Hometown Oneonta 04-13-23

Averill Road Parties Have Day in Court

Templeton Foundation To Proceed with Geotechnical Testing on Site, Contingent Upon DEC Compliance

By DARLA M. YOUNGS

WAMPSVILLE

Following 90 minutes of oral argument on Thursday, April 6, Madison County Supreme Court Justice

Hon. Patrick J. O’Sullivan has determined that the Templeton Foundation can move forward with geotechnical testing on its property at Averill Road in Cooperstown, in order to understand the subsurface conditions of the potential development site. However, in order to do so, Templeton must first satisfy the conditions of a Notice of Violation issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation two days earlier.

Events Leading Up to April 6

DEC’s Notice of Violation is the latest action taken against Templeton, which seeks to build housing for Bassett Hospital employees on its Averill Road acreage. On January 18, environmental attorney Douglas H. Zamelis filed a petition in the Madison County Supreme Court on behalf of clients Michael Swatling and Carolyn O’Brien, in which they alleged that the Cooperstown Board of Trustees applied an incorrect standard when analyzing the proposed housing project’s environmental impact in light of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. Trustees had approved a Special Permit for the project on January 5.

Upon review of the complaint and realizing these allegations had merit, attorneys for all parties agreed the suit should be discontinued but with the full right of Templeton to reapply. The defendants “immediately capitulated,” Zamelis said to Judge O’Sullivan on Thursday.

Zamelis then filed a second petition on behalf of his clients on March 19, again in Madison County, contending the Averill Road housing project was already under construction without the necessary Special Permit from the village

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Commission Holds Hearing

Redistricting Explained; Draft District Map Viewed

By WRILEY NELSON

ONEONTA

The City of Oneonta 2020 Redistricting Commission held a public hearing on its proposed Common Council ward map on March 28. To ensure that each vote counts equally, New York’s Municipal Home Rule Law requires cities to reapportion their voting districts after the decennial federal census. The COVID-19 pandemic made this process considerably more difficult in Oneonta; SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College students—who make up a significant percentage of the city population— were absent and often difficult to reach during the census. The census used dormitory population reports from April of 2020 to estimate the student population. Like other upstate localities, Oneonta has also experienced an influx of downstate residents affected by the pandemic. The Common Council appointed a redistricting commission on November 15, 2022.

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Photo provided

What Time Was Your Appointment?

ONEONTA—Meet Taylor Jass, a 5-year-old great Pyrenees/collie mix. Adopted in 2019 by Barb and Daryn, Taylor loes people and goes to work greeting patients in his dad’s chiropractic office. A gallery of our readers’ pets is now available for viewing on the AllOtsego.com website at htpps://www.allotsego.com/fureverfriends-and-purrfect-pals/. Every week, we’ll select at least one photograph to be highlighted in our newspapers, on Facebook and online. Send your photos to darlay@allotsego.com.

Commission Chair Gary Herzig, city mayor from 2015 to 2021, opened the meeting with a discussion of the state and city laws guiding the commission’s work. The most challenging guideline, he said, was the population provision in MHR section 10: “the difference in population between the most and least populous district shall not exceed five percent of the mean population of all districts.”

In Oneonta, Herzig explained, “The most populous ward can have no more than 80-something people more than the least populous ward. That’s a high bar for us to meet.”

The state also forbids redistricting with any intent or result of abridging the electoral rights

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Documentary Offers American Mosaic, Searches for Common Ground

By TERESA WINCHESTER ONEONTA

The New York premiere of

“Something in the Water,” an awardwinning documentary about finding common ground among Americans, will be shown at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta on April 21 and 22. Musical entertainment in the AtriumBar will begin at 6 p.m., with the film screening at 7 p.m., followed by an audience discussion.

Admission is free; those wishing to attend should reserve tickets at https:// somethinginthewater.today, by e-mailing hope@somethinginthewater.today, or by calling (607) 226-4181.

The film is produced and directed by Gilbertsville residents Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman, who expressed gratitude to Five Star Subaru for its sponsorship of the event, allowing the public to see the film at no cost.

“We think it’s important for people to see this film because it’s a search for common ground,” Stillman said.

The filmmakers were prompted to make

“Something in the Water” by the social discontent brewing before, during and after the 2020 presidential election. Although the film’s title may suggest an environmental theme, the term, metaphorically, alludes to a recurring phenomenon among numerous people within the same area.

Dissatisfaction with reporting of events by the major news outlets led Wachter and Stillman to develop a film deemphasizing divisiveness and stressing the complexity of people and their thought processes.

“We felt like prisoners of the regular news cycle, felt bias from both sides. We are far more complex than what was being represented in the daily news,” Wachter said.

Feeling palpable tension in the village of Gilbertsville, Wachter and Stillman put out a call for people to come to The Major’s Inn to be filmed sharing their feelings about what was going on.

These interviews were followed by two weekends of interviews in Oneonta.

To ascertain whether people in other parts of the

Continued on page 11

Photo Joseph C. Stillman

Filmmakers Joseph C. Stillman (left), and Jeri Wachter (right), with Betsy Scanlin, owner of The Roman Theatre, Red Lodge, Montana in 2021.

Vendors Sought for Annual Fishing & Heritage Day

SOUTH OTSELIC—The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association is now accepting reservations for arts and craft vendors who would like to participate in the 14th annual Fishing & Heritage Day on Saturday, May 20. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Chenango County hamlet of South Otselic, located along the scenic Otselic River. Hundreds of people attend this free family event featuring local and regional artists, craftspeople, antique dealers, food vendors, musicians, and special topic presentations. Fishing & Heritage Day provides a schedule of activities that promote understanding and appreciation of the area’s rich history, including its recreational fishing, industrial, and agricultural heritage. Vendors may reserve space up until May 14 to set up in the Town Park. Space is also available for nonprofit conservation, sporting, scouting and environmental organizations at the State Fish Hatchery, adjacent to the hamlet. Call (315) 653-7490 or email sotfishingday@gmail.com for the vendor registration form.

School Yearbook Receives National Recognition

MORRIS—The 2022 Morris High School yearbook was featured in the Jostens “Look Book 2023,” the yearbook manufacturer’s annual collection of the best designs. According to a release, the Look Book celebrates “creative themes, cool covers, beautiful designs, relevant coverage of school events, meaningful storytelling, and stunning photography” selected by a panel of nationally recognized scholastic journalism professionals and award-winning yearbook advisors. The “Morrisanian” staff of Ethan Franklin, Carissa Richards, Hannah Wist, Tatiana McAdams, Aislinn Ray, Noah Burlison, and Kelsy Chase received a copy of the Look Book, a commemorative pin, and a banner from Jostens. According to school Yearbook Advisor Julene Waffle, the “Morrisanian” received similar honors in 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Oneonta Democrats Meet; New Members Welcome

ONEONTA—The new Oneonta Democratic Club met on Saturday, April 1 to begin organizing for the 2023 election season. Town Councilmember Kim Fierke and Highway Superintendent Jim Hurtubise addressed the attendees about the past and future of politics and government in Oneonta. According to Steering Committee members Valerie Cole, Gary Maffei and Susan Sklenarik, “the club plans to reach out to local businesses and nonprofit organizations to coordinate efforts to better Oneonta. Other local Democratic clubs will also be engaged, including the area college Democratic clubs and the Otsego County Democratic Committee.” The club’s mission is to support candidates and democratic principles through civic involvement and by enrolling and informing voters. Residents of both the city and town of Oneonta are invited to interact with the Oneonta Democratic Club Facebook page or to contact garymaffei@gmail. com for more information. New members are always welcome. The next meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, location to be announced.

Comptroller: Town Did Not Audit Correctly

WORCESTER—A state comptroller’s audit has concluded that the Town of Worcester failed to effectively audit claims prior to payment. “In our sample of 199 claims totaling $824,330.00, 166 claims totaling $601,662.00 should not have been approved for payment,” the audit said. One hundred thirty-one claims totaling $597,410.00 were approved without evidence of compliance with competitive bidding requirements or the town’s procurement policy; 11 claims totaling $4,009.00 did not have appropriate support, such as an itemized receipt or invoice; 23 claims had sales tax totaling $243.00.

“As a result, disbursements were made for unsupported and/or improper claims and not in the best interest of the taxpayers.” The state office recommended the town perform a complete audit of claims before approval and train personnel in statutory requirements and procurement policy. Town officials indicated compliance with the audit recommendations.

LEADING HEART CARE

USS Cooperstown ‘Voyage’ Continues

By CASPAR EWIG

NEW YORK CITY

The saga of the joint venture between the United States Navy and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum began on July 26, 2015 in Doubleday Field. Then Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus floated the idea to Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the NBHoF Board of Directors, of naming one of the recently established littoral class of fighting ships the USS Cooperstown. Ships are often named after states and cities, but in this case the name would also stand in honor of the baseball heroes enshrined in the Hall of Fame who were war heroes who served in the U.S. military.

From that day, the USS Cooperstown began to take form when—under the watchful eye of Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh as “keel authenticator”—the vessel’s backbone was laid at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin on August 14, 2018. At that ceremony, Mayor Tillapaugh’s initials

were welded onto the steel plate. During the next year and a half of construction, the USS Cooperstown was under full control of the Navy and the shipyard, finally being launched January 19, 2020.

Then, on February 29, 2020, amidst the spray of champagne from a bottle smashed against her bow by sponsor Alba Tull and in the company of her honorary sponsor, Jane Forbes Clark, Hull LCS #23 was officially christened the USS Cooperstown. And thus, ala the lesson learned from “The Pirates of Penzance,” having been “born” in a leap year she will always only age one year in every four and forever be the youngest littoral vessel in the naval fleet.

Being waterborne is,

however, only one step in the process of becoming a full-fledged fighting ship. Thereafter the hull must be outfitted, and the completion of that leg of the USS Cooperstown’s voyage was marked by the celebration of an ancient ritual known as a mast stepping ceremony. That event took place on September 20, 2022, where a commemorative coin, a list of the 70 wartime Hall of Famers and an autographed baseball were sealed within the vessel.

Now, almost eight years after the idea first took root— and after having completed 3,500 nautical miles of sea trials—the USS Cooperstown will be commissioned as a fighting ship of the United States Navy. The traditional commissioning ceremony, inaugurated in 1775, will take place on Saturday, May 6 at Pier 88 in New York City. The commissioning of a ship is not only the last chapter of the introduction, it also represents the first chapter of the vessel becoming an accepted unit in the operating forces of the United States Navy.

Continued on page 11

Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman, Feb. 22, 2023

The traditional commissioning ceremony for the Uss Cooperstown will take place on saturday, May 6 at Pier 88 in New York City.

FRIENDS MATTER

When a family gives you their name, trust in you is without question.

A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Healthcare Network have been graced with the Aurelia O. Fox legacy. It’s a bond none of us ever forget.

Thank you, friends!

