On your mark, get set, READ! This is the theme this year for the New York State 2016 Summer Reading Challenge. Each year, I sponsor a summer reading challenge for children of all ages. Kids are challenged to read or be read to for just 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during the months of July and August.
Milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt – the list of delicious dairy items made in New York State goes on and on. This month, we celebrate dairy, and the hardworking farmers responsible for the success of this key industry, during “National Dairy Month.” Established in 1937, National Dairy Month started out as “National Milk Month,” an event held to promote drinking milk.
Last week, New York state extended to all veterans who are members of the New York State retirement system the ability to purchase military service credit. I am honored to have been one of the many members in the State Legislature who sponsored and supported the bill.
As summer approaches, the thoughts of many students turn to time away from the classroom. However, as vacation nears, it’s so important that families continue to make learning part of the daily routine, as studies have shown that students need to read at least five books during their break to prevent “summer learning loss,” which is the loss of skills and knowledge that sometimes occurs during the summer months.
New statistics from the State Department of Health show heroin and opioid-related deaths have increased 47% in New York over a five-year period, from 2010-2014. These increases are evident in CNY. Tragically, in comparison to 10 years ago, data shows there’s been a tremendous increase in heroin and opioid related deaths in Jefferson, Oswego and Onondaga counties. For example, Oswego County reported there were no deaths related to heroin or opioids in 2004 but in 2014 there were 13.
Across our state and our region, heroin abuse continues to be a problem that threatens the safety of our communities and destroys lives. Building on my efforts to fight back against this epidemic, I recently joined with my fellow members of the New York State Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction to release a report that outlines solutions for winning the battle against abuse of these substances.
In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem, “Defense of Fort McHenry.” The poem was later put to song and retitled “The Star Spangled Banner.” Our anthem is proudly played often at sporting events, community gatherings, and at schools throughout our country. During Memorial Day our national anthem will be heard near and far as communities gather for parades and graveside tributes.
Fighting on the front lines in World War II. Serving in combat in Iraq. Making daring rescues that saved the lives of their fellow service members. These are just a few of the career highlights of the honorees recognized through this year’s Veterans Hall of Fame program, a special initiative that pays tribute not only to the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces, bu
In November of 2009, Helen Buchel and her daughter, Brittany Passalacqua, a 12-year-old girl, were brutally murdered in Geneva, NY. Helen and Brittany were killed by John Edward Brown, a violent felon whose criminal history included a conviction for assaulting his infant daughter in 2003. According to Helen’s mother, Dale Driscoll, Helen was unaware of Brown’s violent past when she became involved with him.
As the weather turns warmer, more and more people are taking to the roads on motorcycles, which in recent years, have become an increasingly popular way to get around. With more motorcycle traffic on our roadways comes a need to be more aware of how to safely share the road with all drivers, whether on two wheels or four.
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