The Astaire Awards is the only awards show to honor excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway and in film. They were first started in 1982 by the late Fred Astaire and Douglas Watt. The ceremony was held at New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. As previously announced, choreographer Pat Birch received the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award, while dancer and dance instructor Luigi was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in the Preservation of Musical Theatre Award. Legendary director Hal Prince, Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth, Emmy winner Valerie Harper, Joe Morton, Sandy Duncan and Maksim Chmerkovskiy served as presenters. Tony nominee After Midnight swept the 32nd Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards on June 2. The tuner’s Dormeshia Sumbry Edwards and Karine Plantadit were a tie for Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show, while Jared Grimes won for Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway Show and Warren Carlyle took home the honors for Outstanding Choreographer for a Broadway Show.
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Josh Groban Will Perform at 2015 Tony Awards
Star Files View Comments Josh Groban is another step closer to the Great White Way! Broadway.com has confirmed that the crooner has joined the star-studded lineup for the 69th Annual Tony Awards. Hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming, the telecast will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS on Sunday, June 7.There’s no word yet on what Groban will be singing, but he recently released a theater-centric album, Stages, where he sang tunes from Chess, Sunday in the Park with George, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, as well as a special Carousel duet with six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald.Other previously reported performers and presenters at this year’s ceremony include 2015 Tony nominee Bradley Cooper, Tony winner Neil Patrick Harris, 2015 Tony nominee Chenoweth and the cast of On the Twentieth Century, Vanessa Hudgens and the cast of Gigi, Matthew Morrison, Kelsey Grammer and the cast of Finding Neverland, and many more!
Josh Groban
Drier Times
Drier than normal conditions returned to most of Georgia in September, due primarily to the unusually quiet tropics this year. Farmers used the drier weather to catch up on field work after the state’s extremely wet summer. However, dry conditions hampered the maturation of some soybean pods and reduced production of Bermudagrass hay. Many crops continue to be a week or two behind in development due to the cool and wet conditions that occurred in the past few months. Despite dry conditions across the state, the southeastern corner was still fairly wet. Observers with the National Weather Service stations reported their highest monthly rainfall total in Brunswick with 10.89 inches (5.13 inches above normal). They saw the lowest total rainfall in Augusta, where only 1.17 inches fell (2.10 inches below normal). Savannah received 1.78 inches (2.8 inches below normal); Athens received 2.42 inches (1.52 below normal); Columbus received 1.17 inches (1.89 below normal); Alma received 2.12 inches (1.52 below normal); Atlanta received 2.74 inches (1.73 below normal); and Macon received 1.77 inches (1.82 below normal). Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network observers recorded the highest daily rainfall total near Darien in McIntosh County with 4.59 inches on September 26. Most of that fell in a little over two hours. An observer on Jekyll Island in Glynn County reported 3.67 inches on September 24. The highest monthly total rainfall reported by network observers was 12.08 inches, observed on St. Simons in Glynn County, followed by 10.11 inches measured on Jekyll Island in the same county. There were no precipitation records observed in Georgia in September. There were no temperature records broken either, but Alma tied a record high temperature on September 5, when the high temperature of 95 F equaled that in 1999. Most of the state saw near average temperatures through out the month. The monthly average temperature in Atlanta was 74.4 degrees F (0.9 degrees above normal); in Athens the average was 73.2 degrees (0.1 below normal); in Columbus it was 77.9 degrees (1.3 above normal); in Macon it was 74.4 degrees (0.6 below normal); in Savannah it was 77.6 degrees (0.7 above normal); in Brunswick it was 78.5 degrees (0.4 above normal); in Alma it was 77.4 degrees (0.3 above normal); and in Augusta it was 74.5 (0.1 below normal). Severe weather was reported on six days in September. All were isolated occurrences of wind damage to trees. A fish kill of approximately 500 striped bass was observed on Hartwell Lake in early September. This was attributed in part to the release of water from Hartwell Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain lake levels for adequate flood protection after the extremely wet conditions in the past few months. It also helped to maintain trout habitat downstream by providing cool water to those areas. The stocking rate for striped bass was estimated to be about seven striped bass per acre, or 400,000 fish for the reservoir, but the exact population is not known.
