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The Jogging Jeweler

The Jogging Jeweler #46

The Jogging Jeweler #46

It’s been a good six months since my last blog post as The Jogging Jeweler. A move cross the country with not just my family, but my business as well, has kept me busy. What’s the Jogging Jeweler going to do in a new state?

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The Jogging Jeweler #45

The Jogging Jeweler #45

I began running in the Rivertowns nearly four years ago when my family moved to a house located in Irvington on Main St right next to the entrance of the Old Croton Aqueduct. When we purchased a home in Dobbs Ferry, the diversity of my runs expanded as did my frustration with the local infrastructure. 

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The Jogging Jeweler #42

The Jogging Jeweler #42

| FINAL Rt 9 Survey |

This final survey will provide the Route 9 Active Transportation Corridor planning team vital input regarding your thoughts and opinions about design features considered at specific locations.

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The Jogging Jeweler #39

The Jogging Jeweler #39

The Jogging Jeweler #39

| Stop, Look, Wave - Tanks |

  1. Stop - at crosswalks
  2. Look - for others
  3. Wave - acknowledge & thank

Why???

The Jogging Jeweler has started this apparel based campaign in an effort to raise awareness of the what sharing the road really means.

Last fall our communities speckled the roadsides with lawn signs "Slow Down Rivertowns" - basically homeowners giving a polite fist-shake and holler at speedy drivers passing their homes. However, after raking leaves, moving snow, and weekly mowing few remain, those that do are now part of our day-to-day scenery and most likely ignored.

The bright colors and simple symbols hope to pass along the idea that we are all in this together. That behind the wheel or on foot is active participation in sharing the pathways we all use to go about our daily lives. AND - that saying "thank you" is courteous and will positively reinforce stopping, looking, and waving again and again and again.

Want one?

  • Easy - purchase button down below!
  • Local & want to pick up? Send me an email and we can arrange a meeting.
  • Out of town? Let's ship it!

Where does the money for the shirts go?

To buy more shirts....winter is coming.

For real though - The Jogging Jeweler is not a paid gig. I do it because I give a damn and believe starting conversations about the issues we face as a community leads to ideas, solutions, and a better version of ourselves.

AND REMEMBER - STOP, LOOK, WAVE

 

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The Jogging Jeweler #38

The Jogging Jeweler #38

The Jogging Jeweler #38

| A Deer Dilemma |

The Jogging Jeweler typically writes about pedestrian and traffic safety, however on my most recent run was one of the most natural of surprises - a mother deer with her young....Not 1! Not 2! BUT 3 baby fawns accompanied this mother. 

What does this mean?

This means their natural habit - our backyards, gardens, schools, and parks is an AMAZING & thriving environment for them. So much so that they are able to feed and provide safety for multiple offspring with each birthing season. 

What is the Dilemma?

Well - much like here in the Rivertowns, back in the Midwest where I grew up deer populations, when out of control are incredibly destructive to vegetation. Farmers knowingly deduct the first 2-10 rows of any field from their harvest yields as that's how much the deer can eat. 

BUT....

For us sub-urban dwellers these deer pose a much bigger threat, one that was recently demonstrate when I picked up my daughter from the sitter this past summer. An 18-month old at the sitter's was covered in marks. Had one of the kids bitten him? No. Did he have ringworm? No...He had Lymes Disease. 

Deer carry ticks. They come into our gardens, yards, parks, playgrounds and the ticks fall off - bringing diseases such a Lyme, literally, to our door. 

    What can we do?

    Four PostersFire Island is well-known for their approach to limiting the deer population, vegetation, and ticks carried by the deer. Fire Island has created a feeding system for the deer that is surrounded by large rollers treated with a pesticide.(Read more) When the deer insert their hungry little heads between the rollers to eat, the rollers apply a pesticide similar to Frontline for our dogs and cats to the deer, killing their existing ticks and preventing new ones from getting a free ride. 

