Hometown Oneonta 06-13-24

Lady Yellowjackets Are State Champions in 4x100 Relay

By MONICA CALZOLARI

ONEONTA

Twelve track runners from Oneonta High School qualified to compete at the New York State Track and Field Championships on June 7 and 8 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. The 4x100 girls team returned home as Division II State Champs, setting a school record with their time of 49.88.

Two OHS girls teams and two boys teams competed, running four different relays. The second girls team ran the 4x400 meter race and finished 13th in Division II with a school record time of 4:07.82. The boys 4x800 meter team finished sixth in Division II with a season-best time of 8:14.02. The boys 4x400 team finished 12th in Division II, also with a season-best time, at 3:32:34.

In the past, OHS has sent only one or two individual track runners on to the state competition. In all, there are 77

row, Jackson Forbes, Eli Wilms, Noah Cotter, James Erickson, Colin Fletcher-Foster, Kenyon Ziaie, and Gabe Rissberger.

runners on the team, 42 boys and 35 girls.

Dave Slater, head coach for the boys team and the sprinters, said, “It is a big deal that 12 of Oneonta High School’s runners [went] to the state competition this year. In qualifiers, the girls 4x100 team came in first overall. The girls 4x400 and boys 4x800 came in second overall, first for Division II. The boys 4x400 came in fifth overall and first for Division II.”

Among the 12 runners are two sets of twins who snatched the 2024 State Championship: Madeleine and Claire Seguin and Selene and Thalia Wellman. These four high-school juniors ran 100 meters each, passing the baton to one another in the race on Friday, June 7.

The second Lady Yellowjackets team—Natalie Wilde, Madeleine and Claire Seguin, and Selene Wellman— ran the 4x400 meter race. That means each sprinted for 400 meters, once around the entire

Continued on page 8

Lady Patriots Honored as Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals

SPRINGFIELD CENTER

In keeping with this year’s theme of “Hometown Celebration,” the Springfield Fourth of July Committee has announced that it will honor the Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School

Lady Patriots varsity basketball team as Grand Marshals of the 2024 Fourth of July Parade in Springfield Center. Buoyed by community support, team spirit, and determination, the Lady Patriots—seniors Kailey Barnes, Erin Williams, Morgan Huff, Mia Dubben, and Daphnee West, juniors Sara Cortese and Brin Whiteman, and eighth-grader Mackenzie McGovern, with Coach Kelly Taggart and assistant coaches BJ Whiteman and Carol McGovern—became the first basketball team from Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School to win sectional playoffs and regionals, going on to play in the state championship Final Four Tournament.

With a record of 20-4, the team amassed several championships and titles over the 2023-24 season, including: HunterTannersville Tournament Champions; Schoharie

Turkey Tournament Champions; Tri-Valley League Champions; Section IV Class D Champions; and Class D Regional Champions.

The Otsego County

Board of Representatives passed a resolution on April 3 in recognition of the accomplishments of this team.

Overcoming great odds to achieve their goals, the

team credits much of their success to the fact they have played together for so long that they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and benefitting from coaches

who also know them well. Many of these girls have played basketball together since the third grade, when they were coached by BJ Whiteman.

Continued on page 8

Photo by Dave Slater

Oneonta High School track runners who qualified to compete at the New York State Track and Field Championships last week are, front row: Madeleine Seguin, Selene Wellman, Natalie Wilde, Thalia Wellman, and Claire Seguin; back

Photo povided by Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 2024

The CV-S Lady Patriots varsity basketball team will lead this year’s Springfield Fourth of July Parade. Pictured are (standing) Coach Whiteman, Daphnee West, Morgan Huff, Mia Dubben, Erin Williams, Kailey Barnes, Coach Taggart, and Coach McGovern; (kneeling) Brin Whiteman, Mackenzie McGovern, and Sara Cortese.

Early Primary Voting Begins Saturday

OTSEGO COUNTY—Early voting for the June Democratic and Republican primaries will be held at the Otsego Town Building, 811 County Highway 26 in Fly Creek, from Saturday, June 15 through Sunday, June 23. The polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all other days. Democrats in the Towns of Cherry Valley, Decatur, Maryland, Middlefield, Otsego, Roseboom, Springfield, Westford and Worcester have a primary for the 102nd State Assembly district. Republicans in the Town of Richfield have a primary for an unexpired Council Member seat. There are no other contested primaries. Sample ballots are available at vote.otsegocounty.ny.gov.

School Board Election Results Released

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Central School District residents went to the polls for school board elections on Tuesday, May 21. Voters approved the budget resolution 463-86, the bus lease proposition 473-74 and the public library proposition 464 to 80. Mary Beth Murdock, William Streck and Keith Parr were elected to the board from a field of six candidates.

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (EHS) MANAGER

Sportsfield Specialties, located in Delhi, NY, is seeking an Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager to create, support and ensure compliance with all related environmental, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives, programs, agency regulations, training, and insurance requirements to improve upon a culture of high standards.

Responsibilities/Duties

inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Identify, develop, communicate, and promote standards, processes, and best practices, providing guidance to operations leadership and plant team members, ensuring compliance with all company and regulatory/insurance policies.

• Train managers and production team members on programs in safe work practices.

• Collaborate with production team to analyze current/unique situations to identify/develop EHS improvement recommendations.

• Develop, communicate, and track EHS metrics to measure results and ensure proper allocation of resources.

• Lead and/or support environmental, health, and safety projects across the New York facilities.

• Develop and implement EHS onboarding and training materials for new hires, contractors, and visitors.

• Manage relationships with EHS-related vendors, ensuring timely and satisfactory service.

• Analyze data to identify trends to prevent injury and mitigate health and environmental risks.

• Review proposed and new regulations to ensure continuous compliance.

• Review near misses/injuries, ensuring timely corrective actions are identified and seen through to completion.

• Investigate, complete and report work related injuries to insurance carrier and maintain OSHA log.

• Lead regulatory audits and ensure timely and appropriate corrective actions are submitted.

• Manage all environmental permit requirements, ensure compliance and timely renewal.

• Perform Lockout Tagout certifications for all qualified personnel and own forklift certification process.

• Record, track, and manage safety footwear and safety eyewear program to submit to payroll.

• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to conduct training and assessments.

Town of Oneonta Shows Pride in Identity with New Signage

By MONICA CALZOLARI

ONEONTA

Have you noticed new welcome signs in the Town of Oneonta? The expression “Teamwork makes the dream work” applies here.

When Janet HurleyQuackenbush served on the Town of Oneonta Board from 2000-2013, people would often ask her where the City of Oneonta ends and the Town of Oneonta begins. People were confused.

The Town of Oneonta encircles the City of Oneonta. HurleyQuackenbush obtained a grant and had banners printed identifying the four unique neighborhoods that make up the town: the East End, the West End, the hamlet of West Oneonta, and Southside by the Southside Mall.

“It was a labor of love,”

she said. “We just wanted something to beautify the town and make people feel welcome.”

The four banners were hung earlier this month, just in time to welcome more than 250,000 annual summer visitors. Tourists come to the area to enjoy its natural beauty, visit the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, our famous baseball camps, The Glimmerglass Festival, Fenimore Art Museum, the breweries, and more.

Quackenbush said, “Town Supervisor Randy Mowers is to be congratulated on his perseverance and follow through, as well as Highway Superintendent Jim Hurtubise, whose department recently installed the signs.”

Mowers explained, “The town purchased a used bucket truck from the City of Oneonta at a good price.”

This bucket truck

has been instrumental in getting approximately 25 Hometown Heroes banners hung on Chestnut and Oneida streets. It also came in handy for hanging the welcome signs.

Mowers said, “I love Oneonta. I am a lower decker. I saw the Boy’s and Girl’s Club being built. I have been here my entire life. I grew up in the business world. My family ran a tow truck business for many years. When the phone rang, you headed out the door. I am a very handson supervisor.”

Hurley-Quackenbush is a native of Oneonta, too, and is still a resident. She was a public official for 15 years. In addition to serving on the Town Board, she served on the County Board from 2014-2015.

Today, HurleyQuackenbush and her husband are venue consultants and run a catering business called Sunrise Specialty Catering.

The job scene job scene

• Occasional long distant travel and frequent travel between Delhi and Deposit locations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requi R ed q ualifications:

s kills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Completed coursework should involve safety management, safety, and environmental regulations, etc.

• Minimum 5 years of industrial safety experience with a strong background in training.

• Experience building and leading teams is highly preferred.

• Experience leading change and multiple projects at once is preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Thorough understanding of OSHA regulations.

• Experience with DEP and EPA requirements preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Outlook and Excel)

• Professional certifications in environmental, health, and safety are highly desirable.

Salary range $105-$120k/year DOE, great benefit package includes but not limited to; health, dental, vision, 401(k), Flexible Spending, life insurance and paid time off. To apply, submit application online at www.sportsfield.com, apply in person at 41155 St. Hwy 10, fax your resume to (607) 746-3107 or mail to Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

She said, “I really credit the highway department for offering to get it done. Without the bucket truck, hanging up these welcome signs would have been difficult. The City of Oneonta and the Town of Oneonta work well together. We could have borrowed the city’s bucket truck, but scheduling is more difficult.”

Mowers explained that the town’s highway crew works four 10-hour days.

According to the 2020 Decennial Census( which occurs every 10 years), the population of the City of Oneonta is 13,079; the town’s population is 5,065.

