Archive for: December, 2010

Senaor James Donovan and the Gold Baton Award

Dec 31 2010 Published by under General

Throughout his life, Senator James Donovan contributed greatly to New York’s education, and worked to lessen teenage illiteracy and pregnancy. He also supported the building of new schools with his creation of the New York City School Construction Authority.

Mr. Donovan received many awards in honor of his efforts, including the Gold Baton Award, Utica Symphony Orchestra, Inc., in 1987. This orchestra is well known, and is one of the only groups of professional symphonies “providing high quality symphonic music that is accessible to all residents of our region and actively contributes to the economic, social and educational development of the Mohawk Valley through performance and outreach activities.”

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Senator James Donovan Lives On

Dec 23 2010 Published by under Honors & Awards, Senator James H Donovan

During his service as chairman of the US Senate Education Committee, James Donovan greatly influenced the quality of education in New York, and was considered “a man of the people”.

Even now, years after his death, Donovan is held with respect and recognized as a unique and significant person in New York’s educational development. Here are some of the facilities which were named in his honor: The Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field, James H. Donovan Science & Technology Building, James H. Donovan Education Resource Center, Donovan Memorial Park, Senator James H. Donovan Room, Oneida County Republican Committee Headquarters and the James H. Donovan Community Center Building.

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PARP: Parents as Reading Partners

Dec 16 2010 Published by under Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan founded a program called Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) as a means to encourage children to read more. He understood that reading can greatly benefit children of all ages by expanding their horizons, stimulating their imaginations and preparing them for academic challenges. He believed that in order for children to read, they must consider the activity an enjoyable pastime.

As a means to achieve this goal, Senator Donovan encouraged parents to spend at least fifteen minutes every day reading with their child. He believed that the parents and child should switch off while reading in order to prevent discouragement of the child. The deeper involvement of the parents in the child’s life could also benefit the family in other ways. The child may be encouraged to share his or her opinions on the book, and eventually school, social life and more.

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Senator James H. Donovan Remembered by New York Governor

Dec 07 2010 Published by under Senator James H Donovan

In 1990 New York lost one of its most beloved of Senators, James H. Donovan. He was a major player in shaping state policy for education and transportation over the course of the preceding 25 years. Senator Donovan was only 66 years old when he died, but his accomplishments over the years of his illustrious career reflect a man of action and integrity who was destined to be remembered fondly.

At the time of Senator Donovan’s death the Governor of New York was Mario M. Cuomo. At that time the Governor ordered all state buildings to lower their flags out of respect for the passing of Donovan, and he commented that the Senator’s death was a “tremendous loss” and his ”courageous struggle to overcome his illness served as an inspiration to us all.”

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The Death of James Donovan

Dec 02 2010 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan died two decades ago of colon cancer. He left an extraordinary legacy, through his many years in public service. He served as New York State Senator for 25 years before retiring, as a result of unbearable weakness from his illness, mere months before his death.

Donovan battled fiercely with his illness. When he died, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo said that Donovan had conducted a “courageous struggle to overcome his illness, which served as an inspiration to us all.” He then ordered for the flags on all the state buildings to be lowered to half-staff, to show respect and grief for the deceased senator.

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