Hometown Oneonta 09-14-23

Manager Ticketed While the Housing Controversy Grows

ONEONTA

By WRILEY NELSON

The manager of the Town House Inn on Main Street in Oneonta was arrested and the city made a decisive move toward shutting down the lodging in an escalation of the ongoing controversy over emergency housing. Manager Premodh Vilakkupatthil, 43, turned himself in on Tuesday, September 5 after city police called him; he was issued a ticket for second-degree criminal nuisance. According to state law, a person is guilty of this misdemeanor offense when they knowingly or recklessly maintain conditions that endanger a number of people, or when they knowingly or recklessly maintain any premises where people gather to engage in unlawful conduct.

Town House Inn has been at the center of Oneonta’s emergency housing controversy. It was the site of a shooting incident on Thursday, August 31, when gunfire struck two vehicles in the parking lot. City Chief of Police Christopher Witzenburg reported a fatal overdose at the motel in recent weeks. There are currently about five Department of Social Services emergency housing clients at the inn. Town House sits on two parcels of land, owned by the Oneonta Masonic Lodge and by Alan G. John. The arrest comes just weeks after the Otsego County Board of Representatives approved an expanded DSS contract with Motel 88 on Chestnut Street in the face of reservations voiced by Common Councilmember Len Carson (R-5th Ward) and other city officials.

“We’ve had well over 400 police calls there in the last year,” Mayor Mark Drnek added.

He said that the city has initiated litigation with the inn and aims to shut it down. Drnek recently established the Council’s Safe Homes and Neighborhoods Committee in response to “growing community concerns regarding the related issues of the idle undo-

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Fetterman Award Nominations Sought

COOPERSTOWN

The Clark Sports Center has asked the public for nominations for the Patrick C. Fetterman Award. Fetterman was a long-serving associate director of the Alfred Corning Clark Gymnasium. Recipients are honored for their dedication to local youth athletics and have their names added to a trophy sculpted by local

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Couple Responds with Courage After 9/11 by Helping at Ground zero

By MONICA CALzOLARI

ONEONTA

Steve Fabrizio has been coming to Oneonta to visit his cousins since he was 9 years old. Born in Rockaway Beach, Fabrizio identifies as a New Yorker from Queens. On September 11, 2001, Fabrizio and his life partner, Lisa Schwartz, said goodbye to each other like every other day.

Fabrizio ran a personal training business out of a gym on 86th Street. His first appointment was at 6 a.m. He describes his clients as “very high-strung Wall Street types who exercised before work.” His partner worked for Merrill Lynch at the time and commuted by subway from their apartment on 57th Street to the World Trade Center.

When a co-worker heard the news of the first plane

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Arts, Music Event Is This Weekend City of the Hills Festival Lengthened to Two Days

ONEONTA

An expanded two-day City of the Hills Festival will be held in downtown Oneonta on Saturday, September 16 from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 17, from noon to 5 p.m.

Presented by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, the City of the Hills Festival will feature an artisan and maker’s market with more than 50 vendors on Main Street; a beer garden with local brews and live music; drag and burlesque at CANO; plus children’s activities, artist demonstrations, workshops, yoga, acoustic music, and more.

“The festival is a celebration of the Oneonta community and it’s one of CANO’s most popular signature events, along with February’s annual Chili Bowl,” said Hope Von Stengel, executive director of CANO. “Last year’s festival was so successful that we expanded it to two days and added more art and vintage vendors, more activities, more live music, and collaborated with other groups, including SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, Foothills, FOR-DO, and others.”

Musical acts feature local and regional bands and performers in a range of genres, from Americana and jazz to college rock and hip-hop. The festival concludes with a performance by reggae/ska band The Big Takeover on Sunday.

“It’s always a vibrant, joyful event and we’re excited to have a fun weekend for residents and visitors,” Von Stengel said.

With support from Earlville Opera House and Golden Artist Colors, CANO commissioned artists Diana Cozzens and Emily Falco to create new murals downtown. The weekend will also feature an augmented reality community art gallery presented

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Photo by Stacie Haynes Let the Learning Begin!

COOPERSTOWN—Eleanor Spencer is greeted by Cooperstown Elementary School Principal Amy Malcuria on her first day of school as sister Meadow looks on. CCS students returned to school on Thursday, September 7.

Photo by Chip Northrup

We Remember

COOPERSTOWN—A member of the Cooperstown Police Department drops the Main Street flag to half mast on September 11, in memory of those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks.

Clark Foundation Announces beautification Contest Winners

COOpeRSTOWN

Pioneer patio, peter and Judith Henrici, and the Inn at Cooperstown took top honors in this year’s Clark Foundation beautification Contest. Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation, announced the winners last week.

Since 1954, Village of Cooperstown residential and business properties are judged annually on their horticultural beautification efforts in three categories: most Attractive Floral Display in a business Setting; most effective Overall planting Which enhances a Residential property, As Seen From the Street; and, most Appropriate Residential or business Window box or boxes and/or Hanging basket or baskets. There is a $1,000.00 award for first place; $750.00 for second place; $500.00 for third place; and $400.00 for Honorable mention in each category.

“Over 65 years ago, my grandmother, Susan Vanderpoel Clark, founded the Cooperstown beautification Contest to recognize the tremendous time and effort so many of our residents take to make our village look welcoming and beautiful,” Clark said.

“She would be so happy that this wonderful tradition continues to make our village even more special,” Clark added.

This year’s beautification Contest judge was George Crosby. Crosby recently retired after serving 35 years as a plant science faculty member at SUNY Cobleskill. He earned a bSA in horticulture from the University of Georgia, an mA in biology from SUNY buffalo, and a phD in plant and soil science from the University of massachusetts at Amherst. He worked as a commercial horticultural crop grower before beginning his teaching career. An enthusiastic gardener, Crosby is a big fan of all things horticultural in the Village of Cooperstown.

Award winners and judge’s comments are:

CATeGORY I: most Attractive Floral Display in a business Setting

First Place: Pioneer Patio, Richard and Kathryn Busse, 46 Pioneer Street

Judge’s Comments: It’s difficult to imagine this space without the plant material, and it really does

demonstrate just how much of an impact flowers can have in a business setting. The three levels of baskets and boxes provide a stellar cascading effect that totally transforms this area of the village. The calibrachoa baskets are spectacular and are superbly maintained. The spring-like colors are especially good for this August after such a soggy summer.

Second Place: Metro Cleaners, Helmut Michelitsch, 115 Main Street

Judge’s Comments: The planters and boxes are extremely attractive and visually soften the large amount of concrete sidewalk and asphalt paving in front of the storefront. Containers have a rich combination of color and texture.

Third Place: Hard Ball Café, Perry Ferrara, 99 Main Street

Judge’s Comments: The mixed colors and textures help to soften the brick and concrete and create an eye-catching divider. The whimsical combination of wooden posts, arborvitae, potted sedums, begonias, geranium, scaevola and dichondra serve as a wonderful screen.

Honorable Mention: Rudy’s Wine & Liquor, Joseph Festa, 143 main Street; Hubbell’s Real estate,

AllOTSeGO. dining&entertainment

Glenn Hubbell and JoAnn Hubbell, 157 main Street; The Railroad Inn, perry Ferrara, 28 Railroad Avenue

CATeGORY II: most effective Overall planting Which enhances a Residential property, As Seen from the Street

First Place: Peter and Judith Henrici, 92 ½ Pioneer Street

Judge’s Comments: Drive by and you’ll know why this is a winner! It’s all about the garden...such a great mix of woody plants, perennials and annuals with potted plants mixed in as accents.

Second Place: Dr. Jose Raul Monzon and Dr. Bridget O’Mara, 108 Pioneer Street

Judge’s Comments: It’s worth pausing as you walk by just to enjoy this great garden.The upbeat color palette of the plant material compliments the house perfectly and makes you smile!

Third Place: Charles and Ursula Hage, 73 Pioneer Street

Judge’s Comments: The landscape and window box displays work together perfectly in this charming cottage design. Hydrangea and rhododendron are anchors with a wonderful mix of perennials, annuals, and grasses.

Honorable Mention: Richmond Hulse, 9 pioneer Street; Louis Allstadt and melinda Hardin, 18 main Street; Anita meyers, 82 Grove Street.

CATeGORY III: most Appropriate Residential or business Window box or boxes and/or Hanging basket or baskets

First Place: Inn at Cooperstown, 16 Chestnut Street Judge’s Comments: Such a classic, timeless combination: ferns, coleus, begonias and vinca… compliment the setting beautifully. They are a most appropriate addition to the landscape, large enough to be enjoyed from the street, and nicely maintained.

Second Place: Allan and Elizabeth Burgess, 77 Beaver Street

Judge’s Comments: The simple, traditional combination of dusty miller, petunias, and vinca are spectacular and such an appropriate addition to this blue and white house. Planter boxes are full, well main-

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Donor To Match Gifts To Chamber Orchestra

COOpeRSTOWN—The Governing board of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra has announced the launch of a matching Gift Challenge, an initiative that promises to amplify the value of every contribution.

Thomas Wolf, board chair of FCO, said, “Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, every gift to Fenimore Chamber Orchestra will now be matched up to $25,000.00, effectively doubling the power of each gift. The deadline for the matching Gift Challenge is October 15.

“We stand at the crossroads of this unique opportunity. And we ask that people please make a gift to FCO. No matter the size, every gift is a vital piece of the mosaic that allows us to continue sharing the joy and magic of music with Cooperstown and the surrounding area.”

Wolf said FCO is thankful for the outpouring of good will from the people

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photo provided

Pioneer Patio took first place this year for Most Attractive Floral Display in a Business Setting.

crashing into one of the twin towers, she pulled Fabrizio aside. They headed up to the roof of their building and were “dumbfounded when we saw the second plane crashing into South Tower.” All Fabrizio could think was “I lost her.”

He cancelled all of his appointments the rest of the day and started walking home for 30 blocks to clear his head.

“It was a terrible feeling. I could not reach Lisa. All cell phone service went out immediately.”

As soon as he got home, his landline phone rang and it was his mother. Then in walks his partner, “haggard and

dust covered, but alive!”

Fabrizio added, “I thank the universe quite often that my life partner of 30 years is still with me today.”

As fate would have it, his partner was late for work that day. By the time she arrived at her subway stop, one of the twin towers was coming down and people were being evacuated from the area.

New York City was on lock down for the next two days and the couple watched the television coverage of 9/11, wishing they could help in some way. Because Fabrizio was an ironworker in his youth and knew how to handle torches, he had a feeling they might be able to help the search and rescue team.

