Free Senior Information Fair on Oct. 16

David J. Valesky

October 20, 2014

Please come to my second annual Senior Information Fair next Thursday, Oct. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida. More than 40 representatives from all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, and local businesses will be available to speak with attendees about their concerns, questions, and interests related to aging. Tim Horton’s will also be on hand with refreshments.

Around Syracuse

My office was able to assist Clark's Ale House in securing its liquor license. I look forward to this Syracuse institution re-opening soon.

I had the pleasure of dropping the puck at the new Meachem Rink in Syracuse. Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli and I worked together to secure funding to renovate the ice after the rink closed earlier this year.

This week, I had the opportunity to speak at AARP'S presentation on the state of the 50+ population in Onondaga County. A new AARP report states that more than half (53%) of working Baby Boomers in Onondaga County could be headed out of state, carrying with them $2.8 billion annually. AARP is looking at what can be done to keep the group here during their retirement.

Free Cancer Screenings Available During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer screenings are being offered to low-income or uninsured New Yorkers during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. These screenings are hosted by the Cancer Services Program, which is funded by the New York State Department of Health. To find a screening in your community and schedule an appointment, click here or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262).

Legislation to Protect Young Children from Harmful Chemical Signed into Law

Legislation that I co-sponsored, bill S.3703, which expands the definition of TRIS to include an additional chemical, TDCPP (Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate), from being used in consumer child care products, including baby products, toys, car seats, nursing pillows, crib mattresses, strollers and other items intended for use by children under three years of age, has been signed into law. This new law builds upon legislation signed in 2011, which expanded the number of prohibited flame retardant chemicals.

New Hunting Resource Webpage

As part of a statewide effort to promote outdoor recreation and make hunting information easily accessible to sportsmen and sportswomen, the I Love New York Hunting webpage is now available at the I Love New York website.

In addition to hunting locations, the site provides information on both big and small game hunting and serves as an informational tool on how to become a sportsman or sportswoman and make the most of a hunt. The site also highlights information on species such as white tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and waterfowl. Through links to DEC’s website, visitors can access all the important information they need in one location.

One last thing – today is the last day to register to vote in the November election. You can register to vote in person at your county board of elections office, mail-in registrations need to be postmarked by midnight and received by Oct. 15, or you can register online at the state Department of Motor Vehicle's website at MyDMV.