Big surprise?  Not really!  These two gentlemen are always stepping up to the plate when asked to lend a helping hand.  If you want to help Gary and Steve keep history alive in the Greater Mohawk Valley give them a call, they would be happy to hear from you.

“The Oneida County Historical Society was founded in1876 and has served since that time to collect, preserve and make accessible the past heritage of Oneida County and the upper Mohawk River Valley”.  Won’t YOU help keep history alive?

A new annual event for the Utica area is being launched this Saturday, Feb 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Hanna Park in Downtown Utica.  The event is to be a one mile winter walk to help raise awareness and funds for the Rescue Mission of Utica, a local not-for-profit organization which caters to the area’s homeless, as well as offering other services to a growing population of people needing support services in this down economic time.

Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig’s own Matt Briggs is on the planning committee for the event, as part of a project the team donated to the Rescue Mission of Utica through the Leadership Mohawk Valley program.   The event should be lively with DJ’s from various local radio stations including Kiss FM and BUG Country FM, a soup line catered by Symeon’s after the walk, and other fun and games along with the walk itself.

Please join us as we help the Rescue Mission of Utica and more importantly, those who need our help in this time of need, to usher in this great new event to the greater Utica area and the Mohawk Valley.

Information on the event can be found on the web at uticamission.org  or call 315-735-1645.

]]> http://szwinsurance.com/2012/02/02/walk-a-mile/feed/ 0 http://szwinsurance.com/2012/01/17/change-is-good-right/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=change-is-good-right http://szwinsurance.com/2012/01/17/change-is-good-right/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:51:20 +0000 pattyt http://szwinsurance.com/?p=422 In our case it is.  We just went live with a new phone system and we all have new extension numbers.  Please check out our About Us tab and choose The Team option; you will see our new 4 digit extensions.   You still call us at (315) 792-0000, but instead of 2 numbers the ‘voice of Wendy’ will ask for 4.  You will have the option to search by last name by pressing the #, or pound key, or stay on the line for assistance.  Also, if you prefer to direct dial one of us, dial 272 and our 4 digit extension.

While there is always a learning curve when adding new technology, Northland Communications made it easy with their hands on approach.

Thank you to Stacey Maier and Jay MacLean, Jr. of Northland, for allowing us to continue our focus on our customers while learning something new.

….your SZW Team

…..your SZW Team

Isn’t that what everyone says once the clock strikes 12 midnight on December 31^st?  Oh wait, that’s considered January 1^st, isn’t it?

Either way, that’s what we at Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. are saying to all our family and friends, customers and acquaintances.  We want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 and beyond.

Your SZW Team

If you want to catch your breath and slow the family down a little, visit the Wonderland of Lights at the Masonic Care Community Campus.  The Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) is celebrating their 10^th Anniversary of this event.  It runs now through January 1^st, from 5:30 – 9:00 pm every night.  Click on the Wonderland of Lights link for more information.

Let your light shine on!

Since we’re all hoping for a white Christmas, our very own Donna Moulton has written some safety tips for those ‘chomping-at-the-bit’ to get out and ride.

Tips for a safe Snowmobile season:

Be a defensive driver, always be alert and aware of your surroundings, do all that you can to ensure your safety and that of other riders, never assume what the other snowmobile will do.

Watch out for:  Thin ice and open water, oncoming snowmobiles, unexpected corners, road and railway crossings, bridges, snow banks and drifting snow, tree and branches on the trail, wildlife and other trail users (skiers and hikers).

Most important do not drink and ride.  Snowmobiling requires alertness, caution and attention.  Your reaction time and ability to control your sled can be affected after consuming even a small amount of alcohol.  Alcohol has been shown to be a contributing factor in most fatal snowmobile accidents. 

Be prepared if your sled breaks down.  Wear layers of clothing; wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms and the back of your helmet; never ride alone at night, and be certain that all the lights on your snowmobile are operational.

Also know that there is insurance you can buy to cover your snowmobile for physical damage, as well as liability.

Happy Snowmobiling!

1. Have chimneys, stoves and connectors cleaned by a competent chimney sweep.
2. Have stoves inspected for proper installation and clearances.  Most towns require an inspection by the building inspector or fire department before issuing a building permit for a wood stove.
3. Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood.  Never burn trash or artificial logs in a wood stove, or use liquid fire starters.
4. Keep all combustible material (rugs, fabrics, furnishings, wood, paper) at least three (3) feet from the stove and connector pipes.
5. Dispose of ashes only in a metal container with a tight fitting lid.  Never set the container down on combustible material.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times.
7. Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended.

Stay warm and stay safe! 

Your SZW Team

• Have a mechanic check your car’s battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil) as well as heating and exhaust systems to ensure that your car is in good, safe working condition. 
• Try to keep your gas tank full during the winter months.  Don’t allow the gas to go below half a tank.  Not only will this prevent damage from freezing, you’ll avoid running out of gas if you’re stuck in a traffic jam during the dead of winter.
• Install snow tires or all-weather radials with adequate treads.
• An adequate supply of windshield washing fluid is critical to wash away the mud and melted snow that can severely limit visibility.
• Prepare for an emergency.  Keep blankets, flares, a sack of sand for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, towrope, booster cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in your trunk.  You should also stock your car with material for survival, such as waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, a first aid kit, dry clothing and a brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna). 

When driving under adverse weather conditions:

• Take care pulling out of streets blocked by mountains of show.  It’s often difficult to see who or what is coming.
• Back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out.
• Be aware of joggers on the street.  Often sidewalks are impassable and die-hard joggers venture onto the street for a clearer path.  Unfortunately, they may not see icy spots or other hazards hidden below the slush.
• Don’t turn corners too tightly.
• If your car does not have anti-lock brakes and you start skidding on the ice, try not to slam on your brakes.  Gently pump your brakes to maintain better control and prevent your wheels from locking.
• If your car does have anti-lock brakes, slam on your brakes when skidding on the ice.  Pumping your brakes prevents the anti-lock system from taking over.

Traveling during a severe storm:

Travel only if necessary during a blizzard or sever storm.  If you must travel:

• Don’t travel alone.  Notify someone of our estimated time of arrivals as well as your primary and alternate travel routs.
• If STUCK, stay in the car and wait for help.  Run the engine and heater sparingly.  Also make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ventilate your car so that carbon monoxide fumes won’t poison you.
• Keep your energy.  East food that provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.  Replenish your body with fluids to prevent dehydration.  Don’t eat snow; it will lower your body temperature.  Melt it first.

~ Your SZW Team ~

Want to know more about the Chamber?  Get involved?  Check out their site.

~ The SZW  team ~