Hi Everyone, Just ran across a very interesting article I wanted to share on brain health! Check out the link below for some great tips to maintain a healthy brain!! Also in this E-news info on Open Farm Day sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension, Volunteer Opportunities and upcoming events from some of our non-profits.

So long for now,

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP Volunteers

Madison County

AGE-PROOF YOUR BRAIN:

10 EASY WAYS TO STAY SHARP FOREVER

~Beth Howard, AARP Magazine 2-3/12

http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-01-2012/boost-brain-health.html

Omega-3s

Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids–healthy fats found in abundance in oily fish such as salmon–may protect against premature aging of the brain and memory problems in late middle age, according to a study published in the Neurology Journal.

Fish has long had a reputation as brain food. The new study, however, is the first to link blood levels of omega-3s with brain shrinkage, mild memory loss and declines in cognitive function, all of which are associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

Open Farm Day will be held on Saturday, July 28th between 10am and 4pm. 39 farms and 4 farmers’ markets will be open to the public. This is a wonderful chance for you, your family and your friends to travel around the County, tour the farms, sample some homegrown products, pet animals and learn first-hand the diversity of Madison County Agriculture. This year, the Buy Local prize for visiting 3 or more farms is a Madison County bumper sticker. Each of the 4 regions of Madison County on the map and Cornell Cooperative Extension will have their own custom bumper sticker—collect them all! You can earn bumper stickers by visiting 3 stamps in one region OR by having one stamp from 3 different regions. When your day has come to an end and you have received 3 stamps or more, fill out the survey on the back of the Stamp Card and hand it in to the tour guide at your final stop. The tour guide will exchange your card for one of the special Buy Local bumper stickers. All you need is an Open Farm Day passport and a cooler (for all the goodies to take back home).

This year, Price Chopper is printing 20,000 full-page brightly colored Open Farm Day Passports. These will be available at 10 Price Chopper locations in CNY, mailed directly to 14,000 homes in Madison County as well as distributed to key locations in Onondaga, Oneida and Madison Counties.

New this year to Open Farm Day is the 4-H Youth Fair & CCE Open House. Visit and celebrate the 4-H youth program and see what they’re up to in 2012. The fair will feature animal exhibitions, pony rides and a petting zoo, as well as lots of activities for the whole family including a scavenger hunt! CCE will be hosting a pulled pork BBQ, sponsored by the Morrisville Lyons Club.

Open Farm Day is sure to be a fun and exciting event for all as well as a great way to celebrate the bounty of locally produced products and Madison County farmers. For more information on Open Farm Day participants and the availability of Passports please visit: www.MadisonCountyAgriculture.com – or “Like” AED on Facebook to keep up-to-date on the latest Open Farm Day news.

Open Farm Day would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Price Chopper Grocery Store, Cazenovia Equipment Company, Madfoods.com, Gorman Foundation, Farm Credit East, CaroVail, Chiobani, WMCR, Gifford Foundation, Plank Road Magazine, Farm Bureau Madison County, Empire Brewery, Colgate Inn, Upstate Institute at Colgate University, Organic Valley, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Obreza Trucking and Romagnoli’s Tree Farm.

Want to help out at Open Farm Day?? Volunteers are needed

Open Farm Day Volunteers

Have fun and help a local farmer!

Volunteers are needed to staff an informational table at a local farm participating in Open Farm Day. Share the excitement of this great program by actively participating in open farm day. Duties include: welcoming participants, stamping passports, and providing information about locally grown foods and Cornell Cooperative Extension programs. Two hour shifts are available so you can help out, then visit a few farms yourself. Each volunteer will receive a complimentary Buy Local cap and bag as our thanks for your help.

Sign up now! Call Lindsey McDonnell at 684-3001 Ext 125

Youth Mentoring

The need is great. You can make a real difference in a child’s life. Become A Youth Mentor.

If you love young people and enjoy a volunteer experience with meaningful results,

Youth Mentoring is for you!!

The basic commitment is to meet with a local youth for one hour per week for 18 months.

Youth range in age from 10 – 14 years old. These are crucial years for young people to develop the

social and academic skills needed for a successful life. There are 50 youth waiting for mentors in Madison County.

You receive complete support from Community Action Partnership.

Many young people just need a helping hand from a caring adult other than parents or teachers.

Could this be you?? Call JoAnne Morak at CAP 697-3588 for details.

Tell her RSVP sent you!!

The Chittenango Garden Club is holding its annual “Plant Sale” on Sat. May 19, 2012 from 8 am until noon at Stickles Park, Rt.5 & 13 in Chittenango. Plants for sale include geraniums, annuals, hanging baskets, house plants and perennials from members’ gardens. There will also be used gardening tools for sale. Come early for best selection. The United Methodist Church will be selling coffee and donuts under the tent. For more information please call 687-3296.

