A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

Hard to believe that fall is right around the corner!

This month I had the pleasure of joining other community leaders to kick off the opening day of The Great New York State Fair. If you haven’t had a chance yet, there are still a few more days left to check out the many local vendors and eat some delicious food!

Fall isn’t the only thing right around the corner – so is the start of the new school year. This week I was honored to join Assemblyman Magnarelli, members of the County Legislature and several school leaders to announce the Onondaga County School Bus Safety Program. The initiative focuses on improving the safety and transportation of students riding the bus as well as reducing violations and collisions. Every student should feel safe getting to and from school and my administration is committed to making sure that happens! For more information about this program visit: https://onondaga.gov/law/bussafetyprogram/.

This month, I also had the great honor of participating in the annual CEO Soak Syracuse Fundraiser to support The ALS Association. The money raised helps fund research for new treatments and a cure for ALS as well as provide help to those in our community living with ALS. #ALSCEOSoak

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.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Sincerely,

Ryan

Celebrated in August, National Wellness Month encourages individuals to make self-care a priority, build healthy routines and support their mental, physical and emotional well-being. Whether you're focusing on hydration, movement, mindfulness or simply slowing down, this month is your reminder to put your wellness first.

To learn more about the history of National Wellness Month, please click below:



National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance during the month of August that highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Together, we can help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage people to talk to a healthcare provider about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

To learn more about National Immunization Awareness Month, please click below:

August is National Black Business Month and recognizes black-owned businesses across the country as well as honors the contributions they make to our economy and communities throughout the nation.

To learn more about National Black Business Month, click below:

National Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7th each year. This day honors U.S Armed Forces members who have been wounded or killed in combat, recognizing their sacrifice and bravery.

To learn more about National Purple Heart Day, click below:

Celebrated in August, National Breastfeeding Month celebrates all the breastfeeding families across the nation. Breastfeeding supports babies health, helps moms stay healthy and strengthens the bond between parent and baby.

To learn more about National Breastfeeding Month, click below:

ON Farm Fest is Saturday, September 20th 2025

The Onondaga Agriculture Council will hold the 9th annual ON Farm Fest on September 20th, 2025. Visitors will enjoy a free day of family-friendly fun as local farms across Onondaga County opened for tours from 10am-3pm. At ON Farm Fest, you'll learn about life on the farm and discover the latest advances in agriculture. Many farms have local products and food for sale, live music and interactive exhibits.

To learn more about the 9th annual On Farm Fest and host farms, click below:

County Executive McMahon Participates in CEO Soak Syracuse to Support The ALS Association

County Executive McMahon joined other community leaders to participate in this year's CEO Soak Syracuse Fundraiser to support The ALS Association. The money raised will help fund research for new treatments and a cure for ALS as well as provide help to those in our community living with ALS.

Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the CEO Soak has grown to become one of the premier corporate engagement opportunities and entertaining events for The ALS Association. The CEO Soak engages community leaders to get soaked for ALS while raising critical funds and awareness for The ALS Association's mission.

To learn more about CEO Soak Syracuse, click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Armed Forces Day at The Great New York State Fair

In honor of Armed Forces Day at The Great New York State Fair, County Executive McMahon joined the Onondaga County Veterans Service Agency to celebrate all active duty military members and veterans at the wreath laying ceremony.

Armed Forces Day at The Great New York Fair is an annual celebration of those currently serving or have served in the Military. These heroes have and continue to lay the foundation of peace for all of us.

County Executive McMahon Announces Illegally Created Argali Clone Finds New Home At Rosamond Gifford Zoo

County Executive McMahon announced that a new Marco Polo argali sheep named Tilek is now viewable to the public at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. This animal is an incredibly special acquisition in that he is actually a clone. Before his confiscation, Tilek was at the heart of an elaborate wildlife trafficking scheme that made global headlines.

County Executive McMahon said, "I'm proud that our Rosamond Gifford Zoo can provide a safe and loving home for this magnificent animal. The Argali's successful rescue and relocation to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a victory for conservation efforts and proof of the importance of protecting wildlife and enforcing wildlife laws."

To learn more about Tilek's amazing story, click below:

County Executive McMahon Announces Onondaga County School Bus Safety Program

County Executive McMahon joined Assemblyman William Magnarelli, County Legislators and local school leaders to announce the Onondaga County School Bus Safety Program. Through installed stop-arm cameras, the program focuses on improving the safety and transportation of students riding the bus as well as reducing violations and collisions. Know the law, slow down and stop for school buses. Together, we can ensure that every school bus ride is safe!

To learn more about the Onondaga County School Bus Safety Program, click below:

County Executive McMahon Announces New Economic Partnership with Aquarium and Local Film Industry

County Executive McMahon was joined by 8th District Legislator Shawn Fiato, Monte Young from Studio Central, Jeremy Garelick from American High, Alex Korman from CNY Arts as well as representatives from Visit Syracuse, WCNY PBS and many others to announce an exciting new partnership between the local film industry and the aquarium. The first show is already lined up to start filming with many more in the works!

County Executive McMahon Discusses

Progress of Aquarium Project

Watch County Executive McMahon chat with Jonathan LaSala from The American Dream TV Show about the exciting progress and inspiration for the Aquarium Project.

Onondaga County Parks Hosts National Night Out at Long Branch Park

Onondaga County Parks hosted National Night out at Long Branch Park. The free, family friendly event featured local law enforcement and EMS agencies, food trucks, kids activities and more.

National Night Out is a nationwide event that promotes spirit and police-community partnerships. It encourages neighbors to come together and engage with local law enforcement in a positive environment. The event has been celebrated since 1984 and has grown to involve millions of participants across thousands of communities in the United States.

To learn more about National Night Out, click below:



County Executive McMahon Visits

New Senior Dining Site

County Executive McMahon joined District 6 Legislator Julie Abbott, Village of Skaneateles Mayor Mary Sennet and the Seniors of Skaneateles Group to announce two new exciting initiatives. The Village of Skaneateles will now have a new dining site available for seniors to socialize and enjoy meals. Also, through the county's Blueways and Greenways Grants, the Village was awarded funding for Phase I of their Creekwalk Boardwalk project. In total, the county has awarded over $150,000 towards these important projects that enhance the quality of life we enjoy in Onondaga County and CNY!

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Salt City SKLZ Soccer Academy

County Executive McMahon joined other local leaders at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Salt City SKLZ Soccer Academy, located in the new year-round sports and learning center: Adventure at Burritt Sports.

Located in the Tipperary Hill section of Syracuse, Adventure at Burritt Sports is a year-round indoor destination for sports, education and community connection. In addition to the two indoor gyms, the facility also offers STEM classrooms, a kitchen, party space, toddler room and welcoming social area.

Homework Help

OCPL Provided Databases

Brainfuse HelpNow

Online test preparation, homework help, study aids, skill building, and live tutoring resource for children and adults.  

Gale OneFile: Educator's Reference Complete

Google is usually everyone’s go-to for research, but not all the results are accurate. Our library provides Gale OneFile collections to connect you to trusted, up-to-date content from leading magazines, newspapers and scholarly journals. These collections are easy to access, and with integrated tools, you can save, download and share.

K-8 Databases

A list of several databases that students in grades K-8 can use to assist with learning, school projects and more.

Online Learning Databases

Access to online learning opportunities including Brainfuse, LinkedIn Learning and more.

To learn more about Homework Help and other OCPL events, click below:

After-Hours Passport Application Appointments

Onondaga County Clerk Emily Essi Bersani is pleased to announce a pilot program offering after-hours passport application appointments. The extended hours are designed to accommodate residents who may have difficulty accessing services during standard business hours. Beginning September 10^th the County Clerk’s office will offer appointments for passport applications from 4:00pm-6:00pm, every other Wednesday.

To schedule an appointment, please call the Office of the County Clerk at (315) 435-2227. Please be prepared to let us know how many applicants will be applying, and if you need photos taken. County Clerk staff will review a list of documents you must bring to the appointment.

*Please note this is for first-time applicants or applicants who do not qualify for a renewal only. If you need to renew a passport, please visit travel.state.gov.

FreshConnect Checks Programs For Veterans

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

September 6th & 7th

For a list of daily attractions and full entertainment schedule, please click below:

To learn more or make an appointment, click below: