ONEONTA – No one should be without a Christmas dinner and, consistent with this sentiment, the St. Mary’s Friends of Christmas Dinner is continuing its 35-year tradition of providing meals to those who would otherwise go without or eat alone. Approximately 1,200 meals will either be delivered on Christmas Day from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church to locations that have registered with the Friends of Christmas, or they will be available for pickup at the Lord’s Table, which is operated by St. James Episcopal Church. For those who would like to eat in fellowship, the meal will be served as a sit-down dinner between noon and 3 p.m. at the American Legion on 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.
ONEONTA – Cynthia Lorenz McCarthy, 87, went home to be with the Lord, on Friday, April 8, 2022. She passed away peacefully in her home following a brief illness.
Cynthia was born July 1, 1934 in Lohrville, Iowa the daughter of Russell and Inez Lorenz.
Cynthia married Keith McCarthy on July 6, 1957 at the Methodist Church in Sharon Springs, NY. Prior to Keith’s death in 2007, they had made their home in Oneonta for 47 years, where Cynthia continued to live until her passing.
At the age of nine Cynthia’s father, a superintendent of schools, passed away from diabetes. Cynthia and her mother, an art teacher, traveled extensively, eventually settling in Sharon Springs, NY. Cynthia graduated from Sharon Springs high school and then attended the State University College of Oneonta, majoring in education. Cynthia taught in both the North Tonawanda School District and the New Hartford School District. Cynthia returned to Oneonta to teach young children as part of the Bugbee Migrant Child Care Program. She concluded her teaching career at Center Street Elementary School, Oneonta, retiring in 1996. She was a dedicated teacher who will always be remembered by her students and colleagues.
FIBER ARTS GROUP – 3 – 4 p.m. Bring your knitting, crocheting or other fiber art to work with the group on your current project. Springfield Library, 129 Co. Rd. 29A, Springfield. 315-858-5802 or visit libraries.4cls.org/springfield/
BLOOD DRIVE – 1 – 6 p.m. Donate today to receive an exclusive Red Cross T-Shirt while supplies last. St. James Episcopal, 305 Main St., Oneonta. 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org
ONEONTA – Lois I. Brenner, 89, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2022.
Lois was born November 3, 1932 in Brooklyn, the daughter of Henry and Isabel (Corry) Erickson.
Lois graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in 1950. Following graduation, she worked in the financial district in New York City at Hanover Bank for several years.
Lois married David W. Brenner on September 5, 1954 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, NY.
Following their marriage, they moved to Oneonta so David could attend college at SUCO. Lois held several office jobs in Oneonta prior to the birth of her children and raising her family. She enjoyed playing Bridge in several organized clubs in Oneonta with friends at times hosting the groups at her home. In 1968 she started working what she thought would be a temporary part-time job out of her home for the Otsego County Employees Federal Credit Union. Over the years, the temporary part time position became a fulfilling full-time career. After several mergers including with the Sidney Federal Credit Union, she was appointed branch manager of the Sidney Federal Credit Union office in Oneonta, retiring in 1995.
FUNDRAISER – 3 – 7 p.m. Raise funds for schools in the Dominican Republic and Santa Cruz while enjoying dinner of chili, cornbread, and chicken burritos. Available on a dine-in or take-out basis. All welcome, masks required. Cost, $7/adult. St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-1458 or visit www.facebook.com/stjamesoneonta/
BLOOD DRIVE – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Briggs Hall, Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main St., Oneonta. 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 – 10 p.m. Drive through a winter wonderland featuring light displays created by local businesses, individuals, and organizations. Admission is Free. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit www.facebook.com/FNOneonta
MUSIC – 2 p.m. Celebrate shared humanity with musical selections from South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, others. Performers include clarinetist Robin Seletsky, flutist Ana Laura Gonzalez, pianist Michael Bauer, a capella ensemble Eight is Eneuf. Free, open to public. Temple Beth El, 83 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-286-9085 or visit www.templebetheloneonta.org/temp/
COLUMBUS DAY
KIDS HIKE – 10 – 11:30 a.m. Kids explore the world of trees, learn to identify the varieties using science/senses, learn the role trees play in our world. Mohican Farm, 7207 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown. 607-282-4087 or visit occainfo.org/calendar/get-the-kids-out-trees-2/
St. James Episcopal Church kicked off its St. J. Fest this afternoon by parading through the streets with the Leatherstocking District Fife & Drum band, which has been practicing at the church for 30 years. Above, Father Ken Hunter and Deacon Vicky Hunter, Oneonta, walk with Jordan Eggleston, Oneonta, Kathy Beveridge, Delhi, Bill Reardon, Cobleskill, Brian Fluery, Laurens, Ed McAteer, Oneonta, Sara Evenson, Walton, and Stephen Yearly, Walton, as they lead the procession to the St. James Garden. The all-day event features Cajun Pete’s Jazz Band, an organ recital and presentation by Craig Morrow, and Evensong. Freestyle Confections are also on site offering tasty confections. Admission is free; all welcome. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
A CAPELLA – 7 p.m. 8 Is Eneuf performs madrigals, pop, doo-wop, folk songs and more. Free, public welcome. St. James Retirement Community, County Route 47, Oneonta. Info, (607) 436-9974, www.stjamesmanor.com
