Hometown Oneonta 09-29-22

Cornell Cooperative Extension Embarking on Huge Project

“I am currently raising funds for reno vating our offices at 123 Lake Street in Cooperstown,” Liz Callahan, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties (CCE) said. “It’s really involved and we want to do it right.”

CCE will have its interior as well as exterior renovated.

“We want everything to be energy effi cient and we need to address the issues that this 100-year-plus building has,” Ms. Callahan said. “We’re looking at plans for energy efficiency, in addition to basic structural and rehabilitation needs throughout the building. Everything from electrical service to plumbing to insula tion, but those aren’t the only things that need to be looked at.”

CCE and other parallel organizations related to agriculture have occupied this building since the 1940s.

“The building is deeded to CCE from the Clark family. It must be used with purposes that are aligned with CCE,” she said. “Organizations have floated in and out of the building. It gets a lot of use.”

Which brings us to the renovation project. “The house is a great example of local vernacular architecture. It was a farmhouse. We need something now that accommodates 21st-century program ming and office space to match,” she said. “We want more programming spaces for not only CCE programs, but we’d like the community to be able to do programming as well.”

“We need to use our building in a more contemporary fashion,” Ms. Callahan said. “The planning process is just getting

started, fundraising is essential now!”

The goal is to have a solid plan by the end of 2023. “Once the plan is complete and fundraising is secure, we imagine this happening over a five-year timeframe,” she added.

CCE was organized on January 5, 1914. Its purpose was to bring scientific princi ples of agriculture from the universities in New York State, especially from Cornell, to farmers’ attention on how to be more productive and to use best practices.

While that still remains one of its major focuses, CCE has broadened its mission “to put knowledge to work in pursuit of economic viability, ecological sustain ability, and social well-being.”

CCE is a nonprofit, unincorporated asso ciation, organized under authority of New York State Consolidated Laws, County Law 224(8), as a subordinate government agency and exempt from income tax by Internal Revenue Code 501(C)(3) as an educational organization. On January 1, 2011, CCE of Otsego and Schoharie coun ties merged.

The Extension System grew out of the Morrill Act of 1862, which allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges in U.S. states using the proceeds from sales of federally owned land, enacted during the American Civil War, and the Morrill Act of 1890 (the Agricultural College Act of 1890) expanded this model.

The purpose of land-grant colleges was “without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactic, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe,

Continued on page 8

Weekly Medical Briefs

Multiple Shots in One Arm?

Picking whether to give both shots in the same arm or separate arms seems to be a matter of debate and speculation rather than hard science when giving more than one vaccine at the same time. Some, including the White House, advocate giving both shots in one arm spaced at least one inch apart while others advocate using different arms for each.

Many pediatricians, who often have to administer four or five shots to a baby at once, are habitual splitters. “If there’s more than one vaccine syringe to give to a baby, generally, two legs are used,” “If there’s a local reaction to the vaccine, you can iden tify which vaccine it was if you separate them by space.” (The author of the article had a more painful reaction in her left arm, where she received the COVID shot. Others have reported the same disparity.)

The Atlantic Stop Cooking Chicken in NyQuil

The FDA has issued a warning against cooking chicken in NyQuil after a social media challenge that encouraged people to try it went viral.

Called the “sleepy chicken challenge,” the trend tells people to cook chicken in NyQuil or something similar which include ingredients such as acetaminophen, dextro methorphan and doxylamine.

“The challenge sounds silly and unappe tizing — and it is. But it could also be very unsafe,” the FDA said. “Boiling a medica

tion can make it much more concentrated and change its properties in other ways.”

Even if someone doesn’t plan to eat the chicken, inhaling the vapors of the medication while it cooks could cause high levels of the drug to enter the body.

Pandemic Fraud

The Justice Department said on Tuesday that it had charged 48 people with running a brazen fraud against antihunger programs in the coronavirus pandemic, stealing $240 million by billing the government for meals they did not serve to children who did not exist. The case, in Minnesota, is the largest fraud uncovered in any pandemic-relief program, prosecutors said, standing out even in a period when heavy federal spending and lax oversight allowed a spree of scams with few recent parallels. The Minnesota operation, pros ecutors said, involved faked receipts for 125 million meals. At times, it was espe cially bold: One accused conspirator told the government he had fed 5,000 children a day in a second-story apartment.

New York Times

Reduce Risk of Dementia

A new study suggests that adults who take just under 10,000 steps per day have a lower risk of dementia. According to the results, there was an association between daily steps and a lower risk of dementia. The researchers observed that optimal step count was 9,826 steps and the minimal step count was 3,826 steps.

OTSEGO COUNTY’S

County Chamber/KEY BANK

Hyde Hall’s Hyde & Shriek!, Summer Dreams insert

Richard Sternberg

FDA

JAMA Neurology

Photo: Nicholas Durwin

Photo of the Birch Pond at Wilber State Park, Oneonta.

Fly Creek General Store Vandalized

At 2:45 p.m. on Monday, September 26, a man was walking around the Fly Creek General Store.

“He’s a regular here, but he seemed a little out of it,” said Tom Bouton, owner of the store. “He came in wanting cigarettes, then went outside and just started to wander around the street and the store.”

The man then threw himself into the large glass window of the store, then into a smaller window and finally into the door.

“The glass broke and he was covered in blood; it took quite a few police officers to get him down and cuffed,” Mr. Bouton said. “Obviously there was something going on in his mind.”