AURELIA OSBORN FOX

When Mrs. Fox died in 1899, her husband Col. Ruben Fox donated $10,000 to found and fund the A.O. Fox Hospital named in her memory.

Into the Woods with Merlin

Spring has arrived in Otsego County—at last. The birds are flying around, trying out their songs and leaving their feeder seeds to the squirrels, the daffodils are peeking up through the dirty remains of snow and mud, there’s a big black bear or two sneaking around the bird feeders on Glimmerglen Road, and there’s water pouring off the hills everywhere.

Amazingly, a lot of birds winter over here in the cold, snowy north country. Geese, ducks, and loons spend their quiet dark days near the lakes and streams, although it would not be quite right to call those geese quiet. The great blue heron who lives by the 17th and 18th holes at Leatherstocking Golf Course was here all winter as well, as were the crows, ravens, gulls, chickadees, hawks, eagles, cardinals, juncos, wild turkeys, mourning doves, and turkey vultures, all surviving the cold days with feathers well puffed. There are many birds to see and hear throughout the long winter if one is alert, interested, and outside.

This month, however, our resident birds will be joined, slowly and in good time, by their south-wintering feathered pals, some of whom have already arrived and are busy making gregarious and cheerful noises and searching for safe, cozy sites for their nests. The robins are here, although it is generally accepted that they do not venture far away in the winter, as have the red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows and grackles. Woodpeckers of many species are drumming conspicuously in the woods. In her great tome “Rural Hours,” Susan Fenimore Cooper writes of seeing an oriole on April 11th and a hummingbird on the 27th, followed quickly by swallows and goldfinches.

Over in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in Ithaca, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s 250 scientists, professors, staff, and students comprise the most informed avian stronghold in the world for the study and conservation of birds and their habitats. The lab reports major migration days for Otsego County this year are from May 15-21, a few weeks later than the migration period of Cooper’s in 1848—perhaps, or indeed perhaps not (depending on one’s thoughts) due to climate change.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology was founded in 1915; it now has 75,000 members from the Americas, Western Europe, and India, all of whom provide field information about the comings, goings, habitats, and habits of all species of birds. Such citizen-science projects include feeder-watching, nest-watching and, in partnership with the Audubon Society and Birds Canada, the Great Global Backyard Bird Count, an annual affair during which, in February this year, more than 555,000 participants identified 7,538 species and added 151,291 photographs to Cornell’s well-equipped Macauley Library, the world’s premier scientific archive of natural history audio, video, and photographs.

Merlin Bird ID, a (free) app created by the lab, is designed for beginning and intermediate birdwatchers. With millions of records contributed by birdwatchers around the globe in its database, Merlin will identify a bird by its sound, description or image, and its location. It will also supply volumes of information and photographs about the identified bird’s habits and looks. When a bird is identified the information goes to the Cornell lab through EBird, another (free) app that records where a bird is seen, when it’s seen, and what it is. Take a hike...with Merlin.

LETTERS TO THE

“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.

Study Shows Volunteer Fire Service Fundamental to Keeping New York Safe, Economically Sound

New York’s volunteer firefighters, which respond to emergency calls in a majority of the state, save not only lives and property, but also billions in taxpayer dollars. According to an economic impact study released today by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, these dedicated volunteers help New York taxpayers save $4.7 billion annually through their services.

The report emphasizes the critical role of volunteer firefighters in safeguarding New York’s communities and helping to save lives. The 80,000 volunteer firefighters in the state provide vital protection and services during emergencies and contribute significantly to their communities through continuous training, outreach, and fire safety education. They also play a critical role in the statewide response plans to major emergencies and natural disasters.

Prepared by Resolution Economics, the “Economic Study of The Tax Savings Generated by New York’s Volunteer Fire Service” is the second study in the past decade to examine the economic impact of New York’s volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters keep local taxes and expenses low by eliminating the need to pay career firefighters wages, benefits, and related costs. New York State relies heavily on volunteer fire departments, and a conversion to paid departments would cause a severe economic burden and require a massive increase in property taxes.

“This report underscores the importance and value of the volunteer firefighting service to New York,” said FASNY President Edward Tase Jr. “Without the dedication and service of the brave volunteers throughout

An Open Letter to KeyBank Landlord

This is about safety—making 103 Main Street, Cooperstown a far safer place from which to do business; it’s not about any kind of law suit.

The need for greater safety in your building was acutely brought home to me on Monday, March 13 when, having concluded my business at KeyBank, and as I left the building, I fell down. Whilst I am 94, I’m a licensed driver in good health and used to walking up to a mile or two a day. I’ve been banking at KeyBank most of my life and always go in and out the front door. What I failed to notice on this occasion was that after descending the few steps that lead to the exit doors, there is an additional (about 6-inch-high) step to reach the sidewalk. This step is the same color as the sidewalk. The hand rails are set back on each side of the steps and relatively unobtrusive.

I missed the step, which caught my heel and propelled me 6-8 feet out onto the sidewalk. Fortunately (almost miraculously!), I sustained only superficial wounds and a possible cracked rib, but no other broken bones and no head injury. My wife—who, like me is a physician—witnessed this event and was horrified.

I reported the event to our teller with the suggestion that the step be painted yellow—and/or some warning sign be placed to prevent further accidents—and was informed that KeyBank does not own the building. The teller declined to inform us as to who is the landlord, hence this letter to both entities.

At the Randy Johnson photo exhibit opening event at Fenimore Art Museum this past weekend, I was reminded that I’m not the only old person living around Cooperstown. My wife and I are most concerned that none of us ever get needlessly injured exiting 103 Main Street. You have the ability to greatly mitigate the

the state, local taxpayers would face a significant financial burden to fund the type of emergency response they are accustomed to. Our volunteer firefighters train extensively to be able to respond to their neighbors in a time of need, and we are proud to do our part to keep this great State safe and taxpayer costs for fire protection low.”

Among the findings in the report:

• Fully paid career departments would cost New York taxpayers $4.7 billion annually in pay, benefits, operating, maintenance and capital costs.

• 31,058 full-time paid firefighters would need to be hired.

• Of New York State’s 1,640 fire departments, 93.2 percent are allvolunteer or mostly volunteer.

• If New York State switched to an all-paid fire service:

• Local government property taxes would rise an average of 28.4 percent absent volunteer firefighters (taxes would increase between 5.8 percent and 133.8 percent, depending on the county)

• There would be a one-time cost of $8.17 billion to acquire existing structures, vehicles and equipment.

New York State Association of Counties President Michael E. Zurlo said, “Volunteer firefighters exemplify the best of New York: courage, service and sacrifice. Not only do volunteer firefighters save lives and protect property, but they also save millions of dollars of taxpayer money that can be put to use serving their communities in countless other capacities. The report

chances of such a tragedy. (Taking action now might well save you quite a lot of $ as well!)

Nicholas Cunningham MD, Dr PH, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Public Health, Columbia University Springfield Center

Reader Shares Fitness

Center Personal Story

I have written once before to plead for the continuation of our lifeline in this community. Today, I would like to illustrate this great need using a very personal story I have not told before. I joined FoxCare Fitness in 2013, like many others, seeking health and wellness. I found the perfect place to start, as it was always designed to accommodate any fitness level, any age, and any need was met by kind and caring professionals. How comfortable have we all felt there; this quiet, clean, safe environment with support of staff and so many options?

Things changed in an instant in 2019, when the fateful words “you have cancer” felt like they were being delivered muffled through cotton. In that instant, having seen my whole life pass before my eyes, I decided to bravely meet it and my life head-on. FoxCare Fitness then truly became my lifeline. I continued to take the cardio and aerobic classes, knowing they would provide the strength I needed, both mentally and physically. Still perspiring, I would run down the entire length of the building; FoxCare on one end, Oncology on the other with 15 minutes between exercise and radiation. Having FoxCare as my guide and my saving grace made my brain believe it was just another day—every day for six weeks. I could never repay them for that gift.

To understand the need for such a facility, you have only to read my story and so many other similar stories centered around struggle. Where else is there such a building where health

released by FASNY highlights the critical need for the State of New York to invest in the volunteer fire community to ensure New Yorkers have access to reliable and effective fire service and that our communities continue to benefit from the dedication and generosity of these brave men and women.”

“In addition to saving lives, the selfless individuals who volunteer as firefighters in New York also save residents a significant amount in tax dollars,” said Gerry Geist, executive director of the Association of Towns. “Towns, and ultimately taxpayers, are able to save money by contracting with volunteer fire departments for fire protection services. We look forward to working with legislators and stakeholders on creating local options to encourage retention and recruitment, as well as state funded programs and incentives to support volunteer emergency service providers.”

“The New York State Conference of Mayors applauds the dedicated men and women of New York’s volunteer fire service and appreciates their commitment to protecting our communities,” said NYCOM Executive Director Peter A. Baynes. “This report confirms what we have long believed—that the volunteer fire service is not only good for our residents, but it’s good for municipal budgets as well. We commend FASNY for commissioning this study and look forward to partnering with them to help strengthen the volunteer fire service throughout New York State.”

Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State.  For more information, visit www.fasny.com.

and wellness mesh so perfectly with medical care? Where can you go in rural America where mentally, physically, and emotionally you know that every part of you is being cared for? Where shall we go from here?

I share this very personal story to add to the numerous ones you’ve already received. People who have been cared for, looked after in body and mind, and made to feel they matter. By the grace of FoxCare Fitness go many of us. Please let it continue so that we may seek wellness as we travel the rocky road of life.

Jane Kreischer Oneonta

Alternate Housing Sites Are Available

The Notre Dame Cooperstown Land Use Plan identified affordable housing as a need for the village. One of the sites they recommended were the vacant fields on Brooklyn Avenue leading to the Clark Sports Center. The study did not recommend clear-cutting the forest on Irish Hill for apartments, nor did it recommend demolishing an historic building in Fly Creek for apartments, as previously proposed by the owner of the Irish Hill property and the Brooklyn Avenue land. For that matter, it didn’t recommend block-busting an historic single-family home block for an apartment. What it did recommend and what village officials should encourage is to develop affordable housing and apartments in under-developed areas. Fortunately, the village has recently annexed the industrial land along Linden Avenue that is now used as a storage yard by the county. Those facilities can be relocated outside of the village, and the land zoned for multi-family housing. No more block-busting or clear-cutting necessary. And Brooklyn Avenue can remain a scenic meadow. A win-win-win, as if a triple play.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

135 Years Ago

Under the rules and regulations of the Board of Health, “every privy vault and cesspool shall be cleaned and contents thereof removed at least once in each year, and on or before the first of May,” etc. It is hoped that citizens will appreciate the importance of complying with the requirement and govern themselves accordingly. The farther the contents of these receptacles of filth can be removed from the human habitation the better. No doubt we as a community suffer from the burial of filth near our residences. If it be so that any who live not very near neighbors think they can safely bury the contents of their vaults, I would urge them not to bury it within 1,000 feet of a house, well, or spring of water. Above all, do not bury it deep; cover slightly with soil, just sufficient to absorb the odor. The gravel or sand underneath the soil possesses no power or property of absorbing anything; it is a sanitary point of view, simply a conductor of air and water; hence the danger of deep burial of decaying and putrid matter. O.W. Peck, M.D., Health Officer.

