Treasurer Virginia Lee Provides Clarification on City Budget
By MONICA CALZOLARI
ONEONTA
The City of Oneonta manages a $20 million budget and oversees up to 205 employees when fully staffed. Staff vacancies have been a source of savings, according to officials. The 2025 tentative budget—set to be voted on on Tuesday, December 3—shows a deficit of $1.68 million. That deficit has been a controversial subject of debate at Common Council meetings since July. Using a surplus of unrestricted funds is proposed to balance the budget.
The city’s major sources of revenue are taxes and state aid. Wages and benefits represent 70.57 percent of the 2025 general expenses. New sources of revenue are needed, officials said.
Raising taxes or introducing paid parking have been unpopular possible sources of additional revenue at Common Council meetings. Cutting essential services is equally unpopular. Common Council members often debates these issues for three to four hours when they meet.
The 2025 budget documents can be found on the city’s website, in full transparency. The 2025 budget is 92 pages long.
Public Safety’s payroll and fringe benefits constitute $9,296,375, or 64 percent, of the general fund payroll and fringe benefits costs. Public Safety is comprised of the city’s Police, Fire and Code Enforcement departments.
Virginia Lee, director of finance, provided the following employee counts via e-mail on Sunday, November 24. The figures below represent a percentage of
the 141 full-time employee count:
• Police: 32 employees, or 22.69 percent
• Fire: 28 employees, or 19.86 percent
• Code Enforcement: six employees, or 4.26 percent
In total, Public Safety employs 66 workers, or 46.81 percent of all city employees.
Public Safety is considered an essential service. There are four unions protecting the rights of these public servants.
The mayor’s annual salary is $15,000.00. Common Council members earn $8,000.00 per year. Prior to a salary increase effective January 1, 2024, the mayor earned $12,000.00 per year and council members were paid $7,000.00 annually.
City officials are proposing to pay for the budget deficit by raising prop-
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Oberacker Kicks Off Winter Coat Drive
OTSEGO COUNTY
State Senator Peter Oberacker, Otsego County
Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. and Angel Network of Cooperstown President Laurie Williams have formally announced the start of the First Annual Senate District 51 Winter Coat Drive in Otsego County. According to a press release issued Monday, December 2, this initiative is part of a district-wide effort to ensure no one must face the winter season unprepared.
“As we approach the holidays, it’s a time to reflect on our blessings and give back to those in need,” said Senator Oberacker. “This coat drive is a way for our community to come together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors. A warm coat can mean so much, especially during this festive, yet often difficult, season.”
Community Works Together To Plan Holiday Weekend
By DARLA M. YOUNGS HARTWICK
roving that community trumps political adversity, and that Hartwick truly is the heart of Otsego County, the hamlet of Hartwick is gearing up for what organizers promise will be a magical Christmas holiday celebration this weekend. In true keeping with the holiday spirit, the event flier encourages residents to “place a candle in your home’s window to shine the light of peace, hope, and joy to your neighbors and all passersby.”
leading up to Santa’s 6 p.m. arrival at Town Hall. Among the highlights on Saturday, December 7 are a visit from Santa at Creek Side Station via trolley at 11 a.m., horse-drawn winter wagon rides, and voting for the Hartwick Historical Society’s gingerbread house entries. “We had eight participants in this first-ever attempt,” said Hartwick Historical Society Secretary Marcy Birch of the gingerbread house contest.
“Not bad, and we’re hoping to grow the event.”
The coat drive encourages donations of new or
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The festivities for “Holidays in the Hamlet of Hartwick” begin on Friday, December 6 at 4 p.m. with two holiday artisan fairs and a slate of activities at Hartwick’s Kinney Memorial Library,
Birch also encouraged folks to stop by the library to view the historical society’s holiday display.
“It speaks to the history of Christmas in our area, and the history of many
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Photo provided
Gingerbread creations like the one above, by the Clarvoe family, are on display at Hartwick’s Kinney Memorial Library. Members of the public can vote for their favorites on Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo by Monica Calzolari Virginia Lee is the City of Oneonta’s Director of Finance.
Photo provided
Julie’s Garden is holding a holiday sale in conjunction with “Holidays in the Hamlet of Hartwick,” featuring live wreaths, arts and crafts, and more. “Make your season shine,” said owner Julie Schorer.
Limestone Mansion: A Bright Future for Cherry Valley’s Beloved B&B
CHERRY VALLEY
The Limestone Mansion, nestled in the heart of Cherry Valley, is beginning an exciting new chapter under the ownership of Jim and Suzie Donaldson. After completing a successful first season, the familyrun bed and breakfast is looking ahead with enthusiasm, implementing upgrades and innovative features to enhance the guest experience.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from the community and the wonderful guests we’ve had the privilege to
meet,” shared Suzie Donaldson. “We’re thrilled to see many of them planning return visits this summer, and we can’t wait to share the exciting updates we’re working on.”
One of the biggest changes at the Limestone Mansion is the decision to extend the season, opening the calendar for bookings in January for the first time in many years. This earlier start allows the Donaldsons to embrace year-round hospitality and offer unique winter experiences to guests. The Limestone Mansion is also introducing several guest-focused upgrades to enhance
comfort and convenience, including:
• Exercise room: Starting in January, guests can enjoy a fully equipped fitness space featuring a Peloton bike, dumbbells, workout bands, yoga equipment and a TV for guided sessions or streaming workouts.
• In-room Roku TVs: Televisions will be added to every guest room, allowing visitors to use their own streaming logins for personalized entertainment during their stay.
• Common area: A new shared space will include a refrigerator, microwave and a large-screen TV, creating a cozy spot for guests to relax or socialize.
The Limestone Mansion recently received a prestigious accolade: Most Unique FamilyRun B&B 2024—Upstate New York from “LUXlife Magazine.” This recognition highlights the personalized charm and exceptional service provided by the Donaldson family.
“The Limestone Mansion is truly a family affair,” said Jim Donaldson. “Our son Jake is the chef, delighting guests with delicious breakfasts, while our son Max takes on bartending and guest relations, ensuring every visitor feels right at home.”
As the Donaldsons continue to build on their vision for the Limestone Mansion, they remain committed to preserving its historic charm while incorporating modern conveniences.
“We love sharing the beauty of this home and the community of Cherry Valley with our guests,” said Suzie. “This is only the beginning, and we’re excited about all that’s to come.”
Whether you’re a returning guest or planning your first stay, the Limestone Mansion promises to be a destination that blends timeless elegance with thoughtful innovation. To book your stay or learn more, visit https://www. limestonemansion.com/ or follow them on social media. Fundraiser Will Support
CHERRY VALLEY
When it comes time to start preparing for the Cherry Valley Holiday Weekend—December 6-8 this year—among the many events planned is the Holiday Ticket Fundraiser. A tradition that went on for many years in the past, this popular fundraiser was revived three years ago in its current form. Businesses, artists, and individuals donate items, baskets, services, and gift certificates, which are then put on display for the weekend. People can purchase tickets and enter them next to the items they would like to win.
The Holiday Ticket Fundraiser benefits, in part, Historic Cherry Valley Businesses, which organizes the Holiday Weekend and the Memorial Day weekend “Spring into Summer Festival,” among other activities. Every year, the group chooses a service organization with which to split the proceeds.
Most recently, raffle earnings have been shared
with the Cherry ValleySpringfield Endowment Foundation for Educational Excellence and the Cherry Valley Food Pantry’s Backpack Program.
This year, Historic Cherry Valley Businesses has partnered with “HQ” at Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School. HQ is headed up by September Schecter, a teacher at the school. The program has a dedicated classroom, open to students and community members, which provides hygiene prod-
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Photos provided
Limestone Mansion owners Jim and Suzie Donaldson have announced an extended season, with bookings available in January 2025, as well as upgraded amenities.
Rotary Club Supports New Food Program for Cancer Patients
COOPERSTOWN
Aceremonial check in the amount of $4,000.00 was presented at the November 19 meeting of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown to support an innovative, first-in-the-region partnership between Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cancer Institute and the Cooperstown Food Pantry that delivers free, nutritious food to cancer patients in need across the region, relieving them of added financial pressure as they receive treatment.
The matching grant, made up of a $2,000.00 grant from Central New York Rotary and a $2,000.00 grant from the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, will help the program continue and grow, officials said in a press release.
“In a significant way, food is medicine,” said Mark Kirkby, program coordinator at the Bassett Cancer Institute. “It’s important that we don’t overlook or downplay the impact nutrition has on the body. Often when our patients come in for treatment, they’re struggling, tired and facing a lot of financial pressure. When a person is dealing with rising expenses, their food budget is often where they cut back. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Cooperstown Food Pantry, which allows us to ensure that our patients continue to fuel their recovery.”
The Cooperstown Food Pantry, located at 25 Church Street, has served local residents facing hardship since 1977. The partnership with Bassett Cancer Institute started over a year ago. Since then, the program has grown from about five patients receiving food to between 45-50 households being served. Patients who are seeing the benefits live throughout Bassett Healthcare Network’s service area and beyond.