The couple bought two hard hats and made their way down to Ground Zero on September 13 and 14, 2001. After Fabrizio showed the rescue team his union card, they joined what Fabrizio called “the bucket brigade. We moved rubble by hand in search of any survivors.”

Fabrizio said, “Because

Lisa escaped death, she felt compelled to do what she could do to save others. We worked from 11 a.m. on September 13 until 2 a.m.”

Fabrizio was not prepared for the devastation he witnessed. His first impression was “it looked like something out of the Planet of the Apes.” Standing on the top of the pile of rubble, Fabrizio said, “It was worse than Dante’s Inferno.”

“Lisa was one of the very few females helping in the search effort,” he said with pride. “Lisa is a tenacious individual who only runs on two speeds: on and off.”

When the fire workers asked her if she would mind going down a dark shaft to give water to the exhausted rescue team,

she did not hesitate for a second.

Fabrizio said, “We could feel the pile of rubble shifting every once in a while and conditions were anything but safe, but I was unable to dissuade her.”

Fabrizio vividly remembers that on 9/13, three people were found alive. He believes these were the last three people to be rescued.

He said, “We were all just cheering. It gave us hope. The survivors were protected by a container around them that appeared to be the bottom of a staircase.”

The couple returned to Ground Zero on September 14, 2001 after a few hours of sleep.

Fabrizio said, “We tried to save as many people as we could.”

AllOTSEGO.

The search was called off that day. By 2018, Fabrizio developed an enlarged prostate and consulted with Dr. Gennaro Falco of Bassett Healthcare Network. He learned that “I came down with prostate cancer. I feel very lucky that the cancer was caught at pre-Stage 1.”

There is no doubt in his mind that this cancer is related to the toxic chemicals he was exposed to during the search and rescue attempt.

Fabrizio, a graduate of SUNY Oneonta, hopes that by telling his story, people are reminded to stand up for what they believe.

The message he wants to send to terrorists is that “New Yorkers are tenacious as hell.”

dining&entertainment

Photo provided STEVE FABRIZIO

HOMETOWN Views

GUEST

EDITORIAL WRILEY nELSOn

School Sports Make Adults of Us

Summer is over. Even as the weather aggressively reminds us that autumn isn’t quite here, it’s easy to pick out the signs that the seasons are changing. School has started. Dreams Park players are gone, as are many of the young hospitality workers that serve them and other area visitors. Otsego County is, on average, much older than it was two weeks ago.

There are other signs that the academic year has started, including the resumption of school sports. In the newsroom, we have seen a spike in the number of youth sporting events to report on; readers will note the sudden reappearance of college and high-school athletics coverage. This is the proper time of year for us to reflect on what school sports mean to us, as individuals and as a community.

It is hard to say anything new on the subject. Heartwarming stories about little league and youth soccer inculcating the values of hard work, sacrifice, comradeship, and working together for a greater goal are a dime a dozen. That doesn’t mean they aren’t true. Maybe an outsider can add a new perspective.

I was a latecomer to high-school sports, or at least to taking any benefit from them. I was unquestionably the worst player on four consecutive organized soccer teams. This was because I never practiced, which in turn was because I had no real interest in the sport. I simply felt that playing soccer was the proper sort of thing for a 14-year-old to do. Because I had always been so bad at sports, and so good at passing classes with minimal effort, I grew up thinking that people were just born with different skills and that you couldn’t change them: some are born athletes, some are born scholars, some are born artists. With this fatalist attitude, I got 85 percent of the way from my birth to my departure for college without ever learning that you have to practice skills to be good at them. I never would have learned that, and would therefore never have become a functioning person, if not for high-school sports.

Fortunately, I found a better fit than soccer. Like any gangly and uncoordinated yet more or less fit teenager, I naturally and inexorably gravitated toward cross country. I prepared for my first pre-season, two full weeks of dawn workouts at the end of August, with a full summer of ice cream on the couch and ignoring the recommended preparation regimen. It was among the worst experiences of my life: endless sores, strains, blisters, cuts, insect bites, early mornings, lost breakfasts, mud, rain, sleet, locusts, hail, darkness and frogs.

Yet something was different from my previous athletic experiences. I was actually getting better. It took me that entire first season, but I was eventually able to gasp my way through a 5K. For the first time in my life, I had set myself on a goal that seemed impossibly far away, and I had knuckled down and hacked my way toward it. It was the first time I ever saw with my own eyes that work

Continued on page 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

Basile Dedicated and Hard Working

Please accept this letter as my personal endorsement of Jennifer Basile for the position of Otsego County clerk.

I have worked with Jennifer for many years and the county of Otsego needs her expertise and knowledge of being deputy county clerk to move the county forward. I can say with confidence that she is one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals I have ever met.

She knows exactly how to do the job and never disappoints, which is exactly what Otsego County needs. She is committed to serving her community and takes great pride in her work.

Doree Baker Town Supervisor Town of Exeter

Carson Deserves Your Support

As our 5th Ward Council Member, Len Carson has worked tirelessly for the last four years for the benefit of the ward and city residences. I am honored to endorse Len Carson for the City of Oneonta’s 5th Ward Council Member for another four years. He is a true community leader.

Len honorably served in the U.S. Air Force and has been active in our local veterans’ group for years. He proudly served the City of Oneonta as a 26-year veteran of our fire department and retired as a fire captain of our highly respected Rescue and EMS department.

Len was previously elected to the Otsego County Board of Representatives and represented District 13; 5th and 6th wards of the City of Oneonta, prior to becoming councilman of the 5th Ward. He certainly understands the operations of Otsego County and that knowledge has helped him as he serves as 5th Ward council member in the City of Oneonta.

Len’s leadership on the current city council has been invaluable, not only because he is articulate, detailed and speaks to people in ways they understand, but his thoughts and actions are clear and effective.

of the 5th Ward and the City of Oneonta.

You will not be disappointed by casting your vote for Len Carson this November.

William Shue Former 6th Ward Councilman

Benton is Willing, Experienced

A passion for the promise of a better future, and a burning desire to play a leadership role in realizing our county’s potential.

An ability to identify opportunities for cooperation and collaboration, and a willingness to listen to others and entertain new ideas.

These are a few of the compelling reasons to vote for MacGuire Benton for County clerk.

MacGuire has been a champion of the Department of Motor Vehicles’ return to Oneonta, for which I commend him.

He has the vision to understand the DMV office’s value to the city and to the convenience of our county’s residents. And I look forward to working with him to see his plans become reality.

MacGuire has been a community organizer, deputy elections commissioner, village trustee, and most connective to my own scale of important experiences, a customer service professional.

That combination of experience and willing embrace of new ideas is what we need now.

I ask you to join me in support of MacGuire Benton for Otsego County clerk.

Mark Drnek

Mayor, City of Oneonta

Experience Vital for Clerk Post

prefer the open-door policy.

Also, as far as the Return the Favor program—New York State DMV allows “VET” to be added to their NYS ID or license when they present their DD214, and there is no cost. Most businesses in the county already have discounts in place for veterans, and some for seniors.

When someone has spent 14 years learning the job, it should count for something. This is the reason why my family supports Jen Basile— you cannot argue that this is a position in which experience matters. Experience cannot be replaced by unrealistic visions.

Barb Dulkis Westford

Thanks to Mary, Beth and Emily

There are many reasons why those who live in or near Oneonta can feel fortunate to make this area their home. The vibrant and hometown-feel of Main Street and the various parks as well as Damaschke Field and the music events are just a few of the many reasons to want to live here.

However, there is one other gem that sets Oneonta apart. Located at the edge of town is Fox’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, where specialists provide exercise therapy for patients recovering from cardiac surgery, heart disease, or a cardiac event.

We the undersigned are fortunate to be some of the lucky recipients of the care that three skilled and knowledgeable nurses provide us. With their sincere caring demeanor, Mary, Beth, and Emily provide a positive atmosphere where each patient is made to feel special and is provided with individualized care and guidance. Through education, constant blood pressure monitoring, and remote EKG feedback, they support us through our rehabilitation exercises, giving us more confidence as they lead us back to cardiac health.

Certainly, we enjoy all the advantages of living in this area, but most of all we feel grateful to have available the care provided by Mary, Beth and Emily.

H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2022

14th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.

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

News Editor Wriley Nelson Business Manager Larissa Ryan

Columnists and Contributing Writers

Terry Berkson, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Maureen Culbert, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Ian Kenyon, Marcia Kozubek, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, T. Stephen Wager, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

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

Editorial Board

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

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

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

Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

Len’s latest initiative is public safety and safe neighborhoods in the 5th Ward and throughout the City of Oneonta. And as newlyappointed chairman of the Safe Homes and Neighborhoods committee, be certain that Len will take the “bull by the horns” regarding this important issue.

Len Carson has encouraged small-business growth and started his own family business, DCMarketing, here in the City of Oneonta. He has taken this business from concept and moved it to a state-of-the-art business. He understands the perils businesspeople have to deal with and seeks a path forward for small business growth, which will help with our city’s revenue and sales tax growth.

Len Carson has seen a need to take homes that are dilapidated within our city and has personally rehabilitated several properties. Len is not only a talker when it comes to solving problems, but also a doer! He is a doer for the good

The County clerk election this November is an important election. Party lines aside, people need to ask themselves a very important question—in an office which handles very important transactions on a daily basis (DBAs, legal name changes, deed filings and so much more) you need to ask yourself; do you want the office to continue to function, or do you want to run the risk of documents not being recorded/filed accurately or in a timely fashion? This is an office where you learn from the bottom up, not the top down. It is not the responsibility of the office staff to train the county clerk, nor does the staff know all the responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the county clerk and deputy county clerk to train and answer staff questions to ensure transactions are completed correctly, and you can’t do that if you don’t know how to do the job.

Mr. Benton’s plans of drop boxes and appointments for DMV were tried during COVID. It did not work out for many reasons. People need the receipt for the plate surrender in their hand to be able to cancel their insurance. Appointments did not always mean people had what they needed or were able to complete their transactions due to other issues, which created the need for another visit. They also created a backlog of lines when an appointment ran over. Most customers did not like the appointments and

Rennie Korver Mike Gilley Bruce Thompson Ed Benoit Fox Cardiac Patients

Coop Trustees

Back Benton

We write in strong support of MacGuire Benton’s campaign for Otsego County clerk. All of us who served as Village of Cooperstown Trustees with Mr. Benton, or succeeded him in that position, recognize and appreciate Mr. Benton’s character, integrity, and commitment to residents’ and visitors’ well-being. Those core values informed Mr. Benton’s service as village trustee, whether the topic was public safety, environmental sustainability, the management of Doubleday Field, or the preservation and maintenance of our historic public buildings. In our view, they will serve him well as county clerk.

