Assemblywoman Russell secures funding for food pantries and community center

     Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that she has secured $20,000 to help families with emergency food and shelter in the North Country.  $15,000 will go to Food Bank of Central New York, which distributes food to pantries in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. $5,000 will go to the Massena Neighborhood center, which provides food and an array of other services for individuals and families in need.

     “I know how much basic expenses have risen in the North Country. Many are struggling to feed their families and I know how hard our food pantries are working to serve them,” said Assemblywoman Russell. “The Food Bank of Central New York is the backbone of our local food pantry system. The funds I have secured for them will be used entirely on purchasing items to stock the food pantries in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. I am grateful for their support of our communities.”

     The Massena Neighborhood Center provides an array of services for families in need, including emergency food and shelter, and utilities.  The agency works with families in the area of family development, budgeting, education and job searching. “Many families are struggling in Massena and the Neighborhood Center helps these families every day,” said Russell. “The funds I secured will ensure that they can continue to serve their community effectively.”

     September is Hunger Action Month and the Assemblywoman urges everyone across the district to help their local food pantries by donating money or non-perishable food items.  “One in six Americans struggles with hunger.  We all must do our part to ensure our local food pantries are stocked and ready to help families who are struggling to put food on the table.“

     Assemblywoman Russell recently visited the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County and the Massena Neighborhood Center to talk about their food pantries and other services.

     Assemblywoman Russell also is reminding families with school-age children to apply for free or reduced meals. This program is offered at every school and provides the opportunity for a reduced or free meals depending upon household income.  “This program is aimed at ensuring that our children are getting nutritious meals every day at school,” said Russell. “Parents who are struggling should know that their children may be entitled to this benefit and I urge them to take advantage of this program.” The Assemblywoman also pointed out that applications for free or reduced meals provide data that is used in calculating school aid from the state, which is given based on the wealth of the community. Families are encouraged to complete the application even if they decline the program, as it could help with school funding.

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Assemblywoman Russell announces financial support for Agricultural Organizations

   "These organizations are preserving our agricultural heritage"

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced financial support for three organizations that promote agriculture and heritage in the North Country. She secured $5,000 each for the Stone Mills Agricultural Museum and the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum, and $10,000 for the Hammond Fair Association.

   “These organizations are preserving our agricultural heritage, and passing on knowledge to the next generation and those seeking to understand more about farming and rural life,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “Having a sound grasp of historical advancements in farming methods and a view into the lives of our forefathers provides invaluable insight that can help put our modern lives in perspective.  As our society continues to become more specialized and removed from food production, it is crucial that these organizations continue to preserve our farming traditions.”

   Each organization contributes uniquely to preserving and supporting our agriculture heritage and the strong place it continues to be in the North Country Economy.  The Hammond Fair is substantially devoted to developing the skills of, and highlighting children and their role in agriculture.  The many livestock shows are more than competitions, they are learning opportunities, and result in strengthened bonds with families and friends, and their community. The fair is involved in preparing the farmers of tomorrow.  Stone Mills showcases rural life and early farming practices, while supporting traditional crafts and arts.  They provide events that bring the community together, ones that are relevant to the tastes of today but in ways and with a feel that that harken back to days gone by.  The St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum displays a powerful collection of items that chronicles the evolution of farming in the region.  It celebrates distinct periods in time and the diversity of the agricultural production.  Holding events that coincide with the seasons, the demonstration of horse power and mechanical power is always a feature.      

   The Stone Mill Agricultural Museum is making restorations to buildings and the funds will help offset associated costs with that project.  The St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum has recently relocated and renovated a schoolhouse from Jefferson County.  The Hammond Fair celebrated its 75^th Anniversary and is making facility and ground improvements to position them well for another 75 years.  “All of these organizations have infrastructural needs and I want to help them be sustainable far into the future,” said Assemblywoman Russell.

   The Assemblywoman toured the Hammond Fair and the Stone Mills Agricultural Museum this past weekend.

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Assemblywoman Russell tours Urban Mission, secures funding for renovations

     Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced today that she has secured $10,000 for the Watertown Urban Mission.  The funding will assist the agency with construction costs associated with improving safety and efficiency.

     “We met with the Assemblywoman and she immediately expressed an understanding of the long term stability and sustainability necessary our organization to accomplish its mission,” said Erika F. Flint, executive director. “We are so thankful for the support of Assemblywoman Russell and New York State in contributing to the success of this project. We appreciate the commitment to investing in the future of our community and the future of the Watertown Urban Mission.”

     Assemblywoman Russell said that she was aware of the important renovations that needed to be made at the Mission, an agency that provides assistance to individuals and families in the greater Watertown area. “The Urban Mission has helped so many people here in the North Country,” said Assemblywoman Russell. “The renovations of the facility will allow the Mission to serve clients efficiently, effectively and safely.”  

     Assemblywoman Russell toured the facility earlier today with Ms. Flint.

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Town of Theresa accepts funding from Assemblywoman Russell citing timeliness and flexibility

      Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced today that she has secured $50,000 for the Town of Theresa to offset the costs of emergency repairs to a failed culvert.

      Russell said that she began working with Town Supervisor Steve Marcinkowski earlier this year when she was contacted by him regarding a need to repair a damaged culvert that posed a hazard for vehicles, especially heavy traffic like school buses. 

      Because it was necessary to repair the culvert before the start of the school year, Assemblywoman Russell committed to providing funding to offset the cost of this critical work in early July. “I immediately began seeking funds for the Town after Steve and I talked,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “Paperwork was submitted to our capital assistance program fund anticipating that the town would have to complete the repairs quickly. Therefore the grant from the capital assistance program will provide flexibility, allowing the town to use it toward projects it put off in order to deal with the emergency.”

      Mr. Marcinkowski stated that he was very happy for the response from the Assemblywoman as it helped to move the project forward. “We needed some help and Assemblywoman Russell came through quickly, “ he said.

“Subsequently, we have had other funding offers but due to stipulations that came with those offers, and that they came after Assemblywoman Russell’s, we completed paperwork for her application and completed the project.”

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Assemblywoman Russell emphasizes safety as school season begins

The exciting time of the new school year is now upon us!  It is important to renew our focus on safety - as parents and students, drivers, riders and walkers, particularly when travelling to and from school.

As we prepare for and start the new school year, making sure to utilize crosswalks, using the buddy system and looking out for younger students and those new to the bus or school will help ensure the school year starts off on the right foot.  With all periods of transition, patience is essential.  Bus drivers will be meeting their new students and teaching them bus safety, and educators working to start routines to get the school day going smoothly.  Whether we are traveling the roads of dropping off students, we all need to be in the back-to-school state of mind, and adjust our summertime habits accordingly.    

Keeping safe should be a top priority as we begin another school year. Following safety procedures and laws like those prohibiting passing a stopped bus or using cell phones while driving, and obeying speed limits and staying a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you can protect lives.

We can make the start of the school year a success, and set the tone for a productive and fun school year. 

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