Damages are unknown at this time, but may be in excess of $5,000.

607-282-4367

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Seasonal

Clark Companies, located in Delhi, NY has an immediate opening for a Seasonal Administrative Assistant to work mid-October through January/ February.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Welcome, greet and direct all visitors to appropriate personnel in a professional manner.

• Answer multi-phone lines and direct inquiries to appropriate personnel/department.

• Daily pick-up and drop-off of company mail and office lunches.

• Handle incoming/outgoing office courier shipments.

• Order office supplies.

• Support and prepare documents for other department personnel.

• Keeping reception area tidy and observing professional etiquette.

• Miscellaneous errands/tasks.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications and skills:

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Organizational, attention to detail and ability to multi-task.

• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and flexibility.

• Proficient in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• Perform accurate data entry.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Experience/Education:

• High School Diploma

• Previous customer service experience a plus

Salary DOE. To apply, send resumes to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 427, Delhi, NY 13753, fax to 607-746-3107 and/or apply at 41155 State Highway 10, Delhi, NY.

Clark Companies is Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

607-547-8231

Springbrook Closes Purchase of Historic Ford Block on Oneonta’s Main Street

Sign Celebrates Historic Role of Route 20

Cherry Valley, was dedicated in a short ceremony held Thursday, September 22.

Springbrook has finalized the purchase of the Ford Block build ings from 186 to 212 Main Street, Oneonta.

The nonprofit provider of supports and services to people with develop mental disabilities will begin renova tions in July of 2023. The $8.9 million project will keep existing retail space on the lower floors while the upper two stories will be converted into 24 affordable, market-rate residential units, with four units reserved as inte grated housing for people receiving services from the New York State

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

The building will be renamed “The Ford on Main.” Renovations will include the addition of an elevator to give residents access to Main and Water streets as well as improvements to the pass-through area from Main Street to the municipal parking lot on Water Street. Springbrook has funded the project through grants from the City of Oneonta and City of Oneonta Downtown Revitalization Initiative, an Empire State Development grant, Community Preservation Corporation

funding, New York State Homes and Community Renewal financing, and the Berkshire Bank Historical Tax Credit, among other sources.

Regular construction updates will be posted on The Ford on Main website, www.thefordonmain.com. As the project begins, the website will house architectural plans and a “contact us” option for community members who wish to share their perspective on the plans and renova tion progress.

A new roadside historic marker in Cherry Valley traces the development of what is now known as U.S. Route 20.

The nation’s longest highway began its journey in 1799 as the first Great Western Turnpike and grew along with settlers moving west. It would later become known as the Cherry Valley Turnpike and eventually, in 1926, after the arrival of the automobile, part of the U.S. highway system.

In 2006, it became a New York State Scenic Byway. The new marker, located adjacent to The Tepee in

Phil Durkin, co-president of the Route 20 Association of New York State, expressed his appreciation to Cherry Valley Supervisor Tom Garretson and the Town Board along with Highway Superintendent Marty Field and his crew for their role in the marker’s installation.

He also thanked Donna, Dale and Pete Latella for allowing the marker to be placed on The Tepee prop erty, “a gem in the crown of the Route 20 Scenic Byway.”

The marker came about as a result of a generous grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation from Syracuse, procured by the Route 20 Association.

Springbrook begins renovations on the Ford Block buildings in July of 2023.

HOMETOWN Views

EDITORIaL

The Great Turkey Hunt

September is pretty much behind us, with its very warm and, at other times, quite chilly days and nights, and some torrential rains. It’s been like most of the Septembers around here, only the temperature fluctua tions this year have been more drastic, and the thun derstorms have been more ferocious, felling trees and scattering branches and scaring children and dogs.

And now, as we run smack into the pumpkins and foliage and the eventual Jack Frost of October, we barrel right into the beginning of the great season of The Hunt.

On the very first day of the coming month the seasons for coyote (until March 26), ruffed grouse (until February 28), pheasant (until February 28), bear (until December 20) and deer (until January 1), among others, open. All but deer may be shot with guns, but for the deer it’s a bit more complicated. The bow season runs from October 1 - November 18, the crossbow from November 5 - 18, the muzzleloader from December 12 - 20 and December 26 - January 1, the shotgun from November 19 - December 11, and the late bowhunting alongside the muzzleloaders from December 12 - 20 and December 26 - January 1. There are kids’ weekends, too.

The Great Turkey Hunt runs from October 15 - 28, from sunrise to sunset. This hunt is a beautiful dance, and very often the sharp-sighted turkey wins. That’s sad, because if one has ever indulged in a wild turkey, one will have trouble with Butterballs from then on.

Native to North America, the wild turkey prob ably got its name from the domesticated variety that was imported to Britain from the Levant, which the British associated with Turkey and which they remembered when they landed in the New World at Plymouth and Jamestown and discovered a great many of them running around. These North American birds are Eastern wild turkeys, and their range in the 18th and 19th centuries was from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota, Illinois, and Missouri. They then numbered around five million, but they were hunted out in the early 20th century and they almost disap peared, only to be brought back by intense trap-andtransfer programs throughout the U.S. and Canada. By 1973 the U.S. turkey population had again risen, to over a million. The Great Turkey Hunt resumed.