April 1888

110 Years Ago

The directors of the Fox Memorial Hospital have purchased one of the finest X-ray machines in the country. The machine is known as the Solace Interruption X-ray machine, and is exactly the same type and size that is used in the Roosevelt Presbyterian New York Post Graduate, and in short, all the leading metropolitan hospitals. The cost was $1,500. The machine arrived early last week and was installed on Thursday and Friday under the direction of Dr. H.F. Waite of New York, who is a member of the Waite & Bartlett company of New York who are exclusive manufacturers of electric medical and surgical appliances and devices, and are conceded to be foremost among the manufacturers of such goods in the country, if not in the world. It is an 8-kilowatt machine with a voltage of 150,000. It has other currents for treatment of eczema, neuralgia, muscular rheumatism, and for reducing arterial tension. During the first two days many interesting radiographs were taken.

April 1913

90 Years Ago

Pursuant to action of Congress in amending the Volstead Act, legal beer returned to Otsego County Friday morning of last week. Federal permits at five dollars each are all that a vendor requires outside the City of Oneonta in order to sell the 3.2 percent brew. With the modification of the Volstead Act and failure of the state government to establish a control plan, the Oneonta Common Council at an adjourned meeting Thursday evening unanimously passed a local ordinance providing for a regulation of wholesale and retail dealers, including restaurants and clubs. It provides that all vendors must procure a license in addition to the one required from the federal government. The city licenses will cost $50. Sale of beer is prohibited between the hours of 1 and 6 a.m. and during the hours of elections; to minors under the age of 18 years, directly or indirectly; within 500 feet of a school or church excepting in restaurants, stores, and certain other business places.

April 1933

30 Years Ago

April 1993

from the noteworthy

Study Reveals New Data About Alcohol Consumption

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and some pretty big news on the topic has just come out. A study released this past week from the “Journal of the American Medical Association” that covered 40 years, 107 studies, and four million participants found there were no protective benefits to moderate- or lowvolume consumption of alcohol. It also found that even moderate consumption is associated with an increase in the risk of death. (If you love reading research, I have included the citation at the end of this article.)

That may be surprising for many who have been told most of their lives that wine, red wine in particular, is good for cardiovascular health. In full disclosure, there is an antioxidant in wine (resveratrol) that has presumed heart-healthy benefits. That bit of information comes with three caveats. 1) The alcohol (ethanol) itself carries risk factors for significant health-related problems that are not mitigated by the amount of antioxidants found in wine. 2) Resveratrol can be found in many other food sources that do not contain alcohol. 3) No amount of alcohol is safe for female breast tissue. Alcohol is the number one most preventable cause of breast cancer and is responsible for about 12 percent of new diagnoses (American Cancer Society).

Related to that last caveat, the part of this new JAMA study that really caught my attention is a trend that I have personally been watching for the last couple of decades. We are understanding more with each passing year how significant the impact of alcohol on women’s health actually is. For centuries, we have more clearly understood the impact on men’s health because men were typically the heaviest drinkers in the world’s cultures. We could see with our eyes what alcohol could do to the men in and around our lives. Now, more research is coming to light about women and alcohol.

It is unfortunate that alcohol is not an equal opportunity substance. Due to biological reasons, women are

MERL REAGLE

Electrifying People…

far more susceptible to harm. As an aside, even though the alcohol industry knows the research far better than I do, it has turned a large part of its marketing attention to women. For curiosity’s sake, the next time you’re in the store look at the number of cute, pink, pastel or fruity drink options and consider who is being targeted.

During the pandemic, women’s alcohol consumption went up by 41 percent, and no such increase was seen in the male population (RAND). That kind of increase comes with a significant toll on women’s health. So much so that during that time period, alcohol-related deaths increased at a faster pace for women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that women develop alcohol-related cancers, liver disease, and heart disease more quickly than men.

This article is not intended to create fear or to wag a finger at any who enjoy a drink. This article is about the belief that an informed population has the greatest opportunity to base health choices on the best available knowledge given the current research. I find that people don’t talk to women very often about alcohol and their health. When I have the honor of doing so, women are often surprised about the increased health impacts and grateful to have been given the information.

If you would like more information about women’s health and alcohol, check out LEAF’s Facebook feed this month: www.facebook.com/LEAFinc. We have been sharing all kinds of information that may be helpful in making positive health decisions.

JAMA article: Zhao J, Stockwell T, Naimi T, Churchill S, Clay J, Sherk A. Association Between Daily Alcohol Intake and Risk of AllCause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Metaanalyses. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(3):e236185. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.6185

Julie Dostal is executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions, Oneonta.

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

Averill Rd.

Continued from page 1 or proper stormwater management controls, and seeking an injunction against further work.

DEC Division of Water staff visited the site on March 24 and subsequently halted all work on the property until Templeton applies for and receives the required SpDES (State pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit.

“This letter serves to provide you with a Notice of Violation of 6 NYCRR part 750-1.4(b) and Environmental Conservation law (ECl) Sections 17-051 and 17-0803 and the Federal Clean Water Act (40 CFR pat 122.26) for failure to obtain a SpDES permit prior to commencement of activities disturbing one or more acres…” wrote DEC Regional Water Engineer John Weidman in a letter dated April 4. “You are hereby notified that you must immediately cease all construction activity on the site including any clearing, grading and excavating and immediately stabilize all areas of disturbance.”

The Federal Clean Water Act requires stormwater discharges from construction, or activities that disturb one or more acres of land, to be authorized by a SpDES permit. The requirements are intended to reduce the water pollution caused by stormwater runoff, Weidman wrote. According to DEC, sewer connections and extensions must also be reviewed and approved.

DEC’s directive does not, however, preclude stabilization of the site or installation of erosion and sediment controls to prevent potential impacts to water quality. Templeton Foundation has until the end of day on Friday, April 14 to provide an explanation of work done to the site, photographs showing all areas stabilized and a description of the planned use of the site. The Notice of Violation made it clear that compliance with DEC’s requests now does not protect Templeton from any enforcement action initiated by the DEC for observed site deficiencies or water quality violations. Fines could be as much as $37,500.00 per day, per violation.

Judge O’Sullivan had issued a similar stop work ruling on March 23 in response to the March 19 petition filed by Zamelis— an Order to Show Cause With Temporary Restraining Order—preventing Templeton Foundation or its agents from any further work at the Averill Road property until issues between the parties could be heard and resolved on April 6.

Why Madison County?

At the outset of Thursday’s hearing, Judge O’Sullivan

questioned Zamelis as to why he had chosen to file his petition in Madison County and indicated initially that he would like to transfer the case to Otsego County.

Templeton’s attorneys had also made a motion to change the venue.

“i just don’t understand why you filed it here,” O’Sullivan said. “it should be brought in Otsego County.”

Zamelis argued that special “hybrid” proceedings are allowed within the judicial district. He later described the Averill Road property owner as “a very powerful interest” and “politically powerful”—referring to Jane Forbes Clark—whose holdings include Bassett Hospital, Templeton Foundation, the Clark Foundation, The Otesaga Resort Hotel, and both The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum, among others.

“That’s why this proceeding is not in Otsego County,” Zamelis said.

‘Largest Development in Decades’ Zamelis was first to speak before the judge. He described the Averill Road project as “the largest development in the village in decades,” and cited his clients’ concerns regarding noise, vibration, impact to water quality, and clearcutting of acres of trees.

“The Swatling property is literally in the jaws of Templeton’s property,” he said.

Zamelis referred to Templeton’s approach to the project as “text book segmentation,” which he said is “disfavored as a matter of policy.”

According to Cornell law School’s legal information institute, segmentation is when an action is broken down into small parts in order to avoid the appearance of significance of the total action.

Regarding DEC’s Notice of Violation, Zamelis asked Judge O’Sullivan to deliver an injunction against Templeton because they did not get the necessary SpDES permit from DEC and did not have a stormwater plan in place. please enjoin Templeton from any further work,”

Zamelis entreated, citing severe financial hardship for his clients who, he said, continue to face irreparable harm.

Judge O’Sullivan countered, referring to DEC’s Notice of Violation: “How does DEC assist in mitigating further damage? isn’t that what you want?”

Zamelis said the state doesn’t intervene in local zoning.

“if they [Templeton] put up a silt fence and hay bales, DEC will be happy. This is bad,” he said. “Real bad. The village crosses its arms and whistles.”

Judge O’Sullivan did not concur. He said the tree cutting was done on or about March 5, lasting 17 days, and the order to show cause was issued March 23, after the fact. Soil disruption, he pointed out, was limited to about 9,600 feet at the entrance to the property. The trunks and root systems remain and the soil in general was undisturbed.

“Sounds as though the only thing they say they are doing at this juncture is geotechnical testing,” the judge replied, which Zamelis termed “laughable.” Zamelis then asked for a fact hearing regarding the geotechnical testing and challenged the judge, asking why Templeton had not taken geotechnical samples before now.

“So you’re saying if the Order to Show Cause was not in place, they will pull stumps? Aren’t DEC a watchdog here to make sure things get resolved? isn’t that our protection here?” asked O’Sullivan.

Zamelis insisted the State of New York “doesn’t give a darn about the village zoning law. it’s not their jurisdiction. it’s two different worlds,” he said. “This is your world.”

Why Averill Road?

Village attorney Martin Tillapaugh was up next, providing a brief description of the property—57 vacant, tree-covered acres—and the planned project.

The Averill Road property, Tillapaugh said, is at the end of a half-mile dead-end street in a heavily wooded, sparsely populated corner of the village. Once the site of a golf course, the property was abandoned in the 1920s when leatherstocking Golf Course was created, he said.

Tillapaugh explained there are three residences along the road, only two of which are currently occupied, and a former four-bay ambulance garage.

“One unique remnant still working is the drainage system, an 18” underground pipe to a nearby sediment pond, the purpose of which is to collect water runoff, whether piped or natural,” Tillapaugh said. “The drainage system remains fully functioning and Zona [Templeton Foundation project engineer Rudy Zona] could not find any problems.”

Unlisted vs. Type 1 Action Tillapaugh went on to say that in mid-November of last year the project was proposed in order to address a critical need for housing in the village. The necessary water and sewer connections were available and the property had been recently transferred from the Clark Foundation to Templeton, he said, to be used as a site to house new hospital employees.

“it was clearly and correctly an unlisted action at that time,” Tillapaugh continued. “Changes were then made at the request of the village and the applicant modified plans to improve access. The water tower is ancient and the applicants also agreed to provide a new water tank at a cost of $1.8 million.”

it was these changes, made at the request of the village, which caused the project to be termed a Type 1 rather than an unlisted action and the engineer didn’t realize it, Tillapaugh said.

