News briefs: July 16, 2026. 'As You Like It' now playing. COOPERSTOWN - Glimmer Globe Theatre will present Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It" at the Fenimore Art Museum's Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings through August 13. Seating is outdoors and attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or chair. In case of rain, the show will be moved to the Fenimore auditorium. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit fenimoreart.org. Shelter in need of pet food. COOPERSTOWN - The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is in critical need of donated dry and canned cat and dog food following an influx of more than 40 animals in a week. Donations may be dropped off or shipped to the shelter at 5082-5088 State Highway 28 or by visiting the SQSPCA's Chewy wish list. Chicken barbecue scheduled. SHARON SPRINGS - The Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce will hold a chicken barbecue and rib dinner at NBT Bank, 105 Main Street, on Saturday, July 25. It will begin at 12:30 p.m. and last until supplies are gone. All proceeds will support restoration of the village's welcome sign on Route 20. For more information, visit sharonspringschamber.org or call (716) 472-4098. Bassett adds pediatric urology. COOPERSTOWN - Bassett Healthcare Network will now offer pediatric urology services after hiring specialist Dr. Adam Howe. Previously, young patients with urinary tract or reproductive system conditions had to travel to Albany or Syracuse for treatment. Howe earned his medical degree at Albany Medical College and completed his specialty fellowship at Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York City. For more information, visit Bassett.org/PediatricUrology. Advertisements Discover more news-events Local News Tour examines architecture. COOPERSTOWN - Otsego 2000's next historic preservation walking tour will examine major shifts in home architecture over the course of American history. Led by Dr. Cindy Falk, the tour will begin at Village Hall, 22 Main Street, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Registration is $10.00 and is available at otsego2000.org or by calling (607) 547-8881. The Historic Preservation Tour Series will continue in Toddsville on August 16, Milford on September 13 and Cooperstown on November 15. State offers processing funds. ALBANY - The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that $4.7 million is available through the Meat Processing Expansion Grant for the construction or expansion of meat processing facilities. Awards range from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on September 23. For more information or to apply, visit hvadc.org/nys-meat-processing-grant. Blood shortage declared. NEW YORK STATE - The American Red Cross declared a nationwide emergency shortage following a major decline in donations since the end of May. Donors are urged to sign up by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Walk-ins are also welcome. Upcoming local blood drives include: 1-5 p.m. on July 17 at 34 Main Street in Laurens; 1-5 p.m. on July 17 at 279 Chestnut Street in Oneonta; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on July 18 at Southside Mall in Oneonta; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 20 at 86 Chestnut Street in Oneonta; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 21 at Cooperstown's Clark Sports Center; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 21 at 1 Church Street in Delhi; 1-6 p.m. on July 30 at 24 Market Street in Oneonta; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 31 at 5588 State Route 7. State updates food portal. ALBANY - The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets launched a redesigned Nourish NY Portal to better connect New York food organizations and producers. Launched as a pandemic emergency response, the program helps farmers connect with food banks and other relief organizations, fighting food insecurity and supporting New York agriculture. For more information, visit nourish.ny.gov/search. COOPERSTOWN - Cooperstown Art Association's Kids Creativity Camp with instructor Lexi LeRoux will return from 1-3 p.m. on July 20-24. Children ages 6-14 will explore a different hands-on art activity each day. Registration is $30.00 per day or $145.00 for the week for CAA members and $35.00 per day or $170.00 for the week for non-members. Contact (607) 547-9777 or [email protected] by Friday, July 17 to sign up. Garden Club names winners. RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The Garden Club and Rotary Club of Richfield Springs announced the winners of their joint Patriotic Decorating Contest. Francesca Zambello won first place in the business category, followed by VMG Enterprises and Cassidy's Diner. Suzette Parsons won the residential award, with Holly Young and Eric Gravelding in second place. Tennis court dance planned. ONEONTA - The Sixth Ward Booster Club will hold its second annual Sixth Ward Shindig dance at the tennis court on Scramling Avenue at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24. The event is free and open to the public, with food and drink available for purchase. Donations for the Booster Club's playground and tennis court projects will be gratefully accepted. HAB detected on Otsego lake. COOPERSTOWN - The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station detected a single early-stage harmful algal bloom on July 8 at Rat Cove, north of the Fenimore Art Museum. It is unknown if this is a lone incident or indicative of further blooms to come elsewhere on the lake. Lake users are urged to exercise caution and to report suspicious water conditions using the DEC HAB portal at dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/harmful-algal-blooms/notifications#Report. Advertisements Tinsmith talks lady Liberty. ONEONTA - Fourth-generation master tinsmith Dennis Heaphy will demonstrate basic techniques and discuss the construction and restoration of the Statue of Liberty at Oneonta's Huntington Memorial Library at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 17. The talk is free and open to the public. Golf Fundraiser returns. ONEONTA - The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will hold its annual Robert B. Schlather Golf Fundraiser at the Oneonta Country Club on Friday, July 31. It will be a captain and crew format, with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $125.00 per player or $500.00 per foursome and includes 18 holes and a cart, use of the driving range, goodie bags, and a buffet dinner. Prizes will be awarded. For more information or to sign up, visit