Dear eNews Reader,
It’s been unusually busy for this time of the year, with more than the typical summer activities going on. As I’m trying to wrap up my service in the Assembly, new local challenges have emerged requiring all hands on deck including the aftermath of the devastating motel fire in Endicott along with federal cuts to SNAP and many crucial health benefits and services. I plan to continue serving the community after the end of the year, and will likely return to these very issues, minus the six months in Albany.
Donna
Celebrating CCE’s Commercial Kitchen Expansion
We cut the ribbon on the expanded Incubator Kitchen on Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County’s campus. The $750K Assembly grant I helped secure tripled the kitchen’s footprint, adding a walk-in cooler and another full kitchen, giving even more local entrepreneurs the opportunity to build their businesses. We celebrated with an Open House and samples from two food entrepreneurs who got their start in the kitchen – Flaming Bag Catering and Dapoer Indonesian Restaurant. Thank you to Speaker Heastie for his support and to CCE Broome for the important work they do for our local food economy, from farm to table.
Southern Tier Veterans Support Group Celebrates 15 Years
I had a great time celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. STVSG has built a strong community support system for veterans across 14 counties, with links to 100 affiliate organizations. I can’t thank them enough for their dedication to those who have served our country. If you or anyone you know is a veteran or will be returning from service soon, please connect with them. Click the link below to learn more about the services they provide.
Rallying Support for Victim Service Providers
Link Planetarium to Undergo Major Renovations
The Link Planetarium at Roberson Museum will be undergoing a major renovation with a $250K Assembly grant I helped them receive. This funding will go towards new seats, improved heat and cooling systems, projector upgrades and more, modernizing the Planetarium many have loved and enjoyed for years. Plans are in place for it to reopen in time for Home for the Holidays. This is part of Roberson’s larger $12M Capital Campaign which has already raised $11.5M.
Thank You to American Legion Post 1700
Thank you to Commander Dave Williams and American Legion Post 1700 for the recognitions I received. The Annual Family Picnic is just one of the many activities the Lodge holds throughout the year. As a member of the Post’s Auxiliary, I plan to stay involved after I retire to support their work. My Dad and father-in-law were both WWII Army Air Corps veterans; the biggest thanks goes to them and all of America’s veterans.
