Hometown Oneonta 02-09-23

Sweetheart Special!

New primary members and associates who join during the week of our Feb. 14th open house will get the remainder of Feb., FREE! For complete details, go to www.FoxCarefit.com or call 607-431-5454

Presstime Newsbites

LAKE ICE CLOSES:

SUNY Oneonta Biological

Field Station Director Willard Harman confirmed Tuesday morning that Otsego Lake has frozen over. According to Dive Master Paul Lord, “I drove the length of the lake Saturday morning and it was frozen. It is unusual to see the lake freeze in one night. The lake was open Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and frozen solid Saturday at 8 a.m.”

TO BARN! In response to October’s call for assistance, David and Penny Wightman of Wightman’s Lumber have donated a barn on the family’s Crumhorn Mountain property to Oneonta’s SwartWilcox House Museum. “It is early 1800s with handhewn beams and wooden nails,” wrote Helen. K.B. Rees, president of the Friends of Swart-Wilcox. “It is still a solid upright structure and, when moved, will be both a meeting room and a storage area for the SW collection.”

FUNDS RAISED: More than $12,500.00 was raised at the January 29 auction held in preparation for the 25th annual Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump on February 18. To learn more about the jump, visit pbjump.com or call (607) 286-7101.

Back By Popular Demand

ONEONTA—“A Roadhouse Coup,” a movie about the notorious Eva Coo featuring local dignitaries, will be screened at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in a return performance on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26. Pictured above are Ben Guenther, owner of Five Star Subaru and a star of the production, and Lori Kelly-Bailey, writer, producer, director of the production, and owner of Tandem Cage Productions. Visit www.foothillspac.org for tickets and information.

Pathfinder Village Announces Retirement of Long-time CEO

Paul

EDMESTON

Paul C. Landers, M.Ed., Cooperstown, will retire as the president and chief executive officer of Pathfinder Village, according to an announcement released earlier this week by William F. Streck, MD, the chair of Pathfinder Village’s Board of Directors. A leader in the human services field for four decades, Pathfinder Village is a livable community and service provider that offers diverse residential, educational, vocational, health, enrichment, and other programs to people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

“The Board of Directors, families, individuals and friends of Pathfinder are grateful to Mr. Landers for his 15-years of service, for his leadership in the intel-

Housing Project Goes Back to Drawing Board

Changes in disturbed acreage, litigation stall project plans

By CASPAR EWIG

COOPERSTOWN

Further development of the proposed Bassett Hospital Averill Road housing project, for which the Cooperstown Board of Trustees had issued a special permit on January 5, has been stalled due to litigation instituted by adjacent property owners.

permit be annulled, the petition contends.

lectual disabilities field, and for expanding community-based options that people with disabilities may access in all areas of their lives,” said Dr. Streck. “During Paul’s tenure, there have been significant changes in programs and public funding for services;

he has helped Pathfinder successfully navigate these challenges as well as those incurred through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

A Search Committee of board members, parents, and trustees from the Village’s Foundation Board has been convened and started its search, focusing on executive-level candidates with expertise in healthcare, intellectual disabilities, and non-profit organizations. Landers will remain in his role through a successful transition of leadership.

“Working on behalf of Pathfinder Village has been a great honor, and more than just a job,” said Landers. “My work with the boards, staff and families has advanced Pathfinder’s mission so it offers relevant, diverse services to individ-

Continued on page 7

On January 18, 2023, Michael Swatling and Carolyn O’Brien filed a petition in the Madison County Supreme Court in which they alleged that the Cooperstown Board of Trustees applied an incorrect standard when analyzing the project’s environmental impact in light of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. In their complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that the project should have been classified as a “Type 1 Action” since it is being constructed in the Glimmerglass Historic District. Instead, the village evaluated the project and issued its special permit as an “Unlisted Action,” and this improper designation requires that the special

One of the factors determining whether a project is a Type 1 or an Unlisted Action is the acreage that will be disturbed during the construction phase of the project. When a project such as the present construction of multiple housing falls in a district with an historical designation and expects to disturb or substantially alter more than 2.5 acres, then it is defined as a Type 1 Action.

When the Templeton Foundation originally presented its project to the village, it was represented to only physically alter 1.37 acres.

“Upon further review by the contractor of the project, the plan which the village approved exceeded the 2.5-acre threshold,” Martin Tillapaugh, attorney for the Village of Cooperstown, explained, “and there was no point in continuing the litigation. Thus, I—as counsel for the village—and the counsel for Templeton and the plaintiffs, stipulated that the litigation would be

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HUD Funds To Combat Area Homelessness OFO Receives $716,456.00

By TED MEBUST

ONEONTA

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a $1,162,978.00 commitment to two area homeless housing and services organizations, Opportunities for Otsego in Otsego County and Catholic Charities of Chenango County, on Thursday, February 2.

OFO received $716,456.00

LARGEST

while the CCCC received $446,522.00.

Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD regional administrator Region II, New York and New Jersey, presented the grants to organizational representatives Dan Maskin, chief executive officer of OFO, and Robin Cotter, CCCC executive director, in conjunction with William Rivera, OFO crisis intervention director and president of

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Photo by Joel Plue

Photo provided PAUL C. LANDERS

LocaL InnovatIon center to brIng tech, ManufacturIng to regIon/page 3

Open position: Parish Administrator 15-20 hours/week flexible, Computer skills nec. For a full job description go to https://www.ceccoop.net/parish-administrator apply at rector@christchurchcooperstown.org

Oneonta QoL Committee Presents Deer Update

By TED MEBUST ONEONTA

The City of Oneonta’s Common Council Quality of Life/ Infrastructure Committee met to discuss, among other topics, the recommendations made by the Deer Management Task Force, a volunteer group of Oneonta residents commissioned to research solutions to deer overpopulation in the city, on January 30.

HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITER

Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. (SSI), located in Delhi, NY, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Human Resources Recruiter to research, develop, implement, and maintain effective recruiting and staffing strategies to attract a diverse pool of qualified/capable talent for its NY location.

responsibilities/Duties inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Collaborate w/dept. managers to identify open positions, create/post job postings internally/ externally, and conduct phone/in person interviews.

• Build applicant sources (colleges, internet sites, employment agencies, etc.) and attend job fairs, community events, etc.

• Perform reference/background checks and handle all aspects of employee onboarding inc. benefit eligibility, while maintain the highest standards of accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

RE q UIRE d q UA l I f ICATIONS/S k I ll S:

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness.

• Problem-solving aptitude and understanding of HR best practices and current regulations.

• Familiarity with online meeting platforms (Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc.).

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; HRIS systems helpful but not required.

• Associates Degree in HR or similar field with min. 2 years exempt/non-exempt recruiting exp. in relevant industry. Will consider PHR/ SHRM certification with work experience in lieu of degree.

To apply, submit application online at www. sportsfield.com, fax resume to (607) 746-3107 or send resume to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. We do not sponsor employment visas.

The issue of overpopulation, as the DMTF stated, has environmental and public health consequences, which they identified in an itemized report as: landscaping damage and economic impact; frequent deer-vehicular incidents; impacts on forest vegetation including erosion, stormwater runoff,

and loss of forest understory and regeneration; increased deer/human/pet interaction; high tick population and increased tick-borne disease in humans and pets; and negative impacts to the health of the deer herd due to limited resources and interaction with human environment.

In response, the task force recommended the use of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation-approved Deer Depredation Permits—also known as nuisance permits—a proposal which the QLC will bring to the Common Council meeting on February 7.

The DMTF report proposed the city enlist “volunteers proficient with crossbows at baited locations” rather than request assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,

as other rural towns have, to save upwards of $20,000.00 a year. The volunteers, who would need to pass a course “developed and approved by the Deer Management Oversight Committee and/or their designees,” would take direction from a program supervisor. They must also agree to an extensivelydetailed code of conduct.

Expected to take place between January and March, the program will see tree stands and ground blinds placed on sites around the city that are deemed “ideal locations given their size, expected deer traffic, and availability of trees and cover,” pending permission from participating landowners. In the event that a wounded deer runs beyond property boundaries, participants will alert nearby

landowners for permission to discreetly remove the shot deer. Any excess of harvested deer will be donated “to an approved venison donation processor for distribution to local food banks and pantries and to families that can benefit from the meat,” according to the recommendation.

“The goal is to reduce deer numbers to levels where forest regeneration and survival of browsesensitive plants within the City of Oneonta is once again possible. In addition, we aim to reduce or maintain blacklegged tick populations at levels where Lyme disease risks are minimized (5-8 deer per square kilometer according to recent studies in CT),” read the report.

Details of the DMTF report can be found in the “Agendas/Meetings” section of the public documents page on oneonta.ny.us.