The turkey is an agile, fast flier that most often flies close to the ground for no farther than a quarter mile. Its gobble, however, will carry four times that distance. Turkeys are omnivorous; they prefer acorns and nuts but will make do with seeds, berries, juniper, leaves, fern fronds, roots and insects, reptiles and grass. They often forage alongside deer and squirrels, each watching for common predators with its particular forte — the deer’s keen ears; the turkey’s mighty eyes and the squirrel’s lofty watch from above.

In fact, Benjamin Franklin wanted Tom to be the “Representative of our Country… For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison [to the Bald Eagle] a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America… He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on,” he wrote in January, 1794.

The lofty eagle ended up on the national crest while the lowly turkey ended up on the dinner table.

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.

RICHaRD STERnbERg, M.D. M*A*S*H

September was the 50th anniver sary of the TV premier of MASH The Smithsonian Museum has a new special exhibit that includes one of the iconic props from the TV show, the sign post with the distances to places all around the world. In 1983, the museum had a special exhibit called MASH: Binding Up the Wounds, that I visited twice.

The program was about people thrown into what to them, with their technical and scientifically based training, was a completely absurd situation: an army hospital near the front lines during the Korean War.

What started out as a broad comedy quickly took on emotional issues about war, life and making a family of those around you in such an environ ment. The Korean War background was really a metaphor for the war in Vietnam which was still raging when the show came on the air.

The show stayed on the air for 11 years, three times the actual length of the Korean War. Its final episode still holds the record for most viewers of a non-sports program in the U.S. and is still run.in syndication today.

I discuss MASH because the show was about a group of surgeons and support staff; nurses, assistants, orderlies, and all the people neces sary to make an army emergency hospital function while working under extreme circumstances.

LETTERS … In THEIR OPInIOn

Miller Support

Assemblyman Brian Miller has been a highly effective representative for this region throughout his tenure in Albany. He is seeking another term this November in a reconfig ured district and many voters may not be aware of his commitment to service. Allow me to describe a few of his qualities in hopes that it may inform decisions when residents enter the ballot booth.

Assemblyman Miller works toward common sense results. His background in engineering leads him to find solutions by building broad support from both sides of the polit ical aisle. Brian is well-respected by his Assembly colleagues because of his temperament and genuine desire to work in the best interest of those he represents.

Brian has surrounded himself with a staff that shares his commit ment to service. Brian and his team have helped dozens of business owners navigate the labyrinth of state agency regulations, brought big-issue concerns to the attention of officials, and have connected communities with resources needed to grow.

They operated in a tent with limited insulation so that the surgical theater was either very cold or very hot. Frequently equipment that was necessary was unavailable or wasn’t working. At times they had patients with injuries that they could not fix. They dealt with death in young people on a daily basis.

The show had a major influence on me. It helped to lead me to a career in surgery. It also taught me how to survive and function in the absurd world of a second-tier municipal hospital during my residency, where frequently support and equipment was unavailable, and technical expertise was lacking for the prob lems at hand.

Additionally, it taught me the

support staff. These are the people who students see and interact with every day. What has changed in no small way are the uncertainties and pressures under which they have had to work during the long COVID restrictions. This should be enough to warrant community-wide admi ration. But to this, add the not so visible demands placed upon them by New York State for data collec tion and reporting, attention to social/emotional lives of children, documentation of NYS Standards adherence, and the external haunt of school violence. These have made their jobs much more. Our school employs an impressive new genera tion of professionals in every posi tion who maintain concern and caring for each child and young adult in the building.

importance and value of what the show called “meatball surgery,” which was really a metaphor for getting the job done in order to save a life and get on to the next critically injured patient, even though the final result might require repeat returns to the operating room by many different specialists.

In MASH, the concept of triage was frequently demonstrated when mass casualties arrived at the hospital. Triage is the practice invoked when acute care cannot be provided to all in need of care due to lack of resources. Triage generally rations care toward those who are most in need of immediate care.

If we all remember, this happened in the early days of COVID when some hospitals or areas were completely overwhelmed and didn’t have the equipment or personnel to do everything for everyone all the time. Sometimes avoiding the most critically ill allowed them the time to save many others. This also led to surgeons learning to integrate the concept that sometimes it wasn’t better to do everything at once but to stage surgeries for maximal longterm benefit.

Another lesson I learned was about creating a family with those around you, regardless of superficial differences…but that’s a subject for another column.

violence affects people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, socio economic classes, and religious affiliations, the effects of domestic violence can result in a wide array of issues, ranging from broken bones to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

More and more healthcare providers are screening for domestic violence. But it’s difficult for survi vors to admit or talk about. Which is why it is important to repeat edly call attention to domestic violence because it is not only a crime but a health crisis as well.

The Violence Intervention Program at Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. joins hundreds of domestic violence programs and coalitions around the country in declaring that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Tara Barnwell Editor and Publisher

Larissa Ryan Kathleen Peters Business Manager Graphics & Production

Ivan Potocnik Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Web Architect Historian

Editorial Board

Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell

MEMBER OF National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association

The Otsego County Chamber

Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc.

21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080.

E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

As a result of the redistricting process, Brian Miller will no longer be my Assembly representative. I will, however, continue to treasure our friendship and rely on his knowl edge. I look forward to his continued service to our region.

