A park bench overlooking Owasco Lake is in stark contrast to the whiteout created by snow showers over the water visible from the northern shoreline in Fleming.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Cayuga County recently began donating a portion of a state NAMI grant it received to the county's 12 food pantries, in an attempt to increase awareness and outreach. The organization has already worked with the Auburn Hunger Task Force, the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry and the Calvary Food Pantry to provide NAMI brochures with service information to their clients. The Auburn Hunger Task Force at 168 State St., which opened in 2019 as an outgrowth of CAP Cayuga/Seneca, serves between 90 and 150 people who are food insecure with pickup meals weekly. It operates with 14 volunteers under the direction of Scott Dalrymple, who said many of the people it serves are homeless and consumers of mental health services. Pictured, from left, are Auburn Hunger Task Force volunteer A. Muhlnickel, J. Messie, NAMI of Cayuga County Co-President Bart Wasilenko, Dalrymple, volunteer S. Dawson and NAMI of Cayuga County Co-President Terri Wasilenko. The organization will also be providing assistance to the county's remaining food pantries: the Salvation Army, Weedsport Brutus-Sennett Food Pantry, Port Byron Community Food Pantry, Throopsville Community Church Food Pantry, Cato Christian Food Pantry, Fair Haven Community Church Food Cupboard, Moravia Hope Pantry, Union Springs Western Cayuga Food Pantry and King Ferry Food Pantry, as well as the food pantry for students at Cayuga Community College.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Cayuga County recently began donating a portion of a state NAMI grant it received to the county's 12 food pantries, in an attempt to increase awareness and outreach. The organization has already worked with the Auburn Hunger Task Force, the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry and the Calvary Food Pantry to provide NAMI brochures with service information to their clients. The St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, established in 1981 at 85 E. Genesee St., has about 20 volunteers under the direction of Sue Norton. It is open for pickup meals six days a week. People who are food insecure come once a month and receive three meals for three days for each member of their family. As many clients are homeless and consumers of mental health services, Norton makes available to them brochures for just about every community agency in the county. Pictured, from left, are volunteers G. Alamo, L. Giacona, Patti Laird and M. Leonard, and NAMI of Cayuga County Co-Presidents Terri and Bart Wasilenko; Norton is seated in the front. NAMI of Cayuga County will also be providing assistance to the county's remaining food pantries: the Salvation Army, Weedsport Brutus-Sennett Food Pantry, Port Byron Community Food Pantry, Throopsville Community Church Food Pantry, Cato Christian Food Pantry, Fair Haven Community Church Food Cupboard, Moravia Hope Pantry, Union Springs Western Cayuga Food Pantry and King Ferry Food Pantry, as well as the food pantry for students at Cayuga Community College.
Thursday, March 4
Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency, 10 to 11:30 a.m., remote. To join, visit 8x8.vc/cayuga/michele.wunderlich or call 1-209-844-4600, 97535640#.
Senior Fair in a Bag, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Drive-thru distribution of bags with information about housing, in-home care and other goodies. Seniors must stay in cars and wear masks; questions can be answered on site. Visit communitylivingadvocates.com.
Alzheimer's Association caregiver support group meeting, 2 p.m. For group that regularly meets in Auburn. To join, call (315) 472-4201 ext. 228.
Salt & Pepper, new art/food series hosted by Everson Museum of Art and Salt City Market: Sharif Bey and Sara Tong-Ngork, 6 p.m., Zoom. Free; preregistration required. Visit everson.org.
Friday, March 5
Doug's Fish Fry to go, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Federated Church of Port Byron, Route 38 and Tex Pultz Parkway, Port Byron. To order, call ahead between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (607) 423-5996. Sales support Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park.Â
Fish dinners, 4 to 7 p.m., Ancient Order of Hibernians, 79 Van Anden St., Auburn. Drive-thru only; no phone orders. Fish or shrimp, fries, coleslaw, mac salad and ice cream. Cost $12. Call (315) 252-6459.