“i resent the word ‘capitulated,” Tillapaugh added.

“They [Templeton] realized the plaintiffs were correct and the project managers went back to the drawing board.”

Regardless of the error, he said, the village had conditioned its approval of the project upon receipt of a complete engineering study,

including depth of water table, geotechnical testing, nature of the soil, compatibility and a traffic/road study.

“The plaintiff is asking the court to substitute its judgment for village judgement,” Tillapaugh said. “i assure you the village takes its job seriously and will run a proper SEQR Type 1 review.”

With regard to the tree cutting and disturbance to land at the property’s curb cut, Tillapaugh said the issuing of both permits by the village was ministerial, or administrative.

Curb cut permit is a misnomer, he continued— anyone can walk in and get one from either the village clerk or deputy clerk, not the zoning enforcement officer. Village ZEO Jackson Dubois was also named in the January 18 and March 19 complaints.

“Doug indicated to me that the ZEO issued the curb cut permit, but he did not. He does handle the timber cutting, which is also ministerial,” Tillapaugh added. “They can only cut 30 percent of the trees. Some stumps were removed in a very small area. Where stumps are left is not considered damaging to the soil. The soil is not disturbed because stumps and root systems remain.”

Tillapaugh also rebutted photographs submitted by Zamelis which show muddy, cloudy water emanating from the drainage pipe, saying the source of water in the pond is not coming exclusively from the Templeton land.

“i would argue the majority of the water is from other sources, for example the transfer station and the former landfill, and includes runoff from surrounding properties. There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever to prove the muddy water is caused by the Templeton property,” Tillapaugh said.

in closing, Tillapaugh asked the judge to make note that “Mr. Swatling purchased the property knowing this project was going in.”

Templeton Weighs In

Matthew E. Hamlin of persun & Hamlin p.C., the Templeton Foundation attorney, was last to speak. He told Judge O’Sullivan that work undertaken was for the limited purpose of providing the Village of Cooperstown with information relative to SEQR’s Environmental Assessment Form, so the village can take a hard look as required by SEQR at the appropriate time.

“The project was merely misclassified,” Hamlin explained, saying no construction had been undertaken. “Thirty percent of the

trees does not trigger SEQR. The curb cut is ministerial—admitted by attorney Zamelis—and does not trigger SEQR. if SEQR is not triggered, it’s not segmentation. Subsurface studies are exempt.”

Zamelis “is asking, incredibly so, for the court to find a positive declaration before SEQR. i think that’s a little premature,” Hamlin added. labeling the situation a “procedural morass,” Hamlin went on to say the complaint should have been filed in Otsego Court, contending that Zamelis “cobbled together a hybrid action and Article 78. Equities lay in favor of the land owner,” he said.

The Outcome in considering the appeals made on both sides of the Averill Road issue, Judge O’Sullivan sought a resolution that would satisfy all parties.

“if i rule according to the law, my ruling may not be in your favor,” he cautioned Zamelis, after which a heated exchange ensued between judge and attorney.

“The only law potentially violated is being addressed by DEC. Other than that, they [the defendants] are in full compliance with village law,” O’Sullivan said when deliberations resumed.

Zamelis insisted that clearing and grubbing of trees is the first part of construction and reiterated that Judge O’Sullivan could order a fact trial regarding the specifics of the geotechnical testing.

“i would like to have Mr. Zona here, because i would like to cross-examine him,” Zamelis responded.

Again Judge O’Sullivan asked if opposing sides could come to an agreement if no further trees or stumps were removed and, again, Zamelis insisted on the specifics of the testing.

“We’re going to be back here,” Hamlin said, in response. “We have a good argument and Zona is eminently qualified. in fact, opposing counsel originally contacted Zona for engagement. We are not going to bow to counsel,” he said.

Judge O’Sullivan further cautioned Zamelis with regard to photographs he had submitted as evidence.

isn’t taking photos making you a witness in this case? You should not have made yourself a witness— you could be ordered out,” the judge said.

Ultimately, O’Sullivan said he would not rule on the law, pointing out that Templeton must complete its geotechnical testing in order to satisfy the requirements of the EiS. That informa-

tion will be submitted to the village, he continued, and the village will say either yes or no. Opposing counsel has the opportunity to raise further issues in public hearings related to the project.

“The court decides to restrict and reduce the TRO with no final determination,” O’Sullivan said.

There will be no further removal of stumps or disturbance of soil on the Averill Road property other than what is deemed necessary for further testing. The judge acknowledged there will be limited disturbance—“far less than one acre”—as well as some chipping and removal of logs and brush to specifically facilitate that testing. Maintenance will continue on the temporary entrance and Templeton will honor the directive of DEC, Hamlin confirmed.

“They started in violation. You stopped them. Thank goodness you’re here— they’re doing it now,” Judge O’Sullivan said to Zamelis.

Official court documents have not yet been received as of press time.

Reactions

Attorney Douglas H. Zamelis: ““We intend to continue to press our solid claims to judgement, and appeal if necessary.”

Attorney Martin Tillapaugh: “The plaintiff’s attorney, Doug Zamelis, sought relief via a March 23, 2023 “Order to Show Cause” requesting a preliminary injunction preventing Templeton Foundation from undertaking any “on-site” work on its Averill Road property in the Village. At the same time, the Court also granted, based solely upon plaintiff’s allegations, a Temporary Restraining Order preventing Templeton from entering the property prior to the scheduled April 6 hearing. At the April 6 return date and after hearing all parties, the Court modified the Temporary Restraining Order to once again allow Templeton’s employees and consultants to enter upon the property to continue the necessary preliminary site work and testing. The preliminary injunction the plaintiffs had requested was not granted. in my capacity as Village Attorney, i see the result of the hearing as a vindication of both the Village and Templeton’s continued assertion that neither have violated any laws or environmental regulations or caused any environmental harm relative to this project.”

Attorney Matthew E. Hamlin said his client is awaiting the court order prior to issuance of any statement.

GOHS Announces Railroad Exhibit Opening

ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will open its next special exhibition on Saturday, April 22 with a reception from 6-7:30 p.m. Released in two parts, the exhibition will commemorate the bicentennial of the D&H Canal Company charter, which provided more than 100 years of railroad service to the town and city of Oneonta. part one, “Building Up Steam: The Rise of the D&H Railroad in Oneonta,” will be on display through August. part two, “leaving the Station: The Fall of the D&H Railroad in Oneonta,” will be shown August through November. This two-part exhibit explores the rise and fall of the D&H Railroad and its operations in Oneonta from the 1850s through modern day, including the invaluable impact the railroad had on Oneonta’s economic, social, and cultural landscape. On display in the Brzozowski Special Exhibition Gallery and the SUNY Oneonta Alumni and Buckingham windows, it will feature a variety of local D&H artifacts, documents, and photographs from the GOHS collection. A variety of free educational and public programs will coincide with the D&H Railroad special exhibition, including: a tour of the historic D&H red caboose in Oneonta’s Neahwa park; a walking tour at the D&H Roundhouse remains; and a “History After Hours: All Aboard!” program on the history of the D&H Railroad and Roundhouse. Free public and private tours of the special exhibition will also be offered. The exhibit is curated by GOHS Executive Director Dr. Marcela Micucci and Associate Curator Bhanupratap Gaur, with the help of a talented team of exhibition designers, docents, advisors, and collections staff. it was made possible in part by a 2023 New York State Council of the Arts Support for Organizations grant. GOHS is located at 183 Main Street. The opening reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

Morris Dancing Featured Countywide Apr. 22-23

OTSEGO COUNTY—The Binghamton Morris Men will perform with the Newtowne Morris Men of Boston, Massachusetts, the Bouwerie Boys Morris Dancers of New York City, and the Toronto Morris Men of Toronto, Ontario at five separate shows in Otsego County on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23. The first performance will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. on Commercial Street in Gilbertsville, followed by a show at pathfinder Village, Edmeston, at 12:30 p.m. From there, the dancers will head to Cooperstown for a show in pioneer park at 3:30 p.m. and at Red Shed Brewery at 4:30 p.m. The final performance is scheduled for noon on Sunday, April 23, once again on Commercial Street, Gilbertsville.

‘Here to Help Hotline’ leads to Greener pastures for Rescued Mare

By DARlA M. YOUNGS

COOpERSTOWN

For years, a good Samaritan watched two horses living in a pasture visible from his property, offering to help in any way he could when their owner eventually passed away last fall. One of the horses, a stallion, was sold and reportedly did not survive the winter. The second horse, a malnourished blind mare, found her way to the good Samaritan’s home, where she was fed and nursed back to health over the winter months.

As the kind-hearted man prepared to sell his farm and realized he would be unable to keep the mare—whose name is Buttercup, and who the good Samaritan later discovered to be pregnant— he sought help in turn from the Susquehanna Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“He reached out via our Here to Help Hotline and ultimately decided to surrender Buttercup to us, knowing we have the expertise and resources to see that she is properly cared for until she can be placed in her forever home,” said Stacie Haynes, SQSpCA executive director.

One of those resources is a national network of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition—the ASpCA Right Horse program, of which the SQSpCA is a member. According to the Right Horse website, the program’s goal is “to massively increase horse adoption in the United States.”

“Buttercup is being boarded with leatherstocking Equine Center in New Berlin until she has her foal, which

we expect will be about a month from now,” Haynes explained. “After that, staff will assess adoption possibilities and, if there is no local match able to handle Buttercup’s medical needs, the SQSpCA will work through the Right Horse program to place her.”

Buttercup has been diagnosed by leatherstocking as having severe non-ulcerative keratitis, a degenerative

disease which has resulted in blindness in both her eyes.

“She is extremely sweet, and once ready to leave the vet clinic, will need a very special owner who can manage her visual impairment,” Haynes said of the mare.

In the meantime, the SQSpCA is seeking contributions to assist in covering Buttercup’s boarding fees and medical costs, which could total in excess of $3,000.00.

“We are grateful for all the wonderful community support we have received in recent years that has enabled us not only to rescue horses in distress, but also to learn equine standards and best practices. We are also very thankful for our network of local partners, including the SQSpCA Farm Friends volunteer group, leatherstocking Veterinary Services, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, and regional equine experts,” continued Haynes.

In addition to the ASpCA Right Horse program, Haynes praised the Humane Society of the United States for its ongoing guidance, but pointed out that those organizations do not provide funds toward the care of rescued horses.

“This case is a wonderful example of how our Here to Help Hotline can assist people and animals before it’s too late. In this instance, we had the capacity to help right away. In other situations, if the SQSpCA is unable to help directly, we will network and do our very best to make sure whoever is reaching out for help is able to get it,” Haynes said.

Those wishing to contribute toward Buttercup’s boarding and medical expenses can do so at https://www.sqspca. org/donate/.