May 19th & 20th. – Celebrate New York Heritage Weekend at Chittenango Landing in cooperation with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and NY Cultural Heritage Tourism.

· Open house 10:00 – 4pm.

· Free admission

· Guided Tours

· Children’s Hands-on Activities

· Lunch / $5.00 (Sponsored by FOCAL Point of Chittenango) Proceeds will go to CLCBM

· Walk-On Boat Exhibit

· Blacksmith Demonstration

· Handmade Quilts

· Gift Shop Open (don’t forget members get a 10 percent discount of their total bill)

· (We are looking for docents for the two days. 2 hour shifts , 10 – 12, 12 – 2, 2-4)

New York Heritage Weekend will showcase the Empire State for residents and visitors alike and for help kick off the summer tourism season.

Volunteers are needed for Heritage Weekend

Sunday, June 17th – Canal Fest / We areCelebrating Chittenango’s Bicentennial! “Chittenango On The Grand Ole’ Erie”

· $5.00 adults / $3.00 for members / 12 and under free

· Entertainment: North Water, Todd Hess and Pete Shank, Erie Canal Cloggers and Ventriloquist

· Father’s Day Chicken BBQ, Pies, Ice Cream and Beverages

Volunteers are needed for Canal Fest: Donna Lynch is looking for volunteers for inside – Pat and Jim is looking for help with the BBQ – We are also looking for help out on the site.

Office for the Aging presentation at the Cazenovia Public Library

Theresa Davis, Executive Director, and Patty Edwards, Advocate from the Madison County Office for the Aging, will share an informative presentation regarding the services provided by the Office for the Aging on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:00 pm in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room.

Though the name—Madison County Office for the Aging—implies that it is a county department, it is, in fact, a private not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advocate, assist, and provide services that enrich the quality of life and promote the independence and dignity of older individuals and their families.

Currently, there are 30 programs and services at the Office for the Aging that are offered to senior citizens aged 60 and over. As Executive Director, Davis administers these programs and services that empower and sustain older persons and their caregivers as well as ensuring that departments of local government and private agencies are aware of and responsive to the current and future needs of older residents of Madison County, many of whom are frail and isolated throughout the county.

This opportunity to learn what the Madison County Office for the Aging has to offer is free and open to the public. For more information, call 655-9322 or visit www.cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.

Finding Nemo at the Cazenovia Public Library

Family movies at the Cazenovia Public Library continue on Friday, May 25th at 3:15 and 7:00 pm with Finding Nemo, a wonderfully funny and nonstop thrill ride that the whole family will love.

In Finding Nemo, Pixar continues its run of impeccable artistic successes, lending an indispensable vigor and wit to the sagging art of mainstream animation. Here, a delightful undersea world unfolds when Nemo is captured and borne off in a diver’s net, and his neurotic father, a clown fish named Marlin, sets off to rescue him. Sharks, deep-sea anglers, fields of poisonous jellyfish, sea turtles, pelicans, and much more must all be thwarted if Marlin is to be successful. (Amazon.com)

Finding Nemo is rated G and runs for 100 minutes. As always, admission and popcorn are free.

For more information on the movie schedule at the Cazenovia Public Library, call 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.

The Peterboro Civil War Weekend Committee invites the public to step back to 1862 on June 9 and 10 to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The 12th U.S. Infantry hosts the encampment. For two decades the Peterboro encampment has demonstrated aspects of military and civilian life. In recent years exhibits and programs on abolition and the Underground Railroad have been added. During the event Peterboro relives the period of the mid 1800s when the hamlet held national recognition because of Gerrit Smith’s Underground Railroad station, the visitations of famous abolitionists, and the connection with John Brown that sparked the Civil War. Peterboro sites are on the Heritage NY Underground Railroad Trail and on the National Park Service Network to Freedom Underground Railroad Trail. The annual event is an educational and fundraising event sponsored by the Smithfield Community Association, the Town of Smithfield, and private donors. Proceeds from the event support the preservation and promotion of the heritage of the Town of Smithfield.

Civil War Weekend Event Hours

Peterboro, NY

Saturday, June 9 hours are 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, June 10 hours are from 10 am – 4 pm.

Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for ages 6 – 12, and free for children under 6.

Parking is free.

For more information contact 315-684-3262 and

civilwarweekend.sca-peterboro.org

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786@cornell.edu

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.org

What: Collection and Disposal of Waste Medication & Pharmaceuticals

Clean – out your medicine cabinets and properly dispose of expired and unwanted medications!

Where: Madison County Main Landfill 6663 Buyea Rd, Town of Lincoln

The landfill is 3 miles South from the Route 5 Wampsvillle traffic light.

