Assemblywoman Russell praises opening of Battle Buddy Center at SUNY Canton

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said the opening of a Battle Buddy Center on the SUNY Canton campus is the latest step the college has taken to ease the pathway as veterans transition from the military to the workforce.

New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc., (NYSID) officials presented a $10,000 check to assist the college expand its current lounge for veterans into a Battle Buddy Center.

Battle Buddy Centers are safe havens for veterans to socialize with their fellow veterans and receive services they need.

Based on the military concept of a “Battle Buddy,” which partners soldiers to assist each other both in and out of combat, Battle Buddy Centers offer activities to encourage camaraderie and foster veterans to give and receive mutual support. NYSID is working in collaboration with St. Lawrence NYSARC at the Battle Buddy Center at SUNY Canton.

Through this Battle Buddy Center, NYSID, St. Lawrence NYSARC and SUNY Canton provide a space for more than 120 veteran students, National Guard/Reserve Students, active duty students and their dependents to study, socialize with one another, and receive services they need.

The college’s Military & Veterans Services Office is adjacent to the Battle Buddy Center, increasing the office’s visibility and enabling students to utilize the services provided.
Assemblywoman Russell said the North Country has a long history of respecting and supporting veterans. She also praised the steps SUNY Canton has taken to make the college a welcome place for veterans to earn their college degrees.

"We understand there is a long-term commitment to our veterans. Today's announcement here at SUNY Canton, in partnership with NYSID and St. Lawrence NYSARC, demonstrates that the commitment to our veterans is not just a static commitment," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell said many of the technical programs offered at SUNY Canton fit well with the skills the veterans have acquired during their years in the military.

She pointed out SUNY Canton has also taken steps to ensure services are in place, including the establishment of a Military and Veteran Student coordinator post held by Patrick Massaro, to assist veterans succeed in the next phase of their lives.

"Having such a strong veteran support system here and the no-nonsense technical education provided at SUNY Canton, I don't think you could find a better fit anywhere in the state. You are creating an environment that should be emulated on far more campuses in our state," she suggested.

"To see this investment is truly inspiring. You are creating a culture of specialized support and services to help our veterans succeed," Assemblywoman Russell said.

SUNY Canton President Dr. Zvi Szafran said the ability to enhance the current veterans' lounge will help the college better meet its standing mission to aid veterans and their families with a successful transition from active duty, through education, into their chosen civilian career.

He said the Battle Buddy Center is designed to be a place where veteran can socialize with other veterans and get the services they need.

"You will always be welcomed and supported here," he told the student veterans attending the dedication ceremony.

St. Lawrence NYSARC CEO/Executive Director Daphne Pickert said her agency, selected as the preferred source partner of NYSID for the SUNY Canton Battle Buddy Center, is looking forward to helping local veterans with disabilities gain successful employment through NYSARC's Career Opportunities program.

She said her agency brings a lot of the table, including services for veterans with disabilities or veterans with children with disabilities.

Thomas Sanford, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps receiving his bachelor's degree in Finance from SUNY Canton in a few weeks, praised SUNY Canton for providing services that helped him succeed as he left his role as an aviation technician in the military to study accounting and finance.

Mr. Sanford, who has the highest grade point average in his class, said those services had helped him develop into a student ready to be professional in the civilian world.

"The lounge we have has helped me transition from the military to civilian life, and now we are making it even better. Just the importance of having a little space that is our own. Veterans talk to other veterans differently," he said, noting they can relate to shared experiences that are different than their fellow students.

Paul Qurini, outreach and communications specialist with NYSID, said the campus centers for veterans are based on the battle buddy concept instilled in active duty members of the military.

"They inherently understand each other and help and trust each other," he said.

SUNY Canton Professor Emeritus Dr. William Fassinger, a veteran of the U.S. Army and former co-advisor and then advisor of the SUNY Canton Student Veterans' Association, served as keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony for the 11th Battle Buddy Center operating in the state.

"SUNY Canton has received military friendly status many times over the years. Veterans and their family members receive a quality education and the services they need here," Dr. Fassinger said.

He also said the student veterans' association has become very active on campus and is involved in a number of community service projects in the community each year.

Following the dedication center, student veterans' association members held a ceremony to mark a tree that had been planted on campus in honor of Dr. Fassinger's service to the school and its students.

IN THE PHOTOS:

Top photo:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, second from right, joins fellow speakers including SUNY Canton President Dr. Zvi Szafran, St. Lawrence NYSARC CEO Daphne Pickert, SUNY Canton senior and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Thomas Sanford, NYSID Outreach and Communications Specialist Paul Quirini, SUNY Professor Emeritus Dr. William Fassinger and James E. Reagen, public affairs director for State Senator Patty Ritchie, after NYSID presented SUNY Canton with a $10,000 check to expand the school's veterans' lounge into a Battle Buddy Center.

Photos Below:

Dr. William Fassinger (left), professor emeritus and former advisor of the SUNY Canton Student Veterans' Association throws dirt on a tree planted in his honor on the campus. Dr. Fassinger was the keynote speaker at the dedication ceremony for the college's Battle Buddy Center. Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and SUNY Canton President Zvi Szfran also participated in the tree planting ceremony.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Battle Buddy Center at SUNY Canton.

Thomas Sanford, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior at SUNY Canton, talks about the support he has received as a student veteran on campus.

