Hometown Oneonta 08-22-24

Bassett Receives $17M in FEMA Reimbursements

By KRISTIAN CONNOLLY

COOPERSTOWN

The corner of Atwell Road and River Street in Cooperstown is quite possibly the sight of the busiest continuous pedestrian-and-automobile traffic in Otsego County. So there was a slight disconnect on the lawn of the Bassett Medical Center on Tuesday, August 13, when New York’s senior United States senator and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer highlighted the importance of rural healthcare and announced more than $17 million in COVID-19 reimbursement funding for the Bassett Healthcare Network as part of the American Rescue Plan.

At the three-pronged intersection, in a setting similar to an average Manhattan street corner with its constant stream of activity and the din of foot and motor traffic, even honking horns, Schumer made sure two points were heard loud and clear: Rural healthcare systems like Bassett Healthcare deserve the support of the federal government, and he was here to provide it.

“Bassett’s reputation is fabulous not just here in the Southern Tier and in Otsego County, not just in New York State, but really around the country for being the kind of great provider it is, in a rural area giving top-notch medical care to [eight] counties,” said Schumer, who was joined by Bassett Healthcare President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Thompson, Village of Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Otsego County Board Chair Edwin Frazier Jr., Bassett Healthcare Network Board of

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Golf Tournament Supports Helios Care Work, Services

ONEONTA—On Tuesday, August 13, Kate Sullivan of the Lucky Duck Golf Tournament presented a check to Helios Care in the amount of $2,000.00, gathered from a yearly tournament that Kate and husband Mike put on to enjoy a fun round of golf and give back to the community.

The Lucky Duck Golf Tournament began 18 years ago as

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By KRISTIAN CONNOLLY COOPERSTOWN

Third time’s the charm? That’s just one question after Universal Pre-K was brought back to the table at the Cooperstown Central School District Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, August 14.

While Universal Pre-K was not among the topics on the published agenda for the meeting, the subject was the primary focus of CCSD Superintendent Sarah Spross’ prepared report to the BOE. Spross said she’s heard, indirectly, that Universal Pre-K is a desire of some community members, so the superintendent felt it was the right time to “put everyone on the same page” about the idea so that the current board could decide whether to further explore the possibility.

Spross, who has been in the superintendent’s seat since 2021, said this is at least the third instance that UPK has been brought to the BOE during that time, with prior iterations of the board declining to proceed toward establishing the program.

“Universal Pre-K…is a state and federally funded pre-kindergarten program offered to families free of charge,” Spross informed the BOE, later adding that UPK has to be offered five days a week, but that it could be full- or half-day. But, Spross said, the program is “not an entitlement, and not all families have access to UPK, and they don’t have to.”

In the presentation, Spross highlighted some of the many competing challenges a school district faces in New York State when considering whether to offer UPK. Challenges that range from the more obvious (for example, funding and available classroom space, or staff certification requirements) to the less apparent, such as the fact that state law requires that the selection process for filling a UPK class be conducted at random. That means that the potential exists that not everyone who expresses interest in the program is guaranteed to get a spot.

The lottery-style class-selection system mandated by state law presents another challenge for any district

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Parade, Fireworks Celebrate GFD’s 150th Anniversary

By TERESA WINCHESTER

GILBERTSVILLE

On August 17, 1874, a group of citizens living in the then-unincorporated Village of Gilbertsville voted to form a new organization to be known as “Eagle Fire and Engine Company.” One hundred and fifty years later, to the day, the Eagle Fire and Engine Company, commonly referred to as the Gilbertsville Fire Department, marked its sesquicentennial with a parade and fireworks.The parade began at 7 p.m.

Some 50 people lined Commercial Street to watch the event while others stood in front of their homes as the parade wound through the streets of Gilbertsville. Rolling along behind the color brigade was the company’s

original hose and cart. The GFD’s “attack truck,” known as “Big Mike,” was accompanied by the department’s other vehicles—a tanker and a brush truck. The GFD was joined in the parade by other area departments and their fire engines: Sidney, Morris, South New Berlin, and Wells Bridge. The Sidney contingent also included a 1929 Model-A Ford. The parade ended at Centennial Park, where the Ladies’ Auxiliary sold hotdogs and other refreshments, and where a spectacular fireworks show took place at dusk. An anonymous party donated the fireworks.

Besides its anniversary, the department was also celebrating the arrival of a new ambulance for

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Photo provided

Kate Sullivan (second from left) presents a ceremonial check to Helios Care Board Member Connie Jastremski, Board Chair Jeff Woeppel and Dan Ayres, Helios Care president and CEO.

Photo by Teresa Winchester

Gilbertsville Fire Department President John Mason, flanked by Christine Wilder and Bryan Beadle, carries the U.S. flag in the GFD’s sesquicentennial parade held on August 17.

Continued

Part- t ime Sanitation

Su P ervi S or Sportsfield Specialties is seeking an experienced Sanitation Supervisor who will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining strategic cleaning schedules for its Delhi, NY Production Plant locations.

r e SP on S ibilitie S/Dutie S inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with the required procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Manage aspects of the cleaning schedules.

• Manage the deficiencies or needs for repairs with Continuous Improvement Manager and Maintenance personnel.

• Train and instruct employees in tasks, safety, policies, and procedures pertaining to equipment, zones, etc.

• Ensures all cleaning equipment is well maintained and is safe to use.

• Manages stock levels of cleaning materials and equipment.

• Perform cleaning duties to include dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, operating floor cleaning machines, removing debris or scrap to appropriate areas, etc.

• Clean working zones to include production workstations, warehouse, and machinery.

• Perform large machinery cleaning and de-greasing of machinery and surrounding areas.

• Monitor, collect and compact trash, debris, and recycling materials as necessary for disposal.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

r equire D q ualification S/ S kill S:

• Ability to give directions and cleaning check lists to assigned personnel.

• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, proper storage, and disposal methods is a plus.

• Ability to learn and operate forklift and any other cleaning equipment.

• Ability to complete tasks in a safe and efficient manner.

• Ability to use and operate ladders, vacuums, and wear PPE (dust masks, gloves, goggles, etc.)

• Required to pass a medical examination and get fit tested for respirator mask.

• Ability to operate a computer or tablet and perform basic computer functions for record keeping.

e x P erience/eD ucation: Experience/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• 2+ years of experience in commercial or residential cleaning.

• 2+ years of experience in a supervisory role.

Hourly Pay Range: $25- $27 per hour

Schedule: Monday - Thursday

Hours of Work: 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Competitive 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.

Part- t ime Sanitation S P eciali S t

Sportsfield Specialities is seeking experienced Sanitation Specialist who will be responsible for deep cleaning the Delhi, NY Production Plant locations and provide a clean safe workplace for employees.

r e SP on S ibilitie S/Dutie S inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with the required procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Perform general cleaning, stocking, and supplying designated facility areas.

• Cleaning to include dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, operating floor cleaning machines, removing debris or scrap to appropriate areas, etc.

• Clean working zones to include production workstations, warehouse, and machinery.

• Perform large machinery cleaning and de-greasing of machinery and surrounding areas.

• Monitor, collect and compact trash, debris, and recycling materials as necessary for disposal.

• Follow cleaning schedules and notify management of occurring deficiencies or needs for repairs.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

r equire D q ualification S/ S kill S:

• Ability to follow directions and cleaning check lists as assigned.

• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, proper storage, and disposal methods is a plus.

• Ability to learn and operate forklift and any other cleaning equipment.

• Ability to use and operate ladders, vacuums, and wear PPE (masks, gloves, goggles, etc.)

• Required to pass a medical examination and get fit tested for respirator mask.

• Ability to complete tasks in a safe and efficient manner.

• Ability to operate a computer or tablet and perform basic computer functions for record keeping.

e x P erience/eD ucation:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Previous experience in commercial or residential cleaning is preferred but not required.

Hourly Pay Range: $18- $20 per hour, DOE

Schedule: Monday - Thursday

Hours of Work: 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Open Vacancies: 2

Competitive 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.

BFS Warns of HAB Risk

OTSEgO—SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station found a rising abundance of the cyanobacteria Microcystis at multiple mid-lake sites during routine testing on Tuesday, August 13. This finding increases the risk of intermittent shoreline harmful algae blooms, especially on days with calm winds, full sun and warm temperatures. Lake users are urged to take extreme caution and avoid discolored or cloudy water and surface scums or mats. HABs can form and dissipate quickly, and are especially dangerous to children and pets. For more information, visit https:// suny.oneonta.edu/biological-field-station; to report a suspected HAB, use the New York State Department of Environmental Conservations tool at https://dec. ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/ harmful-algal-blooms/notifications.

‘Wick Week’ Underway

ONEONTA—Hartwick College’s “Wick Week” orientation and fall arrival tradition will run from Wednesday to Sunday, August 21-25. It includes five days of food, special events, traditions and services to help new students orient themselves and adapt in a new environment. For a complete schedule of events or more information, visit https://www.hartwick. edu/campus-life/wick-week/#schedule.

Job Corps Celebrates 60th

WASHINgTON, DC—New York students represented the state at the federal Department of Labor’s Job Corps program’s 60th anniversary and third annual Leadership Summit last week. Established by President Lyndon Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act on August 20, 1964, Job Corps has educated more than 3 million young Americans. It offers training in more than 100 fields and helps connect students to vacancies in high-demand industries. New York has seven Job Corps campuses, including one in Oneonta.

RDRS Lawsuit Dismissed

CHERRY VALLEY—A Class Action Federal RICO and Charity Fraud lawsuit filed by Arlene Dean of Ulster County, New York on Thursday, November 2, 2023 against Rescue Dogs Rescue Soldiers and others has been voluntarily dismissed without prejudice. The complaint alleged that the respondents organized to defraud a large number of animal-welfare donors of hundreds of thousands of dollars with a sham dog rescue and that they used the donations for the personal benefit of the board and their friends, including amassing a million-dollar real estate portfolio for founder Elizabeth Keller.