Fish dinners, 5 p.m., Auburn Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Broiled or fried; takeout only. Cost $12; for members and guests. To order, call (315) 252-4351.
Conquest solar farm informational meeting, 7 p.m., Conquest Fire Department, 10351 Slayton Road, Conquest. Organized by the Rural Preservation and Net Conservation Benefit Coalition, and open to the public, including non-residents. Social distancing and masks will be required.
Saturday, March 6
Blood drive, 8 a.m. to noon, Auburn YMCA-WEIU, 27 William St., Auburn. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Annual Bob Brower Scientific Symposium in "Plain English," 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Zoom. Topic: "Sediment & Nutrient Reduction: Effects on Water Quality in Owasco Lake," with several guest speakers. For more information, or to preregister, visit owla.org/bbss2021.
Finger Lakes Speed World, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark St. Road, Aurelius. Local racing teams showcasing vehicles, with raffle items, sponsors and more. COVID-19 guidance must be followed. Visit facebook.com/fingerlakesspeedworld or call (315) 632-8046.
Edventure Academy: Awesome Amphibians, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (ages 3-5), 1:30 to 3 p.m. (ages 6-10), Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place Syracuse. Cost $15-$25. Visit syracusezooevents.org.
Sunday, March 7
Finger Lakes Speed World, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark St. Road, Aurelius. Local racing teams showcasing vehicles, with raffle items, sponsors and more. COVID-19 guidance must be followed. Visit facebook.com/fingerlakesspeedworld or call (315) 632-8046.
Sunday Fundays art-making activities, 2 to 3 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Everson Museum of Art. Cost $12-$15. To register, visit everson.org.
Meditation, 3 to 4 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Everson Museum of Art. Cost $8-$10. To register, visit everson.org.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": Magpie performs songs created about Tubman by Genesee Elementary students, 4 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Southern Cayuga Wider Parish Lenten Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Zoom. Harry Hutson presents "Wisdom of Hope." To join, visit us02web.zoom.us/j/88424541375.
Monday, March 8
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": International Women's Day virtual tour of the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center, 2 p.m. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": Replay of Danielle Ponder's 2020 performance at Auburn Public Theater, 5 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Virtual Craft Camp, 6 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County. Cost $3-$5 for kit. To register, call (315) 255-1183, visit facebook.com/ccecayuga or email emw54@cornell.edu.
Cub Scout Pack 40, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Call (315) 283-5752.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": Virtual evening with "The Agitators" author Dorothy Wickenden, 7 p.m. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Tuesday, March 9
Job hunting/employment group, 10 a.m. to noon, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St., Auburn.
Cayuga County Office for the Aging Caregiver Program Virtual Coffee Hour, 10 to 11 a.m. A casual, welcoming environment for informal caregivers to take a break and connect. For more information, or to sign up, call (315) 253-1226 or email ccofa@cayugacounty.us.
Coffee and Crime Book Club: The Bell Elkins series by Julia Keller, noon, Zoom. Hosted by Seymour Library. Email lromano@seymourlib.org or visit seymourlib.org.
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": "Harriet Tubman and Suffrage" presented by Ranger Kim of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, 2 p.m.; "The Cultural Landscape at Harriet Tubman National Historical Park" presented by author John Auwaerter, 7 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Drive-thru pasta dinner, 4 to 6 p.m., St. Mary's Church, 15 Clark St., Auburn. Enter from Clark Street; pickup by rectory garage. Cost $10.
Soup kitchen, 4 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 47 Market St., Auburn. Hot soup, sandwich and dessert for takeout only; use back entrance.
Hey everyone, David Wilcox here. I edit the Lake Life section of The Citizen. That's where you can find our feature stories, community columns…
Wednesday, March 10
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": Presentation, "Connections and Conversations: Harriet Tubman and Black Women's Activism," 7 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Happy Hour Yoga, 7 to 9 p.m. Virtual yoga hosted by Summerhill Brewing. Visit summerhillbrewing.com.