Marc D. Brierre appointed Rutland County State’s Attorney
Source: Governor’s office, 9/2/09 Governor Jim Douglas today announced the appointment of Marc D. Brierre as Rutland County State s Attorney. Marc is replacing Jim Mongeon who retired last month. I m pleased to appoint Marc to this important position, said Governor Douglas. I believe that Marc has the skills and experience necessary to continue the good work being done to keep Rutland safe. I want to thank Governor Douglas for the opportunity to serve the people of Rutland County in this new role, said Brierre. I will work hard as I always do to ensure that Rutland County is a safer place to live and raise a family.Brierre has served as Deputy State s Attorney in Rutland since 1983 and Chief Deputy since 1989 where he has prosecuted over 100 cases. Additionally, Marc has served in the Vermont Army Reserve National Guard where he retired in 2003 as Lieutenant Colonel, Judge Advocate General Corps. Brierre is a graduate of Louisiana State University Law School, Baton Rouge, LA as well as the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the United States Army Judge Advocate Advanced Course.Marc resides in Rutland. He is a member of the Rutland Town School Board. He is married to Arlyn and they have 3 children. 
Do This: Long Island Events June 18 – 24
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York Summer Solstice Kickoff PartyThe sounds of summer will be in the air along with swaying palm trees, refreshing tropical drinks, and some of Long Island’s best musicians at this tiki bar on the Patchogue River. This weekend-long celebration of the start of summer starts with the return of Beach Ball Thursdays at the waterfront venue, one of four that make up the “Riverfront Paradise.” Off-Key Tikki, 31 Baker Pl., Patchogue. offkeytikki.com Free. 5 p.m. June 18.Fractured SmileHow does this five-man rock band describe themselves? “Dude, you don’t even know!” They’re best known for their hardcore/punk/emo singles “Pharmiopath” and “Rife Lessons.” This will be the band’s first appearance with guitarist Ryan Rhodes, their newest addition. Warming up the crowd are Sharks in The Shallows, Sonic Bliss and NFU AKA US. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 6:30 p.m. June 18.Comedy NightKnock, knock. Who’s there? A night of side-splittingly hilarious comics who have much better setups than that, including Rocco Vaglica, Nick Failla, Frank Failla and Stacy Kendro, who open for headliners Isaacs and Baker. Hosted by Rick Morgan. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $20, two drink minimum. 7 p.m. June 18.Price For FreedomBased on an amazing true story, this gripping movie retells how one heroic man created an underground railroad to aid Iranians in their escape from Iran following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The story centers on Dr. Victor Daniels (Navid Negahban), an Iranian Jew who lived in peace and prosperity, first as dentist to the Shah (Paul Sorvino) and then the owner who launched the largest automotive factories in the late 1970s. Following the screening will be a Q&A with the author and subject of film, Dr. Marc Benhuri, and writer/producer Kenneth Del Vecchio. Bow Tie Squire Cinemas, 115 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck goldcoastfilmfestival.org $15, $10 students in advance, $20 DOS. 7:30 p.m. June 18.Melissa EtheridgeThe renowned rock singer’s life influences her work. She is a breast cancer survivor and activist for gays and lesbians. She won Grammys in 1993 and 1995, even an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Need to Wake Up” from the 2006 film An Inconvenient Truth. Every step in Etheridge’s shoes plays into her music, and it is both energizing and inspiring. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-95. 8 p.m. June 18.Ruthie FosterHer talent for the blues speaks for itself. Foster debuted in 1997, but her performing career dates back to her service in the U.S. Navy, and a Texas church choir before that. A belated congratulation is in order for Foster’s second win of the 2015 Koko Taylor Award (awarded to the best traditional blues female) at the 36th annual Blues Music Awards in May. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $40-45. 