Assemblywoman Russell showcases farm-in-school option for pilot program schools

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell recently hosted school officials from around St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties at Madrid-Waddington Central School so they could get a first-hand look at the district's farm-in-school program.

Assemblywoman Russell said she wanted school officials from around the region to see the produce being grown in the Madrid-Waddington school greenhouse using terraponic technology sold by 2445 Organics of Massena and patented by local businessman Andy Maslin. Greens grown in the
greenhouse, including lettuce and basil, are used in the school's cafeteria.

"It's been good for our school, and our students are eating it," Madrid-Waddington School Superintendent Eric Burke said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the tour allowed schools that received funding through the $300,000 grant she secured for a farm-to-school pilot program to see how the grant money could be used.

She said the timing of the state funding cycle and the time it took to set up the mechanism for the pilot program created some barriers for producers because that timetable was at odds with the North County
growing season.

"A number of our schools were unable to make relationships with farmers to get produce for this year so we have opted to expand the guidelines to allow the purchase of the tray unit growing system being utilized at Madrid-Waddington with the funding allocations remaining from the farm-to-school pilot program," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"This technology is affordable, there is great potential for school gardens and the business producing these units is located right here in the North Country. The quality of the produce being grown in this
greenhouse is obviously much higher than something triple washed and bagged in> California and sitting on a shelf for who knows how long," she added.

"I wanted these school officials to see first hand they have an opportunity to grow fresh greens and herbs on site to supply their cafeterias so they could determine if this is a viable option for their districts," Assemblywoman Russell pointed out.

The Madrid-Waddington school superintendent said the district purchased its first three-tier growing system in September 2015.

"It is awesome. We immediately saw the benefits. Our kids are eating fresh greens and drinking green drinks. Kids started getting involved. We initially thought it might take three to five years to get to full
capacity. But we are seeing strong interest from students and the food service manager. It did not take long to grow," Mr. Burke noted.

He said the district grew from one rack to three, then five and now eight units.

Mr. Maslin said 2445 Organics has developed a 100 percent organic grow system that is based on utilizing a primitive soil and a lighting system and eliminating environmental factors.

He said the produce being grown on the racks - ranging from a variety of lettuces to basil - is ready to harvest in 18 to 22 days, approximately 50 percent quicker than the time it would take to grow that same produce in a garden. Madrid-Waddington is continuing to expand the varieties of greens being grown at the school.

Assemblywoman Russell also invited Assemblyman-Elect D. Billy Jones to the event. She said Assemblyman-Elect Jones has expressed interest in the farm-to-school pilot program.

He is also expected to be on hand early next year for a demonstration at a school in his assembly
district that is purchasing grow units from 2445 Organics.

Assemblyman-Elect Jones said the visit to the greenhouse at Madrid-Waddington was very informative.

"It touches so many different areas - agriculture, learning about the science behind growing produce, lessons about nutrition and teaching our kids about the value of eating healthy, locally grown foods. I think it is a win-win. I'm very interested in seeing this spread into the school districts I represent in the North Country," he said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Buffy Gabri right), greenhouse coordinator at Madrid-Waddington Central School, discusses the produce grown for the school's cafeteria, with Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell (D-Theresa, 116th Assembly District) and Assemblyman-Elect D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay, 115th Assembly District).

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Lisbon School Superintendent Pat Farrand and Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell talk about the terraponic growing system currently being used to grow produce for use in the school cafeteria at Madrid-Waddington Central School.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell (left) and Madrid-Waddington greenhouse coordinator Buffy Gabri and Madrid-Waddington Central School Superintendent Eric Burke discuss the success they have enjoyed utilizing terraponic growing systems in the school's greenhouse during a tour of the site by school officials from around the station.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell discusses the farm-in-school program in use at Madrid-Waddington with school officials from around the region following a recent tour of the school's greenhouse. The school has purchased several terraponic growing system units from 2445 Organics in Massena. The system was patented by Andy Maslin of Norfolk.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell poses for a photograph with members of the Maslin family of 2445 Organics team following a recent event at Madrid-Waddington Central. Pictured are (l-r): Andy, Aubriyle, Assemblywoman Russell, Aliyah, Kathy, Gracie Mae, Andy Jr., Zachary, Danielle Linsky and Quinton.

Assemblywoman Russell attends Ag Summit in Lansdowne, Ont.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell poses for a photograph Friday morning with Member of Parliament Gord Brown at the Ag Summit in Lansdowne, Ont. Mr. Brown represents the riding of Leeds, Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes in Canada's federal House of Commons. Assemblywoman Russell, a member of the New York State Assembly's Agriculture Committee, said she attended the summit to get an understanding of agriculture issues and agricultural tourism opportunities in neighboring Southern Ontario. The Agriculture Summit was sponsored by Economic Development Committee (EDC) of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Ont. The assemblywoman was invited to the summit last month when she attended the 1,000 Islands Bi-National Tourism Summit in Clayton. Assemblywoman Russell had secured state funding for that event.