The City of Oneonta has a mayor, a city administrator and a Common Council made up of eight elected public officials who represent the eight wards and serve a fouryear term.

The Town of Oneonta has a supervisor, Mowers, and four Town Board members: Kim Fierke, Brett Holleran, Patricia Riddell-Kent, and Skylar Thompson.

The Town Board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall in West Oneonta.

Hurley-Quackenbush said, “I hope people appreciate these banners.”

Photo by Monica Calzolari

The “Welcome to the Town of Oneonta” banner in West Oneonta is one of four new signs that identify the unique neighborhoods that make up the town: the East End, the West End, the hamlet of West Oneonta and Southside by the Southside Mall.

Veronica Klaus, Lance Horne Trio To Perform at Hyde Hall

SPRINGFIELD

Veronica Klaus, former beloved San Francisco chanteuse now living in Sharon Springs, is known for her captivating voice and dynamic stage presence. A prominent figure in the jazz and cabaret scenes for more than 35 years, Klaus will perform at Hyde Hall from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, June 28 with the Lance Horne Trio.

“We are delighted to host Veronica Klaus and the Lance Horne Trio at Hyde Hall,” said Executive Director Jonathan Maney. “This event demonstrates our commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to our community. This concert will be a highlight of our summer season, offering a night of sophistication, talent and exceptional music.”

Klaus’ powerful interpretations and soulful delivery have garnered her a dedicated following and critical acclaim, organizers said. With a repertoire that spans classic jazz standards to contemporary favorites, Klaus “consistently delivers performances with emotional depth and technical prowess.” Joining her on stage is the Lance Horne Trio, led by composer and pianist Lance Horne.

“The trio, known for their impeccable musicianship and innovative arrangements, promises to bring a fresh and exciting dimension to the evening’s performance,” according to a press release. “Horne’s compositions and arrangements, combined with the trio’s synergy, create a unique musical experience that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression.”

Tickets for the performance are now available and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Early booking is recommended, said Hyde Hall Programs Manager John Aborn, as this event is expected to sell out quickly. For more information, please visit HydeHall.org

Choral Society To Host Golf Tournament

WEST LAURENS—

The Catskill Choral Society will host a golf tournament fundraiser at Colonial Ridge Golf Club in West Laurens on Friday, June 28. It is a captainand-crew four-person format with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The tournament features skins, mulligans, pin shots, a 50/50 raffle, a putting contest and brown bag raffles, as well as cash payouts for the best team scores. Tickets are $70.00, including a food buffet at the turn. To register a team, contact Colonial Ridge at colonialridgegolf@gmail.com or (607) 263-5291. Sponsorships and donations are available by contacting golf@ catskillchoralsociety.com or (607) 435-7008.

Quilt Show Set for Strawberry Festival

WORCESTER—

The Quarter Inch Quilt Club will hold a quilt show at the Worcester Historical Society during the Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15. There will be many quilts by talented local crafters for display and purchase. The group donated more than 40 handmade quilts to local preschool programs last fall. Admission is free.

Got an e V ent comin G up?

Submit in

The Cooperstown RotaR y Foundation

thanks all of our donors and sponsors who made our 2024 Lyn Edinger Memorial Golf Tournament such a success.

Stewart’s

Gold SponSor new York, Susquehanna and Western railway Underhill Farm Corinne plummer

red SponSor The Freeman’s Journal/Allotsego

Whi

price Chopper Van Broughton ramsey

Green & reCepTion

SponSorS Bank of Cooperstown

Barnyard Swing

Bieritz Agency

Bruce Hall Home Center

Charles and Susan Newman

Community Bank, n.A.

Cooperstown Art Association/ Smithy pioneer Gallery

Cooperstown Bat Company

Cooperstown Graduate program rotary Club of Cooperstown david and Martha Vaules don olin realty Fenimore Art Museum/ The Farmers’ Museum

Fly Creek General Store

F.r. Woods pro Sports llC

G&S Construction, llC

Glimmerglass Festival

Hughson & Benson Associates

J. Gorman Fine Jewelry

Jim and Vicki Gates

Jim and Cathy Howarth John Mitchell real estate law office of Martin H. Tillapaugh

Juneteenth Celebration Planned at First Presbyterian Church

COOPERSTOWN

The public is invited to a Juneteenth celebration on the front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown (corner of Pioneer and Church streets) on Wednesday, June 19 at noon. The program will include music, poetry, personal testimony, history, and children’s activities. It will be led by the Rev. LaDana Clark of Church N The Hood and the Rev. Mike Coles of the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, with special musical performances by Amanda Sheriff (Young Artist, Glimmerglass Festival) and Katie Boardman, First Presbyterian’s music director, as well as historical commentary by local historians Tom Heitz and Will Walker. Light refreshments will be served.

“On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. This day came to be known as Juneteenth, now officially a federal holiday. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, gather as a family, reflect on the past and look to the future. Juneteenth celebrates African American resilience and achievement, while aiding in the preservation of those historical narratives that promoted racial and personal advancement since Freedom Day.” (National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution)

Cooperstown’s celebration connects this national holiday to the area’s local history of emancipation. On July 4, 1827, African Americans from Cooperstown and the surrounding region celebrated the official end of slavery in New York State with an emancipation celebration at the Presbyterian meeting house. This event is memorialized with a historical marker on the church’s front lawn.

Art Garage To Open Summer Show Friday

MIDDLEFIELD—The Art Garage will open its first summer show, “big. small. fragile. strong.,” with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 14. The exhibition features a wide variety of threedimensional works in many media by established artists Tina Betz, Kate Dodd, Megan Adams Irving and Christina Hunt Wood. The gallery is open each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or daily by appointment; call (315) 941-9607 or e-mail leartgarage@gmail.com for more information. Guests should park on the lawn rather than the town road.

6th Ward Athletic Club

All County Softball School

Ages: 9-17

Dates: July 1st - July 3rd

Held at: Oneonta HS Softball Field 130 East St., Oneonta • John “Bert” Speranzi, Director • 33 years as Assistant Softball Coach at Oneonta State • School teaches all Fundamentals of the game, where drills improve skills

Registration Deadline:

June 28

Pitching & Hitting Coaches

For info & application, call John Speranzi 607-434-8058 or email Johnsperanzi@outlook.com

To date, while also building an endowment fund, CrF, a 501 (c)3 foundation, has provided over $45,000 in allocations to organizations including the Michael Mayne Scholarship, red Bursey Playground Fund, Catherine Davis Black Scholarship, edge of Seven (school in Nepal), Cooperstown Food Bank, rotary end Polio Now Fund, Growing Community, New Life School in Masaka, Uganda, Gender Wellness Center and Village Parks.

Photo provided

Singer Veronica Klaus will take the stage at Hyde Hall on Friday, June 28.

HOMETOWN Views

Employees Not the Only Ones with Workplace Challenges

Throughout Otsego County, business owners continue to bemoan the fact that they cannot find and/or retain good employees. In fact, they often can’t find employees, period. We have come across “closed” signs on doors more than once these past few weeks—during regular business hours—indicating the business had been forced to shut down temporarily due to “staffing shortages,” “lack of staff” or “not enough staff.”

A quick search online for “top workplace challenges for employers” is very telling. Almost all of the search results focused on challenges from the perspective of the employee; almost none discussed challenges as faced by the employer. And, if they did, those challenges invariably focused on meeting the employer’s legal responsibilities. Things like overtime rules, paid family and medical leave, and the like.

Search results for workplace challenges and solutions were almost entirely written to prevent employees from feeling overwhelmed, overworked and/or underappreciated, to manage work-life balance and, in one instance, to help them cope with “hidden stressors such as having to be ‘on’ all day.”

Now, let us be clear. Iron String Press wants its employees to have a manageable workload, plenty of time off and to feel appreciated (which they absolutely are!). We believe most business owners in Otsego County wish that for their employees as well. But we are also realistic, knowing there are businesses that do fall short of the mark.

Keeping those “closed due to lack of staff” signs in mind, though, let’s examine a dozen workplace challenges and solutions from the “Small Business Management” blog. Which, if you are questioning its validity, echoes the language from just about every other search result on the subject. Better understanding of the employer’s perspective of these challenges might help employees avoid situations for which they aren’t suited, for a better employment experience overall.

1. Insufficient training. We agree that poor employee training, or lack of training, leads to a number of workplace issues. The SBM blog puts that on the employer, and says the result is “employees aren’t able to do their job as well as they would like.” Agreed. However, what about the employee who is trained thoroughly, but never takes notes, doesn’t pay attention, doesn’t read the SOPs, doesn’t follow directions, can’t perform the job and doesn’t seem to care? Whose fault is that? It may not be the job for them.

2. Schedule inflexibility. The SBM blog reads, “People lead complicated lives that don’t always fit with the Monday to Friday, 9-5 work schedule. While some businesses need their employees to work a fixed schedule, there are many that don’t.” We believe in flexibility in work hours to benefit employees, but the key phrase here is, “some businesses need their employees to work a fixed schedule.” Job searchers who rely upon a flexible schedule should make that clear to their prospective employer before going any further, to avoid complications down the road. If they

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

take a job that they know requires them to work weekends and/or evenings and then change their mind two weeks after accepting that job, again, whose fault is that? This is probably not the job for them.

