Townie Upstate

11/12/2025

Wowza! Everyone’s getting in their big event of the fall (or even the year) before Thanksgiving, and this week is packed with reasons to say, “You know what? Cold and snow aren’t so bad when you can head indoors for dancing, films, theater, and food.”

I’d planned to feature just five top events each week until December 17, when Townie will ride into the sunset (unless someone wants to take it over!). But there’s simply too much happening not to share all the events I wish I could make it to.

If you’re interested in carrying the Townie torch, let’s talk. Buy me a coffee and we’ll chat about what that could look like — just drop me a line at [email protected].

Nov. 12-18, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

11/05/2025

In case you haven’t heard, your Townie, Cassandra, went and got herself a full-time job—on top of teaching at SUNY Oneonta! I’m now the first full-time executive director of the Butternut Valley Alliance, a wonderful nonprofit focused on economic development, environmental stewardship, and arts promotion in western Otsego County’s Butternut Valley.

Since there just aren’t enough hours in the week, I’m sunsetting Townie in its original format. Through December 17, I’ll be sharing a streamlined “Top Five Picks” edition to honor a sponsorship agreement with Susquehanna Spirit.

A few folks have asked if someone might take over Townie to keep it going—so, you tell me! If you’re interested in carrying the torch, reach out, buy me a coffee, and let’s talk about what that could look like. Reach me at [email protected].

Nov. 5-11, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

11/03/2025

When I started Townie more than two years ago, I was making my own schedule as a consultant and had just moved back to Oneonta because I wanted to be here, not because I was escaping something or had nowhere else to go.

I’ve lived in many places: Boston, New York, Baltimore, Auckland, Prague, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Utica—not as cosmopolitan as the rest of my former homes, but still a very cool place! Oneonta and this region of upstate New York are among my favorite places.

Townie has been a—mostly unrequited—pen pal exchange, with friends and neighbors who want to know what’s happening in our area. It’s been an outlet to give back to the community I love by making it easier for readers to experience all the good stuff happening here. It’s been delightful to hear from readers, both my personal network and people I’ve never met before. My friend who moved to another state still reads it and screenshots passages that make her giggle.

I’m writing to let you know—burying the lead a little here—that the way I’ll be giving back to the community has shifted. I’ve become the first full-time executive director of Butternut Valley Alliance (BVA), a nonprofit connecting people to place through economic development, environmental stewardship, and arts promotion in the region of western Otsego County known as the Butternut Valley. This is a full-time role with big responsibilities—and a lot of excitement—as we turn the page on BVA’s next chapter.

I’m joining on the heels of the group recruiting SFCU to open a branch in Morris to prevent a banking desert after Community Bank’s closure there. BVA is also leading the effort to bring two NY Forward grants totaling potentially $9 million to improvements in the valley’s two main hubs—the villages of Morris and Gilbertsville.

I’ve been hesitant to step into a full-time position again—I’ve loved being a consultant for different nonprofits and municipalities. But this opportunity felt like the perfect next chapter for me. I want to give this role the time and energy it deserves, on top of teaching at SUNY Oneonta and maintaining a personal life (shout out to all my community theater groups!). Because I just don’t have enough hours in the week, I’ll be stepping back from publishing Townie in its current format.
Billing for paid subscriptions ended a couple of weeks ago. I’ll continue publishing Townie in a shorter weekly highlights format through December 17 to honor a sponsorship with Susquehanna Spirit, a new dispensary in Otsego County.

I’ve loved every bit of working on this project over the past couple of years. Thank you for reading, for showing up, and for getting out into our community. I hope to see you in the Butternut Valley at one of BVA’s events, like the Friendsgiving Fundraiser on November 16—last year’s dishes people brought were legendarily delicious. Morris and Gilbertsville are two gems in our area—come visit! You’ll most likely find me at The Gatehouse or Five Kids Bakehouse. Share a scone and a cup of coffee and say hello.