At the time the suit was filed, Keller said, “We’ve never been sued before, but the truth will come out.” Rescue Dogs, based in Cherry Valley, is a partner of the New York City Animal Care and Control shelter that receives stray dogs in Cherry Valley to train them as companions for disabled war veterans. It is a charity registered with the New York State Department of Corporations and uses a website and Facebook pages to solicit donations.

An investigation into living conditions of animals on Rescue Dogs properties conducted in August 2023 by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office found the dogs to be healthy but that living conditions needed improvement. A follow-up visit by law enforcement confirmed that conditions had been improved and the investigation was closed in September 2023. The civil case initiated by Dean was voluntarily dismissed on December 25.

Dogs currently available for adoption through Rescue Dogs Rescue Soldiers include Jules, a 2-yearold male basset hound/American bulldog mix, and Millie, a 2-year-old female American pit bull terrier.

Thelin First in 10K Run

RICHFIELD SPRINgS—A record 157 participants took part in the Richfield Springs Community Center’s 22nd Annual Sundae Run/Walk Fundraiser held recently, Race Coordinator Bill Kosina announced.

The event features two races at distances of 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), as well as an untimed two-mile walk. Both races started near the intersection of Bronner and Lake streets in the Village of Richfield Springs. The fundraiser is sanctioned by the Route 20 Road Challenge.

Dawson Thelin finished first in the RSCC Sundae Run 10K, followed by Kevin Davis. Jordan “Pre” Hoffman was first in the 5K/Walk and Hayden Lohmann was second.

Complete race results can be found on the community center’s website, www.richfieldspringscommunitycenter.org, by clicking on the “Fundraisers” tab.

For more information, contact Kosina at (315) 749-3286.

Opening for an hourly, part-time Deputy Court Clerk. Resumes can be emailed to OtegoTownCourt@nycourts.gov , or mailed to: Otego Town Court PO Box 468 Otego, New York 13825 Deputy Court Clerk

HABs Continue To Be a Concern for County’s Lakes, Residents

By KRISTIAN CONNOLLY

OTSEGO COUNTY

As of August 19, there had been three detected instances of harmful algae blooms on Otsego Lake this year, and all were relatively shortlived. But that doesn’t mean the topic is not at the forefront of what concerned citizens, lake researchers, and scientists are paying attention to and trying to understand each and every day.

The “Otsego Lake Cleanup” event led by the Otsego Lake Association on Sunday, August 11 provided a good venue for such a discussion. Gathered together for refreshments following the cleanup, members of the OLA spoke about HABs, cyanobacteria, plastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—more commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”—at the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station boathouse on the western shore of Otsego Lake.

When it comes to “forever chemicals,” which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council say— in perhaps the nicest possible terms—are “widely used,” are “just about everywhere,” and are “nearly indestruc-

tible,” the concerns are many, and mostly unknown.

Dr. Kiyoko Yokota is a limnologist and certified lake manager who works for SUNY Oneonta as an associate professor of biology and researcher at the BFS. She also serves as a scientific advisor for both the OLA and the Village of Coopertown’s Watershed Supervisory Committee, “a collaborative effort of Otsego County towns and the Village of Cooperstown dedicated to the lake’s health.”

“Both plastics and forever chemicals including PFAS are substances that lake organisms as well as humans did not evolve with, and their longterm effects are not yet fully understood,” said Dr. Yokota via e-mail, before adding, “The best we can do as citizens is to reduce their use and release to the environment… Reducing our dependency on plastics is the first step.”

According to Dr. Yokota, the EPA has begun regulating PFAS in drinking water, and New York State is following suit. As for microplastics, Dr. Yokota reports that “there is no mandatory microplastics testing for municipal drinking water at this point.”

When it comes to the health of local aquatic species, such as fish in the lake, there is concern ranging not only from how those substances

interact within the fish themselves, but also how the substances are passed from fish that are part of a larger food system— including to humans.

“[The New York State Department of Health] is making a big effort to get on top of some of the forever chemicals,” said SUNY Oneonta lecturer and researcher Paul Lord. “That’s a really important point to understand, that it’s a whole family of chemicals, it’s not a single chemical. And some of these chemicals have already been better studied in other locations, and that’s why we know that our freshwater fish are extremely polluted with forever chemicals. DOH is trying to get on top of the ones that are already well studied so that they can make some reasonable guidance about eating fish.”

With regard to HABs, the situation appears to be equally uncertain in terms of the effects on human health, both from short-term exposure and from cumulative exposure. And it’s not just Otsego Lake that is of concern in the area. For example, the Canadarago Lake Improvement Association’s Facebook page reported HABs in the lake on August 2, July 23, July 21 and July 13 this summer.

Said Lord: “When the cyanobacteria comes to the surface and they do that thing called a hazardous algae bloom, where everybody can see

it, and some of us react to it because either we’ve been exposed to it before and we’re allergic to it or because it’s toxic as hell and it gets in our eyes and it gets in our throat, that is acute toxicity. That means you’re getting a big dose and you’re reacting to it in a short period of time.

“What we all need to be paying attention to is the issue of chronic toxicity,” he said.

Lord also noted that cyanobacteria’s number of different toxins can range from those that affect what he termed the “brain housing group” to toxins that affect liver function.

“And your liver, of course, is what cleans your blood and everything else,” Lord said.

Dr. Yokota also weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding HAB exposure, saying, “There are a lot of studies going on regarding cyanobacterial blooms—they are a global problem, and our knowledge base is broadening every day.”

But, she added, “There are a lot of unknowns about chronic toxicity, and even for acute toxicity, it is difficult to estimate the true impact of cyanotoxins on human health at this point.”

Lord cited a recent study from the University of New Hampshire in which residents along different lakes were sampled and separated in the study depending on whether they lived on the

prevailing upwind part of the lake or the prevailing downwind area. In that study, it was found that neuromuscular issues for people that lived or summered on the downwind side for a couple of decades or more were significantly larger than those found among people who were on the upwind side.

“[HABs do] go airborne,” said Lord. “The question is at what level is it airborne and how are we reacting to it.”

Lord said that one of the big challenges in managing HAB exposure has to do with how quickly the situation changes in the water. For example, a calm day on the lake is an environment in which HABs, if present, are more likely to reach the surface and become an acute issue. A day with a lot of wind and an active body of water provides a greater chance to disrupt and dissipate the bloom before it reaches surface level.

Lord noted how during one dive, he was certain he witnessed a bloom in the lake’s water column, but by the time he went back to photograph it, the wind had helped do away with the bloom before it reached the surface.

Looking to the future, Lord sounded an optimistic note about how HAB exposure might be best managed. For example, technology has been introduced elsewhere that, according

to Lord, “sends out light waves, and by the bouncing of light back, we can determine what kind of algae species are in the water. They are collecting data 20 times per minute, and with that tech they are able, with a good success rate, to predict within 72 hours when the algae blooms are going to occur.”

Lord added, “That is what I think is the best that we could hope for, because 72 hours, we can also take a look at what the weather’s going to be. And then the village could say, ‘the best estimate we have of what the situation’s going to be like on Friday is, if you’re on the east side of the lake, shut your windows. If you’re on the west side, enjoy it.’” At the moment, such systems cost $2 million to implement, and only larger lakes with larger communities and more resources—Lake George, Skaneateles Lake, Chautauqua Lake—have begun using such technology. But the belief is that the more common the technology, the less expensive it will become, which will make it available to all communities with such a need.

“That’s not the only place we see hope,” said Lord, “but that kind of project would also be grabbing ahold of other emerging technologies and merging that in with their data to make better predictions.”

Mooney Receives 2024 Walter A. Franck Physician Excellence Award

COOPERSTOWN

Eric Mooney, MD, senior attending physician in Bassett Healthcare Network’s Department of Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, is the recipient of the 2024 Walter A. Franck Physician Excellence Award.

“This was surprising— I know and work with many providers who are worthy of this distinction,” said Dr. Mooney. “It is also a huge honor. I know Dr. Franck personally, having worked with him many years before his retirement. It is pleasing enough just to have been his colleague.”

The Franck award is among the most prestigious recognitions awarded to caregivers. It recognizes a physician, nominated by peers, who exemplifies excellence in the areas of clinical care, scholarship and citizenship. Dr. Mooney’s multiple nominations, submitted by his colleagues, emphatically commend him in all three areas.

“Dr. Mooney’s skills are renowned. He practices as a true artist, setting the standard for excellence in all aspects of surgery.”

“Dr. Mooney treats each patient with great compassion, seemingly as if they were a member of his family… Eric is someone you can bring a surgical question or challenge to without any feeling of inferiority or inadequacy. He unimposingly offers ideas and is open to better solutions.”

“Eric is just a very kind person with a great sense of humor. In our community, he has coached youth

soccer for many years and been on the Cooperstown Food Pantry Board for nearly 10 years. In our larger world community, he participated in over 25 medical mission trips as a part of volunteer teams traveling to developing

countries to provide surgeries to the underserved, and train local surgeons.”

“My fellow colleagues are one of the main reasons why I’ve made Bassett my professional home for almost 27 years,” said Dr. Mooney. “In my division, we help and cover for each other, rather than competing against one another. Working in a department that primarily focuses on reconstructive work, I also get to connect with many other specialties, like Cancer Services. I am surrounded by wonderful people to work with.”

Medical missions have been an important high-

call

light of Dr. Mooney’s career.

“I made my first trip to perform surgery abroad to Bangladesh in the mid1990s. Once I was here, Tom Huntsman introduced me to the organization Resurge. I’ve been on dozens of trips since to Tanzania, Vietnam, Nepal, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, China, and India to rebuild after burns, reconstruct cleft lips and pallets, and repair hands. I am very thankful Bassett has given me the opportunity to do

that work.”

Dr. Mooney also feels particularly honored to receive an award honoring Dr. Walter A. Franck. Dr. Franck is a retired rheumatologist who provided exceptional care for more than four decades and served as senior associate dean at Bassett’s Columbia Medical School program until his retirement in 2014.

