FRIDAY
Customer Appreciation Day at Local Businesses
Vendors at the Town Square
Chicken BBQ at the Town Square
Established 1873
Phone: (607) 637-3591
Email: hancockherald@hancock.net
Website: www.hancockherald.com
The official paper for Delaware County
SATURDAY
15th Annual Bob Ray Memorial Tractor Parade
Workshops and activities for all ages
Vendors at the Town Square
Cindy R. Ray Editor & Publisher, Photographer
Kristin Barron Assistant Editor, Photographer
Rachael Argiros Graphic Designer, Photographer
Columnists/Correspondents: Judith Present, Kristin Barron, Carmella Seely, Rebecca Nevin-Gales, Steven Taggart, John Farnsworth
Subscription rates in advance in Delaware County, NY and Wayne County, PA: 1 year $43. All other areas $53 per year. Additional $10 for on-line subscriptions. E-paper available for $69 per year. Single copies $1.25.
The HCEF K-9th After School Program is the Recipient of a 21st Century Learning Grant beginning July 1. 2023-June 2027
The grant will provide after-school tutoring and mentorship in core academic subjects for students in the Hancock School District.
The program provides enrichment activities and field trips to support student engagement and success. The grant will help cover the costs of the program.
The program is designed to create a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for students
At present there are 27 established endowments and scholarships available to Hancock Central School graduates and former graduates who attend a 2-4 year college or accredited technical school.
This year over $60,000 was awarded and since 2000 $1.2 million has been awarded to our local youth to go to college. Students can apply all four years they are enrolled in college. However, the awards are based on academic grades and need criteria.
to learn and grow. These activities equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed in future endeavors.
The after-school program is available for all Hancock students free of charge and operates from 2:30 until 5:50 p.m. MondayFriday. (When school is in session)
The After School Program provides activities designed to build self-sufficiency and self-care skills:
Tutoring
Field Trips
Sports
Arts & Crafts
Organic Gardening
Cooking
Robotics & Drones
** Healthy snacks, dinner and transportation home is provided daily. **
The Hancock Community Children’s Center, directed by Tracy Resti, has started an initiative called the "Grow with Me” Library.
their children explore their interests. It also allows parents to network with other moms and participate in classes through Cornell Cooperative Extension, Progressive Dental Health, and more.
DROP IN any time during business hours with your children ages 0-3. For more information, comment or message, or call Director, Tracy Resti at (607) 637-3146.
The “Grow with Me” Library is designed to help children develop literacy and learning skills.
The children will receive a book at birth, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2 years, and 3 years of age.
Each book is tailored to the children's age, with age-appropriate stories and activities. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read the story with their children and discuss the content. The library is also designed to help children build a lifelong love of reading and learning.
The Children’s Center is located in Father Rausch Hall and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 am until 11:30 am.
The Center provides an environment that encourages the development of language and literacy skills. It also provides parents with the opportunity to bond with their children.
Additionally, the Center offers access to books and resources that can help parents and
Mrs. Emily Kinne will host the following workshops this fall at the Nature Preserve.
Scarecrow Making Contest and Creepy Crawly & Flying Monster Crafts
October 14th – at 10 a.m. -2 p.m. All Ages!
Candle Dipping and Pinecone Turkey Workshop
November 11th – 10 a.m.-12 p.m. All Ages!
Evergreen Hanging Baskets
December 2nd 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Adult Program.
Snow Globe Making Ornament
December 9th 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. All Ages!
To reigster call the Hancock Community Education Foundation at 607-637-5262 or email Emily Kinne Nature Center Manager at eallees@yahoo.com
The Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve and Science Center is located on 4.1 acres of land in the village of Hancock, of which .81 acres is wetlands. The Nature Preserve and Science Center, named in appreciation of the wetland’s donor, is unique in that it is located in the village of Hancock and readily accessible to visitors.
