Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc.

2011 Holidays In The Hamlet • Photos with Santa!

2011-12-11T21:58:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all who attended the Holidays in the Hamlet and all those who made the event possible for Sidney Center for another year! Enjoy the photos and Happy Holidays from all of us at the Sidney Center Improvement Group! Thank you for your support.

**VIEW, SAVE & PRINT YOUR PICTURE FROM THE ALBUM BELOW**

2011 • Holidays In The Hamlet • Photos with Santa

It's That Time of Year Again...

2011-11-29T23:51:00.001-05:00

When?? Saturday, December 10, 2011 • 6:00 p.m.

Where?? Sidney Center Fire Hall (Corner of Main St. & Depot St.)

What's Happening??
Santa is coming to town with Mrs. Clause and their Elf helper!
FREE Photos with Santa!
Arts, Crafts, & Games!
Community Tree Lighting!
Holiday Caroling & Live Music!

And more!

!!Ho-Ho-Hope to see you there! Happy Holidays!!

WBNG TV 12 News -- Sidney Center to Install Stream Gauge

2011-10-28T22:26:00.002-04:00

WBNG TV 12 NEWS -- Sidney Center Reducing Flood Risk With Watershed Plan

2011-10-28T20:35:00.001-04:00

2nd ANNUAL TRACTOR PARADE A SUCCESS! [Photos Below]

2011-09-25T23:16:00.002-04:00

Despite early morning rain, SCIG's 2nd Annual Tractor Parade went on! SCIG would like to thank all of the participants, organizers and volunteers who made this event possible. It was a great success with 35 tractors and 13 antique cars in attendance. Many activities for children took place, such as face painting, a tractor pinata, ice cream and free photos in front of an antique John Deere tractor. As always the chicken BBQ was a big hit - selling out of every chicken half!

Thank you for supporting Sidney Center and we look forward to seeing you at the next one! Please enjoy the photos below and feel free to save a copy for yourself.

[*How To Save a Picture: Press Play on the slide show - when you get to your picture, click on it - it will bring you to our gallery - find the "download" button just above the picture.]

PARADE PHOTOS >>
By Marisa Orezzoli

PRE/POST-PARADE CANDID PHOTOS >>
By Marisa Orezzoli, Michael Sellitti

2nd Annual - Sidney Center Tractor Parade!

2011-08-10T10:19:00.004-04:00

Saturday, September 24th

Parade Starts: 12 Noon @ School
Chicken BBQ: 1:00 pm @ Fire Hall

Events Include:
• Parade of Tractors of All Types • Chicken BBQ Prepared by the Sidney Center Fire Dept. • FREE For Children: Face Painting, Gifts, Photos, Train-Tractor Barrel Rides & More!!!

**Participate In The Parade!**
We encourage anyone with a tractor - large or small, new or old, green or red or any color - it doesn't matter, everyone is welcome to come join the parade of tractors down the Hamlets Main Street.

PARADE REGISTRATION & LINE-UP BEGINS AT 10:30 am @ the Sidney Center School (Greater Maywood Rural Community Services Building)

For Parade Details Please Call: 607-369-9494
For All Event Details Please Call: 607-369-4538

RUN WHAT YA BRUNG!

Bugs in Barrels!!

2011-05-10T16:17:00.003-04:00

Thanks to a successful pooling of resources and volunteers in the Hamlet - we now have decorative bugs in the flower barrels!

There are many to thank for making this project fly - which is another step towards beautifying our Hamlet even more and improving the quality of life for all who reside here. Without the help and support of everyone involved - making the Hamlet more exciting and attractive would not be possible.

The craftsmanship and creativity that went into making these bugs is absolutely top-notch. Thank you to all!

Special Thanks To:
Kay King
Ruth Barton
Helen Mayo
Tootie Hathaway
Ann Birdsall
Mary Schriver
Hulse Family
Dave and Gordie Birdsall
Larry Mott
Dave and Lucille Dewey

National Park Service Announces Community-Based Projects for Assistance in 2011

2011-01-17T08:15:00.005-05:00

[Source: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/whatwedo/projects_by_state.html ]

S.C.I.G. on WBNG TV News, Binghamton - 11/18/10

2010-11-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

S.C.I.G. Awarded $93K Grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

2010-11-15T22:22:00.002-05:00

Press Conference:

Thursday, November 18, 2010 – 1:00pm

Sidney Center Fire Hall

County Highway 23, Sidney Center, NY 13839

Sidney Center, NY – The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. (S.C.I.G.) - a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization - will be announcing it’s first substantial grant award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The $92,996 award will fund water quality monitoring and flood risk mitigation initiatives.

