Blog entries

Baseball Hall of Fame offers Father's Day skills clinic to families

Carol Hall — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:27:12 +0100

Father’s Day Weekend 2012 to Feature Hall of Fame Classic on Saturday, June 16 Popular Legends Game, Parade Leadoff Weekend Salute to Dads, Families November 29, 2011 COOPERSTOWN, NY – The celebration of fathers and families over Father's Day Weekend will return for a fourth consecutive year in 2012, with a shift to the weekend schedule, as the Hall of Fame Classic at Doubleday Field will move from Sunday to Saturday, highlighting a new lineup for Cooperstown's start-of-summer salute to the game's legends. The 2012 Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, will feature six Hall of Famers and more than 20 former major league players at Doubleday Field at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, one day earlier than the event has been played on its traditional Father's Day Sunday in its first three years. The Cooperstown Game Day Parade will lead-off Saturday's festivities at 12 noon on Main Street, featuring the game's participants and dignitaries, and the Classic Hitting Contest will precede the game's first pitch at 1 p.m. Other activities featured throughout Father's Day Weekend at Doubleday Field include a Youth Skills Clinic on Friday afternoon, a roundtable discussion with the participating Hall of Famers on Saturday evening following the Classic, and a family catch on Sunday morning. "We have experienced great success with the Hall of Fame Classic and Classic Weekend in its first three years, with the support of visitors, the game's players, Ford Motor Company, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, and the entire Cooperstown community," said Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. "We listened to visitors about their ability to attend the game on Father's Day, and we believe that the switch to Saturday enables a larger potential pool of families to experience this wonderful Cooperstown tradition. We look forward to building on the successes of the first three Classic events in 2012." The 2012 Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, will once again be hosted in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players' Alumni Association. The Hall of Fame and MLBPAA will also co-host the Friday night Youth Skills Clinic, featuring nearly a dozen former major league stars. Hall of Famers and other participants in the weekend will be announced at a later date. The 2012 Hall of Fame Classic Weekend schedule will include: Friday, June 15 4 p.m. – The Legends for Youth Skills Clinic returns to Doubleday Field as former big leaguers provide on-field advice to children ages 5-12. The Legends for Youth Skills Clinic runs from 4-7 p.m. Registration is free, but must be reserved in advance. Saturday, June 16 Noon – The Hall of Fame Classic Game Day Parade begins on Main Street and features the Hall of Famers and former major leaguers who will play in the Hall of Fame Classic. The Parade ends at Doubleday Field. 1 p.m. – The Hall of Fame Classic Hitting Challenge will match Hall of Fame Classic sluggers against one another as they vie for the title on at Doubleday Field. Admission to the Hitting Challenge is included with a ticket to the Hall of Fame Classic. 2 p.m. – The Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, is a seven-inning legends game featuring Hall of Famers and more than 20 other retired major leaguers. The contest is held at Doubleday Field. 6 p.m. – Have your picture taken with the Hall of Fame legends in attendance at Doubleday Field at the Hall of Fame Member Photo event. A $50 donation in support of the Museum's educational programs will be accepted. 7 p.m. – A special Father's Day Weekend edition of our Voices of the Game series will be held at Doubleday Field. The program starts at 7 p.m. at Doubleday Field, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17 9 - 11 a.m. – In honor of Father's Day, the Hall of Fame will host a "Family Catch" at Doubleday Field to allow parents and kids to enjoy one of baseball's timeless traditions. A limited number of participants can reserve a spot on the field in 20-minute intervals for this free event. Details for tickets and reservations for the 2012 Classic Weekend will be announced soon. Ticket prices for the 2012 Hall of Fame Classic will be $12.50 for 1st and 3rd base seats and $11 for outfield seats. For more information, please call 607-547-0397. A special fundraising opportunity for the Museum will also return for a third year as part of the Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, as the Cooperstown Golf Classic will be held throughout the weekend. Featuring a golf experience with Hall of Fame members, the Golf Classic is an exclusive VIP experience look at the Hall of Fame through the lens of golf, with only 24 spots available for purchase. For pricing information and to reserve your spot, call 607-547-0310. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an independent not-for-profit educational institution, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of baseball and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to our National Pastime. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open seven days a week year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The Museum observes regular hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend. From Memorial Day through the day before Labor Day, the Museum is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Ticket prices are $19.50 for adults (13 and over), $12 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $7 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger. For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.

Hall of Famer Johnny Bench to Share Stories of His Legendary Career on Labor Day at Baseball ...

Carol Hall — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:38:12 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 25, 2011

Hall of Famer Johnny Bench to Share Stories of His Legendary Career on Labor Day at Museum
-- Free with Museum Admission at 2 p.m. on Sept. 5 --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Johnny Bench seemed destined for Cooperstown from the earliest days of his big league career.

Today – more than 40 seasons after Bench’s debut and more than 20 years since his Hall of Fame election – Cooperstown remains regular destination for one of the game’s iconic players.

Bench will share stories from his career during a special 2 p.m. Labor Day Voices of the Game event at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The program at the Museum’s Grandstand Theater is free with paid Museum admission, though fans must reserve a free ticket in advance to gain admission to the Voices of the Game program. Tickets can be reserved by calling 607-547-0397 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Bench, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee, is a two-time National League Most Valuable Player and a 14-time All-Star. In Spring Training of 1969 before his second full year in the majors, Bench received a signed baseball from Hall of Famer Ted Williams that read: “To Johnny Bench, a sure Hall of Famer.”

Bench is appearing in Cooperstown as the celebrity host for the 29th Annual Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open and Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Sept. 6-9 at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. Bench will participate in the Sept. 6 Pro-Am, while nearly 100 top pros from around the country will compete in the Seniors Open, which runs Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 7-9.

As the Pro-Am emcee, Bench will be featured throughout the Tuesday Pro-Am and fundraiser dinner. The golf event begins with an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start. For more information on the Pro-Am, please visit www.pathfindervillage.org .

Proceeds from this event benefit PathfinderVillage – located in nearby Edmeston – a residential community dedicated to children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Annually, the Seniors Open raises more than $50,000 for scholarships for PathfinderVillage and directly helps the Village’s 90-plus residents. More than $1.5 million has been raised for PathfinderVillage through the years.

Proceeds also benefit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum educational programs, which enables the world-famous Museum to fulfill its educational mission and care for its priceless collections.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open seven days a week year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Museum observes summer hours of 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend until the day before Labor Day. From Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend, the Museum observes daily regular hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $19.50 for adults (13 and over), $12 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $7 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger. For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Latest Eco-Bulletin from the Otsego County Conservation Association - Aug 23, 2011

Carol Hall — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:10:46 +0100

ECO-BULLETIN FROM OTSEGO COUNTY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

August 23, 2011: Vol. 4, No. 19

Eco-bulletin headlines this issue:

METHODS OF SHORELINE PROTECTION, PERMITTING PROCESS TOPIC OF OPEN MEETING

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY COLLECTION

OCCA COMMENTS ON PROPOSED SRBC RULE CHANGES, DRAFT SGEIS COMMENT PERIOD

HELP SOUGHT FOR FINAL WATER CHESTNUT ERADICATION OUTINGS OF THE SEASON

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE THROUGH OCCA AND SWCD

OCCA VICE-PRESIDENT TO BE HONORED AT SRBC MEETING NEXT MONTH

METHODS OF SHORELINE PROTECTION, PERMITTING PROCESS TOPIC OF OPEN MEETING: The Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee will host a talk this month which focuses on shoreline protection for lakeside landowners. Andy Dangler and George Casey, United States Army Corps of Engineers, along with Steve Swenson and Mike Clark, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will discuss preferred methods of shoreline protection and the joint permitting process. The information will benefit both lakeside residents who would like to address their shoreline issues and private contractors who typically perform this type of work. The WQCC meeting, which begins at 1 p.m. in Classroom A on Wednesday, August 31, will be hosted by the Otsego County Planning Department at The Meadows Office Building, 140 County Highway 33W, approximately five miles south of Cooperstown. This event is free and open to the public; pre-registration is required by Monday, August 29. Those interested in attending should e-mail OCCA Acting Executive Director Darla M. Youngs at admin@occainfo.org or call (607) 547-4488. This event is made possible thanks to the Otsego County WQCC which, in order to better satisfy the educational component of its mission, has restructured its monthly meetings to include public information sessions. The OCWQCC was established in 1992 as a sub-committee of the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is comprised of a diverse group of people representing state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and lake associations. These members have technical expertise and knowledge and are committed to working to improve and maintain the quality of water in Otsego County through the reduction of nonpoint source pollution within its boundaries. For more information on the WQCC, visit www.otsegosoilandwater.com/waterqualitycc.html. OCCA is a WQCC member organization.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY COLLECTION: Pharmaceuticals, paint, chemicals, propane tanks and car batteries are only a few of the things that are being collected at the 14th annual Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day Collection, to be held on Saturday, September 17. The collection site is at The Meadows Office Building on County Route 33W next to the Otsego County Jail. More information and registration will be available by calling 607-547-4228 after September 1st. Volunteers are needed to help recycle latex paint for reuse and to unload vehicles. Please call Martha Clarvoe, Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) special projects manager, at (607)547-4020 or e-mail martha.clarvoe@gmail.com. Volunteer shifts are 7:30-11:00am or 11:00am-2:00pm.