Ray Pucci Meredith

Value of School Staff

This being the start of another school year, and for some the first, I would like to offer from my perspec tive a few remarks about the state of our school today. The last number of school years, particularly the most recent two and a half, have been rocky and unique in many ways. As this is the start of my 30th year on the school board, I could go on about how different public educa tion has become, but let me say first what has not changed — the value and importance of teachers and

I certainly do not leave out admin istrators who have an added respon sibility to joggle, manage, and put into place all the demands of the state, parents and community, staff, and students. Whatever upheavals CCS has experienced in recent years, we are now whole and confident. Never known as a Pollyanna, I have nothing but optimism in 2022 for our school and ask that due respect be recognized for work of employees, and that patience be afforded toward resolution of problems that will arise.

Lastly, my greatest optimism comes from the efforts and attitudes of students that have been shown over the past two and a half years. They are able, willing and ready to take on their world. Our job as adults and educators is to meet their ambi tions with the encouragement and learning needed to get them on their way.

Anthony Scalici Cooperstown

Domestic Violence

There are increasing studies on Social Determinants of Health which are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. While domestic

More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.

Last year, in Otsego County, the Violence Intervention Program at Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. assisted over 180 victims of violence, answered over 800 Hotline calls on our 24/7 staffed Crisis Hotline, and provided emergency shelter to over 20 victims at our Safe Shelter.

The Violence Intervention Program 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 607.432.4855. This program’s services are free and completely confidential. The program can assist with individual counseling, legal advocacy, medical advocacy and accompaniment, Crime Victims Compensation Assistance and emer gency shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Dan Maskin Chief Executive Officers

135 Years ago

a party of anarchists undertook to hold a meeting at Union Hills, New Jersey, last sunday, under a call which denounced all lawfully constituted authorities as a “rabble of thieves and murderers.” It was very properly decided by the mayor of the village that no such lawless assemblage should be suffered. When the hour for the meeting came, the patriots therefore were confronted at the entrance of the hall with a cordon of police. a fierce contest followed in which authorities triumphed, notwithstanding the knives and revolvers of the mob. No anarchist meeting will be advertised at Union Hill again. Would that local governments everywhere were equally enlightened and determined.

October 1887

90 Years ago

October 1932

70 Years ago

Mrs. eleanor roosevelt, United states delegate to the United Nations and widow of the WWII president will be the speaker at a public meeting at 8 p.m. tonight in the auditorium of the oneonta state Teachers College. Mrs. roosevelt announced yesterday that her topic will be “Human relations as It affects the Community.” Mrs. roosevelt’s talk is under the sponsorship of the oneonta Brotherhood Council, organized during National Brotherhood Week last year to carry out the purposes of that organization throughout the entire year. Following her address, Mrs. roosevelt will be the “guest of honor” in Morris Hall, to which the official representatives and presidents, and their husbands and wives of the 54 orga nizations affiliated with the Council are invited.

50 Years ago

October 1952

There is too much noise in the city of oneonta according to alderman Helen Baldo. she wants the city’s 18-month-old noise ordinance enforced, even if it means the city will have to purchase equipment to measure noise levels. Mrs. Baldo asked city attorney Harold Vrooman if the ordinance is enforceable. “Yes,” he replied, if the city buys a decibel meter. although fraternities and sorori ties were not singled out openly, they were obviously the target of much of the discussion. “When there are noisy houses or parties next door, people shouldn’t have to put up with this,” Mayor James Lettis said. Mrs. Baldo believes there are some obviously noisy situations where the police could act on their own initiative.

October 1972

Solution: ‘‘Initial Impressions” (September 22)

Battle Plans

Lately, I find myself thinking about those generations past and especially the one dubbed the “greatest.”

How would they deal with this moment we’re in?

I think it’s a safe bet that many would step up and pitch in to support the effort.

That’s what much of a generation did in the 1940s. and I am betting on their descendants, in this 2022 version of oneonta, doing that again.

This time, it’s not the forces of an army that threaten us, but the gloomy reality of a post-pandemic world. Where a decades-long demographic shift — an exodus from the city, the town, the county, the state, and the north east — coupled with an equally challenging worker shortage, has put us very much at risk.

We can prevail, though!

I know it.

The plan is to battle the trend.

To vanquish the threats to business and neighborhoods. To raise the flag and brightly shine our light.

To bring 1,000 employed residents into the city.

This is the goal. This is what we’re fighting for.

Their addition to our community will deliver a jolt of energy that will crackle with potential.

But — I want to be clear — this doesn’t happen without a generation-defining effort from all of you.

I am happy and proud to report that this is exactly what’s happening.

Dozens have already stepped up, and every day, people approach me asking what role they can play.

Knowing our goal, identifying our challenges and competitors, recognizing shifts in the lines of battle, creating allies, and recruiting the best among us to join

By merl reagle

What’s Up, Doc?…

* And Eight Other Things

ACROSS

1 Do summer stock

Fictional elephant

Post-bottle sound

Form of cotton?

Head-banger with bangs

Piña ___

See * note above

See * note above

The ___ nerve

Silent Movie first name

Letters on a ship

Played under a roof

11th century date

Get back, in a way

What caballos drink

See * note above

The Amu Darya used to flow into it

“No kidding!”

Part of EMT: abbr.

“___ talking to you?”

Town NE of Tampa

Bite the dust

Verdi work

Mild, yellow cheese

See * note above

Nosh-eterias

One of the Pleiades

Grounded bird

Wind dir.

