Leading Up to April 8, Events Across the State Will Invite Visitors to Learn About the Eclipse and Ways to Stay Safe While Viewing It. A Variety of Viewing Events to Be Held Inside and Outside of the Path of Totality on April 8. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State Parks and Historic Sites will host a range of events and activities to celebrate the rare total solar eclipse passing through Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks on April 8, 2024. This cosmic event happens once every 400 years in the same location. Events will be held both where the eclipse will be fully visible across a narrow route, referred to as the path of totality, and where visitors can experience a rare partial eclipse throughout the rest of the state. “While we prepare to welcome the public to our beautiful state parks for the total solar eclipse in New York State, we’re also offering dozens of events and activities leading up to this extraordinary event,” Governor Hochul said. “Our top priority is ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors can safely witness this generational spectacle, and I encourage everyone to keep safety in mind so that all can savor this experience in our state.” Beginning on Thursday, March 7, events at many state parks and historic sites will facilitate hands-on craft projects like Do-It-Yourself pinhole eclipse viewer construction as well as offer educational programs steeped in history and solar system science. On April 8, numerous eclipse-viewing gatherings are scheduled, often featuring eclipse-themed activities, discussions and trivia, food or snacks, and distribution of solar viewing glasses to prevent severe eye injuries. People who would like to register for the dozens of events and activities hosted at New York state parks and historic sites – both day of and leading up to the eclipse – may do so through the OPRHP event calendar and eclipse website. The Governor previously announced that beginning on April 4, 2024, scientists, subject matter experts and astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will be providing programming and exhibits at Niagara Falls State Park as well as throughout the city at locations including the Niagara Falls Public Libraries, The Underground Railroad Heritage Center, The Aquarium of Niagara, the New York Power Authority Power Vista, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. All events will be free and open to the public (reservations may be required based on space availability) throughout the entire weekend leading up to the April 8 event. NASA will be hosting similar events in several other cities throughout the path of totality. A full list of events can be found at the 2024 Solar Eclipse | Niagara Falls USA website. New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “In anticipation of the inspiring cosmic display on April 8, New York State Parks is proud to offer a wide array of events and activities for people to learn about the total solar eclipse. Our environmental educators and park personnel are prepared to welcome visitors from near and far, ensuring that this experience is both safe and memorable for all ages.” Director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida Janet Petro said, “NASA is thrilled to be in a place as magical as Niagara Falls for this awe-inspiring event. Besides being beautiful to witness, this total solar eclipse also will allow scientists a rare opportunity to study the sun’s corona, expanding our knowledge of the Sun-Earth connection and its impact on our planet. I hope you’ll grab your eclipse glasses – and a few friends – and join us for some of the events we have planned to celebrate this unique occasion.” Eclipse in New York State During the afternoon of April 8, a total eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State. In less than 15 minutes within a 3:15 to 3:30 window, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 ½ minutes to 3 ½ minutes. The roughly 100-mile wide path of totality will enter in the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 PM, and will depart northern New York just before 3:30. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast. For other areas of the state that are outside the path, there will still be quite a celestial spectacle. The minimum coverage in the state will be on Long Island, with the sun being shadowed at 88 percent there. New York City will see 89 percent coverage with 96 percent in the Capital Region. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will not be until August 2044. Public Safety During the Eclipse Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. According to NASA, viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized solar viewing glasses ("eclipse glasses") or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses, polarized or otherwise, are not a safe replacement for solar eclipse glasses. Governor Hochul strongly encourages eclipse enthusiasts to partake in this once-in-a-generation event safely by: Protecting your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses Checking traffic before heading out for this event as higher volumes of visitors are anticipated Preparing for the weather Bringing the proper gear and watching out for ticks if camping For the last 17 months, an interagency task force, comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities, has been collaborating on plans to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience for New York State’s residents and visitors. It is focused on building awareness of the State as a prime location to experience