Politics

In the face of so much terror, heartbreak and despair during World War II were stories of hope and bravery. Many of those stories involve nearly 1,000 European Jewish refugees who fled Nazi persecution and were brought to the only Holocaust refugee shelter on American soil – Fort Ontario in Oswego. During the last years of World War II, in an effort to help some of those being persecuted by the Nazi regime, the United States government brought 982 European refugees to Oswego, New York.

For most communities across the county, the fourth Sunday of April is recognized as Arbor Day. It is a day when family, friends and neighbors come together to plant trees and more importantly, raise awareness of the role trees play in our environment. Locally, Arbor Day means even more.

January marks National Blood Donor Month. It is a time to recognize the lifesaving contributions of blood donors, and renew the call for more donations. The American Red Cross, which supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, says the winter months are the most difficult time to collect blood.

As we welcome in a new year, 2018 brings a new opportunity for New York State to highlight what makes it so special. Agriculture – our farms, growers, producers and related agribusinesses – leads the way. As New York State’s leading industry and a major driver of the state’s economy, this is the time to make sure it remains as such.

Generosity is powerful. All throughout the year, I have seen so many people go out of their way to help their community, their family, friends and neighbors. It simply amazes me every time someone in our community does something that brings a smile to the face of another – even if it’s someone they’ve never met and perhaps never will.