See * note above (continues at 79 Across)

70 Type of sale that occurs around the 30th or 31st: abbr.

TV alien

Ignoble

Hide

See 63 Across

Cinder ender

Designs over again

Aussie animal, for short

The Seduction of Joe

Frustrating thing

Spoken

Saws, to Caesar

Not playing

See * note above

Part of QED

Give it ___

Enjoy the special

Layers

Bhutto who once led Pakistan

Green machine?

Jumbo introducer

See * note above (continues at 121 Across)

See * note above

in the campaign — this is how we win.

Note: The enlistment of battalions of oneonta volun teers is without precedent, and the process has caused a bit of agita for those looking for defining language in the charter. However, addressing those ambiguities is a campaign for another day.

Today I need to let you know about another “ad hoc” group to which, I hope, some of you will volunteer.

It is strategically important that we develop a mecha nism to measure our gains, so that we can refine our planning accordingly. We need analytics.

so, among our imme diate goals is the creation of a mechanism through which we can identify and quantify the numbers of new residents that move into the city.

In other, simpler terms, we need to know who has joined us. We need a headcount.

My plan to achieve this objective is the creation of a Welcome Wagon committee that will package an introduction to oneonta with discounts, incentives, resources, and more so that, through a network of Hr departments, realtors, landlords and others, new arrivals will be enticed to make this valuable connection.

and I need volunteers to help.

If you can give some time to a creative, respectful dialogue and planning, I want you to please step forward.

My email: mayor@oneonta.ny.us

a Welcome Wagon committee will be another inte gral component of our campaign.

I ask you to consider it.

Together, side-by-side, all-in for a better oneonta.

Anyway you look at it, it’s a pain

Probably Gets Tired of Hearing

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

News from the Noteworthy

mark DrNek, mayor of oNeoNta

Yesterday morning i looked out the window and saw that a puffball was emerging from the ground at the edge of a hedgerow bordering our back lawn. it reminded me of an incident that occurred many years ago. i had taken my son and his friend, Junior, puffball hunting on a farm just outside of Warren off of Route 20. What’s different about a puffball from others in the mushroom family is that they can grow out of the ground overnight.

And, if you don’t find and pick them in time when they are still pure white and firm, they dry out and shrink to a paper-like sphere that emits a dusty cloud of spores when squeezed, hence the name puffball.

it was early in the season and i wasn’t sure we’d find anything, but with the cooler weather already upon us i was looking forward to a quiet walk in the woods. Maybe we’d even spot some deer. The boys were about 8 or 9 and were excited to be on an expedition, but they crashed through the woods, talking and laughing and slapping tree trunks with sticks. it wasn’t the calm nature walk that i had hoped for and for sure we weren’t going to see any deer so, to get some peace, i lied and told them that if they made too much noise the puffballs would suck themselves back into the ground. That seemed to quiet the boys, but after an hour of searching we didn’t find anything.

About a week later while driving to town, Junior’s mother spotted a puffball

out in her neighbor’s pasture. Knowing how much her husband loved to eat them pan-fried in butter, and being a devoted wife, she jammed on the brakes, flipped open her son’s door and commanded, “Junior, get that puffball!” The kid sat up and zeroed in on the target like a Labrador retriever. ironically, the puffball was sitting on the land of a neighbor with whom they were having a property-line dispute. For a second, mother grabbed Junior by the back of his shirt, but devo tion to her husband won out and she chose to risk the humiliation of being caught by the “enemy.”

Released from his mother’s grip, Junior left the car, slipped through the barbed wire fence like a cat and began to trot out into the forbidden pasture, the puff ball glowing like a beacon. “Hurry up!” his mother called from the car, causing Junior to quicken his pace. But, when he was within 30 yards of the quarry and almost out of earshot of his mom, Junior suddenly dropped to the ground and proceeded on all fours. His mother was baffled by his actions but she would now have to scream for her son to hear

her and she was worried about arousing the enemy. Junior proceeded at what to her seemed like a snail’s pace. When he neared the snow-white target he gathered himself and pounced on it, tearing it from its anchorage. Then he rose triumphantly and began running back toward the car, his mother holding her head in her hands. When he reached the fence he thrust his prize under the wire to his flustered mother who was waiting with hands open — and a question: “Junior, why were you crawling?”

The boy thought for a moment and then answered. “Terry said that you have to sneak up on a puffball or else it’ll suck itself back into the ground.”

“Wait till i talk to Terry!” his mother said.

That evening i received her phone call and an emotional reprimand about how i almost caused her to have a heart attack. Not to bring further injury to her heart — her name and Junior’s name were left out of this story. i did hint that a helping of the delicacy fried with breadcrumbs would serve to keep me quiet indefinitely.

Smith’s Boatyard

Terry Berkson

COOPERSTOWN – John Poole Briggs, 85, died peacefully at his home in Ormond Beach, Fla., on September 16, 2022, with his fiancé at his side.

He was born on August 9, 1937, to Harold John Poole and Edna Martha (Fredericks) Briggs of Northport. As a young boy, he spent summers on his father’s boat, the Silver Fox, where he developed a love for the ocean. A businessman at heart, John would sell batteries and T.V. tubes to fishermen and boaters on the dock

in Northport. At 15, he opened his first T.V. repair shop behind the Midway, a news paper and soda shop. He then proceeded to help his lifelong friend, Elsa Posey, who was also 15, open her school of dance.

