HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Community Continues To Mull Over Sign Law Amendments
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
COOPERSTOWN
There seemed to be something of a disconnect when community members gathered on Monday, September 23 at Village Hall for the public hearing on a proposal to amend the village’s current sign law. Proposed changes to the law could allow “Hometown Heroes” banners honoring individual veterans to be hung from utility poles on four streets in the Village of Cooperstown, pending approval from New York State Electric and Gas, which owns the poles.
Nineteen speakers addressed the assembled crowd of more than three dozen people, speaking both in favor of and against the current sign law as well as the Hometown Heroes banners program.
Recurring themes in opposition to the banners were that they would be too distracting, would cause accidents and are not in keeping with the current sign law.
Those in favor of amending the law in such a way that the banners
might be allowed entreated village officials to reconsider the current regulations in the hopes that veterans could be honored in the Village of Cooperstown as they are in many other cities, villages and hamlets across the state.
Several speakers veered a little off topic, emphasizing the need for monetary support for veterans’ services in general versus honoring veterans with banners.
Some chastised village officials for their seeming unwillingness to allow such banners, although the law itself is the stumbling block.
If changes to the village sign law are approved as proposed, this could open up the door for Hometown Heroes banners to be hung on utility poles on portions of Lake Street, Pine Boulevard, Chestnut Street and Glen Avenue—the equivalent of about two miles, or 15 percent, of village streets—but only with approval from NYSEG via its sign application for nonprofit organizations. Other charitable organizations could also apply. Not all poles
‘Live
would be eligible for banners; the number of poles that might be used has yet to be determined.
Following last Monday’s public hearing, Iron String Press reached out to Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh to follow up on one of the most common concerns voiced by opponents to the Hometown Heroes banners—that such banners would be too distracting and may cause accidents.
Among those in favor of the banners at the September 23 public hearing was Diane Adams, who wondered aloud, “How many people are just assuming there will be distractions caused by these banners? Has anyone communicated with other communities?”
“I spoke to both the [Greater Oneonta] Historical Society and the City of Oneonta, both Mayor Mark Drnek and City Administrator Greg Mattice,” said Tillapaugh in an e-mail on Tuesday, September 24. “In Oneonta, the city did support the banners, which are handled by the 501c3 historical associa-
Continued on page 11
Male Great Dane Succumbs to Illness; Female Still Improving
By DARLA M. YOUNGS COOPERSTOWN
OBy CASPAR EWIG ONEONTA
Touting a premier work and three new productions of operatic classics, the Metropolitan Opera and Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center recently announced the Met’s 2024-2025 “Live in HD” season.
The season opener will be Jacques Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” on October 5, followed by the Met premier of Jeanine Tesori’s 2023 opera
“Grounded” on October 19 and Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” on November 23. Rounding out the year, on December 7, an encore presentation of the 2006 abridged English version of
The dogs—Oscar, a male, estimated to be almost two years old, and Belle, a
Continued on page 12
ne of two badly emaciated Great Danes rescued by local law enforcement in the Town of Milford on September 3 has died following emergency surgery for gastric dilatation-volvulus at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, according to Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Executive Director Stacie Haynes. The second dog is currently under the care of SQSPCA medical staff and is holding her own.
in HD’ Kicks Off with ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” will be rebroadcast.
A contemporary opera, Tesori’s “Grounded” is a Metropolitan Opera-commissioned work that wrestles with the ethical, psychological and emotional issues connected with remote warfare. It was first performed at the Washington
National Opera in November 2023 to mixed reviews.
“Live in HD” continues with Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” on January 25 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fidelio” on March 15. Thereafter, the season will close with an opera-packed month of May. Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” will be broadcast on May 3, followed two weeks later by a new production of Richard Strauss’ “Salome” on May 17 and Gioachino Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” on May 31.
All performances are offered at the Foothill’s The Loft at 34 Market Street. Because the performances are broadcasts of live presentations at the Met, they will begin at 1 p.m., except
for the production of “Aida,” which will begin at 12:30 pm.
Prior to the opening of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann,” Abby Kreh Gibson, vice president of The Guild of Glimmerglass Festival, will host a pre-opera discussion beginning at 12:15 p.m.
“Music, including operatic music, is my oxygen and I like to convey an appreciation for the music of the opera in addition to the acting, the scenery and the story line,” Gibson said.
By making the presentation prior to the overture, Gibson said she hopes to convey an appreciation for the coming attraction. In addition, Gibson will lead “Talking Opera” presentations
Continued on page 9
Photo provided
SQSPCA Licensed Veterinary Technician Avalon Kubis and Veterinary Assistant Ryan Banks spend time with Belle as she recuperates at the animal shelter.
Local Foods Local Spirits Event Celebrates the Region’s Bounty
Farmers’ Market vendors. The event will be held at the market building, 101 Main Street, in Pioneer Alley.
Shop LocaL! We cannot thank You enough For Your BuSineSS!
for the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market showcases a dozen local chefs who will be creating savory and sweet tapas-style tasting bites made with local produce, meat, cheese, honey, and maple syrup from Cooperstown
Cooperstown restaurants and chefs participating include: Nawang Gurung from Norbu, Brian Wrubleski from Mel’s at 22, Dana Leonard Sanders of origins Café, and Alex Webster of Alex’s World Picnic.
From oneonta, Michelle Iannelli-Rubin from Social Eats Café and Jeneé Rasmussen from Crumhorn Coffee House will be participating.
In addition, from Sharon Springs, Norm Phenix from 204 Main and Anthony Leberto from Brimstone Bakery will be a part of the event, as well as Q Khashaei from the Empire House in Gilbertsville and Julio Rubio from the Lake House Restaurant in Richfield Springs. Two of the chefs are also market vendors: Chloe Ford of Chloe’s Bakeshop and Jesse Pascale from Rock Hill Farm.
Alex Webster, a chef who ran several local restaurants and now operates Alex’s World Picnic, is also the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market manager.
“This time of year, there is a double bounty, with summer produce and fall produce available,” said Webster. “Local Foods Local Spirits celebrates the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market as a vital community resource and gathering place.”
“Good chefs appreciate the importance of local food and supporting small farmers,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of otsego 2000, which founded the CFM in 1991. “We are very grateful to the talented chefs for lending their time and talent to this key fundraiser for the farmers’ market.”
Pope noted that last year’s event sold out in advance.
Chefs will create their dishes using ingredients from CFM vendors, including Arabeth Farm, Bison Island Ranch, Black Willow Pond Farm, Byebrook Farm, Chloe’s Bakeshop, Gaia’s Breath Farm, Heller’s Farm, Middlefield orchard, Mill Hollow Maple, Mountain View Dairy, Nectar Hills Farm, Painted Goat Farm, Rock Hill Farm, Straight from the Hive, and Vêsucré. Fast Friends will perform and there will be a raffle of artisan-made crafts, home goods, skincare, art, and other items regularly found at the market.
Tickets are $50.00 each and available at www.otsego2000.org, by calling (607) 5478881, or at the market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the CFM.
Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Potatoes, Squash, Custom Orders
LEAF Exhibit Opens Oct. 10th
COOPERSTOWN—LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Inc. will host an opening night at Fenimore Art Museum to display art and poetry submissions for its “Imagine Art & Poetry” contest on Thursday, October 10 from 5:30-7 p.m. The public is invited to view the work of members of the community and to hear poetry readings at this reception, which is free and open to the public. “Heaven’s Door,” featuring Carol Mandigo, Charlie Reiman and Michael Levenstein, will perform from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Board Game Workshop Slated
COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum will host a board game-making workshop for children ages 8-12 from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 12. Participants will design and decorate their own variation of a classic 19th century board game to play with other attendees and take home.
The workshop is inspired by the children’s book “Jumanji,” featured prominently in the special exhibition “Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations.” Registration is required at FenimoreArt. org. The cost is $25.00 for museum members and $30.00 for non-members.
NYS Dem. Women Back Frazier
DELHI—Michele Frazier, candidate for the 51st state Senate district, announced that she has received the endorsement of the New York State Federation of Democratic Women, an organization dedicated to promoting women in politics and leadership. The federation honored its endorsed candidates in a celebration in Syracuse on Wednesday, September 25. Frazier is an Oneonta native and former Common Council member, and is now an assistant professor of criminal justice at SUNY Delhi.
Literacy Festival Continues
ONEONTA—The Community Arts Network of Oneonta’s Writers Salon is partnering with SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College to present two free events in October as part of the year-long Oneonta Literacy Festival. Award-winning poet and author Rebecca Weil will offer a talk and reading at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 19. Author Expo 2024, a book fair-style event featuring work by more than 35 local and regional writers, will run from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 20. Both will take place at Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue.
Plant Clinic, Giveaway Planned
COBLESKILL—Schoharie Master Gardener Volunteers will have a table at the Cobleskill Days event in Veterans’ Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. They will answer gardening questions and give away free houseplants. For more information on Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties, visit https://cceschoharie-otsego.org/ or call (518) 234-4303 ext. 129.
FAM Offering ‘Art in the Dark’
COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum will offer a new way to experience its galleries with “Art in the Dark” tours in late October. Guides will lead tours of the American folk art and fine art collections by lantern light and share some of the mysterious, melancholy, and untold stories about the artworks. The 45-minute tours are offered at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. on October 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30. To purchase tickets, visit FenimoreArt.org.
KOA To Host First Music Fest
RICHFIELD—Cooperstown KOA Journey will host its inaugural Campfire Jams Music Festival in the newly opened Tin Alley Barn on-site venue on Saturday, October 19. Campers and visitors can enjoy live music, food and beverage trucks, craft vendors, yoga, and painting sessions in the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Musical acts include Billy Boucher’s Blue Grass Band at 11 a.m., WailOn country music tribute group at 2 p.m., HopCity at 5 p.m. and Grateful Upstate Toodeloo at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $35.00, and campers with a reservation for October 19 will receive a free ticket.
Grant Application To Open
ROXBURY—The Delaware County Arts Grant application, administered by the Roxbury Arts Group, will open on Friday, October 18. This funding from the New York State Council on the Arts will support projects in three categories: community arts, creative learning and individual artist. Applicants can receive up to $5,000.00, and must submit their application by Friday, January 17. They must also attend an information session or one-on-one meeting with the creative opportunities coordinator, which are available from mid-September through mid-December.
To view a full schedule, ask questions, register for an information session, or submit an application, visit roxburyartsgroup.org, contact community@roxburyartsgroup.org or call (607) 326-7908.
Sunday Walking Tour Highlights 1880s History
WORCESTER—
Otsego 2000 will offer a walking tour, “Worcester: Stepping Back to the 1880s,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. It will be led by Dr. Cindy Falk, assistant dean of Graduate Studies at SUNY Oneonta and professor of material culture at the university’s Cooperstown Graduate Program. The Worcester Historic District boasts a well-preserved example of a late 19th century small town commercial center.
