The Community Foundation of Otsego County has welcomed over 300 donors since its inception in 2019. Otego writer Dennis Fowler is the latest, with a generous donation creating The Greater Otego Library and Education Fund. 

Mr. Fowler, a 50-year resident of rural Otego, is a successful writer with nearly 60 books published, including a recent science fiction novel, “Earth’s Song.” A Princeton graduate in economics, Dennis worked in New York City with his wife Peggy before embarking on his life-long writing career. They moved to Otego in the 1970’s where they became deeply involved in the community – she in Orpheus Theater and Habitat for Humanity, he in the Otego Harris Memorial Library, where he became board president and directed an expansion of the building.

Looking back on his life in Otego, Dennis was searching for a way to give back to the place he loves. When he heard about the work the Community Foundation of Otsego County was doing and hoped to do, he saw a perfect partner. He opened a Field of Interest Fund housed at CFOC – The Greater Otego Library and Education Fund – which is focused on maintaining the Harris Memorial Library building, supporting library programs and operations, and encouraging activities to educate and enhance the lives of all the people of his beloved Otego.

“Dennis’ love for Otego and his piece of it is obvious in every sentence he speaks,” observes Jeff Katz, the new executive director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County. While he watches the world outside his window, Fowler expresses great hopes for his hometown and village: “Otego is such a wonderful place. I just want to see it succeed.” For Dennis Fowler that isn’t simply talk. By establishing The Greater Otego Library and Education Fund within the Community Foundation of Otsego County, Dennis is helping make his and others’ dreams a reality. 

Harris Librarian Sarah Livingston says: “The Board of Trustees of the Harris Memorial Library is proud to work with the Community Foundation of Otsego County towards the goal of making the Harris Library a welcoming place for the Otego community, now and for years to come. We thank the donor who has made these goals possible and has so generously helped secure the future of an Otego institution.”

“It was a pleasure to work with Dennis to create a fund which will enhance life in Otego for many, many years to come,” said Harry Levine, board president of the Community Foundation of Otsego County. “A key goal of the Community Foundation is to channel people’s generosity in the most effective way possible. There couldn’t be a better way to start a new year than to announce the new Greater Otego Library and Education Fund at the Community Foundation of Otsego County.” Levine encourages anyone with questions about creating a fund at the Community Foundation to email contact@cfotsego.org.

The Community Foundation offers a range of services and plans to assist donors in meeting their charitable goals. The CFOC also continues to invite nonprofits working in Otsego County to apply for new awards going into 2022; there are no application deadlines. For more information please visit the Community Foundation of Otsego County website, cfotsego.org, or email contact@cfotsego.org.