“Dr. Franck is a remarkable physician,” Dr. Mooney said. “In fact, on my last trip to Tanzania, I

worked with an anesthesiologist who completed his residency here at Bassett Medical Center. He shared with me a story about Dr. Franck’s personal attention as a hospital leader that he says has profoundly shaped his own doctoring to this day.

“It is a huge honor to receive an award named for someone with such a living legacy. It’s also a good reminder to us as healthcare providers: Our impact on others is much bigger than we realize.”

Photo provided DR. ERIC MOONEY

HOMETOWN Views

MIKE COFFMAn

Housing First Won’t Solve the Homeless Crisis

More than 650,000 Americans experienced homelessness on any given night in 2023—a 12 percent increase since 2022. Chronic homelessness is also worsening, with more than 143,000 people homeless for at least a year in 2023—an all-time high.

I’ve been the mayor of Aurora, Colorado for five years. In my first term, I went undercover and lived among people experiencing homelessness in Aurora and Denver for a week. I wanted to understand why Colorado’s homeless community was growing and how my city could best help.

The leading policy approach to homelessness, and the one that attracts the lion’s share of government funding, is “Housing First.” Essentially, it prioritizes placing individuals into permanent housing as quickly as possible without addressing other issues like untreated mental illness or drug addiction.

No one can doubt the sincerity of “Housing First” advocates. But its proponents have been seduced by an illusory “silver bullet.”

After spending time in encampments, it became clear that solving homelessness won’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Many individuals were battling addiction and had little chance of holding down a job. Others dealt with mental health challenges.

That’s why a broader approach is necessary.

In its worst iteration, Housing First is a no-strings-attached approach. Beneficiaries receive housing and don’t need to attend job training programs or agree to a sober lifestyle. It’s a well-intentioned approach, but it simply isn’t working.

Since 2019, California has spent $24 billion on homelessness programs, even mandating all state-funded programs to adopt the Housing First model. Yet chronic homelessness in the state keeps climbing.

In Utah, Housing First has been the de-facto approach since 2005. Yet from 2017 to 2022, the number of chronically homeless skyrocketed 328 percent.

Despite these failures, Housing First remains the priority for federal and state funding.

This preferential treatment stunts programs that address underlying causes of homelessness. One study showed that over 60 percent of chronically homeless individuals reported drug or alcohol abuse.

Yet there is hope.

Step Denver provides free housing, addiction recovery programs and peer recovery support for hundreds of men each year. The program includes career counseling, 12-step meetings and life skills classes. After leaving, 84 percent find a full-time job and 80 percent report sustained sobriety.

The Chapman Partnership in Miami creates an individualized Housing Stability Plan for each client who seeks housing, providing workforce development programs, social services and long-term housing opportunities. They’ve achieved an 80 percent outplacement rate.

In Phoenix, the nonprofit St. Joseph the Worker provides transitional housing and financial literacy resources for clients who work full-time but are at risk of homelessness. Since the program began, around 250 clients have moved on to permanent independent housing.

Aurora is following suit and launching a Navigation Campus as early as next year. The center will provide mental health services, recovery programs, health care and workforce development. Emergency shelter will be available to anyone who needs it, but long-term private housing will be reserved for clients who seek employment and engage with a case manager.

Aurora is taking action to invest in people and establish the infrastructure needed to have a lasting impact. I hope it can serve as a model for cities nationwide.

Mike Coffman is the mayor of Aurora, Colorado.

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.

o

Tamburrino’s

‘Twelfth Night’:

Love in a Time of Confusion

You could call “Twelfth Night” [Glimmer Globe Theatre] a love triangle, where a man and a woman vie for the affection of a crossdressing tease. The plot could have been written today—without Shakespeare’s glorious language. But the play is much more than a romance. The real juice of the show takes place with the downstairs crew, who cook up a plot to amuse each other while the swells upstairs pine and delude themselves.

The fabulous comic trio of Sir Toby Belch (Tom Russo), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Mark Murphy), and Maria the Maid (Mary Davis Fralick) keep the temperature up and the audience laughing with hijinks, lewd jests, and bawdy gestures. They are a perfect group, using brilliant physical comedy (a hilarious Russo) and racy banter while poking holes at the aristocracy.

Meanwhile, the maid, Maria—the wily servant who knows more than

everyone else—raises the heat to a boil with her saucy charm. Feste the Fool (Orion Palmer) moves smoothly between high and low characters, dispensing wit that’s anything but foolish. The object of their jibes, the stuck-up steward Malvolio (the intense John Melvin), gets his comeuppance to remind us that fun often comes at someone else’s expense. Malvolio’s rage at the show’s end twists the comic screw so tight that it becomes tragedy worthy of Lear.

Meanwhile, upstairs everyone except the principals is having a good time. The setting of the action is fast-forwarded to the Roaring Twenties, where everything goes. Flappers dance at Duke Orsino’s (Liam Herbert) nightclub. They shimmy, drink and dance in fabulous fringed dresses while the principals wallow in misery. Duke has been courting Olivia (a commanding Allie Tabor-Church) without

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Energy Should Be Clean, Affordable

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.

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As the country and the rest of the world experience another year of scorching heat waves, private for-profit utility companies—who we rely upon for our basic necessities, like heating, cooling and electricity—are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits.

When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: They power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often, they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.

We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80 percent of electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.

Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working

toward a safer climate, but these private, for-profit companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark. Utility companies are charging us more while they get paid off by the fossil fuel industry to block the transition to renewable energy.

Utility companies have gotten away with profiting at the expense of people and our planet for too long. It’s time we hold them accountable and demand they stop using our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable energy.

Scott Amundsen Oneonta

GMHA: Grateful for Jim’s Support

Senator Jim Seward’s legacy is marked by a deep commitment to his constituents and a lasting impact on his community, particularly in his hometown of Milford, New York.

Throughout his long tenure, Seward championed various projects that enhanced the

local economy, preserved historical sites and promoted cultural enrichment. He was a true neighbor.

One significant contribution was his support for the David Sayre House Museum, operated by the Greater Milford Historical Association. This museum brings to life the history of the Sayre family and early settlers in Milford, offering dynamic programs that educate visitors about the region’s heritage. Seward’s advocacy for historical preservation and cultural institutions ensured that such important local landmarks received the attention and support needed to thrive.

In addition to his work with historical societies, Seward played a crucial role in economic development. He secured funding through the Regional Economic Development Council awards, which supported infrastructure upgrades and job creation initiatives across his district. His efforts in agricultural safety, particularly the New York Rollover Protection System Rebate Program, showcased his dedication to

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LASTInG IMPRESSIOnS FLOREnCE MCDERMOTT

Photo provided

Claire nolan, Mark Murphy, Mary Davis Fralick and Tom Russo (above) entertained audiences in Glimmer Globe Theatre’s recent production of Shakespeare’s genderbending “Twelfth night.”

Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

90 YEARs AGo

An outbreak of anti-Christian propaganda from Nazi sources has stirred the troubled church situation in Germany causing apprehension in Catholic and some Protestant groups. August Hoppe of the Hitler Youth press department has written in a periodical titled “Bordland”—“The time has come to take up the fight against Christianity. Germans must and shall realize that their conversion to Christianity was a crime against the race and the people, which put them completely at the mercy of powers outside the state.” Meanwhile, on the advice of Rabbi stephen s. Wise of New York, the Boycott Commission of the Third Jewish Conference issued a communique tonight declaring the boycott will be redoubled until German Jews get back all their rights of citizenship. The communique calls for the formation of an international center which would direct all action of world Jewry against discrimination, and the creation of a central office of propaganda to encourage a boycott of German merchandise.

August 1934

70 YEARs AGo

New York state intends to make smokers pay the three-cent-a-pack New York tax on cigarettes bought by mail from other states. Allen J. Goodrich, president of the state Tax Commission, said that tax notices were sent to “thousands of individuals” who have been getting mail order cigarettes from states that do not tax them. Most of the cigarettes come from Virginia and many of the purchasers are from New York City. Under federal law, mail order houses are required to report monthly to the New York Commission the name and address of each cigarette buyer, except licensed dealers, the quantity purchased and the date of sale. The law requires buyers to pay the three cent tax within 24 hours of receiving untaxed cigarettes. Penalties range up to 50 percent of the tax, plus 1 percent for each month of delinquency.

August 1954

40

YEARs AGo

since meters were installed in the parking lot beside the old City Hall Building early last year, the city has collected 33,200 nickels, or $1,660.00 in parking fees. Paul Kogut, city chamberlain, said the average weekly income on the meters has been about $55 to $60. The meters were installed in the lot last January. A nickel buys half an hour of parking time.

August 1984

30 YEARs AGo

The oneonta Capital Budget and Planning Commission approved site plans, with conditions, for Hartwick College to build two new residence halls. The stipulations require compliance with the Department of Environmental Conservation’s publication on storm water run-off, a requirement the college already meets. The college must also schedule inspections with the city engineer for all water management phases. Engineering department sign-off will also be required for landscaping and water run-off measures.

August 1994

CANo’s Audience, offerings Are Growing

The Community Arts Network of oneonta provides arts education, artistic and cultural presentations, community events, and more to the greater oneonta region. Currently, it is preparing for a fairyfestival type event, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and winding down the summer Arts Program for Kids and Teens. While the organization has experienced many changes since its inception in 1970—when it was called UCCCA—a more diverse demographic attending, and participating in, events and programming has spurred the organization’s evolution.

According to Executive Director Hope Von stengel, until recently CANo was primarily recognized as a space for visual art exhibits, the Chili Bowl Cook-off and the summer Arts Program for Kids.

“Within the past two years, our audience has grown and we responded by providing more opportunities to attract the public and local artists.

By MERL REAGLE

Y2K Fun…

Last year, we expanded the summer Arts Program by adding painting and drawing classes for teens. This year, we also offered fiction, poetry, ceramics and watercolor workshops for teen students. We are in the midst of planning a series of fall workshops for adults that focus on health and well-being, how to run your own arts-based business, and more.”

