Michael Foor-Pessin with books donated by the Follett Foundation. The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association will be hosting a seminar series called The Circle of Reciprocity: Our Gift—the Otselic River" at 7 p.m. on September 9, October 7, and November 4 at the South Otselic United Methodist Church. (Submitted photo)

OTSELIC VALLEY — In accordance with our mission to promote the natural and historical resources while improving the quality of life for the residents along the Otselic River, the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association is offering five exciting programs for the summer and fall of 2023 that are open to all free of charge.

The first program, on Saturday afternoon, July 8, is a Town of Otselic celebration of the 40th anniversary of South Otselic's designation as a historic district on the National Register. The program will be held at 1 p.m. at the South Otselic United Methodist Church. Before the unveiling of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation marker, the Smynra Citizens Band will perform a 45-minute concert and the Honorable Joseph Angelino will address the citizens.

The second program will occur on Sunday, July 15 at Valley View Cemetery in South Otselic. Beginning at 2 p.m., this event will be a “Celebration of the Life of Grace Brown and Why it Matters.” Bring a yard chair and be part of a tribute to Grace Brown. Attendees are encouraged to bring stories and memorabilia to share. Then, representatives from Amelia’s Voice and Help Restore Hope will discuss the serious issues of domestic violence in our communities. In the event of rain, the program will be held at the South Otselic United Methodist Church.

Programs three and four will be opportunities for folks to enjoy music, food, and friendship at the North Pitcher Church. On Sunday, July 16 at 2 p.m., the John Liuzzo Band will perform a variety of musical genres including rock, R&B, oldies, blues, country and jazz. Enjoy “homemade food for the soul” from Kandi’s Kitchen food trailer.

Three weeks later, on Sunday afternoon, August 6 at 2 p.m., the Vestal Mountain Dulcimer Band will perform at the North Pitcher Church. Their repertoire includes selections from Celtic, Irish, old-time music, folk, hymns, and country. Once again, Kandi’s Kitchen will be on site.

Lastly, the fifth program is a three-part literacy-based seminar entitled “The Circle of Reciprocity: Our Gift — the Otselic River.” Host Michael Foor-Pessin, English teacher at Morrisville State College, will engage members in a discussion of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweet Grass” and Lynda Rutledge’s “West with Giraffes.”

Along with our analysis of the books, a variety of guest speakers will address the ecology of the Otselic River from its headwaters in the Town of Nelson to its joining with the Tioughnioga River just below the Whitney Point Dam, a journey of 54 miles. The purpose of this Follett Foundation sponsored program is to generate a community-wide discussion about our stewardship of and our responsibility to our greatest natural resource — the Otselic River.

Fifty copies of each book will be provided to participants on a first come, first served basis. All three sessions will be held at the South Otselic United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. The first session will be September 9; the second, October 7; and the third, November 4.

So much to see, read, and listen to this summer and fall. Mark your calendars. For more information about of these programs, visit the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association website at ovfish.org or call 315-653-7811.

Concerts are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

-Information provided by the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association