Jean Dittmar recognized as a dedicated caregiver

LIBERTY, NY — Jean Dittmar of Liberty was recently surprised by her friends with a party and picnic, recognizing the years of dedicated and unconditional caregiving that she has provided for her husband Tom. Upon the recommendation of her friends and neighbors, two members from the Caring for Caregivers Committee also attended the occasion to honor Jean for her tireless efforts.

The Caring for Caregivers Committee was created earlier this year to seek family caregivers who should be acknowledged and honored. Serving on that committee are Bonnie Lewis, RN, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) dependent care educator, Jodi Goodman, Catskill Regional Medical Center director of community services, and June Lombardi, fellow nurse and former family caregiver. Jean was presented with a certificate and gift package as well as an invitation to join the National Family Caregiver Month recognition celebration in November, hosted by the CCESC Caregiver Resource Center.

Jean was nominated by friends and family in her Liberty Presbyterian Church congregation during the spring search for an outstanding caregiver in our county. The committee received a thoughtful letter from the congregants singing Jean’s virtues, including sentiments such as, “Jean is very dedicated to her husband and his care,” and “Her knowledge is comparable to a nurse in many ways. Jean has been described as an angel and a saint, with such patience, love, and faith that makes her an extra special person and very worthy of the recognition of a super caregiver!”

The Caring for Caregivers Committee, realizing caregivers often neglect their own needs and selflessly give of themselves, continues to seek nominations. Letters should include the name and description of why the caregiver is to be considered. Send letters to Bonnie Lewis, RN at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754.

The Caregiver Resource Center is a co-partnered program between Cornell Cooperative Extension and Office for the Aging of Sullivan County and is supported by a grant from the NYS Office for the Aging’s Caregiver Program. Email bjl25@cornell.edu.

SUNY Sullivan is a climate leadership finalist

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — For the second consecutive year, SUNY Sullivan has been named a finalist for Second Nature’s annual national Climate Leadership Awards. The awards, hosted by Second Nature, a national nonprofit that works to proactively build a sustainable and positive global future, are a national competition among higher education institutions that are signatories of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

Second Nature received nearly 50 applications from across the country, with only two spots open for winners; one winner among two-year colleges and one selected from four-year colleges and universities. Only seven two-year colleges and 12 four-year colleges were selected as finalists, and only three New York colleges (including SUNY Sullivan) were chosen.

Monticello grads win Grange scholarships

MONTICELLO, NY — Recently, the Monticello Grange # 1357, awarded two Monticello High School graduaets scholarships to assist in furthering their college education. In order to qualify, an applicant must have chosen a career path in agriculture, horticulture, home economics, forestry, conservation, environment, health care or a related field. The two recipients this year are Alison Wells and Christiana Poli.

The Grange is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture. Founded in 1867, the Grange has a strong history in grassroots activism, family values, and community service.