Future Taking Shape for EV Conversions in Otsego County, Experts Say

By CASpAR EWIG

COOpERSTOWN

The Otsego County Conservation Association and Town of Middlefield Climate Smart Community Task Force presented a panel discussion, “The Future of Transportation in Otsego County,” on Thursday, March 30.

Amanda Kaier, Clean Energy Communities coordinator at the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District Inc., began the program with an overview of the electric personal vehicle market in Otsego County and New York State as a whole. Other panelists included Christina Ficicchia, manager of Smart Grid programs at AVANGRID, the New York State Electric & Gas parent company based in Orange, Connecticut, and OCCA Junior planner Will Kuss.

As of this year, 243 battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were registered in Otsego County, more than 83 percent of which were registered in the last two years. Since almost 40 percent of this increase represents BEVs, and since the overall BEV and pHEV registrations in the state exceeds 90,000 vehicles, the need for

Estella M. Trask 1924-2023

SCHENEVUS—Estella

M. Trask, 98, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 7, 2023.

She was born May 9, 1924 in Kortright, the daughter of Ford and Edith (Nimocks) VanBuren.

Estella graduated from Milford Central School, Class of 1943. She married Donald l. Trask on April 23, 1949 in Otego.

She was a stay-at-home mother until her children became of school age, at which time she started working at Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus, where she was a teacher’s aide for 26 years. She was a beloved playground aide. She loved and enjoyed watching the many children throughout the years and fondly remembered them as adults.

Estella was a well-organized and active member of the Schenevus Fireman’s Auxiliary, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Schenevus VFW and the Church of the Holy Spirit.

She is survived by her children, Jim and Chris Trask of Schenevus, Cathy and Dave Craig of Cooperstown, pat Trask of Schenevus, and Deb and Mark Bergeron of Morris; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her sister, Edith Jester of

charging stations on designated EV corridors in the state and in the county is apparent, Kaier said.

As encouragement to consumers to purchase electrical vehicles of all sorts, Kaier pointed out that direct rebates ranging from $500.00-$2,000.00 are available, as well as federal tax credits up to $7,500.00 for individuals and up to $40,000.00 for businesses. panelists then reviewed the need for constructing private and public charging stations to accommodate this increase.

Chaseville, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Don, in 2009 and her eight siblings.

Calling hours will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main Street, Worcester.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, with the Rev. Frank MacCracken officiating. Interment will follow at the Schenevus Cemetery. Donations may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the Schenevus Fireman’s Auxiliary, Route 7, Schenevus, NY 12155

To send a condolence to the family or sign the guest book, visit, www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Although there is presently no detailed analysis of existing charging stations in Otsego County, there is a definite need for direct current fast charging stations to accommodate BEVs that require a full charge to continue their trip, as well as level 2 stations for slower charging. Again, the state has a number of incentive programs to encourage development of this aspect of the electric vehicle infrastructure.

The State of New York has mandated that all school districts purchase electric buses after

OBITUARIES

Joanne E. Wilms 1944-2023

MT. VISION—Joanne E. Wilms, 79, of Mt. Vision, died on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at home. She was a caring person who brought joy to many people through her flowers and kindness.

Joanne was born on March 25, 1944 in Oneonta, the daughter of leslie and Mable (Joselyn) Frazier.

Joanne owned and operated Mt. Vision Garden Center for many years. She enjoyed flowers and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her companion, Roger Wilms Sr.; her sons, Roger Wilms Jr. (Connie), Anthony Wilms, Edward Wilms and Joseph Wilms; and her daughter, Charlene Stewart (Tom); seven grandchildren,

Hunter, Cooper, Spencer, Max, Eli, Mason, and Eliza Wilms; seven sisters, and two brothers.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Anita Wilms McChesney, in 2018.

A celebration to honor Joanne’s life will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 2-6 p.m. at the Carriage House Event Center, 790 Southside Drive, Oneonta.

The family would like to thank the staff of the local EMS crews (laurens and Otsego County) as well as the doctors and nurses at Helios Care and Bassett for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Helios Care or the laurens Emergency Squad.

Arrangements are by the lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

2027. Onondaga County has some on order, but as of this date no information on school districts in Otsego County was available.

OCCA Junior planner Will Kuss observed that, “While electrifying long-distance hauling is still a challenge, local and last-mile delivery electrification is well underway.”

Kuss pointed out that the United States postal Service already has 1,000 EV and pHEV in their fleet and plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and that FedEX aims to transform its entire parcel pickup and delivery fleet to all-electric by 2040. Amazon, which already has more than 1,000 custom Rivian electric delivery vans on the road, plans to increase that number to 100,000 by 2030.

In general, the panelists left the impression that, while there are many issues that still require resolution and development, the overall transition to electric vehicles was well underway and that assistance from federal and state sources is making the transition feasible.

For more information, visit https://www. nyserda.ny.gov/All- p rograms/ElectricSchool-Buses or https://www.governor. ny.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/2022State oftheStateBook.pdf.

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.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Funeral Home

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings.

Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

photo provided

The SQSPCA is seeking donations to offset the costs of medical expenses and boarding fees for blind, pregnant Buttercup, until a new home can be found.

LegaL nOtice

PUBLIC NOTICE OF LAW

NOTiCE is hereby given that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego at a meeting thereof held on the 5th day of April, 2023, duly adopted a local law entitled:

A local law creating an exception to the residency requirement for Assistant District Attorney in the County of Otsego.

The intent of this local law is to modify the qualifications to hold the Office of Assistant District Attorney by permitting the recruitment and appointment of non-residents of the County from counties contiguous to Otsego County.

The full text of this local law is available for inspection in the Clerk of the Board’s Office in the County Office Building, Cooperstown, New York during regular business hours and is also available on the County’s website.

Dated: April 13, 2023

Carol D. McGovern

Clerk of the Board of Representatives

Otsego County, New York

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTiCE iS HEREBY GiVEN

that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following:

proposed local law No. 1 of 2023

- Amend Chapter 270-6- Vehicle and Traffic regulations – by adding a stop intersection on Fenimore lane (east) at Chestnut Street.

Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local law at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. Copies of the proposed laws are available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Dated: April 4, 2023

By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown

Jenna l. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411

(phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30

A.M. on Thursday, May 04, 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 Federally assisted 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 op-

portunity 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

D265037, piN 980756, FA proj Y240-9807563, Allegany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Yates Cos.,

GEOTECH SUBSURFACE EXplORATiON, Various locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $125,000.00),

Goals: DBE: 0.00%

LegaL nOtice

SUPREME

COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO;

index No.

EF2022-522

Filed 08/29/2022,

plaintiff

lAKEViEW lOAN SERViCiNG llC

V

UNKNOWN

HEiRS OF THE ESTATE OF EVA Y.

TSAi; U.S. BANK

NATiONAl ASSOCiATiON; NEW YORK STATE DEpARTMENT OF TAXATiON AND FiNANCE

UNiTED STATES OF AMERiCA O/B/O iNTERNAl REVENUE SERViCE; JOHN DOE

Defendants. pUBliCATiON TO THE ABOVE NAMED

DEFENDANTS:

UNKNOWN

HEiRS OF THE ESTATE OF EVA Y. TSAi YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action may answer to appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you

demanded in the Complaint.

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 publication and protect your property. Sending payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESpOND BY SERV-

iNG A COpY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE plAiNTiFF (lAKEViEW lOAN SERViCiNG llC ) AND FiliNG THE ANSWER WiTH THE COURT.

To the above named defendants: The foregoing publication is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Brian D. Burns, J.S.C, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of N.Y., dated January 27, 2023 and filed along with the supporting papers in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office.

This is an action to foreclose a mortgage on the property located 18 Brigham Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 Section: 288.6 Block: 1 lot: 30 and Section: 288.00 Block: 2 lot:

1.61 Otsego County is designated as the place of trial based upon the location of the property being foreclosed.

Attorneys for plaintiff: Stern & Eisenberg, pC, 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 T:(516) 630-0288.

4legalApr.27

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION

City School District City of Oneonta, New York

plEASE TAKE NOTiCE that a public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Oneonta City School District, Otsego County, New York, will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Oneonta Senior High School pursuant to Section 2017 (4) (5) of the Education law of the State of New York, for the presentation of the budget document.

NOTiCE iS AlSO

GiVEN that the Annual Meeting and a vote, by voting machine, will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at The Foothills, 24 Market Street, Oneonta, at which time the polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., EST, for voting on the following items:

To adopt the an-

nual budget of the Oneonta City School District for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable real property of the District, To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education, each to serve three (3) year terms, commencing on July 1, 2023 and expiring on June 30, 2026, to succeed Amy Burnsworth, and Shawn Beckerink, whose terms expire on June 30, 2023.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education law of the State of New York. Voting at said Annual Election will be by use of voting machines.

All VOTiNG Will TAKE plACE AT: THE FOOTHillS 24 MARKET STREET, ONEONTA, NEW YORK petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education to fill two (2) expired terms of three (3) years shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at the District Office, no later than April 26, 2023 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District and state the residence of each signer; the name and residence of the candidates.

NOTiCE, is also given that any person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election, pursuant to Section 352 of the Election law, shall be entitled to vote without further registration pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education law.

Military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 pm on May 1, 2023. in a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. The School District will transmit military ballots to military voters on May 1, 2023. Completed military ballots must be received by the School District by 5:00 p.m. on May 16, 2023 in order to be counted.

plEASE TAKE

NOTiCE that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District has fixed May 2, 2023 as the date on which the Board of Registration of said school district will meet at 31 Center Street, in Oneonta, New York, in said school district, for the purpose of preparing a register for each school election district for the Annual City School District Election to

be held on May 16, 2023. Said Board of Registration will meet for said purposes on May 2, 2023 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At such hours and place, any person who has not permanently registered by May 2, 2023 or who did not register for the general election held on November 3, 2022 or who is permanently registered, but at the time of such registration resided in a school election district other than the one in which he or she presently resides or has not voted in an intervening election, must in order to be entitled to vote at said election, present himself or herself personally for registration. The register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District at the Board of Education Offices at 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the district beginning May 3,2022, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and each day, except Saturday or Sunday, prior to the day set for the election, May 16, 2023 and at the polling place on the day of the vote. Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained by any resident of the Oneonta City School District each day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, during the period of seven days immediately preceding the date of the public hearing to be held on May 3, 2023. Copies of the proposed budget will be available on said days at the Board of Education Office, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

AND FURTHER

NOTiCE iS GiVEN that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District shall provide for absentee ballots for the election of Board of Education member, the school budget and any other referenda stated in this notice. Applications for absentee ballots for said annual election are available at the Board of Education Offices, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Education at said address no later than May 12, 2023 if mailed and May 16, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. if personally delivered. Absentee ballots are to be submitted no later than 3:30 p.m. on May 16, 2023 the day of said election, to the address of the Clerk of the Board of Education.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except weekends, and on the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may challenge the

acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/her challenge and reasons therefore known to the inspector of Election before the close of the polls. AND FURTHER NOTiCE iS HEREBY GiVEN that any other proposition not requiring official notice in the call of the Annual Meeting may be voted upon at said election, subject to the provisions of Section 2035 of the Education law, provided a proposition is filed with the District Clerk on or before April 17, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. prevailing time; said proposition must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District: must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District; and must state the name and residence of each signer. The School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, or any proposition that fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition.

pROpOSiTiON 1 – pURCHASE OF SCHOOl BUSES

Shall the March 15, 2023 bond resolution authorizing the purchase of (2) two 66 passenger school buses, one with a wheelchair lift station for the City School District of the City of Oneonta, at a maximum cost of $312,473; authoizing the issuance of up to $312,473 bonds (five year maximum maturity); providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments; pledging the District’s faith and credit for debt service; delegating powers with respect to bonds and notes; and providing for an estoppel procedure, be approved?

pROpOSiTiON 2 -Establishment of a Capital Reserve RESOlVED, the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District is hereby authorized to establish a capital reserve fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education law to be designated, “2023 Facilities improvement Capital Reserve Fund” created to defray the cost of the construction and reconstruction of School District buildings and facilities, including original equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, furnishings and other incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, and in order to accomplish the same, the Board is hereby authorized to establish the ultimate amount of such Reserve Fund to be Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), plus accrued interest and other investment earnings with a probable term of ten (10) years and, to appropriate from the available fund balance and/or other legally available funds of the School District to such Reserve Fund. Dated: March 31, 2023 Oneonta, New York

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATiON OF THE ONEONTA CiTY SCHOOl DiSTRiCT /s/Regina

Ranieri McGuinness

Regina Ranieri McGuinness, District Clerk 4legalApr.21

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SWEETS & CRAFTY CREATiONS llC.

Arts. of Org. filed 03/11/2023.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 559 Saunders Gulf Rd. West Winfield, NY 13491. purpose: Any lawful 6legalMay.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY UNDER NEW YORK PROFESSIONAL SERVICE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY LAW (“LLCL”)

1. The name of the professional service limited liability company (“llC”) is Connect physical Therapy of NY, pllC.

2. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State is March 21, 2023

3. The County within the State of New York in which the principal office of the professional service llC is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The Secretary of State of the State of New York is hereby designated as agent of the professional service llC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the professional service llC served upon him or her is: 107 Winney Hill Rd #5B, Oneonta, NY 13820.

5. The character or purpose of the business of the professional service llC is any purpose allowed by law.

6legalMay 18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Upstate Machinery Service, llC.

Filed 1/31/23. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail pOB 203, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. purp: any lawful.

6legalMay.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: THE lUSK BARN llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 March 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 507 Cty Hwy 50, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6legalMay.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

Name:

DOUBlE R SOlUTiONS llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 March 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 308 McShane Rd, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6legalMay.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

7 OlD MAiDEN lANE, llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 31 March 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 pO Box 108, Fly Creek, NY 13337. purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6legalMay.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

6 OlD MAiDEN lANE, llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 31 March 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 pO Box 108, Fly Creek, NY 13337. purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6legalMay.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

liNDENWOODNS llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was continued pg. 9

‘importance of Being Earnest’ Questions Conventions with Humor

When i heard that the next play to be presented at Hartwick College is “The importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious people,” by Oscar Wilde and first performed in 1895 in london, England, i could not wipe the smile off my face. i got to know this play when i was in grade school in the mid70s. My friends and i were playing hide-andseek on the local college campus and i hid in the theater, where it turned out students were practicing for their production of “Earnest.” i quickly became engrossed and stayed* for several hours to watch what i thought was the funniest thing i had ever seen. in the 50 years since, i have not changed my opinion much on that.

i have sat in on several of the Hartwick College rehearsals and spoke at length to Marc Shaw, the faculty director, and Amber Edens, who plays “Jack” in this production. Both the rehearsals and the interviews reflected the fun and humor i remembered from my first introduction to Oscar Wilde’s writings. What surprises me now is how—even given that it is a commentary on society in 1895, when this was first produced in london—much of the commentary is still quite relevant.

in my conversation with Marc, the word “paradox” kept coming up, as this play is riddled with them. The Oxford Dictionary defines paradox as “…a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.” And even the subtitle, “A Trivial Comedy for Serious people,” holds that paradox. For it is a trivial comedy, and yet it speaks to some very serious questions about who we truly are and who we present to the world around us.

A minimum of spoilers for those who have never seen this show, but the premise is that one of the leads, Jack, has to be a serious (okay, earnest!) fellow at his country home, but pretends he has a wicked brother, Ernest, who lives in london and must be continually rescued. This gives Jack the excuse to go to the city where he becomes Ernest and can live as he likes. A friend of his discovers this charade and tells him he is a “Bunburyist,” someone who has a secret

life so he can meet his societal expectations while also living as he wants.

Marc pointed out to me how throughout the play, in the funniest moments, Wilde questions some of the most serious conventions in society, from marriage to the roles of men and women. For example, the two female love interests in the play— Gwendolen and Cecily—each fall deeply in love for the most absurd reasons and then fawn on their men for being big and oh “so much stronger than women” for doing almost nothing.

The characters in this play are wonderful, and if you liked the funny moments with the Dowager Countess Grantham (played by Maggie Smith) in “Downton Abbey,” you will love lady Bracknell, who guards the welfare of the young women in the show with fierceness that also manages to be very serious silliness.

Amber Edens, the student who plays the lead role of Jack, is in her first year at Hartwick College. She has acted in plays since middle school, and has played

male roles before, but this is her first lead comedic role. Now that she is in college and a theater major, acting has taken on a whole new meaning for Amber. in high school, everyone involved in the play was there just to have fun, and they might show up or not to a rehearsal. Now theater is a critical part of the education she is receiving, and she and her fellow students are doing it for more than just fun, although it is certainly that. After graduation, Amber hopes to both write and act in plays. She loves live theater and how one has to stay in the moment with the audience to create the “theater magic” everyone in the production is striving for. Her favorite parts of the play are when Jack and his friend, Algernon, banter back and forth. Jack will make some seemingly serious comment about love or marriage and then Algernon will riff off of that, she said. As i watched the rehearsal, i could see the fun these two actors were having, and the way they worked to connect to the audience to lay the groundwork for the “theater magic.” One of my favorite moments in the

LEGALS

Missink Toons llC

from pg. 8

31 March 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 473 County Highway 40, Worcester, NY 12197. purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6legalMay.18

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Bass Auto & Machine Works, llC.

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/25/2023.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the llC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 117 Buck Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6legalMay.18

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of CApS OFF llC.

Filed 2/6/23. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Matthew F lorusso, 3522 County Hwy 11, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

purpose: General. 6legalMay.11

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY UNDer tHe NeW YorK LimiteD LiaBiLitY LaW

Name: GREYDEN DiApERS CO llC

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February 23, 2023.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Allison & Eric Jensen, 819 Dutch Valley Road, Edmeston, NY 13335

purpose: To engage in any and all business for which llCs may be formed under the New York llC law.

6legalMay.5

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of UpSTATE NY liViNG, llC.

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/7/23.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of llC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Dan Botwinik, 232 West Cannon St, Boston, MA 02116.

purpose: any lawful activity.

6legalMay.5

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Moe’s Remodels, llC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/14/2023.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of llC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 101 Buckhorn lake Road Unadilla, NY 13849 purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6legalApr.27

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Upstate Architecture pllC, Articles of Org. were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 06/22/2022. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the pllC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the pllC, 56 Center St. Oneonta, NY 13820. purpose: any lawful purpose.

6legalApr.27

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Notice of formatioN of

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 2/21/23, Otsego Co.

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

6legalApr.27

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of O’HARA AUTO SAlES & SERViCE llC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/28/2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY is designated as agent of llC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 345 STATE HWY 7, SiDNEY NY 13838 purpose: any lawful act or activity.

6legalApr.20

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Notice of formatioN of SAS 237 llC.

Filed 10/30/22.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Sneha patel, 16 lakeview Dr S, Cooperstown, NY 13326. purpose: General.

6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Cannaxgoats llC.

Filed 1/9/23. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: p.o. Box 7, Otego, NY 13825 - 9998.

Registered Agent: Tyeshia Stevens, 115 Downey Rd Spur, Oneonta, NY 13820 - 3384. purpose: General. 6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of linenine Communications llC.

Filed 2/28/23.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 657 County Hwy 17, New Berlin, NY 13411. purpose: General. 6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY (LLc).

Name: Royal Retreats at Maho Beach, llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 7 March 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 393 Main Street Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820. purpose: any lawful

banter occurs when Jack assures Algernon he will not need to be a Bunburyist once married to the love of his life, and Algernon assures him in that case Jack’s wife will definitely need to be a Bunburyist.

While the play is over 100 years old, its themes still hold today, Amber pointed out to me. For example, the play is critical of the upper class and the ridiculous nature of people who have so much money they can do whatever they want. And while Amber assured me she is not yet a Bunburyist, she wonders if, as she gets older, she too may need to be one!

The theme of having a secret life—being a Bunburyist—was one of the paradoxes Marc spoke about. A married man, Oscar Wilde stood trial for “gross indecency,” for at the time there was no common vocabulary for homosexuality. So as absurd and comedic as the premise of being a Bunburyist might sound, Oscar Wilde stood trial for having his own secret life, of being a Bunburyist, because, like Jack, he could not be himself in public. The first performance of “The importance of Being Earnest” took place just a little over two months before Mr. Wilde’s trial.

Whether you go to see this play for the wit, the social commentary, or just to be part of the “theater magic,” my own experience is that this is a play that satisfies.

(*My friends eventually stopped looking for me and went back to our neighborhood to report me missing to my parents. Unlike Oscar Wilde, i have never managed to write a hilarious comedy version of the consequences of my actions when i got home.)

You can watch “The importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious people” at the Slade Theater on Hartwick College’s campus April 19-22 at 8 p.m. for $10 general admission, or free with a Hartwick iD.

Next up: “Evil Dead: The Musical,” written by George Reinblatt with music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt, at SUNY Oneonta’s Goodrich Theater, April 26-29. Rachel Frick Cardelle covers performing arts at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College.

activity.

6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY (LLc).

Name:

All Star Baseball Rentals, llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 7 March 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 393 Main Street Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820. purpose: any lawful activity.

6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY (LLc).

Name: DRi Destinations, llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 7 March 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 393 Main Street

Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820. purpose: any lawful activity.

6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY (LLc).

Name:

prime Oneonta Rentals, llC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 7 March 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 393 Main Street Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820. purpose: any lawful activity.

6legalApr.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of SUMMiT Hill WOODWORKS llC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/2/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of llC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 707 Summit Hill Rd., Jordanville, NY 13361. purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6legalApr.20

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Notice of formatioN of Medic Materials llC.

Filed 12/15/22. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 214 S Welcome Rd, Mt Vision, NY 13810. purp: any lawful.