Born, raised, and schooled in Cooperstown, Mr. Benton is among the growing number

50 YEARs AGo

New signs Correct Companies’ Lies

Smoking kills, on average, 1,200 Americans. Every day.” This is one of 17 new signs, known as “corrective statements,” that are being posted next to cigarette displays in tobacco retailers throughout otsego County, a result of a December 2022 federal court order. These new signs “correct” the misstatements and flat-out lies told by the tobacco industry about the health harms of smoking and secondhand smoke, the addictiveness of smoking and nicotine, and the industry’s manipulation of cigarettes to make them more addictive. The court order stipulates the signs must be installed between July 1 and september 30, 2023 and will stay posted until June 30, 2025.

While the corrective statements and posting them in tobacco retailers are new to the general public, they have been 17 years in the making. In 2006, U.s. District Judge Gladys Kessler ruled the major U.s. tobacco companies—Altria and its Philip Morris UsA subsidiary, R.J. Reynolds, and ITG Brands—had violated civil racketeering laws and lied to the public for decades about the health risks and addictiveness of cigarettes and their marketing to children. The tobacco companies were ordered to produce factual or truth statements that corrected their decades-long lies and misinformation and to publicize them widely.

40 YEARs AGo

September 1973

The city’s new Wilber Park pool created a big splash in its first season of use and made it through the summer with just a few minor problems, Assistant City Engineer Bruno Bruni said. “The main pool held up fine,” Bruni said, adding, “The wading pool was the one that gave us the most problems.” The wading pool was closed twice because of a broken part in the filtration system and on another occasion when there was a problem with chlorination. The cost of constructing the pool was $433,200. Attendance over the past summer reached nearly 45,000. More than 1,000 people turned out on several extremely hot days and holidays. The Common Council voted to keep the main Wilber Park pool open on weekends past Labor Day on saturdays and sundays from 1 p.m. to dusk as long as weather permits. The wading pool was closed after Labor Day.

September 1983

30 YEARs AGo

someday, people from all over the world will come to oneonta to play soccer. They’ll play in a 10,000 seat stadium, or a larger indoor arena. They’ll stay in dormitories just a short walk from seven state-ofthe-art playing fields and a huge museum honoring the world’s soccer legends. For 15 years, oneonta’s Wright National soccer Hall of Fame Campus was mostly talk, blueprints and the dream of a handful of local soccer enthusiasts. A promise of $4.5 million to build a stadium is an indication that other people believe in that dream. The state is also promising $250,000 to promote the Hall when World Cup games come to the U.s. next fall.

September 1993

20 YEARs AGo

The annual southbound migration of birds through the upper susquehanna region and the Catskills has begun signaling the local Audubon society’s hawk watch at the group’s sanctuary on Franklin Mountain near oneonta. This season marks the 15th consecutive year of counting raptors at the site. “We get excellent numbers of red-tailed hawks and golden eagles,” said Andy Mason, conservation chair of the Delawareotsego Audubon society. Franklin Mountain is considered one of the prime observation spots in the eastern United states for raptor species. The first wave of hawks is expected between september 10 and 21. Last year’s total count was 4,764 raptors of 15 different species, well above the 3,000 bird average.” Just the sight of one soaring eagle makes it all worthwhile,” Mason said.

September 2003

As has long been their practice, the tobacco companies fought the corrective statement order for years by arguing over the language of the statements and other aspects. In 2018, the tobacco

By MERL REAGLE

industry was made to air corrective statements in TV commercials. It then took five more years for the tobacco companies and the U.s. Department of Justice and public health organizations to agree on the corrective statements’ wording and other criteria and where to post them.

Most of us have known for years that smoking is bad, but many of the corrective statements, which can be viewed on the Us DoJ’s Civil Division’s Consumer Protection website, provide lesser known and startling facts about smoking, health and addiction. one, for instance, reads, “Many smokers switch to low tar and light cigarettes rather than quitting because they think low tar and light cigarettes are less harmful. They are not.” Another states the tobacco industry “intentionally designed cigarettes with enough nicotine to create and sustain addiction.”

The court ruling also instructs the corrective statements to be posted at the point-of-sale— usually the checkout counter—because that is where shoppers make the decision of whether to purchase tobacco products or not. Designed with bold black and white lettering on teal and black backgrounds, the signs are meant to catch consumers’ attention and have them think twice about purchasing cigarettes. The signs will be in both English and spanish, with the latter required in geographic areas with significant spanishspeaking populations.

The 17 distinctive signs will appear in about

Continued on page 10

Whose Puzzle Is This Anyway…

She’s a solver, too

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

LOCALS: PEOPLE/BUSINESSES IN THE NEWS

ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS: SUNY

Oswego recently recognized several Otsego County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and Deans’ List for the spring 2023 semester. President’s List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include Lena E. Greene of Edmeston, majoring in meteorology and applied mathematics. Deans’ List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the Deans’ List include: Aimee L. Cook, Cherry Valley, zoology; Grace C. Kelley, Worcester, accounting; Jessica Phillippe, Oneonta, cinema and screen studies; Zachary R. Sluyter, Richfield Springs, criminal justice; and Samuel L. Solomon, Richfield Springs, technology education.

ICE CREAM ACCOLADES:

Jerry’s Place Ice Cream and Grill of Hartwick has been awarded the title of Upstate New York’s #1 Ice Cream Destination by travel writer “Big Chuck” D’Imperio in a recent article published on CNY News. The article, dated July 27, showcased several ice cream parlors in New York State, and Jerry’s Place emerged as the author’s clear favorite. D’Imperio was captivated by the enchanting flavors and delightful offerings that set Jerry’s Place apart from other ice cream establishments in the region. “We are beyond honored and humbled to be recognized as the top ice cream destination in Upstate New York,” said proud owner Jeff Braswell, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. “This achievement is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our team to serve excellent ice cream while crafting delicious sundaes, shakes, banana splits and some of the best classic Americana-inspired food in the area.”

NEW HIRES: Cornell Cooperative

Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties has welcomed two new employees to its team in recent weeks.

Marcie Foster of Cooperstown is the organization’s new horticulture and natural resource educator. Foster has coordinated a Women’s Outings Group at the Clark Sports Center, and her 14year-tenure at the Otsego Land Trust included outreach, development, land protection, stewardship, and community education. Foster has a BA in geology from SUNY New Paltz, and she has continued coursework in wetlands plant identification and delineation at SUNY Oneonta, and in botany at SUNY Cobleskill. Foster is also a licensed real estate salesperson for Bluestone Country Real Estate in Oneonta. Erich Keena of Middleburgh is CCESO’s new agriculture and food systems program manager. He most recently served as county program technician for USDA Onondaga County Farm Service Agency.

Keena worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County as their agriculture economic development specialist and, prior to that, spent seven years in Sichuan, China studying and

teaching English. Keena grew up in the Capital Region and has a BT in agricultural business management from SUNY Cobleskill. CCESO is a nonprofit community education agency, affiliated with Cornell University as part of the national land grant university system. CCE staff helps preserve Otsego County’s vast agricultural heritage, protect ecological infrastructure, support families, and provide youth opportunities for community service and research-based education in science, technology, engineering and math.

DIRECTOR AT DMC: The Destination Marketing Corporation has announced the appointment of Ryan West Geraghty as its new marketing and communications director.

Geraghty is the former managing director of Paperkite, a digital marketing and creative agency located in Otsego County. While on the Paperkite team, she worked to identify and capitalize on traditional and emerging marketing trends, providing clients with creative solutions to drive their marketing goals forward. Geraghty brings with her a passion for fostering collaborative partnerships and an innovative work environment and, as a resident of Oneonta, she is thrilled to bring her love of Oneonta and passion for the arts to the DMC. She has extensive experience in the event industry— producing hundreds of live events throughout the area and in the U.S.— along with a love of the arts, serving as executive director of the Catskill Symphony Orchestra. In her new role, Geraghty will lead and oversee all of Cooperstown/Otsego County Tourism and Schoharie County marketing and communication efforts. “Ryan’s broad industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills make her a powerful addition to our team,” said Cassandra Harrington, president and chief executive officer of DMC. “We’re confident that under her direction, we’ll continue to break new ground in how we market and communicate our offerings to both current and prospective travelers, local businesses, and residents, and foster a unique and personalized experience for everyone.”

KEY AWARD WINNERS: Elmira College announced this year’s recipients of its annual Key Award on Tuesday, September 5. A tradition that dates to 1935, the award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school. It recognizes high scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship and participation in extracurricular activities. Local recipients included Angelina Torres of Oneonta, Haylie Lund of Edmeston, Kelsey Jicha and Tori France of Cooperstown, and Shane Johnson of Richfield Springs. “This award is given to students with the potential to excel academically, serve as leaders and go on to enjoy success in life,” said College President Charles Lindsay. “We hope they will choose to make Elmira College their place.” The Key Award is sponsored by the EC Alumni Association. Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential liberal-arts college offering 25 majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies and 16 Division III varsity teams. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa college and is top ranked for student internship placement. It is also home to the Center for Mark Twain studies, which attracts Twain scholars from around the world.

SUMMER SCHOLAR: Amanda Plows of Hartwick was named to Southern New Hampshire University’s summer 2023 semester Dean’s List. SNHU’s summer term runs from May to August. Fulltime undergraduates with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.699 are named to the Dean’s List. SNHU is a

Pathfinder Village Receives Excellus

BCBS Health and Wellness Award

UTICA

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Pathfinder Village a $1,500.00 Health and Wellness Award to support Pathfinder Produce Kitchen To Go Presentations. This program provides fun lessons on cooking procedures, safe food handling practices, and healthy foods, all in an informal and collaborative environment. Sessions feature Pathfinder’s new mobile kitchen cart and an approved curriculum by Edible Education.

“Our Kitchen To Go is part of an innovative food education outreach program,” explained Layla Hazlett, OTR/L, Pathfinder’s director and clinical coordinator of adult services. “Pathfinder Produce and our Adult Day Services will use the mobile kitchen to share hands-on cooking sessions to grow an appreciation for healthy foods among school students, organization members, and the public. We believe these fun and social cooking experiences will help participants gravitate toward healthier food choices.”

Pathfinder Produce is a weekly fresh fruit-and-vegetable market that provides fresh produce to the local community and provides adults with intellectual disabilities vocational training, and employment opportunities.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Health and Wellness Awards support programs that conduct ongoing work or initiatives designed to improve community health and health outcomes. Health disparities are complex and can have many causes. These awards are given to programs that address specific health conditions or factors linked to health disparities.