“This program would not run as effectively as it does without the expertise of the dietitians and nutritionists at Bassett Healthcare Network,” said Will Kleffner, director of the Cooperstown Food Pantry. “They give us the ability to medically-tailor the food we are providing to match each patient’s individual needs. We are thankful to them, to Cooperstown Rotary, and to every local community member who contributes to our
mission at the pantry.”
Any doctor, nurse or other medical professional at the Bassett Cancer Institute has the ability to refer a patient and their family to receive food through this program. Items are boxed up and either driven to the patient’s home or brought to the patient’s vehicle while they are in Cooperstown, Oneonta, or Herkimer for a medical appointment.
“The partnership that this funding supports is such an important component to the wellness of the cancer patients who benefit from it. We deeply appreciate the support being shown by Cooperstown Rotary,” said Dr. Anush Patel, chief of hematology and oncology for Bassett Healthcare Network.
“Fighting cancer can be expensive and timeconsuming, as well as
physically and mentally taxing, so all efforts to make other parts of a patient’s life as stress-free as possible are enthusiastically welcomed.”
“At the Rotary, we seek to lead by example, bridge generations and serve the needs of our community. The work being done to take the guesswork out of mealtimes and provide cancer patients with added peace of mind certainly matches that commitment. Thank you to my colleagues at the Rotary for their hard work in applying for this grant and seeing it over the finish line, and a special thanks to Dr. Bertine McKenna for assisting with the grant and our connection with Bassett Healthcare Network,” said Bill Waller, Rotary president.
A partnership between the Cooperstown
Food Pantry, Bassett Healthcare Network and Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham was recently formalized, which will
allow even more nutritious food to be delivered to patients in need, at no additional cost, officials said. Plans are in the works to expand the program further and encourage its use as a blueprint for similar partnerships in other areas of the state and country.
This Holiday Season SHop Small and local!
Style Shop comforts for your
Photo provided
From left to right, Bill Waller, Rotary president, presents the ceremonial $4,000.00 check to Will Kleffner, director of the Cooperstown Food Pantry, Dr. Anush Patel, chief of hematology and oncology for Bassett Healthcare Network, and Mark Kirkby, program coordinator at the Bassett Cancer Institute.
HOMETOWN Views
EDITORIaL
Who Wants To Be a Hero?
We are on our way to the holidays and a new—who knows, it might be better—year. Whether 2025 turns out to be better, or not, we most probably won’t ever forget just how difficult, sad and tumultuous, and not-so-better 2024 has been. We often feel these days that we are going somewhat bonkers—or it might be that we are staying sane and the rest of the world is going bonkers. It’s all pretty much the same thing.
But there is a bright side, if we look hard enough. Next door, in Vermont, among the most vernacular and charming institutions that scenic and mountainous tourist attraction of a state has is the country store. These quaint, ancient, family-owned emporia can, or at least could, be found in all the tiny villages spread through the hills and dales of the state, providing their residents with just about everything they need to live, eat, and work, without the grueling voyages to the bigger stores over the mountains and far away. These country stores are ingenious. Not only do they provision and provide for their people, they are also the meeting place for their communities, and many serve as well as the post office, lost-and-found, bake sale venue, bookstore, farmers’ market, babysitter, chatroom, and coffee shop.
Unfortunately, the owners of these gems do not live and work forever, and the country stores often come up for sale. Some, too many, simply close. One is in the throes of this endeavor now. Coburn’s General Store lies in Strafford, owned and run by Melvin Crawford and his wife. They have been at it, happily, for 47 years. Melvin is 80 and ready to retire, but he has been unable to find a buyer to take over the business. So the town has jumped into the fray: A group of residents has established a nonprofit trust, and it is well on its way to raising the $1.8 million to buy, repair, restore, maintain, and keep its village treasure. These people are heroes.
And now it’s our turn. Here in our Otsego County we have quite a number of small businesses—clothing shops, hardware and construction stores, bookstores, cafés, art galleries, crafts outlets, antiques shops, specialty food stores, farmers’ markets, cider mills, jewelry and accessory boutiques, houseware and gift shops, museum shops, breweries, restaurants, and liquor stores—that cater much of their merchandise to only us, the residents—very like Coburn’s General Store (which miraculously carries pretty much all of these things under its roof). These businesses are locally owned, locally staffed and are very often stocked with a locally-made inventory. They are unique, and they add greatly to the uniqueness of their villages.
The stores and their owners and staffs make myriad contributions to our villages. By their very nature they are investing in their local economy. They purchase goods and services from local suppliers, they hire local people, they do business with local financial institutions, and they live among us. A significantly greater portion of the proceeds from their shops is cycled back into the local economy, which includes many local charitable and needy organizations. This ultimately strengthens the base of the community, which, enhanced by these local businesses, becomes more prosperous, and more connected. None of these good things happen when goods and services are purchased through national chains.
So, when it’s time to buy, buy local. You, and your village, will be pleased. And you will be a local, and loyal, hero.
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. Preferred length is 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.
CITIzEn SCIEnCE jamIE zvIRzDIn
Energy Demystified: Assessing Real, Perceived Risks of Nuclear Energy
Istruggled to write this month’s article on nuclear energy, and here’s why: I don’t like risk. Any risk. But the truth is this: To live is to risk. We can absolutely mitigate danger, harm or loss whenever possible, but we cannot eradicate risk. And to assess the risk of nuclear energy accurately, we must recognize the difference between perceived risk and actual risk, without repeating the mistakes of the past.
I clearly remember stories of how, when and why people have been hurt. Like any good human who wants our species to survive, I take great pains to avoid making those same mistakes. I remember learning in school how the United States bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. In June 2023, when I visited the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center with my family, I stood frozen before the Enola Gay, the Boeing bomber aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb. I stopped and stared at this grim symbol of what humans are capable of unleashing. How can we safely and productively harness nuclear energy when this is what we did with it?
We even continued testing bombs after the war was over, causing additional environmental damage and human suffering. When my husband and I lived in the Marshall Islands, from 2011 to 2013, I heard firsthand the story of my friend Katner Tima, who was 10 years old when the United States conducted the Castle Bravo nuclear test on Bikini Atoll. The swimming suit we flippantly call “the bikini” was named after the explosion reaction of this bomb, which was detonated on March 1, 1954. I helped Tima publish his story, in which he described how the sun seemed to rise in the west that day, the roar from the explosion was unlike anything he’d ever heard, and the wind, which normally blows from the east, made the
Festival of Trees Is Cancelled
coconut trees blow backward.
Radioactive ash from the test then drifted over and fell from the sky like snow onto Tima and his family on Rongelap Atoll, as well as families on Utirik Atoll and 23 Japanese fishermen aboard the Lucky Dragon No. 5. The radiation poisoning caused burns, vomiting, nausea, hair loss, stillbirths, severe birth defects, cancer, chronic illness, and in the case of the Lucky Dragon’s chief radioman, death. Tima and his whole island were forced to relocate from Rongelap, and as of 2019, a study by Columbia University showed that despite massive cleanup efforts and many U.S. tax dollars, parts of the atoll still show signs of contaminated soil.
Alongside these personal stories about nuclear bombs and their tragic, lingering consequences, I also easily recall other high-profile nuclear disasters like Chernobyl (1986), Three Mile Island (1979), and Fukushima (2011). The word “nuclear” alone has therefore, for many of us, become intimately associated with the primal, legitimate fear of mushroom clouds and glowing, growing nuclear waste.
We may also overly associate the destructive power of a nuclear bomb with
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Answer”:
I live in Cooperstown and Winter Park, Florida, where I know both Democrats and Republicans.
Biden/Harris are disliked by the Republicans because they don’t want the USA to look like San Francisco and be socialist.
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2024 16th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.
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Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.
We regret to inform you that the upcoming Festival of Trees will be canceled this year due to a lack of participation. Despite our efforts to bring the event to life, we were unable to gather the support needed to make it a successful experience for our community.
We understand this may be disappointing, and we truly appreciate the interest shown by those who have expressed excitement about the event. We remain hopeful that, with your continued support, we can bring the Festival of Trees back in future years.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at our other upcoming events. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at (607) 432-4500.
Otsego County Chamber of Commerce
Maybe Trump Is the Answer
In response to the October 24 “Letters to the Editor, Donald Trump is not the
Trump is disliked by the Democrats because they don’t like his bankruptcies and authoritarian personality.