6legalApr.20

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Notice of formatioN of SUlliVAN MillS pRODUCTiONS llC.

Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 2/17/23.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of llC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 187 Wolf Rd, Ste 101, Albany, NY 12205.

The name and address of the Reg. Agent is Business Filings incorporated, 187 Wolf Rd, Ste 101, Albany, NY 12205. purpose: any lawful activity.

6legalApr.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of M Boyle llC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/09/2023.

Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the llC

upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the llC, 310 TOWERS RD MilFORD, NY 13807. purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6legalApr.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of C.Boyle llC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/09/2023. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the llC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the llC, 310 TOWERS RD MilFORD, NY 13807. purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6legalApr.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Bloomfield Technology llC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/09/23. Office: Otsego County SSNY designated as agent of the llC upon who process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of the process to the llC, 166 HADE HOllOW RD COOpERSTOWN, NY 13326. purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6legalApr.13

photo by Natalie Hish

“The Importance of Being Earnest” cast, from left: Jas Stuchel (Rev. Chausable), Logan Lumly (Miss Prism/asst. stage manager), Amber Edens (Jack), Kat Schmidt (Gwendolyn/asst. stage manager), Travis Early (Algernon) and Rheana Cameron (Cecily).

SHIFT Fair Coming Up April 22-23

ONEONTA

The 17th Annual SHIFT Holistic Living and Psychic Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Quality Inn in Oneonta. SHIFT stands for Spiritual Holistic Integrative Festive Transformation. The mission of event organizers is “supporting people’s transition to a healthier, happier lifestyle, connecting people to alternative healing techniques, and developing spirituality.”

According to a recent press release, the SHIFT Holistic Living and Psychic Fair will feature private sessions with “tried and true” psychic readers and energy healers from across the Northeast, shopping for mystical delights, aura photos, and more than 20 free workshops on a variety of metaphysical and holistic healing subjects, including: “Hear the Heartfelt Messages of Animals” with Leiah Bowden; “Magick from Everyday Items” from the Loon Witch; “Magnified HeartBrain Coherence for Superhuman Intuition and Healing” with psychic medium Adam Bernstein; and “Lifting the Veil: Evidence of Life After Death” with psychic medium Diana Friedell. The complete workshop schedule can be found at www.shiftnewyork.com

Among the wares and services to be offered by vendors are sterling silver jewelry with precious and semi-precious gemstones, aura drawings, spirit/animal guide paintings,

Native American jewelry and arts, ceremonial tea, shrub health tonics, and more. Readers and healers will include an astrology reader, Angel card readers, palm readers, spiritualist psychic mediums, a runes reader, Reiki healers, and holistic healers.

“People tell us that after their psychic readings, and insights and energetic shifts they’ve had at the fair, they are not the same person who walked in the door—they leave with new hope, a sense of purpose, renewal, and connection with their own true self essence,” said fair organizer Diana Friedell.

“And of course, it’s really fun, too. This year the “Happy Haggs,” a dance troupe from Cherry Valley, will be performing fun dances at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Bring your kids—kids are free! There are raffle prizes, too,” Friedell added.

Friedell has been organizing the fair, along with many others locally, since it first began in 2004 as the Spiritual Arts Fair, at which time it was held at the Unitarian Universalist Society.

On Saturday, April 22, there will be a special “Messages from Our Loved Ones Gallery” beginning at 7:30 p.m., during which psychic mediums from the Institute for Spiritual Development and SHIFT Fair renowned mediums, Dick Buchanan, Adam Bernstein will deliver messages and evidence of spirit loved ones for audience members.

Visit https://conta.cc/3TC3PvU for more.

The job scene

To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103

$17/hour starting wage $1500* sign-on bonus

*DETAILS UPON HIRE*

The Farmers’ Museum has an opening for: Farmer

The Farmers’ Museum is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time year round position. Qualified applicants will be knowledgeable in the care and feeding of museum livestock and farm animals. They will assist with maintenance, care and upkeep of barns, outbuildings, and fencing, and with the planting, maintaining, and harvesting of field demonstration plots and gardens. Knowledge of hand operated and mechanical equipment necessary. Experience working with the public to provide a pleasant informative atmosphere. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Excellent benefit package. Covid-19 vaccination required.

Applications are available online at farmersmuseum.org or email hr@fenimoreart.org.

Annual WSBC Futsal Tournament a Huge Success

WORCESTER—On Saturday, March 25, the Worcester Sports Booster Club held its third annual youth futsal tournament at Worcester Central School. The tourney drew students in grades three through six from Schenevus, Oneonta, Cobleskill, Worcester and surrounding towns. Proceeds from this year’s event helped to fund a European soccer trip for three WCS senior athletes—Connor Fancher, Anna Serdy and Sophia Adams. According to the booster club, this event always brings in a great showing of spectators and students; WCS athletes also came to volunteer their time, helping out and “paying it forward.” In addition to thanking all who attended, the WSBC praised Matt Maynard for his hard work and dedication in organizing the event, and gave a special shout-out to the WCS Prom Committee, who provided an abundant concession. “We are already looking forward to next year’s tournament,” said booster club member Jessica Kenyon. “The WSBC thrives on raising money to help provide students of all ages the opportunity to participate in clinics, camps, tournaments and other sporting ventures,” she said. More information can be found at the WSBC Facebook page.

Cherry Valley Sculpture Trail Calls for Entries

CHERRY VALLEY—Entries for the 10th-anniversary biennial Cherry Valley Summer Sculpture Trail will be accepted until April 30. Established and emerging artists are invited to submit applications, which should include images of previous or available sculptures. Existing and new works are welcome. All entrants will be eligible for the $1,000.00 grand prize and $500.00 first prize. There is no application fee. Cherry Valley Artworks will provide installation support and liability insurance, and can offer limited assistance with moving expenses upon application. Sales will be actively encouraged. Previous shows have featured work from across the U.S. and from as far away as Japan and Iran. The 2023 show will run from July 3 to October 6. It will be curated by Marc-Anthony Polizzi, of Utica. Polizzi is a founding member of the Upstate Artists Collective. His work has been featured in shows nationwide. Artists should submit their applications to Sculpturetrailinfo@cvartworks.org by April 30. For more information or to complete an application form, visit https://www. cvartworks.org/sculpturetrail23.

CFOC Selects April Nonprofit of the Month

SPRINGFIELD—The Community Foundation of Otsego County announces it will select and help publicize an Otsego County nonprofit as our Nonprofit of the Month, throughout 2023. This will be seen in a Nonprofit Spotlight on our website, cfotsego. org. The first selection for the series is the Cooperstown Food Pantry, which serves large parts of Otsego County, including the Village of Cooperstown and 18 other townships and villages.

Boy Scouts Host First Aid Meet

ONEONTA—The Boy Scouts of America Leatherstocking Council hosted the annual regional First Aid Meet at SUNY Oneonta’s Chase Gym on Friday, March 17. Twenty-two teams totaling around 110 scouts attended. Each team responded to three first-aid scenarios of increasing difficulty. Judges selected first-, second-, and third-place winners for junior and senior divisions. The BSA Council plans to hold the event again next year.

Hartwick Announces Speaker, Honorary Degree

ONEONTA—Hartwick College will confer an honorary degree on Francesca Zambello, artistic and general director emerita of the Glimmerglass Festival, and will welcome Baseball Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch as commencement speaker for the May 20 ceremony. Zambello is an internationally recognized opera and theater director who steered Glimmerglass Festival for 12 years. She is now artistic director at the Washington National Opera. Among many prestigious international awards, Zambello has received the San Francisco Opera Medal for Artistic Excellence, the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, two French Grand Prix des Critiques, and the Russian Federation’s medal for Service to Culture. Before joining the Hall of Fame, Rawitch served as senior vice president of content and communications with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 10 seasons. He received the 2018 Robert O. Fishel award for public relations excellence among non-uniformed MLB representatives. “Francesca Zambello and Josh Rawitch are visionaries who have each demonstrated an exemplary commitment to this region,” said Hartwick President Darren Reisberg. The commencement ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. on May 20. For more information, visit the college website.

DEC Issues Human-Bear Guidance

NEW YORK—The state Department of Environmental Conservation reminded New Yorkers to remove or secure outdoor food sources as spring arrives. In a release from April 7, the DEC urged residents with bird feeders to remove them and clean up spilled seed, as warmer weather allows birds to feed themselves. According to DEC officials, black bears are emerging from hibernation with depleted fat reserves and will be extremely bold in their search for food. New Yorkers are also advised to secure garbage cans and protect poultry coops and apiaries with electric fencing. Feeding bears intentionally is illegal. Unintentional feeding can create problems for the surrounding community or even the bear, if it becomes a threat to people or property. For more information on keeping black bears healthy, wild and safe, visit the DEC website or bearwise.org.

Photo provided by Noah Mickels This hungry fellow was caught on camera in fly Creek recently, helping himself to food meant for the birds.

country felt the same way, the two filmmakers then embarked on a tour across the U.S., beginning in the south, continuing to the East Coast and winding up with a 30-day series of interviews in the west.

“In all, we were on the road for 50 days, interviewed 200 people in 30 states and clocked 16,500 miles,” Stillman said.

Wachter and Stillman sought to interview as diverse a group as possible. Without being labeled by political beliefs, interviewees spanned the full spectrum as to gender, race and age—the youngest interviewee being 18 years old.

“We always prefaced the interviews by saying, “We want to know what you really feel about America at this time,” Wachter said, noting that “once people cross the threshold of trust, they open up and begin to share.”

Wachter and Stillman carried out their work during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. One advantage of that situation was that venues were easily available. Another was that gas prices were exceptionally low.

“We observed COVID protocols to maintain safety for everyone involved. We scheduled interviews an hour and a half apart,” Wachter said, noting also that she and Stillman wore masks while the interviewees did not, but were standing a minimum of six feet from their subjects.

“It was definitely production on the fly. Complete strangers from all over the country facilitated the process, cooked meals for

us, and invited us into their homes,” Wachter said.

Besides the practical challenges presented by the pandemic, Wachter and Stillman sensed its emotional impact on the general population. It seemed to exacerbate feelings of malcontent associated with the existing political situation.

“A lot of people were expressing the pain they were feeling. They were hurting for a number of reasons and the shut-down caused them to internalize their feelings of anger and confusion,” Stillman said.

The film was finalized in March, 2022. Running 100 minutes, it considers 11 distinct topics, including “Haves and Have-nots,” “Racism in America” and

“Why is There Angst?”

Wachter and Stillman approached the project with different attitudes—yet another example of the diversity of opinions and attitudes so prevalent across the nation.

“I began with cynical ideas about whether we did have things in common but ended up feeling that we all want the same things—good jobs, good healthcare, good schools and safe communities,” Stillman said.

“I started out with a little more faith in mankind than Joe. I found out so much about myself by interviewing others. I identified with what they were saying and thinking. If we take enough time to share conversation and listen, we can find nuggets of similarities that allow us to embrace each other,” Wachter said.