Please Note: Please bring waste medication in original containers. Black out your name with a magic marker

Accepted Items / unwanted controlled & non-controlled prescription medicines, over the counter drugs (liquids or pills)

Sharps, (lancets & syringes) vitamins – Veterinary Meds

Sponsored by: The Madison County Department of Solid Waste and Sanitation; RSVP of Madison County; The Madison County’s Promise; Madison County Sheriff’s Department; Madison County STOP DWI; The Drug Enforcement Administration.

National Volunteer Week is April 15 – 21, 2012. In a National Proclamation our President stated, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our schools and shelters, hospitals and hotlines, and faith-based and community groups. From mentoring at-risk youth and caring for older Americans to supporting our veterans and military families and rebuilding after disasters, these everyday heroes make a real and lasting impact on the lives of millions of women and men across the globe.”

Last year, nearly 63 million Americans gave of themselves through service throughout our country. Their compassion is a testament to the generosity of the American spirit. In difficult times, Americans are coming together — tackling our challenges instead of ignoring them — and renewing the principle that we are our brother’s keeper and our sister’s keeper.

Here in Madison County, 675 RSVP volunteers logged in over 70,000 hours of service in the past year working diligently in our museums, libraries, PAC 10, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, food pantries, thrift shops and more. If you got your taxes done with the TCE program, thank a volunteer. Attended a Bone Builders exercise group, thank a volunteer. Utilized the pharmaceutical ‘Safe Pill Drop Off program, thank a volunteer. Attended an AARP Driving Class, thank a volunteer. Were driven to a medical appointment through the OFA or CRIS-CAT transportation service, thank a volunteer. Received advocacy through the Long Term Care Ombudsman program, thank a volunteer. These are only a few examples of the breadth and variety of service our volunteers provide. We so APPRECIATE AND RESPECT the work our corps of volunteers provide all over Madison County. Just wanted to say a great big Thank You!

From the Staff and Advisory Council of RSVP

GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. is a 501 c 3 non-profit, inclusive organization that offers horse-related activities (Equine Assisted Activities) and riding instruction to persons of all abilities, those who are at-risk, and to Veterans and Seniors as well. From the Ground Up is the only PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Int’l.) Premier Accredited Center in Central New York.

On Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 1-4 PM, From the Ground Up (FTGU) will hold a Volunteer Training Day for 2012. This training is being held for new and existing volunteers to prepare for the 2012 lesson season. All trainees should wear shoes with hard soles and toes (please, no sneakers!) and dress in layers. The training will be held at Mystic Mountain Farm, 2130 Webber Road, New Woodstock, NY 13122. This training will also provide the Introductory Training for anyone interested in volunteering with FTGU’s Mobile Program that will serve the Greater Syracuse area. FMI contact Marilyn @ mncrev or call 315-727-7412. Please also visit the website www.ftguhorses.org.

Andrea Colella
Executive Director
From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
www.ftguhorses.org

ECGC 2012

Join us at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum for the first Erie Canal Geographic Conference on Fri. April 27, 2012. This event is sponsored by the NY Geographic Alliance and CLCBM and is FREE for all educators, museum docents, canal enthusiasts and geographers who teach about the Erie Canal and related topics. The conference starts at 9 AM, lunch will be provided. Register online at the NYGA website tmcdonnell.

BLACKSMITH WORKSHOP

Durand Van Doren, a professional artist blacksmith, will be presenting a Blacksmith Workshop at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum on Sat. April 21 from 9 AM until 4 PM and Sun. April 22 from 10 AM until 3 PM. This is an excellent hands-on introduction to a wide range of techniques, skills, materials and tools. Cost is $50 for both days, lunch is included. For more information and to make a reservation please call 315-687-3801 or email coordinator. The museum is located at 7010 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango.

Cazenovia Impressionism showcased at the Cazenovia Public Library

A recent visitor to the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery commented, “It’s so nice to be able to enjoy good art without driving to a museum and spending an entire day in the process.”

Until the end of May, a stop at the Library Art Gallery will reveal “Cazenovia Impressionism,” a display of paintings that have been donated over the years to the Cazenovia Public Library and that represent the time period in which American Impressionism flourished. Also displayed are more modern paintings done by Cazenovia artists that have similarities to the earlier works.

The era of American Impressionism began in the late 1800’s when American artists studying at home and abroad began developing a style of Impressionism that was similar to their French predecessors. Painting mostly out-of-doors, these artists sought to convey the fleeting effects of sunlight and atmosphere, creating a heightened sense of reality in their work. They often painted landscapes and scenes of leisure, but the real subject they were rendering was the overall sense of light. (Lyme Art Colony)

The “Cazenovia Impressionism” exhibit showcases works by Frank Townsend Hutchens, Dwight Williams, Carol King Jenney, Mary Padgett, Ann Cross and Charlie Hammond.

