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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Below is a report about the event.

Colgate students write personal letters to RSVP’s adopted platoon

September 11 Day of Service

Twenty five Colgate students stopped by the COVE (Center for Outreach, Volunteering and Education) on September 11 to visit with RSVP Volunteers and write letters to our adopted platoon stationed in Afghanistan. The students wrote long notes to specific individuals in our platoon thanking them for their service and sending personal thoughts and prayers. Some students then joined RSVP volunteers for dinner and a community conversation about the impact of 9/11 on our lives.

Since this was our first partnership between the COVE and RSVP Volunteers, we were hoping for a good turn out and time to share stories about 9/11. There were over fifty people in attendance to hear Jane Pinchin, who was interim President of Colgate University when the attacks occurred. Her remarks were inspirational for both students and community members. The group then shared dinner and their reflections of the meaning of 9/11 and came away with increased respect for differing opinions and personal experiences. It was interesting for both students and volunteers to share their thoughts and feelings. We especially appreciated the intergenerational perspective and we are excited by further opportunities for shared days of service with COVE.

Everyone who attended came of their own volition out of a personal need to share. As one participant said, "I have been listening to the coverage all day and I just felt I needed to be with people who care."

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

Hi Everyone,

Here is link to an update about the legislative issues and our funding. It pretty much says we are in a waiting stage right now.

We will find out about 2012 later in the year. http://www.nscatogether.org/legedu.htm

In the meantime, please use goodsearch for RSVP Madison County. Info Below!!

It’s easy, just download the toolbar and use the goodsearch web browser when surfing the Internet.

with only 100 people the average annual amount donated is $730.

Every little bit helps. You can download the search toolbar to get started at the link below.

GOODSEARCH.COM

http://www.goodsearch.com/nonprofit/rsvp-madison-county-cooperative-extension-association.aspx

Here are some announcements of upcoming programs and items of interest below.

RSVP sponsors Bone Builders, an ongoing exercise program using weights, this general fitness program helps to build bone and muscle, aids in the prevention of Osteoporosis, and hlps with balance and arthritis relief. The program is FREE to all Madison County residents 50 years of age and up. Groups meet in various towns throughout the county. For more information or to find a group near you, call Eileen at 684-3001 Ext 103.

Medicare Drug Questions???

Call Madison County Office for the Aging, Inc. at 697-5700 for all the latest information. Staff members will take the time to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision and choose the coverage that is best for you. Individual counseling is available.

A "Chinese Dinner & Auction" will be held at Morrisville Community Church on Friday, August 26th. Admission is $5.00 per person and includes: Chinese Dinner Buffet Style, Tea, Water, Dessert, a Welcome Goodie Bag and 4 Auction Tickets. Additional Auction Tickets can be purchased there. Additional snacks and Beverages will also be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30. Dinner begins at 6:00. Auction begins at 7:00. Must be present during auction to win. All auction items have been donated by local business and Artists. All proceeds go toward the "Futuring" mission work of The Outreach & Evangelism Committee of Morrisville Community Church. We hope to see you there!

Volunteer training at From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. will be held Saturday September 10th from 1-4 .

You will learn to side-walk with a demonstration rider and we will go over our policies and procedures.

Please let Bridget [ftguvol@verizon.net] know if you plan to attend and if you wish, she will send you the necessary paperwork to fill out before you come. 


Lessons are running T,W, Th and F early afternoon through early evening.

FTGU especially needs volunteers to help staff the Special Olympic Equestrians 8 week training period. FTGU is the designated training center for this region.

The stable is located at Mystic Mountain Farm 2130 Webber Road New Woodstock, NY. It is very easy to find from RTE 80 – take School St. and Webber Rd. will be the first road on your right and the stable is at the very end, enter the cul du sac and keep left (go towards the mail box) for the long driveway to the barn.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at our PATH Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center. NARHA has a new name: Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH).

