Published: May 06, 2008 03:45 am         

Cheers

o ... To the organizers and participants of the annual Take Back the Night march in Oneonta on April 24.

More than 100 people took part in the event aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence.

The march began at the steps of Milne Library at the State University College at Oneonta and ended with a candlelight vigil at Kim K. Muller Plaza on Main Street. It was sponsored by the Violence Intervention Program at Opportunities For Otsego, Hartwick College, SUCO and Planned Parenthood of Central New York.

During the event, OFO presented its Crime Victims Advocate award to Emily Haines, an employee with the Violence Intervention Program, and its Advocacy for Victims award to Steven Ratner, a prosecutor of child abuse and neglect cases with the county attorney's office.

We applaud the award winners for their continuing advocacy, and everyone involved in Take Back the Night for their efforts to raise awareness.

o ... To all who took part in the 2008 American Cancer Society Delaware County Relay for Life in Delhi on April 25 and 26.

Relay For Life events take place throughout the nation. They raise money for cancer research and support programs offered through the American Cancer Society.

Christina Viafore, co-chairwoman of the Delaware County event, said that the 689 participants who registered for it had raised $102,000 before the first steps were taken. About $127,000 of the $160,000 goal was raised by the time the overnight event was done. Fundraising is continuing.

The event, which drew about 50 teams, began with the survivors' walk at 6 p.m. April 25 and concluded with the closing ceremonies at 9 a.m. April 26.

We are proud of the organizers and walkers and those who donated time and money to help make the sixth annual Relay a success.

o ... To Otsego County Economic Development and its partners, The Otsego County Chamber, The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, NBT Bank and Wilber Bank, for sponsoring a free seven-week course for local entrepreneurs.

The course is designed for people who are considering starting a business and for those who have an existing small business in Otsego County.

The course is set to begin today and will run through June 19, with classes held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is being facilitated by instructors from local colleges, consultants from the Executive Service Corps and other area professionals.

Small business is a very important part of our local economy. This course will help give local entrepreneurs a solid knowledge base on which to start or improve their businesses.