As we head toward the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, we are already looking at various activities we find of interest. We hasten to note that we are able to do this because we not only have finished our Christmas shopping, we have also shipped the appropriate items to those who will not be joining us for the holidays. We must admit that we are feeling rather good about this. Of course, we will feel even better when we actually finish up our Christmas preparations when we mail our annual greeting to family and friends who are not in this area. But that chore is also underway, leaving us the luxury of looking ahead.
Of course, we must admit that even though we enjoy thinking about the many activities, there are always those which we know we will never be able to actually do. Unfortunately, the upcoming Otsego Land Trust 2013 winter events and outings most definitely fall into this category. But it doesn’t mean we don’t find them of interest and worthy of passing on to those who may choose to partake.
On Friday, December 21, “A Star-gazing Winter Solstice Hike” will be held at Brookwood Point, 6000 State Route 80, Cooperstown, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the start of longer days while looking at the stars with a trek at Brookwood Point. Both children and adults are welcome to participate by ski, snowshoe and/or hike. Hot chocolate will be provided. Participants should bring their own gear and dress warmly. There is no charge for this event.
On Saturday, Feb. 16, a “Backyard Bird Identification Hike” will be held at Brookwood Point from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Those participating should bring binoculars to identify and inventory birds found on the property. Local bird experts will guide hikers on methods of identifying birds and help with data collection. All ages are invited to join in this study, which will be submitted to The Great Backyard Bird Count study. This event is also free.
From 1 to 3:00 p.m. Feb. 16, from 1 to 3:00 p.m., “What Birds are in your Backyard?” will be held at the village of Cooperstown Library on Main Street in Cooperstown. Children are invited to attend this event to learn about the variety of birds they can find in their own backyard while creating arts and crafts projects. There is no charge for this event but those wishing to attend should sign up in advance by calling Marcie at (607) 547-2366.
And finally, on Friday, March 8, “Friday Night Fly Tying” will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Milford Central School. Craig Buckbee, fly casting instructor and NY state fishing guide and other experts for the Trout Unlimited Dave Brandt Chapter will guide participants in an introductory course on how to tie their own flies. Children 11 and up are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The cost for this event is $5, which includes pizza and supplies.
All in all, we think the Otsego Land Trust has put together a schedule of interesting events and we certainly hope they will all be well attended.
In a completely different vein, we note the Literary Discussion Group, sponsored by the Women’s Club of Cooperstown, has completed its schedule of meetings as well as its book list for the upcoming year. Their plans are as follows:
January 24: “Caleb’s Crossing:” A Novel by Geraldine Brooks; Feb. 28:
“Mountains Beyond Mountains” by Tracy Kidder; March 28: “This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession” by Daniel J. Levitin; April 25: “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand; May 23: “Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock” by David Margolick; June 27: “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck to be held at the home of Enid Hinkes; July 25: “A Death at the White Camellia Orphanage” by Marly Yeomans to be held at the home of Pat Duncan; Aug. 22: “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand to be held at the home of Catherine Ellsworth; Sept. 26: “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel; Oct. 24: “Out Stealing Horses” by Per Pettersen.
The program for the meeting scheduled for Nov. 21 will be focused on book selection for 2014. All meetings are held at 2:30 p.m. in the village of Cooperstown library unless otherwise noted. No meeting is scheduled for December. All meetings are free and open to the public.
For more information about the Literary Discussion Group please contact Catherine Ellsworth, facilitator, at 547-8124 or by e-mail at cellsworth1@stny.rr.com.
We realize that there are countless other upcoming events scheduled for our area. And it would no doubt be impossible for us to include them all. But we do try to include those which are brought to our attention and which we hope will be of interest to our readers. If anyone has an upcoming event which he or she would like included in the column, please let us know.
PLEASE NOTE: Comments regarding this column may be made by mail at 105 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326, by telephone at 547-8124 or by e-mail at cellsworth1@stny.rr.com