“Like many upstate New York communities, the Town of Worcester reached its peak population in the 1880s with 2,741 residents when the 1890 census was taken,” Falk said. “Through this
tour we will learn what downtown Worcester was like in the last decades of the 1800s and what factors led to the demographic decline in subsequent years.” The tour begins at
4 Decatur Street in Worcester and will travel about a mile over the course of two hours. It costs $10.00. To register, visit otsego2000.org or call (607) 547-8881.
“I
was able to care for my wife at home, thanks to Helios Care.”
“When Susie’s cancer reared its ugly head, we knew we needed hospice care,” Tom said. “She wanted to stay at home. Helios Care made that happen. They were like angels – expert caregivers, so loving and compassionate.” Find out how Helios Care can help your family care safely for a loved one at home. 607.432.5525 • HeliosCare.org
Fall Festival Returns Sunday
MIDDLEFIELD—The Town of Middlefield Historical Association’s ever-popular Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat will return to the Old Middlefield Schoolhouse from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. It will feature a wide variety of food and craft vendors, ranging from old favorites to new faces, live music, local history exhibits, and live demonstrations with an 1860 spinning wheel.
Cherry Valley’s Happy Haggs will mingle with the crowd for photos around 11 a.m., and will perform their dancing spells at 11:30. Adults and children in costume are invited to “trunk or treat” on the baseball field below the schoolhouse at 1 p.m., featuring pumpkin painting.
The Middlefield Fire Department will also attend with National Fire Prevention Week information and equipment demonstrations. The festival is free and open to the public, but visitors are asked to sign the guest book when entering. For an updated schedule of events, contact amykukenberger8@gmail.com or (315) 360-6441.
HOMETOWN Views
GUEST EDITORIAL
PATTY mACLEISH
Voting—Casting a Ballot Keeps Getting Easier
Election Day—November 5—is only a month away. Have you made your plan to vote? The first step, of course, is getting registered to vote, and the next step is to learn as much as you can about the candidates. Finally, you need to choose how you are going to cast your ballot because, beginning this year, there will be four different ways registered voters may do so—two ways to vote in person and two ways to vote by mail.
Many people like the tradition of voting in person on Election Day at their regular polling place. Others know that between employment schedules, childcare, work commute or family responsibilities, getting to the polls on Election Day may be difficult; early in-person voting may be the answer for those voters.
In Otsego County, people can vote early in person from Saturday, October 26 through Sunday, November 3 at the County Board of Elections at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown or at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta. Hours are: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.
There are also two ways a person may vote by mail. Voters may use an absentee ballot or—new this year—all voters are eligible to vote early by mail.
Registered voters in Otsego County may vote absentee if they meet one of these qualifications:
• Absent from your county on Election Day
• Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability
• Unable to appear because you are the primary caregiver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled
• A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital
• In jail or prison for any reason other than a felony conviction. This includes anyone who is awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor.
New this year is “Early Voting by Mail.” All registered voters qualify for early voting by mail. Voters do not need a reason to vote by mail.
Whichever way you choose to vote by mail, your first step is to apply to receive a ballot. Applications are available at https://elections.ny.gov/ request-ballot. Obtain an application as soon as possible and return it to the Board of Elections. Once you receive your ballot, follow the directions and cast your vote in sufficient time so that it will be received by the deadline to be counted. Some special cases do apply:
Military Voting: Persons serving in the military, along with their spouses and/or dependents, may vote in federal, state and local races. To register as a new military voter and/or to request an absentee ballot, you must complete a Federal Post Card Application (https://elections.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/05/federal-post-card-application-2023.pdf) and return it the Otsego County Board of Elections.
Voters with Disabilities and Special Needs: New York has worked to make registering and voting accessible to all. Complete information on ballot accessibility may be found at https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot.
The League of Women Voters in New York State has worked to make registering and voting easier and convenient. Now it’s up to you. With early voting and early voting by mail, it’s easy for you to join your fellow citizens and cast your vote. The best way to assure you do vote is to make a plan to vote. The League has even prepared a handy reminder to do just that. Check it out today at LWVCooperstownArea.org.
Be a voter!
Patty MacLeish is communications director for the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area.
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.
Of Signs and Democracy
Some of us have a preferred season. I do not. There is something about each season to like. As each one ebbs and slides into the next, the transition seems just about right. Seasons seem to me to be about the right length. As one’s contentment with one season and its characteristic trappings and behaviors ebbs, the other is on the horizon waiting to offer up a welcome respite. It has been a good summer, but as always seems the case, I have run out of zeal for so many of the summer tasks that I always look forward to. There is, however, one season that I never look forward to: election season. In some very lucky countries, elections take place over the course of weeks. Not so here. Posturing for the next election is set in motion even before the completion of the current one. Between the press and politics, we never get a rest. There is, after all, a lot of life to live that has nothing at all to do with this incessant mania.
One aspect of this perennial circus that I would like to see done away with is the placing of signs everywhere—lawns, intersections, buildings, cars, etc. My wife has been a bit grumpy with me because I have insisted that we not place a sign at the bottom of our driveway divulging to all the world our preferred candidate. Actually, this is one of those few instances where I have gotten my way—thus far. Fingers crossed. My view is that whomever I vote for, it is my business and my business only. Interestingly, we mark up our ballots in secrecy, yet there are garish signs out there promoting what is supposed to be a sacred, private matter.
Despite the illegality of tampering with, or removing, political signage—which has not proven itself as an effective deterrent—intersections clogged with competing signs offer ample opportunity for the silly antics of miscreants. At one intersection down the road from our place, one candidate’s signs have disappeared several times. One would hope that the average citizen, regardless of political affiliation, might resist the temptation to knock over or remove a sign. Perhaps there are those so desperate for entertainment that sign stealing strikes them as a permissible creative activity. Me, I got better things to do with my time. Better yet, and this is the crux of my point in this essay: Get rid of all signs on all public lands and thoroughfares.
There are times when approaching an intersection that it looks as if a bunch of colorful stick figures are vying for attention. Some stand upright, some are obscured from view, others lean this way and that as if having back problems such that standing erect is too painful. Then there are those days when approaching the same intersection, miraculously, only those signs signifying the candidacy of one person remain. No secret as to the motivation behind that act of politically motivated petit larceny. The criminality of the gesture is transcended by its silliness and, perhaps, an admission of worry as to the success of one’s preferred candidate. Childishness is not limited by age and seems to be on the rampage in these United States.
The solution is simple. No signs. As long as we value free speech so highly in this country, no matter its often ugly and incendiary effects, the freedom to display in some form one’s preferences on private property will continue. Has the state of our political discourse sunk so low that some indicate their distaste for a candidate by placing a “F……..” on the front of a garage? I am no different from anyone else; I do have my political preferences. However, having taught young people for more than 35 years to read and think critically and to question, without engaging in ad hominem attacks on those that might see things differently, I see real value in engaging respectfully with those whose perspective might be quite different from mine. The beauty of such an engagement is the extent to which it invites introspection on both sides. The true heart of a democracy is its confidence in the value of reasoned and respectful dissent. The nation needs a resetting of its moral compass.
On my walks and drives about the countryside, the last thing on my mind, frankly, is politics. One reason for walking is to enjoy a respite from the
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Say No To Vinyl Banners on Poles
Native
Son: Yes to the Banners
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2024 16th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.
Publisher / Advertising Manager
Tara Barnwell
General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs
Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Intern: Arya Patel
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
Web Architect
Xander Moffat Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson
Editorial Board
Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs
MEMBER OF:
National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association
The Otsego County Chamber
Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc.
21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326
Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.
A pillar of Cooperstown’s economy is tourism. People come to visit our museums and experience what life was like in a less complicated past. Simply put, Cooperstown sells nostalgia.
To this end, the village is protected by its location in a Historic District. Our Zoning Law prevents high-rise construction. Our Historical Preservation and Architectural Review Board ensures that structures are compatible with the neighborhoods within which they are located.
Finally, the Sign Law protects our streetscapes and neighborhoods, key elements of Cooperstown’s unique historic and cultural heritage. Tourists visit, experience all of this, and plan to return.
I am concerned that vinyl banners hung from the utility poles will risk gumming up what we have worked hard to build over many decades, a finely tuned economic engine that enriches not just Cooperstown, but Otsego County as well. Richard Blabey Cooperstown
I was unable to attend the public hearing on September 23, but I would like to offer my comments on the proposed change to the current village sign law regarding the “Hometown Heroes” banners. I am totally in favor of hanging the banners in the Village of Cooperstown. This is the least that the village can do to recognize and honor the local military veterans.
I am a Native Son of Cooperstown (born at Bassett Hospital), grew up in the hamlet of Hartwick, and graduated from Cooperstown High School. I am a seasonal resident of Otsego Lake from midMay until mid-September each summer. My primary residence is in the Town of Glenville, Schenectady County.
I did not serve in the military, but my father was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of the Hartwick American Legion Post 1567 and a past commander. However, a majority of the guys that I grew up with, and/or attended high school with, did serve in the various branches of the military. Most served during the Vietnam War era— my “generation’s war.” I lost four friends who were killed in combat during the Vietnam War, including Robert Atwell of Cooperstown. During that time in our nation’s history, the men and women on active military duty or those honorably discharged veterans were treated very poorly and with no respect. Many were told not to wear their military uniform in public because of the negative reactions from many non-military people. I have always had great respect and admiration for all military veterans.
The Town of Glenville, where I currently reside, installed these Hometown Heroes banners about eight or 10 years ago on town-owned light posts along two very busy New York State highways in the business center of town. I am an active member of the East Glenville Volunteer Fire Department and, to my knowledge, we have never had a traffic accident call on either of those two state highways that were related to someone being distracted
Continued on page 12
HAw THORn HILL jOURnAL
RICHARD DEROSA
HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
70 YEARs AGo
Dickie, a two-month-old blue parakeet, flew through an open door about 3 p.m. yesterday to explore the big world outside the Donald Holcomb home, 44 Church street. Thereafter, the bird cut a trail of high adventure. In a tree at 36 Cherry street, Dickie was espied by David Rittinger, 8, who captured him. Thinking there might be a reward for the bird, David took Dickie to the home of Police sgt. James Fawcett, 44 Clinton street, where he interrupted the sergeant’s concentration on the baseball World series, via television. sergeant Fawcett phoned sergeant Ernest Johnson at the police station and then contacted radio station WDos sgt. Fawcett then put Dickie in a shoebox and later into a bird cage borrowed from his sister. station WDos sent out a news bulletin about Dickie which was heard by Doris Deyo at 104 River street who had lost a blue parakeet two months earlier. Deyo went to the Fawcett home where sheila Fawcett, 11, gave up Dickie and off he went to the sixth Ward. Later, Mrs. Holcomb heard about the parakeet sos and went to the Fawcett home and learned that Dickie had left earlier with Doris Deyo. still later, Mr. Holcomb drove to the Deyo home and positively identified Dickie by a leg band and serial number. Dickie returned to the Holcomb family, much to the delight of Donna, 9, and Judy, 6. October 1954
50 YEARs AGo
Classes resumed without incident in the oneonta Public schools yesterday, following a three-day strike of teachers in the district. Francis Doherty, business and personnel director for the school said “real education” was taking place in the classrooms and that bitterness from the strike was at a minimum. oneonta Teachers’ Association President John Miller agreed, saying he had requested the union’s building representatives in each of the schools to personally shake hands with each of the teachers who had crossed picket lines during the strike. “They are our friends,” Miller said. “We want them to be with us. You don’t do that by vindictiveness and bitterness.” October 1974
40 YEARs AGo
oneonta peace activist Will siegfried was released early Friday morning from the oneida County jail hours after he had been sentenced to serve four days by oneida County Judge Daniel C. Wilson. siegfried, 27, of 67 Church street, and a member of the oneonta Peace Network, was among a group of 71 protesters who were arrested June 4 for blocking an entrance to the Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome in protest of the storage of nuclear weapons on the base. He was sentenced to the jail term on charges of disorderly conduct after the judge rejected his defense and found him guilty. siegfried refused to pay a fine and announced plans for a hunger strike for the duration of the jail term. siegfried’s early release came after he was credited with time served and good behavior.
