Scouting America adopts Dryden schools

The Baden-Powell Council of Scouting America recently made an announcement in regard to strengthening community ties and youth engagement.

Boy Scout Troop 24 officially adopted Dryden Middle School, and Cub Scout Pack 24 adopted Dryden Elementary School under Scouting America’s Adopt-A-School program, according to a recent press release. 

The initiative brings together scouts and local schools in a commitment to service and community development. 

Through the Adopt-A-School program, scouts pledge to complete at least four projects a year in partnership with their adopted schools, building relationships and a sense of civic pride among students.

“These adoptions are more than symbolic. They’re an investment in our communities’ future,” said Stacy Hall, field director of the Baden-Powell Council. “Troop 24 and Pack 24 are setting the standard for what Scouting looks like at its best: engaged, proactive and service-driven.”

The release noted that Troop 24 and Pack 24’s adoption of Dryden Middle and Elementary Schools “marks a vibrant start to this program locally.”

“Scouts from these units are already working with school staff to identify service projects tailored to each school’s unique needs,” the release added.

Scouting America provided details on its Adopt-A-School Program: “The program is a nationwide Scouting America initiative connecting Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, Exploring Posts and Sea Scout Ships with local schools. By offering age-appropriate volunteer services, from ground beautification and book drives to teacher appreciation and literacy programs, scouts directly address school needs and help shape better learning environments.

“According to program guidelines, both Scouts and school administrations enter a pledge of commitment, agreeing to collaborate on projects that support youth development, school improvement and community engagement. After a year of successful partnership, scout units earn an ‘Adopt-A-School’ flag streamer and schools receive a commemorative sign recognizing their adoption.”

To get involved in the program, schools that are interested in partnering with a local scout unit can register for the program through a link at dryden.k12.ny.us.

New bookstore in the village to open on Sept. 3

Protagonist Books & Coffee, a new bookstore and coffee shop at 8 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden, will have its grand opening on Sept. 3.

Amber and Sam Gellar-Smith, the owners of the store, said the hours of operation are noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Amber has been an established author for 11 years, writing young adult and middle-grade novels. Sam recently co-wrote a novel with Amber that is set for release in November.

The couple stumbled upon vacant space in the area, a space Sam called an “architecturally gorgeous storefront.” After engaging with community members and local business owners, they knew the location was the right one for a bookstore and coffee shop.

“We’ve always had that dream to open our own bookstore,” Sam said. “We jumped feet first into opening it.”

Since both write fiction, the couple wanted the business name to align with the genre.

“’Protagonist’ seemed to be a great fit for it,” Amber said. “We’re going to be a fiction-focused store, but we love the idea of building a community around a story in general. Whether it’s nonfiction or true life, or novels in our case, we always feel like stories are centered around that main character or the protagonist. That’s sort of what led us to the name.”

The business will have full coffee service, with an espresso setup and coffee products provided by Copper Horse Coffee in Ithaca. The shop will also provide chai teas and products from local bakeries.

“We really want to be a third space for the community where people can come and really build friendships, support systems and have a sense of belonging, but be surrounded by the idea of stories, books and connecting,” Amber said.

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

In brief:

Books & Brew club participating in ‘Color Our World’ challenge

The Books & Brew club of Southworth Library is participating in the “Color Our World” summer reading challenge.

Club participants are asked to pick a color on the rainbow and choose a book from that color’s genre. The list of colors is as follows:

• Red: Mystery
• Orange: Nonfiction
• Yellow: Wild
• Green: Short Story
• Blue: Historical Fiction
• Indigo: Romance or Suspense
• Violet: A book recommended by a friend

The club will meet at Hopshire Farm & Brewery, located at 1771 Dryden Rd. in the village of Freeville, on Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.

Dryden CSD giving away backpacks and supplies

The Dryden Central School District recently announced it is giving away backpacks and supplies for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

Thanks to donations from Beginnings Credit Union and the Cornell Elves, the district has backpacks and supplies available for students in need.

To request assistance, contact Mary Hicks at mhicks1@dryden.k12.ny.us or 607-844-8694 ext. 5225.

Upcoming meetings for the town of Dryden

The Dryden Town Board is scheduled to meet on Aug. 14 and 21, each time at 6 p.m., at the town hall on 93 E. Main St. The public is invited to attend, either in person or via Zoom.

For more information, contact the town hall at 607-844-8888. Agendas for each meeting will be available at dryden.ny.us.