the eclipse by gathering important safety and preparedness information, amplifying and supporting region-specific viewing activities, and maintaining regular communication with local governments and municipalities, especially those within the path of totality. New York’s public safety efforts align with the State’s normal jurisdictional role over state parks and State roads and support local governments in their planning and decision-making in accordance with their own codes, laws, and needs as this exciting event approaches. Public safety challenges for such an event include traffic management, communications capabilities and public health and safety. State, county, and local public safety and emergency management efforts have been and will continue to be tailored to the anticipated needs of an influx of those who come to view the eclipse from both inside and outside the state. Events at State Parks and Historic Sites Within the Path of Totality WESTERN NEW YORK Allegany State Park Eclipse Viewing Event (multiple programs) Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Buffalo Harbor State Park Totality On the Centerline Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Knox Farm State Park Tiny Tots – Space Explorers Thursday, April 4, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lake Erie State Park Eclipse Viewing and Crafts Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua Eclipse Viewing and Crafts Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Midway State Park Eclipse Viewing Event Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Niagara Falls State Park DIY Pinhole Solar Eclipse Projectors Thursday, March 7, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Saturday, March 23, 2024, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM TSE Trivia Friday, March 8, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM When the Eclipse Was Here Last Friday, March 22, 2024, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Stroll at the Falls Friday, April 5, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Saturday, April 6, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Sunday, April 7, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Totality at the Falls Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Woodlawn Beach State Park Fun in the Sun Crafts Sunday, April 7, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM FINGER LAKES AND CENTRAL NEW YORK Cayuga Lake State Park Solar Eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Fair Haven Beach State Park Total Solar Eclipse (multiple programs) Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Ganondagan State Historic Site Ëgä:hgwáhdö’t – There Will Be an Eclipse (multiple programs) Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Selkirk Shores State Park Eclipse – Earth Base II Monday, April 8, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM NORTH COUNTRY / ADIRONDACKS Crown Point State Historic Site Eclipse Viewing Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cumberland Bay State Park Solar Eclipse Monday Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Wellesley Island State Park Totality on the River Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM GREATER CAPITAL REGION/EASTERN ADIRONDACKS John Brown Farm John Brown Farm Eclipse Viewing Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Events at State Parks and Historic Sites Outside the Path of Totality (Partial Eclipse) GREATER CAPITAL REGION/EASTERN ADIRONDACKS John Boyd Thacher State Park Solar Eclipse: Activity Hour Saturday, March 23, 2024, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM LONG ISLAND Connetquot River State Park Preserve Solar Eclipse 101 Friday, March 8, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Women in Space! Friday, March 15, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Solar Eclipse History Friday, March 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sunken Meadow State Park (Governor Alfred E. Smith) Solar Eclipse 101 Sunday, March 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Tiny Tots Programs: Mister Golden Sun Thursday, March 28, 2024, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Solar Eclipse History Family Program Friday, March 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM HUDSON VALLEY / CATSKILLS Bear Mountain State Park Eclipse Viewing at Bear Mountain Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Minnewaska State Park Prepare for the Eclipse! Make-Your-Own Eclipse Viewer at Sam’s Point Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area Rockefeller State Park Preserve The Final Countdown: Solar Eclipse FAQ & Crafts! Sunday, March 17, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM NEW YORK CITY Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Gantry Plaza State Park Eclipse Art in the Park Thursday, March 21, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Marsha P. Johnson State Park Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Thursday, March 28, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Shirley Chisholm State Park Art in the Park: Make Your Own Eclipse Viewer! Saturday, March 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Solar Eclipse Viewing Party Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Solar Eclipse Hike Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Riverbank State Park (Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park) Art in the Park: Eclipse Viewers Sunday, March 10, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Roberto Clemente State Park Art in the Park: Make Your Own Eclipse Viewer Sunday, March 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM For the entire lineup of events hosted at state parks along the path of totality, visit our Events Calendar. For more information about the 2024 Total Eclipse in New York State, visit https://www.iloveny.com/events/eclipse-2024/. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram,  X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog. read the article here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-eclipse-events-and-activities-new-york-state-parks