Sidney Center experienced devastating flooding in 2006 – which evoked serious questions and concerns: what caused the flooding, can it happen again, and what were/are the long-term affects of the flooding. As a result of these unanswered questions and the host of existing issues Sidney Center was already experiencing prior to the floods – a group of concerned citizens gathered to assess these issues and how to tackle them. Thus, the Sidney Center Improvement Group was born.

Five years later S.C.I.G. is a flourishing grass roots organization, which has worked to beautify the Hamlet of Sidney Center and improve the overall quality of life. Two major issues, which have been the focus of S.C.I.G., are water quality and flood mitigation. With the announcement of this grant award – these issues are one step closer to being resolved and positively impacting the area in and around Sidney Center in a significant way.

There are a some important facts to note regarding the award granted to S.C.I.G. by NFWF and the initiatives that S.C.I.G. has already been involved with:

•S.C.I.G. was one of only two organizations in NY state to receive funding –and the only organization that is not a governmental entity.

•S.C.I.G. is being provided with an unprecedented 3^rd year of direct assistanc from the National Parks Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.

•S.C.I.G. has partnered with the Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Program,which is funded by a service-learning grant from State Farm Insurance and includes the assistance of faculty and students involved in the Program.

S.C.I.G. has requested the presence of the following to share in the announcement of this award to the community: Assemblyman Pete Lopez (confirmed), Senator Bonacic, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Wink Hastings – National Parks Service, Mat Webber – Izaak Walton League, Rich Townsend – Sidney High School, Town Board of Sidney, Town of Sidney Planning Board, Sidney School Board, Delaware County Planning, Peter Freehafer – DEC, Delaware County Soil & Water District, Environmental Facilities Corporation, Amy Guise – Army Corp. of Engineers, Upper Susquehanna Coalition, Butternut Valley Alliance, and more.

Upper Delaware River - Named 'Most Endangered River in America"

2010-06-08T14:40:00.002-04:00

[Source: AmericanRivers.org]
Since 1986, American Rivers has released its America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ report to spotlight the nation’s ten most threatened rivers. Our work in key program areas – river protection, river restoration, clean water, and water supply - benefits people, wildlife, nature and the communities that rely on healthy rivers.

Click Here to Go To Their Website and Read About The Upper Delaware River!

Spring Plant Exchange!

2010-03-25T16:19:00.004-04:00

(click on the image to enlarge it so you can see the details clearly)

***Click Here to download a Plant Exchange Form!***

stay tuned...

2010-02-15T14:46:00.001-05:00

Next Carr's Creek Watershed Team Meeting -- This Thursday, Jan. 21 @6:30 PM -> Sidney Center Fire Hall

2010-01-19T14:33:00.001-05:00

Agenda for this month's meeting:

1) Review of the Watershed Team’s activities and accomplishments in 2009

2) Jeff Lape's reflections of his visit with Sidney Center Improvement Group and other organizations working in the Upper Susquehanna Basin of New York

3) National Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Assistance Grant for the Carr’s Creek Hydrologic/Hydraulic Study

4) Identification of watershed activities for 2010. Possible activities include implementing the water quality monitoring program, increasing collaborative work efforts with Sidney High School, and identifying projects to engage more community members and increase visibility of Sidney Center

5) Status of 2010 funding prospects to support Carr’s Creek watershed activities

6) Status of Gas Leasing activities in the Town of Sidney and surrounding area

2010-01-14T11:23:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! More to come soon...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

2009-12-02T22:48:00.003-05:00

1896-2009

2009-10-01T21:43:00.010-04:00

Photos By Michael Sellitti -- Candlelight Vigil (Oct. 5, 2009), Church Remains (Oct. 1, 2009)

Old Home Day '09 - Parade Photos!!

2009-07-19T19:15:00.002-04:00

*Click to Enlarge Photos*

Old Home Day 2009 - Is Almost Here!

2009-06-09T14:39:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year again - Old Home Day for the Hamlet of Sidney Center. With the success of last years festivities [See Photos from Old Home Day '08] The Maywood Historical Group, Sidney Center Improvement Group, Sidney Center Fire Department, and participating residents are certain this year will be just as eventful!

Starting at 11:00am - a parade of Old Cars, Tractors, Community Groups, Religious Groups, & Entertainers will lead the way to the Maywood Depot where several events including the famous Fireman's Chicken BBQ, Live music from local musicians, Ice Cream and Events for the whole family, and much more!

Spend a weekend close to home and enjoy the festivities of this years annual Old Home Day!

See you there!

Sidney H.S. Meets With USGS -- WBNG TV 12, Binghamton

2009-05-12T17:02:00.001-04:00

May 3rd Fundraiser Event -- Photo Slideshow!