Members of the SUNY Canton Students Veterans' Association join Dr. Fassinger, Assemblywoman Russell and SUNY Canton President Dr. Szfran at the tree planting ceremony.

Members of the Canton VFW Color Guard posted the colors at the dedication ceremony for SUNY Canton's Battle Buddy Center.

SUNY Canton senior Rebecca Jean Baptiste, a senior Liberal Arts major at SUNY Canton, sings the National Anthem at the dedication center for the SUNY Canton Battle Buddy Center.

Assemblywoman Russell: State pumping over $15 million into North Country for road repairs

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says the 2016-17 state budget will funnel over $15 million to St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, along with the other municipalities in the 116th Assembly District, for road work.

"This funding is critical for counties, cities, towns and villages in the North Country to maintain highways and bridges that are so critical to transportation realities in upstate New York. I helped fight to ensure there was parity for transportation funding for all regions of our state," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Jefferson County will receive $4.34 million and St. Lawrence County will receive $4.80 million. In addition, the two cities, towns and villages in the 116th Assembly District will receive a total of $5.99 million.

St. Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Donald Chambers said highway funding included in the 2016-17 state budget was good news for his department.

"I'm very thankful for the hard work our legislators did supporting this," he told St. Lawrence County lawmakers during a recent county legislature committee meeting.

Mr. Chambers said the county highway department will receive approximately $400,000 more in aid from the state than it had in the 2015-16 state budget. He said the current cost for materials to pave one mile of road is in the $130,000 range.

The funding, which is provided through the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) and PAVE NY, was included in the 2016-17 state budget.

“I fought for more state funding to make much-needed repairs and upgrades to aging roads and bridges in our communities,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “North Country residents need safe roads to get to and from work and school. Investing in infrastructure also creates jobs and will help our economy grow and continue moving forward.”

The 2016-17 state budget includes CHIPs funding of $438 million and $800 million over a four-year period for PAVE NY and BRIDGE NY.

Aging infrastructure is a problem throughout the state. A 2012 report issued by the state Comptroller’s office found that 45.9 percent of local roads and highways were rated “poor” or "fair” and 35 percent of local bridges are deficient.

Assemblywoman Russell said one of the major concerns raised by local officials is the need for state funding to help them maintain the roads and bridges in their communities.

She said she worked to make sure there were no cuts to the CHIPs program and that additional dollars were added to the budget specifically targeted for road and bridge repairs.

The funding breakdown in the various municipalities throughout the 116th Assembly District is provided in the charts.

Assemblywoman Russell attends ribbon cutting ceremony for Soldier Specialty Care Clinic at Fort Drum

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, visits with Brigadier General Paul Bontrager, acting senior commander of the 10th Mountain Division, following a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Soldier Specialty Care Clinic on the Fort Drum post. The $11.2 million project will serve as the home for brain injury care and occupational therapy rehabilitation and provide physical evaluation board liaison officer functions on the Fort Drum post.

Assemblywoman Russell meets with nursing students from JCC

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, fourth from left, met with Jefferson Community College nursing instructor Lisa Cooley, fifth from right, and nursing students to discuss safe staffing levels and other health care issues on Thursday. The JCC students, scheduled to graduate in May, posing for a photograph with Assemblywoman Russell included Hilary Jacobsen, Jenelle Stine, Megan Finucane, Jadah Scott, Jillian Hyde, Amber Hannibal and Felicia Butler.

Assemblywoman Russell: State aid should not be tied to APPR deadline

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, responding to a press inquiry this week, said she does not believe the state should withhold funding to schools that fail that fail to submit their teacher and administrator evaluation plans to the state by the end of August.

"I have always felt it should be delinked. We pushed for it in the Assembly during our budget talks and it was delinked in our one-house budget, but we were unable to persuade the governor and the state Senate to make that change during the budget negotiation process," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell pointed out the Board of Regents previously had issued a waiver extending the deadline to the end of August and suggested that could be another option on the table if there continue to be issues. She said it is her understanding 200 of the approximately 700 districts in the state have already submitted APPR plans to the state.

"The Board of Regents has some ability to work in this area as they have in the past," she noted.

Assemblywoman Russell said there is always the chance legislation seeking to delink state aid from the APPR plan could resurface later this year if a number of districts are unable to finalize their plans before the deadline. She said she would be willing to fight for any schools in her Assembly District that face that problem.

"This issue can be brought up again. I want that link gone because our children shouldn't be punished by being forced to attend schools without appropriate funding if their school leaders are having a problem meeting the deadline," she stressed.

While Assemblywoman Russell said she is concerned by the link between state aid and APPR, she said she is equally concerned by links between standardized test scores and teacher evaluations.

"I was pleased to see the Board of Regents' decision Monday to launch an inquiry into the validity of the state testing system and the role those test results play in teacher evaluations. The members of the Board of Regents that have been elected in the past two years, including Bev Ouderkirk from the 116th Assembly District, clearly understand the concerns being waged by parents around the state who have opted their students out of the standardized tests again this year.

"The Board of Regents has also changed the testing company being utilized for those standardized exams in recognition of flaws in the former company's product," Assemblywoman Russell noted.

"It is my belief the focus in the coming weeks and months should be on making sure test scores have a small, if any, role in teacher evaluations," she said. "It is clear the value of our students and our teachers is far greater than a test score. A test score is simply one small tool in evaluating the effectiveness of a teacher in a classroom."

