For most, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year. Between the shopping, the baking and get-togethers with family and friends, there’s often little time for much else. However, this holiday season, I’m encouraging you to remember to give back to those in need. It’s estimated that roughly 34 percent of all charitable donations are made in the final three months of the year, with 18 percent of donations being made in December.
Following the storm’s wake, the Governor made his way to Buffalo and announced that meteorologists did not predict the storm well and residents were not prepared. While some may not have been prepared for the snow totals, it’s doubtful it had anything to do with the lack of weather predictions. According to several reports, New York needs to upgrade its water and sewer systems and, in fact, one report claims that to sufficiently upgrade our systems would cost $36.2 billion over the next 20 years.
It goes without saying that children who spend time reading at home, whether alongside their parents or on their own, are ahead in classroom. In addition to succeeding at school, children who live in homes that focus on reading benefit in other ways too, as studies have shown they have longer attention spans, higher levels of self-confidence, better vocabularies and of course, a love of books.
Whether it’s adopting a family to make sure they have presents under the tree, or working at a local community dinner to ensure that people have a warm holiday meal in good company, many volunteer their time to give back to their community. I continue to be humbled at the way our community gives in time, talent, and resources. Many holiday events are successful because of volunteers.
Fall is the time of year when many graduating high school seniors start to look toward the future. According to the New York State Education Department, in 2010, 82% of high school graduates in New York entered post-secondary education which includes either two- or four-year institutions. In order to attend, most students will apply for some type of financial aid whether it is in the form of student loans or scholarships or a combination of both.
It’s hard to believe that winter is just around the corner. If last year is any indication of what the coming months hold, it’s a good idea to take steps now to protect your home from the cold temperatures, whipping winds and mountains of snow.
The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates that there are 892,221 veterans in New York State and nearly 22 million veterans across America. From World War II to present-day battles, veterans return home shaped by their experience. They deserve our gratitude and respect.
When you think of the holiday season, what comes to mind? For most people, there’s something much more important than the gifts and parties, and that’s quality time spent with family and friends. In addition to putting their lives on the line to serve our country, members of the military make another big sacrifice, being away from their loved ones at this special time of year.
The Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research organization, released its 11th annual report last week which indicated that New York’s business tax climate is second to last in the country. California, New Jersey and Minnesota also received shameful ratings while states like Wyoming, South Dakota, Florida and Nevada ranked among the highest.
When you think about skills that are important for students to learn before graduating high school, things like time management and good study techniques might come to mind. However, there’s another important skill that everyone, high school students included, should know: CPR. CPR is a life-saving technique that helps to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart during emergencies.
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