Cooperative Extension's Green Gala
offers an evening to remember!

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is keeping their annual fundraising program both fun and educational this year. The public is cordially invited to attend their Green Gala on Friday, March 19 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Spencer Crest Nature Center in Corning. Featurered speaker will be Art Hunt of Hunt Country Vineyards in Branchport. He will speak on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture

Cooperative Extension has also lined up a number of exhibitors to show off the latest in home energy efficiency and renewable energy products. Come learn how to save dollars from Halco and others. There will be also be displays on lighting efficiency, rainbarrels and grass pellets.

While touring the nature center's exhibits, guests will sample from several food stations put on by Corning Catering that will highlight pairing with Hunt Country wine and beer tasting. Cooperative Extension promotes the use of local foods used at the event and will have information about local potatoes, cheese and meat.There are also a number of beautiful baskets filled with energy saving items, wine, local products and gift certificates that will be offered in a silent auction throughout the evening.

The presentation for the evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tours, bidding, visits with the speakers and socializing will continue until the auction results are announced at 9 p.m. The last hour will also highlight the 2009 outstanding volunteer and business partner awards.

This complete evening affair is available for only $20 per person in advance ($25 at the door), payable to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County, 3 E. Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810. Call 607-664-2300 for reservations or more information. To reserve the discount tickets, call in your reservation by Wednesday, March 17. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County programming which includes agriculture support, 4-H and youth development, financial and energy education and nutrition and well-being education.

Cooperative Extension has a limited number of tables still available at this event for renewable energy businesses to educate the public on alternative energy sources. The tables will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. To learn more, contact Carla Dawejko at 607-664-2313.

	Corning Catering Station II

Our Speaker

Art Hunt, with his wife Joyce, own Hunt Country Vineyards, a 70,000 gal. farm winery in Branchport, New York, producing award winning varietals. They also grow 50 acres of various wine grapes on the sixth generation family farm. In addition to traditional vinifera and French American varietals, Hunt Country Vineyards concentrates on producing intense flavored late harvest and ice wines as well as port and cream sherry.

Hunt received his B.S. in Management from Virginia Tech in 1971. He and Joyce began growing grapes in 1973 on a fifth generation family farm and have been steadily increasing the business since.

The Hunts are committed to sustainable growth and being good stewards of their land. They are producing their own compost and biodiesel and are experimenting with other ways to reduce and replace non-renewable energy sources on their farm.

Art and Joyce have three grown children. Two are interested in the farm and winery including Jonathan who along with his wife Caroline is working full time in the business. When time permits, Art enjoys working with his hands, sailing and is an active member of the Branchport – Keuka Park Volunteer Fire Department.