11/04/2009
Thirty-five members, site supervisors and guests celebrated the contributions of the federally supported AmeriCorps program based at SUNY Cortland on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Main Street SUNY Cortland.
The “AmeriCorps Celebration,” recognizing the outreach and community revitalization and improvement efforts under way in Cortland County, took place from noon to 1 p.m. at the College’s extension center at 9 Main St.
“We are very happy to have these volunteers working in our community over the past year,” said Richard Kendrick, a SUNY Cortland professor of sociology and anthropology who directs the College’s AmeriCorps Project. “They have done everything from build trails at Lime Hollow Center for Environment and Culture to care for and mentor the community’s children and young people. The impact they have had on Cortland is immeasurable.”
Eleven of the most recent AmeriCorps members, who joined the program over the summer and fall, were introduced. They are: Max Benz of Homer, N.Y.; Kady Benowitz of Marathon, N.Y.; Matthew Cranson of Preble, N.Y.; Brandon Dutcher of Truxton, N.Y.; Renee Emerson of Tully, N.Y.; Laura Hahn of Clarence, N.Y.; Chad Hovey of Addison, N.Y.; Veronica Ripp of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Jessalynn Roman of Rome, N.Y.; Joyce Stanton of Cincinnatus, N.Y.; and Sarah Voorhees of Buffalo, N.Y.
Thirteen members of the original group recruited a year ago — who have completed or are about to complete the AmeriCorps Program or who have contributed a significant number of hours to the community — were also honored. Together, these volunteers have contributed more than 13,500 hours of service to the local community.
They are: Adam Davison of Auburn, N.Y.; Erica DeMott of Syracuse, N.Y.; Nicole Dintino of Cortland, N.Y.; Justin Goodband of Homer, N.Y.; Elizabeth Hensel of Romulus, N.Y.; Samantha Knight of Vestal, N.Y.; Wendy Paterson of Homer, N.Y.; Jared Popoli of Homer, N.Y.; Jeffrey Radcliffe of Canandaigua, N.Y.; Jeremy Reynolds of Philadelphia, N.Y.; Kate Richter of Rodman, N.Y.; Timothy Rodriguez of Poland, N.Y.; and Meghan Wheeler of Hauppauge, N.Y. The full-time members each performed at least 1,700 hours of service in the Cortland community. Additionally, a few quarter-time members contributed 450 hours each to the program.
Nine organizations were credited with being instrumental in the success of the AmeriCorps Program in Cortland County by offering a wide range of volunteering opportunities. In addition to the Lime Hollow Center, these include the Cortland Child Development Center, Cortland City Youth Bureau, Cortland County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Cortland Downtown Partnership, Family Counseling Services, Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District, Seven Valleys Health Coalition, Cortland County Youth Bureau and the YWCA.
AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Funded by a federal grant to SUNY Cortland, the program offers educational awards and stipends to those who complete the required number of service hours.
SUNY Cortland AmeriCorps is currently accepting applications for its 2009-10 program year. Individuals interested in learning more should visit the organization’s Web site at www.cortland.edu/programs/civic-engagement/americorps/ or contact Manny Lann, AmeriCorps project coordinator, at (607) 753-5067.