Thursday, March 11
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": "Forged in Freedom: The Bond of the Seward-Tubman Families" virtual tour of the Seward House Museum, noon. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Seymour Public Library District Board Governance Committee meeting, 5:30 p.m., Zoom. For link, email seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org.
Friday, March 12
In Search of Owls, 1 p.m., Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling. Outdoor walk. Free and open to the public; registration and masks required. To register, email snc@cayugacounty.us.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": C-SPAN interview with Harriet Tubman Home CEO and President Karen Hill, 2 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Blood drive, 3 to 7 p.m., Borodino Fire Department, 2500 Nunnery Road, Skaneateles. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Fish dinners, 4 to 7 p.m., Ancient Order of Hibernians, 79 Van Anden St., Auburn. Drive-thru only; no phone orders. Fish or shrimp, fries, coleslaw, mac salad and ice cream. Cost $12. Call (315) 252-6459.
Fish dinners, 5 p.m., Auburn Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Broiled or fried; takeout only. Cost $12; for members and guests. To order, call (315) 252-4351.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": "Harriet Tubman: Soldier of Freedom" film by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 7 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Saturday, March 13
Blood drive, 7:15 to 11:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Road, Owasco. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Skaneateles Fire Department, 77 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
In Search of Owls, 1 p.m., Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling. Outdoor walk. Free and open to the public; registration and masks required. To register, email snc@cayugacounty.us.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": Tubman Troupe member Melody Smith Johnson presents monologue from original play "A Gatherin' Place," 2 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Drive-thru chicken and biscuit dinner, 5 p.m., Jordan United Methodist Church, 63 Elbridge St., Jordan.Â
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": "Preachers of Sedition" presentation by John Rudy, park ranger at the National Parks Service's Mather Training Center in Harpers Ferry, 7 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Sunday, March 14
Sunday Fundays art-making activities, 2 to 3 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Everson Museum of Art. Cost $12-$15. To register, visit everson.org.
"Shining a Light on Harriet Tubman": "Boosting Harriet: A Live Conversation with Author Kate Clifford Larson" replay, 2 p.m., virtual. Part of the third annual citywide celebration of Tubman's life and legacy on and around the anniversary of her death. Events taking place through social media. For more information, visit visitauburnny.com.
Southern Cayuga Wider Parish Lenten Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Zoom. Ken Clark Hoover presents "Modern Lessons from an Old Story: Seeing Ourselves by Revisiting Jonah." To join, visit us02web.zoom.us/j/88424541375.
Monday, March 15
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
Seymour Public Library District Finance Committee meeting, 4:30 p.m., Zoom. For link, email seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org.
Cub Scout Pack 40, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Call (315) 283-5752.
Tuesday, March 16
Job hunting/employment group, 10 a.m. to noon, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St., Auburn.
Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Freedom Baptist Church, 3324 E. Genesee St., Sennett. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Tea & Tales Book Club: "The Gown" by Jennifer Robson, noon, Zoom. Hosted by Seymour Library. For link, email jkolb@seymourlib.org.
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
Soup kitchen, 4 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 47 Market St., Auburn. Hot soup, sandwich and dessert for takeout only; use back entrance.
Wednesday, March 17
St. Patrick's Day drive-thru takeout dinner, 4 to 5:30 p.m. or until sold out, St. Mary's Church, 15 Clark St., Auburn. Corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and carrots, salad with dressing, soda bread and dessert. Cost $15. Deadline March 12. To reserve, call (315) 246-6649, (315) 252-8841, (315) 246-9161 or (315) 252-9545.
Happy Hour Yoga, 7 to 9 p.m. Virtual yoga hosted by Summerhill Brewing. Visit summerhillbrewing.com.
Thursday, March 18
Blood drive, 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at Auburn United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Seymour Public Library District Building Committee meeting, 5 p.m., Zoom. For link, email seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org.
Friday, March 19
Wine & Dine Radiothon, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Lite Rock 97.3, Ithaca. Auctioning wine/beer pairings at local restaurants every hour to benefit United Way of Tompkins County. Call (607) 257-6400 or visit cyradiogroup.com.
Doug's Fish Fry to go sale, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Five Star Bank, Routes 5 and 20, Waterloo. To preorder, call (607) 423-5996 before 4 p.m. Supports Taylor-Brown Auxiliary of Huntington Living Center in Waterloo.
Winter soup sales: Minestrone, noon to 1 p.m., back entry, First United Methodist Church, 2 Chapel St., Seneca Falls. Delivery available by appointment. Cost $7; preorders encouraged. Call (315) 651-6692.
Signs of Spring, 1 p.m., Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling. Outdoor walk. Outdoor walk. Free and open to the public; registration and masks required. To register, email snc@cayugacounty.us.
Blood drive, 2 to 6 p.m., Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark St. Road, Aurelius. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Fish dinners, 4 to 7 p.m., Ancient Order of Hibernians, 79 Van Anden St., Auburn. Drive-thru only; no phone orders. Fish or shrimp, fries, coleslaw, mac salad and ice cream. Cost $12. Call (315) 252-6459.
Fish dinners, 5 p.m., Auburn Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Broiled or fried; takeout only. Cost $12; for members and guests. To order, call (315) 252-4351.
Saturday, March 20
Blood drive, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 112 South St., Auburn. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Paired Painting Class: Tickled Pink, 10 a.m. to noon, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place Syracuse. Cost $90-$100. Visit syracusezooevents.org.
Sunday, March 21
Signs of Spring: Facebook Live program, 10 a.m.; outdoor walk, 1 p.m., Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling. Outdoor walk. Free and open to the public; registration and masks required. To register, email snc@cayugacounty.us.
Sunday Fundays art-making activities, 2 to 3 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Everson Museum of Art. Cost $12-$15. To register, visit everson.org.
Southern Cayuga Wider Parish Lenten Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Zoom. Beth Dubois presents on the Central New York Poor People's Campaign. To join, visit us02web.zoom.us/j/88424541375.
Monday, March 22
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
Virtual Craft Camp, 6 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County. Cost $3-$5 for kit. To register, call (315) 255-1183, visit facebook.com/ccecayuga or email emw54@cornell.edu.
Cub Scout Pack 40, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Call (315) 283-5752.
Tuesday, March 23
Job hunting/employment group, 10 a.m. to noon, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St., Auburn.
Cayuga County Office for the Aging Caregiver Program Virtual Coffee Hour, 10 to 11 a.m. A casual, welcoming environment for informal caregivers to take a break and connect. For more information, or to sign up, call (315) 253-1226 or email ccofa@cayugacounty.us.
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
Soup kitchen, 4 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 47 Market St., Auburn. Hot soup, sandwich and dessert for takeout only; use back entrance.
Seymour Public Library District Board of Trustees meeting, 4 p.m., Zoom. For link, email seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org.
Wednesday, March 24
Read More! Book Club: An award-winning book, 7 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Seymour Library. For link, email lcarr@seymourlib.org.
Happy Hour Yoga, 7 to 9 p.m. Virtual yoga hosted by Summerhill Brewing. Visit summerhillbrewing.com.
Thursday, March 25
Alzheimer's Association caregiver support group meeting, 2 p.m. For group that regularly meets in Skaneateles. To join, call (315) 472-4201 ext. 228.
Friday, March 26
Winter soup sales: Tomato orzo and potato ham, noon to 1 p.m., back entry, First United Methodist Church, 2 Chapel St., Seneca Falls. Delivery available by appointment. Cost $7; preorders encouraged. Call (315) 651-6692.
Blood drive, 2 to 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Memphis, 1960 W. Genesee Turnpike, Elbridge. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.
Fish dinners, 4 to 7 p.m., Ancient Order of Hibernians, 79 Van Anden St., Auburn. Drive-thru only; no phone orders. Fish or shrimp, fries, coleslaw, mac salad and ice cream. Cost $12. Call (315) 252-6459.
