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YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK County plans to use federal Covid recovery funds See page 12

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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, December 23, 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

Students challenge CCS to confront racism, bullying in schools Cooperstown High School senior Amelia Williams rose without hesitation when Board of Education President Tim Hayes opened the public comment portion of the panel’s December 16 meeting in the school’s media center. In the few minutes of time allotted to any such speaker, Ms. Williams delivered a personal message describing her experiences on the receiving end of racist and discriminatory behavior in the school’s hallways and on her school bus. “I’ve had racial slurs spoken right in front of me,” she said. “I hear one

white student greet another in the hallway using the ‘n’ word. It is not okay for the use of the ‘n’ word on the school bus.” “Why is racism being tolerated in this school?” she demanded, telling the Board and Superintendent of Schools Sarah Spross that she no longer rides her bus because she is “filled with anxiety and fear of a 40-minute ride to school when I don’t feel accepted or safe.” Ms. Williams said she had reported seeing students in the school building wearing clothing bearing the image

of the confederate flag — something others speaking later noted was in direct violation of the school’s policy. The school’s dress code expressly prohibits “Clothing that displays the names or advertisements of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, profane, vulgar, violent, illegal, immoral, or hate messages … examples of some inappropriate displays include, but are not limited to the following: sexual innuendos … hate symbols — Nazi emblems, KKK, etc.” Continued on page 10

Cooperstown Central School senior Amelia Williams

Cooperstown: dispensaries, yes; lounges, not yet

Tara Barnwell

Mackerel scales and mare’s tails make tall ships carry low sails. The sun sets on I-88 between Cooperstown and Oneonta. Mariners knew that the combination of “mare’s tail” cirrus clouds above “mackerel scales” altocumulus clouds meant deteriorating weather conditions — high winds and precipitation were coming, so the sails should be lowered to keep them protected. INSIDE ►HEY, BABY!: Bassett welcomes 1000th baby of the year, page 2. ►EVEN METS FANS DIDN’T MIND: Braves ace Anderson visits Hall and his World Series gear, page 3. ►IT’S A DOGGONE GOOD READ: Kids help Susquehanna SPCA and read to some lucky pups, page 6. ►Santa’s Cooperstown Cottage stands strong after four decades, page 9 Follow Breaking News On

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Care continues despite state rule The New York State Department of Health on Monday (December 20) added Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown to its list of health care facilities with “minimal capacity,” forcing a temporary halt to elective surgeries and procedures for at least two weeks beginning Wednesday, December 22. The Department also added Cobleskill Regional Hospital to its December 20 list of “impacted facilities;” they join the previously listed Fox Hospital

in Oneonta and Little Falls Hospital. Under a November Executive Order from Governor Kathy Hochul, the state bars facilities with a staffed bed capacity of 10 percent or less from performing certain elective procedures and surgeries. Certain electives remain allowed, including those relating to cancer and diagnostic reviews, neurosurgery, intractable pain, trauma, cardiac with symptoms, and others. All 28 hospitals on this

week’s list are located in upstate New York, where officials report a steep increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. The nation’s Center for Disease Control reported this week that Omicron accounts for nearly three-quarters of all cases across the country. Dr. William LeCates, Northeast Regional Executive for Bassett Healthcare Network, said the state’s temporary hold is not far afield from the Network’s case management throughContinued on page 10

Cooperstown: In on dispensaries, out on on-site “consumption lounges.” By not voting on a measure that would find the village opting out of allowing retail marijuana dispensaries, trustees defaulted on December 20 to an automatic opt in that would allow the siting of dispensaries within village limits once New York State establishes its regulatory framework. Separating dispensaries from on-site “consumption lounges,” the Board voted 5-2 to opt out of permitting locations within the village where smokers could legally inhale pot in a public indoor space. Trustees Hanna Bergene and Joseph Membrino cast their votes against the opt-out. The measure originally before the Board would have required a vote to opt out of dispensaries “and/or” lounges; instead, trustees Monday night had the opportunity to cast one vote on lounges and a separate vote on dispensaries. With the Board’s unanimous consent, Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh decoupled lounges and dispensaries, creating two discrete measures for the trustees’ consideration. No trustee seconded the Mayor’s motion to bring the dispensary measure to a full vote — tabling the measure and defaulting to the ‘opt-in’ provided under the 2021 state law should a locality take no vote to affirmatively opt-out. Mayor Tillapaugh recommended splitting lounges from dispensaries after telling the Board that after months of public comment, she had found the question of retail dispensaries the overwhelming topic of debate among village residents, with only one letter supporting on-site lounges. The original legislation combining the two in one single resolution came from model language provided by the New York Conference of Mayors. In a continuation of the public hearing opened on December 6, a handful of village residents addressed the Board prior to the Monday night vote. And like the December 6 hearing, some were in favor of dispensaries, others opposed. Continued on page 10