While at the library, stop by the main lobby cases and view the Cazenovia water distribution system display. The 19th century wooden water pipes are amazing!

The Cazenovia Public Library is open from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. weekdays and from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturdays. And don’t forget that free transportation through CRIS-CAT is provided for Cazenovia, Fenner, and Nelson residents over 55 and ambulatory. Just call 655-0612 between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. three to five days in advance.

Mark your calendar: The theme of American Impressionism continues on Wednesday, May 30th at 7:00 pm with a lecture by Dr. Paul D’Ambrosio, Vice President and Chief Curator for the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. D’Ambrosio has previously spoken at the Cazenovia Public Library on Winslow Homer, Frederic Edwin Church, Grandma Moses, Frederic Remington, John Singer Sargent, and Edward Hopper.

For more information on the exhibits at the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery or other library events, please call 655-9322 or visit www.cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.

Heads Up! Peterboro Civil War Weekend Coming June 9th & 10

Each summer, on the second weekend in June, the Smithfield Community Association and the Town of Smithfield hold the annual Civil War Weekend.

Peterboro invites everyone to visit and experience what life was like 150 years ago. After visiting the soldiers camps enjoy the music, drama, storytelling, and period craft demonstrations. Come for a day, wander through Confederate and Union camps and listen to the stories of the men and women. Watch them drill for the battle. Each afternoon, hear the sound of cannons booming and muskets cracking. The smoke of gun powder will rise as the north and south face off for a very realistic battle reenactment.

Also, see attached poster for info on two upcoming concerts sponsored by Earlville Opera House in collaboration with the 20th Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend.

For more info go to…

http://civilwarweekend.sca-peterboro.org/

The Hamilton Senior Center is now accepting reservations for the Merry-Go-Round Theater production of "Kiss Me, Kate", the
first ever winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical. An enduring love story with a raucous
twist on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew featuring the songs “Wunderbar”, “So In Love”,
“Too Darn Hot”, and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” Fans of "Anything Goes" won’t want to
miss this Cole Porter classic.

Hamilton Senior Center
525 Madison Lane Apts
Hamilton, NY 13346

I’m looking forward to sharing with you another season of great theater!
Steve Spiller, Facilitator

The Curriculum Committee of the Board of Directors at the Upstate Institute Lifelong Learning Program (LLP) is busy at work planning next years agenda of courses. We are asking for your input into what types of courses you would like to see offered by LLP. Is there a particular field of interest you would like better represented? Any follow-up courses to classes that have already been offered? Any specific suggestions for classes? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. We work hard to insure that all our members interests are being represented and this can only happen with your input.

Please take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. You may respond directly to LLP .

Thank you for your help!

That’s all the news we have this time. Have a great weekend!!

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.org

They’re Coming Home!!

The 10th Mountain Division 3rd Combat Brigade at Ft. Drum Fire & Effects Coordination Cell deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011 is returning to the US. RSVP volunteers adopted this platoon and has been supporting them throughout the year with help and contributions from generous citizens around Madison County. On behalf of the RSVP Advisory Council, staff and members of the FECC Platoon, we want to thank everyone who donated snacks and toiletries, wrote letters, donated money to pay for postage and other necessary items, knit hats and gave of their time to help this worthwhile effort. All told, we sent over 40 boxes to our platoon in Kandahar and another five large boxes of diapers, baby clothes, toys and snacks to families at Ft. Drum. We especially want to thank the 10 dedicated RSVP Volunteers who gathered each month to pick up donations, write letters, cards, and pack boxes.

Below is a message from Cpt. John Young, our contact person for the platoon sent in early February 2012.

"Our time in Afghanistan is coming to an end. A few of the guys, to include myself, will begin our journey back to Fort Drum in the next couple of days. We expect to be home around the 2nd week of February. The remaining guys will make their way back in during February and the whole platoon should be back by the end of March. We really appreciate the support and care packages you and the ladies have sent over the course of our deployment. We recently had a promotion and awards ceremony for some of the Soldiers in the COLT platoon, the majority of the platoon received an Army Commendation Medal for their hard work over the last year."

This link to home had a large impact on the morale of the soldiers during their time in Afghanistan. Captain John Young, our liaison, stressed the importance of the link-ups.“It is so important for our troops to feel America cares and appreciates what they are doing,” Young said. Thank you once again for supporting our troops.

Here’s a few important notices from around the county. Attached is the immunization schedule sent to us from the Madison County Health Department.

Scroll down to see other news….

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786@cornell.edu

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.org

Can you fill this Important Position?

You are needed as a Volunteer at the Morrisville Food Cupboard to help provide emergency food to those in need. Volunteers help to register and service families in need, package groceries, stock shelves and provide record keeping.