“I am very excited about the types of new events we are planning,” enthused Von stengel. “For example, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ provides an immersive arts experience. on saturday, August 24 from 4-8 p.m., music, vendors selling arts and handmade goods, art installations created by Megan Joubert and other local artists, food by AJ’s smokin’ BBQ and art activities for kids, like making fairy wands, will pop up outside on CANo grounds. After 6 p.m., we will open the Wilber Mansion’s doors to attendees 21+, where the downstairs will be

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20 YEARs AGo

A youth-sponsored festival sunday in Neahwa Park marking the end of summer will feature the sounds of five bands. organizer and oneonta high school junior Jen Milillo said summerfest 2004 will be held at the skate Park along with a skateboard competition and volleyball tournament. Milillo is a member of the oneonta Community Alliance for Youth. Concessions—hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and drinks—will be sold at the event to benefit the organization. “We’ve been working toward getting a teen café, so we’ve been doing all that we can to raise money,” Milillo said. The bands are My Favorite Accident, Inside Draw, Jonas, White side, and stacey Miller & Friends.

August 2004

Photo provided

cano’s upcoming event, “a midsummer night’s Dream,” will feature the Lunachix, an oneonta-based fusion/belly dance troupe.

the emergency squad—a four-wheel drive FordF Chassis, one of the first of its kind in the area, according to GFD Fire Chief Dave Robinson. Donations to help defray costs of the new vehicle may be sent to Gilbertsville Fire Department, PO Box 72, Gilbertsville, NY 13776, said Robinson, who at a GFD clambake on August 18 was recognized as “Fireman of the Year.”

Another cause for celebration was the department’s first-place designation for “Best Appearing Company” at both the Otsego and the Chenango fair parades. GFD also won “Best in Class” at the Chenango County Fair parade. James “Jimmy” Van Dusen is the department’s parade chairman, responsible for assembling banners, ensuring attendance and doing necessary paper work for parades.

The pride felt by the current GFD for these distinctions echoes the department’s proud history. The company formed following a series of devastating local fires in the 1800s. In 1866, one of these fires destroyed all business buildings on the north side of Commercial Street. In 1874, 27 buildings on both sides of Marion Avenue burned to the ground. Some of these fires were said to be caused by a “firebug,” an arsonist unidentified to this day.

“It was obvious that Gilbertsville needed firefighting equipment and a trained company of fire-fighters to cope with further outbreaks,” wrote Douglas McKee (d. 1997) in a history of the company edited by Leigh Eckmair, historian for the Town of Butternuts and Village of Gilbertsville. The history is undated but the latest date mentioned in it is 1977.

An account of the first fire engine’s public demonstration on August 22, 1874 appeared in the “Morris Chronicle:” “Our new fire engine works admirably; quite a crowd of people congregated near the baptist [sic] Church Saturday evening to witness the trial of the engine. It done [sic] much better than a majority of our people expected, some plainly saw the water go over the silver ball on top of the spire, and some were quite positive that it fell short, however all had to admit that the engine done [sic] well, and can be made to much better with proper management.”

Between 1874 and 1896, major fires continued to destroy both homes and businesses in various parts of Gilbertsville, despite the best efforts of firemen on the scene. Fighting fires in winter proved particularly problematic. Describing a February 1895 conflagration, McKee wrote, “Among the Fireman there were many frozen feet, fingers and ears and one was injured when he fell from the bridge into the brook on his back.”

Ruinous fires continued, calling forth the necessity of a commu-

nity water supply. After the February 1895 fire, the “Otsego Journal,” according to McKee, launched a publicity campaign urging the village to incorporate and finance the building of a water system. On March 21, 1896, a special vote authorized the village to do so. One month later, the village voted for a public water system and by July of the same year, L.J. Richardson of Owego enlisted 35 Italian laborers to construct the system, which was completed in September, McKee recounts.

Since mid-century, GFD has been supported by two indispensable units. In 1955, the wives of the fire department members formed a Ladies’ Auxiliary (Eagle Fire and Hose Company, No. 3). “Since that time hundreds of gallons of coffee, thousands of donuts and as many sandwiches have been served at fires, emergencies, and any other time the Firemen deemed them necessary,” according to a program from the 1963 Otsego County Fireman’s Association Convention, held in Gilbertsville.

Current auxiliary President Heather Wilcox says the work of the organization remains much the same.

“Our main task is to support firemen on scene and do any other tasks they ask of us,” Wilcox said, adding that the auxiliary maintains the kitchen area of the firehouse, stocks shelves, and raises funds for the department’s work.

The auxiliary counts 14 members, 12 of them active. Two of its three founding members, Darline Hill and Patricia Stensland, are still on the membership roll. Founding member Elizabeth “Betty” Van Dusen died in June 2022.

Three “near tragedies” in the summer of 1960 resulted in the formation of an emergency squad. Thirteen department members completed advanced first aid training, and, with the acquisition of a 1954 Cadillac ambulance, the fire department’s emergency squad was formed. This was reported to be the first ambulance corps in Otsego County, according to 43-year squad member and current Captain Steve Gayle. When a new certification became available, some squad members became emergency medical technicians, and some then trained as critical care technicians, certified to provide advanced life support care. Three squad members became New York State certified EMT instructors, training countless EMS responders throughout the county, Gayle wrote in an e-mail communication.

The department, a non-profit organization, is member-owned and currently counts 39 firefighters, emergency squad personnel, and auxiliary members. All are volunteers. Its longest continually serving member is Jim Pochy, who has served for 60 years—21 of those as chief. Pochy was recognized for his service at the August 18 clambake, where Pochy’s wife, Susie, and her

fellow auxiliary member, Cathy Osborne, received recognition for 55 years of service to the Ladies’ Auxiliary.

On the other end of the spectrum, junior firefighter Jenna Carpenter,16, represents the future of the GFD. She is the granddaughter of Michael Tiffany, GFD first assistant fire chief, and daughter of Nate Tiffany, second assistant fire chief. She recently participated in junior firefighting training in McDonough (Chenango County), where she received a certificate of excellence.

In his history, McKee wrote, “The training goes on. The drills go on. So does the fund raising, the equipment and building maintenance, the chicken barbecues and, we hope, the parades.”

He may as well have been writing about today’s GFD. Rest in peace, Mr. McKee—on Saturday, August 17, the parade did, indeed, go on.

CCS

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that is considering jumping into UPK: It wouldn’t be known until after students are selected for placement in the program whether any of those students would need accommodations in the classroom.

For example, students whose first language is not English. Or students with disabilities. Only once a class’ composition was known would the district learn what hires it must make in order to meet students’ needs in the classroom, as required by state law.

District resident and CCS alum Mary Jane Sansevere—a UPK instructor at nearby Schenevus Central School, who is married to CCS BOE President Pete Iorizzo—took the opportunity in the public comments portion of the meeting to speak in favor of the district adding a UPK program.

“In terms of the program you’re thinking about offering your students, I think it would be incredibly beneficial,” said Sansevere. “I can tell you first-hand what I’ve seen with the kids that I work with in Schenevus, how far it brings them academically.”

Sansevere also noted that due to the limited options available for childcare in the area, “being able to offer that kind of program to the district would just be incredible,” and that it also might provide incentive for families to move into the district.

For its part, the Board agreed to the steps suggested by Spross, which is to first have the BOE’s Facilities and Finance Committee study adding the program. Only if UPK is deemed feasible by that committee will the Curriculum and Instruction Committee then undertake its own work toward developing a proposed UPK program.

“I really just wanted to give a high-level overview of [UPK], so that we’re all starting on the same page,” concluded Spross.

Reached via e-mail later in the week, Iorizzo

said, “Whether or not [UPK] ultimately moves forward, I think we owe it to our community to at least say we looked at all the advantages and the challenges and made a decision that was in the best interest of the district.”

The Board expressed hope that the first step of the exploratory process could be completed by November.

Last Wednesday’s regular August BOE meeting was otherwise mostly routine business, with a lot of t’s crossed and i’s dotted on official documents, reports, contracts, and appointments for the coming 2024-25 school year.

The CCS BOE will meet again on August 28, a rare second meeting of the month which often happens in August in order to adequately prepare for the opening of the coming school year.

Among the lessthan-routine items last Wednesday? The transition in the head coaching position for the varsity baseball team after longtime coach Frank Miosek hung up his spikes following last season.

A former CCS science teacher who is about to begin his 37th season leading the boys varsity soccer program, Miosek had been in the head baseball role since 1990 and is the program’s winningest coach.

Spross and CCS Athletics Director Josh Wagner’s recommendation was to invite CCS elementary physical education teacher and coach Matt Hulbert to take the reins from Miosek. Hulbert has served as the JV baseball coach among other coaching posts he’s held during his time working at the school.

Prior to that agenda item coming to the floor, community member Frank Panzarella spoke in support of another candidate for the position: Matt Hazzard, a CCS alum and longtime presence both on the sidelines and in the stands at CCS. According to Panzarella, who has had one son go through the baseball program and another about to be part of it, Hazzard had spent the past decade “dedicated to the program” as an assistant with the varsity team.

“[Hazzard] is someone who really can espouse the family values that Frank Miosek has really made a core part of the culture of this program,” said Panzarella, who didn’t speak directly in opposition to Hulbert, but shared that he simply felt that the best, most qualified person was not selected for the job.

Panzarella closed his remarks by acknowledging that he was unsure whether his words would have any influence on the BOE, but that he “couldn’t not come here tonight [to share his opinion] because this community is really important to me and important to my kids.”

In the end, the BOE moved forward with Spross and Wagner’s recommendations, including the appointment of Hulbert. But prior to doing so, Iorizzo did take the step to pull the spring

sports coaching appointments out of the much longer personnel consent agenda. According to Iorizzo, this was done so that it was “clear that our conversation regarding the hiring process was specific to athletics and not to the other appointments.”

Separating the items also allowed the BOE president to say that while he supported the appointments list and the good-faith efforts of Spross and Wagner that went into their selections, he suggested that the BOE address concerns that some community members have had with the process of hiring athletics coaches.