3. Poor work-life balance. We agree that time off and rest and relaxation are essential to peak performance and, even more important, to employee wellbeing. Work-life balance becomes especially difficult for employees working in excess of 40 hours each week. It could be argued, though, that those of us with a 40-hour work week have no leg to stand on here. There are also jobs for which communication after hours is essential and cannot be avoided, making it impossible to leave the office at the door. If this is not the job for you, quiet quitting is not the answer. Quitting is.

4. Lack of motivation. Yes, business owners and managers should absolutely seek ways to motivate staff in any way possible. Pay increases, time off, goals, bonuses, team building exercises—all good. Each business will have different capabilities in their methods for motivation and should do all they can. In today’s economy, though, those capabilities are dwindling rather than increasing. What to do if, as an employee, you still find yourself unmotivated or if you simply don’t enjoy the work? Seek employment elsewhere; this is not the job for you.

5. Lack of communication. As a news media outlet, we know that communication is key. We agree with the SBM blog that “poor communication will hurt productivity and lead to more errors.” Employers and management should—must—maintain open lines of communication with their staff. This is not, however, an invitation for employees to go out of their way to snipe at each other, go over the supervisor’s head because they looked at them the wrong way, or to spend time in the breakroom gossiping about their co-workers or complaining about the boss. If you find yourself doing this often, this is not the job for you.

6. Trust issues. “If employees feel like their employers can’t be trusted, or that they’re not trusted to do their job, then it’s a recipe for unhappiness.” Right back atcha. If you lack trust in your employer, or can’t be trusted, this is not the job for you.

7. Little recognition. “When someone does great work, it’s an excellent opportunity to boost morale and build trust...” No disagreement there. When employees are doing a good job, their efforts should be appreciated and recognized. Employees should not expect recognition, however, if they are not doing their job. And if you expect or need props 24/7, most jobs are—you guessed it—probably not for you.

8. Staff conflict/bullying. The SBM blog gets it right: “By promoting teamwork, encouraging feedback, addressing negative attitudes, and asking about the biggest challenges at work, you can create a more harmonious environment.” Bullying is inexcusable and we have zero tolerance for it. We do all need to remember to give each other a little grace, though, if our voices get a little loud, or we forget to say “hello” in the morning, or we don’t have time for small talk

“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.

and want to get right to business. It’s tricky spending more waking time with coworkers than with family and friends, and there will be some negotiating around difficult turns from time to time. The unmitigable truth is, not everyone gets along; not everyone likes each other. If you really dislike working with someone, or for someone, and it is making you miserable, that may not be the job for you.

9. No potential growth. “As much as your employees might enjoy their jobs, they also want to progress their careers and take on new challenges in the workplace.” Well, some do and some don’t. A frank discussion during the interview process should make it clear what advancement opportunities do or do not exist within the company. If the potential employee is not interested in taking on additional responsibilities, they should make that clear, as well. Honestly, the job hunter is best positioned in this instance to know whether this job is for them, or not.

10. Lack of technology. Yes, “it can be endlessly frustrating when you don’t have the right tools to do your job.” No doubt. Iron String Press, like many small businesses, struggles to keep up with everchanging technology. But keep in mind that it can be equally frustrating for the employer who does supply all the necessary tools and training but whose employees fail to implement them correctly. If this is a recurring theme at your place of work, this may not be the job for you.

11. Overwhelming workload. The workload should be evenly distributed among employees. Absolutely. Redistribution of tasks to create a more balanced workload is only fair. What isn’t fair, though, is shifting work to other employees not because someone is overwhelmed but because someone isn’t doing their job. If you are on the giving rather than the receiving end, this is not the job for you.

12. Boring and unfulfilling work. We want everyone to enjoy their work but, even under the best of circumstances, not everyone does. And let’s face it: Some jobs are, as they say, “dirty, but someone has to do it.” As the SBM blog suggests, we fully endorse opportunities for growth and learning, and believe in promoting a positive work culture. However, the truth is that a job is, well, work. Most times, an employee can tell at the outset what they are getting themselves into, but all too often, is forced to accept a job out of necessity rather than interest or desire. We’ve all been there. And those of us who have been around for a while know that, if those feelings persist, it is probably not the job for you.

It’s a simple fact that most of us have to work for a living, whether we like it or not. We have good days “at the office” and bad, both as employers and employees, and we all face a range of challenges. As Otsego County employers struggle to meet their bottom line in spite of staffing shortages, employee retention, rising costs, a disengaged workforce and the stress of juggling it all, instead of asking “What can you do for me?” perhaps employees should be asking, “What have I done for you?”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn Dictatorship or Democracy?

behind bars. It’s disgraceful, unprecedented, and bad for democracy,” the congressman wrote.

And to reporters on Friday, he said: “This is not a great moment for this country. And it’s not a healthy rendering for democracy.”

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2024 16th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.

Publisher / Advertising Manager

Tara Barnwell

General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs

Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Office Manager: Larissa Ryan

Interns: Emily Hilbert and Arya Patel

Columnists and Contributing Writers Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Ian Kenyon, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

Web Architect

Xander Moffat Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson

Editorial Board

Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs

MEMBER OF:

National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association

The Otsego County Chamber

Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326

Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

Congressman Molinaro, and the other Republican congressmen and women across New York State, are attacking our own American justice system—and alleging it’s rigged. It would be unbelievable, except they are just marching to the drumbeat of their “dictator-to-be” leader.

Our justice system of open trials by 12 citizen jurors and full evidentiary disclosure was created by our forefathers to bring the rule of law to this new nation, not “verdict how you want it” justice.

Yet, Republicans are acting as they did after the 2020 election. When the jury verdict of 12 ordinary citizens—citizens approved by Trump’s attorneys—is contrary to what Republicans want, they claim the trial was rigged.

And Marc Molinaro is marching in lockstep.

Molinaro, who represents the Binghamton, Cortland, and Ithaca areas, called the Trump verdict a “perversion of our justice system” in a statement on social media.

“The leading contender for the presidency doesn’t belong

Congressman: What’s bad for Democracy is you undermining our nearly 250-yearold justice system, which was designed to hold people accountable for their crimes, to show that there is a price to pay for crime. Do you not want that? Are you telling New Yorkers not to bother prosecuting criminals? Or do you secretly want to have a dictator make decisions on guilt or innocence? That’s what we call fascism.

By the way, do you see President Biden and Democratic members of Congress yelling and bashing the court that is right now hearing the case of Hunter Biden, the president’s son? No, they are not following the anti-American example that Republican leaders set with the Trumptrial. That’s called respect for the law, for the American judicial system. That’s what patriotism is.

That’s what democracy is. You have a choice in November: Democracy or dictatorship. I choose democracy.

Sherwood Guernsey Williamstown MA

Flags Deserve Our Respect

In observance of Flag Day on June 14, I suggest a review of some of the courtesy rules concerning display of the flag. Although there is no legal stipulation, why not some courtesy and respect?

“The flag should only be displayed during the day, unless illuminated at night.”

Does anyone take in their flag except the Village of Cooperstown?

“The flag should not be displayed in inclement weather.”

I see wet, worn flags wrapped around flag poles at homes and business locations.

“The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose, nor embroidered on cushions or handkerchiefs, printed on paper napkins or boxes, nor used as any portion of a costume.”

Continued on page 11

Compiled by Tom

HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

135 YEARs AGo

That the people of oneonta are thoroughly aroused over the street paving question, was shown by the large turnout of citizens at the meeting last evening of village trustees. A petition generally signed by property owners along Main street was presented to the board, asking that the street be macadamized. The key to the situation appears to be with the street car company. If it will consent to pave between the tracks with asphalt, it is thought certain that asphalt will be laid; if not, the paving of Main street may have to be postponed for the present. The position of the street car company it is but fair to add, is that as at present it is making no money and is in debt, it is not in a position to incur the heavy expenditure that would follow the laying of asphalt. on motion of Mr. Price it was resolved that a committee of two be appointed by the chair to meet and confer with the street railway company on the matter.

June 1889

110 YEARs AGo

one of the pressing needs of this city, which is quite generally recognized among business and professional men generally and often discussed when they meet, is a live and active Chamber of Commerce embracing all those earnestly desiring to promote the communal welfare of the city. such organization should have a salaried secretary and collect annual dues of an amount that would place a considerable sum in the treasury each year for promotion purposes. It is a disgrace that every time some funds are needed for a public purpose that the paper goes round and liberally inclined subscribe while many others equally interested are missed. oneonta should have such an organization and the time for action should no longer be deferred. It needs a live and active commercial body of all the business and professional men, real estate and property owners, embracing at least 200 members with annual dues of at least $20. It is firmly believed that every business firm could make no more profitable investment than $20 a year.

June 1914

40 YEARs AGo

The U.s. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to require every U.s. employer of four or more workers to make certain that his employees have a legal right to be in the United states. The House also voted to exempt employers of three or fewer workers from all provisions of the immigration control bill. That would mean for example that households that hire illegal aliens as maids, child care workers or laborers would not be subject to civil or criminal penalties. But, labor contractors who bring migrant workers into the country would still be covered, even if they hire three or fewer. The proposal to exempt small employers was offered by Rep. sam Hall, (D-Texas) and carried by voice vote. Hall said that subjecting small employers to the bill’s provisions would represent “a threat to mom and pop operations, the shop owners and employers of Main street, U.s.A.” The proposal to require employers of four or more workers to attest, under penalty of law, that their employees are eligible to work in this country was adopted by a 321-97 vote.