Your help would be appreciated one day or two days a week from

9 AM to Noon. The Morrisville Food Cupboard is open Monday through Friday. It is conveniently located at the Community Action Program, 3 East Main Street in Morrisville.

If you would like more information about this important volunteer opportunity please call

RSVP Volunteers at 315-684-3001

You can make a difference!

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum’s Annual 9-Pin No Tap Bowling Bash will be held on Sunday Feb. 26, 2012 at Hi-Way Bowl on Rt. 5 in Canastota. This is a community and family fun event to benefit the museum. Bowling starts at 1 PM and the cost is $20 per person, $35 per couple or $70 for a group of four. Prizes will be awarded and there is a maximum of 60 bowlers so make your reservations soon. Please call 687-9015 or mail your check to CLCBM Bowling, c/oTreasurer, 7010 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango, NY 13037.

Annual Gerrit Smith Birthday Party
Gerrit Smith and the Civil War presented by Norman K. Dann PhD.

Hi Everyone,

Looks like everyone is off to a great start in 2012! Below you will find our first E-Newsletter of the year. You can read about our upcoming volunteer services study, the Ag Economic Development newsletter, a note from our adopted platoon, an article about service, and listings of local events submitted by area non-profits. I have attached the RSVP 2011 Annual Review, and the Upstate Institute’s Lifelong Learning Program’s Spring catalogue.

Cheers,

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

(Note: To access links press Ctrl, then click.)

RSVP Receives Grant for Volunteer Services Study

(Madison County, NY – Jan. 2012) RSVP has received a grant from The Gifford Foundation to conduct a county-wide assessment of volunteer needs in the community.

It is well-known that volunteers provide invaluable service to Madison County non-profits. Indeed, many of our critical community needs are serviced by dedicated volunteers. Non-profits are being asked to do more with less and may not be taking full advantage of volunteer services available to them. RSVP wants to find out what the volunteer needs of the non-profits are and what services non-profits desire from a volunteer support agency.

An assessment survey will be distributed in mid-February. The Madison County Volunteer Services Needs Assessment final report can be used by non-profits for improved community collaborations and program development purposes. RSVP will benefit by adding to its programs and marketing strategies in light of local community needs. As a result of the project, RSVP expects to diversify its funding and expand its program to offer additional volunteer support services in Madison County.

RSVP is thrilled by the opportunity to conduct this volunteer services needs assessment. We appreciate this grant support and the work of The Gifford Foundation in Central New York. Many Madison County non-profits have been strengthened over the years by the Gifford Foundation’s grantmaking. The proposed feasibility study will benefit RSVP and Madison County as a whole by being a catalyst that strengthens and improves volunteer services.

This release was submitted by Mary Bartlett, director of RSVP of Madison County.

Welcome to Madison County’s Ag E-Newsletter

You can also view the newsletter and archives at www.madisoncountyagriculture.com.

Madison County Agriculture’s Monthly E-Newsletter

Newsletter Includes:

Upcoming Events

· Cornell offers online marketing class for new farmers this winter

· Marketing for Profit: Tools for Success Webinar Series Launched

· FARM FOOD SAFETY TRAINING WITH GAPs

· Beekeeper Ross Conrad to speak on mite control in bee hives

· Shades of Green in Madison County: A Green Living Experience

In The News

· Central New York lands $103.7 million for economic development

· NY Pasture Walk Promotes Virtues of Extended Grazing

Opportunities & Classifieds

· Beginning Farmer Land Contract Program to Launch in 2012

UNCLASSIFIED

A note from our adopted platoon – dated December 27, 2011

Hi Mary,

Wanted to let you know we received the packages with the popcorn and beef jerky. They are just about gone, everyone loved the popcorn. We are beginning to wind down a little bit here. We have about 9 more weeks before we start heading home. The weather is very much like central New York right about now except we haven’t seen any snow. Do you have much yet? Thanks again for the snacks, everyone enjoyed them. Talk to you soon.

Take Care

Cpt. John Young CPT John Young

3 BCT, 10th Mountain Division

Five Reasons Why We Serve

http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=148

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum PRESS RELEASE

Family Fun Night at 4 Seasons to benefit Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum is scheduled for Friday Jan. 20, 2012 from 6 to 9 PM. $15 per person. Call 687-3801 for information. FREE Hot cocoa and cookies. Come join the fun tubing at Four Seasons, Rt. 5, Fayetteville.

The Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick’s Church in Chittenango and the Acme Mystery Theatre present "Fiddler on the Loose" dinner theater on Sat. Jan.