October 1984
30 YEARs AGo
Among the more than 800 people who took part in the inaugural “Pit Run” 10K race, and the hundreds who watched it from street curbs throughout oneonta, perhaps no one enjoyed it more than Debra Parisian, widow of the slain trooper from oneonta in whose memory the event was held. The race raised about $9,000 for a scholarship to help high school graduates pursuing careers in special education.
20 YEARs AGo
October 1994
Hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities cannot prohibit gay and lesbian domestic partners from visiting loved ones under a bill signed into law Friday by Governor George Pataki. The state’s Patient Bill of Rights gives patients the right to authorize family members or other adults to get priority to visit them. The measure takes effect immediately. October 2004
news from the noteworthy
Building a Ready Generation in a World of Change
October 7-12 is National 4-H Week. the theme of which is “Beyond Ready.”
According to 4H.org, “Building a ready generation in a world of change, 4-H equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. Becoming ‘Beyond Ready’ encompasses opportunities and experiences, connections, and discovery, shaping youth into their true and authentic selves.”
The 4-H Positive Youth Development Program focuses on being productive, healthy and engaged. 4-H enables youth to shine both now and in the future, and has proven to instill confidence and resiliency. Dedicated to empowering youth in both body and mind, 4-H relies on scientifically backed studies and programming that drive youth forward so they can be prepared for anything. 4-H embraces diversity in people, careers and perspectives. Every child is valuable and deserves the support and freedom to choose their own path. We believe in the potential of all youth and strive to let their talents flourish.
“National 4-H Week is a time for 4-H members and clubs to share their love of 4-H with others
By MERL REAGLE
and recruit new members,” according to Teresa Adell, otsego County 4-H program educator. some otsego County 4-H clubs are creating window and outdoor displays to promote their club and projects. The otsego County 4-H program holds information nights in both the oneonta and Cooperstown offices during the months of october and November. Youth with their parents/guardians can attend these events to learn more about 4-H and how to join.
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. 4-H grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in sTEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.
4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.s. through experiences that develop critical life skills. The research-
Continued on page 9
Mr. Ed’s Favorite People… A
trot down memory lane
Photo provided
otsego County 4-h members maxwell pullis and Julia vunk speak with senator roxanne persaud about their 4-h experiences during new york state assemblyman Chris tague’s annual agriculture familiarization tour.
ReADeRS WRITe
Recently, Iron String Press has been receiving letters and lengthy commentary that reflect on myriad current political, economic, and social situations in this country and abroad. Although they do not all necessarily reflect the thoughts of the editorial board of this newspaper, they are well considered and meaningful. In the interests of our readers and with the right and privilege of free speech in mind, we will print them as we see fit.
The ParTial observer
wriley nelson
J’accuse: every American Has Palestinian blood on Their Hands
Have we all gone mad? Since my last column six months ago, the American genocide in Palestine has killed at least another 50,000 civilians, with total death estimates now reaching over 200,000. Two million civilians, half of whom are children and most of whom were already refugees from previous Israeli ethnic cleansing across the country, are starving as you read this. They wander back and forth in the bombed-out shell of their homeland from fake safe zone to fake safe zone while brave American Zionist teenagers sit in air conditioned trailers and drop more American bombs on them.
I need not repeat the main points of my first column; it is still available on AllOtsego.com. Nor is this the place to examine the inherent absurdity of Zionism, or any other claim that a national or religious group has the right to an apartheid ethnostate on someone else’s land. For the uninitiated, Zionism is the 19th century european ideology that Jewish people should build a 19th century european-style nation-state somewhere, and is quite distinct from the ancient, vibrant and culturally rich major world religion that is Judaism. I doubt I have ever attended a proPalestine event without a significant contingent of anti-Zionist Jews. In fact, the vast majority of the world’s Zionists are evangelical christians and secular liberals in the U.S. and Western europe. Zionism was implemented through self-styled terrorism in the british colony of Palestine in 1948, creating the state of Israel through massive, intentional ethnic cleansing that killed 15,000 people and drove 750,000—fully half of the Palestinian population—out of their homes and villages.
Let me give you a small taste of what the overgrown American aircraft carrier calling itself “Israel” has done in our name and on our dime since last I wrote. It has done these things with the full backing of the biden/Harris administration, which provides the occupation regime with at least two-thirds of its weaponry, supplemental air cover from resistance missiles, and unlimited diplomatic cover. They offer bald lies, “refuse to speculate,” ask us to wait for the IDF to investigate itself and get back to them. The motto of Kamala Harris’s Democratic Party—proud home of Dick cheney and Alberto Gonzalez—is “now is not the time.”
Tel Aviv (occupied Jaffa) is repeating the exact playbook they used to justify their indiscriminate assault on Gaza as they prepare a suicidal attack on Lebanon. At press time on Monday, September 30, Israeli officials confirmed that Netanyahu was about to roll the dice on a ground invasion his own generals believe could doom the entire country. In the past two weeks alone, the world’s most moral army has introduced or re-introduced
the world to: 1) kicking bodies off rooftops for fun; 2) infiltrating global supply chains and placing remote-control bombs in civilian electronics, with no reliable way of identifying who is holding them at the time of detonation; 3) genocide sight-seeing cruises off the Gaza shore for hardcore Zionists to party as their future homes are cleared of human debris; 4) shutting down press offices by military assault.
Their war on Lebanon has already killed more than 700 civilians and injured at least 4,000 more, often with horrific hand, abdomen, groin, and face wounds from the little “exploding pager” terrorist stunt. Right on cue, Israeli newspapers began speculating whether Lebanon is rightfully part of the God-given 19th century nation-state, while developers started soliciting investment in the first soulless American suburb development to be built over Lebanese bones. Some IDF members allegedly wear shoulder patches depicting the true “eretz [land of] Israel” stretching from the Nile to the euphrates, a national ideology of ethnic conquest known in other times and tongues as “Manifest Destiny” and “lebensraum.”
They have done each and every one of these things because biden and Harris will not lift a finger to stop them. In fact, they just keep vacuuming money out of our economy to buy Israel more American bombs. On a single day last week, FeMA announced a $9 billion budget shortfall on the same day Israel announced another $8.7 billion weapons package from the U.S. That might be relevant now that Helene has wiped entire communities in the Southeast and Appalachia from the map. every Palestinian, Israeli, Lebanese or American death from this point on is the direct responsibility of Democratic staffers, volunteers and voters who signaled to their party that genocide overseas was not a deal breaker for them. If not our fault as everyday voters and taxpayers, it is certainly our responsibility. I address this column, then, to my former fellow Democrats who keep stopping me in the street for lectures on responsible citizenship and single-issue voting.
Thanks to our administration, I know what it looks like when an 18-month-old child’s head is blasted to ribbons—literally exploding from air pressure—by a 2,000-pound American bomb dropped on a tent city. I saw that child’s maddened, sobbing father hold the little bundle aloft and beg us all to make it stop. That was in May.
I know what it looks like when volunteers digging out the remnants of a hospital must distribute 70-pound bags of miscellaneous limbs and partially congealed human flesh pudding to survivors in lieu of their loved ones’ pulped bodies. I have seen shredded infants with dangling
jawbone tatters, eyes blown from their sockets, sniper bullets carefully threaded through their half-ossified kneecaps, and cheekbones thrusting through their starved fleshless faces. I saw the mummified remains of doctors and nurses with their limbs zip-tied together and neatly-placed bullet holes in their heads exhumed from mass graves still in their scrubs.
I’ve seen photos and videos of Sde Taiman, where Israeli newspapers have finally confirmed long-standing Palestinian reports of electric shocks, amputation of dead limbs after months of tight bindings, constant beatings, surgery without anesthesia, deaths from poor sanitary conditions, playing loud music until inmates’ ears bleed, and systematic torture and sexual abuse. In July, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar b en-Gvir bragged about this torture and rape, saying “ e verything published about the abominable conditions was true… I have already proposed a much simpler solution, of enacting the death penalty.”
When the IDF arrested nine of its members for raping abducted Palestinians on camera (I have also seen this video, thank you), a nationalist Israeli mob led by Knesset (parliament) members and mutinous soldiers overwhelmed the base and secured their release. Within the day, journalist Yehuda Schlesinger took to Israel’s most popular TV news channel to argue for a systematic, intentional policy of raping Palestinians as a strategy of war. Knesset members took up the question, debating with great skill and subtlety exactly how much rape of the subhuman is optimal for military discipline. As the nine brave soldiers walked free, their paralyzed, organ-ruptured victim quietly died in the hospital. Israel became the first country in modern history, to my knowledge, to postpone a civil uprising by openly confirming its brownshirts’ unlimited right to rape the untermenschen. consider that most of Israel’s 3,000 Palestinian hostages are random civilians plucked off the street for their skin color—and failure to die quietly so a retired couple from brooklyn can move into their house—and ask yourself again why Hamas has such an easy time recruiting.
I was in D.c. for Netanyahu’s visit on July 24 and saw both Houses and both parties of our congress demonstrate that they would have fellated Hitler on live television if the money was right. I saw an occupying army of police shut down half the National Mall to protect a foreign war criminal from American protestors. I saw heavily-armed and well-paid outside agitators turn our march violent (more than 200 body-armored NYPD personnel, each drawing at least a full day
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Let’s All Play Vance-ocracy From the Genius Mind of JD Vance Comes Something We’ve All Been Waiting For!
It’s all the rage in Silicon Valley and among lawyers from elite law schools (I’m looking at you, John eastman) who are bored with democracy, which takes so much effort, constant participation and anybody can play. Intellectual force that he is, JD Vance knows the problem and is the only person in America brave enough to tell it like it is. That’s why he’s invented Vance-ocracy for those select few people who want something new and exciting that only the right people can play. Vance-ocracy is to democracy what pickle ball is to tennis: for older people with bad knees who still crave the thrill of competition.
JD’s been talking about his new game in snippets here and there, letting slip some of the best elements of the game, like childless cat ladies and women who work and don’t have children, but here for the first time are all the rules. Given to me by a fellow Yalie (I went there too, just like JD), they are printed on the inside of the game box, like Scrabble. JD is so wonderfully old fashioned, I mean traditional, I mean great again.