**************************************************************************************************************************************

A Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Recruitment & Training Day will be held from 8:30 am – 4pm at the Madison county Health Department August 23 in Wampsville. The MCR involves medical and non-medical volunteers, trained in advance to assist local communities in health emergencies. Interested in becoming a MRC volunteer? Attend the training day to join and complete your start-up training in a day! To register for this FREE training, or to learn more cal Jennifer at 366-2576.

Mary Bartlett

The 3rd Annual Mad CoW 5K Race

A Rt 20 Road Challenge Event Sanctioned by the USATF

Presented by In Your PACE Running Club

5K (3.1 miles) Run/Walk Nelson NY

Saturday August 6, 2011 9:00 am

Proceeds benefit Community Action Partnership and other local charities.

Entry forms and waivers available on-line at

www.inyourpace.com or www.capmadco.org

Volunteers needed at the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark

This is truly a gem in our area. Thanks to a grant from the Central NY Community Foundation, the heritage projects in the Town of Smithfield have been able to develop a central visitor center and open the Peterboro Mercantile, a community heritage shop. The site is open weekends 1-5 and other times for special events. Volunteers are needed at the visitor center and Mercantile. If you are interested in helping out contact Mary Bartlett at RSVP 684-3001.

Sunday July 24, 2011

2 pm FREE Lecture

Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark

4543 Peterboro Rd, Peterboro, NY

Presents:

Maggie Fox, Victorian America’s Reluctant Spiritualist

A lecture by Nancy Rubin Stuart Author and Journalist

For more information visit: www.gerritsmith.org

Town of Sullivan Recreation Program sponsors FREE outdoor movie nights

Grab your lawn chair and blanket and head on out to the parks in Chittenango to catch some free flicks!

Bring the kids, grandkids, and your inner kid…

Ramona & Beezus Rated G

July 22 rain date July 23

Movie starts at dusk

Community Recreation Park

707 Legion Drive Chittenango

Toy Story 3 Rated G

August 18 rain date August 19

Sullivan Park

Buy Local Week and Fresh! Gala

We hope that you will join us for the Fresh! Gala, this Sunday, July 17th, at Monanfran Farm in Canastota, owned by Maurice and Amy Kelsey and family. The event will be held from 2-6 p.m. and will feature local foods and live bluegrass music. Wagon rides to the dairy barn will offer a first-hand glimpse at the dairy operation and the Kelsey’s prizewinning Holsteins.

Dinner at the Fresh! Gala will be prepared by Serendipity Catering with food supplied by over two dozen Madison County farms. The meal will include a steamship of beef from Sidehill Beef, Meadowood Farm lamb kabobs, Maple Avenue Farms beef sliders, sausage from Drover Hill Farm and Ingallside Meadows Farm, Canaseraga Farm’s fried green tomatoes, cheese from Dutch Girl Cheese and Jewett’s Cheese house, and much much more. Wine will be provided by Owera Vineyards, beer from the Empire Brewing Company, hard cider from the Harvest Moon Cidery at Critz Farm, hops lemonade from Foothill Hops Farm, and coffee and tea from Shapna.

Tickets for this year’s Gala can be purchased online at:

http://madisoncountyagriculture.com/buylocalweek/?page_id=4

More information on this year’s 4th Annual Buy Local Week, including maps and directions to farms participating in Open Farm Day on Saturday, July 23rd, and a list of restaurants participating in the Taste of the County from July 18-23 can be found at www.madisoncountyagriculture.com.

Buy Local Week is sponsored by: Price Chopper Grocery Stores, Cazenovia Equipment, National Grid, Rosamond Gifford Foundation, Gorman Foundation, Central New York Community Foundation, Eastern Carolina-Vail, Farm Credit East, Madison County Farm Bureau, Empire Brewing Company, Owera Vineyards, Harvest Moon Cidery at Critz Farm, Shapna Tea & Coffee, Serendipity Catering, Off the Path Media, Madison County Tourism, Madison County Agricultural Economic Development Program, CNY Bounty, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County.

We hope to see you at the Fresh! Gala and the other Buy Local Week events.

Eat Well Play Hard Family Fun Day

Friday, August 12

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Allen Park, Broad Street, Oneida

Featuring:

Free Ice Cream Cone from Zem’s and mini golf (while supplies last)

Buy fresh fruits & veggies at the

farm stand. The first 100 families to

visit the United Healthcare table

will receive a bag of fresh produce!