The Nature Preserve offers, a children’s butterfly and sensory garden, hummingbird garden and sculptures of a mayfly and ladybug. The Preserve also has nature trails with boardwalks with signage that allow visitors to identify flora, fauna, a wide variety of trees, and the observance of bird and animal life. Located throughout the trails you will find various picnic areas to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you are visiting during undesirable weather, a covered pavilion and picnic area is available at the Science Center. The trails are open every day from dawn-dusk.
The Science Center is complete with study facilities, worktables, study lights, and science room equipment that provides an enhanced science-based educational experience for scheduled visits. We offer monthly programs for children and families and the building is available to use for private parties and events for a nominal fee.
The property is owned and maintained by the Hancock Community Education Foundation and is managed by Mrs. Emily Kinne, who received her BA in Environmental Science from SUNY College at Plattsburgh and has worked as a Science Water Ecologist for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection since 2003. Prior to the DEP she worked as a Fish and Wildlife Technician for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) on a 3-year study to determine angling pressure on trout populations for the Beaverkill and Willowemoc River System and has experience in developing and implementing environmental curriculum for grades K-12.
NATURE CRITTER CAMP—Area children had a chance to discover and play in the great outdoors at the Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center
“Critter Camp” during a five-day morning program sponsored by the Hancock Community Education Foundation. Under the direction Center Manager Emily Kinne, the kids explored the pond, woods, and trails at the preserve to discover what animals live there, learned about watersheds, played games and made nature themed crafts including nature sketch books.
(Clockwise) Summer Enrichment Program participants get lots of outdoor play; Dinner at the After School Program; Great craft projects are an integral part of the After School Program; The annual scarecrow contest at the Nature Center is always a favorite; Making Critters at the Nature Center; Summer Enrichment Program participants enjoyed Kopernick Observatory.
$1,260,200.00 in scholarship support!
This would not be possible without the generous donors who support our children in Hancock, NY.
The HCEF currently manages the following 27 scholarship funds created by friends and family of their loved ones.
9 Evan Appley Scholarship
9 Lisa DaBrescia Scholarship
9 Don Ellis Jr. Memorial Scholarship
9 Vera E. Fisher Scholarship
9 Christine Fritz Scholarship
9 LT Cameron Hall Scholarship
9 Oliver Hewitt Scholarship
9 Edward Juba Early Education Scholarship
9 Larry Judd Memorial Music Scholarship
9 Helen and Wellington Lester Scholarship for Math and Science
9 Hy Schmierer Family Fund
9 Brett Sherburne Scholarship
9 Gerald E. Stones Memorial Scholarship
9 Tomar Mountain Gun Club Scholarship
9 Holly Wheeler Westbrook Scholarship
9 Wendell and Jean Woodmansee Scholarship
9 Kate Resti Scholarship
9 Michael Robinson Scholarship
cognitive skills through creative activities such as storytelling, art, and music. Preschool encourages children to acquire social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. These activities help children develop selfconfidence, empathy, and respect for their peers. They also learn problemsolving skills, which makes them become more resilient and ready for formal education.
The Hancock Community Preschool, located at Father Rausch Hall, opened on September 7th for all children in Hancock, Pennsylvania and any of our surrounding communities.
The Preschool is run by administrator, Lorena Soccodato and our new teacher Michelle Estus.
Children must be three years of age by September 30th of this year. Sessions run from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday with 3–4-year-old students attending Tuesday and Thursday and 4–5-year-old students attending Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The preschool focuses on developing children’s physical skills, such as motor skills and coordination. Children also develop their
St. Paul’s Catholic Church sponsors the Hancock Preschool as part of the comprehensive education plan provided by the Hancock Community Education Foundation. Our mission is to prepare the child for his or her formal entry to learning.
To enroll your child, contact the preschool 607-637-3146
The Harvest Festival is a two-day event. On Friday it is Customer Appreciation Day -take a stroll around the village and see all the merchandise and services the shops and local businesses have to offer!
On the Town Square there are local food and craft vendors Friday and Saturday. Activities for kids of all ages and music at the bandstand make it fun for the whole family.
