Cazenovia College continues to play a significant role in the local community. During the recent Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting, Cazenovia’s students, staff and faculty members were among the shoppers, and the college opened the doors of two of its village venues to community members. Jen Pepper, director of the Cazenovia College Art Gallery in Reisman Hall, said the gallery had a successful night during the Christmas Walk. “On Dec. 4, the streets in the village were all a-buzz. We had extended hours in the gallery that evening and served hot chocolate to more than 20 community visitors, as well as members of the Cazenovia High School Choir, led by the Choral Director Teresa Campbell. They were fantastic,” Pepper said, “and if I may add, the gallery has dynamite acoustics!” Cazenovia College’s John Lehmann, speaking on behalf of the Cazenovia Grill, said, “Our elf (Ray Purdy) walked up and down the street talking to people about the Grill and giving out certificates for a free child’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, to families with small children. The children also received a free candy cane, and we invited them in for cocoa and cookies, sponsored by the Grill and the college. It was truly a wonderful evening.” Students in Cazenovia College’s clubs and organizations, and student-athletes are involved in philanthropic activities throughout the academic year, but during the holiday season their civic spirit shines even more brightly. Mary Handley, associate professor and director of the college’s Human Services Program reports that students in the Human Services Club, of which she is the advisor, participated in a number of community activities in November and December. The club was recognized on campus with the Student Legacy Council’s inaugural Philanthropy Day Award for outstanding service to the campus and the community. Students in the club are assisting preschoolers at Caz-Cares with writing letters to Santa, and have adopted two area families for whom they will furnish a happier Christmas morning. The club also donated money to the Rescue Mission to support eight families at Thanksgiving. The Cazenovia College Fashion Club made microwavable rice bags for easing aches and pains, and holiday cards for area senior citizens. Students in the “Introduction to Human Service” class donated money to purchase food for a family in Guatemala, which will be bought and delivered by a student who is visiting Guatemala at the end of December. Katie O’Brien, associate dean for student leadership and engagement, reports that Cazenovia College’s Caring is Sharing Community Programs include food baskets for eight Madison County families, filled with a turkey and all the ingredients for a healthy Thanksgiving dinner. Caring is Sharing students have also adopted a local family for Christmas, and Sigma Alpha Pi, also known as the Society of Success and Leadership, sponsored Mitten Mania, collecting hats, mittens and other winter weather protection for needy families. Two studio art students, as a class project, sponsored an auction of donated art to raise money for Two Smiles One Hope, a non-profit organization funding research to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and during winter break 21 Alternatives Break Club members will travel to New Orleans to assist those still struggling to recover from the Hurricane Katrina disaster. In mid-November a number of student volunteers were treated to breakfast at Emma’s Caf (c) before braving the cold crisp morning to assist with hanging garland and wreaths in the historic business district, and several volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army. Members of the Student Government Association baked and decorated cookies to be distributed to CAVAC, and the local police and fire station. Community service activities are not limited to the holiday season — they are a way of life for Cazenovia College students. During fall semester students participated in the College’s third annual “Up ’til Dawn” letter writing campaign for St. Jude’s Research Hospital. The two past campaigns raised more than $30,000. The College’s Middle Eastern Dance Club participated in Cazenovia’s second annual “Hips Against Hunger,” a celebration of Middle Eastern culture that benefited the Community Action Program for Madison County and the Morrisville Food Pantry. Athletics Director Rob Kenna reported that members of the women’s volleyball team raised more than $1,800 for the nationwide “Dink Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser. The men’s soccer team spent several hours cleaning and repairing at Cazenovia Children’s House, and the women’s soccer and basketball teams played an important role in the “ASK ME” Campaign, part of the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week in October. Dr. Mark Tierno, Cazenovia College’s president, said, “I recently urged our December graduates to make a promise that their lives will be of worth and value, both to themselves, and to the world outside themselves. This is what we ask of all our students, and I am proud of what they accomplish here at Cazenovia College.”