angellotti Working To Elevate Performance On, Off the Field
By EVa PickErT ONEONTa
In the fast-paced world of collegiate athletics, where wins and losses can define seasons, evidence shows that the mental well-being of athletes is just as important as their physical training. at SUNY Oneonta, the women’s soccer team started using unique strategies to enhance their performance, all thanks to the guidance of chad angellotti, the team’s mental health coach. angellotti has been coaching the Oneonta women’s soccer team for the last two years, gradually enhancing exercise routines for the
athletes by incorporating self-reflection and visualization after each practice.
Senior leader kennady amo explained how mental coaching enhanced the team’s style of play.
“Every Monday session we are able to get together as a team and talk about our strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to grow as individuals as well as a team,” she said. “We are able to learn from our experiences and improve them for our next session or game.”
Mental health support has been traditionally underemphasized in sports, which often focus on physical performance and technical skills. as
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New Year, New Baby Brother!
cOOPErSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network’s Birthing center at Bassett Medical center in cooperstown welcomed its first baby of 2025 at 3 a.m. on January 1, 2025. aidan was born to mom, Schuyler, and dad, Nicholas. The family lives in Mount Vision. aidan weighs 7 pounds, 9 ounces and is 20 inches long. He has two older siblings—avery and Ethan. Schuyler and Nicholas are thrilled about the arrival of their New Year bundle of joy. “We are very happy,” they shared. “Everything went smoothly and he is precious. This is the best way to start a new year—with a healthy baby.” in 2024, 921 babies were born at Bassett Medical center’s Birthing center.
cooperstown Winter carnival Will Shine this Wintertime
cOOPErSTOWN
On Monday, January 6, the cooperstown Winter carnival committee released details about one of the year’s most anticipated events. Organized by members of the community under the umbrella of the cooperstown Lions club, cooperstown’s iconic Winter carnival will feature indoor and outdoor events for all ages, with most events free to the public.
This year’s theme, “a Time To Shine in Wintertime,” was submitted by H. Stephen Phillips and celebrates the whimsical, uplifting spirit of winter, setting the stage for a vibrant midseason celebration for both locals and visitors, organizers said.
Now in its 57th year, the cooperstown Winter carnival kicks off Thursday evening, January 30 and continues through Sunday, February 2. it will begin in grand
an
a
commemorative address by
Ellen Tillapaugh.
The festivities continue throughout the weekend with an array of events, including the Fenimore Quilt club Show, Family Movie Night, the Friends of the Village Library Book Sale, a Village Scavenger Hunt and Trivia Night. Outdoor fun awaits at Lakefront Park with sledding and a Snowpal Making contest, and free ice skating at Badger Park. The carnival will also feature a visit from the Utica Zoo, retail events, live music performances and the first-ever Snow Globe Disco Party, with much more to explore.
Winter carnival concludes with the Blizzard Bash on Sunday, February 2 from 3-5 p.m. Open to all, this free event held in the Doubleday Field parking lot promises fun for the whole family, featuring a tailgate party, face painting, a bouncy house,
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Photo provided by SUNY Oneonta athletics
Chad Angellotti (right), assistant coach of the SUNY Oneonta women’s soccer team and head of mental performance and player development, celebrates with members of the squad as they claim the Mayor’s Cup Tournament title in 2023.
Photos provided
style at The Otesaga resort Hotel with
opening night featuring hot chocolate,
fireworks display and a special
cooperstown Mayor
Quilt Registration Slated
COOPERSTOWN—The Fenimore Quilt Club’s highly anticipated 2025 Show will be held at the Cooperstown Art Association Galleries from February 1 through 16. Registration will be held onsite from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. Exhibitors are asked to submit no more than two items. For more information, visit www. cooperstownart.com or contact Lisa Smith at (607) 282-4522.
Winter Sowing Workshop Set
ONEONTA—Otsego County Master Gardener Volunteers will hold a winter sowing workshop at the Southside Mall Community Room from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 11. Participants should bring a one-gallon translucent container, like a milk or water jug, scissors and any seeds they wish to use. No experience is necessary, but space is limited and registration is required at https://cceschoharieotsego.org/. There is a $5.00 fee to cover materials.
Angellotti
Continued from page 1
Oneonta’s mental health coach, Angellotti addresses critical aspects
of health, such as stress management and performance anxiety, and offers a holistic approach to the development of each individual athlete.
Angellotti’s career
OCCA Announces Events
OTSEGO COUNTY—Otsego County Conservation Association released a partial list of upcoming winter events in its Eco-Bulletin on Monday, December 16. Elizabeth Bastiaans, associate professor of biology at SUNY Oneonta, will lead a workshop on identifying and protecting New York’s vernal pool-breeding amphibians at the Clark Sports Center Community Room from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 12. There will be a homeschool nature walk day in Wilber Park from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, and another at Gilbert Lake State Park from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11. A “Get the Kids Out” day will be held in Fortin Park from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, January 20.
OCCA will lead an indoor/outdoor hemlock woolly adelgid identification workshop to combat this catastrophic invasive pest insect at the Clark Sports Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 25. They will then lead a research survey of HWA presence in Texas Schoolhouse State
includes 15 years of mental health research and practice with athletes. He has since enriched his expertise with new strategies like breath work and meditation techniques which aim to enhance the athletes’ mental performance.
“We talk about the physical aspects of training all the time, but mental preparation is just as crucial,” Angellotti said. “In soccer, 90 percent of the game is mental. It’s about how you react to pressure, how you stay focused, and how you recover after a mistake. We emphasize that recovery—both physical and mental—is just as important as performance.”
After working with Angellotti, the SUNY Oneonta women’s soccer team has visibly improved its performance. This year, the team was able to succeed all the way to the semifinals in the SUNYAC. The athletes attribute their success
Forest from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15. Bill Ralston will lead a scale solar system model walk at the Compton Bridge Conservation Area at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 2. There will be an easygoing snowshoe walk in Robert V. Riddell State Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 22. Additionally, OCCA announced that the annual Earth Festival will be held at Milford Central School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. ‘Black Barbie’ To Be Shown
COOPERSTOWN—The First Baptist Church of Cooperstown’s Race, Equity and Justice event series will continue with a free screening of the documentary “Black Barbie” in the upper floor ballroom of the Village Hall from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, January 12. Dr. Gretchen Sorin of the Cooperstown Graduate Program will lead a discussion afterwards. Free pizza and beverages will be available.