Scammers are now targeting homeowners through social media neighborhood groups for air duct cleaning deals that seem too good to be true. we have seen these on our Local Facebook pages almost daily. They often use very generic company names and posts from accounts that attempt to be made by genuine residents of the community. The post may not include the company name and often includes identical images and videos as other unrelated posts such as this one. Once they get your attention, they will scam you one of two ways. The first way is they ask for a hefty deposit and personal information before disappearing with your money. The other way is even scarier, they will use a Pakastanian call center to line up clients for someone who is not a certified or insured contractor and can be just a guy with a vacuum. yes, you heard that right. some people have even reported some of these "scam contractors" come with just an old vacuum and spend less than an hour and obviously did not do the job right by far, many times not even doing any work at all. after the fake contractor comes to your house they pay a heavy percentage back to the Pakastanian scammers for lining up the service. Even worse the fake contractors will demand to be paid in cash and not provide any receipt. when this happens they will not or avoid paying taxes, when this happens it takes money away from actual contractors who do pay taxes and have the proper certifications for this. It's important to know the signs of all scams, not just those on social media. Homeowners should be aware of some of the red flags to watch out for when it comes to air duct cleaning scams: - The post says "This is not a scam." - No company name is included in the post. - The Facebook account is just a few days/weeks old. - The Facebook profile has no followers, posts, or photos. - The scammer uses words like "kindly." It's easy to fall for these scams because we all want to save money and get things done quickly. But cheaper is not always better when it comes to air duct cleaning. Scammers often provide sub-par work or no work at all. some people have even reported some of these "scam contractors" come with just an old vacuum and spend less than an hour and obviously did not do the job right by far. We will always recommend you make sure you hire a qualified contractor who is certified for the task. Look for a NADCA member in your area to ensure that the job is done right. If they are not NADCA member and have proper equipment stay clear! Here is a video that talks about it more and goes into how deep this rabbit hole goes. It goes even deeper and the scam has ties to Pakistan scam centers. Sources: https://nadca.com/blog/make-2022-year-cleaner-air-dont-be-victim-air-duct-cleaning-scams-facebook

On March 4, 2024, Troopers out of SP Fredonia arrested Addam V. Tofil, 35 of Sheridan, NY for Aggravated Driving While intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic infractions. On that day, at around 4:54 P.M., Troopers received a 911 call reporting an erratic operator on State Route 20 in the town of Sheridan. Acting on the report, the Troopers swiftly responded to the scene and located the vehicle in question. The vehicle was subsequently stopped for traffic infractions. Upon interviewing the operator, Tofil, Troopers observed an odor of alcoholic beverage. Consequently, Tofil was subjected to a standard field sobriety test (SFST), which he failed. He was then taken into custody and transported to SP Fredonia for processing, where he recorded a .24% BAC. Tofil was issued traffic tickets returnable to the town of Sheridan Court for a later date in March 2024. It is important to note that drunk driving is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences such as accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. So, it is imperative to never drink and drive. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/concerned-citizen-calls-911-resulting-arrest-aggravated-dwi

On February 27, 2024, at approximately 4:26 p.m., troopers from SP Rochester Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative conducted a traffic stop on a 2017 Nissan Rogue on Hudson Avenue in the city of Rochester for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, troopers recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, a high-capacity magazine, and several rounds of ammunition. Jerome H. Brown, age 22, from Rochester, NY, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony). The subject was held at the Monroe County Jail for pending Rochester City Court arraignment. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-rochester-arrest-22-year-old-criminal-possession-weapon-2nd

On February 26, 2024, Troopers arrested Brandon S. Duby, age 33, of Plattsburgh, NY for assault 3rd. On February 26, 2024, at approximately 3:12 a.m., Troopers responded to Dormitory Drive, in the town of Plattsburgh for an assault complaint. An investigation determined, that Duby and the victim were involved in a verbal argument which turned physical when Duby grabbed the victim's face and struck it off the ground. The victim had bruising to the eye and cheek but refused transportation to the hospital. Duby was arrested and transported to SP Plattsburgh for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Peru Court where he was released on his own recognizance. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/plattsburgh-male-arrested-assault-3rd

