Two Local Librarians Take Center Stage In Albany. Find Out Why...

Maria Johnson and Chris Sagaas are being recognized for outstanding service to to their local communities. State Sen. Peter Oberacker presented Certificates of Recognition to Johnson and Sagaas during a special ceremony in Albany.

““Our libraries are vital community resources and our librarians do an incredible job,” Oberacker said in a statement sent to CNY News. “In many of the towns and villages that I represent, the local library hosts public meetings, delivers key services to residents young and old, and is the most recognizable building in the community.”

The New York State Senate Outstanding Librarian Awards are given annually to librarians from each region of the state. Both Johnson and Sagaas live in Oberacker’s 51st State Senate District. Johnson resides in Oneonta and is a Library Media Specialist at Roxbury Central School. Sagaas calls Herkimer home and is director of the Utica Public Library.

In his statement, Oberacker highlighted the importance of libraries in educational settings.

“Our school libraries are often the first connection with reading for many and continue to have a winning influence on the development of our young people,” Oberacker said.

The 2022 awards took into account the challenges librarians faced because of the Covid 19 pandemic and the creative solutions employed by library staffs to keep patrons safe and employees healthy.

Wow! These Ten Smallest Upstate New York Schools Keep Teaching Their Kids The "3 R's"

These are the ten smallest school districts in New York (by enrollment). Notice they are almost exclusively located in the rural parts of Northern New York. Still, credit must be given for the historic nature of these special schools.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

20 Upstate New York Museums That Will Have Your Kids Saying, "Wow! That Was Fun! Can We Go Back?"

New York State has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to museums. And we have featured many of them i previous galleries. This one takes a look at children's museums. Most kids will admit that a museum seems like an "old person thing to do." But these special places will have your kids saying, "Mom, can we go back? That was great!"

Here is a list of 20 New York State museums that kids and teenagers will enjoy to the fullest. They are all pretty much hands-on museums and all encourage interaction with the young visitors.

These museums lean heavy on hands-on science exhibits, play areas, and specialty programs for all ages. Take a look at this gallery and see which one fits your family's ages. From high school kids to programs geared to the littlest tykes you will find one that fits perfectly for your group.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Are These The 20 Most Stunning College Campuses in Upstate NY?

Throughout New York State, our college campuses run from the urban blocks-long, wooden and brick ones in New York City, to the sprawling college campuses which dot Upstate New York from the Hudson Valley to Buffalo. We list here the dozen most stunning campuses in Upstate.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Treasure Hunt At 12 Consignment and Thrift shops in Otsego County

Thrift and consignment shops have become very popular over the years and continue to gain in popularity since you can find some amazing clothing items or treasures that you just have to have. "Sky's the limit" on what you can find at any one of these awesome shops in Otsego County. Happy treasure hunting!

Gallery Credit: Leslie Ann, TSM Oneonta

Filed Under: new york state senate