Big news from Townie creator Cassandra Miller

10/29/2025

So, the federal government has now been shut down for 28 days, closing in on the longest shutdown ever, when it was shut down for 35 days in 2018. This is not a political statement—it’s a statement of fact. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like my government playing fast and loose with my life and my neighbors’ lives.

If we’re going to start talking politics, you might want to start at home. Learn about who is running for office to represent you—and work for you. Remember that elected officials are your proxies for how you want your community to be. If you’re voting in the Oneonta area and weren’t able to attend the local election debate at Foothills, catch up by watching the unedited livestream by Otsego Media on its page.

You get to choose the type of person you want to make the decisions that align with how you want our community to be. Vote on Election Day, on Tuesday, November 4, at Foothills or Hartwick College. Or zip on down to early voting any day before then—to the Brenner Building (skate house by the pond) at Neahwa Park or to the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown.

If you haven’t yet, learn a little more about at least four candidates running for local office through interviews created in collaboration with Hartwick College Institute of Public Service.

Once you’ve voted, you may want to celebrate exercising democracy. Why not do it at a local event, where you can connect with friends and neighbors and people who may have voted for other people—in essence, connect with your community. Let’s work together at home and show the federal government how it’s done.

Read on for lots to do around the community this week!

Oct. 29-Nov. 4, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

10/22/2025

I hope your costume chest is brimming with options, because this week there are at least three chances to dress up as Carmen Sandiego, Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Rabbit, 1980s Madonna-inspired Miss Piggy, or your go-to, mermaid. (By “you,” I mean “me.” These are my options this year.) The hills are full of trunk-or-treats, corn mazes, ghost tours, and more ways to embrace the Halloween season.

Normally, it takes a lot for me to drive more than 30 minutes away from Oneonta for an evening event, but I am going this Friday to see my very funny friend do stand-up at Wayside Cider in Andes. Not to brag on her behalf, but she did a tight five that stole the show during a set at the Belvedere—one that included a surprise appearance by Amy Schumer, who also praised her. Come to Andes this Friday and laugh at her jokes with me!

Cooperstown Concerts, who I adore not just for their stellar shows, but also because they’ve been a regular sponsor of Townie, is presenting an inaugural Diwali celebration this Sunday. As of this morning, it’s sold out—woo! Snag tickets to see any of their shows this season if you can.

Below are my top event picks this week:

Practically Magic Cabaret and Comedy Night at Wayside Cider in Andes (Friday)

Oneonta Costume Parties! Bartender’s Ball at B Side, Vampire Ball at Foothills, Heaven and Hell Costume Party at Foothills

Oneonta Area Election Debate at Foothills in Oneonta (Tuesday)

In relation to election coverage, I’ve teamed up with Hartwick College Institute of Public Service to interview candidates running for local office. Visit townieny.substack.com for the first two posts.

Every edition of Townie exists thanks to 74 amazing paid subscribers (up from 73 last week—thank you!) and sponsors like Cooperstown Concerts and Susquehanna Spirit. If Townie has ever helped you find your way to a concert, festival, or local gem, consider joining the crew and becoming a paid subscriber today.

Read on for lots to do around the community this week!

Oct. 22-28, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

10/21/2025

I'm partnering with Hartwick College Institute of Public Service to interview candidates running for public office this year. Learn more about the views and vision of Oneonta Town Supervisor candidates Brett Holleran and Will Rivera. City of Oneonta - Government Hartwick College

Hartwick College Institute of Public Service and Townie teamed up to interview local candidates running for office

10/15/2025

Another great resource for events in the area!

