Community spirit and family fun were in ample supply at this year's Youth Fair held March 11, at the Fingerlakes Mall, in conjunction with the Boy Scout's Pinewood Derby. On behalf of the Youth Fair Committee, I would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their contributions.

A big thank you to our sponsors, the Cayuga County Human Services Coalition, the Cayuga County Health Department, The Reduce Adolescent Pregnancy (RAP) Coalition and the Fingerlakes Mall. A special thank you to Jane Stebbins and Don Lawler from Charlie's DJ Service for keeping it groovy, and to the Auburn Masons and Rainbow Girls for providing free child identification cards and valuable child safety materials.

Thanks to all the mascots who turned out to entertain the children and compete in our third annual mascot competition: Reva Rollerdrome's Roller Roo, Abner Doubleday, Mr. Liberty Tax Service, the Little Caesar Man, the RAP Bee, Al from the Syracuse Crunch, Spiderman, Pooh Bear and the Eat Well Play Hard Tootie Fruities. I am so very grateful to the folks who gave their time to plan the event: The mall's Diane LaRue, Sharon DeRusha and Courtney Kelley-Roe from EPIC, SAVAR's Rosa Grube, Nancy Henderson from the Auburn YMCA and Kathleen Steinbacher and Nancy Annibale from Catholic Charities.

Thank you to the following businesses who supported the fair program: Hares & Orman Ltd., Cayuga Lake National Bank, Bodner's Service Inc., Coburn Design, the Neighborhood House, Bass Pro and The Citizen.

Thirty-six community groups serving youth and families were the real stars of the show. Each organization came to show off its services and creativity with hands-on educational activities for children. I wish I could list you all. Thank you all so much. The Boy Scout Pinewood Derby and Youth Fair are a fine example of our community's spirit.

Annette Abdelaziz

Auburn

Abdelaziz writes on behalf of the Youth Fair Committee, of the Cayuga County Health Department

Foundation builds strong partnerships

The Auburn Education Foundation recently coordinated two free community night events featuring visiting author/poet/photographer Charles R. Smith, Jr. These popular programs would not have been possible without the financial support of the ATTAIN program of the Partnership for Results, the Auburn Kiwanis and the “Eat Well, Play Hard” program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.

The foundation would also like to thank the Booker T. Washington Center and the Auburn YMCA for holding the events. Monique Wright-Williams and Crystal Rozelle of BTW, and Jim Courtney, Dorothea Hughes and Steve Komanecky of the Auburn YMCA .

Students and families enjoyed two entertaining programs thanks to the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. The foundation hopes to continue to build meaningful partnerships with the schools, local organizations, and the business community.

Anyone with partnership ideas is encouraged to contact the foundation at 255-8827.

Leslie Leary

Auburn

Leary is Auburn Education Foundation director

Ham and turkey raffle benefits Aurora FD

The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the following for their generous donations to our Ham & Turkey Raffle. We are grateful to all who came out to join us. Good food, fabulous prizes and lots of enthusiasm provided a good time for all. We appreciate your support!

The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Union Springs Parts Plus, Wells College, King Ferry Hotel, Jane Morgan's Little House, Daddabbos, O'Hara Machinery, The Aurora Foundation, Shakelton's Hardware, Vreeland's Hardware, The Bird House, Cleveland's Antiques, Just By a Hair, Homecare Medical Supply, MacKenzie Childs, Pumpkin Hill Bistro, King Ferry Winery, Cream at the Top, Monroe Tractor, Four Star Video, King Ferry Bowling, King Ferry Pizza, JB's Wall Street Grill, Addy's, Cayuga Lake National Bank, Oakwood Service Center, Gillespie Chevrolet, Curleys, Popular Cuts, Lascas, S&V Hair Studio, H&L Ford, Connies Deli, New York Pizzaria, Village Liquor Shop, Remax in Motion, Fingerlakes Bottling, Long Point Winery, King Ferry Countryside Store, Dinosaur Dry Goods, Allen's Feed Mill, Fessenden's Farm, Hairlooms and Genoa Ag Center.

Ann Balloni

Aurora

Balloni is secretary and writes on behalf of the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department

Yarn sought to make items for needy

I, Shirley Martinez, acting secretary/associate of “Vietnam Veterans of America” Chapter 704, along with “Vietnam Veterans of America” Chapter 205, and the “Knitwitz Ladies,” all of the Auburn area wish to say, “Thank You Community,” for all the yarn that has been donated and yes, even picked up and delivered. All of our community has been a great help.

However, we are still asking for more yarn to be donated. You see, the reason is we put all of this to good use here in our community. Whatever amount, small or big, any size, and any colors, we will use.

We have been making knitted and crotchet hats, mittens, scarf's, and now even lap blankets and baby sets for young and old alike. We've sent items to all of our area schools, some churches, even to food pantries. This year we've even sent to military men and women. We are now making slippers to send to Iraq, to keep our military men and women's feet warm and for a feeling of home. So if you can just drop off yarn to: Shirley Martinez at 7 Chapman Ave., Auburn, inside porch, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again!

Shirley Martinez

Auburn