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Westchester’s Bravest Battle it Out in Greater New York Firefighter Cook-off

Firehouse Cook-off to Highlight First Ever Greater New York Beer & Food Festival

TARRYTOWN, NY (September 2008) – Westchester’s firehouses will be turning up the heat in their kitchens as they prepare to do battle in the Greater New York Firefighter Cook-off. The event is just one of the highlights of the upcoming Greater New York Beer & Food Festival, sponsored by The Journal News. The Festival, taking place at The Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown on October 25-26, will be an exciting weekend of food from local restaurants, beers from around the world, cooking demonstrations, live music and more.

The Greater New York Firefighter Cook-off will be sponsored by Yuengling, America’s Oldest Brewery, and will be a timed “Iron Chef”-style grilling competition involving a secret ingredient.

To become a finalist, firehouses will have to make it through the initial qualifying round on Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. Participating firehouses must prepare a plate of food involving homemade barbeque sauce and bring it to the Doubletree Hotel where judges will taste the dish and score it based on creativity, presentation and taste.

In addition to the Firehouse Cook-off, the Festival will include many other great tasting events and activities. Guests will be able to sample from over 150 beers from top domestic and international breweries and taste food from over 30 local restaurants as part of the festival’s main attraction, the Grand Tasting, which will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. each day. Dozens of the area’s acclaimed restaurants will prepare samplings of their signature dishes that can be paired with just the right kind of beer. The number of participating restaurants is growing and a list will be updated daily at www.lohud.com/beer.

“We are very excited to present the first-ever Beer & Food Festival,“ said Stuart Racey, executive producer of the event. “Beer & food pairing is one of the hottest trends in the culinary world and we look forward to teaching people about the many different types of beer that are available to complement their favorite foods.”

Current sponsors include The Journal News, lohud.com, InTown Magazines, Becks, Yuengling, Budweiser American Ale, Viking Range, 107.1 The Peak, The Listening Room and the Doubletree Hotel-Tarrytown.

For more details, festival updates and ticket information, please visit www.lohud.com/beer

Children's International Obesity Foundation, "Killer at Large", and National Action Against Obesity Implore Such Celebrities to be Better Role Models

New York City, NY- As the saturation of Americans who are overweight is projected to reach nearly 100 percent by 2040, and with 30 to 40 percent of today's children projected to develop diet-related diabetes in their lifetimes, leading child obesity advocates denounce Michael Phelps' endorsement of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Cereal, which was quickly followed by his acceptance as being named a McDonald's Ambassador. They implore the Olympic gold medalist and swimming phenom to reject offers to promote junk food. As a role model and Olympic hero to America's children, Michael Phelps—and all athletes and celebrities—are asked to reconsider any connection to substances suspected as agents of obesity including sugary cereals, soft drinks, and other foods with refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, transfats, and high fructose corn syrup.

"Public figures like Michael Phelps exert a major influence over our youngsters," said Douglas Castle, Senior Advisor to Children's International Obesity Foundation (CIOF). "Mr. Phelps is a superior athlete by any measure, but his judgment regarding the McDonald's and Kellogg's Frosted Flakes endorsements was either 1) ill-advised by his handlers; 2) the irrational product of too much blood sugar; or 3) a sad triumph of greed over good. CIOF believes that celebrities should think twice before choosing to endorse or encourage the consumption of any product which is inherently unhealthful to children, especially if that product is correlated to obesity, diabetes, and a myriad of dangerous conditions."

"Octagon Sports Agent Peter Carlisle is making a strategic branding mistake by aligning Michael Phelps to Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and McDonald's. In this era of escalating child obesity and diabetes, the last association Michael Phelps wants is that of ‘junk food pusher'," said MeMe Roth of National Action Against Obesity (NAAO) and the Children's International Obesity Foundation. "While Michael Phelps may consume thousands of calories a day and burn them off through Olympic training, America's kids aren't so lucky—they're fat, sickly, and have little hope of accomplishing a single sit-up much less Olympic Gold. Kids are watching, and Michael Phelps' going for the quick cash of pushing junk food at the expense of children tarnishes his image similar to an association with cigarettes or alcohol would. National Action Against Obesity and the Children's International Obesity Foundation implore Michael Phelps, and all celebrities and athletes, to reject offers to push more sugar, fat, and hazardous calories onto

America

's kids."

The Children's International Obesity Foundation recently endorsed the controversial obesity documentary "Killer at Large" as a film that reveals the true story behind the many hidden causes of America's obesity epidemic. CIOF is working with the filmmakers on a November fundraiser screening and obesity awareness gala in New York City.

