Hometown Oneonta 07-11-24

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Emotional Wellness Is Theme of First Children’s Book by Oneonta Native

By MONICA CALZOLARI

ONEONTA

Haabiba RothenbergWhitney, a 1992 graduate of Oneonta High School, has written and illustrated her first children’s book and her first coloring book. Both are titled “Tell Me About Your Happy Place.”

Rothenberg-Whitney said, “This was a unique collaboration. I was asked to write the book as a fundraiser for the Springfield Garden Club.”

The garden club hosted its first-ever Magical Fairy Garden Tour, May 18-27, at the home of Vana Nespor in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Nespor and RothenbergWhitney are neighbors who have known each other for seven years. Nespor owned and operated a publishing company with several partners in the past. She had the idea of creating a book with photographs of the beautiful miniature habitats to sell at the garden club event.

“I always dreamed of writing a book,” Rothenberg-Whitney said. “I have written ever since I was a child. I love to write poetry. It is just a passion.”

For the garden tour, artists created 44 miniature garden habitats with natural materials. Some artists created more than one.

Rothenberg-Whitney viewed each of the habitats and created a special story page about 36 of the fairy gardens and featured them in “Tell Me About Your Happy Place.”

She said, “This experience was particularly unique. I wrote the majority of the book in the

span of 36 hours, only after I had actually seen the gardens. The story’s theme is about emotional wellness.”

Natalie Fielding photographed the miniature habitats featured in the book.

Rothenberg-Whitney also illustrated the book. She created the main character, which she calls “The Shy Giraffe.”

She said, “There is a little bit of me in this character. I was hesitant to go public with my writing and illustrations.”

The book tells the story of a shy giraffe who explores the tiny world of 36 fairy gardens.

Rothenberg-Whitney said, “I lived in Franklin and attended fourth through eighth grade there. I consider Franklin and Oneonta home.”

She gets home to visit her mother, Monet Rothenberg, about once a month.

After graduating from Oneonta High School, Rothenberg-Whitney earned a bachelor of science in human services from Springfield College in 2001 and settled in Springfield, Massachusetts. She taught middle school in English language arts there for 10 years and now works in youth services.

She said, “I taught sixth through eighth grade. I definitely observed students who are struggling with mental health issues.”

She hopes that her stories may be a way to normalize the topic of emotional wellness.

On an interview with “Mass Appeal,” she said, “I get my inspiration from my life experiences

Continued on page 11

WORCESTER

The Wieting Theatre buzzed with excitement as the local community gathered for a special showing of “A Roadhouse Coup,” a film showcasing the life and crimes of the notorious Eva Coo, who would become known as the mallet murderess during prohibition in Oneonta, New York. The film was produced on location in and around Oneonta in 2022 by local filmmakers Lori Kelly-Bailey and Joel J. Plue.

The film was used to raise funds for three local historical societies. The event, origi-

nally planned to coincide with a parade, saw a remarkable turnout despite the inclement weather that moved the festivities indoors. Attendees dressed in 1930s attire, fully embracing the theme of the evening.

The event was orchestrated by a collaboration of the Town of Maryland Historical Society, the Westford Historical Society, and the Worcester Historical Society. Bob Parmerter, a trustee and program committee chairman for the Town of Maryland Historical Society, played a pivotal role in the

Continued on page 11

Monument Preservation

Project Now Completed

COOPERSTOWN

The Cooper Monument is a historic landmark and focal point in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown. Recently, the 30-foot marble monument commemorating James Fenimore Cooper was power washed by Humphrey Memorials Inc. of Herkimer, following environmental guidelines.

The project is an important part of the mission of the Lakewood Cemetery Association to preserve and restore monuments, gravestones and stone steps. The Cooper project was supported by members of the Cooper family, members of the James Fenimore Cooper Society and Lakewood lot owners.

The monument, of white Italian marble with a statuette of Leather-Stocking at the top, was sculpted by Robert E. Launitz and erected in Lakewood Cemetery in the spring of 1860.

The following history of the monument is excerpted from Ralph Birdsall’s “The Story of Cooperstown”:

“James Fenimore Cooper’s most famous hero, Natty Bumppo, carved in marble, rifle in hand, and with the dog Hector at his feet, stands at the top of the monument in Lakewood Cemetery on a rise of ground near the entrance, overlooking Otsego Lake from the east side, about a fifteen minute walk from the village of Cooperstown. That a monument commemorative of Cooper and Leather-Stocking should stand in the public cemetery, in which neither the author nor his supposed model is buried, is sometimes puzzling to visitors. It is said, however, that the site was chosen with reference to certain scenes in “The Pioneers.”

“The monument stands near the spot upon which the novelist, for the purpose of his romance, placed the hut of Natty Bumppo. It is not far below the road referred to in the opening scene of the tale, where the travelers gained their first

Photo courtesy of Lakewood Cemetery Association

A close-up of Leather-Stocking and Hector at the top of the Cooper Monument, after cleaning.

Photo provided

Haabiba Rothenberg-Whitney autographs her first children’s book, “Tell Me About Your Happy Place.”

SAVE FOR THE SEASON

OHS Grad Lands Role in Netflix Series

By MONICA CALZOLARI

ATLANTA, GA

Cuyle (pronounced Kyle) Carvin is a 1999 Oneonta High School graduate and 2003 Hartwick College graduate. It has taken him 20 years to land his best acting role to date. He will appear in all six episodes of a new Netflix series, “Zero Day,” which stars Robert DeNiro as an ex-president.

Carvin said, “I play the head of the secret service. I cannot give the plot away, but it is a ‘whodunit’ TV series full of conspiracy theories.”

“Zero Day” was shot in New York City.

“I was only working two to four days a week over the course of six months, so I was able to spend some time with family and friends that are still in Oneonta,” Carvin said.

Carvin appeared in “People” magazine, alongside DeNiro and Jesse Plemons, in the May 13, 2024 issue. He has also worked with some other industry megastars, including Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger.

Breaking into the entertainment industry was anything but easy. Carvin lived in New York City for six years after college and in Los Angeles for 10 years. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia now. Along the way, Carvin became an

entrepreneur.

“I did not grow up wanting to be an actor,” Carvin recalled. “I was planning to get a degree in elementary education and become a teacher. Then Josh, a childhood friend of mine who moved away, called me up and said he was going to Hartwick College.”

It turns out that Carvin’s mother worked at Hartwick and her son could attend tuition-free, so he quickly applied and was accepted.

Carvin remembers renting videos growing up. Sunrise Video was located in the shopping plaza between “The Daily Star” and the Elks Lodge.

He said, “They had a rent four and get one free special. My mom always picked one video that was family-friendly, one action film, and my dad would get three horror films and we’d watch them together.”

Carvin considers himself a “Goth” at heart.

“I am obsessed with Halloween, horror films and anything macabre,” he explained. “Watching those horror movies with my dad is what got me interested.”

It has taken Carvin years to realize what he likes most about the movie business.

“I love writing, directing and producing. I like the creativity. I like the actual making of movies,” he said.

That’s why Carvin also

operates a production company called Salem House Films, which has produced four feature films and more than 15 shorts—many of which are in the horror genre.

In high school, Carvin played many sports, including basketball and football. He played football at Hartwick College until it began to interfere with rehearsals for theatre.

He said, “I did some acting at Hartwick in theatre. It was fun and interesting. I designed my own film production degree called Individual Student Program.”

Carvin’s thesis was based on the movie “Braveheart.” He titled it “William Wallace: Man vs. Myths.”

Carvin was prompted to move to New York City by the opportunities for work in modeling and commercials. After auditioning for several parts, he decided he hated the process and started taking acting classes.

For six years, Carvin was an extra on set,

which he calls background work. He did not have many speaking parts He said, “You work for exposure bucks. Sometimes, you work for free.”

“It took me six years to get an agent,” he added. Carvin explained how essential it is to have an agent. His first big break was being cast in “Law and Order, Special Victims Unit.” He has also appeared in a film with Tom Cruise, called “American Made.” He acted opposite Renee Zellweger in a television mini-series, “The Thing About Pam.” Other acting credits include “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Cobra Kai” and “Love Bite.”

Carvin moved to Los Angeles in 2012. He and his girlfriend packed everything they could fit into one vehicle.