2009-05-04T09:25:00.003-04:00

Photos Courtesy of Ann Birdsall & Jessica Farrell

2009-04-05T22:01:00.007-04:00

SCFD Chicken BBQ - 2nd Annual 'Take A Chance' Raffle - Artisan Fair - Photo Taking -
AND MORE!!
MAY 3rd -- 11am-3pm -- Sidney Center Fire Hall

SIDNEY CENTER, NY --
Join the Sidney Center Fire Department, The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Friends, Family, Residents, Visitors, and everyone else for a spectacular spring event!

This Sunday, May 3rd - come support the fine organizations that keep Sidney Center a safe and enjoyable environment to live in and visit. Also, have the opportunity to browse the great work of local artisans and craftspeople in this years first Artisan Fair! Also, another year to indulge in the delicious chicken BBQ prepared by the S.C.F.D. And don't forget to 'Take-A-Chance' on a raffle item! Looking for a great gift for mom this Mothers day or just feeling in the spring spirit? Have your photo taken in front of our Spring Setup! You also can't miss the special dance performance outside the firehall presented by ABC Dance Studio!

All this and more can be found at this year's Spring Fundraiser Event - Sunday May 3rd from 11am to 3pm at the Sidney Center Fire Hall. Everyone - young and old, residents and non-residents - are all invited to attend! See you there!

2009-02-24T21:08:00.003-05:00

The Stream Teams Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st and will take place at the Sidney Center United Methodist Church (across from Howes Building Supplies). We will meet downstairs in the church from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Lunch will be served.

Wink Hastings and Matt Robinson will be driving up from Annapolis to participate in the festivities.

Please contact your stream team members to make sure everyone is aware of this important celebration....a celebration of your investment of time, energy, and all the clothing and cell phones that got wet in the process.

See you March 21st!!!

Holidays in the Hamlet 2008

2008-11-21T11:23:00.011-05:00

Please join the Sidney Center Improvement Group in welcoming the holiday season with our "Holidays in the Hamlet" festivities! We encourage everyone, adults and children alike to come enjoy the many events that are have planned for the evening. Gifts, special guest appearances, tree lighting, and a parade are among the festivities to take place. See you there!!

Schedule of Events -- Friday, December 5th, 2008

6:00pm
>Location: Sidney Center Library (new location)
>Events: The Sidney Center Library has moved into a new location and will be holding their Open House for the community to enjoy the new facility! Gather at the library for a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus - who will be bringing gifts for all that are nice!

6:30pm
>Location: From the Sidney Center Library to the corner next to the firehouse
>Events: Santa will arrive at the Library on his special fire truck sleigh - at which point the children can join him in a parade down Main Street to participate in the tree lighting ceremony! We will sing in the holiday season with carols and light the beautifully decorated tree as the centerpiece of the Holidays in the Hamlet.

7:00pm
>Location: Sidney Center Fire Hall
>Events: Following the tree lighting - we will move to the fire hall for even more festivities! Children will have the chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. The children may also get a free picture with Santa provided by the Sidney Center Improvement Group! Also, more fun will take place in the fire hall such as:
-Games
-Crafts
-Music
-Snacks
-And more!

--
We hope to see you at this years Holidays in the Hamlet!

Stream Assessment Complete!!!

2008-09-13T21:21:00.002-04:00

Check out the photos from the Stream Assessment that took place Saturday, September 13th in Sidney Center...

9/13/08 -- Stream Assessment Photo Slide Show --> Click Here!

9/07/08 -- Stream Assessment Training Photo Slideshow --> Click Here!

9/06/08 -- Water Quality Training Photo Slide Show --> Click Here!

PRESS RELEASE Stream Assessment Project

2008-09-10T21:06:00.003-04:00

SIDNEY CENTER IMPROVEMENT GROUP RAMPS UP STREAM ASSESSMENT WITH HELP FROM NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE

Trained Volunteers Assess Stream Beds On Saturday, Sept 13 at 8 am at the Sidney Center Firehall

Sidney Center, NY, September 8, 2008 – The Sidney Center Improvement Group (SCIG) continue their efforts in restoring the streams following the devastation of the 2006 floods.

With the assistance of the National Parks Service, local volunteers trained by the Izaak Walton League will assess the stream beds of Carr’s Creek and Willow Brook as well as some tributaries. The assessment will take place on September 13th at 8am initially meeting at the Sidney Center Fire Hall.

“The National Parks Service has been instrumental in providing us crucial materials and GPS devices that will truly help us assess the condition of the stream bed and banks,” says Joe Lally, president of SCIG. “This assessment is strictly to identify problem areas and solve them without any penalty or financial burden on the landowner. We urge our neighbors to take part in this important community project.”

Volunteers will collect data for this project which will be used to apply for grants to rectify problems associated with excessive flooding and poor water quality. In addition to the Parks Service and the Izaak Walton League, the Sidney High School will participate in the project as well.