According to BOE minutes from the July 11 meeting, Miosek was one of those community members, speaking “about his frustration with the baseball program and a coach not being hired.”

Another community member at that meeting, Michael Croft, is said to have spoken “about his concerns with the hiring and recommendation process of coaches within the athletic department.”

In wrapping up his comments on the matter last Wednesday, Iorizzo said that one way to address the community’s concerns is to have the BOE’s personnel committee examine the hiring process in the fall to see if there’s anything to be done to “strengthen” it. Because, said Iorizzo, “the community has asked us to do that, and I think it’s a reasonable request.”

Added Spross via email later in the week: “I look forward to reviewing the recruitment process of coaches with the Personnel, Policy and Public Relations Committee to determine if any modification should be made.”

To close last Wednesday’s meeting, the BOE went into executive session to discuss “proposed, pending or current litigation and the employment history of a particular person.” Later in the week, both Spross and Iorizzo declined to comment further on the matter due to its being related to litigation.

Other business conducted at the August 14 meeting included the adoption of the 202425 District-Wide Safety

Plan, which Spross noted has not substantively changed from last year’s version, though “in accordance with new regulations, CCSD clarified that all emergency drills will be conducted in a trauma-informed manner”; authorization of both the 202425 budget amount of $22,952,542.00 and the tax levy of $13,949,925.00 ($13,668,144.00 for CCS and $281,781.00 going to the Village of Cooperstown Library and Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick); the approval of three bus leases, totaling $440,550.00 over five years; the approval to remove thousands of “obsolete, surplus, or unusable” books from the district’s classrooms and libraries; and various other appointments throughout the teaching and support staff for the coming school year.

Spross also noted that the district has been able to fill nearly all open employment positions, with only the following still vacant as of August 14: one part-time (0.6) fine arts teacher; one part-time (0.6) occupational therapist; and full-time vacancies for a speech language pathologist and elementary special education instructor.

Helios

Continued from page 1 a friends tournament, and has evolved into a significant communitywide fundraising event supporting many local charities and nonprofit organizations. Throughout the years, the money raised from this tournament has been used to help fix roofs on houses, support transportation costs for families in need, and more. These unrestricted funds donated to Helios Care will be used to directly support services provided to patients and families in our area not covered by reimbursements. Helios Care, formerly known as Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., provides end-of-life, palliative, and bereavement care to patients and families in Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. To learn more about Helios Care services, or to donate, visit www. helioscare.org.

Bassett

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Network Board of Directors Chair Douglas Hastings, Bassett Medical Center President Dr. Henry Weil, and medical student Katherine Dunkelberger.

The $17 million in COVID-19 reimbursement funding from the federal government’s Federal Emergency Management Agency follows an earlier FEMA distribution of $6 million. Providing that money, said Schumer, is both an act of thanks for Bassett Healthcare’s role during the “darkest days of the pandemic,” and a boost for the future in helping Bassett close budget gaps caused by the unexpected and additional spending that was necessary in order to serve its rural community following the arrival of COVID.

“Everyone here heroically stepped up,” said Schumer, who led the effort in the U.S. Senate to secure an additional $2 billion from the then-incoming Biden Administration in 2021 to support COVID relief for New York’s hospitals.

“The medical staff, the nurses, everybody else. And the hospital stepped up to buy the equipment and supplies, and keep the personnel paid,

during a terrible time of financial strain.”

When asked if there were any restrictions placed on how the hospital can spend the new funds, Schumer said, “Not really. These are reimbursements. [Bassett Healthcare] already spent the money to take care of COVID, so this goes into their bottom line. Which is a good thing for the hospitals.”

During his prepared remarks, Schumer noted the extensive array of facilities throughout the Bassett Healthcare Network, and just how large and relatively sparsely populated the Bassett Healthcare service area is in the state.

Statistics that serve to underscore the need that Bassett Healthcare fills for providing rural healthcare to its community.

“The Bassett area covers 5,600 square miles, and that’s bigger than Connecticut,” said Schumer. “Our rural hospitals have always needed special help, because the people are further away, and because there’s less density. … People forget this, they think of New York City. But New York State has the third-largest rural population in America.”

Schumer closed his speech by saying, “I can assure all of you here today that I will continue to be a watchdog to make

sure Bassett gets the help it needs from the federal government.”

Thompson then addressed the gathering, thanking the senator for his hard work in Washington on behalf of Bassett Healthcare Network and other healthcare systems across New York.

“We are so grateful for the senator’s leadership and his tremendous advocacy to help secure $17 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan,” said Thompson. “These funds make a tremendous difference for rural healthcare systems like Bassett. Most importantly, it makes a difference for our patients and our communities who depend on us for care every day.”

Thompson continued, “For so many people who live in rural areas, community hospitals and rural healthcare networks are their lifeline to good medical care,” and then noted that Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown is a Level 3 Trauma Center, the only trauma center in Bassett’s eight-county service area for 75 miles.

and for continuing to believe in the future of rural healthcare.”

In a follow-up e-mail with Thompson, she was asked what kinds of ways the funds could be used.

“There are absolutely opportunities for immediate use of these funds,” said Thompson. “Some of Bassett’s biggest needs (as is true with most rural hospitals and health systems) include recruiting and retaining permanent caregivers, upgrading building infrastructure, and upgrading equipment and technology, among other operational needs. Bassett’s leadership is examining some of our most critical projects to appropriately allocate these funds.”

Specifically when it comes to staffing, and the effect of COVID on staffing, Thompson was clear.

that “agency staffing,” or the use of travel nurses, has been one way to deal with staffing issues. But, Thompson said, “These short-term agency staffing solutions are not sustainable. They drive up expenses significantly. Addressing these issues is a top priority.”

Mayor Tillapaugh had opened the occasion by expressing gratitude for the Senate Majority Leader’s moral leadership and support for multiple issues on the national level, in areas like “basic human rights, including access to healthcare services,

so important in our rural areas, and to the village’s largest employer, Bassett Hospital. [Schumer] is truly a role model.”

In wrapping up last Tuesday, Schumer asked that anyone in attendance who was an employee of Bassett—from maintenance staff to medical staff—raise their hands, at which point the senator led a round of applause as a show of thanks “for the good work that you do.” Applause that was hopefully heard, or at least described to others, throughout the much wider Bassett Healthcare Network.

In her closing remarks, Thompson again thanked Senator Schumer, not just for the additional funding to help Bassett recoup COVID-related expenditures, but for “his tireless advocacy and support

“Staffing expenses have been a significant aspect of the challenges hospitals and health systems are facing in the wake of COVID19, even more than four years after the pandemic started,” said Thompson. “While the demand for care services is high, the tight supply of qualified practitioners and staff due to retirements, turnover, and burnout has driven up staffing costs.”

Thompson also noted

Dreams Summer

Trifecta of Family Fun Featured in Fly Creek This Saturday

FLY CREEK

Get ready for a day of excitement and camaraderie as three events converge in the heart of Fly Creek on Saturday, August 24. The combination of Family Farm Day, Fly Creek Area-Wide Yard Sales, and the Antique Engine Show promises a memorable experience for all.

Family Farm Day: Explore the world of agriculture as Otsego, Schoharie, and Delaware counties open their farms for tours. Sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension, this immersive event shines a spotlight on the vital role of Central New York Agriculture. In Fly Creek, tours of Hulse Family Farm and the Fly Creek Cider Mill will be available all day. Discover farm life, connect with local producers, and gain a deeper understanding of the agricultural industry that sustains our region. Visit www. familyfarmday.org for a comprehensive guide and interactive map of participating farms.

Fly Creek Community Day and AreaWide Lawn Sales: The hamlet will spring to life with more than 30 lawn sales and special events. The

Grange Hall will host a cookout and the Fly Creek United Methodist Church will hold an expansive tag sale. This day is not just about shopping—it’s about

CAA Exhibits

Cooperstown Art Association will open its new exhibits with a reception at the galleries, 22 Main Street, from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 23. “Made in New York: Home” is a fine craft invitational show highlighting functional and non-functional home goods by local and regional craftspeople. There will also be a memorial photography exhibit and sale displaying the work of the late local photographer and CAA member Michael J. Nasso Jr. It

will feature his extensive body of work from across North America.

Simonson To Present Talk

ONEONTA—Local historian Mark Simonson will give a talk titled “Oneonta Celebrations through the Years” at the Swart-Wilcox House Museum’s Summer Sunday Series event on August 25.

The free lecture will begin at 1 p.m. and cover the city’s long history of special events and festivals. Attendees should bring a folding lawn chair or blanket.

maintaining connections and sharing in the vitality of the local community.

Antique Engine Show: For aficionados of history and mechanics, the Antique Engine Show at the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard promises a journey into the past. From the rhythm of single-cylinder gas engines— including names like Hercules, Economy, Jaeger, and McCormick, to the mesmerizing operation of hit-and-miss machinery—this show is full of nostalgia. Witness these engines come to life, powering early agricultural marvels that have paved the way for modern innovation. In addition to the show, the mill will host a performance of Ody B. Goldy at the Snack Barn from noon until 4 p.m. The Antique Engine Show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a timeless experience where admission and parking are free. Make your way to Fly Creek this Saturday and become a part of the trifecta of family fun that awaits. Whether you’re seeking agricultural insights, exploring treasured community gems, or indulging your passion for antique machinery, this day promises a little something for everyone.

Premiere of Film is Sunday WEST KORT-

RIGHT—The West Kortright Centre’s Film Festival will feature the New York premiere of its “Best Picture,” “Best Rural Film,” and “Best Documentary” selection at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 25. “Ain’t Got Time to Die,” by rural Pennsylvania filmmaker Martin Krafft, follows two years of Krafft’s travels and hiking adventures with Rachel Heisham, a woman fighting a terminal cancer diagnosis. Krafft became increasingly involved

in Heisham’s life as her health deteriorated, and he traveled with her to document her hometown in the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania. Starting the film with no budget, Krafft fundraised from friends and family in order to hire award-winning editor Emma Thatcher. For more information or to view the trailer, visit https:// www.martinkrafft. com/aint-got-time-to-die.

