This week, I joined Bethlehem Town Supervisor John Clarkson, kayakers, canoers, and community members in the opening of the new kayak and canoe launch at Henry Hudson Park.

Improving recreational and environmental facilities within municipalities in my district is a priority to help spur local economic development while promoting good health, and I am pleased to have helped secure these need funds to make the Town of Bethlehem’s kayak and canoe launch a reality.

Bethlehem’s new Parks Master Plan initiative is positioned to bring the three most highly requested projects to the town following efforts to identify and prioritize the needs and wishes of the community. Using $45,000 of the $250,000 state grant I helped secure, the dock will offer access to the Hudson River separate from motor boat traffic seen at the northern end of the park.

This more manageable and accessible dock will provide great opportunities for future local business, events, and recreation. The second project, a new playground at Elm Avenue Park is slated for a community build day on Sept. 17, followed by the installation of new fitness equipment in the spring.

Read more about this exciting development via Spotlight Newspapers.

Gold Star Families memorial in development. I joined elected officials and Gold Star Families to announce a fundraising effort for the Memorial Monument Project in Albany’s Lafayette Park to honor families of those killed during military service.

The monument will be located next to the Vietnam Veterans Monument in the park, near the corner of Washington Avenue and North Hawk Street. It will be the second in the state to honor Gold Star families. Gold Star Families set a goal of raising $75,000 by the end of the year and hope to dedicate the memorial in the spring.

To learn more or to help support their project, visit the TCCVEV Web site.

Albany High convocation. I joined community members, district officials, and elected leaders in opening the 2016-2017 academic year at Albany High School. An incredible set of performances by Decky Lawson and Lori Lawson and inspiring speeches by electeds, helped make today a great day to kick off the school year.

Labor Day. This upcoming Monday marks Labor Day, a commemoration and celebration of the immense sacrifices working men and women have made throughout our country. Organized labor has had a profound impact in building New York -- contributing to our economic prosperity, while fighting for fair and livable wages, safe working conditions, and a strong middle class. So much has been accomplished, yet we recognize challenges remain in wage equality, economic justice, and environmental protection.

In celebration of these past victories and to continue the fight for workers' rights, the Capital Area Labor Parade will take place on Friday, Sept. 9 at the Corning Preserve in Albany. More information can be found here.

ICYMI: Summer 2016 newsletter. My office has published our Summer 2016 Legislative and Community Report, outlining updates that have taken place at the Capitol and throughout the 109th District over the past few months. Read and download the report here.

Reminder: Joint Legislative Hearing on Water Quality. The Assembly and Senate will convene a joint hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 7 to discuss water quality among New York’s communities. Read more via the Albany Times Union.

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 news 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.

Sincerely ---

Pat