sqspca.org/news-events/. Jazz concert is this Sunday. STAMFORD - Friends of Music of Stamford will continue its 40th anniversary season with a 3 p.m. concert by the Stephanie Chou Jazz Ensemble on Sunday, July 19. Held at 96 Main Street, the concert has a suggested admission donation of $15.00 per person or $10.00 for seniors and students over age 12. Cash or check only; no advance sales. Visit friendsmusic.org for more information. Westerlies set to perform. COOPERSTOWN - Grammy-nominated brass quartet The Westerlies will perform Cooperstown Summer Music Festival's fourth concert of the season at Fenimore Farm at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownmusicfest.org/new-events. Origins hosts meditation class. COOPERSTOWN - Origins Cafe, 558 Beaver Meadow Road in Cooperstown, will host guided meditation classes from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from July 21 to August 25. All classes are free, with no special clothing, equipment or registration required. For more information on the Sahaja Meditation practice, visit meditateupstate.com. On-ramp to close for 12 days. RICHMONDVILLE - The I-88 westbound Exit 20 on-ramp will be closed for resurfacing work from July 20-31, weather permitting. The interstate will be restricted to one lane of travel in each direction, with a posted detour for the ramp. Matthews to speak at museum. ONEONTA - The Swart-Wilcox House Museum will host renowned local author and historian Harry Bradshaw Matthews for its next Summer Speaker Series program from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Matthews will discuss African American soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The talk is free and open to the public. The museum is located on Wilcox Avenue in Oneonta. Slovenian heritage topic of talk. FLY CREEK - The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will hold its next monthly meeting at Cornfield Hall, 655 County Highway 26, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. Jessie Ravage and the Slovenian Farmers' Independent Benevolent Society will present on local Slovenian influences and the Benevolent Society's 100th anniversary. The program will be followed by light refreshments and the business meeting. Non-FCAHS members are asked to make a small donation for entry. Advertisements Tea Party set for August 8th. RICHFIELD SPRINGS - The Garden Club of Richfield Springs will hold its Victorian Garden Tea Party at 50 Church Street from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. In addition to tea and snacks, there will be games, plant and bake sales, and a photo booth. Tickets are available for $15.00 at NBT Bank and the Richfield Springs Library, with all proceeds supporting the Garden Club.

The Arc Otsego recognizes Bassett Healthcare Network with Supported Employer of the Year award. June 25, 2026 Bassett Healthcare Network has been recognized by The Arc Otsego as its 2025 Supported Employer of the Year. According to The Arc Otsego, this annual award honors employers who go above and beyond in supporting employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Five individuals who receive support from The Arc Otsego are currently employed on Bassett Healthcare Network's Environmental Services (EVS) team. EVS professionals are responsible for keeping hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, operating rooms, and all other patient care areas clean and safe by adhering to infection control procedures. "Individuals supported by The Arc Otsego are valued members of our EVS team. They are hard workers who not only collaborate wonderfully with their colleagues, but bring new perspectives and positive attitudes to their workplaces," said Mara Clark, System Director for Environmental Services and Linen at Bassett Healthcare Network. "We appreciate The Arc Otsego recognizing Bassett Healthcare Network with this award. We strive to be a welcoming and uplifting work environment for each of the team members who join our network. All our employees contribute in their own way to the high-quality care we provide to patients," said Cailin Purcell, MA, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE, Vice President of Operations at Bassett Medical Center. The award was presented at The Arc Otsego's annual awards night, which was held on Wednesday, June 10, at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, NY. The Arc Otsego's mission is to provide support, services, and advocacy to assist individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to live rich, fulfilling lives. The Arc Otsego's Employment Services can include vocational support, job readiness training, and assistance developing a résumé or completing applications. Once an individual is hired, The Arc Otsego's employment specialists can also provide additional support, on or off the work site, as the individual gains experience and develops skills. "As an employment first state, we pride ourselves on the notion that all individuals supported by The Arc Otsego are provided the opportunity to explore competitive and integrative employment, regardless of their disability. It is because of business partners like Bassett Healthcare Network that we are able to break down stigmas surrounding the I/DD community, improving inclusivity and success for the individuals employed, the businesses supporting them, and society as a whole. Our business partnerships allow individuals supported by The Arc Otsego to achieve their goals, learn new skills, and contribute meaningfully to their community," said Sarah Paulino, Assistant Director of Employment Services for The Arc Otsego. "When we work together, everybody wins!" "Partners like Bassett are what make our work at The Arc Otsego even more impactful. Being able to work together with a focus of inclusion and employment in our community is key to people with disabilities reaching their goals, and we look forward to this continued partnership," said Faith Tiemann, Chief Marketing Officer for The Arc Otsego. Bassett Healthcare Network is proud to be an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more about career opportunities, visit bassett.org/careers. Bassett Healthcare Network is presented with a plaque honoring the organization as The Arc Otsego's 2025 Supported Employer of the Year. From left to right, Cailin Purcell, Vice President of Operations at Bassett Medical Center; Sarah Hanlon, CEO at The Arc Otsego; and Mara Clark, System Director for Environmental Services at Bassett Healthcare Network. Careers at Bassett Healthcare Network. At Bassett, you'll find a supportive team, leaders who listen, and the resources to grow.

