Dear eNews Reader,
August was a very busy month with local events, meetings, and announcements. Ross Park Zoo turned 150, Porchfest turned 10, and the 41st Spiedie Fest had perfect weather. I spent a lot of time meeting with groups who are worried about federal cuts to health care and food assistance. I’ve also been gathering information on the local effects of tariffs, changes in energy policies, and workforce shortages due to immigration enforcement. As the Chair of the Agriculture and Food Committee, the loss of farmworkers alone has left many farmers concerned about the long-term consequences. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Donna
Grippen Community Park Officially Re-Opens
Earlier this month, we celebrated the grand re-opening of the newly remodeled (and renamed) Grippen Community Park. The pickleball courts were full and many were already taking advantage of this new community hub. I was happy to secure a $500K Assembly grant to help with this new year-round destination. Grippen is open every day from 8am-dusk and features pickleball, an indoor track, a wiffle ball stadium, tables and grills, a playground and more. Ice skating will return this winter, along with other seasonal festivities.
Rallying in Support of Sports Refs
Assemblyman Joe Angelino and I joined a sports field full of officials earlier this month to express our support for legislation to increase penalties for crimes against umpires, referees, linesman, coaches, and others. Sadly, these officials are often the target of harassment and violence from aggressive fans. A terrible incident recently occurred at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park earlier in July which highlighted the problem. This will be a top priority when we return to Albany in January for the 2026 Legislative Session.
Senior Centers Receive Support
Humane Society Makes Improvements
Over the last two years, I was also able to secure two grants for the Broome County Humane Society totaling $90K. They installed a new outdoor turf area for dogs and made other needed upgrades, and security cameras will be installed soon along with other improvements. Our shelters do an amazing job caring for animals while they wait for their forever homes. Please support them any way you can.
Stand With Me’s Access Rights Training to Support Individuals with Service Dogs
I joined Stand With Me Assistance Dog Team Training to raise awareness about the public access rights that individuals with service dogs are entitled to. Under federal (ADA) and state law, they have access to ALL public spaces, unlike therapy or emotional support dogs. My office assisted Stand With Me, who specialize in service dogs for veterans, in producing an on-line training webinar. They offer free on-site trainings as well, tailored to an organization’s needs. Please consider learning more to help make public spaces, like hospitals and grocery stores, more accessible for all.