OWSACO - For almost a decade Seneca Cayuga ARC has been using Camp Columbus on Owasco Lake to provide summertime recreational experiences for children and adults with special needs.
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
While giving a tour of the Camp Columbus grounds on Friday, Mark Covich, of the Seneca Cayuga ARC, waves to Michelle Musso from the dock. The ARC was giving tours and honoring those who have donated time and money to its cause.
While giving a tour of the Camp Columbus grounds on Friday, Mark Covich, of the Seneca Cayuga ARC, waves to Michelle Musso from the dock. The ARC was giving tours and honoring those who have donated time and money to its cause.
The site was busy Friday evening as ARC staff gathered to pay tribute to those that have made it possible for the agency to make Camp Columbus a better facility.
Kevin M. Smith, executive director of the agency, said that when the Seneca and Cayuga ARC programs planned to join forces in 1997, the camp was a major issue on both agencies' agendas.
“It was a concern from the start of both of us trying to reach an agreement,” Smith said. “This is something that was very important to all the people involved and it was very important for all of us to make this happen.”
Smith said that after the merger of the two county programs, the camp officially opened its doors in the summer of 1999, since then it has undergone many renovations, including new sewers, electrical facilities and the demolition of old buildings for the construction of new ones.
Jodi Holland, director of community services, said that while there has been a great deal of support from the outset of the Seneca Cayuga ARC taking over the camp, a great deal of work really began in 2003.
“It has been a five year plan,” Holland said. “It has been an ongoing process and tonight is sort of a celebration of getting all of this work completed and taking the opportunity to thank some of the people that have made that possible.”
Holland said that renovations have included fixing up the chapel that is on the property, as well as the creation of new restroom facilities and repairs and upgrades to the waterfront area of the camp.
The lift has been installed, which has made it possible for those with mobility issues to reach the waterfront and the waterfront itself has received major renovations thanks to the Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Holland said that the camp has moved from a four-week day camp program to a five-week format, offering a variety of summer activities like arts and crafts, music, plays and water activities.
Among those honored Friday was the S-K Post #1324, American Legion of Auburn. Smith said that they were integral to ensuring that the lift to the waterfront was completed, among other contributions.
“We're proud to be here,” Bill Slayton, of the S-K Post, said. “We're not going to stop here, this is going to be an ongoing thing and we're really proud of all these people.”
Gail S. Homick, executive director of United Way of Cayuga County, said that all that has gone into making the camp a reality has truly been a community effort.
“I have to congratulate you (Seneca Cayuga ARC),” Homick said. “And all of the board of directors and staff that have worked so hard to make the camp what it is. It is through the people of this community that we have been able to make this happen. Through the United Way and the people of this community I think we are really able to make this a better community.”
Honored by the Seneca Cayuga ARC Friday
United Way of Cayuga County, The Allyn Foundation, Inc., B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, John Ben Snow Foundation, Inc., Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District, S-K Post #1324, American Legion, state Sen. Michael F. Nozzoli
Kevin M. Smith, executive director of the agency, said that when the Seneca and Cayuga ARC programs planned to join forces in 1997, the camp was a major issue on both agencies' agendas.
“It was a concern from the start of both of us trying to reach an agreement,” Smith said. “This is something that was very important to all the people involved and it was very important for all of us to make this happen.”
Smith said that after the merger of the two county programs, the camp officially opened its doors in the summer of 1999, since then it has undergone many renovations, including new sewers, electrical facilities and the demolition of old buildings for the construction of new ones.
Jodi Holland, director of community services, said that while there has been a great deal of support from the outset of the Seneca Cayuga ARC taking over the camp, a great deal of work really began in 2003.
“It has been a five year plan,” Holland said. “It has been an ongoing process and tonight is sort of a celebration of getting all of this work completed and taking the opportunity to thank some of the people that have made that possible.”
Holland said that renovations have included fixing up the chapel that is on the property, as well as the creation of new restroom facilities and repairs and upgrades to the waterfront area of the camp.
The lift has been installed, which has made it possible for those with mobility issues to reach the waterfront and the waterfront itself has received major renovations thanks to the Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Holland said that the camp has moved from a four-week day camp program to a five-week format, offering a variety of summer activities like arts and crafts, music, plays and water activities.
Among those honored Friday was the S-K Post #1324, American Legion of Auburn. Smith said that they were integral to ensuring that the lift to the waterfront was completed, among other contributions.
“We're proud to be here,” Bill Slayton, of the S-K Post, said. “We're not going to stop here, this is going to be an ongoing thing and we're really proud of all these people.”
Gail S. Homick, executive director of United Way of Cayuga County, said that all that has gone into making the camp a reality has truly been a community effort.
“I have to congratulate you (Seneca Cayuga ARC),” Homick said. “And all of the board of directors and staff that have worked so hard to make the camp what it is. It is through the people of this community that we have been able to make this happen. Through the United Way and the people of this community I think we are really able to make this a better community.”
Honored by the Seneca Cayuga ARC Friday
United Way of Cayuga County, The Allyn Foundation, Inc., B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, John Ben Snow Foundation, Inc., Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District, S-K Post #1324, American Legion, state Sen. Michael F. Nozzoli
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