8 p.m. June 18.Milo GreeneMilo Greene’s music tells stories. At least, that was the band’s intention. Uniquely branding themselves as “cinematic-pop,” the LA group performs scores aimed for film and television. They formed in 2010, their band name originally used as a fictional booking agent to land early gigs. The deception fooled someone, as their self-titled first album climbed to top of the Billboard Heatseekers chart in 2012, and their latest, Control, dropped earlier this year. Will Press music critic Zack Tirana end up jammin’ on an acoustic with MG’s Marlana Sheetz down by the ocean after the gig, perhaps pennin’ a tune or two about lost loves, the way the stars silently beckon to dreamers, or the secret beauty of red-winged blackbirds? No, unfortunately. Most likely not. Will he listen to the band’s tune “1957” and rock out to them on YouTube despite this, anyway!? Yes, surely. Not even a question. Of course. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $25. 8 p.m. June 18.Love & MercyMusic. Madness. Redemption. Salvation. This visionary new film captures the creative chaos and unimaginable beauty that so defined legendary Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson’s career. Set against the uber-catchy, timeless hits that transcend the white, sandy shores of California and ride the perfect waves, sparkling with joy and glimmering harmonies all with just the mere whisper of a few notes, that’s the music that poured out of the brilliant Brian Wilson’s apparently tortured spirit. Paul Dano and John Cusack paint an unconventional portrait of the man whose songs still move, still amaze, still inspire, still touch hearts. Not to be missed! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Check out CinemaArtsCentre.org for various times. $7 members, $12 public, $9 students w/ID. Through June 25.Mattituck Strawberry FestivalTaste farm fresh strawberry delicacies, ride on a super roller coaster, shop arts and crafts, listen to some great music, or watch many of the great attractions with the kids. What a combo! 1175 Route 48, Mattituck, mattituckstrawberryfestival.org. $5, kids under 5 free. Times vary, June 18-21.Gretchen CarlsonThis celebrity news anchorwoman of Fox News Channel fame will sign her new memoir, Getting Real. In it, she shares her inspiring story and offers important takeaways for women (and men) about what it means to strive for and find success in the real world. With warmth and wit, she takes readers from her Minnesota childhood, where she became a violin prodigy, through college at Stanford and her in-the-trenches years as a cub reporter on local television stations before becoming a national news reporter. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. June 19Como Brothers BandThey’re both college graduates, and, you guessed it, brothers! Originating out of Mount Sinai, the bros began in 2012, influenced heavily by The Beatles. That same year, they won the Hard Rock Rising contest due to their popularity and number of downloads in the U.S. You may have heard their music on MTV’s The Real World, Best Ink, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. With special guests Alex Preston, The Janes and Marissa Ann. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $12. 6:30 p.m. June 19. STAR BoxingGritty, raw, and unforgettable, a great boxing match will bring you to the edge of your seat, incite loud, passionate (possibly expletive-ridden) shouts from the innermost sanctums of your gut, and yearning for more, more, more! This is one of those match-ups. Always jaw-dropping (and sometimes jaw-crushing), Joe DeGuardia’s STAR Boxing presents “Rockin’ Fights 19,” featuring the 2014 World Boxing Council International Silver Light Welterweight Champion Cletus Seldin, who hails from East Yaphank. They don’t call this 28-year-old muscleman “The Hebrew Hammer” for nothing. Come find out why for yourself! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-200. 7:30 p.m. June 19.The Midtown MenWhat could be better than celebrating some of the greatest hits of the `60s? How about with the original members of Broadway’s Jersey Boys? After more than 1,000 stage performances, this supergroup of Broadway actors bring their Tony Award-winning performances to the theater in the round. The Midtown Men are the first musical group formed by a cast of high-profile Broadway actors, performing classics like “California Dreamin’,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Happy Together” and much more. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50. 8 p.m. June 19.SubdudesThis New Orleans-based rock group blends American folk with traditional blues and gospel. The band’s consistency among its members showcase their strengths, emphasizing the importance of each and every instrument, from bass to accordion. Furthermore, the drummer’s high hat is non-existent; instead, he holds a tambourine in his hand all while rocking a full drum kit. Strong vocal harmonies and invigorating live performances make the band widely appealing. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $60-$65. 8 p.m. June 19.China CrisisNew wave English pop/rock band China Crisis bring to the Island their iconic ’80s sound reminiscent of bands such as the Smiths and Simple Minds. After 20 years, China Crisis released their latest album, Album in the Neighbourhood. Opening acts include Men Without Hats and The Retromantics. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $20, $25 DOS. 8 p.m. June 19.Duncan SheikThose of you who were fans of his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing” won’t want to miss Duncan Sheik’s visit to Long Island this weekend. Among his other songs as a solo artist such as “Summer Morning,” “Photograph” and “Half a Room,” Sheik is also expected to perform tunes from the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening, for which he composed the soundtrack. This show is sure to please anyone who loves music ranging from ’90s pop to modern musicals! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $55-$65. 8 p.m. June 19.Out! The MusicalLong Island Gay Men’s Chorus performs this show based on the actual life experiences of Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus members. The concert promises to change the lives of audience members and singers alike. Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $29. 8 p.m. June 19.The Boxcar LiliesThis talented trio’s songs have endeared them to audiences up and down the East Coast with their contemporary take on folk, bluegrass, country and gospel. Their singing voices, like their writing voices, are distinct and exceptional, but combine to make a delicious whole. They quickly made a name for themselves with their innovative harmonies, and they accompany their songs with guitar, claw-hammer banjo, concert ukulele, bass and washboard. Our Times Coffeehouse, 38 Old Country Rd., Garden City. ourtimescoffeehouse.org $15 adults, $10 students. 8 p.m. June 19.OliviaThis Five Towns College alum is celebrating the release of her latest album, Right One for You, as her tour brings her back to her hometown. Most famous for her contributing vocals heard in “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent, and more recently her appearance on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop, Olivia will perform songs from her newest release, as well as her self-titled 2001 drop and many EP mixtapes. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue theemporiumny.com $15, $20 DOS. 10 p.m. June 19.Culper Spy DayExplore the stories of America’s first spy ring, which was formed on Long Island by Gen. George Washington to help defeat the British during the Revolutionary War. [Read All About The Culper Spy Ring HERE] Three Village Historical Society, Long Island Museum and Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket culper.com $20 adults, kids under 12 free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 20.Massapequa Strawberry FestivalFresh fruit, crafts, live music and much more–including, you guessed it, juicy, luscious, uber-uber-sweet strawberries! Massapequa Historic Complex, Old Grace Church 4755 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. massapequahistoricalsociety.org Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20.Heckscher Outdoor FestivalHands-on environmental displays and presentations, programs featuring live animals, pony rides, children’s arts and crafts, local outdoor clubs and organizations, as well as various “green” exhibitors and vendor booths. Heckscher State Park, East Islip. parks.ny.gov. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20.Widespread PanicAlongside the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and Phish, Widespread Panic has gained a reputation as one of the most notable jam bands still kicking. Their live performances are to die for! These guys never play the same show twice. Next year, Widespread Panic will be three decades old. Fans will have a new release to look forward to. Opening the show are Umphreys McGee and Tauk. Not to be missed! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Pkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $49. 6 p.m. June 20.New Kids on The BlockNKOTB’s “The Main Event” tour is finally coming to Long Island, as Donny, Joey, Jordan, Jonathan and Danny get ready to make fans young and old swoon! Audiences can get excited all over again to hear their favorite boy band throwbacks like “Block Party” and “My Favorite Girl,” but also sing along to the band’s newer jams such as “Summertime.” Getting the party started are TLC and Nelly. Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. nassaucoliseum.com $15-$120. 7 p.m. June 20.Gene Casey and The Lone SharksFor more than 20 years, singer/songwriter Gene Casey has fronted this New York-based roots-rock ‘n’ roll band, the Lone Sharks. From original songs to covers, Casey has had his music featured in well-known movie and television soundtracks, including cable hits Justified and Sons of Anarchy. R&B, blues and country are only a few of the genres Casey and his crew perform across Long Island. Opening acts include The Vendettas, Roy Wilson and The Buzzars. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 7:30 p.m. June 20. A Tribute to Frank Sinatra’s “Centennial”In celebration of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ 100th birthday, this mega-concert will feature a barrage of his hit songs, including “Come Fly With Me,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Strangers in the Night” and “New York, New York,” along with many, many more! Singer Gary Anthony will resurrect Frank Sinatra, Luis Velez will embody the spirit, voice and charisma of Sammy Davis, Jr., and comedian Jim Dailakis will have all those in attendance a-hootin’ and a-laughin’ along like Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis combined! YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $53-$45 8 p.m. June 20. Joe PiscopoKnown for his Saturday Night Live collaborations with Eddie Murphy, the greatest Frank Sinatra impersonation in comedy history, and his movies with Michael Keaton and many other stars, Joe Piscopo brings a night of comedy, music, impressions and so much more entertainment. He will be backed up by the 10-piece New Millennium Jazz Band. Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $47. 8 p.m. June 20.To The PainLong Island hellraisers To The Pain celebrate the release of their new album Seven, in which they combine heavy metal with melodic rhythms and vocals. Impressive lead guitars along with high-pitched and wide-ranging vocals, the band showcases their love of `80s metal. Opening acts include Within, Dead Day Rising and Phosfate. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $10. 8:30 p.m. June 20. NellyGet ready to “Shake Ya Tailfeather” at this show! This Grammy Award-winning performer and actor combines hip-hop, pop and R&B to create the perfect summer concert. Look forward to hearing some of Nelly’s most popular hits, such as “Hot in Herre,” “Just a Dream,” “Ride Wit Me” and many more! The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue theemporiumny.com $20, $25 DOS. 10 p.m. June 20.P.O.D.High-octane energy, heavy metal riffs and lyrics that emphasize spiritual searching, these are a few ways you could describe Payable on Death, or P.O.D. The Christian nu-metal band emulates acts like Korn and Limp Bizkit, while furthering their sound with reggae and philosophical lyrics. After three Grammy nominations, international success, and contributions to numerous movie soundtracks, P.O.D. continues to bring their multi-genre-infused music to the world. Opening the show are From Ashes to New, Static Summer, Borgo Pass and Dealers. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-45. 8 p.m. June 21.Voodoo Glow SkullsThese punk/ska veterans are not your typical band. On top of guitar, bass and drums, the band features a no-holds-barred horn section. Since its creation in 1988, they have continued to combine hardcore punk, traditional ska and aggressive vocals, paving the way for the West Coast Ska-core sound. Supporting acts include Slow Children, Gangway!, The Shipwrecks, Crisis Crayons and Mean Girls. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $12, $14 DOS. 6:30 p.m. June 23.Steven WrightHis monotone voice and deadpan delivery of ironic and sometimes nonsensical jokes caught the comedy world’s attention, resulting in appearances on Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman, as well as recurring guest appearances on The Tonight Show. Wright went on to star in two HBO specials: A Steven Wright Special and Wicker Chairs and Gravity. at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org $25-$90. 8:30 p.m. June 23.Comedy Night: Lounge 960The jokes won’t stop rollin’ at this comedy extravaganza, as comedians Vanessa Hollingshead, Mitchell Walters and Darcy Novick dole out laugh after laugh after laugh, leaving all those in attendance absolutely in stitches! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $10. 