Hometown Oneonta 06-08-23

OCCA To Hold Meet, Greet

Conservationist of Year To Be Honored

SPRINGFIELD

The Otsego County Conservation Association will host its “Mohican Meet and Mingle” on Friday, June 9 from 6-9 p.m., adjacent to the historic Ellen Biddle Shipman Garden at Mohican Farm in Springfield. OCCA Executive Director Amy Wyant, board members, and staff will be on hand to talk informally about the organization’s projects and initiatives in areas such as clean energy, environmental education, planning, conservation and more.

“We believe that coming together for a meal, meaningful conversation, and camaraderie will be a fantastic way to keep our amazing supporters informed and involved in all we do. We also want to use this time to invite new supporters and people who are interested in environmental conservation to see what OCCA is all about. We hope you will join us on the 9th,” Wyant said.

“Guests will be able to view the gardens as part of the event and the Mohican grounds and gardens should be lovely at that time in the evening,” said Shelby MacLeish, OCCA project coordinator. “As part of the ticket price of $25.00, guests will enjoy dinner, dessert and drinks. Red Shed Brewery is donating beer and we will have award winning ice tea from B Blossom Catering.”

Along with the return of the organization’s annual gathering event comes reinstatement of the OCCA Conservationist of the Year award, which goes this year

to Milford Central School teacher Kim Burkhart. The Conservationist of the Year award goes to individuals who have made an outstanding, positive impact on Otsego County’s natural resources, either through direct action or by educating citizens about conservation. The award has been given out since 1989, with a brief pause in the program due to COVID. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and the award is presented at the annual dinner.

“The award has not been given out for the past several years and we are excited to revive the tradition in 2023,” MacLeish added.

Burkhart was nominated by Kevin Kelly and Tom Trelease of the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited specifically for her work with the ‘Trout in the Classroom’ program.

OCCA Board Member Trish Riddell Kent said, “Kim Burkhart has built an entire curriculum around the “Trout in the Classroom” program. She is teaching the next generation environmental stewardship.”

Burkhart joins the ranks of an impressive list of previous Conservationists of the Year: 1989, Frederick V. Mecklenburg; 1990, Ellen Luchsinger; 1991, Martha Clarvoe; 1992, Irene Mozolewski; 1993, Rufus Thayer; 1994, Giles Russell; 1995, William Gengenbach; 1996, Rep. Sherwood Boehlert; 1997, Bonnie Canning Hofmann; 1998, Otsego Lake Watershed Council; 1999, Earle Peterson; 2000, Moira Goldfarb,

Continued on page 7

CV Water Project Receives State Funding

By ELIZABETH COOPER CHERRY VALLEY

page

►wORKSHOpS, HYdE HALL BLOcK pAR t Y, page 7

6

The spirit of creativity

that has defined the Cherry Valley for generations is being renewed and rejuvenated in a new venue, and its director has now been selected for a $10,000.00 state grant to expand her work this summer.

Angelica Palmer, who grew up in the village, is one of just 10 recipients of the New York State Council on the Arts’ competitive Rural and Traditional Arts fellowship. Her Cherry Valley Water Project is aimed at fostering a closer relationship between artists, community members, and Cherry Valley’s waterways, and will roll out over the summer.

“I am excited and honored to receive the NYSCA fellowship on behalf of myself and the sacred waters of Cherry Valley,” she said. “My hope is that through creative exploration with the water it will teach us its life-giving ways of connection, transformation and peace.”

Linda Franke of the Arts Council for Wyoming County, which facilitated the granting process in partnership with NYSCA, said her panel had been impressed with Palmer’s focus on her hometown.

“She loves where she lives and was celebrating that,” Franke said. “They really felt her energy and they liked that she was very thoughtful on the topic.” The water project will feature artistic workshops

Continued on page 7

Riverside Students Plant Apple Trees, Help Restore Piece of Oneonta History

ONEONTA

On Friday, April 28, the City of Oneonta planted an apple orchard on the Swart-Wilcox House Museum property with the help of Riverside Elementary School students. The planting was made possible thanks to funds obtained by City Community Development Director Judy Pangman through a special “Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after Ash Tree Loss” grant.

The new apple orchard at the SwartWilcox House consists of several heritage varieties of apples, just like the Wilcox family would have had in the 1880s. As part of his farming activities, Henry Wilcox had an active business in both apples and cider.

This is according to his daily diaries, which have been transcribed and are now available on the web for all to research at New York Heritage, a portal for learning

more about the people, places and events that contributed to the making of New York State, at https://nyheritage. org/collections/diaries-henry-wilcox

A diary excerpt from August 24, 1880 reads: “I went out on the flat this morning and gathered two bushels of apples from under the big sweet tree.”

Other entries recount activities all year long: May 5, 1879, “worked at trimming apple trees”; March 11, 1879, “cleaned the rotten apples from the cellar”; and, on January 9, 1882, “loaded up five casks of cider and got it ready to go…This afternoon I took the load of cider to the village and got an order for three casks more.”

The Swart-Wilcox House Museum is located on Wilcox Avenue across from the Riverside Elementary School. At left, Riverside students Ilsa Mann, Meadow Luettger, Jackson Plymell, Mason Brown and Zoe Grabas work together to plant a tree.

Photo by Lexi Tucker

The Cherry Valley Water Project, the brainchild of Angelica Palmer (above), will feature artistic workshops and performances. To learn more, or to apply to be in the paid experimental performance troupe, go to www.thetelegraphschool.org.

Applications for the troupe will be accepted until June 15.

Hesse Home in Otego: a Virtual 18th-century House and Home Museum

By TERESA WINCHESTER

OTEGO

For 33 years, Buzz Hesse, a trained archeologist and former owner of the auction house Hesse Galleries, has lived with his wife, Jackie, in a house built in the late 18th century. He loves to tell the story of how he first spotted the structure in Laurens, later purchased it, then disassembled it, and ultimately found an ideal site for the house in Otego.

The moment he saw the “unpretentiouslooking” two-story house, he wanted it, despite the horse standing in the doorway and the chickens running in and out.

Hesse is convinced that greater forces were at work in the whole restoration process, which he described at the April meeting of the Otego Historical Association.

“There were too many things that came into play that surpassed normality,” he said.

One of the harmonic convergences was how he had bought the vintage, “blacksmith -made” rose head nails used in reassembly long before he ever saw the house.

“I was at the second General Clinton Regatta, where I saw a vendor with nails in plastic baggies. They were early hand-made nails he had found in the cellar of an old hardware store and bought at auction. There were eight kegs. I bought them all,” Hesse recalled.

He was able to purchase the house in

1989 after learning that the owners planned to raze it. Property was not included in the deal, so Hesse meticulously deconstructed the edifice.

“I applied architectural archeology. I numbered every pin, board, and beam, and stored it in one of my properties for a year,” Hesse said.

Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum have an opening for:

Full Time Groundskeeper

The successful candidate will be a steady, reliable worker and enjoy working outdoors year-round. Must have sufficient strength and manual dexterity to operate power equipment and lift 50 lbs. Experience with basic construction and carpentry a plus. Duties include maintaining grounds, mowing, clearing roads and pathways of debris and tree limbs, soil preparation, planting, weed removal, plowing, and shoveling snow, cleaning and maintaining power equipment, and performing light carpentry and repair jobs. This is a full-time position, flexibility necessary, must be willing to work occasional overtime. This position offers an excellent benefits package and pleasant work environment. Covid-19 vaccination is a requirement of employment.

Applications are available at fenimoreart.org or farmersmuseum.org. Send letter of interest and completed application to Human Resources, Fenimore Art Museum, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or email to hr@fenimoreart.org.

In 1990, he purchased seven and a third acres at 370 Main Street.

“I went on the land and sat down in various places. The spot was perfect,” he said.

Taking the house apart revealed many surprises for Hesse, largely because the interior had been lathed and plastered over in the 1800s.

Fenimore Art Museum

Custodial Position

Fenimore Art Museum has an opening for a full-time Custodian. This is an entry level position with room to grow. Experience helpful, but not necessary. Excellent benefit package and a pleasant work environment. This position is 40 hours per week, with one weekend day required. Some flexibility and occasional overtime necessary. Covid-19 vaccination required.

Applications are available at fenimoreart.org or send letter of interest and resume to Human Resources, Fenimore Art Museum, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or email to hr@fenimorart.org.

