The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (May 23, 2011) – Two opportunities are offered for area residents to join the Caregiver Resource Center’s “What Should We Do With Grandma’s Treasures?”

The first presentation is offered on Tuesday, June 21, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and again on Thursday, June 23, 6:00 –9:00 p.m. both at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty.

This free program is a great opportunity to learn how to save the history and special memories associated with the artifacts/treasures of a senior’s life as well as dispersing these items of personal property (who gets what & how do you decide).

We encourage our older family members to put their estate in order (power of attorney, a health care proxy, a will or trust) but what is the missing link? The family history and family artifacts.

It can take just two generations for memories of an ancestor to disappear from the memories of our descendants. What happens to the family memories, artifacts, stories, and photographs is really up to you.

Topics presented by the guest speakers: Carol Smythe, Town of Neversink Historian and Dot Muthig, Sullivan County antique collector and dealer.

The topics will include:

· Documenting your family history that is tied into these precious family artifacts;

· Evaluating your options when distributing the treasured family possessions; 

· What is fair? Family experiences and being sensitive to what ‘fair’ means in your family;

· Setting up ground rules and managing the conflicts if they arise.

Workshop participants will also enjoy the fun evaluations of family artifacts/treasures.

Bring an item to the workshop, for an evaluation by Dot Muthig. Participants can submit a picture and description of the item by June 3 for a better evaluation of the item. There is a suggested donation of $5/item. Donations benefit Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Family & Consumer Science Scholarship Fund.

Call 292-5250 to make your reservation. Light refreshments will be served.