Meet Dave, a true master of woodworking from CNY! For as long as he can remember, he has had a deep passion for crafting beautiful pieces of art from natural wood and repurposed old industrial items. His specialty lies in creating live edge pieces that retain their natural state as much as possible, making each piece a unique and one-of-a-kind design as he states. Dave takes great care in his craft, and the process is a labor of love that can take up to a month or longer to complete. He begins by carefully kiln-drying the wood, followed by hours of sanding, and grinding away to achieve perfection, and then several days of meticulous finishing touches. The natural rings and patterns in the wood are a testament to not just the tree's history but also reveal its struggles and stresses over time. Beyond his live edge work, Dave is also known well for his custom charcuterie boards and serving trays that are unlike anything you can find in a store anywhere! If you're looking for something on a larger scale, Dave can help you design and build a variety of things from custom bar tops, countertops, table tops, and even beautifully crafted cabinets that will last a lifetime and then some! You can see Dave's art locally at Dave's Dinner, or even as far away as Alaska! His passion and attention to detail shine through in every piece he creates, making each one a true work of art that will be cherished for many years to come. Custom Table at Daves Dinner is shown above, it's amazing how the grain of the wood shines like a roaring fire, this piece really does have a story to tell like most of dave's other amazing pieces. We are a Madison County Boutique Saw Mill & Kiln, offering live edge wood slabs for your every need. Products include Maple, Black Walnut, Red Oak, Cherry, Apple, Butternut, Apple, Shagbark Hickory, White Pine & Catalpa. Call 315-796-4863 for pricing. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knockonwoodcny

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As NASA explores the unknown in air and space, a new mission to survey ultraviolet light across the entire sky will provide the agency with more insight into how galaxies and stars evolve. The space telescope, called UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer), is targeted to launch in 2030 as NASA's next Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer mission. This image shows the heart of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1097, as seen by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Sand, K. Sheth In addition to conducting a highly sensitive all-sky survey, UVEX will be able to quickly point toward sources of ultraviolet light in the universe. This will enable it to capture the explosions that follow bursts of gravitational waves caused by merging neutron stars. The telescope also will carry an ultraviolet spectrograph to study stellar explosions and massive stars. "NASA's UVEX will help us better understand the nature of both nearby and distant galaxies, as well as follow up on dynamic events in our changing universe," said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This mission will bring key capabilities in near-and far-ultraviolet light to our fleet of space telescopes, delivering a wealth of survey data that will open new avenues in exploring the secrets of the cosmos." The telescope's ultraviolet survey will complement data from other missions conducting wide surveys in this decade, including the Euclid mission led by ESA (European Space Agency) with NASA contributions, and NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch by May 2027. Together, these missions will help create a modern, multi-wavelength map of our universe. "With the innovative new UVEX mission joining our portfolio, we will gain an important legacy archive of data that will be of lasting value to the science community," said Mark Clampin, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. "This new telescope will contribute to our understanding of the universe across multiple wavelengths and address one of the major priorities in Astrophysics today: studying fleeting changes in the cosmos." NASA selected the UVEX Medium-Class Explorer concept to continue into development after detailed review of two Medium-Class Explorer and two Mission of Opportunity concept proposals by a panel of scientists and engineers, and after evaluation based on NASA's current astrophysics portfolio coupled with available resources. The UVEX mission was selected for a two-year mission and will cost approximately $300 million, not including launch costs. The mission's principal investigator is Fiona Harrison at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Other institutions involved in the mission include University of California at Berkeley, Northrop Grumman, and Space Dynamics Laboratory. The Explorers Program is the oldest continuous NASA program. The program is designed to provide frequent, low-cost access to space using principal investigator-led space science investigations relevant to the agency's astrophysics and heliophysics programs. Since the launch of Explorer 1 in 1958, which discovered the Earth's radiation belts, the Explorers Program has launched more than 90 missions, including the Uhuru and Cosmic Background Explorer missions that led to Nobel prizes for their investigators. The program is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for the Science Mission Directorate, which conducts a wide variety of research and scientific exploration programs for Earth studies, space weather, the solar system, and the universe. For more information about the Explorers Program, visit: https://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov SOURCE NASA

