Townie: Voting, postcard art, parties, potatoes, and more!
Best bets this week (Nov. 1-7): Candidate forum, storytelling, theater, comedy, store opening, art show, music, bingo, voting, business anniversary parties, belly dancing, social media workshop
Things I recently learned about my beloved block in Oneonta: You can’t park your car on the street between 2 to 6 a.m., the number of trick-or-treaters who visit does not warrant a BJ’s Wholesale Club-size bag of candy, and my house is located in Ward 2. I looked up this last fact in preparation for Tuesday’s election. I’m looking forward to zipping down to Foothills to chat with election volunteers, fill out my ballot (Yay, Cecelia Walsh-Russo, running unopposed for Ward 2 Council seat!), and collect my “I Voted” sticker.
With several Oneonta City Council seats are up for grabs, residents can get a better idea of who they want as their representative tonight at Hartwick College’s newly established Institute of Public Service candidate forum and reception (with snacks!).
Also this week are several celebrations of area businesses, including the opening of clothing boutique Sweet Caroline’s in the Southside Mall, a cocktail hour to commemorate the first anniversary of Dazzo’s Kitchen on River Street, and a 10-year anniversary party at the Green Toad Bookstore on Main Street. Cheers to these small businesses!
Below are more top picks for events and classes this week. Know something great coming up? Let me know! Email me at cassandra@culturerally.art and add me to your press lists.
—Cassandra Miller, Founder of Townie
Oneonta Common Council Candidate Forum
Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. | Hartwick College, Shineman Chapel, Oneonta
The Hartwick Institute of Public Service is hosting a forum with Oneonta Common Council candidates for them to share their ideas and engage directly with constituents. Following the forum is a catered reception with light refreshments when attendees can mingle and talk about the deer population, etc. The event is free and open to the public.
Stories from the People of the Longhouse
Friday, 1 p.m. | Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown
Storyteller Perry Ground shares traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee people. Perry, a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation, has been sharing his people’s stories for decades. I worked with Perry at the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave and experienced his interactive, entertaining delivery and skill at bringing these stories to life. Tickets to the presentation are $9 (not including admission to the Museum).
‘The Savannah Sipping Society’ by the Catskill Community Players
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. | Wieting Theatre, Worcester
The Catskill Community Players calls its fall production “hilarious and heartwarming.” Featuring a powerhouse local cast of Emily Begin, Diane Stammel, Maria Johnson, and Mary Fralick and directed by Lissa Sidoli, “The Savannah Sipping Society” follows four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines and ready to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Tickets start at $15.
Comedy Night at Foothills
Friday, 7 p.m. | Foothills PAC, Oneonta
Foothills welcomes back Mikael Gregg’s North Country Comedy Tour this weekend with new featured comedians. “The Last Comic Standing” semi-finalist and Gotham Comedy Live veteran Mike Gaffney headlines with Lauren Turczak, who weaves singing into her sets and has performed in comedy clubs and other venues from New York City to Tulsa. Tickets start at $23.
Craft Fair and Sweet Caroline’s Opening
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Southside Mall, Oneonta
The Southside Mall is becoming a community center, filling vacant stores with workout classes, a theater rehearsal space, and hosting events like last weekend’s Malloween and this weekend’s craft fair. While you peruse craft vendors, stop by the grand opening of Sweet Caroline’s, a clothing boutique relocating to Southside from downtown Oneonta. The first 15 visitors to the new storefront receive a free swag bag!
Dazzo’s Kitchen One-Year Anniversary
Saturday, 4 to 6 p.m. | Dazzo’s Kitchen, Oneonta
Dazzo’s is a welcome addition to the culinary landscape of Oneonta with its charming ambiance, attentive staff, and consistently delicious food from a menu that offers something new every few weeks. Chef Eric Randazzo and his partner Danielle have created a high-caliber dining experience and the Otsego Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the restaurant’s successful first year in town with a reception and cocktail hour this weekend.
Green Toad Bookstore’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, 4 to 7 p.m. | Green Toad Bookstore, Oneonta
Photo credit: The Green Toad Bookstore Facebook
Do you know who else we love here in Oneonta? The Green Toad Bookstore. The adjoining doorway between the Green Toad and Latte Lounge is papered with 10th Anniversary Celebration posters promising music and refreshments at this weekend’s event marking a decade of Jim Havener’s ownership of the beloved bookstore that is always stacked with excellent titles, Beekman Boys (aka Beekman 1802) moisturizer, and other gifties.
