Seaway Festival parade has special meaning for Assemblywoman Russell

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell handed out candy as she walked in the Seaway Festival parade Saturday in Ogdensburg. She noted she first marched in the Seaway Festival parade when she was a member of the Indian River marching band.

Assemblywoman Russell: Producers, school officials will meet Friday in Watertown for farm-to-school talk

A meeting has been scheduled  in Watertown to bring together local producers and school officials to discuss the implementation of a farm-to-school pilot program this upcoming school year in the North Country.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, secured $300,000 to fund the pilot program in the 2016-17 state budget. The Adirondack North Country Association has been selected to oversee the farm-to-school pilot program.

"We recently had a similar meeting in Canton earlier this month, and I was very encouraged by the number of farmers that attended that session. It provided a great opportunity for our school food service managers and producers to network, discuss the program and get a better understanding of each others' needs. I'm anticipating the meeting in Jefferson County will be equally successful in accomplishing those same goals," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The meeting will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. Friday at the Watertown Central School District Office, Wiley Building, 1351 Washington St.

Joshua Bakelaar, local economies and agriculture director for the Adirondack North Country Association, said the meeting is designed to connect farmers interested in the potential new market with participating schools.

"We'll hear what products schools are looking to buy and what products farmers will have available this fall at this meeting. Any farm in New York State is eligible, and schools are allowed to purchase all New York State grown products except fluid milk under this pilot program," Mr. Bakelaar said.

Contact Mr. Bakelaar at jbakelaar@adirondack.org or at 518-891-6200 for more information.

Mr. Bakelaar said approximately 15 schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties have expressed an interest in participating in the pilot program.

Each school will get an allotment of funds ranging from $2,750 to $40,000 for the school year tied to a formula that includes the number of meals served in each school's cafeteria the previous school year.

Jefferson County schools that have expressed an interest in the program include Alexandria, Indian River, Lafargeville, Lyme, South Jefferson and Watertown.

Participating schools can use up to 20 percent of their funding to develop a farm to school program, train staff, engage students and families and develop local food related infrastructure.

Assemblywoman Russell’s farm-to-school pilot program is part of her larger “Drive for 25” initiative, which is also supported by the New York School Nutrition Association.

That initiative would provide increased state funding of up to 25 cents more per lunch for schools that meet set goals for expanded usage of local food products.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell recently hosted a roundtable meeting in Canton to discuss the rollout of a farm-to-school pilot program in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. A similar meeting is planned for Friday in Watertown.

Assemblywoman Russell sends letter to PSC backing plan to support upstate nuclear facilities

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is urging the state's Public Service Commission to adopt a financial incentive structure that supports struggling upstate nuclear power plants for the next 12 years.

The state's PSC is expected to review a proposal that initially calls for $482 million to be provided to the upstate nuclear facilities. The proposal for support came from PSC staff in the wake of an announcement by Entergy Corp. that it plans to close its Fitzpatrick facility in Oswego County by January 2017.

The plant has 615 employees earning good wages and is critical to the regional economy. Low energy prices reportedly have resulted in annual losses in the $60 million range for the FitzPatrick facility alone.

Assemblywoman Russell said she was encouraged by the commission’s inclusion of a nuclear tier in the state's proposed Clean Energy Standards. She said the proposal calling for support for the upstate nuclear plants has her strong support.

" ... my constituents are aware of the need for reliable and affordable energy to maintain and attract business and residents to the region. Nuclear energy is a proven workhorse that is capable of providing a constant baseline in an era where we are increasingly relying on technology with built in ups and downs in electrical production that does not always match the demand," she wrote in a letter to the PSC.

"Maintaining our nuclear facilities is crucial to allowing our state to advance into a cleaner, greener future as we transition away from older, more polluting technologies," she added.

"This program doesn’t just make sense from an electricity production point of view, the proposal is also an economic win-win for Upstate New York," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"In addition to avoiding the production of millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually, New York will retain about 2,600 jobs if the proposal moves forward. And by investing just under $1 bmillion into the ZEC program it is estimated that we will see a $4 billion net benefit to the state through property taxes, efficiencies, and by avoiding the damage done by the emission of carbon dioxide," she said in her letter to the PSC.

Assemblywoman Russell said she believes keeping the upstate nuclear facilities open is critical for the state to reach its goal of having 50 percent of all electricity consumed in the state come from clean, renewable sources by 2030.

Twenty six percent of the electricity used in the state currently comes from renewable energy sources, up from 19 percent in 2004.

Assemblywoman Russell: North Country first with roll out of farm-to-school pilot program

School food service officials and school administrators from a number of schools in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties met with approximately a half dozen growers last week to discuss the details of a farm-to-school pilot program that is being rolled out in the fall.

"We have the opportunity to roll out this pilot program in the North Country first after I worked to get funding for a program I'm convinced has great potential for our local agriculture community as well as our schools," Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said.

"The details of the pilot program were shared with both school districts and farmers. It provided an opportunity for district officials and the farmers to start to come together to figure out how they work with each other," she added.

She said the Adirondack North Country Association has been selected to administer the pilot program.

