News Briefs: July 16, 2026

‘As You Like It’ Now Playing

COOPERSTOWN—Glimmer Globe Theatre will present Shakespeare’s comedy “As You Like It” at the Fenimore Art Museum’s Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings through August 13. Seating is outdoors and attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or chair. In case of rain, the show will be moved to the Fenimore auditorium. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit fenimoreart.org.

Shelter In Need of Pet Food

COOPERSTOWN—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is in critical need of donated dry and canned cat and dog food following an influx of more than 40 animals in a week. Donations may be dropped off or shipped to the shelter at 5082-5088 State Highway 28 or by visiting the SQSPCA’s Chewy wish list.

Chicken Barbecue Scheduled

SHARON SPRINGS—The Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce will hold a chicken barbecue and rib dinner at NBT Bank, 105 Main Street, on Saturday, July 25. It will begin at 12:30 p.m. and last until supplies are gone. All proceeds will support restoration of the village’s welcome sign on Route 20. For more information, visit sharonspringschamber.org or call (716) 472-4098.

Bassett Adds Pediatric Urology

COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network will now offer pediatric urology services after hiring specialist Dr. Adam Howe. Previously, young patients with urinary tract or reproductive system conditions had to travel to Albany or Syracuse for treatment. Howe earned his medical degree at Albany Medical College and completed his specialty fellowship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York City. For more information, visit Bassett.org/PediatricUrology.

Tour Examines Architecture

COOPERSTOWN—Otsego 2000’s next historic preservation walking tour will examine major shifts in home architecture over the course of American history. Led by Dr. Cindy Falk, the tour will begin at Village Hall, 22 Main Street, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Registration is $10.00 and is available at otsego2000.org or by calling (607) 547-8881. The Historic Preservation Tour Series will continue in Toddsville on August 16, Milford on September 13 and Cooperstown on November 15.

State Offers Processing Funds

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that $4.7 million is available through the Meat Processing Expansion Grant for the construction or expansion of meat processing facilities. Awards range from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on September 23. For more information or to apply, visit hvadc.org/nys-meat-processing-grant.

Blood Shortage Declared

NEW YORK STATE—The American Red Cross declared a nationwide emergency shortage following a major decline in donations since the end of May. Donors are urged to sign up by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Walk-ins are also welcome. Upcoming local blood drives include: 1-5 p.m. on July 17 at 34 Main Street in Laurens; 1-5 p.m. on July 17 at 279 Chestnut Street in Oneonta; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on July 18 at Southside Mall in Oneonta; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 20 at 86 Chestnut Street in Oneonta; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 21 at Cooperstown’s Clark Sports Center; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 21 at 1 Church Street in Delhi; 1-6 p.m. on July 30 at 24 Market Street in Oneonta; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 31 at 5588 State Route 7.

State Updates Food Portal

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets launched a redesigned Nourish NY Portal to better connect New York food organizations and producers. Launched as a pandemic emergency response, the program helps farmers connect with food banks and other relief organizations, fighting food insecurity and supporting New York agriculture. For more information, visit nourish.ny.gov/search.

Register Now for Art Camp

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association’s Kids Creativity Camp with instructor Lexi LeRoux will return from 1-3 p.m. on July 20-24. Children ages 6-14 will explore a different hands-on art activity each day. Registration is $30.00 per day or $145.00 for the week for CAA members and $35.00 per day or $170.00 for the week for non-members. Contact (607) 547-9777 or gallery@cooperstownart.com by Friday, July 17 to sign up.

Garden Club Names Winners

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Garden Club and Rotary Club of Richfield Springs announced the winners of their joint Patriotic Decorating Contest. Francesca Zambello won first place in the business category, followed by VMG Enterprises and Cassidy’s Diner. Suzette Parsons won the residential award, with Holly Young and Eric Gravelding in second place.

Tennis Court Dance Planned

ONEONTA—The Sixth Ward Booster Club will hold its second annual Sixth Ward Shindig dance at the tennis court on Scramling Avenue at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24. The event is free and open to the public, with food and drink available for purchase. Donations for the Booster Club’s playground and tennis court projects will be gratefully accepted.

HAB Detected on Otsego Lake

COOPERSTOWN—The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station detected a single early-stage harmful algal bloom on July 8 at Rat Cove, north of the Fenimore Art Museum. It is unknown if this is a lone incident or indicative of further blooms to come elsewhere on the lake. Lake users are urged to exercise caution and to report suspicious water conditions using the DEC HAB portal at dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/harmful-algal-blooms/notifications#Report.

Tinsmith Talks Lady Liberty

ONEONTA—Fourth-generation master tinsmith Dennis Heaphy will demonstrate basic techniques and discuss the construction and restoration of the Statue of Liberty at Oneonta’s Huntington Memorial Library at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 17. The talk is free and open to the public.

Golf Fundraiser Returns

ONEONTA—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will hold its annual Robert B. Schlather Golf Fundraiser at the Oneonta Country Club on Friday, July 31. It will be a captain and crew format, with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $125.00 per player or $500.00 per foursome and includes 18 holes and a cart, use of the driving range, goodie bags, and a buffet dinner. Prizes will be awarded. For more information or to sign up, visit sqspca.org/news-events/.

Jazz Concert Is This Sunday

STAMFORD—Friends of Music of Stamford will continue its 40th anniversary season with a 3 p.m. concert by the Stephanie Chou Jazz Ensemble on Sunday, July 19. Held at 96 Main Street, the concert has a suggested admission donation of $15.00 per person or $10.00 for seniors and students over age 12. Cash or check only; no advance sales. Visit friendsmusic.org for more information.

Westerlies Set To Perform

COOPERSTOWN—Grammy-nominated brass quartet The Westerlies will perform Cooperstown Summer Music Festival’s fourth concert of the season at Fenimore Farm at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownmusicfest.org/new-events.

Origins Hosts Meditation Class

COOPERSTOWN—Origins Cafe, 558 Beaver Meadow Road in Cooperstown, will host guided meditation classes from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from July 21 to August 25. All classes are free, with no special clothing, equipment or registration required. For more information on the Sahaja Meditation practice, visit meditateupstate.com.

On-ramp To Close for 12 Days

RICHMONDVILLE—The I-88 westbound Exit 20 on-ramp will be closed for resurfacing work from July 20-31, weather permitting. The interstate will be restricted to one lane of travel in each direction, with a posted detour for the ramp.

Matthews To Speak at Museum

ONEONTA—The Swart-Wilcox House Museum will host renowned local author and historian Harry Bradshaw Matthews for its next Summer Speaker Series program from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Matthews will discuss African American soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The talk is free and open to the public. The museum is located on Wilcox Avenue in Oneonta.

Slovenian Heritage Topic of Talk

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will hold its next monthly meeting at Cornfield Hall, 655 County Highway 26, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. Jessie Ravage and the Slovenian Farmers’ Independent Benevolent Society will present on local Slovenian influences and the Benevolent Society’s 100th anniversary. The program will be followed by light refreshments and the business meeting. Non-FCAHS members are asked to make a small donation for entry.

Tea Party Set for August 8th

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Garden Club of Richfield Springs will hold its Victorian Garden Tea Party at 50 Church Street from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. In addition to tea and snacks, there will be games, plant and bake sales, and a photo booth. Tickets are available for $15.00 at NBT Bank and the Richfield Springs Library, with all proceeds supporting the Garden Club.