News Briefs: September 17, 2026

LWVCA Welcomes Journalist, Author J.J. Green

COOPERSTOWN—The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will host journalist and author J.J. Green for a discussion of dis- and misinformation during election seasons from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 17. Green is national security correspondent for WTOP in Washington, D.C., and the author of “The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth when Everything is Lying to You.” The book explores how “flood the zone” tactics have increasingly undermined elections, public institutions and civic trust in the United States. Held in the Cooperstown High School auditorium, the talk is free and open to the public. “The league thanks the Community Foundation of Otsego County for their support, the Cooperstown Central School District and ‘The Freeman’s Journal’ for their collaboration, and the individuals whose additional support helped make this event possible,” officials said.

Rotary Announces Fall Funding Cycle

COOPERSTOWN—The Allocations Committee of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown will accept applications from nonprofit organizations for the fall 2026 funding cycle through the end of the month of September. Applications and criteria can be found and downloaded from the Rotary Club’s Clubrunner website, portal.clubrunner.ca/3556. Applications should be mailed to Rotary Club of Cooperstown, PO Box 993, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or e-mailed to tlbhinmanhollow@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed by the committee and recommendations for funding will be made to the Rotary Board of Directors for final approval at their October 12 meeting.

Stamp Club Will Meet Oct. 1

ONEONTA—The Tri-County Stamp Club will hold its next meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 1 at The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center, 5506 State Highway 7, Oneonta. All are welcome to attend and learn about philately, or stamp collecting. Those who have stamps they would like evaluated are invited to bring them.

FCAHS Plans Presentation

FLY CREEK—Former WBNG News chief videographer Jim Andrews will present “Otsego Stories” at the Fly Creek Area Historical Society’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will be held at the FCAHS building at 208 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, followed by light refreshments and the regular monthly business meeting. A free-will donation is requested from non-FCAHS members. On Saturday, September 26, FCAHS will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., during which the society’s museum and archives will be open to members and visitors.

Rummage Sale Scheduled

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, will host a Rummage Sale on Thursday, September 24 from 5-7 p.m. and on Friday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A bag sale will be featured from 3-4 p.m. on Friday at a cost of $2.00 per bag or $10.00 for unlimited selections. Two large rooms will be filled with clothes for men, women, children, and infants—as well as housewares, books, toys, and much more—all at affordable prices. For more information, call the Church of Christ Uniting at (315) 858-1553 or check out the church’s Facebook page.

Thurber To Speak at Event

WEST ONEONTA—The West Oneonta Baptist Church, 2845 County Road 8, will host its 11th annual Harvest Blessing Women’s Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. Guest Speaker Tami Thurber will lead the group in examining the lives and impacts of five biblical women in Matthew’s genealogy of Christ. A complimentary luncheon will be served and a love offering will be taken for the speaker. Those interested are asked to register by Monday, September 21 by calling (607) 434-1395.

College Showcases 23 Artists

ONEONTA— The public is invited to the opening reception for the Hartwick College Art and History Department’s “Creating Currents” faculty and staff art exhibition on Thursday, September 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Open now and running through October 16, the exhibition spotlights the creative work of artists connected to the department and brings together a range of artistic practices, perspectives, and experiences. “Creating Currents” features the work of 23 artists, honoring the ongoing studio dedication of current full-time faculty while celebrating contributions from part-time instructors, department staff, recent interns, retired professors, and the work and legacy of the late Phil Young. The exhibition spans multiple generations and artistic approaches, including ceramics, glass, painting, drawing, digital art, works on paper, and bent wood boxes. The Foreman Gallery of Contemporary Art is located in the Anderson Center for the Arts and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (gallery closed on Friday, September 25). Visit https://www.hartwick.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/foreman-gallery/ to learn more.

Otesaga Joins Stash Program

COOPERSTOWN—Guests staying at The Otesaga Resort Hotel can earn a new benefit through the introduction of a loyalty points program. The Luxe Collection by Stash Hotel Rewards is a complimentary loyalty program that allows guests to earn points on eligible stays booked directly through the hotel. Guests who join Stash can earn points that can be redeemed for free nights at The Otesaga or the hundreds of other independently-owned hotels and resorts that participate in the program. “Being a member of Luxe Collection by Stash Hotel Rewards allows us to offer our guests an added benefit without any added costs to them,” said Marty Rosenthal, general manager at The Otesaga Resort Hotel. “We’re excited to be able to provide a loyalty program that showcases our historic property among other distinguished independent hotels and resorts.” The Otesaga is featured within the Luxe Collection category for Stash, which showcases independent luxury hotels that are considered notable, four- and five-star properties that offer award-winning restaurants and exceptional service. According to Stash, members can earn a free night with as few as five stays. To learn more, visit StashRewards.com.

