With plenty of summer left and abundant natural space to discover, the Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet includes state forests, state parks, local parks, Otsego Land Trust properties, private property open to the public, and the “New Lisbon Ride” that links Gilbert Lake State Park and Texas Schoolhouse State Forest.
By completing eight activities before September 21, participants earn a free embroidered Summer Octet patch and get listed on the Otsego Outdoors Challenge Roster. Participants can head to otsegooutdoors.org to find the full range of ‘summer octet’ possibilities.
“The menu of challenges this summer offers many opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors,” said Jeff O’Handley, program director for the Otsego County Conservation Association. “In addition to the hikes and bikes and berry picking, we hope some will join us in some of our dirty and wet invasive species activities.”
Destinations new to the Octet Challenge this year are Bear Swamp State Forest in Decatur, the Robert V. Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center in Jordanville, Emmons Pond Bog in Oneonta, and New Island Forest Trails in Catella Park, Oneonta. Not all destinations are located directly inside Otsego County’s borders, but organizers note all are within approximately 10 miles of the county.
ONEONTA – She was born December 16, 1927 in Salem, N.Y., the daughter of Harry and Anna Currey.
She graduated from Washington Academy in Salem, N.Y., in 1945, from Oneonta Normal School (SUCO) in 1949 and St. Rose’s College, Albany, N.Y., in 1964.
She taught intermediate Special Education for 32 years for the Oneonta School District and Catskills Area BOCES in the Watkins House, the old Oneonta Jr. High School, Riverside School and Greater Plains School.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church since 1945. She was a member of St. Mary’s Altar Rosary Society, Young At Heart, Otsego County Retired Teachers Society and a life member of the Oneonta Elks Club.
NATURE – 8:15 p.m. Join the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society to learn about the sights and sounds of nature at night. Learn about crickets, owls, bats, and fireflies. Will end with firefly catch and release so bring a container to hold them. Free, registration required for max of 20 people. All children must be accompanied by an adult. DOAS Sanctuary, Franklin Mountain, Oneonta. 607-397-3815 or visit doas.us/event/natures-symphony-and-fireworks/
OTSEGO LAKES FESTIVAL – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A celebration of Otsego lake held in conjunction with Clark Sports Centers “Race the Lake Marathon.” Other activities include free paddle board demonstrations, ‘touch tanks’ with live plants and animals found in our lake, a guided nature walk, music, and food and beer samplings from local vendors. Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. Info, occainfo.org/otsego-lakes-festival/
CAT CARNIVAL – 1-4 p.m. The SAS opens their ‘adopt a shelter cat month’ with an open house and a carnival with a tour of the shelter, kids face painting, raffles, and refreshments. All adult cat adoption are 20% off, or buy one get one free for the month of June. Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 NY-28, Cooperstown. Info, susquehannaanimalshelter.org or call (607)547-8111
CONFERENCE – 8:30-10 a.m. Local manufacturers and training providers meet to discuss goals to ensure there is a trained workforce in the county to meet employers needs. Reservation required. Foothills Performing Arts Center, 24 Market St., Oneonta. Info, Barbara Ann Heegan, President/CEO Otsego County Chamber of commerce, (607)432-4500 ext. 202 or email baheegan@otsegocc.com
SPAGHETTI DINNER – 5-7 p.m. Enjoy homemade sauce, sausage and meatballs, and more. Take out available. Adults $10, Children 12 and under $8. Support Boy Scout Troop 1254. Cooperstown Vets Club, 60 Main St, Cooperstown.
ART EXHIBIT – “Celestial/Terrestrial” featuring the works of Alexandra Davis and Jill Parisi opens. Runs thru March 17. Martin-Mullen Art Gallery, Fine Arts Gallery, 106 Fine Arts, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine pkwy, Oneonta. Info, www.oneonta.edu/academics/art/gallery/gallery.html
STRESSBUSTERS – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monthly class giving you the tools for self-care and empowerment. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, hmloneonta.org/calendar/
DRAWING GROUP – 7-9 p.m. Come practice drawing with a live model. $10 donation. To attend call the Cooperstown Art Association, (607)547-9777
ONEONTA – She was born December 16, 1927 in Salem, N.Y., the daughter of Harry and Anna Currey.