Here’s how to play:
Who gets to vote and how many times (fun!)
• Only people with children can vote.
• The more children, the more votes (yay, Duggars). Players must be married to get extra votes.
• Grandparents can vote, determined by how many of their children have children. If their children have no children, grandparents’ votes are reduced (see below).
• Unmarried men with jobs (earning over $75,000.00) can vote, but only till age 50 (time to get married, guys, and make those votes!).
• Widowers, men or women, 40 or under, can vote. Women over 40 can’t (too late for safe vote production, gals) but men can till 50 (see above).
• Working women with children get only one vote regardless of the number of children they have. However, if they leave the workforce then they get as many votes as they have children!
• Divorced couples lose their votes except for the parent that has custody. If custody is shared, each parent gets 50 percent of a vote per child.
• couples that adopt, so long as children are from non-sh*thole countries.
• couples that use IVF. However, votes can be reduced by the percentage of embryos lost during treatment. (explanation of this little understood but very important rule is below.)
Votes are reduced if:
• You are a Democrat, all rules above apply eXcePT all your votes are worth only half. (For example, if you are married with three children, you get 1.5 votes.)
• Grandparents whose children don’t have children get 75 percent of a vote for each child not having children (sorry Grandpa and Grandma).
• The couple is on welfare, then each child counts as three-fifths of a vote (an oldie but goodie).
• Single mothers are like Democrats, 50 percent of a vote per child.
• If a couple uses IVF, the calculation for votes is per the following example: two children conceived and born equals two votes, number of embryos placed but not successfully implanted in the woman’s placenta and thus not brought to term, six, makes total votes for the couple .66—that is, two babies divided by six embryos multiplied by two.
• children coming out as LGbTQ+ MUST be deducted from vote total.
Players disqualified from voting:
• Single mothers on welfare cannot vote.
• Sperm donors. (Not fair for obvious reasons.)
• Gay men (adopting or having children by any means does not count.)
• Gay women (adopting or having children by any means does not count.)
• If all your children die before producing grandchildren. (Seems unfair, but is it really?).
Special bonus play:
• Any player that tells a Democratic candidate for federal office to “Go to hell!’ gets an extra 10 votes.
The player wins who:
• The player with the most children by the most women who is worth over $500,000,000.00 wins. In other words, only men can win. The winner is crowned Procreator and King or, as players say, an elon Musk.
Don Feinberg is a retired beer importer and brewery owner who has never written or submitted an editorial before. He thanks JD Vance for giving him the inspiration and courage to do so.
The ParTial observer don feinberg
Coop Soccer Updates
c OOP e RSTOWN—
cooperstown’s varsity soccer teams are off to a strong start in the 2024 season. The boys’ team rolled to a 2-1 victory over Waterville in their opener on Wednesday, September 4. Senior Janak Pandit scored on a missed corner kick in the second half, and senior Riley Diamond scored a minute into overtime to secure the win. cooper coleman made eight saves in his first start in goal for the Hawkeyes.
cooperstown lost 21 to clinton in a truly heartbreaking fashion at their home opener on Monday, September 9.
Senior cooper bradley tied the game with 11 minutes left, but clinton slipped in a goal with 12 seconds remaining in the second overtime.
The Hawkeyes rolled to a 5-0 win against Herkimer at home on Friday, September 13.
Senior Owen Marling scored twice, while Pandit recorded a goal and an assist. Diamond scored two more goals in a 2-1 victory over Frankfort-Schuyler on Tuesday, September 17. coleman made seven saves.
Westmoreland/Oriskany defeated the boys 1-0 off a goal two minutes into the first half on Thursday, September 19. b oth teams made 18 shots on goal. c ooperstown won their opener at the c hic Walshe Tournament in Davenport on Saturday, September 21, beating host c harlotte Valley 3-0. Diamond recorded another goal and assist, and b radley and sophomore Dylan c raig also scored.
The Hawkeyes shut
out Sauquoit Valley 5-0 in a home cSc Division II match on Monday, September 23. exchange student Romain Guerra scored twice and bradley scored a goal and made an assist. Freshman Henry Ayers and junior Jameson Gable each scored.
bradley scored a major golden goal off a throw from junior ben Lewis four minutes into overtime on Wednesday, September 25. The Hawkeyes beat division rivals Mount Markham 2-1 after a scoreless first half. bradley scored cooperstown’s other goal six minutes into the second half off an assist by junior London Kinley.
cooperstown won their third chic Walshe title in four years with a 5-0 victory against Worcester on Saturday, September 28.
Sophomore Gavin Grady recorded two goals and an assist, while bradley made a goal and an assist to earn the tournament MVP title. Diamond and sophomore Hayden Spencer also scored. The Hawkeyes stand at 7-2 for the season and 4-1 in their division.
The girls’ team fell 4-1 to Oppenheimephratah-St. Johnsville in their opener on Friday, September 6. Ruby Stevenson scored and brenna Seamon made 11 saves. Seamon made 15 more saves against Mechanicville in the Girls Soccer Hall of Fame Tournament on Sunday, September 8, but the Hawkeyes ultimately lost 7-0.
cooperstown lost 20 to Westmoreland in a center State conference Division III match on Thursday, September 12. The bulldogs outshot them 23-3 in the Hawkeyes’ third consecutive tough game to start the season. Seamon chalked up seven more saves. The team finally got their shot with a 2-1 victory over Dolgeville at home on Saturday, September 14. Junior Mia Pelcer scored twice, including once on an assist from freshman claire baldo.
The Hawkeyes rallied to win a back-and-forth 3-2 game against visiting Mount Markham on Monday, September 16.
Senior Annelise Jensen and Pelcer scored for a
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The Tepee: a Vintage Roadside Treasure Since the 1950s
BUSINESS PROFILE
CHERRY VALLEY
You are driving down historic U.S. Highway 20 and, halfway between Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs, you see it on the side of the road. It’s been there for as long as most people can remember. It may be your destination, it may be the first time you have ever seen it, it may be that you drive by all the time, telling yourself “The next time I go by I am going to stop.” It is listed on national and state historic registries. You see it there, nestled in the rolling hills of Otsego County and in business for nearly 75 years. It is The Tepee.
The Tepee harkens back to post-World War II America, when families were hitting the road for their annual vacation or out for a Sunday drive— the kind of roadside attraction that is a reminder of fun filled summer days of childhood. The souvenir/gift store first opened its doors in 1950. Then, it stood west of the village of Cherry Valley. However, in the early 1950s Route 20 was rerouted to bypass the village and The Tepee. So the original owners, Ken and Iris Gurney, decided
to rebuild over the winter of 1953-54. The Tepee has been welcoming Route 20 travelers at its current location ever since.
Fast forward to the present, and you meet Donna and Dale Latella, sisters who bought the store in 2000, the 50th anniversary of The Tepee. The sisters made a concerted effort to turn the shop into the kind of place that locals would enjoy just as much as the tourists on their way to Cooperstown or Howe Caverns. Donna and Dale feel honored to share the iconic store with everyone who comes through the door. People from all over the world, from every continent, have visited The Tepee. Yes, every continent, even Antarctica! A scientist who was stationed at one of the science settlements in Antarctica visited while on a short break. He needed a pair of comfy moccasins to take back with him to the cold.
When you stop at The Tepee, the first thing you do as you get out of the car is take in the beautiful view looking north over farmlands across the Mohawk Valley to the distant Adirondack Mountains. You will never tire of the view, as it is absolutely stunning all year round.
Once you enter, if you have never been there before, you may say to yourself, or even out loud, “Hmmm, it is bigger than it looks.” You will encounter shelves filled with items that are made in New York and other parts of the United States, fair trade, and imported, as well as Native Americanmade goods. Of course, there are the souvenirs you expect to find at a store like The Tepee, but there is so much more. You will also find jewelry, moccasins, candles, soaps, toys, cedar boxes and burl bowls. There are dream catchers, essential oils, incense, sage and crystals. And still there is more: You may have to visit more than once, just to take it all in.
Donna and Dale are community minded, sponsoring local events and making donations to local charities. The Tepee associates will happily suggest other places in both Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs you may like to visit. Weekends will often find the folks from The Tepee vending at local events. (Don’t worry, the store will still be open.) You may find a booth full of wares from the store at a local renaissance faire, a psychic show, or even a kite festival. Donna and Dale love to be involved in what is happening locally, and in sharing the joy with neighbors, friends, and visitors.
The Tepee is a little piece of Americana that is often overlooked in today’s fastpaced world of electronics. If The Tepee is not already on your bucket list, you may want to add it. There are not many places like The Tepee left for you to enjoy, and you will always be welcomed.
The Tepee is located at 7632 State Route 20, Cherry Valley. Call (607) 264-3987 for hours.
First Cherry Valley Art Trail Set for Saturday, October 5
Cherry Valley, New York has long been a center for artists, writers, great minds and creatives. This has certainly been true through history: with Samuel Morse and his telegraph; Paul Bley, his family, and Willa Cather wrote “O Pioneers!” while staying in a house in Cherry Valley; Allen Ginsberg and the community at East Hill farm; and don’t forget current residents Charley and Pam Plymell. Cherry Valley and its bucolic surroundings are home to many and varied artists, welcoming and nurturing artists from outlying areas as well. In addition, the last few years have seen Cherry Valley on an upswing, attracting some new businesses to the village. The Cherry Valley Art Trail in its inaugural year, on Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrates both the business community and the many artists that live here and throughout the surrounding region.
Arriving at the heart of Cherry Valley on Saturday October 5, you can park on the street or in the village parking lot in the center of town, next to the NBT Bank. Many of the businesses within the village will host artists set up with their art, doing demonstrations, answering questions and showcasing their work.
At Plaide Palette, 45 Main Street, you will find the Open Studio of Mairi Meehan, ceramic artist, as well as Margret Lunzman, watercolor and acrylic painter. At the Limestone Mansion Bed & Breakfast, 33 Main Street, you can meet Christine Capuano with her oil paintings in the entry to the historic and beautiful mansion. Making your way down Main Street, you will find 25 Main Collective, at 21 Main Street, which houses the studio of Noelle Adamoschek, stained glass mosaic artist, as well as the exhibit, “SPOTLIGHT,” in the gallery, featuring Cherry Valley Art Trail artists and some work from artists of the Leatherstocking Brush & Palette Club.
Across the street at the Cherry Valley Market, 8 Main Street, you will find Terry McMaster, collage and acrylic artist. Just a few storefronts down, Pink Squirrel will feature Anne Carnavale, ceramics, and Ginny Pugliese with her acrylic animal paintings. On Alden Street, just to the left of the stoplight, visit The Telegraph School, hosting Sarah Blakeman, watercolor and ink, and Maria DeAngelo, mixed media, acrylics, and block printing. Next door at the Cherry Valley Bookstore, meet Chantal Doktor with her whimsical paintings. Both distinctive buildings deserve a look, as the site of Samuel Morse’s early telegraph activities.
