Ritchie

For 175 years, the Great New York State Fair has attracted millions of people to Upstate New York; offering rides, food, exhibits that highlight New York agriculture, concerts from big name performers and so much more. If you’re planning on visiting the Great New York State Fair, here’s a look at some of the new exhibits, entertainment and food offerings that will help to make this year’s the best yet:

Have you ever had to wonder where your next meal will come from? For more and more Americans, hunger is becoming a reality. Today, it’s estimated that one in six Americans relies on emergency food assistance, including thousands of people in Central and Northern New York. And, it’s not just the impoverished. More and more frequently, working families are finding themselves having to look for assistance when it comes to putting food on the table.

From the mighty muskellunge to the beautiful brook trout, which is also our official state fish, New York is home to a wide variety of fish, 165 different species to be exact. It’s these fish that inhabit the 7,500 lakes and ponds, as well as 50,000 miles of rivers and streams that make the Empire State a world-class destination for anglers of all skill levels. These recreational opportunities not only “hook” anglers on fishing in New York State, they also play a significant role in our economy.

In case you had your doubts, summer is here. Recent temperatures hovering near 90 degrees have many people seeking relief from the heat. Although many people welcome the warm weather, especially given this year’s brutal winter, there are steps we all need to take to stay cool and avoid health issues when the temperature rises.

From swimming and hiking to gardening and camping, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months. However, what many people don’t consider is that in warmer weather, bugs like ticks and mosquitoes thrive and can make a snack out of you if you’re not careful. The effects of these insects can be as pesky as a small bite and in other, more serious cases can be deadly.

From waterways where you can land your next big catch and trails for hiking to places perfect for camping and beautiful beaches, the State Parks across New York offer a little something for everyone. This month, across the country we celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month, a time when we make a special point to get outdoors and enjoy all the beautiful nature New York has to offer.

It’s summertime, and that means getting outdoors. And, for more than 100,000 people statewide, getting outdoors means hitting the trail on your ATV. Recently, I proposed plan that would encourage more people to take advantage of all our region, and our state, has to offer.

When you’re looking for a job or trying to make a career change, connections matter. In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Helping people make connections with businesses and organizations looking to hire is main goal of my job fairs, held annually in St. Lawrence and Oswego counties.

While eating nutritious food is important for everyone, it’s especially important for senior citizens. That’s why I’m pleased to report that included in the most recent state budget was funding I helped secure that will help New York’s aging population get the fresh foods they need to stay healthy.