"They will be providing professional support and also have been tasked with data collection and compilation so we will have a report, which is absolutely necessary for us to try to increase this program in future years and grow it to other parts of the state," according to Assemblywoman Russell, chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy,

"That means $200,000 from this grant is going to go directly to our schools to be able to purchase and serve local products," she pointed out.

Schools were notified of the amount of funding they will be receiving from the grant in recent days. Each school will get an allotment of funds ranging from $2,750 to $40,000 for the school year tied to a formula that includes the number of meals served in each school's cafeteria the previous school year. 

"We wanted to share this funding information with our schools as soon as possible so they can integrate this money into their budgets and into their meal planning and work with our farmers to purchase food that's grown right here and start feeding it to our children in schools. These funds will be used to buy items from local farmers, augmenting what our school food service managers ordered months ago for their fall menus," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"The agriculture sector remains the largest economic driver in our region. The farm-to-school program is a way to strengthen our economy here in the North Country by allowing our farmers to grow their products and sell them to our local institutions. This program will also benefit our children by providing them with access to local, healthy food options in their school meals," she noted.

Ann Easter, the food service director at Indian River Central School, said she has seen a slow shift with children choosing healthier options in the cafeteria lines.

"When I started at Indian River 27 years ago, I put broccoli on the menu, and it was not really popular. We had to bury it in cheese sauce to get kids to eat it. Finally, we now have kids that like broccoli with no salt, pepper or butter on it. A program like this can do nothing but good for our future generations of kids," she said.

Dr. John Dewar, president of the North Country Grown Cooperative, Inc., and a retired physician, said the health benefits of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our diets are clear.

He also praised Assemblywoman Russell for leading the fight that led to a change that allows small cooperatives to sell their products to schools.

Canton Central Food Service Director Blue Jay Fenlong said the pilot program is the first step in strengthening the relationship between schools and local farmers.

"We're buying this stuff now. If we can work out the logistics, my team is willing to work with you. We buy tons and tons and thousands of dollars of food from California. That doesn't make sense," she said.

Food service directors shared steps local producers would need to take to sell their products to local schools.

"Products need to come in clean or we won't accept it. We are serving a vulnerable population. I need to make sure that food is safe," Artie Fregoe, a food service director for several schools through St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, stressed. 

He also noted producers will need to take the necessary steps to be approved vendors for the local schools and submit formal invoices that meet the requirements of the state Comptroller's Office.

Assemblywoman Russell said it was important to bring school officials and producers together so those conversations could take place.

"There are specific requirements from the federal school lunch policies so this meeting was also about the school districts talking with farmers about how they can ensure their produce can actually be utilized by schools," she said.

She said improved relationships between the two parties could also play a role as farmers look at crop planting decisions in future years.

Josh Bakelaar, local economies and agriculture director for the Adirondack North Country Association, said local schools will be able to stipulate they are seeking local food products in the bidding process.

Some school food service directors said they had the freezer space to accept large quantities of local produce that is harvested in the late summer and early fall.

The schools that have been allocated funding from the pilot program in St. Lawrence County include Canton, Hammond, Hermon-Dekalb, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid-Waddington, Massena, Norwood-Norfolk, Ogdensburg Free Academy and Potsdam.

Jefferson County schools that have expressed an interest in the program include Alexandria, Indian River, Lafargeville, Lyme, South Jefferson and Watertown.

Watertown Central Food Service Director Craig Orvis said he was impressed by the number of producers that were on hand for the meeting in Canton.

 "Now I've got to beat the bushes in Jefferson County," he suggested.

Assemblywoman Russell said she felt the meeting had been fruitful and pointed out Mr. Bakelaar is working on setting up a similar meeting in Jefferson County within the next couple of weeks.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to use our existing schools to help support our agriculture sector. I'm hoping this will not only have benefits to our kids and their nutrition but also help us to grow our local agriculture business," she said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell listens as Watertown Central School Food Service Director Craig Orvis makes a point during a meeting held to discuss the roll out of the farm-to-school pilot program in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties this coming school year. Assemblywoman Russell led the effort to gain funding for the initiative. Also shown are Josh Bakelaar, agriculture and local economies director for the Adirondack North Country Association, and Indian River Central School Food Service Director  Ann Easter.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Several local growers, including Daniel Martin, Dr. John Dewar, Andy Maslin, Bob Washo, Dan Kent, Brian Bennett and Tim and Kathy Fuller, took part in a discussion on plans to roll out a far-to-school pilot program this coming school year. Pictured are (l-r) around the table are Adirondack North Country Association Agriculture and Local Economies Director Josh Bakelaar; Assemblywoman Addie Russell; Daniel Martin, Martin's Foodstand; Dr. John Dewar, president of the North Country Grown Cooperative, Inc., Board of Directors; Patrick Ames, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County; and John Warner of New York Farm Bureau. Back row: David Stark and Andy Maslin of 24:45 organics; Bob Washo of littleGrasse Foodworks and Daniel Kent of Kent Family Growers.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell talks with Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Patrick Ames and Andy Maslin of 24:45 Organics during a tour of the new commercial kitchen at CCE of St. Lawrence County in Canton.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Patrick Ames talk about the agency's new commercial kitchen in Canton.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell talks with Brian Bennett of Bittersweet Farm about the farm-to-school pilot program.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Patrick Ames, far right, showed producers some of the equipment that has been purchased for the commercial kitchen at CCE's farm on Route 68 in Canton.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visits with Bob Washo of littleGrasse Foodworks following a roundtable discussion featuring growers and area school food service directors about the rollout of a farm-to-school pilot program in the region.

