News Briefs: October 8, 2026

Event, Survey Announced

COOPERSTOWN—This month marks the return of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce “Business after Hours” program, featuring relaxed gatherings during which attendees have the opportunity to connect with fellow chamber members, meet some new faces and enjoy seasonal snacks. The program kicks off at Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. The chamber would also like to hear from its members as officials work on ideas for strengthening the organization’s membership program—adding more value for members and creating new opportunities for connection, promotion, and support. To this end, members can take a short survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvSIgDdzh7GGIFBfbAjDWMOyYXKwNnRu93pUkET97PmJQoHQ/viewform to help determine where the chamber should focus its time and resources in the coming year.

Movie Screenings Scheduled

ONEONTA—Film Otsego will host two movie screenings in mid-October. The mockumentary “ShizzlyGrark” will be screened at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15 at Gotham City Outpost, located in Oneonta’s Southside Mall. Improv actors, filmmakers and comedians are invited to attend. There will be a roundtable afterward about producing something similar in Otsego County in 2027. The event is co-sponsored by Gotham City Outpost and Greg Klein Presents. Admission is free. Two days later, the sixth annual Shock-toberfest will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for horror movies in the Bettiol Theater. A short horror block featuring local filmmakers and returning favorites is planned from 4-5 p.m., with a question-and-answer session to follow. At 5:45 p.m., the feature film is “Mother of Flies,” made by the Adams-Poser family from Roscoe. Suggested donation is $10.00 per person. Follow @filmotsego on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Chamber Events Planned

UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced a number of upcoming events at its September meeting. On Saturday, October 10, there will be a BSP Sorority Brooks’ Bar-B-Q dinner at Main Street Bridge, Sidney from 10 a.m. until sold out. The Zombie Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 10 a.m. at the RDC Field. The Methodist Church will host a take-out turkey dinner on Monday, November 16 from 4:30-6 p.m., and the Holiday Parade is set for Friday, December 11 at 6 p.m. The 2026 Annual Fall Fest has been cancelled.

Historical Society To Meet

SPRINGFIELD CENTER—The Springfield Historical Society will hold a meeting and presentation on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. at the Springfield Community Center, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. The topic of the talk, presented by Suzanne Goodrich and Edie Dayton, will be scrapbooks. This event is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend.

Twin Cities To Reconnect

ONEONTA— This month, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will partner with the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum for a collaborative event that will reconnect these twin cities with each other, just like when the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, with its daily freight and passenger trains, used to connect Carbondale, Pennsylvania and Oneonta many years ago. CHSM members will make a day trip to the Oneonta History Center and Museum, 183 Main Street, on Saturday, October 17 to tour the museum and various historical Oneonta railroad sites. The visit will entail gathering at the History Center and Museum at 11 a.m. for greetings and discussion before heading down to Market Street to tour the D&H station—formerly Stella Luna Ristorante, 58-60 Market Street—around 12:30 p.m. Next, attendees will make their way across the railroad tracks to Neahwa Park, where the historic A&S Red Caboose doors will be open for viewing. The program will end with a late lunch at the Depot Restaurant and Tavern, once the U&D Train Depot, around 3 p.m. According to a press release, Oneonta has a long history of some of its most recognized families relocating here from Carbondale, including the Cerras, Dragos, Ritchkos, Scorzafavas, Russos, Scavos, Giardinas, Vergaris and more. Those who have family members that used to work for the D&H or have family connections between Carbondale and Oneonta are invited to take part. To register for this event, call (607) 432-0960 or e-mail GOHS Executive Director Dr. Marcela Micucci at directormn@oneontahistory.org. The deadline to RSVP for this program is Friday, October 16. To stay updated on this event, visit the GOHS website at www.oneontahistory.org, or follow their social media pages.