Happening this weekend, Friday, October 17 / Saturday, October 18 / Sunday, October 19

🍂🍂FRIDAY 10/17🍂🍂

🍁ARKVILLE – Delaware & Ulster Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides | Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (plus Wed 10/15) thru 10/17

🍁Franklin Fire & Rescue – Glass Fused Suncatcher Workshop | Fri 10/17

🍁MARGARETVILLE – The Open Eye Theater presents The Springvale Armadillo | Thursdays thru Sundays thru 10/19

🍁ROXBURY – Lifting the Veil: The Last Haunting of The Future Inn at Kirkside | Fridays & Saturdays thru 10/31

🍁SIDNEY CENTER – Sanitarium Haunted Attraction | Fridays & Saturdays thru 11/1

🍁WALTON – First United Methodist Church Walton Fall Rummage Sale | Fri 10/17-Sat 10/18

🍁WALTON – Castle on the Delaware Dance Party with DJ Dirty | Fridays

🍂🍂SATURDAY 10/18🍂🍂

🍁ARKVILLE – Delaware & Ulster Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train |Saturdays & Sundays thru 11/2

🍁Delhi Historical Society “Bright & Bold Quilts” Exhibit | Sat 10/18

🍁DELHI – Susquehanna Chapter – Adirondack Mountain Club Saturday Hike Bramley Mountain Fire Tower | Sat 10/18

🍁DELHI – Delaware County Historical Association, NY Twilight Lantern Guided Tours of the 1797 Gideon Frisbee House | Saturdays thru 10/25

🍁Deposit Historical Society Voices from the Past| Sat 10/18-Sun 10/19

🍁DOWNSVILLE – Town of Colchester Historian Stone Wall Building Workshop | Sat 10/18

🍁FRANKLIN – Ouleout Creek Golf Course Spooky Pin | Sat 10/18

🍁FRANKLIN - North Star Farm Exploring the Colours of the Wind Breath Workshop | Sat 10/18

🍁HANCOCK – Fox Bowling Center Hancock Hounds Bowling Tournament | Sat 10/18

🍁Hancock Chehocton Historical Association Open House | Sat 10/18

🍁HANCOCK – Kaybirds Succulent Pumpkin Class | Sat 10/18

🍁MARGARETVILLE – The Open Eye Theater presents The Springvale Armadillo| Thursdays thru Sundays thru 10/19

🍁MASONVILLE - Sidney Memorial Public Library Movie Matinee | Sat 10/18

🍁ONEONTA - Bobby Sharp Glassworks Flameworked Beads Workshop | Sat 10/18

🍁Roxbury Arts Group “Holding Artemis” by Jody Isaacson Opening Reception | Sat 10/18

🍁ROXBURY – Lifting the Veil: The Last Haunting of The Future Inn at Kirkside | Fridays & Saturdays thru 10/31

🍁Sidney Memorial Public Library Battle of Bennington Presentation | Sat 10/18

🍁SOUTH KORTRIGHT – Rosemary Farm Mustangs & Music | Sat 10/18

🍁STAMFORD – Delaware County Pride presents Karaoke at The Belvedere Inn | Sat 10/18

🍁WALTON – First United Methodist Church Walton Fall Rummage Sale | Fri 10/17-Sat 10/18

🍁WALTON – Dear Native Grapes Food Pop-Up with The Tulip And The Rose Cafe | Sat 10/18

🍁WALTON – Castle on the Delaware Halloween Party | Sat 10/18

🍁WALTON – The Delaware County Fair-Walton,NY Trunk or Treat | Sat 10/18

🍁WALTON – Awestruck Mill Music Bingo | Saturdays

🍂🍂SUNDAY 10/19🍂🍂

🍁ANDES – The Andes Hotel hosts 4th Annual Women of Andes | Sun 10/19

🍁ARKVILLE – Delaware & Ulster Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train |Saturdays & Sundays thru 11/2

🍁Deposit Historical Society Voices from the Past | Sat 10/18-Sun 10/19

🍁FRANKLIN – King's - Franklin, NY Opening Reception “Outside” by Caryn Davis | Sun 10/19

🍁HAMDEN – Mallory Brook Farm Autumn Festival | Sun 10/19

🍁HARPERSFIELD – Stamford NY Farmer & Artisan Market | Sundays

🍁MARGARETVILLE – Historical Society of Middletown, Delaware County, NY All Things Pumpkin: Pumpkin Decorating & Carving, Bake-Off, Trivia, Fishing, Rare Basket Auction, Historical Exhibit, & Refreshments | Sun 10/19