Assemblywoman Russell recognizes Jefferson County Office for the Aging senior honorees

Two Jefferson County senior citizens that earned statewide honors for their volunteer activities in the community and commitment to Office for the Aging programs were also recognized at the recent Jefferson County Office for the Aging annual senior picnic at Westcott Beach in Henderson.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, honored Deanna Getman, Watertown, and Karen Norton, Rodman, for their good work. They were presented with citations from the New York State Assembly recognizing their commitment and contributions to their communities. Fellow Assembly member Ken Blankenbush was also in attendance at the event.

In April 1963, President John F. Kennedy met with the National Council on Senior Citizens and their meeting was the foundation for an annual observation of May as Senior Citizen's Month. Every President since has issued a formal proclamation asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities during the month of May.

In New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo wanted to bring attention to the contributions made by older New Yorkers who continue to give of their time and efforts to make their communities better places for residents of all ages. 

Honorees are chosen through a selection process based on their volunteer activities in the community and commitment to Office for the Aging programs and services. The Jefferson County Office for the Aging selected Ms.Getman and Ms. Norton for the honor, and they were invited to Albany for a Senior Citizen’s Day Celebration earlier this year.

Ms. Getman has volunteered at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, the 4-H, the local Methodist Church and has been helping staff at the Office for the Aging spread the word about aging services to people in the community since 2012.

"Volunteering is a way of giving back to one's community; it's a commitment to be actively engaged in helping people when they need assistance," she noted.

Ms. Norton has worked closely with Literacy Volunteers of Northern New York, the local AARP chapter and is currently a member of the Office for the Aging Advisory Council.  

She said there are three factors that influenced her decision to volunteer. "The first is simply the fun of interacting with my fellow human beings. The others are a drive to learn new things and a moral obligation to respond the needs of others in the community," she said.

 IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell joined representatives from the Jefferson County Office for the Aging to recognize two women who earned recognition earlier this year for their contributions to the Office for the Aging and their volunteer work in their communities. Pictured are (l-r): honoree Karen Norton, honoree Deanna Getman, Jefferson County Office for the Aging Deputy Director Louise Haraczka and Jefferson County Office for the Aging Director Peter Fazio.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell presents Deanna Getman, Watertown, a citation from the New York State Assembly, honoring her for her volunteer work in the Watertown area and her active support for Jefferson County Office for the Aging programs and activities.

The Jefferson County Office for the Aging's annual senior citizen picnic once again drew a large crowd to Westcott Beach in Henderson.

Assemblywoman Russell: Funding for PIVOT fills important gap in recovery efforts in North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says a $1.75 million grant recently awarded to PIVOT (Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council of Jefferson County, Inc.) will play an important role in filling a gap in substance abuse treatment services in the North Country

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez visited Watertown on Fridayto congratulate PIVOT officials on being awarded the funds to create a Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Watertown. The site was one of six selected through a competitive NYS OASAS request for proposal evaluation and will receive annual funding for five years.

The new centers will provide supports for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, or are seeking recovery services. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo first announced the funding awards in June. Other new centers will be located on Long Island, Staten Island, Newburgh, Saratoga Springs and Buffalo. These centers will complement recovery programs in Rochester, Brooklyn and Oneonta.

“Recovery from the disease of addiction is possible with community-based supports and a substance-free environment where peers can assist each other in their recovery journey,” Commissioner González-Sánchez said. “ PIVOT will be able to use this funding to continue their good work and help more upstate New Yorkers maintain a healthy lifestyle, right in Jefferson County.”

These recovery centers are the latest addition to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s multi-pronged approach to addressing substance use disorders in New York State.

"I have personally been involved in work to plug holes in treatment and support services available in the North Country. I'd like to thank Gov. Cuomo and Commissioner González-Sánchez for bringing this important funding to the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"This builds on our effort to train more physicians in the area so they can prescribe specialized medication to people in recovery. I wrote a letter in support of PIVOT's application for this grant. This will bring badly needed long-term recovery support to the North Country," according to the assemblywoman.

"We have a huge addiction problem in our region, and this has been one of the barriers to keeping people clean. One of the biggest areas we had to address was having proper recovery programs to help people stay clean after they have successfully completed detox and in-patient treatment programs," she added.

Assemblywoman Russell noted Friday's event came in the wake of a month when there had been well over a dozen reported overdoses and five deaths connected to drug use.

"Unfortunately in the past several weeks we have seen in our area the death of people who have been in recovery for some time. Tragically they didn't find all the support they needed to stay clean and they fell back into drug use," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"It's cruel to put all of our energies into detox and treatment if we fall down in the most important part - long-term sobriety and the support needed by those in recovery. We know the likelihood of death is much higher for people who have been clean for a long time and then start using again. It has a chilling effect on efforts to get more users in treatment when people who have been so doing well start using again and die," she said.

The centers will offer information and education to the community on how to access addiction treatment; assist with the navigation of insurance and treatment issues; provide wellness information and activities to foster a lifetime of wellness for individuals, families and community members; and engage peers and volunteers to assist those in recovery on their path toward wellness.