Fish dinners, 5 p.m., Auburn Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Broiled or fried; takeout only. Cost $12; for members and guests. To order, call (315) 252-4351.
Saturday, March 27
"Heels Up ... Bottom's Up" fundraiser for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital hosted by Abandon Brewing Co., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 2994 Merritt Hill Road, Penn Yan. Beer, food, music, drawings for gift baskets and more. Supports renovation of common space at the hospital. Visit flhealth.org.
Sunday, March 28
Sunday Fundays art-making activities, 2 to 3 p.m., Zoom. Hosted by Everson Museum of Art. Cost $12-$15. To register, visit everson.org.
Monday, March 29
Spring Break Camp, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Continues through April 2. Visit baltimorewoods.org.
Spring Break Zoo Camps for ages 6-10 ("Animals in Action!") and 11-14 ("The Creation Station"), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place Syracuse. Continues through April 2. Cost $265-$285. Visit syracusezooevents.org.
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
Cub Scout Pack 40, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Elks Lodge No. 474, 314 State St., Auburn. Call (315) 283-5752.
Tuesday, March 30
Job hunting/employment group, 10 a.m. to noon, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St., Auburn.
Free grab-and-go soup kitchen, noon to 1 p.m., S-K American Legion Post No. 1324, 168 State St., Auburn. Distributed by Auburn Hunger Task Force. Email auburnhungertaskforce@gmail.com.
Soup kitchen, 4 to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 47 Market St., Auburn. Hot soup, sandwich and dessert for takeout only; use back entrance.
Wednesday, March 31
Happy Hour Yoga, 7 to 9 p.m. Virtual yoga hosted by Summerhill Brewing. Visit summerhillbrewing.com.
Thursday, April 1
Salt & Pepper, new art/food series hosted by Everson Museum of Art and Salt City Market: Jaleel Campbell and Fiona Day, 6 p.m., Zoom. Free; preregistration required. Visit everson.org.
Friday, April 2
Fish dinners, 4 to 7 p.m., Ancient Order of Hibernians, 79 Van Anden St., Auburn. Drive-thru only; no phone orders. Fish or shrimp, fries, coleslaw, mac salad and ice cream. Cost $12. Call (315) 252-6459.
Good Friday fish dinner, 4:30 p.m., Sennett Fire Department, 3526 Franklin St. Road, Sennett. Fried fish, french fries, coleslaw and roll for $10; takeout and preorder only. To order, visit sennettfire.com.
Sweet gratitude
The Cultural Italian American Organization of Cayuga County spread some holiday cheer this season when Dr. John Ryan coordinated the delivery of panettone to all nursing stations at Auburn Community Hospital. Handing off the holiday packages for delivery to Dr. Ryan, left, are CIAO members Paul Saltarello, center, and Tony Gucciardi. "Thank you to all frontline workers from CIAO! Buon Natale!" the organization said in a news release.
Century celebration
Gertrude Capocefalo was born on Dec. 31, 1920. She has been a resident of the Finger Lakes Center for Living since July 2013. This Dec. 31, she celebrated her birthday with friends and family. Attending outside her window were her two daughters, Valerie Prouten and Paula Capocefalo, along with their husbands, Bruce Prouten and Rob Outhouse. Also attending was good friend Cayuga County Clerk Susan Dwyer. On conference call were her only grandchildren, Jamie Prouten and Jaylyn Edoo. She was elated to receive a recognition from her congressman, John Katko. She also received a citation and a beautiful flower arrangement from her assemblyman and friend Gary Finch. Cake was distributed to the residents of the center.
Having their back
For the new year, 10 backpacks will be given to the Chapel House homeless shelter in Auburn as part of an initiative by the Cayuga County branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Each backpack contains body wash, deodorant, disposable razors, Kleenex packages, protein bars, hand sanitizer, face masks, hats, gloves, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, Band-Aids, soap bars and other toiletries. There are also educational pamphlets on asking for help, post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health guidelines. The backpacks are the first of many projects the branch is planning to reach out to those in need this year.
