MIDDLETOWN, NY — Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County will hold its annual Business Meeting and Awards Dinner on Monday, December 9 at Graham Skea Lodge, Stony Ford Golf Course in Hamptonburg. The social hour begins at 6 p.m. and is followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

The business meeting agenda includes the election of the 2025 board of directors. The slate of candidates includes Tamara Lajara of Monroe, Thomas Manza of Middletown, Kathi Nywening of Chester and Nancy Proyect Rider of Newburgh.

The 2024 Friend of Extension Award will be presented to the Middletown Enlarged City School District for its continued support and commitment to the programs of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County and the valuable hours of educational services helping to provide many opportunities to the youth and adults of Orange County.

The Volunteer of the Year Awards will be presented to five exceptional volunteers voted on by their peers. Honorees are Shaun Parr from the 4-H program; Gerda Krogslund from the Master Gardner program; Virginia Thorenz from the 4-H program; and Patti Martellaro and Lorie Lotito, both with the Master Gardner program.

The award is presented to an individual who demonstrates support for Cornell Cooperative Extension and its mission through many hours of volunteering and participation in programs/activities to enhance the opportunities available for the youth and adults of Orange County.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering or joining the board call Peggy Kral at 845/344-1234 or email pk333@cornell.edu or visit www.cceorangecounty.org.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships provide programs for Orange County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research.  Committed to Orange County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities.  For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845/344-1234 or visit our website at www.cceorangecounty.org.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, protected Veterans, and individuals with disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.