Letter from Jim Dalton, Otsego 2000 Board President

Strolling around the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market on Saturday, I was struck by the bounty that our region’s land and farmers provide. The Farmers’ Market is a gathering place for people from all around the area, as well as for many visitors. But more importantly, it is the face of healthy, locally grown food that is important for all of us – for our health and the health of our planet.

I read with delight the latest news of our dear friend, Tom Walsh, who continues his walks to benefit the Bassett Cancer Institute and Otsego Outdoors. Tom is an inspiration to all of us, not only for his generosity, but for his unquenchable joy and love of life.

The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and Otsego Outdoors are programs which make Otsego 2000 proud (Otsego Outdoors is a joint venture with the Otsego Land Trust and OCCA). But as uplifting as these stories of the past week are, they must be taken in context – local, regional, national and world context. Inflation, climate change, a lingering pandemic, war in Ukraine, gun violence, social inequity - we mustn’t excuse ourselves from these concerns. Each of us belongs to the world community.

With a particular focus on land use and responsible local and regional development (agricultural and beyond) Otsego 2000 seeks to participate in solutions to these issues – to think globally and act locally. We greatly appreciate your help.