28, 2012 at the church, Murray Dr. and Rt.5 Chittenango. The show starts at 6:30 PM and is interactive theater with dinner featuring Kopp’s Chicken Fricasse and dessert. Tickets are $25 per person, $30 per person at the door. Please call Frank Di at 687-7364, Rob at 687-3494 or Ed at 687-7302 for tickets or more information. This show guarantees a lot of laughs "Who Done It?" that will test the detective in you!

Creekside Bottle Return Supports the Food Pantry!

Did you know that you can make your empty returnable cans and bottles work for the Bridgeport Food Pantry? The Creekside Bottle Return, on the corner of Green St. and Rt. 31 will gladly accept your bottles and cans and convert them to a case contribution for the local food pantry. It’s a ‘win/win’ for all… you win by clearing out that coveted space and the Food Pantry wins with your contribution. You can make a difference with very little effort!

Moneyball to be shown at the Cazenovia Public Library

Moneyball, a film that makes baseball statistics seem fascinating, will be shown at 2:00 and 6:30 pm on Thursday, January 19th in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room.

In Moneyball, Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, challenges the system and defies conventional wisdom when he is forced to rebuild his small-market team on a limited budget. Despite opposition from the old guard, the media, fans, and their own field manager, Beane—with the help of a young, number-crunching, Yale-educated economist—develops a roster of misfits. And along the way, he forever changes the way the game is played. (Amazon.com)

Moneyball is rated PG 13 and runs for 133 minutes. Admission and popcorn are always free.

And don’t forget that free transportation through CRIS-CAT is provided for Cazenovia, Fenner, and Nelson residents over 55 and ambulatory. Just call 655-0612 between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. three to five days in advance.

Just a note: The display cases in the front lobby of the Cazenovia Public Library are reserved for local collections. In the past, such items as piggy banks and dolls have adorned these cases—to the delight of the library’s many visitors. If anyone has a collection that you would like to share with the community, please call the library at 655-9322 to make arrangements.

For more information, visit www.cazenoviapubliclibrary.org or call 655-9322.

Community wide event in Morrisville: the Valentine Express

is happening on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 1 p.m., in the Morrisville Community Church’s Fellowship Hall, Swamp Rd., Morrisville.

Remember the fun we had as kids making valentines? Remember how much fun it was sharing these valentines with special people? This is the aim of the Valentine Express. During an afternoon of fun and fellowship, we invite you to help make valentines to fill up the Valentine Express. The purpose for this activity: to deliver the valentines to Crouse Community Center, Valentine’s Day 2012.

Materials for making the valentines will be provided. What participants need to bring: Scissors! However, those that want to make valentines using stamping materials will need to bring their own stamping supplies.

All aboard! Join the Valentine Express.

This event is sponsored by the Presbyterian Women’s Ministry team of the Morrisville Community Church. Questions: contact Maxine Hunter, 684: 9278.

From: Lifelong Learning Program [mailto:llp@colgate.edu]

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting our spring schedule of Lifelong Learning classes, and I’m happy to let you know that we have the semester finalized! As usual, the steering committee has done a wonderful job of lining up some very interesting, and timely, courses. We have some favorites back, such as Susan Cerasano, with "The One-Month Macbeth"; Dick Cheshire and Carl Albrecht with "With Liberty and Justice for All?: The Pledge vs. The Plague", continuing on their theme of democracy in America; and Harvey Kliman with some much-requested tutorials on Microsoft Windows 7 and Office 2010. In addition, we have some newcomers to our teaching list: Professor Noor Khan who will facilitate "Middle East: Current Events in Context"; Professor Beth Parks with "Putting the Sun to Work", and Judge Hugh Humphreys with "A Golden Potpourri – Readings from Some of My Favorite Works." These are just a few examples of the diverse range of courses available this spring.

I have attached a copy of the program. If you would like a paper copy, please let me know and I can mail you one or you can pick one up at the Hamilton Public Library. More information, as well as the registration form, may be found at http://upstate.colgate.edu/programs/lifelonglearning.aspx. Please register early as some of these classes are sure to fill up fast.

Submitted by:

Hi Everyone,

Just a couple of messages today to wrap up our year at RSVP. The good news is it looks like our funding will be there for 2012 so we will still be in business in the new year. As you are aware, there has been much discussion in the news and politics about what programs should continue or not in these tough economic times. I have included a short article about the value of volunteer time and its impact on the non-profit sector. RSVP is the only program in Madison County that supports volunteers through benefits to individuals and the non-profits who use volunteers. We are thankful that we will still continue to provide this much needed service in 2012.

The final article is an amazing story of rescue in Sitka, Alaska. I just thought it was a heartwarming message and an great example of a family being/working together.

Enjoy,

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

How much is a volunteer really worth???