For updates on Cooperstown Central School sports results, visit AllOtsego.com
to mental well-being, among other factors.
Angellotti’s role transcends the typical expectations of sports psychology, blending his clinical expertise with a deep understanding of athletic performance. His approach to mental health is woven into the team’s regular training schedule, with sessions such as “Mental Performance Mondays:”
Every Monday after practice, Angellotti sits down with the team to talk about recent stresses and coping methods. He recaps the previous weekend games while getting the athletes mentally prepared with mindfulness work toward the upcoming practice or games for the rest of the week.
Angellotti employs a range of techniques designed to help athletes manage the pressures of stress. One of the most powerful strategies he encourages is self-reflection. During one session, Angellotti had athletes fill out a document of questions that asks players about how they feel they performed that practice,
having them write down things they felt they did or did not do well. This method allows athletes to reflect back on their play during that day, so they can come into the next session knowing what they need to work on.
Amo said, “Self reflections help me acknowledge my weaknesses, which allows me to set goals for next sessions where I can improve my play.”
“The key is helping athletes develop the ability to control their controllables,” Angellotti explained. “I teach them to detach from the outcome. It’s about staying in the moment.”
One of the most important elements of Angelotti’s coaching philosophy is his “nonpushy” approach.
“I’m not going to chase you,” he tells the players.
He said he does this to ensure athletes know there is no pressure, but they can reach out to him when needed.
“I always let the players know that I’m here for them,” Angellotti explained. “Whether
it’s before a game, after a loss, or even in their personal lives, they know they can reach out whenever they need it.”
Amo said Angellotti’s mental health coaching has made a profound impact on both her individual performance and the team’s overall well-being.
“I can honestly say that Chad has been a gamechanger for us,” said Amo, who has been with the team for all four years of her collegiate career. “The mental aspect of soccer is just as important as the physical side, and Chad really helps us understand how to manage that pressure. We’ve seen a huge improvement in how we handle stress and stay connected as a team.”
Amo explained that Angellotti’s strategies have instilled a new sense of resilience within the team.
“Chad’s sessions, especially ‘Mental Performance Mondays,’ have really helped us get on the same page mentally, which has made a huge difference when we face tough opponents,” she said.
Amo emphasized that one of the most powerful aspects of Angellotti’s approach is the way he encourages selfreflection and personal growth.
“Chad implements the importance of being a better person to become a better athlete,” she said. “He provides us with self-reflection documents after games that scrutinize our performance in the physical and mental aspects of the game. This has been a game changer in our style of play and mental performance on and off the field.”
Looking ahead, Angellotti says he has ambitious goals for expanding mentalhealth resources within all athletic departments at SUNY Oneonta. He hopes for a future fulltime role as a director of athletic mental health, a position that would allow him to provide more oneon-one sessions with athletes in all sports.
Angellotti is particularly focused on reducing athlete attrition by providing better mental health support.
“Mental health is often overlooked in sports,” he said. “But if we don’t address it, athletes burn out or even leave the sport.”
Haley Saunders is an advanced journalism student at SUNY Oneonta.
Iron String Press New Hire Roberts Wants To Tell Your Stories
COOPERSTOWN
In late November, Iron String Press welcomed a new member to its editorial staff. Sarah Roberts, 23, came to Cooperstown in August 2023 to join the Cooperstown Graduate Program in pursuit of her master’s degree in museum studies. She graduates in May 2025 and hopes to enter the nonprofit sphere in the areas of fundraising and development.
Roberts, who hails from Bovina Center, has covered local news before. Her summer job in high school was with the “Catskill Mountain News” in Arkville. There, she shadowed reporters, wrote a weekly “this day in history” column and learned the basics of the industry.
“I grew up in a small town,” Roberts said, “So I know that in places like this, local news is such
Photo by Tara Barnwell SARAH ROBERTS
an important part of the community. We can get overlooked by national and state news outlets— so it is important that we tell our own stories when we can.”
“Sarah has fit in with our staff from the first day,” said Iron String Publisher Tara Barnwell.
“She wants to be a part of the community and that’s what we are all about. We are so fortunate to have found her, recognized her talent,
and have her be a part of our local presence.”
After spending four years at SUNY Geneseo, pursuing a major and minor in anthropology and geography, respectively—including completing focused “microcredential” programs in archeology and Geographic Information System studies, partaking in an intensive archeological field school, and graduating magna cum laude—Roberts applied to CGP in the winter of 2023 and was welcomed into the class of 2025.
“Anthropology is a fascinating subject, and I really had fun with geography and GIS,” she explained, “but I was drawn to the educational aspects of museums.”
However, after beginning classes at CGP, Roberts found herself drawn to a field she never expected—nonprofit
Cooperstownian King Debuts First Book in Fantasy Series
By SARAH ROBERTS
PITTSBURGH
Cooperstown native, Pittsburgh Steelers playby-play announcer and Pittsburgh Pirates television host Rob King has released the first book in a middle grade fantasy series, titled “The Door in the Stone.”
“When a mysterious woman blackmails Vic and Em into leaving our world through The Door in the Stone, the lonely siblings plunge into a war in Kavenland, a world of myth and magic. Fate leads them to meet best friends Larkin, Ariana, and Noll, who are traveling through Kavenland’s frightening forest on a quest to save their home,” reads the back cover, “With unique and growing powers, the five kids must learn to trust each other while taking on the strange and dangerous creatures of the woods, including the awful Scourge, in a mad dash to save Kavenland— and each other.”
King considers Cooperstown home, having attended Cooperstown Central School from the eighth through the twelfth grade. His father was born and raised in Cooperstown. His mother, Marion, still lives in Fly Creek, and his older sister, Wesley, is a teacher in the Oneonta school system.
Growing up, King played football and baseball, and read sport, mystery, and fantasy books with his “head firmly in the clouds.” He and his family moved to Pittsburgh later on, where he has been a television host for the Pirates for 20 years and is in his first year of being a playby-play announcer for the Steelers.
According to King, the five main characters of his series each have their own challenges that they must overcome and grow through. The illustrations are done by his daughter, Cooper—named after Cooperstown—as she
works on her PhD in Scotland’s University of Edinburgh.