7:30 p.m. June 24.Fall Out Boy and Wiz KhalifaBoth acts are celebrating the releases of their new albums–American Beauty/American Psycho for FOB and Blacc Hollywood by the Wizzler. Fans can anticipate hearing Fall Out Boy’s greatest hits, including “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “Dance, Dance” and “Centuries.” Wiz Khalifa will be delivering some of his most popular songs to the Island, such as “Black and Yellow,” “Young Wild and Free” and his latest chart-topper, “See You Again.” Opening the show is Hoodie Allen. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Pkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $22-69.75. 7 p.m. June 24.Madeleine PeyrouxJazz and blues singer/songwriter Madeleine Peyroux is most notably recognized for her distinct vocals and compelling renditions. Her influences range from Leonard Cohen and Elliott Smith to the Beatles and Frank Sinatra. In her rendition of “La Vie En Rose” by Edith Piaf, this sultry chanteuse reveals her childhood upbringing in France because her French is so much better than what you learned in school. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $60-65. 8 p.m. June 24.Andrew Dice ClayThe controversial comic from Brooklyn who was once banned from MTV because of his infamous “adult nursery rhymes” remains popular despite his critics. He can rightly claiming the honor of the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. Die-hard fans can still recall his stirring role in the cult classic film, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. New recruits to “The Dice Man” will know his recently released autobiography, The Filthy Truth. Come see why he unabashedly calls himself the “Undisputed Heavy Weight King of Comedy.” This is the first of five nightly performances. Governor’s of Levittown, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $55. 9:15 p.m. June 24.–Compiled by Nicholas Semelak, Chuck Cannini, Kaitlin Gallagher, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
Florida credit unions prep for ‘nuclear’ Hurricane Irma
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Credit union CEOs are heeding the dire warnings of Florida officials who have emphatically described Irma as a “nuclear” hurricane that is expected to bring life-threatening winds, storm surges and torrential rains to south Florida early Sunday morning.The three credit unions in Key West, Monroe County Teachers FCU, Keys FCU and Southernmost FCU, closed their shops on Wednesday while at least a dozen more cooperatives are closing branches, drive-thrus and offices early today or Friday.A few credit unions have already announced that they do not expect to reopen until Tuesday, September 12. But credit unions may be forced to keep their doors closed for longer if Hurricane Irma’s wrath is as bad as weather officials say that it can be. Nonetheless, many credit unions are expected to continue member services through online and mobile channels, ATMs and shared branches.
Avian flu strikes again in Vietnam
Jun 30, 2004 (CIDRAP News) – Three months after Vietnam declared itself free of avian influenza, the disease has struck there again, causing the loss of at least 4,500 chickens in a southern province, according to news services.A Reuters report today said chickens on three farms in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu died or were destroyed after testing positive for an H5 avian flu virus.Reports did not specify the N (neuraminidase) number for the virus, leaving unclear whether it was identical to the H5N1 strain blamed for the widespread outbreaks in Vietnam and seven other Asian countries earlier this year.Local animal health officials said all tested birds from the affected farms carried the H5 virus, according to the Reuters story and a report by Xinhua, China’s state news agency.Anton Rychener, Vietnam representative for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, said the new outbreak is not surprising and “is nothing to panic about,” according to Reuters.Last week, a Vietnamese agricultural official said 10,000 poultry from throughout Vietnam had been tested for avian flu, and many of the samples were positive for an H5 virus. The comments by Nguyen Van Thong were published in a Jun 27 Agence France-Presse report. He said the precise strain of the virus could not be identified.Vietnamese officials declared the country free of avian flu on Mar 30. A small outbreak of H5N1 avian flu was reported in the southern province of Dong Thap in early May.In the outbreaks earlier in the year, the disease jumped to humans, causing 23 cases with 16 deaths in Vietnam, according to reports from the Vietnamese government. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed only 22 cases with 15 deaths. The disease killed or prompted the destruction of 43 million poultry in Vietnam.
