o " To those who organized and participated in the fourth annual Butternut Creek cleanup in July.

The cleanup, organized by the not-for-profit Butternut Creek Club, combines fun activities with worthy goals. A poker "run" is held on the creek, along with raffles, auctions, games and refreshments. Proceeds from the events go toward an individual or family in the community in need of assistance.

At the same time, the cleanup day brings together people from all over to help pick up litter and debris from the stream. This year’s cleanup netted such treasures as a bowling ball and a floor fan, and raised $1,700.

This event is a wonderful example of the difference a small group of dedicated people can make. Groups like the Butternut Creek Club help make our communities great.

We hope this event continues for years to come and inspires others to take steps toward improving their own communities.

o " To former Middleburgh Mayor Gary Hayes and Jay Lawyer for looking to honor a local Revolutionary War hero and restore a historic landmark.

The two Middleburgh men are seeking state funds to restore the Middle Fort and build a monument to honor Timothy Murphy. Murphy is credited with firing the single shot that ended the Battle of Saratoga and changed the course of the American Revolution. His story has been told in a song by Ray Charles, "The Continental Soldier," and in a 1953 novel, "The Rifleman."

Efforts were made to honor Murphy in the past, beginning in 1819, the year after he died, when the state Legislature voted to erect a monument in his honor. It never happened, Hayes said. Murphy’s descendents placed a monument in the Middleburgh Cemetery in 1910.

In 1889, the state appropriated funds for the fort, which Murphy helped defend, and a monument for Murphy, but nothing came of that, either, Hayes said.

Although the fort has all but vanished, Hayes said, "We can rebuild a replica of the Middle Fort, When you have a dream, you are only limited by your imagination."

We agree. We hope that their dream comes true, whether it comes in the form of government funds or somewhere else, because it is important to remember and honor our past.

o " To the City of Oneonta and the Oneonta Tigers for holding a baseball clinic for local children.

The young fans covered Damaschke Field in Neahwa Park on July 26 to get tips on catching, batting, pitching and more from the players of the Class A short-season New York-Penn League Detroit Tigers affiliate.

The annual event gives local kids more than just a chance to get tips on playing the game; it gives young fans a chance to meet some of their local sports heros. It also gives the players a chance to connect with the community.

We applaud the city and the O-Tigers for continuing this important tradition.