Ritchie

When the weather turns colder, it leaves many in the troubling position of deciding to pay for heat or pay for other necessities, like food or medication. It is critical for all of us here in New York State to let our family, friends and neighbors know there is help. Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) are now being accepted.

Every fall, I am fortunate enough to host a series of health and wellness fairs for our region’s senior population. These fairs feature local health-based businesses, organizations and agencies all offering various wellness checks, health tips and even free flu shots. Our community groups also pitch in, with local students making lunches to give to seniors, free of charge.

Thanks to some record breaking fishing this summer, the rest of the country is taking notice, too. Lake Ontario is the place to catch that once in a lifetime, trophy fish. Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shared some data showing that recreational fishing for trout and salmon on Lake Ontario has been “outstanding” along the entire New York shoreline.

This year alone, more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It is now the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. That is partly because most women do not know they have it until it is too late.

Students are back in school and it will not be long before the leaves start to turn and the air gets a bit more crisp and cool. It may not have seemed likely just a few weeks ago, but these are sure signs fall is just around the corner.

Not that long ago, I hosted a special event at the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg. It attracted more than 30 U.S. and Canadian leaders from both sides of the upper St. Lawrence River to share ideas on how we can strengthen our already tremendous relationship. It was also a chance for me to show off the museum and its amazing artwork to those who can help spread its story. The works of Frederic Remington are a true North Country treasure.

It is hard to believe another summer is drawing to a close. Now, as we prepare for fall, families across our region are gearing up for another school year. As a mother and grandmother, I know there are certain steps that can be taken to ensure the first day, and the rest of the year, go as smoothly as possible

Over the course of my time as a state senator, I have seen how impactful the relationship is between our region and our Canadian friends to the north. While I have worked hard to ensure this partnership is one that benefits both great nations, I am simply picking up where others left off. There is no better example of how well connected we are to Canada, than the largest symbol of our welcome to one another, the Thousand Islands International Bridge.

It is hard to believe that Labor Day is just around the corner. However, before we wrap up another great summer in Central and Northern New York, there is still lots of fun to be had, and that includes the Great New York State Fair. Last year, the Great New York State Fair drew a record 1,161,912 visitors and this year is expected to be the best yet.