This novel is the first in a planned trilogy. According to King, he hopes to have the second book in the series ready for release later this year, with the third book in The Kavenland Series to follow after that.
“I have no background in writing of this type. It’s very different from the journalism style of writing that I’ve done throughout my career. It’s one of the main reasons that the book took me almost nine years to write,” King said.
about your generation, and their parents said the same about their generation, and on and on and on.”
When asked about the journey of releasing his first novel, he warns hopeful writers that being rejected is part of the process—but one that can be used to grow and improve.
“You have to grow a thick skin to deal with that rejection…do it for the love of it,” he advised.
When asked for comparable titles, he identified his target audience as being similar to that of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and the first couple Harry Potter installations by JK Rowling, and named the Hardy Boys series as some of his most-read books when he was the age he is writing for.
That being said, he wrote “The Door in the Stone” with the intent that it could be enjoyed by all ages.
“I hope that readers will identify with one or more of those characters…I also hope that kids feel empowered when they read ‘The Door in the Stone,’” he said. “I think there are few things sillier than the grown-ups of the world criticizing the youth of today as not good or tough enough to handle life’s challenges. I have news for you: Your parents said the same
fundraising—and switched her focus.
“My family looked at me like I was crazy,” she chuckled. “I’m not the sort you’d expect to like that type of thing.”
This past summer, Roberts completed an 11-week internship at Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana. While there, her duties included events planning, management, and support as part of MoR’s development team.
“MoR is a great place—they have one of the most extensive dinosaur fossil collections in the country, and have so many great programs for everyone, from kids to seniors and everyone in between,” Roberts explained.
“I helped with an exhibit opening, their major summer fundraiser, a beer tasting and brewing history event, and a ‘friend-raising’
lecture series at a local dude ranch. They had just lost their director of development and another member of the team shortly before I arrived so, all the while, I was filling in the gaps wherever else needed.”
Roberts is a fantasy lover and a storyteller at heart, spending her free hours writing a fantasy novel series as well as playing Dungeons and Dragons with some of her classmates at CGP.
After graduation, Roberts hopes to enter the nonprofit world as a member of a development and fundraising team—particularly as an events coordinator or manager—to continue to expand the skills she gained at MoR.
“There’s a special pride that comes from spending weeks planning and preparing for an event, and then watching it successfully come to
pass. It’s exhausting, but so rewarding,” she said.
“Sarah is our second CGP intern in as many semesters, and we could not be more pleased to have her on board,” said Iron String Press General Manager and Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs. “It quickly became apparent that Sarah’s skill set was such that she would make an excellent reporter, and she’s coming along far more quickly than we could ever have anticipated. We are grateful to CGP, and especially to Sarah, for the new insight and perspective she brings to our team. Her experience here will translate well to any career she chooses.” Iron String Press Inc. publishes “The Freeman’s Journal,” one of the nation’s oldest weekly newspapers, “Hometown Oneonta and the AllOtsego.com website.
“The Door in the Stone” was first released on November 19 of this year by 4 Monarch Publishing, has a listed reading level of 9-14 years old, and can be purchased on Amazon. com in Kindle, or in paperback form.
Online reviews call it “an outstanding debut novel,” “a page-turner for reluctant readers” and “a perfect entrance to a wonderful fantasy.”
Photo provided
HOMETOWN Views
gUEST EDITORIaL
It’s
Not Realistic for
DR. DanIEL gOInES
All Students To Attend
College—Here’s What Schools Should Do Instead
Student interest in school is declining. According to a Gallup survey, less than six in 10 middle- and high-schoolers say they’ve learned something interesting at school in the last week.
The emphasis on college preparation may be partly to blame. Two-thirds of highschoolers say they’ve heard a lot about college, but fewer than one in five say they’ve heard a lot about jobs that don’t require a college degree.
That’s problematic, because only half of Gen Z students plan to go to college. Fewer than 40 percent of students aged 18-24 enroll.
There’s no one roadmap for success after high school. Educators provide a disservice to students by implying that college bestows the only path toward financial independence and employment. An improved system would balance college preparation with career and technical education.
Consider the makeup of the American economy. There are 8 million construction workers in the United States, double the amount of teachers.
Construction workers generally don’t require a bachelor’s degree. However, our education system almost exclusively steers students toward attending a four-year college.
It’s important to note the role that family plays in career paths. For a student who takes care of younger siblings or grandparents and will eventually seek a job with flexible hours, a career in skilled trades may be the right fit.
The trades might also be a fit for a student who wants to stay in their rural hometown, where employment options that require a college degree are limited.
Such ambitions are just as valid as aspiring to attend an Ivy League school.
In addition to asking questions like, “What are you passionate about?” counselors can incorporate practical questions in their conversations, such as:
“Are you comfortable with taking out loans?”
“Do you have family responsibilities?”
“What jobs are available where you want to live?”
There are steps schools can take to meet the career readiness needs of all students, such as hiring counselors from diverse educational and economic backgrounds— including those with connections to blue-collar occupations.
I’ve worked to advise college students, and I know that counselors are doing their best. Unfortunately, many high-school counselors have larger workloads than they can accommodate.
The average school counselor is responsible for a staggering 385 students. Nearly 20 percent of public high schools don’t have a counselor at all.
To address this, administrators can set up a career advising program for teachers to participate in, just as teachers can earn extra pay by coaching a sports team or managing a student club.
This approach can reach students who may not make an appointment with a counselor but feel comfortable discussing post-graduation plans with their favorite teacher or coach.
Even at the college level, many schools miss the mark on career readiness. Universities will better prepare students if they emphasize how classroom learning can translate into real-world job opportunities.
For example, students at Northeastern University alternate between semesters of school and full-time work, gaining experience at everything from tech start-ups to nonprofits and marketing firms. Drexel University students can graduate with 1.5 years of full-time work experience based on their curriculum.
It’s time for educators to encourage students to think more broadly about their futures, no matter what career path they pursue.