Little Falls Hospital receives the 2026 Women's Choice Award(R) as one of America's Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience. January 5, 2026 Bassett Healthcare Network's Little Falls Hospital has been recognized as one of America's best hospitals for Outpatient Experience by the Women's Choice Award(R), placing it among the top performing hospitals nationwide for delivering exceptional care in outpatient settings. Little Falls Hospital is Herkimer County's only provider of acute inpatient and 24/7 emergency care. The 25-bed hospital offers many outpatient services, including ambulatory surgery, dialysis, respiratory care, gynecologic care, orthopedic care, heart care, and other diagnostic and therapeutic services. "Our hospital has been integrated into the Little Falls community since 1893. We have learned that when you really get to know people and what matters to them, you provide better care," said Heidi Camardello, Director of Operations and Nursing at Little Falls Hospital. "At Little Falls Hospital, we combine high-quality services with a personal, community-minded approach. The relationships built between our practitioners and their patients are part of what makes our outpatient care so extraordinary." As hospitals across the country continue to prioritize value-based care and adopt minimally invasive technologies, more procedures are being performed on an outpatient basis. This shift has prompted hospitals to enhance customer service and streamline care coordination to improve the overall patient experience. According to national research, 82% of consumers would switch healthcare providers due to a poor experience, making patient satisfaction a critical factor in hospital selection. "Overnight hospital stays can be stressful and costly," said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women's Choice Award(R). "With more procedures now available on an outpatient basis, it's essential that women - who often juggle demanding schedules - can easily identify hospitals that offer safe, convenient, and compassionate care." The Women's Choice Award for Outpatient Experience is the only national designation that combines patient satisfaction, clinical experience, and the healthcare preferences of women to identify top performing hospitals. To qualify, accredited hospitals must score at or above the national average in key categories from the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Survey (OAS-CAHPS), including care by hospital staff, pre- and post-surgical coordination & communication, facility ratings, and patient recommendation scores. Survey categories are weighted based on feedback from the Women's Choice Award's proprietary research. "As a critical access hospital, serving members of rural communities who deserve the same level of high-quality, advanced medical services as people who live in urban areas, Little Falls Hospital delivers," said Susan Oakes Ferrucci, DNP, MSN, RN, CNS, President of Little Falls Hospital and Chief Hospital Executive of Bassett Healthcare Network's Critical Access Hospitals. "We are grateful to Women's Choice Award for recognizing what our caregivers and team members already know: Little Falls Hospital is a place where patients come for compassionate care." Little Falls Hospital is one of 450 total hospitals to earn this prestigious recognition in 2026. For the full list of America's best hospitals for Outpatient Experience, click here. About The Women's Choice Award(R) The Women's Choice Award for Best Hospitals(TM) is a trusted referral source and a prestigious credential that identifies the nation's top hospitals based on rigorous criteria, including clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and relevant accreditations. Hospitals earning this designation demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering exceptional care and prioritizing the health and well-being of their patients. As the only award that incorporates the preferences of women in its methodology, the Women's Choice Award empowers women to make informed healthcare decisions with confidence. In fact, 84% of women say they would trust a hospital more if it carried the Women's Choice Award seal, making it a powerful symbol of quality and trust. To learn more, visit www.womenschoiceaward.com. Learn more about Little Falls Hospital. Little Falls Hospital is raising the standard of local health care in Herkimer County.