News Briefs: June 26, 2025

Show Features Regional Artists

BINGHAMTON—The Roberson Museum’s 2025 Regional Art Exhibition, featuring more than 80 works by 75 artists across Central New York and the Twin Tiers, will be on display at 30 Front Street in Binghamton through September 7. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with additional evening hours through 9 p.m. on Fridays. Area artists featured in the exhibition include Marilla Currey of Otego, Linda Cook DeVona and Scott Higby of Afton, Ty Steinbacher of Walton, and Richard G. Ramsdell of Oneonta. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit roberson.org/.

SBA Onshoring Portal Launched

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Administrator Kelly Loeffler of United States Small Business Administration announced the launch of the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal on May 20. The free online database records more than one million American suppliers and is intended to help businesses support U.S. job growth, shorten supply chains and improve the nation’s manufacturing capacity. For more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/priorities/american-manufacturers/make-onshoring-great-again-portal.

Scholarship Winners Named

SCHENEVUS—The Otsego-Schoharie and Delaware Masonic Charities Corporation awarded $750.00 scholarship grants to five outstanding local high-school seniors at their annual Awards Night on May 3. Recipients were chosen for academic achievement, character, community engagement, personal aspirations and financial need. The winners were Jordan Bender and William Kulaski of Delaware Academy, Dorothy Bull of Downsville Central School, Libby Cox of Laurens Central School and Josie Scanlon of Oneonta City School. For more information, visit https://osdmasons.org/Scholarships.

Mixed Media Workshop Set

STAMFORD—Artist Jamie Banes will lead a mixed media assemblage workshop at Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street in Stamford, from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Participants will gain essential skills in material selection, construction methods, adhesive and hardware use, and formal design elements. The workshop costs $15.00-$35.00 on a tiered equity pricing plan scale. For more information or to register, visit roxburyartsgroup.org.

Alden To Address Art Garage

COOPERSTOWN—Prominent local ceramics artist Normandy Alden will present a free lecture on her work at The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. The gallery will open for viewing at 4 p.m. Alden’s work will be on display as part of the “Splendor in the Everyday” exhibition through July 9. She and Mary Padgett will present an artists’ panel discussion at 4 p.m. on the last day of the exhibit. Light refreshments will be served, and reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For more information, contact leartgarage@gmail.com or (315) 941-9607.

Merit Program Announced

ONEONTA—The Future for Oneonta Foundation’s long-standing Properties of Merit Program will return with significant changes in July. For more than 30 years, this program has celebrated property owners who demonstrate pride in their homes and businesses through upkeep, improvement and beautification. This year, the program has been moved from October to summer, and community members can cast one vote per day rather than once overall. Visit futureforoneonta.org to vote for a property. Additionally, there will be a reception for all nominated property owners at SUNY Oneonta’s Craven Lounge at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. To nominate a property for consideration, contact wkbaskin@gmail.com or message the Future for Oneonta Foundation Facebook page.

UWUA in Support of Nuclear

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin announced his full support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s directive to bring advanced nuclear power to New York State by 2040. In a release, Slevin said, “We’re glad the state recognizes the need for growing grid capacity and understands that nuclear is the right choice. This zero-emission energy source will deliver grid stability and help meet the needs of businesses and consumers as demands on the power grid continue to add up. Advanced nuclear energy technology has come a long way. It is without a doubt the right choice to power New York’s future in a way that will create family and community-supporting union jobs and benefit the economy.” Chartered in 1945, UWUA represents 45,000 workers in the American utility sector, including electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. For more information, visit uwua.net.

Hall To Host Dodgers Weekend

COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory with a Dodgers Weekend on July 18 and 19. The World Series trophy will be on display from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. A World Series ring and memorabilia from several participating players will also be part of the exhibit, and the weekend will include Dodgers-themed trivia contests, family art activities, and other special opportunities. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

Train Wreck To Be Discussed

SCHENEVUS—The Town of Maryland Historical Society will hold its next monthly meeting at the AmVets building, 16 Main Street in Schenevus, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. There will be a panel discussion by seven local firefighters who responded to the 1974 Colliersville Delaware and Hudson Railroad wreck and propane explosion. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Program Chairman Bob Parmeter at (607) 638-9343.

