Hiring Resource for Vets, Cyber Monday Parks Special

The calendar may say winter doesn’t arrive for another month, but the cold and snow are already here. For the past couple of weeks, I have been collecting gently used blankets and washable coats, hats, and gloves at my Syracuse office for refugee toddlers, youth, women, and men. The response to this coat and blanket drive, held in partnership with InterFaith Works/Center for New Americans, has been overwhelmingly generous, and I sincerely thank everyone who has made donations. If you would like to contribute, please drop off your items in the lobby of the State Office Building, 333 E. Washington St., Syracuse, through December 5.

New Online Hiring Resource for Veterans

A new online portal provides veterans with the tools they need to connect with temporary employment opportunities offered by New York State. The website enables job seekers to upload resumes and designate geographic preferences, which state agencies then use to identify and consider candidates for open positions throughout New York. The online portal can be accessed through the Department of Civil Service's website. Applicants will be required to provide their DD Form 214 to prove eligibility for this program.

Cyber Monday Special on 3-Year NYS Parks Empire Passport

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will offer a one-day only deal on Cyber Monday, December 1. The online-only special reduces the price of the 3-Year Empire Passport to only $130, an additional savings off the already discounted standard price of $165.

Valid from the date the passport is received through March 31, 2018, the 3-Year Empire Passport will provide holders unlimited vehicle access to all state parks, nature centers, recreation areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves, in addition to 55 forest preserve sites operated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The special offer is available for online purchases of the 3-Year Empire Passport at nysparks.com on Cyber Monday, December 1, from 12:00 a.m.-11:59 p.m. For more information, visit the Empire Passport website.