Gloria Poff, my Chief of Staff, passed away on Saturday, July 24th after a brief illness. We lost our guide, our problem-solver, cherished co-worker and dearest friend. For over 14 years of dedicated service, she made a positive difference in the lives of so many. Gloria provided assistance to thousands of constituents, local businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profits. She also managed many community grants, including ones to the Broome County Humane Society and Mercy House. At the family’s request, donations in her memory can be made to either organization.

While vaccination rates in our area continue to climb, we are also seeing an increase in cases due to the Delta variant, which is more contagious, especially for the unvaccinated. Broome County has seen a fourfold increase of cases, and the State has seen cases rising again as well. Almost everyone currently hospitalized is unvaccinated.This is a very worrisome time, as we do not want to go backwards. While our area is not considered a hot spot, we are concerned about the spread of the virus. New York residents 12+ are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at nor charge. Broome County has appointments available all over the county. Go to Broome County’s website to get testing, vaccination, and other resource information.

After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the Greater Binghamton Airport hosted the Air Show once again. Thousands of people attended the first day and were able to see over a dozen performers, including the USAF Thunderbirds and the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Unfortunately, the rains prevented the show from taking place on the second day.

Prior to the show, I was invited to fly with the Geico Skytypers Airshow Team in one of their WWII era planes! It was a real honor, even of it was little more thrilling than my stomach had bargained for.

Broome County is home to several incredible farmer’s markets that provide local consumers access to high quality products from small businesses and farms across the region. In honor of National Farmer’s Market Week being August 1st-7th please enjoy one of our markets! Broome County Regional Farmer’s MarketUpper Front Street, Binghamton

Open: Every Saturday from 9am-1pm

http://www.broomecountyregionalmarket.com/

Downtown Binghamton Courtyard Market

Collier St, Binghamton

Open: Tuesdays from 4pm-7pm

https://www.facebook.com/DowntownCourtyardMarket

Vestal Farmers Market

Vestal Public Library parking lot

Open: Wednesdays & Saturdays from 9am-1pm

https://www.facebook.com/VestalFarmersMarket

For other Farmer’s Market options across our area use this link.

As the Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, I’m always looking for ways to strengthen existing farm based businesses, and also help create new processing and manufacturing opportunities. Senator Rachel May and I had a bill become law that expands the NYS Grown and Certified program, to include NY products made from animal and plant fiber.

This bill is part of a larger strategy to promote the state’s fiber industry through marketing and continuing development. Fiber producers across the state, including those producing hemp fiber, will be in a better position to see their businesses grow. For example, this includes talk of a “farm to fashion,” movement, along with new farm uses for hemp stalks.