On February 20, 2024, at 7:29 p.m., State Police in Morrisville responded to 100 Callahan Drive in the village of Morrisville for a reported snowmobile crash. The investigation has determined a 2023 Ski-Doo snowmobile, operated by Jayson C. Parker, age 42 from Morrisville, NY was traveling eastbound on Callahan Drive when he exited the roadway, struck a pipe sticking out of the ground, and went airborne. The snowmobile collided through the side of the Water Treatment building and came to rest in the office/lobby area of the interior of the building. Parker was ejected from the snowmobile and was airlifted by Mercy Flight to Upstate University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. State Police were assisted at the scene by SUNY Morrisville University Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Smithfield-Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corp (SEVAC), and the village of Morrisville DPW. SOURCES: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-investigating-snowmobile-crash-madison-county Contact Troop D Public Information Officer: Trooper Jack L. Keller Contact us by email: dpio@troopers.ny.gov Map Directions: New York State Police Troop D Headquarters Oneida NY, 13421

Transformative Expansion Project Will Establish a New 358,000 Square-Foot Manufacturing Facility on Existing Campus in Malta, Creating More Than 1,500 Direct Jobs and Thousands of Indirect Jobs New York State Investment Will Unlock Nation-Leading Commitments to Workforce Development, Sustainability, and Community Investment Project Will Also Leverage Significant Federal Investment Through CHIPS and Science Act, Solidifying Additional Community Benefits Once Completed, New Facility Will Help to Grow Domestic ChipmakingCapacity, Bolster National Security, and Drive Unprecedented Local and Statewide Economic Growth in New York’s Capital Region Builds on Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Establishing a Global Hub for Semiconductor Manufacturing in New York State Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Saratoga County-based GlobalFoundries will invest more than $11.6 billion over the next 10 years to expand its existing Fab 8 semiconductor manufacturing site in New York’s Capital Region. The transformative investment will allow the company to immediately expand its existing facility and then build a new, 358,000 square-foot semiconductor manufacturing facility on its campus in Malta, tripling its capacity to meet growing demand for chips, enhancing national security by expanding the United States’ chipmaking capacity, and creating more than 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs. The project builds on Governor Hochul’s successful effort to establish New York State as a global hub for semiconductor research and manufacturing, following the recent announcement of an historic $10 billion partnership to create the first publicly owned High NA EUV Lithography Center at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. “New York State is becoming the best place on earth to build a business,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our pro-business policies, commitment to innovation and best-in-the-nation workforce, green jobs and high-tech manufacturers are flocking to the Empire State. This $11 billion investment from GlobalFoundries is a game changer, and with the partnership of the Biden administration, New York’s congressional delegation, and all of our local stakeholders, the best is yet to come.” Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Whether through the State’s nation-leading Green CHIPS program that prioritizes community and sustainability or our Office of Strategic Workforce Development that is providing resources to train the next generation of workers, today, New York State is taking concrete actions to reshore the semiconductor industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership we are paving the way for economic growth by ensuring that companies like GlobalFoundries are growing here in New York State.” New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority has worked closely with Governor Hochul and Empire State Development to maximize the benefits of low-cost hydropower from the ReCharge NY program throughout the state. We are collaborating to support Global Foundries during its successful continued expansion in the Capital Region, launching New York State into a world leader in semiconductor manufacturing.” GlobalFoundries is a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors that power everyday technologies that New Yorkers rely on. The company’s chips power features like mobile secure payment, airbag deployment, critical U.S. defense systems, and streaming devices and support fast-growing sectors like the automotive, data center and infrastructure, aerospace and defense, and smart mobile industries. More than 60 percent of the market relies on the types of chips that GlobalFoundries makes. The company’s existing Fab 8 facility in Malta is a national leader in advanced manufacturing, producing 400,000 wafers each year. To date, the company has