CHEMUNG COUNTY, NY (WENY) -- The Chemung County Environmental Management Council is celebrating 50 years of service in 2024. 

To recognize the milestone, the Chemung County Legislature proclaimed October as Environmental Awareness Month in the county. The EMC is hosting several events throughout the month, to engage the community and share information about efforts to preserve and enjoy the local environment, in ways big and small.

On October 19th, the EMC will host a 'Park in the Park: Family Dark Night' at Park Station Recreation Center in Erin. Beginning at 6PM, there will be a sunset talk with discussion about nighttime creatures, followed by astronomers from Corning Community College to point out constellations and planets in the night sky. 

Admission for the event is free, the EMC says guests can bring a picnic dinner and ingredients for s'mores.

The event proceeds a "Coffee with Friends" hosted by the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed at 109 N. Main Street in Elmira, beginning at 9AM. The event includes a light breakfast, tea and coffee. The featured speaker is Dylan Welch with the National Forestry Service, who will talk about bats, and their importance to the local ecosystem. 

On Saturday, October 26th, the Chemung County EMC will host a Fix-It Clinic, at Chemung Supply Corporation at 2420 Corning Road in Elmira (the Miracle Mile), from 8AM to 12PM. 

The event aims at offering free assistance to repair tools, equipment and appliances, from a chainsaw to vacuum cleaner. 

Attendees should pre-register, so the appropriate parts can be made available to fix the appliance or tool. You can email [email protected] with your contact information, type, make, model and needed repair of your equipment. You can also sign up in person at the following locations:

- Chemung Supply
- Swan Morss Insurance
- Horseheads Do-It Center
- Horseheads Jubilee
- Ron's Service Center