Daniel Goines, EdD, is a higher education specialist at KI, a global furniture manufacturer in Green Bay, Wis. He has two decades of experience in higher education administration and education leadership.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
“Hometown Oneonta” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Preferred length is no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
Rome on the Susquehanna
All roads lead to Rome, a saying that arose in medieval France, but that was then and this is now. A cursory inspection of the license plates in the Doubleday Field parking lot, as well as the license plates in The Otesaga Hotel parking lot, will lead to the altered conclusion that all roads lead to Cooperstown. Idaho, Alaska, California, Texas, New Hampshire, Quebec, Kentucky, Nova Scotia, New Mexico, and Rhode Island are all cases in point.
Omniscient Siri will guide you along the myriad roads that lead to Cooperstown. Better still, since a picture is worth a thousand words, consulting a map (remember them?) will more vividly prove the point. From any point on the continent, roads will bring you here. And since we have left medieval France behind, we can update our concept of roads to include airplanes crossing oceans and continents. As stated heretofore, this is now.
If all roads lead to Cooperstown, it is true conversely that all roads out of Cooperstown lead to the rest of the world. For example, in 1974, a young American teacher in Eswatini on a visit to nearby Mozambique was introduced to another American at the same household.
“Where in the United States are you from?”
“New York. And you?”
“New York. From the foothills of the Catskills. Cooperstown.”
“Yes, I’m from Cooperstown.”
“No. I’m saying I’m from Cooperstown.”
“No, no. I’m from Cooperstown.”
How many thousands of miles and how many roads led to this improbable meeting of two Cooperstownians in a far flung city on the Indian Ocean? See what I mean? Speaking of Rome, Roman fare can be had right here on the Susquehanna, at Toscana, Nicoletta’s, Sal’s Pizzeria, New York Pizzeria and Bocca.
We may not have the fountain of Trevi, but coins can be tossed and wishes can be made at the tiny bridge over Willow Brook, on Chestnut Street, where Susquehanna Avenue starts.
Some people have said for ages, see Rome and die. That was then, but this is now.
See Cooperstown and live!
Sam Goodyear was born in Cooperstown and, because of his father’s profession in the Foreign Service, grew up all over the world and continued that pattern throughout his adult life until two years ago, when he returned to where he was born. It took him only 80 years to do so.
Report Estimates Homeless Numbers
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released its “2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report: Part 1: Point-in-Time Estimates,” an annual snapshot of the number of individuals in shelters, temporary housing, and unsheltered settings. The report found more than 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, an 18 percent increase from 2023. Through targeted funding and interventions that utilize evidence-based practices, homelessness among veterans dropped to the lowest number on record. There was a nearly 8% decrease – from 35,574 in 2023 to 32,882 in 2024 – in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. Among unsheltered veterans, the number dropped nearly 11 percent—from 15,507 in 2023 to 13,851 in 2024. The full report can be found at https://www.huduser. gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2024-AHAR-Part-1.pdf.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn
Whose Side Is Trump On?
Is he with those who ravaged the Capitol, or with the rest of us law-abiding citizens?
Sherwood Guernsey Schoharie NY native Williamstown, MA
Bassett Must Restablish Trust
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2024 17th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.
Publisher / Advertising Manager Tara Barnwell
General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs
Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Interns: Arya Patel and Sarah Roberts
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
Web Architect
Xander Moffat Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart
Editorial Board
Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson
Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs
MEMBER OF:
National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association
The Otsego County Chamber
Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326
Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.
This week, we remember the horror of January 6, 2021, the day an angry mob surged into our nation’s Capitol, smashing windows, breaking down doors, brutalizing the police who were trying to guard our sacred Capitol, resulting in nine deaths. We all watched it on TV as the ugly drama proceeded with no action by the president to stop it.
An officer was dragged facedown to be beaten with an American flag on a pole and another was pulled into the scrum to be kicked and stomped.
The Capitol, the seat of American democracy, was overrun and trashed for the first time since the war of 1812.
The mob weaponized Christianity to support the rampage (a truly outrageous abuse of the teachings of Jesus) and waved confederate flags (the flags of slavery).
We honor the dead and their families, the wounded, and the traumatized.
As we look ahead, let us watch carefully whose side the new president is on.
The recent attempt by Bassett Healthcare Network to break long-standing contracts for healthcare coverage made to retirees (plus spouses) who put in long years of service, along with the recent firing of 101 employees, has put a hole in its once stellar reputation.
One way to reestablish local confidence might be for the hospital to announce that future cuts in salaries and benefits will somehow be shared by the entire medical and administrative staff, along with all other employees.
Corporate logic will insist that sky-high salaries in some areas are required to lure good talent, but it may be time to test that idea. Salary inequities haven’t solved the hospital’s retention problems.
An appeal for employees on the basis of integrated healthcare and rural community values, including shared sacri-
fice as necessary, might attract more reliable and committed people. That may be a better bet than trying at any cost to buy the loyalty of professionals who can work and live almost anywhere.
Adrian Kuzminski Fly Creek
Tax Cuts Are Not Going to Cut It
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, after receiving the nod, declared that Trump tax cuts will remain in place. President Trump, when proposing those tax cuts, declared these tax cuts will reduce the deficit because of the increase in business income. That reduction of the deficit never materialized! Uncle Sam legitimately has the right through approved taxes to reach into our front pockets and take taxes. The problem arises when, in addition, they continue to reach into our back pockets by initiating deficit spending. The USA owes trillions of dollars to foreign governments. This can only be brought under control by reducing spending and buying back our debt, not by inflation. Gerry Welch Cooperstown
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
50 YEARs AGo
The gold rush that generally started as a slow walk resumes Thursday after a one-day holiday break. Thomas W. Wolfe, head of the Treasury’s office of Domestic Gold and silver operations, said the first day of legal sale of gold bullion to American citizens in 41 years showed that demand was extremely slow and almost nonexistent. specialists had predicted that the end of the ban on private ownership of gold bullion might create a modern gold rush. But, with the precious metal selling in most areas at more than $200 an ounce, there were more curious questioners than buyers. The London fixing fell to $186.50 per troy ounce equal to 1.097 regular ounces. With a broker’s fees and commission involved, the price to the consumer was well over $200 an ounce.