Chili Bowl Is Back

ONEONTA

Community Arts Network of Oneonta will hold the 18th annual Chili Bowl Cook-Off and Fundraiser on Saturday, February 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at 11 Ford Avenue. Hundreds of locals come to purchase bowls handcrafted by local artists and taste delicious chilis. This popular Oneonta foodie competition is back in February, but has moved to the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday.

The Chili Bowl fundraiser is crucial to supporting CANO’s programming and events, many of which are free and open to the public. Thanks to Hartwick’s Clay Club, Stephanie Rozene, Tim Gargash, Diana Cozzens, Joanne Lentner, and other community members, an impressive array of one-ofa-kind bowls will be available for purchase. About 20 local amateur and professional chefs get to show off their culinary skills to the greater community.

Hungry guests vote on their favorite chilis. Catskill Brewery craft beer will be

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CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Laurens

Oneonta

Schenevus Stamford

Windham-Ashland-Jewett

Worcester CSD ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & Milford)

Sub S titute Po S ition S: Teachers

LTAs

Aides & Monitors

Nurses Cleaners

Bus & Van Drivers Clerical & Office Support

Food Service Workers

This administrative position serves as an officer to the Board of Directors and is a member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for the implementation and administration of Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) programs. The SWCD Secretary is primarily responsible for all fiduciary and financial functions of the Soil and Water District. Work shall be performed independently and professionally. The SWCD Secretary shall report directly to and receive direction from the SWCD District Manager and SWCD Board of Directors. Does related duties as required. Annual salary $45,000 to $55,000 commensurate with experience.

For complete descriptions of typical work activities, skills and abilities requirements, qualifications and special requirements go to otsegosoilandwater.com/job or call 607-547-8337 ext. 4.

Photo provided

Paving the Way for Recovery-Friendly Environment

ONeONTA—Leatherstocking education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation

executive Director Julie Dostal was front and center on January 12 to receive a check in the amount of $378.704.00 from the Appalachian Regional Commission. These funds will support the North4 INSPIRe program, providing those in substance use disorder recovery with education, workforce training and wraparound services. Front row, from left, are: Jen Cutting (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, Delaware County), Dostal, Mary Rosenthal (ADAC, Delaware County), Kyleen Joslyn (LeAF, Otsego/Chenango). back row, from left: Sean Lewis (Otsego County Chamber of Commerce), Ray Pucci (Delaware County Chamber of Commerce), Justin Hamm (Schoharie County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), and Jen Gregory (Southern Tier 8, Regional Planning and Development board).

Contest Kicks Off Library Week

by CASPAR eWIG

COOPeRSTOWN

Mayor ellen

Tillapaugh and the unnamed Reading Rabbit mascot kicked off the Friends of the Village Library’s second annual celebration of Library Lovers’ Month on Friday, February 4.

“The underlying aim of the national initiative for Library Lovers’ Month,” Library Director Heather Amendolare declared, “is to encourage everyone to share their love for, and participate in, the events of their community library.”

In order to make the event

ballot and, at the end of the month, the Library Lovers’ Month Committee will select three names to put to a community-wide vote,” Amendolare explained.

Local Agencies Partner to Form Innovation, Acceleration Center

ONeONTA

Otsego Now, the umbrella organization of the Otsego County Industrial Development Agency and the Otsego County Capital Resource Corporation, is set to launch the county’s first Innovation and Acceleration Center, the primary focus of which will be bringing a booming tech and manufacturing industry to the region. According to a recent press release, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the IDA witnessed a devastating economic loss due to the lack of tourism. The hospitality industry currently makes up 25 percent of the industry sector in Otsego County. When the tourist sector was forced to shut down, the county’s sales tax dropped 30 percent and bed tax dropped by 50 percent. Roughly 60,000 tourists stopped coming to Otsego County. After witnessing this, the IDA identified manufacturing as

a growth sector to the local and surrounding economy.

The Otsego Innovation and Acceleration Center— which partners with the New York State Small business Development Center, SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, Custom electronics Inc. and Ioxus—will act as a onestop incubator for emerging new businesses by giving them the resources they need to succeed.

“Having a local innovation center will help startups and small businesses find the needed resources, as well as provide them with opportunities for mentorship from other local

businesspeople, allowing for good networking and passing on of lessons learned,” said Chad Hall, senior vice president of sales and operations for Ioxus. “Small businesses provide the country with approximately 85 percent of the intellectual property generated in the country, and helping those businesses start and grow locally will help the area with job growth and workforce training for many years to come.”

The IDA will provide advice to entrepreneurs on financing options to help grow their business,

Continued on page 8

a bit more interactive, the Friends decided to designate a stuffed rabbit as the mascot for this year’s event.

“At the kick-off, we formally announced that the library will have a mascot— a Reading Rabbit, as yet unnamed. Students and community members can recommend a name using a

ORHAOTSEGO RURAL

For that purpose, the library has a brightly decorated ballot box at the desk encouraging everyone to cast a vote so the rabbit mascot does not remain nameless.

At the ceremony, Mayor Tillapaugh read and presented a proclamation issued by the village to memorialize the event. The ceremony also served to kick off the Friends’ Winter Carnival weekend book sale.

Notice of BiddiNg opportuNities

Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. is seeking bids for the installation of a residential Fujiclean CE-5 advanced waste water treatment system in the Town of Hartwick, NY.

Please contact Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. for additional information. An engineered site plan and permits are on file for review.

MBE/WBE and SDVOB are encouraged to apply ContaC t: Barbara@otsegoruralhousing.org; phone/fax: 607-286-7244, Po Box 189, Milford, nY 13807. Liability and Workers Compensation coverage required.

“At the kick-off, we formally announced that the library will have a mascot—a Reading Rabbit, as yet unnamed.”

Heather Amendolare

EDITORIaL

On Thin Ice

An unusual thing happened during this past weekend’s severe cold snap: Between 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, Otsego Lake, the largest lake in Otsego County, froze over completely. With this week’s warmer weather forecast, it may well thaw again and, if it does, it will follow a somewhat disturbing trend that could spell trouble in the years ahead.

Records of ice cover on Otsego Lake have been kept since 1842 and, with the establishment of the SUNY Biological Field Station on the Lake in 1968, extensive research and record-keeping on all aspects of the health of the lake have been an invaluable resource.

BFS records show that for the nearly 160 years from the winter of 1842-1843 to the winter of 2000-2001, the lake has had complete ice cover each winter. The first 50 years of records show that the average length of ice cover was about 100 days, with a high average of about 110 days in the decade of the 1860s and a low average of about 85 days in the 1890s.

From the 1890s to the 1920s, the length of ice cover rose steadily each decade and then fluctuated between a low of about 79 days in the 1930s and a high of about 98 days in the 1960s—a decade that those of us around then remember for its cold and unforgiving winters. Since then, each decade has shown a steady decline in the length of ice cover from the 1960s high to a 2010s low just over 60 days. Highly noteworthy is that, since the beginning of the new century, the previously unprecedented phenomenon of zero days of ice cover has occurred three times—in 2000-2001, 2011-2012 and 2016-2017.

Why does this matter? According to BFS publications, “Changes in ice cover can affect the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of a body of water. For example, ice influences heat and moisture transfers between a lake and the atmosphere. Reduced ice cover leads to increased evaporation and lower water levels, as well as an increase in water temperature and sunlight penetration. These changes, in turn, can affect plant and animal life cycles and the availability of suitable habitat. Additionally, ice cover affects the amount of heat that is reflected from the Earth’s surface. Exposed water will absorb and retain heat, making the Earth’s surface warmer, whereas an ice- and snow-covered lake will reflect more of the sun’s energy and absorb less.”

The BFS scientists further point out that the length of ice cover on lakes “depends on climate factors such as air temperature, cloud cover and wind. Conditions such as heavy rains or snowmelt in locations upstream or elsewhere in the watershed also affect the length of time a lake is frozen. Thus, ice formation and breakup dates are key indicators of climate change.”

It is extremely fortunate that we have these local records and these local scientists despite the unfortunate trend they are beginning to show. It is very easy for us to think that our little piece of the globe has a certain safety or immunity—plenty of water and carbon-catching forests, virtually no forest fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides or floods. But if our lakes are something of a canary in the coal mine, they are telling us that change is upon us, leaving precious little room for complacency.

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. The length must be 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.

What If? Unpacking the Net-Zero Transition

On December 19, 2022 the Climate Action Council charged with developing strategies to implement New York’s “Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act” issued the “Scoping Plan” that outlines their recommendations to meet a net-zero goal by 2050. This year the Department of Environmental Conservation will propose regulations and the Legislature will consider legislation to implement those recommendations.

