Community Calendar

Friday, August 28, 11 a.m.
Saturday, August 29, 11 a.m.
Sunday, September 6, 11 a.m.
Friday, September 11, 11 a.m.
Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.

The Sterling Nature Center is a roosting and feeding resource for migrating monarch butterflies. Join us for a presentation on the life cycle and migration patterns of monarch butterflies. We will also cover identifying monarch butterflies, differentiating them from viceroy butterflies, how to determine gender, and explain the tagging program and procedure. Data collected will be submitted to Monarch Watch, the organization that oversees the international monarch tagging program. We will then go out into the field for a demonstration of netting and tagging, weather permitting. Participation is limited; please email the center at snc@cayugacounty.us to reserve a spot.

Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum exploring how Central New York is building and reshaping its workforce system, and what it means for residents, employers, and the broader civic community. Across the region, training programs, workforce development systems, and employers are working to respond to changing skill demands and evolving economic conditions. This conversation brings together ERIE21, CenterState CEO, and the Manufacturers Association (MACNY) to examine how these systems interact in practice; where alignment is happening, where gaps remain, and what it takes to translate training into sustainable opportunity. The discussion will focus on how workforce pipelines are formed and supported across education and industry, how employers communicate and adapt to talent needs, and how regional partnerships are shaping access to careers in a changing economy. Importantly, the forum will also highlight how residents can play an active civic role in this system, not only by preparing for opportunities, but by engaging with the policies, partnerships, and decisions that shape workforce development across Central New York. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.

Join us this summer for sketching in the galleries!

Grab a sketchbook and pencil and get ready to learn more about the practice of sketching with Hiram Cray, a professional artist and educator. Learn how to capture on paper the amazing properties of glass or simply follow along and discover the Corning Museum of Glass through the eyes of an artist, Fridays through July 24 to August 28. Note: Friday, August 21 is the only Friday this event will not be held.

Participants of all ages are welcome and will meet in the Admissions Lobby. Paper and pencils will be provided. Free with admission.

Support local community programming at the Vendor & Craft Fair, held rain or shine at Great Lakes Gym in Fulton. This family-friendly event raises crucial funds for family programming and the YMCA Preschool in Fulton.

In addition to browsing a variety of local crafters and vendors, attendees can enjoy a chicken BBQ dinner hosted by Ray-Ray's.

• Date: Aug. 29
• Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Location: Great Lakes Gym, 7 Silk Road, Fulton, NY 13069
• Chicken BBQ: $15 for a half-chicken dinner with sides. Presale dinners can be ordered by emailing Mary Simmons at msim621@gmail.com.

Want to become a vendor or donate?

• Adult Vendor Fee: $20 and a raffle basket.
• Child Vendor Fee: $10.
• Vendor Contact: Contact Mary Simmons at msim621@gmail.com to register.
• Donations & Involvement: Contact Sarah Nichols at (315) 454-7961.

It's finally that time. Our annual Summer Book Sale will start on June 22 at 9 a.m. We have wonderful children's books that would be amazing for teachers looking for books. We have a huge selection of books and DVD's for all ages. We also have some vintage maps and original oil/watercolor paintings. You can call 315-482-2241 with any questions.

Join us every Saturday morning for the Homer Regional Farmers Market! Live music, local farm vendors, fresh baked goods, hot coffee and more!

Come ride the restored river boat, Rose Lummis, on Sodus Bay! Save our Sodus offers 90-minute and two-hour cruises between May 8 and September 26, leaving from Oak Park Marina in North Rose, NY. Whether you're taking the kids on an eco-tour, or getting a guided history and wildlife cruise, or simply soaking up the sunset with local music, food and wine -- we invite you to experience Sodus Bay on board the Rose Lummis. Booking information at http://www.saveoursodus.com/roselummis.

How do we reconcile our engineered past with an ecological future?

2025 Erie Canal Artists-in-Residence Sarah Cameron Sunde and Kari Varner explore the Canal from an environmental lens.

Kari Varner, a distinguished photographer and educator, explored key ecological sites along the canal, integrating harvested plants into her photographic artworks. Sarah Cameron Sunde, an innovative interdisciplinary artist, engaged with canal communities to create pieces that physically and ecologically connect with the canal. She also developed work in collaboration with Jeremy Dennis, a contemporary fine art photographer and an enrolled Tribal Member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY.

This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on. Have a lesson in the authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. Follow Lorenzo’s Facebook and Instagram for special activities and scheduling changes. Sensory friendly. Admission is free.

Cazenovia Artisans Presents
Wheel-Thrown Functional Vessels by Guest Artist Peter Valenti
“Under Cover: Covered Jars and Pierced Ceramics”

August 2-30, 2026

Peter’s functional vessels are primarily wheel-thrown and fired using both an electric kiln and a wood/salt kiln. Most of the resulting pieces straddle somewhere between functional and sculptural, with emphasis on both form and function. He tends to work things out in a series of 10 to 20 pieces until he is satisfied with at least some results. He’ll often let the work “rest,” and then he’ll eventually circle back to an interesting form, something that speaks to him, and he’ll work from that. Peter’s work investigates nature and tradition. Pierced work, yet functional, becomes sculptural vessels that create a feeling of lightness and transparency with a simple elegance.

Peter holds a B.S. IN Art Education from SUNY Oswego and an M.S. in Art Education from Syracuse University. He developed the Ceramics program at East Syracuse Minoa High School. He is the Co-founder of Feats of Clay CNY and was the director from 2002 to 2015. Founder and current member of Independent Potters’ Association (IPA).

“I strive for impeccable craftsmanship, which always seems elusive to me. Probably my main influence in creating pottery comes from ancient makers, such as Jomon Potters from Japan and Song Dynasty Pottery from China. I believe as a maker of things that finished work reflects the maker in ways that we don’t immediately understand, and that is what keeps me going.”

Please join us at Cazenovia Artisans as we celebrate some unique and inspiring creativity.

Peter’s Reception is Friday, August 7, 5-7:00 p.m., with an artist talk at 6:00.
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. 
cazenoviaartisans.com   315-655-2225.  39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035