LEONARDSVILLE, N.Y. – Light pollution from unneeded and unwanted artificial light is an ever-growing presence that obstructs our natural dark skies, which support vital ecological processes and promote public health and human well-being worldwide.

To explain the importance of protecting night skies from excessive artificial light and how each of us can help through responsible outdoor lighting practices, the Upper Unadilla Valley Association (UUVA) invites the public and area policymakers to its 2024 banquet at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, at The Horned Dorset Inn, 2000 State Route 8 in Leonardsville.

The guest speaker will be Justin Levine, a former reporter and award-wining journalist who currently serves as a communications associate with The Adirondack Council. The council is working to educate the public and policymakers about the impacts of light pollution and help advance meaningful legislation to help preserve dark skies in the Adirondacks and beyond.

The banquet costs $54 per person and includes The Horned Dorset’s beloved hot cheese dip, a seasonal salad, beef bourguignon, apple crisp with rum whipped cream, and coffee or tea. Substitutions are available for dietary restrictions only. Tax and tip are included, but beverages other than coffee and tea are not included in the price. A cash bar will be available.

Reservations are due by Oct. 30 and should be made by mailing a check payable to “UUVA” for the number of seats needed, rather than by contacting the restaurant directly. Please send checks to association President Larraine McNulty, 156 Pritchard Road, West Winfield, NY 13491. Be sure to note any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Price: General Admission: USD 54.00