    Tick Tubes -  Cardboard, bio-degradable tubes, filled with cotton balls that are soaked in a synethic version of a naturally occurring tick repellent that is toxic to ticks but not mammals. Tubes are placed at homes throughout neighborhoods for mice, whom the ticks contract Lyme's from, to collect the cotton balls for nest building. Ticks then feed on the mice, ingesting the toxin and dying. Never getting the chance to free-ride on a deer and enter areas that we frequent.(Read more)

    Deer birth control - They capture the deer, shoot them with birth control, release them and then dart them again in two years time to re-up the dosage. Locals can help track the immunized does via the link provided. (Read more)

    Culling - They target a certain location and position a bow hunter to strike the deer dead (with hopefully one shot). Not a fan of this idea in our immediate local areas - high density population with high traffic of people, kids, vehicles, etc. (Read more)

    Moving to the suburbs and dealing with nature is part of the package. Whether they are deer, skunks, coons, possums, squirrels, turkey, coyotes, woodchucks, etc. We're the smarter species, we can most certainly figure out a way to live together without killing one another ;-)

    Did you know?

    • Deer mate Sept-Nov, gestation lasts 7.5 months through the winter. Fawns are born May-June, hence why we are are seeing them out and about now. 
    • Female deer with multiples may carry off-spring from different males. 
    • Ticks contract Lyme's from mice, deer are the public transit for ticks.

    The following is a list provided by the CDC of diseases carried by ticks:

    • Anaplasmosis is transmitted to humans by tick bites primarily from the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern and upper midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the Pacific coast.
    • Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Most human cases of babesiosis in the U.S. are caused by Babesia microti. Babesia microti is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and is found primarily in the northeast and upper midwest.
    • Borrelia mayonii infection has recently been described as a cause of illness in the upper midwestern United States. It has been found in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Borrelia mayonii is a new species and is the only species besides B. burgdorferi known to cause Lyme disease in North America.
    • Borrelia miyamotoi infection has recently been described as a cause of illness in the U.S. It is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and has a range similar to that of Lyme disease.
    • Bourbon virus infection has been identified in a limited number patients in the Midwest and southern United States. At this time, we do not know if the virus might be found in other areas of the United States.
    • Colorado tick fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). It occurs in the the Rocky Mountain states at elevations of 4,000 to 10,500 feet.
    • Ehrlichiosis is transmitted to humans by the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum), found primarily in the southcentral and eastern U.S.
    • Heartland virus cases have been identified in the Midwestern and southern United States. Studies suggest that Lone Star ticks can transmit the virus. It is unknown if the virus may be found in other areas of the U.S.
    • Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern U.S. and upper midwestern U.S. and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) along the Pacific coast.
    • Powassan disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the groundhog tick (Ixodes cookei). Cases have been reported primarily from northeastern states and the Great Lakes region.
    • Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis is transmitted to humans by the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum).
    • Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is transmitted by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sangunineus) in the U.S. The brown dog tick and other tick species are associated with RMSF in Central and South America.
    • STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness) is transmitted via bites from the lone star tick (Ambylomma americanum), found in the southeastern and eastern U.S.
    • Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected soft ticks. TBRF has been reported in 15 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming and is associated with sleeping in rustic cabins and vacation homes.
    • Tularemia is transmitted to humans by the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Tularemia occurs throughout the U.S.
    • 364D rickettsiosis (Rickettsia phillipi, proposed) is transmitted to humans by the Pacific Coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis ticks). This is a new disease that has been found in California.

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    The Jogging Jeweler #36

    The Jogging Jeweler #36

    The Jogging Jeweler #36

    | Changing the Flow |

    The crosswalk located on Route 9 and Clinton/Oak in Dobbs Ferry is FINALLY getting its pedestrian activated crossing light. This past week they came, did some digging, and planted some new signs. 

    What does this mean?

    Pedestrians that use this crosswalk will be able to push a button that flashes yellow lights alerting oncoming drivers that they are ready to cross. By no means does pushing this button and activating the lights automatically granted you easy and immediate passage. As a pedestrian you must still STOP, LOOK, & WAVE to the driver that has stopped. If the driver(s) return the wave, then by all means proceed - with caution. 

    The activated the light does not actually mean drivers will feel an obligation to stop, allowing you to cross so expect to still have to wait. This intersection has many approaches from different directions so awareness to turning vehicles as well as further approaching vehicles is key to your safe passage. 

    What else could be done?