The Independent Sector www.independentsector.org is the leadership network for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs committed to advancing the common good in America and around the world. The group gathers data to produce an estimate of the value of volunteer hours in America. The most recent hourly value average is $21.36 per hour. In 2011, 656 RSVP Volunteers logged in 61,774 hours served in Madison County making the return on investment for volunteer time $1,319,492. In other words, if all the non-profits using RSVP volunteers had to hire this help it would be worth over a million dollars. WOW!! Some say, ‘Well, that’s just an average. It’s not real numbers.’ Yet, ask any non-profit leader if they could afford to stay afloat if they had to pay their volunteers even minimum wage and the answer is an unqualified no. As well, it is the caring and community spirit that makes our local non-profits the backbone of our community. To paraphrase the famous commercial, average value of volunteer time $21.36 per hour – volunteer caring and community spirit – priceless. Once again, MANY, MANY THANKS to all RSVP Volunteers for giving your time, skill and caring to help make Madison County a strong community.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Wishing you all the beauty & joy of this wonderful season

and sending sincere appreciation

for all your volunteer efforts throughout the year.

Best Wishes from Mary, Eileen, Lucille and the RSVP Advisory Council

See you in 2012!

Hi Everyone,

Christmas is coming – the geese are getting fat Please put a penny in the old man’s hat!

There are many opportunities for giving throughout the holiday season – from putting some change in the Salvation Army bucket to helping with special holiday collections. We want to thank all of you volunteers for giving of your time, energy and caring throughout the year as well as during the holidays. So many of our critical services from ambulances, fire departments, blood banks, libraries, food pantries, and thrift shops (to name just a few) would not be able to operate without you. Thanks for all you do!!

Below are a few notices of interest for upcoming programs and events from some of our non-profit partners. Please send your Christmas announcements and events to me at mb786 by December 14th so I can post in our Dec 15th E-news.

Thanks,

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

Winter farmers’ markets in Madison County

Did you know that you can enjoy locally grown foods all winter? There are three fantastic winter farmers’ markets in Madison County and they are easily accessible. This is the second year for the three markets which alternate on the first, second and third Saturdays each month from November to April (only Cazenovia is open in January). Local producers will have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, unique cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods and more. Each market is sponsored by a different organization and they feature many growers from our area.

Where: Madison Hall, Route 20, Morrisville

When: 1st Saturdays, November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 3 & April 7

9:00-1:00pm

Sponsored by: “Madison Hall Association”

Where: Poolville Community Center County Route 89, Poolville.

When: 2nd Saturdays, November 12, December 10, February 11, March 10 & April 14

10:00-12:00pm

Sponsored by: “Things From Here”

Contact: Amy Sommers at aminakina@yahoo.com

Where: Cazenovia American Legion Hall, 26 Chenango St., Cazenovia.

When: 3rd Saturdays, November 19, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 17 & April 121

10:00-2:00pm

Sponsored by: Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Andy Shephard at 315-655-9243.

Where: Circa Restaurant, Cazenovia

When: December 3, 9-noon Future markets will be Jan,7, Feb4,March3,and April7 Contact Alicyn Hart 655-8768

It’s a great way to get out, see friends, meet local growers and enjoy the special foods of Central New York.

Each of these Markets offer unique flavors… Visit them all!

Contact person: Steve Miller FMNP Coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension 315 684-3001 x127 or sgm6

The Help to be shown at the Cazenovia Public Library

The Help, based on the #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett, will be shown in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 14th.

The Help is an inspirational, courageous, and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960’s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project—one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless, universal, and triumphant story about the ability to create change. (Amazon.com)

This film is rated PG13 and runs for 137 minutes. As always, admission and popcorn are free.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Super 8 (appropriate for teens) on December 16th and Kung Fu Panda 2 on December 28th.

For more information on the movie schedule at the Cazenovia Public Library, call 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.

MAD Art Group showcased at the Cazenovia Public Library

From December 3, 2011, to January 28, 2012, visitors to the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery can enjoy unique and varied artworks exhibited by the MAD Art Group.

Recognizing that the southern Madison County area was home to a talented pool of artists and artisans, a group of individuals who wanted to share a greater awareness of the arts with the community through art instruction and exhibition formed MAD Art, Inc. in 2006 in Hamilton, NY. Members are artists and non-artists who share the view that the arts are an important part of our rural communities.

MAD Art offers a variety of classes for art exploration, taught by member artists or guest artists from the surrounding area with classes held at various locations in the community. Ranging from artist book “self-publishing” workshops to wet felting, past workshops have also included basket making, quilting, Chinese brush painting, printmaking, calligraphy, plein air painting, clay work, and more.

Artists representing photography in the exhibit at the Cazenovia Public Library are Susan Beattie, Margaret Brenner, Frank Devlin, Richard Grant, Lee Ingraham, and Mark Williams. Joyce Halliday Smith, Charlotte Blanchard, Jon Iannitti, and Beverly Choltco-Devlin represent artworks in oil, acrylic paint, or watercolor, and the pastel drawings are the work of Amy Eustance.