OCCA COMMENTS ON PROPOSED SRBC RULE CHANGES, DRAFT SGEIS COMMENT PERIOD: The Otsego County Conservation Association today filed formal comments on proposed changes in rulemaking by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the current public comment period on the state’s revised Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on the Oil Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program. With regard to water use and withdrawal project rule changes approved on June 23, OCCA asked that the SRBC further consider the possible risks posed by unconventional gas drilling and related development to clean water, aquatic life, and human health before adopting the proposed changes to 18 CFR Part 806. In a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens, OCCA has asked that DEC ensure a transparent and accessible public comment period on the dSGEIS, with ample time and opportunity for the public to weigh in on this important document.

HELP SOUGHT FOR FINAL WATER CHESTNUT ERADICATION OUTINGS OF THE SEASON: For the past five years, the Otsego County Conservation Association and Goodyear Lake Association have been vigorously battling an invasive plant, the water chestnut, as it spreads throughout the northern part of Goodyear Lake. It has been estimated that without this initiative, the northern portion of the lake (the stump lot) would be completely covered by water chestnut in less than five years. This season, OCCA and GLA have one two day hand-harvesting session remaining on September 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering for this effort should call and leave contact information with Bruce Shultis of the Goodyear Lake Association, 432-8698, or with OCCA, 547-4488. Volunteers will meet at the Route 28 pull-off in Portlandville, just south of Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales, at the appointed time each day. Gloves are suggested and canoes and johnboats are available. Those in need of a boat are asked to call to register so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Lake area residents who would prefer to boat over to the stump lot are encouraged to do so.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE THROUGH OCCA AND SWCD: The Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District has asked the Otsego County Conservation Association for assistance in recruiting interns to assist in twice monthly monitoring of 50 streams within the county. This is a volunteer position without compensation, but credit hours will be accrued as allowable. Training will be provided. Job duties include: To act alone, or as part of a team, to visit 50 sites throughout Otsego County and directly measure and record (electronically and by hand) conductivity, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids and time/date data. Data will be collected with a YSI Professional Series probe (to be kept at the SWCD office). The selected individual(s) will be responsible for proper calibration of the unit prior to use as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The selected individual(s) will be responsible for regular downloading of data and assist in its compilation and analysis. Total time required to collect all data is approximately two, eight hours days. The selected individual(s) will visit all sites within a 12-15 day interval. The selected individual(s) will be trained by SWCD staff and will follow the prescribed protocols for collection and safety. The selected individual(s) will hold a valid and clean New York State drivers license and be subject to the vehicle usage & responsibility portions of the District Personnel Policy. The selected individual(s) will be representing the District, and will be expected to present and comport themselves in a professional manner. For further details, e-mail Darla M. Youngs at admin@occainfo.org

OCCA VICE-PRESIDENT TO BE HONORED AT SRBC MEETING NEXT MONTH: On Thursday, September 15 at 8:30 a.m., the Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a meeting and public hearing at Country Inn & Suites Cooperstown, 4470 State Highway 28, Milford. In addition to the public hearing, its related action items, and other presentations, Dr. Willard N. Harman will receive the Maurice K. Goddard Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of water management. Harman is director of the SUNY-Oneonta Biological Field Station, Rufus J. Thayer Chair for Otsego Lake Research, a Distinguished Service Professor of Biology, and vice-president and past president of OCCA.

OCCA needs your help to keep fighting the threats to our natural resources. Got a minute? Visit our website and look at everything else OCCA is doing – and please consider an online donation whenever you can. Click on www.occainfo.org and look for the Network for Good logo at the top right of the home page.

Darla M. Youngs, Acting Executive Director

Otsego County Conservation Association

101 Main Street, PO Box 931

Cooperstown, NY 13326

(607) 547-4488; www.occainfo.org

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Top Senior Pro Golfers Return to Cooperstown for 29th Annual Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open, Sept. 6-9

Carol Hall — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:47:48 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 16, 2011

Top Senior Pro Golfers Return to Cooperstown for 29th Annual Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open, Sept. 6-9

-- Hall of Famer Johnny Bench to Serve as Celebrity Host;Proceeds Benefit Pathfinder Village --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Cooperstown is where baseball’s heart beats the strongest every day of the year.

But for one week in September, some of the top senior golfers in the country help turn the home of baseball into a golfer’s paradise at the Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open.

The 29th Annual Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open and Pro-Am Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 6-9 at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. Proceeds from this event benefit Pathfinder Village – located in nearby Edmeston – a residential community dedicated to children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Annually, the Seniors Open raises more than $50,000 for scholarships for Pathfinder Village and directly helps the Village’s 90-plus residents. More than $1.5 million has been raised for Pathfinder Village through the years.

Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, the former Cincinnati Reds backstop who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989, will be the celebrity host at the 29th Annual Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open and Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

Bench, a two-time National League Most Valuable Player and 14-time All-Star, will serve as host of the Pro-Am Sept. 6 and play during the tournament, as well as speak at the evening dinner following the event. The Pro-Am teams feature four amateurs and one professional in a two-man, best-ball format that begins with an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start. For more information on the Pro-Am or to reserve a spot, please visit www.pathfindervillage.org .

“Johnny Bench is a long-time supporter of the Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open, and we are so grateful that he will be in Cooperstown to support this wonderful event,” said Dan Spooner, Leatherstocking’s host golf professional and co-chair of the event, along with Daryl Forsythe, chairman of NBT Bancorp, Inc. “The Seniors Open attracts many of the top senior PGA club professionals from throughout the country, and we are thrilled that Johnny – who is a very talented golfer – will be a part of the action.”

The Otesaga Resort Hotel is the tournament’s title sponsor and has been instrumental in the tournament’s success. Located on the shores of beautiful Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, the Otesaga Resort Hotel has been selected as a “Historic Hotel of America” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The presenting sponsor for the 2011 tournament is NBT Bank.

Platinum sponsors for the 2011 tournament are Coca-Cola Refreshments and Strategic Financial Services, LLC, of Utica.

The three-day 2011 Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open runs Wednesday, Sept. 7 through Friday, Sept. 9. The Seniors Open is one of the country’s top non-PGA tournaments, featuring nearly 100 pros. Overlooking picturesque Otsego Lake, the Otesaga Hotel’s Leatherstocking Golf Course is considered one of the East’s most scenic and historic par-72 layouts. Designed by the legendary Devereux Emmet in 1909, Leatherstocking has been rated “four stars” by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.”

In addition to Pathfinder Village, proceeds from the tournament also benefit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s educational programs, which enable the world-famous Museum to fulfill its educational mission and care for its collections.

In 2010, Ed Whitman of Blairstown, N.J., won the Seniors Open with a three-day total of 202. The complete list of former champions: 2009: Jeff Roth; 2008: Jerry Tucker; 2007: Scott Spence; 2006: Bobby Heins; 2005: Darrell Kestner; 2004: John Gentile; 2003: Lonnie Nielsen; 2002: Dan Wood; 2001: John Traub; 2000: Paul Parjeckas; 1999: Marty Bohen; 1998: Tony Perla; 1997: John Gentile; 1996: Austin Straub; 1995: Tom Joyce; 1994: Tom Joyce; 1993: Ray Montgomery; 1992: Dave Philo; 1991: Tom Joyce; 1990: Jim Albus; 1989: Dick Sarta; 1988: Pete Hessemer; 1987: Doug Dalziel; 1986: Bob Bruno; 1985: Richard Howell; 1984: Rolland Stafford; 1983: Donald Hoenig.

For more information on the Seniors Open, please contact the Leatherstocking Golf Course at 607-547-9931.

For more information on the Pro-Am portion of the tournament, please call PathfinderVillage at 607-965-8377, ext. 116.

From Our Friends at The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival

Carol Hall — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:47:53 +0100

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival continues through August 28:

The American String Quartet performs with Linda Chesis on August 15 at 7:30 pm at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. The American, which is celebrating its 35th season, has been hailed for its “luxurious, beautifully sculptured performances,” by The New York Times. Quartet members are Peter Winograd and Laurie Carney, violin; Daniel Avshalomov, viola; and Wolfram Koessel, cello. They will perform works by Haydn, Ravel and Ries.

Haydn Quartet in G Major, Op. 77, No. 1
Ries Flute Quartet, from Op. 145
Ravel String Quartet in F Major

The East Coast Chamber Orchestra performs August 21 at 3 pm at the Otesaga Resort Hotel. The 14-member strong ECCO combines the power of a great orchestral ensemble with the sensitivity of a superb chamber music ensemble. ECCO will perform works by Mozart, Elgar, Bartok, and Corelli.

Mozart Divertimento in F Major K 138
Elgar Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Opus 20
Jennifer Higdon String
Bartok Divertimento
Corelli/Geminiani (arr. M. Wiancko) La Follia Variations

The Festival finale is August 28 at The Farmers’ Museum with the Juilliard String Quartet performing works by Haydn, Martino and Beethoven. Earlier this year the Recording Academy presented the JSQ with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. They are the first classical ensemble to be honored in this way. The members of the Juilliard String Quartet are: violinist Joseph Lin, who joined the quartet earlier this year, violinist Ronald Copes (quartet member since 1997), violist Samuel Rhodes (1969), and cellist Joel Krosnick (1974).