June 1984

20 YEARs AGo

With about 7,000 dairy farms producing more than 12.2 billion pounds of milk annually, New York is the nation’s third largest dairy state. The average dairy farm in the state is family-owned and has 95 cows producing an average of 18,019 pounds of milk annually. In Delaware County this weekend the Meredith Dairy Fest will run for two days to celebrate “everything dairy.” About 25,000 people attended last year’s event. There is no entry fee. Farm animals of every type, large and small, will be on display. There will be milking demonstrations, wool-spinning, and horseshoeing as well.

Solution: “Tulle-Time with Tim Tailor” (June 6)

June 2004

LGBTQIA+ Tobacco Use Disproportionate

Otsego Pride Alliance’s Pridefest on oneonta’s Main street, June 1, celebrated LGBTQIA+ communities to the fullest, with vibrant and sparkling colors, costumes, music, and people. The weather joined in the atmosphere, with plenty of sunshine, a light breeze and no rain in sight. At 4:20 p.m., the revelry paused for about half an hour so that otsego Pride Alliance founder and Vice President Kirsten Eggers and Diane Foster could exchange wedding vows, a first in the 10 years of celebrating pride in otsego County. It does not get much more celebratory than that.

We at Tobacco Free Communities: Delaware, otsego & schoharie were proud to be part of otsego County’s Pridefest, where we shared our free educational resources and gave away our objectively-speaking pretty pens and Reality Check wrist bands. But observing and celebrating Pride is for all of June, not just one day. We feel it is vital to keep informing LGBTQIA+ members about their disproportionately high rates of commercial tobacco use and health disparities compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts—as well as the growing number of excellent health and cessation resources and organizations to reduce them.

As with Black Americans, the tobacco industry has aggressively marketed its products, especially menthol cigarettes, to the LGBTQIA+ community, resulting in the disproportionate rates of tobacco use. Tobacco companies largely ignored the LGBTQIA+ community until around the mid-1980s, when they began to realize they could be a lucrative niche market. The AIDs activist

By MERL REAGLE

group ACT-UP called for a high-profile boycott of Marlboro cigarettes in 1990, a favorite brand among gay men, because the tobacco industry continued to fund anti-gay politicians such as senator Jesse Helms. Although Phillip Morris did

Near-Miss Film Classics…

ACROSS

1 Did great, golf-wise

8 Street sheets 12 Years, in Yucatan 16 Leaves that end up in bags

19 Out, in a way

20 Take ___ (snooze) 21 Stud poker item

23 Near-miss Judy Holliday classic?

25 Kingdom of critters 26 Tiptoe

27 Near-miss TracyHepburn classic? 29 Starlike

Immobile

Chills 37 “The Great Commoner”

38 Island with a cross

Baghdad’s land, in Spanish

Near-miss 1930s pirate classic? 49 Will Smith film

Patented vitamin

Ruckus

52 Like some glass

Abbreviation of a premium station

Hermosillo home

Southern dish

Ninesome 62 Near-miss Joanne Woodward classic? 65 Ballet move

Liner area 69 Even a smidgen 70 Friendly intro?

71 Near-miss classic based on an O’Neill play? 79 Etude key

Instrument offered at Christie’s, briefly

Orwell attended it

Query start

Looking for Mr. Goodbar

Word after “high,” often

Winning number

Near-miss Robert Donat classic?

Organized set: abbr.

AROUND THE TOWNS

The One That Didn’t Get Away

OTSEGO LAKE—SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station summer research interns Joshua Hardesty and Ellie Dubois (pictured above) made a big catch on Otsego Lake recently—a 26-½ inch walleye. The walleye were reintroduced to Otsego Lake in 2000 as part of a collaborative effort between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, SUNY Oneonta, and local conservation organizations in an effort to eliminate the invasive alewife and re-establish a popular sport fishery. According to SUNY Oneonta officials, this walleye catch is significant not only because of its size (about as large as they grow), but because of the history it represents. The stocking of walleye in Otsego Lake was originally part of a SUNY Oneonta Master of Science biology thesis by Mark Cornwell, now associate professor at SUNY Cobleskill. Following eradication of the alewife, the walleye stocking initiative ceased, but—in collaboration with faculty and students at SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Oneonta—the BFS continues to study the nowwild population that spawns in tributaries to Otsego Lake. This initiative included tagging fish with radio frequency identification chips and examining them when caught, to determine whether they are wild or stocked. Lack of tags or identifying features such as clipped fins indicate that this fish was wild-born, descended from the same walleye stocked as many as 20 years ago, officials said.

Doing Just Ducky

ONEONTA Duck Derby is a free, family fun event that took place on Saturday, June 8 in Neahwa Park. A DJ entertained the crowd and yellow balloons were passed out. Among the stations of hands-on activities for kids, the sandbox filled with bird seed and miniature toys was a favorite. Pictured here is Lucas Henderson, of Massachusetts, as grandfather Roberto Calzolari looks on at right.

A Super Saturday for Animals in Need

ONEONTA—Super Heroes Humane Society celebrated the grand opening of its new facility at 160 Pony Farm Road on Saturday, May 11. “It’s been a whirlwind,” reported SHHS Board President Kristin Kulow, “straight from the grand opening to a plant, pottery, jewelry sale, to being inundated with kittens and lots of other projects.” Kulow said the opening event was very nice, with a steady stream of community super heroes coming through the doors, adding that adoption numbers have increased. “We certainly think the accessibility of the animals in our new location helps with that. We are just halfway through with this shelter project, so we will continue to work hard at raising the funds to complete it and give the animals the best care and accommodations we can during their brief stay with us on their journey to finding their new families,” Kulow said. Super Heroes Humane Society is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

AllStar Arcade Opens on Main Street

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh attended a ribbon-cutting celebration for AllStar Arcade, a new family-owned recreation establishment on Main Street, on Thursday, May 23. “We would just like to say a huge thank you to the community for welcoming us and supporting us,” said co-owner Joe De Sanno. AllStar Arcade is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for folks to rediscover the thrill of classical arcade games or enjoy quality family time. “My husband has collected gaming machines for about 10 years now. We decided it would be fun to open an arcade in Cooperstown,” co-owner Katy De Sanno said. “We have 15 arcade games, two Skee-Balls, an air hockey game—25-30 games in total. Something for just about everybody.” Pictured above, from left, are: Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

Board member Andrew Marietta, Joey De Sanno, James De Sanno, Katy De Sanno, Joe De Sanno, Jesse De Sanno, Laura and Doug Lefko, and Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh.

ONC BOCES Deputy Superintendent Honored

GRAND GORGE—Dr. Jennifer Avery, deputy superintendent of the Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES, has received the “Philip B. Fredenburg Memorial Award for Outstanding Service” from the Association of School Business Officials New York. The award is given “to an individual school business official whose service and contributions had a positive impact on the ASBO NY, its members, and the entire profession,” officials said.

Dr. Avery, who is completing her nineteenth year as an administrator for ONC BOCES, served as a board member and is past vice president of ASBO NY, and is active on several committees. In addition, she has served on the board and was president of ASBO International. She is also a member of the boards of directors for both the New York Liquid Asset Fund and the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal, and has served as president of each of those organizations.

“In Jenna, I found a true partner in the leadership of our BOCES and of our region of 19 component districts,” said ONC BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Catherine Huber in support of Dr. Avery’s nomination. “Jenna is knowledgeable about all aspects of BOCES as well as the work of component districts. She readily shares her expertise with our component superintendents and business officials.

“Jenna is well regarded as a trusted colleague, expert in school operations, and thoughtful counsel and guide,” Huber said.

ASBO NY colleagues James Fregelette (Erie 1 BOCES), Victor Manuel (Jericho Union Free School District), Kathleen Manuel (Port Washington Union Free School District), Michael Sheperd (CiTi BOCES), and Herbert Chessler (retired), who served with Dr. Avery on the Board of Directors and/or on committees, had this to say:

“With over 25 years of experience as a school business official, Jenna’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the education sector are truly unparalleled...She embodies values such as integrity, customer service, loyalty, and innovation in her daily practice, inspiring others to uphold these principles. Jenna’s willingness to share her expertise and provide invaluable advice demonstrates her deep commitment to the growth and success of her colleagues and the profession as a whole.”

The Fredenburg Award was presented at the annual ASBO New York Education Summit in Saratoga Springs during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 4.

Photo courtesy Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Dr. Charles Cotton

Photo provided

Photo provided

Joining Dr. Jennifer Avery are: ONC BOCES leaders Nathan Jones, assistant superintendent of student services; Lynn Chase, director of management services; Avery; Antoinette Hull, Board of Education president; and Dr. Catherine Huber, district superintendent.

Photo by Monica Calzolari

Continued from page 5

not stop funding Helms, it did begin funding AIDS organizations and having cigarette ads published in LGB magazines. In the mid-1990s, the tobacco industry developed Project Sub-Cultural Urban Marketing, its plan to sell Camel cigarettes to gay men in San Francisco. Sub-cultures were defined as “alternative lifestyles,” “rebellious Gen Xers,” and “street people.”

By the early 2000s, tobacco companies were sponsoring and advertising their products at Pride events and queer bars, with slogans such as “take pride in your flavor” over rainbow-

John Owen Jr. 1960-2024

RALEIGH, NC—John Owen Jr., 64, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 surrounded by family. John was born on January 4, 1960 in Rockville Centre, New York. John spent his childhood on Long Island and in Cooperstown, New York with his siblings and parents.

