This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in an effort to acknowledge efforts across the state, Governor Cuomo is encouraging all New Yorkers to wear purple on Thursday, Oct. 20 as part of "Shine the Light" campaign

Additionally, it was announced that two iconic Albany state-owned and operated buildings will shine purple in acknowledgment of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Governor Alfred E. Smith and SUNY Plaza buildings in Albany will be illuminated in purple throughout the month of October.

Below are a few other notes and highlights that I’d like to share with you.

NYCOM visit to plan Smart Cities Forum. It was good to meet with the New York Conference of Mayors' Peter Baynes and Barbara VanEpps, who provided helpful insight on the Smart Cities Forum I am planning for Tuesday, Nov. 15. Barbara's son, Farnsworth Middle School student Will VanEpps, was shadowing his mom for the day.

Doing More For Veterans. Terrific turnout for this month’s Doing More For Vets event in Albany – proud to have joined the Retail Council of New York for this important initiative. Also thanks to Matthew Pickett, an outstanding Albany High student, for his work on this upcoming event to support our veterans.

Op-ed in support of #ILSNY. In a recent Syracuse Post-Standard op-ed, New York State Bar Association President Claire Gutekunst urges Governor Cuomo to sign my indigent legal services bill, which as you may recall, passed both houses with unanimous support earlier this year.

Times Union job fair. The Times Union is hosting a job fair at the Albany Marriott in Colonie on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guilderland to host blood drive. The Town of Guilderland will host a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross at Town Hall (5209 Western Avenue, Guilderland) on Friday, Oct. 14 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. To make an appointment, visit the Red Cross Web site (use the sponsor code guilderlandtown) or call (800) RED-CROSS.

ICYMI: Summer 2016 newsletter. My office recently 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.

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