Sustainability News and Events
Battery recycling now available!
Montour Falls now has drop spots to recycle your old/unused RECHARGABLE batteries. The Town Hall and Montour Falls Library hosts kits where residents can bag their batteries and drop them in the box. Recycling kits for single use (alkaline) batteries will be available soon.
Montour Town Hall
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Montour Falls Library
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Volunteers Repair Broken Items Instead of Tossing Them Out
The Village of Montour Falls and the Town of Hector partnered to bring Repair Cafés to the Finger Lakes region for the first time. Free pop-up events that promote the power of repair as an alternative to throwing things out, Repair Cafés encourage community members to bring broken items to be fixed by volunteer repair coaches.
The first Café took place April 20 at the Montour Falls Fire Department. A second Repair Café will follow on June 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Valois Logan Fire Department, 5736 State Route 414, Hector, N.Y.
In addition to being fun, community-minded events that keep items in working order and out of the landfill, Repair Cafés meet Climate Smart Communities (CSC) standards for sustainability. Climate Smart Communities is a New York State program that offers grants and technical assistance.
"I am proud of the partnership between the Montour Falls and Hector sustainability committees, supported by the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board," said Village of Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan, who chairs the Sustainability Committee. "They came together offering tangible solutions that support the principles of our sustainability plan by promoting self-sufficiency and developing community resilience through repair and reuse: A contrast to trash it and replace it."
Gary Judson, Hector Sustainability Committee chairman, stated: “The Repair Cafe on April 20 held in the Montour Falls Community Room exceeded my expectations. What really excited me was the way the Repair Coaches worked with each other, sharing tools, parts, expertise and experience. The event was well organized, giving those who came with items to be repaired a sense of comfort and confidence that they would be well attended to and a good chance that their item would be repaired.”
Following are the repair coaches, table exhibitors general volunteers, generous donors and Repair Cafe Subcommittee members who made it happen:
Repair Coach Volunteers:
Ed Arnold, general repairs; Margaret Ball, mending, hemming, alterations; Valerie Carocci, mending, hemming, alterations; John Cecci, general repairs, electrical, woodworking and jewelry repairs; Kyle Colunio, general repairs; Tara Escudero, bicycle repairs; John Herbert, general repairs; Michael Kartychak, general repairs; Laura Mantius, mending, hemming, alterations; David Martin, general repairs; Matt Nagle, general repairs, HVAC; Chuck Wilke, mechanical, electrical, general repairs; Bob Wirth, general repairs, electrical; Wendy Wirth, general repairs, electrical, sewing.
Table Exhibitors:
Erik Holter, Beekeeper, Almosta Apiary, Montour Falls; Courtney DeRusha, C.E. DeRusha Masonry LLC, Corning; Finger Area Counseling & Recovery Agency.
Donors:
Competitive Edge Solutions — tool sets; Hector Foundation — donation for lamp parts, hardware and supplies; Montour Falls Tea Company — tea, charcuterie boxes; North New York — coffee, tea, and pastries; Pudgies Pizza — pizzas for the repair coaches; Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board — gift card for food, supplies; Tops — store gift card for food; Walmart — store gift card for repair parts and food
General Volunteers:
Keturah Cappadonia, Marie Dean, Antoinette DiCiaccio, Paul Doniger, Jonathen Havens.
Repair Cafe Subcommittee:
James Ryan, Village of Montour Falls mayor and Sustainability Committee chairman
Gary Judson, Hector Sustainability Committee chairman
Aaron Arnold, Montour Falls Climate Justice Fellow
Nancy Doniger, Montour Falls Sustainability Committee Coordinator
Matthew Glenn, Hector Sustainability Committee
Doug Martin, Hector Sustainability Committee
Dave Martin, Hector Sustainability Committee
Brian Toy, senior planner, Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board
Liv Lovejoy, Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board
The first Café took place April 20 at the Montour Falls Fire Department. A second Repair Café will follow on June 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Valois Logan Fire Department, 5736 State Route 414, Hector, N.Y.
In addition to being fun, community-minded events that keep items in working order and out of the landfill, Repair Cafés meet Climate Smart Communities (CSC) standards for sustainability. Climate Smart Communities is a New York State program that offers grants and technical assistance.
"I am proud of the partnership between the Montour Falls and Hector sustainability committees, supported by the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board," said Village of Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan, who chairs the Sustainability Committee. "They came together offering tangible solutions that support the principles of our sustainability plan by promoting self-sufficiency and developing community resilience through repair and reuse: A contrast to trash it and replace it."
Gary Judson, Hector Sustainability Committee chairman, stated: “The Repair Cafe on April 20 held in the Montour Falls Community Room exceeded my expectations. What really excited me was the way the Repair Coaches worked with each other, sharing tools, parts, expertise and experience. The event was well organized, giving those who came with items to be repaired a sense of comfort and confidence that they would be well attended to and a good chance that their item would be repaired.”
Following are the repair coaches, table exhibitors general volunteers, generous donors and Repair Cafe Subcommittee members who made it happen:
Repair Coach Volunteers:
Ed Arnold, general repairs; Margaret Ball, mending, hemming, alterations; Valerie Carocci, mending, hemming, alterations; John Cecci, general repairs, electrical, woodworking and jewelry repairs; Kyle Colunio, general repairs; Tara Escudero, bicycle repairs; John Herbert, general repairs; Michael Kartychak, general repairs; Laura Mantius, mending, hemming, alterations; David Martin, general repairs; Matt Nagle, general repairs, HVAC; Chuck Wilke, mechanical, electrical, general repairs; Bob Wirth, general repairs, electrical; Wendy Wirth, general repairs, electrical, sewing.
Table Exhibitors:
Erik Holter, Beekeeper, Almosta Apiary, Montour Falls; Courtney DeRusha, C.E. DeRusha Masonry LLC, Corning; Finger Area Counseling & Recovery Agency.
Donors:
Competitive Edge Solutions — tool sets; Hector Foundation — donation for lamp parts, hardware and supplies; Montour Falls Tea Company — tea, charcuterie boxes; North New York — coffee, tea, and pastries; Pudgies Pizza — pizzas for the repair coaches; Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board — gift card for food, supplies; Tops — store gift card for food; Walmart — store gift card for repair parts and food
General Volunteers:
Keturah Cappadonia, Marie Dean, Antoinette DiCiaccio, Paul Doniger, Jonathen Havens.
Repair Cafe Subcommittee:
James Ryan, Village of Montour Falls mayor and Sustainability Committee chairman
Gary Judson, Hector Sustainability Committee chairman
Aaron Arnold, Montour Falls Climate Justice Fellow
Nancy Doniger, Montour Falls Sustainability Committee Coordinator
Matthew Glenn, Hector Sustainability Committee
Doug Martin, Hector Sustainability Committee
Dave Martin, Hector Sustainability Committee
Brian Toy, senior planner, Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board
Liv Lovejoy, Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board
Is It Recyclable? 'Recyclopedia' Helps You Sort It Out
Become a recycling expert by exploring the statewide “Recyclopedia” tool from Recycle Right New York. It’s like an encyclopedia but for common household materials. Learn what to do with more than 300 items like broken light bulbs, plastic utensils, pizza boxes, old electronics, used clothing, and so much more. Learn what to do with stuff that you no longer need while creating the least amount of waste as possible. https://recyclerightny.org/statewide-recyclopedia
#recyle #recycleright #ClimateAction #Nys #recycleright
#recyle #recycleright #ClimateAction #Nys #recycleright
HeatSmart to Smart Energy Choices — Important Updates
HeatSmart FLX South is now officially called Smart Energy Choices, a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension associations serving eight counties under the Southern Tier Regional Clean Energy Hub region: Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins. It is funded and a part of NYSERDA’s Regional Clean Energy Hub Program. To find out how you can stay warmer, tap into renewable energy and save monthly, visit smartenergychoices.org, email [email protected], or call or text Erica Herman, Smart Energy Choices Community Energy Advisor, 607-535-7161 x3223, Remote/Texting Number: 607-689-2743.
- Tighten up your home and keep the cold out and the heat in!
- Stay toasty and warm in the winter with a heat pump system!
- Get solar on your roof, in your yard, on a community solar farm, or just subscribe for solar delivery!
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Why Transitioning to Solar Makes Sense Now
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved a three-year plan with electric rate hikes for residential customers.
Under the new rate plan, a NYSEG residential electric customer using 600 kWh per month would see an average total monthly bill increase of $9.94 or 10.3 percent in November of this year, $8.88 or 8.4 percent starting May 2024, and $11.34 or 9.9 percent starting May 2025.
Considering these changes, you might want to look into transitioning to solar energy, an alternative option that not only helps reduce your environmental footprint but can also provide long-term cost savings.
Here are a few reasons why transitioning to solar makes sense:
Under the new rate plan, a NYSEG residential electric customer using 600 kWh per month would see an average total monthly bill increase of $9.94 or 10.3 percent in November of this year, $8.88 or 8.4 percent starting May 2024, and $11.34 or 9.9 percent starting May 2025.
Considering these changes, you might want to look into transitioning to solar energy, an alternative option that not only helps reduce your environmental footprint but can also provide long-term cost savings.
Here are a few reasons why transitioning to solar makes sense:
- Lower Energy Costs: With solar panels, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your reliance on grid power and potentially saving you money on your monthly bills.
- Environmental Impact: Solar energy is clean and renewable, producing no harmful emissions. By making the switch, you contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
- Energy Independence: Solar panels provide a degree of energy independence. You become less reliant on external energy sources, giving you greater control over your energy usage.
- Incentives and Rebates: There are often government incentives and rebates available to help offset the initial investment in solar panels, making it an even more attractive option.
- If you're interested in exploring solar options, you can fill out the form and set up a consultation with Halco, https://www.halcoenergy.com/contact-us.html, or call 1-833-844-2622.
Eligible Households Can Save Close to $1K on Heat through HEAP
Mayor James Ryan urges income-eligible residents to apply for New York State benefits to help keep warm this winter. Applications are now being accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The program can provide up to $976 to eligible homeowners and renters based on income, household size, how they heat their home, and the presence of a vulnerable family member.
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. The 2023-24 Regular HEAP benefit opened on Nov. 1. The emergency benefit is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2024.
Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household's primary source of heat. You can learn more about HEAP at the link: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Contact. Schuyler County contacts are as follows:
Schuyler County Department of Social Services, 323 Owego Street, Unit 3, Montour Falls, NY 14865, Phone: (607) 535-8303, Days Open: Monday - Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties, 203 12th Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, Phone: (607) 535-2468 ext.201, Days Open: Monday - Friday, 7:00am-3:00pm
After Hours Emergency Contact, Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, Phone: (607) 535-8222, Days Open: Monday - Friday
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off. The 2023-24 Regular HEAP benefit opened on Nov. 1. The emergency benefit is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2024.
Regular benefits for households that pay directly for heat based on actual usage are paid directly to the vendor that supplies the household's primary source of heat. You can learn more about HEAP at the link: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Contact. Schuyler County contacts are as follows:
Schuyler County Department of Social Services, 323 Owego Street, Unit 3, Montour Falls, NY 14865, Phone: (607) 535-8303, Days Open: Monday - Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties, 203 12th Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, Phone: (607) 535-2468 ext.201, Days Open: Monday - Friday, 7:00am-3:00pm
After Hours Emergency Contact, Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, Phone: (607) 535-8222, Days Open: Monday - Friday
Sustainable Montour Falls Logo
Our logo was designed by our friend Mark Wilber at North New York LLC. Be sure to look out for our logo wherever sustainability may hide!
