E-News: November 2022

Dear e-News Reader:

With December arriving faster than expected, I’d like to wish each and every one a happy and healthy holiday season. I’m hoping to take a few days off to rest and regroup with friends and family, before the new year kicks into gear.

Best wishes to all,

Donna

1. Avelo Airlines Takes Its First Flight

On November 16th Avelo Airlines took its first flight from Greater Binghamton Airport to Orlando, Florida. Service will continue weekly with direct flights to Orlando on Wednesdays and return trips on Saturdays. This is a wonderful opportunity for our area and I was happy to join the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate this inaugural event. To book a flight visit: https://www.aveloair.com/. And starting in January, we will have direct service to La Guardia Airport in New York City on Delta Airlines.

2. Planning Underway for Rod Serling Center

Venue Strategies will help with the planning for the creation of a Rod Serling “Dimensions of Imagination” Center for Media and the Arts. The proposed multi-media center will be a welcome addition to Binghamton’s vibrant arts community. Venue Strategies is known for their work on the comedy center in Jamestown, NY. I am honored to be part of the team working on bringing this center to life here in Rod Serling’s hometown. For more information: https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/plans-for-serling-multi-media-center-for-the-arts/?utm_source=wbgh-wivt_app&utm_medium=social&utm_content=share-link

3. Broome County Public Safety Network Gets Major Upgrade

Joined County Executive Garnar and the Endicott Police Department to announce the launch of the Broome County-wide Public Safety Radio Network. This will allow 55 different first responder agencies to communicate with each other. This was a long-needed overhaul of the County’s fragmented system that was susceptible to major coverage gaps. This project was funded by legislation sponsored by Sen. Fred Akshar and I allowing a temporary surcharge to be added to landline and wireless phone bills. For more information: https://www.wbng.com/2022/11/03/endicott-police-becomes-1st-agency-go-online-with-new-public-safety-radio-network/

4. The Season of Giving

Earlier this month we kicked off the 3rd Annual Holiday Giving Box program with partners at CHOW, Broome-Tioga BOCES, Cornell Cooperative Extension and The Agency to raise funds to provide holiday dinners to local families. Vegetables and desserts for the boxes are purchased from local farmers and vendors, with the remaining ingredients sourced by CHOW. Donations will be collected until December 10th with a goal of $11,250 to provide 225 boxes. An additional 30 boxes will be distributed to local veterans using funds from the Broome County Veterans Project. A donation of $50 will provide one entire meal for a family of 4-6, but donations of any amount are accepted and appreciated. To donate: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/HolidayGivingBox2022

5. Maine-Endwell School Food Center Tour

Visited the School Food Center at Maine-Endwell High School with the County Executive and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The School Food Center model operates much like a grocery store, providing items at no cost to students and their families. The Center at M-E is run by teacher Rachel Murat whose team also offers dozens of weekly deliveries to families within the district. I’m happy to have played a role in making this center a reality. For more information on the Center: https://www.me.stier.org/page/m-eals-program