invested more than $15 billion in Fab 8 region and currently employs 2,500 employees in the Capital Region. An economic impact study by Regional Economic Models, Inc. estimates that the GlobalFoundries project will generate positive economic growth for the Capital Region and New York State. Over the course of 20 years of operations, REMI estimates that the project will: Create 1,508 jobs directly with the company and thousands of indirect jobs by 2032. Grow New York State's economy, generating an additional $1.7 billion in real (inflation adjusted) economic output, on average per year and $1.1 billion in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on average. Provide an estimated annual average of $630 million in real disposable personal income to New York residents. Generate an average annual increase of $50 million in state government revenue, totaling $1.05 billion over 21 years, and an average annual increase of $63 million in revenue to local governments, totaling $1.3 billion over the same timeframe. Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in 2025 and will be pursuant to a project labor agreement with workers who will be paid federal prevailing wage rates, at a minimum. This project is being supported with $575 million in performance-based Green CHIPS tax credits in exchange for creating 1,508 direct jobs, and completing its multi-billion-dollar investments. Additionally, the company must also meet its community benefits and sustainability requirements. GlobalFoundries will also receive a $30 million infrastructure investment from the State The New York Power Authority—which currently provides GlobalFoundries with 15 megawatts of low-cost power from the ReCharge NY program—will consider further support for this expansion project when its Board of Trustees meets in March. GlobalFoundries will be required to make at least $60 million in workforce training and community investments and negotiate a plan with Empire State Development that includes academic research and development projects, workforce and talent development, onsite or adjacent childcare, K-12 STEM education programming, and curriculum scholarships and tuition reimbursement. The company will also work with ESD to set a target percentage of permanent hires from targeted census tracts and historically disadvantaged populations. Empire State Development will commit to up to $15 million in spending for workforce development activities related to the project. Additionally, GlobalFoundries will work to ensure that 30 percent of the project's eligible construction spending and 20 percent of its eligible ongoing annual operating spending is awarded to companies owned by individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities, with priority given to New York State Certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses. GlobalFoundries will also encourage construction contractors and subcontractors to identify candidates for hiring from disadvantaged and underrepresented populations. To qualify for New York's Green CHIPS program, ESD and GlobalFoundries will enter into a Green CHIPS Sustainability Plan, which includes utilizing 100 percent renewable energy for electricity with potential onsite solar energy infrastructure and onsite battery storage systems. Additionally, the fabs and associated office buildings will be constructed to a minimum LEED Gold status. GlobalFoundries will also make investments in alternative and public transportation infrastructure, implement water reclamation and recycling measures, and adopt waste-reduction measures. Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Growing New York’s Semiconductor Industry Governor Hochul has maintained a strong commitment to building a modern economy in New York State through by growing a dynamic and innovative semiconductor industry. In 2022, the Governor signed New York’s historic Green CHIPS legislation to make New York a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, creating 21st century jobs and kick-starting economic growth while maintaining important environmental protections. As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Hochul secured a $45 million investment to create the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI), which leads statewide efforts to develop the chipmaking sector. The Governor also announced a $10 billion partnership to bring the future of advanced semiconductor research to New York’s Capital region by creating the nation’s first and only publicly owned High NA EUV Lithography Center at the Albany Nanotech Complex. GlobalFoundries’ investment adds to New York's already robust semiconductor industry which is currently home to 156 semiconductor and supply chain companies that employ over 34,000 New Yorkers. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s efforts, the industry is continuing to expand with major investments from semiconductor businesses and supply chain companies like Micron, AMD, Edwards Vacuum, and TTM Technologies to expand their presence in New York. Semiconductors are vital to the nation's economic strength, serving as the brains of modern electronics, and enabling technologies critical to U.S. economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. The industry directly employs over 300,000 people in the U.S. and supports more than 1.8 million additional domestic jobs. Semiconductors are a top five U.S. export, and the industry is the number one contributor to labor productivity, supporting improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of virtually every economic sector — from farming to manufacturing.