Before you’re ready to leave the village, make sure to visit the open studios on the outskirts: Tim Finnegan, 6 Railroad Avenue (another great historical building) and Mark Mastroianni, 212 Campbell Road. Just a few miles outside Cherry Valley, in Roseboom, visit Mary Lou Ganio, printmaker and painter, in her studio at 114 State Route 165 and also Marc Pelletier in his studio at 545 State Route 165 in Pleasant Brook.
Physical maps are currently available at any participating location and on the Facebook event (Cherry Valley Art Trail) and on cherryvalley.com. Look for the signs indicating locations on the trail and have fun in your time in Cherry Valley.
CHERRY VALLEY
Photo provided
Works by collage and acrylic artist Terry McMaster are among those to be featured in the inaugural Cherry Valley Art Trail event.
J’accuse
Continued from page 6
of overtime and benefits to pick their noses on the Capitol lawn, helped tear gas a peaceful group of marchers outside Union Station). I saw Democratic operatives from right here in Otsego County repost Harris’s obscene post-protest statement weeping over a burned flag and accusing protestors of treason while waving away the hundred thousand civilian casualties. I watched her on the debate stage, repeating without pushback the long-debunked “Hamas mass rape” lie.
All she had to do to win the critical ArabAmerican vote was be less evil than Trump’s “Muslim ban.” She tripped over this low bar so hard that she’s now two points behind him with this demographic. I have yet to see a Democratic response to this fact that does not boil down to “haha, hope you all enjoy the camps when Orange Man wins,” or “that’s really too bad, but what about MY rights?”
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that basic domestic human rights don’t matter, or that a second Trump term won’t shred them. I am saying I have no faith that someone who lies about a genocide every day and is tacking right faster than a one-armed sailor in a hurricane will actually do anything about them. What exactly is the “lesser evil” here? Harris’s every move since the convention has signaled that she’s betting on “moderate Republicans” and centrists to make up for alienating the left (save, of course, for the left-wing VP who can be put out to pasture after the election).
Democrats haven’t done a single thing about abortion in the last 50 years except fundraise and grandstand. We gave them supermajorities in ‘08 and they gave us a Wall Street bailout,
a Heritage Foundation healthcare plan, and 20 more years of war. Biden built more wall and allowed more COVID deaths than Trump. They exploited the 2020 BLM movements and then passed record police funding. They got us into two exciting new wars we’re losing, wars so geopolitically and morally idiotic that we’ve lost the remnants of our soft power and might lose the dollar empire itself. Every single American is less safe now that our government has allowed a rogue client state to shred international law and show a world full of potential foes that the American flag stands for dead babies. We must not expect the blowback to be long in coming.
I hate to be the one telling you that Santa isn’t real, but the Democratic Party will not save us. All it took was a slick ad campaign and the threat of a worse option to get our nation’s good liberals falling over each other to support a livestreamed Holocaust speedrun. If I throw away my vote and put my immortal soul on the line for your “lesser evil” theory, whose rights exactly will I be preserving? Will stopping Donald Trump really stop the rot in a country that decided unlimited genocide and war weren’t deal breakers? And, as I have asked myself nearly every day since at least December: If we, as a country and society, cannot put a stop to this, why should we, as a country and society, be saved?
and more than 3,000 local extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries.
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Schoharie and Otsego Counties’ Otsego County 4-H Positive Youth Development Program has more than 200 members (ages 5-19) and 17 4-H Clubs. Members of Otsego County 4-H build leadership skills by working on projects such as healthy lifestyles, agriculture, civic engagement and STEM. Some 4-H members participate in public presentations and many exhibit at the Otsego County Fair. 4-H membership categories include Cloverbuds, Club Members and Independent Members.
Otsego County’s 4-H program enlists volunteers as organizational or independent club leaders; project and activity leaders; project and public presenta-
tion evaluators; to serve on 4-H committees for programs including the livestock auction and the Earn-An-Animal Program; fair superintendents; and those with experience in program areas including livestock, dairy, dog, and horse, STEM, shooting sports, consumer and family science, and plant, environmental, and outdoor sciences. Currently, more than 80 adult 4-H volunteers help the Otsego County 4-H Positive Youth Development Program to give young people access to opportunity. For information about CCESOC’s Otsego County 4-H Positive Youth Development Program, contact Teresa Adell, Otsego County 4-H program educator, at (607) 547-2536 extension 225, (607) 4332521 or e-mail tla47@ cornell.edu.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO,
Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal employment opportunities. Liz Callahan is the executive director of CCESOC.
Opera
Continued from page 1 to be posted on the guild website Tuesday and Thursday of the week prior to each opera.
The cost of attending performances of the “Live in HD” series is $22.00 for adults, $20.00 for seniors, $17.00 for members of the Glimmerglass Guild and Center for Continuing Adult Learning, and $12.00 for students. A season ticket to all eight operas with special living room-type seating is available for $198.00. A light lunch of sandwiches and snacks will be available for purchase.
For further information, visit www.foothillspac.org.
The job scene job scene
grating trivialities of many aspects of public like. If we are to be forever faced with brawling advocacy signs at intersections and public places, why not a different kind of sign? Just one. A sign that in clear and precise language reminds all voters of their obligations as citizens of a democracy: to think through the issues, to keep informed, to give some thought to what might be best for the country. And, most importantly, in the end to exercise that precious right so many gave their lives for—to vote.
Dick deRosa’s Hawthorn Hill essays have appeared in “The Freeman’s Journal” since 1998. A collection, “Hawthorn Hill Journal: Selected Essays,” was published in 2012. He is a retired English teacher.
Wriley Nelson is the former news editor of Iron String Press.
4-H
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backed 4-H experience is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities
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Notice of formatioN of CENTER VALLEY GROUP LLC
Arts Of Org filed with SSNY on 6/19/24 Office location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Richard Cain, 715 Center Valley Rd., Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
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Notice of formatioN of D & D CTOWN RENTALS, LLC.
Filed 2/16/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Dee Sales, 12 Susquehanna Ave., Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Purpose: General.
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Notice of formatioN of Chaoui Supplier LLC
Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 08/19/2024. Office in Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 554, Otego, NY 13825. Purpose: To engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
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Notice of formatioN of Brewed & Baked, LLC
N.Y. Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on August 15, 2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to Brewed & Baked, LLC located at 135 Chestnut Ridge Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Any lawful purpose.
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Notice of formatioN of WAYSTONE PRESS LLC
Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/19/24. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 607, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which entities may be organized under the laws of the state of New York.
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Notice of QualificatioN of CLVEN BETA XI, LLC
Appl. for auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/04/24. Office location: Otsego County. LLC formed in Indiana (IN) on 08/27/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. IN addr. of LLC: 710 Adams St., Carmel, IN 46032. Cert. of form. filed with IN Secy. of State, 302 W. Washington St., Rm. E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.17
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Notice of formatioN of Gates Grain, LLC,
a NY limited liability company (LLC). Arts. of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (NYSS) on 08/26/2024. Office: Otsego County. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail process to: The LLC, 7149 County Highway 18, West Winfield, NY 13491-3709. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.17
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Notice of formatioN of EVER AFTER FARMS NY LLC.
Filed 8/28/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 222 Crawford Rd., Otego, NY 13825. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.17
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Notice of formatioN of The Matheson Starling House, LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 8/7/24. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 590 County Highway 3A, Unadilla, NY 13849. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
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Notice of formatioN of Porter Pickles LLC, a limited liability company ( the “LLC”).
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (the “SSNY”) on 8/29/2024. Office location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 146 River Street, Oneonta, New York 13820. Purposes: any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.17
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Notice of formatioN of Zuill Realty, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on August 13, 2024. NY office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Zuill Realty,
LEGALS
LLC, 4631 State Highway 205, Hartwick, NY 13348. General Purposes.
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Notice of formatioN of Diedrick Enterprises LLC.
Arts of org. filed with SSNY on 8/21/2024. Off: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 434, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.24
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SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO
INDEX NO. EF2023-615
Plaintiff designates OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 59 NORTH STREET, EDMESTON, NY 13335
Section: 108.13, Block: 1, Lot: 7
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.
CARLTON WOODBECK, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MEGHAN E. WOODBECK A/ K/A MEGHAN
ELIZABETH WOODBECK F/K/A MEGHAN LUM; AIDEN LUM, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MEGHAN E. WOODBECK A/ K/A MEGHAN
ELIZABETH WOODBECK
F/K/A MEGHAN
LUM; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF MEGHAN E. WOODBECK A/ K/A MEGHAN
ELIZABETH WOODBECK F/K/A MEGHAN LUM, 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; 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 $62,755.00 and interest, recorded on June 04, 2012, in instrument Number 20122739, of the Public records of otSeGo county, New York., covering premises known as 59 NortH Street, eDmeStoN, NY 13335.
the relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. otSeGo county is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
Notice You are iN DaNGer of loSiNG Your Home
if you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
You muSt reSPoND BY SerViNG a coPY of tHe aNSWer oN tHe attorNeY for tHe PlaiNtiff (mortGaGe comPaNY) aND filiNG tHe aNSWer WitH tHe court
Dated: August 30th, 2024
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590
516-280-7675 4LegalOct.10
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Notice of formatioN of
S & D 94 MAIN STREET LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/12/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 137 Main St., Unadilla, NY 13849, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.24
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Notice of orGaNizatioN of Dangca Excavating LLC
under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
1. The name of the limited liability company is Dangca Excavating LLC.
2. Articles of Organization of Dangca Excavating LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on August 7, 2024.
3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.
4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 257 Townline Road, Laurens, NY 13796.
5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Dangca Excavating LLC, 257 Townline Road, Laurens, NY 13796.
6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.
6LegalOct.24
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Notice of formatioN of limiteD liaBilitY Company: DREAMOID LLC.
Art. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY on 09/19/24. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Office in OTSEGO COUNTY. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, PO BOX 214, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.31
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Notice of orGaNizatioN of BES HOUSE AND SUPPLY LLC
under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/18/24. 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 Ma Eden Marquinez and Bjorn Marquinez, 1 Susquehanna Ave., Apt. 2, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.31
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Notice of formatioN of LBNAN LLC
Art. Of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 09/20/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to 7665 State Highway 28, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.31
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Notice of formatioN of Tom Hunt Excavating LLC
Art. Of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 8/30/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at 159 Mravlja Hill Road, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.31
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Notice of formatioN of
CATSKILL DRONE SERVICES LLC
Arts of org. filed with SSNY 7/8/2024 Otsego Co. SSNY design. as agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE ST #112,
ALBANY, NY 12207. General Purpose 6LegalNov.7
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Notice of formatioN of
DREAMWORX CONTRACTING L.L.C.
Arts of Org. filed SSNY 9/9/2024 Otsego Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, UNITED STATES, 12207. General Purpose 6LegalNov.7
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Notice of formatioN of Stonehouse Design
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 26, 2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Stonehouse Design, 173 Deerfield Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.7
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Notice of formatioN of
B & C CONTRACTING OF CNY LLC.