GMHA To Host Book Talk

MILFORD—As part of its Milford Heritage Weekend, the Greater Milford Historical Association is hosting a “Tea, Talk and Book Signing” on Friday, September 18 from 4-6 p.m. Author Deirdre Sinnott will be discussing and signing her newest book, “The Loyalist’s Wife,” at the Sayre House Museum, 81 North Main Street, Milford. As the book begins, it is 1777 in New York’s fertile Mohawk Valley, and tenant farmers Jane and Philip Hopper have very different ideas about the war for independence that has consumed the 13 colonies. To Philip, rebellion against the king is appalling. But Jane, recovering from the death of a newborn son, has taken solace from the hope embedded in the simple phrase “the pursuit of happiness.” The war comes home when Philip is arrested for his Loyalist views and then escapes, leaving Jane to fend for herself. She is brought before the Patriot’s Commission to Detect and Defeat Conspiracies. One wrong move could land her in the Watchhouse. Help comes in the form of Lady Prudence Safford, who puts Jane under her protection. However, it is not without cost. With its rich panorama of characters—including a Hessian deserter, Jane’s alcoholic brother, and his wife, a member of the Oneida Indian Nation—“The Loyalist’s Wife” presents a unique perspective on America’s War of Independence. Sinnott is the author of other historical novels and is also a researcher and activist for social change. She grew up in Utica, graduated from Syracuse University and currently resides in Roscoe. Sinnott’s writing has appeared in newspapers, two anthologies, literary journals and in various online resources. She was also a historical consultant for the Fort Stanwix Underground Railroad History Project, funded by the National Park Service.

Oneonta To Celebrate Mural

ONEONTA—The City of Oneonta Public Arts Commission will celebrate the completion of a new 3,200-square-foot mural on Market Street with a public reception and ribbon-cutting from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 during the City of the Hills Festival. The free event will take place at the mural, located on the retaining wall behind the city’s new transit hub parking lot. According to a press release, the celebration will feature complimentary season-themed cookies from the Autumn Cafe and Freestyle Bakery, and Bittersweet Brewery will offer beverages for purchase from its mobile truck. The mural is the latest project of the City of Oneonta Public Arts Commission, which works to expand and support public art throughout the city. Contact the Public Arts Commission at publicarts@oneonta.ny.us.

Brownlee To Speak at Hyde Hall

SPRINGFIELD—Hyde Hall will welcome noted art historian Peter John Brownlee on Saturday, September 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. for a special lecture exploring what is considered one of the most remarkable paintings in American art history: Samuel F. B. Morse’s “Gallery of the Louvre.” The painting has a particularly meaningful connection to Hyde Hall, organizers said. George Clarke, the builder of Hyde Hall, was the painting’s first purchaser, linking this celebrated work of 19th-century American art directly to the history of the Clarke family and the mansion. Brownlee’s presentation will reveal how a painting purchased by Hyde Hall’s founder could eventually disappear from view, survive decades in obscurity, and emerge as a major work valued in the millions. Following the lecture, guests will have an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session and continue the conversation during a reception. Tickets, directions and additional information are available at www.hydehall.org.

Unadilla Chamber Meets

UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce met on Tuesday, September 1, called to order by President Jackie Carey. Under new business, it was announced that Don Tuttle will receive the Good Neighbor Award and Greens Greenery has been named Business of the Year. Upcoming dates to remember include: a Tampon Drive at the pavilion on Saturday, September 19; the annual dinner and awards ceremony on Friday, October 4 at Far View Farm (deadline to RSVP is Sunday, September 27); time capsule contents reveal at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 at the Masonic Temple; a rummage/bake sale at the Methodist Church on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26; and the Holiday Parade down Main Street on Friday, December 11. It was also announced that Vice President Kirsty Roefs will assume the chamber presidency on December 1, and folks who would like to donate a door prize for the annual dinner were asked to reach out to the chamber to arrange for pick-up or to bring the item to the event.