Assemblywoman Russell plans to attend Ag Summit this week in Ontario

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell says she plans to attend an Agriculture Summit on Friday in Lansdowne, Ont., to get an understanding of agriculture issues and agricultural tourism opportunities north of the border.

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) of Leeds and the Thousand Islands is spearheading its first Agriculture Summit on Friday.

Assemblywoman Russell said she was invited to the summit last month when she attended the 1000 Islands Bi-National Tourism Summit in Clayton. The assemblywoman secured state funding for that event.

It featured a presentation by Jay Matteson, agriculture coordinator of the Jefferson County Local Development Corporation. He discussed success stories involving ag tourism efforts in Jefferson County as well as the growth of the craft beverage and local food movement in the region.

"The summit later this week in Lansdowne is a great follow up to that discussion. It will be an opportunity for me to see what's working north of the border, challenges facing the agriculture industry in southern Ontario and steps governments at the local, provincial and federal level are taking to address those issues," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It will provide me with an opportunity to see what our Canadian neighbors are doing that we can learn from as well as share some of the strategies we are using to grow our ag industry," she noted.

Assemblywoman Russell said the summit also provides a networking opportunity as local officials on both sides of the border look for steps they can take to coordinate their ag tourism efforts.

"We need to work together in areas like the farm to table component to grow the sector so we can complement each other's efforts. We know the region's economy benefits the longer we can keep our tourists in the area. Partnering with our Canadian neighbors is one step we can take to grow opportunities for tourists visiting the Thousand Islands region," she said.

The assemblywoman, who also serves on the New York State Assembly's Agriculture Committee, said the summit also provides an opportunity to grow relationships with Canadian decision makers.

"Given the current issues surrounding agriculture and the border, ranging from stricter restrictions on agriculture products that can be exported to Canada to taxes that limit the amount of wine Canadian visitors purchase from our wineries and take home, it simply makes sense to strengthen our relationships," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The summit will explore the theme of 'Developing Profitable Agriculture' and will provide learning and networking opportunities. The morning session features a keynote presentation from Rebecca Mackenzie from the Ontario Culinary Tourism

"The purpose of this agricultural summit is to investigate where we are now, and how the Township Economic Development Committee can enhance agricultural growth as we move forward," according to George Horton, chair of the EDC.

Assemblywoman Russell: 'Reading can transport children to distant and exciting places'

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell is closing in on the 25,000 donations mark in the eighth year of her annual Addie's Books for Children holiday book drive.

She said 3,257 books were collected during last year's book drive. The annual book drives have donated more than 20,000 books to North Country children over the past seven years.

Assemblywoman Russell, the mother of two elementary-age children, said she recognizes the importance of promoting literacy due to its impact on childhood development.

"Reading can transport children to distant and exciting places. Books can unlock a child's imagination and provide hours of enjoyment," she said.

“Giving the gift of a book is the gift of joy and excitement that can go anywhere and be enjoyed at anytime," Assemblywoman Russell added.

She is again partnering with Kinney Drugs for the holiday book drive, and the books will be distributed by the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program in St. Lawrence County and the Community Action Planning Council in Watertown.

New and gently used books will be collected at Kinney Drugs locations in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and will be redistributed to local families.

Books can also be dropped off at the Angel Trees at the Salmon Run Mall and the Dulles Office Building as well as at Assemblywoman Russell's offices in Canton at Suite 1, 3 Remington Ave., off Route 11, and Watertown at Suite 210 Dulles Office Building, 317 Washington St.

The books will be collected on Dec. 18.

Books collected in Jefferson County will make their way to Community Action Planning Council where they will be sorted and shared with partner agencies Salvation Army, Watertown Urban Mission and the Rhode Center.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Assemblywoman Russell, Kinney Drugs and the community in promoting literacy,” according to Dawn M. Cole, deputy director for Community Action Planning Council.

“This initiative is a wonderful complement to our holiday programs, ensuring that families enjoy the gift of reading this Christmas,” she said.

St. Lawrence County Community Development Program Executive Director Norma S. Carey said books collected in St. Lawrence County will be distributed at neighborhood centers and to families of children enrolled in Head Start programs in the county.

"It is a positive thing anytime you are able to put a book in a child's hands. This program helps provide parents with resources so they can read to and with their children, and we know that helps with language development skills," she pointed out.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell reads a story to kindergarten students in teacher Amanda Taraska's classroom during a visit this fall to Nightengale Elementary School in Massena.