"As we set out to look at the causes of obesity in our film, "Killer at Large", we found that one of the most prevalent contributors to childhood obesity is the overwhelming amount of advertising directed at our nation's youth that confuses unhealthy food with messages of wellness. Michael Phelps' endorsement will undoubtedly influence more children to nag their parents for products that endanger their health so that they can go home, consume these products, and gain weight instead of becoming gold medalists," insisted "Killer at Large" producer Bryan Young. "This is unconscionable and we hope that Michael Phelps reconsiders his endorsement contracts."

As for Kellogg's, such sugar-laden brands are struggling with their images so they are investing marketing dollars in "exercise." Telling children to exercise rather than eat right takes the spotlight off Kellogg's role in promoting empty calories for kid consumption. For example, Frosted Flakes funds little league baseball, track clubs like "Girls on the Run", and the America Youth Soccer Organization—America's largest youth soccer league.

While the practice of celebrities inducing children to consume junk food is illegal in many countries, it's left to industry self-regulation in the U.S. Kellogg's recent promise to stop marketing junk food to the under-12 set has gaping loopholes allowing them to push sugary cereals such as Frosted Flakes onto unsuspecting children. The nutrition label admits scant fiber and protein, yet 12 grams of sugar (equal to three teaspoons), for a modest three-quarter cup of Michael Phelps-emblazoned Frosted Flakes. "That's no breakfast of champions," said Roth.

The activists behind this stand against celebrity endorsements of unhealthful foods have two main goals for 2008: 1) Draw attention to the need for daycare centers to be 100 percent junk food free, "because children under five deserve environments full of healthy options, not marketing venues for junk food producers," added Castle. 2) Urge parents and restaurants to refrain from serving soft drinks to children. Soft drinks, along with some sports and energy drinks, are linked to obesity and diabetes, along with tooth decay, concentration problems, and osteoporosis.

On a larger scale, NAAO has 3 main goals: Expelling junk food from schools; eliminating obesity- and disease-accelerating substances from the food supply; and breaking the obesity cycle, while encouraging exercise across all ages.

About the Children's International Obesity Foundation: CIOF is an approved IRS section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public foundation and charity, whose international mission is to eliminate dangerous overweight and obesity in children and teens through prediction, prevention, support, and treatment. Each year, health complications caused by overweight and obesity in children and teens are responsible for a steadily increasing mortality statistic. CIOF notes that this is the first generation of children in the United States of America not expected to live as long as their parents. To learn more about this problem and what you can do to help, visit www.ciofoundation.org

(Albany, NY) - June 24, 2008-State Senator John Sabini (D-Queens) announced today that legislation he sponsored to strengthen safeguards against unsanitary slaughterhouses in New York state has passed.

The legislation S. 5874-A, which establishes a three-strikes provision for slaughterhouses who routinely fail state inspections, was amended after original passage on June 11th. The amendment also requires licensed slaughterhouses to post a copy of their most recent sanitary inspection.

"For years licensed slaughter houses have been failing inspections and have continued to receive licenses," said Senator Sabini. "This bill will ensure these slaughterhouses will be held accountable and no longer be able to continue this practice."

The legislation states that any licensed establishment where animals or fowl are slaughtered or butchered will lose its license after failing three consecutive inspections. Under the legislation the Commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets will enforce the regulations and suspend the licenses of violators.

The new regulations also requires that slaughterhouses post copies of recent sanitary inspections at each public entrance and make this information available to the public upon request. Failure to comply with the provisions will result in a fine of $500 for every day in violation.

State Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St.Albans) said: "These are common sense measures that will go a long way to protect New Yorkers. I commend Senator Sabini for his efforts to reign in the few slaughterhouses that would knowingly distribute tainted and contaminated meat while jeopardizing the health of our families."

"People pay more for freshly killed meat under religious procedures, such as halal and kosherfoods. Consumers should get the quality they deserve and pay for. These tougher regulations will guarantee that," said Sabini.

As the number of state-licensed live poultry markets continues to increase, so too does the need for increased oversight to ensure environmental and public health. This legislation addresses an issue that arises under current law where slaughter facilities may fail a series of inspections and still be allowed by law to operate once the violations are corrected.

Senator Sabini said the old regulations contributed to a continuous cycle of violators receivingcitations, correcting the problem, only to lapse into violation again. This measure would strengthen existing law and encourage market owners to better comply with existing sanitary regulations.