‘Reflections’ To Open at Smithy

COOPERSTOWN—The Smithy Gallery and Otsego 2000 will present “Reflections on Glimmerglass,” an exhibition of work by local artists and photographers celebrating Otsego Lake and commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Glimmerglass National Register Historic District. It will be displayed on the third floor from July 2 to August 30, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. The Smithy is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit smithyarts.org.

Fox Blood Drive Scheduled

ONEONTA—Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Center will host an American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30. It will be held in Conference Room 1 at 1 FoxCare Drive in Oneonta. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-733-2767, visiting redcrossblood.org or by using the American Red Cross Blood Donor app. Donors can receive a $15.00 gift card and will be entered for a chance to win a $7,000.00 prize. The Red Cross noted that blood is in especially high demand at this time of year. Donors of all types are urgently needed, particularly those with type O blood.

Vets Outdoor Summit is Friday

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE—The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will hold its inaugural Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Summit at Adirondack Experience, 9097 State Route 30 in Blue Mountain Lake, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 27. The daylong event will bring together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss the expanding role of outdoor recreation in veterans’ health. In addition to expert panels and peer discussions, participants will take part in immersive demonstrations of adaptive outdoor activities designed for veterans with diverse physical and emotional needs. For more information, visit veterans.ny.gov.

GOHS Opens Music Exhibit

ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s summer 2025 special exhibition will be “Schools of Rock: Music at Oneonta’s Colleges in the Age of Woodstock,” on display from July 12 to November. There will be an opening reception with light hors d’oeuvres and beverages at the History Center, 183 Main Street, from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Prior to the reception, Hartwick alumni band Mad Heed will perform across the street in Muller Plaza from 4-5:30 p.m. For more information, visit oneontahistory.org or call (607) 432-0960.

Boat Parade Set for July 5th

COOPERSTOWN—Otsego Lake Association’s annual “We Love Our Lake” decorated boat parade will return at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. This year’s theme, “Safe Boating on Otsego Lake,” will draw attention to Brianna’s Law, a new requirement that all New York State motorized boat operators must hold a current safe boating certificate. The parade will form off Three Mile Point at 2:45, and participants are urged to arrive early so judges can record their contest entries. Judges from OLA and SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station will award prizes for the top three entries and give out candy to all boaters. There are no fees, registration forms or rules except travel slowly, stay in line and behave courteously. The 2024 parade was one of the largest on record, with about 40 participating vessels. Photos from past years may be viewed at OtsegoLakeAssociation.org. Shore-based spectators can view the event from Three Mile Point, Brookwood Point, Fenimore Art Museum, the Cooperstown Country Club, the Otesaga Resort Hotel, Lakefront Park and Council Rock. For more information, contact Parade Chairman Wayne Bunn at bunnwayne@gmail.com or (518) 542-6630.

RFS Community Events Slated

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Richfield Springs Community Center will hold its annual bass fishing tournament from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, with registration opening at 5:30 a.m. It will be held rain or shine at the Canadarago Lake Boat Launch, 135 Dennison Road. Cash prizes total $1,000.00 and there will be a free lunch for all participants. Registration is $30.00 per person, or $20.00 for anglers 12 and under. For more information, contact tournament coordinator Bill Kosina at (315) 749-3286 or bill@richfieldzone.org. The Community Center’s 23rd annual Sundae Walk and Run will begin at the Veterans Club Pavilion, 13 Lake Street, at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 20. Categories include 5K and 10K races and a two-mile walk. Pre-registration is available at runsignup.com/rscc until midnight on July 17. Day-of registration will be open from 7-8 a.m. Free Stewart’s make-your-own sundaes will be offered to all in attendance. For more information, visit richfieldspringscommunitycenter.org.

Hartwick College Poet Honored

ONEONTA—Meer Singh ’28 of Oneonta was honored with Hartwick College’s Anna Sonder Prize at Honors Convocation on April 30. Established in 1978 by the late professor emeritus of sociology Otto Sonder in memory of his mother, the prize recognizes the best poem by a Hartwick student each year. It is administered by the Academy of American Poets in New York. Brynn Illies ’25 of Watertown, Minnesota received Honorable Mention.

Guild Hosting Area Events

COOPERSTOWN—The Guild of Glimmerglass Festival’s next Talking Opera lecture will take place at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 30. Director Chia Patino will discuss her work preparing for Glimmerglass’ world premiere of “The House on Mango Street,” a new opera based on the award-winning book of the same title by Sandra Cisneros. Patino has been heavily involved in the show’s development alongside composer Derek Bermel and author/librettist Cisneros. All Talking Opera programs are recorded and posted on glimmerglassguild.org/. Community members are encouraged to attend in person to enjoy refreshments and mingle with artists after the program. The guild will celebrate a book launch party for its new cookbook, “Recipes from the Lawn,” from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. The book collects picnic-ready recipes and stunning photographs of Glimmerglass through the decades. The party will be held at Mohican Flowers, 207 Main Street in Cooperstown, and feature light refreshments and time to socialize with opera lovers and guild members.

Aphasia Support Group Meets

ONEONTA—The Bassett Healthcare Network Speech Department will launch a monthly support group for aphasia patients and caregivers from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. Held on the third Thursday of every month, the group is open to anyone dealing with the challenges of aphasia. It will be held in Classroom 1 at 1 FoxCare Drive in Oneonta. Visit https://www.bassett.org/events-search for more information or to register.

County Seeks Survey Input

OTSEGO COUNTY—Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project, funded by the USDA and contracted to the Vernonburg Group, has launched a survey to collect data on the community’s Internet availability, affordability and quality. The feedback will directly impact broadband planning and infrastructure investments across the county, and the public is urged to share the survey widely. It may be accessed at shorturl.at/bk79q or otsegocountyny.gov/broadband.php, with a PDF version available for those without internet access. For more information, contact the county Planning Department at broadband@otsegocountyny.gov or (607) 547-4225.

Two-day Concert Planned

COOPERSTOWN—Samye Hermitage, 412 Glimmerglen Road in Cooperstown, will hold a two-day Dharma of Sound concert from 7:30-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5. The evening music series will feature classical music from northern India and chanting from the Oneonta Kirtan ensemble. Steve Gorn will play the bansuri, an Indian flute, on Friday. Mukund Rao (bansuri) and Sam Aldridge (sitar) will perform on Saturday, followed by the Kirtan ensemble. There is a suggested donation of $15.00.

Inn Launches Cabaret Series

LEONARDSVILLE—The Horned Dorset Inn will launch its new Friday Jazz Cabaret Nights Series on Friday, June 27. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert and buffet will run from 6:30-9 p.m. The cost is $40.00 per person for the music and all-evening buffet, not including beverages, tax or gratuity. The inaugural performance will be Alone Together: The Mollin-Clay Jazz Duo, featuring Carleton Clay (trumpet) and Rich Mollin (bass). The program will highlight the work of Miles Davis. A full schedule and list of featured artists will be posted at HornedDorsetInn.com in the near future. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (315) 855-7898.

Gas Prices Jump Nine Cents

UTICA—The average price of a gallon of gas in New York State jumped nine cents to $3.20 during the week ending Monday, June 23, AAA Northeast announced. This price is seven cents higher than a month ago and 38 cents lower than this week last year. Oil prices have risen more than $10.00 per barrel in June, largely as a result of the Israeli and subsequent U.S. surprise offensive against Iran and fears of a broader regional war. Oil, gas, shipping and insurance markets continue to weigh the potential for continued conflict or for Iran to follow through on threats against regional production assets or shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, domestic demand for gas increased by more than 1.3 percent to 9.29 million barrels a day. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.