Former Vice President Al Gore joined Governor Cuomo last week to announce 4 actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York State. First, Governor Cuomo signed a Memorandum of Understanding between states, provinces and cities worldwide to affirm their commitment to help keep the earth’s average temperature from increasing 2 degrees Celsius by 2100. Secondly New York and the other northeast regional greenhouse gas cap and trade states have demonstrated that carbon markets are a powerful tool for reducing the pollution contributing to climate change. 3rd, Cuomo announced a commitment to bring solar to 150,000 more homes and businesses by 2020. The Governor also announced that the SUNY system would install renewable energy, at each of its 64 campuses by 2020.
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Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new $1.4 million Climate Resilient Farming grant pilot program created to support projects that mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture-related activities and increase the resiliency of farms throughout New York State in the face of a changing climate. Initiatives include $175 million for 5 large-scale clean energy projects to increase electricity generation from renewable energy sources, and a $3 million clean energy competition for colleges and universities in New York State. Applicants for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program must submit their proposals through the Grants Gateway system at grantsgateway.ny.gov by December 14th.
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Governor Cuomo has already assigned a group of people to a task force come up with changes to the state’s Common Core program, a vital part of those changes will be the ways that Teachers are evaluated:

(Cuomo 10-12-15)

Cuomo said that the reports by the Task Force will give him a report in December, the changes will be part of the State of the State address in January
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On October 20th, in the Smart Community Room at the Sidney Memorial Library, a candidate’s forum will be held beginning at 6:30 PM. Organizer Amanda Heaney-Smith comments:

(Amanda Heaney Smith 10-12-15)

The Delaware County Family Court Judge candidates are Porter Kirkwood & Gary Rosa, the 4 candidates for 2 Sidney town board seat include incumbent Bill Heath, former town council member Eric Wilson, plus Jeannette Hinckley & Loddie Marsh.
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The Sidney Fire Department will host their annual Open House this Wednesday at the River Street Fire Station, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The fire department will have a live burn demonstration, an auto extrication demonstration, aerial ladder rides, the Sidney Police department will conduct their child-fingerprinting program, & refreshments will be available.

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The State Attorney General’s office will be doing a presentation on “Senior Scams” this Wednesday at 2:00 PM at St. James Manor in Oneonta, NY. The event is open to the public; RSVP’s are requested at 432-4500 extension 207.
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Springbrook will host an “Informed Decision Making” workshop on Wednesday, in the Events Room at Springbrook’s Community Campus, at 5588 State Highway 7 in Oneonta. The workshop is a half-day event and is being offered from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. and again from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, participants only need to attend one of the sessions, as they are identical. To register or for more information, email to kirstens@nysacra.org.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding policyholders who filed Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claims that the last day to request a review of their claim is Thursday October 15th. If you feel your Hurricane Sandy flood insurance claim was underpaid, you can call FEMA before October15th at 866-337-4262.