“The company’s Health and Wellness Awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” says Eve Van de Wal, Utica regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Pathfinder Produce Kitchen To Go Presentations align with our mission of helping our communities live healthier more secure lives by providing education on healthy cooking and food choices.”

private- nonprofit university with more than 170,000 students worldwide. It offers 200 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and at its 300-acre campus.

ALUMNI AWARDEES:

Dr. Kristin Jones of Oneonta is one of five members of the Hartwick College community selected to receive a 2023-2024 Alumni Award.

The honor salutes graduates and current faculty or staff for their service to the college and Hartwick community. Professor of Economics and Honors Program Co-Director Jones was named the College’s Outstanding Employee for the creative and deliberate ways in which she has integrated alumni into her classroom experience. She has been successfully connecting students in her classes to Hartwick alumni for years, even before it became a tenet of FlightPath, the college’s flexible and personalized approach to education. Starting in 2018, Jones has partnered with Director of Planned Giving Pat Dopazo to connect students in her Honors Seminar with alumni. Last year, Jones volunteered to design and pilot one of the college’s first SOAR Capstone courses, during which each student interacted with about 15 different alumni. Because of her thoughtful and deliberate work, many of her students have benefited from true mentoring relationships. Jones has been with Hartwick since 2005, and has also served as the economics department chair and as a member of Faculty Council. Other winners this year are: Rob Carpenter ’88 of Monkton, Maryland, who will be presented the Meritorious Service Award for demonstrating outstanding loyalty and effective service to the College; David Ryan Polgar ’01 of New York City will be

named the winner of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, given to a graduate who has distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in their professional career, civic, and/or charitable activities; Rejoice Scherry ’13 of Plymouth, Vermont, earned the Outstanding Young Alumna Award, given to a graduate of the last decade who has shown exceptional competence, performance, and achievement in professional or volunteer activities; and Scott Weber ’11 of Rochester has earned the Outstanding Volunteer Award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained volunteer service for the college. The group will be celebrated at an on-campus ceremony on Friday, September 22. “We are so proud of this year’s awardees, and look forward to celebrating with them on campus during True Blue Weekend 2023,” said Director of Alumni, Parent and Family Relations Kimberly Hastings.

NEW PALTZ PLANS: Brandon Gardner (below), a member of the Oneonta High School cross-country team that took the Section IV Class C title last fall, has begun his freshman year at SUNY New Paltz. According to his great-aunt Maddy, Gardner plans to major in mechanical engineering and will be running both track and cross country. “He told me he liked the program and the college, and is looking forward to being a member of the team. I am so proud,” Maddy said. (Photo provided)

Photo provided

Layla Hazlett, director and clinical coordinator of adult services at Pathfinder; Todd Wratten, Pathfinder Produce Team member; Shayna Keller, Excellus Community Investments and Partnerships manager; and Monica Clark, Pathfinder’s manager of fund development and people engagement, attend a check presentation.

RIDING IN STYLE: Though the Fourth of July has come and gone, we wanted to share this wonderful photo by Andy Puritz of Stan Fox— this year’s City of Oneonta July 4 parade grand marshal—waving as he travelled down Main Street with John Brooks in his 1957 turquoise Chevy convertible.

Photo provided RYAN WEST GERAGHTY

Photo provided DR. KRISTIN JONES

NEWS BRIEFS

Orpheus Announces Auditions

ONEONTA—Orpheus Theatre announced that it will hold open auditions for its winter production of “The Sound of Music” at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16. All ages are welcome. Attendees will be asked to sing a pre-selected section of “My Favorite Things” as their vocal audition and will be expected to perform a brief dance audition. Movement-appropriate clothing and footwear are strongly recommended. Callbacks will be made on Sunday, September 17, and rehearsals start on Monday, September 25. The show will be performed December 8-10. Audition and callback materials are available at https://www.orpheustheatre.org/

Rental Law Program Offered

COOPERSTOWN—The Otsego County Courthouse, 197 Main Street in Cooperstown, will host a “Lawyer in the Library” event to educate the public about rental law at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 21. Three local attorneys will speak about the basics of eviction and the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The program is free and open to the public; no registration is required. For more information, contact (607) 240-4310 or clund@nycourts.gov. “Lawyer in the Library” is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, and does not create any attorney-client relationship between presenters and attendees.

Farm Will Host Fall Events

WEST EDMESTON—Unadilla Community

Farm, a non-profit farm education center in West Edmeston, recently announced three upcoming events. A community volunteer garlic planting day will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 16. Volunteers will learn how to prepare bulbs and soil for the annual fall planting, as well as how to build and use a dibbler wheel. The event is free. A garlic cleaning workshop will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. Participants will help prepare fresh garlic for donation to local food pantries and will receive a pint as part of the free event. A more in-depth event featuring a full farm tour will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 14. Participants will spend two hours walking through the food forest, learning about building projects, and asking questions about agroforestry, permaculture design, eco-construction, and more. Admission for this event is on a sliding scale starting at $10.00. The farm is located at 5937 County Highway 18. To

RSVP for an event, visit unadillacommunityfarm. org/events. For more information, contact unadillacommunityfarm@gmail.com.

SHHS Announces Walk-a-Thon

ONEONTA—Super Heroes Humane Society announced that it will hold a doggie walk-a-thon fundraiser in Fortin Park on Sunday, October 1. Registration begins at 1 p.m. There is a $10.00 entry fee and proof of rabies vaccination is required. The walk will be an easy one-mile loop for participating people and their dogs. It begins at the Large Hanger, 101 Youngs Road. The fundraiser will also feature prizes, raffle baskets, vendors and food trucks. There are still spaces available for craft, artisan and market vendors; contact the Humane Society to sign up or for more information.

VFD Auxiliary To Hold Sale

SCHUYLER LAKE—The Schuyler Lake Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will hold a lawn and craft sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 30 at the Schuyler Lake Fireman’s Field. Vendor spaces are $20.00; send a check to PO Box 112, Schuyler Lake 13457 to register. The auxiliary welcomes donations to the sale; contact Roberta Steere on Facebook to arrange pickup. All proceeds support the volunteer organization.

Suicide Prevention Walk Set

ONEONTA—The Out of the Darkness Community Walk for suicide prevention will be held at the 6th Ward Booster Club on Saturday, September 16 at 9 a.m. According to a release, the journey of remembrance, hope, and support will unite the community and provide an opportunity to acknowledge the impact of mental health conditions and suicide. The event will also feature a chicken barbecue lunch, a basket raffle, local organizations and a bead ceremony. All proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

OFA To Offer Tai Chi Classes

OTSEGO COUNTY—Otsego County Office for the Aging will offer eight-week tai chi for arthritis classes at three locations beginning in September. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that incorporates slow, deliberate movement and deep breathing to promote mindfulness, strength and flexibility. Medical studies indicate that it can help reduce pain and

Compiled by Wriley Nelson

increase mobility in arthritis patients and prevent falls in older adults. Seniors age 60 and over are welcome to attend the free sessions; donations are welcome. One class will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 156 Main Street in Unadilla, from 9-10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning on Monday, September 18. Another will be located at the new Gathering Place 50+ Community Center, 5506 State Route 7 in Oneonta. It will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Wednesday, September 20. A third series will be held at the Clark Sports Center on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. beginning Monday, September 25. Registration in advance is required, as is a commitment to attend at least 11 of the 16 sessions. Contact OFA at (607) 5474232 to reserve a spot. Communities wishing to host a future tai chi for arthritis class may also contact the OFA to coordinate. The program is made possible by the New York State Department of Health Older Adult Fall Prevention Program and is supported by Title III D of the Older Americans Act.

Library To Host Paint and Sip

ONEONTA—Huntington Memorial Library will host an evening of painting and mocktails with Andra from Art N Alcohol at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26. Andra will guide participants to paint a depiction of fall pumpkins. Attendees should wear clothing they don’t mind getting paint on. Registration is required and opens on Tuesday, September 12; visit https://hmloneonta.org/ to sign up.

Choir Opens Fall Enrollment

COOPERSTOWN—Following successful debut performances at Lakefront Park and the Village Hall this summer, the Cooperstown Children’s Choir has announced open enrollment for its autumn session. Children ages 7-12 are welcome; the participation fee is $110.00. Rehearsals will take place every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 21 Elm Street, from September 15 through November 3. Participants will learn classic rock and pop songs along with a few holiday selections and will be encouraged to help choreograph songs. There will also be opportunities for children to sing solos and play percussion instruments. The program will end with two or three public performances. For more information, visit www.cooperstownchildrenschoir. com or call Dana LaCroix at (607) 304-1359.

For more news and events, visit AllOtsego.com.

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI/ RROF)

September 12, 2023

Otsego County Planning Department

197 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-4225

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about September 29, 2023 the Otsego County Planning Department will submit a request to the Office of Community Renewal for the release of CDBG funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as Microenterprise Program for the purpose of administering and delivering CDBG funds to qualifying small businesses within Otsego County. The County of Otsego was awarded $300,000 for a microenterprise project (868ME532-23) from a New York State Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program, with Otsego Now overseeing the administration of the funds.

CATEGORI-

CALLY EXCLUDED

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Impact Statement under NEPA is not required. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Otsego County Planning Department, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Otsego County Planning Department. All comments received before September 28, 2023 will be considered by the County of Otsego prior to submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The County of Otsego certifies to the Office of Community Renewal that Tammie Harris in her capacity as Planning

Director consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The Office of Community Renewal’s acceptance of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and allows Otsego County to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Office of Community Renewal will accept objections to its release of fund and the County of Otsego’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the County of Otsego; (b) the County of Otsego has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the Office of Community Renewal; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Crystal Loffler, President, at Office of Community Renewal, Hampton Plaza, 38-40 State Street, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207. Potential objectors should contact the Office of Community Renewal to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Tammie Harris, Planning Director LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on

Monday, September 25, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following:

Proposed Local Law No. 5 of 2023 - Amend Chapter 270-6Vehicle and Traffic regulations – by adding a stop intersection on Lake Street, east and west at Chestnut.

Proposed Local Law No. 6 of 2023- Amend Local Law No. 2 of 2023 and Vehicle and Traffic Regulations (Section 240-13) – to adjust the location of boat trailer parking on Fish Road.