The Scoping Plan outlines how to “achieve the State’s bold clean energy and climate agenda.” In brief, that plan is to electrify everything possible and power the electric grid with zero-emissions generating resources by 2040. I have found that New York’s emissions are less than one half of one percent of global emissions and that the average increase in global emissions is greater than one half of one percent. In other words, even if we eliminate our emissions, the increase in global emissions will replace our reductions in less than a year. That does not mean we should not do something, but it does mean that we can and should take the time to be sure that the things we mandate do not do more harm than good and that tradeoffs between today’s resilient and affordable energy system and an “all-electric” energy future are considered.

I am concerned about reliability because the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, New York State Independent System Operator, and New York State Reliability Council have not agreed on the mix of zeroemissions generating and energy storage resources necessary to keep the lights on. There are signifi-

It Took a Village... a Very Special Village

A heartfelt thank you to the more than 100 individuals, businesses and organizations that participated in or generously donated to the 2023 Cooperstown Winter Carnival. Hundreds of residents and visitors alike braved frigid temperatures to attend a host of Winter Carnival activities, from the Hot Cocoa KickOff at The Otesaga Resort Hotel to the sold-out Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause event at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and all events in between! The winter doldrums were certainly alleviated!

The Cooperstown Winter Carnival is produced under the umbrella of the Cooperstown Lions Club and we thank them for their continued support of this beloved carnival weekend. Thank you to Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and the Village of Cooperstown for their participation and assistance as well.

The 55th Cooperstown Winter Carnival was a success due to ALL OF YOU! Thank you to all who came out and supported the cause.

cant differences between the Final Scoping Plan and NYISO’s 20212040 System & Resource Outlook that represents the best estimate of future electric resources needed by the organization responsible for the New York electric system. American author and economist Thomas Sowell said, “It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong,” and that is exactly what we will be doing if the differences are not reconciled before any implementing regulations or legislation are promulgated.

The Scoping Plan claims that the costs of inaction are greater than the costs of action. I submitted comments that showed that claim is misleading and inaccurate. It is misleading because the costs in the Scoping Plan only include the costs of the Climate Act itself and not the total costs to meet the net-zero by 2050 target. The shell game of hiding the costs omits most of the costs of electric vehicles and the necessary infrastructure from the costs of action that are compared to the costs of inaction. If those costs are included, the claim is invalid. The benefits claim is inaccurate because the benefits of the societal value of carbon reductions are calculated over lifetime investments. The social cost of carbon metric calculates benefits for an emission reduction out to 2300 and it is improper to do that more than once. If I lost 10 pounds five years ago, I cannot claim that I lost 50 pounds, but that is what the Scoping Plan benefits calculation does.

The scale of wind and solar development necessary is astounding. Upstate will be covered with more than 3,000 3 MW

If there are any doubts about this, do know that I will keep my personal opinion separate from the task at the job itself.

If I am elected to the Council, I want to increase the size of the Commissions from five persons to eight persons to help represent the public who live in the eight wards of the city so that all voices are heard and represented by those who are appointed to the Commissions.

Another policy that I am aiming to do is to help the homeless in the city with helping them get adequate housing. I would also like to implement a city-wide church commission that the places of worship would help the people in helping get housing, food, clothing, training like CPR/first aid/AED, etc.

Something that I am passionate about doing is being an advocate for the people by helping the people. We need to do better, we need to do more, and if I happen to be elected we will do better and more.

Andrew Hamill City of Oneonta, candidate for City of Oneonta Common Council

turbines and 400,000 acres of solar panels. The cumulative effect of that development on agriculture and wildlife habitat has not been fully evaluated. Most jobs for this development will be in the construction phase. The sprawl of glass and steel will likely affect tourism such that more jobs will be lost in that sector than the few permanent jobs created by the renewables.

Every component of the net-zero transition that I have evaluated has turned out to be more complicated and uncertain than portrayed in the Scoping Plan. Unless the Hochul administration is held accountable to prove the feasibility of their Scoping Plan control strategies and address “what if” questions like what happens when everything is electrified and there is an ice storm that knocks out power for a week, then the inevitable outcome will be unacceptable reliability risks, sky rocketing energy costs and avoidable adverse environmental impacts. I urge anyone with concerns about energy costs and reliable energy sources to speak out by contacting elected officials and by commenting in any of the DEC stakeholder processes. More information is available at the Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York blog.

Born in Cooperstown and a graduate of Oneonta High School, Roger Caiazza holds a bachelor’s in meteorology from SUNY Oneonta and a master’s in meteorology from the University of Alberta, Edmonton. Before his retirement in 2018, he was a certified consulting meteorologist and worked in the air quality industry for more than 40 years. The goal of Caiazza’s blog,“Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York,” is to explain the importance of balancing risks and benefits of both sides of environmental issues.

ments and 1,000 buildings have been destroyed, and 5-6 million Ukrainian citizens who have been made refugees had to leave their beloved country.

You should also ask: “Who is footing the bill of more than $60 billion of U.S. aid and weapons sent to Ukraine for this war of destruction, bringing more misery than happiness?” Of course, the U.S. taxpayer is paying for it through inflated prices at the grocery stores, higher rents and higher mortgage rates, while making more people homeless. Now, to add fuel to fire, the U.S., Germany and Poland are sending more than 100 modern tanks to continue this war of destruction which is bleeding the U.S. economy!

Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson

It took a village and our village did not disappoint!

Warm regards, 2023 Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committee

Council Candidate Elaborates on Policy

As a candidate for the Oneonta City Council, I can only hope that I will do well to help serve the people and the city in any capacity possible.

Writer Appeals to President Biden

It is sad for all of us because the war in Ukraine is dragging on into the second year. You may ask: “What has Russia accomplished in one year and at what price?” The same question can be asked of Ukraine? The answer is disturbing, because more than 200,000 young soldiers from Ukraine and Russia have lost their lives; more than 100 ancient monu-

The politicians whom we elected should represent us by providing shelter and food to help the poor rather than making more people go hungry and freezing in the streets. Who is becoming rich during this war? Of course it’s the industrial giants that make these weapons. Let’s be wise by using all our diplomatic resources to persuade China, India, and South Africa to influence Putin to send his diplomats to sit across from the diplomats of Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and the U.S. They should offer a compromise to stop this destructive war which is accomplishing nothing more than misery for the ordinary citizens. What a waste of precious resources!

Are not we in the West proudly presenting ourselves to the world that we are an enlightened people

135 YEARs AGo

The Local News—The electric light company have decided to construct a building and supply their own power. A lot on Prospect street opposite the freight house has been secured from Moody and Gould, and work will soon commence upon a new brick building 60 x 80 feet. Four steam engines will be used, for which steam will be furnished from a 250-horsepower boiler. A duplicate set of arc and incandescent dynamos will be put in, and set to be kept in reserve in case of accident. Plans for the building are being prepared in New York and the company hopes to have it completed within 60 days.

February 1888

110 YEARs AGo

T.J. Gendron described the virtues of the s tandard o il Company’s high pressure road oil sprinkler for the benefit of members of the Board of Public Works and City Engineer Gurney with Commissioner Elwood present. Using a high grade product known as o il No. 4, the oil is applied with the use of a high pressure sprinkler which forces the oil into the dirt and macadam with 85 pounds pressure to the square inch at a cost of 1.2 cents per square yard. Mr. Gendron figures that he would oil Elm s treet by this process for the length of 3,048 feet over a width of 24 feet at $97.52 as compared with an actual cost of something like $350 under the method employed last year. Mr. Gendron displayed photographs of many streets in Massachusetts which have been treated in this way where it is claimed street maintenance costs have been reduced 60 to 80 percent while disposing of the dust problem.

Thursday’s Forum Will Address Cat overpopulation

This Thursday, February 9, the susquehanna society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting a Community Cat Forum at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in oneonta. The event begins at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Community cats” is a term used by the American sPCA to describe outdoor, unowned, free-roaming cats. They can be friendly, feral, adults, kittens, healthy, sick, altered and/or unaltered, and may or may not have a caretaker. A caretaker is a person who monitors and provides care to a community cat, but who is not the legal owner. The only outdoor freeroaming cats who are not community cats are those who have an owner, by the AsPCA’s definition.

The purpose of the forum is to address cat overpopulation and bring together stakeholders who care about the issue.

Year after year, local animal shelters and caretakers of community cats are overwhelmed as those cats and their offspring reproduce. This leads to an inability to keep up, and animals who get sick and injured suffer, because they get lost in the numbers. Animal shelters work to prioritize sick and injured community cats, but this ties up resources and spaying and neutering gets put on the back burner. We, as a regional force, must work together to get to the root of the cause, which is free roaming, unaltered cats.