He graduated from Syracuse University in May 1982 to begin his nearly 40-year career in the cable industry. John cherished his work and made many lifelong friends through his professional pursuits.

John was well humored and shined brightest among family and friends. His most important role in life was being husband to Patty, father to Megan, and grandfather to Adam. John was generous and kind, loyal and trustworthy. He will be deeply missed by all.

John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patty; daughter Megan; sonin-law Daniel; grandson Adam; and siblings including Mary Kay Owen (Downingtown, Pennsylvania), Christopher Owen (Bronxville, New York), Timothy (Kathleen) Owen (Charlotte, North Carolina), and Michael Owen (Bronx, New York).

John is preceded in death by his parents, John Hewitt Owen and Eileen Charles Owen, and brother Brendan Owen.

A Funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church in Raleigh on Wednesday May 15. Those inclined may make a donation in memory of John Owen to Duke Cancer Institute.

designed cigarette packs. By the 2010s, images of drag queens and transpeople were appearing in ads, and the tobacco industry was supporting civil rights cases and pro-LGBT congressional legislation.

With advancements in LGBTQIA+ rights (as well as setbacks), efforts have been made to gather data on LGBTQIA+ health, which spotlight the concerning high disparities in tobacco use among members versus heterosexual/cisgender persons. The National LGBT Cancer Network reports the following recent data on commercial tobacco use:

• In 2021, 27.4% of LGBT adults vs. 18.4% HC adults

• In 2022, 21.5% of queer

Marian Lucelia Sprague Pylinski 1933-2024 EDMESTON—

Marian Lucelia Sprague Pylinski, 90, passed away on April 25, 2024 at Brookview Assisted Living at The Woodland Neighborhood Community in Farmville, Virginia. She was born August 5, 1933 in Woods Corners, New York, the daughter of Mildred Lucelia Chase Sprague and Laurence Reginald Sprague. She attended her early years of elementary school in Woods Corners, New York until her parents moved the family to New Berlin. She graduated from New Berlin Central School in 1951 and that same summer married Albert (Bud) Pylinski on August 11, 1951. During her working career, she was employed by several local businesses in the communities where she and her husband resided. She spent a number of years employed as a teacher’s assistant at the Edmeston Central School and in 1998 she retired from NYCM Insurance, Edmeston, New York after 19 years of service.

Throughout her life, wherever Marian lived and worked, she made many friends. She had a kind attitude and was always willing to help others out during their time of need. She loved to knit, crochet, embroider, and was a very talented craftsperson. Not only did she sew quilts, but she would crochet and knit them for family members and friends.

After her retirement, she and her husband relocated to Cumberland, Virginia, where they built their retirement home which she sold in 2021. She then moved to The Woodland Retirement Neighborhood, where she resided until her death.

She was predeceased by her husband, Albert (Bud) Pylinski, in 2003, her mother, Mildred Lucelia Chase Sprague, in 2002, and her father, Laurence Reginald Sprague, in 1985. She

high schoolers vs. 14.1% HC high schoolers

• 7.6% of queer middle schoolers vs. 3.6% HC middle schoolers

• 16.6% of transgender high schoolers vs. 10.2% HC high schoolers

• 9.1 transgender middle schoolers vs. 3.8% HC middle schoolers

Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control show LGB adults have more risk factors for cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease than their heterosexual/straight counterparts and 45,000 LGBTQ+ people die from cancer each year.

Cigarette smoking can cause cancer, especially lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, and affects every

organ in the body. The CDC also reports, “People living with HIV, including those who have access to freely available and well-organized HIV treatment, now lose more years of life from smoking than from HIV.”

The good news is, more organizations, such as the LGBT Cancer Network, are offering excellent, accessible, and affordable health and cessation resources specifically for local LGBTQIA+ members: The New York State Smokers’ Quitline at nysmokefree.com, including nysmokefree.com/Menthol/ LGBTQIA2S+communities and DroptheVape texting program (text: DropTheVape to 88709); and cessation resources from Bassett

OBITUARIES

was also predeceased by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and other family members.

She is survived by five children: DonnaMarie (David) Foster, Albert Pylinski Jr. (partner Frank Ferrante Jr.), Thaddeus (Darlene) Pylinski, BetsyAnn Maier, Laurence (Terri) Pylinski, and daughterin-law Danica Camille Adams Pylinski; eight grandchildren: Brenton Thomas Pylinski, Sarah Adams Pylinski (Michael Schepisi), Kelly John Pylinski, Renee Francesca McCurry, Rachel Marian (Soheil) Khavandi, Jake Douglas (Jill) Maier, and Brandon Michael (Jennifer) Pylinski: and seven great-grandchildren: Alyssa Grace Pylinski, Lucas John Pylinski, Madelyn Grace Maier, Jameson Jake Maier, Margaret Virginia McCurry, Jack Thaddeus McCurry, and Nova Khavandi. She is also survived by four sisters: Joyce Sprague Spencer, Winifred Sprague Ball Barnett, Janet Sprague Davis, and Deborah Sprague Hine; and by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be no calling hours; however, a memorial service will be held on June 29, 2024, 11 a.m. at Payne Memorial

Church, 50 Stoney Point Road, Cumberland, Virginia with a luncheon to follow. She will be interred in Union Cemetery in Edmeston, New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Edmeston Community Foundation, PO Box 6, Edmeston NY 13335 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 3, Edmeston NY 13335.

Celeste Brown

Thomas 1958-2020

ONEONTA—Celeste Brown Thomas, retired “New York Times” staff editor and Oneonta, New York native, passed away June 20, 2020 in Rochester, New York of complications from uterine serous cancer. She was 61.

She had been treated for the disease, a rare and aggressive cancer, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and Rochester since May 2017. She died surrounded by family, having been under hospice care at home for several weeks.

She was born November 25, 1958 in Sayre, Pennsylvania, the eldest of two children of Foster Lloyd Brown, a statistics professor, and Barbara Feather Brown, a music teacher. After attending Bugbee School and Oneonta High School, she graduated with a bachelor’s in English from SUNY New Paltz and later a master’s in English from New York University.

She was a devoted mom, loving sibling and kind person. Optimistic and resilient by nature, she loved ballroom dancing, travel, theater, interior design, history,

Healthcare Network—contact

Mindy Robinson, research coordinator and liaison at (607) 547-6707.

Other great resources: The National LGBT Cancer Network, https://cancernetwork.org/outlast-tobacco/; Truth Initiative, especially for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults, at truthinitiative. org; and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc. gov/tobacco-health-equity.

Jennifer Hill is community engagement coordinator for Tobacco-Free Communities: Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie.

nature, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed “CBS Sunday Morning”, NPR’s “Writer’s Almanac,” and outdoor cafes. Travels with her family included a ninemonth sabbatical trip through Europe during her childhood, a threemonth journey through the western United States during America’s bicentennial celebration year, numerous Caribbean cruises, and visits to Colonial Williamsburg.

She moved to Manhattan in 1984 and enjoyed an urban lifestyle for the next 20-some years. She was a founding editor of “Premiere Magazine” and also “7 Days Magazine,” which won a national magazine award.

In her spare time, she competed in national ballroom dance competitions. She met her future husband, Anthony Thomas, a Fred-Astaire Dance Studio manager, in 1995. The two continued to compete together, married in 1996, and welcomed their son Charles “Chase” in 1997.

She was hired by the “New York Times” in 1990. Before that, she had been a reporter at the “Sun-Journal” in New

Bern, North Carolina, where she broke an investigative story about hospital fraud that earned the paper a national Associated Press Managing Editor’s Service award. She also worked for the “Jacksonville Journal” in Florida, where she received several state AP awards. She was then editor of the sister papers “The Huguenot Herald” and “The Highland Herald” of New Paltz, New York, where the paper also received multiple AP Awards. Survivors include her son, Charles “Chase”; her brother, Wendell (Craig); her uncle, David (Jean); cousins Laurie, Ahmad, Brent (Rosie), Tanya (Stuart), Keevin, Rolanda, and Jeananne (Bob); step-siblings Manny, Ginny, Paula, and Rebecca; and stepmother Rita. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aunt Marie, Uncle Dennie (Marion), and Aunt Beth.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta; www.lhpfuneralhome.com. There will be an opportunity for family and friends to share a remembrance.

A private interment will be at the Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta. Donations may be made in her name to the Committee to Protect Journalists, https://cpj. org/donate. Remembrances may be expressed at https://www.memories. net/page/6614/celestebrown-thomas#!/.

Photo provided john owen jr.

Photo provided mA r IA n PYLI n SKI

Photo provided C e L e ST e B rown T hom AS

Ecstatic Dance Returns To Oneonta Saturday

ONEONTA—Just More Theatre Inc. will present “Ecstatic Dance Oneonta” on Saturday, June 15 from 5-8 p.m. The event will take place at Yoga People Oneonta, 50 Dietz Street, and will be hosted by DJ Isha. The alcohol-free event will include active meditation, free form movement, live drumming and sound healing. All ages are welcome and kids age 12 and under may dance for free. Early bird tickets will be $15.00 for students and $20.00 for adults. Tickets sold at the door will be $20.00 for students and $30.00 for adults. Part of the profits will be donated to American Wild Horse Foundation.

Outdoor Games To Be Held This Weekend

CHERRY VALLEY—The Cherry Valley Outdoor Games will be held in the Village Park, 2 Genesee Street, Friday through Sunday, June 14-16. There will be lumberjack competitions, live music, a car show, cornhole tournaments, exhibit displays, children’s activities and a wide variety of vendors. Admission is free. Events run from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

FoVL Collecting Books for Annual Sale

COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown will hold a final collection day for the annual Summer Book Sale from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 15. Books, CDs and DVDs in good condition may be donated at the Fair Street entrance to Village Hall, 22 Main Street. The sale will run from Saturday, June 22 through Sunday, June 30. All proceeds benefit the Village Library.

Zaengle To Speak at Historical Society Meet

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will host Emily Zaengle for a presentation on the “Vanishing Landscape” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26. There will be light refreshments at 7:30 p.m., followed by the monthly meeting. The event will take place at the Fly Creek Grange, 208 Cemetery Road.

Live Music Planned at Horned Dorset Inn

LEONARDSVILLE—The Horned Dorset Inn, 2000 State Route 8 in Leonardsville, will begin its 2024 live music dining season on Thursday, June 13. The Mollin-Clay Jazz Duo will perform from 6-9 p.m. and will return on alternating Thursdays throughout the summer and fall. The Musicians of Ma’alwyck will present a Father’s Day concert on Sunday, June 16. Each dinner begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 4 p.m., followed by a prix fixe dinner at 6 p.m. The cost is $95.00 per person, with proceeds to benefit the Horned Dorset Colony artist residency program. Reservations are required; visit www.horneddorsetinn.com or call (315) 855-7898.

FAM To Present Workshops for Women

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum will host four Haudenosauneebased art and mindfulness workshops for women at the museum’s lakeside Mohawk Bark House on Saturday afternoons this summer. Each one is presented in partnership with an indigenous interpreter and includes a gathering, teatime, story-sharing and communal participation in processes typically reserved for women in colonial America. Each event runs from 2-5 p.m. and requires advance registration at FenimoreArt.org. No experience is necessary.

The June 22 workshop will focus on embroidery with glass seed beads and porcupine quills. Raw clay and handbuilding techniques will be taught on July 20. The August 17 event will demonstrate corn, sweet grass and dogbane weaving. Finally, the September 28 workshop will feature weaving and sculpting with cattails.

Bradley, Jensen Finish Strong at States

CICERO—Cooperstown juniors Annelise Jensen and Cooper Bradley finished the track and field season at the state championships at Cicero-North Syracuse on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. Jensen finished 12th in the 800m event with a time of 2:21.76, her second appearance in the state 800m competition. Bradley topped out at six feet, two inches in the high jump, finishing sixth.

Pride

Block Party Planning Well Underway

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown businesses and community members have partnered with Otsego Pride Alliance to present the village’s inaugural Pride Block Party in Pioneer Park on Sunday, June 30. The party, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a wide variety of family-friendly activities. There will be children’s crafts, free face painting and a special appearance by the Hill City Ice Queens, Oneonta’s premier princess party performing companies. Live music will include a set by DJ Raphael and other local artists. In addition, collaborations are being planned with NY Goat Yoga, Susquehanna SPCA, Stagecoach Coffee, The Local Bird, Lamb Realty, Rudy’s Liquor, Glimmerglass Festival, Friends of the Village Library, Landmark Inn and other local businesses and organizations. The party is free and open to all ages.

Ag, Farmland Protection Board to Meet

MIDDLEFIELD—The Otsego County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board will hold a public meeting at The Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. The board will review a solar farm development proposal by East Springfield Solar, LLC.

Market Set

Champs

Continued from page 1

track, then passing the baton to the next teammate for three more turns around the course.

Several OHS runners sprint the shorter distance and also run the longer distance.

Both the girls and boys track teams practice five days a week after school, from 3-4:30 p.m. Some also attend summer camps.

“The two sets of twins practiced together all summer,” said Liz Blasco, mother of the Seguin twins.

Success Factors

The Wellman sisters attribute some of their success to coming from an athletic family.

Selene Wellman said, “My whole family plays sports. My brother ran track and my dad is an athlete, too.”

Selene, who has been running track since the eighth grade, explained why she likes sports.

“I like the adrenaline rush,” she said.

This is Tahlia Wellman’s first year running track.

Madeleine Seguin said, “Neither of my parents are athletes, but my mom was the fastest girl in her school.”

Selene Wellman competes in both the 4x100 and the 4x400 girls teams.

She explained, “We were expected to qualify in the 4x100 category, but beating Unadilla Valley and Sidney in the 4x400 meet [at qualifiers] was a surprise. They beat us all year.”

Several of the girls attributed their success to working hard at practice all season and to having confidence.

Natalie Wilde, a member of the 4x400 team, said, “We wanted to win more than Unadilla or Sidney. We wanted the validation that we got by going to the state competition.”

All five girls who qualified for the state competition agreed that staying hydrated is important.

Tahlia Wellman said, “I drink a Celsius [energy drink] before every race.”

Asked if they follow a strict diet, the girls said no. Wilde likes to eat Fruit Loops before she runs. Selene Wellman admitted, “I eat blue Sour Patch kids.”

Madeleine Seguin said, “I tell myself before every race, ‘I’ve got this.’”

Boys Happy, Too

James Erickson, a member of the boys 4x400 meter team, said, “I am really excited that we qualified to compete in the state championship. We competed against Lansing High School, Groton High School and Chenango Forks High School at Union-Endicott High School [in qualifiers] and we beat all three teams.”

Eli Wilms, another member of the 4x400 team, said, “It is a big accomplishment to qualify to compete at the state level. You can qualify as an individual or as a team. We qualified as a team.”

For some of the boys, track is a family affair.

Noah Cotter, who also runs the 4x400, is the son of Assistant Coach Cotter.

Coach Cotter shared his thoughts on 12 members of the track team qualifying, saying, “It’s a wonderful accomplishment that shows how much they work, their dedication, and how working on their craft over multiple seasons has paid off. All but two did indoor track and cross-country.”

Jackson Forbes, on both the 4x400 and 4x800 meter teams, is a third-generation track runner.

He said, “My grandfather would do marathons and my dad was a sprinter.”

Jackson’s grandfather, Dave Forbes, has coached track for 45 years and is retiring from OHS this season. The team honored him with a celebration that included cake and pizza on June 5.

Jackson’s father, Dan Forbes, is one of two OHS track team head coaches, along with Dave Slater. Dave Forbes, Brady Cotto and Cathy Lynch are assistant coaches.

Good Chemistry

Kenyon Ziaie is a member of the 4x800 boys team. He attributes their success to several other factors.

Ziaie said, “We have a lot of juniors on the team. We’ve all been friends since the seventh grade. We work really well together and have good chemistry. We also work really hard. It is not just one person doing well.

It’s the whole team.”

Ziaie shared one more reason for his dedication to the sport.

“I am Muslim and we get up at 4:30 every morning to pray,” he said. “This helps me stay disciplined.”

Ziaie wears a medal around his neck of Mohammed, as a testament to his faith.

Eli Wilms said, “You always want to push yourself and beat your previous time.”

He attributes his success to two factors: “The coaches pushing you, and showing up every day and pushing yourself.”

Parade

Continued from page 1

Coach Taggart said, “Having the seniors as modified players showed me what they were capable of.”

The players agreed that the coaches always knew how hard to push them, and they understood when it was time to be serious in practice. According to the coaches, the team is comprised of selfless players and, on any given day, any one of them could have been top scorer. In addition to playing together during the season, the team played in summer leagues that challenged them with difficult competition.

The team recognizes the role that a supportive community has played in their success, and one way they give back is by helping with the Biddy Basketball program at CV-S, where many of them got their start.

CV-S Central School Superintendent TheriJo

Snyder said, “The girls made school history with the support of the communities, and the honor of being selected as grand marshals solidifies what small communities are all about.”

The Springfield Fourth of July Parade will kick off its 110th year on Thursday, July 4 at 11 a.m. in Springfield Center, with the CV-S Lady Patriots varsity basketball team leading the way.

“The Town of Springfield takes great pride in hosting so many of our neighboring towns in the parade each Fourth of July, and we invite everyone to join us this year to celebrate our home; hometowns, home teams, homemade, homegrown, and all the local organizations, businesses, and people that serve our region,” said Andrea House, volunteer publicist for the Fourth of July Committee and Springfield Town Council member.

Participation in the parade is free, and an entry form is available online at https://forms.gle/ f3Dq66GrMftw6Au17.

Following the parade, a traditional celebration will be held at the Springfield Community Center, with music by The Cooperstown Community Band, Brooks’ chicken barbecue, homemade pies and other foods, the Springfield Historical Society Open House, a Revolutionary War-Era exhibit by the Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park, and the Fourth of July Quilt Show, as well as games, raffles, and more.

A Fourth of July evening concert and fireworks display will take place at Glimmerglass State Park. This year’s concert by local rock band Scattered Flurries will begin at 7:30 p.m. on July 4, to be followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Donations for next year’s Fourth of July events will be collected at the entrance to the park. The Glimmerglass Festival will present its annual Springfield Appreciation Concert on Saturday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. at the Alice Busch Opera Theater. The concert will feature musical selections from the festival’s 2024 season, and tickets may be purchased in advance for $5.00 each at Convenience Corner in Springfield Center, or by calling (315) 858-0304 to reserve. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Springfield Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. For more information, e-mail springfield. july4@gmail.com or call Committee Chair Debra Miller at (315) 858-0304.