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

Dated: September 7, 2023

By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown

Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org

LegaL nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO

INDEX #EF2023-244

FILED: 8/10/2023

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates OTSEGO County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is: The location of real property being foreclosed. BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, against ELVA SAMPSON A/K/A ELVA R. SAMPSON, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirsat-law, next-of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors

and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint; VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC; NBT BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITION, LLC; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE

and “JOHN DOE No. 1’’ through ‘’JOHN DOE No. 100’’ inclusive, the name of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendant(s). To the above named Defendants:

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

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons

and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Brian D Burns, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Otsego County, granted on the 4th day of August, 2023, and filed with the Complaint and other papers in the office of the County Clerk of Otsego County. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by ROY SAMPSON A/K/A ROY O. SAMPSON and ELVA SAMPSON A/K/A/ ELVA R. SAMPSON to FRANKLIN BANK, SSB, bearing date March 31, 2004 and recorded in Book 1305, Page 58 in the County of Otsego on April 26, 2004, which was modified by Loan Modification Agreement dated August 17, 2007 creating a new principal amount of $97,167.96, which was assigned to COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC by instrument executed January 3, 2023 and recorded January 6, 2023, in Instrument Number: 2023-067, which was further assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A by instrument executed January 19, 2023 and recorded on January 20, 2023, in Instrument Number: 2023-279. Said premises being known as and by 1322 COUNTY HIGHWAY 7 OTEGO, NY 13825, bearing tax map designation Section: 272.00, Block: 1, Lot: 73.00, which is more fully described in the Schedule “A” attached to the Complaint.

To the above

named Defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. There is due and owing to plaintiff the sum of $91,112.88 plus interest thereon from November 1, 2008, in addition to those accumulated late charges and those recoverable monies advanced by Plaintiff and/or Plaintiff’s predecessor-in-interest on behalf Roy Sampson a/k/a Roy O Sampson and Elva Sampson a/k/a Elva R Sampson together with all costs, including but not limited to, attorneys’ fees, disbursements, and further allowances provided pursuant to the underlying loan documents and applicable law in bringing any action to protect the Mortgagee’s interest in the Subject Property.The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt described above. UNLESS YOU DISPUTE THE VALIDITY OF THE DEBT, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER YOUR RECEIPT HEREOF THAT THE DEBT, OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, IS DISPUTED, THE DEBTOR JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU AND A COPY OF SUCH VERIFICATION OR JUDGMENT WILL BE MAILED TO YOU BY THE HEREIN DEBT COLLECTOR. IF APPLICABLE, UPON YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST, WITHIN SAID THIRTY (30) DAY PERIOD, THE HEREIN DEBT COLLECTOR WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT, YOU ARE NOT PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR THE UNDERLYING INDEBTEDNESS OWED TO PLAINTIFF/ CREDITOR AND THIS NOTICE/ DISCLOSURE IS FOR COMPLIANCE AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State requires that we send you this

notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT

You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

AND ASSISTANCE

The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid, there are government agencies, and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http:// www.dfs.ny.gov Rights and Obligations

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS

Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and

which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

Aldridge Pite, LLP, Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 File 1213-414B

4LegalSept.28

LegaL nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO

INDEX NO.

EF2023-118

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

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 8 ELM STREET, WORCESTER, NY 12197

Section: 199.18, Block: 2, Lot: 48.00

MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC

Plaintiff, vs. DAWN TOMEK, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM VAJDA; DIANNE VAJDA, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM VAJDA; JEFFREY C VAJDA SR, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM VAJDA; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM VAJDA, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown

to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

To the above named Defendants

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

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $135,000.00 and interest, recorded on July 25, 2013, in Instrument Number 20133991, of the Public Records of OTSEGO County, New York., covering premises known as 8 ELM STREET, WORCESTER, NY 12197. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. OTSEGO County is designated as the place of trial because the continued pg. 9

David Sohmer Svahn 1939-2023

DOYLESTOWN, PA—David Sohmer

Svahn, retired physician and educator, has died. He was 84 years old.

David lived most recently in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, having moved from Cooperstown, New York in 2009 where he had lived for 37 years. David is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Karin Elmqvist Svahn; his three children, Anna and Jennifer (husband Jeff Nicastro), both of New York City, and Jonathan (wife Tiffany Svahn) of Orinda, California. David also leaves four beloved grandchildren, Jack and Ben of New York City and Sarah and Annika of California. They call him “Pops” or “Poppi.” David is also survived by his younger brother, C. Peter Svahn, and family. David took immense pride in the personal and professional success of all his children and of his wife’s creative skills.

David was born in Englewood, New Jersey on March 28,1939 and was raised in West Nyack, New York, the son of David Holmfrid Svahn, a building contractor, and Erna Sohmer Svahn, a school-nurse teacher. He attended local public schools, obtained a BS in Quantitative Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1960) and received his MD from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1965). During medical school, he spent a year in Lund, Sweden doing research in physiology and getting to know his father’s family. There he met his wife. Only in later years did they discover that their fathers had grown up merely a few miles apart on beau-

tiful Lake Lyngnern on Sweden’s west coast.

Dr. Svahn did his residency training at Columbia affiliates in Cooperstown (Bassett Hospital), and New York City (Presbyterian Hospital and Harlem Hospital). He had come to Bassett as a medical student. David’s experience then and during his later residency years confirmed his desire to live, practice, and teach in that community, where a genuine interest in patients as people has always been a core characteristic.

After completing three years with the United States Army in Germany, he returned to Bassett in 1972 as an attending physician in internal medicine. David relished the challenge of general medicine and developed a special interest in the management of hypertension, a subject about which he lectured frequently. He was an

inaugural member of the American Society of Hypertension. Dr. Svahn’s interest led to an active role in the regional and state American Heart Association organizations and he served as president for the former.

Medical education was an abiding interest, leading to a career-long involvement with Bassett’s continuing medical education program. He believed that cooperation with other facilities benefited the entire community; David arranged the annual FoxBassett Teaching Days in Oneonta for 15 years and he also, for 25 years, brought Bassett experts to the annual Bassett Day at the Central New York Academy of Medicine in Utica, New York.

His pride in Bassett as a teaching hospital was considerable; a high point of his career was the receipt of the Golden Apple award granted each year by the medical residents. Following retirement from practice in 1999, he continued at Bassett supervising residents in primary care. Dr. Svahn developed a new interest in the Medical Humanities, speaking frequently about the need in a highly technical age to maintain awareness of the importance of the humanistic side of medicine. He served as executive editor for a book of medical student

leW i S, HurleY & pietrobono Funeral Home

51 Dietz Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com

writings, “Let Me Listen to Your Heart,” which received considerable attention from students, seasoned practitioners, and laypersons alike. Interestingly, this project led to an invitation to serve on a Committee on Professionalism for the American College of Surgeons. His maternal grandfather, a surgeon, would have been proud. Ever the teacher, he was pleased to accept a part-time role as teacher of nurse-practitioner students at Binghamton University. This second career, from which he retired in 2010, was very meaningful as his mother, grandmother and motherin-law had been nurses. Outside medicine, he maintained a number of interests, singing for years with the Catskill Choral Society and the Bucks County Choral Society. He was also a founding member of the Glimmerglass Opera chorus. He acted a number of roles with the Leatherstocking Theatre Company. David read widely, especially history, and family history in particular. David even wrote a book about W. W. Lord, an Episcopal priest who served in Vicksburg, Mississippi during the famous Civil War siege in 1863 and who later served at Christ Church in Cooperstown. David was co-editor of a revised

Heller & Skinner Funeral Home

155 Main Street Worcester, nY 607-397-9711 www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Proud to be family-owned John & Kathleen (Heller) Pietrobono

LEGALS

from pg. 8 real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

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

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

Sending a payment to the mortgage

company will not stop the foreclosure action.

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

Dated: August 11, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff

Matthew Rothstein, Esq.

900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4LegalSept.21

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Lauren Glynn Law PLLC Art. of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 03/02/2023.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 36 Elm Street, Cooperstown NY 13326, Any lawful purpose.

6LegalOct.19

LegaL nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF TEAMANDA HOLDINGS LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/5/23. Office in Otsego Co.

SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5001

Route 23, Ste. 3, #166, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalOct.19

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NEW YORK

NIGHTMARE PRODUCTION, LLC

filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on JUNE 6, 2023. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served upon him or her to: 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1086, Buffalo, NY 14221.

Purpose: Any lawful act or

activity.

6LegalOct.12

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Infinite Hearts Reiki L.L.C.

Filed 8/21/23. Office : Otsego County . SSNY designated as agent of L.L.C. upon whom to process against LLC. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to LLC, 177 Cemetery Rd, Fly Creek , N.Y. 13337.

Purpose, general

6LegalOct.5

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC.

Monticello Wind LLC (LLC)

Filed Arts. of Org. with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/22/2023. Office location: Otsego County.

Svahn family history. He believed in the power and importance of narrative and adhered to William Osler’s dictum that the good physician must always be a reader, the better to understand his patients’ stories. Dr. Svahn concurred with the advice, “Listen to the patient, he is trying to tell you what’s wrong with him.”

David Svahn was a member of Christ Church, Cooperstown, where, for many years, he served as unofficial historian of that remarkable 200-year-old parish and, more recently, David was a parishioner

of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Doylestown. He often said he had been a lucky man.

Memorial Services will be held at Christ Church, 46 River Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 on September 30 at 11 a.m.; reception to follow at The Fenimore House, back terrace).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David’s honor to Friends of Bassett (607547-3928 or 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326).

You may send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com

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

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

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

Funeral Home

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

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

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

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at c/o Liberty Renewables Inc., 90 State Street, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: any business permitted under law.

6LegalOct.5

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Crooked Reel Productions LLC filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on APRIL 28, 2023. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served upon him or her to: 228 Mountain Tom

Road Springfield Center, NY 13468 and 1967 Wehrle Drive Suite 1086 Buffalo, NY 14221.

Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

6LegalSept.28

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ACKLEY TREE SERVICE LLC.

Filed 4/7/23. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 3 Rose Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave , Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

6LegalSept.28

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

62 Maple Street, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 7/12/23.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 493 Chestnut St., Ste. 2, Oneonta, NY 13820.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalSept.14

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

The Turk Plantation LLC

Articles of Organization filed with

the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 3, 2023

Office Location: Otsego County SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 810 Mooney Road, Worcester, NY 12197

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.14

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Waterman Trucking LLC. Filed 7/18/23.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 242 Waterman Rd, Worcester, NY 12197.

Purpose: General. 6LegalSept.14

Photo provided DAVID SOHMER SVAHN

Forever young: The ‘Home Farm’ Family dance Goes On

For several years, up until 2019 when COVId cut in, my wife alice and I attended an august square dance on the sprawling young “Home Farm,” just outside of the village of Van Hornsville, New york. It was a family affair but, by way of a close friend, we were invited to participate.

The dance was held in the carriage house, one of the original farm buildings that had been cleared out in order to accommodate about a hundred people including a live “Quick Step Band” led by John Kirk on the fiddle and his wife, Trish Miller, on banjo. Both took turns at calling dances. Other musicians, Greg anderson and Sara Milonovich, lent their skills to produce a very lively barn-rocking sound.