“We were really poor,” he said. “We found a 330square-foot apartment. I worked in Burbank. To get to work, I bought a motorcycle.”

Five months after he bought the motorcycle, he said, “Someone ran the light and ran me over in the intersection. I could not walk for months. I was waiting tables at the time.” It was 11 p.m., and he was on his way home from work.

He said, “Retrospectively, that accident changed the trajectory of my life in such a positive

Continued on page 8

Cooperstown’s ‘Fab Four’ Share Their Insights upon Graduation

By ARYA PATEL COOPERSTOWN

On Sunday, June 23, Cooperstown Central School held its annual graduation. Amongst the class of 2024, the top four individuals who maintained the highest grade point averages throughout their high school careers were given the opportunity to speak to those gathered.

Margaret Raffo, Punya Phaugat, Onyx Loewenguth, and Cate Bohler shared inspiring words with faculty, staff, family, friends and beloved peers.

According to the quartet, many teachers helped them achieve their goals, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Valedictorian

Raffo

said Mrs. Parr, a science teacher who was also awarded the yearbook dedication from the Class of 2024, has “inspired us to take charge in changing the world.”

Salutatorian Phaugat said all of the staff at Cooperstown has helped her throughout the years, but in her personal experiences, “Mrs. Hitchcock was super welcoming and Mrs. Pindar was especially supportive, even after you’re done with her classes.”

Michelle Hitchcock is the school librarian, and assists students from grades seven through 12. Jennifer Pindar is a high school history teacher as well as coach of the girls varsity soccer team.

When questioned about some of her favorite teachers, Bohler said, “Mrs. Pudlewski and Mr. Brotherton, for giving me perspective on not just their respective fields of teaching— English and history—but the world in general. Learning is not confined to the classroom and it certainly is not defined by lectures and tests.”

Chalya Pudlewski has moved away, but John Brotherton continues to make a difference in CCS students’ lives as a middle school history teacher.

Having taken part in many extracurricular and sports teams, Raffo said some of her favorite memories involve sports

Photo courtesy of Cooperstown Central School

The Cooperstown Central School Class of 2024 top students are, clockwise from top left, Cate Bohler, Margaret Raffo, Punya Phaugat and Onyx Loewenguth.

Photo provided CUYLE CARVIN

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tring Press has been continuing its 216-year history of providing the county and the region with locally generated news and information against a looming nationwide backdrop of ominous change and tremendous loss in the availability of non-partisan local news. The takeover of print and digital newspapers across the country by hedge funds, poorly regulated offshore financial institutions that have debts to pay, investors to please, and no interest in sustaining their purchases, has become a major threat to journalism.

since 2004 roughly 30 percent of newspapers in the U.s. have closed, leaving upwards of 200 counties across america with:

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“Americans trust local news. They say it does the best job of keeping them informed, holding leaders accountable and amplifying stories in their communities.”

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HOMETOWN Views

EDITORIaL

Celebrating Otsego’s Shining Stars

Much attention has been given of late to two of the most iconic portrait photographers of all time—Marc Hom and Dmitri Kasterine—and deservedly so. Well known on the world stage, both are Otsego County transplants of whom we can be proud.

In fact, we can be proud of many Otsego County’s residents, for a variety of reasons. Some are your neighbors, or kids you went to school with. Most are two-legged, but some walk on all fours. Their accomplishments are as unique as they are themselves, and all—in their own way—shine a little extra light on Otsego County.

For instance, this week’s edition includes an article on actor Cuyle Carvin, a graduate of Oneonta High School who was featured in “People” magazine earlier this year, alongside Robert DeNiro. Carvin plays the head of the secret service in an upcoming Netflix series, “Zero Day.” You can also catch him in episodes of such popular shows as “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Them” and even in an episode of “Stranger Things.” Who knew?

Actress Cheyenne Phillips also has connections to the City of the Hills. “I am very fortunate to have a property right in the heart of Oneonta where our film commission [Film Otsego, formerly Otsego Media] continues to thrive with bustling projects,” Phillips said in an e-mail from Australia, where she has been acting and modeling for the past two years. In fact, Phillips and Carvin have worked together. She played one of the lead roles in “Ouija Witch,” a horror film shot in Oneonta by Carvin’s production company, Salem House Films, and Otsego Media in 2022. You may not know this, but Oneonta doubled for Salem in much of the movie. Phillips played Mary Blackwood and the evil witch.

Then there’s award-winning author and Cooperstown native Lauren Groff, who was named to “Time” magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list and was the magazine’s Person of the Week in April. Groff is a three-time National Book Award finalist and won the Story Prize for her story collection “Florida.” She also earned the ABA Indies’ Choice Award, the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, and France’s Grand Prix de l’Héroïne. All five of her novels, from her 2008 debut “The Monsters of Templeton”—set in a fictionalized representation of Cooperstown—to last year’s “The Vaster Wilds,” have ranked on the New York Times Bestseller list. In addition to her novels, Groff is the author of several short story collections. Her work has been translated into 36 different languages and enjoys worldwide popularity. In addition to writing, Groff recently opened The Lynx, a groundbreaking new bookstore in Gainesville, Florida.

There are countless others here in Otsego County whose accomplishments are no less impressive. Susan “Rabbit” Goody, owner of Thistle Hill Weavers in Cherry Valley, was featured in an article titled “A Stitch in Time” in the April/May 2024 issue of “Smithsonian” magazine. Author Rachel Dickinson said of master weaver Goody: “No one else produces short runs of textiles that so faithfully replicate the weave, texture, weight and color of historic fabrics.” Goody’s work has been featured in such films as “Master and Commander,” “No Country for Old Men” and “Lincoln.” Chief Master Sergeant Wendy York of Otego, a retired United States Air Force veteran, marched in the national Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. this year. And Cooperstown’s Henry Horvath is one of the youngest Americans ever to summit Mount Everest. Again, who knew?

As mentioned above, it’s not just the people of Otsego County that make us proud. Goldfish, a cat adopted from the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, appears in the 2023 award-winning indie film, “The Sweet East,” portions of which were shot in Franklin. Goldfish, who was adopted shortly thereafter, has retired from acting and is living his best life. No less impressive is “D” (aka “Dream Meadows Bayouland Positive Vibes Only”), an Australian shepherd bred and raised by brothers Owen and Ben Weikert in Middlefield, took third in the herding group in last year’s National Dog Show and was featured on NBC following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Let us not forget our authors. This week, you’ll read about another graduate of Oneonta High School—Haabiba Rothenberg-Whitney—who recently debuted her first children’s book. Also with new books hitting the shelves are Iron String Press contributing writers Tom Shelby, The Dog Charmer, who recently released “Dog Training: It Ain’t an Accountant’s Job,” and Joel J. Plue, with “Welcome to Cultivating Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide.” Mark Simonson has a new book out as well, “From the Henhouse…to the House of Bar-B-Q: Over a Century with the Chickens,” about the history of—you guessed it—Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q.

Other Otsego County folks of whom we can be proud include William Jay Miller, who recently received accolades from the New York State Association of Counties. Miller was one of five winners of the 2024 NYSAC photo contest, for his photo titled “National Baseball Hall of Fame at Night.” Miller’s photo will be featured in the upcoming NYSAC News magazine and in the 2025 NYSAC calendar. Congratulations as well to Thomas Hallock of Richfield Springs and Anne Sebeck of Gilbertsville, who were honored in May—Older Americans Month—by New York State’s Office for the Aging for their volunteerism and civic engagement efforts. Good to know.

These are but a few of the many shining stars in our communities. As friends, neighbors and family, we, too, can bask in the light of their achievements. Shine on, Otsego.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … IN THEIR OPINION

Biden, Dems Have Not Failed Us

The editorial in the July 4 edition of “Hometown Oneonta” [“Damn, Nation”] contained a jarring disconnect. It listed six factors helpful to citizens as they think about who should lead, but then went on to ignore them and state that both parties have failed us. I think it would be helpful to apply them one by one to see how things stand.