Assemblywoman Russell kicking off annual Addie's Books for Children drive this week

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell has announced the eighth annual Addie's Books for Children holiday book drive is launching on Wednesday.

Assemblywoman Russell is again partnering with Kinney Drugs for the program, and the books will be distributed by the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program and the Community Action Planning Council in Watertown.

New and gently used books will be collected at Kinney Drugs locations in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and will be redistributed to local families.

Books can also be dropped off at the Angel Trees at the Salmon Run Mall and the Dulles Office Building as well as at Assemblywoman Russell's offices in Canton at Suite 1, 3 Remington Ave., off Route 11, and Watertown at Suite 210 Dulles Office Building, 317 Washington St.

The books will be collected on Dec. 18.

Assemblywoman Russell says it is a full house at North Country Department Store

More than 90 vendors are signed up to participate in Saturday's sixth annual North Country Department Store event sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell.

The North Country Department Store will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Indian River Middle School off Route 11 in Philadelphia.

“The Department Store is one of two "Rediscovering Your Backyard" events we do each year, and it represents a great opportunity to connect local merchants with local residents as we enter the holiday season. I'm always amazed by the talent and products available right here in the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"This is an effort to showcase the many small businesses that provide our North Country with a wide variety of unique products," she added.

She also sponsors a "Your Special Day" event each spring in Ogdensburg. The event, previously known as a bridal expo, was rebranded this year since many of the vendors cater to a number of special events ranging from weddings to graduation and anniversary parties.

The vendors registered for this year's event sell products ranging from jewelry, housewares, artwork and home decor to antiques, toys, sporting goods and honey and specialty foods.

This year's show features vendors from Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties and includes a number of small businesses that are taking part in the show for the first time.

"There's something for everybody available at this show," Assemblywoman Russell said of the diversity of small business people that take part in the annual event. "I'm delighted to see so many new vendors coming to this year's show. This store concept provides an opportunity to be exposed to products from artisans, food producers, antique dealers and shop owners from a three-county area under one roof."

Proceeds from the event are divided between the Indian River FFA and Noah's Ark Preschool. The organizations provide volunteer support for the event.

For more information on the North Country Department Store check out the event's Facebook page,

https://www.facebook.com/events/1144375988982832/

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Melanie Kimbler-Lago of Cat House Designs, Potsdam, is one of the new vendors taking part in the North Country Department Store on Saturday at Indian River Central School.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

The annual North Country Department Store, sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell, has a record of drawing good crowds at the start of the holiday shopping season.

Assemblywoman Russell welcomes guests to 1000 Islands Bi-National Tourism Summit

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell issues the welcoming remarks Wednesday morning at the 1000 Islands Bi-Nationalism Tourism Summit at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton. Assemblywoman Russell secured a state fund to support creating to further bi-national relationships between Northern New York and Eastern Ontario. The morning sessions included New Developments in Agriculture & Tourism by Jefferson County Agriculture Coordinator Jay Matteson, Aquatarium: The Region's Discovery Centre by Executive Director Bill Rogerson and What's New at the Border Crossing? by Thousand Islands Bridge Authority Executive Director Robert Horr. The event drew tourism officials, small business owners and government leaders from the United States and Canada.

Assemblywoman Russell attends rededication of monuments at Potsdam's new Veterans Memorial Plaza

A cool breeze and occasional flurries couldn't chill the enthusiasm at the Veterans Day observance Friday morning in Potsdam.

The ceremony included the rededication of monuments moved earlier this fall from the lawn at Clarkson University's Old Snell Hall to the new Veterans Memorial Plaza at Ives Park in downtown Potsdam.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1194 Commander Robert S. Crary said Friday's observance marked the culmination of several years of planning, fundraising and hands on work to turn a dream into reality.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell was on hand for the ceremony after receiving an invitation to the event from Mr. Crary. She secured $15,000 in state funding for the Veterans Memorial Plaza project.

"Without her support, this wouldn't have happened," Mr. Crary told a large crowd gathered for the Veterans Day observance and rededication of the World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam monuments moved from the lawn at Old Snell Hall to Ives Park.

"It was quite an ordeal getting things to where they are today. Today we remember. We will never forget," the VFW commander said.

Mr. Crary praised a number of groups, organizations, businesses and local government that played a role in the establishment of the Veterans Memorial Plaza.

He said the effort was aided by Potsdam Village Administrator Everett Basford, Jim Corbett and his crew from the village's Department of Public Works, Willow Tree Florist, Pignona Memorials and volunteers from the VFW post and the Beta Tau fraternity.

DAV Chapter 164 Commander John Stafford said he was encouraged by the turnout for the Veterans Day observance.

"This is a large turnout. I noticed a lot of veterans. That makes me feel real good. This is a rededication of these monuments. Stanley Crump, my right hand man, worked long and hard along with Bob Crary to bring this to fruition," he said.

Mr. Stafford said as he looked into the crowd he saw veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We are truly a bunch of veterans here today. This is our monument," he stressed.

Assemblywoman Russell, speaking after the ceremony, said she felt it was important to be on hand for the first Veterans Day observance at the new Veterans Memorial Plaza.

"It was wonderful to see this community of local veterans organize to make sure there was an appropriate space to reflect on the service of so many," she said.

"The setting is absolutely beautiful and more easily accessible by the community. Even more importantly this new location means the monuments will be viewed by more people as they visit Ives Park, including the young adults that come to the community to attend college," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"I just want to congratulate all the people who have made this possible," she noted.

The new plaza includes the existing memorials that honor the 57 members of the armed forces from the Potsdam-area that lost their lives in World War I and World War II. The other monuments honor those killed in Korea and Vietnam.

Monuments honoring those who have served in Iraq and Aghanistan, as well as prisoners of war, have been added, and poles flying the American and Prisoner of War flags were also installed at the new location. A pathway from the memorials to the Raquette River is planned, and additional park benches have been placed in the area.

Potsdam's Memorial Day observances have been held at Ives Park for years, but the Veterans' Day observances have been held on the lawn at Old Snell Hall, where the memorial tablet honoring the war dead from World Wars I and II was erected in the late 1940s.

Mr. Crary said the new location for the monuments is much more appropriate since the monuments had previously been located on the edge of the sidewalk next to the street on the lawn at the now vacant Old Snell Hall.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Members of the color guard raise the colors during the Veterans Day observance ceremony in Potsdam. The service marked the official opening of the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Ives Park.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Commander Bob Crary tells Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell about the steps taken to move a 2,300-pound monument honoring those from the Potsdam area killed in World War I and World War II from the lawn in front of Clarkson University's Old Snell Hall to its new home on the banks of the Raquette River in Ives Park.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell looks on as the color guard raises the POW-MIA flag during the Veterans Day observance at Potsdam's Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell examines the monuments now standing in Potsdam's Veterans Memorial Plaza.

A service member checks out a monument honoring those who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.

Monuments honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice in Iraq and Aghanistan have joined monuments honoring the war dead from World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam at Potsdam's Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Assemblywoman Russell tours new Department of Labor space in Ogdensburg

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell toured the Department of Labor's new office space at 1031 Paterson St. in Ogdensburg on Wednesday prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Department of Labor's Ogdensburg office had been located at 1020 Park St. in space leased from St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES for several years, but BOCES officials informed the state they were not going to renew the lease because they needed it for their own needs.

There had been some concern that the Department of Labor might choose to centralize its St. Lawrence County operations at its Canton and Massena locations.

But the Department of Labor announced late this summer it would be relocated to the mall on Paterson Street on property previously leased to Farrand's Flowers.

Assemblywoman Russell reiterated her gratitude to Department of Labor officials for their work in finding a new location in Ogdensburg.

"It's a victory for North Country workers and job seekers. As big as St. Lawrence County is, it's important to make sure there is access to these types of services for all residents of the region. It would have been a tremendous hardship for residents of this region if the Ogdensburg site had closed," she said.

"We shared our concerns about the importance of keeping office space in Ogdensburg early on, and the responsiveness of the Department of Labor's North Country staff, in particular June O'Neill, to ensure that was the case was magnificent," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

“They listened to our concerns and kept our office up to date as they moved through the site selection process. We have a great outcome for those people in the Ogdensburg area that need to be able to access important job search resources without having to travel an additional 30 to 60 miles,” she noted.

Assemblywoman Russell said she was also pleased New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon travelled to Ogdensburg Wednesday to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new office site.

"I appreciate the commissioner coming up here and her commitment to make sure the department is properly serving the North Country. It was great to hear her pledge that the Department of Labor will continue its presence in Ogdensburg for years to come," Assemblywoman Russell said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell (r) thanks New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon for living up to her department's pledge to maintain its presence in the city of Ogdensburg. Commissioner Reardon was in Ogdensburg on Wednesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Department of Labor's new office space at 1031 Paterson St.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell visits with Ed Snow Jr., Region 7 coordinator for the Public Employees Federation, prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Department of Labor's new office space at 1031 Paterson St. in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell (far right) chats with St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau Youth Coordinator Christine Phippen (l) and Department of Labor senior employment clerk Patty Conger during an informal open house prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Department of Labor's new office space at 1031 Paterson St. in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Russell spends Monday at North Country Seniorama

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, spent Monday at the New York Statewide Senior Action Council North Country Chapter's 25th annual Seniorama at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort's bingo palace.

A number of vendors from around the region took part in the health and information fair. North Country Chapter Senior Action Council officials said Monday's event was its last seniorama, noting a number of other organizations in the region now offer health and information fairs.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, visits with Statewide Senior Action Council North Country Chapter leaders, including North Country Chapter President Linda Wilkinson, at the 25th annual Seniorama held this year at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Report.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Norfolk legislator John Burke, chairman of the St. Lawrence County Legislature, discuss issues at the 25th annual Seniorama.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell touches base with Potsdam Assessor James Snyder, president of the St. Lawrence County Assessors' Association.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, discusses a constituent issue with Gail Teele, Lisbon.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, checks in with Linda Smith, a member of the Morley Branch Library Board of Directors. Assemblywoman Russell helped the library secure funding for a building renovation project.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, discusses assessment issues with Potsdam Assessor James Snyder and Louisville Town Assessor Lorraine Salamon.

Assemblywoman Russell checks out status of TIERS building project

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell. D-Theresa, recently stopped in Clayton to check on the status of the construction of the new building that will house the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service. Pictured are, front row: TIERS Board of Directors Chair Bud Baril and Assemblywoman Russell. Back row: TIERS volunteer Bobby Cantwell, TIERS Executive Director Rolly Churchill and Clayton Town Suprvisor David Storandt, Jr.

Assemblywoman Russell tours psych center waterfront property

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says a recent tour of the riverfront property at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center provided her with a glimpse of the vision city of Ogdensburg officials have for that parcel.

The state legislature passed legislation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill earlier this year allowing for the transfer of approximately 56 acres of land on the grounds of the psychiatric center to the city of Ogdensburg for redevelopment. That sale would have to be for fair market value of the property.

It was the latest step in the city's effort to gain control over approximately 160 acres of property on the 400-acre psych center grounds.

The St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center has centralized its operation on the grounds over the past several years, leaving prime real estate bordering the St. Lawrence River and state Route 37 not being utilized and off the tax rolls.

Assemblywoman Russell was joined on the tour of the psychiatric center property by Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley, city councillors Jennifer Stevenson and Tim Davis and St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Executive Director Tim Farrell.

"I was thrilled we were finally able to pass the long-sought legislation to allow the city of Ogdensburg to negotiate with the state for the transfer of that property for redevelopment," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said a tour of the riverfront property on the St. Lawrence River, just east of the international bridge connecting Ogdensburg and Prescott, Ont., left her excited about the property's future.

"So many Ogdensburg residents have fond memories about being on that property when there weren't the restrictions on public access that there are today," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Right now that property has hardly any value. It's not being used by the psych center," she said, standing in the shadow of a long unused pavilion as geese marched around the vacant parcel.

"This property is well situated for both private development and public use. I don't think it would take a lot to get some of this property back on the tax rolls an benefitting city residents," Assemblywoman Russell added.

Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy said city officials are also eager to reach an agreement to transfer the parcel from the state to the city.

"The city looks forward to working with state officials to acquire this large land parcel bordering the St Lawrence River. There is so much potential for residential development and public trails. It’s an exciting follow-up to the work already underway to acquire and develop the first parcel legislated to be sold to the city along Route 37," she said.

The latest legislation, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell in the state Assembly, calls for a 50-acre parcel, including nine of 14 buildings on the site, to be transferred to the city at fair market value.

The parcel stretches from the St. Lawrence River shoreline to River Drive between the Bridgeview and Trinity buildings.

That property is being eyed for residential development, and the legislation requires 15 percent of proposed rental units be made available to Office of Mental Health recipients in need of supportive housing.

A separate 6.4 acre parcel, currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Community Services, is being targeted as a site for commercial development.

The city announced in January it had reached an agreement to purchase a separate 45-acre parcel on the psych center grounds for $265,000 from the state's Office of General Services. That property is zoned for light industry and institutional uses.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell examines riverfront property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center that could be transferred to the City of Ogdensburg for redevelopment. She is shown discussing the riverfront property with Mayor Wayne Ashley and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, discusses a vacant parcel of property at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center with the psych center's executive director, Tim Farrell. Shown clockwise in the background are city councillors Tim Davis and Jennifer Stevenson and Mayor Wayne Ashley.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Ogdensburg City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson discuss potential uses for vacant riverfront property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. The state legislature passed legislation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill earlier this year allowing for the transfer of approximately 56 acres of land on the grounds of the psychiatric center to the city of Ogdensburg for redevelopment.