On Saturday the parade starts at 1 p.m. and there is a Brooks Chicken BBQ to benefit the Hancock Community Education Foundation (HCEF).
Come enjoy the beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere in the foothills of the Catskills -- where the East and West branches of the Delaware River meet.
Hancock Ski Club is sponsored by the Town of Hancock and the Hancock Community Education Foundation. The club offers ski and snowboard lessons to help students develop their skills. The program takes place at Elk Mountain in Uniondale, Pennsylvania on Friday evenings during January and February. The club is open to all Hancock students in grades 5-12. Shane Noble of Hancock is the club advisor and transportation is provided by Hancock Central School.
Since 2003 the after-school programs in Hancock have had a lasting impact on the community, providing a safe and supervised environment for students. The programs also offer tutoring, creative activities, and mentorship. The programs have helped many students build essential life skills.
Each day, students in the K-9th after-school program are met with caring, educated, and welltrained staff who lead activities that promote cooperation and character development. Even more, each staff member is CPR and First Aid certified and must pass an extensive background check.
BRAIN POWER HOUR: Tutors are on site to help to students with their academic tasks and needs.
EXPLORATION: Depending on the age, students participate in handson activities to help reinforce learning concepts.
ENRICHMENT: Are your kids interested in cooking, robotics, art, theater, drones, yoga and crafts? During this portion of the After School program, these enrichment activities are offered to help encourage these activities.
ENERGIZE: This portion of the day allows students to get out the pentup energy of the day with outdoor or gym play.
UNWIND: A healthy Dinner is provided for all students before the are dismissed.
The K-9th Grade Program is under Michelle Estus and is available for all Hancock students free of charge. It operates from 2:30 PM until 5:50 PM Monday - Friday. (When school is in session). The programs provide healthy snacks, FUN activities, Friday trips, and dinner each day before students leave for home. Daily activities include tutoring, gardening, art, field trips, sports, robotics, drones, and cooking. HCS provides transportation home Monday-Friday.
Students are eligible to enroll in the program at any time during the school year and may attend a minimum of 2 days or they can attend all 5 days!
If you would like to enroll your child applications are available on www.hancockeducationfoundation.org and can be returned to the Elementary office for K-4 and Middle School office for 5-9.
For more information call Michelle Estus at 607-637-1388.
Since 2000, Camp Hill Top has donated $35,000 in scholarship support to the program established by the Hancock Community Education Foundation. This is to encourage parents/guardians, as well as the students, to begin saving as early as possible to prepare for college education costs.
This year we celebrated 23 years and the 2nd generation of the Scholar of the Month program. Emmaline Davis, daughter of Rachel and Chad
Davis from Fish’s Eddy, is the 2nd generation Scholar of the Month.
Emmaline’s Mom, Rachel (Althiser) Davis was awarded Scholar of the Month in Elementary school in September 2000 and in Middle School in December 2002.
The award of $100 (in trust) is deposited in the child's student account and kept in trust until they graduate from Hancock Central School.
87% of the students who have graduated and received a Scholar of the Month Award have moved on to college, trade school, or enlisted in the military.
Scarecrow Making Contest— October 14 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at the Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve and Science Center. Make one yourself or with your friends and family and dress
it up to enter the contest. Clothing is included but you can bring your own. Scarecrows will be judged, and prizes awarded. Come enjoy a day of fun and creativity.
Free Movie Day at Hancock Cinema— November 10th at 3:15 p.m. for all children in Hancock. Popcorn and drinks included. All children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
Free Family Bowling Party at Fox Bowling Alley — November 26 at 6 p.m. Pizza and soda are included for the children.
The Family Learning Center hosts a range of activities and resources, including parent education and family events and workshops. Programs and activities encourage parental and community involvement in our students' education. Programs are held at different times throughout the year at a variety of venues including the library, public school, churches, and community sites. For more information call the Hancock Community Education Foundation 607-637-5262 hcef@hancock.net.