January 1975
40 YEARs AGo
Velcro was invented by a man who had to pull burrs off his dog’s coat and thought he could duplicate the effect with synthetic materials. Velcro, a plastic material is made up of two parts—fabric embedded with tiny hooks and a matching pad covered with a dense web of matted fibers. And, Hartwick College art instructor Terry slade has a vision and a lot of sticky Velcro. soon, the Hartwick campus will become slade’s Velcro canvas for the launching of the First National Velcro Art show, a kind of artistic free-for-all for the masses. The idea to use Velcro as a medium of artistic expression occurred to slade last year as he and other professors brainstormed ideas for Velcro at a meeting in the cafeteria. “You can Velcro anything,” slade said. “You could Velcro a stuffed turkey. You can Velcro on a toupee or a tomato on a sandwich.” Not only is Velcro a tactile phenomenon. It also produces a distinctive ripping sound that some may find annoying. “A zipper zips. A snap snaps,” slade said. Entries for slade’s art exhibit are being solicited through notices in art journals. slade has also received a case of Velcro from a manufacturer. He plans to use it to decorate Hartwick College elevators, hallways, offices and dorms. The National Velcro Art show may be a one-time thing, however. slade intends to dispose of any Velcro artworks that are submitted although a $50 cash prize will be awarded for the Velcro entry judged the best.
January 1985
30 YEARs AGo
Liz Callahan, 29, of Cooperstown, successor to Linda Norris last october as Director of the Delaware County Historical Association, has plans for celebrating DCHA’s 50th anniversary year that will culminate in a special september celebration. Along the way DCHA programs during the year will feature multi-generational farms, cake-decorating, Prohibition and Walton’s Italian families, humanities seminars, and a Restoration Fair focusing on a variety of restoration techniques that can be applied to furniture and homes. A native of Buffalo, Callahan is a graduate of LeMoyne College. she first joined DCHA last April as the museum’s program coordinator.
January 1995
20 YEARs AGo
The Violence Intervention Program of opportunities for otsego is offering training to be a rape crisis counselor. “Training is free,” Jonathan Allen, education coordinator for Violence Intervention, said. “All we ask is that you commit yourself to four hours a month to offset the cost of training.” The training will cover topics such as service provision for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, legal and medical advocacy, the cycle of violence and crisis intervention. “We are really looking for community members,” Allen said. Thirty hours of training is provided and ten hours of volunteer service to be certified.
January 2005
Volunteers Vital to shelter services, Programs
In 2020, the susquehanna society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provided care for just over 900 animals. At the close of 2024, that number has increased by more than 1,000. There are many reasons why this was possible, but it’s important to note that we did not achieve these numbers by stuffing our shelter full and surpassing our capacity for care. Instead, we have worked hard to help people and their pets beyond the shelter walls. We have developed and manage programs that help people stay with their animals when, in previous years, those animals would have been surrendered. We do this by providing programs and services such as our free/low cost vaccine clinics, low cost spay/neuter clinics, our pet supply pantry, and our emergency boarding program.
These and other programs and services essential to our mission of caring for animals in need are only possible because folks in this region care. They show they care and support our mission through donating, fostering, adopting, and volunteering.
In 2024, our work was supported by 3,252 volunteer hours. sQsPCA volunteers help push our organization to the next level. Thrift shop volunteers, an incredible group of talented and caring people, come in week after week to help raise money for the animals. We certainly couldn’t succeed, or do what we do, without them. our shelter volunteers are every bit as vital. Folks of all different ages and abilities have a place here to help with our mission and, as we continue to develop and grow our enrichment program, these people make a huge difference, ensuring animals
By MERL REAGLE
Funny
in our care have a good quality of life. Even with our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility and caring humans, a shelter is a scary place for an animal. When we provide our animals with enrichment, we better their lives during their time with us.
Volunteers make this possible.
At the start of this new year, we have nearly 30 animals in our care on a legal hold, as their owners face animal cruelty charges—30 animals who are stuck with us in legal limbo. Animals who haven’t had the best experiences in life. All of these animals are now being shown what love, care and trust is all about. Volunteers make this possible.
In 2025, we invite community members to reach out to inquire about volunteering and how they, too, can make a positive difference for animals in need. We have many opportunities and are always happy to welcome new folks. We hope to see you soon!
Stacie Haynes is the executive director of the Susquehanna SPCA.
Business… Catch names to catch the eye
Photo by Allison Hungerford
Katrina Crandell, a long-time sQsPCA volunteer, sits with two under-socialized puppies, helping them learn to trust people.
Continued from page 1
and the chance to witness live ice carvings as frozen masterpieces come to life. To stay warm, guests can gather around a bonfire and warming station while DJ Raphael spins tunes to keep the energy up. The highlight of the day will
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Notice of formatioN of Howling Tree LLC.
Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/26/2024.
Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 226 Holl Rd, New Berlin NY 13411. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.9
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Notice of formatioN of Red Barn Farm Brewery & Kountry Kitchen LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 12/02/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: Josh Long, 3883 State Highway 7, Otego, NY, 13825. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJan.16
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Notice of formatioN of Hinman Hollow Restoration LLC
Article of organizations filed with the SSNY on 12/3/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to The Company, 242 Lippitt Road, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.16
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Notice of formatioN of FIELD OF DREAMS RV CAMPING RESORT & EVENT CENTER LLC
Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/22/24. Office in Otsego Co.
be the Tesla Car Light Show, where synchronized light sequences will transform vehicles into a mobile spectacle. Limited parking spaces for the tailgate are free and available to the public, committee members said. The tailgate is bring-yourown food and drink. To register for a space, email cooperstownwinter-
SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business loc: 181 Schidzick Rd., Hartwick, NY 13348.
6LegalJan.16
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Notice of formatioN of LIFESTYLES UNLIMITED OUTDOOR RESORTS LLC
Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/21/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business loc: 181 Schidzick Rd., Hartwick, NY 13348.
6LegalJan.16
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Notice of formatioN of SPARROWHAWK LAKE CABIN, LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/22/24. Office in Otsego Co.
SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8-12 Dietz St., Ste. 202, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.23
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
WINDY HILL FARM & TRUCKING LLC
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 19 December 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as
agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 497 North Rd, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of Richfield Softball Complex, LLC
Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 12/12/2024. Office in Otsego Co.
SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 148-27 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of
AIELLO PAINT CO LLC
Articles of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 12/11/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1644 Southside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of
KEMP HEAVY TRUCK REPAIR, LLC
Articles of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 12/13/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 928 East St., Cassville, NY 13318. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Principal business loc: 2153 US Route
carnival@gmail.com.
