In recognition of Veterans Day, I attended a special ceremony this morning in Cazenovia. The American Legion Post 88 and all involved did an exceptional job with the event.

A moving ceremony this afternoon at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Rome. I am always grateful for our veterans, current military members and their families and appreciate all that they have sacrificed on our behalf.

It's always an honor to host the Thank You Dinner for Town of Verona Veterans! Thanks to the CNY Veterans Outreach Center for attending. Thanks to Joseph A. Griffo for attending. Last but certainly not least, thanks to my family and friends for helping with dinner and desserts! 🇺🇸

Grateful for businesses such as Romagnoli’s Christmas Tree Farm and all those who step up to help others. The Canastota farm is accepting donations through Monday, Nov. 17, to send Christmas trees to military families. cnyhomepage.com/news/spreading…

I was pleased to speak at a recent meeting of the SCOPE NY Oneida & Herkimer Chapter. This was an opportunity to inform members about and update them on state legislation and policies.

It was a pleasure to take part in this morning’s “Community Reader Day” at General Herkimer Elementary School in Utica. I always enjoy reading to and interacting with the students and hope that they become active, engaged and lifelong readers.

With the holidays approaching, I was pleased to attend today’s ribbon cutting for Santa’s Magical Visits. Santa Steven has worked hard to make the holidays brighter for children and families across the region. For more information on the business, visit santasmagicalvisits.com.

I was happy to attend the kickoff for the Salvation Army of Rome’s annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign. This effort supports programs and events that assist so many individuals, children and families in the region. I hope you will consider donating to this worthwhile cause.

Good to see everyone at the Rome Art And Community Center’s Annual Holiday House Opening Night Gala. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season and support local businesses.

Congratulations to the Morrisville Eaton, Whitesboro and New Hartford Central School District football teams on winning Sectional Championships! Photos courtesy syracuse.com and Sentinel Media Company

While in Madison County today, I visited Critz Farms in Cazenovia and presented a New York State Senate Empire Award to the family-owned business. The farm promotes and showcases the agriculture industry in the region and state.

Countryside Hardware in DeRuyter plays an important role in its community and the maple syrup industry. It was good to recognize this family-owned store with a New York State Senate Empire Award. I wish the business much continued success!

Parry’s, a modern-day general store, is a fixture in Hamilton and surrounding communities. Owners Gwenn and Evan have done an exceptional job with the business, which sells many products made in Madison County and across the region.

Congratulations to the MVCC Mohawk Valley men’s soccer team on winning another national championship! Go, Hawks!

Always great to chat with Colgate University President Brian Casey. We discussed ongoing initiatives and how we can continue to work together for the betterment of the campus and community.

Congrats to the Hamilton boy’s soccer team on winning a state championship Sunday and one last year and the girl’s softball team on capturing a state title this past summer. I was proud to be able to recognize these tremendous accomplishments during a visit to the school.

I appreciate the invitation to be a part of the “Community Reader Day” at Hugh R. Jones Elementary School in Utica. I enjoyed reading to and interacting with the students this morning.

Good luck to the Whitesboro, New Hartford and Morrisville-Eaton football teams as they compete in the New York State regionals!

I was pleased to attend today’s ribbon cutting for Balance Health in Utica. I wish Sejla and Fahreta much luck in their endeavor.

It was a pleasure to recognize Perry Nizzi, who recently retired as head coach of the Hamilton College men's soccer team and as a physical education instructor. Perry has had an impressive, distinguished and respected career and has made an impact on the whole region.