OMS Receives State Grant

ONEONTA—Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $1.5 million in state funding to support two projects that will strengthen access to recreational opportunities and health services for the Mohawk Valley community. A $500,000.00 grant will support the creation of a new school-based health center at Oneonta Middle School, and an additional $1 million grant was awarded to advance the SFM Skatepark Project in the City of Rome. “Every community deserves an opportunity to thrive and that means investing in areas to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers,” Gov. Hochul said. The Oneonta City School District will convert existing classroom space into a reception area, nurse’s station, practitioner office, patient exam rooms and storage space. According to a press release, the project will also improve the building entrance and nearby hallways to make the new health center more accessible. Construction will include demolition and reconfiguration of the existing space, along with plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, masonry, and other renovation work. The new center will support medical, mental health and dental services for students. The school-based health center will provide students with easier access to care during the school day while reducing the need for families to travel elsewhere for routine services. The project will also give the district a dedicated space to coordinate care and support student health and wellness. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will administer the state grant.

Rhythm Future Quartet To Play

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Concerts will present an afternoon of live music with Rhythm Future Quartet, one of the most sought-after Gypsy jazz ensembles in North America. This show has something for everyone, organizers said, with toe-tapping, bouncy rhythms and melodic improvisation. The performance will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 18 at Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Route 80, Cooperstown. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org. Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $10.00 for students with a college ID and youth ages 6-18. Children under 6 are admitted free.

Garden Club Giveaway Slated

ONEONTA—Members of the Oneonta Garden Club will be on hand on from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 17 at the Oneonta Farmers Market to give away free bags of multi-color daffodils to area residents. The daffodils are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. This community beautification project is supported by a grant from the Future for Oneonta Foundation.

Caregiver Conference Is Free

COOPERSTOWN—The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold a free conference on Tuesday, November 3 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, to provide education and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers and professionals. “We invite caregivers to step away for a moment to care for yourself, gain some valuable education and support, and collect useful resources for your caregiving journey,” said Andrew DeLollo, senior director of programs for the Northeastern New York Chapter. The conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sessions will include: “Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias: What We Need to Know,” “Communicating Effectively and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors,” and “When the Cup Runs Low: Tools for Managing Stress and Restoring Balance.” The conference is free and lunch will be provided. Interested individuals can register by visiting bit.ly/CooperstownConf26 or calling (607) 206-4514. The Goldberg Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this event and the conference is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, along with local resources for caregivers, call (800) 272-3900 or visit alz.org/northeasternny.

Contaminated Raw Milk Found

ALBANY—New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently warned consumers in Oneida County and the surrounding area not to consume unpasteurized raw milk from Big Brook Farm due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Big Brook Farm is located at 6063 Weaver Road, Lee Center. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the department associated with this product. A sample of the milk collected by an inspector from NYSDAM was discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On September 24, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on September 29, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the raw milk sample. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of harmful bacteria. NYSDAM recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from Big Brook Farm immediately dispose of it and call the farm at (315) 281-5306. Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, which can be a serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, cancer patients, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. It can also cause short-term, flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in healthy people. It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization, NYSDAM officials said. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time, killing the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including listeriosis.

Fall Book Sale Is Oct. 16-18

HARTWICK—Book lovers and bargain hunters can mark their calendars for the Kinney Memorial Library’s upcoming weekend book sale, offering a “massive selection of gently used books, media, and more at unbeatable prices,” organizers said. The sale will take place over three days—Friday, October 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to noon—at The Meeting House, 3080 County Road 11, Hartwick. Attendees can browse a wide assortment of items with low, affordable pricing: adult fiction books, nonfiction books, and book CDs, $1.00; kids’ chapter books and hardcover picture books, $0.50; pocket paperbacks and DVDs, $0.25; and paperback picture books, $0.10. On Sunday, October 18 the Bag Sale returns, during which visitors can stuff a provided grocery bag with as many books as it can hold for just $5.00. All proceeds from the book sale directly support the Kinney Memorial Library, funding new materials, community programs and library services. For more information about the sale or how to get involved, contact the library at (607) 293-6600.

Potluck Is This Saturday

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, will host a “Second Saturday Community Dinner/Potluck” on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Chili, salad, and bread will be provided, and participants are invited to bring an optional dessert or side dish. “All are welcome, bring a friend,” organizers said.