Trump is now the president elect. He has promised an end to the Ukraine/Russia war and the Israel/Palestine war. He has a history of fulfilling his word, so Dems and Reps should both be happy. Richard B. Richardson Cooperstown
Consider a New, Larger Memorial
My late husband, Bob Seaver, who was on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II as a naval officer, always felt that the memorial on Pine Boulevard was not very substantial to represent what happened. He hoped it would be replaced with a larger memorial in character with the Civil War and World
War I memorials on Pine Boulevard. Therefore, I am thinking the energy and monies going into a proposed viewing platform on Pioneer Street, and for those who wanted veterans’ banners, a substantial new monument—to represent World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the war in Afghanistan, the Iraq war, and many other conflicts—might be more in character with our village. Veronica Gil Seaver Cooperstown
Letter to Village Board of Trustees
This is a letter regarding the proposed Lakefront viewing platform at the end of Pioneer Street. I join my neighbors on the street in opposing this project that will impact everyone on Pioneer Street, the south end of the lake, and especially our new neighbors at 2 Pioneer Street. I was not in favor of this project when I sat on the NY Forward Planning Committee and was pleased that it was not funded through those efforts. Seeing this project happen so
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How physics can power the future: This diagram of a pressurized water reactor from the U.S. Department of Energy demonstrates how nuclear energy can generate reliable, carbon-free electricity. Inside the reactor core, uranium atoms split and release energy that heats water to create steam. The steam drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity for the grid. With 94 reactors operating in the U.S. in 2024, nuclear energy continues to play a critical role in meeting our energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy, 2024)
HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
90 YEARs AGo
Denouncing the liquor traffic as “Public Enemy No. 1,” Mrs. Ella A. Boole, veteran dry crusader, called for its complete destruction and declared that not a single promise by repeal advocates has been kept. Looking back over twelve months of repeal, Mrs. Boole said it not only had “not changed the nature or effects of alcohol,” but had failed to live up to its financial and sociological promises. “Prohibition,” she predicted, “will return. How and when I do not know. We still believe it to be the best method of dealing with the liquor traffic.” The mild-mannered, motherly-looking head of the world’s W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperance Union), who has been identified with temperance organizations since 1897, said that drunkenness has increased and that conditions not tolerated in pre-prohibition days have sprung up under repeal. Women are encouraged to drink, liquor is sold on sundays, and the age limit of liquor buyers has been reduced, she said. “The fact that the sale of alcohol is legal makes many people think its effects have been repealed,” she added.
December 1934
50 YEARs AGo
A fire destroyed six apartments in the Campus Heights complex early Thursday morning. A contingent of nearly 70 firefighters battled the blaze which started in a second floor apartment. Three fire victims remain hospitalized at Fox Hospital. oneonta Fire Chief George P. McGurl was listed in stable condition in the cardiac unit after suffering smoke inhalation. Howard Jeffrey, a former Fifth Ward Alderman, suffered cuts sustained when he jumped through a window to escape from flames. He was listed in satisfactory condition. Mrs. Betty Keeton, a former chairman of the oneonta City Democratic Committee suffered smoke inhalation. she remains in the intensive care unit, but is reported in stable condition. The fire apparently started in Mrs. Keeton’s apartment, probably in the kitchen. Jeffery, who was a guest in the Keeton residence, first discovered the blaze. Mrs. Keeton was in the bathtub at the time. After Jeffrey jumped through the window, David Lander, a neighbor, realized that Mrs. Keeton was still in the apartment. Lander ran in to get her but found Mrs. Keeton already overcome with smoke. Lander grabbed her and attempted to carry her out of the burning apartment. But, finding himself affected by the smoke, Lander ran back outside to regain his breath. Lander then re-entered and dragged Mrs. Keeton to safety. Three fireman, Nick Brent, John smalley and Fred Catella sustained minor injuries.
December 1974
30 YEARs AGo
The city of oneonta again will try to sell the house at 97 Elm street during an auction in City Hall on December 13. The minimum bid will be $40,000. The house at the corner of Main and Cedar streets will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The building previously was used for student housing. To encourage home ownership, the Common Council requires that the dwelling be used as a one or twofamily home, and the owner must live there for at least five years.
December 1994
20 YEARs AGo
The December program sponsored by the Greater oneonta Historical society will explore the founding of the Mormon Church. Taylor Hollist will show slides of local development and suzanne Hollist will tell relevant stories. The saturday afternoon program will begin at 1 p.m. in Room 104 at Morris Hall on the state University College at oneonta campus. Joseph smith was married in Afton in 1827, endured two court trials and worked on two farms. The first branch of the Mormon Church in Colesville was the site of many early baptisms and conversions. Many followed smith to ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Utah.
December 2004
Helios Celebrates End-of-Life Care Professionals
November was National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role hospice and palliative care professionals play in providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families facing serious illness or nearing the end of life.
Helios Care, a regional nonprofit serving Delaware, otsego and schoharie counties dedicated to providing quality end-of-life care, is proud to join in this nationwide observance by honoring its staff, volunteers, and the families it serves.
Throughout the month, Helios Care hosted a variety of events, community outreach activities, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of hospice and palliative care. These efforts aim to ensure that families in our community understand that there are options available that focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life during the most challenging times.
Hospice and palliative care are about much more than just medical treatment—they are about providing comfort, compassion, and support for individuals and their loved ones. our goal is to help people live their final days with dignity, free from pain and surrounded by their loved ones. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is an opportunity to remind the public that these services are available, free of charge, and that no one should have to face end-of-life care alone.
Why Hospice and Palliative Care Matter
Hospice and palliative care are specialized forms of care that prioritize quality of life for those with serious, life-limiting conditions. Hospice care is available to those with a prog-
By MERL REAGLE
Guy Friends… Boy,
nosis of six months or less to live and focuses on comfort, symptom management and emotional support. Palliative care, which can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients and their families.
Activities and Events
Throughout National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Helios Care offered a variety of events to engage the local community, including:
• Educational Workshops: on November 2 at the Uplands Center in Walton, we held “The Waves of Grief,” utilizing art therapy and yoga to help family members handle their grief. At the Gathering Place in oneonta, we held Informational sessions about the benefits of hospice and palliative care and how to navigate these services. At Bushel in Delhi on November 7, we co-hosted “It’s oK Not To Be oK” with the Woodland Cemetery Association—a roundtable discussion of tools for managing grief around the holidays.
• staff Appreciation Events: We feted our home health aides on Wednesday, November 13 with a luncheon and thank-you gifts for their continued outstanding service to our patients. All month we recognized our clinical staff by highlighting some who have been with us for many years with a spotlight post telling their stories on Facebook, honoring the dedication and compassion of our staff who provide support to patients and families.
• Public Traditional Events: The 35th annual Tree of Lights program was held in three locations on sunday, November 24 to honor those we miss with ornaments adorned with names on
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Oneonta Celebrates Water Street Businesses, Holiday Parade
After more than a year of construction, downtown Oneonta is beginning to showcase the fruits of its labor with the completion of the Water Street streetscape project. This revitalized area offers a fresh and inviting pathway to explore the diverse businesses that call Water Street home. To celebrate this milestone and encourage community engagement, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Water Street Re-Opening” this Friday, December 6, from noon to 2 p.m.
The event is more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity to support businesses like the Black Oak Tavern, Hollywood Barber, Otsego Bicycles, Hair of the Dog, Asian Cuisine, and Sip and Sail Tavern, which faced challenges during construction.
The Black Oak is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, with a weekend of special entertainment from December 27–29, featuring Oak favorites Mopar Cams, Trojan Horns and Gourd. The Oak is a cozy “townie” bar with great live music and craft beer selections.
Hollywood Barber, a Water Street staple since the 1930s, offers full-service barbering with no
appointments necessary. Its walk-in-friendly approach makes it easier than ever to stop in, especially with the new streetscape improvements
Otsego Bicycles caters to cyclists of all skill levels, offering curated bikes, accessories repairs, and even community group rides. Its knowledgeable staff is always friendly and helpful.
Hair of the Dog is a trusted spot for pet grooming, with owner Lea Moscatello bringing deep expertise and a passion for animals to her work. Combining her psychology degree with veterinary technician experience, Moscatello provides personalized care for each pet.
Asian Cuisine is one of the newest establishments on Water Street and has a menu that includes Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and other regional specialties. It’s a great option for a casual lunch, dinner or take-out option.
The Sip and Sail Tavern is another Oneonta staple. With a nautical-inspired décor and warm ambiance, it’s a favorite going-out spot, especially for college students. It offers lots of drink specials and theme nights (e.g, karaoke, trivia, Bingo, etc.).
Downtown Oneonta will also be especially festive this Saturday, December 7, with Main
Street businesses offering special promotions to keep visitors downtown after the annual holiday parade at 10 a.m. Parade participants will line up at 9 a.m. on Elm Street and march down Main Street, which will be decked out with seasonal window displays.
From noon to 7 p.m., Lythik Noir Collective will host photos with Krampus, adding a unique twist to the holiday celebrations. Meanwhile, Community Arts Network of Oneonta’s holiday market (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and the Unitarian Universalist Society’s annual Cookies and Crafts event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) provide opportunities to shop locally for handmade gifts.
Santa will also be greeting families at his cottage in Muller Plaza from noon to 3 p.m., alongside college student revelers participating in the annual “Santa Con.”