Orleans supervisor: Assemblywoman Russell led effort to get funding needed for water project

Orleans Town Supervisor Kevin Rarick had high praise for Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell's role in helping the municipality gain the funding it needs to move forward with a municipal water project.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced $29.7 million in grants to support 18 municipal water infrastructure projects in the North Country. including a $3 million grant to the town of Orleans.

The grants are part of the second round of New York State Water Grants funded through the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.

Orleans town officials have been working to secure funding for a municipal water system to mitigate a number of wells in the community that have salt contamination.

Town officials said earlier this year they needed the additional $3 million in funding to move forward with a $13 million water line project in the vicinity of Route 12 between Alexandria Bay and Fisher's Landing.

Assemblywoman Russell said she is continuing to work to seek funding for the Village of Alexandria Bay to offset costs to the municipality associated with increasing its capacity to meet the needs of the Town of Orleans users.

The Village of Alexandria Bay officials have proposed supplying the Town of Orleans with municipal water. 

"I am ecstatic to hear the news that the pledge state officials made to us several months ago that they would step forward and fill the gap for the town of Orleans is now a reality," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"The residents of the town of Orleans have been dealing with groundwater contamination for too long, and I will continue to track this project to make sure the funding moves forward in as expeditious a manner as possible so the work can get started," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"The crisis in the town of Orleans needs to be fixed immediately. Providing safe drinking water to the residents of Orleans is a sound investment, and the health of our children and families depends on it," she reiterated.

Assemblywoman Russell has previously directed $500,000 toward the project through the state Dormitory Authority.

The town has also been awarded an $11.4 million loan from the state Environmental Facilities Corporation, $500,000 through the North Country Economic Development Council and $100,000 from the state Senate.

She had been a strong supporter as the funding request moved through the regional economic development council process and also had been a strong supporter in the state Assembly for increasing funding for the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, the fund that is the source of the latest $3 million grant.

Town officials have said they face regulations that mean they can only spend $8 million from the loan on the water project.

Following a meeting Assemblywoman Russell attended with other state lawmakers and agency representatives in early February, assurances were made the funding gap would be closed through grant funding.

"I want to thank the Environmental Facilities Corporation for understanding the critical nature of this funding and working with us to make sure the monies were granted for the municipal water system that is of such critical importance to the residents of the town of Orleans," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"We know these water quality issues are a major priority for Gov. Cuomo, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue as well as the measures the state has taken since February to provide bottled water to residents in the town of Orleans and to provide testing of wells in the area impacted by groundwater contamination," she added.

Supervisor Rarick credited Assemblywoman Russell with leading the effort to get the project back on track earlier this year when it slowed down due to bureaucratic hurdles.

"We've had our differences over this, and I said some things that sold some newspapers when I was frustrated by our progress. Addie, to her credit, put those differences aside and kept working with us to get us the money we needed for this project to move forward," he said.

"I think Addie has done very well by the residents of the town of Orleans. She set up the initial meeting that resulted in the state agreeing to fill our funding gap, and Addie got us the most money in the early stages of this process. She deserves a lot of credit," Mr. Rarick added.

The 2016-17 New York State budget includes $100 million in grants for water infrastructure improvements.

This additional funding allowed the Environmental Facilities Corporation to broaden eligibility for wastewater projects and provide a total of $175 million in grants for round two.

In addition, the maximum grant amount for drinking water projects was increased from $2 million to $3 million, or 60 percent of eligible projects costs, whichever is less.

Other communities receiving funding in the latest round of grants awards included:

• Town of Cape Vincent: $622,140 grant toward a $2.4 million drinking water project.
• Town of Clayton: $3 million grant toward a $6.2 million drinking water project.
• Town of Hounsfield: $123,408 grant toward a $205,680 drinking water project.
• Village of Potsdam: $2.68 million grant toward a $10.7 million clean water project.
• City of Watertown: $2.3 million grant toward a $9.2 million clean water project.

More information on how to apply for these loans is available atwww.efc.ny.gov/CLEAN WATERSRF (for wastewater projects)andwww.efc.ny.gov/DRINKING WATERSRF (for drinking water projects).

Assemblywoman Russell: PSC decision set stage for FitzPatrick sale

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, a member of the state Assembly's Energy Committee, issued the following statement following the announcement the Exelon Corporation has agreed to purchase the FitzPatrick nuclear plant in Oswego County:

"This is fantastic news and demonstrates the importance of the clean energy standards adopted by the Public Service Commission in late July. Excelon can step right in and keep the FitzPatrick plant operating. The PSC ruling provided the environment for nuclear production to continue in upstate New York. The supports provided in that decision keep the FitzPatrick plant viable and that means its hundreds of employees will still have jobs after January. I'm also grateful to Exelon for making such a quick decision."