Communication: At the debate, Donald Trump made wild statements with no basis in reality, while President Biden struggled to get his message out, both failed. Political skill: Trump, a reality TV star with a checkered business record, has little, while Biden has years of experience and it shows. Point to Biden. Decision making: Bad decisions by Trump during COVID likely led to many more deaths. Biden has strengthened the economy and NATO. Point to Biden. Vision: To be fair, both do have a vision for America—Trump’s autocracy, in which some people are above others, opposed to Biden’s democratic ideal of liberty and opportunity for all. Personality: An insecure Trump versus a compassionate Biden. Character: Trump a convicted felon, Biden a man of faith and family. Score: Trump 1, Biden 5.

I would add a seventh factor, hiring. Biden and the Democratic Party have assembled an amazing team of competent people resulting in the most successful administrations of the last 50 years. It’s not a one man show. Warren Ainslie Richfield Springs

Question for Northrup: How?

Thank you, Chip Northrup, for enlightening us as to our allies’ parliamentary democracies and their processes [letter from Chip Northrup: “A Buffoon and a Dotard,” published July 4, 2024].

How does our citizenship effect changes in our own political system, so that we can enjoy a fairer, smarter democracy such as our allies have?

Maybe you would (please) submit a letter to “The Freeman’s Journal” with a response to my question. Thank you for living here!

CR Roos Cherry Valley

Trump’s Ideas Will Hurt Us

When Cleveland was president, some House of Representative members tried to stop paying the government expenses by collecting tariffs because it was very bad for the average people. Why is Trump pushing tariffs?

Think about your life. Tariffs will be added to what you pay for items. Your food (fruits, vegetables, meat, coffee, tea, chocolate) is imported and will be subject to tariffs. Medicine, medical machinery, machine parts, building material, wood, wood chips, car parts and computer chips are all imported. Your clothes are made abroad. Remember that Ivanka Trump got 41 trademarks for Chinese goods, including sausage casings. All of those will be under tariffs. Who will pay these tariffs? The consumers. This will also hurt small businesses.

Why is Trump pushing tariffs? That money will go to

Continued on page 8

Does Minimum Wage Serve Any Purpose?

THOMETOWN ONEONTA

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

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.

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he minimum wage is an economic subject that we don’t hear much about these days. A federally mandated minimum wage has been with us since 1938, when Congress and President Roosevelt enacted a 25 cent-per-hour minimum to ensure a living wage for all workers. Our myth busting task in this column is a tough row to hoe, since there is no agreement among economists as to whether the minimum wage is effective in boosting the well-being of workers and families.

The introduction of a minimum wage at the end of the Great Depression was largely a success, but the verdict in more recent times is more mixed. Let’s look at some of the key developments concerning today’s minimum wage.

The first is that a federal minimum wage was never able to account for the dramatic differences in the cost of living among the 50 states. It’s always been cheaper to live in central New York than in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Dallas or Atlanta. A one-size-fits-all approach, with a standard minimum wage for everyone, could never account for vast differences in the cost of living across the country.

Secondly, it takes action by Congress and a presidential signature to increase the federal minimum wage. In the last four decades, changes in the minimum wage have only occurred after longer and longer intervals of time. For instance, the federal minimum was raised to $3.35 per hour in 1981 and remained unchanged until 1990. But the rate of inflation

increased 45 percent that decade! Seven years later, in 1997, the federal minimum wage was increased to $5.15 per hour, but remained unchanged until it was boosted to $5.85 per hour 10 years later, in 2007. Such infrequent and small increases mean that entry level workers have lost considerable purchasing power and well-being to inflation, and have effectively become worse off.

This brings us to a third flaw in the federal minimum wage; namely, the long intervals of years without an increase would be washed away if increases had been tied to the cost of living. These COLA’s (cost of living adjustments) have been used to keep Social Security benefits on pace with inflation since 1975. Because COLAs adjust to the rate of inflation each year, they would put an end to the political Wrestle Mania that ensues when an increase is long overdue. Additionally, the whopper effect from a big catch-up increase imposes a hardship on businesses that employ lots of entry-level workers.

The current federal minimum wage has been stuck at a measly $7.25 per hour since 2009…a full 15 years! But a state can enact a minimum wage that is above the federal standard. Given the reluctance of our hapless elected federal officials to pass an increase, states have stepped in to fill the gap. Currently, 34 of our 50 states have a minimum wage that is above the federal standard of $7.25 per hour. This means that the federally mandated minimum wage has no real bite

THE MYTH BUSTING ECONOMIST

LaRRY MaLONE

Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

90 YEARs AGo

operations at the test well on the farm of Merritt Hazlett, about two miles from Treadwell on the road to Franklin, have been abandoned for the time being. Though a few small pockets of gas were struck, the flow was not sufficient to be of commercial value. The outside casing of the well is being left in place, with a block closing the opening. Ralph sawyer of Bolivar, contractor in charge of drilling, explained that the apparatus in use was incapable of going deeper than the present depth of 4,550 feet, and that a steam-operated rig might be brought later for the purpose of sinking a deeper hole. The present rig is operated by a gasoline engine. Work on the well was started February 7, 1932, by E.s. Warner of saratoga springs. Drilling was commenced after extensive geologic surveys had shown certain rock strata underlying New York were the same as those found to bear oil and gas in other sections.

July 1934

70 YEARs AGo

Dr. Frank D. Blodgett, second mayor after oneonta became a city (1912-1914) died saturday at the age of 83 in his home at Homer where he had resided since retirement in 1937. Blodgett was also one of the educational stalwarts of oneonta state Normal school and later served as President of Adelphi College (1915, Garden City, L.I. Blodgett was a graduate of Cortland state Normal school and Amherst College. He taught the history of education, logic, and public speaking at the oneonta Normal school from 1893 to 1915 when he left oneonta to serve as President of Adelphi College.

July 1954

50 YEARs AGo

High-volume gasoline stations in the oneonta area easily met the July 1 federal deadline to begin selling unleaded gasoline but the newest brand of fuel is hardly selling like wildfire. Unleaded gas will be needed for 1975 cars which will come equipped with catalytic converter pollution control units. But the new models won’t be out until september. one local station owner contends that unleaded gas yields higher mileage performance. But this belief is not really boosting his sales.

July 1974

40 YEARs AGo

Alvin osterhoudt was walking through his Emmons meadow 10 years ago when a derailed propane tank car exploded. He was watching a Delaware & Hudson Railway train pass by his Route 7 home Tuesday night when 17 propane tank cars derailed at the same location. osterhoudt said the 66-car westbound train was traveling slowly past his home and under the Interstate 88 overpass at 8:20 p.m. when the accident occurred. “The train wasn’t going fast, maybe 35 miles per hour, when there was a tremendous screeching and dust and sparks,” he said. osterhoudt also recalls a 1944 derailment at the same spot. The 1974 Emmons disaster injured 56 men when a propane tanker car exploded unexpectedly as crews were clearing wreckage. Thirty-eight windows in osterhoudt’s home were shattered in that explosion.

July 1984

20 YEARs AGo

Rebecca Toombs is valedictorian for oneonta High school’s class of 2004. The daughter of Gary and Lynda Toombs of oneonta plans to attend Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. she is considering courses in English, spanish and Biblical studies. Toombs was a member of the cross country and track teams throughout high school and was the recipient of several scholar-athlete awards. Toombs has been actively involved in Main street Baptist Church youth programs and has traveled to Guatemala to help build churches and teach Bible school.

July 2004

summer Tourism Promotes Development

Travel and tourism are among the most powerful ways of connecting locals and travelers worldwide while simultaneously powering up the local economy.

With visitor spending continuously on the rise, otsego County generated more than $37 million in state and local taxes in 2022. This total includes food and beverage, lodging, retail, transportation, and other forms of recreation, including events. Additionally, tourism-related jobs tremendously impact our immediate community, supporting over 2,878 jobs, roughly around 13.2 percent of otsego County’s total jobs.

Cooperstown and otsego County are home to some of the most unique places in America!

sure, being the baseball capital of the world might be the main reason so many come to visit us; however, there is so much more than meets the immediate eye. Tourism inspires people to visit towns, boosting the local economy and bringing people into shops, eateries, lodging, and events. With ample opportunities aside from baseball, local businesses can interact with travelers and generate various types of wealth.