The callers would first prepare the dancers with instruction as to the order in which the do-si-dos, allemandes, promenades and sashays would take place. Then the band began to play and, as the night went on and the dances became more and more intricate, the crowd often became more and more confused but covered the mistakes with hearty sweat-bathed laughter so that in the end there was order—or some degree of order –to the dance.

This year, the shindig was back, and though the long time matriarch Shirley, a granddaughter of industrialist diplomat Owen d young, and her patriarch husband, Walter, a retired army brigadier general could not attend, they were still honored as hosts of the dance. The distinguished couple who in recent years no longer participated in the dance but presided over the celebration which amounted to a family reunion—a family reunion centered on a square dance

Noteworthy

Continued from page 5

220,000 stores nationwide that are covered by marketing agreements with the defendant tobacco companies. Independent auditors will monitor compliance of the signs posted at correct locations at the manufacturers’ expense, and a tip line will be established so that the public can report incidents of non-compliance.

Most importantly, the new corrective statements should help people across the country and in Otsego County experience fewer smokingrelated illnesses and deaths and prevent youth from becoming

that was first conceived by Shirley’s father, Philip. It has been going on, except for COVId, for the past 86 years. another senior member who used to attend but no longer participated in the dance was Shirley’s older cousin, John Peter young, age 98 (known by the family as JP) who up until two years ago was playing his violin with a string quartet in Oakland, California. Several other family members make the yearly trip from the west coast to attend the festivities. There are children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren—including Owen d.’s past participation, at least five generations in all.

The affair helps to preserve the memory and grand spirit of Owen d young and to foster and keep alive strong family ties that maintain a theme of connection. Everyone seems to be enjoying the party. No doubt there’s a “time out” on daily cares and concerns that are put aside

tobacco users. Otsego County residents looking to quit smoking and vaping can use two excellent cessation programs: 1) the New york State Smokers Quitline, which offers a free cessation starter’s kit and counseling. Call 1 (866) NyQUITS or visit nysmokefree.com; 2) The Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Quit Center, which offers a six-month free Smoking Cessation Program for cigarette smokers, age 21 years and older. Email melinda.robinson@bassett.org or call (585) 504-9461.

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

for the night.

Owen d young left the family farm pursuing an education that eventually made him eligible to attend Saint Lawrence University and later Boston University, where he earned a law degree in 1896. Ironically, following a legal battle against General Electric, he eventually wound up president of the company and coaxed GE into producing home electrical appliances. He also encouraged the electrification of farms, factories and various modes of transportation. at the request of the government, he created RCa, which soon became the largest communications company in the world. during his lifetime, he served as council to five presidents and in 1929 he was Time Magazine’s “Man of the year.” When he retired from his illustrious career, young returned to his home town and once again became active in dairy farming. He later funded the construction of a new public school

Match

Continued from page 2

of Cooperstown.

“It is apparent that the people of Cooperstown have a strong belief in our mission and their dedication to the arts inspire us every day. Together, we can ensure that FCO continues to flourish and enrich generations to come,” Wolf said.

To donate, visit fenimoreco.org, send a check made payable to Fenimore Chamber Orchestra to PO Box 942, Cooperstown, Ny 13326 or call (917) 859-6672.

Housing

Continued from page 1

miciled and domiciled individuals who demonstrate in public their struggle with mental illness and drug addictions.” The committee is intended to holistically evaluate the causes and effects of Oneonta’s unhoused and

in Van Hornsville which, after his death, was given his name. and so the dance goes on each year, attracting and revealing new young faces that will eventually learn to do the steps. No doubt there are and will be among them a host of skilled, talented and educated individuals making their contribution to society. This time, while driving home at the end of the night and still elevated by the energy of the contagious celebration, I thought of the award winning motion picture “Moonstruck” and the memorable toast in the final scene: “a la famiglia!”

Terry Berkson’s articles have appeared in “New York” magazine, “Automobile” magazine and many others. His memoir, “Corvette Odyssey,” has received many good reviews: “highly recommended with broad appeal,” says “Library Journal.”

underhoused population and to find lasting solutions. It includes Witzenburg, Carson, and Councilmembers Ed Overbey (unaffiliated-7th Ward) and Emily Falco (d-8th Ward).

“The closing of the Town House will be impactful, both on the committee’s work and on the community generally,” drnek said in an email on Thursday, September 7. “While the removal of a problem property is a net positive, we will need to be aware of, and [plan further for] the impact that a displaced population may have.”

“The first of the Safe Homes and Neighborhoods Committee’s five points of action, the education and enlistment of the community in the enhancement of public safety, becomes even more of a priority,” drnek continued. “The Police department is already working on a onehour course for the public that we’re calling ‘The

Citizens’ academy.’ We hope to roll that out in the next several weeks.” drnek has repeatedly expressed his opinion that emergency housing options outside city limits should be developed. Vilakkupatthil was not held after the ticket was issued. He will be arraigned in city court on Thursday, September 28.

Winners

Continued from page 2

tained and have excellent color. Nicely done!

Third Place: Shawnee and dana Sanders, 194 Main Street Judge’s Comments: Beautiful! The baskets above the planter boxes with the ornamental grasses below are striking.

Honorable Mention: Randy d. Crissman, 15 Pine Boulevard; Carol W. Taylor, 1 Westridge Road; Richard and Barbara Havlik, 94 Fair Street.

The Violence Intervention Program at Opportunities for Otsego offers support to victims, survivors and families impacted by violent crime such as domestic violence, sexual assault, physical assault, elder abuse, stalking, hate crimes, motor vehicle assault and homicide.

The Violence Intervention Program offers assistance in accessing crime-related supports and resources.

Photos provided shirley and Walter Adams were honored at this year’s Young family reunion, though they were unable to attend. the family reunion, centered on a square dance and now in its 86th year, was first conceived by shirley’s father, Philip. the event is intended to keep the memory of Owen D. Young alive and to foster strong ties among the Young family descendants.

Reigning Hawkeyes Start Season Strong

COOpeRSTOWN—Cooperstown boys soccer, defending Section III Class C champions, rolled to a 6-1 victory over visiting Herkimer on Friday, September 8. The Hawkeyes, who have won two consecutive sectional titles and rode an 11-game winning streak to the state final four last November, are off to a strong start as they try to continue their dominance with a mixed roster of seasoned veterans and fresh faces. Cooperstown led most of the action against Herkimer, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by senior Frank panzarella before halftime. Senior goalkeeper Charlie Lambert, the long-serving bedrock of the Hawkeyes’ strong defense, faced only three shots in the contest. Junior Janak pandit scored two goals, junior Roland Gardner-Oleson made five assists, and eighth grader Hayden Spencer scored the first goal of what promises to be a long and successful varsity career. Cooperstown took 36 shots overall and moved to 1-0 for the season.

OHS Volleyball Tops Susquehanna Valley

CONKLIN—Oneonta High School Volleyball won a hard-fought Southern Tier Athletic Conference road match against Susquehanna Valley on Thursday, September 7. Aubry microni made 23 assists, while Hayden LeFever added six kills and four blocks.

Laurens Girls Soccer Beats CV-S in Overtime

CHeRRY VALLeY—Laurens girls soccer defeated Cherry ValleySpringfield 1-0 in an exciting night Tri-Valley League game on Friday, September 8. Jaidon brodie scored with 31 seconds left in the first overtime period to secure the game for Laurens.

Cooperstown Cross Country Starts Season

VOORHeeSVILLe—Cooperstown’s varsity cross-country teams traveled to the blackbirds Invitational in Voorheesville on Saturday, September 9 for their first outing of the season. Twenty-four schools attended, mostly larger schools from Section II. Conditions were muddy and humid with full sun on ground sodden from two days of rain. Senior and Captain margaret Raffo finished seventh overall in the girls’ race with a time of 23:05; the Cooperstown girls were unable to field a full team. On the boys’ side, Carter Stevens finished fourth overall in 18:23, followed by junior Jonah Hitchcock in 22nd place (21:09). Coach Jessie Ravage said that the results indicated a promising season for the boys’ team results and for individual runners on the girls’ team.

Hotaling Leads Offense, Girls Sweep Tourney

SCHeNeCTADY—Cooperstown senior Sophia Hotaling had the most dominant weekend of her career, leading the girls soccer team offensively as the Hawkeyes swept their bracket in the New York State Hall of Fame Tournament in the Capital District on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10. Hotaling made a career-best four goals as Cooperstown defeated mayfield 7-1 at Scotia-Glenville on Saturday, September 9. Sophomore mia pelcer scored twice, while junior brenna Seamon made 11 saves. Hotaling tied her record the next day, scoring all four goals for the Hawkeyes as they defeated Hoosick Falls 4-0 at Niskayuna. This brought her to nine goals scored in the first three games, tying her total for the entire 2022 season. Seamon made 13 more saves. It was the second straight year that Cooperstown swept their tournament bracket. The Hawkeyes boast a 3-0 record for the season.

For more local sports news, visit AllOtsego.com.

by Joe Von Stengel on both days and an art opening at Roots public Social Club on Saturday.

City of the Hills Festival partner Foothills performing Arts and Civic Center will present a ticketed concert featuring internationally known techno-rock band Jimkata, whose members all grew up in Oneonta, on Saturday evening. For more information, visit cityofthehillsfest. org or e-mail cityofthehillsfest@gmail.com.

Libraries

Continued from page 12

of New Yorkers in every region of the state.”

“Libraries are a critical part of New York’s educational infrastructure, ensuring that all New Yorkers have equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities,” added board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young. “This capital investment keeps our public library buildings accessible and vibrant so that they can meet the evolving needs of our communities now and long into the future.”

eight libraries in the Four County Library System, covering Otsego, broome, Chenango and Delaware counties, received grants. Harris memorial Library in Otego was awarded $112,223.00 to restore its foundation and porch, level the first floor and improve interior accessibility. edmeston Free Library received $200,329.00 to install an improved kitchen, restore flooring, install a generator and complete extensive interior painting. WorcesterSchenevus Library will construct an outdoor pavilion as a meeting space and event venue with its $11,708.00 grant. Libraries in Norwich, Sidney, binghamton, endicott and Whitney point also received state construction support.

Student Charged with Arson

RICHFIeLD SpRINGS—New York State police were called to assist the Richfield Fire Department with a fire in a second-floor bathroom at Richfield Springs Central School at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 7. Investigation revealed that a 15-yearold male intentionally lit a soap dispenser on fire, causing minor property damage; no injuries were reported. The juvenile was arrested and charged with the class b felony of second-degree arson. Subscribe to AllOtsego.com for additional news content each week. Your annual subscription now through September 30 can also support one of four nonprofits.

