May 01, 2008 12:35 pm
—
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.
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