The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (December 7, 2011) – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County (CCE) unveiled their 2012 calendar back in October at their Annual Dinner at the Jeffersonville Firehouse.

Attendees were very impressed by the local talent reflected in the winning photographs on display. The theme of the calendar was “Gardening in Sullivan County.”

Five judges were involved in the choosing the calendar photos: Preston Lyon, photographer with a great artistic eye; Marian Dolan, floral designer and owner of Butterfly Botanicals in Bloomingburg;  Glenn Pontier, Director for Sullivan Renaissance; Sean Welsh, Consumer and Financial Educator at CCE and Head of Fundraising; and Amanda Speer, Director of Programming at CCE.

The extension received well over 200 entries of photos from local Sullivan County gardeners. To begin the process, staff were able to pick 50 favorites for the judges to consider. The judges then looked at the entries. At no time was anyone aware of who the photographers were. The judges spent hours reviewing the photos and then unanimously picked one for each month and the covers. Then they chose 16 more honorable mentions. It was reported by calendar coordinator, Susan Dollard, that the judges struggled with their choices and stated many times how difficult it was to make a final decision.

The money raised from the calendar purchases goes to support programming for all Sullivan County residents. With unique  fundraisers like this, Extension has been able to attract new members and a more diverse audience to our programs. Like many organizations, CCE faces unprecedented financial constraints and challenges.

Plans for the 2013 calendar are already in progress.

The 2012 Cornell Cooperative Extension Calendar makes an excellent stocking stuffer, while highlighting local places and photographers.

If you are interested in purchasing a 2012 calendar call 845-292-5250 or stop by the CCE office at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY.

(Photos top to bottom: Calendar cover – Community Tree Through the Seasons by Eric Brown of Parksville; August photo – Garlic in a Bottle by John Letourneau of Dennison Hill; May photo – Purple Daisy  by Paulina Tracz of Woodbourne; and March photo – Raindrops by Catskill Chronicle Editor, Carol Montana of Grahamsville.)