In 1954, he drove his 1934 wood-side Ford across the country to Alaska. After his funds were exhausted, he returned home. The young businessman continued his T.V. repair business as

OBITUARIES

John Poole Briggs, 85 August 9, 1937 – September 16, 2022

he rented a shop on Main Street in Northport. One lesson he would reflect on often was when his father borrowed $1,000 from him and used it as a down payment to purchase a building for the business. His father’s opinion was, in busi ness, if you have to make payments, “it is better to own than rent.”

In 1958 he began his service in the Army, where he served as a wireman specialist for 3 years. He was discharged from the Ready Reserve in 1965 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

the NRA, the American Legion, and a 29-year member of Otsego Lodge No. 138, Free & Accepted Masons in Cooperstown.

After his retirement in 2012, John returned to Florida with his partner camping, riding a trike, sightseeing (ship museums), walking on the beach, and playing with their dogs.

John is predeceased by his wife Jeanne NormanBriggs, father Harold Briggs, mother Edna Fredericks-Briggs, brother Robert Harold Briggs and niece Andrea Beams.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 3-5 p.m. on October 15 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut St., Cooperstown. At 5 p.m., a Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted by Brothers of Otsego Lodge No. 138, F. &A.M., Cooperstown. Prepared remarks will be presented by family members. Military Honors will then be accorded by members of the Cooperstown Veterans Club and the N.Y. State Military Forces Honor Guard.

the Hartwick Rod and Gun Club, Rod & Gun Club Road, Hartwick.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family would appreciate donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38146-0142 or Boys Town, P.O. Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010, or The National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.

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

John married and, in 1967, moved his family to Hartwick, where he continued his T.V. busi ness while opening the Cooperstown Tent and Trailer Campground. Later, he built and opened the Hartwick Heights Mobile Home Park and the Lollypop Farm & Petting Zoo.

Also, during those years, he studied organ at Hartwick College, built an entire pipe organ in his living room, and married Jeanne Norman -Briggs. He was an avid gardener, loved to listen to music, and enjoyed talking and meeting new friends. He was a life member of

John is survived by his partner and fiancé Rebekah Mead; his son Christopher John Briggs (Tamara) and their four children, Caitlin, Noah, Joshua, and Andrew Briggs; his daughter, Anita Jean Briggs Jones (Lyle Jones) and his step-grand children Victor, Brent and Shane and their respec tive significant others and families.

He leaves behind many first cousins, Gail Fredericks-Latchford, David Fredericks, Dick Fredericks, Doug Fredericks, and many nephews and nieces.

John had an infectious smile and was an inspiration to many people. Through his works, many lifelong friendships were forged. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Following the visitation and services, there will be a Celebration of Life at

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Patrick Crawford Welch, 74

November 3, 1947 – September 14, 2022

WORCESTER

– Patrick Crawford Welch, 74, passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 14, 2022. He was born November 3, 1947 in New York City. Patrick served in the United States Army in Panama for two years. He was a New York City Sanitation worker retiring in 1989, and after ward moved upstate.

Patrick C. Welch

survived by wife, Angela; brothers, Bill and Kevin; sisters, Alison and Carleen; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The funeral was held September 24, followed by military honors at the Schenevus Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, dona tions may be sent to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Danielle C. Welch, and his parents, Alice and Richard Welch. He is

To share condolences or a picture, visit www.heller skinnerfh.com.

Me M ories to Cherish

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

LEGALS

COMPANY

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

Meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York.

58 Susquehanna Avenue - Applicant seeks a variance to allow for one less legal parking space than required by Village Code.

The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be

provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooper stownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.

Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

Tele: (607)5472411

Email: jutter@coo perstownny.org

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF OTSEGO COUNTY

Official Results for the:

Special Election August 23, 2022

REPRESENTA TIVE IN CON GRESS, 19TH DIST (UNEXPIRED TERM) Marcus Molinaro 4,508 Pat Ryan 4,275

Primary August 23, 2022 Polls open

6AM-9PM

DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTA TIVE IN CON GRESS, 19TH DIST

Josh Riley 1,441 Jamie Cheney 765

REPRESENTA TIVE IN CON GRESS, 21ST DIST

Matt Castelli 1,248 Matt Putorti 125

REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR, 51st DIST

Peter K. Oberacker 2,706 Terry Bernardo 1,335

Otsego County Board of Elections 140 Co Hwy 33W, Ste 2 Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-4247 www.voteotsego. com

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF New York’s Butcher Brothers LLC.

Filed 8/31/22.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as

agent for process & shall mail to: 12 Commons Dr, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: General. 6LegalNov.3

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Klipnockie Traders, LLC.

Articles of Or ganization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 05/06/2022. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been des ignated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 7 Hudson Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalOct.27

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY

Name of LLC: Upstate Property Maintenance and Excavation LLC

Date of Filing: 08/02/22 Office of the LLC, Otsego Co.,

The NY Secretary of State (NYSS) has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served.

The NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 16 Telford Street, Oneonta, NY 13820; Purpose of LLC; any lawful purpose.

6LegalOct.20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Matthews Construction & Remodeling LLC

Articles of organiza tion filling date with NYS department of the state March 21st, 2022. Office location: Delaware County NY. SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC

upon whom process against it may be server and SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 2732 roods creek rd bldg 41 Hancock NY, 13783

Purpose: to engage in any and all busi ness activities and all business activi ties permitted under NYS law.

6LegalOct.20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF THE SMOKEY HOLLOW AIRBNB LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on 09/06/2022.

