Dryden superintendent selected as Appalachian Leadership Institute fellow

Dryden Central School District (DCSD) Superintendent Josh Bacigalupi is one of 40 fellows selected for the 2023-24 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced.

The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a leadership and economic development training opportunity for individuals currently living and/or working in one of ARC’s 13 Appalachian states, including New York.

The other Applachian states included in ARC are Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

“I’m really excited about it. I’m excited for the opportunity it can bring [DCSD] and being able to participate in it myself,” Bacigalupi said.

This year’s Appalachian Leadership Institute class is made up of a “diverse network of professionals representing all 13 Appalachian states and a wide spectrum of perspectives and sectors, including tourism, healthcare, education, civil service, and more,” according to a release.

Bacigalupi noted he is looking forward to forming relationships with people across the Applachian states region.

“I think [the fellowship] can benefit our community through ideas and networking,” Bacigalupi said. “The goal is to bring back these ideas in order to make our organization stronger and better serve our students. That’s the big thing.”

From October of this year to July 2024, the curriculum will include six multiday seminars across the Appalachian region. It will focus on each of ARC’s strategic investment priorities, aiming to strengthen economic and community growth in Appalachia.

The first seminar will be held in West Virginia later this month, Bacigalupi said.

The release stated that the ALI class will focus on “skill-building” and “best practice reviews.” It will prepare fellows to develop the following skills:

• Design effective economic development project proposals
• Integrate community assets into long-term economic development strategies
• Identify resources available to spark economic and community development
• Locate and access investment capital from a variety of public and private sources
• Prepare competitive applications for public grant opportunities
• Use expanded connections and leadership skills to create strong regional partnerships

“Growing and supporting the next generation of Appalachian leaders is integral to the future success of our region,” said ARC federal co-chair Gayle Manchin. “I send my appreciation for all the work and passion they put into helping their communities thrive and compete.”

The goal, Bacigalupi said, is to identify current issues and needs that fellows are experiencing in their home state. This includes food security, stable housing, job security and access to quality healthcare.

Once the fellows complete the program, they will become part of the ALI alumni network. This network is a “peer-to-peer workshop group of experts helping foster collaborative solutions that will build a stronger future for Appalachia,” the release noted.

“The Appalachian Leadership Institute supports leaders [who are] already doing amazing work across Eastern Kentucky and the entire Appalachian region,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who is also an ARC states’ co-chair. “This program capitalizes on the incredibly talented people who are already invested in these special communities. When we invest in our people, we’re building a brighter future for generations to come.”

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Dryden School District to hold trick-or-treat event

Dryden Central School District (DCSD) will hold a Halloween event called “Trick-or-Treat Street” on Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The event will begin at the middle school entrance, located at 118 Freeville Rd. Organizers invite participants to wear costumes and trick-or-treat around the school.

Parking is recommended in the left lot near the cafeteria entrance. Participants will exit by the weight rooms.

Email reaton1@dryden.k12.ny.us or rfulmer1@dryden.k12.ny.us for any mobility concerns and support at the event.

Southworth Library’s ‘Lunch ’N Learn’ event is Nov. 1

Southworth Library will have its “Lunch ’N Learn” event on Nov. 1 at noon at 24 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden.

Dave Hall, author of “The Naturalist’s Guide: A Field Guide to Observing and Understanding Wildlife,” will share skills and techniques from his book. Hall will also discuss what enabled him to gain a unique perspective on the lives of three special beavers: Merle, Apple and Amik.

Further information on Hall’s lecture is here. People interested in the event can register at southworthlibrary.org.

‘Coffee with the Superintendent’ is Nov. 7

Dryden Central School District (DCSD) superintendent Josh Bacigalupi is hosting “Coffee with the Superintendent” on Nov. 7 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at The Corner Brew at 1 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden.

The event is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with the superintendent.

For information, contact DCSD at 607-844-8694.

Registration available for youth wrestling in Dryden

The Town of Dryden Recreation Department is offering a youth wrestling program in the area.

Practice sessions begin on Nov. 28. Sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dryden High School wrestling room at 118 Freeville Rd. 

The program is for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Matches and tournaments will be scheduled with other youth wrestling clubs in the area.

The cost to join the program is $35. Registration is available at dryden.recdesk.com.