As I’m writing this article, Hurricane Milton has just devastated Florida so soon after Helene ripped through several southern states. Our changing weather patterns are resulting in our country experiencing extreme storms, heat, polar vortex events; and even tornadoes here in WNY. The forecast for our winter is of cold, wet weather with higher-than-average snow. Three years ago, the Village ordered two replacement snowplows and after numerous delays, the chassis were delivered in spring. However, we are awaiting the customization of the vehicles to be outfitted as plow trucks. Hopefully, by January these will be put into service. They are four-wheel drive trucks that will handle heavier snow and both will have stainless-steel salters attached, allowing better service for our residents. In August, we awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the bathrooms in Griffith Park to meet ADA compliancy. The old bathrooms were original to the building, which is now sixty years old. This is made possible by the generous grant from our Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, who has been instrumental in funding so many projects for Sloan. She has secured monies to outfit both firetrucks with EV fire suppression equipment, as traditional water and foam application methods will not work on electric vehicle battery fires. Partnering with our Erie County Legislator Tim Meyers, we have secured $85,000 in grant monies for the rehabilitation of our baseball diamond and replacement of some thirty-year old playground equipment in Griffith Park. The park has seen extensive upgrades the past six years: Splashpad, new shelter and sports courts, concrete work, bathrooms and equipment- it is something we can be proud of in our small Village! On behalf of my family to yours…have a safe, enjoyable Holiday Season!! And, GO BILLS!!