These Recovery Community and Outreach Centers will provide a community-based, non-clinical setting that is safe, welcoming and alcohol/drug-free for any member of the community.

Each recovery center will respond to the local area’s specific needs related to obtaining substance abuse treatment services and addiction recovery supports.

The centers will promote long-term recovery through skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness, civic restoration opportunities, and other social activities.

Services will be accessible not only during the daytime hours, but also during evening and weekends, to meet the needs of individuals and families who may be in need of assistance at varying hours.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week HOPEline, 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or texting HOPENY.

Find an OASAS-certified substance use disorder treatment provider by searching the OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard or by visiting the Access Treatment page on the NYS OASAS website. For information about combating heroin use and prescription opioid drug abuse, visit New York State’s Combat Heroin website.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez was in Watertown on Friday to meet with local officials after PIVOT was recently awarded $1.75 million to create a Recovery Community and Outreach Center in the community. The site was one of six selected through a competitive NYS OASAS request for proposal evaluation and will receive annual funding for five years. The new centers will provide supports for individuals and families who are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, or are seeking recovery services. Commissioner Gonzalez was welcomed to Watertown by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, a host of county and city officials, PIVOT staff and community members. Pictured are (l-r): Jefferson County Deputy Director for Public Health, Alliance for Better Communities Chairman and City Councillor Steve Jennings, Assemblywoman Russell, Tonia Stephenson, Catherine Chipp, Commissioner González-Sánchez, PIVOT Executive Director William Bowman, PIVOT Program Director Anita Seefried-Brown, Jefferson County Community Services Director Roger Ambrose, Jefferson County District Attorney Kristina Mills and Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen O'Neill.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visits with New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell speaks at an event marking PIVOT's successful application for funding to expand substance abuse recovery support services in the region.

Assemblywoman Russell visits with Heuvelton teachers at Constructivist Conference in Canton

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, visited the Institute for Learning Centered Education's 24th Constructivist Conference on Wednesday. The week-long conference is being held at St. Lawrence University. Assemblywoman Russell discusses work Heuvelton Central high school teachers are doing this week in an effort to grow student engagement. She is shown with teachers Bruce Durant, Brad LaPoint, Ginger Coller and Maggie Whalen.

Assemblywoman Russell: Work moving forward to bring local foods into North Country schools this fall

An effort to bring fresh, locally grown foods into North Country school cafeterias this fall continues to move forward.

Joshua Bakelaar, local economies and agriculture director for the Adirondack North Country Association, said a meeting Thursday in Canton will bring together school district officials, farmers, processors and distributors.

"This is the next step in implementing a farm-to-school pilot program so our school districts can buy products from local farmers and producers," Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said.

"We are moving ahead so we will be able to have this pilot program ready to roll out for the beginning of the 2016-17 school year. The pilot program will help local farmers, producers and school districts in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties this year while continuing work to be able to roll out the program across the state next year," she added.

Mr. Bakelaar said approximately 15 schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties have expressed an interest in participating in the pilot program. Each school will get an allotment of funds ranging from $2,750 to $40,000 for the school year tied to a formula that includes the number of meals served in each school's cafeteria the previous school year.

Participating schools can use up to 20 percent of their funding to develop a farm to school program, train staff, engage students and families and develop local food related infrastructure.

Mr. Bakelaar said schools also have the option of using up to 100 percent of their funding allocation to purchase New York State food products with the exception of fluid milk.

He noted schools have expressed an interest in purchasing tomatoes, apples, pears, lettuce and carrots.

This year’s state budget allocated $300,000 to the Adirondack North Country Association to oversee the farm-to-school pilot program specifically targeting schools in the North Country to help purchase food from regional farmers."

Assemblywoman Russell’s farm-to-school pilot program is part of her larger “Drive for 25” initiative, which is also supported by the New York School Nutrition Association.

That initiative would provide increased state funding of up to 25 cents more per lunch for schools that meet set goals for expanded usage of local food products.

That initiative would modify the state’s reimbursement formula for school lunches, by increasing reimbursement rates by 5 to 25 cents a meal from the current 6 cents.

The rate would be dependent on the percentage of locally grown and produced products that school districts purchase each year.

This pilot program will provide a nutritional and economic benefit to the community and serve as a template for schools across New York State, Assemblywoman Russell, chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy, noted.

“This measure affirms our commitment to the state’s farmers and the well-being of our students,” Assemblywoman Russell reiterated. “I continue to fight for policies that provide healthy food to schools and help stimulate the local agricultural community. I am optimistic the success of this pilot program will lead to additional funding for the program in future budgets.”

Assemblywoman Russell discusses issues during visit to Ogdensburg nutrition site

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she had an opportunity to discuss a number of issues with seniors earlier this week when she visited a St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging nutrition site.

Assemblywoman Russell was one of a number of state, county and city elected officials that visited the nutrition site in Ogdensburg with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.

The assemblywoman spent approximately an hour visiting with seniors following the meal, and the conversations ranged from issues with senior housing to the importance of funding the nutrition site program.

"After housing, food is the most important thing we have to make sure our seniors have access to, and it has to be a priority," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"These seniors truly rely on these meals for nutrition and for a safe place to socialize. Many have concerns about their safety and also need to rely on others for assistance," she said.

"This program helps with both, and I am happy to support these programs and other programs aimed at allowing our neighbors to live as independently as possible," Assemblywoman Russell.

She also had high praise for the chicken, rice and fresh, locally grown garden salad prepared by the Office for the Agency meal program director, Alaina Nelson. "The new meal program director can cook. Lunch was delicious," she noted.

St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging Director Andrea Montgomery said her program had moved its Monday meal sites in Ogdensburg and Morristown to the Dobisky Center this week to allow more seniors to have access to their elected officials.

"It's always important for our seniors to have an opportunity to discuss aging concerns and their needs with their elected officials. It was really nice to have them get that chance this week, and a number of our folks had a vested interest in letting their officials know about issues in their communities," Ms. Montgomery noted.

She said as Lt. Governor Hochul and Assemblywoman Russell worked their way through the room she heard concerns raised about senior housing issues, the need for more senior housing closer to grocery and convenience stores and Medicare issues. She pointed out Assemblywoman Russell had also taken time to meet one-on-one with seniors to discuss individual concerns.

The lieutenant governor, in brief remarks while the meal was being served, told the seniors they have political clout, and their voices are heard by elected officials.

"There are over 3 million senior citizens in New York State, and they are voters," she pointed out.

Lt. Gov. Hochul talked about her tour of the Port of Ogdensburg and also discussed the recently enacted family leave act.

She also pointed out she had long-term relationships with Assemblywoman Russell and State Senator Patricia Ritchie.

Lt. Gov. Hochul said she and Senator Ritchie had both been county clerks at the same time, and their relationship dated back to those days. "Addie is a dear friend of mine and a good partner of our governor," she added.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell discusses paid family leave with Marge Demo over lunch this week during a visit at a St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging nutrition site. The meal site participants from Ogdensburg and Morristown gathered at the Dobisky Center on Monday and had an opportunity to discuss issues with Assemblywoman Russell and Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. Pictured clockwise from the left are Ms. Demo, Marilyn Luzinski, Wilma Nelson, Ogdensburg City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson and Assemblywoman Russell.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (r) discusses an issue with St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging Director Andrea Montgomery (l) and Reney Palmateer.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (r) discusses housing issues with Sandra Sanders. Ms. Sanders is a tenant representative on the Ogdensburg Housing Authority Board of Directors.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell praises St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging Meals Program Manager Alaina Nelson for the quality of the meal served to senior nutrition site participants and state, county and local officials Monday at the Dobisky Center in Ogdensburg. Pictured clockwise (l-r) are Ms. Nelson and her daughter, Evelyn, Jenna Decker, Carol Nelson and Assemblywoman Russell.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visits with St. Lawrence County legislators Joseph Lightfoot (l) and Donald Hooper (r) after their visit to a St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging nutrition site in Massena.

Assemblywoman Russell touts importance of agribusiness during lieutenant governor's Ogdensburg port tour

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul on a tour of the Port of Ogdensburg Monday morning.

"It was fantastic to have her here to see first hand the tremendous assets we have in the city of Ogdensburg," Assemblywoman Russell said following the tour.

She also shared the importance of agriculture products to the port's success and pointed out additional value added agribusiness, such as a soybean processing plant in the region, could add to the port's success.

"We really want to grow agribusiness in the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell, a member of the New York State Assembly's Agriculture Committee, pointed out.

Wade Davis, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, concurred with that assessment. He said too many carriers drop product off at the port and then leave Ogdensburg empty handed for their next destination.

"Anything that is value added would be beneficial," Mr. Davis noted.

Lt. Gov. Hochul was also joined on the tour by State Senator Patricia Ritchie, St. Lawrence County Legislature Chairman John Burke, county legislators. Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley, several city councillors and members of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Board of Directors.

Mr. Davis led a tour of the port facility that included stops at the massive wind tower components that are headed to the Jericho Wind Farm project between Malone and Rouses Point.

The OBPA official also showcased buildings at the port that hold multiple agriculture products, an area that currently holds 20,000 tons of road salt with much more to come in before the next winter driving season and a ship registered in Amsterdam dropping off cargo at the port.

Mr. Davis said the port's major competitor is the Port of Montreal, not the port directly across the river in Prescott, Ontario, Canada.

"Our marketing effort is targeted just as much in Europe as it is here," he pointed out.

Mr. Davis said the port's recent success is a result of major investment in the port from the state, with strong support from Assemblywoman Russell and State Senator Ritchie.

He said the OBPA has seen a $6 million investment to improve its rail line over the past decade and plans call for an additional $2 million to be spent on additional improvements.

Mr. Davis said $3.2 million spent to construct a port access road allowed the port to handle the wind tower components, which will be transported from the port to Churubusco by truck.

“The road was built exactly for the oversize, over-dimensional cargo we have here today. It will meet our future needs,” he pointed out.

The next major expenditure at the port will be an $18 million project that will include dredging work to remove silt that has built up at the site since the 1960s and dock wall improvements.

Lt. Governor Hochul stepped back on the bus that took visitors on the tour of the port before leaving Ogdensburg and said she had been impressed by what she had seen. She pledged to tout the port's capabilities when she is representing the state in global trade initiatives.

