Otsego ReUse Center Launches "Carol Dee's Closet" for Teachers

Oneonta, NY – The Catskill Regional Teacher Center in partnership with Otsego ReUse Center, a project of The Arc Otsego, is thrilled to announce the launch of "Carol Dee's Closet," a unique initiative designed to support local educators and promote resourcefulness within our community.

"Carol Dee's Closet" is a dedicated space within Otsego ReUse Center where teachers can donate unused educational materials such as books, games, art supplies, and more. These materials will then be made available for other teachers to borrow or use for free.

This innovative program aims to:

• Reduce waste: By keeping valuable educational resources in circulation, "Carol Dee's Closet" helps minimize waste and conserve resources.
• Support educators: Teachers can access a variety of materials  saving them time and money while enriching their classrooms, while supporting a good cause
• Foster community: "Carol Dee's Closet" fosters a collaborative spirit among educators in the region.

"We are incredibly grateful to MJ Coloney for her vision and dedication in making 'Carol Dee's Closet' a reality," said Bill Hardy, Manager of the Otsego ReUse Center. "This program aligns perfectly with our mission to promote sustainability and support our community."

Teachers interested in donating materials or accessing resources from "Carol Dee's Closet" are encouraged to bring their materials to Otsego ReUse Center and let the staff know that you are making a donation to Carol Dee's Closet. Please contact the Catskill Regional Teacher Center for more information.

About The Catskill Regional Teacher Center and Oneonta Recycle ReUse

The Catskill Regional Teacher Center provides professional development and resources "For Teachers By Teachers" to enhance educators' knowledge and effectiveness throughout the DCMO and ONC geographic region.  

Otsego ReUse Center is a project of The Arc Otsego, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling initiatives. All proceeds of the Otsego ReUse Center benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Otsego County.

Contact:

Aaron Sorensen 
Catskill Regional Teacher Center Director
607 436 3920
CRTCNY.org @gmail.com

 

Bill Hardy
Otsego ReUse Center Manager
607 353 7831
hardyw@arcotsego.org

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The Richfield Springs Area Chamber of Commerce announces their 2025 Concerts In Spring Park Schedule.

We would appreciate it if you could please put our complete schedule in tour publication, as well as each individual concert in your weekly calendar of events listing each week. Thank You! 

Music in Spring Park was a daily occurance in our local Richfield Springs History, when the big hotels, sulfer springs & baths were popular in the late 1800's and early 1900's. 

Continuing this Tradition, the Chamber presents a variety of musical groups, open to the public, rain or shine, on Wednenday evenings from 7-8:30, the last week of June thru the the end of August, in the Historic Bandstand or the covered pavillion. For your convenience, you may wish to bring a folding chair or a blanket as well as your dancing shoes. 

Spring Park is located on Main Street (US Route 20) in the Village of Richfield Springs, and there is plenty of parking in the park or on the street. 

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Summer Nights in Cooperstown Get Unexpectedly Extraordinary

Jazz musicians sync live with classic cartoons, forgotten masterpieces emerge from library archives, and world-class artists transform intimate venues into something magical.

[COOPERSTOWN, NY - June 1, 2025] This isn't your typical summer concert series. When jazz artists perform live soundtracks to animated films, matching every pratfall and punchline in real time, or when musicians uncover lost compositions from library archives, you know you're in for something completely different.

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival's 27th season delivers five performances this July and August that redefine what a night out can be - whether you're a music aficionado or someone who simply stumbled upon an intriguing experience.

But the season's most unexpectedly entertaining evening may belong to The Queen's Cartoonists, who have mastered the art of live soundtrack performance. The six-piece band synchronizes their music perfectly with animated films projected on stage, recreating original soundtracks note-for-note while adding their own compositions to modern pieces. Think of it as a live concert, comedy show, and movie night rolled into one experience that celebrates both jazz and animation as uniquely American art forms.

The Festival opens July 21 with the legendary American String Quartet with flutist Linda Chesis and violist Daniel Avshalomov performing Brahms’ viola quintet, Mozart’s String Quartet No. 22 in B-flat major, K. 589, and a colorful Mahler-esque suite inspired by Basque folk traditions. Baroque violinist Rachell Ellen Wong returns on August 4 with her ensemble Twelfth Night for a program that includes Tartini's technically demanding "Devil's Trill," a piece so challenging it was once rumored to be inspired by a dream about the devil himself playing violin.