🍁MARGARETVILLE – The Open Eye Theater presents The Springvale Armadillo| Thursdays thru Sundays thru 10/19

🍁SIDNEY – Awestruck Ciders presents Music Bingo | Sundays

🍁Stamford Friends of Music Asiya Korepanova & Balourdet Quartet | Sun 10/19

🍁Unadilla Rod & Gun Club Breakfast | Sundays

🍁WALTON – New Hope Community Church Fall Fun & Games | Sun 10/19

🍁WALTON – United Presbyterian Church Walton, NY 160th Birthday Celebration | Sun 10/19

🍁WALTON – Danny’s Restaurant & Austin Farms BBQ Party with Live Music | Sun 10/19

🍁WALTON – Music On The Delaware Deirdre Lockman & Corey Purcell Coffeehouse at the Walton Theatre | Sun 10/19

🍁WALTON – Castle on the Delaware 3rd Annual Haunted Tour | Sun 10/19

🍁ARKVILLE – Delaware & Ulster Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train |Saturdays & Sundays thru 11/2

Did we miss an event? Leave it in the comments!

Background image: Detail of a Karl Armor’s signature diamond basket handle design, courtesy of the Historical Society of Middletown (see their event on Sunday, October 19, above).

10/15/2025

This weekend’s lineup is so us: creative, community-minded, and a little bit wild.

🎭 The Party Theater’s “Microcosm” Outdoor Theater Walk (Stamford, Sat)
🎶 Hip Hop and Hootenanny at CANO (Oneonta, Sat)
🍸 Local Food Local Spirits with Otsego 2000 (Cooperstown, Sun)

Go ahead—make it a full upstate weekend.

Oct. 15-21, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

10/13/2025

I'm partnering with Hartwick College Institute of Public Service to interview candidates running for public office this year. This is the first post: interviews with mayoral candidates Dan Buttermann and Luisa Montanti. Hartwick College

Hartwick College Institute of Public Service and Townie teamed up to interview local candidates running for office

10/09/2025

Oct. 9-14, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

10/01/2025

My weekend short list:

👉 Muddy River’s Oktoberfest in Unadilla (Saturday)
👉 TEDx Oneonta at Foothills PAC (Saturday)
👉 A cookbook-potluck with influencer Alexis de Boschnek and Delhi’s Lost Bookshop (Saturday)

Quick shout-out to Townie’s paid subscribers—we’re at 71 and closing in on our goal of 100. Townie exists because of you and our sponsors, including Cooperstown Concerts and Susquehanna Spirit. If this newsletter has ever helped you find something fun, consider becoming a paid subscriber to keep it going.

Read on for lots to do around the community this week!

Warmly,
Cassandra

Oct. 1-7, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.

09/24/2025

I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately and how valuable it is. Every week, I dedicate about four hours to putting together Townie—researching, organizing, fact-checking, finding photos, and writing this note—because I believe in the value of having one reliable place to see what’s happening in our community.

With local news outlets stretched thinner than ever, robust community calendars often fall by the wayside. But they matter. Knowing what’s happening helps us show up—to connect with one another, to support the organizations that keep our community vibrant, and to continue to make this a great place to live and visit.

The second anniversary of the first issue of Townie is coming up. I clicked “send” for the first time on October 7, 2023, a few months after I relocated back to Oneonta. Since then, I’ve published 109 editions, and today the newsletter is viewed around 4,000 times each month. That tells me people care about this work. Yet out of all those readers, just 70 are paid subscribers. My goal is to grow that to 100 by the end of the year.

When you subscribe, you’re showing your support in a meaningful way and helping keep Townie free for everyone. Paid subscribers make this work possible, and I want to celebrate you—with shout-outs in future editions and special invitations from event organizers who generously offer tickets.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting this project. It means the world to me.

Warmly,
Cassandra

Sept. 24-30, 2025: Ideas for fun and frivolity in and around Oneonta, NY.