Wellness Fair To Return

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The

Third Annual Wellness Fair at Spring Park in Richfield Springs will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 3. This free event will feature tables from a wide variety of local organizations, face painting, music, healthy food tastings and food from the Richfield Springs Co-Op. The local fire department will offer blood pressure checks and the County Sheriff’s Office will run fingerprinting.

Phillips Gives Artist Talk

MIDDLEFIELD—

Hartwick-based selftaught artist Lucia Phillips will speak about her artistic education and sources of inspiration at The Art Garage at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 22. The gallery will open at 4 p.m. for light refreshments and a preview of the exhibit “CrazyCool!!!,” which features work by Phillips and five other local and regional artists. Reservations are recommended but not required, and can be made by contacting leartgarage@ gmail.com. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through September 14, or any day by appointment, (315) 941-9607.

Photo provided

Howard Houck’s 1924 8HP Associated Engine at a prior Antique Engine Show.

Theatre

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success. Olivia falls in love with Viola (the excellent Gillian Canavan), who’s dressed as Caesario.

Viola/Caesario has also captured Duke’s eye, as he resists his attraction to her. Olivia and Duke listen to melancholy music while Viola/ Caesario tries to fend off Olivia.

One of the most brilliant bits of staging includes a memorable scene which pits a terrified Olivia/Caesario forced into a boxing match with Sir Andrew

Aguecheek, who’s just as scared of her. The reluctant combatants keep the laughs up as they cavort around the ring in outlandish costumes, both of them seeing monsters which are only paper tigers.

Viola’s twin, Sebastian (Andrew Munro), shows up to square the love triangle, providing a mate for Olivia while allowing Viola and Duke to express their love.

Kudos to original music by Tim Iversen and the vision of Director Michael Tamburrino to frame the play as a madcap musical comedy. It’s a tribute to Iversen’s talent to be able to craft

Shakespeare’s words into tunes that range from melancholy to jazzy and sound both light-hearted and thoughtful.

Director Tamburrino keeps the action flowing in a most creative way by having characters dressed as household servants and kitchen workers change the scenery in a seamless manner. Tamburrino breathes new life into the plot and makes it feel fresh, even though it premiered in 1602, while Elizabeth I was still on the throne of England.

Florence McDermott is the editor of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown’s newsletter, “The Oil Can.”

Letters

improving farm safety and supporting local farmers.

Senator Seward’s contributions also extended to preserving and modernizing historical buildings, such as securing a grant for energy efficiency improvements at the historic Herkimer County Jail, now a museum. These initiatives not only preserved the historical value of such sites but also enhanced their sustainability and accessibility for future generations.

Jim Seward’s work exemplifies a legacy of humble service and

respectful dedication to his community. His efforts have left an indelible mark on Milford and the surrounding areas, ensuring that both the past and future of these communities are honored and supported. We are very grateful for Jim’s friendship and decades of support and send our

deepest condolences to his family. A tree planting and ceremony in his honor is being planned on our property in the Village of Milford. The date and time will be announced in the near future.

The Board of Directors Greater Milford Historical Association

Alzheimer’s Talk Scheduled

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—Ann Thayer of the Alzheimer’s Association will present an informative lecture on Alzheimer’s warning signs at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17. The free event will be held at the Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street.

Prefer reading your news online to the hard-copy paper? Subscribe to AllOtsego.com. Call 607-547-6103.

Dreams Summer

Historical Society Plans Events

SPRINGFIELD—Springfield Historical Society will dedicate a historical market at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 8 in the Middle Village Cemetery on Addy Van Austine Road. The William C. Pomeroy Foundation marker will commemorate the oldest stone in the lot, dating to 1794. The burial stone was carved in a distinctive 18th-century style by Chester Kimball of New London, Connecticut. The Historical Society also announced that its annual meeting will take place at the Springfield Community Center at 6:30 on Wednesday, October 23. New York State Museum CRSP Principal Investigator David Staley will give a guest lecture on the Goodyear site, which extended from Cary Meade across the current Glimmerglass Festival campus and beyond. The talk is free and open to the public, and will run from 7-8 p.m.

ROUTE20 ASSOCIATION Duanesburg

Grange Pierstown

Concert and Community Potluck Dinner

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Dinner at 5:30 p.m. | Concert at 7 p.m. Free and open to the Community

Sarah Hutchison is a soprano/actress originally from South Jersey who currently performs with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. Roles with NYGASP include Kate in Yeomen of the Guard, Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado. Other credits include The Magic Flute and Two Widows with the Bronx Opera Company, Dido & Aeneas with the Yard Arts Opera, Martha’s Vineyard, MA; Ragtime at Cohoes Music Hall; and Camelot, Aspects of Love, and The Student Prince at Media Theatre, PA. Ms. Hutchison is a graduate of Muhlenberg College with a degree in Vocal Performance and an emphasis in theatre.

Margaret (Toni) Nemazi is a freshman at Pace University Sands College of Performing Arts in the major “Acting: International Performance Ensemble.” She has played roles from Maria in “The Sound of Music” to Rose in “Gypsy.” In addition to musical theatre, Margaret has been in the SSAA All National and All Eastern Honor Choirs. She is a 2024 Newsday Long Island Scholar Artist, and the recipient of the Otto Kahn Award through friends of Oheka for 2024.

Continued from page 4 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Rd., Cooperstown

Continued from page 5

transformed into a magical, fairy wonderland. Performances by Oneonta’s fusion/belly dance troupe, The Lunachix, and special guest Priscilla Bow start at 7 p.m. The indoor event is ticketed and similar to January’s ‘Speakeasy.’ All outside activities are familyfriendly and free and open to the public.”

The City of the Hills Festival returns the evening of Friday, September 13, with a block party at CANO featuring vendors, performances, Ty’s Taco-Ria food truck, and arts and crafts for kids. The festival moves to

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of

A. Mercado 13820, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 07/03/2024. 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, 693 St. Hwy. 205, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalAug.22

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Notice of formatioN of Watson’s Acres LLC.

Filed 5/15/24. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to 141 Allen Rd., Mt. Vision, NY 13810. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalAug.22

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Notice of formatioN of ALM Handyman LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/7/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

Main Street on Saturday, September 14 with more vendors, food trucks, art activities and a downtown art walk. A Caribbean-themed house party with a DJ and local chefs, and the 3rd Annual Postcard Exhibition Benefit are also on CANO’s 2024 calendar. Despite a recent emphasis on diversifying events and arts education, visual art exhibitions and the Writers Salon are still integral to the organization’s mission of supporting artists, engaging the community, and promoting the arts. Annual group exhibits, such as the Members’ Show and Young Artists Regional Exhibition, showcase the creative talents of more

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 276 Fred Ottaway Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalAug.22

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Notice of formatioN of

CONCIERGE MEDICAL LIAISON PLLC

Arts. of Org. filed SSNY on 7/3/2024. Otsego Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to 101 CEMETERY RD., FLY CREEK, NY 13337 General Purpose. 6LegalAug.22

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Notice of formatioN of ProfessioNal limited liability comPaNy, (Pllc);

Name:

Howser Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, PLLC; Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/15/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 678 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Registered Professional Nursing. 6LegalAug.22

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Notice of formatioN of Denim & Diamonds, LLC

than a hundred artists each year. The Writers Salon hosts local poets, activists, memoirists and more. This October, Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta are hosting the Oneonta Literary Festival. Writers Salon is presenting an author reading and partnering with Huntington Memorial Library to bring an Author Expo to the Wilber Mansion as part of the festival.

For more information about CANO events and programming, visit canoneonta.org, e-mail admin@canoneonta.org or follow them on social media.

The Community Arts Network of Oneonta is housed in the Wilber Mansion at 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.

Bosley Replaces Bauer as Supervisor

FLY CREEK

Jay Bosley was sworn in as supervisor of the Town of Otsego at the August 14 meeting of the Town Council.

Bosley was appointed by the Town Council to complete the term of former Supervisor Ben Bauer.

The unanimous vote appointed Bosley to complete Bauer’s term, which ends December 31, 2025. Bosley brings a wealth of highway construction experience, in addition to many years

LEGALS

as a representative for the Operating Engineers Union in California. Former Supervisor Bauer left the state for personal reasons. The Town Council expressed gratitude for Bauer’s service since 2022 and welcomed the new expertise Bosley brings.

Bosley, who lives in the Village of Cooperstown with his wife, Hudi Podolsky, most recently served on the village’s Historical Preservation Architectural Review Board and the Town of Otsego Planning Board.

Article of Organization filed 7/15/2024 with the Secretary of State of NY. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 244 Pomeroy Rd., Franklin, NY 13775. Purpose: all lawful

6LegalAug.29

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Notice of formatioN of FLY CREEK EQUESTRIAN, LLC

Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/22/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 311 Ainslie Rd., Richfield Spring, NY 13439, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalAug.29

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Notice of formatioN of STAGECOACH PRESERVE, LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/15/24. Office location: Otsego County. Princ. office of LLC: 4 International Dr., #224, Rye Brook, NY 10573. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalAug.29

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Notice of formatioN of a Ny limited liability comPaNy

Name: ALFHEIM BOTANICAL LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 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 PO Box 405, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalSept.5

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Notice of formatioN of a Ny limited liability comPaNy

Name:

TAOS MOUNTAIN SPIRIT LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 22 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 PO Box 32, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalSept.5

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Notice of formatioN of a Ny limited liability comPaNy

Name: 93NY7 LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 22 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 PO Box 133, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalSept.5

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Notice of formatioN of a Ny ProfessioNal limited liability comPaNy

Name:

DR. JEFFREY BAILEY DNP NURSE PRACTIONER IN FAMILY HEALTH PLLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 22 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 389 Thurston Hill Rd., Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permit-

ted under NYS laws.

