May 23, 2007

Dairy Day, Court Escape, Planning Board

by David Makar
for Living in Dryden

Dryden Dairy is coming soon! On Saturday, June 9th Dairy Day kicks off with a parade at 9:30am followed by events from 10am to 3pm in the Village of Dryden. Last year I put on my hat and marched in the cold rain with fellow Dryden Democrats, Simon wrote about it here and posted a picture of me here. The year before, I'm told was very hot and sunny, the opposite of 2006. I hope for warm weather this year as I'll be marching (or walking) again with the Dryden Democrats.

In today's Dryden Town Talk Cathy Wakeman reports on the theme of Dairy Day, the Bike Rodeo sponsored by Sertoma last weekend, the upcoming golf event (also sponsored by Sertoma), tonight's 50th anniversary program remembering the 1957 100th anniversary of the village of Dryden, and finally the Dryden Guest Artist series which continues on June 6th (the day of Cathy's next column). Cathy asks that you contribute to Dryden Town Talk via her mailing address or email address, cwakeman@twcny.rr.com or 23 Lewis Street, Dryden NY 13053.

When I wrote about being contacted by a David and Julie Makar of Dryden, Ontario on my own blog, Mike Lane mentioned the guests of 1957 from Dryden, Ontario. See the post here and the comments here. Without further ado, here's Cathy's column for today, May 23rd:
‘Hay, Hay:' Here's the real theme for this year's Dairy Day

There's nothing like an old comrade to straighten you out.

In the last Dryden Town Talk, I erroneously shared the Dairy Day theme. Hearing rumors of another theme rumbling about town, a quick call to Kim Schenck, this year's parade coordinator, set me straight. The theme shared in the last column is actually for the Grange float, as National Grange celebrates their centennial this year. The actual theme for this year's parade is “Hay, Hay, It's Dairy Day.” Visions of scarecrows and hay bales automatically began dancing through my head.

This theme was last year's runner up, provided by Elsie Gutchess. Elsie comes from a long line of dairy farmers, and shares, “Our agriculture roots are very important, especially here in Dryden.” Having never made a float before, I inquired of Kim, “Where does one begin?” With her typical can-do spirit and cheer, she replied, “Just get a truck or flatbed and decorate it.”

So the challenge is out. Groups are encouraged to get out their trucks and tractors and hay bales and participate in the 23rd annual parade, to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Dairy Day, which is Saturday, June 9. Dairy Day events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are cash prizes in two categories and for the best use of theme. Register your float online at www.drydendairyday.org or by calling Kim Schenck at 844-4143.

Bike Rodeo a hit
The Sertoma Bike Rodeo last week was yet another in a long line of wonderful community service events provided by this dedicated organization. More than 30 brand new bike helmets were professionally fitted onto young heads by Village Patrol officers Kurt Soderholm and Tony Bellamy. Participants of all ages were able to test and refresh their bicycling safety skills in a course of five stations. Fifty-three children participated in the event. Two bicycles were raffled at the rodeo, and Duran Joyce and Nadia Schevshenko were the fortunate winners. Thank you to Sertoma for again making this event possible.

Sertoma golf event
Sertoma now turns its attention to its third annual Golf Tournament. The net proceeds of this event will benefit the Dryden Historical Society.

Teams and individuals may register for this four-person captain-and-crew event, which takes place on Friday, June 29 at the Elm Tree Golf Course at 283 Route 13 in Cortland. The registration fee of $75 per participant includes 18 holes of golf, riding cart, a steak meal and prizes. The prize list currently includes a new car from Stafford Chevrolet and airline tickets from AAA-Stone Travel. For registration information, call Charlie at 844-8796.

Sesquicentennial
Tonight, the Dryden Town Historical Society will mark the sesquicentennial of Dryden Village with a program remembering the Dryden Village Centennial Celebration of 1957. According to Mary Hornbuckle, “The town of Dryden was established in 1797, but sixty years later, in 1857, a petition was circulated and signed by 69 citizens to incorporate a smaller geographical area as Dryden Village. At that time, the population of the village was about 400 and it covered nearly 1,000 acres. Dryden was a bustling settlement where business flourished, new agricultural methods made farming more profitable, water power was available from several streams, and the anticipated arrival of the railroad, all combined to signal future prosperity and regional importance. “In 1957, a grand celebration was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Dryden Village. Mayor Brad Morgan encouraged everyone to take part in centennial events scheduled for Aug. 1-4, 1957. However, planning began months in advance as local men needed time to grow “chin whiskers” qualifying them to become “Brothers of the Brush” or risk being cited. A special invitation was extended to J.L. Skillen, Mayor of Dryden, Ontario, Canada, who attended with an official delegation of eight. The four days of the celebration included band concerts, a ball game, a parade, exhibits, a pageant, trap shoot, horse show and much more, all attended by enthusiastic crowds.”

Thanks to the Tompkins County Rural News and photographs by Ross Sherman, the Historical Society will share records of this event. The public is invited to bring photos and souvenirs to display and stories to share. The doors of Dryden Village Hall will open at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to all. For more information, call Gina Prentiss (844-4691) or Mary Hornbuckle (898-3461).

Guest Artist Series
The Dryden Guest Artist Series will cap off another excellent year of sharing music with students and the Dryden community on Wednesday, June 6, as Los Bandidos, featuring Paul Merrill, comes to share its brand of “incredibly danceable” salsa and Latin music at the Dryden High auditorium. Dryden Central music students are welcome to join the band for a workshop at 6 p.m. in advance of the 7 p.m. the concert, which is free and open to the public.

In other news, a Brooktondale man escaped the Dryden Town Court after he realized he couldn't afford the $200.00 bail. He is at large. He was pulled over on Dec. 7th and issued a ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree (knowingly operating while suspended, revoked or withdrawn by the commissioner).

In other news, the Dryden Planning Board has an open position. Simon notes, "The Planning Board is more and more critical as the zoning process moves forward and Dryden develops further, so I'd encourage anyone interested to apply."

For application information, contact Environmental Planner Dan Kwasnowski at 844-5607.

In case you haven't had enough Dairy Day, the Ithaca Journal notes:
Booth registration on now for Dairy Day
Dryden Dairy Day will be held Saturday, June 9, beginning with the parade down Main Street at 9:30 a.m. and activities in Montgomery Park until 3 p.m.
Early registration for booths at Montgomery Park is $15 if received by May 25. Late registration fee is $20 and will be accepted until June 1. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Registration, questions and information can be found at drydendairyday.org. Booth numbers will be posted at the gazebo in Montgomery Park by 8 a.m. on Dairy Day.


Stay up to date with Dryden at the Ithaca Journal search site about Dryden.

Finally...
Living in Dryden is always looking for contributors. Do you follow the daily happenings of the village of Freeville or the hamlet of Bethel Grove? Do you track Dryden H.S. Sports or watch for Dryden residents participating in Ithaca H.S. Sports? Do you want to contribute on anything Dryden related? Let us know at dave@davidmakar.com or simonstl@simonstl.com Posted by david at May 23, 2007 9:37 AM in Ithaca Journal
Note on photos