    Not going to lie - a lot could be done at this intersection to make it more efficient for drivers and pedestrians. Watching the construction workers was an excellent demonstration of one particular change that could dramatically increase the safety, visibility and efficiency of this intersection. Watch the below video to better understand.

     

     

    Notice when the cars were unable to turn a few things happened:

    • less vehicles actively using the intersection
    • less confusion of which cars were going where
    • easier to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and the entire intersection

    Solutions:

    • Bump outs - slows traffic, elevates pedestrians to see and be seen, and eliminates that extra movement
    • Move the crosswalk - the current placement of the crosswalk is at the crest of the hill and located at a portion of the intersection that results in pedestrians being placed in the middle of three turn lanes and 3-4 lanes of opposing traffic

    Below is a diagram you've likely seen before on my other blogs, but it demonstrates what this intersection could look like...

     The Jogging Jeweler #36 - Route 9 & Clinton/Oak

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    The Jogging Jeweler #35

    The Jogging Jeweler #35

    The Jogging Jeweler

    | JJ Surprise!! |

    If you haven't noticed, The Jogging Jeweler logo received a slight makeover/enhancement. This new logo is in an effort to raise more awareness locally about pedestrian safety because with this new logo comes a surprise!!

    How THIS Came to be

    Recently in Irvington new lawn signs and posters appeared to promote an idea that I have also been sharing - STOP-LOOK-WAVE

    • STOP - Drivers & pedestrians NEED to stop at crosswalks.
    • LOOK - Drivers & Pedestrians NEED to be aware when entering the area near a crosswalk.
    • WAVE - Drivers & Pedestrians NEED to wave, acknowledging they see each other.

    I spoke with the person in charge of those signs and the idea of yet another yard sign bothered me. Their cost and stability in weathering the summer & moving them with each weekly yard mowing seemed like a wasteful hassle. Especially knowing that their placement won't be ideal and would over time become part of our day-to-day scenery, being ignored by drivers and pedestrians.

    So how do we take this concept visual, making it seen publicly, but not ignored with routine. Something causing other pedestrians and drivers to pay more attention throughout our community. Then one day while running and receiving the usual awkward double glances and/or honks and shouts of enthusiasm to my Go Pro hat - it hit me! This crazy hat on my head throughout our villages... 

    THE Surprise

    HATS!!!!

    However, the idea didn't just stop there...

    In an effort to further awareness The Jogging Jeweler has created apparel to support the idea that we, as drivers and pedestrians, need to be more aware and active in our usage of crosswalks. 

    Sometimes being creative can be tough, you like everything - so in an effort to make something the larger population would wear here's your opportunity to help!

    Help The Jogging Jeweler narrow down the looks, styles, and colors of STOP-LOOK-WAVE apparel!

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    The Jogging Jeweler #34

    The Jogging Jeweler #34

    The Jogging Jeweler

    |Rivertowns Enterprise Article|

    Two weeks ago The Jogging Jeweler graced the pages of the local Rivertowns paper - The Rivertowns Enterprise

    The Jogginer Jeweler, Rivertowns Enterprise, Dobbs Ferry Chamber, Fast Five

    This article discussed one of the latest initiatives from the Dobbs Ferry Chamber of Commerce, a non-for-profit organization that began in August of 2015 and has grown intoa group of nearly 80 members. Becoming the President in May of 2016, I began with addressing the echoing issues from our members - parking, traffic, & safety. 

    What is The Fast Five?

    The Fast Five are five items of low hanging fruit that the Chamber narrowed down in various meetings with members and other local community groups. Our overall goal was to pick items that were easy for the Village to target in terms of budget, time, and visibility (meaning residents and visitors alike would see the improvements.)

    The Jogging Jeweler - The Dobbs Ferry Chamber of Commerce, Fast Five

    Feedback on Fast 5

    Overall the feedback has remained positive on the Fast Five. There have been 3-4 complaints regarding the test period for extending the meters - that is, complaints without sound reasoning as to why it is not a good idea. The test period is suggested for 6-8 months in the hopes that we can at least capture two different seasons. This test period does not have to be 7 days/week, it could just be Thurs, Fri, & Sat. It's an effort towards making the parking we have more efficient. Maybe it'll improve parking for local businesses - maybe it won't, but if we don't start trying there will be no data regarding the efficiency of our parking spaces. 

