Published: May 01, 2008 12:35 pm         

Roses and Rasberries

Roses to former Cooperstown resident Sarah Groff for earning at least an alternate spot on the women’s United States Olympic Triathlon team this summer in Beijing.

Groff, 26, only turned professional four years ago, and said earlier this year that simply qualifying for the Olympic Trials was her main goal. Not only did she qualify for the Trials, she nearly won, finishing nine seconds behind the first American woman across the finish line at last Saturday’s race in Alabama.

In two qualifying races, Groff has accumulated enough points to be an alternate. But she will have one more chance to qualify for a starting spot on the team June 22 in Iowa, the final of three qualifying races. Groff wrote in a blog on her website that she is trying to enjoy the journey, and not get too caught up in results.

``Not only have I qualified for Trials, but I have developed into a contender!’’ she wrote. ``Sometimes we are too blinded in our disappointment in what we have not accomplished to fully embrace and acknowledge the achievements that we have made. I am buoyed by the progress I have made.’’

Roses to community members and town officials in Hartwick who have joined forces to plan the Hartwick Clean Sweep Event on May 17.

The community is developing a three-part plan that includes a junk vehicle removal program, a roadside clean-up event, and the placement of permanent recycling and scrap metal bins. They are even going to award cash and other prizes to groups of individuals who collect the most bags of littler.

We applaud the town and its residents for helping to clean up their town and village. Not only will their work result in a more aesthetically pleasing place to live, but a healthier environment in which to live as well.

Roses to Cooperstown fifth-grader Rebecca Odell for entering in this year’s Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Essay competition. The contest is conducted locally by the DAR chapters, and Odell’s essay was chosen to be sent to the state level competition, where she placed second.

Odell said she was overwhelmed with joy. ``I called up almost everyone I knew,’’ said Odell. ``My friends were over, and when I told them, they made up this little dance.’’

Elementary Principal Theresa Gorman said Odell is a great representative of the fifth grade because she is ``such a well-rounded talented individual.’’

``We are very, very proud of her,’’ said Gorman.

Odell will be honored for her accomplishments at a brunch that will be held at the Otesaga on May 23.