LEEDS, N.Y. — On November 14, 120 staff, volunteers, and supporters of Cornell Cooperative Extension met for the Association’s 6th annual meeting at the Inn at Leeds. The annual meeting is a time to celebrate the successes of the year, as well as recognize the many people who make it all possible. This was also the final Association Centennial event of the year.
CCE is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The financial contributions received by individuals and businesses throughout the year were acknowledged and the following were present and recognized at the meeting – Michael McCrary, The National Bank of Coxsackie, The Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, Art Bassin, Chuck & Maryellen Brooks, James & Michele Story, Mary Hatton, Bruce & Sarah Meyers, Whitbeck, Benedict & Smith LLC, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Gallagher’s STUD, and Claudia Zucker of Living Structures Realty.
Everyone was treated to a presentation by 4-H members on a special project they have been working on called “Building a Community Legacy.”
Many volunteers and staff were recognized for their service:
- 4-H & Youth Development – Rita O’Leary, Alisha Schmidt, Lauri Schmidt
- Master Gardener Volunteers – Jonathan Hoen was posthumously awarded Master Gardener Emeritus status and Julia Erhnstrom and Erik Lehtinen received their Master Gardener Certification.
- Environmental & Natural Resources Program – Mary Spring, ENR and Siuslaw Model Forest Committees volunteer.
The following staff were recognized – Teresa Golden for her work on the new association website; for five years of service: Evon Antonio, Chuck Brooks, Ron Frisbee, Donna Garafalo and Emily Warrington. In addition, Marilyn Wyman’s 25 years with the association was celebrated as was Mick Bessire’s retirement after more than 17 years.
The 2017 Friend of Extension Awards were presented to Karen Gallo of Karen’s Flower Shoppe; Art Bassin representing the Columbia County Board of Supervisors; and Matt Luvera and Mary Hatton on behalf of the Greene County Legislature.
During the business meeting, elections to the board of directors were held. Board member and Committee Chair Jane Miller reported on behalf of the Nominating Committee. Four new board members were nominated and elected – Glenda Berman, Linda Fix, Jeffrey Ouellette and Emili Ponte. Virginia Benedict, Sandra Gardner, Bryan Frisbee, Alicia McCagg and Brent Zimmerman were re-elected for second terms.
The meeting also included reports from Cathi Annese, Board President, and Chuck Brooks, Executive Director. Financial updates were given by Treasurer James Story.
Special thanks also go to our guest speaker, Dick Brooks. Dick was very much involved with Cornell Cooperative Extension locally as a legislative representative to the board and then as a board member and board president.
For further information on Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties and our programs, please call either office 518-622-9820 (Acra), 518-828-3346(Hudson) or visit our web site at www.ccecolumbiagreene.org. Look for us on Facebook as well – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties
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