Tourism attracts new businesses, thanks to the vast number of summer visitors and transplants, and encourages locals to stay. sales, property and hotel bed taxes contributed $18.7 million in local taxes. If it were not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in otsego

By MERL REAGLE

County would have to pay an additional $1,665.00 to maintain the same level of government revenue. New people and businesses create a melting pot of enriching diversity and even more opportunities. But most importantly, tourism stimulation brings well-being, economic growth and prosperity.

With summer here, businesses are starting to see lines upon lines before opening hours and an influx of people walking around town.

Gary Buell, general manager of Brewery ommegang, stated, “We have already seen a large amount of baseball teams in the first couple days of the summer. We have many bookings for weddings and rehearsal dinners this upcoming season and looking forward to another great summer.”

Continued on page 11

Anagram Nicknames (3)…

Putting those middles to good use

Image courtesy of Destination Marketing Corporation 2024 tourism attracts new businesses, thanks to the vast number of summer visitors and transplants, and encourages locals to stay.

Dreams Summer

Mill Plans Dairy Day

EAST MEREDITH—

Hanford Mills Museum’s next Exploration Day, Dairy at the Mill, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. There will be fresh-churned vanilla ice cream and exhibits on the long history of dairy farming in Delaware County. Vendors and organizations including Dairy Ambassadors and

Cornell Cooperative Extension will participate. The museum is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith. For more information, visit hanfordmills.org.

Composers To Perform

GILBERTSVILLE—

The Dunderberg Gallery’s next concert, held at 118 Marion Avenue in Gilbertsville at 7:30 p.m.

Starting July 13, we will be open mornings 7am to 1pm, Monday through Saturday. We will be open evenings 5:00 pm to dark Monday through Friday. Closed Sunday.

on Saturday, July 13, will feature performances by Otsego County composers. Evan Jagels, Barbara Siesel, Francesca Vanesco, Thad Wheeler, Keith Torgan and Fideliz Sta Brigida will perform among the exhibition of gallery owner Marcus Villagran’s portraits of Bob Dylan. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call (607) 783-2010.

Art Garage

Hosts Panel

COOPERSTOWN—

Visionary local artists

Megan Adams Irving and Christina Hunt Wood will discuss their work at The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 11.

Fenimore Art Museum

Associate Curator James Matson will lead the conversation, which is free and open to the public. The gallery will open at 4 p.m. for a preview of the artwork with light refreshments.

The Art Garage is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and any day by appointment or chance. For more information, call (315) 941-9607.

Lost Bayou Plays RAC

ROXBURY—The Lost Bayou Ramblers, a multi-Grammy winning progressive Cajun rock band, will perform at the Roxbury Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. This unique group blends influences from African, Caribbean, Acadian and Native American traditions. Ticket prices vary and can be reserved at roxburyartsgroup. org or by calling (607) 326-7908.

Juried Show Opens Friday

COOPERSTOWN—

The 89th Annual National Juried Art Show will be on display at the Cooperstown Art Association galleries from Friday, July 12 through Friday, August 16. It features art in a wide range of media from 123 talented artists across 18 states. There will be a gallery talk and tour shortly before 4 p.m. on Friday, July 12, followed by a reception from 5-7 p.m. and the

awards ceremony at 6 p.m. The reception will feature live music by Gus Leinhart and catering by Brimstone Bakery.

Vêsucré

Will Host Pop-ups

ONEONTA—Vêsucré, a pioneering womenowned plant-based frozen dessert company based in Oneonta, will host “Funky Town Friday” pop-ups during the month of July. Each will feature music, community celebration and collaborations with other food vendors. The event will be held at The Autumn Cafe, 244 Main Street, from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, July 12. It will be on Dietz Street between Main and Wall from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, July 19. Finally, it will be held at Good Cheap Food in Delhi from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 26.

Miró Quartet To Play TFM

COOPERSTOWN—

The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival will present the acclaimed Miró Quartet for the concert “Voices from Home,” at The Farmers’ Museum at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 18. It features works by Carolie Shaw, George Walker, Kevin Puts and Franz Joseph Haydn, and explores the meaning of

home in the context of the European and American refugee crises. Tickets may be purchased by calling (800) 316-8559 and selecting option 1.

Free Sayre Tours Offered

MILFORD—The Greater Milford Historical Association will open the Sayre House Museum for a special event with tours and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. It is also open by appointment Monday through Friday throughout July. The house was built in the 1800s and features a collection of artifacts. Parking is available behind the Cultural Center, formerly the Presbyterian Church. For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact Director Colin Havener at (607) 437-8135.

Use this brochure and map to plan your route of discovery across the Route 20 Scenic Byway. Descriptions of many Scenic Excursions are included throughout this brochure. Visit www.nyroute20.com for information on hundreds of destinations, dining and lodging establishments, events and more. You can even do a geographic search to see what’s nearby, wherever you are in the Route 20 Scenic Byway

Dreams Summer

Ozzie Smith Hosts Hall of Fame Weekend Favorite

COOPERSTOWN

Twenty-two years after his Hall of Fame induction, the Wizard is still creating magic in Cooperstown.

Ozzie Smith, the Education Ambassador for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, will host Turn Two with Ozzie Smith on Friday, July 19 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field. Ozzie will welcome fellow Hall of Famers Jim Kaat, Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen as his guests during a funfilled morning that gives fans a unique chance to experience on-field moments and stories with Hall of Famers.

Turn Two is a museum fundraiser that supports the Hall of Fame’s educational mission and internship scholarships. Participants in Turn Two each receive on-field round-robin interaction with the Hall of Famers, along with special mementos to commemorate their experience.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. on July 19 with an exclusive morning reception in the Hall of Fame

Plaque Gallery with Ozzie and his Hall of Fame friends. Following the light breakfast in the iconic Plaque Gallery, Turn Two participants will receive a commemorative gift to be autographed by all Hall of Famers present before heading to historic Doubleday Field. There participants will receive non-stop interaction, featuring stories and instruction from some of the greatest players the game has known.

Turn Two supports the Hall of Fame’s educational mission and the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarships for the museum’s Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development.

Smith, known through his 19-year career as The Wizard of Oz, won a record 13 Gold Glove Awards at shortstop and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Kaat, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, was a three-time All-Star and 16-time Gold Glove Award winner who won 283 games over 25 years

“BASEBALL COMES HOME” The History of the Baseball Hall of Fame Game 1940-2008 by

Dan Valenti

The book traces the 70-year series of the Hall of Fame Game beginning in 1939, the year the Hall of Fame opened.

in the big leagues.

McGriff, a Class of 2023 inductee, was a five-time All-Star who amassed 10 30-homer seasons. The cleanup hitter on the 1995 World Series champion Atlanta Braves, McGriff finished in Top 10 of his league’s Most Valuable Player Award voting in six straight seasons (1989-94).

Rolen, elected to the Hall of Fame in 2023, won eight Gold Glove Awards at third base and was named to seven AllStar Games. The unanimous selection as the 1997 National League Rookie of the Year, Rolen helped lead the Cardinals to the 2006 World Series title.

Turn Two is part of the July 19-22 Hall of Fame Weekend activities that will be highlighted by the July 21 Induction Ceremony, where Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland and Joe Mauer will be inducted as the Class of 2024.

A limited number of spaces for Turn Two remain, and a reservation is required. Event pricing is $1,000.00 per person. Spots can be reserved by calling (607) 547-0385.

from page 4

the government. That means the government can function without the millionaire and billionaire taxes from people Trump has promised. Check the rates they now pay as individuals and as corporations, as we are still under Trump’s last cuts. The average person was not saving on those tax rates. The CEO of Boeing, with all its failures, gets a salary of $32.8 million. That amount is more than Boeing paid in taxes. Ford and other companies also pay their top executives more than they pay in taxes. These executives also pay less of a percentage than teachers, police, janitors and garbage collectors.

Trump’s ideas will hurt your pocketbook, the economy and business.

Pamela Fitch Tausta Oneonta

Re: Biden’s Mental Status

The recent performance of Biden in the debate of June 28 has given rise to much concern about the president’s cognitive status. Recently it has been suggested, by neurologists and others, that the president has

Parkinson’s disease. A starting point should be an understanding of what that implies.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition generally considered as first described by James Parkinson as “Shaking Palsy” in 1813 (though a late 17th-century description also exists, in Spanish). Now, as then, it remains a condition defined by its symptoms, and by observation and examination of the person. It cannot be diagnosed by an imaging study such as a CT scan or an MRI, or by laboratory findings, though more recently some lab findings have been associated with it. They are not, however, diagnostic.