Haydn Quartet in G Major, Op. 54, No. 1

Donald Martino Quartet No. 5

Beethoven Op. 130 with Grosse Fuge

Festival Venues

Concerts are held at the Otesaga Resort Hotel on 15, and 21, and at The Farmers’ Museum on August 10 and 28. Both venues seat less than 300 people.

The Farmer’s Museum is located at 5775 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY. Festival concerts are held in the museum’s Louis C. Jones Center, a renovated stone barn known for its excellent acoustics.

The Otesaga Resort Hotel is located at 60 Lake Street in Cooperstown.

Tickets and Information
Ticket prices have been reduced for 2011. Tickets can be ordered online, www.CooperstownMusicFest.org, or by calling the box office service Brown Paper Tickets, 800/838-3006. Tickets will be sold at the door, as available.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students (6-18).

To find out more about the season, go to www.CooperstownMusicFest.org, call the Festival at 877/666-7421, or email info@CooperstownMusicFest.org.

Cooperstown Summer Music Festival
PO Box 230
Cooperstown, NY 13326
877.666.7421

www.CooperstownMusicFest.org

Congress Announces National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act

Carol Hall — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:04:29 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2011

Congress Announces National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act

-- Congressmen Hanna, Barton and Doyle Sponsor Legislation Authorizing United States Mint to Produce Coin Honoring Museum’s 75th Anniversary in 2014--

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has spent the last seven decades celebrating and honoring the history of the National Pastime.

Today, the United States Congress announced legislation that will celebrate and honor the 75th anniversary of the Hall of Fame through the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act.

Under a bill introduced by Congressman Richard Hanna (R-Barneveld), whose 24th District includes Cooperstown, N.Y., the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the production of an official United States Mint Commemorative Coin featuring the Baseball Hall of Fame. The coins, which are legal tender but produced in limited quantity, will become available in 2014 – marking the 75th anniversary of the June 12, 1939 opening of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

“The National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act unites every fan of the game in celebrating the timelessness of America's pastime,” said Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “As the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2014, the Coin Act will connect every generation in commemorating the impact Cooperstown has had on the national landscape, honoring our baseball heroes while educating future generations on the historical significance of the game and its lore.

“We are thankful to the House for acknowledging the impact of our institutional mission across generations. Thank you to Rep. Hanna for introducing a bill that will allow every fan to join the milestone anniversary and help support future educational outreach for an American shrine.”

Congressman Hanna noted, “Baseball is the quintessential American pastime with roots in Upstate New York. As a past 10-year resident of Cooperstown, it is a privilege for me to facilitate this long-overdue honor for the baseball community throughout the world. This cost-free legislation with overwhelmingly bipartisan support proves that the love of baseball – our national pastime – is a common bond.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Congressmen Joe Barton of Texas and Michael Doyle of Pennsylvania, managers of the Republican and Democrat Congressional Baseball Teams, respectively. Showing bi-partisan support for America’s National Pastime, more than 290 members of Congress signed on to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. The bill is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives before the August recess.

Congressman Barton observed, “I grew up playing baseball and dreaming of playing in the Major Leagues – maybe even making it to the Hall of Fame. But instead of being elected to the Hall, I was elected to Congress. Instead of striking out big leaguers, I struck out my colleagues as a pitcher in the Congressional Baseball Game.

“Baseball has a special place in America and I am happy to be an original co-sponsor of the Hall of Fame Coin. I support the Hall’s mission to preserve the special moments of our national pastime and can’t think of a better way to commemorate the Hall of Fame’s 75th Anniversary,” Congressman Doyle stated, “Baseball is a great part of America’s history and tradition. It’s a sport that millions of Americans enjoy both watching and playing.

“The Baseball Hall of Fame does a fantastic job of preserving the sport’s history, recognizing the best Major League players of all time, and educating and inspiring new generations about the game.As manager of the Democratic Congressional Baseball Team and a life-long fan of baseball, I’m honored to be one of the cosponsors of this bill to recognize and raise public awareness about the Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Congress may enact only two Commemorative Coin Acts per year, authorizing the production of coins that celebrate and honor American people, places, events and institutions. As well as commemorating important aspects of American history and culture, these coins help raise money for important causes. Part of the price of these coins is a surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community.

Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the United States Mint has raised over $418,000,000 in surcharges to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington's home, support various Olympic programs, and much more.

“Baseball remains the lifeblood of our great nation, with the game regenerating legends with every passing year,” said Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Thursday night’s Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Stadium in Washington, D.C. “It is an honor to be associated with this important legislation, and both parties should be commended for honoring Cooperstown and the preservation of baseball history for 75 years.”

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an independent not-for-profit educational institution, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of baseball and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to our National Pastime.

The Museum's collections contain more than 38,000 three-dimensional artifacts representing all facets of the game, from its inception in the mid-19th century to present. Three-dimensional artifacts include bats, baseballs, uniforms, player equipment, ballpark artifacts, awards, artwork, textiles, tickets, collectibles and assorted memorabilia. In addition, the Institution’s archives contain in excess of 135,000 baseball cards and three million Library items, including photographs, books, magazines, newspaper clippings, films, video and audio tapes.

Located on Main Street in the heart of picturesque Cooperstown, New York, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the country’s major tourist destinations and is surely the best-known sports shrine in the world. Opening its doors for the first time on June 12, 1939, the Hall of Fame has stood as the definitive repository of the game’s treasures and as a symbol of the most profound individual honor bestowed on an athlete. It is every fan’s "Field of Dreams," with its stories, legends and magic to be passed on from generation to generation.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Relive Hall of Fame Weekend Journey Through Inductee Memories at Voices of the Game Event

Carol Hall — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:11:32 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2011

Relive Hall of Fame Weekend Journey Through Inductee Memories at Voices of the Game Event

-- Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven and Pat Gillick to Share Memories on Monday, July 25 Following Hall of Fame Enshrinement --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – The memories of the greatest weekend of their lives will be fresh in their minds, and the emotion of the moment will fill their hearts.

For Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven and Pat Gillick, it will be a chance to reminisce about the crowning achievement in their baseball careers. For the lucky fans at the Clark Sports Center for the July 25 Voices of the Game program, it will be an unforgettable brush with baseball history.

Alomar, Blyleven and Gillick – the Class of 2011 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame – will relive memories of their baseball careers as well as recap the Induction Weekend during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Voices of the Game roundtable at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 25 – the day after they are formally inducted into the Hall of Fame. The event will be held at the site of the Induction Ceremony, the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12, and participants in the Hall of Fame’s Membership Program can reserve tickets now by calling 607-547-0397. Non-Members can reserve any remaining tickets starting July 18.

The annual Voices of the Game event is just part of an action-packed Hall of Fame Weekend at the Baseball Hall of Fame – highlighted by the inductions of Alomar, Blyleven and Gillick as the Class of 2011 at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 24. Admission to the Induction Ceremony is free. A complete list of Hall of Fame Weekend activities is available at baseballhall.org.

The 2011 Induction Ceremony will feature 56 Hall of Fame members in attendance, and will feature the speeches of the three newest members, on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. The Ceremony will be televised live on MLB Network, broadcast nationally on Sirius XM Radio Home Plate Channel 175 and will be available via a webcast at www.baseballhall.org.

Museum members receive free admission to the Museum, as well as access to exclusive programs, such as the Voices of the Game Series. Additionally, members receive a subscription to the Hall of Fame's bi-monthly magazine, Memories and Dreams, the 2011 Hall of Fame yearbook and a 10% discount and free shipping on retail purchases. For information on becoming a member, please visit www.baseballhall.org or call 607-547-0397.

The Museum maintains the following Hall of Fame Weekend hours: Friday, July 23: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 24: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 25: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Monday, July 26: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Advance tickets are not necessary but are available by contacting the Hall of Fame at 888-425-5633. For Hall of Fame Members, doors open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 8 a.m. on Monday. As always, Hall of Fame Members receive free admission. A special Members’ only entrance eliminates the need to wait in line. Interested parties may enroll in the membership program in advance or at the Museum.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith July 22 in Cooperstown

Carol Hall — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:50:43 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 6, 2011

The Wizard Covers the Bases in Benefiting Museum’s Education Outreach with the 10th Edition of

Hall of Fame Weekend Favorite PLAY Ball

-- New Format for 2011 Features Ozzie Smith and Special Guests Rod Carew, Andre Dawson and Whitey Herzog at the Museum’s Annual Education Fundraiser, July 22--

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – His spectacular plays at shortstop are still the stuff of highlight reels, making Ozzie Smith one of the game’s authorities on the subject of defense.

But when “The Wizard” takes the field Hall of Fame Weekend for the annual PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith event in Cooperstown, he’ll also share tips on hitting, managing and all-around play – thanks to a little help from his Hall of Fame friends – in the name of helping the Museum’s educational programs and internship scholarships.

