Maccabi games? Were you influenced by a wonderful teacher or camp counselor? Did you attend an interesting lecture or volunteer with our special needs kids? Do you have a member of your family that is no longer with us and would like to honor their memory with their story?
Here are three ways in which you can share your stories, videos, photos, and well wishes:
1. Click here to go to their Facebook page---and share your photos, comments and stories.
2. Mail or email your stories to [email protected] or by mail to Rika Levin, JCC of Mid-Westchester. 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale NY 10583.
3. Bring your photos or write your story on our Celebration 60 message wall. Photos may be dropped off at the front desk. (Please make sure to supply you mailing address and contact information).
Have fun with this and feel free to share as many stories and photos as you want!
10 stories and photos will be presented at our Celebration 60 event and highlighted on our website for the whole year.
The JCC will celebrate their 60th Anniversary on Thursday May 14, 2015. The evening will include dinner and entertainment, and it will be an opportunity to celebrate the JCC's past, present, and future. To attend the celebration on Thursday May 14, at 6:30pm, or place an ad in their journal, go to jccmw.org/60 or contact Melissa Haber, Development officer at [email protected] or 914-472-7596.
