Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and Reverend Matthew T. Fisher, a Buddhist minister, condemned local Brewery Ommegang for their sale of “Nirvana IPA,” as they find the use of the term “Nirvana” to be highly inappropriate. Calling for an apology, the pair stated that “breweries should not be in the business of religious appropriation, sacrilege and ridiculing entire communities.”
“The inappropriate usage of sacred scriptures or deities or concepts or symbols or icons for commercial or other agenda was not okay, as it hurt the adherents [of Hinduism and Buddhism],” read the joint statement made in Nevada on January 18.
The Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC), a 501c3 nonprofit public charity founded in 2019 to bring together financial and human resources to address challenges and increase opportunity in Otsego County, recently conducted a survey asking respondents to prioritize the work we should address.
Nearly 300 people told us the greatest needs fall in the category of Basic Human Services: food
insecurity, affordable housing, transportation, child care, mental health/addiction, special needs populations, healthcare, geriatric services, crime prevention, and homelessness.
(Respondents also cited educational pathways, community and economic development, arts and culture, environment, and social justice.)
During Hurricane Katrina more than 1,800 people died primarily from flooding caused by the hurricane and by the levees breaking in New Orleans. Many of those who died lived in the city’s ninth ward.
Initially a mandatory evacuation order was sent out but many people ignored it and stayed in their homes. A man, who we will call John and who was very religious, was at home. As the water started to rise, the police started going door-to-door telling people to evacuate. John said to the police, “I’ll be fine because the Lord will protect me.”
The waters continued to rise. They became too high for regular vehicles. The fire department came by on its trucks urging people to evacuate. They offered to take them out of the area. When they got to John though, he said “I’ll be fine because the Lord will protect me.”
On June 26, 2019, Hometown Oneonta published an opinion letter that I wrote with the intention of honoring and defending a local sect most people know as “The Twelve Tribes.”
I want to apologize to everyone who read that letter, especially in Oneonta, for misrepresenting those people. Since I used to visit them on and off for many years, I know from firsthand experience that they claim a monopoly on “the body of Messiah” and God’s approval, and that without joining their sect no one has God’s approval and the best that non-members can hope for is a mediocre place in heaven.
The problem with such theology is that it creates pride, competition, and division among Christians and other churches, defeating the purpose the Twelve Tribes have and claim to live by namely to love and be united with all other believers.
The strongest point I tried to make in my June 2019 letter, was that no one in their house or restaurant has ever abused their children and that their accusers were wrong for saying they do. The problem with child abuse is that it’s very difficult to prove when the children are happy, content, and most notably, brainwashed by their parents.
This is the case with the children who are living in the Twelve Tribes. So because I now know this, I will think twice before honoring and defending a church or sect without knowing all the facts about them.
BASEBALL AUTHOR – 1 p.m. Bernie Carbo and Peter Hantzis, authors of “Saving Bernie Carbo,” comes to the Baseball Hall of Fame to discuss the book and take questions from the audience, followed by a book signing in the atrium. Bullpen Theater, Baseball Hall of Fame. baseballhall.org/events/author-series-bernie-carbo-peter-hantzis?date=0
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP – 1-3 p.m. Try a new activity in a small group setting with a knowledgeable instructor. This week its Metal Detecting on the grounds of the museum with Alex & Michelle Osterhout and Christ & Kim Altman. Reservations required. The Swart-Wilcox House Museum, Wicox ave., Oneonta. Call (607)287-7011 or visit swartwilcoxhouse.wordpress.com/wednesday-workshops-2017/
THE GATHERING PLACE – 2 p.m. Learn the story of the American Presidential Election of 1800 and how it changed the United States with Dr. Richard Sternberg, Village of Cooperstown Trustee. Woodside Hall, 1 Main St., Cooperstown. Info, Karen Cadwalader @ (607)547-0600.
BUDGET VOTE – 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Cast your ballot on the proposed school budget for the 2017-18 school year, choose the new board members, and cast your ballot on the bus lease program. Cooperstown High School rooms 304 & 305. Info, www.cooperstowncs.org/budget/
Kenneth Sider, President of Temple Beth-El in Oneonta, addresses inter-faith gathers at Saturday’s speaker event With Malice Toward None honoring America’s legacy of inclusion. ” We are all here becasue the events of the last twelve months have shaken us and our democratic principles. Religious intolerance against Muslims and Jews have increased.” said Sider. “We are here to focus on what makes us great. This is an opportunity to celebrate principles and democracy that have made America and our community one of inclusion.” Other speakers included Mayor Gary Herzig, Father David Mickiewicz of St. Mary’s, Mayor Rashid Clark of Islamburg, Rev. Craig Schwalenberg of the UU Church and more. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY GATHERING – 3 p.m. Program titled “With Malice Toward Non: Honoring America’s Legacy of Religious Inclusion.” Affirming America’s principles of democracy, religious freedom, compassion, and unity for people of all faiths. Temple Beth El, 83 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, Ken Sider, ksider@hotmail.com or visit www.templebetheloneonta.org/2017/04/with-malice-toward-none/
EARTH FESTIVAL – 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 13th annual festival featuring interactive exhibits, activities, vendors, and entertainment. Milford Central School, 42 W. Main St, Milford. Info, occainfo.org/calendar/earth-festival-2017/
THE GATHERING PLACE – 2-4 p.m. Learn about the habitat and feeding of the Baltimore Oriole and Ruby Throated Hummingbird as they return to our area this spring. Also touches on the patterns of other migratory birds. Woodside Hall, 1 Main St,. Cooperstown. Info, Karen Cadwalader @ 607-547-0600 or visit www.facebook.com/Woodside.Hall/
CLIMATE LECTURE – 6 p.m. Learn about issues in climate change with Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food and Water Watch, author of Foodopoly and Frackopoly. Hunt Union, Red Dragon ballroom, SUNY Oneonta.
TROUT UNLIMITED MEETING – Features presentation “The NYS Water Releases Legislation and the NYC Reservoir System,” by retired, region 3, fisheries biologist Tony Bonavist. The Plains, 163 Heritage Dr., Oneonta. Info, Dave Plummer 563-1978 or email dplummer@stny.rr.com
OPEN PLAY – 3:30-7:30 p.m. Work on your 3-D Print designs. NY Room, Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, hmloneonta.org/calendar/
BOWL-A-THON – 1-4 p.m. Includes 3 games, shoes, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and more. Individuals and teams of 4 welcome. Come support the developmentally disabled of Otsego County. Holiday Lanes Recreation Center, 5198 NY-23 #1, Oneonta. Info, arcotsego.org
EASTER BUNNY EXPRESS – 1 p.m. Hop aboard the train with the Easter Bunny and friends. Cost, $20 adults, $19 seniors, $17 children, children 3 and under ride free. Free snacks and refreshments for all. Milford Depot, 136 E. Main St., Milford. Info, call (607)432-2429 or visit www.lrhs.com
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
CONTRADANCE – 7:15-10:30 p.m. Otsego Dance Society hosts. Music by Traverse, Casey Mullaney calls. No partner or experience needed. All dances taught. Newcomers welcome at 7:15 for an introduction to some basic steps. Suggested donation $8 adults; $4 students and teenagers; kids 12 & under free. First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church St., Cooperstown. Info, (607) 965-8232, 547-8164, www.otsegodancesociety.blogspot.com
THEATER – 7 p.m. Auditions are open for the Orpheus Theater’s production of “Steel Magnolias.” The Rowe House, 31 Maple St., Oneonta. Info, www.orpheustheatre.org