The Hancock Community Education Foundation is pleased to announce that they have received a donation from the Lantry Family Foundation to sponsor the Weekend Backpack Program for the 2022-2023 school year.
The Weekend Backpack program is a bag of breakfast and lunch items that will be sent home with children on two Friday afternoons each month and begin on October 14th
Sign up forms will be sent home with your child or you can print one from our website hancockeducationfoundation.org under the forms section.
The program is offered to ensure that all children have access to a healthy breakfast and lunch on the weekends and promote healthy eating habits and nutrition education for families in our community.
Research shows that children who participate in the Back-Pack Program attend school more regularly, perform better, and have fewer disciplinary problems.
The bags will be delivered to each classroom during the child’s lunch hour and the classroom teacher will send the bag home with the children at the end of the school day. All items are nonperishable and non-breakable.
This summer 82 students in grades K-9 participated in the Summer Enrichment Program
The program ran from July 6th through July 28th. Each day the students started with a delicious breakfast and ended with a hot lunch provided by the Hancock Central School cafeteria. The children had nutritious meals for free each day. Box of Light Productions' Rand Whipple hosted an interactive science show called Burble, Fizz, KaBoom to kick off the summer.
As part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curriculum, students participated in STEM activities at the Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve and Science Center and the Summer Reading Program at the Library each week.
A very exciting way to conclude the week was Friday Fun Day. This included field trips to Kopernik Science Center and Skate Estate, Camp Kingswood, and Urban Air Trampoline Park.
My role as Executive Director of the Hancock Community Education Foundation is more than a job; it’s a pleasure and a privilege to provide programs for children and families in Hancock. Since 2005 I have worked diligently and passionately to ensure our mission is met. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something so special and meaningful. HCEF is truly blessed to have an outstanding team of individuals who run our programs each day. Our team is made up of dedicated community members, educators and parents. Together, we make a difference by providing resources and support that create a brighter future for our kids.
~ Executive Director Linda O’Brien
Members of the Board of Directors—(front) President
Dawn Joyce, Christine Deluca Lotto, Julie Bergman (Back) John Hesse, John Ogozalek, Evan Hall, Treasurer
Kenneth Salvestrini (missing from photo) Vice President
Mike MacDonald, Secretary Randi Appley, Directors
Kathy Ingalls and Kristina Dufton.
The Hancock Community Education Foundation held an employee appreciation event on August 28 at the Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve and Science Center. Staff was recognized for their dedication as they begin another school year working with kids in the Foundation’s various programs including the After School Programs, Children’s Center, Nature Center, and Hancock Community Preschool. In front, from left, Lois Deluca, Michelle McGraw, Dawn McDonald, Elaine Curreri, Dorrie Thorne, Margaret Cortese, and Emily Kinne. In the back, from left, Linda O’Brien, Britney Highhouse, Noel MacFetrich, Michelle Estus, Tracy Resti, Teresa Kille, Tina Ray, and Lorena Soccodato.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 289, Claire Anderson, Tina
Appley, Edward J Appnel, United Women of Faith Ardsley