At Thursday’s forum, we will introduce attendees to two organizations outside of otsego County who are successfully addressing cat overpopulation through a program called Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return. The fact is, there is no “stray cat island.” so rounding up community cats—especially those who are not socialized with people—and throwing them in an animal shelter is not the answer. Placing

Business Made Simple

MERL REAGLE

By Merl Reagle January 22, 2023

February 1913

90 YEARs AGo

Arthur Jansen, 45 years old, 1745 Railroad Avenue “B,” schenectady, a former resident of oneonta, succumbed in Ellis hospital, schenectady, saturday morning after being critically burned in a fire that destroyed the cab of D & H Engine No. 1116. Jansen, a veteran engineer was operating a “pusher” engine on a MechanicvilleBinghamton freight train when a back draft from the locomotive’s firebox suddenly engulfed the interior of the cab. The train was just south of the Crescent tower, north of schenectady. The blast of flame set the interior of the cab ablaze and also the clothing of the engineer. Jansen leaped from the cab with his clothes afire. His plight was discovered by the crew who extinguished his burning clothes. Little hope was given for his recovery and he died at 7:30 a.m. Jansen was well-known in railroad circles and had held a “run” out of oneonta.

February 1933

70 YEARs AGo

Final arrangements are all but complete for the serving of ‘umteen thousand or so pancakes, with sausage and fixins, all for the benefit of Fox Hospital, on Thursday. The pancake meal will be served from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the electrical center of the o neonta Department s tore with all of the proceeds going to benefit the hospital. The event is staged under the auspices of the o neonta Kiwanis Club, which hopes to raise at least $1,000. Mrs. Edith Rich, manager of the Health Bar, will supervise preparation of the pancakes, sausage and coffee. Flour and syrup have been donated by Pillsbury Pancake Mills, milk and cream by Meridale Farms, Inc., and o neonta Dairy Co. Coffee is the gift of s exton Co. and s tandard Brands. Hudson Falls Paper Mills are contributing paper plates, cups and napkins. Towels are furnished by Abelove’s Laundry. The American Legion Post is loaning the griddles and the First Methodist Church is providing tables and silverware. Entertainment will be supplied by the Waltones, a barbershop quartet.

February 1953

unsocialized, or feral, cats in a shelter is terrifying for the cats and dangerous for the humans who will have to handle them. The most responsible thing we can do is to safely and humanely trap, spay/neuter, and vaccinate these cats, and put them back where they came from. What we know from research is that, over time, cat populations decline because they’re not reproducing. Thus, the cat community becomes a much more manageable situation for everyone. At the sQsPCA, we stand ready to support TNVR activities as we have the facility and professionals to spay/neuter and vaccinate—but we need those living in the communities with cat overpopulation to help in order to successfully tackle this growing problem. We need people who will organize efforts, communicate with their neighbors, and humanely trap and transport the cats.

According to the Humane society of the United states, the most pressing cat issue in the U.s. is the large population of unsterilized outdoor cats. The HsUs official position on cats reads, “Regardless of whether they are owned or not, cats who are outdoors are the leading cause of cat overpopulation in communities and can be a conservation threat to at least some species of wildlife on a case-by-case basis.”

one major goal of the forum on Thursday is to leave with a list of folks who are willing to be part of a working group, the goal of which is to start a TNVR program in otsego County. If you care about community cats, we encourage you to attend the forum and to get involved. If you can’t join us Thursday, you can reach out to the shelter directly at (607) 547-8111.

Stacie Haynes is the executive director of the Susquehanna SPCA and president of the New York State Animal Protection Federation.

Compiled by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art museum Research Library

Drnek: Foundation Firm, This Year We Build

Editor’s Note: Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek was a panelist at the recent Otsego County Chamber of Commerce “State of the State” Breakfast. The following is his address.

Good morning, everyone.

I want to thank the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, and especially Sean Lewis, Katrina Van Zandt, and Karen Laing, for putting this presentation together.

I feel confident saying that the folks on this panel are immersed in the service of our constituents…And though every day we deal with new challenges and opportunities—sometimes quite successfully—people we serve don’t always know (like we do) the progress being made. Or the obstacles overcome.

So, thank you to the Otsego County Chamber.

And thank you, too, to Dr. Alberto Cardelle and SUNY Oneonta for hosting us. Oneonta has never known partners to match what our colleges have become in these past several months. Under Dr. Cardelle’s leadership, Oneonta’s newly dubbed State University is already lighting the way to a better future for the city and the region.

A shout out, too, to Hartwick President Darren Reisberg. I cannot overstate the importance of his arrival in Oneonta and my appreciation of his support, and that of Hartwick College.

I want to acknowledge Assemblyman Brian Miller, Assemblyman Chris Tague and Senator Peter Oberacker. Great to see you today. Your commitment to Oneonta, Cooperstown, and our county—and your advocacy for the address of our needs—puts us in a stronger position for success than so many other regions of the state. And we need your advocacy. So, thank you for that.

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, my friend and fellow movie star…I know that a highlight of this next year will be my continued collaboration with you on efforts like the Cooperstown Corridor.

Otsego County Administrator Steve Wilson and County Treasurer Allen Ruffles. Professionals. It is a comfort to know you are

working with professionals. Trust me…Our county is being well served.

And although he’s not a member of this panel, I also want to acknowledge the City of Oneonta’s City Administrator, Greg Mattice. The City of Oneonta government hums with competence, despite shortages of staff and revenue. All credit is due to Greg Mattice and his management of the city staff for that.

And I guess that’s where I want to start.

This first year of my term has been one of partnerships being developed, and foundations for action being built. And, arguably, the most important partnership we’ve built is that of the City of Oneonta mayor and its city administrator. The failures of that strategy for shared governance in Oneonta have been well documented, with three managers exiting their positions in the past decade. But I am proud to tell you that the city is being well cared for, and it can have confidence that we have figured this thing out. I am profoundly lucky, and—frankly— we’re getting so much more done, because I have been able to concentrate on the “big picture” with confidence that the city is being run effectively and efficiently. I can’t imagine that we’d be seeing the same level of success if we had any other form of city government.

As I said, my first year has been dedicated to foundation building. This is how we will build the infrastructure to tackle the significant challenges we face as a city and a region. It’s our city government, service organizations, and anchor-institutions working together, in sync, and with shared purpose and goals. We are lucky to have such an attuned leadership.

And how timely is it that our two colleges are so willing to offer themselves as resources and partners in the future of Oneonta, and in the area? We are in a unique moment, and I believe that we’ve been blessed with the tools and the talents to build a new model of a city. It’s been foundation building…and the rebar in the cement, the guarantee of strength in the long-term. It’s the dozens upon dozens of

community members who have answered my call and stepped up to join “ad hoc” committees to solve our big problems—one proposal at a time.

We see the elephant in the room. It has nowhere to hide, but its days are numbered. The cliché is that you eat an elephant one bite at a time, but the more folks you invite to dinner, the faster to the finish. If you approach the menu with the focus of piranhas, and the teeth, folks will wonder, “What happened to the elephant?” And, you can see the meal in progress…Elephant dining in real time.

We’ve launched a website that provides the tools to ensure that ALL our community volunteers benefit from the work their neighbors are doing. Every work group’s progress, strategies, and the resources they’ve collected are in a shareable, public-facing website, All4 Oneonta. com. And we have a LOT of work groups.

Our Housing Commission is tackling arguably the most important issue we have—one that, unless we solve it, risks undermining every other effort. But it has an army of Oneontans’ sleeves rolled up, proposals in the planning, working on unique but related challenges like shared and vacation rentals, infrastructure utilization, neighborhood improvement, affordable housing, senior housing, refugee resettlement, and smart growth.

We also have ad hoc committees that are focused on parking strategies; the creation of not one, but two, performance stages; deer herd management; reimagining our skate park; enticing visitors and increasing foot traffic; [business] recruitment and retention; and welcoming and engaging new residents. In addition, we’ve added to our standing committees, with a focus on Community Wellness and Economic Development. Foundation building. That was the first year. This year, you’re going to begin to see evidence of the efforts.

This winter, the Lofts on Dietz (the Artist Lofts) will offer more than five dozen units of affordable and market-rate housing, and Springbrook’s Ford on Main will follow with another couple of dozen later in 2023. And I can report that there’s genuine interest in development being expressed for some long-empty buildings in the city. (But, that’s all I can tell you about that.)

Our Planning and Development Department has already played a significant role making possible the rehabilitation and eventual reopening of our beloved Oneonta Theatre. The re-imagination of Market Street will begin soon with the demolition and (fingerscrossed) development of 27 Market Street for a multi-story building with first-floor engagement and upper-floor residences. The garage and transit hub will follow shortly thereafter. And then, with our continued perseverance, and some luck, we will develop Market Street as an entertainment destination that becomes a feeder to our Main Street retail and dining.

Both colleges have committed to a visual presence in downtown so, for the first time, our college town will be recognizable and marketable as a college town.

