CCE of Oswego County Opens Paul and Theresa Schoeck Education Building

[EditorBob]

MEXICO, New York (May 21, 2009) – In a continued effort to increase learning opportunities for local residents, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County formally opened and dedicated the Paul and Theresa Schoeck Education Building on April 26th at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Center.

The event, which coincided with Cooperative Extension’s celebration of Earth Day, not only included a dedication ceremony in honor of the Schoeck family, but also featured an open house of the new facility and a variety of educational activities, including nature walks and games for children. Nearly 100 people attended, including several state, county and town elected officials, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County board members, local residents and supporters.

“In celebration of Earth Day, I was glad to be a part of the dedication ceremony of the Paul and Theresa Schoeck Education Building at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center here in Oswego County,” said Assemblyman William Barclay. “This new facility will help provide our community with excellent educational programs. The path to a cleaner environment starts with education, and I believe strongly this facility puts Central New York on that path.”

The Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center is a 150-acre nature preserve that provides education to the community through its camping facility, school and youth programs and public initiatives. The center is owned and operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County. Prior to the construction of the Paul and Theresa Schoeck Education Building, the center ran all of its public programs in Dunn Lodge. The new building adds additional classroom space and display areas, which will allow the center to host new programs and expand learning exhibits.

“This facility is a wonderful enhancement to our educational programs for youth in Oswego County,” said Paul A. Forestiere II, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County. “Now we can invite larger school groups to participate in our courses, so children can experience nature in a safe environment. The Schoeck family is very committed to giving children the opportunity to learn about nature. For them, it’s all about the kids.”

With the new building, additional exhibit space will be used to display teaching aids that will in turn provide viewers with an up-close look at nature. The classrooms will be used by center educators as well as by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County staff to provide seminars. Summer camps including: Aerospace Adventure, Robotics and You, and Quilt Quest, as well as additional nature camps, will be offered this summer at the facility.

“The new education building has created much-needed classroom space and exhibit areas,” said Linda Brosch, Cornell Cooperative Extension Team Coordinator for 4-H Youth Development. “The new classrooms will allow us to provide programming for more than one group at a time, provide us an indoor learning space in the event of rain, and allow us to expand our summer day camp program.”

The Paul and Theresa Schoeck Education Building was donated to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County from the Paul Schoeck Estate through Richard Schoeck of Constantia and his family. Richard Schoeck has volunteered many years with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County as a Master Gardner and Master Forest Owner.

Richard Schoeck was involved in the creation of the new building from the beginning of the project through its recent completion. In addition to supplying the funding for the structure, Schoeck drew up the design plans, brought on contractor Dan White, and designed the required sewage system. Schoeck, a graduate of Cornell University, with a degree in civil engineering, built homes with his father for over 40 years through his family business, Schoeck Builders.

“My father always told me that if you’re going to take the time to do something, take the time to do something good for those around you,” Schoeck said. “His goal in life was to stay productive. At the center, they do an excellent job teaching about nature and the environment, and producing programs that educate both the young and old.”

According to Schoeck, both of his parents, Paul and Theresa, were always interested in nature. He hopes his work and donation at the center will spread this interest to the local community.

“In today’s society, most people are so focused on the fast-pace of life and seeking entertainment from sporting events,” he said. “This is our way of bringing people back to nature and opening up their eyes to all it has to offer.”

Barry Leeman, Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature, believes the Paul and Theresa Schoeck Education Building is an extremely valuable addition to the local community.

“It is a top-notch facility and will be a great asset to the area,” Lehman said. “I encourage all members of the community to use the facility and take advantage of the enhanced programming that will be available. As the legislator representing this area, I commend Cornell Cooperative Extension for their offerings and efforts to educate our community on the environment.”

According to Brosch, many area businesses also contributed to the project through donations including: Deaton’s Home Center, Black River Paper, Sturtz Excavating, A-1 Trophy Company, Halsey Electrics, Superior Office Interiors, ProBuild, and Fish Wish Taxidermy.

“This has truly been a community-wide initiative and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from everyone on this project,” she said.

The Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center is located at 748 State Route 183 in eastern Oswego County. Please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County to learn more about the facility or to sign up to receive the public program mailings at (315) 963-7286.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a key outreach system of Cornell University with a mission to grow and educate the regions it serves, and to provide an extensive local presence that is responsive to the needs of New York communities. The CCE educational system aims to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work in practical and business situations. For more information, contact Oswego County CCE at (315) 963-7286 or visit http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/oswego/.