News Briefs: September 5, 2024

New COVID-19 Vaccines Available at Kinney

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The U.S. FDA approved a new 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, August 22. Pharmacies such as Kinney Drugs are authorized to vaccinate individuals 3 or older beginning the week of August 26. For more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment, visit www.kinneydrugs.com. Walk-ins are also available.

Algae Bloom Conditions on Lake Continue

OTSEGO COUNTY—Researchers at SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station completed water quality testing on Otsego Lake on Tuesday, August 27. Isolated shoreline harmful algae blooms were reported several days during the week. Toxins from the cyanobacteria Microcystis were detected throughout the lake, generally in higher concentrations than the previous week. Weather conditions remain favorable to HAB growth. Lake users are advised to exercise caution, avoid cloudy or discolored water, and report suspected blooms at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/harmful-algal-blooms.

Church Schedules Art Workshops

ONEONTA—The First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, 66 Chestnut Street, will offer three art workshops during the fall. Gary Mayer will offer a portrait drawing class from 9-11 a.m. on each Saturday in September (7, 14, 21 and 28). He will then lead an “Invention in Drawing” class from 9-11 a.m. on the first four Saturdays in November (2, 9, 16 and 23). The cost for each of these classes is $40.00. Nancy Rose Gossett will offer woodcut-style printing lessons from 6-8 p.m. on the first four Tuesdays in October (1, 8, 15 and 22). It costs $60.00, including materials. Fees may be paid on the first day of class. Checks should be made out to First United Methodist Church. To register, contact the church office at (607) 432-4102 or secretary@firstumc-Oneonta.org.

Grand and Glorious Fall Fair To Return

ONEONTA—The Catskill Choral Society’s popular annual fundraiser, the Grand and Glorious Fall Fair, will be held in Neahwa Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. It will feature live music, children’s entertainment including bounce houses, food trucks and craft vendors. CCS has provided quality classical music in the rural Catskills for more than 50 years. To make a donation, register as a vendor or inquire about sponsorships, contact Sheila at (607) 746-6922.

Children’s Choir Releases Call for Singers

COOPERSTOWN—Enrollment for the Cooperstown Children’s Choir fall session has begun. The program runs every Friday at 3 p.m. from September 13 through November 8. It is open to children aged 7-12 and will end with two or three live shows, including an opening act for Cooperstown concerts at The Otesaga Resort Hotel. Participants will learn classic pop and rock songs and basic choreography. The fee for participation is $110, with scholarships available. For more information or to register, contact CooperstownChildrensChoir@gmail.com or (607) 304-1359, or visit www.CooperstownChildrensChoir.com.

Crafters Sought for Annual Fall Fair

RICHFIELD—The Cullen Pumpkin Farm, 587 Cullen Road, will host its fourth annual Fall Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. It will feature handmade goods from a wide variety of local and regional artisans. The Richfield Youth Sports organization will run the food booth. All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Guild of the Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs. Vendors must register by October 1 by contacting fallcraftfair@yahoo.com or calling (315) 858-2103.

Dems to Meet with City, State Officials

ONEONTA—The Oneonta Democratic Club will hold its next meeting at Get Fresh on the Main Cafe, 254 Main Street, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 7. The guest speakers will be city councilmember Elayne Mosher Campoli and Rory McClenahan, New York State Democratic Committee field organizer for Otsego County. They will discuss Mosher Campoli’s candidacy in Ward 1, the new campaign office in Oneonta and other matters related to the fall’s races. The meeting is open to the public; RSVP to Garymaffei@gmail.com or the Oneonta Democratic Club Facebook page.

Blacksmithing Talk Scheduled at Museum

COOPERSTOWN—Farmers’ Museum’s master blacksmith interpreters Lucas Novko and John Davidson will present a live Zoom discussion on their craft at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 19. The program will also offer a preview of the museum’s Blacksmithing Weekend on September 28 and 29. The talk is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation to support future programming; registration is required at FarmersMuseum.org.

Schools Adopt Free Meal Policy

MILFORD—The school districts associated with Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES announced an amendment to their meal policy for students under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, offering free meals to all children at all schools and sites. The new policy will cover the Andes, Charlotte Valley, Cherry Valley-Springfield, Edmeston, Gilboa-Conesville, Hunter-Tannersville, Jefferson, Laurens, Margaretville, Milford, Morris, Oneonta, Roxbury, Schenevus, South Kortright, Stamford and Worcester school districts. For full details, visit https://www.dcmoboces.com/page/on-campus-food-service.

United Way Joins TikTok

UTICA—United Way of the Mohawk Valley announced that it has joined the popular social media platform TikTok in order to reach a broader audience, showcase their mission and spread the word about upcoming events. It may be found at the account @unitedwayofthemv.