"I feel really good about this port," she said, noting Governor Andrew Cuomo understands the importance in continuing to make investments upstate to assets like the port to help grow the region's economy.

She also stressed the importance of focusing on agribusiness to ensure the port's long-term success.

"We think there is room for tremendous growth, and it can literally become the bread and butter of this port in addition to the specialty products and salt that’s brought in more seasonally,” Lt. Governor Hochul said.

“If we can have a focus on agribusiness and even have processing here, it will give us new opportunities to create jobs and establish Ogdensburg as the premiere destination for shipping along the St. Lawrence Seaway," she added, pointing out Ogdensburg is the only American port on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, (right), discussed the importance of agribusiness during a tour of the Port of Ogdensburg. She is shown walking with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade Davis.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Longshoreman Kevin Tibbert discusses work at the Port of Ogdensburg with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (foreground right). State Senator Patricia Ritchie (back) and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell were also involved in the conversation.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade Davis stand in front of the Marsgracht, a vessel registered in the Netherlands.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade Davis (left) discusses port business with (l-r) Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, state Department of Labor Commissioner's North Country Regional Representative June O'Neill and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Ogdensburg-Prescott, Ont., international bridge looms in the background.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (center) poses for a photograph with Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (l) and State Senator Patricia Ritchie on Monday at the port of Ogdensburg.

Local, county and state officials toured the Port of Ogdensburg on Monday and posed for a photograph in front of a massive wind tower component. Pictured (l-r) in the first photograph are, front row: State Senator Patricia Ritchie, Lt. Gov. Hochul and Asemblywoman Addie J. Russell. Back row: Ogdensburg City Councillor Daniel Skamperle, Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade Davis, Ogdensburg, Ogdensburg City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson and OBPA board member Gavin Regan. The second shot includes additional OBPA board members, OBPA officials, members of the Ogdensburg City Council and St. Lawrence County legislators John Burke and Donald Hooper.

Assemblywoman Russell takes part in Senator Gillibrand's roundtable on ag issues

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, a member of the New York State Assembly's Agriculture Committee, said a roundtable on farm issues hosted Monday by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demonstrated the impact of global economic policy on the North County economy.

Senator Gillibrand, a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, said her Monday afternoon stop at Jefferson Community College in Watertown was part of her statewide agriculture listening tour.

She said she was seeking input from farmers and producers on steps that should be included in the next Farm Bill in an effort to make the legislation as helpful as possible for the North Country agriculture community.

"It's a feather in our cap to have high calibre members of the agricultural community in the North Country that can contribute to the creation of federal farm policy," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Federal policies play a critical role as our farmers and producers labor under the current economic stresses impacting our ag industry in the region. A number of our local farmers shared their concerns with Senator Gillibrand. Low milk prices loom large among the issues facing our North Country dairy farmers," she added.

"There were also concerns about new federal programs not working better than the programs they replaced, the impact the strong U.S. dollar and global politics are having on dairy export demand and the continued hurdles farmers face in moving their products into countries that are considered friendly foreign trade partners, including Canada and members of the European Union. Market protections make it extremely challenging and often times cost prohibitive for agricultural products produced in the United States to be shipped into those countries," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said the roundtable also included talk about the impact delays by regulatory agencies can have on the bottom lines of farmers and producers, a discussion on issues that arise from one size fits all regulations and rules on value added products and the need for immigration reform to assist farmers and producers seeking workers for their operations.

"It was a spirited and at times lively discussion, but it was once again a reminder of the impact federal policy and international politics have on our farms in the North Country. I thought the members of our agricultural community were very effective in sharing their concerns with Senator Gillibrand at the roundtable," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Senator Gillibrand, the first senator from the state to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly four decades, said she was grateful to the local farmers and producers who shared their concerns with her at the roundtable discussion.

She said the participants were part of an important and productive conversation on the issues that are concerns for members of the agriculture community in the North Country.

"The next Farm Bill is still two years away, but we must address our farmers' current problems while looking forward to make the Farm Bill as strong as possible," Senator Gillibrand said.

"It is crucial that the agriculture community continues to speak out and share their concerns and that we listen to them so we can come up with good solutions to ensure our farms prosper," she added.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand hosted a roundtable discussion on the concerns facing members of the North Country agriculture industry on Monday in Watertown. Pictured clockwise (l-r) are Jefferson County Legislator and farmer John Peck, Watertown Mayor Joseph Butler, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, Jefferson Community College President Carol McCoy, Jefferson County Farm Bureau Vice President Adam Miner, Senator Gillibrand and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County Executive Director Kevin Jordan.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (second from right) poses for a photograph with Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and two interns in Assemblywoman Russell's office this summer, Sierra Hicks, a student at American University, Washington, D.C., (second from left), and Lauren Szczesny, a rising grad student at SUNY Albany, (far right).

Assemblywoman Russell tours Port of Ogdensburg

Wade A. Davis, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, (right), discusses operations at the Port of Ogdensburg with Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, (left), and New York State Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. The lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul discussed energy, global trade and infrastructure during a tour of the port that also included State Senator Patty Ritchie, county goverment leaders and city officials.

