Senator Jen Metzger

Elaine Williams has long been a fighter for justice and fairness in Sullivan County, and in the last 2+ years she has shepherded a transformational project close to home--a community garden in the affordable housing complex where she lives in Monticello. The garden was started with the help of many organizations and volunteers (especially Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development & farmer Dick Reisling), and serves as both a source of fresh, nutritious food and as a vehicle for youth empowerment, learning, and community and intergenerational connection. It's success owes a great deal to Elaine's vision and leadership, and today I presented Elaine with a Senate Commendation to recognize her efforts and her years of dedicated activism in the fight against racial injustice.

Something Sweet Dessert Cafe in Middletown was founded in 2004 by Anna Madden and her husband Dave, and the couple are deeply committed to Middletown's revitalization, founding and organizing the annual "Run for Downtown," which draws thousands of people to the business district and helps raise funds for improvements to downtown. It was my great pleasure to present Something Sweet with a Senate Empire Award this past week!