And in 2025, pending Council’s approval of the final configuration, we’ll be constructing a roundabout at the corner of Main Street and Lettis Highway; a safe and welcoming new entrance to our downtown. Working with the Town of Oneonta and the DOT, we’ll be reimagining Lettis and Les Foster highways as a tree lined, pedestrian-friendly boulevard, connecting Southside and Main Street in an inviting way that’s appropriate to the expectations of a welcoming city. We have hurdles to overcome, to be sure. The city is underfunded, and short staffed. And with a tax base of less than 50 percent, we will need to determine new revenue streams—in a hurry. The thousand people we’re targeting won’t be coming here without a significant effort on all our parts. But they will come. I am sure of that. We have wonderful assets to entice them with, but we also have a diminishing capacity to maintain them, let alone expand upon them.

Another issue… Homeless and otherwisechallenged individuals from here, and from other places, are increasingly attracted to downtown (and Southside), and they need better options. I am in continuing conversations in that regard. But, I can tell you this with certainty. We have the partners and we have the vision. So, we will solve this issue, too. We’ve poured the foundation. This year…we begin building.

Thank you for your time.

And to the Chamber, thank you again for the opportunity.

Local Credit Union Announces Annual Scholarship Deadline

COOPERSTOWN—Leatherstocking Credit Union is now taking applications from local high-school seniors for its annual scholarship. The scholarship is based on community and/or school involvement, and being a well-rounded individual. Applicants can print out a form at lsrfcu.org or pick one up at Leatherstocking Credit Union, 24 Glen Avenue.

The deadline to apply is April 21; applicants must be a member of Leatherstocking Credit Union. If they are not, they may become a member prior to applying if they meet the membership eligibility criteria.

For further details, call Matthew Marrotta at (607) 547-5700, extension 114.

Off the Cuff/On the Record

Editor’s Note: From time to time, we will publish interviews with performers, dignitaries, authors and assorted others in this new feature, “Off the Cuff/On the Record. Enjoy!

COOPERSTOWN

Veteran organist Beau Sasser will be joined by Justin Henricks on guitar and Bill Carbone on drums when the Beau Sasser Trio takes the stage on Friday, February 10 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel. Their performance, part of the Cooperstown Concert Series’ 53rd season, begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the door.

The Beau Sasser Trio pays tribute to the classic organ trio sound, with soul classics in the boogaloo and acid jazz stylings popularized in the 1960s and 1980s, respectively. In addition to performing as a trio, all three members are involved with other touring projects. Sasser is currently part of the progressive funk/fusion band Kung Fu, and working with his own band, The Escape Plan. Hendricks performs with Albany-based funk and soul group Wurliday and Carbone is a core member of the legendary jam band Max Creek.

In advance of Friday’s concert, Sasser took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions:

How long have the three of you been playing together?

The trio has been around for about 15 years. We started playing a weekly trio gig in Northampton, Massachusetts and the night being very popular...We still play that gig and the rest is history!

Have you performed in this region before? What are you looking forward to most about your trip to Cooperstown?

Though we have played in the region, we haven’t played Cooperstown before. As Red Sox fans, we hope to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame, of course!

What do you all enjoy most about being on the road and performing live?

There’s something special about traveling that I’ve always enjoyed. Playing music with my friends and meeting new folks each night is a really interesting and fulfilling career, and I find when I return home I have renewed energy to be creative. Also, we get to eat a lot of great food during our travels!

What is the most important message you want your audiences and listeners to take from your work as a whole?

Our music is meant to be “feel good” music. We want to promote positivity and inclusiveness! Our art promotes love through the power of dance and funk music.

What is the song you are most looking forward to playing for the February 10 crowd? Why?

We have some new music we have been rehearsing in preparation for the upcoming album, so I’m sure we will be playing a lot of newer stuff. My personal favorite from those new ones is “Texafied Twister.” I wrote it about a festival I played in the Dallas, Texas area, where a tornado touched down on the festival grounds and they evacuated all the concertgoers. Pretty scary, but we all survived!

What artists have inspired the band members individually? As a whole?

All three of us have some pretty eclectic influences. I would say mid-70s jazz and funk is our favorite—bridging from Miles Davis to James Brown. I played for many years with the great funk guitar player Melvin Sparks and we still play many of his songs, so I would list him as a big influence, as well. Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett are probably the big three piano influences we all share. Also, we are big fans of George Duke and play a few of his songs as well. We have recently added a Nirvana cover to the repertoire, so our influences are very diverse.

Will you be playing any Zappa?

We certainly will! Depending on the weather that night, we might have to play “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow.”

To read the full interview, visit www.allotsego.com.

Photo by Ryan Dittmar ‘Snow Place Like Home’ COOPERSTOWN—Matt and Lauren Glynn and daughter, Lucy, enjoyed hot cocoa and a visit with the Ice Queen and Friends at the Cooperstown Winter Carnival kickoff event on Thursday, February 2 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel.

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discontinued, but with the full right of Templeton to reapply.”

This provision, and the rights of the plaintiffs to appear and comment as citizens in any future public hearing, was memorialized in a Stipulation of Discontinuance filed by all parties on January 30, 2023.

The discrepancy between the plan as originally presented in November 2022 and the plan as ultimately considered by the Board of Trustees arose from modifications and improvements which were made during the review process.

Members of the Zoning and Planning boards, as well as individual trustees, made comments and suggestions which resulted in some major adjustments to the project. A new water tower—and destruction of an old water tower—was added, as were necessary access roads, and a change to the internal road design was required so as to avoid having buses back out of a cul de sac.

“Unfortunately,” Martin Tillapaugh added, “Templeton noted the changes on its architectural drawings but never amended the description of the acreage that would be altered by reason of these additions and modifications.”

The village attorney also advised that, according to information conveyed to him, Templeton has hired several additional engineers and is in the process of drafting a new application, although no timeframe was provided.

Attempts were made to obtain a statement from representatives of the Templeton Foundation to confirm this information, but their counsel stated that they were not prepared to discuss matters in pending

litigation. The designation of type of action through SEQR is not without its consequences. An application subject to a Type 1 Action is subject to a more rigorous and far-ranging analysis of potential environmental impacts as identified in SEQR than an Unlisted Action. Under an Unlisted Action designation, the Board of Trustees could issue a conditioned negative declaration and permit the project to proceed as long it required mitigation efforts to modify such adverse impacts.

However, in a Type 1 analysis, the Board’s negative declaration cannot be conditioned on a mitigation, but must rather result in a positive determination that any adverse impact has been reduced to a nonsignificant issue. It could also result in requiring the applicant to issue an Environmental Impact Statement that would then be subject to additional public hearings.

“The board was not unmindful of its obligation to investigate environmental issues,” said Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh. “In fact, we conditioned issuance of the special permit upon seven conditions, three of which were specifically directed to mitigation of impacts addressed in SEQR.

The other four conditions addressed issues the board identified when reviewing the 16 criteria to be considered for a special permit. At this point, the applicant can revise their application if they choose to do so and resubmit.”

Attempts to obtain reactions or comments from the plaintiffs or their counsel were met with declinations similar to that of the Templeton Foundation’s refusal to make statements in light of pending litigation.

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uals with intellectual disabilities. We’ve evolved as a community and care provider through expanded strategic partnerships, we’ve invested in staff to enhance the quality of care and provide career paths to frontline employees. We’ve grown physically, financially, and programmatically—Pathfinder Village is stronger today and has a bright and impactful future ahead.”

Chief among Pathfinder’s accomplishments during Landers’ tenure were the creation of Pathfinder Produce and the Adult Day Services initiatives to provide job skills training and work opportunities to adults with disabilities. Pathfinder Village has also increased its footprint with the addition of the new state-of-the-art William F. Streck Community Health Center, a community soccer field and walking trails, several off-campus group homes, and the expansion of Pathfinder’s West Campus. This development includes several residential homes, new facilities and maintenance buildings, and the future site of the Vocational Education Center and Pathfinder Produce operations.

During Landers’ time in office, Pathfinder Village and the Village Foundation

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Southern Tier Homeless Coalition. Additionally, the New York Balance of State Continuum of Care received $879,621.00 as part of HUD’s near $315 million award total, benefiting 46 communities across the country.

“I welcome and greatly embrace the assistance of HUD,” said Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek in his opening the remarks as he introduced Ampry-Samuel.

tripled its reserve and endowment funds, resources that are key to the nonprofits’ sustainability, quality of services, and abilities to meet the changing needs of the greater disabilities community. Other significant achievements during Landers’ tenure included the start-up of Otsego Academy, a post-secondary transitions program for young adults; Camp Pathfinder, a fully-subscribed summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities; the Self-Direction program, a residential alternative that offers adults greater autonomy and independence in daily life; and the Aging Initiative, a series of program enhancements, staff certification courses, and capital improvements that have supported seniors with cognitive disabilities who may also incur dementia and mobility impairments.

In retirement, Landers will spend more time with family, especially his five grandchildren.

The regional administrator thanked all local organizations involved in bringing attention to the area’s need for assistance.