Filed 8/19/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 163 Armstrong Rd, West Winfield, NY 13491. Purpose: General. 6LegalNov.7
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Notice of formatioN of a NY limiteD liaBilitY comPaNY
CHIEF SCHENEVUS RESTAURANT LLC.
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 September 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 133, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalNov.7
Sign Law
tion. The city provides the insurance and installs and takes down the banners. GOHS then cleans and stores the banners and handles all applications.”
Tillapaugh also inquired about any traffic accidents in Oneonta attributable to the banners, to which Mattice responded, “I’m not aware of any uptick in traffic accidents since the banners were installed, although I’ve not done or seen a specific analysis.”
City of Oneonta Police Chief Christopher J. Witzenburg told Tillapaugh, “There have been no issues with banners in Oneonta. This can be looked at in the same framework as pedestrian traffic, bicyclists, other motorists, street signs, business signs… It is the responsibility of motorists to control their vehicles. Banners and signs are all over and we have no evidence to believe they hinder traffic or traffic safety.”
Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek also told Iron String Press via e-mail that he hasn’t seen any indication of distracted driving occurring in the city, looping in Chief Witzenburg, who added that “street signs,
pedestrians, billboards, your car radio, colorful people and pets” are just as likely to distract motorists.
Another possible issue raised by Celia Oxley at the September 23 public hearing was that, if the sign law is amended, the village would essentially be “ceding control of banner content and aesthetics” to NYSEG.
Tillapaugh said she has spoken with Chris Tarkulich, regional director of NYSEG’s banner program.
“He was very informative on many issues that have been raised,” Tillapaugh said. “He indicated there haven’t been reports of greater accidents [associated with the banners]. Also, pertaining to first amendment concerns, he indicated that NYSEG has turned down banner requests that were political in nature, as well as requests from forprofit companies.”
According to the NYSEG Banner Permit Procedure, “No advertisements or marketing arrangements that result in personal gains” are allowed. The spirit of the permits is “to support municipal, [not]-forprofit or community activities, not to personally benefit parties’ capitalistic endeavors.”
Attachments for commercial purposes and signs posted by
individuals are prohibited. Any make-ready work needed on the poles is the financial responsibility of the attaching company.
Floyd Bourne, commander of Cooperstown VFW Post 7128 said at the public hearing that both the VFW and the American Legion are tax exempt and would be willing to take a lead role in the local Hometown Heroes banner initiative, were it to move forward. Those in favor of the initiative, and the proposed sign law amendments, can stop by the VFW at 60 Main Street, Cooperstown from noon to 8 p.m. daily to sign letters of support.
Applications for new banner permits through NYSEG must be made through Tarkulich at (585) 771-4546 or via e-mail at Christopher_tarkulich@rge. com. For more information, see https://www.nyseg.com/ suppliersandpartners/servicesandresources/poleattachmentservices.
Several of those who spoke at the public hearing were of the opinion that funds would be better spent in support of veterans’ services than on Hometown Heroes banners. Although this was not specifically germane to the discussion on the proposed sign law amendment or the Hometown Heroes banners, which are
purchased by individuals, research shows that veterans and people leaving military service face disproportionately higher rates of poverty, employment barriers, housing instability, trauma, mental health issues, and challenges with adjusting to civilian life, and often struggle to meet their basic human needs. The Otsego County Veterans’ Service Agency provides services for all veterans and veteran family members here in Otsego County. Those interested in receiving a list of organizations that accept donations to help local veterans can reach the Otsego County VSA at (607) 547-4224.
Along that line, the National Veterans Foundation says “sometimes even a small gesture can have a big impact” and suggests the following “10 Simple Ways To Support Veterans and Make a Difference”:
• Provide transportation through the VA’s volunteer transportation network
• Visit wounded vets in a nearby VA facility
• Say “thank you,” and mean it
• Fight homelessness, eviction and foreclosure among veterans
• Perform home repairs or household chores for a
veteran in need
• Donate your time to a veteran organization
• Volunteer your services to help vets in need
• Spend time with a vet and take the time to listen
• Provide food for veterans
• Visit a vet with your pet
Regardless of where individuals stand on this issue, it is important to note that the current sign law—adopted in November 2012—created the barrier to installation of Hometown Heroes banners in the Village of Cooperstown with which current trustees are now grappling.
That law can be viewed online at https://ecode360. com/11848007#11848105.
Village resident Richard Blabey, who assisted with the writing of the current sign law and is himself a veteran, said at the close of the public hearing that the Hometown Heroes banner proposal is contrary to the intent of the law, which was “to get the spread of signs under control so the village can maintain its character, and to balance the need for signage in the business district with the issue of over-signing.”
“It is a very complicated law,” Blabey said. “We worked on it for months.”
The Board of Trustees meets next on Monday, October 28.
Celebration of Life
James M. Leonardo 1954-2024
COOPERSTOWN—
Please join us for a reception to celebrate the life of James Leonardo (October 22, 1954-July 19, 2024). We will gather together on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 3-5 p.m. at The Otesaga to remember Jim. Please bring your fondest memories of Jim to share with family and friends.
Constance I. Reed 1922-2024
ONEONTA—
Constance Irene (Collins) Reed passed away September 25, 2024 at home.
Constance was born December 16, 1922 in Oneida, New York, the second child, and only daughter, of Kenneth and Shirley Collins. Connie grew up in the rural community of Verona, New York with five brothers: Charles
Webster, Conrad Gordon, Kenneth LeRoy, Robert Martin and Edward Sutherland. After graduating from Verona High School in 1939, she attended Canton Technical College, majoring in the clothing and design field. She then went to work for Rome Cable Co. to support the war effort. In 1943, she enlisted in the Navy and was deployed to Corpus Christi, Texas, teaching cadets to fly from instrument panels and a “Link Trainer” for the duration of the war.
While in the Navy, she took advantage of free time to take college courses, plus she joined a song and dance performance in a musical, “USS Petticoat.” After the war, she received a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in the applied arts field, with majors in French and design, and began a master’s degree at UCLA. It was in Los Angeles that she gave birth to a son, Douglas, who was adopted by the Pollock family.
In the fall of 1949, she joined the Home & Farm Bureau of Nassau County as an instructor of home and applied arts, teaching women to make slipcovers and draperies, to use small tools, and other homemaking skills. She met Bernard (Bunny/Bernie) Reed and they married in 1950, giving birth to a daughter, Celia, in 1953. In 1963, Connie earned a teaching degree and
OBITUARIES
went on to teach both elementary and special education in Levittown and Great Neck.
Retirement brought adventures in touring the U.S. and Canada in an RV, finally settling in Arizona, where she and Bernie lived for the next 35 years. In Arizona, Connie took up painting, jewelry making and writing, producing many articles for travel magazines. Music and dancing were always a big part of her life and she square danced, line danced, and jitterbugged into her 100s. She served as an usher at the Tucson Symphony and attended operas and plays. She joined the Southern Arizona Hiking Club and became an avid hiker and world traveler, visiting many trails in the Southwest, the Pyrenees in Spain and France, Dolomites in Italy, the Swiss and German Alps,
the Kashkar peaks of Turkey, New Zealand’s Milford Sound Hike, and Machu Picchu in Peru. She also traveled as a volunteer with Earth Watch to Wales, Italy, Majorca, and Peru to do archaeological work, and other projects in Madagascar, Russia, Armenia, and Hawaii.
Summers were spent in Oneonta, where she and Bernie eventually settled. They volunteered at the Hanford
Mills Museum and made many trips to the Collins’ farm in Verona, to visit friends and family. Back in Oneonta, Connie made new friends in the Adirondack Mountain Club hiking group, CCAL, line dancing, and the “Sewing Circle.” Her curiosity endured throughout her life, despite failing hearing and health. She read voraciously and attended CCAL classes and monthly programs of the ADK. Family and friends accompanied her on a daily walk to a nearby pond and falls, or on a climb up the Clinton Street hill. She was inspirational for her tenacity and spirit.
Connie was predeceased by all her brothers; by her husband, Bernard; and by her grandson, Dillon Bott.
She is survived by daughter Celia and sonin-law Keith Bott; son Douglas Pollock; granddaughter Margaret Bott; and many, many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta. Condolences may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 1083, Oneonta, NY 13820, www.oneonta. dollarsforscholars.org, or Doctors Without Borders, https://donate. doctorswithoutborders. org.
Photo provided
JAMES M. LEONARDO
Photo provided
CONSTANCE L. REED
Continued from page 4
the banners. The banners are still on display and have been a very welcome addition to the Town of Glenville. I have never heard any negative comments.
In summary, I encourage the Village Board of Trustees to carefully review the many positive comments received at the public hearing and approve the proposed change to the current village sign law to allow these Hometown Heroes banners.
K. Wayne Bunn, PE Glenville, NY and Otsego Lake, NY
Mohawk Valley Gives—Again!
For the second year in a row, Otsego County nonprofits participated in Mohawk Valley Gives, an annual one-day, online fundraiser. This year’s MVG was held on September 20, 2024. At the end of just one day, more than sixty Otsego County nonprofits received $250,000.00 in donations from over 1,300 donors! This year’s tally is higher than 2023, in both numbers of donors and amounts raised. Over the two years, $470,000.00 in donations have come to Otsego nonprofits through Mohawk Valley Gives.
The Community Foundation of Otsego County is thrilled at the success of the platform and how it has been embraced by Otsego nonprofits and donors. It’s just one of many ways we work to strengthen our Otsego nonprofits.
We are thankful to all the nonprofit leaders, staff and volunteers who did the heavy lifting. It’s gratifying to the Community Foundation to hear that providing this fundraising opportunity is important.
Will Kleffner, Cooperstown Food Pantry executive director, said, “I want to say thank you to CFOC for bringing Mohawk Valley Gives to Otsego County. Not only has it been a major boost to our operation, but it has also helped to reshape our board’s approach to philanthropy. It’s truly a win-win.”
We agree with Will and look forward to bigger and better results in 2025!
Jeff Katz Executive Director Community Foundation of Otsego County
Concerns About Heroes Banners
I read “The Freeman’s Journal” coverage of the Village of Cooperstown’s recent September 23 board meeting regarding a request to change the village sign laws to permit private commercial banners on utility poles, on public property, in the Village of Cooperstown. It should be noted that this effort, to acquire the use of poles on public property for ongoing private commercial profit, is encouraged and supported nationwide, by the national outdoor display company Holiday Outdoor Decor, which recently had almost $6 million in sales.
If that public property is made available for private use, Holiday Outdoor Decor has an endless supply of products, including custom-printed banners for all causes and occasions, that can be sold for use on the utility poles.
If the sign law is changed, anyone can then apply to the village to put up any messaging they want, for any reason, forcing the local village board to have to deal with every application, in my view.
The Holiday Outdoor Decor banner program is a very
serious nationwide sales effort that will guide local applicants through every step of the sales and application process to get sign laws changed, if needed, to get their banners, mounting hardware, and possibly their other products, on utility poles in the village, and in other communities around the country.