EOE

“I had no idea it was so unique. I discovered truly amazing things,” Hesse said.

One of the surprises was the 8-foot ceilings—much higher than normal for a center chimney cape, a common 18th century house style. Underneath the plastering were the original, finished and beaded beams— “meant to be seen,” Hesse said.

In the parlor and in the “keeping room,” where food preparation took place, Hesse found walls of wide-paneled wood. He restored them and painted them in a color “as close to the original as possible.” The house also contained a closet, an unusual feature for the time, Hesse said.

Elongated front windows were another modification to the original structure.

“I saw moulding lines and thought the original windows must be like those on the second floor,” said Hesse.

He then installed windows custom-made by Croghan Island Mill, a water-powered mill near Utica, to match the originals.

Two back-to-back fireplaces on the first floor had also been covered over. Interestingly for Hesse, they were not standardly joined in the center of the house but rather in the attic by a central flue.

“That’s very unusual and they work beautifully,” Hesse said.

A hidden room was positioned between the two fireplaces. Its purpose remains a mystery to Hesse.

Dems To Introduce Candidates

ONEONTA—The Oneonta Democratic Club will host a Meet the Candidates Breakfast at 9 a.m. on June 10. It will be held at Get Fresh on Main café, 254 Main Street, Oneonta. Democratic and Independent candidates for the Oneonta Common Council and the Otsego County Board will address the meeting. Council members Luke Murphy, Kaytee Lipari and Emily Falco, County Board candidate Nora Mendez, and Common Council candidates Cecelia Walsh-Russo, Shannon McHugh and Donald Garrison.

Steering Committee member Gary Maffei said, “We are excited to have these individuals attending and meeting the voters. There will be big changes on the Common Council this year and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

For more information, visit the “Oneonta Democratic Club” Facebook page. RSVP to garymaffei@gmail.com.

Library Releases June Schedule

COOPERSTOWN—The Village Library of Cooperstown announced its calendar of June events. The Baby and Toddler Prom will begin at 10 a.m. on June 14. Children aged 4 and under and their parents are invited to dance, play, and create. Registration is required. The Cooperstown Children’s Choir will perform on the porch at 12:30 p.m. on June 17. The Friends of the Village Library Annual Summer Book Sale will begin on June 24 and run for a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a final book collection for the sale from 10 a.m. to noon on June 17.

Hill City Celebrations Fundraiser

ONEONTA—Hill City Celebrations (formerly First Night Oneonta) will hold a fundraising event at 6 p.m. on June 22 on the Main Entrance patio at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center. It will feature local food trucks and music from the Stan Fox Quintet. Donations will support the Hometown Fourth of July Celebration, which features a parade, all-day family-friendly events, and fireworks. Hill City Celebrations is a volunteer organization that promotes arts and culture in a family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to the Fourth of July, it produces the Oneonta Festival of Lights and First Night at the Foothills.

Photo Contest Is Extended

OTSEGO COUNTY—

Whether you honored those who served our nation in the armed forces over the recent holiday weekend, enjoyed a picnic or parade with family and friends, went sightseeing or just relaxed at home with the kids, please send us your favorite Memorial Day Weekend photographs.

Iron String Press staff will choose their favorite photo, to be printed in “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” and shared on the AllOtsego Facebook page.

All photographs will be posted in a photo gallery on our website, AllOtsego. com, and the winning picture will earn the photographer a $50.00 gift certificate to the Blue Mingo Grill.

E-mail your photos to darlay@allotsego.com no later than end of day on Wednesday, June 14.

Please include the photographer’s name, phone number and e-mail address, along with a brief description of the photo subject and/or activity.

Special thanks to the folks at the Blue Mingo Grill for sponsoring this effort and to our readers for sharing their special moments and memories for all to enjoy.

Photo provided

In the center of the Hesse house parlor are 18th century pieces—a shoe foot hutch table from the Schoharie Valley and banister-back chairs. The Hudson Valley kas, or Dutch wardrobe, features tulip wood bun feet from approximately the same era.

BFS, Lake Organizations Announce Otsego Lake HAB Testing Strategy

By WRILeY neLSOn SPRInGFIeLD

SUnY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station announced its 2023 Otsego Lake Research and Cyanobacteria Monitoring Plan as part of the ongoing effort to study and control harmful algal blooms in Otsego County. The sampling strategy will focus on variations in temperature, nutrients, algal and cyanobacteria abundance, and toxin concentration along depth gradients in the heavily-affected north end of the lake. Additionally, the BFS has increased watershed stream monitoring and the state Department of environmental Conservation will conduct its own lake sampling.

Samples will be taken from shoreline stations, including existing 2022 sites and a new location near Lakefront Park, at least weekly. There will be 10-12 open-water sites, including eight along main north-south and east-west transects in the north end of the lake and additional locations near the mid-lake buoy and Fairy Spring Park. The openwater collection sites will be measured from the surface to the bottom, with tests for nitrogen compounds, total phosphorous, microcystins and basic water quality parameters. The BFS has also ordered equipment to evaluate algal community species composition.

All samples will be tested for microcystins, with results posted on the BFS website. According to a release, an automated cyanotoxin testing system, the CAAS Cube, is expected to be delivered in late June. Initial samples were taken on June 1 and the BFS will soon release results.

In addition to the BFS testing, the Otsego Lake Association announced it has joined the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program, run by the DeC and the new York State Federation of Lake Associations. The partnership will provide environmental Laboratory Approval Program-certified water quality data to prepare

a DeC nine element Plan for comprehensive lake and watershed management.

OLA members Rhonda and Doug Willies participated in the all-day CSLAP volunteer training at Lake George in May and successfully completed preliminary Otsego Lake sampling on June 5.

Despite the new testing plans, individuals and communities are responsible for their own safety. Many bodies of water in Otsego County, including Goodyear, Canadarago, Arnold and Gilbert lakes, are at risk. HABs pose serious health risks to people and pets. Residents should report strongly-colored water or floating mats of scum to the DeC and the Otsego County Health Department. They should not boat, fish, swim or wade in or near affected areas of water. even with private

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) 547-4232.

Gratuity responsibility of participant

Suggested contribution: $350 per

Where

water treatment systems, families should not drink or cook with surface water.

HABs in Otsego County are a symptom of a severe ecological imbalance in bodies of water. These imbalances cannot be resolved in the short term. It is well established that they are caused by a complex interaction of larger climatic

shifts and nutrient-rich runoff from agricultural, landscaping and construction practices. Any longterm solution will require a critical examination of environmentally harmful activities in the larger Upper Susquehanna watershed and vigorous action by communities, organizations and governments.

Restaurant & Bar

Main Street, Oneonta

Bring in this ad for a free Crêpe dessert with any purchase

Photo by Dr. Kiyoko Yokota

Otsego Lake Association members Rhonda and Doug Willies take water samples on Otsego Lake.

HOMETOWN Views

EDITORIaL

Water Worries

With the exception of the boisterous and breezy thunderstorm that ran through here last Friday, Otsego County has had little to no rain for the last several weeks, a relatively new problem for us here in what has long been touted as one of the wettest counties in the state. Though the storm was occasionally scary— downing trees, exuding earsplitting thunder and bursting with lightning—it was welcome, as our bright lime spring fields and meadows were on the verge of turning brown, our streams and lakes were losing their spring flows, and our gardens and orchards were not developing as sufficiently and beautifully as they should.

Abundant water, fresh water, is a tremendous asset to any town and county. It’s one of the most appealing features of Upstate New York, when compared to the rest of the country that is, as we know, pretty regularly fraught with drought and wildfires during the summer months. Fresh water, in fact, is a mere 1 percent of the world’s water, the rest being brine and salt. It is scarce, and necessary, especially to agricultural areas, and when there is no rain to replenish our wells and waterways we all suffer. The problem now is that our world is drying up, and we are seeing firsthand bits of life without water.

Last summer, 2022, was the third hottest summer in 128 years (2021 was the hottest on record for the U.S., exceeding the heat of 1936 by 0.01 degree); the summer of 2023 is expected to be warmer than that of 2022. In Otsego County, where we have averaged over the years a high temperature in July of 80 degrees, NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is predicting a scorching, dry summer, with less than average rainfall as well as high heat. This is possible trouble, and it just might be time now to think ahead.