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that 628 youth volunteered 4,946 hours through the Oneida County Children Care initiative in 2023. “The civic engagement, compassion, and drive that is displayed by the youth of Oneida County never cease to amaze me,” Picente said. “The lessons learned through programs like Oneida County Children Care show our young people the value of helping others and the benefit of community service. The opportunities our partner agencies give these volunteers helps lay the groundwork for our future.” The county initiative partnered last year with ICAN, The Neighborhood Center, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Thea Bowman House. Youth volunteers performed community service that included providing first-time mothers with comfort bags, sending letters to our troops, peer-to-peer mentoring of refugees, assisting at Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, helping senior citizens at Acacia Village, participating in the Sauquoit Valley Cancer Walk, donating school supplies, cleaning senior citizens’ yards, forming youth leadership groups and participating in holiday food drives. “The Oneida County Children Care initiative began in 2009 with a goal of teaching our children the invaluable lessons of community service learned through volunteerism,” said Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green. “Our youth-serving agencies do incredible work on a daily basis with our children. Nothing — not tough economic times or the cutting of staff and hours of program operation — has stood in the way of their commitment to teach our youth the value of volunteerism and giving back to their communities. This Oneida County Children Care initiative once again proves that our children really do care.” Now in its thirteenth year, the Oneida County Children Cares initiative has seen 17,070 youth dedicate 54,344 hours to community service. SOURCES: https://ocgov.net/news/oneida-county-youth-continue-to-have-positive-community-impact-1/

“100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” Now on Display in the State Street Tunnel Entrance to the State Capitol New York State unveiled a new display to inspire visitors to explore its greatest natural and historic treasures during a milestone year. The photo exhibit showcases the Centennial of the State Park and Historic Site system along the State Street Tunnel entrance to the New York State Capitol.NYS Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy and Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid today announced the opening of the exhibit “100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” as part of a multi-faceted 2024 celebration of the state’s parks and historic sites.“New York’s historic sites open a window into understanding our state’s past,” Commissioner Moy said. “Our parks provide essential environmental and recreational benefits to all who visit them. OGS is proud to take part in the Centennial celebration of our state’s park and historic site system by hosting this informative and visually stunning exhibit at the entrance to the Capitol.”“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our Parks & Sites along the State Street Tunnel,” Commissioner Kulleseid said. “This exhibit for our Centennial helps remind all those who work or visit Albany just what lies at every corner of our great state. From hiking to ice skating, golf to riding a carousel, a photo is truly worth 1,000 words. There is something for everyone during all four seasons and we encourage you to take a sneak peek and then come and visit in person.”Click here for exhibit. Through images of state parks, historic sites, and the activities that take place at them during all four seasons, “100 Years: We’ll See You Out There” commemorates the 100th anniversary of the creation of the New York State Council of Parks by Governor Alfred E. Smith and the state Legislature, which forged the state park and historic site system that exists today.From Letchworth State Park in Western New York to Jones Beach State Park on Long Island, and from the Ganondagan State Historic Site just south of Rochester to the Olana State Historic Site overlooking the Hudson River, New York State’s parks and historic sites serves as an acknowledgment that public access to open spaces and recreational assets is a right, not a privilege, afforded to all. This exhibit celebrates the expansion of the State’s system of parks and historic sites over the last 100 years and the importance of preserving this system for future generations. The exhibit will be on display throughout 2024.New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic PreservationThe New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app  or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on  Facebook,  Instagram,  X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog. Empire