Dance with the YMCA’s

ZumbAtomic 11 am to 12 pm

Bring a canned fruit or veggie to

donate to the food pantry and get a

canvas bag!

Flyer attached for more information

Reminder…Summer Hours at the Clothes Basket in Morrisville

Beginning Saturday, July 16th and continuing through Labor Day the Clothes Basket at the Morrisville Community Church will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. til noon only. Baked goods will be available until noon every Saturday. The baked goods are free to anyone who comes and are provided by Price Chopper.

Wednesday hours at the Clothes Basket will remain the same as always—10 a.m. til 2 p.m.

Travel the World film series at the Cazenovia Public Library

“Travel the World” film series on Wednesday nights begins on July 20th with I Am David.

David is a 12-year-old refugee who escapes a Communist labor camp carrying a compass, a pocketknife, a sealed letter, a bar of soap, a half loaf of bread, and instructions to go to Denmark.

For the first time in his young life, David is thrust into the free world as he travels across Europe at the start of the Cold War. His journey is one of discovery, during which he loses his mistrust of humanity and finds the ability to smile, share, trust, and ultimately, to love.

Rated PG, I Am David will be shown in the Library Community Room at 7:00 pm. Enjoy it with free admission, wide-screen, surround sound, comfortable seating, and free popcorn. All in attendance will also have a chance to win a 16-inch cheese pizza, donated by the Lincklaen House.

Mark your calendars: Rabbit Proof Fence on August 3rd and Children of Heaven on August 17th, both at 7:00 pm in the Library Community Room.

And remember 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 cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.

Upstate Institute Classes

Colgate University Trails
Tuesday, July 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Colgate’s trail system traverses the extensive woodland on the hill above the campus and contains typical northern hardwood forest species. We’ll concentrate on trees, wildflowers, non flowering plants, and invasive species. This walk will be approximately 1 mile and is somewhat hilly.

Brookfield State Forest

Thursday, July 21, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

We’ll explore only a tiny fraction of the Brookfield State Forest, but will get a nice overview of New York State DEC managed lands, including timber production and recreational use. Additionally, Brookfield has a beautiful glacially deposited esker and historic evidence of human habitation. We’ll learn to read the landscape and recognize clues to explain what we see. One special spot we’ll visit may be where the Loomis Gang hid stolen horses. We’ll stop at two separate locations and walk about 1/2 mile at each, mostly flat, but with some uneven terrain and a couple of short steep spots.

Paddle Ninemile Swamp

Tuesday, July 26, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

South-flowing Sangerfield River meanders through Ninemile Swamp and is the perfect spot for a leisurely paddle, enjoying the plants and birds. We’ll be about 4 miles south of the infamous Loomis gang’s hideout, and can share stories about their activities. No paddling experience is necessary, the water is flat and slow moving. Participants must be able to sit on the floor and get back up in order to use a kayak. Canoes will also be available.

For more information and to register for any of these classes, go to: http://upstate.colgate.edu/programs/lifelonglearning.aspx. Remember, class size is limited, so register early! We will maintain a waiting list in case classes fill up.

Mary Galvez

Program Coordinator
Lifelong Learning Program
sponsored by the Upstate Institute, Colgate University
13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346
315.228.6623
LLP
http://upstate.colgate.edu/programs/lifelonglearning.aspx

Save the Date: August 6 – Local Geology Tour with Michelle Butzgy – Details to be announced!!

Did you know? From our friends at the Madison County Landfill

Free Disposal of Waste Motor Oil

Residents can now dispose of waste motor oil for free at the Buyea Rd. Landfill site in the Town of Lincoln.

The Department of Solid Waste is using all of the waste motor oil being collected on site and at the transfer station to heat the Madison county Landfill Operations/Maintenance building.

Mary Bartlett

Mary Bartlett, Director

RSVP of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

Morrisville, NY 13408

mb786

315-684-3001 X103

www.rsvpmadison.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