Dryden town clerk appointed president of state town clerks group

Bambi Avery has climbed the ranks as a member of the New York State Town Clerks Association (NYSTCA). More recently, she was appointed to the top-tier position. Effective July 1, Avery will be NYSTCA’s new president.

“It’s definitely an honor,” she said. “But it’s a little intimidating when you consider the amount of people you’re representing.”

Avery has been the town of Dryden clerk since 1998, which is the same year she became a member of NYSTCA.

Since 2006 with NYSTCA, Avery has been a district director, a member of “several committees,” the treasurer and the third-through-first-ranked vice president.

“I’ve always gone [to the association] for education,” she said. “Moving on one more step [as president] is logical and expected.”

Dryden Town Supervisor Jason Leifer congratulated Avery for her position with NYSTCA. Leifer has served with Avery since 2008.

“She is one of the most dedicated public servants that I have had the privilege of working with over the years,” Leifer said via the town of Dryden newsletter from last month. “Dryden is truly lucky to have her as our town clerk.”

NYSTCA, which started in 1982, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. According to Avery, the association was founded by Margaret Lamoree, who was the clerk for the town of Sanford in Broome County in the early 1980s.

“[Lamoree] had the foresight to realize that we needed a vehicle to get this education in a condensed way to all of these clerks,” Avery said.

The association is composed of town clerks who represent 933 towns across New York state. Town clerks are the main members of the associations. Avery mentioned, however, that deputy clerks can also be members.

“We, as an association, represent those 933 towns,” Avery said.

She noted that every town is unique in population, size, geography and the services provided for its residents.

According to Avery, the populations in these towns ranges from fewer than 100 to more than 200,000 residents.

NYSTCA divides the state into 10 districts, Avery said, with each district represented by two directors.

“The directors of each district are someone that the town clerks can look to for guidance,” she added. “Networking and education is important.”

The association holds three regional meetings every year, which are held in various locations across the state. Avery noted the meetings provide an opportunity for town clerks to collectively find ways to “keep the association viable,” while providing vital education for town clerks to use on a regular basis.

“The association is important for town clerks to stay on top of local regulation,” she said.

Avery mentioned that most of those who become town clerks grow up and “don’t know they’re going to be” the clerk for their town.

“Most of us found our way unintentionally to the position,” she said.

The duties of a town clerk “vary outside of the basics,” Avery said, noting that “some things happen once a year” and “other things happen repeatedly.”

“A lot of the time a town clerk is the face of local government. It’s the person in the town that does the most,” said Avery, who added that town clerks serve “as a conduit between the people and the town board.”

Avery said it’s her goal to serve as president of NYSTCA for two years. Terms last a year, but members of the association “usually serve twice,” she added.

As Avery prepares to begin her term as president of the association in less than a month, she will strive to help NYSTCA “continue to change and evolve.”

Dryden Dispatch appears every Wednesday in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com.

In brief:

Etna Lane Bridge closed until the fall for replacement

The Tompkins County Highway Department (TCHD) recently announced that the Etna Lane Bridge is closed to all through traffic until mid-October of this year for bridge replacement.

TCHD also noted that a detour will be in place, and a pedestrian bridge will be provided.

For questions or concerns, contact TCHD at (607) 274-0300.

Freeville resident to start yoga class June 29

Michelle Dardia, a resident in the village of Freeville, will conduct a yoga class beginning June 29 at the Freeville United Methodist Church at 37 Main St. in the village.

The yoga class will be a four-part series that will go every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost of the series is $40. Dardia mentioned the yoga class will be at a beginner level.

For more information or questions, contact Dardia at dollysdaughter@hotmail.com or (607) 279-4785.

Renovations to Dryden Village Hall to begin soon

Village of Dryden officials announced recently that renovations to Village Hall will begin either this week or shortly thereafter.

To avoid congestion, the village is asking the public to park in the municipal parking lot on George Street instead of the parking lot on the left side of village hall.

For questions or concerns, contact the Village Hall at (607) 844-8122.