With session now over and schools out, we’re now in the early days of summer (complete with incredible humidity and rainfall). This afternoon, the SUNY Board of Trustees approved a measure that would allow for the University at Albany and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering will split into two distinct, yet interconnected institutions that promise expanded academic opportunities for students, attracting new research funding for both institutions, greater economic impact and prosperity, and a renewed vibrancy in the communities we all serve. Although there are concerns from particular trustees over the impact of the split will have on students, my hope is that CNSE and UAlbany will make a concerted effort to ensure that students will benefit even more from this change. at both institutions reach their full potential. Events and Happenings + I just SPAMALOT and recommend this year's production at the Park Playhouse, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary of theater under the stars in Albany’s Washington Park and promoting performing arts education. This year, Park Playhouse is producing two shows this summer: Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (July 5 through 28) and Shrek: The Musical (August 6 through 18). News You Can Use + With the heat at an all-time high, the City of Albany and the Albany City School District has opened up cooling stations across the city to provide relief. Each location will be open from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Friday. Water will be provided, and an emergency medical technician also will be on hand at each location. + Giffen Memorial Elementary School, 274 South Pearl Street + North Albany Academy, 570 North Pearl Street + Schuyler Achievement Academy, 676 Clinton Avenue + Delaware Branch of the Albany Public Library, 331 Delaware Avenue + Bach Branch of the Albany Public Library, 455 New Scotland Avenue + The City of Albany will provide free meals to children under 18 in participation with the Summer Food Service Program at most of the public school sites in Albany, including Albany High School, Myers Middle School, and Delaware Community School. Details of locations and times can be found here. + CDTA is partnering with Mr. Subb on the sale of CDTA Summer Fun passes, good for all Capital Region youths 17 and under. For $30, the Summer Fun Pass provides unlimited bus rides to and from youth-friendly locations all over the Capital Region. The Summer Fun Pass is currently on sale at multiple Mr. Subb locations, online, and the CDTA sales office located at 85 Watervliet Avenue. Honors + Congratulations to Kelly Cusack of Bethlehem on winning the National Braille Challenge last month. Cusack, a soon-to-be seventh grader recently returned from California as a champion of the competition. She placed first in the “sophomore” division, in which Cusack outperformed fellow competitors in her age group from throughout the United States and Canada. The National Braille Challenge tests students in reading comprehension, proofreading, speed and accuracy, and chart and graph reading. The preliminary rounds are open to all visually impaired students in grades one through 12. Way to go, Kelly! Thanks for the positive feedback on these weekly e-mail newsletters. Please share these and if you know someone who would like to be added have them email me. If you have any upcoming events or happenings in your neighborhood, let my office know by sending us a note. As always, for the latest about my office’s happenings or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, and on Twitter. Sincerely ---
Pat
Patricia A. Fahy
Member of Assembly
109th District