July is National Parks and Recreation Month, a time to take advantage of all our local parks have to offer. Whether it’s walking scenic trails, visiting waterfalls, canoeing, camping or fishing, Central New York’s parks offer recreational activities for the entire family. I encourage everyone to go out and explore this summer. Many of our parks are just a short drive away: East Shore Recreation Trail in Liverpool has a paved trail that’s ideal for walking and bicycling. Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville features two glacial lakes surrounded by forest and 15 miles of trails. Jamesville Beach Park in Jamesville has a reservoir and waterfront activities. Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, which stretches 36 miles from DeWitt to Rome, is made up of woodlands and wetlands and offers hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing and fishing. Oneida Shores Park in Cicero offers stunning views of New York’s largest inland lake. And Pratt’s Falls Park in Pompey offers scenic trails leading to a breathtaking 137-foot waterfall. As we head out to enjoy the warm weather with friends and families, we must take precautions to protect our health. Remember to drink plenty of water, apply sunscreen regularly and limit time spent in direct sunlight, especially during midday hours. Central New Yorkers can also get help beating the heat this summer through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP’s cooling assistance program helps residents who meet certain requirements buy and install an air conditioner or a fan in their home. To learn more or see if you qualify, visit www.ny.gov/services/apply-heating-and-cooling-assistance-heap. While for many of us summer is a time for vacations and fun, for far too many children, the end of the school year means they no longer have access to a midday meal. A child’s need for nutrition doesn’t end when school lets out, and the free summer meals program helps kids get healthy food before school starts up again. There is no registration necessary, and all children under 18 can participate in the program, regardless of their family’s income. Meals are available at the locations below. Liverpool Central School District (Monday – Friday):
Candlelight Lane Apartments
4474 Candlelight Lane
July 9 – Aug. 3
Lunch: noon to 1 p.m. Elmcrest Elementary
350 Woods Path Road
July 2 - Aug. 17
Breakfast: 8 to 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Community: 12:30 to 1 p.m. Liverpool Elementary
910 Second Street
July 9 – Aug. 3
Breakfast: 7:45 to 8:15 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to noon
Community: noon to 12:45 p.m. Liverpool Middle
4720 Seventh Street
July 9 – Aug. 3
Breakfast: 7:45 to 8:15 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to noon
Community: noon to 12:45 p.m. CTC BOCES
4500 Crown Road
July 9 – Aug. 17
Breakfast: 8:15 to 8:45 a.m.
Lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 12: 15 p.m. East Syracuse -Minoa (Monday – Friday):
East Syracuse Elementary School
230 Kinne St.
July 2 – Aug. 17
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. East Syracuse Minoa Central High School
6400 Fremont Rd.
July 5 – Aug. 17
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pine Grove Middle School
101 Spartan Way
July 9 – Aug. 2
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. North Syracuse Central School District (Monday – Friday):
Roxboro Road Middle School
300 Bernard St., Mattydale
July 5 – Aug. 17
Breakfast: 8to 9 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. There’s so much to do and discover in the summer – what better way to enjoy the warm weather than taking in views at our local parks or setting off on an adventure with our loved ones. As always, my door is open. For comments or questions about this or any other community issue, please contact me at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.