Assemblywoman Russell marches with strikers on picket line outside Verizon offices

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined members of the Communications Workers of America Local 1124 Tuesday afternoon on the picket line on Coffeen Street in Watertown. The union has been on strike for one week after contract negotiations with Verizon broke down.

Balloon models pop up at Your Special Day Expo

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, poses for a photo with balloon dress models Riley Flanagan, 13, of Massena, and Olivia Ashley, 7, of Potsdam, following the fashion show at the recent Your Special Day Expo in Ogdensburg. The two models were wearing dresses created by Faye Ori of IYQ Balloon Decor. Ms Ori said it took approximately eight hours to make each dress.

Assemblywoman Russell introduces Chelsea Clinton at Watertown event

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, introduced Chelsea Clinton at an event Monday at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 910 headquarters in Watertown. Chelsea is the daughter of former President Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Assemblywoman Russell supports effort to allow 17 years old to vote in presidential primaries

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has supported legislation that would allow teenagers who will be 18 by the time of a presidential election to vote in primaries.

Assemblywoman Russell said the bill is aimed at promoting participation in the electoral process by 17 year olds who will turn 18 years old in a presidential election year. Those teenager would need to turn 18 by Election Day to be eligible to vote in the primary.

The effort would require a constitutional amendment so would need to be passed by the state legislature in two consecutive years. The bill will now be considered by the state Senate.

"I strongly support efforts to increase voter participation and find it encouraging that the Assembly is making an effort to encourage prospective young voters to become more involved in the political process. The issues facing our state and nation are immense, and I think it is critical to have their voices at the table as we make decisions that will impact their lives for years to come," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"My own district already benefits from decisions that are being made by 17 year olds as they select one of the five colleges in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties or make a decision to serve our country in the U.S. Army that leads them to being stationed at Fort Drum. Allowing 17 year olds to help select the candidates they will be able to vote when they are 18 in that November's election is simply the right thing to do," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell talks issues with Heuvelton Central seniors

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, told seniors in the economics classes at Heuvelton Central High School that her experiences as a student play a major role in shaping her priorities as a state lawmaker.

"Education sets the stage for what options you have in the future, and life is about having options. That's why education funding for our schools is a major focus for me," Assemblywoman Russell explained.

She said she benefitted from challenging academic classes and had the opportunity to interact with a diverse student population, including the sons and daughters of soldiers at Fort Drum that had lived in various posts around the world before moving to Jefferson County.

The visit stemmed from correspondence she received from senior Miranda Donnelly asking her about her position on the legalization of marijuana.

Teacher Margaret Whalen had given her Participation in Government classes a public policy project asking each student to contact a public official and ask their position on an issue.

Assemblywoman Russell, after receiving the correspondence, offered to visit the school to discuss public policy with Ms. Donnelly and her classmates.

Ms. Whalen said she quickly accepted the offer. "Of course, I was excited about the opportunity. It is so important for the students to be exposed to elected officials, she said, noting she was also pleased that Assemblywoman Russell walked the students through the budget process during her visit.

Assemblywoman Russell noted she has an opportunity to advocate for the needs of the North County during the budget process as a member of the majority party in the New York State Assembly.

She walked the students through the budget process, noting the governor's staff starts building the spending plan in October, and the governor unveils his spending proposal in January.

Lawmakers in the state Senate and state Assembly review that proposal and spend the next three months working on their one house spending plans before legislative leaders and the governor negotiate a budget that is brought back to the two legislative bodies for approval.

She said one of her priorities during the budget process is making sure there is funding designed to help stimulate the economy, ranging from incentives aimed at assisting businesses stay in the North Country to incentives aimed at attracting new businesses to the region.

"We fund environmental projects and road and bridge work. We put a ton of money into roads and bridges this year.. I fought to make sure those new dollars came down to bridge and road work for villages and towns as well, not just projects for road and bridge repairs on state highways," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell said her critics sometimes question her ability to represent the North Country since many of the members of her party represent Assembly Districts in New York City.

She said as an assemblywoman from rural New York she has ability to fight for the region's needs in that conference. Assemblywoman Russell also brought Speaker Carl Heastie to the North Country after he took over the top post in the state Assembly.

"Many of our members in the majority are from New York City, but there are a few of us represent rural parts of upstate New York. My critics like to say I only do what the leaders from New York City want, but they forget my district and other Assembly Districts in the North Country have many similarities to districts in New York City when it comes to economic challenges.

"We both have a high percentage of low-wealth, high needs schools so aid to education is important to us. Even our middle class is poor compared to middle class wages in other parts of the state. We have high teenage pregnancy rates and poor health outcomes. We don't have the opportunities that are available in other areas of the state," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Poverty is poverty whether you are in New York City or Buffalo or Heuvelton. We want to make sure people have access to health care, stick up to make sure our community colleges and SUNY schools are funded appropriately and pump money into our schools to provide our students with the education they need to get out of poverty said," Assemblywoman Russell said, noting those are concerns she shares with her colleagues from New York City in the majority conference.

Assemblywoman Russell also had a lively exchange with the students about the recent decision to increase the minimum wage. Some students expressed concern the minimum wage increase could harm the economy and cost them their minimum wage jobs.

The assemblywoman said she feels the increase in the minimum wage will actually stimulate the economy, particularly in rural areas like the North Country.

When the minimum wage increases to $12.50 per hour over the next few years, she said earners likely won't be putting those higher wages into savings accounts.

"Every penny will be spent in our communities, spent on necessities that create cash flow in all our communities. In fact, that money could help some people get out of the cycle of poverty," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She pointed out the buying power of the minimum wage will still be lower than it was in the late 1960s.

"We are playing catch up. Most minimum wage earners in our state are single women with children. Keeping our minimum wage low means we need to assist those families with food, fuel, health care, child care and rent. That means you, the taxpayers, are subsidizing businesses. Property taxes could actually go down if minimum wage earners need to rely less on the safety net programs," Assemblywoman Russell suggested.

She pledged to continue to fight for the North Country in the future to make sure North Country residents, including the Heuvelton students, have options so they can succeed in life.

She encouraged students to make good decisions, but she acknowledged many may face challenges in their future.

"It is never too late to get back on the right path. Even if you make a mistake, you have to move on. Deal with the consequences and move forward," she urged the students.

Assemblywoman Russell said she will continue to work on and support legislation that can help mitigate problems and provide additional opportunities for residents of her Assembly District and the state.

IN THE PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell talks to seniors during a recent visit to Heuvelton Central School.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell discusses the state's recent decision to increase the minimum wage with Heuvelton seniors Mallory Patterson and Emily Warren following a presentation to their economics class at the school.

Assemblywoman Russell discusses safe staffing levels with nurses from around the state

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, met with nurses from across the state, including the North Country, Wednesday morning to discuss safe staffing ratios. Assemblywoman Russell is a co-sponsor of the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act in the state Assembly.

Assemblywoman Russell: Over 50 vendors on board for this weekend's Your Special Day Expo in Ogdensburg

Over 50 vendors are expected to be showcasing their products Sunday at the Your Special Day Expo in Ogdensburg sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell.

The event, previously known as a bridal expo, has been rebranded this year since many of the vendors cater to a number of special events ranging from weddings to graduation and anniversary parties.

The expo will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Building 11 at 820 Commerce Park Drive in the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority complex.

"We have a diverse group of vendors again this year. Many of the vendors have joined  us at our previous expos, and I am also pleased to see some new businesses will be joining us," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted this year's event has attracted vendors from St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Franklin counties.

"This expo is an opportunity to promote local businesses that provide merchandise or services for special events and also provides an opportunity for area residents to find all of those vendors under one roof. Nearly every type of service and plenty of gift options for any special occasion will be on display at this year's expo," Assemblywoman Russell said.

This year's vendors list includes everything from event planners, photographers and a tent rental firm to a bridal shop and jewelers and from wineries to a Clayton-based islands tour company. A number of vendors selling craft and gift items will also have booths at the event.

A fashion show is slated for 2:30 p.m. Sunday followed by a cake dive with cash prizes for brides to be.

There will also be an opportunity to receive items donated by vendors for the Passport program. Attendees need to purchase their Passport at the door and visit participating vendors for a chance at these gifts. 

Proceeds from the event will be split by the Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club and the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club. These organizations provide volunteer support for the expo.

Assemblywoman Russell helps pass equal pay for equal work legislation

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced she helped pass a series of bills to ensure long-overdue pay equity for the women of New York State.

“New York State has been a leader in the fight to level the playing field for men and women, but unfortunately many women today still earn less than a man doing the same job,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This disparity is unacceptable, and I won’t stop fighting until we achieve our goal of ensuring equality and justice for all.”

On average, women across the nation earn just 79 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Over a lifetime, this can add up to over $700,000 in lost wages. The wage gap is even higher for Native American women, who earn only 59 cents for every dollar earned by a man.

The Assembly’s legislation reflects a longstanding commitment to ending the wage gap and coincides with Equal Pay Day (April 12), marking how far into the year women must work, on average, to earn the same amount their male counterparts made during the previous year.

The Assembly’s measures would:

• Enact the New York State Fair Pay Act to address and enforce pay equity, including broadening equal pay protections to include equivalent jobs and ensuring that traditional female and minority jobs are not undervalued (A.6937);

• Implement a policy of equal pay for equal work for state and municipal employees (A.437-A) and;

• Direct the Civil Service Commission to study and address wage disparities among public employers (A.5008-A).

In addition, Assemblywoman Russell helped pass legislation directing the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Labor to compile reports on how many women were referred to or trained for jobs that have a higher earning potential, as well as a bill ensuring employees have the right to sue for compensation and enforce equal pay disparities (A.9755, A.9754).

Assemblywoman Russell honors Heuvelton girls for back to back state titles

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, told members of the two-time Class D state champion Heuvelton girls' basketball team the skills that make them winners on the court will translate into helping them be successful in their personal lives.

Assemblywoman Russell visited Heuvelton Central School on Friday and presented team members with certificates marking their accomplishment.

Heuvelton edged Panama 62-60 last month to repeat as the New York State Class D champions. They defeated Eldred 59-45 in the state semis and have won 31 straight games dating back to the title run in the 2014-15 season.

Team members include Paige McCormick, Nathalie Barr, Madison McCormick, Alexandria Steele, Kristi Donnelly, Kaden Mack, Carin Sherwood, Karina Warren, Hannah Thornhill, Paige Weston, Jaelin Calkins, Gabrielle Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, Eliza Martin, Natchaya "Pattie" Paramesthanakom and Kelsey Williams. The Bulldogs are coached by Rob Powers and Austin Weakfall. Lara Martin was the team's manager this season.

"I want you to know what you ladies have accomplished is amazing. I hope you understand it is a very significant achievement. It takes a whole lot of strength and tenacity to be a state champion. You know you can dig deeper. That strength will now put you on a trajectory that is much steeper than your peers," Assemblywoman Russell told the players.

She said the players have shown they have ability to perform at their best and stay focused in games with the most pressure.

"You ladies blow me away. You have figured out how to work with each other toward the same goal, dig down and make it happen. You are more than just girls from a small town. You are state champions. I expect great things out of you," she noted.

"This is a skill set you have that most other people don't have; skills that will help you be leaders down the road. It will transcend the success you have had in high school athletics into your professional lives," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

IN THE PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell told members of the Heuvelton girls' basketball team that they have demonstrated by their prowess on the basketball court that they have the character and skill sets necessary to go out and conquer the world in their future pursuits.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited Heuvelton Central School and presented certificates to members of the school's Class D state champion girls' basketball team. The Bulldogs repeated as the Class D state champions this season. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Natchaya "Pattie" Paramesthanakom, Kedan Mack, Hannah Thornhill, Nathalie Barr, Gabrielle Johnson, Jaelin Calkins and Alexandria Steel. Back row: Kelsey Williams, Paige Weston, Kristi Donnelly, Madison McCormick, Paige McCormick, Assemblywoman Russell, Karina Warren, Alyssa Johnson, Eliza Martin and Carin Sherwood.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell presents a certificate to Heuvelton senior Nathalie Barr, one of several two-time state champions on the Bulldogs' girls' basketball team.

Assemblywoman Russell presents certificates to state champion Heuvelton girls' basketball team

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, visited Heuvelton Central School and presented certificates to members of the school's Class D state champion girls' basketball team. The Bulldogs repeated as the Class D state champions this season. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Natchaya "Pattie" Paramesthanakom, Kedan Mack, Hannah Thornhill, Nathalie Barr, Gabrielle Johnson, Jaelin Calkins and Alexandria Steel. Back row: Kelsey Williams, Paige Weston, Kristi Donnelly, Madison McCormick, Paige McCormick, Assemblywoman Russell, Karina Warren, Alyssa Johnson, Eliza Martin and Carin Sherwood.

Assembly Russell: Historical writing contest winning entries showcase region's rich history

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said she was impressed by the quality of the writing in the North Country Historical Writing Contest.

She recently hosted a brunch at SUNY Potsdam to honor the winners and runners up in three age categories.

Assemblywoman Russell said there were approximately 60 submissions in the contest focused on the history of communities in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

She said she was thinking about steps that could be taken to promote the North Country when she came up with the idea for the writing contest.

The contest sought entries from residents of St. Lawrence or Jefferson County with pieces that explored the region’s long history. It was open to non-fiction or historical fiction authors.

She said she felt the writing contest would be an opportunity to highlight the region's history.

"My hope was it would provide a forum to highlight our rich history, to talk about it and share it with each other. It was my desire to have have people share what they found the most interesting about our region's past. I was thrilled with the response and the depth and breadth of the submissions," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted the winning entries took readers from the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center to commencement exercises and a baseball game in the early part of the 20th Century at St. Lawrence University, from bootlegging on the St. Lawrence River to an attack on Fort Levis and from the battlefields of Sackets Harbor during the War of 1812 to the women's suffragette movement seen through the eyes of a student at the Potsdam Normal School.

"It was a beautiful representation of the history of our region, and it was purely organic. The authors were each able to convey something important about our region's past, the North Country experience," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Everything we need to be successful is right here in the North Country. We are a very important and significant place in the world. We see that when we look back over our history and recognize the talented people and natural resources we have in this region," she added.

Author Alayna Bush, a sixth-grader from Adams, won the youth category for her story, “Whatever Destiny Has Laid Out For Me.” That story traces one young man’s life during the War of 1812 in Sackets Harbor.

"She has a maturity in her writing ability well beyond her years. The way she presented the topic of war still rings true today," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Clare Cragg, Norwood, was runner up in the category with “Clare the Woman Suffragist.”

In the teen category, Norwood’s Asher Cragg won with his story “Whiskey Run.” Asher’s story focuses on the bootlegging industry that sprung up across the St. Lawrence River during the prohibition era.

Assemblywoman Russell said the story included coming of age elements, the thrill of the chase and the father-son bond.

"There were a number of North Country themes layered into this piece. The undercurrent was they were risking the family's future by violating the law because the father was no longer able to financially support his family," she noted.

Gavin Murray of Heuvelton was the runner up in the teen category for his story, “Founders Day.”

Amanda Erin Stopa from Canton won the adult category with her story, “Apricity.” Apricity is a moving story about an employee at the St. Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg and her interactions with one of the residents.

"Her work reflected evolving issues w still grapple with today. She tackled several social issues in a local setting. It talked about how we treat those who don't conform. It looked at family dynamics, who got to make the decisions at that time and how one decision by a family member could affect the rest of another family member's life," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Margaret Hockett of Canton was the runner up in the adult category with her story, “Thistle of Oak.”

The writing contest was co-sponsored by NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.

Dr. Kristin C. Esterberg, president of SUNY Potsdam, congratulated the winners and welcomed them to the college campus.

"This is a wonderful event. Come back often. We want you to see our campus as your campus. We are a community resource," she told the contest winners.Judges for the writing contest were SUNY Potsdam History Department Chair Thomas Baker, Jefferson County Historical Society Director Diana Page Jordan, Flower Memorial Library in Watertown Director Yvonne Reff, Theresa Free Library Director Kristy Perry, Reading Room Association of Gouverneur Director Linda Adams, and Canton Free Library Director Emily Owen.