For more information, please visit our website:
www.sidneycenterimprovementgroup.org

Contact: Joe Lally

2008-08-26T20:50:00.002-04:00

**IMPORTANT DATES**

Saturday, September 6th - 9am-4pm --> Water Quality Training @ Sidney Center Firehall

Sunday, September 7th - 1pm-5pm --> Watershed Stream Assessment Training @ Maywood Depot

Saturday, September 13th - All Day --> Carr's Creek Watershed Stream Assessment

2008-07-20T19:33:00.031-04:00

THE PARADE

MAYWOOD DEPOT

Carr’s Creek Watershed Project Planning Continues…

2008-07-08T13:55:00.006-04:00

The Sidney Center Improvement Group in conjunction with Wink Hasting from the National Parks Service facilitated another planning meeting for the Carr’s Creek Watershed Project. The project will include stream assessment and water quality monitoring of Carr’s Creek as well as Willow Brook and several other unnamed tributaries all located in Sidney Center and the Town of Sidney. The project is moving forward with the assessment to take place in mid-September.

The project is a big leap forward in restoring and preserving the integrity of the streambeds as well as the quality of the water, which has been compromised due to many existing issues made worse by the 2006 floods. With many outside organizations already on board with the project – such as the Izaak Walton League (www.iwla.org), the Sidney High School Flood Forecasting & Hydrologic Monitoring Program, and other local organizations - the project is sure to produce worthwhile results for the community. The success of this effort also depends on the cooperation and support of landowners and residents of the areas in which the streams affect.

The S.C.I.G. encourages anyone interested in helping with this effort to please call, email, or attend one of our planning meetings. The next planning meeting is scheduled for July 22 @ 6:30 PM in the Sidney Center Firehall.

*Important Dates:
>Training for Stream Assessment & Water Quality Monitoring (open to anyone interested in assisting in the Watershed Project) – Saturday/Sunday, September 6/7 – Time TBD
>Street Assessment of Carr’s Creek, Willow Brook and unnamed tributaries – Saturday/Sunday, September 13-14 – Time TBD.

Where Did All These Flower Barrels Come From!?

2008-06-12T23:34:00.011-04:00

"In April of 2006 a community workshop was held in Sidney Center with the help of the Catskill Center for Conservation & Development with hopes of improving the quality of life in the hamlet. With their assistance, we applied for a Micro Main Street Grant. Through the generous support of Senator John Bonasic, we received funding for the barrels and the flowers in the Spring of 2006. There are 36 barrels in all - 34 along Main Street and 2 at the Maywood Depot. My personal philosophy at that time was that with small steps of visible progress, larger things could happen here in the hamlet. Now in 2008, with the enthusiastic help of our community, I feel that potential has a real chance of being realized. This year we received a very generous donation from Steve Ross to help with purchasing the flowers - the Sidney Center Improvement group would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Steve and thanks him for supporting our cause!"
--Submitted by Jessica Farrell - Beautification Committee, S.C.I.G.--

Taking A Chance…And Succeeding!

2008-05-06T12:24:00.017-04:00

By Michael Sellitti

I think we all have to take a chance at some point. Sometimes it’s a risky chance; sometimes it’s a no-brainer. Either way, I think chance is very important part of life – allowing for the opportunity to think critically by weighing the pros and cons of taking said chance.

However, I’m sure many people don’t consider the possibilities of taking a chance prior to doing so. For some – luck is on their side and we can’t argue with luck because we all wish for it and when it does come we embrace every bit of it. For other’s it’s not so easy – it’s back to reality and hoping for that next opportunity. Hope being the key word – it’s what carries us on regardless of the outcome because it’s hope that got us there in the first place, and intuition that gave us that extra nudge to follow through. Hope and intuition is what I believe to be the perfect recipe for succeeding at taking a chance – even when you lose. So, when it doesn’t always work out as planned, we hope for the next time to take a chance, and maybe then, things will fall in our favor.

The reason I decided to analyze this notion of chance is because I saw many people take one, or two, or even three or more chances at the Sidney Center Improvement Group’s “Take A Chance” raffle. I saw many people who had chance on their side – I saw many more that didn’t. Unfortunately someone’s gotta win, someone’s gotta lose…the raffle that is. But believe it or not, everyone came out victorious at this raffle, in a different sort of way. This community event had significant importance whether everyone in attendance realized it or not. By participating in this raffle, everyone was contributing to a greater cause, which in my book puts them in the category of victor.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. – a non-profit community activist group of concerned residents for the betterment of the Sidney Center hamlet and surrounding area – sponsored this event with hopes of raising funds, which in turn will help the group raise awareness and promote change for improving the quality of life in this area. The chances taken by those that attended will ultimately better the chances of the S.C.I.G. making a true difference in the long run.