Smith, the Hall of Fame’s Education Ambassador, will host PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith on Friday, July 22 from 8 a.m. until noon in Cooperstown to give fans a unique chance to experience on-field moments and stories with Hall of Fame members. Ozzie will welcome fellow Hall of Famers Rod Carew, Andre Dawson and Whitey Herzog as his guests to the event in 2011.

Since hosting the event annually beginning in 2002, Ozzie Smith has helped raise more than $100,000 for the Museum’s educational outreach programs and the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarships, presented annually to members of the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development. Smith, a 13-time Gold Glove Award winner, will lead the PLAY Ball event for the 10th consecutive year.

Carew, a seven-time American League batting champion, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1991. Dawson, one of two Hall of Famers – along with Willie Mays – with at least 400 career home runs and 300 career steals, will be joined at PLAY Ball by fellow Class of 2010 member Herzog, who managed six division winners, three NL pennant squads and the 1982 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Participants in PLAY Ball each receive on-field round-robin interaction with the Hall of Famers along with special mementos to commemorate their experience. The event will begin at 8 a.m. July 22 with an exclusive morning reception in the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery with Ozzie and his Hall of Fame friends. Following photos, stories and interaction with their Hall of Fame guides, PLAY Ball participants will hit the field at a Cooperstown-area diamond, where they will receive two hours of instruction along with non-stop interaction from some of the greatest players and strategists the game has known.

PLAY Ball is part of the July 22-25 Hall of Fame Weekend activities that will be highlighted by the July 24 Induction Ceremony when Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven and Pat Gillick will be enshrined as the Class of 2011.

A limited number of spaces for PLAY Ball remain, and a reservation is required. Event pricing is $450 for Members, $600 for non-Members. Members may reserve spots now by calling 607-547-0397. For more information on Membership, please visit www.baseballhall.org .

The Museum maintains the following Hall of Fame Weekend hours: Friday, July 22: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 23: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 24: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Monday, July 26: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Advance tickets are not necessary but are available by contacting the Hall of Fame at 888-425-5633. For Hall of Fame Members, doors open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. As always, Hall of Fame Members receive free admission. A special Members’ only entrance eliminates the need to wait in line. Interested parties may enroll in the Membership Program in advance or at the Museum.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Eco-Bulletin from Otsego County Conservation Association - 7/1/11

Carol Hall — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:05:21 +0100

ECO-BULLETIN FROM OTSEGO COUNTY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

July 1, 2011: Vol. 4, No. 14

Eco-bulletin headlines this issue:

LAKE CHALLENGE DINNER HONORING THE HAGERS IS NEXT FRIDAY

TEDESCO, DEROSA LEAD LORDSLAND HIKE TOMORROW

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WATER CHESTNUT HAND-HARVESTING

LAKE CHALLENGE DINNER HONORING THE HAGERS IS NEXT FRIDAY: On Friday, July 8, the Otsego County Conservation Association will host a dinner honoring Susanna and Lou Hager at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown. This event recognizes the important role played by the Hagers as co-chairs of OCCA’s successful Otsego Lake Challenge Campaign and as long-time stewards of Otsego Lake. If you are planning to attend and/or donate toward lake programming but have not returned your reply card, please do so as soon as possible. Thanks to the Susanna and Lou Hager Matching Challenge Grant, the Hagers were integral in the success of the Lake Challenge. Since 2008, Lake Challenge funds have supported more than $300,000 in major Otsego Lake and Upper Susquehanna Watershed initiatives, including the septic system management plan, zebra mussel control, boat inspections, interns for lake research, riparian buffers, walleye stocking to control the invasive alewife, barnyard water management projects, lake monitoring, and public education. Dinner proceeds will help ensure the continuation of these efforts, which are essential to water quality protection, in 2012 and beyond.

TEDESCO, DEROSA LEAD LORDSLAND HIKE TOMORROW: On Saturday, July 2 at 10 a.m., botanist Connie Tedesco and former OCCA Board member Richard deRosa will lead a hike at The Nature Conservancy’s Lordsland Preserve, located near Roseboom. This mildly strenuous hike will take 1-2 hours, crossing through some of the preserve’s woodlands. Ferns and unusual wetland plants will be identified along the way. Participants should meet at the parking area on Doc Ahlers Road – for more information, call 547-4488. Since 2001, OCCA has organized and/or co-sponsored nature walks on local trails. Other confirmed dates, venues and hike leaders for 2011 are: July 9, Hooker Mountain State Forest, Terry Bliss; August 6, Milford State Forest, Dave Kiehm; August 13, Sleeping Lion Trail at Glimmerglass State Park, park staff; September 10, Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, Joe Ritton; October 23, The Robert V. Riddell State Park, Trish and Steve Kent; and January 15, 2012, The Robert V. Riddell State Park, snowshoe hike with the Kents. For a complete hike schedule, details and directions, visit http://occainfo.org/documents/NatureWalksposter2011.pdf or e-mail admin@occainfo.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WATER CHESTNUT HAND-HARVESTING: For the past five years, the Otsego County Conservation Association and Goodyear Lake Association have been vigorously battling an invasive plant, the water chestnut, as it spreads throughout the northern part of Goodyear Lake. It has been estimated that without this initiative, the northern portion of the lake (the stump lot) would be completely covered by water chestnut in less than five years. This season, OCCA and GLA are organizing five hand-harvesting efforts: June 17-18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; July 15-16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; August 19-20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and September 16-17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering for this effort should call and leave contact information with Bruce Shultis of the Goodyear Lake Association, 432-8698, or with Tavis Austin at OCCA, 547-4488. Volunteers will meet at the Route 28 pull-off in Portlandville, just south of Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales, at the appointed time each day. Gloves are suggested and canoes and johnboats are available. Those in need of a boat are asked to call to register so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Lake area residents who would prefer to boat over to the stump lot are encouraged to do so.

Darla M. Youngs, Acting Executive Director

Otsego County Conservation Association

101 Main Street, PO Box 931

Cooperstown, NY 13326

(607) 547-4488; www.occainfo.org

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Alomar, Blyleven, Gillick Inductions Highlight Hall of Fame Weekend 2011, July 22-25

Carol Hall — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:53:18 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2011

Alomar, Blyleven, Gillick Inductions Highlight Hall of Fame Weekend 2011, July 22-25

-- Cooperstown Weekend Honors 12-Time All-Star Second Baseman, Curveball Master and Three-Time World Series-Winning General Manager, with Activities, New Celebrations --

(COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.) – In less than four weeks, the eyes of the baseball world will once again be focused on Cooperstown, N.Y., for baseball’s most exciting weekend.

With several fan-friendly changes in this year’s lineup, Hall of Fame Weekend 2011 promises to be a spectacular experience for fans with a full slate of family events, baseball entertainment, and exclusive opportunities comprising a classic American weekend, July 22-25.

More than four dozen Hall of Famers are scheduled to return, with the full list of returnees to be announced July 5, to honor the Class of 2011 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, honoring the three newest members, will be held Sunday, July 24, at 1:30 p.m. EDT at the ClarkSports Center.

Two electees emerged from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America vote in January – 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winning second baseman Roberto Alomar, and curveball master and 287-game winner Bert Blyleven. The December 2010 Expansion Era Committee election produced one electee for induction: Former Blue Jays, Orioles, Mariners and Phillies general manager Pat Gillick.

The Induction Ceremony will be shown live on MLB Network, which is available in more than 50 million homes nationwide. This year’s Hall of Fame Weekend will feature two new events: The Hall of Fame Spotlight Series and the Hall of Fame Awards Presentation, both of which will be held on Saturday, July 23 at Doubleday Field.

The Hall of Fame Spotlight Series, which will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on July 23, will bring several Hall of Famers to Doubleday Field to participate in interactive discussions on a variety of topics. The Hall of Fame Awards Presentation will be held at 4:30 p.m. on July 23 at Doubleday Field and will feature the presentation of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters to Dave Van Horne, the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for writers to Bill Conlin and the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award to Roland Hemond, as well as the performance of singer/songwriter Terry Cashman on the 30th anniversary of his baseball classic, Talkin’ Baseball.

Also on Saturday, July 23, the Hall of Fame Parade of Legends, a smash hit in its rookie season of 2010, returns for a second year to provide fans with more thrills. Hall of Famers will ride down Main Street in trucks provided by Ford Motor Company en route to a private reception at the Museum during the 6 p.m. parade, with the staging for this year’s Parade to take place at Doubleday Field, immediately following the new presentation.

The Sunday, July 24 Induction Ceremony will take place on the grounds outside of the Clark Sports Center, which is located on lower Susquehanna Avenue, unless severe weather cancels the event. Located just one mile south of the Hall of Fame, the short walk provides a picturesque view of the homes of Cooperstown. Please note that professional interpreters will be provided for the hearing impaired. The event will be held outdoors rain or shine.

The Ceremony is expected to last two hours. Seating for the event is unlimited and free of charge. A blanket or lawn chair is recommended for comfortable viewing. As the weather in Cooperstown can be quite warm in July, it is recommended that visitors bring a cap and sunscreen. Ball caps, Yearbooks and Museum membership packages are available for purchase at the Induction site. Refreshments are sold at the site and water is provided complimentary to visitors.

