For Immediate Release Monday 8/7/2006
Contact: Tom Slater 315-797-6912
press@votegriffo.com

New York State Senate Candidate Joseph A. Griffo made stops this week at two summer time hot spots in Lewis and Oneida Counties. Sunday morning, Griffo and Lewis County Legislator Rick Lucas took in the annual Constableville Field Days. In addition to watching the action at the competitive slow pitch softball tournament and tractor pull, Griffo talked with many local residents that enjoy the annual Sunday ham dinner.

Griffo was fortunate to meet up with Lowville Resident Ron Waldron a former staffer to the great Sen. Jim Donovan. Waldron reminded the candidate of how hard Donovan worked to relate to the voters in Lewis County. Griffo promised to approach the position with same vigor that one of his political mentors did.

Later that same day, Griffo attended the annual Swiss Picnic at the Stysh's Brown Barn in Boonville. The picnic was brought to life by Marian Carpenter. Marian established the picnic 20 years ago when she met many people who were interested in celebrating their Swiss heritage. The highlight for many people at the picnic is the annual appearance of the popular group “Fritz’s Polka Band”. The band has a religious following throughout New York State and as is custom, they packed the house at Stysh’s Brown Barn.

At one point during the picnic Griffo took the stage with Fritz’s Polka Band and asked Ms. Carpenter to join them. He shared with everyone at the picnic all of the hard work that Ms. Carpenter had put in to make the event a reality. “Marian Carpenter is a true Oneida County treasure” said Griffo “her hard work is an example of so many dedicated people throughout Central and Northern New York that make our area a great place to live.”

*Please see photos of both events in the Photo Gallery.