Never underestimate the power of a volunteer force. Cooperative Extension has always known this. Our organization depends on the service of many trained volunteers to multiply our educational programming.

But last month volunteers demonstrated their power to make it happen as they assisted staff at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties in moving our office from Johnstown to its new location in Canajoharie. For their dedication, perseverance, physical strength, and goodwill, we are exceedingly grateful.

For behind the scenes assistance, we acknowledge the help of Jeff Bouchard, Fulton County Solid Waste (recycling and confidential records disposal), Dan Talmage, Deb Landrio and Barbara Perry Thomas at Frontier Communications (assisting with telephone transfer), Don’s Electric (use of tools), Frank Fosmire at Fulton County EDC/Crossroad Incubator Corporation and Tom Walsh (legal issues). In addition, we thank the CCE executive directors in Schenectady and Washington counties (lending vehicles) and Rensselaer and Saratoga counties (lending staff and vehicles to help move). We thank many of our partner agencies who were able to use gently used office equipment and supplies and repurpose items to match their needs.

Volunteer Scott MacLauchlin and CCEFM board member Bill MacLauchlin handled new location arrangements and we thank them. We also thank Bernie and Jean Sweet, Jean Sweet Interiors (window treatments).

We cheerfully give grateful acknowledgement to those who assisted in the physical move including Ruby & Quiri (pick-up and delivery of kitchen appliances), Dorraine Joyce and CCE board member Anne King (volunteer support) and Jen Conkling-Donovan (phone coverage). Many thanks for packing, moving, transporting vehicles, unpacking, and cleaning to Cheryl Andrist, CCEFM board members (Ed Knott, Allan MacVean, Linda Kollar, Bette Papa, Clarissa Putman, Debbie Buck), Richard Boice and his crew (Alternatives To Incarceration), Community Service Workers (Fulton County DSS - Adam, April, Courtney, Monica), Jim Fox, Bill Doran, Jim Harrad, Tamara Healy, David King, Daryl Kosinski, Clark MacLauchlin, Teri Marcuccio, Joshua Maring, Master Gardeners (Bob Landrio, John Deitch, Jay Ephraim, Jean Sweet, Barbara Henry), Chris Smith and Tyrone Yacobucci.

The countless hours of selfless service by these volunteers and CCEFM staff proved invaluable and successful as our office is in full operation at our new address: 50 East Main St., Canajoharie. The office is located in the basement of the United Methodist Church, just one block east of Church Street. We plan to host an Open House on May 4, 4-7 p.m. We invite residents of both counties to come and see the results of these volunteers’ dedicated work.

— Marilyn J. Smith, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties