A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor:

The month of November is a time to remind ourselves of all that we are grateful for, a time for gatherings and giving thanks. This month I was honored to co-host the Fifth Judicial District's 23rd Annual Adoption Day. The celebration marked the finalization of more than 40 adoptions to homes in Central New York.

Mental Health and Wellness has been at the forefront of my administration since day one. Just this year I allocated an additional $5.5 million for school-based mental health services. With this primary focus, it was my honor to speak at the Syracuse Crunch's new mental wellness kick-off campaign, I urge our entire community to join the Crunch in raising awareness of this valuable initiative.

Below you will find our Onondaga County Parks and Recreation Winter Guide, a list of holiday related activities for the whole family along with other events to celebrate the best time of the year.

I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter but more importantly as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

County Executive McMahon and Family Court Judge Julie Cecile at Adoption Day Event

County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Fifth Judicial District hosted the 23rd Annual Adoption Day Event at the Oncenter in Syracuse. This year’s celebration marked the finalization of more than 40 adoptions–the fulfillment of dreams for children and adults who have long waited to build together a life of love, happiness, and permanency as an adoptive family. 

Since National Adoption Day was created, back in 1999, the annual one-day event has found homes for nearly 58,5000 children. About 4,000 of those adopted were children in foster care with nearly 100 adoptions in Onondaga County.

If you are interested in learning more about adoption or becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please click below or call the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services at (315) 435-3827.

County Executive McMahon is joined by County Legislators Deb Cody, Dave Knapp, Cody Kelly, Tim Burtis, Rich McCarron and special friend Rocco.

County Executive Ryan McMahon was joined by County Legislators Deb Cody, Dave Knapp, Cody Kelly, Tim Burtis and Rich McCarron to celebrate the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County reaching 1.5 million books gifted in our community.

To mark the distribution of 200 million free books to children since the program began in 1995, seven special Dolly Golden Bookmarks were hidden in random Imagination Library books sent to children during the month of September. Rocco was one of the lucky recipients to find the Golden Bookmark! Along with the Golden Bookmark, Rocco also received:

• A video chat with Dolly Parton
• A personalized signed letter and autographed photo from Dolly
• Four Dollywood tickets

As you can see from his smile, Rocco was very excited! Congratulations Rocco!

County Executive Ryan McMahon joined the Syracuse Crunch to announce a season-long mental wellness initiative aimed at having a strong and positive impact on the Central New York Community.

Throughout the season, the Crunch will incorporate a wide variety of elements related to mental wellness and information about mental health resources. The Crunch will also hold a Mental Wellness Awareness game that will feature PSAs with mental wellness/health tips from various Crunch and AHL players.

For more information about this initiative, please click below:

County Executive McMahon is joined by other local elected officials and community leaders at a McMahon-Ryan advocacy event.

County Executive McMahon along with County Health Commissioner Dr. Anderson discuss County programs available to the public at a Rabies Clinic in Eastwood

For more information on future clinic and other services, please click below:

County Executive McMahon attends groundbreaking event for new Marketplace site in Clay, NY.

The Town of Geddes continues its beautification efforts with the completion of the project at the Fair Deli Craft Beer.

Three more businesses in the Village of Liverpool completed their projects and installed new sidewalks along Vine Street.

Village of Camillus

Four businesses in the Village of Camilus received full renovations on their front facades.

Village of Minoa

Pave the Way Daycare Center received a fresh and improved look.

Village of North Syracuse

Fergerson Funeral Home in the Village of North Syracuse received a new face lift.

Hamlet of Brewerton

The makeover of the Hamet of Brewerton continues with the remodeling of local businesses.

Festival of Trees & Light 2023

Presented by the Everson Members’ Council.

December 2–16, 2023

Experience the magic of the season at the Everson!

The Everson is proud to present the 2023 Festival of Trees & Light, a beloved Central New York holiday tradition.

Now in its 38th year, the Festival will offer more performances and activities than ever!

A wide variety of trees, wreaths, and other seasonal items will be available for purchase, and the Museum Gift Shop will have plenty of selections for your holiday gift-giving. Plan on making the Festival of Trees & Light part of your holiday season.

• Pre-lit decorated trees of all sizes
• Decorated wreaths
• Unique seasonal and winter-inspired décor items, representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, winter solstice, or any seasonal celebration
• Artisanal individual gift items and ornaments
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Reserve Your Tickets in Advance—Below:

Capture the Magic of Symphoria's Annual Holiday Pops Concert



As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than by bringing your family and friends together to experience the enchantment of Symphoria’s annual Holiday Pops Concert. This year, we’re thrilled to bring you an unforgettable musical experience featuring the stunning vocal talents of Katie Weber and the harmonious voices of the Syracuse Pops Chorus, directed by the maestro of harmonious voices, Lou Lemos. Guiding you through this magical experience is the brilliant conductor, Sean O’Loughlin.     

For more information and to purchase tickets, Click below:

Erie Canal Museum

Each year the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800’s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows. In a typical year, we see over 6,000 visitors during the Gingerbread Gallery! 

For more information, please click below:

J-D Boys Volleyball cap off Undefeated Season with 2nd Straight State championship!

Last season, the Jamesville-DeWitt became the first Section III team to win a State Championship in Boys Volleyball. This season, they became the first Section III Boys Volleyball team to win back-to-back State Championships. The Red Rams defeated Westhampton Beach 3-0 in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II finals at the Albany Capital Center.

J-D finishes the season a perfect 21-0 as the Section III, Region and State Champions in Division II for the second straight season. Congratulations Red Rams!

CBA finishes season with a Perfect Record and another State Championship!