Conservation of water is imperative when it comes to threats of wildfires and drought. Even though Otsego County is among the most water-filled spaces on our planet, it, too, can—and will—dry up during extensive rainless days and nights. We have seen this in the past two summers, and we have been lucky enough so far to avoid the major disasters such as wildfires—spontaneous, uncontrolled fires in a natural woodland, grassland or prairie—that have plagued the rest of the country. (Those fires are already raging in Missouri, Michigan, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, Montana, Tennessee, California and neighboring parts of Canada.) While there have been instances of wildfires in New York State in the past—April’s threecounty brush fire should have served as a real wake-up call—and there is nothing burning around us right now, the last few days of smoke in our usually pure Otsego County air is proof positive that there is a real danger of air pollution from the active wildfires to the northwest, which began late last week in Ontario and Quebec.

So it becomes clear that we must save our water, not only for ourselves and our farms but for protection from possible fires that result from low rainfall, high heat, high humidity and the occasional, often mistakenly welcomed, intense lightning storms. While we all like to believe that our long history of abundant water will go on forever, the reality of a warming and drying planet means we might no longer be able to remain complacent in the face of obvious signs of change. Scorched lawns and fields in early June are decidedly not normal for Otsego County, and detectable air pollution here is largely unknown, but when the Department of Environmental Conservation issues an “air quality alert,” as it did this week, we must recognize that the era of abundance and complacency—and isolation from the problems of the rest of the world—may be drawing to a close.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

“Hometown Oneonta” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

Appeal to President Biden: Please End War

As the war in Ukraine is escalating because of the ego-tripping of Russian President Putin and a more powerful response from the NATO countries along with the U.S. aid to the president of Ukraine to fight against the Russian aggression, there appears to be no end in sight to the war.

Thousands of Russian missiles and drones fired at the Ukrainian cities to raze its monuments and to kill its people are being destroyed by the counter maneuvers of the Ukrainian forces. All this destruction of these missiles and drones from Russia and Ukraine are instruments of war, which are being paid for by you and me, who are the tax payers. We, who are footing the bill for this destructive war, are not being consulted and, further, our voices are being completely ignored by the politicians in power.

Recently, the president of Ukraine announced that he will send its missiles and drones to destroy the Russian territory. This maneuver will help to gain back Ukrainian territory captured by the Russians during more than a yearlong war. As this strategy will require the help of the U.S. and NATO countries in terms of supplying Ukraine its most sophisticated weapons, and if Ukraine’s incursion into the Russian territory is successful, China will come to the aid of Russia by stirring up trouble into the territory of Taiwan by claiming its own right of possession of the island. This will open up another front for the U.S. where it will be fighting a war with the Chinese in the Pacific Ocean and a land war with the Russians in Ukraine.

This will be the beginning of the third World War for which we, the tax payers and citizens of the United States, would be footing the bill. To avoid the ruining of these precious resources and the human sacrifice—and to stop this madness of war fever—I, along with other concerned American citizens, plead with President Biden to send Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other experienced diplomats to sit down with the Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to end this war now. Otherwise, the third World War is in the air, which might turn into a nuclear war, destroying all of us and making this beautiful earth inhabitable for our children, grandchildren, and the future generations.

Ashok Malhotra Oneonta

Crumhorn Property Should Be Protected

sive action. State funding through the Environmental Bond Act would support the initial purchase of the Crumhorn Lake property, benefiting the state’s health and economy by helping to preserve wildlife, forests, and clean water.

OCCA supports these efforts to secure funding from the Environmental Bond Act to support the purchase of the Crumhorn Lake property. OCCA also encourages others to show their support. Contact your legislators, send postcards (provided by the Otsego Land Trust), and make your concerns for our local land preservation known.

Amy Wyant, OCCA Executive Director, and Donna Vogler, Board Chair on behalf of the Otsego County Conservation Association Board of Directors

Kudos to Canadarago

Lake Communities

Richfield Springs, near Canadarago Lake, is taking the lead locally on mitigating harmful algal blooms by curtailing the nutrients that are discharged from septic tanks— nitrogen and phosphorus—into the lake.

We know why “the grass is always greener over the septic tank.” Toxic algae thrives in nutrient-rich water. As permitted, septic tanks discharge nutrients into the groundwater, and those fertilizers find their way into the lake where they help drive toxic algae blooms.

To reduce toxic algae infestations, the supply of fertilizer should be curtailed. This is not a local phenomenon: The freshwater ponds at Cape Code are toxic with algae due to constant fertilization by the septic systems that surround them. When the toxic algae wins, the lake dies, fish die, pets die. People just get sick.

The Canadarago communities and people are taking the first steps to reduce the feeding of toxic algae by addressing the discharge from the septic systems in the lake’s watershed. They are not just proposing to monitor the toxic blooms, they are proposing to starve them. Bravo.

The Otsego Lake Association and the Otsego Watershed Committee are working on plans that can put the Biological Field Station’s toxic algae monitoring program to productive use—with an updated watershed plan that can address how to starve the algae infestations.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

homes and how to cook their food, for a start. How is that securing the blessings of freedom for the people of the State of New York? They are effectively destroying businesses that now sell natural gas, propane, gas appliances, firewood, and all associated businesses like auto repair—the list is endless!

When we transitioned in the past (think horses to autos, or kerosene to electricity, etc.), people chose the change themselves. If you thought the change would be good for you, you invested your resources to make the change. If you had to buy a car, or wire your house, you paid for it because you chose to do so. If you wanted to forgo the “modernization” you could do so also. Even today, we are still free to choose to light our houses with candles or kerosene, or ride horses instead of driving a car.

Under the state’s CAP, we lose the ability to make those choices for ourselves (although perhaps we could still ride a horse, but who knows for sure?). So, who pays for the businesses that go out of business? As a result of past changes, businesses either adjusted or went out of business because their customers made personal decisions to not buy their products. But under CAP, businesses are being put out of business by an action of the state.

Both the New York State and United States constitutions prohibit the taking of private property for public use without just compensation. Can anyone really argue that closing down businesses (private property) for the CAP (a public use) doesn’t qualify for just compensation? The CAP does not plan for that, but it should! I am not a constitutional attorney, but it seems pretty clear that the state constitution does not grant the government the right to unilaterally void the freedoms of our citizens. On the contrary, the constitution explicitly states that it was created to secure the blessings of freedom for the people of the State of New York. The Climate Action Plan does exactly the opposite!

Gary R. Schoonmaker Marcellus

Waterproof Beacons Should Replace Flares

H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2022

14th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.

Publisher / Advertising Manager Tara Barnwell General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs

News Editor Wriley Nelson Business Manager Larissa Ryan

Columnists and Contributing Writers

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Web Architect Ivan Potocnik Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson

Editorial Board

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MEMBER OF:

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Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080.

Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

As a local conservation organization, the Otsego County Conservation Association supports the protection of the Crumhorn Lake property. This former scout camp is a prime candidate to forward state and local land conservation goals. We believe that using the New York State Environmental Bond Act to preserve this undeveloped land is paramount. The property includes 668 acres of forests and wetlands, direct frontage on Crumhorn Lake, 63 acres of federal wetlands, and more than 11,000 feet of frontage on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation classified streams. The former scout camp is also immediately adjacent to the Susquehanna State Forest.

The need for state funding is urgent. The former scout camp is one of the largest undeveloped tracts of land remaining in Otsego County. The property is now on the market, and one of our primary concerns is that there are no constraints on how the property can be sold, subdivided or used.

The entire property has high conservation value that can help build climate resiliency in the region, strengthen the tourism economy, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. It can also be a collaborative effort to protect and conserve significant natural resources in perpetuity.

Conservation is vital. Governor Hochul’s commitment to conserve 30 percent of New York’s land and water by 2030 requires aggres-

Constitutionality of CAP Questioned

Is there really a legitimate constitutional basis for New York State’s Climate Action Plan? There are many ways to address this question: First, is climate change really an existential threat to New York State; and even if it is, does the state have the constitutional authority to take such draconian measures as are being proposed?

While I personally do not believe that climate change is anything more than the natural order of the earth (remember your elementary school studies, where we were told that New York State was covered by thousands of feet of ice just 10,000 years ago?), I will leave that subject to others to debate. I don’t believe that it is in the governments’ authority to dictate the proposals being promoted in the Climate Action Plan. It is part of our national fabric that freedom is a primary right of citizens. Everybody claims it personally and collectively, and yet the CAP is a direct assault on our personal freedom to choose and make our own decisions.

Can anyone disagree with that? The Preamble to New York State’s Constitution states: “We the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, DO ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION.”

The CAP unilaterally prohibits people from choosing what cars to drive, what heat to have in their

I own and operate a boat rental business in New York State. I went to check the expiration date on my flares to make sure my equipment was up to date. Even though I’ve been around boats most of my life, I have never needed to light a single flare. As it turned out, my flares were outdated, so I decided to see if they were still good. It actually took more time than I expected to figure out how to light one of them. After lighting the first flare I was surprised just how dangerous flares are! Because of cost, short duration, reliability and danger, I believe fire flares should.be discontinued. I suggest waterproof electric beacons with optional siren would be safer and more reliable.

Gerry Welch Cooperstown

“The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor. We are interested in our readers’ thoughts on articles or other items appearing in the papers, or on timely general issues with local relevance in such areas as health, environment, education, etc.

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

135 YEARS AGO

An ingenious contrivance for recording the time of employees is being tested at the railroad blacksmith shop. It is an invention of Mr. Bundy of Auburn, brother of postmaster H.E. Bundy of Oneonta, and is in the form of a clock. Each employee is provided with a numbered key and when going to work must step up to the clock-like arrangement and insert the key and give it a turn. If this is done before seven o’clock or within five minutes after seven, seven o’clock is recorded on the register, but if done after the five minute limit 7:30 is recorded; and so on. Each key has a different number, and the number is recorded with each man’s time. After all the men have registered the narrow strip of paper on which the record is made is taken out and from this the time roll is made up. It is claimed that a hundred men can register within five minutes, and that the apparatus makes absolute promptness on the part of the employees necessary. It is in use in several large manufactories about the state and is highly recommended.

June 1888

110 YEARS AGO

The heavy black team owned and driven by W.A. Secor of Otego ran away Monday about 12:30 p.m. from a point in front of Williams’ Market on Chestnut Street down the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, careened across Main Street to the front of the Dell Clothing Co. store, dashed almost directly to the other side of the street and crashed through the plate glass window of Tipple’s Notion Store. So seriously lacerated was one of the horses that it had to be dispatched by a merciful bullet. Mr. Secor was on his way from Otego to Maryland where he expected to begin work on the state road, the team being hitched to a heavy road wagon loaded with baled hay. He stopped in front of Williams’ Market on an errand and while standing there the horses became frightened at a passing automobile.

June 1913

90 YEARS AGO

Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a cross-continental air passenger today, bound for a visit to her son, Elliot, in Los Angeles. Wearing a traveling suit of dark blue silk with blouse of figure blue, dark blue hat, and low-heeled shoes, Mrs. Roosevelt left Washington airport at 9 a.m. She was nonchalant about it, chatting and laughing until she entered the plane and the motors roared for the first continental air trip ever taken by a President’s wife. The journey meant her first experience of spending a night in the skies. She carried a little leather bag with materials for reading, writing and knitting, with which she planned to spend her time.

June 1933

70 YEARS AGO

“We don’t expect or want our customers to think we’re selling them a $1 item for 79 cents. If we can sell it at 79 cents, it’s a 79 cent item.” This statement of company policy was part of a speech made by James Cash Penney, chairman of the board of the J.C. Penney Company to 240 newspaper men. Explaining his low opinion of comparative price advertising, Mr. Penney went on to declare that people know instinctively that a merchant can’t afford to lose money on the things he sells. “Isn’t it much better,” he added, “to suggest – and prove – that he is giving them full value for every dime they spend?” Mr. Penney also deplored the advertising that tries to make people believe no product is worthy but the product being advertised.

June 1953

SQSPCA Working Beyond the Confines of the Shelter

At the Susquehanna SPCA, one of our primary focuses currently is extending our impact beyond our walls. The shelter is consistently full, but we know that, day in and day out, the needs of our community are great. We have been working hard to find ways to not only continue providing our high level of care to animals relying on the shelter as a safety net, but also to help people and animals before they find themselves in need of a cage or a kennel, to keep them together.

Industry wide, it has been found that animal shelters and rescues were using discriminatory practices by only adopting to people with pristine veterinary records, fenced-in yards, full-time jobs, etc. To change this way of thinking, we had to embrace and respect the humananimal bond. Truth is, we all know people who take better care of their pets than of themselves. We certainly don’t want it to come to that, but we also don’t want to see someone who deeply cares for their pet be forced to surrender it because they are going through a tough time and can’t afford spay/neuter or basic care.

There are several ways in which we here at the SQSPCA are working to improve and foster that special human-animal bond. For one, we don’t have a paper application that mimics a loan application. Instead, we see personal interactions with potential adopters as an opportunity to engage and educate. Admittedly, there are instances when someone leaves without an animal, but that is when, after much discussion and consideration, it is determined not to be a good match. At times, our adoption counseling team will spend hours with

By MERL REAGLE Columbus Discovers

potential adopters.

We also now have a full medical team—including a full-time veterinarian— making use of our state-ofthe-art medical suite five days a week. This allows us to provide low-cost spay/neuter for feral cat colonies, known as community cats, as well as for animals belonging to folks who income qualify. Our pet pantry is available and mainly offers food and litter, but if people express a special need, we work with them to help. We host a Here to Help Hotline, which encourages people caring for animals to reach out for help before their situation worsens and animals suffer, and host free rabies clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in conjunction with the Otsego County Department of Health.

We have also significantly increased the number of animals placed in foster homes. Comparing this year to 2020, fosters are up by 38 percent. Placement of an animal in foster is always preferred to housing them in the shelter. This keeps our kennels and cages open to help more animals and gives the animals in foster the experience of a couch instead of a cage as they wait to find their new forever family.

The takeaway is that the Susquehanna SPCA is an organization constantly working to meet the needs of our community, and we are not afraid to change or grow to make that happen. With the incredible dedication of our supporters, we are able to reach our goals and, in this case, increase our impact beyond the shelter walls.

Stacie Haynes is the executive director of the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

the Pun… Happy landing!

Solution:

Solution: “Sorry, Wrong Letter #4” (May 25)

Ruggles Champs Discuss Contest

By WRILeY neLSOn

COOPeRSTOWn

The 146th Ruggles

essay Competition was held at Cooperstown Central School on April 14. Like their predecessors for a century and a half, each member of the junior class wrote a 600-800 word essay. The written works are judged for originality, grammar and vivid language use. each english class sends finalists to the all-school competition after a preliminary oral performance. Firstand second-place winners are selected by a committee of teachers, community members and former victors after a second round of judging based on oratory in front of the entire school.

The 2023 winners, Peter C. Lofrumento and Coralise

Bailey, sat down with 2022 champions Malachi Sciallo and Annie Walker to discuss the competition.

Lofrumento’s first-place essay covered his family’s post-pandemic return to their traditional annual Maine camping trips in 2021. He said that he had had only three days to turn out a paper after receiving the assignment. Bailey described her

SPORTS SNIPPETS

Compiled by Wriley Nelson

Softball Takes Sectionals, Falls in Regionals

COOPeRSTOWn—The Cooperstown softball team won its third sectional title in program history with a 4-2 victory over eight-seed Port Byron on May 31. Dani Seamon threw a two-hitter with six strikeouts, hit two singles and stole a base. Seamon singled in the first inning and two walks put Savannah Kirkby and Sophia Hotaling on base. Brenna Seamon walked and Jeana Geertgens hit a two-RBI single to open a three-run lead. Port Byron scored twice in the fifth inning before Katie Crippen blasted a solo home run over the left field fence in the bottom of the inning. Seamon stranded a runner on second in the sixth inning and went one-two-three in the seventh to finish the game.

entry as an extended “meditation on being a nerd,” including an anecdote about staying up all night to watch a meteor shower.

Sciallo reflected on his own essay, a comedic take on his tongue-tie surgery. He said that he intensively practiced his delivery before the final presentation. Sciallo will attend SUnY Oneonta as a music industry major. Walker wrote a collection of stories about her childhood adventures with a favorite doll. She will start at Cornell in the fall and intends to study history.

All four students agreed that adapting their essays for public performance was the easier part of the process. Walker said that most of her writing is “written to be spoken,” and each of the students expressed their agreement.

William H. Ruggles died in 1874, with his obituary running in “The Freeman’s Journal.” He was a lifelong pillar of the Cooperstown school as a teacher, trustee and board member. The first recorded Ruggles Memorial contest took place in 1877.

The Hawkeyes faced Section IV victor Thomas A. edison (elmira) in the Class C regional game on Friday, June 2. Their impressive season came to an end with a heartbreaking 6-1 loss in the Center Region Championship. The Hawkeyes made nine hits but were unable to convert them into runs. Uncharacteristic fielding errors allowed edison to run away with the game offensively. Cooperstown can be proud of a strong season, ending with a 17-3 record and the program’s first sectional title since 2016.

Seamon, who graduates this month, threw five strikeouts in the loss. Crippen went twofor-three with a triple and a walk. Hotaling added two hits and the Hawkeyes’ lone run. Kirkby and Geertgens, whose sacrifice fly allowed Hotaling to score, will also graduate.

YMCA To Open Briggs Pool Later This Month

OneOnTA—The Oneonta YMCA and City of Oneonta announced that Briggs Pool in Wilber Park will open for the season on Wednesday, June 28. Opening day will be 1-7 p.m. non-residents of the City of Oneonta must pay admission; the cost is $1.00 for children, $3.00 for adults and $8.00 for families. Season passes are also available. City residents can enter for free but must scan a pool pass for safety reasons. Passes will be available at the YMCA from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting June 15 and at Wilber Welcome Center starting June 28. City residents should bring photo ID and proof of residency.

Registration for Wilber swim lessons will be open at the YMCA on June 13, 15 and 20, with additional dates to be announced. Registration will continue until all slots are filled. Residents who do not know their swim level are encouraged to contact Stephanie Kozak at skozak@oneontaymca.org to set up a swim test before registering.

August 1-4 will be Safety Around Water Week, in memory of YMCA employee Stephen Lyden. It will feature four days of free swimming and water safety instruction for all preschool and youth ages. Registration will open on Saturday, July 1.

Cooperstown’s Jensen Earns Return to States

COOPeRSTOWn—Cooperstown Central School senior Claire Jensen earned a place in the state track and field meet with strong performances at the Section III State Qualifier on June 1. She took second place in the small-school Division II 200m event with a time of 25.94 seconds. Kyla Palmer of Skaneateles won. Jensen also placed third in the 400m and assisted the 4x100m relay team to a fourth-place finish. She has won nine Section III Class C titles in her career and placed third in the state Division II 400m last year. The state meet will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10, in Middletown.

Sixth Ward Softball School to Return

OneOnTA—Softball players ages 9-17 are invited to the Sixth Ward All-County Softball School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 27-29. Players at all levels are welcome to train in throwing, fielding, hitting, and pitching fundamentals under an energetic and experienced staff. The camp will be held on the Oneonta High School softball field, with a rain location in the OHS gymnasium. Contact John Speranzi at (607) 434-8058 or (607) 433-2126 for an application or more information.

Weldon Loses in State Tennis Championship Meet

COOPeRSTOWn—Freshman tennis star Gunter Weldon fell to two-seeded edward Liao of Comack in straight sets at the first round of the state tennis championships on June 2. Liao went on to win the tournament. Weldon lost in the second round of the championships last year. “Gunter put up a good fight, he was in every game and got a tough draw,” said coach Amy Porter. “It was amazing to be there; it was a lot of great tennis.” Weldon was undefeated in the regular season.

Oneonta Outlaws Drop Home Opener

OneOnTA—The Oneonta Outlaws dropped their first home game 4-1 to the Amsterdam Mohawks on June 5. Christopher Baillargeon led the Outlaws offensively with a walk, a triple and an RBI. Matthew Dubois struck out three over five innings. The Outlaws face the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dogs on June 6.

Sports Center Soccer Registration Opens

COOPeRSTOWn—Registration for the Clark Sports Center’s fall 2023 youth soccer program is open online from June 5 to July 28. The program will feature 4-year-old and kindergarten, first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth and sixth grade divisions. each division team will have one practice per week, with games on Saturdays. The cost is $30.00 for members only. For information or to register, visit the sports center website.

Summer Sports Scores, Highlights Sought

OTSeGO COUnTY—Iron String Press welcomes the submission of sports scores, highlights and photos for publication in its newspapers and website. A link to online submission forms can be found on the AllOtsego.com Facebook page and website.

Hesse

Continued from page 2

Yet another unique feature of the house is that no partitions on the first floor are weight-bearing. On the second floor were long, uncut joists, and above that, a repeated beam. every beam in the house is boxed, Hesse said.

While disassembling, Hesse had found remains of original hardware in between partitions, such as door latches and hinges. He used many of these pieces in the reconstruction, as well as hardware he had been collecting for a number of years.

“everything is exactly the way it should be. I didn’t take liberties,” he said.

A feature of the house that had preserved it and made it possible to renovate was its roof. At one point, Hesse was forced to replace side shingles erroneously affixed by a roofer with modern architectural shingles.

“The house has a terrific roof,” Hesse said.

Stepping into the house is like stepping back into the 18th century. Furniture, paintings, clocks, practical or decorative items are mostly late 18th-century American, according to Hesse.

An old house may exude charm, but unless modified in some ways for modern living, it would not be enjoyable to inhabit. That, combined with current code regulations, forced Hesse to find creative ways to make the house comfortable while respecting its 18th-century character.

electrical outlets are hidden behind the furniture.

For heating, rectangular tin ducts were hidden in the walls. Oil-fired hot air rises through them from the cellar and is released through original mopboards.

“The house is warm and toasty,” Hesse said.

Other modern conveniences, a kitchen and a bathroom, were unobtrusively added by Hesse. Relocating the stairwell to its original position off the parlor made space for a small kitchen with modern appliances. An unusu-

ally wide hallway provided enough space for a bathroom without changing the basic structure of the house.

One room not original to the house is the “tavern room,” which usurped Hesse’s original plan for a two-car garage.

“I created the room in such a way that both the interior and exterior are compatible with the original house,” Hesse said.

The addition serves mainly as a showroom for his extensive antique collection and includes a late 18th or early 19th century Queen Annestyle tavern table laden with pewter bowls, plates, and utensils.

Hesse seems more appreciative than proud of both his home and his property.

“This piece of land was sort of miraculous. We’ve seen all kinds of animals—a full-grown mountain lion, wolves ... every day something wonderful happens here. We love living in this house and are grateful and honored to be able to possess it,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Cooperstown Central School

News briefs Compiled by Wriley

Nelson

Hyde Hall To Host Block Party

SPRInGFIeLD—Hyde Hall and Glimmerglass State Park will kick off the summer with a block party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. The day will include activities, animals, crafts, programs, guided hikes and live music. Glimmerglass Festival will perform from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by Hanzolo from 1-3 p.m. Dozens of local organizations will attend. Hyde Hall executive Director Jonathan Maney said, “Come and enjoy our incredible views, listen to live music, eat good food, meet the animals, and see how our friends and partners are making Otsego County such a wonderful place!”

A full list of participants is available on the Hyde Hall website. The rain date is set for June 11. Paid Hyde Hall mansion tours will be available during the festival. Pride Prom Set for June 10th

OneOnTA—The second annual Pride Prom will be held in the atrium of Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30. This year’s theme is “Wonderland.” The event will feature dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion and drag performances. A release said, “Prom was created to be welcoming to ALL, so please don’t be shy… there will be no judgment, only love and acceptance.” Tickets are $15.00 and all sales benefit the Otsego Pride Alliance. Prom is for those 18 and over. For more information, contact OPA via the Facebook page.

Oneonta

PEO Celebrates 60th

OneOnTA—The Oneonta chapter of the PeO Sisterhood will celebrate its 60th anniversary on June 8 at 1 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church. PeO is an international women’s organization dedicated to supporting women’s education through loans and scholarships. It was founded as a mutual aid sorority at Iowa Wesleyan University in 1869. For more information, visit www.peointernational.org.

Deceased Person Found at Fox

OneOnTA—A staff member at A.O. Fox Hospital discovered a deceased person in a public restroom on May 31. According to a release, the individual was not a patient at the time. Hospital authorities immediately contact law enforcement and are cooperating in the ongoing investigation. A Bassett spokesperson expressed sympathy for the person’s loved ones.

Farm Hosts Felting Workshop

COOPeRSTOWn—Master artisan Bobbi Goldman will teach a workshop on felting at Hulse Hill Farm from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. each participant will make a completed project to take home. Admission is $60.00 and beverages will be provided. For more information or to register, visit https://www. hhfarmshop.com/.

Bank Helps Habitat for Humanity

OneOnTA—Community Bank Senior District Manager Michael Walling presented a check to Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County board members and volunteers on June 5. The donation is intended to support Habitat’s efforts to build two new houses this summer. The Otsego County chapter is hosting a “CareA-Vanner” event, which brings volunteers from across the country to work on a two-week building rush. For more information or to get involved, visit https://habitatotsego.org/.

SQSPCA Seeks Foster Families

COOPeRSTOWn—The Susquehanna SPCA announced that it is in dire need of foster families to care for animals before they are adopted. It expects a large influx of puppies and kittens in the coming weeks and, as always, has a number of adult animals in need of a home. Fostering can be as brief as one night and will look different for different families. The SQSPCA provides food, supplies, in-county transportation, veterinary support and other resources. For more information or to sign up, contact eylitalo@sqspca.org or visit the Susquehanna SPCA Foster group on Facebook.

Exploration Days Begin at HMM

eAST MeReDITH—Hanford Mills Museum will host its first exploration Day of the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. These special events give visitors a chance to explore the mill and enjoy special programming. Admission is by donation rather than the usual rates. During the June 17 event, museum visitors will see the historic mill machinery and kitchen technology in the John Hanford Farmhouse. There will also be children’s activities in the Learning Lab, open for the first time since 2019, and a panel from Intelligent Green Solutions to discuss solar power. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until October 15. Guided tours are offered each day at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended. For more information or to sign up for a tour, visit www.hanfordmills.org.

Project

Continued from page 1

and performances and will even include a walking map of the Cherry Valley Creek.

“I very much believe the water is alive and that a relationship can be fostered between the people and our water,” Palmer said. “And as such, what better way than to sit next to the creek and write a poem. I want to help people come out of their homes and connect with nature, with the water, and with each other.”

The Water Project is just one of many artistic and community oriented endeavors Palmer is spearheading as a way to give something back to the place she feels has given her so much.

Palmer’s father was Paul Bley, a renowned jazz pianist. When he died in 2016 at 83 there was an outpouring of support from the community Palmer had come to see as an extended family. Then, in 2019, her sister Vannessa and her two small children were killed in a tragic car crash in which a mentally ill man purposely caused a headon collision on a California road. The love and support Palmer felt during that time sparked a deep desire to return the favor.

The Water Project is one of many endeavors underway at Palmer’s Telegraph School for Performing and Healing Arts, located on Alden Street, near the center of the historic village. The mission of the school is as much about community as it is about art.

“People are so isolated now,” she said. “And having a place to come together and be creative is very important for both individual and community health.”

The Telegraph School opened in 2022 and since then has hosted everything from dance and yoga classes to clothing swaps to women’s gatherings. At easter time an egg hunt extending up and down local streets attracted numerous families. An open mic night held the first Friday of every month has become increasingly successful and now draws standing-roomonly crowds. In addition to poetry and music, the open mic nights feature everything from juggling and puppetry to stand-up comedy.

“It is different every time and I love it,” she said. “It is beautiful and it’s a great expression of the vision I had for the space.”

Beat Generation Roots

Palmer, 42, grew up in Cherry Valley and attended local schools. Her family’s roots in the village hark back to the early 1970s, however.

Her father purchased property from one of the Beat Generation intellectuals attracted to the area by poet Alan Ginsberg and others in his Committee on Poetry organization. Underground publisher and writer Charles Plymell had purchased several properties in Cherry Valley, and in 1973 he posted an ad in new York City’s alternative “Village Voice” newspaper offering a building on Alden Street up for sale.

Though Bley wasn’t part

of the Beat scene, and didn’t know any of the artists or writers already in Cherry Valley, he decided to buy without coming up and Plymell offered to throw in a second building at a low price. Bley agreed and that’s how he came to own both 81 and 83 Alden, Palmer said. At first he came to Cherry Valley for short respites from the city, but later moved there permanently.

In Cherry Valley, Bley and his wife, video artist Carol Goss, immersed themselves in the intellectual community they found and raised their daughters in the midst of it.

“The Committee on Poetry was not as active when I was a child as it was in the ’70s,” Palmer said. “But I definitely grew up in that culture here in Cherry Valley.”

Her own extended family was scattered across the country, but the vibrant family formed by those friendships was close at hand and supplied her with all she needed.

Palmer graduated from Cornell University, traveled in eastern europe and then lived in California for a period, but she always knew she would come back and raise her own family in Cherry Valley. She now has two children of her own and is glad to be back.

“The community is so supportive,” she said. “And the nature is so supportive.”

Old Friends and New Family friend Richard Saba also bought a house from Plymell in the early 1980s, and though he didn’t yet know Bley, his presence in town was a big part of the draw.

“At the time, Paul Bley was kind of a demigod, he was so important in the jazz world,” Saba, an artist and musician, said.

His house was just a few doors down from the Bleys’ and the families became friends.

Saba noted that even as a child Palmer had a unique combination of free spiritedness and a “rigorous mathematical mind.” That pairing now makes her perfect for both developing and implementing creative ideas. When she returned to Cherry Valley and wanted to be involved with the Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corp., which he is part of, he was overjoyed, especially when she took over the organization’s bookkeeping. He said he looks forward to seeing her focus even more of her talents in the village.

“She has become very much part of the cultural core of life here,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”

Karen Kremer got to know Palmer more recently through her work in the community. She said she noticed that Palmer was either involved with or spearheading countless community events, from creative ways to bring shoppers to local businesses to managing festivals that include everything from live music to yard sales. The creation of the Telegraph School seems like the perfect extension of all this.

“I just loved the idea

of what she was trying to do,” Kremer said. “[She is] creating a place for people to attend classes in meditation, yoga, dance, and other creative forms of relaxation and expression, a place that also serves, of course, to create community by making connections between individuals and generations.”

The Water Project Palmer applied for the nYSCA grant because it could fund a project that would encompass many things she values. She decided to craft a series of workshops culminating in a performance to draw attention to local water resources.

“Creating a project that connects the people to the water here is very important,” she said. “Climate change and the role water plays in that, our developing relationship with water, its patterns and its needs will benefit us greatly in the future.”

Cherry Valley has an interesting relationship with its water resources, Palmer said. It was once famous for its lithia springs, which contain the mineral that makes the drug lithium. Some believe the Cherry Valley Creek to be the headwaters of the Susquehanna River, though Cooperstownians make that claim for Otsego Lake. The village straddles two important watersheds, the Susquehanna and the Mohawk. And from an environmental standpoint, Palmer noted, the village lacks a sewer system, so residents must use septic systems.

Workshops will include creative writing, music, dance, and puppetry, and will be free and open to the public.

Buildings with a History

The building the Telegraph School inhabits at 83 Alden Street is one of those her father purchased 50 years ago from Plymell, but it has an older history that is also tied to the school’s mission.

Once owned by the artist and inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, it housed a school of the same name from the 1850s until 1903. Morse lived in Cherry Valley for a period and taught students how to use the telegraph machine he had invented and the Morse code system it used. To Palmer, the story of the telegraph blends well

with the spirit of the school she has founded.

Morse was in new York City when he received news that his beloved wife was dying in Connecticut. Though he set out immediately, he arrived too late.

“He had missed her because of the speed of communication and it became his life’s purpose to make it faster,” Palmer said. “What we do is we work in all these different forms of communication through performance, dancing and music. The purpose is to communicate with our community and with each other. The distance can be very small or it can be further, but it’s about connection and innovation.”

Meet

Continued from page 1

2001, John Davis; 2002, Otsego County Burn Barrel education Committee (Mary Ashwood, Chair; Kathy Abernathy, Gayle Austin, Arthur Clarke, Martha Clarvoe, MaryLou Ganio, John May, Ferd Thering, Dick Thompson); 2003, Harry Levine; 2004, nina Hart, Joe Hart and William Brosseau; 2005, Patricia Riddell Kent and Steven Kent; 2006, Ted Peters; 2007, edward Lentz; 2008, Henry Kernan; 2009, Jean and Robert Miller; 2010, James Herman; 2012, Lou Allstadt and Ron Bishop; 2013, Dave Hutchison and Rich McCaffery; 2014, Canadarago Lake Improvement Association Inc.; 2015, Martha Clarvoe and Ben Guenther, 5-Star Subaru; 2016, Tom Salo; and 2017, Bob Sutherland. See https://occainfo.org/conservationist-of-the-year-pastrecipients/ for more details on past award winners.

