Downtown Dining Weeks, New Info Referral Service

It was an honor last week to speak during the Senate Legislative Session about resolution J.276, remembering former Governor Mario M. Cuomo. Here’s the link to my comments.

Last Friday, I attended the launch of 2-1-1 CNY, which provides access to community information and referral services in Onondaga County by dialing 211 on a cell phone or by calling toll-free 1-844-445-1922. The 211 system helps residents locate basic resources such as food, shelter, employment, or health services by dialing a simple three-digit number. Visit the 2-1-1 website for more information.

Family caregivers are too often left unprepared to provide proper care before taking their loved ones home from the hospital. My colleagues on the Senate Health Committee and I unanimously advanced the CARE Act (S.676), which would ensure that caregivers are offered instruction in any post-discharge tasks their older parents, spouses, or other loved ones will need at home, fostering better care and potentially avoiding costly hospital re-admissions.

Congratulations to Cazenovia for ranking 21 on the Best Choice Reviews' list of the 50 Best Small Town Downtowns in America.

Make it a Toxic-Free Valentine's Day

Show your love for Mother Earth, and safely manage your household hazardous waste with help from OCRRA. Cleaning out the clutter is easy and free. Register for a drop-off appointment year-round. You can pick a time and day at your convenience to drop off your toxic materials (6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). Appointments must be made five days in advance. Make your appointment today!

Become a Housing Tester

CNY Fair Housing is looking for people from all backgrounds and with varied levels of physical ability to become housing testers. Testers can earn up to $50 per test while making a difference in our community. Housing tester training will be held Wednesday, February 11, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at CNY Fair Housing, 731 James St., Ste. 200. To register, click here.

Downtown Dining Weeks

The most popular winter dining event in Downtown Syracuse returns in two weeks - Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks. This year, 27 restaurants will participate, offering three course meals for $25 or less. Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks begin Monday, February 16 and continue through Sunday, March 1. Visit your favorite downtown restaurants or try something different this year with six new participating restaurants! Click here for a list of participating restaurants.

Connective Corridor Public Art Call

The Connective Corridor, in partnership with the Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts, invites artists to submit letters of interest and qualifications to be considered for the commission of permanent artwork to be installed at various sites along the Connective Corridor in Syracuse. The deadline to apply is March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the website for more information.

Wednesday Night Free Skate at the Clinton Square Ice Rink

Free ice skating will be available on Wednesday evenings at the Clinton Square Ice Rink throughout the month of February. Free admission on Wednesday nights will run from 5-8 p.m. Regular skate rental fees still apply. Click here for more information.

New Exhibit at Erie Canal Museum

Canals and Railroads, Collaboration and Competition is currently on display at the Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse. The exhibit is on display in the Museum's second-floor gallery through April 30. Admission to the Erie Canal Museum is free, but there is a $5 suggested donation. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

National Grid Discount Program for Ag Customers

National Grid has expanded its residential agricultural discount programs, which will now allow more agricultural customers to lower their monthly electricity delivery charges. Applications for enrollment will be considered through August 31. For more information about the residential agricultural discount program, visit the National Grid website or call the company’s customer service center at 1-800-642-4272.

First Northeast Contract Grazing Summit

The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District Grazing Program and The Central New York Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, Inc. offer a day of learning at their first Contract Grazing Summit. It takes place at the Weaver Family Farm, 4933 Peterboro Road, Morrisville, on Saturday March 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration admission is $70 per person or $120 for two from the same farm. For information, visit the website.