Family history is not a generally important or prominent risk factor. Parkinson’s disease, or Parkinsonism, is age-related, but has a wide range of onset and clinical symptoms: the cardinal signs are given as tremor/shakiness; postural instability; gait changes, such as an increasingly slowed and short-stepped gait which may progress to imbalance and retropulsion (involuntarily stepping backward, especially when arising or turning); diminished facial expressivity; decreased blinking, a resting tremor/

OBITUARIES

Michael A. Perry 1954-2024

ONEONTA—Michael A. Perry of Oneonta passed away on May 16, 2024 at home. There will be a gathering on July 13 at 1 p.m. at Fortin Park in Oneonta to celebrate and honor Mike. Arrangements are under the direction of Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

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

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

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

shaking of limbs which improves or disappears on intended movement (this distinguishes it from the more common “intention tremor,” which gets worse with purposeful movement).

There is a characteristic stiffness of, particularly, wrist motion, known as “cogwheeling,” when the wrist is passively rotated by an examiner. Parkinson’s is associated with cognitive impairment, but this is extremely variable in onset and degree. Given the advanced age of most patients, it is often initially difficult to distinguish from age-related decline of such functions as facial recognition and other aspects of memory or cognition. It is characterized by softening of the voice and, with progression, difficulties in word-finding and other language skills.

All of these characteristics vary enormously in age of onset, degree of severity, and time course of progression. Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with the condition at age 29. Decades later, he remains active in his selected organizations. Parkinson’s disease may be associated with prior vascular events (strokes due to insufficient blood flow or, conversely, hemorrhages) in some brain areas (the basal ganglia), but this is relatively less common than so-called “idiopathic” Parkinsonism. It may be associated with, or caused or precipitated by, head trauma—Mohammed Ali’s condition has been attributed to that cause. Exposure to heavy metals and some other chemicals are associations.

open his mouth without telling a lie, except to describe plans for his own ongoing empowerment and enrichment.

Both the Democratic and the Republican parties should be excoriated for their failure to present us with candidates who are experienced, capable, honorable, and vigorous—most importantly, faithful to the nonpartisan principals upon which this nation was founded. In these most important aspects of the presidency, Biden is overwhelmingly qualified to continue as our president.

Mary Anne Whelan PhD, MD Cooperstown

Malone

Continued from page 4

anymore, and has essentially become irrelevant.

One positive from yet another example of political paralysis at the federal level is that state minimum wages now compensate for the large differences in the cost of living across the country. It’s no surprise that California, Connecticut, Washington, New Jersey and New York are among the states with the highest minimum wages.

FAt

PAu L H AMILton

St. James Episcopal Names Interim Priest

ONEONTA

The Vestry of historic St. James Church at 305 Main Street, Oneonta—with the consent of the Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Williamson, tenth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany—has unanimously called Fr. Paul Hamilton to the position of Interim Priest in Charge, effective July 14.

Church officials said Fr. Hamilton brings a wealth of experience and gifts to St. James, which is now poised for an exciting new chapter in its 153-year history. He is also on the faculty at the State University of New York in Oneonta, where he is a member of the psychology department. In addition, Fr. Hamilton is a psychotherapist and licensed drug and alcohol counselor in private practice. He has been warmly welcomed into the Episcopal Diocese of Albany and by the congregation of St. James.

Sunday services are held at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m. at St. James Church. Thursday Eucharist is at 10 a.m. For more information, call (607) 432-1458.

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings. Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

Functional difficulties associated with Parkinsonism may fluctuate from one time to another—”good days” and “bad days”—or specific factors such as fatigue or illness. It has been my opinion, and that of respected colleagues with whom I have discussed the question, that Biden does have observational characteristics consistent with Parkinsonism. In and of itself this does not render him incompetent to function as a president of the United States. He has been steadfast in his articulated policies, and achieved remarkable goals in the areas of employment, economic growth, and appointments to key advisory and leadership positions such as the military, the State Department, and the Department of Justice. He has demonstrated a deep commitment to the principles of equality under the law, civil rights, and the strengthening of infrastructure nationwide. He stands head and shoulders above the presumed Republican candidate who is a convicted felon, who will not commit himself to abiding by electoral results, a politically independent Department of Justice, or the reduction of any future federal debt through more equitable taxes, to the continuation of Social Security, or to the continued support of the nation’s most significant healthcare plans—Medicare and Medicaid. Trump cannot

Finally, as was noted in my previous column on the trade deficit, our unemployment rate of 4.1 percent means that we are living in a full employment economy. An extraordinarily low unemployment rate has created a “seller’s market” for folks seeking work, or considering a new job. That’s why the doorways to local businesses have “help wanted” signs, and why most of those entrylevel jobs are offering starting pay that is above New York’s $15.00 per hour minimum wage.

Jobs are plentiful and workers are scarce—and not because people are getting handouts and/or welfare from the government. That’s a local myth that I hear all of the time. The COVID stimulus checks—two from Trump and one from Biden—ended three years ago!

There’s an easy solution to solving the shortage of workers in a full employment economy, and you’ll be reading about it next time.

Larry Malone is professor emeritus of economics at Hartwick College.

Carvin

Continued from page 2

way that I say that the accident was ‘the best day of my life’ for what it led me to discover.”

He added, “I scoured the Internet for ways to make money online. Online reselling has changed my life! I am an avid treasure hunter in the spirit of “Storage Wars” and “Pawn Stars. It gave me financial stability.”

He calls himself “Thrift Boss.”

Carvin admits, “It is a stressful life being an actor. Online reselling gave me financial stability and freedom.”

For more information on what it takes to make it in the entertainment industry, ask www. CuyleCarvin.org.

Lost Memoir Sparks Hoyt Family Reunion

COOPERSTOWN

As many as 20 survivors of Yankees ace pitcher Waite “Schoolboy” Hoyt will gather on Thursday, August 8 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in an improbable family reunion sparked by the long-dead Hall-of-Famer’s newly released memoir.

“That Waite Hoyt’s memoir would be published 40 years after his passing was unlikely enough,” said Tim Manners, co-author with Hoyt of “Schoolboy: The Untold Journey of a Yankees Hero,” published by University of Nebraska Press this past April. “To have the book bring together a divided family is nothing short of remarkable.”

Indeed, many of the Hoyts have never met before and some were wary of a book that is now attracting them to Cooperstown, where Manners will speak about “Schoolboy” as part of the Hall of Fame’s “Summer Author Series.”

The book happened because Manners is a longtime friend of Waite’s son, Chris, who arranged to have eight boxes of his dad’s papers, letters, interview transcripts and memoir attempts sent to him four years ago. Manners reanimated those materials into a complete, first-person narrative of Waite Hoyt’s life, entirely in the Yankees legend’s own words.

Waite Hoyt enjoyed an astonishing run: signed at 15 to the New York Giants; three years as a teen in the rough-and-tumble minors; friend and teammate of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig; vaudeville star; undertaker; oil painter; recovering alcoholic; and beloved radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds.

He was the kind of guy who was good at everything he tried, except, perhaps, being a dad. Yet, 40 years after his death, Hoyt somehow managed to reunite his fragmented family at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, where he was enshrined in 1969.

“It’s a complicated family and a very human story,” Manners says. “Bringing Waite’s memoir to fruition has felt like magic from the start, and this Hoyt family rendezvous in Cooperstown goes way beyond anything anyone ever imagined.”

For further information, or to join the Hoyts at the Cooperstown event, contact Manners at (203) 2276004 or tim@timmanners.com.

Fab Four

Continued from page 2 teams, and the people and memories she has met and created along the way. Many others in the Class of 2024 shared similar experiences.

Raffo, Phaugat and Bohler all gave different insights and perspectives on high school, and offered advice for those already in high school, and for those who are rising to the highschool level.

Phaugat said, “Don’t take yourself too seriously, and try to build good study habits for college.”

Raffo commented, “Take advantage of

every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to get involved with new activities.”