This weekend is the perfect chance to soak up the holiday magic, explore Oneonta’s festive downtown, and support the businesses that make our community special.
Cassandra Miller is a member of the Oneonta Downtown Renaissance Steering Committee and the editor of the “Townie” Substack newsletter.
Compassionate Friends To Hold Candle Lighting Ceremony
On Sunday, December 8, the Oneonta Region Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will join other chapters around the globe to observe the 28th Annual Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting. The ceremony will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Avenue.
The Annual Candle Lighting unites family and friends around the globe in a ceremony honoring children, grandchildren or siblings who have died
Hartwick
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from any cause, and transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries. Beginning in New Zealand, candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time. From there, the worldwide ceremony produces a virtual 24-hour wave of light moving from one time zone to another. The annual event provides an opportunity for families to remember and honor their departed loved ones, hopefully making the holiday season more bearable. Anyone who has lost a child of any age is welcome to attend, as well as grandparents, siblings, and
customs. Did you know that the first mention of Donner and Blitzen in American prose is reported to
have been from James Fenimore Cooper’s novel, “The Pioneers”? That connecting Santa to Christmas Eve was
other close relatives and friends.
Participants are encouraged to arrive at the church at 6:30 p.m., and to bring a small picture of their loved one to place behind one of the votive candles displayed on a special Memory Table at the front of the church. During the ceremony, each family will be invited to come forward and light the candle honoring their loved one.
The Oneonta program includes a variety of music, poetry, personal stories, and a memory photo presentation set to music. Candles will be
thought to be at this time also? And that Susan Cooper’s ‘Rural Hours’ was one of a few print pieces that began to shape Christmas from a maledominated ruckus event into a family event?” Birch continued.
Kinney Memorial Library Director Barb Potter confirmed that the library will still hold its Senior Coffee Hour, “with coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation,” at 10 a.m. on Friday.
“And on Friday night, from 4-5:30 p.m., Mrs. Claus will read stories and there will be simple crafts for the little ones,” Potter continued.
According to Hartwick Town Clerk Andrea Vazquez, planning for Holidays in the Hamlet of Hartwick has taken about a month and a half. Main organizers are Vazquez, Birch, Sharon Chase, Antonietta LoRusso, Taylor Keane and Connie Haney.
“Collaborating allowed us to bring various single events to one weekend. This is our first Christmas tree lighting and the first time we are offering winter wagon rides,” explained Vazquez.
“The holiday weekend is possible thanks in part to Sharon and Mike Chase of Creek Side Station, who donated the gazebo tree and lights, the LoRusso family, who donated the Town Hall tree, the Chases and Tim and Connie Haney of Cooperstown Bat Company, who provided lights for that tree, and funding from the Otsego County Community Events grant program,” Vazquez said.
The full schedule of events is as follows:
provided, and refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony. Additionally, local artist David Geer has been commissioned to create an original hand-painted ornament for each family to personalize with their child’s name. The ornaments are a gift from the Oneonta Chapter of TCF to each family in attendance. For more information about the program, or on submitting a photo for the slide show presentation, visit www.tcfoneonta. org. Call (607) 746-7396 with other questions.
Friday, December 6
• 4-8 p.m. Holiday Artisan Fair at The Meeting House, 3080 County Highway 11
• 4-8 p.m. Holiday Artisan Fair at Creek Side Station, 3193 State Route 205
• 4-5:30 p.m. Old-fashioned Ornament Making, “Christmas through the Years” display, Holiday Story Time with special guest and the Hartwick Historical Society Community Gingerbread Display, all at Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11
• 6-6:30 p.m. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. (complimentary jingle bells to be handed out for Santa’s arrival), Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., and free hot cocoa and cookies provided by Hartwick Girl Scout Troop #20062, all at the Hartwick Town Hall, 103 Town Drive
• 5 p.m. Prime rib dinner at Hartwick American Legion Post 1567, 3099 County Highway 11
Saturday, December 7
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday Artisan Fair
and raffle baskets at The Meeting House
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday Artisan Fair and “Santa in the Trolley” (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Creek Side Station • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voting for Hartwick Historical Society gingerbread house entries at Kinney Memorial Library
• Noon to 2 p.m. Horse-drawn winter wagon rides (rides are limited and the community will be served on a first come, first served basis) departing from Town Hall
• Noon to 5 p.m. Chicken and biscuit dinner at the Hartwick Fire Department, 3088 County Highway 11 Visitors to the hamlet are invited to stop by local businesses—including Trinity Meats, Julie’s Garden and Hartwick Arms—for weekend sales and specials. Food and beverage vendors featured throughout the weekend include Good Day Mobile Café, All the Perks Coffee Truck, and the Montezuma Winery Truck.
Tickets
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ucts, clothing, and personal items free of charge. Run by students and staff, HQ is a muchneeded service to the community, Historic Cherry Valley Businesses officials said.
Holiday Ticket raffle items are already on display as of Black Friday, November 29. Now through the First Friday Open House on Friday, December 6, they can be viewed at 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. Starting at 6 p.m., First Friday will also feature a lighted tractor parade, Father Christmas, a Happy Haggs performance, holiday karaoke, a fire dancer, and an official tree lighting, after which visitors can stay in the village for live music at Red Shed Ale House, dinner at Rose & Kettle or Tryon Inn & Backdoor Bar, holiday shopping, and an open mic session at The Telegraph School.
On Saturday and Sunday of the Holiday Weekend, December 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Holiday Ticket raffle items will be on display on the ground floor of the historic
Limestone Mansion, 33 Main Street. Tickets are $1.00 each, $5.00 for 10, or $10.00 for 25. Participants need not be present to win.
The drawing of raffle winners will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 8 during the Holiday Weekend closing party, which starts at 3 p.m. at the Limestone Mansion, and will feature snacks, drinks for purchase, and live music by AnnMarie Barker Schwartz and Sten Yngvar Isachsen of Musicians of Ma’alwyck.
“Come enjoy, food, drink, and community in the beauty of one of Cherry Valley’s local treasures, and do it all for a good cause,” officials invited.
For more information, visit the Historic Cherry Valley Businesses page on Facebook.
Helios
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Christmas trees that will stay lit through the holidays, and on Thanksgiving morning, the annual Turkey Trot fun run and walk attracted more than 950 participants winding their way through the
River Street neighborhoods helping to honor those we miss. These two events garner much needed unrestricted funds patient care as well as raise awareness of Helios Care services.
How You Can Help Helios Care encourages community members to get involved by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the benefits of hospice and palliative
care. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those facing serious illness. To learn more about hospice and palliative care, or to find out how you can help
support our mission, please visit www.helioscare.org or contact us at (607) 432-6773. Dan Ayres is president and chief executive officer of Helios Care.
CSD
Milford CSD
Oneonta City SD
Schenevus
Stamford
Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD
Worcester CSD
ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & Milford)
Sub S titute Po S ition S: Teachers
LTAs
Aides & Monitors
Nurses
Cleaners
Bus & Van Drivers
Clerical & Office Support Food Service Workers
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Notice of formatioN of Nelliston Storage LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 16, 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 271 Texas Road, Springfield Center, NY 13468 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.5
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Notice of formatioN of Mountain Magic Market LLC
Arts. of org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 10/25/2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 164 Ed Herman Road, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.5
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Notice of formatioN of The Hounds Cooperstown LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/14/2024
Office Location: Otsego County SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to P.O. Box 365, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.5
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Notice of formatioN of
222587 Family AP LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/29/24.
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 190 Butternut
Rd., Unadilla, NY 13849. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.5
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name: BALLYKIS FARM LLC
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 October 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 257 Pope Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name: RITTON’S CONSTRUCTION LLC.
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 5 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 2593 State Highway 28, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
ZETY ACRES LLC
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 5 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 356, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to
engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLitY compaNY:
The name of the limited liability company is: Hidden Creek Lodge, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was September 25, 2024. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Christina J. Graziadei, 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, NY 13901. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose.
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of 1141 Lewis LLC
Articles of org. filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 10/09/2024. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1141 Lewis, LLC, 1137 County Highway 11, Laurens, NY 13796
Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of W.T. Huntsman Painting, LLC
Article of organizations filed with the SSNY on 10/25/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to William Thomas Huntsman V, 8 Kearney Street, Oneonta, NY 10965. Purpose: Any
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lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of HILL CITY VENTURES LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 05/15/2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.
The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 113 Herrick Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820.
The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLitY compaNY (LLc)
Name: Pleasantville Manor Holdings, LLC
Articles of organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 08/20/2024.
Office location: Otsego County.
Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: The LLC, 4 Glen Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Purpose: Any and all lawful activities
6LegalDec.12
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Notice of formatioN of CRAFTED CUTS LLC.
Filed 10/29/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Brian Federico, P. O. Box 369, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: General. 6LegalDec.19
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Notice of formatioN of SOTO SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Articles of organization were
filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/10/2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.
The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 366 Larchwood Lane, Laurens, NY 13796. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
6LegalDec.19
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Notice of formatioN of MILLER LOVERS LANE LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/4/2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.