Flag To Remain on View

COOPERSTOWN—Rick Monday received an extended ovation from the Dodger Stadium fans when he rescued the American flag 50 years ago. That flag will now receive an extended stay in Cooperstown, according to a press release issued on September 8. As part of the museum’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the flag Monday rescued has been on exhibit at the Hall of Fame since Memorial Day Weekend. Originally scheduled to be on display through Labor Day, due to popular demand, the flag will remain on the museum’s third floor through Memorial Day Weekend 2027. The flag, which Monday has preserved since saving it and is loaning to the museum, had never previously been exhibited in one public location like this. “The display of this historic flag has become a very popular spot in our museum in just a few short months and will continue to tell the story of that iconic moment,” said Josh Rawitch, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are deeply grateful and honored that Rick and Barbaralee Monday have agreed to extend this loan so that more of our visitors can enjoy it.” For more information, visit baseballhall.org or call (888) 425-5633 or (607) 547-7200.

Donate and Get a Free Donut

OTSEGO COUNTY—Now through Sunday, September 20, participating Dunkin’® guests who donate $1.00 or more to Make-A-Wish will receive a free specialty donut. Since 2013, Mohawk Valley Dunkin’ franchisees have partnered with the nonprofit to help raise money to grant life-changing wishes for local kids. The Make-A-Wish Donut campaign has raised more than $900,000.00 for the local chapter. All donations collected at local Dunkin’ restaurants will benefit Make-A-Wish Central New York.

CFP Announces Giving Event

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Food Pantry, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, will host “Community of Giving,” a live community event celebrating Otsego County’s participation in Mohawk Valley Gives Day. The event will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, September 18 at Templeton Hall, 63 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, thanks to Lucy Townsend of LM Townsend Catering. Community members are invited to stop by after work—or anytime during the evening—to meet food pantry representatives and other participating Otsego County nonprofit organizations. Attendees can learn about local programs and services, enjoy live music, purchase wine or beer from a cash bar, and make donations in person or online. Staff, board members and volunteers from participating organizations will be available throughout the event. Valerie Jackson, Cooperstown Food Pantry’s new executive director, said the gathering offers residents an opportunity to connect with the organizations serving their neighbors. For information about Cooperstown Food Pantry or the event, contact Jackson at directorCFP@gmail.com. Donations to the Cooperstown Food Pantry may be made online during the fundraiser, September 14–18, at givemv.org/organizations/cooperstown-food-pantry-inc. Donations made during the Community of Giving event may be eligible for up to three times the impact through matching funds provided courtesy of the J. and S. Patrick Family Foundation, the Cooperstown Food Pantry Board, and other participating organizations.

Blood Shortage Continues

OTSEGO COUNTY—The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall by scheduling a blood or platelet donation appointment in September. The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage, officials said, and now is the time for donors of all blood types to help patients who count on blood products for care. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment. Those who give from September 1-20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross/Hello Kitty® plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Those who give September 21 through October 18 will receive a $15.00 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additionally, all who give from September 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers onsite can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Otsego County this month are: Friday, September 18, noon to 5 p.m., SUNY Oneonta Hunt College Union, 108 Ravine Parkway, and Tuesday, September 29, 1-6 p.m., Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta.

‘Luck of the Draw’ Announced

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association is bringing back its biennial fundraiser, “Luck of the Draw,” and is currently seeking donations of original artwork valued at $80.00 or more from local and regional artists. Among the items accepted are: wall-hung artwork, sculpture, fine crafts, jewelry sets, and small collections of ceramics or other work. The RSVP deadline is Friday, September 18. There will be an opening reception on Friday, October 2 from 5-7 p.m. and the artwork will be on view from October 3-17. “Luck of the Draw” tickets go on sale on Friday, October 2 beginning at 5 p.m. for $80.00 each, with a final ticket drawing on Sunday, October 18. Every ticket sold directly supports the art association and helps provide opportunities for artists and accessible arts programming for the community. RSVP today at (607) 547-9777 or e-mail gallery@cooperstownart.com.

CSO Concert Set for Sept. 26

ONEONTA—The Catskill Symphony Orchestra will begin its 73rd season in “legendary” fashion on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. with “American Legends,” a program spanning three centuries of American identity through music. Aaron Copland’s stirring “A Lincoln Portrait”—narrated by Oneonta Mayor Daniel Buttermann, a former Conductor Competition winner—will be featured, along with Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and the New York State premiere of a brand-new piano concerto by CSO Artistic Director Glen Cortese, “Apparitions, Ghosts and Spirits,” with celebrated pianist Lisa Leonard. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.catskillsymphonyorchestra.org/american-legends.