For the second year in a row, Miner Institute and The Alice T. Miner Museum helped to ensure that area school kids weren't too bored during their winter break by offering a Beat the Boredom program.  The event was held on Feb. 20 at The Alice and Feb. 21 at the Institute. 
News Channel 5 Reporter Jackie Pascale came to both locations for live interviews to promote the program during the 5 am to 7 am newscast on Feb. 20. 
The program at The Alice featured craft projects using silhouettes, optical illusions, and sun photography. There were more than 20 kids who attended and they all seemed to have a great time!
Those who attended the program at the Institute were able to make a bird feeder with Point Au Roche State Park Naturalist Kristin Collins; make 30-minute mozzarella cheese with Director of Lab Studies Steve Kramer; play corn hole; and do a scavenger hunt around the BERC building where they got to eat Cabot cheese, learn about dairy cow feeds, learn about how we use cannulated cows in our research program, play pin the tail on the horse, and sit on an English or Western saddle!  We had around 30 kids who attended and a great time was had!!  We certainly will plan a 3rd Annual Beat the Boredom program in collaboration with The Alice in 2021!

​As we gear up for another Open House this summer on August 8, it is hard not to take a moment to reflect on the phenomenal team we have here at Miner. Across all departments, there is collaboration and cohesion and a genuine willingness to pitch in to help Miner Institute to thrive. 

In addition to having a mission that employees feel passionate about, we have a great company culture at Miner Institute, and honestly that is almost as important as the mission. We work hard to create a workplace that is supportive and accommodating. A good company culture promotes employee morale; and happy employees are more productive and motivated, and more pleasant to work with!

Everyday we try to embody the values and vision of William Miner.  Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh applies Miner’s philosophy of “uniting head, hands, and heart” to its approach to medicine; in many ways we implement a similar approach here at the Institute. Our staff and students, through research and education are able to demonstrate best management practices for agriculture and environmental stewardship.  As an organization, we also endorse giving back to the community and encourage staff involvement in charitable events.

To put it simply, Miner Institute is a fantastic place to work and to visit.

Here are a few stats from the 2019 report to the Board of Trustees:

• In 2019 we had over 60 students enrolled in our educational programs – that includes undergraduate, graduate students, and interns. Because our education programs have such a hands-on approach to learning, these 60 students worked alongside our staff and the success of our education programs coincides with the quality of our employees.
• In 2019 we brought in over $720,000 in research support through grants and contracts. While conducting the research, our staff made 61 presentations to various scientific and industry groups and wrote 43 papers.
• In 2019, 3672 people drove through our stone gates to attend a program or visit our Heritage Exhibit. In all, 36 events were held at the Institute.