Principal Business and Office Loca tion: 7 Welton Ave. Ext, Maryland, New York 12116, Otsego County, N.Y.

The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secre tary of State shall mail process to 6004 Vista Linda Lane, Boca Raton, Florida 33433.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalOct.20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Inn At Cooperstown LLC

Filed 5/27/22

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalOct.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 16 Chestnut Street LLC

Filed 5/27/22

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalOct.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF H2 Rentals, LLC. Articles of Or ganization were filed with the NY

Secretary of State on 8/26/2022.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been des ignated as agent of the LC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of the any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 23 Pearl Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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

6LegalOct.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Harvest House, LLC

Filed 6/14/22

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 1558 State Highway 51, Gilbertsville, NY 13776

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalOct.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

CHEFDAVENEIL. COM LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/18/22.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom pro cess may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5995 St Hwy 28, Fly Creek, NY 13337, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalOct.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Blue Rose Publishing LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 07/08/2022.

Office Locations: Otsego County SSNY design. agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: Dustin Hum mel, 40 Academy Street Oneonta, N.Y. 13820. Purpose any lawful act.

6LegalSept.29

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LegaLLegaL LegaL LegaLLegaLLegaL

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

John P. Briggs

every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation.

Renovations

and Out

Continued from page 1 in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and profes sions in life.” (United States Code, Section 307).

Cornell University, New York’s land-grant institu tion, has provided quality, research-based programs and resources to all New Yorkers through the Cornell Cooperative Extension educational system since 1914.

Today, CCE serves New Yorker’s needs through five broad areas (4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Food Systems, Community and Economic Vitality, Environment and Natural Resources, and Nutrition and Healthy Families) with research-based programs or “tran sitional research” from Cornell’s colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Human Ecology, and Veterinary Medicine. These colleges develop programs and partner with other colleges at Cornell, the State University of New York schools, and other institutions.

CCE’s 4-H Youth Development programs teach knowl edge and life skills to create opportunities for positive youth development through classroom, after school, community clubs, and camp settings. Nearly 500,000 youth from all communities across the state, rural, urban, and suburban, participate annually.

Major 4-H programs provide opportunities in science and technology, community action and healthy living. This weekend, CCE in Cooperstown is hosting a 4-H course for youth to learn dog handling skills. It is limited to youth 8 years and older with dogs 3 months old and greater. It

is scheduled for Sunday, October 2, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 607-547-2536 ext. 225 or email Teresa Adell at tla47@cornell. edu for more information.

Agriculture and Food Systems programs comprise what are generally thought of as the original mission of the extension service. These programs bring knowledge and information from the university and other academic institutions to the agricul tural community to teach best practices to promote profitability, sustainability, envi ronmental stewardship, safe, reliable healthy food supply, renewable energy, and recre ational and agricultural tourism.

Community and Economic Vitality programs help New Yorkers negotiate changes in economic structures, transportation and residential patterns, demo graphics and communication technologies, in order to respond to opportunities. CCE partners with academic organizations, local officials, not-for-profit organizations, planners, policy makers, and community leaders to carry this out.

Environment and Natural Resources programs educate about: water resources; agricultural and environmental management; forestry; wildlife habitat and human inter actions; fisheries; lawn and turf; invasive species; energy conservation and renewable sources, and climate change. These programs serve resource managers including

farmers, the general public and policymakers.

Nutrition and Healthy Families programs help reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and chronic disease, improve nutrition and health practices, as well as through affecting changes in the community to promote health. These programs support education in financial literacy, healthcare, groceries, and energy costs and conservation, benefiting individuals, caregivers professionals, commu nity leaders, and policymakers.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA CCE has a mission and resources much broader than the average person is aware of. Feel free to contact them with any questions. You can also find out much about the organization, their available resources, and scheduled programs and meetings at https://cceschoharie-otsego.org.

The

Bieritz insurance

T z Agency

547-2951

established in 1990 john mitchell realty

www.johnmitchellre.com • 607-547-8551 216 main Street, cooperstown otSego county heritage BuSineSS

established in 2004

cooPeRstoWn nAtuRAL FooDs

61 Linden Ave., cooperstown (near the high school) (607) 547-8613 | cooperstownnaturalfoods.com

otsego county HeRItAge BusIness

in

21 Railroad Avenue, cooperstown 607-547-6103

otsego county HeRItAge BusIness

established in 1991

gReen eARtH MARKet & cAFe

4 Market street • oneonta • 607-432-6600 greenearthoneonta.com • like us on facebook

otsego county HeRItAge BusIness

established in 2008

Cooperstown Family Chiropractic Drs. Jill and Matt Craig

4910 State Hwy 28, Cooperstown • 607-282-4140 www.cooperstownfamilychiropractic.com

otsego county HeRItAge BusIness

The Mingo Market

state Route 80, cooperstown 607-547-2543

Inside The exterior of Cornell Cooperative Extension will be renovated as well as the interior.

Hi Tom, I am sure my dog Toby thinks his name is “Toby No!” How can I change the grumpy mad woman that I have become in Toby’s eyes? He is always doing somethig that I have to stop!

El

Dear El, “Half the dogs I meet think their name is ‘No. Bad dog’”. Voice intona tion is more important than the words. Say anything sweetly and your dog will be wagging her tail even if you call her a piece of dirt. Tell her “I love you” harshly and she won’t be feeling the love. You want Toby to always come when you call his name, so you want his name associated with your love and positivity.