Assemblywoman Russell: Changes needed in Start Up NY to benefit areas like the North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says it is her belief state officials need to rethink the administration of its Start Up NY program to better serve areas of the state like the North Country.

Assemblywoman Russell, a member of the New York State Assembly's Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, said a session last week that included an appearance by Empire State Development Chief Executive Officer Howard Zemsky didn't provide any surprises.

There are currently no businesses taking part in the Start Up NY programs at SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton.

"The program really needs to be rethought and administered differently if we expect all SUNY campuses and regions of the state to benefit," Assemblywoman Russell said following the meeting.

"The large SUNY schools that already have strong business relationships seem to be the only colleges and universities in the state system benefitting from the Start Up NY program," she charged.

"The testimony at the committee meeting demonstrated that incubators are producing far more jobs at less cost and perhaps that is where our economic dollars should be concentrated," Assemblywoman Russell noted.

She pointed out Clarkson has experienced success with its business incubator program. "I think the SUNY system could take a page out of their book," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell concurred with Mr. Zemsky's assessment that the North Country had fared well through the regional economic development council funding, although she suggested it was simply "catchup" for one of the most ecoomically challenged areas of the state.

She said she was also grateful for the support Empire State Development provided after Alcoa announced it planned to shut down its smelting operations in Massena last year. Alcoa reversed its decision and agreed to keep the smelter operating for an additional two years after receiving a funding package from the state.

But she said the paltry results of the Start Up NY program demanded further scrutiny.

The Start Up NY program offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State.

State officials have said businesses benefit when they can partner with the colleges and universities and have direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources and experts in key industries.

Companies participating in Start Up NY are required to be a new business in New York State or an existing New York business relocating to or expanding within the state, agree to partner with a New York State college or university and create new jobs and contribute to the economic development of the local community.

A report issued by Empire State Development over the July 4 weekend revealed the program had led to the creation of 408 jobs over its first two years. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have questioned whether those job numbers justify the cost of the program.

Assemblywoman Russell had raised concerns about the program last month in the wake of the report.

She said at that time she didn't feel the SUNY schools in the North Country had the resources they needed to make a committed effort to utilize Start Up NY on their campuses.

The assemblywoman noted she would like to see the governor look at including funding in the SUNY budget for dedicated program personnel and academic program investments for the Start Up NY if she was going to be able to continue to support the program.

Under questioning from Assemblywoman Russell at last week's committee meeting, Mr. Zemsky said over $50 million had been spent on advertising the Start Up NY, with the majority of the commercials airing in 2014, with approximately 40 percent of those dollars being spent on ads aired in New York State. He testified the advertising campaign was necessary to change the perception that New York State is not a good place to do business.

Assemblywoman Russell suggested Start Up NY advertisements had flooded the airwaves during the 2014 election cycle.

"My constituents are eager to find out what that $50 million turned into. At this point we are not seeing a lot of return on that investment in the North Country. Folks in my area are looking for jobs, not perceptions," she told Mr. Zemsky.

The SUNY personnel at Potsdam and Canton administering the Start Up NY program, for example, also handle a myriad of other responsibilities assigned to their positions.

She again called at the hearing for the state to provide additional funding to SUNY schools for personnel to appropriately administer Start Up NY on their campuses if the program is to continue in its current mode.

Assemblywoman Russell acknowledged she would find it challenging to continue to support the program without those changes.

"I'm not interested in throwing good money after bad when we have such paltry results. I'm not sure if we shouldn't be doing a complete rethink of where this program is housed and how it is operated," she stressed at the committee meeting.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, second from right, questions Empire State Development Chief Executive Officer Howard Zemsky during his recent appearance before the state Assembly's Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry.

Assemblywoman Russell: Multi-year funding will be critical for long-term success of farm-to-school program

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she was pleased with the turnout for a recent meeting in Watertown to discuss the details of the farm-to-school pilot program that will be rolled out in local school cafeterias this fall.

"This meeting and the one we held late last month in Canton are among the last steps we needed to accomplish to put growers together with school food service managers so our students can eat locally grown foods in their school cafeterias this coming school year," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said the Watertown meeting featured a nice mix of farmers, producers and school officials.

"I didn't know what kind of turnout we would get from our producers, knowing how much time they are having to spend watering their crops during the drought this summer," according to the assembly member.

"We are reaching that point in the growing season when our producers are close to knowing what products they will have to offer schools this year. That's critical because our school food service managers are ramping up for the beginning of the school year," Assemblywoman Russell noted.

She said the discussions at the meetings in Watertown and Canton have also brought out issues that will need to be improved as she seeks to gain support to expand the farm-to-school program statewide.

