October 29, 2024 — PEF Region 6 — comprising members who work in Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, and Oneida counties — had a record turnout for its Member and Family Appreciation Day on September 28 at Critz Farms in Cazenovia, with 487 attendees enjoying the all-day event.
In past years, the event was held in partnership with Region 4 – drawing 100 members the first year and 300 the second. This year, Region 6 went solo and attracted the highest number of attendees yet, said PEF Region 6 Coordinator Christopher Dunham.
“Our members work very hard,” Dunham said. “We have a lot of members in locked facilities in OMH (Office of Mental Health), DOCCS (Department of Corrections and Community Supervision), and we have a lot of OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) facilities. We have so many agencies and we work so hard in this Region, I like to give our members and their families an opportunity to enjoy some fall weather.”
The event featured free admission for PEF members and up to three members of their immediate family, along with free snack and beverage tickets. Activities included pumpkin picking, games, rides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, and more. PEF also had a booth on site with door prizes and giveaways.
“One of my primary goals was to reach out to the members, engage and exchange information and make sure they have the most information possible concerning the new dental provider,” Dunham said. “Every member walked away with my business card and contact information, and I encouraged them to reach out if they encounter any problems.”
Dunham was pleased to see families, couples, and sometimes solo members show up to enjoy the day at the farm.
“It’s really nice to give back to show support and appreciation for how hard our members work every single day,” he said. “It was great to see the members show up.”