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

Dreams Summer

july Concert To Raise Funds for Locally Produced Christmas-themed Movie

By TERESA WINCHESTER

RICHFIELD SPRINGS

Christmas is coming early to the Cooperstown area this year—in july, as a matter of fact. The film production company A Cooperstown Christmas Movie, Inc. will host a concert on Sunday, july 7 at the Lake House Restaurant & Lodge in Richfield Springs.

Musical entertainment will be offered by King Konye, Kathook the Band, and Dan Toth & Audio Riot. Doors will open at 2 p.m., with performances ongoing from 3-7:30 p.m. The event will take place outside, rain or shine.

Food and drinks will be available inside the Lake House for all ages, but alcoholic beverages will not be sold to those under 21.

Leatherstocking Trolley will provide a free shuttle from Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field on the half-hour and from Spring Park in Richfield Springs every hour from 1:30 p.m. until the concert ends. The last trolley will leave from the concert site at 8 p.m.

The purpose of the event is to raise money for a movie-in-progress, “A Cooperstown Christmas,” a romantic comedy about a holiday family drama. It deals with a successful New York City publicity executive (Cait) approaching 30 years of age who is dumped by her long-distance boyfriend via text message just before her youngest sister’s holiday wedding. She is thus forced to take her boss and their assistant—two extremely loyal friends—as replacement guests, and she must subsequently grapple with the small-town drama of her hometown, her family, and her newly broken-off engagement.

The two owners of A Cooperstown Christmas Movie, Inc.—Cheyenne Phillips and Greg Klein— also act in the movie. Phillips, who plays Cait, is an actor, model, writer, and producer born and raised in Los Angeles. She has appeared in 11 films, including “Outlaws and Angels” and “The

Waystation,” both released in 2016. Phillips’ mother, a talent agent, has relocated from Australia to Oneonta, thus Phillips now considers Oneonta as her East Coast home. Klein, born in Syracuse, grew up just outside the beltway in Montgomery County, Maryland. He now resides in the Town of Otsego. He is a published author of three books, “The King of New Orleans,” “The Paper Tigers” and “Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein.” He studied acting in New York City and appeared as a henchman during one season of the television series “24,” which starred Kiefer Sutherland. Klein is currently the film commissioner for Otsego County.

Phillips and Klein connected professionally in 2021 when the film commission, formerly known as Film COOP but now going by Film Otsego, held a “Women in Film” tour. At the same event, Klein met Bronx resident Lauren Sowa, co-president of Pano Network. Sowa was to become the film’s director.

In 2022, Phillips worked in Otsego County, starring in Otsego Media’s “Ouija Witch.” While on the set of this production, she met producer Eva Minemar. Subsequently, Minemar and her producing partner, Delores Diaz at Mulberry Queens Films in New York City, signed on to “A Cooperstown Christmas” along with Phillips and Klein.

In an e-mail correspondence, Klein described the intensive process of the film’s development.

“The two producers and director gave us extensive notes. I think we ripped up 80 percent of the original script and rewrote to what Lauren called the ‘Hallmark nine-act structure.’ We

kept the characters, the title, the logo, and the premise, and we basically had to fill in the rest according to the proper form. It was rough. I was so proud when we got through the first round of notes, five pages, uncollated, from three different people. Our reward was five more pages of notes. The third go-through we got like two sentences of notes. I have never been so happy,” Klein wrote.

Since developing the script, Klein and his partners have been fundraising, polishing and sending out queries to studios and talent agents. Klein said “a couple of pledges” have been procured. Also, a film financing company has expressed interest in matching funds, provided 35-40 percent of the budget has been secured and there is a plan in place to raise the final 20-30 percent from tax credits and soft equity, which includes filming locations, sponsored meals, donations, and discounts.

The “Christmas in july Concert and Fundraiser” is part of the effort to meet those demands.

“The Lake House is written into the script for a ‘Save Our Santa’ fundraising concert, which leads to a pivotal moment in the plot. So, a fundraising concert on the lake is a perfect way to raise money for the movie,” Klein said.

The film’s budget is $390,000.00 for a Screen Actors’ Guild minishoot, a category of film for which SAG allows a certain amount of leeway in some contract matters regarding pay rates and the number of union actors to be hired.

“My understanding is that is about what a holiday film costs to make in non-union Canada. As part of Film Otsego, we obviously

want to demonstrate that we can make films here for as little or less. Still, it would be the biggest budget film we have made here in the commission’s era,” Klein said.

Klein is counting on significant local support to get “A Cooperstown Christmas” to the screen.

“We know plenty of people who are not ‘qualified investors,’ but who want to help out by buying a concert ticket or a T-shirt or making a small donation,” Klein said.

The july 7 concert will also present an opportunity for aspiring actors— or those who just want to enjoy being in a locallyfilmed production—to be “extras” in the movie. Those wishing to land such a role are encouraged to wear costumes corresponding to the theme of “Christmas in july.”

“I have set up a Google Form and a QR code people can get at the concert so they can sign up and email me headshots. When we shoot, we will use that list to call people and cast background actors. We’ll also let other Otsego County productions use it, too, so the registration is good for at least a year,” Klein said, noting that various movie scenes will require numerous extras, including two weddings, an outdoor concert and a festival.

“There are also a couple of plum spots in the movie for featured extras. The ‘best costumes’ winners will get those roles, along with some great exposure,” Klein added.

Concert tickets are limited and may be purchased at christmasinjulymoviefundraiser. ticketleap.com/christmasin-july-concert-at-thelake-house/.

For more information on “A Cooperstown Christmas,” contact Klein at jYDBook@gmail.com.

nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY

LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

D & S PILOT CARS LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 148 Brighton Road, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

BLUE CHIP FARM PROPERTIES LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 650 County Highway 27, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

HAMMERSTONE DEVELOPMENT LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 22 April, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 4886 St. Hwy. 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business

activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

D&W BUCKLEBERRY BAR LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 15 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 775 Up County Rd., Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY.

D&W CREEKSIDE PROPERTIES LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 15 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 775 Up County Rd., Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

NY PRECISION LINE STRIPING LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 20 February, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 761 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any

and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Big Lion Little Bear LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/27/2024. 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 496 Eggleston Hill Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of BUGEL ASSETS LLC.

Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/26/2024. 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. LEO BUGEL 28 MAPLE ST, ONEONTA, NY, 13820 Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of 100 Main Street Cooperstown LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on March 29, 2024. Office Location is in Otsego County. 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 P.O. Box 431, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJun.20

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Kelly HromadaJohnson Counseling Services LCSW, PLLC Arts of Org. filed 05/07/2024.

LEGALS

Office: Otsego Co.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to 115 County Road 2, Mt. Upton NY 13809. Purpose: LCSW 6LegalJun.20

LegaL nOtice

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO

INDEX NO. EF2023-187

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

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 20 VALE STREET, GILBERTSVILLE, NY 13776

Section: 282.06, Block: 1, Lot: 23.00

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST AB2,

Plaintiff, vs. KELLIE WALTON FKA

MICHAEL WALTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON; RAELENE WALTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees,

legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; WILLIAM STEVENS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON; JILL STEVENS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON, 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; HMS, INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

“JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

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

Notice of NatUre of actioN aNd reLief SoUGHt

tHe obJect of the above caption action is to foreclose a mortgage to secure the sum of $100,500.00 and interest, recorded on September 12, 2011, in instrument

Number 2011-4150, of the public records of otSeGo county, New York., covering premises known as 20 VaLe Street, GiLbertSViLLe, NY 13776.

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 10th, 2024

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse,

Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590

516-280-7675

4LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of WSKI LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/14/24. Office Location: Otsego County. John Snurkowski is Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail copy of process to John Snurkowski 1693 CountyHighway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.27

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of RS International Apartments, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 16, 2024. 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 PO Box 46, Schuyler Lake, NY 13456. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

BICE RANCH LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 May, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1850 Holman City Rd, Clayville, NY 13322. Purpose is to engage in any and all busi-

ness activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

MULLIGAN RANCH LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 May 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1850 Holman City Rd, Clayville, NY 13322. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of

TOLSON COUNSELING SERVICES, LCSW, PLLC Arts of Org. of filed with SSNY on 04/12/2024. Otsego Co. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to 312 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 102 ONEONTA, NY, 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of TINY DREAM YC LLC. Filed 4/4/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 765 State Hwy 205, Oneonta, NY 13820. Registered Agent: Yinaira Garcia Angomas, 12 Altonwood Pl, Yonkers, NY 10710. Purpose: General.