6LegalSept.5

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Notice of formatioN of a Ny limited liability comPaNy

Name: HOLSCHER PROPERTIES LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 24 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 155 Peebles Hill Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalSept.5

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Notice of formatioN of Dream Mini Mart LLC. Filed 7/10/24. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 389 Chestnut St, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalSept.12

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Notice of formatioN of Shelby Group Enterprises, LLC.

Filed 4/26/24. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail POB 361, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalSept.12

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Notice of formatioN of COMMON HOUSE KITCHEN LLC

Arts. of Org. filed SSNY 7/23/2024. Otsego Co. SSNY designated agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE ST., #112, ALBANY, NY 12207 General Purpose. 6LegalSept.12

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Notice of formatioN of 4CSUNS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 08/06/2024. 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, PO Box 216, Westford, NY 13488. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalSept.26

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leGal Notice of estoPPel

The bond resolution, summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on March 20, 2024, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations

were authorized for an object or purpose for which the City School District of the City of Oneonta, Otsego and Delaware Counties, New York, is not authorized to expend money, or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of publication of this notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution. Such resolution was duly approved by a majority of the qualified voters of said School District voting at the Annual City School District Budget Referendum duly called, held and conducted on May 21, 2024. A complete copy of the resolution summarized herewith is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Office of the School District Clerk of the School District for a period of twenty days from the date of publication of this Notice.

Dated: Oneonta, New York, August 14, 2024. Regina E. Ranieri McGuinness OCSD District Clerk

BOND RESOLUTION DATED MARCH 20, 2024. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUS-

ES FOR THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ONEONTA, OTSEGO AND DELAWARE COUNTIES, NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $349,185 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO $349,185 BONDS OF SAID SCHOOL DISTRICT TO PAY THE COST THEREOF.

Class of objects or purposes: Purchase of buses Period of probable usefulness: Five years Maximum estimated cost: $349,185 Amount of obligations to be issued: $349,185 bonds 1LegalAug.22

LegaL nOtice Notice of formatioN of limited liability comPaNy

CRESTVIEW ESTATES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Dept. of State of NY on August 8, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Betty Lee, P.O. Box 63, West Oneonta, New York 13861, principal business address. LLC does not have a specific date of dissolution. Purpose: All legal purposes. Filer: Lavelle & Finn, LLP, 29 British American Bl., Latham, NY 12110. 6LegalSept.26

Photo provided Jay Bosley has been selected by the Otsego town council to finish out Ben Bauer’s term as town supervisor.

Steven Cross 1989-2024

ONEONTA—Steven Cross, born on July 17, 1989, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2024. He was a cherished son, brother, uncle and friend, leaving a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

For the past 10 years, Steven was dedicated to his career at Southland Contracting, where he not only excelled in his work but also formed deep friendships with his coworkers. They fondly remember the unmistakable “thunk, thunk, thunk” of his nerf basketball when he was either on a call or deep in thought, always balancing work with his passion for life. Before joining Southland, he spent three years with the Peachin Group, where he also made meaningful connections with colleagues.

Steven had a passion for stock car racing and cherished the time spent at races with his father, Ron, and brother, KC, attending events across New York and continuing the tradition in Florida. Known for living life at a fast pace, Steven had a remarkable ability to light up any room and be the person everyone could rely on for support, happiness, and understanding. This was especially true for his beloved niece, Aria, who, within the first few days of meeting him, spoke her first words: “Unc Steve.”

As part of the infamous “Three Musketeers,” wherever Steven went, Alex Miller (cousin) and KC were never far behind. Together, they kept their mothers on their toes, engaging in all sorts of shenanigans—rolled ankles, drunken laughs, running through wheat fields and everything in between.

Steven played football, pee wee through OHS varsity, where he played the nose tackle position. This experience built him lasting friendships. He was a big Eagles fan. Go, Eagles!

He is survived by his loving mother, Johna Peachin; his brother, Kenneth (KC) and Andrea Cross; and his beloved niece, Aria Cross. Steven also leaves behind his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Miller; along with aunts and uncles Liz Miller, Teri Miller, Valerie (Blair) Harris, Kathy (Tim) Rushlow, Markella (Mauricio) Roma, Robert Miller, Kevin (Begonia) Miller, and Jeremy (Rebecca) Miller. From his father’s side, he is survived by his grandfather, Howard Cross, and aunts Andrea (Fred) Miller and Shelly Cross, along with a copious amount of cousins who were very close to him.

He was predeceased by his father, Ronald Cross; his maternal grandfa-

ther, John Miller; and his paternal grandmother, Gail Cross Steven resided in Bartow, Florida, where he was known for his kindness, humor and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of family and friends forever.

A celebration of life for both Steven and his father, Ron, will be held on August 29, 2024 at 4 p.m. at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in Steven’s memory be made to the Oneonta YMCA, 2026 Ford Ave, Oneonta NY 13820. See ya later, Buck!

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome. com, Oneonta’s only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.

Elisabeth B. Giffin 1929-2024 COOPERSTOWN—

On Monday evening, July 8, 2024, the Village of Cooperstown lost one of its long-time residents, Elisabeth “Betty” Giffin, when she passed into eternal life while en-route from Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown to Valley Health Services in Herkimer following a brief illness. She was 95.

Many knew Betty by name, perhaps from working with her at Bassett Hospital for many years; she may have been your OR nurse! Perhaps you knew her from worshipping together at church? Many dined with her at the Retired Nurses luncheons, or maybe met her at the Fenimore Quilt Club, or the quilt show.

Maybe you know of Betty from her beautiful flower beds on Fair Street. Do you go to the farmer’s market? Betty always went to the market. Perhaps you ran into her in the Ingalls’ blueberry fields? Did she bake you some blueberry muffins? Did you meet her at Pop’s Place (when it was called Pop’s Place), or meet her at “Heartworks” in Fly Creek?

For some, perhaps the name doesn’t ring a bell, but you probably knew of her, or saw her—if you spent time in the Village of Cooperstown.

For many years she walked her dog, her beloved Sheltie, Mica, three to four times a day. A lover of people and dogs, she probably stopped you as you passed by to talk. In more recent years, Betty continued her walks alone, or with a friend. She may have asked to pet your dog.

However you may have known Betty, all are invited to gather at noon on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at The Columbarium located alongside Fair Street in the Church-yard of The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown to place Betty’s cremated remains into her final resting place, not far from her long-time home. In accordance with Betty’s wishes, the service of committal will be brief, and read from the 1956 edition of the Presbyterian “Book of Common

OBITUARIES

Worship.” All present are then invited to an icecream social in memory of Betty in The Chapel or, weather permitting, on the front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church.

Betty was born January 30, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland, a daughter of Louis and Elisabeth M. (vonBehren) Giffin. During the Depression her father lost his job, but he eventually found another job with Consolidation Coal Company in Van Lear, Kentucky. They lived there for about eight years until her father received a promotion and the family moved to Fairmont, West Virginia. Betty initially wanted to go into biochemical research and attended Fairmont State College. However, she had always wanted to be a nurse, and after graduating from college, she attended Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University.

With a desire to leave New York City, Betty started looking around for a hospital in a more rural setting, and learned that the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown had a connection with Presbyterian Hospital. So she talked with the Director of Nursing at Bassett, and soon went to work as the assistant supervisor in the operating room. She often recalled that at that time, you did whatever needed to be done—it didn’t make a lot of difference what your position was. Everybody worked together. When she first went to work at Bassett, they had three ORs, but when the new hospital was built they moved to five ORs. Upon her retirement, she held the position of head nurse of the operating rooms at Bassett.

During her years as a nurse, Betty witnessed many changes in healthcare, especially with regard to how the nursing profession evolved. From initially being viewed as simple “handmaidens” to the doctors, many nurses during her career— including her good friend, Alberta Bowes—worked hard to make people, especially doctors, realize that nursing was a free and independent profession.

Once she retired from the hospital, she didn’t know what to do with herself, but soon found work with Harry Tisch at his Snowden Hill Greenhouse. She worked there for five years, during which time she developed her own garden at home with plants Mr. Tisch gave to her.

Although she resided for many years in her

home on Fair Street, Betty first lived in an apartment in one of the houses on Church Street, located in the area now used as a parking lot behind the Baseball Hall of Fame. She later rented an apartment on Elm Street, and then decided to purchase a mobile home, which she had placed on a lot in Hartwick Seminary. A few years later, a house on Fair Street owned by Ralph and Ruth DeSena came on the market and she purchased it. As Betty once noted, she could fall out of bed and fall into work with ease, and it made responding to late night emergency calls a snap.

Soon after she moved to Cooperstown, she started attending The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, and joined the church in 1958. In 1969, she became the second female Elder in the church, the late Kitty Ketchum being the first. In 1992, she joined the trustees, which later became the Buildings and Grounds Team, and was a dedicated committee member who was always very concerned with the upkeep and maintenance of the church’s buildings. She also served for a time with the Service Guild, and was president of the Women’s Fellowship sewing group for many years.

A good soul, Betty will be missed, both for her forthright and direct nature (she was never afraid to tell someone exactly what she thought) and her steadfast devotion to her church and community. She appreciated small-town life, but often lamented the changes she witnessed through the years to the village, as well as to Bassett as it grew in size and scope. Still, she was happy, in her own Betty kind of way, with the life she led in Cooperstown.

With respect for Betty’s sincere and long-term interest in and commitment to the buildings of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, and realizing that she and the floor of The Chapel were contemporaries, a fitting tribute to her memory would be a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown for a new Chapel floor. If you desire, a check made payable to The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown with a note in the memo line for The New Chapel Floor would honor her service. Checks may be mailed to The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Alternative ways to

honor Betty’s memory would be a donation to the Bassett Healthcare Network Nightingale Fund for Nursing Excellence and Education, c/o Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are entrusted to Peter A. Deysenroth and the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

was proud to host many baseball Hall-of-Famers in his shop, including Stan Musial, Yogi Berra, Duke Snider, and Bob Feller, and was always excited when it was again time for Fergie Jenkins’ annual golf tournament. He served two terms as a village trustee, and reveled in his connection to Cooperstown, the birthplace of his favorite sport. A classic-car collector, cruise fanatic, and diehard fan of the Rangers and Cowboys, there were few things Ed enjoyed more than a good game, dinner, and a Chardonnay out on the town. While he had a sharp wit, and never shied away from saying exactly what he was thinking, Ed had a soft spot for his three dogs—Sophie, Pepe, and Sammy.