The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 1277 Co. Hwy. 14, Mt. Vision, NY 13810.
The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.
6LegalDec.19
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Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Articles of organization of Bajocchi, LLC (“LLC”) filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on October 9, 2024, effective on the date of filing.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 31 Main Street, Suite #3, Oneonta, New York 13820, which shall be the principal business location. The purpose for which the LLC is formed is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the NYS Limited Liability Company Law. 6LegalDec.19
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Notice of formatioN of Oneonta Main Street, LLC, Arts of Org. Filed 11/12/2024. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 16 N. 8th St., Fulton NY 13069. Purpose: Any Legal Purpose 6LegalDec.26
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Notice of formatioN of Tophoven Welding & Fabrication LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 470 Stevens Road, Edmeston, NY 13335.
Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.26
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Notice of formatioN of Next Chapter Mental Health Counseling, PLLC.
Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/24.
Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against PLLC to 22 Watkins Ave., Ste. 107, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Purpose: Any lawful act. 6LegalJan.2
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Notice of formatioN of Van’s Machine Shop, LLC a NY Limited Liability Company.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 11, 2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to Van’s Machine Shop, LLC at 455 Axtell Road, Maryland, NY 12116.
Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJan.02
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Notice of orgaNizatioN of Salt Springville LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
1. The name of the limited liability company is Salt Springville LLC.
2. Articles of Organization of Salt Springville LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on November 1, 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: 551 Salt Springville Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
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: Salt Springville LLC, 551 Salt Springville Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.
6LegalJan.2
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Notice of orgaNizatioN of The Jungle Lounge LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
1. The name of the limited liability company is The Jungle Lounge LLC.
2. Articles of Organization of The Jungle Lounge LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on November 1, 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: 106 Brooker Hollow Road, East
Worcester, NY 12064.
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: The Jungle Lounge LLC, 106 Brooker Hollow Road, East Worcester, NY 12064.
6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.
6LegalJan.02
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Notice of orgaNizatioN of SBH Executive Management, LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/22/2024.
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 1174 Kelly Corners Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.2
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
EZ HOME SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES LLC
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 November, 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 113 County Highway 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJan.2
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY.
Name:
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 November, 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 4857 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJan.2
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Notice of formatioN of KENYON CONCRETE AND EXCAVATION, LLC,
Arts. of org. filed with the SSNY on 11/21/24. Office loc: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Jeffrey Kenyon, 1405 Kelly Corners Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
6LegalJan.2
ABM FIRE PROTECTION LLC
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Notice to bidderS
Pursuant to the NY Self Storage Lien Act, the owner of a self storage facility has a lien upon all personal property located at the self-service storage facility for rent or other charges incurred for the storage of the personal property. Due to the failure to pay the rent, the owner is enforcing its lien and intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the personal property located in the rented spaces listed in this notice.
THIS NOTICE IS BEING PROVIDED PURSUANT TO NY STATE LAW BEFORE the sale, the tenants listed may pay the amount necessary to satisfy the lien and the reasonable expenses incurred to redeem the personal property.
ROBIN RACEUnit C2
ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE: Notice is hereby given that on December 17, 2024 at 10:00
NEWS BRIEFS
HMM Receives State grant
EAST MEREDITH—Hanford Mills Museum received a grant award of $40,000.00 from the New York State Council on the Arts to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. The museum hosts one of the only operating water-powered mills in the country, earning it a place on the National and NYS Registers of Historic Places. For more information, visit hanfordmills.org or call (607) 278-5744.
Local authors Hold Signing
SCHOHARIE—Local authors Dana and Libby Cudmore will sign copies of their new books at the Apple Barrel Store and Café, 115 NY 30A in Schoharie, from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. Dana’s fourth book, “The Cave Electrician’s Widow: The Tragedy at Howe Caverns and Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice,” was published in April by Purple Mountain Press of Oneonta. Libby is a national award-winning author whose second novel, “Negative Girl,” was published in September by Datura Books of London.
glimmer globe Seeks entries
COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum’s Glimmer Globe Theatre will accept submissions of plays, poems, prose and short stories for its 2025 “NEXT! Readings of New Works by Regional Playwrights” and “Write Out Loud” performances through Sunday, January 19. “NEXT!” is one of the few opportunities for upcoming playwrights in Central New York to workshop staged readings before an audience and has helped boost several regional dramatists over the last seven years. Glimmer Globe leadership will judge submissions individually and anonymously, selecting those of exceptional quality for the live performance in the late winter. All submission guidelines may be found at fenimoreartmuseum.org/submissions.
ag. Dept. announces grant
ALBANY—New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that $8.5 million is available to assist food producers, processors and distributors in bringing New Yorkgrown products to market. Proposals are due by Friday, February 28, 2025. Informational webinars will be held on Tuesday, December 10 (farmers and producers), Wednesday, December 11 (processors) and Monday, December 16 (distributors and strategic retail partners). Information on webinars, eligibility and program details may be found at nyfvi.org.
cce to Host Flower Webinar
VOORHEESVILLE—Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program will hold a webinar series on winter cut flowers on Tuesdays from January 7 through February 4. Horticulture experts from across the state will speak on the latest techniques and varieties for flower cultivation. Session 4, on January 28, will begin at 9 a.m., while all other sessions start at 1 p.m. The series costs $20.00 per session or $60.00 for all five. For more information, or to sign up, visit https://pub.cce.cornell. edu/event_registration/main/events_landing. cfm?event=2025CutFlowerWebinarSeries_201
Farm Has new Leadership
WEST EDMESTON—Unadilla Community Farm announced an exciting new direction as it celebrates its fifth year as a 501c3 nonprofit and its eleventh growing season with its multi-story “Food Forest.” Stolen Lands Community Land Trust, with assistance from The National Black Food and Justice Alliance, purchased the 11-acre property as its new flagship location. This will preserve the farm’s non-profit operations and educational programming, and permanently remove the Food Forest from the speculative real estate market. The farm also welcomed new leadership from several first-generation farmers in the Stolen Lands network
from Pg. 8
a.m. the personal property located in the following storage units will be sold by competitive bidding at LS Storage LLC - 13 Lewis Street, Oneonta, NY, 13820. The unit contains household, recreational and/or misc. goods unless otherwise noted.
Start: December 12, 2024 09:00
AM EST
End: December 17, 2024 10:00
Photo provided
ZapOte to Bring Fiery Latin Jazz to cooperstown
COOPERSTOWN—International tropical pop band ZapOte will perform a dance concert at The Otesaga Resort Hotel at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 13. Ticket holders are invited to a free Latin dance lesson before the show, from 6-6:45 p.m. in the ballroom. Tickets are available online at cooperstownconcerts.org. ZapOte is known for its infectious fusion of Latin jazz, samba and funk with intricate percussion performances.
to its management staff and Board of Directors.
“The incoming board and program leadership at Unadilla Community Farm consists of first-generation farmers from the tri-state region, united through the Stolen Lands cooperative and connected to organizations like the Workers Revolutionary Collective and the Northeast Farmers of Color,” a release announced. “With experience in animal husbandry, crop management, education, non-profit administration, and community organizing, these farmers have established impactful initiatives, including nonprofits, mutual aid networks, urban food distributions, and animal sanctuaries. Committed to fostering crosscultural learning and mutual abundance, the new team aims to enhance Unadilla Community Farm’s impact on working-class communities through inclusive practices and sustainable agriculture.”
Unadilla Community Farm showcases and teaches climate-resilient agriculture while increasing food access and access to herbal care for low-income, lowaccess communities. Transformed from an abandoned corn field, the food forest currently provides more than 160 varieties of perennial, cold-hardy crops, including over 350 fruit and nut trees, more than 480 berryproducing shrubs, one-third of an acre of culinary and medicinal herbs, and over 4,600 square feet of bed space for annual vegetables. With support from generous recurring donors, foundations, and grants, 100 percent of the farm’s produce is donated to food pantries, mutual aid groups, and herbal clinics through its Food Access and Herbal Aid Programs, which amounted to over $120,000.00 worth of produce donated this season. For more information, visit unadillacommunityfarm.org.
Roxbury arts group turns 45
ROXBURY—The Roxbury Arts Group is celebrating its 45th anniversary as one of the Catskill region’s leading community cultural organizations. Founded in 1979 under the leadership of Nancy Harding, the group now serves 14 schools across four counties, assists dozens of regional artists and offers a broad range of programming each year. For more information or to make a donation, visit https://roxburyartsgroup.org/.
