Documentary Offers American Mosaic, Searches for Common Ground

By TERESA WINCHESTER ONEONTA

The New York premiere of

“Something in the Water,” an awardwinning documentary about finding common ground among Americans, will be shown at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta on April 21 and 22. Musical entertainment in the AtriumBar will begin at 6 p.m., with the film screening at 7 p.m., followed by an audience discussion.

Admission is free; those wishing to attend should reserve tickets at https:// somethinginthewater.today, by e-mailing hope@somethinginthewater.today, or by calling (607) 226-4181.

The film is produced and directed by Gilbertsville residents Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman, who expressed gratitude to Five Star Subaru for its sponsorship of the event, allowing the public to see the film at no cost.

“We think it’s important for people to see this film because it’s a search for common ground,” Stillman said.

The filmmakers were prompted to make

“Something in the Water” by the social discontent brewing before, during and after the 2020 presidential election. Although the film’s title may suggest an environmental theme, the term, metaphorically, alludes to a recurring phenomenon among numerous people within the same area.

Dissatisfaction with reporting of events by the major news outlets led Wachter and Stillman to develop a film deemphasizing divisiveness and stressing the complexity of people and their thought processes.

“We felt like prisoners of the regular news cycle, felt bias from both sides. We are far more complex than what was being represented in the daily news,” Wachter said.

Feeling palpable tension in the village of Gilbertsville, Wachter and Stillman put out a call for people to come to The Major’s Inn to be filmed sharing their feelings about what was going on.

These interviews were followed by two weekends of interviews in Oneonta.

To ascertain whether people in other parts of the

Continued on page 11

Vendors Sought for Annual Fishing & Heritage Day

SOUTH OTSELIC—The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association is now accepting reservations for arts and craft vendors who would like to participate in the 14th annual Fishing & Heritage Day on Saturday, May 20. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Chenango County hamlet of South Otselic, located along the scenic Otselic River. Hundreds of people attend this free family event featuring local and regional artists, craftspeople, antique dealers, food vendors, musicians, and special topic presentations. Fishing & Heritage Day provides a schedule of activities that promote understanding and appreciation of the area’s rich history, including its recreational fishing, industrial, and agricultural heritage. Vendors may reserve space up until May 14 to set up in the Town Park. Space is also available for nonprofit conservation, sporting, scouting and environmental organizations at the State Fish Hatchery, adjacent to the hamlet. Call (315) 653-7490 or email sotfishingday@gmail.com for the vendor registration form.

School Yearbook Receives National Recognition

MORRIS—The 2022 Morris High School yearbook was featured in the Jostens “Look Book 2023,” the yearbook manufacturer’s annual collection of the best designs. According to a release, the Look Book celebrates “creative themes, cool covers, beautiful designs, relevant coverage of school events, meaningful storytelling, and stunning photography” selected by a panel of nationally recognized scholastic journalism professionals and award-winning yearbook advisors. The “Morrisanian” staff of Ethan Franklin, Carissa Richards, Hannah Wist, Tatiana McAdams, Aislinn Ray, Noah Burlison, and Kelsy Chase received a copy of the Look Book, a commemorative pin, and a banner from Jostens. According to school Yearbook Advisor Julene Waffle, the “Morrisanian” received similar honors in 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Oneonta Democrats Meet; New Members Welcome

ONEONTA—The new Oneonta Democratic Club met on Saturday, April 1 to begin organizing for the 2023 election season. Town Councilmember Kim Fierke and Highway Superintendent Jim Hurtubise addressed the attendees about the past and future of politics and government in Oneonta. According to Steering Committee members Valerie Cole, Gary Maffei and Susan Sklenarik, “the club plans to reach out to local businesses and nonprofit organizations to coordinate efforts to better Oneonta. Other local Democratic clubs will also be engaged, including the area college Democratic clubs and the Otsego County Democratic Committee.” The club’s mission is to support candidates and democratic principles through civic involvement and by enrolling and informing voters. Residents of both the city and town of Oneonta are invited to interact with the Oneonta Democratic Club Facebook page or to contact garymaffei@gmail. com for more information. New members are always welcome. The next meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, location to be announced.

Comptroller: Town Did Not Audit Correctly

WORCESTER—A state comptroller’s audit has concluded that the Town of Worcester failed to effectively audit claims prior to payment. “In our sample of 199 claims totaling $824,330.00, 166 claims totaling $601,662.00 should not have been approved for payment,” the audit said. One hundred thirty-one claims totaling $597,410.00 were approved without evidence of compliance with competitive bidding requirements or the town’s procurement policy; 11 claims totaling $4,009.00 did not have appropriate support, such as an itemized receipt or invoice; 23 claims had sales tax totaling $243.00.

“As a result, disbursements were made for unsupported and/or improper claims and not in the best interest of the taxpayers.” The state office recommended the town perform a complete audit of claims before approval and train personnel in statutory requirements and procurement policy. Town officials indicated compliance with the audit recommendations.