When Meetings Go Bad

Ethical conduct and decision-making is at the heart of sound local land use practices. Unfortunately, the drama of controversial issues and decisions can sometimes cloud better judgment and lead to some shady actions. Take a look at the Fritz v Charter Township of Comstock decision from the Law of the Land blog to see how a special use permit application led to a denial of 1st Amendment rights, retaliation, and general bad behavior.

DEC Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunity

The Schuyler County Environmental Management Council is sponsoring 3 to 4 Schuyler
residents between ages 12 and 17 to attend a week at the Department of Environmental
Conservation Education Camp of their choice this year, a $325 value. Camp offers a blend oflearning and recreation that heightens camper’s environmental awareness. If you or someone you know likes fishing, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities and is between 12-17 years of age please contact Jenna Hicks at 535-7161 for application materials or visit www.sclanduse.org. Applications will start to be reviewed on March 10. Early applications will be given preference.

LOCAL FOODS FESTIVAL- Corning, NY

Know your Farmer, Know your Food!

Ever wonder how to find local vegetables, fruit, and meat all year? The answer is simple; attend the Locally-Grown Foods Festival, Friday, February 19 in Corning, NY. Meet dozens of Finger Lakes farmers and learn how and where to buy local products.

Cornell Cooperative Extension cordially invites the public to a unique tasting experience. Sample locally produced meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, wines, microbrews and other farm products! Get to know farmers from the region, like Robin and Andy Nistock, owners of Nistock Farms and producers of locally grown lamb and wool. Robin and Andy have been raising lamb in Steuben County for 10 years. Their customers can purchase individual cuts of lamb, wool, hand spinning fiber, sheepskins, and even lamb burger for pets with special dietary needs.

Several other products will be available for sampling and purchasing, these include beef, pork, rabbit, poultry, wine, apple butter, assorted cheeses, maple, honey, and vegetables.

This event will also feature a series of mini-classes on working with local butchers, how to join a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative, the benefits of buying local foods, and more.

The Locally-Grown Foods Festival takes place Friday February 19 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza – next door to the Nasser Civic Center Skating Rink. Make an evening of it; consider hitting Market Street for the Gaffer District’s Cabin Fever event, featuring wine and craft beer tastings. The skating rink is also open to public from 8:00 to 10:00pm, so bring the family along and enjoy the evening in downtown Corning! Admission is $5 per individual/$10 per family. Credit, Debit and EBT cards accepted for product purchases. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300 to register or register online at www.putknowledgetowork.com. Reservations are appreciated by February 17.

Weather Observers Needed

Learn how to track local weather patterns without leaving your own backyard!
Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering a workshop on the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow (CoCoRaHS) Network monitoring program (www.cocorahs.org) CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of individual and family volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, who take daily measurements of rain, hail and snow in their backyards and post their findings on the web. Scientists, resource managers, decision makers and others use the provided data to make important management decisions.
No prior experience needed.
Must be willing to collect precipitation information on a daily basis.
Must be able to access the internet daily.
March 22nd
6:00-7:30
Human Services Complex
323 Owego Street
Montour Falls
$5.00 fee
(RSVP Members FREE)
Free rain gauge with commitment to monitor-A $25.00 value!
(Supplies Limited)
Pre-registration required by March 12 by calling 535-7161