VOLUNTEER BOARD OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Are you interested in filling a current or future vacancy on one of Dryden's Volunteer Boards? Please complete the online "Volunteer Board Application" found
HERE. Applications for future Volunteer Board vacancies will be kept on file to be submitted with the annual board appointments in January.
- Agricultural Advisory Committee - 1 Vacancy
- Conservation Board Alternate - 1 Vacancy
- Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission - 2 Vacancies
- Safety & Preparedness Committee - 4 Vacancies
- Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 Vacancies
Feel free to call us at (607) 844-8888, Option 3, with any questions.
Climate Smart Communities Task Force
NYSERDA
Dryden has thus far amassed 4,500 points on NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities scorecard, placing us second in the Southern Tier region, behind the Village of Montour Falls (at 5,200 points) (see www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities/Tracking-Progress/Scorecard). At 5,000 points, a municipality qualifies for a $70,000 grant, of which there are only 4 available for the Southern Tier region. Montour Falls has already claimed the first of these $70,000 grants, and the CSC Task Force discussed possible avenues to reach the 5,000 point designation.
By March 2023, Dryden’s purchase of a hybrid vehicle for Code Enforcement should provide an additional 300 points (for 4,800 points total).
Unhappy with the outcome of the DPW office building audit, members of the CSC task force engaged in meetings with the company that undertook the audit and NYSERDA, in an effort to register its displeasure and ask for its $3,400 back. It would seem that the NYSERDA representative has bumped this up in the organization’s hierarchy, due to Dryden’s reputation in taking on climate change, and the possibility exists that Dryden may indeed get its money back.
Dryden remains a Climate Smart Bronze-Certified Community with 225 points. Inroads are being made towards the 300 point goal, the minimum needed to become a Silver-Certified Community (of which there are currently only 9 in New York State). The focus of its February meeting will be prioritizing projects that meet the goals of Dryden’s Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
Efforts are also being made on the part of Dryden High School to do away with single-use plastic utensils. $1,000 is needed to replace the plastic utensils with metal ones, and the Task Force’s student members are investigating the Green School grant program to cover this cost.
In other news, NYSERDA has dubbed Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins Co. (CCE-Tompkins) as the “clean energy hub” for the Southern Tier region. The designation comes with a grant of roughly $3.5m for clean energy outreach, engagement, and educational services led regionally by CCE-Tompkins. Examples run from job training for clean energy industries, providing home energy assessments, helping people find energy incentives and qualified contractors for home renovations that reduce energy use or increase the efficiency of home utilities, help obtaining electric vehicle rebates, community solar signups, etc. Additional information may be found at www.ithacavoice.com/2022/12/cce-receives-3-5-million-grant-to-become-clean-energy-hub.
ENERGY UPGRADES TO YOUR HOME
There is federal money available for energy upgrades to your home, whether you rent or own. Here are links to two guides that will help you understand what, and when, the money will be available:
1. Go Electric! Rewiring America's Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act
2. NY Times - Guide Can Help You Save Money and Fight Climate Change
The Climate Smart Communities Task Force meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 4:15pm. Check the Town of Dryden website calendar for meeting details and updates.
Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission (DRYC)
There are a lot of factors people consider when they look for a place to live. There are the obvious concerns like cost of living, quality schools, and distance to jobs and resources. Then there are several things we often lump under the heading “quality of life.” What are the leisure and recreation options for myself or my kids? Are there activities and programs available that fit our interests? What kind of groups, clubs, or leagues are there to get involved in? Are there good playgrounds nearby? Are there parks and recreation spaces where we can have a picnic, take a walk, ride a bike, throw a frisbee, kick a soccer ball, shoot hoops?
The Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission (DRYC) focuses on those questions with the goal of promoting a high quality of life for all town residents. We provide support and advice for the Recreation Department and its youth and adult programs that offer not only athletic opportunities but a variety of activities for residents of all ages and interests. We partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension and Tompkins County Youth Services to increase access for town youth to programs that build skills, confidence, leadership, and supportive relationships.
There are currently openings on the commission, and we are looking for people from all over the town and from different walks of life and experience to join us. If you are a town resident 16 years of age or older, and you want to be part of making Dryden a great place to live, there’s a spot for you. You can apply by filling out a volunteer board application at https://dryden.ny.us/?page_id=166.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Dryden Youth Program Reports:
1. January 2023 Report from the Trenches
2. January 2023 Dryden OURS & YOURS Program Report
Dryden Recreation and Youth Commission meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Check the Town of Dryden website calendar for meeting details and updates.