"We've identified areas where the state can make improvements. We need to get multi-year funding for the farm-to-school program so our farmers can make plans for their crops based on schools' needs, and our school food service managers have a better feel for the availability of local foods for their planning purposes," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"We need to be able to accommodate the schools' schedule, where purchasing and menu decisions are planned months and months in advance of food being placed on the lines in our school cafeterias. The state budget approval comes too late in the planning process for our farmers to prepare for the potential school market for the coming growing season," she added.

The 2016-17 state budget included $300,000 for a farm-to-school pilot program in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The Adirondack North Country Association has been selected to administer the pilot program.

ANCA will be providing professional support and also have been tasked with data collection and compilation.

"They will be preparing a report based on that data, which will be critical as we 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.

The schools that have been allocated funding from the pilot program in Jefferson County include Alexandria, Indian River, Lafargeville, Lyme, South Jefferson and Watertown.

St. Lawrence County schools that have expressed an interest in participating in the program include Canton, Hammond, Hermon-Dekalb, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid-Waddington, Massena, Norwood-Norfolk, Ogdensburg Free Academy and Potsdam.

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.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, hands out papers with details of the farm-to school pilot program that will be rolled out at schools in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. Also shown are Josh Bakelaar, director of local economies and agriculture for the Adirondack North Country Association, center, and Watertown Central School Superintendent Terry Fralick.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Farmers and producers from Jefferson County had a chance to meet with local school officials to discuss the implementation of the farm-to-school pilot program this fall. Among those shown are  (l-r),  seated, Lafargeville School Superintendent Travis Hoover, Pat Robbins of Black River Cattle Company and farmer Ken Mix. Standing in the background is Josh Bakelaar, director of local economies and agriculture for the Adirondack North Country Association.

South Jefferson Food Services Director Carol Overton talks about the needs of schools participating in the farm-to-school pilot program this fall. Also, shown clockwise from left, are farmers Mike and Jamie Charlebois, butcher Jordan Brandt of Red Barn Meats.

Farmers and producers review some of the details of the farm-to-school pilot program that will be rolled out at schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties this fall. Pictured are, Pat Robbins of the Black River Cattle Company, foreground, and Dani Baker of Cross Island Farm, Wellesley Island. Ms. Baker was joined at the meeting by interns working at the farm this summer.

City officials show Assemblywoman Russell security fence purchased for Dobisky Center dock area

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell made a recent stop in Ogdensburg to see the 450 feet of six-foot security fence that was purchased with $10,000 she helped secure for the city.

The funding was aimed at assisting in the establishment of a secure docking facility at the city's municipal dock. The secure facility will allow cruise ships to make stops in Ogdensburg.

"I learned during my stop in Ogdensburg that the city is continuing to make preparations so it can host large vessels with passengers that need to clear customs. This fencing will not only allow cruise ships to stop in the city, but it also can be used for multiple purposes including security measures for events such as the recently completed Seaway Festival," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted the stop at the waterfront near the Dobisky Center also provided city officials an opportunity for her to listen as city officials shared their vision for the area's future.

"It's a beautiful spot surrounded by views of the Fort de la Presentation, the international bridge and the waterfront property just across the river in Canada, including Fort Wellington. City officials are continuing to focus on the waterfront property and steps they can take to help grow the city's economy," she noted.


The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority also assisted in the effort by providing $5,000 to amend the United States Coast Guard's facilities security plan to include the city's municipal dock.

She said the city's effort to improve its waterfront is complemented by the work the OBPA is doing to expand the Port of Ogdensburg.

"Historically, dating back well over 200 years, the confluence of the Oswegatchie and St. Lawrence rivers, played a major role in our nation's trade and national defense. It simply makes sense for the city to continue to work so it can benefit from its strategic location," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the need to purchase fencing stemmed from an issue last year when a cruise ship wanted to stop in Ogdensburg, but the lack of a secure docking area prohibited that from happening.

The assemblywoman was joined on her trek to check out the secure fencing and her tour of the waterfront by Mayor Wayne Ashley, city councillors Jennifer Stevenson and Tim Davis, City Manager Sarah Purdy, Planning Director Andrea Smith, Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Matthew Denner.

Ms. Purdy said it was good to have Assemblywoman Russell have a chance to see the fencing. "She was surprised we already had the fencing and was visibly pleased she was able to see it in use," she said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie Russell stopped in Ogdensburg to get a first-hand look city officials hope will assist them in getting cruise ships headed into the Great Lakes to make a stop in the city. Pictured are (l-r): City Councillor Timothy Davis, Mayor Wayne Ashley, City Manager Sarah Purdy, Assemblywoman Russell and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, discusses future plans for the Ogdensburg riverfront with Mayor Wayne Ashley and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

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.