q ... To the Best Tasting Water in New York State contest for returning to Delaware County this year.

The event was canceled last year because of flooding, but in 2007, the contest was back, and villages were ready to show off their water to eager testers at the Delhi Farmers’ Market.

Sidney finished first this year, with Walton in second and Deposit and Delhi tying for third.

That probably came as no surprise to Sidney water superintendent Jim Nordberg.

He said his son, Christopher, is attending DeVry University in Philadelphia but won’t leave home without a supply of Sidney’s water.

"He always fills two gallon bottles with Sidney’s water," Nordberg said. "He said the water in Philadelphia is horrible."

But Walton’s water hasn’t done too badly, either.

In 2005, Walton won the local title, survived the regional competition and made it to the state contest at the state fair, where it tied for second place.

We wish Sidney the best of luck at the higher levels of competition.

q ... To local families who are hosting children from New York City this summer through the Fresh Air Fund.

Many kids are making repeat visits to the area, some even staying with the same families again.

"I really like this family a lot," said Joseph Blanco, 12, about the Pondolfinos of Oneonta. Joseph arrived earlier this month to visit the family for the fourth year in a row.

Children stay with their hosts for two weeks and experience a variety of activities, from farm chores to baseball games to just playing outside.

Meanwhile, other families were hosting for the first time or returning after taking a break.

Wendy Evans, of Worcester, welcomed 6-year-old Yaseen Alhanafi as her family’s first Fresh Air child.

"It’s a chance for children from the city to experience country life," Evans said.

We encourage families to extend their hospitality, as the program is looking for more hosts for August.

Interested people can call local coordinator Darlene Pondolfino at 432-6476.

q ... To The Arc Otsego and its new Center for Self Expression, for giving more local residents a chance to develop their artistic abilities.

The center in Oneonta has a gallery and studio for use by up to 15 consumers at a time. It is an expansion of the Arc’s many programs for people with intellectual and other disabilities.

The program is funded by a state grant through the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Organizers said they are hoping to have four exhibits per year to show consumers’ artwork and open a store to sell some of it.

"The gallery will show what they can do," Director Lisa Stahl said.

We are glad to see this program start, not only for the consumers’ benefit, but because it reminds us of what all people in our community have to offer.