Newsletter of the Finger Lakes Chapter, ACBS

Volume 17, Issue 4 Newsletter of the Finger Lakes Chapter, ACBS December 2007

UPDATED December 25th 2007 page 6

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Boat / Transportation Museum

Planned in Skaneateles

In the latter part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries, the Creamery was a vital part of the Skaneateles community, providing a centralized milk-processing facility for the area. Over the years the Creamery was also a thriving butter-making business, and an ice cream processor for the Best Ice Cream Co. and later, the Borden Co. In the early 1990s, the Skaneateles Historical Society acquired the nearly 100-year-old derelict building, renovated it, and established a new home for the Society and a museum for the community.

Today, the Creamery is one of Skaneateles' primary cultural centers, housing a growing local history museum, a busy community room, facilities for research and care of historical records and archives, and the site of monthly programs of local historical interest. But the Society is rapidly outgrowing the Creamery. Recently, through a generous donation, the Society was able to acquire the Creamery's old boiler plant, gaining much-needed space for expansion and growth. That expansion will be used to reflect and preserve the history of Skaneateles commerce and transportation, highlighting local wooden boat design and manufacturing.

Architectural plans have been drawn up to renovate the boiler plant, connect it to the Creamery via a new wing, and generally enhance the local neighborhood along Skaneateles Creek. Now, effort is underway to generate funding, develop detailed renovation plans and implement improvements as fundraising permits. Contributions to the project are being sought from all parts of the Skaneateles community. The Chapter's Board of Directors has voted to make a $1500. contribution to the project over the next three years. Individual tax-deductible contributions can be made using the enclosed donation form.


Sea Scouts of SSS 23

Skaneateles' fledgling Sea Scouts Ship 23 (SSS 23), BSA just completed it inaugural year. Sea Scouts provides an opportunity for area coed youth, ages 14 to 20, to enjoy maritime safety, training and on-the-water recreational experiences. SSS 23 conducted or participated in a number of activities throughout 2007, including:

- Skaneateles WinterFest 2007 providing a maritime Cold Weather Safety display; - Coordinating conduct of NY Safe Boating Course, open to the community, in which SSS 23 Sea Scouts earned their certificates;

- Chamber of Commerce "Dock Days", helping install the community slips in the spring, and removal and storage this fall;

- Conducting scuba training orientation in Skaneateles Community Center pool;

- Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show with a tent display;

- Novice sail training using a donated "Pennant" sailboat; - Motor boating training (several Sea Scouts completed BSA merit badge qualifications);

- Enjoying the general fun of learning and doing on-the-water activities.

The Sea Scouts' 2007 program culminated in SSS 23's October Awards Dinner at which all current Sea Scouts received certificates for achieving Apprentice Rank. Sea Scout Ship 23 is now planning for 2008, and will continue to meet and learn through the winter in its year-round program. Planned winter activities include:

- Renovation of a second donated sailboat, a CL16, which will be used to train and race next season;

- Building of several self-propelled wooden boats for the children's pool at the Skaneateles Antique Boat Show;

- Refurbishment of wooden gift boats used by the Skaneateles Chamber for raffle prizes at the Boat Show.

SSS 23 also looks forward to participating again in the major events and service projects as it did in 2007.

Skaneateles Sunrise Rotary Club serves as the chartered organization for SSS 23, which also enjoys the support of a number of local boating enthusiasts, the Finger Lakes Chapter, ACBS, and other organizations and businesses which have stepped forward to help SSS 23 build the program and create additional youth opportunities. For further information on Sea Scouts, call (315) 685-9511, or e-mail Advance.Concept@Adelphia.Net