This month, our region is celebrating a major anniversary. It was three decades ago when then Congressman David Martin made the announcement that Fort Drum had been selected as the new home of the 10th Light Infantry Division. What followed was a period of significant growth, including a $1.3 billion dollar investment used to construct 130 new buildings, 35 miles of roadway and more than 4,000 sets of family housing units.
America was shocked and saddened when news of Robin Williams’ death hit last month. The iconic actor and comedian that made his fame making others laugh sadly took his own life. Many questions arose following his death and many counselors reminded us that even those with fame and fortune are not immune to suicidal tendencies and the mental illness which often triggers suicide.
As fall approaches, there’s one thing I always look forward to, my annual round of senior fairs in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties. Offering food, fun and tips for living a healthy and active lifestyle in your “golden years,” these events attract thousands of local residents and dozens of local businesses and organizations annually.
News of tragedy struck again this month when State Police investigated a case in which a woman was stabbed and later died in Cazenovia. Her alleged killer is a man with whom she was living. Tragically, this scenario is too familiar. A third of all female homicide victims are killed by their domestic partner, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. In New York State in 2012, that statistic is even higher; it’s estimated that 58% of all female homicide victims age 16 and older were killed by an intimate partner.
It was just roughly three weeks ago when the nation’s attention turned to St. Lawrence County, where two young Amish girls were taken from their home. We all felt an immense sense of joy, relief and gratitude, as well as a tremendous sense of pride in all members of our community who joined in the search, when the girls were reunited with their parents and siblings. Now, as we reflect on this shocking crime, it’s important to know what you can impress upon your children to ensure they stay safe and out of harm’s way.
During the first week of September, the nation pauses to celebrate Labor Day. The holiday was created in the 1880s and by 1894, Congress passed an act naming the first Monday in September officially as Labor Day. The holiday grew in popularity as labor organizations grew across the country. Labor Day was created to encourage families to stop working for the day and to have fun. As such, parades and picnics are traditionally part of the weekend’s activities for many.
It’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, students will be starting a new school year. If you’re a parent, you know that a big part of heading back to school is the shopping. As a mother and grandmother, I know that when you’re buying everything from new sneakers to supplies, it can add up quickly. In fact, this year, the National Retail Federation estimates that families will spend an average of $670 on back-to-school items.
In 1994, the state began what’s called the Linked Deposit Program. LDP began as a way to assist and encourage manufacturers and small businesses to undertake investments, which would ultimately lead to a stronger economy. According to an annual report published recently, in 2013, more than 1,000 jobs were created and retained in New York thanks to LDP.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you know that their use of substances like heroin can be both frightening and heartbreaking. Here in New York State, the number of deaths from heroin overdose has doubled. In the Central and Northern New York, the number of users seeking treatment for heroin and opioid abuse has increased 300 percent (more than 400 percent in Oswego County) in just 10 years.
There have been a number of new laws signed and chaptered in New York in recent weeks. I wanted to update readers on just a few involving mandated reporters, unlawful surveillance, screening of volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel, and maternal depression. I was happy to support all in the Assembly this session.
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