News Briefs: October 24, 2024

Owen D. Young B’day Celebration Scheduled

VAN HORNESVILLE—The Van Hornesville Community Corporation will host a celebration on the 150th birthday of the hamlet’s most famous native son, industrialist and diplomat Owen D. Young. It will be held at the school he gave to the community at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Speakers will include ODY graduate Patricia Pullis, Young’s great-granddaughter, Suzannah Young Ciernia, St. Lawrence University archivist Paul Doty and SUNY trustee Keith Landa. Ice cream and cupcakes will be served.

Friends of the Library Holds Book Collection

COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown will hold the first of two book collections for its Winter Carnival Book Sale from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 26. Used books, DVDs and audiobook CDs in good condition may be dropped at the Fair Street entrance to Village Hall. The book sale will run from January 31 through February 2, with all proceeds to benefit the library.

Orpheus Presents ‘Spelling Bee’

ONEONTA—Orpheus Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will run at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center for six performances from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 10. This Tony Award-winning show, written by Rachel Sheinkin and featuring a score by William Finn, follows six lovable contestants in a local spelling bee that quickly becomes much more. The production is directed by local theater leader Michael Tamburrino, with music direction by Daniel Chien and choreography by Allie Tabor-Church. Tickets are available at the door or at a discounted rate at www.OrpheusTheatre.org. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the two Fridays during its run, and at 3 p.m. on the Saturdays and Sundays.

Speaker To Discuss Light Pollution

LEONARDSVILLE—The Upper Unadilla Valley Association has extended the deadline for purchasing tickets to its annual banquet at the Horned Dorset Inn, 2000 State Route 8, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 7. The public and local policymakers are invited to see Justin Levine, a former reporter and award-winning journalist who works in communications for the Adirondack Council, address the meeting on the topic of light pollution. Unneeded and unwanted artificial light is a major, lesser-known issue that obstructs scenic night skies and can have severe ecological and human health consequences. The three-course banquet costs $54.00 per person, including taxes and gratuity. Reservations are due by Wednesday, October 30 and should be made by mailing a check payable to UUVA to Association President Larraine McNulty, 156 Pritchard Road, West Winfield, NY 13491. Be sure to note the number of seats needed and any dietary restrictions.

Oneonta Holiday Schedule Announced

ONEONTA—Destination Oneonta, working in conjunction with the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, “The Daily Star” and the city government, announced its 2024 holiday season schedule. The annual parade will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 7, with cottage hours from noon to 3 p.m. after Santa arrives by sleigh. There will be a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, with cottage hours running until 8 p.m. Santa’s Cottage will be open from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays, December 13 and 20, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, December 14 and 21.

Catskill Players Stage Christie Favorite

WORCESTER—The Catskill Community Players will present a stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous “Murder on the Orient Express” at the historic Wieting Theatre in Worcester from Friday through Sunday, November 1-3. Adapted for the state by Ken Ludwig and directed by local theater veteran Lissa Sidoli, the iconic play follows a twisted thrill ride through the Balkan Mountains in a terrible snowstorm, as detective Hercule Poirot races to solve a murder on the snowbound train. The show will run at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at www.catskillplayers.org or at the door.

November Blood Drive Scheduled at CCS

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Central School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter will host an American Red Cross blood drive in the high school wrestling room from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15. Each person who donates will receive a $10.00 gift card and will be entered to win one of two $7,000.00 prizes. The Red Cross is suffering significant blood shortages as a result of recent natural disasters across the country, and each donor can save multiple lives. For more information or to register, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=COOPERSTOWN.

Coop Loop Set for Sunday, October 27

COOPERSTOWN—The 22nd annual Coop Loop 5K and 10K road races will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 27 at the Clark Sports Center. Day-of-race check-in and registration will be available from 9:30-10:30. Runners may pre-register online, at the Fitness Center Desk in the Sports Center, or by mail. Registration is $20.00 per runner or $50.00 for a family of up to five with all children under 18. Family registration must be completed online in advance. All runners must have a CSC waiver form on file, and children must have one signed by a parent. The race is rain or shine with two water stops. Prizes will be awarded for children and adults in the following costume categories: scariest, funniest, best group, most creative, and best overall. For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.clarksportscenter.com/events/2024-coop-loop-5k-10k-race/.

CAA Pumpkin Glow Returns Sunday

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association will hold its ever-popular Pumpkin Glow jack-o’-lantern festival at 22 Main Street from 6-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. Community members are invited to bring their own carved pumpkins and candles, then stick around to enjoy the display, ghost stories and refreshments. For more information, contact (607) 547-9777 or gallery@cooperstownart.org.

Social Security Announces Benefit Increase

BUFFALO—Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments for more than 72 million Americans will increase by 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced. This cost-of-living adjustment will increase the average retirement benefit by about $50.00 per month. The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will also increase to $176,100.00 from $168,600.00. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/cola.