AquAtics speci A list

We have a new full time employment opportunity as an Aquatics Specialist in our Aquatics Department! Candidates should have current certifications in Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED for the professional rescuer. Competitive swimming & lesson instruction experience preferred. Job responsibilities include lifeguarding, teaching Red Cross learn-to-swim preschool through Level 6 lessons, private instruction, nights and weekend shifts. Candidates must enjoy working with members of all ages and have excellent customer relation skills. Full benefit package. Visit clarksportscenter.com for more details

Ten Nonprofits Receive Grants from Rotary

COOpeRSTOWN

The Rotary Club of Cooperstown has announced

$5,000.00 in donations to the benefit of 10 area nonprofits. Those receiving donations include the Cooperstown Food pantry, Regional Food bank of Northeastern New york, pathfinder Village Foundation, The Community Foundation of Herkimer-Oneida (for a program to expose youth to opera in conjunction with The Glimmerglass Festival), Springfield Fire department, Fenimore art museum, The Farmers’ museum, Cornell Cooperative extension SchoharieOtsego, Cooperstown pTa, and Cooperstown Cub Scout pack #12. The Rotary Club of Cooperstown raises funds annually to donate to local nonprofits through its popular community events, including Fall Fling, the election day pancake day and the Spring Lawn Sale.

The Rotary Club of Cooperstown, about to celebrate its 100th year in 2024, continues to serve local communities by its financial and physical support of many programs. allocations are decided on twice a year—in June-July and November-december. Other activities are carried out throughout the year.

The Rotary Club of Cooperstown is grateful to the community for its strong support of the fundraising events which make these donations possible. mark your calendars now for: Fall Fling, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center; pancake day, held on election day (November 7 this year); and the Spring yard Sale, set for may 11, 2024. Cooperstown Rotary meets on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Otesaga Resort Hotel. The schedule is posted on the Rotary Club of Cooperstown’s Facebook page.

Town of Hartwick preps for Fall Clean Sweep

HaRTWICK

Town of Hartwick residents can once again dispose of old household furniture, yard trash, scrap metal, electronics, tires and more during the town’s popular Fall Clean Sweep event on Saturday, September 16. The collection will take place at the Hartwick Town Hall, 103 Town drive. Hartwick residents can also opt to have items picked up at their homes by a team of volunteers. each load will carry a fee of $30.00, though organizers caution that volunteer availability may affect the timing of the pickup. Those who transport their own items to Town Hall can do so free of charge. To arrange for pickup, call Town Clerk andrea Vazquez at (607) 386-9769 or e-mail clerk@hartwickny.gov. This service is for Town of Hartwick residents only; proof of residency will be required.

This year, televisions and other forms of electronics—including computers—will be accepted at Fall Clean Sweep and charged accordingly.

Other acceptable items include:

• mattresses and box springs at a cost of $35.00 each

• green waste, including leaves, grass clippings and branches under 4 feet long (can be disposed of free of charge, but must be left at the designated area located at Wells avenue on Hatchery Road)

• tires—six passenger tires can be dropped off free of charge; there will be a variable fee for additional tires, starting at $3.00 and based on the size of each tire

• appliances containing Freon, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers, at a cost of $30.00 per unit for drop-off and disposal

No hazardous waste, household garbage or glass items will be accepted.

The Town of Hartwick is seeking volunteers to help with this event. Those interested in lending a hand should contact Town Clerk andrea Vazquez.

Fall Clean Sweep features a yard sale of items made available through donation. Income from the yard sale will help offset the cost of expenses incurred by the Clean Sweep event.

For more information about Hartwick’s Fall Clean Sweep, contact bruce markusen at (607) 547-8070 or bmarkusen@hartwickny.gov.

Road Work begins in Village

COOpeRSTOWN—milling and paving in the Village of Cooperstown began on monday, September 11 in the following locations: Railroad avenue; Lake Street; Leatherstocking Street; maple Street; Grove Street; maple Street to Chestnut Street; River Street— main Street to Lake Street; and main Street—Nelson avenue to Railroad avenue. according to public Works Superintendent mitch Hotaling, the work is weather dependent and is anticipated to take two weeks.

Funding awarded to Libraries

by WRILey NeLSON OTSeGO COUNTy

The New york State education

Legislators Work To promote Region

COOpeRSTOWN

Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie) welcomed assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) and the Tourism Task Force to his vibrant district as part of the ongoing tourism tour. during their visit, Tague proudly showcased the district’s rich history and economic contributions with the iconic baseball Hall of Fame as a special highlight.

“The baseball Hall of Fame is not just a museum; it’s a testament to our district’s deep connection to america’s favorite pastime,” said Tague. “by sharing this historic landmark with assemblyman Gray and his team, we’re reinforcing the importance of tourism in our region and the positive impact it has on our local economy.” according to a release from assemblyman Tague’s office, “The National baseball Hall of Fame and museum, located in Cooperstown, is a beacon for baseball enthusiasts from around the world, drawing countless visitors each year. It stands as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and economic vitality of the district, supporting numerous businesses and communities.”

The collaborative effort between Tague and Gray serves as an example of how legislators are working together to promote tourism, foster economic growth, and celebrate the unique treasures found throughout the state.

assemblyman Chris Tague represents the 102nd assembly district, which includes Greene and Schoharie counties, and parts of albany, Columbia, Otsego, delaware, and Ulster counties.

OHS Grad Named mayne Scholarship Recipient

COOpeRSTOWN

At the July 18 Rotary Club of Cooperstown luncheon meeting, the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation awarded the 2023 michael L. mayne Scholarship to Vaughn Thomas of Oneonta. Vaughn is a graduate of Oneonta High School and Otsego area Occupational Center bOCeS. He enlisted in the air Force and will report this month for training at welding and metal fabrication school.

The michael L. mayne Scholarship is funded by the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation in memory of U.S. army Corporal michael L. mayne, a 2006 graduate of bOCeS and of edmeston Central School.

Cpl. mayne served with the 1st Stryker Combat Team of the 25th Infantry division from Fort Wainwright, alaska. He died on February 23, 2009 while serving in Iraq. Since that time, the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation has sponsored a scholarship in his memory.

d epartment announced on august 16 that it would award $34 million in construction and restoration grants to 197 local libraries. The funds are intended to help libraries construct new buildings, update electrical and computer infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, improve accessibility, and provide meeting spaces.

“Thriving libraries are essential to thriving communities and to the wellbeing of all New yorkers,” said betty a Rosa, commissioner of education and SUNy president. “Libraries give individuals the opportunity to learn, collaborate, gain new skills and become active participants in their communities. This funding is not only critical to improving library infrastructure, but also to enriching the lives

Continued on page 11

Hazardous Waste event Totals announced

OTSeGO COUNTy

The Otsego County planning and Solid Waste department held its 24th Hazardous Waste Collection event on Friday, august 25 and Saturday, august 26. On Friday morning, a satellite event was held in Unadilla at the Town Highway garage. approximately 170 cars dropped off hazardous materials. The main event was held on Saturday at the meadows Office Complex in the Town of middlefield, with approximately 540 cars dropping off hazardous materials. a combined total of approximately 710 households took advantage of this free disposal program.

Hazardous wastes commonly found around the home were collected throughout the day, including liquid and solid wastes such as pesticides, lubricants, paint, cleaning chemicals and solvents, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and solid pesticides. The materials were received and packaged by mXI environmental Services, the contracted vendor for the collection event. This was the twelfth year pharmaceuticals and medications were collected. Officer Card and Officer Vencak from the New york State department of environmental Conservation supervised the collection prior to the County Sheriff’s Office transporting 340 pounds to Oswego County for incineration.

Other items were collected for local processing. approximately 240 automotive batteries, 2,400 pounds of household batteries, and a substantial number of electronics were collected for specialty recycling. according to a press release, the success of the collection event can be credited to the assistance of the Otsego County Conservation association, who helps to organize volunteers, the Town of Unadilla, the Otsego County Highway department, Otsego County building Services, Otsego County emergency Services, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, NySdeC and the efficiency of the crew from mXI environmental Services.

“This was the third highest turnout in the last 10 years in terms of the number of households that participated, said Tammie Harris, director of Otsego County planning and Solid Waste. “based on this, I am not surprised by the number of items we received.”

The hazardous waste collection day is an annual public service provided by the Otsego County board of Representatives. The NySdeC covers approximately half the funds to cover the costs of this event, with the remainder coming from the county’s Solid Waste User Fee.

photo provided Cassandra Miller, Senator Peter Oberacker (R,C-District 51), Assemblyman Scott Gray (RWatertown), Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie), Ken Meifert, Sean Lewis and Andrew Marietta take time out for a photo at the Baseball Hall of Fame during a recent tour.

photo provided

Oneonta High School graduate Vaughn Thomas, Class of 2023, and his grandfather, Ryan Fitch. Thomas received the Michael L. Mayne Scholarship given by the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation.

Letters

Continued from page 4 is among the growing number of young people who stayed home, came home, or are making a new home in Otsego County because of their shared vision for economic security, a healthy environment, public service, and stewardship of the area’s cultural and historical legacy.

Mr. Benton has worked in the public sector in Otsego County as deputy elections commissioner and for a thriving local business, demonstrating his abilities, commitment, and forwardthinking attitude.

Mr. Benton knows the importance of efficient essential government services, such as motor vehicle registration, title transfers, deed recordation, and power of attorney filings to both newcomers and long-time Otsego county residents. He wants government to work for people, not against them. Mr. Benton is committed to equitable service for everyone in Otsego County, without favoritism or prejudice.

Most important, Mr. Benton recognizes the value of the county’s civil service workforce to all residents, and he appreciates the need for continuity during election transitions. On that score, his record on behalf of village employees precedes him. Mr. Benton’s steadfast commitment to village employee welfare persuaded us trustees, all of whom— for the record—are unpaid, to increase salaries for veteran and new employees. The village accomplished this goal without raising taxes or reducing services. That record should reassure all who will be his colleagues in the county offices and the public they serve.

A vote for MacGuire Benton is a vote for a promising future at home in Otsego County.

Cynthia Falk

Richard Sternberg

Joseph Membrino

Hanna Bergene

Sydney Sheehan

George Fasanelli

James Dean

Jeanne Dewey Cooperstown

Note: This letter expresses the personal

views of the authors; it is not an official statement by the Village of Cooperstown.

Benton Gets Oliver Vote

I am happy to be endorsing MacGuire Benton in his run for Otsego County clerk. His relentless campaign efforts have shown his dedication to the residents of Otsego County, and to my constituents in the City of Oneonta.