McKinney, TX—After a long life lived to its absolute fullest, Edward James Tripp Jr. passed away in McKinney, Texas on Monday, August. 12, 2024 at age 87. He leaves behind no regrets, just an extensive and loving family who is comforted by their memories of his largerthan-life personality, and even bigger heart.

Ed was proud to be a Native Son of Cooperstown, New York, where he was born on April 1, 1937 to Edward James Tripp Sr. and Blanch Merritt, and where, as a child, he became a member of the firstever Little League team. Cooperstown is also where he met his high-school sweetheart, Judith Joanne Jessup, whom he married on August. 24, 1957. The couple moved to Miami, Florida shortly after their wedding and had four children before relocating to Texas in 1970. Ed and Judi raised their family in Fannin County while traveling the world in the operation of their gem, Oriental art, and jewelry show business. During the 1990s, they returned to Cooperstown and opened a baseball-card memorabilia shop, Collector’s World. In 2009, they made their final move to McKinney, Texas, where Judith preceded him in death in 2012.

An entrepreneur who was always on the lookout for his next great business opportunity, “Big Ed”

Ed leaves behind many close friends and family, as well as daughter Terry James (Glenn), of Leonard; son Randall Tripp (Michelle), of Blue Ridge; daughter Stacy Hobbs (Robert), of McKinney; and daughter Wendy Dabrusin (Marc), of Cedar Park. He was blessed to be called Poppy by 11 grandchildren: Brittany Logston (Ryan), Bryan James (Mikayla), Ryan Jordan (Ben), Randall Tripp Jr., Jason Hobbs, Tiffany Hobbs, Kevin Hobbs, Nicolas Parke (Kelly), Arizona Dabrusin, Nicholas Neumann, and Alyssa Neumann; and 10 great-grandchildren: Ethan, Carter, Taylynn, Preston, Tyler, Kynlee, Titus, Selah, Jakob, and Jovie. He also has many nieces and nephews that make up his big family. Ed was preceeded in death by his parents, Edward James Tripp Sr. and Blanch Merritt; sisters Donna Tripp Nauta and Linda Tripp Pluta; and brother Tommy Tripp. Services will be held at Turrentine-JacksonMorrow Funeral Home in Leonard on Saturday August 17, 2024; visitation is at 10 a.m., funeral service at 11 a.m., followed by a brief graveside service at Burns Cemetery in Trenton. The family asks that attendees wear Texas Rangers, Cowboys or cruise wear, because Big Ed wouldn’t want to see anyone in a suit in August. Because Ed loved dogs, donations may be made in his name to Operation Kindness at operationkindness.org.

Photo provided STEVEN CROSS

Photo provided E dwa R d jam ES TR ipp j R

Edward James Tripp Jr. 1937-2024

►Fri., August 23

SUPPORT 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. $1 bag sale. Jewelry is $1 an item. Sales continue 8/24. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335.

LIBRARY 10 a.m.

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

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.” Sandwiches, fruits, vegetables and milk from the National Summer Food Service Program. 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/HCOCOTSEGO

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 pot roast, boiled potatoes, dill carrots and a frosted cupcake. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.

CHILDREN Noon.

“Stories Come Alive.” Staff read age-appropriate books for children 18 months through age 7. Held Fridays through August. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.

NATURE 1-3 p.m.

“Family Nature Walk.” Parslow Road Conserva-

tion Area, 127 Parslow Road, Hartwick. (607) 547-4488.

POTTERY 1:304:30 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.

SPORT 5 p.m. “18-hr. NYS Pistol Permit Class.” Fees apply; registration required. Presented by Oneonta Sportsmen’s Club. Continues through 8/25. Held at Heritage Engraving & Smithing, 389 County Route 6, Otego. (607) 433-0515.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-7 p.m. “Made in New York: Home,” a fine craft invitational, and the “Photography Exhibit & Sale: In Memory of Michael J. Naso Jr.” Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5 p.m. Inaugural West Kortright Center Film Festival. Held 8/23 through 8/25. Includes 26 short films and four feature films from seven countries. Fees apply. West Kortright Center, 49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith. (607) 278-5454.

ART EXHIBIT 5:30 p.m. “After-Hours Tour with Marc Hom.” Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

THEATRE 7:30 p.m.

“An Iliad,” by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, based on Homer’s “Iliad.” Directed by Lauren Bone Noble. Also showing at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on 8/24 and 5 p.m. on 8/25. Free admission, donations accepted. Franklin Stage Company, 25 Institute Street, Franklin. (607) 829-3700.

LOCAL FILM 8-11

p.m. “STREAM.” Produced

locally, with key scenes filmed in Cooperstown. Fees apply. Showing through 8/24. Southside Mall Cinema, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 432-4401.

CONCERT 8 p.m.

“Lez Zeppelin: All Girls. All Zeppelin.” Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

PERFORMANCE

9 p.m. “Sailesh the Hypnotist.” Fees apply. Hunt Union Ballroom, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. Campus_activities@oneonta. edu.

►sAt.,

August 24

CONSERVATION

9 a.m. to noon. “Paddle and Pull: Goodyear Lake.” Pull invasive water chestnuts with Otsego County Conservation Association. Registration required. Meet at New York State Fishing Access Site, Portlandville. (607) 547-4488.

ONEONTA FARM-

ERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. to noon. Produce, arts, crafts and more from area producers. Dietz Street, between Main and Wall streets, Oneonta.

FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local vendors, food trucks, music, more. Continues Saturdays through 10/19. Eastern Otsego Farmers’ Market, Borst Field off State Highway 7, Schenevus. culinaryanthropology@gmail.com.

SUMMER 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Fortin Park Summer Festival.” Music, food trucks, vendors, activities and more. Presented by Destination Oneonta in Fortin Park, Oneonta.

(607) 376-7599.

MUSEUM 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Fiber Arts Weekend.” The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.

FAMILY FARM DAY

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore the farms of Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware counties. Free.

BENEFIT 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Willy’s Good Chicken Dinner.” Benefit for the Cooperstown Lions Club SNAP Match Program. Fees apply. Hulse Hill Farm, 5928 State Highway 28, Fly Creek. Visit CoopSNAPMatch.org

MUSIC ON MAIN

1-3 p.m. Saxalicious. Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479983.

ONEONTA HISTORY

2-5 p.m. “Summer Walking Tour Series: Oneonta Armory.” Presented by the Oneonta History Center. Oneonta Armory, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.

CONCERT 3-5 p.m.

“Elegance and Passion.” Opening the 3rd season of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra with music by Mozart, Haydn, others. info@fenimore-orchestra. org.

FAIRY FEST 4-9 p.m.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Mini Fairy Fest. Vendors, live music, themed crafts, more. Free and open to the public. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.

OPEN MIC 6-8 p.m. Share talents in a welcoming space. Stage open to all. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

DANCE 6-9 p.m.

“Community Contradance.” Music by the O’Shanigans Quartet.

Admission fee. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

OUTDOORS 6 p.m.

“Bingo, Bonfire, and S’mores.” Free. Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.

OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m.

“Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 858-2523.

►sun., August 25

MEMORIAL SHOOT

9 a.m. “Cancer Shoot in Memory of Deb Bunn.” Prizes to the top three scorers. Fees apply; registration required. Milford Fish and Game Club, 432 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 3226118.

MUSEUM 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Fiber Arts Weekend.” The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.

FIBER 1-3 p.m. “Fiber Enthusiast and Knitting Meetup.” New knitters welcome. Held each Sunday in the lounge. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

ARTIST TALK 5 p.m. Discuss the exhibit “The Wild Party” with curator Joe Dezzi. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2644025.

DRUM CIRCLE

6 p.m. “Cherry Valley Drum Circle.” Held Sundays. Presented by The Telegraph School at the Cherry Valley Gazebo. (607) 264-3785. ►Mon., August 26

BREAKFAST WITH

THE BOARD 8-9 a.m. Casual meet and greet with Cooperstown Village Board members to discuss local projects, agenda items, more. Includes coffee and donuts. All welcome. Held fourth Monday of each month. Village Board Room, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. LIBRARY 9-10 a.m.

Exercise Class designed for seniors but all welcome. Held each Monday and Thursday. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

SUMMER SUNDAY 1-3 p.m. “Oneonta Celebrations: Through the Years.” Presented by Mark Simonson. SwartWilcox House Museum, Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 287-7011.

RABIES CLINIC

3-6 p.m. “Free Rabies Clinics.” Bring pets’ previous rabies certificates to receive the three-year booster. First come, first served. Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 5478111.

SUMMER CONCERT

5:30 p.m. Realtime Dixieland Band. Free. Dinner available for purchase. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377. CONCERT 7 p.m. “Music at Meadow Links: The Tom Hovey Summer Music Festival.” The Clinton Brass Quintet. Free; all welcome. Held rain or shine. Meadow Links Golf Pavilion, 476 County Route 27, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1646. ►tues., August 27

STORYTIME 9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Lower Riddell State Park, Davenport. Contact hike leader Diane Aaronson at (607) 432-9391.

VIEWS OPEN FIELDS - 2 PONDS - WOODLOT 1,800 FT ROAD FRONTAGE ON TWO ROADS - COOPERSTOWN SCHOOLS PARTIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE $128,000 FSBO 607-435-0255 COOPERSTOWNPROPERTY.COM

FARMERS’ MARKET Noon to 4 p.m. Fresh vegetables, local meats and handmade crafts. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. ANIMALS 3 p.m. ZooMobile. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (607) 858-0230. CONCERT 6:30 p.m.; food truck opens at 6. “Cooperstown Lakefront Concert Series.” Jason Schnitt, the one-man band. Lakefront Park, Cooperstown. (607) 3224068.