Finger Lakes Times: Senator Nozzolio's Holiday Drive for the Troops

Posted: Tuesday, December 15, 2015 5:00 pm

Finger Lakes Time

By SPENCER TULIS

This past Friday I was in downtown Seneca Falls to cover the It’s A Wonderful Life event there.

I made my way to the second floor of the Visitor’s Center where some of the stars of the original movie and their relatives were gathered. As is typical each year, long lines form as people look to meet them, buy memorabilia and get autographs.

As I went to take a photo of one of the celebrities, she abruptly told me she didn’t want any photos taken. I informed her I was with the local newspaper. She pursed her lips and said nothing before I told her I didn’t really need the photo and went on my way.

I then made my way west on Fall Street toward my car when I noticed through a storefront window many boxes — they were on the floor, on top of bookcases and in a side room, too.

It was the office of state Sen. Michael Nozzolio.

I laughed to myself, realizing I went from the extreme of someone not wanting their photo taken to the guy who never turns down a photo opportunity.

Nozzolio is well liked by the majority in this area because, politics aside, he really cares about those who live here.

And people know a lot about what he does for the region because of his knack for public relations. Anyone who has had some accomplishment published in the Finger Lakes Times likely received a kind note from him.

I wanted to share with you the project he’s led for quite a few years now — his Holiday Drive for the Troops. It’s not because he asked me to publicize it, because he didn’t. In fact, I’ve never been called to photograph it in previous years. The project is worth promoting, however, and it’s an opportunity to highlight an example of his passion for helping veterans and active members of the Armed Forces.

At the Wreaths Across America event at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Saturday, Nozzolio showed his continued, unwavering commitment to the brave men and women serving our nation. He repeatedly got in line (inset photo) with other volunteers to help place wreaths on the graves of the 350 veterans interred there. Volunteers assisted if a veteran was not represented by a family member.

Back at his office, staff members were filling 125 Holiday Drive for the Troops boxes that were to be shipped to local military personnel deployed overseas or to someone from outside the area if a local person requested that.

Nozzolio works with local officials to collect non-perishable items. People have been regularly dropping off items to not only his office but to the offices of Assemblymen Kolb, Finch, Oaks and Palmesano, as well as Webster Supervisor Ron Nesbit.

The goods were then picked up or brought to Nozzolio’s office in Seneca Falls to be packed and shipped.

The accompanying photo shows Nozzolio staff members Emily Gramlich and Patrick Cameron bringing items into one of the office rooms Friday.

The deadline has passed for items to be dropped off (Dec. 9) to ensure they arrive overseas on time.

Nozzolio was inspired to begin this annual drive by the help and support of Belinda McElroy of Sodus, whose two sons previously served overseas.

Nozzolio says “The success of our annual Holiday Drive for the Troops is a tribute to the strength and patriotism of our community, and I thank all of those who took the time to contribute to this year’s efforts.”

I am sure I speak for others when I say “thank you” to Sen. Nozzolio for his efforts.