Lastly, Bohler said, “Growing up is hard, but it’s necessary for who we will be. High school is not easy, but what we learn is invaluable in innumerable ways.” These students reinforced to those rising in the ranks behind them how valuable their time is during these high school years, and how much room there is to learn and grow.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and good luck for the future! Arya Patel is a rising junior at Cooperstown Central School.

Funeral Home

Photo provided MICHAEL A. PERRY

Photo provided

HER

Oneonta Storefront Project Brings New Focal Points to Main Street

By CASSANDRA MILLER

ONEONTA

Several vacant storefronts on Oneonta’s Main Street are filled thanks to the Oneonta Storefront Project. A papier-mâché jungle, carved basswood royalty, a celebration of pregnancy and Oneonta in the 1960s are some of the themes of installations passersby can see in downtown Oneonta this summer.

The brainchild of artist Elizabeth Pereira, the Oneonta Storefront Project is a grassroots initiative that has grown into a collaborative effort to beautify downtown. So far, artists and organizations have created installations for six vacant storefronts, with more planned this summer. Pereira said she hopes the project continues into the fall.

Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego County and the Greater Oneonta Historical Society created installations in adjacent windows at 182 Main Street. GOHS’ window features a display about the 1960s. FOR-DO’s features recovery-themed artwork and several items representing activities they offer to young people at Club Odyssey.

Huntington Memorial Library created a display in one of the former Bresees’ department store windows. Vinyl wings depicting books adorn the front of the window and inside hang real books with paper wings.

“We’re not an arts organization, but we wanted to be a part of it,” said Huntington Memorial Library Director Tina Winstead. “It’s the most fun thing I’ve done in my job all year.”

When hair stylist Beth Ashbaugh asked her client, Pereira, how she could help, she became the project manager of a new collective that calls themselves

the “Wild Animals” and includes Ashbaugh, Pereira, Karen Rowe, jessame Sanders, Morgan Doyle, and Claudia Koeppel. The group used plaster, paper, cheesecloth, silk flowers and chicken wire to create a jungle scene and added jungle-themed art for the former Artware window.

“It was a bucket list for me to do an art installation,” Ashbaugh said, adding that her only experience was creating a window display when she worked at a tuxedo company.

In addition to creative and informational displays are fine art installations.

“Window art, you don’t have to take it too seriously,” Pereira said. “Although I took it seriously.”

She created a sculpture for one of The Working Kitchen’s windows. In Pereira’s “Great Expectations; Superpower,” a full white belly and swollen breasts proudly sit atop a pedestal with three colorful papiermâché balloons “floating” behind it. When looking at the installation from the side window, you can see the inside of the belly is coated in gold.

“[Motherhood] is just where I’m at. It’s on the surface of my skin,” said Pereira, who shows art as Elizabeth Wilde.

“I used real gold leaf because it’s real gold,”

Pereira said, gesturing to one of her two daughters sitting nearby at a celebration for the project on Thursday, june 27, at Roots Public Social Club.

The sculpture is “celebratory of the expectations of what it’s going to be like to be a mom. It’s all a big party. It’s very exciting when you’re pregnant,” Pereira explained.

To bring her brainchild to life, Pereira, co-owner of her family’s business, Wolf Wilde Goldsmith, joined forces with artist Cynthia Marsh, who was helming a separate effort to create displays in Clinton Plaza at the same time Pereira was calling Main Street landlords to use their vacant spaces for art installations.

Mayor Mark Drnek connected the two artists and introduced them to a third organizer, Celia Reed.

“She is the problemsolver,” Pereira said of Reed.

The three women enlisted landlords, nonprofits and artists to be a part of the beautification effort.

“There’re a lot of reasons to love Oneonta and these three are some of them,” Drnek said in a speech at the celebration at Roots.

The first landlord to give Pereira the go-ahead was Stephanie Holmes, owner of The Working

The job scene

Kitchen, which has gone through several years of renovations and is scheduled to open in 2025.

“It’s nice to see something beautiful in the windows and feel like we’re a part of Main Street,” said Holmes, who owns the building with her husband, Chip.

Opposite Pereira’s sculpture are two carved basswood busts titled “The Queen” and “The King” by artist Stefanie Rocknak, a professor at Hartwick College who has shown her art around the world, including at The Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and in Boston Common, where her bronze statue of Edgar Allan Poe is permanently displayed.

Rocknak was the first artist Pereira reached out to after she secured The Working Kitchen’s windows.

“[Rocknak’s] work is of the caliber of these gorgeous windows,” she said.

Rocknak didn’t want to do both windows, so Periera decided to create her motherhood sculpture for the opposite window.

The Working Kitchen’s windows have been used at Christmastime to display “The Nutcracker” ballet costumes for its upstairs neighbor, Folkine Ballet Company. But the soon-tobe showroom’s big black

doors hadn’t been opened since the contractors installed them last year.

“The doors opened for the first time to bring the artwork inside,” Holmes said. “Now I really want to open them again. It felt really nice to see them open and to see people looking in windows.”

Holmes said she hopes the project will encourage other landlords and business owners to take an active role in reviving the heart of the city.

“We love downtown and we love to see all the positive energy. It feels so good. There’s so much going on. There’s good energy. We’re lucky to have a Main Street as vibrant as we do,” Holmes said. “We hope this inspires more people to fix up their spaces and rent them and be a part of downtown.”

Cassandra Miller writes about art, culture, and entertainment and is the editor of the “Townie” Substack newsletter.

Photo by Cassandra Miller

Elizabeth Pereira’s “Great Expectations; Superpower.”

Photo by Cassandra Miller

“The King” and “The Queen” sculptures are the work of Stefanie Rocknak.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY HURTUBISE ENVIRONMENTAL LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 June 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 393 County Highway 9, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

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The Butter Chicken, LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with the Department of State (SSNY) June 13, 2024

Office Location: Otsego County United States Corporation Agents, Inc. (USCA) has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and USCA shall mail copy of process to: 3522 County Highway 11, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws

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Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/10/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 29 May, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against

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STONE QUARRY VENUE LLC.

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STRANGE WORKS STUDIO ARCHITECTURE, PLLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 31 May, 2024.

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6LegalAug.8

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Notice of formatioN of D.M. Wedderspoon Unlimited LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/29/24. Off. loc: Otsego Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Derek Wed-

derspoon, 592 Co. Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalAug.8

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Notice of formatioN of Erythron Mechanics, LLC.

Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 5/22/24. Office location: Otsego County. The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward service of process to 19 Woodside Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

6LegalAug.8

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Notice of formatioN of Clear Run Farm LLC.

Articles of incorporation filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 4, 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 3250 State Highway 166, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalAug.15

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

RODRIGO MAPLE LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 3 July, 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 15 South St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalAug.15

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Notice to bidders

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

10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 08, 2024, at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd., 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constnotices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/ opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list. NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124. Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act,

hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award. Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265289, PIN 935851, FA Proj, Delaware, Otsego Cos., HIGHWAY - REST AREA PARKING EXPANSIONTowns of Sidney & Worcester., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $125,000.00), Goals: DBE: 5.00% 2LegalJul.18

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Notice of formatioN of Big Lion Little Bear LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/04/2024. 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. 6LegalAug.15

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sUppLemeNtaL sUmmoNs

OTSEGO - INDEX NO.: EF2023-717–

Plaintiff designates OTSEGO COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map Section 282.06, Block 1, Lot 90.00, GILBERTSVILLE, NY, County of OTSEGO

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT

SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE NRZ PASSTHROUGH TRUST XVIII, PLAINTIFF, -againstALLISON LOUISE PIANOFORTE, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LUCINDA D. WILSON A/K/A LUCINDA DUBBEN; ANDREA L. PENNELL, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LUCINDA D. WILSON A/K/A LUCINDA DUBBEN; Any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally 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 LUCINDA D. WILSON A/K/A LUCINDA DUBBEN, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; LVNV FUNDING LLC; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

“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.

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 28, 2024, Syosset, New York.

Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-9383100.

To the abovenamed defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. BRIAN D. BURNS 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 282.06, Block 1, Lot 90.00, GILBERTSVILLE, NY, County of OTSEGO as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 2 ELM STREET A/K/A 6 ELM STREET, continued Pg. 11

Cooper

Continued from page 1

glimpse of the village and stands at the foot of the wooded slope upon which, in the same story, Leather-Stocking shot the panther that was about to spring upon Elizabeth Temple.

