Applications are now open for the 2022 class of Empire State Fellows. The program attracts exceptional and diverse talent from New York and around the country to serve in high-level positions in the administration. Applications are accepted until April 4. Go to governor.ny.gov/news to get details. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-applications-open-2022-empire-state-fellows-program
New York’s Division Of Consumer Protection announced it helped nearly 22,000 residents with consumer complaints in 2021 related to defective products, COVID-19 cancellations and other issues. The actions returned nearly $3 million to consumers. Go to dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection for tips on not getting ripped off. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-division-consumer-protection-has-helped-new-york-consumers-recoup
New York makes $2.5 million available over five years to create and support a Mental Health Resource and Training Technical Assistance Center for Schools. The center will support all public and private schools, and assist them in providing mental health education as part of the K-12 health curricula. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-25-million-funding-mental-health-resource-center-schools
Child care services are expanding at SUNY Oneonta and other State University campuses for students and faculty thanks to $4.5 million in federal and state funding. During the 2020-2021 academic year, SUNY served 1,200 student parents across the 46 SUNY campuses that have a child care center onsite. Source: https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/3-22/3-11-22/childcare-expansion.html
Helios Care creates a new support group using art to explore grief and loss. The program called “The Art of Bereavement” takes place at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta beginning March 28 through April 25. The program is free but registration is required by calling (607) 432-5525. Source: Press release
State Senator Peter Oberacker explained on Monday why he voted no on the state budget. He says the spending plan blows through reserve funds at an unsustainable rate and will leave the state in a highly precarious financial position going forward. The budget is due by April 1. Source: Press release
The first-ever Chenango County Wine, Beer & Food Festibal is set for July 30 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. Early Bird ticket pricing is in effect until April 15. Vendors are invited to sign up now. Get information at chenangowbffest.com. Source: https://chenangowbffest.com/
Oneonta Police continue to investigate the death of a SUNY Oneonta student whose body was found in January near the Silas Lane bus garage. The 20-year-old was found suffering from what was ultimately fatal cold exposure. The death is considered suspicious but foul play is not a factor. Source: https://www.facebook.com/oneontapolice/posts/331249515714249
Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek forms a group to address the city’s homeless problem. The first meeting of the Community Wellness committee is at City Hall today at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited and the meeting will be streamed live on the City’s YouTube page. Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofoneonta/posts/339365198237742
Oneonta is preparing for observing the “Week of the Young Child” which takes place the first week in April. Mayor Mark Drnek asks the city’s kids to send him stories, poems, drawings or photos showing what they like the most about Oneonta. Submissions can be e-mailed or snail-mailed. Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofoneonta/posts/339365198237742