Cheers

August 19, 2008 08:03 am

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o ... To the organizers and participants in Oneonta's Relay for Life, held Aug. 8 at Fortin Park.

Despite some foul weather at the start of the event, organizers said about 350 people attended the overnight walkathon, which raises money to support cancer research as well as honoring cancer victims and survivors. More than $40,000 was raised.

The American Cancer Society calls Relay for Life its "signature activity." Since it began in 1985, Relay for Life has raised $1.5 billion for ACS, which funds cancer research and education programs.

Relay began in Tacoma, Wash., when Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to spend the night walking around the University of Puget Sound track to raise money for the local American Cancer Society chapter. Friends and relatives paid Klatt $25 to join him for a half-hour of running or walking. He raised $27,000 that night.

Today there are Relay for Life events across the country, and even online. In the local area alone, Relay is thriving in Cooperstown, Delhi, Oneonta, Bainbridge and Norwich.

While so many of our lives will be touched by cancer, it is heartening to see so many people supporting this important fundraiser.

o ... To the local libraries participating in the New York Council for the Humanities' "Reading Between the Lines" series.

Public libraries in Sidney, Roxbury and Walton are hosting the book discussion program, which pairs adult readers with a college faculty member for in-depth discussions of a variety of literature.

The topic for this fall's discussion program is the history of New York state; last year, the Walton library hosted a series that looked at the social and cultural impact of war.

Reading Between the Lines is only one of many programs offered through our local libraries that allow area residents to enrich their lives with meaningful, thought-provoking and enjoyable activities and discussions.

o ... To Stewart's Shops and the American Red Cross' Southern Tier Chapter, for providing baby-sitter's training classes at little or no cost to participants.

The Red Cross' baby-sitter's training classes teach young people basic first aid, leadership skills and safe practices for being in the home without an adult present. The classes are offered throughout the year, but thanks to a grant by Stewart's Shops, children from families receiving assistance such as WIC, Child Health Plus or reduced lunch may receive scholarships to take the class.

The class is no doubt helpful to young people looking to make some extra money by baby-sitting, but it can also help "latchkey kids" who come home to an empty house after school. We hope these programs can continue to be offered at low or no cost to those who need them.