It is modern gun deer season in Kentucky and I have seen some great pictures of giant bucks that have been harvested by Boone County hunters as the leaves fell and the weather grew cooler as we transitioned into this blustery November. As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, the Legislature continues to hold Interim Joint Committee meetings throughout the Commonwealth and in Frankfort.
This Thanksgiving season I reflect on the many great people who have made sacrifices for our country and those who continue to make those sacrifices for the future of our nation. Many of our veterans, and soldiers still defending our country, are underserved in some manner. It is important that we give back by reaching out to our local Veterans Affairs offices and veteran-serving organizations by volunteering our time, talent, and financial assistance.
We also want to remember those who cannot fend for themselves, especially during the colder winter months. I encourage you and your family to reach out to your community in whatever means possible to ensure the homeless are sheltered and the hungry are fed this holiday season. We have so many wonderful church communities in Boone County, and almost every one that I know of is having a food drive, which is a great way to serve your community.
Mary Rose Mission
The Mary Rose Mission on Main Street in Florence is always looking for volunteers and does a wonderful job feeding the hungry. I know many good folks who volunteer for the Boone County St. Vincent De Paul Society, another great volunteer opportunity. Master Provisions is another charity group that does amazing work. There are so many ways we can give back to our local communities. Volunteering with your local church or food bank is a wonderful place to start. This is also a great time to visit someone in a nursing home or someone in the hospital who has no one to visit them.
There are many family-friendly holiday events in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a great time to get to know your neighbor and fellow citizens in addition to supporting our small local businesses. Please consider your locally-owned stores for your Christmas gifts this season — our small business owners are the backbone of our communities.
Finally, I want you to know that I have been hearing your legislative questions and concerns. Although we have been busy in Frankfort preparing for a possible special session and the upcoming 2018 Budget Session, I always look forward to being home in my district hearing from constituents and spending time with family and friends. I hope you and your family have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and football.
If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or send me a message at the website. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.
Senator John Schickel (R-Union) represents the 11th District in Boone County. He serves as chairman of the Senate Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee; as well as a member of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee; Judiciary Committee; Natural Resources and Energy Committee; and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary.
