Dryden Town Talk: Start the year by helping to promote literacy

January often starts with resolutions to improve ourselves or do more good in the New Year. Here are two opportunities to invest time, talents and energy into the community.

The Bright Red Bookshelf program of the Family Reading Partnership is in need of a new Dryden liaison. The Family Reading Partnership is an Ithaca-based countywide organization whose goal is to improve literacy. Its primary mission is getting books into the hands of young people, which it accomplishes through a variety of creative means. Whether it's the large-scale annual Book Fest, or the variety of book giving programs, such as Books at Birth and Books to Grow On through local doctors or the new countywide ABC book initiative "Love Those Letters" through the schools or Give the Gift of Reading through the Tompkins County Women, Infants and Children's Program, the Family Reading Partnership has been creatively getting books into the hands of children for well over a decade.

One of the Family Reading Partnership's oldest programs is the Bright Red Bookshelf. This volunteer-driven program collects gently used books from throughout the community and distributes them through an easy-to-find shelf in places where young people have time to enjoy a new book, such as at a doctor's office or at the grocery store.

In Dryden, the local Bright Red Bookshelf can be found at Dryden Family Medicine on Evergreen Street. Here, young people who are waiting on a doctor's appointment for themselves or their siblings can indulge in a new book, which they can take home or return to the shelf when they are done.

The Dryden Bright Red Bookshelf is in need of some behind-the-scene hands. This would involve collecting books from a local drop-off site, also at Dryden Family Medicine, processing them and returning them to the shelf. If joining this mission stirs your heart, or might fulfill a New Year's goal, be in touch with the Family Reading Partnership by calling 277-8602 or via e-mail at office@familyreading.org.

Town opportunities

In this land of government of the people, by the people and for the people the governing is done by each and every one of us. Our town is no different. While the elected positions of town supervisor and board members garner much public attention, there are a variety of volunteer boards and commissions that inform the board and carry out some of the details of town government.

These boards cover an array of interests, from planning and conservation to recreation, youth and zoning. Most boards meet once a month and many are looking for new members to accomplish their work.

If you are 16 years old or older and interested in serving your town on one of these boards, fill out the application form at www.dryden.ny.us/forms/Volunteer_Board_Application.pdf and either e-mail or mail to the town clerk at 93 E Main St, Dryden, NY 13053.

Concert coming

Dryden High School instrumental music students will start off the new semester with a new groove after spending time in a workshop with the Cornell University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Paul Merrill.

On Feb. 1, CU Jazz, along with special guest trombonist and composer Bret Zvacek, will visit Dryden for a one-hour workshop with the students in advance of a free 7 p.m. concert, which is open to the public.

Local music lovers are familiar with Paul Merrill, who directs the annual CU Jazz Festival in the spring. Bret Zvacek is the director of the Central New York Jazz Orchestra based in Syracuse and professor of music and director of jazz studies at the Crane School of Music.

For 25 years, Dryden Sertoma has been supporting various community organizations through funds raised at its annual pancake breakfast. Join them from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Dryden Fire Hall for a scrumptious array of breakfast foods, including New Hope buttermilk pancakes with real maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage and a choice of hot and cold beverages. Tickets are $5.50 for adults, $3.50 for kids ages 5 through12 and free for those under 5.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Dryden Central School HANDS (Help Any Needy Dryden Student) fund. This special fund is managed by the Dryden schools superintendent, and is used to replace or provide items needed for students to function during the school day.

Chowder in Varna

The Varna Community Center will host a chowder buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The center is located at 943 Dryden Road, also known as Route 366. A collection of chowders will be accompanied by tossed salad, applesauce, a variety of breads and cake for dessert. Whether your clam chowder preferences lean to the city or to the suburbs, your taste buds will be satisfied for only $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for children ages 5-12. The youngest set might enjoy the chicken corn chowder or cheesy potato chowder, and they get in for free.

Dad-daughter dance

The Town of Dryden Recreation Department is holding its fourth annual Father-Daughter Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 11, at the Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Road.

Young ladies ages 4 to 12, accompanied by dad, grandpa, uncle or brother are welcome to attend this fun, formal event, which includes door prizes, a photograph of the couple, refreshments and music. Tickets are $8 per couple in advance or $10 at the door. To register in advance, visit dryden.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/REGISTRATIONupdated1.pdf.

The Southworth Library hosts age-appropriate story time and book clubs for readers of all ages. The littlest book lovers are welcome to bring their caregivers to the new Baby Storytime which occurs weekly at 10 a.m. on Thursdays. This literary event for babies and toddlers involves books, music and finger plays. Preschool story hour continues every Friday morning at 10 a.m.