Lung assoc. Releases Study
NEW YORK—The American Lung Association released its seventh annual State of Lung Cancer report on Tuesday, November 19 in conjunction with Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Although it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York and nationwide, the 2024 report reveals some positive news. The survival rate has increased by 26 percent over the last five years, and New York State ranked in the top five states for early diagnosis, surgery, and survival. However, it ranked 11th out of 51 in lung cancer screening at 19.3 percent, and 20th out of 47
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on the proportion of cases that receive no treatment. Black New Yorkers were considerably less likely to be diagnosed early. New York State requires insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, removing an important cost barrier for the most modern and effective treatments. To view the full report, visit lung.org/solc.
caa Open Late for cFM Stroll
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association will be open for extended holiday hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in conjunction with Otsego 2000’s Farmers’ Market Holiday Stroll on Tuesday, December 17. In addition to the wide variety of work by member artists featuring in the Holiday Show and Sale, there will be Prosecco and chocolate to fuel an evening of shopping. All attendees during the Holiday Stroll can enter a door prize raffle to win a 2025 CAA Family Membership. The Holiday Show and Sale will be open through Saturday, December 21.
art garage events Planned
MIDDLEFIELD—The Art Garage gallery, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, will display its holiday season exhibition through Saturday, January 25. “Multiples” features work by five local artists in a wide variety of artistic media. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday and by appointment throughout the week; call (607) 547-5327 or (315) 941-9607 to schedule a viewing. There will be an artist showcase and talk day by ceramics artist Marcie Schwartzman on Saturday, December 14. Light seasonal refreshments will be served.
eMS Food Drive is Saturday
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown EMS will hold its seventh annual holiday food drive at Price Chopper, 113 Chestnut Street, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. All monetary and in-kind donations will directly support the local food pantry. Canned goods, peanut butter, jelly, pastas and sauces, and personal hygiene items are in particularly high demand. The Scriven Foundation will match all monetary donations up to $10,000.00, with an additional anonymous donor pledged to add another $5,000.00.
Light Show Starts this Week
MORRIS—Otsego County Fair will host a drive-through “Holiday of Lights” show at the fairgrounds, 48 Lake Street in Morris, from 6-8 p.m. on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Santa and the Grinch will attend, and children will receive presents. There will also be a gourmet hot chocolate bar and wagon rides starting at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is $10.00 per car. For more information, visit the Otsego County Fair Facebook page.
Development grant Unveiled
UTICA—The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties announced a new grant program to develop a stronger childcare sector workforce in the Greater Mohawk Valley region. It is an 18-month research and planning project to build a successful balance of pay, benefits, skill attainment and regulations. Data and feedback will be collected from childcare workers, users and marginalized communities in Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Otsego, Chenango, Delaware, Fulton and Montgomery counties. For more information, contact (315) 207-6951 ext. 103 or mkmoylan@working-solutions.org.
Milk council Meet Slated
SYRACUSE—The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Milk Marketing Advisory Council will conduct a meeting at the New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Boulevard in Syracuse, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 6. A virtual attendance option will be made available before the meeting. The agenda, meeting information and recording may be viewed at https://agriculture.ny.gov/milk-marketing-advisory-council.
AM EST Location: 13 Lewis Street, Oneonta NY 13468
Description: Unit C2 - (Furniture, Farm equipment, household items)
Bidding: All bidding will take place online at bid13.com 2LegalDec.12
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of Howling Tree LLC. Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/26/2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 226 Holl Rd, New
Berlin NY 13411.
Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.9
LegaL nOtice request for ProPosals
The Village of Cooperstown has received a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant (#C1002611) from the New York State De-
►Need to publish a Notice of formatioN,
partment of State, with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund, to retain a consultant to provide planning services for the development of an Otsego Lake 9 Element Plan.
A Request for Proposal packet may be obtained by contacting the Village Clerk’s Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York at 607547-2411, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
tablished as 30% for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (“MWBE”) participation as follows:
This contract contains utilization goals pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and 5 NYCRR Parts 142-144 (“MWBE Regulations”). The overall goal is es-
• Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) sub-contracting goal: 15%
• Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) sub-contracting goal: 15% A draft MWBE utilization plan will be required with this project proposal.
Proposals must be received no later than Monday, December 30th at 3:00 p.m. at the Village Clerk’s Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326 to the attention of Ellen Tillapaugh, Mayor Village of Cooperstown. For additional in-
formation or copies of the packet, please contact the Village of Cooperstown at the address or phone number listed above.
Dated: 1 December 2024
Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 1LegalDec.5
or Notice to bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.
SAVE FOR THE SEASON
Elmira, Oneida and Rome are among the other cities analyzed in this comparison study.
erty
and water and sewer
using
balances to cover any shortfall.
Lee confirmed via email, “The 2024 budget allocated $1,834,296.00 in fund balance. The 2025 tentative budget allocates $1,680,056.00 of unrestricted fund balance.”
She shared a 27page presentation dated October 1, 2024 that compares the City of Oneonta with other upstate cities in terms of economics, demographics and tax levies.
“The city’s tax levy is one the lowest in the attached comparison,” Lee said.
Amsterdam, Corning, Cortland, Glens Falls,
Using fund balances is not a viable, long-term solution to paying for annual operating expenses that exceed revenues. It is one way to balance the budget, short-term.
Lee explained, “The city’s strong fund balance has provided for the community during a number of natural disasters, such as the flood of 2006, the flood of 2011, various snow emergencies, COVID, capital projects, etc. As a result of the strong fund balance, the city has not had to incur financing to carry the city through various financial challenges.”
“The city’s bond rating is AA-, one of the strongest possible in
New York State,” Lee continued. “The city’s fund balance is the strongest” compared to other upstate cities cited in her presentation, she said.
According to S&P Global Ratings, an AA rating indicates a very low default risk and a strong capacity to pay financial commitments.
“Fund balance is the total accumulation of operating surpluses and deficits since the beginning of a local government’s existence,” Lee explained. “Since 2000, and as of December 31, 2023, the General Fund’s total fund balance (unrestricted and restricted) has increased by $8,107,316.00.”
The primary reasons for the fund balance rise in recent years was increases in sales tax revenues, interest earnings, increased departmental incomes, and savings due to staffing vacancies,” Lee clarified.
To understand how the city got to where it is today, Lee suggested some history might be helpful. COVID-19 was a major factor.
Lee shared, “During 2019, $843,517.00 of the fund balance was used due to investing over $1 million into equipment needs. (In) 2020, the pandemic hit. Due to the leadership of the excellent department heads, over $2 million of expenses were delayed due to the unforeseen consequences of the pandemic, which meant that those delayed expenditures needed to be real-
ized in the future.
“Since the pandemic, it has taken time for pre-pandemic levels of activity to return. The 2023 budget is when the Appropriated Fund Balance of $1,121,346.00 was needed. This was not due solely to salary increases.”
Total salaries and fringe benefits, however, did increase by $804,950.00 as follows:
• Salaries increased by $300,600.00
• New York State Retirement increased by $285,375.00
• Health Insurance increased by $202,550.00
• Other fringe benefits increased by $16,425.00
When the Common Council approved these salary increases in 2023, the decision was based on a salary survey which showed that city employees were underpaid, officials said. Union contracts mandated that fringe benefits be increased as well.
According to Lee, the city works with four unions: Civil Service Employees Association Inc., Local 1000American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO; United Federation of Police Officers Inc., Affiliated Local 408, City of Oneonta Police Sergeants Association; United Federal of Police Officers, Inc., Affiliated Local 764, the Oneonta Police Benevolent Association Inc.; and Oneonta Professional Firefighters Local 2408,
International Association of Firefighters. Some argue that city employees have a “Cadillac plan” when it comes to fringe benefits; however, the unions negotiated those benefits. The city would have to negotiate further with each union in order to make any changes.
Lee said, “The 2024 budget increased by $1,633,927.00, $1,236,015.00 [of which] being salary and fringe benefits for all departments, with Police and Fire [representing] $955,150.00 of the $1.2 million. This is largely due to adjusting the union contract salaries closer to the market median, and the increased costs with the New York State Retirement System.”
The state retirement system mandated contributions for uniformed personnel ranges from 28.5 percent to 38.3 percent of the pensionable salaries,” Lee said.
She added, “The recruitment and retention of police officers has been very challenging due to the low pay in previous contracts, as compared to other nearby police agencies and throughout upstate New York.”
Mayor Mark Drnek, City Administrator Greg Mattice and the Oneonta Common Council have received much criticism from members of the community in recent months.
The demolition of the Water Street parking garage has angered some residents and business
owners, who claim it was unnecessary and created a parking shortage. The proposed sale of 27 Market Street to Rehabilitation Support Services is being contested, and the tenants of the Dietz Street Apartments have mixed reviews.
Maureen Daly, an artist who lives in the Dietz Street apartments, has brought concerns to the council meetings numerous times and has called the Oneonta police about illegal drug use in the building.
Oneonta needs housing. It also needs new sources of revenue that are less dependent on seasonal, summer tourism. And Oneonta needs solutions. The budget is scheduled for vote on Tuesday, December 3, as the newspaper goes to press. The next regular meeting of the Common Council is slated for Tuesday, December 17. Agendas are available online prior to each meeting.
Coats
Continued from page 1
gently used winter coats and jackets for adults and children. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sen. Oberacker’s office at 41 S. Main Street, Oneonta. Donations collected in Otsego County will directly benefit local families through the Angel Network, officials said.
