A Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

The Holiday season is officially here and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than going to Lights On The Lake at Onondaga Lake Park! Lights On The Lake started on November 17th, 2025, and will continue through January 12th, 2026. To get tickets, visit lightsonthelake.com.

This month we kicked off with our annual participation in Operation Green Light for Veterans where we illuminated buildings across Onondaga County green as a small gesture to honor and support our veterans. Last week, I also had the honor of attending a special ceremony and presenting a proclamation during 'Salute Our Troops Night" at Lights On The Lake to recognize the 70th Anniversary of United States Air Force (USAF) Second Lieutenant John J. Kesel's response to an alert and his subsequent tragic crash into Onondaga Lake. I want to thank our veterans and military members for their service and sacrifice to protect us and our beloved country. I also would like to shout out our Veterans Service Agency for their dedication and hard work to provide our veterans support and access to services available to them. 

During this month, I joined City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, New York State Homes & Community Renewal, Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Housing Visions and community members to celebrate the exciting opening of Creekside Landing! The project created 20 affordable housing units and a workforce training center as well as the completion of 16 duplexes in the West and Southside neighborhoods. Thank you to our partners for helping make this project a reality. My administration remains fiercely determined to support our residents and further growing our housing infrastructure! 

I was honored to join many leaders from our family justice system at the 25th Annual Fifth District National Adoption Day Celebration. The celebration helps recognize the many individuals in making an adoption a reality -- foster and adoptive families, judges and court systems, child welfare staff, attorneys and partner agencies. To learn more becoming foster parent, visit onfostercare.org. #NationalAdoptionDay

Below you will find additional updates on all the exciting events 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 Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels during the holiday! 

Sincerely,

Ryan

Observed annually on November 11th, Veterans Day is a tribute to all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. President Woodrow Wilson first issued November 11th as Armistice Day a year after the end of World War I in 1919 before it became known as "Veterans Day."

Today, there are more than 18 million living veterans in the United States representing about 6% of the adult population. "We don't know them all but we owe them all."

To learn more about Veterans Day, click below:

Onondaga County Lights Buildings Green in Support of Operation Green Light for Veterans

County Executive McMahon announced that County buildings would be illuminated green from November 4th through November 11th as a part of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Operation Green Light for Veterans is a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers to show support and help raise awareness around unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

To learn more about Operation Green Light, click below:

November is Native American Heritage Month. This annual observance celebrates the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It is also an opportunity to honor the legacy and stories of Tribal nations and indigenous communities in the United States.

To learn more about Native American Heritage Month, click below

National Adoption Day

County Executive McMahon had the honor of joining many leaders from our family justice system at his favorite annual event -- National Adoption Day! This year marks the 25th Annual Fifth Judicial District National Adoption Day Celebration and helps recognize the many individuals in making an adoption a reality -- foster and adoptive families, judges and court systems, child welfare staff, attorneys and partner agencies. There were 40 children adopted by 27 different families. Congratulations to all the families starting a new beginning and the children finding their forever family!

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please click below:

November is Men's Health Awareness Month. This month, also known as Movember, focuses on raising awareness of men's health issues including mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Throughout the month, numerous activities and campaigns encourage men to promote healthier lifestyles.

To learn more about National Men's Health Awareness Month, click below:

Additional November Observances

County Executive McMahon Discuses

the Latest Micron Developments

Turkey Time!

County Executive McMahon along with the Food Bank of Central New York and the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services donated and delivered hundreds of turkeys to more than a dozen senior centers. Thank you to our Onondaga County Parks and Facilities teams for volunteering to help! Happy Thanksgiving!

County Executive McMahon Introduces

CNY Reads One Book Selection for 2026

County Executive McMahon had the pleasure of joining community members at Syracuse Oasis to introduce the author of the CNY Reads One Book selection for 2026. The 2026 book selection is "Dreams of Freedom" by Marilyn Higgins which takes readers on a journey along the Erie Canal. Congratulations Marilyn!

To learn more about CNY Reads One Book and "Dreams of Freedom," click below:

County Executive McMahon Presents Proclamation to Honor First-Generation College Students

County Executive McMahon was honored to stop by Onondaga Community College to present a proclamation to honor first-generation college students and proclaim November 3rd, 2025 to be 'First-Generation College Student Celebration Day' in Onondaga County! This celebration showcased the important role our first-generation students have in developing the workforce.

Pickleball is Coming to the Village of Manlius!

County Executive McMahon was honored to join Manlius Mayor Hank Chapman, District 12 County Legislator Dave Knapp and other fellow community leaders to break ground on six new pickleball courts in the Village of Manlius. This project was funded as part of the successful application the Village submitted for the Onondaga County Main Street Initiative.

County Executive McMahon Speaks

at Creekside Landing Ribbon Cutting

County Executive McMahon joined City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Housing Visions and community members to celebrate the opening of Creekside Landing.

The former vacant office building now has 20 affordable units and a workforce training center. It was also announced that 16 new duplexes located on former blighted properties were completed throughout the West and Southside neighborhoods.

County Executive McMahon Honors U.S. Air Force Second Lieutenant John J. Kesel

County Executive McMahon was honored to recognize the 70th Anniversary of United States Air Force (USAF) Second Lieutenant John J. Kesel's response to an alert and his tragic crash into Onondaga Lake. The County Executive was joined by Second Lieutenant Kesel's family and members of our veteran and military community to present a proclamation to proclaim November 19th, 2025, to be USAF Second Lieutenant John J. Kesel Day in Onondaga County as a way to pay tribute to his heroic sacrifice to protect our great nation.

County Executive McMahon Reveals Latest Courtroom Modernization Project

County Executive McMahon joined the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office as well as members of the Fifth Judicial District to reveal the latest Courtroom Modernization project.

These important upgrades will greatly benefit the efficiency and costs of trials as well as significantly assist the judges, attorneys and juries in the administration of trial.

County Executive McMahon Attends Landmark Theatre

Dedication Ceremony for Assemblyman Magnarelli

The Landmark Theatre is getting ready to celebrate 100-years in 2028 and County Executive McMahon was proud to join many members of our community to kickoff the festivities and celebrate this historic and beautiful building. This included naming the new marquee after Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli and all that makes Central New York great!

Listen to County Executive McMahon on

Cultivate CNY Podcast

County Executive McMahon joins Alex Canavan for a conversation on vision, preparation and the collaborations that are shaping the future of Onondaga County.

Syracuse Winter Fair 2026

Save the Date: January 30th-February 1st 2026

County Executive McMahon said, "Onondaga County is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Syracuse Winter Fair! This family-friendly event features great entertainment, delicious food, a mini midway and a spectacular fireworks show. Events like these are part of what makes our community truly special and I encourage everyone to come check out this year's Winter Fair!"

To learn more or purchase tickets in advance, click below:

County Executive McMahon Attends Ribbon Cutting for Home2 Suites by Hilton

County Executive McMahon had the pleasure of attending a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Liverpool. This project was the first recipient from the Onondaga County Hospitality Initiative. Onondaga County continues to bolster our hotel infrastructure and support our tourism economy!

Embrace Winter at Onondaga County Parks

To learn more and view winter guide, click below:

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:

Erie Canal Museum Annual Gingerbread Gallery

November 21st, 2025- January, 11th 2026

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, the Erie Canal Museum sees over 4,000 visitors during the Gingerbread Gallery! 

Festival of Trees & Light 2025