"We are grateful for the time and work the judges put into the contest, the support we received our co-sponsor and the assistance provided by SUNY Potsdam," Assemblywoman Russell said.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell recognized the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest during an awards' brunch at SUNY Potsdam. Pictured are, front row: Gavin Murray, runner up, teen division; Clare Cragg, runner up, youth division; and Alayna Bush, first place, youth division. Back row: Amanda Erin Stopa, first place, adult division; Margaret Hockett, runner up, adult division; and Asher Cragg, first place, teen division.

Assemblywoman Russell's grant helping underwrite cost of 1000 Islands International Tourism Conference

The 1000 Islands International Tourism Conference will host a workshop April 20 for businesses interested in tapping into an emerging travel segment.

“Fitting into the FIT Market” will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina, Alexandria Bay, and is partially underwritten by a state grant secured by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, Theresa. 

The workshop is for regional businesses on both sides of the border interested in packaging wholesale vacation experiences that travel companies sell to “fully independent travelers,” also known as FIT vacationers. FIT travel has increased in popularity in recent years as vacationers who prefer to travel on their own seek pre-packaged experiences from agents, similar to the group tour industry.

The workshop is part of consulting contract between the Tourism Council and RLB Marketing, a Harrisburg, Pa., company specializing in FIT packaging. RLB has already visited the 1000 Islands as part of research into the region and investigated wholesalers potentially interested in selling packages in the area.

The workshop will help lodging facilities, attractions and service providers learn best practices in developing and pricing FIT packages and how to work with travel wholesalers. Packaged experiences created for FIT travelers can be marketed by wholesalers world-wide.

"The Thousand Islands region is a world class destination and is home to unique communities with attractions and activities to suit any interest," Assemblywoman Russell said. "I am proud to work with the region's tourism industry to expand the economic impact from tourism by taking full advantage of trends in travel and cutting edge marketing strategies."

“Like any other product, tourism needs quality packaging and distribution to reach new customers. Creating FIT packages and pursuing relationships with travel wholesales will allow the 1000 Islands to attract new visitors from overseas and major North American markets,” said Gary DeYoung, Tourism Council director of tourism. 

“The 1000 Islands is already a well-known group tour destination, but we need to work harder to connect local businesses with the global wholesale tourism market and take full advantage of our proximity to the Toronto and New York City international gateways.”

The workshop is free for tourism businesses in the 1000 Islands Region. Registration is required. To register or get more information, operators can contact Tillie Youngs, sales manager at the Tourism Council, at 315-482-2520 ortillie@visit1000islands.com.

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IN THE PHOTO: Rock Island Light House (state historic site), kayaks and Clayton Island Tour boat.


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Assemblywoman Russell fights for fairness at the gas pumps for North County residents

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has co-sponsored legislation aimed at ensuring North Country motorists are not treated unfairly when they fuel up their vehicles.

The bill, which passed the state Assembly by a 117-11 margin this week, adds amendments to legislation passed in 2008 to prevent zone pricing for retail motor fuel based on geographic location.

Assemblywoman Russell, speaking on the floor of the state Assembly during the debate over the bill, said she wanted to add her voice to the chorus of members of the Assembly supporting the measure to illustrative the pervasiveness of the issue.

"It is certainly been brought to my attention by certain pockets of the district that I represent. It doesn't happen in some places or maybe not as much, but certainly in the far northern part of my district in St. Lawrence County there certainly appears to be great discrepancies in the price of gasoline," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"And so I commend the sponsor for bringing this forth and for all of my colleagues that have shown the spotlight on really just how this reaches every corner of this state. And that it is an important issue that is past it's its time for us to address," she said.

The bill's sponsor, Assemblyman Fred Thiele Jr., said the amendments had been recommended by the Attorney General’s Office. He said the Attorney General's Office had indicated the vagueness of wording in the 2008 legislation had prevented the office from using the law to prosecute cases.

The law is intended to address great fluctuations in gas prices from community to community.

Lawmakers have acknowledged natural market conditions, including the cost of crude oil, transportation costs and natural market occurrences, cause some of those fluctuations.

But they have charged there are other cases where disparate fuel costs are the result of artificial manipulation of the market through zone pricing, a tactic of setting different wholesale fuel prices based on geographic location.

Legislators have argued zone pricing has led to inequities in the price of fuel at the pump for consumers and in different regions of the state.

The amendments include language that defines relative geographic markets as those supplied by the same fuel terminals. Gas sold at stations in St. Lawrence County, for example, comes from terminals in Albany and Syracuse.

Assemblywoman Russell said she had heard concerns in the last several months from local organizations and individuals. Earlier this year gas prices for regular unleaded gasoline were 30 cents lower in Central New York than in northern St. Lawrence County.

GasBuddy is reporting this week the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.17 per gallon in New York State. The lowest average gas prices per gallon are $2.15 in Watertown, $2.19 in Ogdensburg, Canton and Massena and $2.07 in Syracuse.

There had been a much greater price differential in early February when gas prices were tanking.

Gas was selling for $1.93 per gallon in Watertown, $2.12 in Canton and Potsdam and $2.17 in Massena and Ogdensburg.

The legislation has now been forwarded to the New York State Senate. The bill had also been approved by the state Assembly in June, but it died in the state Senate when it wasn't moved to the floor for a vote by the senate Rules Committee.

Assemblywoman Russell secures sensible infrastructure investment

Strong communities require healthy roads, bridges, sewers, and water systems to operate, and this year’s state budget seeks to bolster New York’s commitment to stimulating economic growth from the ground up.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said pairing road and bridge projects with water and sewer upgrades makes economic sense.

“This approach takes into account the practical realities of many communities in the state that have old roads built above older water and sewer systems,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I have fought for years for a funding strategy that takes into account the needs of our localities dealing with aging infrastructure, both above and below ground, and I believe this year’s budget is another step in the right direction.”

The 2016-2017 budget builds upon the landmark $200 million Water Quality Infrastructure Grant Program created by the state Assembly last year by including an additional $200 million in funding over the next two years.

The additional funding comes from a $100 million increase included in the governor’s proposed budget and an additional $100 million included in the Assembly’s budget proposal.

The $200 million fund, which was ultimately included in the final budget, has specific language to not only improve New York’s aging infrastructure, but to ensure that at least $20 million in projects addressing health and safety issues are allocated funding. This funding could be used to mitigate water quality issues such as those faced in areas like the town of Orleans, Assemblywoman Russell said.

"The additional funding is critical for communities like Orleans that have not been able to close gaps in the funding they had previously been able to secure to pay for the cost of water infrastructure. This additional pool of money should provide the funding to get  underway this and other vital projects to provide safe drinking water. That had been an issue facing the town of Orleans project," she said. “The town of Orleans has submitted to be awarded funding from the Water Quality Infrastructure Grant Program.”

This year’s budget also allocates $1.5 million for water testing, which includes tests for lead in schools across the state, Assemblywoman Russell said.

“The dangers posed by pollution and failing water systems cannot be understated,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “We must do everything we can to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to clean, safe drinking water.”

In addition to continued CHIPs funding of $438 million, the budget includes funding for PAVE NY and BRIDGE NY in the amount of $800 million each over a four-year period. These infrastructure investments will be divided equally between the state and localities and allocated in the same fashion as CHIPs funding.

“These investments will help improve the safety and reliability of our state’s bridges and roads, while ensuring cash-strapped localities like those in the North Country have adequate funds to make necessary improvements,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

Aging infrastructure is a problem throughout the state. A 2012 report issued by the state Comptroller’s office found that 45.9 percent of local roads and highways were rated “poor” or "fair” and 35 percent of local bridges are deficient.

"Highway superintendents and other colleagues in local elected office regularly share with me the challenges they face maintaining the roads and bridges in their municipalities. Most simply don't have the dollars they need to do the work they should do each year," Assemblywoman Russell. 

"That is why it was so important to make sure there were no cuts to the CHIPs program and that additional dollars were added to the budget for each of the next four years specifically targeted for road and bridge repairs. The commitment of these funds to upstate transportation infrastructure was essential in this year's budget.”


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Helena man presented with Purple Heart during ceremony at American Legion in Massena

New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs Director Eric Hesse congratulates Jason Maudin after the Helena man was presented with his Purple Heart on Tuesday during a ceremony at American Legion Post 79 in Massena. Sgt. Maudin was driving a truck on night patrol on Oct. 10. 2010, his 35th birthday, when the vehicle was struck by an IED. His sergeant was killed, and Sgt. Maudin and two other soldiers were injured in the attack. Sgt. Maudin, who served in the 10th Mountain Division, was medically discharged from the United States Army in early 2011. Sgt. Maudin was joined at the Purple Heart ceremony by his wife, Sheena; three children, Ryan, Makayla and Bryce; and his mother-in-law, Leslie Hamilton.

Assemblywoman Russell hosts members of American Parkinson Disease Association in Assembly chamber

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, introduces members of the American Parkinson Disease Association visiting the state Assembly chambers on Tuesday. A resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell calling on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to declare April as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in New York State passed the state Assembly later in the session.

Norwood girl's entry selected for runner up honors in North Country Historical Writing Contest

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, congratulates Clare Cragg, 9, of Norwood during a brunch held at SUNY Potsdam for the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest. Clare's entry earned top honors in the youth up to age 12 division of the contest. The contest was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell and NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.

Heuvelton teen takes runner up honors in North Country Historical Writing Contest

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, congratulates Gavin Murray, a seventh-grader at Heuvelton Central School, during a brunch held at SUNY Potsdam for the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest. Gavin's entry, Founder's Day, earned top honors in the teenage division of the contest. The contest was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell and NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.

Canton woman earns runner up honors in North Country Historical Writing Contest

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, (right), congratulates Margaret A. Noble of Canton during a brunch held at SUNY Potsdam for the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest. Margaret's entry earned runner up honors in the adult division of the contest. The contest was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell and NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.

Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month resolution, sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell, passes Assembly

A resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, calling on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to declare April as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in New York State passed the state Assembly today.

"The disease has received considerable attention in recent years through the courage of activists at every level. Many of our friends and neighbors in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties and across the state are facing challenges - physically, emotionally and financially - due to this disease," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She pointed out 1 million Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and a new diagnosis is made every 9 minutes in the United States alone.

Assemblywoman Russell has sponsored the resolution each year since 2012. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) has been working with Assemblywoman Russell’s team this year to show support for this resolution.

APDA President and CEO Leslie A. Chambers said, “This resolution will bring additional attention to PD and encourage more people to get involved. We are incredibly thankful for Assemblywoman Russell’s dedication to this cause.”

“People from all walks of life are at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease for reasons we do not yet fully understand,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “That’s why I am so supportive of the on-going efforts by the Parkinson’s Disease community to identify the causes of Parkinson’s Disease and find a cure.”

Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month is aimed at putting the spotlight on the debilitating disease to help find better ways to prevent and detect the progressive neurological condition, providing effective care for the disease and ultimately finding a cure.

For more than 50 years, APDA has led the charge as the nation’s largest grassroots organization serving the needs of those touched by Parkinson’s.

“While we work tirelessly to help people living with PD today, giving them access to the tools, support and treatments they need to have the best quality of life possible, we are also keenly focused on the future as we fund critical PD research,” Chambers said.

“According to a research article published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (1), as the size and proportion of the elderly population continues to grow, the societal and economic burden of this disease could double by 2040, which is staggering the think about.  For this and so many other reasons, we are deeply committed to putting an end to PD.”

Parkinson's is characterized by motor problems including slowness of movement, rigidity, and tremor. Balance and gait problems may occur later in the course of illness.

Some people may also experience a decrease in facial expression, low voice volume, small handwriting and difficulty with fine motor movements.

A number of non-motor symptoms are associated with Parkinson's including depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems and sleep disruptions.
The effects of Parkinson’s Disease are different for every person. There is no diagnostic test or biological marker that confirms the diagnosis, and there is currently no cure.

The average age of onset is 60 years old, however, approximately 10 percent of people living with PD are under 50. The disease strikes 1.5 times more men than women.

"It is critical to continue the fight to improve awareness and search for a cure for Parkinson's Disease. While we know symptoms of the disease are unique to each person, it can result in pronounced symptoms that seriously impact quality of life for patients, particularly in the latter stages of the disease," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The American Parkinson Disease Association funds research, patient services and education and elevates public awareness.

Founded in 1961, APDA is the country's largest Parkinson's grassroots organization working to Ease the Burden for Americans with Parkinson's Disease and their families through a nationwide network of chapters, information and referral (I&R) centers and support groups.

APDA pursues its efforts to Find the Cure by funding Centers for Advanced Research and awarding grants to fund the most promising research toward discovering the cause(s) and finding the cure for Parkinson's Disease.

1) Kowal, S. L., Dall, T. M., Chakrabarti, R., Storm, M. V. and Jain, A. (2013), The current and projected economic burden of Parkinson's disease in the United States. Mov. Disord., 28: 311–318.

Assemblywoman Russell secures funding to help Ogdensburg land cruise ship passengers

City Municipal Dock/Photo Credit: City of Ogdensburg

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced she has secured a $10,000 legislative initiative aimed at enhancing the city of Ogdensburg's tourism effort.

The funding is 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 am pleased to be able to secure this funding for the city of Ogdensburg. It can only benefit the local economy if cruise ships have an option to stop in Ogdensburg, so their passengers can visit the internationally renowned Remington Museum, interact with local residents and businesses, spend money at local stores and restaurants and have the opportunity to purchase items from our local artisans," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It's a win every time one of the cruise ships stops in our river communities rather than simply passing by on the river. This can make Ogdensburg the first stop for ships out of Montreal headed into the Great Lakes. I think that initial exposure to our communities could draw some of those tourists back for longer stays to explore our region," she added. 

Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy said city officials are grateful to Assemblywoman Russell for securing the funding.

"We are really looking forward to being able to accommodate these passenger vessels. This is big for us, being able to bring ships of that size to our dock with folks looking for something to do while they are docked here," City Manager Purdy said.

The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority is also assisting 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.

Assemblywoman Russell said the funding she secured is aimed at provided monies needed to purchase fencing and signage required by the Coast Guard to secure the dock area when passengers are being let off ships.

She said the issue arose last year when a cruise ship wanted to stop in Ogdensburg, but the lack of a secure docking area prohibited that from happening.

"I am pleased to be able to work with city officials and provide the funding necessary to overcome that hurdle. The cruise ships have likely set their schedules for the 2016 season, but this will give Ogdensburg city officials, chamber representatives and other stakeholders from the community an opportunity to work together to get on the 2017 itinerary as well as to develop a plan to showcase the best the North Country has to offer for passengers stepping off those cruise ships in the city. I know that work is already well under way," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The Ogdensburg City Council will be asked at its meeting on Monday to approve a grant agreement with the Department of State for the $10,000 in funding.

Canton woman takes top honor in historical writing contest co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, (right), congratulates Amanda E. Stopa of Canton during a brunch held at SUNY Potsdam for the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest. Amanda's entry earned top honors in the adult division of the contest. The contest was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell and NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.

Assemblywoman Russell recognizes winner of Teen Division in North Country Historical Writing Contest

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, congratulates Asher Cragg, 13, of Norwood, during a brunch held at SUNY Potsdam for the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest. Asher's entry, Whiskey Run earned top honors in the teenage division of the contest. The contest was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell and NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.

Assemblywoman Russell honors winner of 12U Division in North Country Historical Writing Contest

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, congratulates Alayna Bush of Adams, a sixth-grader at South Jefferson Central School, during a brunch held at SUNY Potsdam for the winners of the North Country Historical Writing Contest. Alayna's entry earned top honors in the youth up to age 12 division of the contest. The contest was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell and NorthCountryNow.com with assistance from SUNY Potsdam, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the North Country Library System.