When it comes to the 4 leggeds, “No” is not part of my vocabulary. I say “Uh Uh”. The split second the unwanted behavior stops, immediate praise. Here’s where timing is critical. Lets say Toby starts chewing on a carpet edge and you say “Uh Uh” and he stops for 3 seconds as you’re saying “thank you or good boy.” A second later you’re back to uh uh cause he started chewing it again.

The key is that Toby puts together that you’re unhappy when he’s chewing on the carpet and happy when he stops. What Toby will read just as well as your voice intonation will be your body language. If Toby’s looking, you your face is clearly unhappy when he hears “UhUh” and smiling on the “thank you”.

A half puffed-up step toward him on the “UhUh” will add to the strength of the negative words. Time the positive and negative responses perfectly and watch his mind expand with compre hension. When he doesn’t expect it, ten times a day call Toby to come and give

him a small treat and praise when he arrives. It’s a very easy way to get a real cooperative dog.

Instead of saying “Toby No”’ I’d also suggest a “Leave It” command. When he’s sniffing something you want him to ignore you tell him “leave it” and a split second later something startles him. Something can be a little plastic ultrasound device that when you push a button it emits an ultrasound that startles and annoys a lot of dogs. I met a lady that uses a small boat horn that was way over the top. Her dog practically screwed itself thru the ceiling when she blew it.

Then there’s what I call the “Dog god” principal. It’s for when you leave the TV room with the cookies on the coffee table. As far as Toby is concerned the cookies are fair game as there’s nobody around to say “Leave It”. But El set up a mirror that enables her to see the coffee table with the cookies without being in the room. As soon as Toby is sniffing the cookies El pushes the button on the remote causing Toby to be star tled by the sound or vibration or elec tric stim on the e collar he loves and is wearing. He loves the collar because he was taught to love it by being given a treat everytime it’s put on. I’d suggest that the cookies on the coffee table are in a plastic container with lots of small holes for the scent to draw him, without his being able to self-reward by getting any of the cookies.Electric stim has to be carefully considered based on the sensi tivity of the dog and the intensity of the behavior to be stopped.

Toby will learn that even if El is not around, the “Dog god” knows what he’s doing and will tell him so.

give Toby a kiss for meDog Charmer Tom

Leading with Science.

We share the American Heart Association’s dedication to longer, healthier lives for everyone. That’s why we embrace the latest science by participating in Get With The Guidelines® This award recognizes our commitment to high standards of stroke care and prevention for all patients. www.heart.org/qualitymeasures

Contact Bassett’s Stroke Center at 607-547-3857 for more information.

on

to

have inbound.

The Dog Charmer Tom Shelby

N O B AD DO g

Bassett Healthcare Network Is Among State’s 2022 Best Employers

Bassett Healthcare Network has been named to the Forbes list of Best-in-State Employers 2022. This award is presented by Forbes, renowned American business publication, and Statista, Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

“Bassett is delighted to be recognized on the Forbes list of Best-in-State Employers 2022,” said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “We are committed to becoming a national leader in rural health as well as a best place to work and prac tice. This award reaffirms the important efforts we take every day to prioritize our caregivers and practitioners — they are the heartbeat of our organization and the reason we provide outstanding care to our patients and communities.”

Bassett Healthcare Network has prioritized vast efforts over the past couple of years to improve employee and organizational culture in the wake of COVID-19 and institutional restructuring. The health system has invested nearly $50 million in pay increases for its workforce after undertaking a full compensation analysis for its caregivers and practitioners. Additionally, a recent grant from The Scriven Foundation is allocating $82 million to resources for Bassett’s recruitment and retention of clinicians and nurses, which includes expanding benefits, housing, clin ical and virtual tools, childcare, educational opportuni ties, and much more.

In addition to significant compensation and benefit expansion initiatives over the past year, Bassett has responded to increased workplace violence, investing

in a new security response system at all locations — one of the first health systems in the country to do so — providing nearly all employees with a wearable alert button attached to their ID badges to summon security in emergency situations. This, coupled with a broad public campaign speaking out against caregiver violence, has highlighted Bassett as an employer taking a stand against workplace violence in New York State and nationwide.

sectors, 1,380 employers were ranked among the top employers, including Bassett Healthcare Network.

“This distinction is exciting,” says Christine Pirri, Chief People and Diversity Officer at Bassett Healthcare Network.

“Knowing our employees are consistently recom mending Bassett as a best place to work is meaningful. The incredible and pioneering work happening across our network every day is being recognized — and this is amazing news not only for the talented caregivers and prac titioners who serve our organization, but also for the patients who rely on us for care across Central New York.”

Bassett has also been working to build innovative stra tegic partnerships with companies like Optum, which is offering new professional paths for employees while providing Bassett with infrastructure and resources for support services like information technology, analytics, billing, and call center operations. In addition, Bassett’s new collaboration with Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) and longstanding eight-decade partnership with Columbia University, are propelling forward Bassett’s deeply rooted commitment to rural health, fostering opportunities for clinical research professionals.

America’s Best-in-State Employers 2022 have been identified based on survey results from approximately 70,000 Americans working for companies in the U.S. that have more than 500 employees. Across 25 industry

The Forbes Best-in-State Employer evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees were also asked to evaluate other employers in their respective industry and state that stood out either positively or negatively.

607.433.2873