Latest news with #RogerYoung
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Third annual Garbage Olympics helps neighborhoods shine
Alyssa Espinoza of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania had three words of advice for West Side teams participating in the third annual Garbage Olympics Saturday. 'Follow that trash!' In the Pine Brook section of the city, Roger Young, Director of Community Revitalization for United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA, also offered words of encouragement to event participants. And, although both teams — West Scranton and Pine Brook — were in it to win it, a spirit of cooperation in an effort to clean up the city prevailed. * Roger Young, Director of Community RevitalizationUnited Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA, takes time to equip participants for the 'Garbage Olympics' in the Pine Brook area of Scranton Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Team Pine Brook took on Team West Side in the 3rd annual Garbage Olympics on the final day of Scranton City Pride projects. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Teddy Michel of NeighborWorks picking up trash in West Scranton Saturday as part of a community effort entitled 'Garbage Olympics.' (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 3 Roger Young, Director of Community RevitalizationUnited Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA, takes time to equip participants for the 'Garbage Olympics' in the Pine Brook area of Scranton Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Group leaders from both teams equipped participants with safety vests, garbage bags, litter pickers and a bit of advice. For example, Espinoza encouraged participants to travel in teams if possible and reminded them to avoid picking up needles. And, although the ultimate winner of the competition was the team that simply picked up the most trash, the West Scranton team also had some additional incentives to pick up the most trash possible and to have fun with it. West Side team members had a chance to win a prize for the most unusual piece of trash collected and for being the most valuable player. The team also played 'trash bingo' with a space for items such as books or a fast food bags. True community effort The event concluded Scranton City Pride, a series of citywide beautification and environmental stewardship projects over the course of about two weeks. The great benefit of such a cleanup was that everyone can participate, Young said. For example, an older woman with limited mobility let him know she would be cleaning up in front of her house and the lot next door. Families with young children were also welcome to participate, he said. Chrissy Manuel, Director of Development and Communications at United Neighborhood Centers, said the event gets people involved and helps people get to know their neighbors. It was NeighborWorks board member Teddy Michel's first time coming out to the annual cleanup and he was impressed. 'It's a little piece of restoration and a great community event,' he said. Michel said not only did the cleanup brighten neighborhoods, it was also good for the environment, keeping trash first out of the water system and ultimately out of the river. Scranton City Pride is a joint project of Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, and United Neighborhood Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC). It is a 'Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful' program.
New York Times
12-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Face to Face With an Alligator? Here's What to Do
The death on May 6 of a Florida woman who was attacked by an 11-foot alligator that tipped over her canoe served as a reminder that, while alligator attacks on humans are 'extremely rare,' as a state wildlife official said, they do happen, sometimes with fatal results. 'This serves as a somber reminder of the powerful wildlife that share our natural spaces,' said Roger Young, the executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida had an average of eight unprovoked alligator bites a year over the 10-year period that ended in 2022, according to the commission. Many of them were serious enough to require medical attention. The commission has been urging people to exercise caution in or near the water during alligator mating season, which runs from early April to June. The risk of an attack is higher, it said, because alligators tend to be more aggressive, active and visible during this time. The agency and other wildlife commissions offered these tips for avoiding or staying safe around the reptiles, which can grow up to 15 feet long. Where are they? Alligators can be found from central Texas eastward to North Carolina, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Louisiana and Florida have the largest populations — more than one million each. Georgia has 200,000 to 250,000 alligators and South Carolina is home to about 100,000. Morgan Hart, the alligator project leader for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, believes alligator attacks have increased in the state over the years because of 'the sheer growth in human population in the coastal plain of South Carolina.' When new housing developments are built, artificial lakes are often created with them and then quickly inhabited by alligators. Be alligator aware. If you encounter an alligator on land, 'you can simply back away from it,' Ms. Hart said. 'Alligators will also hiss if they feel someone is too close and they can't get away,' she said. People should be wary of any alligator that approaches, she said, as it may be a sign that it has been fed and associates humans with food. Humans should also keep at least 30 feet from alligators at all times, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. 