Postcard Exhibition Fundraiser
Saturday, 6 to 8 p.m. | CANO, Oneonta
CANO is hosting an art opening and fundraiser with postcard-sized original works of art for just $50 that have been donated by some of the area’s artistic luminaries, including Charles Bremer, Christine Alexander, Terry Slade, Diana Cozzens, Terry Fox, and others. It’s a unique opportunity to snag affordable artwork while supporting one of Oneonta’s longest-running and most active arts groups. Stay late for the buy-one, get-one-free deal after 7:30 p.m. The event includes music by DJ Glockabelle, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets start at $15.
Assassins and Villains Concert
Saturday, 7 p.m. | Old Stone Fort Museum, Schoharie
Musicians of Ma'alwyck presents Assassins and Villains, a program of period instrument transcriptions for flute, violin, and guitar of operatic bad guys, including Mozart's Don Giovanni, Rossini's Othello, and Rossini's Semiramide performed at the historic Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie. Musicians of Ma'alwyck are in residence at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and have performed around the northeast and on National Public Radio. Tickets are $15.
Hot Cocoa Run
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. | Neahwa Park, Oneonta
Keep the chocolate flowing this week with not just leftover Halloween candy, but also with hot cocoa after a 1K or 5K jaunt through downtown Oneonta. The Hot Cocoa Run benefits the Arc Otsego’s Helping Hands Fund, which assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Sign up the morning of the race at Neahwa Park. Entry fee starts at $15.
Sunday Brunch Bingo
Sunday, 10 a.m. | Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown
Ommegang’s monthly bingo is a festive time with fast-moving rounds of Bingo, prizes, and beermosas. This event has regulars, so arrive early to get a table. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the games begin at 11 a.m. Regular seating for the taproom opens at 1 p.m.
VOTE
Tuesday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Foothills PAC, Oneonta
Voting is a major part of our democracy here in the U.S.A. and voting in local elections directly affects the quality of life in our community. Get to a voting location and get that sticker! The City of Oneonta’s polling location for all residents is Foothills. The Otsego County Clerk race between Jennifer Basile and MacGuire Benton is probably the highest-profile race. Oneonta residents who live in Wards 3, 5, 7, and 8 will be able to choose between two candidates. The rest of the Council races are unopposed. Early voting is open in Oneonta and Cooperstown through Monday, also.
Social Media Class
Thursday, Monday, and Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5 p.m. | Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Delhi
Delaware County marketing guru and owner of Blue Spark Creative Lisa Wisely will lead three workshops on how to use social media to promote your business. Register for one or all three workshops. The first is focused on social media basics, the second is on branding and content creation, and the third is on advertising and sales metrics. The Roxbury Arts Group-organized workshop is free, but registration is required.
Beginner Belly Dance
Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 6:30 p.m. | Green Earth, Oneonta
Learn the basics of belly dance from Lunachix performer Erika Miller in a welcoming, fun environment in the community room at the Green Earth (enter through the side door). Erika will also be offering a four-week series based on choreography starting Nov. 27 if you’re looking for more of a challenge. Each beginner class is $15.
Spuds Squared at Dazzo’s Kitchen
Spuds Squared is a new menu item that’s a twist on a baked potato at Dazzo’s Kitchen, the stellar new restaurant in the former Foti’s Bakery building. Crispy smashed yukon potatoes are topped with sweet potato and butter puree, feta, fried pancetta, and garlic yogurt. Mmm mmm mmm. Dazzo’s keeps its menu fresh by regularly introducing new plates of mouth parties. My boo and I have taken to sitting at a high top table in the cozy bar area in the back and enjoying aka devouring an appetizer, wood-fired pizzas, and a dessert—the Drunken Applie Pie is another scrumptious seasonal treat that won’t be on the menu forever. Dazzo’s does restauranting so well. The ambiance is cozy and stylish. The service is really good. Chef Eric comes out from behind the open kitchen and talks to guests. The pasta is made from scratch. And then there’s the food. It’s thoughtful and well-made, not to mention consistently delicious. It’s one of my favorite places in Oneonta and I’m glad I moved back to town to become a regular there. It’s also open on Sunday and Monday!
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Townie publishes Wednesday mornings with best bets for the coming week and other tips to enjoy Oneonta and its environs. It is emailed directly to all free and paid subscribers. Make sure to check your spam folder and tag Townie as welcome in your main inbox. Posts are public, so please share with whomever you think might be interested in this content!
Connect with Townie
Know something great in the area? Send me a tip! Email me (Cassandra Miller) at cassandra@culturerally.art or ping me on the socials if you know me :) Also, let me know if there are any inaccuracies and I’ll update the website version of the post, even though the week’s newsletter will not be emailed more than once.
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Townie is self-published and supported by subscribers and a sponsored content program. I do marketing and communications professionally through my business, Culture Rally LLC, and consult with nonprofits, arts organizations, higher education institutions, and individual artists. I made a decision to base my business in Oneonta and I’m excited to work with area organizations so I can continue being a proud townie and creator of Townie.
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