Seating for the new Awards Presentation is free of charge and open to the general public. The one-hour ceremony will follow the free and open seating for the Hall of Fame Spotlight Series throughout the day on Saturday.

Family activities scheduled throughout Hall of Fame Weekend 2011 include the following special events:

Hall of Fame Weekend Events

Friday, July 22 PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith & special guests, Plaque Gallery and On Field

(with Rod Carew, Andre Dawson and Whitey Herzog) 8 a.m.

Saturday, July 23 Hall of Fame Spotlight Series, Doubleday Field 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Featuring discussions and interactive events with Hall of Famers

Hall of Fame Awards Presentation, Doubleday Field 4:30 p.m.

Hall of Fame Parade of Legends, Main Street 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 24 Induction Ceremony, ClarkSports Center 1:30 p.m.

Monday, July 25 Voices of the Game – Inductee Memories: Clark Sports Center 10:30 a.m.

Featuring Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven and Pat Gillick

PLAY Ball with Ozzie Smith - special guests Rod Carew, Andre Dawson and Whitey Herzog: Ozzie Smith returns in a fundraiser for the Hall of Fame’s education and public programs with a unique opportunity for fans, featuring fellow Hall of Famers Rod Carew, Andre Dawson and Whitey Herzog. This two-hour event features non-stop interaction at each station with a living legend and includes special mementos. Spaces are limited to 40 participants. The donation is $600 per person, with Hall of Fame Members admitted for $450. To reserve your spot, please call 607-547-0397. 8 a.m., Friday.

Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: The brand new Hall of Fame Spotlight Series will feature discussions about writers and broadcasters, managing the game, the art of pitching and the rare combination of power and speed. Several Hall of Famers are scheduled to appear in programs throughout the day, with guests to be announced soon. The Spotlight Series is free and open to the public. Doubleday Field, 11 a.m. -3 p.m., Saturday.

Hall of Fame Parade of Legends: Join the pageantry and excitement as the Hall of Famers ride in trucks provided by Ford Motor Company down Main Street on their way to a private reception at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Staging for the Parade takes place at Doubleday Field and fans are encouraged to attend the Awards Presentation prior to making their way to the Parade. Main Street, 6 p.m., Saturday.

Voices of the Game: Inductee Memories: The Hall of Fame’s newest members, Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven and Pat Gillick, participate in a Voices of the Game event. This event is for Members only and tickets are currently available by visiting the Membership desk in the Museum or by calling 607-547-0397. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12. ClarkSportsCenter, 10:30 a.m., Monday.

The Class of 2011 features two of the most dominant players any era and one of the great general managers of all time. All three inductees are living.

Alomar, a second baseman with the Padres, Blue Jays, Orioles, Indians, Mets, Diamondbacks and White Sox, was named on 90.0 percent of ballots cast on his second try on the BBWAA ballot, becoming the 26th player to garner at least 90 percent of the vote in any election. Alomar was listed on 523 ballots, the third-highest total of all time.

Blyleven, a pitcher with the Twins, Rangers, Pirates, Indians and Angels, was named on 79.7 percent of ballots, earning election by 27 votes in his next-to-last year of BBWAA eligibility. Blyleven was named on 463 ballots after falling just five votes short of election in 2010.

A masterful team builder whose clubs posted winning records in 20 of his 27 seasons as a general manager, Gillick received 81.3 percent of the vote from the Expansion Era Committee after being named on 13 of a possible 12 ballots.

The 2011 Award winners will receive their recognition and deliver brief speeches during the Awards Presentation on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Doubleday Field.

Van Horne, longtime voice of the Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins, will be presented with the 2011 Ford C. Frick Award for major contributions to baseball broadcasting. Conlin, who has covered the Philadelphia Phillies as a beat writer and columnist for more than 40 years, will be honored with the 2011 J.G. Taylor Spink award for meritorious contributions to baseball writing, presented by the BBWAA. Hemond, who revolutionized front-office strategy in a seven-decade career in baseball, will be presented with the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. The Awards Ceremony will feature a performance by singer/songwriter Terry Cashman, whose timeless classic “Talkin’ Baseball (Willie, Mickey and The Duke)” – which was released 30 years ago – paid homage to the three great New York centerfielders of the 1950s as well as naming a total of 20 Hall of Famers.

Hall of Fame Members are afforded special opportunities throughout the Weekend. As a not-for-profit educational institution, membership support advances the Museum's programs and aids in the preservation of artifacts and archival materials that document the rich history of America's game. Additionally, membership packages are wonderful and unique gifts for friends and family. Members enjoy many privileges, including free admission to the Hall of Fame year-round. To learn more about the program and its many benefits, please visit baseballhall.org.

Additional Hall of Fame Weekend Privileges

· Free admission to the Museum throughout the year

· A special members-only entrance to the Hall of Fame to avoid long lines
Exclusive early access to the Museum on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
VIP reserved seating for the Induction for Benefactor and President's Circle Members
Exclusive access to the Legends Series Monday
Transportation provided to and from the Museum for special Weekend events

The Museum maintains the following Hall of Fame Weekend hours: Friday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Monday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Advance tickets are not necessary but are available by contacting the Hall of Fame at 888-425-5633. For Hall of Fame Members, doors open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and at 8 a.m. on Monday. As always, Hall of Fame Members receive free admission. A special Members’ only entrance eliminates the need to wait in line. Interested parties may enroll in the membership program in advance or at the Museum.

Parking will be extremely limited in Cooperstown during Hall of Fame Weekend. As is the case throughout the summer, the village will make parking and trolley service available at three trolley lots in Cooperstown. The Cooperstown Trolley will provide transit to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Doubleday Field from three different locations: the Blue Lot on Route 28, south of Cooperstown; the Red Lot on Route 28 (Glen Avenue) at Maple Street; and the Yellow Lot on Route 80 at the upper parking lot of the FenimoreArt Museum. All-day passes are available for $5 per adult and free for children 12 and under.

If you need help with accommodations during your stay, you should plan to contact the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce at 607-547-9983, or visit the Chamber Web site at www.cooperstownchamber.org. The Chamber of Commerce site provides detailed information about what to see, where to stay, places to eat and where to shop in Cooperstown and nearby towns. For driving directions from major cities, area cities and local airports, visit the directions page at the Hall of Fame’s Web site for more information: www.baseballhall.org.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Bring Dad to see 7 Hall of Famers+20 other former major leaguers at Doubleday Field this weekend.

Carol Hall — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:56:44 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2011

Spend a Classic Father’s Day Weekend in Cooperstown with a Salute to Baseball’s Heroes

-- Bring Dad to See Seven Hall of Famers, 20 other former major leaguers at Doubleday Field --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – It’s the ultimate Father’s Day experience, in America’s Most Perfect Village.

On Sunday, fans can get up-close-and-personal with baseball’s brightest stars in Cooperstownfor the annual Father’s Day celebration that has become the Hall of Fame Classic.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will host the Hall of Fame Classic, presented by Ford Motor Company, on Father’s Day, June 19, with the participation of seven Hall of Fame members and nearly two dozen retired major league stars, highlighting the seven-inning legends game at Doubleday Field.

A perfect last-minute Father’s Day gift, the Hall of Fame Classic connects the National Pastime’s glorious past with the idyllic setting of Cooperstown. Hall of Fame heroes and former big leaguers will thrill and entertain fans during an action-packed, family-friendly afternoon sure to evoke memories of the timeless moments when fathers and children bond through the baseball.

The Hall of Fame Classic will begin at 2 p.m. and feature Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Goose Gossage, Phil Niekro, Tony Pérez, Jim Rice, Ozzie Smith and Dick Williams. Former major leaguers Joel Bennett, Steve Braun, Frank Catalanotto, Don DeMola, Frank DiPino, John Doherty, Dave Fleming, Doug Glanville, Steve Grilli, Jim Hannan, Dave Henderson, Phil Huffman, Bob Kaiser, Rick Lancellotti, Jack Lazorko, Bill Lee, Oreste Marrero, Dale Murphy, Billy Sample, Reggie Sanders, Mike Timlin, Willie Wilson, Rick Wise and Dmitri Young also scheduled to appear.

The third annual Hall of Fame Classic is presented by the Ford Motor Company and will once again be staged in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. Limited tickets remain for the Hall of Fame Classic and can be purchased at the Museum store or by calling 607-547-0397. Tickets are $12.50 for first and third base seats and $11 for outfield seats.

The Hall of Fame Classic is preceded by the Cooperstown Game Day Parade, presented by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, the village of Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, beginning at noon on Sunday on Main Street. Game participants will ride in the parade on their way to Doubleday Field. Following the Cooperstown Game Day Parade, the Legends Hitting Contest will be held at Doubleday Field at 1 p.m., followed by the Hall of Fame Classic at 2 p.m.