Fabric fundraiser
A quilt donated by the Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Moravia, currently on display at Mark J. Lawn Optician on East Genesee Street in Auburn, will be raffled to fund a scholarship for the winner of an essay contest on the subject of Summerhill native and 13th U.S. President Millard Fillmore. High school seniors in the Cayuga County area are invited to participate in the contest, which is being organized by members of the Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society and officials with the town of Summerhill, where Fillmore was born in a log cabin in 1800. Further details on the contest will be available from each high school's American history teachers. The overall winner of the contest will receive a $500 scholarship, while the winner from each school will receive a wristwatch. The quilt will be on display through February at the optician's office and in March at Camardo Law Firm, 127 Genesee St., Auburn. Tickets for the raffle are $1 and will be available at the participating locations through the end of April. For more information, contact contest organizer Joyce Hackett Smith-Moore at (315) 224-7273 or drjoycesmith@hotmail.com.
Cam-owl-flage
Ann Oliver, of Marcellus, recently snapped this photo of a well-concealed eastern screech owl in Skaneateles.
Dunkin' donation
Frontline health care workers supported by the Upstate Foundation hold Dunkin’ coffee and gift cards they received as a "thank you" for their continued dedication to serving the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dunkin’ recently donated $5,000 in gift cards to the Upstate Foundation and an additional $12,500 in gift cards to support food bank volunteers and other frontline health care workers across central New York. The donation is part of an overall $62,500 commitment by Dunkin’ to continue to give back to essential workers and volunteers throughout upstate.
First in line
The Faatz-Crofut Home for the Elderly in Auburn held a COVID-19 vaccination clinic Jan. 21. A total of 42 residents and 26 staff were vaccinated, beginning with Pearl, who is 102 years old and wanted to be the first in line. She will receive her second dose of the vaccine Feb. 11. The clinic was organized by the facility's administrator, Klare Gunnip, and its nurse, Sara Gatewood, in partnership with Walgreens.Â
Savoring the snow
Kristy and Mattie Bales recently took the opportunity to enjoy the winter weather and build this snowman in Skaneateles.
Whiteout on the lake
A park bench overlooking Owasco Lake is in stark contrast to the whiteout created by snow showers over the water visible from the northern shoreline in Fleming.
Union Springs sunset
The sun sets on the horizon over a farm on Van Liew Road in Union Springs.
Free snow
Joe Leogrande recently placed this sign on a 6-foot mound of snow near his driveway, having a laugh amid the heavy snow of recent weeks.
Pantry provisions
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Cayuga County recently began donating a portion of a state NAMI grant it received to the county's 12 food pantries, in an attempt to increase awareness and outreach. The organization has already worked with the Auburn Hunger Task Force, the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry and the Calvary Food Pantry to provide NAMI brochures with service information to their clients. The Auburn Hunger Task Force at 168 State St., which opened in 2019 as an outgrowth of CAP Cayuga/Seneca, serves between 90 and 150 people who are food insecure with pickup meals weekly. It operates with 14 volunteers under the direction of Scott Dalrymple, who said many of the people it serves are homeless and consumers of mental health services. Pictured, from left, are Auburn Hunger Task Force volunteer A. Muhlnickel, J. Messie, NAMI of Cayuga County Co-President Bart Wasilenko, Dalrymple, volunteer S. Dawson and NAMI of Cayuga County Co-President Terri Wasilenko. The organization will also be providing assistance to the county's remaining food pantries: the Salvation Army, Weedsport Brutus-Sennett Food Pantry, Port Byron Community Food Pantry, Throopsville Community Church Food Pantry, Cato Christian Food Pantry, Fair Haven Community Church Food Cupboard, Moravia Hope Pantry, Union Springs Western Cayuga Food Pantry and King Ferry Food Pantry, as well as the food pantry for students at Cayuga Community College.
