A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

With the all the snow and cold temperatures, I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. 

This month, I had the pleasure of joining our County Parks Team and partners from Galaxy Media and Wegmans to present the annual Giveback Charity Nights recipients their checks from all the money raised throughout the 2024-2025 Lights On The Lake Season. It has become a great tradition for our community to participate in and I want to congratulate the recipients again for all that they do. 

I also had the pleasure of presenting the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Awards to two outstanding individuals — Sharon Alleyne and Al-amin Muhammad. This year for the first time-ever we presented not only an employee recognition award but a constituent award as well. Sharon and Al-amin are beyond deserving of these awards and I look forward to seeing all that they will continue to do for our community. 

Below you will find additional updates and announcements made over the last month. As always, it is an honor to serve as your County Executive and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Ryan

Black History Month is a month-long commemoration of African American history and achievement that takes place every February.



February was officially declared as Black History Month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. The origins of the month can be traced to the establishment of Negro History Week which was first observed in 1926. The week was launched by African American scholar and Black Studies pioneer Carter G. Woodson.



To learn more, click below:

Onondaga County Office of Diversity and Inclusion Hosts Blood Drive

On February 5th, in honor of Black History Month, the Onondaga County Office of Diversity and Inclusion partnered with American Red Cross for a Blood Drive to help patients fighting sickle cell disease. Thank you to all who participated!

County Executive McMahon Announces 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award Recipients

This month, County Executive McMahon had the pleasure of presenting the 2025 Onondaga County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Awards. Each year our Diversity and Inclusion Team receive nominations from staff and community members to recognize an exceptional leader who embodies the spirit of Dr. King.

This year's Employee Recognition awardee is Sharon Alleyne from our Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency (VSA). Sharon is a fierce advocate for all marginalized veterans and encapsulates the work of Dr. King every day in her role at Onondaga County. Congratulations Sharon!

For the first time-ever, this year's Community Service awardee is Al-amin Muhammad, Founder of We Rise Above The Streets Recovery Outreach Inc. Since 2014, Al-amin has been serving our most vulnerable community members by providing food, clothes and educational programs. His dedication to the betterment of our home is truly admirable. Congratulations Al-amin!

National Wear Red Day

In honor of National #WearRedDay and American Heart Month, County Executive McMahon teamed up with the Onondaga County Health Department and wore red to help raise awareness for the #1 killer of women--cardiovascular disease.

American Heart Month was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson and the first celebration occurred in February 1964. The month's objective is to raise awareness about heart disease, encourage Americans to take action to improve their heart health and remind individuals and communities to focus on heart health education and prevention strategies.

To learn more about #WearRedDay, please click below:

Onondaga Grown and the MOST Museum Announce New GROW Exhibit

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technolgy (MOST) along with Onondaga Grown announced the creation of a brand-new permanent exhibit: Onondaga Grown presents GROW.

The new 2,500-square-foot exhibit features a six-stall farmer's market where visitors can "buy" apples, corn, eggs, maple and dairy products along with seasonal items. Instead of a currency check out, the scanned items will provide food and nutrition information. In addition, there will be a tractor photo opportunity where visitors learn about food distribution as well as the tactile crop field which will showcase the "three sisters" that originated in our indigenous communities.

County Executive McMahon said, "We're excited to highlight Onondaga County's robust agricultural community through this innovative exhibit. MOST visitors will gain a deep understanding of how our farm and food systems operate, including advanced technology and the latest research-backed practices that our local farmers and producers are using today. This exhibit demonstrates important collaboration between consumers, farmers, producers, businesses and community organizations to support and grow our local agricultural economy."

County Executive Honors Onondaga County Public Libraries Executive Director

County Executive McMahon visited Central Library to present a proclamation to Onondaga County Public Libraries (OCPL) Executive Director Dawn Marmor. After nearly five decades of service to the OCPL, Dawn will be retiring soon. Thank you Dawn and congratulations!

Amanda Perrine Named New Onondaga County Public Libraries Executive Director

The Onondaga County Public Library Board of Trustees named Amanda Perrine its new Executive Director.

Amanda started with the OCPL in 2015 at Marcellus Free Library and has served as branch manager of the Belts and Soule Branch's in the City of Syracuse. Most recently, she served as the Central Library Coordinator of Member Services.

County Executive McMahon said, "Onondaga County is home to one of the most modern and diverse library systems in the state. It is important that we have an Executive Director who will continue to ensure our libraries provide the highest level of services to our community. I am confident Amanda will be that leader. Congratulations to Amanda and the entire library team."

County Executive McMahon Presents Proclamation to Scouting America Longhouse Council #343

County Executive McMahon presented a proclamation to Scouting America Longhouse Council #343 of Brewerton to honor their 115th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1910, Scouting America has provided a comprehensive program of character development, leadership outdoor skills, community service and citizenship training for millions of young individuals across the United States.

Onondaga County Parks and Galaxy Media Announce "Lights On The Lake"

Charity Nights Recipients

County Executive McMahon along with Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley, Galaxy Media Partners and Wegmans representatives presented checks to the recipients of the 2024-2025 Lights On The Lake Giveback Charity Nights. In total, $10,383 was raised and distributed. This year's recipients are:

• Book Van-Go
• HumaneCNY
• Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
• The Kara Fund
• Alpha Omega Phi Fraternity and Sorority
• Kelberman
• Matthew 25 Farm
• Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

Onondaga County Parks and Recreation Named 2024 Municipal Partner of the Year Award!

Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) named Onondaga County Parks as their 2024 Municipal Partner of the Year.

County Parks has been a strong partner with OCSWCD over the years, from invasive species projects to hydroseeding and stormwater, our parks department has always strived to do what's best for the park system and the community. Congratulations!

Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley said, "We are proud to accept this award. We work closely with the OCSWCD staff on several projects and thankful to have them as a resource and partner."



2024-2025 Onondaga County Parks Winter Guide

For a list of current job openings with Onondaga County, click below:

To learn more about the County's Lead Initiative Programs, click the 2024 "A Year In Lead" video below:

To learn more about Maple Sugaring Saturdays, click below:

Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks

March 1st - 14th, 2025

Come experience the flavors and cuisines that have put Downtown Syracuse on the map as a dining destination! Downtown Syracuse restaurants have set their tables for the 2025 presentation of Downtown Dining Weeks which runs from Saturday, March 1 through Friday, March 14.

Keeping with Dining Weeks tradition, restaurants will offer two-course lunches for $15 (or less), three-course dinner options for $40 (or less), and Sweets & Treats from participating businesses. 

Some restaurants may require reservations. Tax and gratuity are extra.  

To learn more and for a list of participating restaurants, click below: