Thank You for a Successful Coat and Blanket Drive

I want to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who generously donated items during my recent coat and blanket drive to benefit the Center for New Americans. Through your kindness, we collected more than 50 large bags and boxes of items that will be distributed to local refugee families. Many refugees arrive in the United States with few possessions from climates that do not experience the kind of winters that we are accustomed to. Thanks to the generosity of the community, hundreds of families will be able to face our harsh weather with a basic necessity in Central New York—a winter coat. 

In recognition of my continuing support of the agricultural industry, I recently received the Outstanding Supporter of NY Agriculture Award from NY FarmNet and was named to the New York Farm Bureau’s 2014 Circle of Friends. I wish to thank both organizations for the hard work they do in support of New York’s farms and farmers.

Regional Economic Development Council Awards

Congratulations once again to the CNY Regional Economic Development Council for being named a Top Performer. This is great news, and there are many deserving projects on the list that will help boost our economy. A searchable database is available at Syracuse.com. In addition, more than $2.6 million was awarded to tourism projects in Madison County. Visit my website for the list.

Legislation Signed into Law

A number of bills I sponsored have recently been signed into law by Gov. Cuomo. They include:

S.6360 - lowers the required minimum acreage for creating an agricultural district

S.7180 - encourages seniors to participate in community gardens

S.7254 - protects senior citizens from deception by professionals who use senior-specific designations

S.7432 - that requires all cats to be examined by a veterinarian prior to their sale

S.7433 - ensures that the needs of older farmers are supported

Holiday Recycling Tips

Wondering what to do with all of the wrapping paper, bows, and cards after the holidays? These items can go in your blue bin: cardboard boxes, catalogs and magazines, gift boxes, gift bags (glossy is okay, but no metallic or foil bags), greeting cards and envelopes (nothing metallic or foil-lined), wrapping paper (no tissue paper or metallic papers), and clean aluminum foil. More detailed lists are available on the OCRRA, Madison County Department of Solid Waste, and the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority websites.

Crack Down on Drunk Driving

Additional troopers will be on the roads in an effort to crack down on drunk driving during the holiday season. The New York State Police are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, going on now through Thursday, January 1, 2015. Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints along with more troopers on major highways during the campaign. Unmarked State Police patrol vehicles will also be on the roads.

Performers Needed for 2015 State Fair

Musicians, bands, and entertainers who would like to perform at the 2015 Great New York State Fair can now apply. Applications are available on the state fair website and are reviewed as they arrive. Reviews will end when all available slots are filled.

Last year, the Fair hired approximately 100 bands and solo musicians for seven performance venues – the Empire Theater, the Midway Music Series, Gospel Music Weekend, the Regional Artists Variety Stage, the Grange Stage, the Pan-African Village, and the Daily Parade – as well as strolling street performers.

Who Will Manage Your Farm Tomorrow?

Choosing and developing future farm managers is the focus of “Who Will Manage Your Farm Tomorrow?” slated for January 13-14, 2015 at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse. This conference provides farm families and their advisors critical information for helping the next generation find success on the farm and identifies effective management transfer strategies to implement. This event is free  and includes all meals and materials. To register, visit the NY FarmNet website. 

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.