E-Mail Newsletter – November 22, 2013

Below are just a few updates and recent activities that I hope will be of interest: Education. Last month, State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. joined parents, educators, and residents for a forum at Myers Middle School on the topic of testing and Common Core implementation. I wanted to share with you a letter from a public school parent who presented at the forum that captures several issues of concern. I published the letter on my Times Union blog this week – take a look. Natural Resources. Thatcher Park is a local jewel that is treasured by New York residents both near and far, and its proper stewardship is essential. Gov. Cuomo has released a master plan that aims to revitalize this regional asset – here are the recommendations. Increased Higher Education Opportunities. Thanks to County Executive McCoy, Mayor Jennings, and others, Schenectady County Community College will be opening a new satellite campus in Downtown Albany at 112 State Street. Courses at the extension site include Alternative Energy Technology, Casino and Gaming Management, Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Medical Coding and Billing Certificate, Nanoscale Materials Technology, Paralegal and Supply Chain Management. Visit sunysccc.edu for more information. Capital District Assembly Update. Recently, Assemblymember John McDonald and I have begun taping a new public access television program called “Capital District Assembly Update” to inform you of what’s new at the State Capitol and engage with regional leaders and notables. Mark Eagan from the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber stopped by this week. You can find our program on your local government access channel - check local listings for air dates. Outreach. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve had terrific turnout at our last two Community Coffee events at Dilmun Café in Delmar and with the NNORC at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Albany. They are a great way for you to connect with my office and I about the happenings of the New York State Legislature. I’ve posted photos from the Coffees on my Facebook page. With Thanksgiving approaching, I had the opportunity to stop by the FOCUS Food Program at Westminster Church and see their hot breakfast and bagged lunch program and was reminded of the importance of giving thanks for our many blessings. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. As always, for the latest about my office’s happenings or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, and on Twitter. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note. Sincerely ---
Pat
Patricia A. Fahy
Member of Assembly
109th District