The Caroga Arts Ensemble returns to Cooperstown on August 13, featuring KASA Quartet, flutist Linda Chesis, and clarinetists Graeme Steele Johnson and Bixby Kennedy. These local legends perform works by Debussy, Ravel, and the recently rediscovered Charles Martin Loeffler Octet, a kaleidoscopic masterpiece nearly lost to history. The season concludes August 21 with Trinidad-born trumpeter Etienne Charles, whose "Creole Soul" performance draws musical connections across the African diaspora with fiery original compositions rooted in Caribbean rhythms.

"This season represents the heart of what the Festival always strives to create - extraordinary music in intimate settings that brings our community together in shared moments of musical discovery," says Linda Chesis, the Festival's founder and Artistic Director. "We're proud to offer experiences that might otherwise only be found in major metropolitan centers. 

All performances begin at 7 PM and take place in historic venues across Cooperstown, including the scenic Fenimore Farm and Country Village and Christ Episcopal Church, the same church where author James Fenimore Cooper once worshipped.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students and children, available at cooperstownmusicfest.org or by calling 800-316-8559.

Performance Schedule:

• July 21: American String Quartet with Linda Chesis and Daniel Avshalomov

• July 30: The Queen's Cartoonists

• August 4: Twelfth Night: Grand Tour

• August 13: Caroga Arts Ensemble: Forgotten Sounds

• August 21: Etienne Charles: Creole Soul

About the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival:

Founded in 1999 by flutist Linda Chesis, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival has been bringing world-class chamber music performances to the Cooperstown area for over 25 years. The Festival has featured performances by the American, Juilliard, St. Lawrence, Jupiter, and Jasper String Quartets, Stefon Harris, Bill Charlap, Kurt Elling, Simone Dinnerstein, Mark O’Connor, John Pizzarelli, the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, and many more. Concerts are held in venues across Cooperstown, including the grand Otesaga Hotel, Fenimore Farm and Country Village, and Christ Episcopal Church.

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

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Cooperstown Concerts Celebrates an Outstanding 2024-2025 Season: Great Musical Performances and New Experiences

2025-2026 Season Opens in September

[COOPERSTOWN, New York] June 2, 2025 –  Cooperstown Concerts wrapped up its 55th season on a high note in May, completing a vibrant and diverse lineup of eight performances that drew over 1,350 people from across the region. The season featured sold-out concerts, outstanding reviews from attendees, new food, drink, and lodging offers, and strong support from donors and sponsors. The performances were held across world-class venues, including The Otesaga Resort Hotel and the newly added Fenimore Art Museum Theater and Fenimore Farm & Country Village. The 2025-2026 season opens in September. Cooperstown Concerts, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization formerly known as the Cooperstown Concert Series, is committed to providing outstanding music close to home in upstate and central New York for people who want to come together to enjoy and explore music. The 2024-2025 season showcased an exciting range of musical genres – from West African folk and hard-driving bluegrass to indie rock, Latin dance, progressive chamber music, and roots reggae – captivating audiences, providing musical diversity, and supporting community engagement. The season featured eight shows from October to March. It opened with the world-renowned kora virtuoso Yacouba Sissoko, whose melodies and storytelling offered a profound introduction to West African musical traditions. The season concluded in May with an evening that captured the spirit of celebration and community. The sold-out island-themed party, including Caribbean-inspired food and drinks and a large dance floor, featured music by The Big Takeover – a roots reggae and Jamaican pop band with infectious rhythms and feel-good vibes.  Great Shows Enhanced by New Experiences  Beyond the great performances, Cooperstown Concerts offered a range of exciting new features to elevate the audience experience. In partnership with The Otesaga Resort Hotel, each show at the hotel included a concert Bar & Lounge where concertgoers could gather with friends and enjoy a relaxed social setting. Concertgoers also had access to exclusive discounted overnight rates at several local hotels/inns, turning an evening of music into an overnight escape. Additional features included free Latin dance lessons, free pre-show entertainment, and a VIP experience with a pre-show acoustic performance. The grand finale of the season took things up a notch with an island-inspired celebration, featuring a festive buffet and tropical cocktails from Mel’s at 22, plus a spacious dance floor. “This season was a turning point for Cooperstown Concerts, and we greatly appreciate every person who came to a show, and every sponsor, donor, and partner who supported us,” said Randy Smith, President, Cooperstown Concerts.  “In the 2024-2025 season, Cooperstown Concerts expanded its venues, reached new audiences, presented a wide range of highly acclaimed performers, offered new experiences, and consistently sold-out shows – demonstrating the power of live music and great experiences to help bring people together.  “We want every Cooperstown Concerts event to be more than a show,” Smith added. “It’s about creating a memorable night out – from incredible artists and stunning venues to connecting with friends, meeting new people, enjoying new music, dancing, and even a place to stay. The feedback has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to building on these experiences next season.” 2025-2026 Season Opens in September As Cooperstown Concerts looks to the 2025-2026 season, the organization is excited to continue to bring world-class live music to beautiful local venues in the region, fostering a vibrant arts scene that supports connections and community. The 2025-2026 season will launch in September 2025. Additional season details will be announced in August. For more information about Cooperstown Concerts and upcoming events, visit www.cooperstownconcerts.org, and join the mailing list for the latest news and updates To donate to Cooperstown Concerts, a nonprofit organization, go to https://cooperstownconcerts.org/donate/ For volunteer opportunities with Cooperstown Concerts, please contact info@cooperstownconcerts.org Check out our website for photos and more information about our 2024-2025 season! About Cooperstown Concerts Founded 55 years ago, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music - dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. The 2025-2026 season will continue this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe and enjoy a great performance close to home. Cooperstown Concerts is an independent, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