The Hall of Fame Classic is the centerpiece of several weekend events in Cooperstown, including:

n Hall of Fame Classic Fest: A collaboration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Cooperstown to bring the spirit of Cooperstown to life at the home of baseball, Classic Fest features free public programs and entertainment, one day before the Father’s Day Hall of Fame Classic. The Saturday, June 18 Classic Fest will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Doubleday Field parking lot just off Main Street, and will feature local vendors, live entertainment, food, exhibitors from area businesses and fun-filled family activities. More than 30 area businesses will be a part of the Classic Fest celebration. The Hall of Fame’s education programs will be spotlighted on Doubleday Field, as fans are invited to walk on the field, experience demonstrations, children’s performers and more on the same field where the game’s greats have played.

n Legends for Youth Skills Clinic: The Youth Skills Clinic, presented by the Hall of Fame and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, gives children ages 7-12 a chance to spend the afternoon enhancing their baseball skills with former major leaguers on historic Doubleday Field. Call 607-547-0397 for more information on this free program, which requires advance registration.

n Hall of Fame Member Photos: Have your picture taken with the seven Hall of Fame legends in attendance at Doubleday Field. A $50 donation in support of the Museum’s educational programs will be accepted. Advance reservations are required and can be reserved by calling 607-547-0397.

n Voices of the Game: Hall of Fame Classic: A special Father’s Day edition of our Voices of the Game series will be held Saturday, June 18, with Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Goose Gossage, Phil Niekro, Tony Pérez, Jim Rice, Ozzie Smith and Dick Williams. The program starts at 6 p.m. at Doubleday Field. A limited number of tickets remain and can be purchased by calling 607-547-0397. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12-and-under.

Saturday, June 18, is Price Chopper Day at the Museum, with all Price Chopper AdvantEdge Card holders receiving complimentary admission. The Museum is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, please visit www.baseballhall.org .

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Celebrate A Summer Tradition in Cooperstown at the Hall of Fame's All-Star Gala on July 12

Carol Hall — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:35:08 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2011

Celebrate a Summer Tradition in Cooperstown at the Hall of Fame’s All-Star Gala on July 12

-- Event at Grandstand Theater features food and fun during live showing of All-Star Game --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – The tradition that is baseball’s Mid-Summer Classic is like none other in sports.

But for fans who can’t make it to Chase Field in Phoenix, the tradition that has become the Hall of Fame’s All-Star Gala brings baseball’s best to baseball’s home.

Cooperstown-area visitors and central New Yorkers can watch the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in style at the popular All-Star Gala at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Tuesday, July 12. Fans can enjoy the game in ballpark seating in the Hall of Fame’s Grandstand Theater as they watch Fox’s live television coverage from Phoenix.

The Hall of Fame All-Star Gala provides an evening of family entertainment with prizes, snacks and more for baseball fans of every age. Doors to the Grandstand Theater open at 7:30 p.m., with game coverage beginning at 8 p.m.

Fans will be treated to hot dogs and ballpark-style snacks, along with a limited edition commemorative All-Star Gala button for all guests in attendance. Scorecards will be distributed to fans, and official All-Star Game programs will be available for purchase. During the game’s inning breaks, fans will be able to compete in a variety of games and trivia contests for an opportunity to win door prizes.

Tickets to the All-Star Gala are now available to participants in the Hall of Fame’s Membership Program and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling the Museum’s Membership Department at 607-547-0397 or by visiting the Membership and Museum Services Desk at the Museum in Cooperstown. To learn more about the Hall of Fame’s Membership program and its many benefits, please visit www.baseballhall.org.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Capture a Father's Day Weekend Memory in Cooperstown with Exclusive Hall of Fame Member Photograph

Carol Hall — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:13:23 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2011

Capture a Father’s Day Weekend Memory in Cooperstownwith Exclusive Hall of Fame Member Photograph

-- Hall of Fame Classic Weekend Events Include Special Opportunity on June 18 at Doubleday Field --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) –Cooperstown memories last a lifetime. This Father’s Day Weekend, fans can preserve those memories with photos of their Hall of Fame heroes on historic Doubleday Field.

As part of Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, presented by Ford Motor Company, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will offer an exclusive opportunity for fans to be photographed with a group of Hall of Fame members on Saturday, June 18 as part of Hall of Fame Classic Fest at Doubleday Field.

The Baseball Hall of Fame will host Hall of Fame Classic Weekend, June 18-19, with the participation of seven Hall of Fame members highlighting the Father’s Day Hall of Fame Classic, presented by the Ford Motor Company, at Doubleday Field. Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Goose Gossage, Phil Niekro, Tony Pérez, Jim Rice, Ozzie Smith and Dick Williams will headline the Hall of Fame Classic.

The perfect Father’s Day gift, the Hall of Fame Classic Weekend photo opportunity will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. Only 75 slots are available, and participation must be reserved in advance. To reserve your spot, please call 607-547-0397 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.

A minimum donation of $50, which will benefit the Museum’s education programs, will be accepted per photograph. As many as six members of one party can be a part of a photo. The group will receive an 8” x 10” print of the image following the weekend.

The Hall of Fame Classic Fest photo opportunity is just part of an action-packed Hall of Fame Classic Weekend at the Baseball Hall of Fame – highlighted by the Father’s Day legends game at Doubleday Field. Tickets remain for the Hall of Fame Classic and can be purchased exclusively at baseballhall.org or by calling 1-866-849-7770. Tickets are $12.50 for first and third base seats and $11 for outfield seats.

The 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Classic is co-organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. For the third straight year, Ford Motor Company is the Presenting Sponsor of the Hall of Fame Classic.

Among the former big league players committed to participate in the Classic are Frank Catalanotto, Cliff Floyd, Steve Garvey, Dave Henderson, Bill Lee, Dale Murphy, Reggie Sanders, Willie Wilson, Rick Wise and Dmitri Young.

In addition to the photo opportunity, other activities planned for Classic Weekend include a Hall of Fame golf tournament fundraiser for the Museum, the new Classic Fest at Doubleday Field, the Youth Skills Clinic, a Voices of the Game program featuring the seven Hall of Fame legends, and other unique programs throughout the Museum.

The Hall of Fame Classic will be preceded by the Cooperstown Game Day Parade, presented by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, the village of Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, beginning at noon on Father’s Day on Main Street. Game participants will ride in the parade on their way to Doubleday Field. The Legends Hitting Contest will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the Hall of Fame Classic at 2 p.m.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

Interesting Facts about the General Clinton Canoe Regatta - Starts at Lakefront Park on Memorial Day

Carol Hall — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:10:06 +0100

General Clinton Canoe Regatta Facts

Longest single day flat water canoe race in the world
Celebrating 48 years of endurance canoe racing in 2010
Canoes of all kinds compete from 90 lb. recreational canoes to 20 lb. lightweight graphite canoes (within their respective classes).
The start of this world championship 70 mile flat water endurance race is at the source of the Susquehanna River on Otsego Lake, Cooperstown, New York and finishes at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, New York

Grueling 70 mile test of endurance, stamina, and canoeing skills
Canoeing's top marathon paddlers from North America and Europe, featuring world class athletes 20 time General Clinton Canoe Regatta winner, Canadian Serge Corbin Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Barton.
Estimated 3,000 amateur, professional and Olympic hopeful canoeists participate over the course of the weekend
US$25,000 in cash and prizes awarded

Full weekend with over 50 races in one or two person classes, for all ages including:
Generation Gap Relay--Race Relay--Scout Races --1-man 18 mile sprint--Youth Races---70 mile amateur endurance races--Sprint---70 mile pro endurance races
Thousands of spectators at every accessible point on the river contribute encouragement, cheer, and assist the canoeists over the big 4-day Memorial Day weekend.
At the finish line, paddlers and spectators alike enjoy carnival rides, fireworks, free entertainment for kids of all ages, arts and crafts, all kinds of tasty foods, a flea market and much more !

Cooperstown Hawkeyes Seek Host Families

Carol Hall — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:26:16 +0100

May 26, 2011 by CooperstownChamberDirector

HAWKEYES SEEK HOST FAMILIES

This summer approximately 25 aspiring young ballplayers will move into your community as they compete at Doubleday Field in their continued quest to play professional baseball.

The Cooperstown Hawkeyes are looking for families to open their homes to Hawkeyes players for the 2011 season. A host family welcomes a player into their home for the duration of the regular season and possibly the playoffs (early June-early August

A host family is an active part of a young man’s road to achieving his dream of playing professional baseball. Through this unique experience, families of all shapes and sizes will experience the rare opportunity of witnessing the daily rewards, and struggles of competing away from home.

Recently, Ron Darling, the former New York Mets star pitcher and current MLB analyst said, “I am one of those people who played in an amateur league. There is no way you can appreciate the major leagues unless you played in one of those leagues. But playing summers and having you guys supporting these players… You really do an amazing job for these players.”

So if you are interested in having an impact on a young man’s life and building a relationship that may last a lifetime, this is a great opportunity. A stipend is available to host families. The Hawkeyes offer many rewards for those special people willing to undertake this adventure by welcoming our players and giving them a sense of belonging during their stay in Cooperstown. Please contact Shirley Tyler, Assistant General Manager at (607) 267-2115 or e-mail styler for additional information and details.

from → Cooperstown Chamber News & Announcements

Sporting Cousins: Hall of Fame Celebrates New Swinging Away Exhibit with Weekend Programs To ...