Tickets for the Mohican Meet and Mingle are $25.00 and can be reserved through the OCCA website or by calling Project Coordinator Shelby MacLeish at (607) 547-4488.

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU! Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, grand openings, milestones, and more. Photos welcome, too. info@allotsego.com

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

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

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

Funeral Home

Me M ories to Cherish every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation. ensure your loved ones are memorialized exactly as you wish.

For more information send email to info@Allotsego.com, or call Larissa at 607-547-6103.

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

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, June 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following:

Proposed Local Law no. 3 of 2023 – Amend Section 300.17.1

(B)(5)- Transient Rental- Incidental

Use Definition: In residential districts, short-term rental use of any parcel shall be incidental to residential use of that parcel

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: June 6, 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 OF PUBLIC HEARING

nOTICe IS HeRe-

BY 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, June 26th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to

discuss making an application in the nYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process for the following potential projects:

eFC Green Innovation Grant Program – environmental Innovation – Pioneer Alley

eFC Green Innovation Grant Program

– Water efficiency

– Water Meters

eFC Wastewater Infrastructure engineering Planning Grant – I&I

OPRHP environmental Protection Fund Grants Program – Lakefront Park

DOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program - Watershed Management Plan Update

HCR nY Main Street Program

– Downtown Revitalization

Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said proposed applications at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearings, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance.

Dated:

June 6, 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 (email)

LegaL nOtice

SUPReMe COURT OF THe STATe OF neW YORK COUnTY OF OTSeGO InDeX nO. eF2022-793

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 39 RIVeR STReeT, RICHFIeLD SPRInGS, nY 13439

Section: 24.08, Block: 1, Lot: 27.00

MORTGAGe ASSeTS

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AnD DISTRIBUTee OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne

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A. ARMSTROnG; JOAn AMeS, AS HeIR AnD DISTRIBUTee OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne A. ARMSTROnG; HAROLD ARMSTROnG, AS HeIR

AnD DISTRIBUTee OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne

A. ARMSTROnG; KenneTH ARMSTROnG, AS HeIR AnD DISTRIBUTee OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne A. ARMSTROnG; PATRICIA LYnn RAY, AS HeIR AnD DISTRIBUTee OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne A. ARMSTROnG; BRenDA J. eLMeR, AS HeIR AnD DISTRIBUTee OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne A. ARMSTROnG; UnKnOWn HeIRS AnD DISTRIBUTeeS OF THe eSTATe OF MAXIne A. ARMSTROnG, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SeCReTARY OF HOUSInG AnD URBAn DeVeLOPMenT; OTSeGO COUnTY DePARTMenT OF SOCIAL SeRVICeS; neW YORK STATe DePARTMenT OF TAXATIOn

AnD FInAnCe; UnITeD STATeS OF AMeRICA, “JOHn DOe #1” through “JOHn DOe #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

Plaintiff designates OTSeGO as the place of trial situs of the real property

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARe HeReBY SUMMOneD to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $112,500.00 and interest, recorded on December 05, 2011, in Instrument Number 2011-5679, of the Public Records of OTSEGO County, New York., covering premises known as 39 RIVER STREET, RICHFIELD SPRINGS, NY 13439.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

OTSEGO County

is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: May 12, 2023

ROBeRTSOn, AnSCHUTZ, SCHneID, CRAne & PARTneRS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, nY 11590 516-280-7675

4LegalJun.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF FAITHFUL CARe AT HOMe LLC

Filed 5/25/23

Office: Otsego Co. SSnY designated as agent for process&shall mail to: 33 north St, edmeston, nY 13335

Purpose: all lawful

6LegalJul13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MALLOCH MAnAGeMenT, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company

(LLC)

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State on May 25, 2023; The office location within new York is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to c/o THe LLC, 4485 County Highway 18, new Berlin, new York 13411.

Purpose: acquire, own, hold, develop, lease, manage, operate real property or to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJul.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Hoppin Hogs LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSnY 5/23/23, Otsego Co. SSnY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, nY 12207

General Purpose

6LegalJul.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF K & A Roofing & Construction, LLC, a nY limited liability company (LLC).

Arts. of Org. filed with nY Sec. of State (nYSS) on 04/11/2023.

Office: Otsego County. nYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. nYSS shall mail process to: K & A Roofing & Construction, LLC, 149 Weeks Road, Springfield Center, new York 134682313.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF AUSTIn eLeCTRIC nY LLC

Articles of Org. filed nY Sec. of State (SSnY) 5/23/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSnY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSnY shall mail process to PO Box 446, Oneonta, nY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WOODSIDe PROPeRTY SeRVICeS LLC .

Filed: 3/17/23 .

Office: Otsego Co. Org. in DeLAWARe: 07/29/2022. SSnY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to its foreign add: 16192

Coastal Hwy, Lewes, De 19958.

Arts. of Org. filed with Secretary Of State Jeffrey W. Bullock, 401 Federal St., Ste 3, Dover, De 19901.

Purpose: General. 6LegalJun.29

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Turner electric, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of new York (SSnY) on 4/14/2023. 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 333 State Highway 7 Sidney, nY 13838.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Chestnut Hill estates, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the nY Secretary of State on 7/6/2021. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 832 Winney Hill Rd., Oneonta, nY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJun.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMULATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

name:

BReTT JOHnSOn COnSTRUCTIOn LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of nY (SSnY) on March 5th, 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 230 Murdock Rd. Cooperstown, nY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under nYS laws.

6LegalJun.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

name:

Uncommon Threads LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSnY) was 16 April 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 The LLC, 158 Camp Rd, new Berlin, nY 13411.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.11

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 114 WOODVIeW LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on 04/25/2023.

Principal Business and Office Location: 211 Main Street, Cooperstown, n.Y. 13326, Otsego County, n.Y.

The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 211 Main Street, Cooperstown, n.Y. 13326.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJun.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Pufftopia, LLC.

Filed 4/20/23.

Cty: Otsego. SSnY desig. for process & shall mail 5381 St Hwy 7, Oneonta, nY 13820.

Purp: any lawful.

6LegalJun.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Work of Art Construction LLC.

Filed 3/29/23.

Cty: Otsego. SSnY desig. for process & shall mail 4276 St Hwy 28 S, Oneonta, nY 13820. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalJun.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC).

name: Silver Creek Contracting LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSnY) was March 10, 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 c/o erik Beckley 24 Ceperley ave, Oneonta, new York, 13820.

Purpose: To engage in any and all business for which LLCs may be formed under the new York LLC Law.

6LegalJun.08

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF GLeASOn MOUnTAIn LLC

Articles of Org. filed nY Sec. of State (SSnY) 4/27/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSnY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSnY shall mail process to 434 Berry Hollow Rd., Schenevus, nY 12155, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.08

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ZBeck’s Family Ranch LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of new York (SSnY) on 04-19-2023. Office: Otsego County. SSnY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, nY 11228.

Purpose: all lawfu.

6LegalJun.08

►Thursday, June 8

PEO MEETING 1 p.m.

Celebrate 60th anniversary of founding of Oneonta Chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization at the First Presbyterian Church, 296 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 267-0539.

GALLERY TALK

5 p.m. Hartwick artist Lillian Vorhees, formerly of New York City, will discuss her work currently on view in the exhibit “Star Power Painting.”

Reservations recommended.

The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5327.

HISTORY AFTER HOURS

5-7 p.m. “All aboard” for the first program of the season, offering a variety of activities for adults and children, centered around the D&H Railroad special exhibition. Get hands-on with featured D&H objects, taste some of the food that would have been served on a train car in the 1900s, and let the children create a miniature, light up, railroad crossing sign. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.

GARDENSIDE TALK

5-8 p.m. The Otsego County Master Gardeners host this edition of the gardenside talks featuring Dr. Douglas Tallamy, professor of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Delaware, who has written a number of books, including “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants,” and over 100 research papers. Hosted online by the Otsego County Master Gardeners. (607) 547-2536 ext. 228.