.According to a media release, this year’s Winter Carnival honors the legacy of two cherished community members, Linda Schuermann and Hank Phillips, who both served as past committee chairs. Until 1991, the carnival had no official theme, but a “walking snowman” illustration appeared on several
event brochures, a design created by Schuermann. Schuermann also made history as the first female chair in 1987. Coincidentally, this year’s winter carnival theme was submitted by the son of Phillips, who served on the firstever Winter Carnival Committee. Organizers said both Schuermann and Phillips,
LEGALS
20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of
HM Print & Design LLC
Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/01/2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to Wayne Hesler-Mondore, 22 Monticello Street, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
BODY IN BALANCE WELLNESS WITH JOANN LLC.
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 27 December 2024.
Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 726 Fairway Drive, Acworth GA 30101.
Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
2LegalFeb.6
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SUpreme coUrt of tHe State of NeW YorK coUNtY of otSeGo
INDEX NO. EF2023-662
Plaintiff designates OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 42-44 ACADEMY STREET, ONEONTA, NY 13820
Section: 300.5, Block: 5,
Lot: 29
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE F/K/A NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RENAISSANCE HEL TRUST 2002-4, Plaintiff, vs. LYNN KALBER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON
A/K/A JACK NICKERSON; JILL KALBER WOLHUTER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK continued Pg. 10 from Pg. 9 C. NICKERSON
A/K/A JACK NICKERSON; GLENN KALBER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON
A/K/A JACK NICKERSON; ROSS KALBER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON
A/K/A JACK NICKERSON; ABBY NICKERSON TEMELTAS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON A/K/A JACK NICKERSON, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descen-
dants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; PHILIP NICKERSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON A/K/A JACK NICKERSON, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; ALEXANDER NICKERSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON A/K/A JACK NICKERSON; JEREMIAH NICKERSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON A/K/A JACK NICKERSON, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband,
who recently passed away, will be deeply missed. In their honor, this year’s Cooperstown Winter Carnival pin will feature Schuermann’s original hand-drawn snowman. The commemorative pin will be available for $5.00 at various locations around Cooperstown, including Tin Bin Alley, The Local Bird, the Cooperstown
widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF JACK C. NICKERSON A/K/A JACK NICKERSON, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; KEN GOODRICH; RALPH MITCHELL; DANIEL GOODRICH; GLENN FIGARY; MAX GODFREY; CHAUNCY
Distillery Beverage Exchange and Lamb Realty. All proceeds will benefit future winter carnivals. For a complete listing of 2025 Cooperstown Winter Carnival events, visit www.cooperstownwintercarnival.com. Please note that all events are subject to change in the event of inclement weather.
COUSE, “JOHN DOE #7” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last six names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
Notice of NatUre of actioN aNd reLief SoUGHt
tHe obJect of the above caption action is to foreclose a mortgage to secure the sum of $47,600.00 and interest, recorded on November 14, 2002, in book 1104 at page 0025, of the public records of otSeGo county, New York., covering premises known as 42-44 academY Street, oNeoNta, NY 13820.
the relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. otSeGo county is designated
as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
Notice YoU are iN daNGer of LoSiNG YoUr Home if you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YoU mUSt reSpoNd bY SerViNG a copY of tHe aNSWer oN tHe attorNeY for tHe pLaiNtiff (mortGaGe compaNY) aNd fiLiNG tHe aNSWer WitH tHe coUrt
Dated: December 13th, 2024
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4LegalJan.23
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Notice of formatioN of Kristi Lynn Photography LLC
Articles of organization filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) 1/1/2025. Office in Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 25 W. End Ave.,Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.13
Maria Graham 1969-2024
ROCHESTER—
Maria Graham, age 55, passed away on December 12, 2024 from complications of Type 1 diabetes. She was born September 23, 1969 to Linda (Gregorio) and Edward Graham, and grew up in Fort Ann, New York. She graduated from Fort Ann Central High School and attended the State University College at Oneonta.
After college, Maria lived in the Oneonta, New York area. Over the course of her professional life, she was a baker, a caterer, a bookseller, a manager and a realtor.
In her personal life, she enjoyed being outdoors, camping, spending time with friends and talking with people. She was a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and other progressive causes, and never shied away from conversations with those who disagreed with her.
In 2020, she retired from her work after recovering from breast cancer and moved to western New York to live with her sister, Maggie. There she enjoyed making new friends, spending time with family by the fire pit, planting a beautiful garden, cooking with her nephews and playing with her pets.
Left to mourn her passing are Maria’s daughter, Caley Holden of Burlington; her parents, Linda and Jack Keating of Queensbury and Edward Graham of Mechanicsville; her sisters and their families, Maggie Graham, Thomas Tongue, and Ian and Calvin of South Bristol, and Renee, Frank, and Samantha Solari of Glens Falls; and a large extended family and circle of friends. She was predeceased by John Keating, Jeffrey Capen, Travis Capen, Michelle Jandreau, her beloved grandparents, and many other cherished family members.
Maria’s family would like to thank all of the healthcare professionals at, and drivers to, the University of Rochester Medical Center and Fresenius Eastview Clinic for the excellent care they took with Maria over the last four years. We appreciate all you did for her.
OBITUARIES
Feast of the Epiphany, surrounded by her family at Bassett Medical Center. She was 90.
Born April 30, 1934 in Cooperstown, Jean was a daughter of Joseph C. Worrall—a former jockey for F. Ambrose Clark—and Gertrude Brisack Worrall—a wellknown and respected pediatric nurse at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital.
Jean spent most of her early school years in Detroit before moving back to Cooperstown and graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1952. Jean attended the Utica School of Commerce, where she studied secretarial science.
On October 15, 1954, in the middle of Hurricane Hazel, Jean married Richard Edward “Dick” Johnson in a ceremony at Christ Church in Cooperstown. They made their home on North Street in Edmeston, where they raised their family.
For many years, Jean was employed as a legal secretary for her husband and later was the chief clerk for the Otsego County Family Court.
