CCE Honors Guests at 2019 Annual Dinner Meeting

Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County held its Annual Dinner Meeting on October 24, 2019 at the Best Western University Inn, Canton. 

At this time Special Recognition Awards were handed out to guests:

Flip Filipi, Local Foods Program Leader presented Doug Welch with the Ag and Food System's Hero Award for his volunteer work with the program.

Patrick Ames, Executive Director awarded Farm Credit East, Potsdam Branch with the Friend of Extension Award, stating they could not be more engaged and intertwined with our farmers, our future and our past. Not only does this organization provide the resources and technical assistance to support and sustain our agricultural economy, but the dedicated service of its staff members are unparalleled. Beyond that, this organization works to support the educational outreach and Ag awareness programs of Extension and other community-based organizations. They know and understand the significant value of advancing these important educational and public relations efforts. This organization has helped to make many Extension and County programs possible, by underwriting such events at the Dairy Executives Academy, North Country Dairy Institute, St. Lawrence County Legislative Ag Tours, and the Cultivating Career’s Field trip for County High School Students.

Patrick Ames, Executive Director awarded Arlis Frego, BOCES Food Service Director, the Friend of Extension Award for his support of the Harvest Kitchen at Extension and for leading BOCES to serving as the lead in a successful Farm-to-School Award that is positioned in 2019-2020 to move 40,000 pounds of local, minimally processed produce to over 21 partnering school districts. Beyond that, Arlis decided to put his own skin in the game, and on most Mondays he is doing a day-long delivery run from the Harvest Kitchen to the purchasing school himself. Without his vision and practical nature, these efforts would not be possible.

Patrick Ames, Executive Director awarded Big Spoon Kitchen with the Friend of Extension Award for their entrepreneurial spirit and a true commitment to building a sense of community around food. It is very apparent that this business is involved in the Farm-to-School Program because of a shared vision to get fresh, healthy food in the hands of our children.This business, it owners and employees have be involved now every step of the way… through the good, the bad and the ugly. They have piloted many products, experimented with produce varieties, kitchen procedures, built relationships with both BOCES and our growers. Their involvement has truly enriched this partnership and made the successes possible.

Patrick Ames, Executive Director presented Paul O'Connor, State Extension Specialist with the  Director’s Award in recognition of the Spirit and Ideals of Extension for his dedication and skill sets needed to make the broader system work. Patrick wished to recognize Paul's tireless, selfless work, he is engaged with all aspects of moving those Associations forward, from planning and development, to guiding them through every imaginable crisis and dilemma that can befall Extension.

Last updated November 4, 2019