Carol Hall — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:09:06 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2011

Sporting Cousins: Hall of Fame Celebrates

New Swinging Away Exhibit with Weekend Programs

To Explore Baseball’s Relationship to Cricket

-- Interactive Events Open to Museum Visitors June 4-5 in Cooperstown --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – The games of baseball and cricket have remained strongly connected since the first team sports evolved in America almost 200 years ago.

Now, as spring turns to summer in Cooperstown, fans of both games can explore that relationship during a celebration of the Hall of Fame’s new exhibit Swinging Away: How Cricket and Baseball Connect.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will host Cricket Weekend, June 4-5, with interactive fan events surrounding Swinging Away, the first major Museum exhibition dedicated to exploring the roots of both sports and their relationship. Created in conjunction with the Marylebone Cricket Club of London, Swinging Away will be on display in Cooperstown through February, in its lone visit to North America, following a successful run during the summer of 2010 at MCC, the world’s most famous cricket club.

All programs during the June 4-5 Cricket Weekend are included with Museum admission. The Saturday and Sunday weekend schedule for the Swinging Away celebration includes:

Saturday, June 4

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Hit and Run: Cricket and Baseball. Swinging Away Exhibit, Museum’s 3rd Floor
Stop by the new Swinging Away exhibit and experience the Hands-On History Cart that explores cricket and baseball. In this informal program, Museum staff will talk with visitors about the rules of cricket and how it compares with baseball, and visitors will have the chance to examine the similarities and differences of equipment used to play both sports.

1 p.m. - Baseball and Cricket Roundtable, Bullpen Theater

Join us for a special roundtable discussion about the connections between baseball and cricket, both past and present. This hour-long program will feature special guests Paul Hensley of the C.C. Morris Cricket Library, Lloyd Jodah of American Cricket College, and Manhattan College professor and sports historian George Kirsch, moderated by Hall of Fame senior curator Tom Shieber.

3 p.m. - Authors Series: Baseball and Cricket: The Creation of American Team Sports, 1838 – 1872, Bullpen Theater
Professor and sports historian George Kirsch visits the Hall of Fame during Cricket Weekend to discuss his book, Baseball and Cricket. This program is part of the Museum’s Authors’ Series, which features authors of the most recent baseball works. During each program, authors discuss their work and answer audience questions. After the cricket program concludes, Kirsch will participate in a book signing in the Museum.

Sunday, June 5

11 a.m. – Meet American College Cricket Players, Bullpen Theater
Meet the cricketers from American College Cricket teams, who will talk about the history of their sport and answer visitor questions in this 45-minute program.

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. - Cricket Demonstrations

Join members of cricket clubs to learn the basics of playing cricket as they demonstrate some of the tactics and techniques of a successful cricketer.

The exhibit reveals some remarkable surprises, dispels some cherished convictions and sets out for the first time to explore these two great bat and ball sports side by side. The collection includes uniforms and equipment worn by the biggest names of each sport, including as Derek Jeter and Andrew Flintoff, Bengie Molina and Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara, Paul Collingwood, Robin Wallace and Charlotte Edwards and Shahid Afridi.

Additionally, dozens of artifacts which have never before left the prestigious C.C. Morris Cricket Library and Collection in Haverford, Pa., will be a part of the exhibition in Cooperstown, furthering the study of the two sport’s equipment, rules and laws, key historical moments, and more.

Among the treasures featured in the Swinging Away exhibit:

n Rare touring jerseys including one in which Casey Stengel met King George V in 1924 and a unique poster of the first truly global baseball tour organized by Hall of Famer Albert Spalding in 1888

n Baseball bats used by Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds

n One of the oldest crickets bat ever discovered alongside the most recent `Mongoose’ and the new experimental colored cricket balls

n Rare photographs and personal items belonging to America’s greatest cricketer, J `Bart’ King, a `Gentleman of Philadelphia’ and to Hall of Famer Harry Wright – a cricketer and early baseball star and manager of the Cincinnati Red Stockings

Swinging Away is featured on the third floor of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and admission to the exhibition is included with Museum admission. For more information on Swinging Away, please visit www.baseballhall.org.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open seven days a week year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Museum observes regular hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend. From Memorial Day Weekend through the day before Labor Day, the Museum is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Ticket prices are $19.50 for adults (13 and over), $12 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $7 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger. For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.

-30-

For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education

607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhall.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications

607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhall.org

ECO-BULLETIN FROM OTSEGO COUNTY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION- 5/18/11

Carol Hall — Fri, 20 May 2011 01:46:57 +0100

ECO-BULLETIN FROM OTSEGO COUNTY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

May 18, 2011: Vol. 4, No. 9

Eco-bulletin headlines this issue:

ORCA’S THIRD BIKE TO WORK DAY IS THIS FRIDAY

PRESENTATION WILL FOCUS ON ENHANCEMENT, PROTECTION OF RIPARIAN BUFFERS

FRIENDS OF GLIMMERGLASS TO KICK OFF OCCA NATURE WALK SERIES AT NATIONAL TRAILS DAY® EVENT

PLANTING WORKDAY IS SATURDAY, MAY 21

ORCA’S THIRD BIKE TO WORK DAY IS THIS FRIDAY: Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates, a committee of the Otsego County Conservation Association, is geared up for its third annual Bike to Work Day this Friday, May 20. “We hope everyone chooses an alternative ‘green’ mode of transportation – biking, walking or even skateboarding – to get to work or school, to run errands, or just for fun on May 20 in particular and as a lifestyle choice in general,” said event organizer Martha Clarvoe. Those interested in participating should go to the OCCA website home page, www.occainfo.org, click on the ORCA logo and follow the instructions for pre-registration. Bike to Work Day check-in locations throughout the county will be staffed from 6:30-9 a.m. except for schools and colleges, which tend to start later. Once a ride or walk is completed, Bike to Work Day participants may check in at one of the following locations: Bassett Medical Center, lawn near Fair and Beaver streets; Bugbee Hall, north side parking lot; Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown; Cooperstown Elementary School; Cooperstown Middle/High School; Edmeston Central School, cafeteria, 7-8 a.m.; A.O. Fox Hospital, Sky Light Room; Fox Care Center; Greater Plains Elementary School, Oneonta; Hartwick College, Stack Lounge at Dewar Hall; Hartwick Seminary Specialty Services; Kim Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta; Laurens Central School, Trophy Hallway, 7-8 a.m.; Milford Central School, cafeteria, 7-8 a.m.; NYSHA – Farmers’ Museum parking lot; Oneonta Middle/High School; Opportunities for Otsego, 3 W. Broadway, Oneonta; Pathfinder Village, front lawn, 7-9 a.m.; Prolifiq Sign Studio, 207 River Street, Oneonta; Prudential Fox Properties, 31 Main Street, Oneonta; Richfield Springs School, front lawn; Sidney Federal Credit Union, 53 Market Street, Oneonta; Springbrook Campus, Main Campus Administration Building; SUNY-Oneonta, in front of Hunt Union, 7:30-9:30 a.m.; Valley View Elementary School, Oneonta. “Custom Electronics, New York Pizzeria, Cooperstown Preschool, Paceline Sports Cycling Team and Barnyard Swing Mini Golf are the sponsors of this year’s event. We very much appreciate their support in promoting Bike to Work Day and helping to cover our expenses,” Clarvoe reported. “The pre-registration online service is provided by SportsSignUp of Schenectady.” ORCA’s mission is to promote bicycling and walking in the Otsego County region as an enjoyable, healthy, safe, and environmentally friendly activity for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit www.occainfo.org/ORCA.htm. OCCA is a private, non-profit environmental membership organization dedicated to promoting the enjoyment and sustainable use of Otsego County's natural resources through education, advocacy, resource management, research, and planning. To join OCCA and/or ORCA or to obtain more information about Bike to Work Day, contact Clarvoe at (607) 547-4020 or by e-mail, martha.clarvoe@mail.occainfo.org.