State Plaza State Street TunnelThe State Street Tunnel is a well-traveled passageway connecting the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza. Previous State Street Tunnel exhibits include “Star Power: Historic Sightings at the New York State Capitol,” which placed a spotlight on the dignitaries, emissaries, celebrities, and political giants who have shared the stage with state and national leaders at the Capitol. The space has also been used to exhibit early 20th-century historic postcards from numerous regions of the Empire State and highlights of OGS’s historic map collection. Information on past exhibits at the Empire State Plaza and Capitol may be found here. Contact Public Information Office Contact us by phone: Phone: 518-474-5987 Contact us by email: OGSPressOffice@ogs.ny.gov

Attorney and Chuck Klein as Commissioner of Personnel. “Amanda Cortese-Kolasz and Chuck Klein have served integral roles in Oneida County Government for years and have been essential to its successful operation,” Picente said. “Amanda’s legal expertise, management, and negotiating skills have helped guide us through challenging times and Chuck has been indispensable in increasing the efficiency of our workflow, improving our customer service, and securing our processes. I am certain they will excel in their new positions and continue to take this government to new heights.” Cortese-Kolasz and Klein assumed their new roles on Jan. 17. Cortese-Kolasz has been employed with Oneida County since 2011, having most recently served as Commissioner of Personnel since September 2021. Prior to that, she served as Deputy County Attorney-Administration and as an Assistant County Attorney. “I am grateful to County Executive Picente and honored for the opportunity to continue to serve his administration and Oneida County in this new position,” Cortese-Kolasz said. “I thank him for his confidence and trust in me and am eager to take on this challenging role to assist in executing his vision for this county.” During her county career, Cortese-Kolasz has served as lead counsel for labor and employment issues for Oneida County and Mohawk Valley Community College, counsel for the county’s Griffiss International Airport, handled administrative and contractual matters for all departments in county government, and has litigated several civil and family law matters. Before joining the Oneida County Law Department, she was in private law practice in both Oneida and Onondaga counties, concentrating primarily on matrimonial and family law. She started her career at the Hiscock Legal Aid Society. Cortese-Kolasz received her bachelor’s degree from Hobart and William Smith College and her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the New York State Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NYSPELRA) and is a member of the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (National PELRA); the New York State Bar Association Labor and Employment Law and Local and State Government Law sections; the Oneida County Bar Association and the County Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Cortese-Kolasz replaces Peter Rayhill who served nine years as county attorney before being elected to State Supreme Court this past November. Klein joined Oneida County as Manager of Network Services in 2018, was promoted to Deputy Director in 2019, and became Director of Information Technology. “I’m honored to be selected for the opportunity to lead the Department of Personnel,” Klein said. “I am excited to leverage my management, customer service, and IT background to fulfill County Executive Picente’s vision of continuing to improve upon the valuable services provided by this office to both Oneida County Government and the local jurisdictions.” During his tenure in IT, Klein modernized infrastructure by upgrading and replacing obsolete hardware and software, streamlined the Helpdesk operation by implementing a new platform to distribute the workload evenly and efficiently, and created departmental service levels to enhance customer service. He also expanded the County Executive’s shared services initiatives by providing IT services to the City of Sherrill, the towns of Verona and Marshall, and the Village of Verona. Before joining the county he spent 24 years working in the student loan industry for Xerox, where he held many leadership roles including the role of Director of Information Technology for its education services. Klein has an Associate degree in Computer Information Systems from Mohawk Valley Community College. Oneida County Purchasing Director Alfred Barbato will oversee the Department of Information Technology until a permanent replacement is found to replace Klein. https://ocgov.net/news/picente-appoints-new-county-attorney-and-personnel-commissioner/?fbclid=IwAR1ggAOngqYSJnmsu1pm6Cta6EU06gAPp6FSdriLStquzvCru_DUE7Tq7zU