Assemblywoman Russell and River Hospital work together to promote mental health care for veterans

In an effort to ensure veterans and active-duty soldiers receive the care they deserve, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is teaming up with Alexandria Bay’s River Hospital to highlight treatment programs for post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety related disorders.

The open house, which will highlight the River Community Wellness Program, will run from 9 to 11am at the River Community Wellness Program building (adjacent to River Hospital), 4 Fuller St, Alexandria Bay, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

“It’s important for us to do everything we can to ensure veterans and soldiers who are returning from active-duty have high-quality support systems here at home,” Russell said. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Veterans Day than by helping the brave men and women who keep us safe find the services they need to live full lives in our communities.”

“Since 2013 we have been honored to serve our Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division for treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress,” River Hospital CEO Ben Moore, III, said. “We are equally proud to now have the opportunity to serve our Veterans in Northern New York. We are particularly grateful to Assemblywoman Russell for the opportunity to inform the Veteran community on Veterans Day of these services. We feel that extending our services to the Veteran community is a fitting way to honor them for their sacrifice.”

To learn more about the River Community Wellness Program log on to www.riverhospital.org.

Immediately following the open house Russell is encouraging people to join her at the Alexandria Bay Veterans Day Parade hosted by the American Legion downtown.

The parade starts at 11 and will feature speakers from the Air Force and Coast Guard at a closing ceremony at the American Legion post, 9 Rock Street.

"Historic day" as Women's Equality legislation is signed into law

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed multiple pieces of legislation designed to protect and further women’s equality in New York State. The new laws will help achieve pay equity, strengthen human trafficking laws and protections for domestic violence victims and end pregnancy discrimination in all workplaces.

The Governor also announced that New York State has allocated a total of $6.4 million for Sexual Assault Prevention and Assistance providers across the State. This includes $4.5 million enacted as part of the Enough is Enough legislative package to support implementation of this new campus sexual assault legislation by providing prevention, as well as $1 million to be administered by the Department of Health and $900,000 to be administered by the Office of Victim Services.

“Today is a historic day as we strengthened laws and protections ensuring women’s equality, an issue I’ve been fighting for my entire life” Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa said. “New York is a progressive leader and we have signified that by ensuring women across the state with equal pay, providing protection from discrimination, and ensuring that victims of domestic violence have the protections and resources they need.”

Start your holiday shopping at the North Country Department Store!

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the North Country Department Store, Nov. 7, where local goods, businesses, and services will be on display.

“The Department Store represents a wonderful opportunity for residents to reacquaint themselves with the amazing variety of talents and products found right here at home,” Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said.

Addie Russell: Investing in the North Country

Attention local businesses and entrepreneurs: North Country Department Store scheduled for Nov. 7

The North Country Department Store is returning on Saturday, November 7 and vendors are encouraged to begin registering now. Registration will remain open until October 30.

The Department Store, an annual showcasing of locally made goods, business, and services sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, the Indian River Future Farmers of America Club, and Noah’s Ark Preschool, will be open from 10am to 4pm at the Indian River Middle School off US Route 11, Philadelphia, NY.

“The North Country Department Store is a special event that demonstrates the best the region has to offer,” Russell said. “It’s a chance for residents to rediscover the incredible variety of locally made goods and businesses that are available right here in the North Country.”

Vendors should email russella@assembly.state.ny.us or call (315) 786-0284 or (315) 386-2037 to register for the event. Setup hours are available on Friday, November 6 from 6 to 8pm and the day of the event from 8 to 10am.

All vendor and admission donations benefit the Indian River Future Farmers of America Club and Noah’s Ark Preschool.

Assemblywoman Russell presents awards at Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Community Awards Breakfast

Assemblywoman Addie Russell spent Thursday morning at the 2015 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Community Awards Breakfast in Watertown where she presented awards to outstanding members of the community working to change lives in Jefferson County and beyond. Pictured in the photo above are Anita Seefried-Brown from the Alliance for Better Communities, Community Service Award recipient Rev. Jeffrey Smith, and Assemblywoman Addie Russell. 

Rev. Smith preaches at the First Baptist Church in Watertown and is the Head Chaplain at the Jefferson County Jail, the Chaplain for the Watertown Police Force, and a member of the Clergy staff at the Samaritan Medical Center. He is also a counselor for substance abuse, marital and pre-marital matters, and family counseling. Additionally, the Rev. Smith works with soldiers returning from duty oversees who are suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder along with their families.