As a life-long Episcopalian, Jean was a beloved member of Christ Church, where she served in various roles, including more than 50 years as a member of the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Native Daughters of Cooperstown and often attended the annual luncheons with her mother, Gertrude, and sister Joan. Jean also belonged to the Lake and Valley Garden Club and served in several positions and was a dedicated member of the Cooperstown Alumni Association.
Jean lived a rich and varied life. When she was 4 years old, her Aunt Beatrice Hogue (née Brisack) saved her from drowning at the Pump House on Mill Street. Mom loved to host many friends of her children and grandchildren. Whether she was making dinner before Edmeston sporting events, baking her famous cookies, making crêpes for mini-courses, or lint rolling prom dresses, Jean was always ready to help. She loved everyone and she loved to make new friends.
Jean will be greatly missed by her loving family, her church and many friends. She spent numerous hours gardening, golfing, playing bridge, sewing and traveling. She especially loved quilting. Her handmade quilts are treasured items for her children and grandchildren.
Jean is survived by
two daughters, Debra Mullet and husband John of College Station, Texas, and Meghan King and husband Rob of Bradford Woods, Pennsylvania; a son, Timothy R. Johnson Esq. and wife Vicki of Edmeston; six grandchildren: Ian Mullet, Alexander (Gloria) Johnson, Susanna Johnson, Cooper King, Schaefer King (Natalie), Catherine Johnson (Erin); nieces Annie Mithoefer and Robin Torrence; nephew Mark Jacobson; special cousins and greatnieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph C. Worrall and Gertrude B. Worrall; her husband of 30 years, Dick Johnson; her sister, Joan W. White; and nephew Brian Jacobson.
The Office of the Burial of the Dead with the Holy Eucharist will be offered at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Christ Church in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Nathan Ritter, rector, officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. The Service of Committal at The Columbarium Wall in the Churchyard at Christ Church will be held later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to Edmeston Free Library, Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, Susquehanna SPCA or a charity of your choice.
Jean’s family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home family and the Bassett Medical Center doctors, nurses and staff on third floor medical.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Martha Mary Messner 1949-2024
WORCESTER—
Martha Mary (Richtsfeld) Messner, a well-known and much-loved nurse in Otsego County for most of her life, died on December 13, 2024 at
age 75 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Martha was born on March 22, 1949 in Oneonta, New York, to Erna and Marcus Richtsfeld, both immigrants from Germany, and was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Delhi on May 1, 1949. Martha grew up on the family dairy farm near East Meredith where she and her sister, Carol, worked hard each day throughout their childhood while also attending school full time. Martha was a strong student in high school and played varsity soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. While in high school, she also worked at O’Connor Hospital in Delhi as a nurse’s aide. Martha graduated from Delaware Academy in 1967 and that summer worked as a counselor at Mount Tremper Lutheran Camp near Phoenicia, New York, where she met future husband Paul. That fall, she began her training as an LPN at the Oneonta School of Practical Nursing at Fox Hospital and, after graduating, worked for several years at Fox Hospital.
In 1974, Martha and Paul married at Atonement Lutheran Church in Oneonta and moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a nurse at the Yater ENT and Ophthalmology Clinic. In 1977, she and Paul moved to Pennsylvania where Paul began studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and Martha worked at Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania. In 1982, Paul took his first call at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in North Syracuse and Martha worked as a stayat-home mother for Josh and Rebekah and was very active in parish life.
In 1987, the family moved to Worcester to be closer to family and so Paul and Martha could serve rural communities. From 1987 until 2015, Martha worked as a clinical nurse at the Worcester Health Clinic and then at Bassett’s Oneonta Health Center. After retiring from fulltime nursing with Bassett, she continued working as a school nurse and an elder-care private duty nurse. Martha was proud of her 50 years serving as a nurse, her accomplishments as a Bassett Ambassador of the Year, her leadership coordinating the Reach Out and Read community
program, her many years teaching Sunday school and being a grandmother, and her dedication as a pastor’s wife—most recently as a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Oneonta. Among Martha’s hobbies were baking and cooking, arts and crafts, reading, music, and travel.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Erna (Kathmann) Richtsfeld, and her stillborn brother, Marcus.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Messner; son, Josh (Sally) Messner; daughter, Rebekah (Vincent) Hopkins; grandchildren Emerson, Annalies, Simeon, and Ezekiel; sister Carol (Clark) Gilbert; son-inlaw Darren Riley; dear friend Joanne Burdick; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, patients, and honorary children.
The family is grateful to her end-of-life caregivers: Nicole and MatthewShane Robinson, Deb Lawyer, Sue Duffy, her incredible Helios Care team, and her family, who ensured she could remain at home.
Calling hours are from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, January 17 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center Street, Oneonta, followed by a service of Evening Prayer.
The funeral is at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 18 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, reception to follow. We invite guests to wear purple—Martha’s favorite color and the color for Alzheimer’s awareness.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to: Atonement Lutheran Church-Elevator Fund, 1 Center Street, Oneonta, NY 13820; Alzheimer’s AssociationLeatherstocking Region Office, 140 Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326; Hartwick Seminary Institute of Theology, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Condolences may be
made at www.hellerskinnerfh.com
Arrangements are entrusted with Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main Street, Worcester.
COOPERSTOWN—
Alessandra Palumbo, 100, of Mamaroneck and Rye, passed away on January 4, 2025 at The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown, where she moved in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, Deanna, who was with her as she passed. Born February 16, 1924 to Frank & Rosa Giaramita, Aless was one of six children. She married Bernard Palumbo on June 6, 1948, and together they raised six children.
Aless is survived by her children: Victoria Sterling, Laurence, Deanna (Michael Levenstein), Rosary Murphy (Sean), Sandra Lubliner (John), 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a sister, Maria D’Angelo, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband and her son, Bernard Joseph Jr. Burial will be in Westchester County. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral services are through Connell, Dow and Deysenroth in Cooperstown.
Photo provided MARIA GRAHAM
Photo provided MAR t HA MARy M essne R
Photo provided AL ess A n DRA PALUMBO
►Fri., Jan. 10
BLOOD DRIVE
12:30-5:30 p.m. Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown. www. RedCrossBlood.org
LIBRARY 1 p.m.
“Homeschool Hangout.”
Welcome 2025 with stories and a fun New Year’s activity. Held each Friday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
►Sat., Jan. 11
YOGA 9:45-11 a.m.