Assemblywoman Russell's support leads to groundbreaking ceremony for Abbe Picquet Interpretive Trall

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, praised the work of the Fort de la Presentation Association for their efforts to take a once heavily polluted property near the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and restore it the important piece of real estate that played a critical role in military battles in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Assemblywoman Russell, speaking to a crowd that consisted largely of re-enactors dressed in clothing of the Native Americans and British troops that occupied the settlement in the 18th and early 19th century, was in Ogdensburg Sunday morning for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abbe Picquet Interpretive Trail.

Barbara O'Keefe, president of the Fort de la Presentation Association, said Assemblywoman Russell had helped secure funding to move the project forward.

She said Assemblywoman Russell's assistance helped secure a Department of State project priority grant that will be used for the construction of a plaza at the site of the Abbe Picquet monument. The plaza will feature an 1812 Peace Garden, benches and heritage plantings from the original Van Rensselear mansion.

Assemblywoman Russell also secured an additional $10,000 in funding through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, that will be used for a path connecting the plaza to the trail.

The assemblywoman said the association's work benefits both locals and tourists that will be drawn to the area as the fort project moves forward as well as for events like this past weekend's Founder's Day weekend activities that attracted re-enactors from Quebec, Ontario and the Northeastern United States.

"There are so many layers to the story of Ogdensburg. It's not just a place where we have had different battles. It's the story of human nature, the story of a strategic location. It's about what happened here, but it is about so much more," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said the association board members, volunteers and re-enactors have played an important role over the past several years giving new life to the region's rich history, preserving the role Ogdensburg played in battles between French and British troops.

Assemblywoman Russell said she learns something new about the site during each visit to the site of Fort de la Presentation and her visits with board members.

"It's a story that we don't only cherish. It's a story that can bring people here so we can share our story with them," she added.

The Fort de la Presentation's master plan is to rebuilt the fort built by the French troops in 1749 and the Oswegatchie Indian village once located on the site along with an interpretive center.

"The Abbe Picquet Trail project is so much more than just putting in a trail. It is the culmination of years of ground work, and it allows us to move forward. It gives this historic land a purpose again, and will no longer be considered vacant land," Ms. O'Keefe said.

She noted since acquiring the property much has been accomplished over the past decade, including the removal of 10,000 tons of contaminated soil through an agreement with the state's Department of Environmental Conservation and Exxon.

The association worked with an agency to develop conceptual plans for the site, joined two parcels for construction purposes, moved the Abbe Picquet monument to the site, installed five interpretive signs and two cultural reviews.

"All of this while educating the public and Ogdensburg's and the St. Lawrence Valley's historic past," Ms. O'Keefe pointed out.

She said the trail project was made possible, in part, by a $350,000 grant from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Ms. O'Keefe said funding from the St. Lawrence River Redevelopment Agency and major corporate sponsor SeaComm Federal Credit Union helped fill the gap.

Melissane P. Schrems, an associate professor of history at St. Lawrence University, said Abbe Francois Picquet came to the region to strengthen the French colony and convert the Iroqouis to Catholicism. The fort, originally known as Fort de la Presentation, was built in 1749.

She noted six years later the Oswegatchie Onondagas dominated a population of 3,000 indigenous French allies, a population 75 percent the population of 1755 Montreal.

Dr. Schrems said French and Indian allies left the settlement and went to nearby Fort Levis, site of the last North America battle of the French and Indian War in 1760.

She noted that same year the English claimed, rebuilt and renamed the property at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie Rivers as Fort Oswegatchie.

It remained British property until 1796 when Jay's Treaty led to the fort becoming American property. The American settlers named the settlement Ogdensburg in honor of Samuel Ogden.

Dr. Schrems said the fort was reactivated during the War of 1812 and adopted an American version of it original name becoming Fort Presentation.

"It stood at the ready to protect and defend Ogdensburg's interests. This is the place where history happened. It is a birthplace, and its history a birthright. Let this trail be a pathway across space and through history," Dr. Schrems noted.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, gives her remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abbe Piquet Interpretation Trail that took place as part of the Founder's Day weekend events at the site of Fort de la Presentation in Ogdensburg. Standing behind Assemblywoman Russell are (l-r) re-enactors and Fort de la Presentation Association board members Tim Cryderman, Fred Hanss and Barbara O'Keefe.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, gives her remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abbe Piquet Interpretation Trail that took place as part of the Founder's Day weekend events at the site of Fort de la Presentation in Ogdensburg. Standing to the left of Assemblywoman Russell is Fort de la Presentation Association Vice President Tim Cryderman.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell is joined by city officials, re-enactors, members of the Fort de la Presentation Association Board of Directors and other supporters as the first shovels of dirt are moved
during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abbe Piquet Interpretive Trail at Lighthouse Bay in Ogdensburg.

Fort de la Presentation Association Board Vice President Tim Cryderman (foreground) shows Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell the site of a planned interpretive trail at the Fort de la Presentation site on Lighthouse Bay in Ogdenburg.

John Eric Nelson, a re-enactor from Connecticut and speaker at this weekend's Founder's Day weekend, discusses the importance of the Lighthouse Bay site during military battles stretching from the 1750s through the War of 1812. Pictured are (clockwise): Mr. Nelson, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency Chief Executive Director Patrick J. Kelly, SeaComm Chief Executive Officer Scott Wilson, Fort de la Presentation Vice President Timothy Cryderman and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell.