'They rarely chase people, but they can outrun or outswim the fastest person for the first 30 feet,' the agency said, noting that alligators can sprint up to 35 miles per hour for short distances on land. Watch your children and dogs closely. Alligators prefer to pursue prey they can easily overpower. 'Pets often resemble alligators' natural prey,' said Lauren Claerbout, a spokeswoman for the Florida wildlife commission. People should keep their pets on a leash and under control, and not allow them to swim or exercise in canals, ponds or lakes that may have alligators. 'The sound of dogs barking and playing may draw an alligator to the area,' the Florida wildlife commission said. Be careful where you swim. Wildlife agencies suggest that people swim only in designated areas during daylight hours, and without a pet. 'Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn,' Ms. Claerbout said. If you encounter an alligator in the water, remain calm and do not approach it, according to the Florida wildlife commission. Don't feed them. It is illegal, and dangerous, to feed alligators in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas (except during that state's hunting season). The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said that people should not throw fish scraps into the water or feed other wildlife in areas where alligators congregate. 'As long as people don't feed them,' said Donald Houser, the general manager at Gator Park, which is just south of Miami and features shows with alligators. He added that an alligator loses its fear of humans after three days of a person feeding it. 'Just stay away from it, basically,' he said. How to fight back. You should fight back against an alligator only if it gets hold of you, officials said. 'In that case, aim for its eyes, nose or throat, which are its most sensitive areas,' according to Everglades National Park in South Florida, adding that people should 'hit, kick, or jab with as much strength as you can muster to try and force the gator to release its grip.' Still, if you are grasped in an alligator's jaws, there is a slim chance that you would be able to escape, Mr. Houser said. 'You better have someone close that knows what they are doing,' he said. 'Alligators don't eat people,' he said, but they may bite someone and then spit the person out. By then, it may have held the person under water too long, he said, 'and it may be too late.'
Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Alligator kills Florida woman after tipping over her canoe, investigators say
Published May 07, 2025 • 2 minute read A vehicle is parked outside the gates of the Lake Kissimmee in Polk County, Fla., May 6, 2025. Photo by WFTV via AP / AP ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An alligator killed a Florida woman after tipping over a canoe she and her husband were paddling, which investigators say appeared to be an accidental encounter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The attack happened Tuesday afternoon near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee, south of Orlando, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. It's near the same location as a March alligator attack in which a woman was bitten on the elbow while kayaking. Investigators said at a news conference Wednesday that the couple was canoeing in about 2.5 feet (less than 1 metre) of water when they came upon a large alligator. The startled animal thrashed suddenly, tipping over the canoe and sending both people into the water. 'It sounds like the canoe drifted over, on top of the alligator. The alligator was startled,' said Roger Young, the FWC executive director. Witnesses told investigators the husband tried to fight off the animal but was unsuccessful. FWC officials identified the victim as 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema of Davenport, Florida. It wasn't clear if her husband was injured. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A trapper captured an alligator measuring more than 11 feet (3.3 metres) that is suspected of being the animal involved, but investigators caught another large alligator that also could have been responsible, officials said. Since 1948, when officials began tracking alligator bites involving people in Florida, there have been 487 unprovoked bites through 2024, according to FWC data. Of those, 339 were major bites and 27 were fatal. The most recent fatal alligator attack was in February 2023 when 85-year-old Gloria Serge was killed while walking her dog along a community pond in Fort Pierce, officials said. Earlier that year, a 23-year-old man lost his arm in an attack near a pond behind a bar in Port Charlotte. Alligator encounters with humans are more common in the spring mating season when they are most active, Young said. There are an estimated 1.3 million alligators in Florida. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'While alligator attacks resulting in fatalities are extremely rare, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the powerful wildlife that share our natural spaces,' Young said. 'Be cautious of your surroundings. Know what wildlife is in the area.' The alligator attack comes as FWC officials continue to investigate a rare fatal black bear attack Monday that took the life of 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog near his home in Collier County, in southwest Florida. Wildlife officers have killed three bears in the area since the attack. The FWC plans public hearings on whether to hold a black bear hunt in parts of Florida later this year. Television Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Columnists Sunshine Girls
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
Roger's walks are full of fascinating insights into places near and far