Exhibit Receives Refresh

COOPERSTOWN—As the 2026 Major League Baseball Postseason gets underway, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Autumn Glory” exhibit, located on the museum’s third floor, has been refreshed. New artifacts, documents, and photos tell the story of the modern World Series—starting in 1903—as well as pre-World Series era champions, Championship and Division Series moments, and title-series history from additional leagues. Artifacts now on display in “Autumn Glory” include: the last-out ball from the 1986 World Series, signed by Gary Carter and Jesse Orosco of the World Champion Mets (on loan to the museum); the trophy presented to the Homestead Grays, the 1940 champions of the Negro National League (on loan to the museum); and one half of the jersey literally torn off Cardinals third baseman David Freese after he clouted his walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, among others. The “Autumn Glory” exhibit will be updated again following the completion of the World Series with artifacts from the 2026 Postseason. Admission to “Autumn Glory” is included with regular museum admission. For more information, visit baseballhall.org or call (888) 425-5633 or (607) 547-7200.

Barn Tax Credit Talk Is Thurs.

ONEONTA—The New York State Barn Tax Credit Program helps property owners preserve historic barns, carriage houses, and carriage barns by providing a state income tax credit for approved repair and rehabilitation. There will be an information session on this program on Thursday, October 8 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 258 Main Street, Oneonta. The session, co-sponsored by the city’s Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission and Otsego 2000, is free and open to the public. The presenter is Otsego 2000 Executive Director Ellen Pope. Pope will introduce the basics of the Historic Barn Tax Credit program, including which buildings built before 1946 qualify, such as carriage barns, repairs to which are considered qualifying expenses, and how to apply for the credits. For more information, contact lhp@oneonta.ny.us.

Theater Partners with Shelters

MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater is teaming up with two area animal rescues for an action-packed community adoption and donation drive as it presents “Dog Mom” by Tate Elizabeth Hanyok Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25. According to a press release, “Dog Mom,” directed by Michelle Macau, “delivers a witty, hilarious, and deeply relatable look at modern pet culture, celebrating the unconditional bond between humans and their four-legged family members. But The Open Eye Theater is taking the celebration off the page and into the real world.” Theatergoers can make a direct impact on local homeless pets as Open Eye Theater partners with Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, Delhi, and Super Heroes Humane Society, Oneonta. In addition to direct-wishlist donation boxes, the theater lobby will also feature interactive adoption walls, and shelter representatives will be present on select performance dates to connect with audiences, answer questions, and facilitate adoption inquiries. The Open Eye Theater is located at 960 Main Street, Margaretville. Tickets are $25.00 for general admission and $10.00 for students except on “Pay-What-You-Will” Fridays. For reservations and information, visit theopeneyetheater.org or call (845) 586-1660.

Festival Ends Museum Season

EAST MEREDITH—Join Hanford Mills Museum on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Trees and Timber Festival. Celebrating forestry and woodworking, this event will bring together artisans, vendors, and exhibitors who work with wood and forest products. The event will feature a variety of demonstrations and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Browse the vendor tables for unique, locally-crafted products including handmade wood crafts, jewelry, maple syrup, and more. Exhibitor demonstrations, including fruit tree pruning with the Catskill Forest Association, and bench building with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, will be ongoing throughout the day. Hanford Mills representatives will demonstrate the museum’s waterwheel, steam plant, and water-powered machines, and there will be nature themed children’s activities. Helen’s Little Kitchen will be on-site, selling breakfast and lunch. Hanford Mills Museum is open for guided tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and will close for the season on Thursday, October 15. It is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, at the intersection of Delaware County Routes 10 and 12. For more information, visit hanfordmills.org or call (607) 278-5744.

Scarecrows Now On Display

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm and Country Village’s “Scarecrow Village: Once Upon a Time” is now open to the public and will be on view through Sunday, November 1. This family-friendly autumn experience features imaginative scarecrow creations inspired by beloved stories, folklore, fantasy, and history, officials said. Each visitor will receive a map to track their journey, invited to find the 30 hand-crafted crows hidden around the village, and can vote for their favorite display at the “Crow’s Nest.” A commemorative pin is available at Todd’s General Store or the farm gift shop to mark the end of the journey. The Scarecrow Village features 34 scarecrow exhibits, created by artists, families and community groups. Fall hours for Fenimore Farm and Country Village are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission includes the experience; members are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door or online at fenimorefarm.org.

