Retirement for us, as with so many people has not led to a lot of leisure time. We have immersed ourselves in the local community and seem busier than ever.

We are both active with the Hamilton Democrats trying to make significant change in the Town and village through the political process. Deb is also an alternate representative on the Madison County Democratic Party.

SMHT = the Southern Madison Heritage Trust, a local land trust. Deb is a Board member and Harvey is web master and is President of the Board. See www.smht.org

Birding: We’ve started a local birding group (the hambirders) and have reinvigorated our interest in a hobby that had languished over the last few years. Harvey set up a Yahoo email group so we can keep our observations and enthusiasm flowing.

We are both working with the Chenango Canal Association, another small, local non profit group aimed at historic preservation and building a trail network throughout the region using the canal towpaths and feeder rights of way. See the web site Harvey created for the group www.chenangocanal.org

Debbie is on the Board of Madison Lane Apartments, a subsidized low income housing development in the village. As a Psychologist she can provide special insight in the governance of the complex. She also volunteers at Community Memorial Hospital, helping with the book cart and the switchboard on a regular basis.

Harvey has remained active with the Lyme disease community, running several web sites, and handling Email and doctor referrals for the group we founded, the Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. an all volunteer non profit. See www.Lymepa.org .  See also list of web sites Harvey is web mastering.

Harvey is also participating in a pilot program to assist local dairy farmers in their businesses. He is a facilitator for the Red Gate Dairy Farm Team consisting of the farmer, his family, financial advisor, nutritionist/veterinarian, and outside consultant. The task is to keep the team organized, holding regular meetings, keeping notes, doing research for the farmer and being generally helpful. This is a volunteer job with a 2 year commitment.

Maintenance of our 1870s house in the village keeps Harvey busy with the stream of small jobs needed to finish the task of restoration. Contractors have done the major work and Harvey tries to get at least one small job done every day, not always reaching this goal. He’s been at it from August 2006 and the end is not yet in sight. He’s having a great time doing it and making objects for sale for the Community Memorial Hospital sales every year. Projects have included antique doll cradle reproductions, wren houses, both full sized and cute miniatures. More to come.