United Methodist Church, Dustin Bailey, Rusty & Becky
Barker, Paul Bartholomew, David Begeal, Ralph & Carol
Begeal, Lloyd & Shirley Bennett, Bennett Lawn & Log
LLC, Gary & Sue Bermann, Malcom C Biedekapp, BILL
PYKUS EXCAVATING, INC, Victoria Bogart, Harry & Merri Bragg, Christopher Brown, Patricia Brown, William
Brown, Greg Brunelli, Darlene R Burnett, David & Claire
Gaudiani Burnett, Christie & Jeanne Flye Campbell, Kevin & Charlene Caramore, Rhonda Charles, Christina
Christensen, Dixie Coe, Norma Cole, Mary Connors, Joseph & Annemarie Schuetz Cooke, Stephanie Cordner, Donna
Johnson, Karen Brown, Pam Hilton Co-workers of Veronica
Keesler, Kate DaBrescia, PJ Davis, Delaware County
Magistrates, DELAWARE LAND OFFICE, INC., Lois
Deluca, Pat DeLuca, Nicholas & Patricia DeLucia, Anthony
R DePalma, David & Kay Diller, Terrence & Sue Dingee, Kathryn Durbeck, East Ararat United Methodist Church,
EASTERN ILLINI ELECTRIC, David Edwards, Edwards
Family Char Foundation, Terri Ellis, EMORY UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH, Peter & Marilyn Farrell, Michael
Feierman, Geoffrey Felger, Philip D Fisher, Michael & Beth Fruchtman, George & Dorothy Furman, GEORGE AND MARGARET MEE CHARITABLE FUND, Frank & Kathleen Geosits, Bill & Beth Gleim, Paul & Sharon
Gordon, Jill Gorton, William & Virginia Gotthardt, Ralph & Elizabeth Groskoph, John Guild, Michael Guild, Carol
Gurwell, Paul & Linda Gustin, Evan & Margaret Hall, Jenny Hall, John Hamilton, Hancock Central Teachers & Staff, HANCOCK TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, HANCOCK
TELEPHONE CO., Sunshine Club Handicapped Children
Assoc., Matthew Hanley, HANSTINE EXCAVATING, Terry L Harvey, HCS Class of 1963, HCS Friends Forever, HCS Lunch Bunch, Aileen Hengeveld, John & Karla Hesse, Sawyer Hillriegel, Katherine Judd Holland, David & Yvonne
Allie Holmes, Helene Indelicato, Brad & Cory Jacobs, Keith James, Barbara Juba, Donald & Jean Ann Karcher, KAYBRIDS, Mark & Diane Kerber, Amy Kerwin, L. Kent & Janet Kilgore, KINGSWOOD UNITED METHODIST
CAMPSITE, Donald Kirby, Arthur Klein, Michael & Robin Krawczyk, Kenneth & Kathleen Kurtnebach, Legacy.com, Kristine Lenrow, Michael & Barbara Leonard, Dave & Joyce
Lindorff, Reinhard & Carol Ludin, Scott & Kay MacDonald, Patricia Martin, William & Carol McCarty, Edward & Nancy McIvor, Lynn McIvor, Calvin Mew, Carol Miller, George & Kay Nearing, Joseph Neuman, David Niles, Shirley Niles, Audrey O’Brien, Terrence & Linda O’Brien, OCEANS
EDGE RESORT & MARINA, Brian O’Shaughnessy, Otis
A Thompson Foundation, Miriam Peters, Dawne Possemato, Harvey & Angela Possemato, Ralph & Dawne Possemato, Jack & Linda Raitt, Wanda Raymond, Mary Karcher
Redzich, Ashley Reimer, Bruce & Susan Reiter, Gary & Tracy Resti, Robert & Pamela Rice, Nancy Roberts, Cross Creek Pointe Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP, Sammarco Stone & Supply Inc, Toni Sandall, Alfred Geoff Sander, Robin Savard, William & Ronayne Schild, Paul & Kathy Schoch, Bernard & Barbara Sciarpelletti, Jeanne Scott, Geraldine M Sears, Frank & Debbie Seely, Noelle Selkow, Sidney Federal Credit Union Employees, Paul & Virginia Siegler, Charles & Wendy Smyrl, James Sotet, Special Needs Trust, Alex & Sabrina Steinberg, Rose White Stellar, Robert & Virginia Stevenson, Linae Stoner, Joseph & Monica
Tarantino, Mark & Louisa Tett, THE TIANADERRAH FOUNDATION, TOMAR MOUNTAIN GUN CLUB, Tompkins Bluestone Company, Inc., Town of Hancock, Beth Tueber, Cyril & Katherine Van Loke, Jerry Vernold, John Voccola, David & Angela Walker, Paul & Catherine Ward, Bill & Joan Waxman, Samantha Weyrauch, Ruth Wilhelm, Lee & Barbara Woodmansee, Bernard Wormuth, Gail & Regina Wrighter, Lisa Wujnovich, Zawatsky Family
