Volunteer to become a Master Gardener
Volunteer to become a Master Gardener through Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Sullivan County. An intensive 15-week training program for Sullivan County residents will begin in February 2012 at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Center in Liberty. Up to 20 individuals will be accepted into the program after an application process.
Begun in 1975 in New York State, the Master Gardeners Program combines a set curriculum, learning experiences and tutoring. The program provides home and community gardeners with unbiased gardening information based on research and reliable experience. Community service is required as part of this “neighbors teaching neighbors” approach.
“Master Gardener training is a core program of Cornell Cooperative Extension throughout New York State and we are pleased to be able to return it to Sullivan County,” said Lydia Reidy, the Sullivan County CCE Interim Executive Director. “Now residents from all parts of the county will have an opportunity to participate in this extremely valuable community service program.”
Cornell Cooperative Extension staff from both Ulster and Sullivan counties will provide the training, led by Dona Crawford, CCE Ulster’s Master Gardener Coordinator. Sullivan Renaissance is collaborating with CCE to help fund the program and identify both volunteers and service opportunities.
“Sullivan Renaissance has worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension on a number of projects over the years, but this is the most exciting cooperative effort by far,” said Sullivan Renaissance Director Glenn Pontier. “We often get requests for horticultural assistance. Just imagine the boost when 20 new gardening volunteers begin to assist with garden design and maintenance in communities from Long Eddy to Monticello to Bloomingburg.”
Training dates will run every Tuesday from February 7 through May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Snow makeup dates are the Thursdays following the snow days. Cost is $200 with $50 returned to those who complete the training and the requisite 100 hours of community service.
Volunteer applications are available from Cornell Cooperative Extension and from Sullivan Renaissance. Individuals should check “Master Gardener” in the section “Volunteer Position.” Completed applications must be returned no later than January 6, 2012 to: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754. Applicants may be asked for an interview and are subject to a criminal background check.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by national, state and county governments – that helps New York residents put research-based knowledge to work. For information call 845-292-6180 or visit http://blogs.cce.cornell.edu/sullivan/.
Sullivan County 4-H Organizing Youth Technology Club
The Sullivan County 4-H Youth Development Program is hosting an introductory meeting on Tuesday November 29th for a brand new 4-H Technology club. This initial meeting will take place from 6 to 7pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty.
Youth ages 10 – 18 with interest in any type of technology can come and help create a club that meets their needs and interests regarding computers, website design, social networking, computer gaming and so much more. IT professional, Donald Brent, will help in getting the club off the ground and offer the youth assistance in creating their club name, setting monthly meeting dates, as well as planning for presenters, activities and trips. Youth will also get to dissect a computer and learn about how they work.
Donald owns his own company called Eli Does IT and has been in the field for more than 10 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, serves on the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, is an active volunteer at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and is a member of the Leadership Sullivan Class of 2012. His experience and easy going nature will create an environment where youth are excited to learn and not afraid to ask questions.
Registration for this club organizing meeting is required, please call Cindy at 292-6180.
The 3rd Annual Sullivan County Parent Services Symposium
If you are a provider of parent services in Sullivan County, you are invited to an informative and worthwhile day of networking, resource sharing and professional development. On Wednesday November 2nd the Network will once again hold a symposium as a means for service collaboration and knowledge sharing. The Network asks that each organization prepare a 4 minute presentation on the parent services they provide (ex. educational, supportive, preventative, etc.) so that all of us doing this type of work can do it better and refer parents in an effective and knowledgeable fashion.
This year’s symposium will offer several professional speakers and educators presenting on varying topics regarding family nutrition, food insecurity, childhood obesity and county food support.
Questions and concerns can be directed to Amanda Speer, Director of Programming at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County (ags97@cornell.edu or 292-6180 ext. 116). Registration for this program must be completed by October 28th. Call Cindy at 292-6180.
(Release provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County)
Cornell Cooperative Extension Announces a Photo Contest
What does gardening and horticulture in Sullivan County mean to you?
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County (CCE) is looking for the 12 best photographs of gardening and horticulture in the area. These photos will appear on the second annual calendar sold by CCE this fall as a fundraiser.
The photos can be pictures of trees and shrubs, flowers or vegetables, or even of the people working at gardening. Use these photographs to promote the kind of gardening you enjoy.
Everyone is welcome to send in photos. All entries must arrive by August 31, 2011 to be considered. Entries should be sent electronically as a jpg file to smd243@cornell.edu.
For more information, call Susan Dollard at 845-292-5250.
Start snapping away!