    What Happens Next?

    The Chamber is currently waiting to hear back from the BOT. The BOT has asked the traffic commission to review our list of suggestions. Hopefully, a presentation from the Chamber regarding the Fast Five will be on an upcoming agenda. 

    THANK YOUs

    A HUGE hug of appreciation for all those that participated in making this effort come to fruition. It took months, endless meetings, lots of editing, and ultimately led me to start this blog. Even if 3 of 5 are addressed it is a win and progress!

    #stoplookwave & #route9

    Look for these hashtags used in social media posts. Feel free to use #route9  on posts, pictures, or comments about Route 9. And steal #stoplookwave for posts, pictures, or comments that will help raise the awareness of sharing responsibility as pedestrians and as drivers at our crosswalks. We all need to STOP, LOOK, & WAVE before crossing, it will provide acknowledgement of being seen and show gratitude. 

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    The Jogging Jeweler #32

    The Jogging Jeweler #32

    The Jogging Jeweler

    |OCA + Curbs + No Crosswalk = HOH |

    On a recent run through Dobbs Ferry and Hastings-On-Hudson we ventured down the Old Croton Aqueduct by crossing Route 9 in Dobbs and traversing the trail south into Hastings. It took gingerly balancing my jogging stroller over that first curb to remember "oh yeah, there's the reason why we never run this way".

    As previously stated in Blog #11 Hastings-On-Hudson has got some major curb issues - meaning there are crosswalks and crossing, such as those along the Old Croton Aqueduct, that are not easily traversed for handicap, strollers, bicyclists, or folks pulling luggage as they walk up from the train. 

    Nearly every intersection throughout Hastings-On-Hudson that the Old Croton Aqueduct passes through has a curb making the trail 100% avoided by someone like myself who runs while pushing a child in my stroller. She's used to the light jostling and me calling out "bumpy bumpy" for when an area is worse for wear, but curbs - those are a bit more noggin' knocking when at a clip faster than a casual walk. 

    Who We Gonna Call?

    Ghost Busters :-D May be easier to call them, but the Old Croton Aqueduct is a New York State Park which means we need to be squeaky wheels to get the large ol' state of New York's attention. We can write the below people letters or emails, call them, write letters to the Editor for the Rivertowns Enterprise, or other local publications to draw attention to the fact that our historic park could use some TLC.

    The Old Croton Aqueduct is in the Taconic Region of NYS Parks. The following are representatives listed under Taconic Region:

    • Lucy R. Waletzky, Chair
    • Jane Alexander
    • Arthur Gellert
    • Randall Fleischer
    • William Mooney
    • Ralph O’Dell
    • Frederick Osborn
    • Edgar Masters

    Taconic Regional Office
    P.O. Box 308
    Staatsburg, NY 12580
    Phone: (845) 889-4100
    View Regional Map

     What else can you do?

    • On Twitter? Follow Nita Lowey (@NitaLowey) or Eliot Engel (@RepEliotEngel)- send them a link to The Jogging Jeweler Blog, Youtube Video, Photo, or Facebook Post of your choice AND state why it's important to you that they help us address the safety concerns along Route 9 as well as the Old Croton Aqueduct prior to the New Bridge opening.  
    • On Facebook? Follow Westchester County Board of Legislators - This will help you figure out which Legislators covers your area. Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, & Hastings are covered by Mary Jane Shimsky. Shimsky chairs the Committee on Infrastructure, is on the Committee of Transportation & Public Work, as well as NYS/ National Transportation Steering Committee, & is a member of the the NYS Mass Transit Taskforce (behind the New Bridge - and all the Route 9 stuff). 
    • Comment, Share, & Like! The more JJ readers sending in problem photos, sharing stories of their experiences, suggesting solutions, or asking questions about the blog creates a larger dialogue for all of our communities to participate in. 

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    The Jogging Jeweler #30

    The Jogging Jeweler #30

    This video is an edited video of about 30 minutes at the intersection of Route 9 and Oak/Clinton Streets in Dobbs Ferry. This video is not taken during heavy traffic, but is to demonstrate the craziness that can ensue at this particular location. 

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