“We are incredibly grateful to work with the Angel Network and the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office to make sure these donations reach those who need them most,” Sen. Oberacker said. “My deepest thanks to Laurie and Sheriff Devlin for answering the call. I am inspired by the spirit of our local leaders.”
“The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is proud to support this initiative, and we applaud Senator Oberacker for this incredible effort,” Sheriff Devlin said. “It’s always inspiring to see our community come together to help those in need. The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is proud to support this initiative, and we applaud Senator Oberacker for this incredible effort.”
Williams added, “The Angel Network is honored to be part of this heartwarming effort. A warm coat can make all the difference, and together with Senator Oberacker and Sheriff Devlin, we’re making a real difference during a difficult season for many.”
The coat drive also includes participation from other counties in the 51st Senate District, with support from local organizations, law enforcement and community leaders.
“We’re starting something new this year and I hope it grows into a cherished annual tradition,” added Sen. Oberacker. “Every coat represents the generosity of our community and, together, we can make an impact during the cold winter months.”
To learn more about the FirstAnnual Senate District 51 Winter Coat Drive or to find additional drop-off locations, visit Oberacker. NYSenate.gov or contact Sen. Oberacker’s office at (607) 432-5524.
the productive power of a nuclear reactor because the underlying physics is the same: Einstein’s famous equation, E = mc². This formula describes how a tiny amount of mass (m) is equivalent to an enormous amount of energy (E) by a factor of the speed of light squared (c²). The universe can convert one to the other and back again through processes like nuclear fission and fusion.
Fission (splitting atoms) is when a large, heavy atom, like uranium-235 (U-235) or plutonium-239 (Pu-239), splits into two smaller atoms after being hit with a neutron. This releases energy and more neutrons. These neutrons can continue hitting other atoms in a chain reaction. Fusion (combining atoms) is when two small, light atoms, like two hydrogen atoms, smash together under extreme heat and pressure to form a larger atom, like helium. Fusion releases even more energy than fission does; it drives the energy output of stars, including light and heat from our own sun.
In a nuclear bomb, Einstein’s formula is weaponized: A small amount of mass is converted to inflict mass casualties. A nuclear bomb is made with highly enriched uranium or plutonium in quantities and configurations never used in power plants. “Highly enriched” means that while natural uranium (which is mostly U-238 and less volatile) has less than one percent of U-235, weapons-grade uranium must be almost entirely made of U-235 to sustain the chain reaction of fission. In other words, the energy release is catastrophic because it is deliberately designed to be so. The Castle Bravo nuclear bomb, the most powerful nuclear device we ever detonated, used both fission and fusion processes to release an estimated 63×1015 joules (63 petajoules) at once. This level of energy could power an average 100-watt light bulb for more than 20 million years.
In a nuclear reactor, however, Einstein’s formula is put to work to produce a much-needed public good: reliable electricity that powers our homes, businesses, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Inside a reactor core, a small amount of mass— in the form of lowenriched uranium fuel rods—is converted to an enormous amount of heat energy (See Citizen Science, No. 20), which heats the surrounding water. This “radioactive” water heats up an adjacent tank of “clean” water. The steam from this clean water then uses kinetic energy (See Citizen Science, No. 15) to drive turbines to generate electric energy (See Citizen Science, No. 22). The radioactive water therefore never touches the turbines and
can be recycled. If that sounds simple, it’s because nearly all forms of power generation—from coal to solar—boil down (pun intended) to finding creative ways to spin a turbine. The key difference is how we generate the heat: burning fossil fuels, capturing sunlight, or, in this case, splitting uranium atoms.
Let’s look at real and recent data on the actual numbers and what those numbers mean. According to the U.S. Office of Nuclear Energy, a commercial nuclear reactor can generate 1 gigawatt of electricity, which means 1×109 joules of energy per second—enough energy to keep that same 100-watt light bulb going for a third of a year.
Even better, nuclear reactors have a fantastic operating capacity of 92.7 percent, meaning it can operate almost continuously throughout the year. (For comparison, the capacity of coal is 49.3 percent, natural gas is 54.5 percent, wind is 34.6 percent, and solar is 24.6 percent.) The energy output for one average commercial reactor working at capacity for one year is therefore around 8,123 gigawatt-hours, which equals 29.24×1015 joules (about 30 petajoules). Now our 100-watt light bulb can run for 9.27 million years. I think it is important for us to see and understand these numbers.
It’s likewise important to know how far we’ve already come in using nuclear power for our society’s benefit. In 2023, the U.S. Energy and Information Administration reported that across the 93 U.S. nuclear reactors in operation, we generated a total of 774,873,169 megawatt-hours. Again converting everything back into joules, the standard SI unit for energy, this means the total nuclear energy output in 2023 was 2.79×1018 joules (about 3 exajoules). Now our light bulb can run for 885 million years. By this point, we’ve lost sight of just how much energy this is. We humans are really not good with exponential numbers.
So to put it in emotional nuclear units (enu, a unit I made up to challenge my own risk-averse perceptions of nuclear energy), U.S. nuclear reactors last year produced the equivalent energy of just over 44 Castle Bravo bombs. We are currently and successfully utilizing, not weaponizing, Einstein’s formula of
mass–energy equivalence in great and positive ways to power our nation’s energy needs.
But we can do so much better. The nuclear energy we’re currently producing is just a small fraction (less than 3 percent) of the total energy consumption of the United States. In 2023, our energy consumption was 94 quads, or 94 quadrillion British thermal units. Converting again to joules (as we’ve done in this series all year), this is 99.17×1018 joules (about 99 exajoules). We need the light bulb to run for 31.4 billion years, not 885 million years. In emotional nuclear units, this is the equivalent of just over 1,574 Castle Bravo bombs. In other words, we have an immense, astounding energy need: nuclear energy can fill it, but we are reacting to reactors because we are fueled with fear.
Here is the core question I want us to ask other risk-averse people like myself: Given the current climate change trajectory (which really does not look good when we look at it honestly), can we afford to let fear and a terrible track record prevent us from further developing nuclear energy as a consistently reliable, carbon-free energy source?
After doing a significant amount of research this month, even as much as I detest risk, I think it is vital we do not throw out the radioactive baby with the radioactive bathwater. In fact, don’t throw out the radioactive bathwater either—there are now new methods to reuse it!
From all I have seen and read, we are learning from our mistakes. The track record is being taken seriously. For example, unlike Chernobyl, which had a design flaw and poor safety standards, modern designs now have fully enclosed cores and are built to avoid dangerous feedback loops. Small Modular Reactors designs are safer and more efficient for smaller cities. They’re easier and faster to build and have fewer costs.
From Three Mile Island, we learned that active safety systems alone are not enough when human error compounded the situation, so now passive systems are also in place. Heat can be removed and the reactor can stabilize even if there is a power loss or if the operator fails to act for whatever reason.
After Fukushima, modern reactors are
now built to withstand extreme natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Backup generators and elevated cooling systems are now the standard. These are just some of the many new changes that significantly reduce the chance of these accidents happening again. We use low-enriched uranium so there aren’t runaway reactions; better containment structures with multiple layers of barriers; better sensor technology; new fuels that are more heat-resistant; enhanced cooling systems; better emergency protocols and infrastructure. I learned so much that I would actually feel comfortable working at a nuclear power plant myself. This realization surprised me.
As for improved waste management, I learned that countries like France have been successfully reprocessing spent nuclear fuel for decades, reusing radioactive material to make new fuel. Emerging technologies can convert radioactive waste into less harmful isotopes, making storage and management safer.
I find it very interesting that I knew so little of these developments. Part of my ignorance can be attributed to the complexity of nuclear technology, plus negative legacy perceptions caused by Chernobyl and the other high-profile accidents. But I do think the general lack of public awareness and support for nuclear reactors is also caused by insufficient advocacy: fossil fuel lobbyists and wellintentioned but underinformed environmental groups drown out the positive progress with negative stories.
The memories and stories I’ve shared myself feed our natural survival biases. We remember that which is talked about frequently (this is called the availability heuristic), we remember negative events more than positive events (this is called negativity bias), and we especially remember negative events in which whole groups of people were hurt or killed at once (this is called the dread risk bias).
We are not as good at remembering continuous risks—relatively frequent events that kill many more people over a longer period of time. This includes air pollution, poor water supply, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, car accidents, untreated mental health disorders, and climate change impacts.
So while fears of nuclear accidents loom
disproportionately large in our collective imagination, we must get better at assessing risk and recognize that actively supporting nuclear energy production, with all needed safety standards in place, can seriously mitigate the continuous risk of a warming planet, the consequences of which we already see and are affected by: acidifying oceans, flooding coasts, drying rivers, withering crops, bleaching reefs, folks sick with heat and pests, burning forests, driving storms, and families forced from their homes.
We face risks and costs with every energy source. Coal and gas pollute our air and contribute to climate change. Solar and wind, though clean and renewable, depend on the whims of weather and require vast amounts of land and rare-earth materials for storage and infrastructure. Hydropower disrupts ecosystems, causes methane emissions, and is more vulnerable to climate change. Nuclear power absolutely has risks and costs too, including upfront capital costs, fuel supply, waste management, etc. But it provides a steady, carbon-free energy supply and is already a proven technology capable of scaling to meet global demands. The physics of E = mc² and the process of fission ensures that a little goes a long, long way. It is literally the most bang for our buck.
So let us advocate for new investments in modern reactors, especially Small Modular Reactors. Let us call our representatives and ask them to support legislation that incentivizes advanced reactor development with modern safety protocols. Share this article with others
to spread awareness. Push for clean energy policies at the local level that include nuclear as part of the solution, and diplomatically challenge misinformation when you hear it.
Finally, consider joining or supporting organizations, like the Nuclear Energy Institute (https://www. nei.org/take-action), that promote safe and sustainable nuclear energy. By demystifying nuclear energy and properly weighing its risks alongside its benefits, we can learn from the past without being imprisoned by it. This is how we help protect our future.
Jamie Zvirzdin researches cosmic rays with the Telescope Array Project, teaches science writing at Johns Hopkins University and is the author of “Subatomic Writing.”
Letters
Continued from page 4
soon, funded through other means, is a shock to all of us on Pioneer Street. The NY Forward program had a public review process and general publicity; we on Pioneer Street do not feel the same about the process by which the Lakefront viewing platform has come to fruition.
While we are upset that this may be going through, we strongly request modifications, at the very least, to lessen the impact on 2 Pioneer Street. It is clear that the impact to this property owner, and everyone else on Pioneer Street, was never taken into consideration. Had the process been more transparent, these issues all could have been resolved through robust public conversation, but that public conversation never happened.
Patricia Smith Cooperstown
►Friday, dec. 6
DEADLINE Pre-reg-
ister for “Free Breakfast with Santa.” Quilt raffle, children up to age 9 receive free gift. Held 12/14 from 9-11 a.m. Butternut Valley Grange #1553, 7 Bloom Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2075.
LIBRARY 1 p.m.
“Homeschool Hangout.”
Join homeschool families for a group project and build a gingerbread play house. Recommended for ages 5-18. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
YARN CLUB
2-3:30 p.m. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
HOLIDAYS 3-5 p.m.
Visit with Santa. Continues 2-4 p.m. on 12/7. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS 4-8 p.m.
“Holidays in the Hamlet of Hartwick.” Holiday artisan fair, workshops, Christmas display, story time, gingerbread display, Santa visit, dinner at the Vets Club and more. Hartwick. Continues 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. on 12/7.
HOLIDAYS
4:30-7 p.m. “Glimmer Nights Holiday Light Show.” Tickets required. Held Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through 12/29. Fenimore Farm & Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.
HOLIDAYS 5-9 p.m.
“Cherry Valley Holiday Weekend.” Festivities, handmade and local gifts, tree lighting with Santa, lighted tractor parade, live music, open mic, more. Maps available from participating merchants. Continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 12/7 and 12/8. www.cherryvalley.com
HOLIDAYS 5-8 p.m.
“Holiday Marketplace Open House.” Show runs through 12/31. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340.
HOLIDAY 6-8 p.m.
“Holiday of Lights.” Walk/ drive through Santa’s village, featuring Santa’s hut, kissing bridge, hot cocoa bar and more. Held Friday & Saturday through 12/23. Otsego County Fairgrounds, 48 Lake Street, Morris. (607) 263-5289.
FIRST AID 7 p.m.
“CPR Class at the Garrattsville Fire Department.” Presented by the American Heart Association. Fees apply. Meeting Hall, Laurens Fire District Emergency Squad, 940 County Highway 16, Garratsville. (607) 433-2906.
CONCERT 7 p.m.
“Signal Flow: A SUNY
Oneonta Audio Arts Faculty Showcase.” Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
PLANETARIUM 7 p.m.
Tour the Winter Night Sky with SUNY Oneonta Faculty. Fees apply; registration required. SUNY Oneonta
Planetarium, Room 018A
Perna Science Building, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
CONCERT 7:30 p.m. “The Festive Baroque.” Presented by the Catskill Choral Society performing music of Delalande, Bach and Handel. Tickets required. Also held 3 p.m. on 12/7. Held at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.
►Saturday, dec. 7
HOLIDAYS 8 a.m. to noon. “Cooperstown PTA Holiday Market and Pancake Breakfast.” Pancakes, vendors, Santa and more. Fees apply for breakfast. Cooperstown Elementary School, 21 Walnut Street, Cooperstown. Cooppta@ gmail.com.
HOLIDAYS 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Christmas Bazaar.” Crafts, auction, decorations, bake sale and more. Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2993.
HOLIDAYS 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Holiday Craft Fair.” Benefit for the Schenevus Freshman Class of 2028. Schenevus Central School, 159 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 6385881.
BENEFIT 9-11 a.m.
“Pancake Breakfast with Santa: Benefit for ECS Class of 2026.” Edmeston Fire Auxiliary, 27 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8020.
FOOD DRIVE 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Cooperstown FD Emergency Squad Annual Food Drive.” Fill the ambulance to support the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Cooperstown Price Chopper, 113 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.
GARDEN CLUB 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. “Annual Holiday Greens Sale.” Presented by the Oneonta Federated Garden Club. Proceeds to beautify downtown Oneonta. St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Holiday Market Pop-up at CANO.” Local and handmade gifts. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to noon. Santa arrives in Oneonta with a parade and cottage hours following (noon to 3 p.m.). Muller Plaza, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. “A Visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.” Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Cookies and Crafts.” Vendors selling crafts, treats and more. All welcome. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 4323491.
EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Multiples.” Featuring never-before-seen works in ceramics, painting, stained glass and more. On view Saturdays through 1/25/25 or by appointment. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.
FUNDRAISER Noon to 5 p.m. Chicken and biscuit dinner. All dinners served in to-go containers. All donations will go toward new uniforms for Hartwick Fire Department Companies 1 & 2. Will also have donation boxes for the local food pantry and Toys for Tots. Hartwick Fire Department Co #1, 3008 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-7741.
HOLIDAY 1 p.m.
“Gingerbread House Decorating.” Presented by Dottie Brodrick of the former Busy Bee Flower Shop. Suggested donation required. Proceeds benefit the Backpack Program at Morris Central School. Reservations required. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
EARTH AND ME
1-2:30 p.m. “Inspired by Gaia: Poetry in Praise of Nature.” Presented by Gert Coleman and the Otsego County Conservation Association. RSVP required. Held at the Freight Wheel Café, 3097 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 547-4488.
HOLIDAYS 1-3 p.m.
“Santa’s Workshop.” Crafts, refreshments, pictures with Santa, more. Free, open to the public while supplies last. Springfield Fire Department, 5727 State Highway 20, East Springfield. ARTS & CRAFTS
1-3 p.m. “Paint n’ Sip.” Christmas/winter-themed painting with instructor Aja Correll. Fees apply; registration required. Proceeds benefit Worcester-Schenevus Library, Strawberry Hall, 174 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
OPERA 1 p.m. “The Magic Flute.” Livesteam from the Metropolitan Opera House. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
FUNDRAISER
2-5 p.m. “Cherry Valley-Springfield FFA Paint and Snack Fundraiser.” Fees apply; registration required. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley.
HOLIDAYS 3-7 p.m. “Annual Holiday Market.” Meet the local artists and makers and find unique gifts. 354 Main Gallery, 354 Main Street, Otego. (917) 488-5631.
CONCERT 3 p.m.
“A Winter’s Tale.” Fenimore Chamber Orchestra. Featuring works by Vivaldi, Torelli, Asaka and more. Fees apply; tickets required. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. Visit fenimore-orchestra.org
HOLIDAYS 4:30-6:30 p.m. “Santa Claus at the Library.” Snacks, activities and the annual Santa visit. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
HOLIDAYS 5 p.m. “Christmas Tree Lighting.” Pictures with Santa, activities, cocoa and refreshments. West Edmeston Fire House, 156 County Highway 18C, West Edmeston. (315) 855-4404.
HOLIDAYS 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. “15th Holiday Auction and Reception.” Free. Includes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-3200.
FUNDRAISER
6-8 p.m. “Small Town Big Band.” Benefit for the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Donations of packaged food, personal care items and money encouraged. Cooperstown Beverage Exchange, 73 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 282-4374.
ARTS & CRAFTS
6-8 p.m. “Winter Wonderland Paint n’ Sip.” Presented by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta. Fees apply; registration required. Palette & Play Arcade, 77 Main Street, Oneonta. COMEDY 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. “Stand Up Comedy Show.” Recommended 18+. Cash bar for 21+. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
THEATRE 8 p.m. Broadway direct screening of “The Nutcracker.” Fees apply. Red Dragon Theatre, Hunt Union, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