See their webpage HometownHeroesBanners. com for more information, in their own words.
Also see their webpage, holidayoutdoordecor.com/hometown-heroes-first-responders/, to see more on how they offer to help manage every aspect of creating local enthusiasm, applications, and the sales process for their banners.
From their website: “Our Hometown Heroes team is committed to your success and will coach you through every step of the process. From how to recruit volunteers and donors, to creating excitement in your community by using flyers and social media outlets, to providing ad layouts for your local newspaper.”
As a veteran of the United States Air Force Security Service, who volunteered twice for Vietnam, and served at a CIA station outside of Afghanistan for 15 months, I do not want a national, commercial, for-profit company trying to make money on my military service by trying to sell me a custom-printed banner with my picture on it and then trying to get the Village of Cooperstown to let me put it on a utility pole.
I am perfectly happy with the existing monuments, parades, and veteran organizations that honor all of our veterans, from all wars, all of the time.
As a village resident for almost 50 years, and a past village trustee for 10 years, I am against changing the village sign laws to allow commercial, for-profit banners on public property.
James R. Dean Cooperstown
Company Cancels Turbine Project
New Leaf Energy announced this week that it is withdrawing its application, submitted one year ago, to build two 650-foot wind turbines in the towns of Springfield and Stark. At 650 feet, the turbines would have been as tall as a 45-story skyscraper, becoming the largest structures ever built in the state outside of New York City. The project also would have drastically impacted the Holy Trinity Monastery and the Glimmerglass Historic District (celebrating its 25th anniversary), among other historic sites.
Community leaders opposed the project on legal, cultural and environmental grounds. Detailed comments were submitted by Nicole Dillingham, board member of Otsego 2000, Keith Schue, electrical engineer, and, on behalf of the Town of Springfield, by Galen Crique, Springfield town supervisor. Attorney Douglas Zamelis represented the Holy Trinity Monastery.
The comments submitted showed that the project violated both the Stark Land Use Law and the Springfield Zoning Law. In addition, New Leaf had not studied the impact of blasting in limestone formations at the site, which could have negatively impacted private wells and potentially the Otsquago Creek Fish Hatchery in Van Hornesville. Comments also disclosed that New Leaf relied on inadequate studies of impacts on migratory birds and bats, as well as protected bald eagles, which were photographed by neigh-
bors nesting at the proposed project site. Mitigation of noise, light flicker effects, and ice throws that could damage the health and safety of adjoining property owners were also not addressed sufficiently.
Most significantly, the developers failed to conduct adequate visual analysis of the impact of the proposed project on the Holy Trinity Monastery, home of the Russian Orthodox Church and Museum, located about three miles from the site. As emphasized by Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, the monastery is a unique cultural and religious site that includes landscapes, buildings, and artwork of national significance, listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Significantly, upon being notified of the proposed project, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recommended that the project be relocated due to the potential negative impacts on the monastery, citing Section 14.09 of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
Numerous commentators confirmed that while the state clearly has an interest in developing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, the developments must be sited with respect for adjoining property owners and the protection of significant cultural and historic assets. Faced with mounting criticisms, New Leaf cancelled the project.
Nicole Dillingham Board Member Otsego 2000 Springfield Center
Thanks for Great Harvest Supper
What a great community! Last Sunday, we couldn’t have asked for better weather, more delicious food, or more remarkable people to celebrate our community with at the 10th annual Cooperstown Growing Community Harvest Supper.
We have such gratitude for the many people, groups and businesses who helped to make the evening so special. We thank the Village of Cooperstown for its support; the Cooperstown Fire Department for bringing equipment; the Friends of the Village Library, who loaned tables (especially to Bud Zaengle, George Fasanelli, Joe Membrino, Tom Hohensee, Keith Parr, Finn Jensen, David Griger and Charlie Kieler, who hauled the heavy tables); Patti Ashley for sponsoring the posters; the Scarzafava family for lovely bottles of wine for the tables; “The Freeman’s Journal” for spreading the word; Hanna Bauer of Mohican Flowers, Jackie Hull of A Rose is a Rose, Susan Jones of Otsego County Master Gardeners, Anna Meyerhoff, Rose McCabe, Padrick and Annalise Jensen, Maggie Dowd, Elizabeth and Alexandra Yeske, Willa and Maisie Reed, Bella Cembrinski, Meara and Rosalie Foster, Mariana Pokorny, Claire Satriano, Susie Knight, and the many individuals who donated or helped with flowers to make it all so beautiful; Cooperstown Event Rentals for their services; Boy Scouts Troop 1254 for collecting returnable cans and bottles; the Clark Estates and all of the neighbors on Main who let us take over their street for a day; Mohican Farm for collecting recycling and compost; Alex Webster for photographs, MJ Harris for decorations, and decorating helpers Dick and Sandy deRosa, Nyssa Alden and Rowan Brown; the Stoddard Hollow String Band for once again setting a festive mood throughout the supper;
and last but not least, all the additional incredible volunteers who set up chairs for the long table, rolled out paper, arranged flowers, and broke it all down at 7 p.m.—you were outstanding, we couldn’t do this without all of you!
See you next year, the last Sunday in September (September 28, 2025)!
The Growing Community team:
Normandy Alden
Holly Fanion
Kristen Griger
MJ Harris
Karen Katz
Virginia Kennedy
Dana Leonard
Kristen Leonard
Lynne Mebust
Maureen Murray
Ellen Pope
Rebecca Weil
Village Reactions
Disappointing
Regarding the Village of Cooperstown sign law, it has been violated all summer long and is still being violated, as of right now. I took photos and gave them to village officials at the meeting on August 26 and the next day they were still there. At Monday’s [September 23] meeting, I told village officials they had three more illegal signs and, guess what, they’re still up. As for the people who spoke against the banners at that meeting, not one of them was a native of Cooperstown; not born or raised here, unlike our veterans.
Cooperstown officials say the village is “historic,” which is defined as “famous or important in history.” Last I knew, the wars these men and women fought in were both historic and historical, which is defined as “something that is connected with the past or with the study of history, or something that really happened in the past.”
Yes, the Village of Cooperstown has monuments to our veterans, but a face with a name makes you stop and think about that person. Every photo on those banners is a story waiting to be told. Wouldn’t it be nice to do a walking tour of the banners? Believe it or not, there are people who would like that more than baseball.
I can’t tell you how many people have thanked me for taking this project on, not knowing it would be so difficult. I am not a quitter. I will keep fighting for our veterans. However, I personally will not hang my family’s banners in a village they grew up in that can’t honor its veterans in this manner. They deserve better, as do the rest of the veterans that would like to see this happen.
I have to wonder if the Hometown Heroes banners had baseball players on them if we would have to fight so hard, but I think we all know the answer to that.
One more thing I feel the need to say: Where were all the business owners on September 23? Did you forget all the veterans that do business with you, who support you in the winter months? Shame on you. Only one business owner was brave enough to voice his opinion, so I will keep supporting him.
Dogs
Joanie Parrillo Toddsville
Continued from page 1 a nine-month-old female— weighed just 54 pounds and 29.6 pounds respectively when seized by law enforcement. Their heads were wider than their hips; no body fat and every rib clearly visible. A healthy, full-grown male Great Dane should tip the scales between 140-175 pounds. A healthy female at nine months should weigh between 85-125 pounds. The body of a third dog was also found on the premises, in a state
of advanced decomposition.
“The road to recovery for Oscar and Belle will be long,” Haynes cautioned earlier this month. “Severely emaciated dogs can face a number of problems as a result of and in addition to malnutrition, including dehydration, skin conditions, organ or neurological compromise, anemia, osteoarthritis, a suppressed immune system, and chronic pain. They can develop gastrointestinal problems, leading to diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting and bloat.”
The pair of Great Danes was transported by SQSPCA staff on September 3 to the Cornell University Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, where they received emergency treatment including intravenous fluids to correct their severe dehydration. They were kept in Ithaca overnight before being admitted to the animal shelter. Fifteen days later, Oscar began exhibiting signs of bloat and was immediately moved to the medical facility in Latham.
“Bloat is a concern for dogs of his breed, as Great Danes are prone to bloat, and the risk increases for those who have suffered from malnutrition as severe as Oscar’s case when they begin eating again,” Haynes explained.
Because of Oscar’s poor physical state overall, there were other issues impacting his recovery.
“Secondary to his body condition and the stress of the GDV, Oscar is suffering from a slow heart rate and dangerously low glucose levels,” Dr. Jennifer Lukovsky, the SQSPCA’s fulltime veterinarian and director of veterinary services at the shelter said the day after Oscar’s surgery. “He must be monitored constantly and thus remains in a critical care unit at Upstate Veterinary Specialties for the time being. We’re taking it day by day.”
Lukovsky told Iron String Press on Monday, September 30 that Oscar put up a good fight for almost a week post-surgery, “but in the end his body could not recover from the stress of the surgery and the severity of his condition.”
“His organs started to fail him and his heart rate decreased,” Lukovsky said, “and although they did everything they could to support him, he could not pull through.”
SQSPCA officials remain cautiously optimistic regarding the progress thus far of Belle, the female Great Dane.
“Belle is slowly gaining weight, but we still have to be very careful. She is up to 35 pounds now and doing well— she wants to play and explore everything! We are still feeding her multiple times a day and checking bloodwork as needed,” Lukovsky said.
“Oscar and Belle have been our most difficult emaciation case to date, due to the severity of their condition,” Haynes said. “Our team knew when they arrived safely at our shelter that their road to recovery would not be easy.
“Every day has been, and will continue to be, a challenge for Belle,” Haynes said.
According to a media release issued by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, Whitney L. Bachanas was arrested and has been charged with abandonment of animals and failure to provide proper sustenance. Bachanas was set to appear in Milford Town Court on Tuesday, October 1.
“There were several animals in and around the residence that were found to be abandoned, malnourished and mistreated,” the report submitted by Deputy Joshua Feyerabend read. Two emaciated quail were also removed from the home, officials said, and the body of a third dog was also found on the premises, in a state of advanced decomposition.
Those wishing to support the efforts of the SQSPCA in general, or to donate toward costs associated with the care and medical expenses of Belle and Oscar, can do so at https:// www.sqspca.org/support/.
Leaning Into What the City of Oneonta Does Best
While attending the Radically Rural conference in Keene, New Hampshire last week, three themes stood out as particularly relevant to Oneonta: “Reweave our social fabric,” “Re-engage the next generation,” and “Reframe the narrative.”
Like many small towns and cities, Oneonta faces challenges— shifting Main Street dynamics, a shrinking population and occasional incivility. But what’s important is how we respond.
One of the benefits of living in a rural setting is the strength of our social bonds. We know our neighbors and generally support and help one another. Our social fabric is tightly interwoven and it’s more apparent how interconnected people are in a smaller community compared to an urban area.
We have a population with an average age of 22.7, thanks to two colleges. We want to entice those students to stay and attract former residents like myself to return home.