“You are all great partners and HUD would not be able to fulfill its mission without you,” said AmprySamuel, acknowledging the mayors and community leaders who advocated for help from HUD and eventually secured the aid.

She described how growing up in public housing and working as a case manager immediately after college, helping mentally ill, homeless residents in New York City, made her aware of the need for housing assistance in New York State. Her experiences, she said, have helped her understand the efficacy of providing support services and housing to address homelessness.

“This formula will give people the care and guidance they need to succeed… we’re hoping this will solve the problem in a humane way,” said Ampry-Samuel. “I want you to know we heard you and that HUD is committed to your organizations.”

“This is an unprecedented opportunity,” said Rivera, who reiterated that access to housing is a basic human right in what has become a “housing crisis” in our area. “What has worked in the past won’t work anymore… I’m committed to making

sure our community has equitable access to funding resources.”

Maskin noted the benefits of having resources of this size to help stimulate local economies, while Cotter thanked HUD for “recognizing the difference between rural and urban in terms of housing insecurity.”

“We’ve been working very hard in Norwich,” said Mayor Brian Doliver, who was visibly moved by the news. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but this is a good start.”

“We understand partnerships with organizations on the ground are important,” said Caitlin Gilligan Daly, district director for New York’s 19th Congressional District Representative Marc Molinaro. “Our office is a resource and we want you all to use it.”

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who are driven by reasoning and not just by passion and egoism? Remember the downfall of President Lyndon B Johnson, which was his involvement in the futile Vietnam War that wiped out the memory of his accomplishments of passing the Civil Right Legislation, creating the Great Society dream and the much needed Head Start program.

President Biden, please stop this madness of war by sending Blinken, Kerry and other diplomats to negotiate a binding settlement with Putin. Because all of us want to remember you as a president who tackled the pandemic of COVID-19 boldly by saving millions of lives, wisely pulling out of Afghanistan, saving trillions of dollars to be used for building roads and bridges, and much more. The decision is yours! Be wise and give diplomacy a real chance!

Ashok Malhotra Oneonta

Andrea N. Moore

1934-2023

ONEONTA—Andrea N.

Moore, 88, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Duanesburg on February 1, 2023.

She was born March 2, 1934, in Binghamton, the daughter of Raymond and Elva (Freiberg) Newschwander.

Andrea graduated from Binghamton North High School in 1952. She married David Moore on March 20, 1954 in Binghamton. He predeceased her on December 7, 2005.

Andrea was a stay-athome mom for 18 years after which she transitioned to a position as medical transcriptionist at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, where she worked for 20 years until she retired. She continued to volunteer at Fox Hospital after retirement as well as for many other community organizations throughout the years.

Andrea was active at the First Presbyterian Church in her younger years and then as a member of the Charlotte Valley Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed singing and was a classically trained soprano

soloist, participating in church choirs, community chorales, as well as countless weddings and special occasions. She was very artistic and had many hobbies, including her love of painting, crafting and indoor/outdoor gardening. She was also an avid bowler for a time. Andrea and her husband David enjoyed traveling, visiting many places within the United States and abroad. Over the years, they also hosted five Rotary Exchange Students.

Andrea’s quick sense of humor, beautiful smile, her ability to laugh at herself will be dearly missed. She found a reason to smile every day and truly enjoyed and loved her surroundings and her life.

She is survived by her children, Erin Hughes

and husband David, Todd Moore and wife Jaci, and Brett Moore and wife Susie; grandchildren Christopher Hughes, Shannon Karl, Nicole Wolf, Kaitlyn Culbertson, and Liam Moore; great-grandchildren Greyson, Lucas and Declan Karl, Nora and Deacon Hughes, Jack and Charlotte Wolf, and Porter and Maxci Culbertson, as well as the 10th great-grandchild due in April; brother-in-law Doug Moore and wife Jan, sister-in-law Rosemary Moore, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by

her parents; a brother, Ward Newschwander, and sister, Brenda Hunt.

Services at the Charlotte Valley Presbyterian Church and interment in the North Kortright Cemetery will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to the Charlotte Valley Presbyterian Church, PO Box 184, Davenport, NY 13750 or to your local hospice.

Arrangements are with Oneonta’s only family owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono, at 51 Dietz Street; www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

Dr. Rudolph Schuster

1934-2023

ONEONTA—Rudy

Schuster, DVM, 88, of Oneonta, passed away on Friday January 27, 2023 in Maui Memorial Medical Center with his loving wife, Gwen, and loving son, Chris, by his side. A full obituary will follow in the spring and a celebration of life will be held in the summer. Arrangements by: Norman’s Mortuary— Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii.

Online condolences: www.NormansMortuary. com

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Photo provided ANDREA N. MOORE

Photo provided DR. RUDOLPH SCHUSTER

Photo provided

Outgoing Pathfinder Village CEO Paul Landers, right, is shown with Pathfinder School graduate Glenn Prentice and Senior Director of Education Maura Iorio.

Stroke Awareness, Prevention Is Important

Dear friends, Neighbors and Colleagues, Since february is National Heart Health Month, I’d like to focus this column on cardiovascular health—specifically on stroke awareness and prevention. every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, making it the most common cause of paralysis and the fifth leading cause of death in this country. What’s even more startling is that the stroke rate has gone up among young and middle-aged Americans over the last 30 years.

The good news is that maintaining heart health, responding quickly when strokes occur and administering proper care afterward can all have a significant impact on stroke outcomes.

for our part, bassett strives to provide our communities with excellent stroke care. I’m proud to let you know that bassett Medical Center was designated as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission last fall. This reflects two decades of improving outcomes for our stroke patients and meeting rigorous standards of excellence.

As a rural stroke center, we cover a large region. Thankfully, we operate as one team across our network. All our affiliate hospitals—

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additionally assisting them with the office space, networking, and marketing services necessary to connect entrepreneurs to their market, and the resources they need to officially “set up shop” within Otsego Now’s office building at 189 Main Street in Oneonta.

The New York State Small business Development Center will be offering business training courses, and mentorship will be a key part in the success of these startups’ research and development phases. Opportunities for mentorship will come from SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, both of which have a history of bringing innovation to Otsego County. These educational institutions will provide testing of products for prototyping as well as access to manufacturing equipment and lab space.

“Custom electronics, Inc. is very pleased to join the Otsego County Accelerator Center as an anchor manufacturer to bridge the gap between small innovators and full-scale manufacturing. The center hopes to

A.O. fox Hospital in Oneonta, A.O. fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus in Sidney, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi— provide emergent stroke care and are ready to transfer patients to a higher level of care whenever necessary.

bassett’s stroke team is outstanding. JoAnn Vass, RN, bassett’s stroke recovery team program coordinator, frequently reminds us that this work is embedded in our history. Dr. Mary Imogene bassett succumbed to a devastating stroke only months after her namesake hospital opened—so our health system’s very name is a powerful reminder of the importance of fast and responsive stroke care.

We have also been expanding our patients’ access to world-class cardiovascular specialists through bassett thanks to a new telemedicine partnership with Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center. This arrangement with Columbia brings the entire range of highquality cardiac specialties to bassett patients. This kind of access is unique for a rural health system and has potential to be a game-changer for patients in need of specialty care.

As caregivers dedicated to your health and wellbeing, we will continue to strive to provide you

accommodate start-up entrepreneurs, domestic companies and foreign companies that want to set up manufacturing in the United States,” said Michael Pentaris, Custom electronics chief executive officer.

The Otsego Innovation and Acceleration Center is now open and accepting applications. To apply, send an inquiry e-mail to info@ otsegonow.com expressing. The program looks to recruit at least 12 businesses within the next 18 months, in the hopes that they will grow and stay in Otsego County to create a regenerative business environment.

According to the press release issued by Otsego Now, “It’s important to note that this center is not just for those in the tech industry. It is for anyone in the community, from any industry, with an idea, a vision or a plan on how to propel the Otsego area forward through innovative thinking.”

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available, as well as wine and non-alcoholic beverages. The Mansion Jam band will provide live music and

Prepare for power outages today

with excellent stroke and cardiac care. However, when someone has a stroke, speedy action is required—and that’s where you come in. I encourage you to internalize these warning signs of stroke, commonly abbreviated to the letters fAST:

• facial Drooping: Are one or both sides of the face drooping?

• Arm Weakness: Is it difficult to raise an arm or hold an object?

• Speech Difficulty: Is it difficult to understand or produce speech?

• Time to Call 911

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, seek help immediately. “Time is brain,” is a saying in stroke units. Mere minutes can make the difference between temporary paralysis, permanent damage or death.

To help solidify this helpful fAST mnemonic in your memory, bassett is launching a year-long campaign with our local chapter of the American Heart Association. Look for special fAST educational displays around our network in the months to come.

Thank you for reading—and for entrusting us with your care.