“The monument itself was the result of an unsuccessful effort which was made shortly after Fenimore Cooper’s death in 1851 to erect in his memory a statue or monument in one of the public squares of New York City. To this end, ten days after his death, a public meeting of citizens of New York at which Washington Irving presided, was held in the City Hall; two weeks later the Historical Society of New York held a meeting in commemoration of Cooper; and on February 24, 1852, there was a great demonstration at Metropolitan Hall, with speeches by Daniel Webster and Goerge Bancroft, and a memorial discourse by William Cullen Bryant. The raising of funds for a memorial, which these meetings set as their object, was not commensurate with the expenditure of rhetoric. The sum of $678 was contributed, chiefly at the meeting in Metropolitan Hall, and the committee organized to solicit subscriptions did nothing further.

“Six years later Alfred Clark and G. Pomeroy Keese of Cooperstown undertook to raise by subscription a sufficient sum to erect a monument in Cooper’s memory in or near the village in which he lived, having in view the transfer of whatever sum might be on deposit in New York toward the proposed monument. They raised $2,500, to which Washington Irving, acting for the defunct committee in New York, added the $678 already contributed.

“The monument was completed on April 13, 1860 with the addition of the statuette of Leather-Stocking on the top. A detailed description was published in ‘The Freeman’s journal’ in 1926. ‘This monument is of white Italian marble resting on a granite base six feet square. The shaft including the base, die and cap from which it rises is about twentyfive feet in height, and is surmounted by a richly carved Corinthian capital. The four sides of the die are beautifully sculptured in bold relief; the front with the name

of Fenimore Cooper, surrounded by a wreath of palm and oak branches, the latter with acorns, one falling and another fallen; the north side with appropriate naval devices, viz., the anchor, oars crossed, commander’s sword and spy glass; the south side with Indian emblems, such as bow and arrows and quiver, lance with scalp locks attached, tomahawk and necklace of bear claws. On the east side are literary emblems, books and manuscripts, with the student’s lamp just extinguished, an inkstand, the pen which has just been seized and born aloft by an eagle. On its capital stands the statuette of Leatherstocking four and a half feet high representing him in the act of loading his rifle and gazing intently in the direction of the game which the dog, (nearly a full-sized hound) by his side looks anxiously into his master’s face waiting for permission to bound away.”

The total subscription for the monument including the sum received from New York was $3,262.00, the greater part of which was subscribed in Cooperstown. All are welcome to visit the monument in Lakewood Cemetery, especially when the afternoon sun highlights all the sculptured details. The cemetery is located at 182 County Highway 31, Cooperstown (East Lake Road), bordering the village limits. Visit cooperstownlakewoodcemetery.com to learn more.

Book

Continued from page 1

thinking about children. I think about what children enjoy and some of the things that sometimes challenge them and weave that into the story.”

An excerpt from her book reads:

Everyone needs a happy place -

A place to feel joy, a place to escape.

A happy place is a place that you choose.

A place to feel safe just being you.

Stay a short while or stay all day long.

No one can tell you that you don’t belong.

Take a deep breath.

Breathe out, breathe in.

Enjoy your happy place.

Find serenity within.

Even a place that’s an ocean away

Can be your happy place to imagine and play.

You don’t need permission.

You don’t need to drive.

Just imagine yourself there.

So let’s give it a try.

Profits from the Magical Fairy Garden Tour and sales of the limited-edition book and coloring book went to the garden club’s annual scholarship drive. Since 1990, the Springfield Garden Club has raised money from plant sales and special events to award more than $78,000.00 in scholarships to develop future leaders in horticulture.

April 1 was the application deadline for the garden club’s annual scholarship. For 2024, awards totaled $5000.00. Undergraduate, graduate students, and graduating high school seniors were eligible to apply. A fulltime plant sciences or environmental studies program must be their intended major.

Rothenberg-Whitney said, “Because of the success of their magical fairy garden tour, in conjunction with the book sale, they will be giving away $8,000.00 to multiple recipients in 2025.”

This event was the Springfield Garden Club’s most successful fundraiser to date according to the author. They printed and sold 300 copies of “Tell Me About Your Happy Place.”

Rothenberg-Whitney said, “We did a small print run and due to popular demand ended up doing a second run and we are currently sold out.”

“It definitely is an honor to collaborate with the Springfield Garden Club in this unique way,” she said.

“Tell Me About Your Happy Place” is a limited-edition publication, not available in any book stores.

For this first publication, Nespor was publisher and editor. Rothenberg-Whitney said, “Vana and I recently became partners of our independent publishing house, called Park Edge Creative, LLC.”

“Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the limited edition, I’m writing a second edition of “Tell Me About Your Happy Place.” I’m creating new illustrations geared toward a young audience. In addition, I have a series of stories in the works, featuring my character, The Shy Giraffe. The stories will continue to highlight themes around emotional wellness.”

Worcester

Continued from page 1

planning and execution of the event.

“We got involved when Charlene Rubino, the event chairperson, and Buddy Beams saw the original screening of “A Roadhouse Coup” and saw potential for our group,” Parmerter explained. “They spoke with the director, Lori Bailey, who was very enthusiastic about the idea. At the same time, Buddy and I were chairing a cooperative group for the three historical societies, which led to this joint effort.”

The fundraiser was initially set to feature a parade, but the unexpected weather turned it into a large indoor gathering. The Wieting Theatre became a hub of activity, with a costume contest and a meet-andgreet session with the film’s cast and crew, which delighted the attendees.

Parmerter shared his thoughts on the community’s reception of the event.

“It was very well received. There was a lot of buzz in all three communities. We had to stop taking phone reservations after reaching 220, just four days before the showing,” Parmerter said. “I recommended people show up anyway, as I was sure there would be no-shows, and everyone who came was admitted. The theater looked full, and the number of people in costume was a great indicator of the positive response.”

The event’s success has sparked conversations about the benefits of such initiatives for local historical societies.

“Certainly, events like this are beneficial. Both the event committee and the three-society

committee are meeting to follow up and see what we learned,” Parmerter noted.

As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the event had not only achieved its fundraising goals but also strengthened community bonds.

“Several people asked whether we were going to have similar events in the future, and I’m sure we will,” Parmerter said with a smile.

The Wieting Theatre, owned by the Wieting Memorial Association, played a crucial role in the event’s success.

Andy O’Dell, the president of the association, approved and arranged the showing, ensuring that the historic venue was the perfect backdrop for the nostalgic evening.

In the wake of such a well-received event, the local historical societies look forward to more collaborative efforts, continuing to bring the community together while preserving and celebrating their shared history.

Joel J. Plue is a regular contributor to Iron String Press.

Tourism

Continued from page 5

On the other hand, Bill Michaels, owner of the Fly Creek Cider Mill, shared that, “We are anticipating strong summer traffic with returning visitors and summer residents. The

influx of campers and ballpark families complement our local and regional customer base, while our successful Flavorful Rewards Program continues to be a significant benefit to regular visitors. Fall remains our busiest season, so a successful summer is always a welcome boost.”

Otsego County is an international destination. As a local or visitor, you have a golden opportunity to bask in the glory of summer. From days at the National Baseball Hall of Fame to the incredible art exhibitions at Fenimore Art Museum, performing arts at The Glimmerglass Festival’s Alice Busch Opera Theater or the lakefront concerts—and even weekly fun at Brewery Ommegang, the Cooperstown Artisan Festival, Music on Main, and local shows at the many breweries or wineries—there is something for every taste.

Whether you live here or are just passing by, just know that you are helping the locals and our economy flourish. And what better place to do it than in heavenly Otsego County, with its beautiful nature and incredible people, which might have you thinking you are in paradise.

