Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

_ Join Madison County Friday, February 24th for Shades of Green in Madison County: A Green Living Experience being held at the STUAC Conference Center at Morrisville State College in Morrisville, New York.   This free, full day event features over twenty-five speakers to help advance green initiatives throughout the county.  The topics have been geared to be sure there is something for everyone, whether a homeowner or a business owner or a community organization.  

Individuals and business owners can learn how to obtain free energy audits to lower their utility bills and gain access to low interest loans to make desired upgrades. Hear how easy it can be to start composting or install a rain garden.  Find out how to take advantage of new renewable energy initiatives including Solarize Madison, which is a new county-wide initiative to help home and business owners lower the costs of installing solar panels on their buildings.

Business owners can also learn what the phase out of standard light bulbs means to their business and about the benefits of and means to offering locally grown food and products on their shelves and in their menus.  

Communities can learn how to establish community gardens to provide access to wholesome foods while building strong neighborhoods, how to turn community vision into action through an effective comprehensive plan, what resources are available to advance the concept of “farm to school,” and ways to help design our places to help seniors remain and thrive in their homes and communities.

Other presentations include a discussion of green jobs to bring together available opportunities for people to obtain and enhance skills and find employment in the ever-growing green market, information on the new bus routes and stops offered by Madison County Transit, and examples of effective local historic preservation.  Highlights from the success of building a LEED certified public library in the Village of Marcellus will be shared as well as some of the innovative projects put in place at the Madison County Solid Waste Facility including the country’s first landfill to be capped with a solar array system. 

For more information and to register for the free event, please visit the website: www.greenmadisoncounty.com/.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided.  A reception will follow the event featuring local products and businesses including Owera Winery, Good Nature Brewery, Jewett’s Cheese and Kriemhild Dairy Farms.