Oneonta Tennis Center will hold an open house to introduce its new indoor design on January 14. (Photo provided)
By TED MEBUST ONEONTA – The Oneonta Tennis Center recently announced plans to shift their focus toward pickleball, accommodating the game’s ever-growing population of enthusiasts with permanent pickleball court lines. While providing a space for tennis to be played remains a priority for Paul von der Sommen, OTC’s owner and proprietor since 1977, attendees in recent months have shown much more interest in pickleball. Set to host an open house to introduce the new OTC indoor design on January 14, van der Sommen reflected on whether he felt ahead of the curve in prioritizing pickleball.
“There seems to be a very high demand for pickleball… I feel like we’re already behind,” he flatly exclaimed. And he has a point.
OPENING DAY – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join the community for day of crafts, food, music to celebrate the area and the opening for the summer season. Meet community organizations, enjoy tours of the State Park, meet the Rolling Meadows Clydesdales, learn with Utica ZooMobile, relax with Springfield Reads, more. Free, open to the public. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Rd., Cooperstown. 607-547-5098 or visit hydehall.org
CRAFT FESTIVAL – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Friendship Craft Festival returns after a 2 year hiatus. Find hand made gifts for those special people in your life from local vendors, artisans, and crafters. Sponsored by the Church of Christ Uniting. Spring Park, Scenic Route 20, Richfield Springs. 315-858-1553 or visit festivalnet.com/26292/Richfield-Springs-New-York/Craft-Shows/Friendship-Craft-Festival
Al Rubin and teammate Theo Basdekis play a match in Otsego County Chamber of Commerce’s first pickleball tounament, which was held Saturday, June 26, in Oneonta’s Wilber Park.
CONCERT – 7:30 p.m. Kimberley Hawkey to perform mix of songs from Jazz, Broadway, and folk. She will be joined by pianist/vocalist Loren Daniels, bassist Evan Jagels, and drummer Graeme Francis. Music charge, $15. Origins Cafe, 558 Beaver Meadow Rd., Cooperstown. 607-437-2862 or visit www.celebrateorigins.com
ORAL HISTORIES – 6:30 p.m. Cooperstown Graduate Program students Emily Pfeil and Kate Webber demonstrates the discussion of oral histories with residents of senior communities. Woodside Hall, 1 Main St., Cooperstown. Info, Karen Cadwalader, LCSW @ (607)547-0600
SPAGHETTI FUNDRAISER – 5-8 p.m. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner to support the local Calcio United Soccer club based out of Fortin Park, Oneonta. 6th Ward Athletic Club, West Broadway, Oneonta. Info, www.facebook.com/calciounitedsoccerclub/
OPEN MIC – 7-9 p.m. Share your travel stories whether they be close to home or far and wide. The Roots Brewing Company, 175 Main St., Oneonta. Info, www.facebook.com/TheGreenToadBookstore/
WRITERS SALON – 7:30-9 p.m. Opens with an open mic followed by a presentation from author of the month, Joseph Mish. Community Arts Network of Oneonta. Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Info, www.canoneonta.org/calendar/
HISTORY LECTURE– 7-9 p.m. “Pottery Connects Us: The Social Value of Pottery and Hopi Cultural Heritage” by Karen K. Charley, a traditional Hopi potter, and Lea S. McChesney, a cultural anthropologist. Slade Theater, Hartwick College, Oneonta. Info, Katherine O’Donnell, o_donnellk@hartwick.edu
TOASTMASTERS – 6:15-7:30 p.m. Speech contest with free refreshments. Come practice your public speaking in a supportive environment. The Green Earth, 4 Market St., Oneonta. Info, oneonta.toastmastersclubs.org or call (607)873-2070
3-D PRINTING – 10-11:30 a.m. Design a keepsake heart box for someone special. Fee based on weight Registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, hmloneonta.org/calendar/
YPN NETWORKING – 6-8 p.m. Come meet young professionals from the Otsego area. The topic for this evening is community involvement. The Beverage Exchange, 73 Main St., Cooperstown. Info, www.facebook.com/YoungProfessionalsNetworkYPN/
FUNDRAISER – 7 p.m. Live music will be performed. The public may donate for the opportunity to perform. Donations go to the Cooperstown Lion’s Club fund to support area residents to lessen financial stress. Mel’s at 22, Cooperstown. Info, www.facebook.com/Melsat22/
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
PICKLEBALL – Noon-2 p.m. Come learn the sport. Gymn floor, Clark Sports Center, 124 Cty. Hwy. 52, Cooperstown. Info, www.clarksportscenter.com
CONSERVATION MEETING – 12:30-3:30 p.m. Discussion of manure spreading strategies to reduce nutrient runoff. A must for farmers spreading or storing manure this winter. Otsego County Meadows Complex, 140 Ct. Hwy. 33W. RSVP by 1/12, (607)547-8337 ext. 4. or email weaverb@otsegosoilandwater.com
AUDITIONS – 3-6:30 p.m. Catskill Choral Society opens auditions for new members and potential Dox Apprentices. Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Call 431-6060 to schedule and appointment.