MY NAME is Roger Young and after a lifetime of working, I retired from the fostering service at Bradford Council determined to fulfil a desire for travel. After the regime of work I was keen to be spontaneous and fill my life with adventures, visiting places I had until then only read about. At the same time I also decided to start a YouTube channel called Dodger's Trips to document the places I planned to go to and the experiences I would have. I have been pretty busy so far in my retirement, travelling to Europe, Asia and the USA. Roger on one of his local walks I have also visited many locations in the UK that were on my bucket list. For example I made a series on Shetland; another time I went in search of the infamous Kray twins' haunts - making a number of films at sites in London associated with the brothers. I have a great interest in history and that element features in most of the films that I make. Although I travel overseas a fair bit I don't forget about beautiful Yorkshire and indeed my home city of Bradford. There are more than 200 films on the channel and many have been made in God's Own County. I enjoy visiting both well-known and lesser-known locations in Yorkshire and try and bring forgotten stories back to life. I live in Wyke and regularly get out and about discovering the history of the village and also nearby Low Moor. I like to make the films in my local area for anybody to enjoy, but particularly for people who have moved away or are unable to get out anymore. A lot of the films in Wyke and Low Moor are walking videos and one of the favourite types I like to do is the circular walk. He heads out in all weathers Roger at the Golden Temple, Amritsar (Image: Public) By creating these walks I can show the sites and talk about the history, but more importantly being circular it means that anybody who wishes to follow in my footsteps can start at any point and complete the same route without missing anything. My latest and probably most informative film to date is Wyke, Bradford Circular Walk 7 - Storr Hill to Delph Hill. During the walk you'll encounter the tough guy of Storr Hill whose nickname was Bullet, discover why a prominent Wyke businessman and councillor was known locally as Slasher Harry, hear about the businesses in the village both past and present and discover the locations of long lost pubs. Even if you are very familiar with Wyke I, guarantee every viewer will end up learning a lot that they don't already know. Even if you live in Bradford and don't have that much knowledge about the village there's plenty to hold your interest throughout the walk. Agonda Beach, Goa, India (Image: Public) *Roger's foreign trips include France, Germany, Belgium, the USA - where he visits Last Stand Hill in Montana - and India. His Yorkshire walks include Hebden Bridge to Heptonstall and many walks in the Wyke/Low Moor area. There is also a fascinating film on Lieutenant Frank Milligan, a local man who was killed in action in South Africa on March 31, 1900. A brass memorial plaque to him sits in Harold Park, Low Moor. *You can find Roger'ss walks by searching Dodger's Trips on YouTube by visiting
CBS News
26-02-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Florida wildlife officials to hold series of meetings about bear hunts returning to state
Florida wildlife officials will hold a series of online meetings in March and April about the possibility of a return to bear hunting in the state. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young said Wednesday that the first meeting, open to anyone "who wants to provide feedback" on a potential bear hunt, will be held March 13. Three more will be held in April. Young, who addressed the issue during a commission meeting at Florida State University, said dates of the April meetings had not been set. Bear hunting has long been a controversial issue in Florida, but calls have increased for wildlife officials to approve the first hunt in a decade. Supporters say, in part, a hunt could help better manage bear populations as the animals interact with humans and point to a voter-approved ballot measure in November that enshrined hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution. Opponents have argued that hunting doesn't reduce human-bear interactions and say the state should use non-lethal options to address bear populations. They say unsecured trash continues to be a lure for bears on residential and commercial properties. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is halfway into a 10-year bear management plan, with a focus on education and making available bear-proof trash containers. But commission members in December directed staff to bring forward proposals for a possible bear hunt. The proposals are expected to be completed by a May commission meeting, giving staff members time to compile data from ongoing studies about bear populations and gather public input. The last hunt, held in October 2015, was projected to last up to a week. Instead, it was called off after two days as the bear death count quickly reached 304. Commission officials at the time acknowledged being caught off guard by the success of the hunters. The state estimated Florida had more than 4,000 bears in 2015, and the population is known to be growing. Meanwhile, the agency receives more than 6,000 calls a year about bears. In June, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that bolstered self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property. The law requires shooters to notify the commission within 24 hours of bears being killed. Shooters are prohibited from possessing or selling bear carcasses. Legal immunity isn't available to people who provoke or lure bears. Similar bills were filed in previous years but did not pass the Legislature. But the 2024 proposal, sponsored by Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, and Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, gained traction after Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith said his rural community was "being inundated and overrun by the bear population." Shoaf and Simon represent largely rural districts that include Franklin County.