His promise to return a DMV office to the City of Oneonta is of the utmost importance to those in the southern part of the county, and I look forward to him delivering on that promise.

Over the years, I have witnessed MacGuire’s work ethic in action. If elected, I am confident he will serve the people of Otsego County ambitiously and responsibly.

I am happy to support his campaign for Otsego County clerk, and I encourage you to vote for him on November 7.

Clark Oliver Oneonta

Basile Should Be Next Clerk

It is my pleasure to enthusiastically endorse Jennifer Basile to be the county clerk for Otsego County.

The county clerk and staff are responsible for the recording, filing, and preserving land records and all legal documents for residents in order to safeguard this vital information forever. They are also responsible for managing the DMV on behalf of New York State.

For the past 50 years, I have conducted research for land records in several county clerk’s offices throughout New York State; for the last 25 years in Otsego County. During this time I have worked with many county clerks and their staff. I have witnessed firsthand for the past 14 years one particular person that has stood out as a dedicated, knowledgeable and hard working person. That is Jennifer Basile.

Jennifer knows, understands and has experience with every aspect of the county clerk’s office.

The residents of Otsego County are extremely

fortunate to have someone on the ballot with the experience, knowledge and dedication that Jennifer has.

Without question, Jennifer has all the qualifications to be the next county clerk for Otsego County. She has earned your vote.

Editorial

Continued from page 4

Stephen Sutton Otsego Abstract Company Inc. could pay off and that talents could be acquired. That was the moment I started to grow up.

The psychologists, philosophers and theologians all tell us that responsibility is the beginning and end of maturity. A child begins to become an adult at the moment when they learn that they are ultimately responsible for their own life and their own happiness, and that they have within them the strength to bear that responsibility. Many of us had that moment, or the first of many such moments, on a field, a court or a track. As we see our community’s young

AllOTSEGO.homes

people go back to their sports, academics, theater, art, music, fanfiction writing—in short, whatever gives them a sense of striving, accomplishment and purpose—we would do well to remember how much those things meant to us. We would do well as a community to stand back and appreciate the time, attention, care, and tax dollars of all the parents, coaches, teachers, and community members that made our young adulthood possible, and recommit ourselves to providing those things to the generations to come.

Award

Continued from page 1

artist Fred Blatt. The award is intended to demonstrate the genuine appreciation of the Clark family, Clark Foundation and Clark Sports Center for contributions to youth athletics. Recent recipients include Val Paige, Pete Henrici, John Lambert and Harold “Bud” Lippitt. For full award guidelines or to make a nomination, visit https://www. clarksportscenter. com/fetterman-award/.

379 Johnstons Road, Cooperstown, NY

Early 1800s farmhouse on 11+ acres on a quiet country road just about 10 minutes from the Village of Cooperstown. The original section of the house offers pine floors, plank wainscotting, beamed ceilings, 6/6 windows, lots of original detail and hardware. Unique stone fireplace. Newer kitchen, dining room, family room, two baths, two bedrooms down, 1960 addition of large living room with built-ins and fireplace, attached screened porch with tile floor. Four bedrooms and full bath up. Lovely landscaping including stone patios and walls as well as a fishpond. Darling playhouse with heat and electricity. Newer barn with loft storage plus a get-away room with built-in bunks and a red potbelly stove. Dog enclosure. Post and rail fencing, pond. Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty ........ $749,000.

ASHLEY-CONNOR REALTY

(607) 547-4045 • info@ashleyconnorrealty.com

29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown

►Fri., Sept. 15

HANDCRAFT

9:30 a.m. to noon. “The Leaf and Loom: Knitting and Handcrafts Group.”

Bring knit, crochet, macramé or other handicraft to work with the group. Beginners welcome to learn. Held every Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $10 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of apple glazed pork chops, stuffing, cauliflower, and Jell-O. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.

PRESERVATION

1-3 p.m. “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future: Maximizing Energy Performance and Durability in a Historic Building While Preserving its Historic Integrity.” Presented by the Schoharie County Home of Ongoing Learning. Reservations required. Freight Wheel Café, 3097 County Highway 11, Hartwick. 607-293-3040.

HERITAGE MONTH

1-2:30 p.m. Hispanic Heritage Month pop-up experience exploring images and hands-on items from the Hall of Fame’s collections that tell the stories of Latino baseball

players. Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5477200.

CONCERT 6 p.m.

“Jared Sconig Quintet.”

Dinner and world class jazz. Tickets, $25. Origins Café, 558 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 437-2862.

MUSIC 6-8 p.m.

Great music with Marc Delgado. Red Shed Brewery, 709 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 731-6454.

FUNDRAISER 6 p.m.

Catskill Community Players “Fabulous Fundraising Dinner Celebration.”

Features live music, buffet dinner, a wonderful cause and a great time for all. Learn about restoration efforts for the beautiful theater and the work done by the local theater group. Donations split between the theater and the players. Held at the Wieting Theatre, 168 Main Street, Worcester. info@catskillplayers.org.

AUDITION 6 p.m.

Open auditions for “The Sound of Music,” presented by Orpheus Theatre. Also held 9/6 at 6 p.m. Performances: 12/8, 12/9, 12/10. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4321800.

TEDX ONEONTA

7 p.m. TedX presents educational lectures on the theme “Look Around, Look Ahead.” Tickets, $30. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.

Tedxoneonta.com

AUDUBON SOCIETY

7:30 p.m. “Emptying the Bucket: The Alaska Frontier.” Andy Mason presents on his 10-week camping adventure across northern Canada and Alaska. Held live and on Zoom. Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. info@doas.us.

►Sat., Sept.16

SAILING All day. The Glimmerglass Regatta returns for its 55th year. Continues 9/17. Presented by the Otsego Sailing Club, 5992 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. Communications@OtsegoSailingClub.com.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7:30-11:30 a.m. Fly-In Pancake Breakfast. All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, more. Cost, $9/ adult to support the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department. Cooperstown/ Westville Airport, Route 166, Cooperstown. FALL CLEANING

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Fall Clean Sweep.” Hartwick residents can dispose of household furniture, yard trash and scrap metal. Pick-up available for $30. Town of Hartwick. (607) 386-9769.

FIRST AID 9 a.m. Heartsaver/CPR/AED and First Aid Training. Cost, $10, registration required. Emergency Services Classroom, Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Route 33W, Cooperstown. (607) 5474328.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the bounty of fall. Included with admission. Continues 9/17. The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown.

(607) 547-1450. COMMUNITY WALK

10 a.m. “Out of the Darkness Walk/Chicken BBQ.” Fundraiser for suicide prevention, featuring basket raffle, bead ceremony, more. Check-in at 9 a.m. 6th Ward Booster Club Field, 7 Scrambling Avenue, Oneonta.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bucolic festival featuring music, demonstrations, food, artisans, activities, much more. Continues 9/17

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Main Street, Sharon Springs. Visit sharonspringsharvestfestival.com

COIN SHOW 10 a.m.

to 3 p.m. Otsego Numismatic Association presents a coin show featuring many vendors. Atrium, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

DRAPING THE

PEWS

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fly Creek Quilters 12th annual quilt show and sale. Includes a holiday boutique and three quilts for silent auction. All welcome. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, County Route 26, Fly Creek.

EXHIBIT OPENS

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “A Cabinet of Curious Matters: Artwork by Callahan and Whitten.” A visual dialogue between the works of two artists who share an interest in dreams, antique scientific/medical instruments, mythologies and mysteries. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400

ART WORKSHOP

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Relief Printmaking for Adults” with artist Matthias Kern. 2-day workshop providing an opportunity to learn about advanced linocut

printmaking. $265/nonmembers. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

FESTIVAL Noon to 5 p.m. City of the Hills Festival. Two days of arts, music, food and good times. Free. Continues 9/17. Main Street, Oneonta. cityofthehillsfest@gmail.com.

THEATRE 1 p.m. “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Also showing 9/17. Glimmer Globe Theatre, Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater, Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

WRITERS GROUP

1:30-3:30 p.m. Join online group to work on writing prompts, share current work, and get some feedback. Presented by the Huntington Memorial Library, Oneonta. Register at hmlwriters@ gmail.com

VOLUNTEER DAY

2-4 p.m. “Garlic Planting.” Learn to prepare bulbs and soil for planting, how to build and use a dibbler wheel, more. Unadilla Community Farm Education Center, 5937 County Highway 18, West Edmeston. unadillacommunityfarm@gmail.com.

CONCERT 6-10 p.m.

Jimkata live with special guest Part Time Step Dads. Tickets, $30. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

CEMETERY WALK

7 p.m. “Otego Voices

From the Grave.” Guided walk of Otego’s Evergreen cemetery with local reenactors portraying family members. Walk begins at 7:30. Followed by cider, coffee, tea and donuts.

Tickets, $7/adult. UCC Church, 290 Main Street, Otego. (607) 287-4095

CORN MAZE

7-10 p.m. Bring a flashlight and get lost in the maze of corn. $10/ person. 1316 County Highway 26, Fly Creek. fly -

creekvalleycornmaze1@ gmail.com.

CONCERT 7 p.m.

“Musicians of Ma’alwyck” present an original art gallery concert. Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. (518) 673-2314, ext. 105.

►Sun., Sept. 17

PADDLE 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Butternut Creek Fun Float.” Butternut Valley Alliance and OCCA paddle down Butternut Creek. Bring your own watercraft or rent. Registration required. Held on Butternut Creek. Visit occainfo. org/calendar

►Mon., Sept. 18

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

RABIES CLINIC

6-8 p.m. Free rabies vaccination for cats, dogs and ferrets. First come, first serve; bring your pet’s vaccination certificate for the vet’s reference. Burlington Flats Town Barn. (607) 547-4230.

►tueS., Sept. 19

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS 8-9 a.m. Networking group discusses Oneonta’s past, present and future. No agenda, just informal, nonpartisan conversation. All welcome. Held each Tuesday at Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta.

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment, water, and be aware of level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Mud Lake, Emmons. Contact hike leaders Kathy and Bill Holmstrom at (607) 988-7180.

FLY CREEK QUILTERS

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fly Creek Area Quilters meet to cut, sew, tie, bind and have a good time working on quilts. Fly Creek Methodist Church, County Route 26, Fly Creek.

AUTHOR SERIES 2-3 p.m. Ron Cey, Los Angeles Dodgers standout, discusses his book, “Penguin Power: Dodger Blue, Hollywood Lights, and My One-in-a-Million Big League Journey.” Includes Q&A session. Presented online by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7200.

GENEOLOGY WORKSHOP 3-5 p.m. Digital Services Library Brian D. Lee teaches how to navigate genealogy resources such as ancestry.com, NYS Historic Newspapers and more. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.