‘Microcosm’ Event Is Oct. 17

STAMFORD—The Party Theater will host “Microcosm,” an outdoor performance featuring original works of dance, music and theater, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 at The Mutual Aid Society, 1863 County Highway 30, Stamford. A lantern-lit trail leads visitors through pasture, barn, and pond’s edge, where 12 local artists have hidden new works across dance, theater, music, puppetry, poetry, film, and more, organizers said in a press release. This year’s theme is “lore.” This year’s “Microcosm” artists are Clare Bierman, Djahari Clark, Sarah France, David Kamm, Ilona Kohlova, Joanna Mendl-Shaw, Rhea Nowak, Jami Reimer, Shane Perry, Mikey Rosenbaum, Rod Sauquillo and Glenna Yu. Program director is Adrian Shirk, with producers Kristin “Kiki” McCalley and Marisa Caruso, lighting design by Moonstar Lighting, and audio environments by E.C. Hooper. Food pop-up, drinks by donation and festivities will follow. Attendees are cautioned that there is a fair amount of walking on occasionally uneven ground to view most of the performances. Tickets are $20.00, with sliding scale options, and can be purchased at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/microcosm–2026.

Rotary Announces Tournament

ONEONTA—The Oneonta Rotary Club’s First Annual Cornhole Tournament will be held on Sunday, October 11 at Hartwick College’s Binder Gym. Community members, families, college students, and cornhole enthusiasts are invited to gather for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. Teams can register for either the Backyard, College, Social, or Competitive division. The cost per team is $40.00 except for the Competitive division, which is $60.00. Winning teams receive cash prizes. Admission is free for spectators. Same-day registration is from 11 a.m. to noon—bags fly at 12:30 p.m. Teams can pre-register at www.scoreholiocom. Casella Waste Systems is the lead sponsor, and the event is co-hosted by American Glory Hole and supported by Hartwick College. Proceeds benefit The Oneonta Rotary Club.

Works by Riffle on Display

MORRIS—“Butternut Valley: Photographs by Jenny Riffle,” an exhibition celebrating the valley through the photographs of artist and photographer Jenny Riffle, opened on October 2 at The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris, and will remain on view. Riffle is an artist and photographer based in New York. She received her bachelor of arts in photography from Bard College and her master of fine arts from the School of Visual Arts. Working primarily with narrative portraiture and landscapes, Riffle’s work explores the psychological essence of a person or place.

CANO Releases Event Info

ONEONTA—The Hartwick X SUNY Oneonta Student Show, now on view at the Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, brings together emerging artists from Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta in an ongoing collaborative exhibition at the Community Arts Network of Oneonta. SUNY Oneonta features eight recipients of the 2025-2026 Jean Parish Scholarship: Symon Andriyevsky, Sydney Creason, Sean Eaves, Abigail Fish, Jessie Reed, Mordue Reinhardt, Alexis Rockefeller and Zoe Zappala. Hartwick presents work by members of its Senior Class: Kyra Cornelia, Morgan Einsetler, Abigail Pertell, Berkleigh Bordeleau, Sam Scott, Leah Wallace and Devlin Woughter. In other CANO news, visual artists and writers are invited to submit work for Queer Joy, an upcoming exhibit that explores celebrating love, identity, and community as well as confronting the barriers and hardships that make queer joy elusive. Complete details and submission instructions can be found at www.canoneonta.org/queerjoy. This month’s Writers Salon, set for Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m., features Katheryn DeZur, an essayist, poet, photographer and avid treasure-hunter. DeZur will read from “Objects of Affection,” a memoir in essays about the identity people build through their attachments to places and things, both here and absent. For more information, visit www.canoneonta.org.

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Darla M. Youngs
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