Electronics Recycling Event on Jan. 31

The 2015 Legislative Session has begun, and I am looking forward to returning to Albany and working with my colleagues in the Legislature to enact a responsible, forward-looking agenda that improves our state, our region, and our economy. The Independent Democratic Conference’s bipartisan coalition continues, with a few rule changes. Syracuse.com ran a story about the coalition, and I also appeared on Capital Tonight on January 8 to talk about the IDC’s role in the Senate.

Free Electronics Recycling Event on Jan. 31

Did you get a new TV or other electronic device for the holiday? Safely dispose of your old electronics at my recycling event in partnership with Sunnking Electronics Recycling and Time Warner Cable on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 1200 Canal St. Extension (off Midler Ave.), Syracuse. Area residents can drop off old and unused electronics at no charge, and there is no limit to the number of items that may be dropped off.

A new law that went into effect on January 1 prohibits certain types of electronics from being discarded in the trash or placed curbside for trash pickup. These items must now be recycled.

Items that can be accepted include computers (desktops and laptops), printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, televisions (CRT, LCD, LED, plasma), cell phones, IT and networking equipment, monitors (CRT, LCD, LED), MP3 players, PDAs, tablets, and ink and toner cartridges. Visit Sunnking.com for a full list of acceptable items.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Central New York Food Bank, based on the total weight of materials collected.

College-Bound Students and Families: It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA

The FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – is the most important tool in securing student financial aid for college. Completing the FAFSA enables students to receive federal and state aid for which they qualify.

There's a new version of the FAFSA each school year, and students must renew the FAFSA annually to continue to receive aid. Students should submit a FAFSA as early as possible for consideration for maximum financial assistance. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for federal and state student financial aid. Schools, community groups, and other organizations will hold FAFSA completion events at which students and families can receive help completing the FAFSA online. Volunteers from HESC and local colleges will provide professional assistance with FAFSA completion.

Anyone unable to attend an event can chat online at StartHereGetThere.org, available weekdays; call the toll-free FAFSA Help hotline, 1-800-808-1790, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; or send an email inquiry to FAFSAhelp@HESC.ny.gov. To find an event near you or for more information about financial aid and completing the FAFSA, visit StartHereGetThere.org.

Kids Can Learn to Ski for Free

I SKI NY, the New York State ski industry’s trade association, offers a Kids Ski Free Program for third and fourth graders. Two options are available:

• a lift ticket program with up to three tickets per area at 30 participating NYS resorts.
• a learn to ski and ride program with 20 packages that include lessons, rentals, and lift tickets.

There is a registration fee of $25. More information is available on the I SKI NY website. 

Legal Assistance Available for Veterans

The Veterans Legal Clinic at Syracuse University is the first and only comprehensive legal clinic in New York providing free legal assistance to veterans as they apply for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The clinic will help with VA claims, represent clients in VA Claim appeals, and assist veterans in upgrading discharges. Priority status will also be given to veterans in existing clinics, such as Family Law, Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, Disability Law, Elder Law, Tax Law, and Consumer Law. Veterans interested in obtaining legal services can call (315) 443-4582 or toll free at 888-797-5291 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2015 Camping World RV Supershow at the New York State Fairgrounds this Weekend

The 2015 Camping World RV Supershow is being held now through January 11 in two buildings at the New York State Fairgrounds: the Center of Progress Building and the Horticulture Building. The show runs Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking for the event is free.