Below are the Top 5 items from the month of August.
1. GOLDEN PARK PROGRAM BENEFITS OLDER NYers:
As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, one of my top priorities is to enhance the quality of life for seniors across the state. With older New Yorkers staying more active, the Golden Park Program is a great incentive that many are unaware of. The program allows free vehicle access to almost every state park, boat launch site and arboretum as well as reduced fees at state historic sites and golf courses on weekdays for any New Yorker 62 or older. All you have to do is show your NYS drivers license or non-driver ID. This is a wonderful way to take advantage of our state’s beautiful natural resources. For more information on the Golden Park Program, click here. Also, stay tuned for more information about a statewide senior tourism initiative that I am working on.
2. HISTORICAL MARKER DEDICATED TO SUFFRAGIST IN OWEGO:
As you know, 2017 marks the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New York State. To celebrate this important occasion, Tioga County Legislative Chair Marte Sauerbrey and I convened the Broome-Tioga Suffrage Anniversary Committee to help commemorate the anniversary locally. On July 14th, members of the committee were on hand as a historical marker was dedicated at the former home of Elizabeth Browne Chatfield in Owego. Chatfield was secretary for Susan B. Anthony, and on March 28, 1894, Anthony stayed at that house while on a speaking tour across the state. You can read more about the Chatfield’s home and the historical marker by clicking here; to keep up to date with the Broome-Tioga Suffrage Anniversary Committee, visit our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. We’re looking forward to the recreation of the 1913 Suffrage Parade in downtown Binghamton on Saturday, October 7th.
Assemblywoman Lupardo and Tioga County Chair Marte Sauerbrey with suffrage reenactors at the dedication of the new historical marker in Owego.July was a good month for two local businesses; Scorpion Security Products held a ribbon cutting at its Vestal facility and Burr Truck celebrated its 50th anniversary. Scorpion Security Products is a manufacturer of retail anti-theft devices; you’ve likely seen them securing a smart phone, iPad, or laptop at electronics stores. Just down the street from Scorpion, Burr Truck celebrated five decades in business. Founded in 1967, Burr sells and leases medium and heavy duty trucks, as well as provides maintenance and service for truckers across the region. I appreciate each of these businesses’ commitments to our community.
4. TIGER VENTURES LANDS $2.5 MILLION GRANT:
The Southern Tier is known for its rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship. Right in the same town where much of that history occurred, the Union-Endicott School District is keeping the spirit of innovation alive; a generous donation from Steve Jobs’ foundation is ensuring it stays alive for many years. On July 21st, the President of XQ Institute announced a $2.5 million grant for Tiger Ventures. This alternative high school combines regular classes with a focus on business and high tech. This new approach to education will help many students find new interest in school and put them on a path to success in emerging industries. The U-E School District has much to be proud of with what it has accomplished through Tiger Ventures. You can read more about this program here.
Assemblywoman Lupardo at a ribbon cutting for Tiger Ventures in Endicott.The first ever Lip Sync Challenge will be held August 24th from 6-8 PM at Binghamton High School’s Helen Foley Theater. The show will benefit Action for Older Persons. I offered to help sponsor a fund raiser for AOP and came up with this idea after seeing a video of seniors in New Zealand lip-syncing to Pharrell’s “Happy.” The show will consist of solo acts, duets, and group performances, as well as a few “celebrity” acts… including one local Assemblywoman. If you’re interested in participating, you can visit AOP’s website for more information and a registration form, otherwise I encourage you to come out on August 24th to show your support for our performers and for AOP.
Assemblywoman Lupardo and Actions for Older Persons announce the inaugural Lip Sync Challenge.