The cost of living in America is on the rise. The dollar is getting weaker, gas is getting more expensive, and this is only the beginning. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

White Plains has a few hidden treasures when it comes to inexpensive culinary delights.

So here are a few places to try out where the most expensive part of the meal may be the drive over. More will come in the weeks to follow.

If fresh pasta is what you crave then head on down to Brooklyn’s Famous located at 51 Court St. in the heart of downtown White Plains. All of the pasta is fresh and homemade but that fact is not reflected in the price. Build your own dish with a choice of pastas ranging from penne and rigatoni to wild mushroom ravioli or gnocchi. Add in your choice of sauce and extras like fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, meatballs, shrimp, and more. Pasta dishes start at $7.95. The rest of the menu is also priced well for the frugal diner and everything here delivers. Brooklyn’s also happens to be a great place to bring the kids; the atmosphere is fun and inviting and owner Vikki is a ray of sunshine who always does everything possible to make sure you enjoy your meal.

For the sushi lover in you, look no further than Season’s Japanese Bistro for some great lunch specials. The sushi & sashimi combo comes with 4 pieces of sushi, 7 pieces of sashimi and a California roll all for $13.95. If raw fare doesn’t do it for you Season’s also offers a good selection of teriyaki and tempura dishes all priced between $7.95 and $9.95 (all lunch specials include soup and salad as well). The food is fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed and this is also a quite enough restaurant to have a small business meeting in.

Tighe’s Tavern is a small bar and restaurant located next to the post office on Martine Avenue. The mood is mellow and inviting and the décor gives you a little taste of the Irish countryside with lovely pictures adorning the walls. The prices here are absolutely great. The most expensive item on the lunch menu is only $11.95 (Tavern Sampler: fried shrimp, mozzarella sticks, buffalo bites, and chicken fingers) but don’t let that fool you. The quality of the food is right up there with other restaurants that charge much, much more. The grilled chicken sandwich with Montreal seasoning for $7.95 is a real crowd pleaser (comes w/ff and slaw).

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich then mosey on down to the Fair Deal Café where great sandwiches are expertly crafted by the friendly employees. Fair Deal offers up all of your traditional deli fare but takes things a step further; offering great hot specials daily and a full menu in the café in the back. For a great meal try the half chicken special (1/2 a chicken served with 2 sides of your choice for only $6.95). Fair Deal is located at 253 Mamaroneck Ave just a few blocks from downtown. P.S., this place makes a great sandwich.

For more tips on where to eat without emptying your pockets check back next week for four more restaurants that are light on the wallet and heavy on quality.

Mary Lou Zimmer, owner of Black Horse Farms, Coxsackie, N.Y., is one of more than 40 farmers statewide offering a 10% discount on fresh produce to card-carrying Farm Bureau members.

ALBANY, N.Y.-With a new program launched by New York Farm Bureau, consumers across New YorkState looking to buy local produce from nearby farms can do it and get a discount.

"We have more than forty farms offering discounts on everything from apples to sweet corn to jams and jellies," says program coordinator Alan Knight. "The only catch is that you first have to join Farm Bureau to get the discount, and that's both easy and a very good deal."

Knight says it's a great way for the public to "buy a piece of agriculture" by supporting the organization that has supported agriculture since 1911. You don't have to be a farmer to join Farm Bureau.

"Not only do you become immediately eligible for a discount-typically ten percent-on fresh, wholesome, farm products without the cost of shipping from California, but you become eligible for many of the great benefits farmers get when they join Farm Bureau: eligibility to apply for Farm Family auto and property insurance at "members only" rates, a five-hundred dollar rebate on many new Dodge trucks and cars, discounts on Grainger tools and supplies, propane, and hotels-to name just a few.

You can get in on the discount program by buying a membership at many of the participating farms, by visiting www.nyfb.org, or by calling 800-342-4143, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To find the list of participating farm markets and roadside stands, visit www.nyfb.org and click on "marketplace," or call 800-342-4143 Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 4:00.

There probably aren’t many spiritual leaders who ride a tractor and grow vegetables to nurture the body as well as the spirit in Westchester County.

But the Rev. Hugh Farrish, of Bowen Memorial Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, does. After learning that Port Chester had no farmer’s market but that needy neighbors there could benefit from the gift of fresh vegetables, he teamed up with the Port Chester/Town of Rye Council of Community Services to grow, tend and bring to God’s Green Market enough free vegetables to feed more than 2,500 people for 13 weeks during the growing and harvesting season.

