Originally published in October in “Water Front,” an online blog by Peter Mantius, this article is being reprinted with permission from Mantius because of its relevance to issues currently threatening water bodies statewide, including challenges to keeping our freshwater resources clean and climate-caused threats.
GENEVA, NY – A comprehensive plan to cut phosphorus pollution in the Seneca-Keuka Watershed won final state approval this week, providing a roadmap for protecting the two lakes from toxic algal blooms and flooding driven by climate change.
The 9E report recommends that mitigation efforts focus on Seneca-Keuka Watershed subbasins that produce the most phosphorus.
The Nine Element Plan, or 9E, was a “grass roots effort led by Finger Lakes watershed communities to actively restore these prized waters,” said Basil Seggos, commissioner of the State Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC and the Department of State jointly approved the project.
Phosphorus is identified as a “primary driver” of outbreaks of cyanobacteria, or harmful algal blooms (HABs), that have plagued the lakes for at least the past seven years.
COOPERSTOWN—Local soccer fans gathered at Upstate Bar & Grill to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team’s long-awaited Group Stage showdown against England at the 2022 World Cup in Al Khor, Qatar on Friday, November 25.
Though the fixture proved scoreless in the end, watchers were treated to a fast-paced, physical match-up between one of the tournament favorites in England and a scrappy, youthful U.S. squad. With their 1-0 win against Iran on Tuesday, November 29, the U.S. team finished second in Group B, advancing to the Final 16 knockout round for the first time since 2014. They play next on Saturday, December 3 against the Netherlands.
The City of Oneonta has secured a $500,000.00 grant from New York State toward improvements to the historic Oneonta Theatre. The theatre’s pre-urban renewal marquee is pictured above. (Photo provided)
ONEONTA – The City of Oneonta has been awarded a $500,000.00 grant to assist in the stabilization of the historic Oneonta Theatre by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Housing Trust Fund Corporation.
The Oneonta Theatre opened in 1897 as a vaudeville house, and later as a cinema. Recently, the New York State Preservation League listed the Downtown Oneonta Historic District, including the Oneonta Theatre, on its 2022/23 list of “Seven to Save” historic resources.
COOPERSTOWN – Thirty-one days. That’s how long the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA) has to raise $100,000.00 in order to earn an additional $25,000.00.
“Promise for Parkie,” the SQSPCA’s special year-end annual fund campaign, kicked off on Giving Tuesday, November 29. Traditionally the Tuesday after Thanksgiving since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a national day of giving back to good causes.
Now through December 31, shelter supporters Beth and Gary Glynn will donate an additional $5,000.00 to the SQSPCA for every $20,000.00 raised, up to $100,000.00.
COOPERSTOWN – At the November meeting of the Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees, a public hearing was held on a proposed policy for the installation and operation of cameras to monitor activity occurring in public places within the village. The policy was discussed at length and, following public comments, the board took a vote which failed to pass. A committee comprised of Trustees Cindy Falk, Richard Sternberg and Joe Membrino has been tasked to rework the policy, which will then be presented again at public hearing in two months, on January 23.
COOPERSTOWN—On Sunday, December 4, starting at 1 pm, Badger Park in the Village of Cooperstown will come alive with volunteers laying down a new liner for the ice-skating rink. “We are so excited that we were able to buy a new liner for the rink,” said Tom Hohensee, president of the Cooperstown Friends of the Parks.
“We are a non-profit organization that supports all of Cooperstown’s unique public parks; we depend on volunteers and donations.” Volunteers are needed all of the time, but particularly this weekend when the group lays down the rink lining. “It’s a big job, many hands are needed,” Hohensee said. “Plus it’s a lot of fun to get out and volunteer with your neighbors.”
