o "To organizers and participants in the third annual OH Fest. The day-long festival of games, food, crafts, activities and live music was deemed a success by students, area residents and local officials alike.
OH Fest was created in 2006 by a coalition of students from Hartwick College and the State University College at Oneonta. The goal was to bring together students from both colleges with the greater community, and we can say without a doubt that this goal has been realized.
The event has built momentum leading up to this year, adding activities and vendors, and offering a mixed bill of musical acts to appeal to a variety of tastes.
For students who come to Oneonta from larger cities, it would be easy to complain that there is "nothing to do" here. It may also be easy for students to move in their own circles, separate from the community that surrounds them.
The students who have kept OH Fest going strong have demonstrated a refreshing alternative to these viewpoints by taking it upon themselves to make this event a success. We hope to see this tradition continue for many more years to come.
o " To the Conservation Alliance of New York, for donating a record-high 6,634 pounds of meat to area food banks this year.
The organization's Venison Donation Program for Otsego and Delaware counties collects meat donations from hunters as well as conducting numerous fundraisers throughout the year. Its major fundraiser, an annual banquet held each fall, has grown from raising less than $3,000 at its first banquet in 2001, to raising $13,000 last fall.
During these difficult economic times, when area food banks are struggling to meet the needs of the community and food costs continue to rise, it's wonderful to see people stepping up to the plate.
We encourage area hunters to donate meat whenever possible, and others to support the Conservation Alliance's fundraisers.
o "To the 1,021 participants in the State University College at Oneonta's attempt to play the "world's largest soccer game."
The April 17 event reprised a 1978 effort that drew 752 participants, pitting first-year college President Alan B. Donovan's "red" team against the "white" team led by then-Mayor David Brenner.
Twenty years later, Donovan took the field again during his final year as president at the college, this time with more than the target number of players on the field.
This year's attempt also had a loftier purpose: Money raised through donations and sponsorships went toward the newly created Alan B. Donovan Scholarship, which the outgoing president said will go to an "average" student who demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to community service.
The game was a fun and fitting tribute to Donovan, and we're glad to see this scholarship bear his name.
Print this story
E-mail this story