TOASTMASTERS

6:15-7:30 p.m. Join the Oneonta Toastmasters to practice your public speaking

in a supportive environment. Meets each 2nd and 4th 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

AUDITION 6:30 p.m. Try out for a part in the hilarious play “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” by Alan Ball. Set during a wedding reception in which the five bridesmaids hide in an upstairs bedroom, each for their own reasons, to avoid the proceedings below and discover a common bond to each other. Performances to be held 9/23 and 9/24. Held at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. Also held 6/10 at Noon.

HISTORY MEETING

6:30 p.m. Join the Otsego County Historical Association each 2nd Thursday of the month for lively discussions and presentations on local history. This month will feature a “What’s It—Show & Tell” time followed by the annual meeting. The public is invited to attend and bring items to be identified or of interest to share. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Road 11, Hartwick. (607) 547-8070.

HOME GAME 7 p.m.

Oneonta Outlaws vs. the Glens Falls Dragons, featuring happy hour before the game, 5-6 p.m. Admission, $5/adult.

Damaschke Field, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-6326 or visit oneontaoutlaws.com

►Friday, June 9

CALL FOR ART Create a new work in any medium inspired by your experience of water in Cherry Valley, to be displayed in the October

exhibit, “Water.” The subject could be as specific as Judds Falls (Tekaharawa), or the abstract reaction to rain, snow, or an absence of water. Deadline to enter is July 31. Exhibit opens 10/6 and runs through 10/29. Presented in collaboration with The Telegraph School. (607) 264-5340.

RUMMAGE SALE 9 a.m. Find a wide variety of clothing, housewares, books, small appliances, and kick knacks to bring home and support the mission work of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 38 Walnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1385.

CRAFT FRIDAY 3:30 p.m. All ages are invited for a fun afternoon making tiny paintings. Registration requested. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

OPENING RECEPTION

5-8 p.m. The Oneonta Federated Garden Club presents “Art in Bloom,” a three-day exhibit of floral arrangements to complement the artwork on display. Floral exhibit continues from noon to 3 p.m. on June 10-11. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-2070.

OPENING RECEPTION

6-8 p.m. Celebrate the opening of the Raymond Han Sale (part two) at this sneak peak. No purchases until the sale opens on June 10. Runs through June 17. Admission, $25 for the sneak peak. Held in the gallery at the Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.

RIBBON CUTTING

6-7:30 p.m. Celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the Huntington Park Project and learn more about Phase 2 at a reception following the ribbon-cutting. Held in Huntington Park, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

AUDITION

6-8 p.m. Try out for a part as a shadow actor in the cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Performances to be held in October at the Foothills in Oneonta and the Weiting Theatre in Worcester. No experience

needed. Held at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 4312080. Also held 6/10, 7-9 p.m. 10TH ANNIVERSARY

7 p.m. Jillian’s Dance Arts presents “Celebrating a Decade of Dance: Our Diamond Anniversary.” It’s an extravaganza you don’t want to miss as the talented students put on their best show yet. Showing at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 432-2812. Also on Saturday and Sunday.

FIREPIT FRIDAY

7-10 p.m. Get the friends together for music, a bonfire and some beer. This week the music is provided by The Nate Gross Band. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 544-1800.

►s aTurday, June 10

BENEFIT GOLF 8 a.m. Enjoy a game of golf in a four-player captain and crew format to support the Milford Fire Department. Includes a putting contest, 50/50 raffle, cash prizes, more. Registration, $60/player. Ouleout Creek Golf Course, 13507 State Route 357, Franklin. (607) 435-1743 or visit the Milford FD Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.

php?id=100064335715537

PICKLEBALL 8 a.m. Support the work of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce and see how far you can get in the 3rd annual pickleball tournament. Neahwa Park Courts, Oneonta. BAG SALE 8:30 a.m. Find a wide variety of clothing, housewares, books, small appliances, and knick knacks to bring home and support the mission work of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 38 Walnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1385.

FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Otsego Farmers Market. SUNY Cobleskill Carriage House Café and General Store, 126 Schoharie Parkway North, Cobleskill.

ANNIVERSARY 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m. Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the ReUse Center. Get giveaways, recycling demo’s, sales, and more. Otsego ReUse Center, 23 Duane Street, Oneonta. (607) 353-7831.

VETS FOR PETS RIDE

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join the riders of American Legion Post 259 for a ride to benefit the Susquehanna SPCA and Super Heroes Humane Society. Not riding? Make a donation or participate in the 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction, enjoy food, more. Cost, $20/participant. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

PADDLE & PULL 10 a.m.

Enjoy a day pulling invasive water chestnuts and European frog bit from scenic Silver Lake. Free, registration required to receive directions to the meeting location. Silver Lake, New Berlin. (607) 547-4488.

BLOCK PARTY 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate the start of the summer season with local organizations from Hyde Hall and Glimmerglass State Park to the Otsego Boat Deputy, Otsego Outdoors, and Springfield Center Library. The Rolling Meadows clydesdales will be on hand to greet visitors, the Susquehanna SPCA will have opportunities for adoptions, and Hanzolo will be performing live from noon to 2 p.m. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098. Continues Sunday.

CNY FIBER FEST 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit with fiber artists, producers and other makers of the Central New York region. Find material for your next project, learn new techniques, buy finished items and pick up new skills at this two-day festival. Butternut Hill Campground, 6893 State Route 20, Bouckville. (315) 899-7792 or visit cnyfiberarts.org

WRITERS GROUP

1:30 p.m. Join online group to work on writing prompts, share current work and get some feedback. Presented by the Huntington Memorial Library, Oneonta. Register at hmlwriters@gmail.com

HISTORY TALK 2-3 p.m.

Learn about the life of Mrs. Charles B. (Rose) Knox of

Canajoharie, the foremost businesswoman in America in the 1920s—her origins, rise to fame and fortune, and her legacy to American women—with author Rachel Greenfield in “Rose Knox and Knox Gelatine: Her National Impact and Stories about Canajoharie.” Free, open to the public. Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. (518) 673-2314 ext. 106.

BENEFIT DINNER

4-7 p.m. Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner to support a Walton veteran who lost his home in a fire. Dinner is by donation and features 50/50 raffle with 100+ great prizes. Held at Castle on the Delaware, 139 Stockton Avenue, Walton. (917) 348-7890.

POTLUCK 6 p.m. “Come on, Summer!” Community potluck featuring music, fellowship and good food. Bring a dish to share (but if you’re all out of ideas or a terrible cook, go anyway!). All are welcome. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, Fly Creek. ►sunday, June 11

WALK WITH PRIDE

1 p.m. Join the Otsego Pride Alliance for a fun walk on the Catskill Scenic Trail. Free parking and water provided. Meet at the Railroad Depot, Railroad Avenue, Stamford. (607) 386-1508.

COMMUNITY CONCERT

3 p.m. The Oneonta Community Concert Band presents “Seize the Day,” conducted by Andrew D. Pease, which imagines making the most of a summer day by spending it on vacation at the beach. Features works such as Patrick J. Burns’ “Seize the Day,” Michael Markowski’s “SunnySide Up” followed by David Maslanka’s “Rollo Takes a Walk” (on the beach, musically speaking) and John Philip Sousa’s “Manhattan Beach.” Free, open to the public. Held at the Pavilion, Wilber Park, Oneonta. (607) 376-7485.

►Monday, June 12

SENIOR MEALS Noon.

Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompanying a senior. This time, enjoy a lunch of breaded pork chop, sweet potatoes, green beans and fruit cobbler. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 547-6454 or visit otsegocounty.com/departments/office_for_the_aging/index.php

POTTERY 6 p.m. Join 4-week class, “Fabulous Fun with Finishing Techniques,” where all are welcome to learn about and experiment with sgraffito, mishima, water etching and other surface finishes that make pottery fabulous. Cost, $150. Registration required. The Smithy Gallery & Clay Studio, 55 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8671 or visit https://www.smithyarts.org/the-clay-studio-

HOME GAME 7 p.m.

Oneonta Outlaws vs. the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs, featuring happy hour before the game, 5-6 p.m. Portion of proceeds will support the Milford Little League. Admission, $5/adult. Held at Damaschke Field, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 4326326 or visit oneontaoutlaws. com

►Visit allotsego.com/ otsego-county-events-calendar/ for the full calendar