Alessandra Paul is the operations and marketing coordinator for the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. from Pg. 10

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of

the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearings in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, july 22nd, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following:

Proposed Local Law No. 7 of 2024 – Amend Section 27012- delete error - Grove Street from Main to Lake

Proposed Local Law No. 8 of 2024 – Amend Section 270-13 (b) - 15-minute spaces

Proposed Local Law No. 9 of 2024 – Amend Section 270-14 (g) - Trolley Stops

Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local laws at such public hearings. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending

said public hearings, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. Copies of the proposed laws are available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business

hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Dated: july 9, 2024

By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of

Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org 1Legaljul.11

LegaL nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Traveling with Natasha Rifenburgh, LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 29 june, 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 955 Center Valley Road, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalAug.15

Photo by josh jones

Cast members and “A Roadhouse Coup” director Lori Kelly-Bailey, in 1930s costume, gather outside the Wieting Theatre by an antique car that was featured in the film. From left: actor Douglas Decker, actor Douglas Brenner, actor/producer Joel Plue and Kelly-Bailey.

►Friday, July 12

AUDUBON SOCI-

ETY 9:30-11:30 a.m.

“Craft Day.” Children aged 5+ learn about habitats and adaptations animals must make to live in

through crafts. Free; registration required. DOAS Sanctuary and Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta. (607) 3973815.

LIBRARY 10 a.m.

“Coffee & Puzzles.” Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

BLOOD DRIVE

10 a.m. Gym, Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. RedCrossBlood.org

YOGA 10 a.m. Gentle class perfect for seniors. All welcome. Followed by Reiki demonstration. Suggested donation, $10. Held each Friday. Strawberry Hall, WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

FOOD SERVICE

11-11:30 a.m. “Free Lunch Program for Kids.” Held Monday through Friday, through August 23, at two locations: Greater Plains Pool, 51 West End Avenue, Oneonta; Wilber Park Pool, Wilber Park Drive, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/HCOCOT-

SEGO

BLOOD DRIVE

11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cooperstown Fire Department, 24 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. Visit RedCrossBlood.org

POTTERY 1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@SmithyArts.org.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-7 p.m. “89th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition Preview Party.” Open through 8/16. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479777.

AUTHOR TALK 6 p.m.

“Blood Sweat Tears: The Power of Women+ on Trail” with author Bethany (Garretson) Adams. The Telegraph School, 83 Alden Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3785. CONTRADANCE

7:30-10:30 p.m. Fun, social dance with the Otsego Dance Society. Music by Mandigo Blue, with Robby Poulette calling. Suggested donation, $10/adult. First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8164.

►Saturday, July 13

DEADLINE Last day to register. “Kids Art Camp.” Children aged 6-14 explore their artistic sides in fun and educational art classes. Held 1:30-4 p.m. July 15-19. Registration required. Fees apply. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main

Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.

ART 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Plein Air Painting at Parslow Road Preserve.” Artists and aspiring artists invited. Fees apply. Continues 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 7/14. Parslow Road Preserve, 127 Parslow Road, Hartwick. (607) 547-2366.

YARD SALES 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Carnival of Sales.” Unadilla residents host yard sales throughout the village. Includes live music, food trucks and vendors on Main Street, Unadilla. Visit facebook.com/UnadillaCarnivalSales

HIKING

9:30-11:30 a.m. Guided Hike of Sleeping Lion Trail. Weather permitting; meet at trail head. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Road 31, Cooperstown. (607) 5478662.

MAKERS MARKET

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Christmas in July.” Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.

PRIDE Noon. “Tender Gender: Queer/Trans Yoga.” No experience required; free. Mats and props provided. Yoga People of Oneonta, 50 Dietz Street, Suite L, Oneonta. (607) 437-2359.

LECTURE Noon and 2 p.m. Mark Twain Lectures on “The American Vandal Abroad.” Also held 7/14. Leatherstocking Stage on the Bump Tavern Green, The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

BASEBALL AUTHOR 1 p.m. “Where The Seams Meet,” by Patrick Holcomb. Presentation held virtually and in-person.

Followed by book signing in the library atrium. Bullpen Theater, Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7200.

BENEFIT 1 p.m. “Troopers vs. Firefighters Charity Softball Game.” Support youth sports and a student overseas trip. Richfield Springs Central School, 93 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 922-4881.

PARK 3:30-5 p.m. Pompom Painting. Meet at the beach; weather permitting. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Road 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8662.

CONCERT 4 p.m. Ulysses Quartet opens the Honest Brook Music Festival summer season. Fees apply. Honest Brook Road off Route 28 between Delhi and Meridale. (607) 746-3770.

EXHIBIT 5:30-7 p.m. “The Spirit in Me Sings: Luthier Thomas Lieber Explores Bob Dylan & the Creative Spirit.” Fees apply. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

POTLUCK DINNER

6:30 p.m. Tableware and drinks provided. Downstairs Fellowship Hall, Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Road 26, Fly Creek.

OUTDOORS

6:30 p.m. “Family Olympics.” Gather a team and compete against other families in the water bucket relay, Olympic ring toss, discus throw and more. Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.

COMEDY 8 p.m., doors open at 7. “Volcano: A Stand-Up Comedy.” Featuring Ben Miller. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.

(607) 431-2080.

BASEBALL 7 p.m.

Oneonta Outlaws vs. Amsterdam Mohawks. Admission fee. Damaschke Field, Oneonta.

CONCERT 7:30 p.m.

“Cherry Valley Variety Show.” A night of musical theater, jazz, and song with local artists and visiting guests. Cherry Valley Artworks, 44 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2643080.

CONCERT 7:30 p.m.

New music by Otsego County composers, and more. Admission fee. Dunderberg Gallery, 118 Marion Ave., Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2010.

►Sunday, July 14

COMMUNITY DAY

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Middlefield Community Day.” Vendors, food trucks, live music all day. Main event: “Clyde Peeling” Reptiland at 1 p.m., featuring snakes, gators and more. The Old Schoolhouse, 3698 County Highway 35, Middlefield.

FIBER ART 1-3 p.m. “Flower Imprint Bandanas Workshop.” Fees apply. Also held 8/4. Hulse Hill Farm, 5928 State Highway 28, Fly Creek. (518) 605-9159.

AGRICULTURE

1-3 p.m. “4-H Swine Showmanship Clinic.” Free. Pre-registration required. Show ring, Otsego County Fairgrounds, 469 Mill Street, Morris. (607) 547-2536 ext. 225.

SUMMER SUNDAY

1-3 p.m. “Tales from the Empire.” Presented by Tom Morgan. SwartWilcox House Museum, Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 287-7011.

ROLLER DERBY

2:30 p.m., doors open at 1:30 p.m. “Hill City Rollers vs. Ladies Death & Derby Society.” Live music, raffles and more. Admission by donation. Interskate 88, 5185 State Highway 23, Oneonta. HillCityRollers@gmail. com.

DRUM CIRCLE 6 p.m. “Cherry Valley Drum Circle.” Held Sundays. Presented by The Telegraph School at the Cherry Valley Gazebo. (607) 264-3785.

►Monday, July 15

PARK 11:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. “Learn to Swim this Summer at New York State Parks!” All ages welcome, to build safety skills and confidence in the water. Also held 7/16, 7/18, 7/19 or 7/22, 7/23, 7/25 and 7/26. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Road 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8662.

SENIOR MEALS

Noon. Seniors are invited to enjoy a meal each Monday and Wednesday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of cheeseburger deluxe, macaroni salad, beets and no-bake cake. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 547-6454.

SUMMER CONCERT 5:30 p.m. Barnyard Saints. Free. Dinner available for purchase. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377.

PHOTOGRAPHY

6-8 p.m. “3-Day Photography Workshop for Adults.” With instructor Kevin Gray. Fees apply. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

CONCERT

7 p.m.

“Music at Meadow Links: The Tom Hovey Summer Music Festival.” Musical storytelling for the whole family by Green Golly and Her Golden Flute. Free; all welcome. Held rain or shine. Meadow Links Golf Pavilion, 476 County Route 27, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1646. BASEBALL 7 p.m. Oneonta Outlaws vs. Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs. Admission fee. Damaschke Field, Oneonta.

►tueSday, July 16

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike or bike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/ water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike/bike will be on the Stamford Rail Trail, Stamford. Contact hike leaders Jim and Tom Austin at (607) 437-5734. LIBRARY 10 a.m. “Life Sized Games.” Recommended ages: 2-10. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

READING 10 a.m. “Murray’s First Plane Ride.” Presented and read by author Lori Sullivan. Springfield Library, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.