FDA delays new BSE-related feed ban 2 months
Proposals to ban SRM from all animal feed and pet food grew out of concerns that the BSE agent could spread if feed intended for nonruminant animals, such as pigs, poultry, or pets, was inadvertently mixed with cattle feed during production or transport or was accidentally given to cattle on farms. The banned items, known as specified risk materials (SRM), include the brains and spinal cords of cattle more than 30 months old. The FDA is also providing a week for public comment solely on whether to delay the ban. Apr 7, 2009 (CIDRAP News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed yesterday to delay by another 2 months a long-planned ban on the use of certain cattle materials in any animal feed, a measure designed to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease. The ban would take effect Jun 26 instead of Apr 27. Apr 7 NCBA statement To prevent the spread of BSE, the United States and Canada both banned the use of cattle protein in feed for cattle and other ruminants in 1997. After their first BSE cases, both countries banned the use of SRM from cattle older than 30 months in human food. Apr 24, 2008, CIDRAP News story “FDA broadens BSE-related feed ban” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) criticized the FDA in a statement today, saying the agency should reopen public discussion of the ban to allow for full consideration of problems it will cause. Dr. Elizabeth Parker, the NCBA’s chief veterinarian, called the 7-day period for commenting on the 2-month delay “a weak and ineffective response to the issues already arising from this ill-considered decision.” Existing BSE safeguards have limited the prevalence of BSE in healthy US cattle to a “negligible” level, the NCBA said. The group argued that the expanded feed ban will yield little benefit for animal health or food safety while causing “tremendous costs” and disposal problems for ranchers. The agency said it was proposing the delay because some cattle industry groups have expressed concern about their ability to comply with the rule by Apr 27, with some saying they are finding it difficult to find other ways to get rid of materials that can no longer be made into animal feed. “This rule has essentially ended rendering services in many parts of the country, and left producers with no legal alternatives,” said Parker. FDA announcement on delay of BSE final rulehttp://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm133462.htm See also: The ban, first announced a year ago, is poised to take effect more than 5 years after the first US BSE case was discovered, in a Canadian-born cow in Washington state in December 2003. Canada, which detected its first BSE case a few months earlier and has identified about a dozen since then, imposed a similar ban in July 2007. The United States has identified three cases, the last in March 2006.
TRPIT outperforms sector again
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Sanctuary Cove final stages draw strong interest
Sanctuary Cove has reached the end of development works after three decades of continuous supply.LOCAL and international buyers and investors are driving strong sales of Sanctuary Cove’s last remaining golf frontage lots.Just 16 of the 32 lots remain for sale within the Sanctuary Pine release, which sits alongside the Arnold Palmer-designed Pines Golf Course.Mulpha Sanctuary Cove general manager of international sales and marketing John Hughes said buyers had become increasingly conscious that the purchase window was closing.“After 30 years of continuous supply of prime land at Sanctuary Cove, the recent completion of development works has highlighted that the end is in sight and this is having a huge impact on property values,” he said.“Sanctuary Pines represents an avid golfer’s dream, with each of the generously proportioned blocks — some larger than 1100sq m — boasting stunning Pines golf course aspects. The limited number of lots that permit double-storey construction, plus a basement, has driven buyer interest locally and internationally.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus19 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market19 hours agoJust 16 of the 32 lots remain for sale within the Sanctuary Pine release.“You don’t have to love golf to appreciate the proven returns of exclusively positioned golf lots at Sanctuary Cove, with some recent sales of existing homes fronting the Pines course exceeding $4 million.”Remaining single and double-storey house sites are priced from $875,000, and range from 1000sq m to 1129sq m.Sanctuary Pines Golf Course is the only Arnold Palmer-designed course in Australia, and is considered one of the nation’s most challenging courses. It is surrounded by pine forest and dotted with lakes, with native wildlife often spotted on the fairways.The Sanctuary Pines release sits within the award-winning Sanctuary Cove masterplanned community, home to restaurant and retail precincts, two golf courses, a clubhouse, a country club, tennis courts, a pool, and a huge calendar of events including the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show next month.