In 2022, Wachter and Stillman met with success in film competitions. The film won the “Grand Festival

Documentary Award” at the Berkley Video Film Festival.

It took top honors at the South Texas Underground Film Festival and was a semi-finalist at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. It was also selected to be in the fulllength documentary category for the 4th annual Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival.

More information can be found at https://somethinginthewater.today.

Voyage

Continued from page 2

But, just as every player has to warm up before stepping up to the plate, the USS Cooperstown has already had a chance to knock the dirt off her cleats. Last month, while undergoing a routine trial run and awaiting her entrance as an integral part of the U.S. Naval fleet, she received a distress call and diverted course to rescue a stranded mariner off the coast of South Carolina.

The stories of the men commemorated by the USS Cooperstown will be shared in a future article, breathing a bit of life into what was once just a hulk of steel.

Redistrict

Continued from page 1

of minority communities. Wards must have contiguous territory and must be as compact as possible.

The commission spent much of its time considering communities of interest, which are identifiable groups with a unique common interest that may be affected by council action. Thanks to the efforts of committee

members William Shue (Sixth Ward) and Glenn Pichardo (Seventh Ward), Oneonta’s Sixth Ward and college students were each identified as communities of interest. It was not possible to fit all SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College students into a single ward. Herzig stated that the commission had done everything possible to ensure the Sixth Ward and the students could continue to act as communities.

During the public comment period, Hartwick College student Jasmin Ahmed expressed concern about a Hartwick freshman dorm placed in the Eighth Ward, separate from the rest of the college in the Fifth Ward. City Administrator Greg Mattice replied that it may not be possible to move the boundary without violating the population rule.

Herzig thanked Mattice and Engineering and Public Works GIS Specialist Maureen Seymour on behalf of the entire commission for their tireless work in creating the draft ward map. Their assistance saved Oneonta taxpayers a $16,000.00 fee to hire an

outside consultant, he said.

In a release, the city reminded voters that Otsego County uses the City of Oneonta’s ward boundaries to define their four city voting districts. As Otsego County had previously completed its redistricting process for 2020, it will be necessary for the county officials to recalculate their weighted voting allotments once the City of Oneonta’s redistricting plan is approved and adopted by the Common Council. In addition, the new ward configurations will not take effect before the

2023 Common Council elections. Unfortunately, Herzig explained, this means that no council members will be elected to the new districts until 2027. The redistricting commission and Common Council will continue to work on the draft plans in an effort to accommodate public concerns, Herzig said. Joel J. Plue contributed to this article.

SENIOR RESTAURANT DINING!

$3.50 per meal

The Senior Restaurant Dining Program offers 60+ residents a unique opportunity to enjoy a nutritious meal at a local restaurant! This program offers socialization, community engagement and the flexibility of various times and days while supporting local business.

Eligibilty 60+ residents in Otsego County. Must register with Otsego County Office for the Aging by calling (607) 547-6454.

Gratuity responsibility of participant

Suggested contribution: $350 per meal

You’re

2023

Saturday,

WWW.Catskillchoralsociety.com WWW.Catskillchoralsociety.com/tickets /tickets

Hosted by Tom Morgan and Erna McReynolds amidst the daffodils at their lovely country home in Franklin, NY

Live Jazz Music featuring The Rob Hunt Trio Sumptuous food catered by Dee Smith Hazlett

For more information or to register, please visit www.helioscare.org/daffodil or contact Kathryn Dailey at (607) 432-6773

A suggested donation of $65 per person is kindly requested and appreciated.

►Thursday, april 13

SENIOR MEALS 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Tuesday and Thursday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompanying a senior. This week, enjoy a lunch of pepper pineapple pork, rice, cauliflower and pudding. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (607) 547-6454.

CHALLENGE BOOK

CLUB 3:30-5 p.m. Children aged 11-14 are invited to club exploring all the age-appropriate books “they” don’t want you to read. The reading list is full of books that have been challenged due to including controversial material from profanity to LGBTQIA+ content and more. Students will learn how to discuss these difficult topics, expand critical thinking skills, share reactions, and learn about literary rating systems and their impacts. Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040.

T ZONE 4-6 p.m. Teens aged 12-15 are invited for after-school program to de-stress, enjoy a nutritious snack and play games with peers in a safe environment.

Held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. richfieldspringscommunitycenter. org/programs/

OPEN HOUSE 6-7:30 p.m. Families are invited for open house for local Christian school. Otsego Christian Academy, 353 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-0141.

TOASTMASTERS 6:157:30 p.m. Join the Oneonta Toastmasters to practice your public speaking in a supportive environment. The theme of this meeting is: TBA. Meets each second and

fourth Thursday of the month and may be attended in person or online. Held at The Green Earth, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/

OneontaToastmasters

WOODCOCK WALK 6:45 p.m. Join Otsego Land Trust and Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society to observe the spring courtship performance of the American woodcock. Registration required. Waterproof footwear, headlamp or flashlight and binoculars recommended. Parslow Road

Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville. Visit otsegolandtrust.org/events

WORD THURSDAY 7 p.m.

Enjoy a presentation from featured writers Celia Sorhaindo, co-compiler of “Home Again: Stories of Migration and Return,” and Virginia Archer, who has published four volumes of poetry. Broadcast over Zoom and Facebook. Suggested donation, $3/person. Registration required. Presented by the Bright Hill Press and Literary Center, Treadwell. (607) 829-5055.

►Friday, april 14

NATURE GROUP Noon. Join Otsego County Conservation Association for a fun day exploring the forest and looking for signs of spring. This group is geared toward homeschooled students but open to everyone. Please dress for the weather. Meet at Texas Schoolhouse State Forest, Mount Vision. (607) 547-4488.

WELCOME RECEPTION

4 p.m. Newcomers to the City of Oneonta are invited to the Inaugural Welcome Reception. Meet the Welcome Committee, hear a few words from the mayor, visit the information table to find out about local resources available to you and learn about volunteering opportunities. Held in the Community Room, Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. Visit all4oneonta.com

JAZZ NIGHT 5:30 p.m.

Appreciate jazz with the Wyatt Ambrose and John Hvasta duo at the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (212) 391-3950. NAACP 7 p.m. View the award-winning film, “Just Mercy,” about the struggle of a Harvard graduate to defend those wrongly condemned or convicted without proper representation in the Alabama of the 1980s. Presented by the Oneonta NAACP. Free admission. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 432-6988.

CAREER NIGHT 7-10 p.m.

Students, parents and guardians are invited to come learn about different careers. This week’s featured career is in the professional laborer field. Free. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 8583200.

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/

►s aTurday, april 15

DINE FOR A CAUSE 8 a.m. Eat out at the fine restaurants of Otsego & Delaware counties and a percentage of the proceeds will go to raise awareness and support to local non-profit, Helios Care. This week dine at Jive Café, 12 Commons Drive, Cooperstown. (607) 432-6773.

EARTH FEST 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate the Earth and our place in it. Fest includes vendor and information fair, workshops on everything from gardening to organic cosmetics, and drivethru recycling at Brewery Ommegang. Earth Festival is hosted at The Milford Central School, 42 West Main Street, Milford. Visit occainfo.org/ earth-festival/

POSTCARD & EPHEMERA

SHOW 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Returning from a three-year hiatus, The 16th annual Postcard, Book and Ephemera Show will feature vintage sports cards, postcards, stamps, magazines, books, and much more. Proceeds support the Greater Oneonta Historical Society. Held at Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.

ART WORKSHOP 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Work with Grey Fox Felting to make your own needle felted hen! All supplies provided, suitable for beginners. Cost, $85/non-member. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

TAX PREP 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Three days left. Get your taxes done with

►sunday, april 16

the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Hartwick College accounting students 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.

EXHIBIT PREVIEW

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get a look at the new exhibit before the opening. “Color Immersion/ Explosion” features the works of Terry Slade and Louis Sherry—one formally trained, the other self-taught, one painting on wood, the other working in clay and glass. What they share is that they are thinkers and makers, and their works express this. Free admission. On view through 5/20. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

OPERA 12 p.m. View a performance of the Metropolitan Opera, streaming live in Oneonta. This week the Met presents “Der Rosenkavalier,” a comic opera by Richard Straus about love, loss and the rules of the era. Cost, $20/adult. Lunch available for purchase separately from Soda Jerks. Arrive by 11:15 for a pre-opera presentation on the show. Showing at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

THEATER 8 p.m. Bigger Dreams Productions presents “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler as directed by Brooke Tallman and performed by an ensemble cast. 25 percent of proceeds benefit Family Planning of South Central New York. Audience is asked to contribute to the feminine products drive. Admission is $20. Held in the Production Center of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. Also showing 4/16 at 2 p.m. Visit biggerdreamsproductions.org

PLAY READING 2 p.m. Support Central New York emerging playwrights in the Next! Staged Reading Series. This time, listen to a reading of “Un Hombre” by Stephen Kaplan and directed by Mary Davis Fralick, a modern golem-story about a mother and son who create a golem to solve their problems. Free, open to the public. Reading is followed by feedback from the audience. In the Auditorium, Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

SUNDAY SPEAKER

3 p.m. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lewis M. Simmons discusses book, “To Tell The Truth,” about his 50 years as a foreign correspondent. Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

CONCERT 3 p.m. The Friends of Music of Stamford invites the public to the opening of their 2023 season featuring a performance by “The Telegraph Quartet.” Admission by donation, $12 suggested. Reservations, masks suggested. Held at The First Presbyterian Church, 96 Main Street, Stamford. (518) 918-8003.

►Monday, april 17

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

7 p.m. Join the Otego Historical Society to learn about the town. This month, Buzz Hesse will talk about the dismantling, moving and reconstructing of his 1700s house. All are welcome. Otego Town Hall, 3526 State Highway 7, Otego. (607) 287-4095.

►Tuesday, april 18

LAST DAY TO FILE TAXES!

PREQUALIFICATION

5-8 p.m. Find out from the professionals about financing for which you might qualify, from residential or commercial mortgages to refinancing to construction loans. Stop in after the workday is over to meet the professionals and get pre-qualified to take that next step. Bank of Cooperstown, 73 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2210.

ART COLLECTIVE—6 p.m.

Teens and adults are invited for this quiet time to work on your art with like-minded company. Held first and third Tuesdays of each month. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 8580230.

TAX PREP—6-8 p.m. Time’s up! File your taxes with the aid of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Hartwick College accounting students 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 Golisago Hall, 2nd Floor, Hartwick College, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338.

HAUDENOSAUNEE STORIES—6:30 p.m. Join Perry Ground of the Onondaga Nation to hear stories from the longhouses of the Haudenosaunee (The Iroquois Confederacy). Hear the traditional legends that teach about the beliefs, customs and history of the Haudenosaunee as Ground brings the stories to life with his interactive approach. Listeners of all ages will find this presentation captivating and educational. $12/non-member. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.