I was amazed at the talent and professionalism represented in the items at the raffle. All events sponsored by the S.C.I.G. always put a clear emphasis on localism – directly involving the community and supporting local merchants. This was perfectly showcased at this auction with many donations from artisans and small businesses. Some of the items included hand-made crafts, woodwork, and stonework, as well as hand-painted glass-wear and skillfully knit hats, socks, and towels. There were also many impressive donations by local businesses of general necessities that the average homeowner would find useful. The tables were littered with great chances and all for such a great value and ultimately a great cause.

There are some who should be commended for the success of this event. The S.C.I.G. organizers: Jessica Farrell, Terry Leonard, Geri Mott, Lucille Dewey, Ann Birdsall, & Lois Murry, all did a superb job of promoting, setting up and carrying out the event. I must also give special thanks and acknowledgement to the Sidney Center Firemen who hosted a delicious chicken BBQ – which definitely improved attendance. With that said, the great support and coordination that went into this event and the number of attendee’s and ticket sales as a result, the raffle was without a doubt a great success. I hope to see the same enthusiasm and willingness to take a chance at future Sidney Center events!

Water Quality & Watershed Updates!

2008-04-23T21:51:00.015-04:00

The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. (SCIG) hosted a town hall style meeting for the residents of Sidney Center to hear possible solutions for the hamlet's ever-present water quality issue. Several parties were in attendance to educate the general public and field any questions or concerns.

Shelly Johnson of the Delaware County Planning Board, who is also working with the SCIG on zoning matters for the hamlet, introduced the presenters of the evening – Lamont Engineering. Lamont Engineering, a civil and environmental engineering firm, recently completed a project in the town of Hamden and in the process wrote a "Guide to Developing a Municipal Wastewater Project," which could be applied to the similar situation in the hamlet of Sidney Center. Judy Pangman of Lamont Engineering presented the necessary steps to take in order to establish a feasible wastewater system. Henry Lamont, also of Lamont Engineering, explained the different types of water systems that could be implemented after the initial steps are taken. Both Pangman and Lamont reiterated the cooperation and patience needed by residents and planners alike to make this type of project successful.

Another notable in attendance was Terry Deuel of the Environmental Facilities Corporation, which provides low-cost financing and technical assistance to communities like Sidney Center, embarking on environmental projects. Deuel offered his expertise by posing important technical questions, which translated into funding necessities – funding of course being the greatest obstacle facing any small municipality attempting this sort of project. However, Assemblyman of the 127th District, Pete Lopez was also in attendance to show his support for solving the hamlet's water quality issues and quelling any fears of failure should the community decide to commence in a wastewater system project. Lopez assured everyone at the meeting that it takes much time and dedication but "it can be done."

This was only one of many meetings of this kind, which will occur in the coming months and years. The insight gained from the meeting was the recipe for success that involves the motivation and commitment by residents, concerned citizens, project planners, politicians, and the SCIG. When these issues are resolved, the quality of life for the residents and the habitat will be dramatically heightened – making Sidney Center a more pleasurable place to live and visit.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. is a non-profit community activist group for the restoration and preservation of the Sidney Center area and hamlet. The SCIG encourages anyone who would like to be involved with this cause to please attend one of these meetings. For more information please visit our website: www.sidneycenterimprovementgroup.org, or email us at: scigny@gmail.com, or call SCIG Chairman, Joe Lally at 607.369.5705

---

The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. (SCIG) held a planning meeting to address the Carr's Creek Watershed. The meeting was open to the public and many Sidney Center residents came out to take part in the restoration project.

Carr's Creek, which is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, has been one of the main focuses of the SCIG - specifically to increase awareness of the problems that have existed along the stream and made worse after the 2006 floods.

The meeting was presided over by Wink Hastings of the National Park Service who facilitated by fielding questions and listing suggestions on how to work towards a successful stream assessment in the coming months. A proper stream assessment with cooperation by the landowners, which the stream affects, was the top priority at the meeting. Also, determining water quality issues and problem areas were discussed in detail. Volunteers will be a large part of the success of this project and affiliating with other environmental agencies, educational research, and community groups were suggested. The SCIG and concerned citizens of Sidney Center are working to promote this project throughout the summer with hopes of having the stream assessment completed by the fall.

The SCIG Chairman, Joe Lally, closed out the meeting stating, "What we really need to focus on here is the impact this project could have in the future - indeed for the Carr's Creek Watershed and its habitat, but also for our children and the younger generation who may be influenced in such a way that when they're walking and see a piece of trash on the ground, they'll think to pick it up."

The next Watershed Planning Meeting will be held on May 27th at 7:00pm in the Sidney Center Fire Hall. The SCIG encourages anyone who would like to be involved with this project to please attend one of these meetings. For more information please email scigny@gmail.com or call Joe Lally at 607.369.5705.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. is a non-profit community activist group for the restoration and preservation of the Sidney Center area and hamlet. Web address: www.sidneycenterimprovementgroup.org

2008-03-25T22:50:00.018-04:00

Sidney Center Improvement Group
Beautification Committee

Our History: 2005-2006

The beautification of Sidney Center has been one of the major concerns of our citizens since the Sidney Center Improvement Group's first meeting in November 2005. In April 2006, the Sidney Center Improvement Group sponsored a Visioning Workshop at the local Fire Hall with the Catskill Center, which generated a lot of excitement in the community. One common community concern was to clean up the community and restore the historical hamlet to its former glory.

Several weeks later, a group of determined individuals met at the local general store to put their concerns into action. With shovels, brooms, and garbage bags in hand, we set to work. Loading up countless truckloads of rubbish, our volunteers headed to the town shed in their pick ups with the goal of cleaning up our Main Street. Several weeks later, Delaware County offered the support of a truck. Once again, with volunteer help on hand, we did an additional community clean up. Our hard work paid off! We began to visibly see the potential of putting our shared ideas into action.

In May, with the generous support of Senator John Bonacic, we received a Micro Main Street Grant to purchase 30 flower barrels for the community. The Sidney Center Improvement Group volunteers placed the barrels along Main Street and planted them with bright spring flowers. We all felt very proud of our community efforts on Memorial Day as the band marched down our Main Street.

Unfortunately, in late June of 2006 our community was devastated by a record breaking flood. Our Main Street area was literally consumed with water as the Willowbrook and Carr's Creeks converged in the heart our hamlet. Our community was heartbroken by the effects of this event on our hamlet and the damage done to our community and the surrounding towns and villages. Our volunteer firemen and Young Explorers did an excellent job of rescuing people, monitoring property damage and keeping us all safe as we waited for the water to recede (you can look at pictures of flooded Main Street on our Flickr slide show, captioned 'Sidney Center Flood of 2006'.) Several weeks after the flood, the Sidney Center Improvement Group, working with the of the Town of Sidney, gathered piles of debris that had been carried into the hamlet by the roaring and raging creeks. Despite all the damage incurred on that day, we had only lost one flower barrel from our Main Street. Our little community group would survive, fully realizing how important stream mitigation, septic issues, and safe drinking water are to the success of any community effort here in Sidney Center.

Our Current Activities: 2007-2008

In the spring and summer of 2007, the Sidney Center Improvement Group continued cleanup efforts and planted our community barrels. Now, in 2008, our beautification efforts continue. Our group has applied for a “hometown grant” through Hamburger Helper. We hope to purchase ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers to beautify the hamlet. Also, we will plant an evergreen tree in the heart of the hamlet as a symbol of our growing community pride.

Spring Cleanup Is Right Around The Corner!

April 26th will be Town Shed Day for the Sidney Center area. Please check your local paper or fliers that will be posted in the hamlet regarding the items that will be accepted this year. Sidney Center Improvement Group volunteers will be available that morning to assist with the clean up. A second clean up day is planned for early May. Information about that day is upcoming. Also, in late May, we look forward to planting our community flower barrels.

The Sidney Center Improvement Group hopes through our simple beautification efforts to revive a spirit of community pride. Eventually, we would like to see the restoration of our historical Main Street. The flowers and trees we plant today are a symbol of the bright future our community is reaching towards. However, we do realize that we can only reach that goal with the “hardworking” hands of our citizens. If you are interested in helping our community, please join us! The Sidney Center Improvement Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Sidney Center Branch Library.

Upcoming 2008
Beautification Events:

Town Shed Clean-up Day: April 26th
Volunteers Needed Look for our fliers on April 17th

Second Clean-up Day: early May
Date to be determined in the next few weeks

Flower Barrel Planting: late May
Before Memorial Day Parade

Happy New Year from SCIG!

2008-01-03T15:55:00.002-05:00

The Sidney Center Improvement Group, Inc. will be
hosting the third visioning meeting for the Carr's
Creek and Willow Brook watershed project. All
residents of Sidney Center and those who have either
of these streams on their property are urged to
attend. Community input and support are vital to the
success of this project. The meeting will be held on January 3rd, at
the Sidney Center Fire Hall, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

About SCIG
A community activist group in Sidney Center, New York, created in 2005 to deal with a host of issues to improve the hamlet and surrounding areas, such as flood damage and prevention, property taxes, water quality, beautification, and other quality-of-life issues.

For more information about SCIG please visit our community blog -
www.scigny.blogspot.com

CONTACT: Joe Lally at 607-437-9656

Report on SCIG Town Hall Meeting of December 6th

2007-12-17T15:33:00.000-05:00

SIDNEY CENTER IMPROVEMENT GROUP CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADWAY WITH WATERSHED AND WATER QUALITY PROJECTS

Assemblyman Peter Lopez Supports Projects; Next Town Hall Meeting Is January 3

Sidney Center, NY - December 17 - At its Town Hall meeting on
December 6 at the Fire Hall, The Sidney Center Improvement Group (SCIG) has made progress in receiving increasing support from various key constituencies in regards to flooding and water issues for the hamlet.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez joined Wink Hastings from the National Park Service and head of Carr's Creek/Willow Brook Watershed project plus Terry Deuel, Environmental Facilities Corporation as well a specialists from Delaware County Soil and Water who presented a compelling study that clearly showed that the town does not have effective means for managing wastewater.

"A broad range of important issues were covered during the meeting. As the Assembly representative for the community, my goal is to provide tools and insight that can aid the community in achieving its objectives." noted Assemblyman Pete Lopez. "My encouragement to the Sidney Center Improvement Group is that they stay close to their friends and neighbors in the hamlet, share information and encourage grass roots decision-making. Working together I'm sure we can make a positive difference."

Other guests in attendance were Bob Pierce from the Dept. of
Health, Town of Sidney Supervisor Joe Maddalone, Marlene Wilklow,
supervisor of Sidney Planning Board and Scotty Gladstone of the Delaware County Soil and Water District. Overall there were 40 individuals in attendance including a senior representative from the Boy Scouts.

About SCIG
A community activist group in Sidney Center, New York, created in 2005 to deal with a host of issues to improve the hamlet and surrounding areas, such as flood damage and prevention, property taxes, water quality, beautification, and other quality-of-life issues.

For more information about SCIG please visit our community blog -
www.scigny.blogspot.com

CONTACT: Joe Lally at 607-437-9656

A Sidney Center Christmas Event

2007-12-11T21:11:00.003-05:00

A few photos from our latest event on December 8, 2007:

Tree lighting, Santa riding in on a Sidney Center 'lighted' firetruck, Santa and Mrs. Clause, Helper elves making Christmas ornaments with the children, Mrs. Clause telling tales of Christmas past to the children.

All photographs taken by Terry Leonard of Sidney Center.

'Precipitation Across US Intensifies Over 50 Years'

2007-12-06T13:08:00.001-05:00

"The number of severe rainstorms and heavy snow has grown significantly in the last 60 years in New England and New York...."

To read the complete article from The New York Times, Dec. 5, 2007:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/us/05storms.html

SCIG Receives Recognition and Support from US Department of the Interior's National Park Service

2007-11-25T14:30:00.003-05:00

U.S. DEPT. OF INTERIOR’S NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
PROVIDES SUPPORT TO SCIG FOR
“CARR’S CREEK/WILLOW BROOK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN”

Upcoming Town Hall Meeting -- Thursday, December 6 at Sidney Center Fire Hall, 6:00 PM

November 26, 2007 - Sidney Center, NY -- In its quest to promote awareness for critical environmental issues, The Sidney Center Improvement Group (SCIG) has received recognition from U.S Dept. of the Interior’s National Park Service Northeast Region’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA). RTCA has just announced that it will provide project support for the “Carr's Creek/Willow Brook Watershed Management Plan.” Project Manager Wink Hastings of the National Park Service has begun developing a work plan for next year.

“It is so gratifying to have an important federal agency respond to our issues in our hamlet,” says Joe Lally, Board Chairman of SCIG. “With this wonderful news, we hope to see major changes next year with respect to our flooding and water quality challenges.”

In his letter to SCIG, David Lange, Manager of Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program said, “The National Park Service RTCA Program is eager to be a strong partner with SCIG and help it to achieve the goals identified in your application to us. Our mission is to share the benefits of the National Park Service with all Americans and extend its benefits to all communities. “

About RCTA
RTCA staff helps create local, regional, and state networks of parks, rivers, trails, greenways, and open spaces by collaborating with community partners and National Park units in every state. We are eager to work with you to help you accomplish your objectives. We look forward to our partnership and to future on-the-ground results which improve our region by addressing water resources issues and needs, improving community understanding of rivers, and managing land
use in the context of watersheds.

About SCIG
A community activist group in Sidney Center, New York, created in 2005 to deal with a host of issues to improve the hamlet and surrounding areas, such as flood damage and prevention, property taxes, water quality, beautification, and other quality-of-life issues.
For more information about SCIG please visit our community blog - www.scigny.blogspot.com

CONTACT: Joe Lally at 607-437-9656

December 6th SCIG Town Hall Meeting, 6-7:30PM

2007-11-25T14:28:00.001-05:00

On December 6, 2007 from 6:00 - 7:30pm, the Sidney
Center Improvement Group will host another town hall
meeting to address Sidney Center's water quality
issues and continue with watershed planning. The
water quality meeting originally scheduled for
11/29/2007 has been cancelled.

The meeting of December 6th will include presentations
from a number of experts. Terry Deuel with the
Environmental Services Corporation will present the
results of the wastewater survey conducted within the
hamlet. Bob Pierce with the Dept of Health will
discuss the results of the water testing of homes in
Sidney Center. Larry Day with Delaware County Soil
and Water Conservation will present information
concerning wastewater management. Wink Hastings with
the National Park Service will continue with the
visioning process that he initiated during the town
hall meeting on November 7th. Scotty Gladstone from
Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation will be on
hand to address various aspects of stream repair and
maintenance.

Input from the community is very important so that the
Sidney Center Improvement Group continues to pursue
only those changes desired by the homeowners these
projects directly affect.

For more information, please call Joe Lally at
607-437-9656.

Sidney Center Launches Watershed Project

2007-11-08T11:10:00.002-05:00

THE SIDNEY CENTER IMPROVEMENT GROUP LAUNCHES "WATERSHED PROJECT," A FLOOD PREVENTION PROGRAM TO PROTECT PROPERTY, STREAMS AND WILDLIFE

PRESS RELEASE: Sidney Center - November 6, 2007

The Sidney Center Improvement Group will host a town hall meeting regarding the on-going water and flood issues - The Watershed Project - on Wednesday, November 7th at 6:00pm at the Sidney Center Fire Hall.

"This will be a 'visioning' event to identify what we want to see with respect to protecting our property, the streams, and wildlife that make-up the watershed," comments Joe Lally, President of The Sidney Center Improvement Group.

Representatives from the National Park Service,Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation, the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, Town of Sidney Planning Board, and other agencies have been invited to assist with this process.

This past August a meeting took place in Sidney Center that resulted in a vote to expand the watershed to include not only Willow Brook and the section of Carr's Creek in Sidney Center but the entire Carr's Creek which empties into the Susquehanna River.

"The Watershed Project" is taking a comprehensive approach to addressing stream repair and maintenance so that the risk of devastating flooding in the future will be minimized," says Lally. "With proper management from state and local services the destruction caused by the flooding can be mitigated. Less destruction means less cost to property owners, less cost to taxpayers, and more importantly -- no loss of life."

CONTACT: Joe Lally at 607-437-9656

Update: Debrief and Follow Up Conference Call on 8.23 Town Hall Meeting

2007-09-05T18:15:00.001-04:00

A conference call from 2:00-3:00 pm was scheduled as a debriefing and to create an action plan item list for completing the Comprehensive Sidney Center Watershed Project. The Project encompasses Carr's Creek, Willow Brook, all tributaries, and wetland sites.

Participants included:

Joe Lally
Wink Hastings
Terry Deuel
Jim Curatolo
Jeremy Waddell
Peter Lopez
Scotty Gladstone
Jeff Strassenburg
Amy Guise
Bob Pierce

Sidney Center Town Hall Meeting on Flood and Water Issues

2007-08-21T12:06:00.003-04:00

THE SIDNEY CENTER IMPROVEMENT GROUP HOSTS MEETING WITH NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, UPPER SUSQUEHANNA COALITION, DC SOIL AND WATER, PLUS REPRESENTATIVES FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PETE LOPEZ'S OFFICE

WHAT: The Sidney Center Improvement Group is hosting another Town Hall meeting

WHEN: Thursday, August 23, 6:00 -7:30pm

WHERE: Sidney Center Fire Hall on Main Street

WHO: Wink Hastings of the National Park Service, who is based in Annapolis, Va., will attend along with representatives from the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, the DC Soil and Water group, the Department of Environmental Control, New York State Department of Health, NRCS, and the office of Assemblyman Pete Lopez.

PURPOSE: To address the on-going flood mitigation and water quality efforts to date.

This meeting will address the following:

Developing a comprehensive flood mitigation plan for Carr's Creek and Willow Brook
Implementation of this plan
Funding the project
Water quality issues related to the project

CONTACT:
Joe Lally, Chairman of the Board
The Sidney Center Improvement Group
scigny@gmail.com

Sidney Center Improvement Group Blog

2007-07-12T15:56:00.001-04:00

The first meeting of concerned citizens of Sidney Center was this Visioning Workshop held at the Fire Hall, April 2006, which led to the formation of the Sidney Center Improvement Group.

....and, some recent community activities: Sidney Center was the recipient of a grant to beautify Main Street see article;members of the community planted flower boxes; The Sidney Center Explorers.