With the holidays upon us, many community activities are in the works that will brighten the season. Volunteers and community organizations are planning to cook and serve warm holiday meals, coat and mitten drives are being organized, and others are coordinating the delivery of gifts to families for Christmas who are in need, to name a few.
The cold can take a toll on many of our most vulnerable, including senior citizens and those on low- or fixed-incomes, who find themselves struggling with whether to keep the heat on, or have the money to pay for other necessities.
On Nov. 18, nearly 600 people are expected to gather for the National Adoption Day Celebration at the OnCenter in Syracuse. This annual event draws people from throughout Central New York and is expected to finalize 55 adoptions. Family court judges from Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga, Jefferson, Oneida and Herkimer will preside over the adoptions of residents from their respective counties.
It goes without saying that providing quality health care, including dental care, is critically important to the well-being and growth of children. However, in rural regions of our state accessing care can be a challenge.
The day was originally known as Armistice Day because it marked the end of hostilities of World War I – supposedly the war to end all wars. However, in 1954 after World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of veterans’ organizations, passed legislation to change Armistice Day to Veterans’ Day. It was envisioned that this day would be a day to honor America’s veterans for their love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
It isn’t going to be an easy road ahead for our hardworking farmers across Central and Northern New York as they continue to struggle with dry wells and look for ways to cope with the repercussions of the summer’s drought. That’s why, I’ve been working in recent months to ensure they have the support needed to rebound and continue to be part of New York State’s leading industry.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory and behavior. While it mostly affects older adults, it can appear in people who are in their 40s and 50s. It is estimated that approximately 5.3 million Americans suffer from this terrible disease. It is a progressive disease, in that it worsens over time.
As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and someone who grew up on a family farm, I know that farming is hard work. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that funding is available for grants through a program I started, known as the New Farmers Grant Fund, which provides those just starting out in the industry with the support they need to be successful.
Not only is this helping our local FitzPatrick plant to remain open but it is helping all Upstate nuclear plants remain operational which will keep thousands of jobs in the state, and carbon free electric generation in New York. Since the Public Service Commission adopted the new Clean Energy Standard, there have been many critics who say nuclear should not be eligible for subsidies.
In an effort to say “thank you” to all who serve their country and let them know we are thinking of them throughout this special time of year, I will again be partnering with Ogdensburg native and radio personality Melody Burns in asking people to send yuletide greetings to soldiers through “Christmas Cards for Our Troops.”
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