That’s why the Westchester County Board of Health awarded them both the Distinguished Public Health Service Award today at St. Peter’s Church in Port Chester, where God’s Green Market is based.

“This is a terrific thing that you’re doing, teaming up to provide nutritious vegetables to some of our Westchester neighbors, and your efforts are also sensitive to the environment,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “I can’t think of two more worthy recipients of this award.’’

Seeds for this year’s crop will begin being planted this week for God’s Green Market. Rev. Farrish provided the seeds, the 12 acres of land and the know-how after six years of gardening at his Mount Vernon church and New Rochelle home, while the Council contributed volunteers who came from several churches in Port Chester, Rye Town and Rye Brook. These weekend farmers spent many Saturdays and some week days

watering, pruning and weeding. They harvested vegetables and delivered them to God’s Green Market, where needy neighbors were able to get bags full of just-picked produce. The crops included squash, eggplant, corn, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, pole beans and peas.

“A wonderful rainbow of faiths and nationalities all came together to show our compassion,’’ said the Rev. Bruce Baker of All Souls Presbyterian Church in Port Chester, who nominated both groups for the award. “There were residents of Rye and Purchase, members of a local Latino congregation and African-Americans from Rev. Farrish’s church. It was a really interesting mix of people. By the end of the summer, some of the recipients of God’s Green Market came back to the farm and volunteered.’’

This multicultural, multiethnic undertaking continues. More volunteer farmers are needed this year. Interested residents should contact Ann Barringer Spaeth at the Council at (914) 939-8055.

“My uncle gave me a tractor in North Carolina, and I towed it home,’’ said Rev. Farrish, explaining how he went from gardening to farming. “I do all the plowing myself. This is out of love. Thoughts come. Revelations come. Everything you do is a sermon. The more you give, the more is given to you.’’

It is also a green venture, which is important to Westchester County. Volunteers travel in church vans for the 80-minute drive to and from the farm in Goshen, saving fossil fuel, and no pesticides are used on the farm. For a one-time $5 fee, recipients are given reusable cloth bags that they can refill, week after week, at God’s Green Market. And there is no waste: any surplus vegetables are distributed to soup kitchens and food pantries at the end of the market day.

“I commend both Rev. Farrish and the Council for exemplifying the highest level of commitment and

distinguished public health service to the community in the past year,’’ said Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, DVM, president of the Westchester County Board of Health. “We salute you both for your services to the cause of public health in our county and for having responded with creativity and generosity in accomplishing our shared mission of promoting publichealth.’’

At the same awards ceremony, Dr. Aspros presented DeCicco Markets with a proclamation honoring the company’s bold decision to stop selling tobacco products in their four Westchester stores.

“It’s not often that we see businesses put the health of the public before their profits, which is why DeCicco is to be commended,” said Dr. Aspros. “I hope more retail establishments will follow DeCicco’s lead by banning the sale of tobacco products in their stores, too. The harder it is to buy cigarettes, the less people will smoke.”

Restaurants, cafes and school cafeterias that sauté or fry foods must do so in oils that do not contain trans-fats, or risk a citation and fine from the Westchester County Board of Health.

The ban became part of the county’s Sanitary Code on Jan. 9, but the Westchester County Health Department provided a 90-day grace period through April 9. During this time, nearly 1,000 eateries were found to have made the switch to cooking with healthier oils that contain no trans-fats.

“Healthy eating is the cornerstone of a healthy life,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “Avoiding trans-fats is just one way to eat smarter.’’

Natural vegetable oils such as olive, canola, peanut, corn, soybean, safflower and sunflower oils have no trans-fat and are high in unsaturated (good) fats.

Health Department inspectors now check for trans-fat oils whenever they inspect restaurants and other licensed food service establishments. Those still using trans-fat oils will be cited and can be fined up to $1,000. All licensed food service operators were notified of the new code amendment in January.

“No one will miss trans-fats, and your body will thank you for not consuming them,’’ said Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Commissioner of Health. “They are to food what leaded gasoline was to cars: unnecessary and harmful. Trans-fats contribute to coronary heart disease and stroke.’’

In April 2006, the Health Commissioner first wrote to restaurant owners inviting them to switch to monounsaturated and polyunsaturated cooking oils and be listed as part of the Be Fit Westchester program on the county’s website. About 665 food establishments participated in this voluntary ban, out of 3,000. To increase participation, the Board of Health decided that a ban would be appropriate.