PRESENTATION WILL FOCUS ON ENHANCEMENT, PROTECTION OF RIPARIAN BUFFERs: Tony Capraro and Bill Gibson will give an overview of programs available for the enhancement and protection of riparian buffers along streams and rivers at the next Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 25. Capraro and Gibson, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Otsego County Field Office, will discuss opportunities through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency, respectively. They will provide an introduction to the importance and function of riparian buffers, planting strategies for landowners, and details of the various federal programs available to agricultural landowners. The WQCC meeting, which begins at 1 p.m. in Classroom A, will be hosted by the Otsego County Planning Department at 140 County Hwy. 33, Cooperstown. This event is free and open to the public; pre-registration is required by Friday, May 20. Those interested in attending should e-mail admin@occainfo.org or call (607) 547-4488. This event is made possible thanks to the Otsego County WQCC which, in order to better satisfy the educational component of its mission, has restructured its monthly meetings to include public information sessions. The OCWQCC was established in 1992 as a sub-committee of the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is comprised of a diverse group of people representing state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and lake associations. These members have technical expertise and knowledge and are committed to working to improve and maintain the quality of water in Otsego County through the reduction of nonpoint source pollution within its boundaries. For more information on the WQCC, visit www.otsegosoilandwater.com/waterqualitycc.html

FRIENDS OF GLIMMERGLASS TO KICK OFF OCCA NATURE WALK SERIES AT NATIONAL TRAILS DAY® EVENT: On Saturday, June 4, Friends of Glimmerglass State Park will host a number of free activities in celebration of the American Hiking Society’s 19th annual National Trails Day.® This event, co-hosted by the Otsego County Conservation Association, will be held at Glimmerglass State Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program begins at 11 a.m. at the Nature Center with instruction by Ryan Hudyncia on the basic tenets of the national “Leave No Trace” program: plan ahead and prepare, be prepared for surprises, respect the land, dispose of waste properly, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. Hudyncia will then lead participants along the park’s Beaver Pond Trail for observations and clean-up. The group will return to the Nature Center for instruction on how to make a safe campfire and to cook lunch (hotdogs). This event is for all ages and will be held rain or shine. Those taking part are asked to dress appropriately for weather conditions – hiking boots and work gloves are recommended – and may bring small work tools. Lunch and water will be provided. Pre-registration is appreciated by calling the park at (607) 547-8662 or via e-mail at friendsofglimmerglass@gmail.com. Participants should use the Mill Road entrance to access the Nature Center. The Beaver Pond Trail hike and clean-up mark the beginning of OCCA’s 2011 Nature Walk Series. Since 2001, OCCA has organized and/or co-sponsored nature walks on local trails. Other confirmed dates, venues and hike leaders for 2011 are: June 12, The Robert V. Riddell State Park, Trish and Steve Kent; July 2, Lordsland Preserve, Connie Tedesco and Dick deRosa; July 9, Hooker Mountain, Terry Bliss; August 6, Milford State Forest, Dave Kiehm; September 10, Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, Joe Ritton; October 23, The Robert V. Riddell State Park, Trish and Steve Kent; and January 15, 2012, The Robert V. Riddell State Park, snowshoe hike with the Kents. The OCCA hike schedule is still taking shape – for more information, e-mail admin@occainfo.org.

planting workday is saturday, may 21: Join Gwen Miner, domestic arts supervisor, and Keelin Purcell, manager of school and farm programs, on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at The Farmers’ Museum as they prepare and plant their field garden during Planting Workday. Minor will talk about historic planting practices, after which participants will get to work planting rows of corn, potatoes, onions, and squash. This is part of The Farmers’ Museum monthly workday program, aimed at those who would like to learn more about farming and gardening. Pre-registration for these programs is not required. For this particular workday, children ages 7 or older are welcome as long as they are supervised. Helpers are asked to come in work clothes and will meet up at the museum’s entrance outside the Main Barn at 10 a.m. Contact Purcell at (607) 547-1484 or k.purcell@nysha.org for more information.

Darla M. Youngs, Administrative Director

Otsego County Conservation Association

101 Main Street, PO Box 931

Cooperstown, NY 13326

(607) 547-4488; www.occainfo.org

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Brookwood Garden Annual Clean-Up Day This Saturday

Carol Hall — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:23:57 +0100

Join Us for the
BROOKWOOD GARDEN
ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY
Saturday May 14th

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

On Saturday, May 14, Brookwood Garden in Cooperstown will have the annual Spring Garden Clean-up, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help prepare this historic lake-front site for the coming garden season. Gardeners of all ages and experience are welcome, including children- there will be jobs for everyone. Bring your favorite tools and a snack- water will be provided.

Brookwood Garden is open year round to everyone with no admission fee. All work is done by volunteers. Please show your support for this extraordinary landscape by grabbing a rake or a trowel and lending a hand.

Brookwood Garden is located on the west side of Otsego Lake at 6000 West Lake Road (Route 80), slightly less than a mile past the Farmers' Museum outside the village of Cooperstown. The Garden is currently operated by the non-profit Cook Foundation of Cooperstown, with prospects of merging with Otsego Land Trust later this year. For further information, call 607-547-2170 or visit www.brookwoodgarden.org.

Experience Living Legends as Five Hall of Famers Relive Baseball Records in Cooperstown May 28

Carol Hall — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:21:20 +0100

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME NEWS

http://www.BaseballHall.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    May 9, 2011

Experience Living Legends as Five Hall of Famers Relive Baseball Records in Cooperstown May 28

-- Museum’s Newest Exhibit Opening ‘One for the Books’ Features Carew, Henderson, Jackson,
Morgan and Ripken in Discussion Event Celebrating Baseball Records and Stories --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Their records have stood the test of time, just like their Hall of Fame careers.

Now, five of the men who made that history are returning to Cooperstown to help the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrate those records through a new groundbreaking exhibit.

Hall of Famers Rod Carew, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan and Cal Ripken Jr. are scheduled to participate in a special Voices of the Game discussion event, as part of the opening of the Museum’s new exhibit One for the Books: Baseball Records and the Stories Behind Them on Saturday, May 28 in Cooperstown. The five legends are expected to take part in a one-hour moderated program focused on baseball’s most memorable milestones, from 1-2 p.m.
A ticket is required for this event and costs $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Museum members have an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets by calling the Hall of Fame’s Membership department at 607-547-0397, now while supplies last, until May 22. Should any tickets remain on Monday, May 23, those will be made available to the general public at that time.

Each of the five Hall of Famers scheduled to appear at the Voices of the Game event have artifacts in the new One for the Books exhibit, which will open to the public for the first time on May 28. The exhibit will examine records in batting, home runs, pitching, base running, fielding, team records, and a seventh category that will hold records like tallest, shortest, oldest, youngest, most seasons played and records held by umpires.

Some of the 200 artifacts in the new One for the Books exhibit include:

       The ball struck by Rod Carew for his 3,000th career hit on Aug. 4, 1985
       The gloves used by Rickey Henderson when he stoke his record 939th base on May 1,    1991
       Reggie Jackson’s batting helmet he wore on Sept. 17, 1984, when he hit his 500th home run
       Joe Morgan’s bat used to hit his 265th career home run on June 25, 1984
       Batting helmet from Cal Ripken’s 2,131st consecutive game on Sept. 6, 1995

Other events marking the opening of One for the Books will be scheduled for Saturday, May 28, including artifact spotlights and author series events celebrating baseball records. The exhibit will officially open for Museum visitors at 12 noon on Saturday, May 28. On that day, May 28, the Museum will begin its summer hours, staying open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily throughout the summer.

An active Hall of Fame membership is required to purchase tickets for this special Voices of the Game event. Members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum receive free admission to the Museum, as well as access to exclusive programs, such as the Voices of the Game series. Additionally, members receive a subscription to the Hall of Fame's bi-monthly magazine, Memories and Dreams, the annual Hall of Fame yearbook and a 10% discount and free shipping on retail purchases. For information on becoming a member, please visit baseballhall.org or call 607-547-0397.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open seven days a week year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Museum observes regular hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend. From Memorial Day through the day before Labor Day, the Museum is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week. Ticket prices are $19.50 for adults (13 and over), $12 for seniors (65 and over) and for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations, and $7 for juniors (ages 7-12). Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger. For more information, visit our Web site at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.



For More Information, Please Contact:

Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education
607-547-0287, bhorn@baseballhalloffame.org

Craig Muder, Director of Communications
607-547-0227, cmuder@baseballhalloffame.org

Empire House to Donate Partial Drink Proceeds to “UP THE RIVER” Fundraiser

Carol Hall — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:47:52 +0100

ECO-BULLETIN FROM OTSEGO COUNTY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

May 3, 2011: Vol. 4, No. 8

EMPIRE HOUSE TO DONATE PARTIAL DRINK PROCEEDS TO “UP THE RIVER” FUNDRAISER: Nineteen dedicated OCCA supporters have been marooned for a good cause, each with the goal of raising $1,600 for new paddles to help them make it back to shore. Figuratively, that is. In an effort to raise funds toward countywide programs to protect and preserve the environment, OCCA Board members and volunteers have been “set adrift” in the middle of the Susquehanna. These Board members and volunteers are e-mailing friends, family members, and business colleagues in hopes of being “bailed out.”

On Thursday, May 5, The Empire House in Gilbertsville will generously donate $1.00 from every drink sold to the Otsego County Conservation Association’s “Up the River Without a Paddle” fundraiser. Empire House is located at 32 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. For information, call (607) 783-2859. Dinner Hours: Wed. & Thur. & Sun. 5-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 5-10pm. Bar hours: Wed. & Thur. & Sun. 5-11pm, Fri. & Sat. 5pm-2am.

All proceeds from the “Up the River” fundraiser are to be used to implement OCCA-sponsored programs and initiatives. For instance, $10 could pay for one riparian tree in a compromised watershed; $50 could harvest 25 pounds of invasive water chestnut; $75 could stock 50 walleye in Otsego Lake; and $350 could send a middle-school student to DEC Environmental Education Camp. To “bail out” the OCCA Board member or volunteer of your choice, visit http://occainfo.org/documents/OCCAUptheRiverWithoutaPaddle_000.pdf. This PDF provides a link to the individual web pages for more information and online donations.

Darla M. Youngs, Administrative Director

Otsego County Conservation Association

101 Main Street, PO Box 931

Cooperstown, NY 13326

(607) 547-4488; www.occainfo.org

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