Re-enactors Scott Wilson and Timothy Cryderman discuss future plans for the Fort de la Presentation project with Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell. Mr. Wilson is the chief executive officer at the SeaComm credit union. Mr. Cryderman is a vice president on the Fort de la Presentation Board of Directors.

Richard Salazar, a re-enactor, announces he will be donating 20 cords of wood for the construction of  longhouse at the former site of Fort de la Presentation. He suggested other re-enactors will also likely to offer their support to help move the project forward.

Troops march to the site of the Abbé Picquet Obelisk at the site of Fort de la Presentation for the groundbreaking ceremony for an interpretive trail at the site.

Re-enactors representing British and French troops prepare for a naval battle at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers as part of the Founder's Week events in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Russell makes it a three-parade Saturday with stops in Potsdam, Hammond

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell left the parade route to greet Potsdam Mayor Ron Tischler during the summer festival parade in Potsdam parade. Prior to the parade, Assemblywoman Russell and her son, Aaron, geared up for their second of three parades on a very busy Saturday in the North Country. They sandwiched the Potsdam parade between the Can-Am parade in Sackets Harbor Saturday morning and the Hammond parade Saturday night. Assemblywoman Russell had high praise for the post-parade fried dough in Hammond.

Assemblywoman Russell marches in Can-Am Parade in Sackets Harbor

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, marched in the annual Can-Am parade Saturday morning in Sackets Harbor. She posed for a photograph with members of the Shriners Clubs from Watertown and Massena and handed out candy to young parade watchers.

Assemblywoman Russell tours ACCO plant on company's 70th anniversary of Ogdensburg site

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, toured the ACCO Brands, Inc., manufacturing and distribution center in Ogdensburg Friday as the company marked the 70th anniversary of it presence in Ogdensburg.

Lisa Toole, the site leader for ACCO in Ogdensburg, told Assemblywoman Russell the distribution center at a site off Route 37 in the city of Ogdensburg had opened in 1989. The company moved its manufacturing operations from a site in the town of Oswegatchie into the distribution facility in late 2013 and in early 2014.

Company officials detailed the work currently done at the Ogdensburg facility and share their optimism for the future during the open house that brought ACCO retirees, community members and local and state officials inside the ACCO facility for tours of the 300,000 square foot building. Company officials said their business benefits from being located inside a foreign trade zone.

Assemblywoman Russell presented Ms. Toole with a citation from the New York State Assembly praising ACCO and its employees for the company's work over the past 70 years in Ogdensburg.

ACCO Brands opened its manufacturing plant in 1946 in the Ogdensburg area. The company currently has 145 employees and manufactures office and school products ranging from three-ring binders to dry erase boards at its facility in the city.

The ACCO plant in Ogdensburg manufactures Wilson Jones brand and private label polypropylene three-ring binders, data binders and classification folders along with dry erase boards.
Ogdensburg also serves as the company's distribution center for products being shipped to locations in the Northeastern United States and all of Canada.

Ms. Toole told the assemblywoman ACCO Brands has seven locations in the United States. The company is based in northern Illinois and has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Ogdensburg; Sidney, N.Y.; Ontario, Calif.; Booneville, Miss.; Alexandria, Pa.; and Pleasant Prairie, Wisc.

ACCO also has an international presence in Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The
company merged in 2012 with the consumer and office products business spun off by MeadWestvaco in 2012.

ACCO Brands manufactures a variety of office and school products in several locations across the United States. The company, with annual sales in the $2 billion range, manufactures paper clips, stapling cartridges, filing products, three-ring binders, laminating supplies and equipment, binding supplies and equipment, notebooks, paper tablets, envelopes, calendars and planners, whiteboards and bulletin boards, and a number of other products in the United States.

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of branded office and consumer products and print finishing solutions. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Day-Timer®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy®, Kensington®, Marbig, Mead®, NOBO, Quartet®, Rexel, Swingline®, Tilibra®, Wilson Jones® and many others. We design, market and sell products in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands can be found at www.accobrands.com.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Russell visits with Human Resources Manager Scott Ives (l) and Production and Manufacturing Manager Larry Montgomery (r) Friday during a tour of ACCO Brand's manufacturing and distribution center in Ogdensburg.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, (r), reads a citation from the New York State Assembly congratulation ACCO Brands, Inc., for the 70th anniversary of its presence in Ogdensburg. ACCO's Ogdensburg site leader, Lisa Toole, holds a three-ring binder manufactured at the Ogdensburg facility.

Lisa Toole, site leader in Ogdensburg for ACCO Brands, Inc., (l) shows Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell some of the products manufactured at the local facility.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell chats with United Steelworkers Local 4-503 President Jeff Piercey; his wife, Suellen; and Kitty Johnson over lunch during Friday's open house celebrating ACCO's 70th anniversary in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visits with Julie Bresett, owner of Pinnacle Group Contracting; ACCO employee Michael Bresett and Mike Bresett during the open house celebrating the 70th anniversary of ACCO Brands, Inc.'s presence in Ogdensburg.

Charles W. Kelly, retired publisher of the Ogdensburg Journal and Advance News, greets Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell during an open house at ACCO Brands, Inc., in Ogdensburg.