Stay warm in these cold months,

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim is president and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network.

In Other News

ON e ONTA—Opportunities for Otsego, a community action agency focused on alleviating poverty in the county, recently held a Point-in-Time meeting in conjunction with the Oneonta Police Department to give a count of the homeless on Thursday, January 26. blankets, provided by the Southern Tier Homeless Coalition, were given to the OPD to give to any unsheltered individuals they encounter.

The official results of the Point-in-Time count will be released in April by STHC, the organizers of the count across six counties. Last year, 77 persons were identified as unhoused in Otsego quilts by the Susquehanna Valley Quilters will be displayed for viewing.

CANO members enjoy early 11:30 a.m. admission and the first pick of handmade bowls. CANO membership and tickets for the event will be available at the door. More information can be found on CANO’s website, www. canoneonta.org, or by emailing admin@canoneonta. org with any questions.

Researcher Releases Detailed Look at Rural Mental Health

by TeD MebUST ALbANY

What are the unique aspects of rural communities and culture that may contribute to mental health concerns and increased risk of suicide in rural New York? What factors contribute to positive mental health and wellbeing?  How do community members seek help for behavioral health concerns, and what factors influence these help-seeking preferences? How can rural communities—individually and as a whole—improve availability, awareness, access, and utilization of mental health services, resources, and support?”

County through the Pointin-Time count.

GIL be RTSVILL e

The Town of butternuts has begun the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, adopted in August of 2013. According to the town’s website, a survey has been mailed to Town of butternuts and Village of Gilbertsville residents and businesses. Copies of the survey can be picked up from the town and village clerks by residents who did not receive one. “A comprehensive plan presents a vision of the future of the town and proposes actions that can be taken to achieve that vision. It helps our local governments and community institutions work together in their decision making,” the Town of butternuts website reads.

These were the questions Dr. brett Harris sought to answer as she embarked on an 18-month rural listening tour, the first of its kind in New York State, from March 2020 to September 2021. Dr. Harris, a senior research scientist at NORC, an independent research institution at the University of Chicago, and a professor of public health at the University at Albany, heard from almost 300 residents and healthcare professionals across 16 rural counties to produce a report detailing possible strategies to “improve mental health in rural areas in New York and beyond.”

The report quickly identified a major gap in suicide rates between New York State residents in rural areas, now at 15.2 per 100,000, and those in urban areas, at 7.5 per 100,000. Rural suicide rates rose 83.1 percent between 2004 and 2020, compared to a 27.9 percent urban increase over the same time. Dr. Harris stated that although the New York State Suicide Prevention Task force released recommendations for addressing mental health and suicide in 2019, rural areas—home to nearly 20 percent of New Yorkers—were underrepresented and “more work was needed to capture the voices of rural communities and inform these efforts.”

Listening sessions were divided into two groups: county residents 18 years of age

and older, and “professionals who play a role in the mental health of the community (e.g., health and behavioral health directors and providers, law enforcement, first responders, clergy, school personnel, local government staff and officials, and suicide prevention coalition members).” Participants most commonly raised topics such as “social isolation, the impact of close-knit communities on mental health, deeprooted issues that impact mental health, service access and delivery barriers, lack of knowledge and understanding of available mental health services, and rural culture including self-determination and the high prevalence of guns in the home,” each of which Dr. Harris elaborated on at length.

Recommendations produced from the study included increasing opportunities for non-clinical peer support, awareness of available mental health resources and community connectedness, expanding access to the Internet, and strengthening the capacity of crisis centers to link to appropriate local resources. State and county efforts to aid the mental health crisis were also encouraged, including conducting periodic listening sessions, investing in grant writing support and “allocating funding for prevention to address issues upstream and reduce burden on resourcelimited treatment services.”

Dr. Harris recognized the “limited generalizability” of the study due to several factors, including its emphasis on qualitative over quantitative data, lack of participant diversity and the use of Zoom for some but not all sessions due to the pandemic. Despite these limitations, the study proved an important medium for thoughtful conversation.

“The rural listening tour is a first step in recognizing the unique aspects of rural New York communities that serve as both risk and protective factors for suicide… ultimately, these efforts will help reduce suicide and promote mental well-being in rural communities,” Dr. Harris concluded.

bassett at 100

dr. tommy ibrahim

LegaL nOtice NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 09, 2023 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com.

A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot.ny.gov/ doing-business/opportunities/const-notices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder.

Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs.

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to

this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation

44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901

D264979, PIN 9PM023, FA Proj Y0019PM0-233, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga Cos., HIGHWAY PAVEMENT MARKINGS - Various

Federal-Aid Eligible State Highways, Bid

Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $200,000.00),

Goals: DBE: 0.00%

LegaL nOtice

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

INDEX NO.

EF2022-298

Plaintiff designates

OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property

Mortgaged

Premises:

7401 STATE ROUTE 28, SCHUYLER LAKE, NY 13457

Section: 67.05, Block: 1, Lot: 14.00

COUNTY OF OTSEGO

DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.

Plaintiff, vs.

JOSEPH C. PESTAR, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LAURIE A. PESTAR A/K/A LAURIE A. DENMEADE; ERIC PHILLIPS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LAURIE A.

PESTAR A/K/A LAURIE A. DENMEADE; JEREMY DENMEADE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LAURIE A. PESTAR A/K/A LAURIE A. DENMEADE,

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; THOMAS DYGERT, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LAURIE A. PESTAR A/K/A LAURIE A. DENMEADE; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF LAURIE A. DENMEADE A/K/A LAURIE A. PESTAR, 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; CITIBANK, N.A.; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

“JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve 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 $106,400.00 and interest, recorded on August 13, 2007, in Liber 1531 at Page 120, of the Public Records of OTSEGO County, New York., covering premises known as 7401 STATE ROUTE 28, SCHUYLER LAKE, NY 13457. 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.

ING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated:

January 20, 2023

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff

Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

LegaL nOtice SUMMONS STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF OTSEGO Index No. EF2022-557 Section: 301.07 Block: 2 Lot: 40.00

Mortgaged

Premises: 104 ANGEL DRIVE, ONEONTA, NY 13820

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, -vsTIMONEY F. MASSEY A/K/A TIMONEY MASSEY; THE HEIRS AT LARGE OF ROSINA SCOTTI, deceased, and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees, successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors of interest of all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to Plaintiff; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): 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 hereof. Your failure to appear or 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, unless the Defendant obtained a bankruptcy discharge and such other or further relief as may be just and equitable.

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 to 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 payment to your mortgage company will not stop this 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.

OTSEGO County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises.

Dated: August 22, 2022

Mark K. Broyles, Esq. FEIN SUCH & CRANE, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff Office and P.O. Address 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, New York 14614 Telephone No. (585) 232-7400

NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION

The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of OTSEGO, State of New York as more particularly described in the Complaint herein. TO THE DEFENDANT, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants:

The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON. BRIAN D. BURNS Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated JANUARY 20, 2023 and filed along with the supporting papers in the OTSEGO County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a Mortgage. All that tract or parcel of land being Lot 40 of Arigel Heights subdivision, situate in the Town of Oneonta, county of Otsego and state of New York

Mortgaged

Premises: 104 ANGEL DRIVE, ONEONTA, NY 13820 Tax Map/Parcel ID

No.: Section: 301.07

Block: 2 Lot: 40.00 of the TOWN of ONEONTA, NY 13820 75167

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF RICRA, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 12/20/2022. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 493 Chestnut Street, Suite 2, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalMar.16

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LYNNDORA CONSULTING, LLC

Articles of Org. filed

NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/27/23. Office in Otsego Co.

SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 218 Main St., Ste. 20, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 1201 Meadery LLC

Arts of Org. filed

SSNY 1/19/23, Otsego Co.

SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207

General Purpose

6LegalMar.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF The Zero’s Journey LLC

Arts of Org. filed

SSNY 1/17/23, Otsego Co.

SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207

General Purpose

6LegalMar.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of COOPERSTOWN CAMP SERVICES LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on 01/18/2023.

Principal Business and Office Location: 4648 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, N.Y., Otsego County, N.Y. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 4648 State Highway 28,

Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalMar.2

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the LOT OWNERS of the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery Association will be held at the Hartwick Seminary Fire House, Dept. 2, in Hartwick Seminary, NY. This meeting will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at 1 PM to transact a business meeting, which includes the election of Trustees. COVID restrictions, such as a mask, will be up to each individual. Bottled water and wrapped snacks will be available.

3LegalFeb.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC.

Janes Garden LLC

(LLC) filed Arts. of Org. with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/11/2023.

Office location:

Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at c/o William Weinert, 337 County Highway 34, Schenevus, NY 12155.

Purpose: any business permitted under law.

6LegalFeb.23

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Highway 48 Property LLC.

Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 12/15/22. Office location: Otsego Co.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, c/o Bradley Tillbrooks, 2831 Marsala Court, Orlando, FL 32806.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalFeb.23

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BOB’S JOB’S LLC, A Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization were filed with the New York Secretary of State on October 7, 2022.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to: Robert Nistad, PO Box 817, East Worcester, NY 12064.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or

activity.

6LegalFeb.23

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Geoffrey Foster, LLC.

Articles of Org. were filed with the NYS Sec’y State on 01/03/2023. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The NYS Sec’y of State has been designated as agent for service of process against the LLC. NYS Sec’y of State shall mail a copy of any such process to the LLC at: 383 Pink Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. The purpose of the LLC shall be general.

6LegalFeb.16

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Johnson Contracting & Trucking LLC.

Filed 5/4/22. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Po Box 492, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

6LegalFeb.16

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

V&H RANCH LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 6 January 2023. 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 20 W Main St, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalFeb.16

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DANTE’S PIZZERIA, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/28/22. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 416 1/2 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalFeb.9

►Thursday, Feb. 9

VALENTINE’S CARD All day. Stop by the library to make your own personal card for that special someone in your life. Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

BLOOD DRIVE 1-6 p.m. Save up to three lives with the American Red Cross. Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. Register at redcrossblood.org

CONNECTIONS TALK

1:15 p.m. “Farm Silos: A

Vanishing Part of our Landscape.” Presentation by Emily Zaengle, CEO Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia. Zaengle will discuss her master’s thesis project of cataloging the silos along a section of Route 20 and the stories they hold. Come listen and share your own stories. Presented by the Otsego County Council of Senior Citizens in the Community Room at the Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. Visit facebook. com/otsegocountyOFA/

CAT FORUM 4 p.m. The community is invited to join local animal shelters/experts to discuss how we can help cats in need and steps to mitigate overpopulation. Held at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/SQSPCA/

TEEN ZONE 4-6 p.m. Teens aged 12-15 are invited for this after-school program to de-stress, enjoy a nutritious snack, and play games with their peers in a safe environment. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs.

►Friday, Feb. 10

NATURE GROUP Noon to 1:30 p.m. Explore and find joy in the winter landscape with Otsego County Conservation Association Education Specialist Shelby MacLeish. This program is great for homeschoolers but is free and open to all. Held at Otsego Land Trust’s Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Hartwick. (607) 547-4488.

OPENING RECEPTION 57 p.m. Celebrate opening of exhibit, “The Bold and the Beautiful,” featuring handmade tapestries by Tabitha Gilmore-Barnes and handmade rugs and wall hangings by Liza Oesterle. On display through March 25. Light refreshments available. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040.

CPR COURSE 6 p.m. For the 2023 American Heart Month, locals in the healthcare field are invited to learn to perform CPR. Presented by the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services. Free. Springfield Fire Department, 5733 State Route 20, East Springfield. (607) 547-4328.

OPENING RECEPTION 6 p.m. “The Story of Melpomene” photography exhibit by Stevia Ndoe celebrates its opening night. Drinks and light refreshments will be served. Free, open to the public. 4 Elements Studio, 1607 Genesee Street, Utica. (315) 765-6923.

AUDITION 6:30 p.m.

If you enjoy performing in musical theater, audition for a production of “Rent” with Orpheus Theatre. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in and prepare a song of your choice. Must be aged 16+ (with parental consent if under 18). Performances will be May 12-14. Held at the

Orpheus rehearsal space at the Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-1800.

PLANETARIUM 7 p.m.

Journey through the cosmos in a family friendly planetarium show. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, West Dormitory Road, SUNY Oneonta. Visit eventbrite.com/o/sciencediscovery-center-and-planetarium-14332374215

YOUTH ZONE 7-10 p.m.

Students in grades 7-12 are invited for a fun night of games and activities each Friday. Games range from air hockey to Xbox games to board games, with arts and crafts, baking, movie nights, and more also offered. Held at The Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. Visit richfieldspringscommunitycenter. org/the-zone/

CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Join the Cooperstown Concert Association for a performance by the Beau Sasser Trio, where they pay tribute to the classic organ trio sound with soul classics in the boogaloo and acid jazz stylings. Tickets, $20/person. The Otesaga, Cooperstown.

THEATER 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a theatrical performance of “August: Osage County,” which follows the story of the disappearance of Beverly Weston, the patriarch of the Weston family, and the reactions of his wife and three daughters. Tickets, $20/adult. Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions in the Production Center of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta.

►s aTurday, Feb. 11

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 811 a.m. Enjoy delicious pancakes, sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs and hot beverages. $8 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit The Pantry at the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 1472 County Highway 22, Schuyler Lake. (315) 765-

Opening Reception

ONeONTA—Thursday, February 9 from 4:30-6 p.m. Art exhibit, “As You Will be: Amy Ritter, Courtney Garvin, and Xyza Cruz bacani,” explores how portraiture-style images can change perception of identity. The exhibit will be running through March 18 with an artist talk on February 22. The Foreman Gallery, Hartwick College, Oneonta. (607) 431-4575 or visit hartwick.edu/news/hartwicks-foreman-gallery-presents-multi-artist-portrait-exhibit-on-identity/

1716 or e-mail Pastor Sharon at pastorsharonrankinsburd@ gmail.com

AUCTION 9 a.m. to noon. View items up for auction to support the maintenance and improvements of the Gilbert Block, a neo-Tudor style strip of buildings designed by Boston architect Henry Forbes Bigelow and constructed between 1893 and 1895. Auction will feature everything from heirloom quality furniture to ceramic works by local artists. Held at the Gilbert Block on Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2518.

AUDITION 10 a.m. If you enjoy performing in musical theater, audition for a production of “Rent” with the Orpheus Theatre. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in,

and prepare a song of your choice. Must be aged 16+ (with parental consent if under 18). Performances will be May 12-14. Held at the Orpheus rehearsal space at the Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-1800.

TAX PREP 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Get ready for tax season with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Hartwick College accounting students who have been certified by the IRS, with their professor, will be available to provide one-on-one assistance in preparing individual tax returns. Either in person or online. Held at the Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

SNOW TUBING 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weather permitting, the park will be open for snow tubing on the hill. Admission is $5/ person. Snow tubes are provided; there is a warming hut with snacks and hot chocolate available for purchase. Check the Facebook page or call the park office to confirm the slope is open. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8662.

ART OPEN HOUSE 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. View “Kelley’s Carved Convoy,” a surroundsight of trucks carved in the 1950s-1990s by acclaimed Oneonta farmer folk artist Lavern Kelley. Also includes mugs and ornaments by Marcie Schwartzman and wooden Kenyan miniatures (proceeds benefit Mukuru Art Collective). Free admission. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

CHILI BOWL Noon to 4 p.m. Local amateur and professional cooks compete to make the best chili, and you get to pick the winner. Stop by to sample the different chili concoctions and purchase one of the custom bowls for sale to support arts in Oneonta. Admission, $20/person. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. 607-432-2070.

VALENTINE’S DANCE 4 p.m. Bring that special someone for a Valentine’s Sock Hop dance. Tickets, $5/person. Proceeds benefit the Family Service Association. Held at Oneonta American Legion, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

FUNDRAISER 6-8 p.m. Enjoy a delicious wine tasting with Amuse Bouche to support the Oneonta Rotary Club. Five courses for $75/person. Held at Social Eats Café, Project 607, 546 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-4808.

SONGWRITERS 7 p.m. Bring your instruments and your creativity for this songwriter’s conference featur-

ing musicians, producers, and songwriters of all levels. Includes a panel discussing booking shows, producing music, and growing the brand followed by a collaborative songwriting exercise. Keyboards and percussion provided. Club Odyssey, 80 Water Street, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/ClubOdysseyOneonta/

►sunday, Feb. 12

BENEFIT RIDE 9:30 a.m.

Join a 60 minute cycling ride to benefit the Cooperstown Food Pantry this Superbowl Sunday. $15/person. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800.

THEATER Noon. Enjoy theatrical performance of “August: Osage County,” following the story of the disappearance of Beverly Weston, the patriarch of the Weston family, and the reactions of his wife and three daughters. Tickets, $20/adult. Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions in the Production Center of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/biggerdreamsproductions

LITERARY WALK 1:30 p.m. Support the library and join a literary tour around downtown Cooperstown to learn more about authors James Fenimore Cooper and Susan Fenimore Cooper. Presented by the Village Library of Cooperstown. Meet at Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344.

►Monday, Feb. 13

SENIOR MEALS Noon.

Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests. This week, enjoy lunch of chili con carne with cauliflower, more. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 5476454.

CHAIR YOGA 2-3 p.m.

Join certified yoga instructor for chair yoga class. All fitness levels welcome. Cost is a food donation to the Richfield Springs Food Pantry. Scheduled for each Monday through 3/13. Held at the Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.