As we head into the beginning of the holiday season, it's a good time to reflect and to remember to give thanks for our many blessings. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving.

Heroin forum. Earlier this month, in response to the growing abuse of heroin and opiate drugs, I moderated an intense yet informative forum at the Guilderland Public Library to discuss the challenges facing prevention and treatment of abuse.

Panelists included prevention and treatment providers, law enforcement, and educators – in which each discussed methods to prevent heroin and opiate abuse in our community and ways each of them is working together to combat the sale of these drugs in our neighborhoods and provide effective treatment to those suffering from addiction.

You can watch the forum here via the Guilderland Public Library.

Free Thanksgiving meals in Albany. On Thursday, Tierra Coffee Roasters will be providing free Thanksgiving meals for those in need from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their café at 1036 Madison Avenue. Additionally, Equinox will host their annual Thanksgiving dinner at First Presbyterian Church – details can be found at their Web site.

Small Business Saturday. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is promoted as Small Business Saturday as an effort to highlight local businesses during the holiday season. I joined the Albany-Colonie Chamber and business owners in kicking off a regional effort in support of Small Business Saturday at Different Drummers’ Kitchen in Guilderland.

New WMHT documentary on the Empire State Plaza and the neighborhood that it replaced. WMHT will premiere a new documentary on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. entitled “The Neighborhood That Disappeared.” The film features interviews with former residents of the neighborhoods that existed prior to the building of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, and subsequently, the impact it had on families and the fabric of the city. You can RSVP up until Dec. 1 to be part of the studio audience for the world premiere.

Job Opportunities: New York State has setup a new job portal entitled Jobs Express, where thousands of private and public sector jobs are listed. Visit jobs.ny.gov for more information on how to apply for these opportunities.

As always, for the latest about my office’s happenings or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, on Twitter, or my Times Union blog. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ---

Pat