Tompkins Weekly

GCS bids farewell to retirees, other news



 

 

After the final dismissal for the 2018-19 academic year for Groton Central School on Thursday, June 27, most of the school’s faculty, staff and administrators headed out for the annual picnic to celebrate GCS’s retirees.

Traditionally held on school grounds, the entourage met this year at the Groton Rod and Gun Club, where they enjoyed barbequed chicken, laughter and lively conversation for lunch, after which Superintendent Margo Martin gathered everyone together to present each of the district’s six retirees with commemorative plaques and words of appreciation for their dedicated service.

While only three of the six were able to be present at the event, tribute was paid to each, and the personalized messages engraved on their respective plaques were read aloud.

Drew Davis, building and trades teacher, was applauded for his 37 years of service and his gift for instilling a love of woodworking into his students.

Sharyn Jackson leaves an eight-year legacy of her friendly smile and positive attitude serving in the cafeteria, and Mary Lou Jacobs was remembered for the approximately 20 years she spent driving school bus, as well as her tireless work in the cafeteria.

Transportation supervisor, Lou Mikula, is departing after 21 years of service, which Martin translated into Mikula’s stellar oversight of 3,402,000 student bus rides to school over the years. Also leaving the Transportation Department is Gerry “Giggs” Reynolds, who will be remembered for his caring attitude toward the students he faithfully drove to and from school each day.

Last, but certainly not least, Randy Sovocool, buildings and grounds supervisor, had also served GCS for 21 years, as his plaque reads, “Through wind, rain, sleet or snow, flooded halls, classrooms or pipes down below, you worked tirelessly to maintain this place, and you did it always with a smile on your face!”

Congratulations and best wishes to each of these folks as they turn the page to the next chapter of their lives.

Mega Sports Camp

It’s time for “Mega Sports Camp” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, sponsored by Groton Assembly of God but held at the Groton Elementary School fields and gyms, 516 Elm St.
MSC is open to all children age 5 through sixth grade (including those who just finished sixth grade). Baseball, basketball, cheerleading and soccer will be offered. Each child will receive quality sports training, a T-shirt color-coded for their sport, great healthy snacks, fun awards and more – all for free.

Depending on your sport, bring your favorite baseball bat or glove, basketball or soccer ball. There will be some available for use, but it will be helpful if those who have them can bring them along. Please wear sneakers. If children have cleats, they may bring them, but they are not necessary.

This year’s theme is “Fundamentals,” and each night will have a “Mega Point.” Monday is “Set My Goal,” Tuesday is “Work Hard,” Wednesday is “Choose to Be Unstoppable,” and Thursday is “Trust My Training and Celebrate My Wins.”

The conclusion on Friday is “Family Night,” when families of the participants are invited to come and see what the children have accomplished through the week, with more fun, a closing rally and refreshments afterward.

For more information or to pre-register your child/children, contact MSC director, Sharon Newman, at Groton Assembly of God at 898-5263, ext. 601, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or sharonnewman@grotonassembly.org. All parents/guardians must check their children in on their first night to sign a release form.

Conversation and Connections

Foodnet Meals on Wheels will partner with the Tompkins County Office for the Aging to offer a presentation “Conversation and Connections,” Wednesday, July 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Center Village Court Community Room, 200 W. South St.

Aging services specialists Dawn Sprague and Rodney Maine will facilitate an informal and interactive conversation regarding the services available through NY Connects and and Tompkins County Office for the Aging. NY Connects is a trusted place to go for free, unbiased information about long-term services and supports in New York state for people of all ages or with any type of disability.

Sprague and Maine will help attendees to better understand what services are available for older adults in Tompkins County, what “No Wrong Door” means and what volunteer opportunities are available. This conversation is open to everyone. Individuals already receiving services are welcome to attend.

This workshop is open to the public and offered at no cost. Join Foodnet for a nutritious lunch immediately following this workshop. Reservations are required at least one day in advance by calling (607) 266-9553. Lunch is available to individuals 60 and older with a voluntary contribution. Individuals under the age of 60 may also attend for a meal cost of $8.

In Brief

Groton celebrates independence

The Groton Community Fireworks show, proudly and generously sponsored by the Groton Fire Department, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 5 at Groton Elementary School, 516 Elm St. The rain date is Sunday, July 7. Donations to help defray the cost of this annual spectacular display would be gratefully received at P.O. Box 98, Groton, NY 13073. Please make checks out to Groton Fire Department.

Christmas in July

Are your children counting the days until Christmas, now that school has ended for the year? The New Testament Church of Peruville, 1830 Rt. 34B, might be able to tide them over until December. The church will hold its Vacation Bible School (VBS) “Christmas in July” at 6:45 p.m. nightly Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12 for ages four to 14.

Village office notice

The village of Groton office will maintain summer office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. July 1 through Sept. 20, it will be open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office will be closed on Thursday, July 4, Friday, July 5 and Monday, Sept. 2.
As a reminder, utility payments may be placed at any time in the drop box at 143 Cortland St. or at the First National Bank of Groton during regular banking hours.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922.

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