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Back On Our Feet

June 11th, 2009

Cheryl is slowly but surely recovering from May 26 knee replacement surgery, and the Town Shop is reopened with an abbreviated June schedule (July and August will be loaded with experiences).

A Few Highlights

  • Building opens at 4pm and closes at 10pm, Mondays and Tuesdays, but is closed during volleyball.
  • Kayak (Nine Mile Creek) Mondays
  • Volleyball (Gillie Lake) Tuesdays 6:30pm
  • Seva (Samaritan Center) Wednesdays 3pm
  • Picnic (Onondaga Lake Park) 6/11, 6/18 3:30pm
  • Picnic (Green Lakes State Park) 6/25 12pm
  • Seva (Sunshine Horse Rescue) 6/13, 6/20 9am
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park 6/28
  • Kayak (South Sandy Creek) 7/2 10am

Coming This Summer

Falcon Ridge 2009 July 23-26, Whale Watch 2009 August 18-23, Ithaca Gorges, more South Sandy Creek trips, moonlight hikes, lots of volleyball, kayaking, and seva opportunities.

Congratulations to White Picket Fence for all their success in 2009 starting with Top Ten list and culminating with two Sammy Awards! Good people get what they deserve.

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Giving Back To The Planet

April 24th, 2009

This year saw a great turnout for Earth Day. We say thank you to the following people:

  • Mikey Stephenson
  • Billy Stephenson
  • Cassidy Elhage
  • Abby Moynihan
  • Ashley Dening
  • Monika Vanderkloet
  • Nicole Cunningham
  • Chris Newton
  • Mike Pekala
  • Trevor Grant
  • Sahra Roberts
  • Amanda Doxtetor
  • Sam Stamp
  • Melissa Stepien
  • Kira Caputo
  • Tabby Hill
  • John Spears
  • Adults
  • Frank Carroll
  • David Vermilya
  • Cheryl Vermilya
  • Al Chamberlain

Special thanks goes to Mike Pekala, Trevor Grant, Sahra Roberts, and Amanda Doxtetor for volunteering four years in a row! Amazing! :D

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Springtime Transition

April 6th, 2009

As central New York weather warms, the Town Shop shifts program focus from indoor activities to outdoor experiences.

A Few Highlights

  • Rosamund Gifford Zoo Date: 4/14 12pm
  • Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Date: 4/16 12pm
  • Eating Our Way Around The World Date: 4/17 12pm
    Next stop, Puerto Rican food at Don Juan Café!
  • Vegetarian Cooking Class Date: 4/23 6pm
    Pierogies & Potato Cabbage Soup with guest cook Nikki Cunningham.
  • Earth Day Date: 4/25 9am
    A Seva opportunity, rain or shine, plus Mexican food after at El Canelo.
  • Hiking (Highland Forest) Date: 4/26 12pm
  • Dodgeball Tournament (Shove Park) Date: 4/30 6-9pm
  • Seva (Samaritan Center) Date: Wednesdays 3pm
  • Seva (Sunshine Horse Rescue) Date: Saturdays 9am
  • Kayak (Nine Mile Creek) Date: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
  • Kayak (Onondaga Creek) Date: 5/17
  • Kayak (Clyde River) Date: 5/23
  • Kayak (Sterling River) Date: 5/31
  • Volleyball (Gillie Lake) Date: Tuesdays 6:30pm
  • Picnic (Onondaga Lake Park) Date: Thursdays 3:30pm
  • Classic Movie Night Date: 5/28 6pm

Cheryl is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on May 26th and will be in recovery for many weeks after. This will significantly impact Town Shop scheduling for June. Check the site for updates.

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When a Career Finds You

March 19th, 2009

By Jeanne Albanese

Without the Town Shop, my life was a dull gray. Now it shines with beautiful colors.

Shannon Bower-Portal, former Town Shop participant

Thank you for all the opportunities to view the world outside the box, giving the kids a broader view and a calm place to be themselves.

Susanne and Bob Gemmill, parents of current participant, Sarah

I cannot fully express the esteem I hold for David and Cheryl Vermilya. Even though running the Town Shop is their job, I feel it is more their calling. Their enthusiasm and selfless dedication to the town’s youth is immeasurable. They have contributed to the personal growth of my son by introducing him to the importance of community service and being a part of the community. My son has become a confident and socially conscious individual due to their influence.

Susan M. Czerwinski, parent of former participant

These words – and thousands more like them – sustain Cheryl Vermilya.

Read More »

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Tough Economic Times

February 7th, 2009

Many young people and their families are having to cope with diminishing personal resources. At the same time, elected representatives at every level are compelled to respond to growing budget deficits with difficult decisions about reducing or eliminating community based resources. Many fine youth programs across New York State have already absorbed significant funding cuts. The Town Shop has weathered many storms in its 38 year history, but this one is a biggy.

Some Ways To Help

Express Yourself: Communicate with your elected representatives by letter, email, or phone. What do you value? What do you appreciate? They need to know so that they can make informed decisions. View List

Join Our Action Alliance: Send us your email address. We’ll send out alerts if immediate expressions of support are necessary.

Donate A Consumable: Occasionally drop off items that are consumed regularly (E.g., coffee, hot chocolate, jelly, bread, sugar, toilet paper). Camillus Methodist Church has kindly offered to help us with our Peanut Butter needs. :)

Help Subsidize An Activity: Donate towards Park entrance fees, campsite rentals, museum admissions, internet services, magazine subscriptions, etc. (Contact Cheryl for more ideas.)

Money Donation: Any amount will help. We accept checks and PayPal.