“Baby & Me Yoga.” Held each Saturday through 2/15. Fit to be Tied Yoga Studio, 103 Main Street, Key Bank, 3rd Floor, Cooperstown. (607) 7430054.
LIBRARY 10 a.m.
“Origami Pendant Lampshade Workshop.” Registration required. Suggested donation appreciated. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
YOGA 10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” Weekly class, open to all levels. Suggested donation applies. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae.yoga.
COOPERSTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881.
QUILTING 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Create an Attic Window.” Fees apply.
Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta.
EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Multiples.” Featuring never-before-seen works in ceramics, painting, stained glass and more. On view Saturdays through 1/25/25 or by appointment. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.
LIBRARY Noon to 4 p.m. “Grand Open-
ing Celebration.” Open house, music, children’s crafts, light refreshments and self-guided tours. Remarks at 3 p.m. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208.
BURNING 1-5 p.m.
“Snap, Crackle, Hop! A Christmas Tree Burning Celebration.” Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown.
POETRY 1-3 p.m.
“Winter Poetry Reading.”
The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
DRUMMING 2 p.m.
“New Year Drum Circle.”
Presented by the Oneonta Drum Circle at Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. PAINT & SIP
6-8:30 p.m. “Paint & Sip Class with Belva.” Paint a winter scene. Fees apply; all supplies included. Registration required. Montezuma Winery, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 4001001.
►Sun., Jan. 12
FIBER 1-4 p.m. “The Gatehouse Fiber Guild.” New knitters welcome. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
LECTURE 2-4 p.m.
“Be Informed: Herps of Otsego County.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. The Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488.
DRUMMING 2 p.m.
“African Style Drum Class with Chuck Wood.” Presented by the Oneonta Drum Circle. Beginners welcome. Registration required; fees apply. Address provided upon registration. Oneonta area. (908) 852-6172.
FILM SERIES
6-8 p.m. “Black Barbie: A Documentary.” Part of the
Race, Equity and Justice series presented by Christ Church Episcopal. Followed by a discussion led by Dr. Gretchen Sorin. Free pizza and beverages provided. All welcome. Meet at the Village Library of Cooperstown, Upstairs Ballroom, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479555.
SOUND BATH
6:30 p.m. “Super Sonic Sundays.” Bathe in the sound and vibration of crystal and Himalayan singing bowls. Fees apply; registration requested. Fit To Be Tied Yoga, 103 Main Street, Key Bank, 3rd Floor, Cooperstown. antonioj@me.com.
►Mon., Jan. 13
LIBRARY 11 a.m.
“Paper Star Lamp Workshop.” Registration required. Also held 6 p.m. on 1/15. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
SENIOR MEALS Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of meatloaf, rice pilaf, Sonoma-blend vegetables and Jell-O. (607) 547-6454.
• 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (during lunch) “One on One Tech Support.” Held each third Monday of the month. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connection-
satcsc@gmail.com
CONNECTIONS
12:45 p.m. Bluegrass Circle Jam Session. Meets 2nd Monday of each month. Community Room. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.
LIBRARY 1-3 p.m. “Technology Help.” Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
EXERCISE 2-3 p.m. Chair Yoga. Led by certified instructor Wanda Hunt. Cost, donation of one non-perishable food item for the Richfield Springs Food Pantry. Held each Monday. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.
BLOOD DRIVE 2-6 p.m. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. www.RedCrossBlood.org
SUPPORT GROUP
6:30 p.m. “Divorce Care Support Group.” Presented by the Community Bible Chapel at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 4222631.
►tueS., Jan. 14
STORYTIME
9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
COMMUNITY HIKE
9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Stamford Rail Trail, Stamford. Contact hike
leader Jim Ipsen at (607) 715-0752.
OUTDOORS 1-3 p.m.
“Homeschool Nature Day.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Meet at Briggs Swimming Pool, Wilber Park, Oneonta. (607) 547-4488.
SERVICES 2-4 p.m.
Q&A with the Otsego County Office for the Aging on programs, services, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, and more. Held 2nd Tuesday of each month. Springfield Library, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield. (315) 858-5802.
LIBRARY 5 p.m.
“Adult Craft Night: Knitting.” RSVP required. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
FIRST AID
5:30-8:30 p.m. “CPR/AED First Aid Certification.” Full course. Continues 1/15. Presented by the American Red Cross. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800.
BASKETBALL
7 p.m. “Harlem Triksterz vs. Cooperstown Dream Team.” Tickets required. Wear comfortable shoes. Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 5479976.
►Wed., Jan. 15
STORYTIME 10 a.m.
Library staff read storybooks to children aged 3-5. Held each Wednesday. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center, (315) 858-5802.
STORYTIME 10 a.m.
Bring babies and toddlers down each Wednesday for an entertaining story read aloud by library staff. Held each Wednesday. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
STORYTIME 10 a.m. Bring the children down each Wednesday to listen to a story, then participate in a related craft. Free. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
SUPPORT 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half off everything except priced jewelry and furniture. Every first and third Wednesday. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335.
LIBRARY 11 a.m. “Art Class for Kids.” Kids learn drawing, painting, printmaking and more with instructor Sonja Eklund. Held each Wednesday. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.
LIBRARY Noon. “Lunch & Learn: Kanopy.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
DINNER AND PROGRAM 6 p.m. Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club monthly meeting. Includes a program by an ADK Summer Camp participant, annual business meeting, election of officers and vote to approve updated by-laws. Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.
ART CLASS 6-9 p.m. “Figure This! Open Studio Life Drawing.” Non-instructional workshop with nude models for sketching. Hosted by a Cooperstown Art Association member, who will be present to field questions and comments. $18/session, cash. Held each Wednesday. Cancellations will be communicated prior to session. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.
►thurS., Jan. 16
STORYTIME 9:30 a.m. “Early Literacy Story Time.” Designed to promote school readiness, with stories, songs, activities and early literacy tips. Recommended ages: 3-5. Held each Thursday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
CONNECTIONS 10 a.m. “Diabetes Prevention: Get Support.” Presented by Carleen Henderson. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800.
CRAFT 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Open Sewing.” Bring a project, sewing machine, and other tools and work with fellow crafters. Message/call to reserve a spot. Held each Thursday. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta.