One of the ways to do that is to reframe the narrative from what we lack to what we have. Oneonta is never going to be everything to everyone, but we can lean into who we are and appeal to those who want what we have here.
Oneonta does not have the vast variety of dining options or as many opportunities to wear cocktail dresses to galas and openings as I enjoyed when I lived in larger cities, but it has a bunch of things that have made me want to put down roots here.
For me, one of the things I love most about Oneonta is the sense of community and feeling like I can be a relevant part of its social fabric. I can sit in the window seat at Latte Lounge and have several impromptu catch-ups with people from all walks of life. My friends and I can throw
a cocktail potluck dance party in Wilber Park, as we did in May this year, melding several friend groups.
Another thing that is pretty special about Oneonta is the sheer number of fun things happening every week. We are a community of creatives who do things just for the heck of it. Like last weekend, when the Mopar Cams, a local rockabilly group, decided to dress up like the Beatles and re-create the band’s iconic 1969 rooftop concert from the deck of the Autumn Cafe.
The free concert attracted hundreds of people and was the after-party for another cool event— the Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s Hops for History, which invited attendees to travel to six downtown establishments for beer and food pairings.
Following the Beatles concert, Main Street was buzzing with SUNY Oneonta’s family weekend visitors and a Mexican festival in Muller Plaza. Colorful papel picado banners hung between lamp posts and DJ music made downtown feel like a party.
My friends and I enjoyed excellent craft cocktails mixed by Vicky at Roots Public Social Club, and as we sat at a sidewalk table, we said it felt like we were in Europe or Mexico City. But, then we walked across the street and got pizza at Tino’s and it somehow felt better than traveling anywhere because we were enjoying a night out in our hometown.
Oneonta has so much going for it. We have to own what’s great about our community. We need to look for the good and think about what our assets are. How and where do you play and enjoy our community?
Cassandra Miller is a member of the Oneonta Downtown Renaissance Steering Committee and the editor of the “Townie” Substack newsletter.
Sports
Continued from page 7
2-1 lead at the half. Junior Maria Falso scored the winning goal with a header off a direct kick from sophomore Ruby Stevenson with six minutes to play.
Stevenson scored with 10 minutes left in the Homecoming game to give the Hawkeyes a 1-0 win against Frankfort-Schuyler under the lights on Wednesday, September 18. F-S outshot Cooperstown 11-9, but Seamon stopped them each time.
Cooperstown rolled past Waterville to a 6-0 victory at home on Tuesday, September 24. Stevenson put away another goal and two more assists; Pelcer and sophomore Sophia Johnson each had a goal and an assist. Seniors Allison Swart, Alissa Thayer and Sophia Badgley all scored.
Division I leader Clinton defeated the Hawkeyes 2-1 on Thursday, September 26. Pelcer scored on an assist by Stevenson and Seamon made 14 saves. Cooperstown lost 1-0 to visiting Sauquoit Valley on Saturday, September 28, and now stands at 4-5 for the season and 2-2 in their division.
Football Faces Tough Competition
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown/ Milford/CV-S/Schenevus football lost their opener 12-0 to Unatego/Franklin/ UV/G-MU on Saturday, September 7 due to two big second-half drives by the Spartans. Cooperstown senior Cameron Fritts recovered a fumble and caught a 22-yard pass from Brenin Dempsey late in the game, but the drive ended with an interception in the end zone. The team fell 40-0 to undefeated Waterville in Cooperstown’s Homecoming game on Saturday, September 21. The Hawkeye offense battled through a long drive for most of the fourth quarter but suffered an end-zone interception in the final minute of play. Cooperstown fell 36-28 in an eightplayer game against Clinton on Saturday, September 28. Junior Max Koffer scored on a one-yard run with seven minutes left in the first half. Freshman Sawyer Bridger intercepted the Clinton quarterback with 33 seconds left in the second quarter, leading to an exciting touchdown at the buzzer by freshman Parker McManus. Jackson Begin and Caden Laymon each scored on strong passes from Dempsey, and a conversion to McManus brought the Hawkeyes to a 30-20 deficit.
Photo provided
oneonta’s muller Plaza was the site of a mexican festival on saturday, september 28.
►Friday, Oct. 4
ON SALE “Luck of the
Draw: Biennial Exhibit and Event Fundraiser.” Tickets available for purchase. Drawing held at 2 p.m. on 10/20. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.
QUILT SHOW
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Quilted Legacies.” Traditional and contemporary pieces by local quilters. Benefit for restoration and maintenance of historic inn. Admission fee; lunch available for purchase.
Continues 10/5 and 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. on 10/6. The Major’s Inn, 104 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2967.
YOGA 10 a.m. Gentle class perfect for seniors. All welcome. Suggested donation, $10. Held each Friday. Strawberry Hall, WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
LIBRARY Noon. “Stories Come Alive”
reading for children aged Pre-K through 3rd grade. Must be accompanied by a caregiver. Themed craft available after the story. Homeschoolers welcome. Held each Friday. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.
GARDEN Noon to 12:30 p.m. “What’s Bugging You” series presents “Identifying Pests in Your Home.” Integrated Pest Management webinars given by Cornell on the first Friday of each month.
LIBRARY 1 p.m. “Homeschool Hangout.” Join homeschool families for stories, activities, crafts and learning. Recommended for ages 5-18. Held each Friday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
YARN CLUB 2-3:30 p.m. First Friday each month. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
CRAFTS 3:15-5
p.m. “Kids Sewing Class: Draw on Fabric, Design & Sew by Hand and with a Machine.” Continues Fridays through 11/8. Fees apply; registration required. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.
CRAFT CIRCLE 3:30
p.m. Learn a simple craft with art teacher Sonja Eklund. Small children might need a caregiver’s help. Held each Friday. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.
OPENING RECEP-
TION 5-7 p.m. “Within a Mile: Contemporary Art in Historic South Worcester” and “Otsego and Beyond: Photographs by Mark Zeek.” On view through November 1. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.
CONCERT 5-8 p.m. Down Syndrome Awareness Month Concert: KO Grainger. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 9658377.
EXHIBIT OPENING 5-8 p.m. “SPOTLIGHT” with artists of the Cherry Valley Art Trail and the Leatherstocking Brush & Palette Club. First Friday event. Show runs through 10/27. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2645340.
GHOST TOUR 6-7 p.m. “Hyde & Shriek! Candlelight Ghost Tours.” Tour Hyde Hall and hear tales of the ghostly apparitions who have lingered for more than two centuries. Also held 10/5, 10/11, 10/18, 10/19, 10/25 and 10/26. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098.
DANCE 7 p.m. “The 2024 Sharon Springs Dance Festival.” Performances, demonstrations and master classes for all ages. Continues 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on 10/5. Held at Sharon Springs Central School, 514 State Highway 20, Sharon Springs. Visit klinkharthall.org/dance/.
PLANETARIUM 7 p.m. Tour the Fall Night Sky with SUNY Oneonta Faculty. Fees apply; registration required. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Room 018A Perna Science Building, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
CONTRADANCE 7:3010:30 p.m. Fun, social dance with the Otsego Dance Society, featuring music by Tom White and friends, with Ted Crane calling. Suggested donation, $10/adult. First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. Visit otsegodancesociety.weebly.com
THEATER 8 p.m. “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Fees apply. Also showing 10/5 with a matinee on 10/6 at 2 p.m. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
►SatUrday, Oct. 5
DEMOCRATIC CLUB
9 a.m. “Getting Out the Vote Strategies that Work: How the NYS Coordinated Campaign Working Together with Local Democrats Can Ensure a Strong Turnout.” Presented by Kim Van Atta, vice chair of the Delaware Democratic Committee. Oneonta Democratic Club meeting at Get Fresh on Main Café, 254 Main Street, Oneonta. RSVP to Garymaffei@gmail.com.
LIBRARY 9:15 a.m.
“Coffee Group.” Held each Saturday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
POTTERY 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Raku Firing: Bring Your Own Bisqueware.” Participants fire up to 12 items. Pieces available for walk-ins. Followed by special concert with bassist Evan Jagels. Fees apply; registration appreciated. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.
MUSEUM 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Exploration Day: Woodsmen’s Festival.” Demonstrations, food, live music, family-friendly games and learning activities, more. Admission by donation. Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Highway 12, East Meredith. (607) 278-5744.
WORKSHOP 10 a.m. to noon. “Young Artists Create A Pumpkin Quilt.” Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta.
ARTS & CRAFTS
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Encaustic Painting.”
Cold wax medium with oil paints. Fees apply; registration required. Continues Saturdays through 10/26. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 Main Street, Morris. (607) 263-2150.
COMMUNITY DAY
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Otsego County residents receive complimentary admission to The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown.
CRAFT FEST 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “4th Annual Fall Craft Fair.” Cullen Pumpkin Farm, 587 Cullen Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-2103.
GARDEN 10:30 a.m. to noon. “Putting Your Garden to Bed Dos and Don’ts.” Free; registration required. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown.
(607) 547-2536.
FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Athelas Therapeutic Riding Family Fall Fest.” Fees apply. Athelas Therapeutic Riding Inc., Northfield Farm, 1179 County Route 5, Otego. (607) 783-2321.
MUSEUM 11 a.m. “Tour & Storytime for Families.” Included with museum admission. Held each Saturday in October. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Outsider art “CrazyCool Part II: Extended.” Open each Saturday in October. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5327.
SAFETY 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Car Seat Check Event.” Provided by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The Home Depot, 659 State Highway 28, Oneonta. (607) 547-4230.
ART TRAIL—11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Cherry Valley Art Trail.” Featuring open studios, gallery shows and artists with their works. Village of Cherry Valley. Visit cherryvalley.com GAME Noon. “Hartwick Vets Club Pitch Tournament.” Lunch provided, cash bar. First come, first served. Fees apply. Hartwick American Legion Post 1567, 3099 County Route 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-7511.
FESTIVAL 1-5 p.m.
“First Annual Fly Creek Fire Company Fall Festival.” Food trucks, games, crafts and make-your-own sundaes by Stewart’s. Talk with the volunteer firefighters, EMTs and others for Fire Prevention Week. Fly Creek Fire House, 811 County Route 26, Fly Creek. (607) 547-5469.
ONEONTA HISTORY
2 p.m. “Remember the Fallen: Oneonta’s Civil War Soldiers.” Led by local historian Frank Antonucci. Free and open to the public. Registration requested by 10/4. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.
LECTURE 3 p.m.
“The Night Watch: From Canvas to Clothing.” With Textile Historian Rabbit Goody. Elizabeth Hearn Gleich Annual Lecture. Free; registration requested. Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. (518) 673-2314.
OPENING RECEPTION 4-6 p.m. “Quiet Tide.” Exhibit by water color artist Ali Cavanaugh. Free; open to the public. On view through 2/14/25. The Sam and Adele Golden Gallery, 188 Bell Road, New Berlin. (607) 847-6767.
WOMEN’S CIRCLE
6 p.m. “Red Tent Women’s Circle.” Includes activity, story circle and a potluck dinner. Fees apply. The Telegraph School, 83 Alden Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3785.