The Cazenovia Public Library is open from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. weekdays and from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturdays. And don’t forget that free transportation through CRIS-CAT is provided for Cazenovia, Fenner, and Nelson residents over 55 and ambulatory. Just call 655-0612 between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. three to five days in advance.

For more information, call 655-9322 or visit www.cazenoviapubliclibrary.org. Interested persons are also invited to the MAD Art website at www.madartinc.org

TAXES TAXES TAXES

It’s not too early to start thinking about getting your taxes done. The RSVP Tax Counselors are currently updating themselves on changes in tax law for the coming tax season. We will be scheduling appointments for Madison County residents over age 60 for FREE tax preparation service after the first of the year. In the meantime, you can get prepared by putting together what you need to bring to your tax appointment:

1. Valid photo ID

2. Last years tax return

3. Social Security Cards (you, spouse and dependents)

4. All forms W-2’s and 1099’s

5. Info from other income

6. Info for deductions/credits

7. Current year’s tax package or label

8. Proof of account for direct deposit of refund

That’s all for today…….

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786@cornell.edu

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.org

National Senior Corps Association (NSCA)

Innovator’s Award Winner Announced

Award Sponsored by Humana Corporation

NSCA is pleased to announce the Winner of the 2011 Innovators Award for RSVP Volunteers

RSVP: Mary Bartlett, RSVP of Madison County, NY

The Nation Senior Corps Association announced the winner of the 2011 Innovators Award for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program to RSVP of Madison County NY. The award commends RSVP Volunteers of Madison County as a shining example of creativity and the ability to forge new ground in Senior Corps project development and came with a $650 prize.

The NSCA Innovators Award is designed to identify and publicize innovative practices in Senior Corps program management. Winning entries must be existing practices that address issues common to Senior Corps program management. They must be replicable, realize a concrete or measurable outcome, and lead to superior program performance. Innovative practices are distinguished by their creativity and contribute to the improved performance of the RSVP program.

RSVP of Madison County’s winning entry was the Building Non-Profit Capacity Through Volunteer Engagement project. The program implemented a four-pronged marketing approach for volunteer recruitment including convening focus groups, offering new volunteer opportunities, publicizing volunteers profiles, updating the website and including social media in volunteer recruitment efforts. The project helped RSVP Madison NY enlist 106 new volunteers in 2010 and add four new projects with measurable community impact. The marketing and recruitment project was made possible by a generous grant from the Central New York Community Foundation.

RSVP of Madison County NY is a Corporation for National & Community Service Agency, Sponsored by: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County,

With local support from The United Way of Greater Oneida, and the Community Chests of Canastota, Hamilton, Town of Sullivan, and the United Community Chest of the Towns of Cazenovia, Fenner, & Nelson, and other generous individual contributors.

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786@cornell.edu

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.org

RSVP Partners with Habitat for Humanity for Make A Difference Day

Volunteers Doug Taberg, Phil Robb, Candyce Robb, Stephen Goodfriend and Judi Goodfriend get ready to replace a railing at a house in Erieville.

Oct. 22 was national ‘Make A Difference” day and RSVP partnered with Habitat for Humanity to place 24 volunteers in A Brush With Kindness program.

Five homes around Madison County got some needed repairs. Selected homes were based on greatest need and on the availability of resources needed to complete the work.

In Erieville, volunteers worked on repairing a porch railing, rain gutters were installed on a house in Chittenango, indoor painting and carpet preparation work was done on houses in Bridgeport and North Chittenango and an air exchange system was installed on a home in West Eaton.

One volunteer team needed to get more supplies and plans to return this coming weekend to finish the rain gutter job in Chittenango. One volunteer commented, “It was nice to be able to help out and I learned a lot about how to do a project at my own home.” RSVP of Madison County and Habitat for Humanity have had a long standing partnership and wanted to do a special project together. It was a great success and leads to more opportunities for the groups to work together.

In fact, RSVP is calling for volunteers to work with Habitat in a house deconstruction near Hamilton during the month of November. No special skills required. Habitat will use materials from the deconstruction in ‘A Brush With Kindness’ program. Deconstruction is the process of “carefully” taking apart a building to reuse as much of the material as possible. This project will also help to keep materials out of our landfills. They will be taking out cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets and switches, lights, doors, windows… and the list goes on and on. How much they are able to save is directly related to how many volunteers they have.

If you would like more information you may call Rev. Greg Wright (315-374-9054) or email him at gwright. To sign up to volunteer there is a “Doodle” scheduling page set up at doodle.com/ry48nuixgcnfw9uc. Indicate your availability and you will be contacted to confirm a schedule.

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786@cornell.edu

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.org

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