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Transitions celebrates 20 graduates forging independent paths to success

 

MAYFIELD - Twenty determined young adults with autism and learning differences walked across the graduation stage earlier this month, marking a powerful testament to what’s possible with the right support. Transitions students proudly graduated from SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, and University at Albany, achieving what many once believed was out of reach.

 

Among them was Haydn Elmore, who first connected with Transitions during a weekend visit in high school. That spark led him to the full-year college track program at Transitions — and this May, Elmore earned his bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany. During his time at Transitions, he developed the skills to thrive - managing routines, living independently, working part-time, and completing internships in photography and communications — all while building lasting relationships and growing in confidence.

 

Transitions is a nationally recognized post-secondary program that supports teens and young adults with learning differences in achieving success in college, employment, and independent living.

 

Through its College Track, Transitions offers individualized support that helps students navigate college systems, build social and academic skills, communicate effectively, and meet personal and professional goals. Participants can enroll in partner schools such as SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, and the University at Albany to earn microcredentials, associate’s, or bachelor’s degrees — or follow a customized educational plan.

 

For students focused on joining the workforce directly, the Career Track provides technical training, real-world experience, and microcredentials in targeted fields. Internships and job placements give participants a strong foundation to launch meaningful careers.

 

Michael, a 2025 Career Track graduate, is pursuing his dream in the Disney College Program. After completing training and securing a full-time position, he is now thriving — sharing an apartment with a roommate, maintaining a circle of close friends, and excelling in a job he loves. His supervisor has praised his dedication and growth, a powerful example of how the right support can open doors and build futures.

 

Elmore and Michael are just two of the many graduates who once doubted whether independent living, college, or a fulfilling career were within reach. Through Transitions, they have overcome barriers and are now thriving.

 

“Watching these students cross the stage is incredibly moving — each one has overcome unique challenges and grown into a confident, capable young adult ready to take on the world,” said Penny Rivenburg, Division Director of Transitions. “Their success is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the right supports are in place. We are so proud of our graduates and honored to be part of their journey.”

 

Thanks to a Mohawk Valley Empowers grant, Transitions will expand access to both College and Career Track programs starting this summer and fall, empowering even more young adults to pursue personalized paths to success.

For more information, visit TransitionsUSA.org or call 518-775-5384.

 

About Transitions:

Transitions is a pioneering post-secondary program designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance to young adults with autism and other neurodivergent conditions as they navigate through college, careers, and independent living. With campuses located in Mayfield, SUNY-FMCC, SUNY Cobleskill, and Albany, NY, Transitions offers a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, academic achievement, and the development of essential life skills. Through individualized programs, specialized mentoring, and a strong network of community partnerships, Transitions empowers neurodivergent individuals to overcome challenges, unlock their full potential, and thrive in their pursuit of higher education, meaningful careers, and fulfilling lives. For more information about Transitions visit www.transitionsusa.org.