6LegalJul.11

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of

from page 4

Dog Mouths are Unclean

I have been witnessing ads for St. jude’s Hospital showing children patients being

I see shirts, bathing suits, decorations on vehicles, even seat covers that people sit on. And I am sure it is used in other media. I think it’s time to review what the American flag stands for and show respect accordingly. may-Britt Joyce Cooperstown

licked on the mouth by dogs. To the trained eye, this is nothing short of child abuse. These children should be protected from pathogens associated with dog saliva. Dog expert Marty Becker said about dog saliva: “All you have to do is look, watch, smell and you will realize that

is not true that dog saliva is harmless. They raid the garbage can. You know we give each other a peck on the cheek when we say hello; they give each other a peck on the rear end.”

john Oxford, professor of virology and bacteriology at Queen Mary University in London,

explained how dogs get bacteria in the first place. “It is not just what is carried in their saliva. Dogs spend half their life with their noses in nasty corners or hovering over droppings so their muzzles are full of bacteria, viruses and germs of all sorts.” Professor Oxford

goes on to say, “There are numerous potential diseases that can result.” I say shame on St. jude for not protecting these children and educating their clients about these sources of pathogens! gerry Welch Cooperstown

The job scene

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

HELP WANTED: REPORTER

Journal, Hometown Oneonta, AllOTSEGO.com

F/T position in challenging, fun career. $16-$20/hour commensurate with experience. Email resume and introductory letter to darlay@allotsego.com

from Pg. 10

MEDMOUNTS, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/14/2024.

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 PO Box 83, Leonardsville, NY 13364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6Legaljul.18

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Mohawk Industrial Maintenance LLC.

Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 5/22/24.

Office location: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served, SSNY shall mail process to: PO Box 902, Sayre,

PA 18840. Purpose: any lawful activities. 6Legaljul.18

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Studio LL LLC, filed with the Secretary of State of NY on May 21, 2024. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State of NY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State of NY shall mail process to P.O Box 431, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6Legaljul.18

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of 12951 Revisited, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 05/22/2024.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 31 Bloom Street, Gilbertsville, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6Legaljul.18

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of FLOWERHEAD FARM LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February 27, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 928

LEGALS

County Highway 35, Maryland, NY 12116. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6Legaljul.18

LegaL nOtice

SUPPLemeNtaL SUmmoNS OTSEGO

INDEX NO.: EF2023-545– .

Plaintiff designates OTSEGO COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map

Section 52.38, Block 1, Lot 4.00, RICHFIELD SPRINGS, NY, County of OTSEGO CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC., PLAINTIFF, -against-

jENNIFER MANCE, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF jAMES G. MANCE A/K/A jAMES MANCE, KENNETH MANCE,

AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF jAMES G. MANCE A/K/A jAMES MANCE, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF jAMES G. MANCE A/K/A jAMES MANCE, if living and if dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE and “john Doe” and/or “jane Doe” # 1-10 inclusive, the last ten names being

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

*DETAILS UPON HIRE*

fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons, corporations or heirs at law, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint, DEFENDANTS.

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief 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 against you 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 your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

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

Dated: june 7, 2024 Syosset, New York, . Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-9383100.

LegaL nOtice

Notice of meetiNg Otsego County, New York

Meeting: Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board.

Called by: Chair, Steve Sinniger.

Date: Tuesday, june 18th, 2024.

Time: 1:00p.m.

Place: Public Health Nursing Conference Room, Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, NY, 13326.

Purpose: Review East Springfield Solar, LLC Solar Farm Development.

To the abovenamed defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. BRIAN D. BURNS, a justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, dated May 15, 2024 and filed with the OTSEGO County Clerk together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Section 52.38, Block 1, Lot 4.00, RICHFIELD SPRINGS, NY, County of OTSEGO as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 7705 STATE HIGHWAY 28, RICHFIELD SPRINGS, NY 13439 81244 4Legaljul.4

Dated: june, 5th, 2024. 1Legaljun.13

KNITTING

9:30 a.m. to noon. Bring a knit

and work with the

Beginners welcome. Held every Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. YOGA 10 a.m. Gentle class perfect for seniors. All welcome. Followed by 15-minute Reiki demonstration. Suggested donation, $10. Held each Friday. Strawberry Hall, Worcester-Schenevus Library, 174 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken salad cold plate, marinated broccoli salad, carrot raisin salad and watermelon. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607)

547-6454. LIBRARY 1 p.m.

“Homeschool Hangout at the Library.” Join other homeschool families for stories, activities, crafts and learning. Recommended for ages 5-18. Held each Friday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. BBQ DINNER 4:30 p.m. “Chicken BBQ Dinner.” Eat-in or takeout. Fees apply. Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. yreckert@yahoo.com

POTTERY 5-6:30 p.m.

“Free Fridays.” Demonstration of DIY underglaze transfers. Participants receive two balls of clay to craft two items, then select one of the creations to be fired and glazed. Guidance and instruction provided as needed. Pre-registration required. Open to adults and children aged 8-15 with adult supervision. First come, first served. The Smithy, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671.

EXHIBIT OPENING

5-7 p.m. “big. small. fragile. strong.” Features works in paper, glass lace, embroidered bugs, shredded cans and more. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475327.

PARK 6-9 p.m. “Friday Nights in the Park.” Historic carousel, ice cream and local vendors. Borst Field, Schenevus. (607) 638-1924.

PARADE 7 p.m., line up at 5:30 p.m. All welcome to participate. Ice cream social to follow at the Community House. Parade proceeds down Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-9150.

►S At., June 15

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Fly-in Pancake Breakfast. All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, real maple syrup, sausage and beverages. Support the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department. Cooperstown/Westville Airport, 866 State Route 166, Cooperstown.

BLOOD DRIVE

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Southside Mall-Oneonta YMCA, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. Visit RedCrossBlood.org

SPORT 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. “2nd Annual High School Trap Tournament.” Clay birds, trappers, and

score keepers supplied. Bring your own firearms and ammo. Free to teams. Regular safety/ range rules apply. Spectators welcome. Oneonta Sportsmen’s Club, 251 Rod and Gun Club Road, Oneonta. (607) 433-0515

FESTIVAL 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “52nd Annual Strawberry Festival.” Proceeds benefit the Worcester-Schenevus Library. Festival held at Strawberry Hall, 174 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309

WORKSHOP

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Backyard Weeds Expanded.” Fees apply. The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

QUILTING CLUB

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1/4 Inch Quilt Club “Quilt Show and Boutique” with handmade items for sale. Free admission. Worcester Historical Society Museum, 144 Main Street, Worcester.

EXPLORATION

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Let’s Grow! Exploration Day.” Learn about pollinators, native ecosystems and agriculture. Includes demonstrations of waterpowered gristmill and hands-on planting activity. Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Highway 12, East Meredith. (607) 2785744.

AGING 10 a.m. “Paint and Snack.” Paint a beginner’s summer scene, supplies provided. Registration required. Presented by the Otsego County Office for the Aging. Connect Church, 4354 State Highway 80, Hartwick. (607) 5474232.

LIBRARY 10 a.m. to noon. “Friends of the Village Library Book Sale Collection.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

OUTDOORS 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Cherry Valley Outdoor Games.” Games, car show, food, raffle, music and more. 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. cherryvalleyoutdoorgames.

com

RAFFLE 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Hudson Highlands Retread Motorcycle Club Basket Raffle.” Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 2930404.

VOLUNTEER DAY 10 a.m. “How to Propagate Herbs.” Learn to root softwood cuttings of chocolate mint, lavender, spearmint and others. Each volunteer takes home two potted cuttings of their choice. Registration required. Unadilla Community Farm, 5937 County Highway 18, West Edmeston. info@unadillacommunityfarm.org.

FLAG DAY 11 a.m. “Vietnam Veterans Commemoration and Flag Day Ceremony.” All veterans and public are invited. Lunch by American Legion Auxiliary will follow the ceremony.

MUSIC ON MAIN

11:30 a.m. “Cooperstown Children’s Choir.” Pop and rock classics with funky dance moves. Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479983.

OUTDOORS 1-3 p.m.

“Summer Wildflower Walk.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Registration required. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, Thayer Farm, 7027 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488.

MUSIC ON MAIN 1-3 p.m. “Small Town Big Band.” New and old tunes in the Big Band-era style. Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9983.

LIBRARY 2 p.m. “Tick

Talk: Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases in NY.” Presented by Mandy Rome, Bassett Healthcare Network. Kinney Memorial Library, Hartwick. 3140 County Route 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-6:30 p.m.

“GOHS Then & Now: 20 Years of Exhibits at the History Center.” Free and open to the public. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320960.

DANCE 5-8 p.m. “Ecstatic Dance.” Hosted by DJ ISHA. Fees apply. Yoga People, 50 Dietz Street, Suite L, Oneonta.

Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. yreckert@yahoo.com

FUNDRAISER 11:30 a.m. Cooperstown Children’s Choir presents end of season performance. Proceeds go to the Hogar Genesis Children’s Home (Iquitos, Peru). Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 304-1359.

AUDITION 6 p.m. The Rocky Horror Picture Show Auditions. The Loft, Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

CONCERT 7 p.m.

“Small Pond… Big Fish.” Party with favorite local bands Big Unity, The Mopar Cams and the Barn Swallows. Cherry Valley Artworks, Star Theater, 44 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2643080.

►Sun., June 16 FAtHer’S DAY

MEDITATION 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Sundays at Samye: Study & Practice Group.” Held each Sunday. Samye Hermitage New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. contact@samyeny.org.

WORKSHOP 1 p.m. “Culinary & Medicinal Herbs” with AC Stauble, The Traveling Herb Farmer. The Butternut Valley Garden Club, 124 West Main Street, Morris. Visit facebook.com/ButternutValleyAlliance/

CONCERT 3 p.m.

“Pegasus: The Orchestra.” 9-member ensemble of internationally recognized musicians performs Baroque masterpieces. Fees apply. Friends of Music of Stamford at the First Presbyterian Church, 96 Main Street, Stamford. Visit friendsmusic.org