CCAT Spring 2025 News
Organized in 2003, the Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT) works to improve the day-to-day living environment of the Hamlet by raising awareness of community issues; fostering better communication between neighbors; encouraging youth development and providing an informed, effective voice that links Cheshire residents to local government as well as promoting local businesses and artists. The organization is open to anyone interested in preserving the history, rural character and tranquil charm of the Hamlet.
News & Upcoming Events from CCAT
For the third year, CCAT is thrilled to host its annual summer program, fostering community connections. Running for six weeks from July 7 to August 14, the program features live music at Pierce Park, free weekly art classes for children and adults (registration required), weekly QiGong sessions & children’s storytelling. Thanks to CCAT and our sponsors, all events are free and will conclude with a special Community Day on Saturday, August 16, bringing everyone together for a day of celebration. See the insert for a detailed schedule.
A special thank you to Eric's Office for donating 2 $50 gift certificates for our Valentine's Day & St. Patrick Day raffle baskets! Dr Hallstead’s office will donate a fun summer basket (winner drawn 8/16), tickets are $1 or 6/$5. Ongoing fundraising help CCAT bring free events & programing to the community. Thank you for the support!
Check out the additional events planned for the warmer weather & stay tuned for more details!
● Annual CCAT Easter Egg Hunt @ the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept. | April 19 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Join CCAT & the Easter Bunny for crafts, live bunnies, a hillside egg hunt and more!
● “2-Across” Comedy Performance @ the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept. | April 25 | 6:30 PM | Two strangers, a train ride and a New York Times puzzle performed by Nils & Amy Swanson. Purchase tickets ($15/each) at The Mad Hatter, Company Store, Geoffry Hallstead, DDS office, from a CCAT Board Member or at cheshirecommunityactionteam.org.
● Memorial Day Commemoration @ the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept. | May 24 | Join the community as we remember our Veterans during our annual Memorial service, followed by a walk to Pine Bank Cemetery. ● Gale-Wyn Chicken BBQ Fundraiser @ Runnings | July 5 @ 11AM - sold out | $15/dinner includes 1/2 Chicken, salt potatoes, choice of mac salad or coleslaw.
“Hello Neighbors” from CCAT Board President, Geoff Hallstead As warmer weather approaches, check out our spring newsletter for upcoming events! Enjoy our biggest Easter Egg Hunt yet, a new romantic comedy play at CVFD, and our Memorial Day ceremony honoring Cheshire’s veterans. Join us at the fire hall for a ceremony and a march to the cemetery for wreath-laying. With summer around the corner, don’t miss our free events and classes. Support our meeting hall restoration through our annual chicken BBQ, fern and geranium sale, and raffles. Questions or want to volunteer? Contact me at 585-729-4533.- Geoff Hallstead
Cheshire Theater & Meeting Hall (CTMH) Update Work on CTMH continues at a slower pace due to funding needs. Our priority is securing the Certificate of Occupancy, with wiring and fire alarms now installed and inspected. We await RG&E to connect power before moving on to plumbing and septic installation. As projects progress, fundraising is crucial—reach out if you'd like to help!
More News & Events From Cheshire
Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept (CVFD: Come to our fire station open house on April 26 for Recruit NY Day at Station 2 (5439 NY-5, Cdga, NY). Enjoy snacks, activities, and learn how you can serve as a Firefighter, EMS, Fire Police, Support Member, Driver, Boat Operator, or in Special Ops—no experience needed, training provided! Be part of something BIG—Neighbors Helping Neighbors! Learn more & apply: cheshirevfd.com.
CVFD Annual Chicken BBQ - Sunday, April 13: Doors open at 11 until gone! Pre-sale tickets available at cheshirevfd.com or from a member.
Cheshire Community Church: Pastor Kevin Cotter invites you to join them in worship at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings.
Cheshire Union: The Cheshire Union is hosting several classes in painting, needle felting, printmaking, alcohol inks and more! Classes cover a variety of ages and skill levels and new classes are added each month. Check out all the details at cheshireunion.com or call 585-394-5530.
The Company Store: We are loving our new look & merchandise! We had a blast at Halloween '24 and look forward to this year's spooky fun again! Stop in for lunch or a coffee! Keep track of us at thecheshirestore.com.
A’s Diner & Desserts: Opening close to Memorial Day! Visit adineranddesserts.com to view the full menu. Look for the big tent sale this summer behind Trowbridge Again Liquor & Wine!
Cheshire Quilters: The quilters have been busy putting together this year’s “scholarship” quilts & tickets are on sale! High school seniors in the Cheshire area can check with guidance counselors for the application for the $500 scholarship which will be announced at the Memorial Day Celebration in May 2025. Good luck and thanks to the quilters for their hard work!
Guest Notes: Kimberly Burkard, Town of Canandaigua: As I finish up this newsletter, I am watching the wind swirl snow around outside the window. Unlike last winter, it feels like a NY winter! Besides winter sports enthusiasts and children hoping for snow days, did you know that your fruit trees also need that thermometer to drop to cold temperatures? Indeed! They need a certain number of “chill hours” to be able to set fruit properly in the upcoming growing season. Our tree crop producers are pleased for more normal winter weather! Many of our native plants and trees also require cold, wintery conditions for their seeds to germinate properly. Mother Nature built in a dormancy into those seeds that can only be broken by winter weather conditions -- this keeps the seeds from germinating at the wrong time! Winter, at least our average winter weather, also brings much snow with it. My grandfather, who was a dairy farmer his whole life, referred to snow -- especially the late season snowfalls -- as fertilizer. That old time adage has truth to it and snowfall does indeed bring nitrogen, a necessary component of good soil health, down out of the sky where it is absorbed into the soil and used by plants. So as you look out at the flakes flying by your window, think of the benefits our winter weather brings with it and enjoy our winter season!
We’d love to hear from you! If you’d like to get involved or have questions, contact us at hello2ccat@gmail.com or visit us at CheshireCommunityActionTeam.org