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

It’s a boy! Bassett’s birthing center welcomes 1000th baby of 2021 Some good news out of the hospital for a change! Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown welcomed its 1000th 2021 baby into the world last week when baby boy Jamison was born in the BMC Birthing Center. “Our team in the Birthing Center has always been hardworking and dedicated,” shares Stacey Jordan B.S.N., R.N., Manager Birthing Center and Inpatient Pediatrics. “But during the pandemic they’ve proven themselves in new ways that astound me. It is wonderful to reach this milestone together.”

Of course no one was happier than Jamison’s parents, Jessica and Cody of Sherburne, N.Y. — especially since they experienced some unexpected bumps along the way. After a smooth labor, he became twisted in the birth canal, requiring a cesarean section. But this was another opportunity for the Birthing Center Staff to shine. “Our nurses and doctors have been phenomenal,” says Cody, “especially when things got rough. I was worried — balling my eyes out — when we realized that Jamison was turned around. But everyone calmed us down,

answered all our questions and acted quickly to do what needed to get done.” In particular, Jessica and Cody expressed gratitude for Sunny Dickerson, R.N., Mary Livermore, R.N., IV and the C-Section staff for their roles in welcoming their first born into the world. “Sunny and Mary especially made us feel at home as soon as we arrived,” says Cody. “We have a loving family who, with all the pandemic safety protocol, couldn’t be here with us. But those two made all the difference in the world.”

We wish you all the very best for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2022!

We hope this holiday season delivers everything you’ve been hoping for and more!

The staff of The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta, www.AllOTSEGO.com Front row, from left: Office Manager Larissa Ryan, Publisher Tara Barnwell, Editor Ted Potrikus, Graphic Designer Kathleen Peters, Bound Volumes columnist Sharon Stuart, Reporter Kevin Limiti. Not pictured are Ivan Potocnik, web architect, and Norman Janelle, distribution. O M C O PE

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THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Braves Series standout visits Hall of Fame to see his ‘Autumn Glory’ gear Ian Anderson mastered five innings of no-hit baseball as he pitched his Atlanta Braves to victory in game three of the 2021 World Series, and last week he visited Cooperstown to take a look at the game mementos he donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “This is the first time I’ve seen this,” Mr. Anderson said, sounding a little awed to see his own major league cap and ball from the game on display in the Hall’s “Autumn Glory” exhibition.

He recalled his days playing tournaments at the nearby Field of Dreams and setting his sights on a major league career. “I still talk about that experience all the time,” he said. “I hope I can inspire some kids to make this journey, and work hard and enjoy it.” Hall of Fame officials led Mr. Anderson and his family on a tour of the museum as a part of his visit to Cooperstown. Before stepping aside to let family members get a closer look at the display,

The 24-year-old native of Clifton Park, New York, just 70 miles to the northeast of Cooperstown, had his family in tow as they took turns to get a close-up look at the display. Mr. Anderson said he grew up dreaming of somehow seeing himself in the Hall of Fame, humbling as it was on his first look. “Of course it’s something you hope to achieve,” he said. “That’s the whole thing about the Hall of Fame. It’s a great museum and a goal you can set for yourself.”

Mr. Anderson snapped a few pictures for himself. “I have to get some video and pictures of this to send to the guys on the team,” he laughed as he reached for his phone to record the moment. “I’ve got bragging rights. That’s my ball and cap in there!”

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THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

editorial

ted potrikus

Just wear it

With apologies to Charles Dickens

A few Albany wags called it “mandate-ish” when Governor Kathy Hochul’s indoor mask order took effect a week ago and roughly 20 percent of the state’s counties said immediately they’d not be enforcing the order. We remain somewhat at a loss as to how a county could cherry-pick the state laws (or, as may be the case, executive orders that carry the full force of law) they choose to enforce. That’s a topic for another day. “They’re saying that just to get in the paper,” Governor Hochul quipped about the recalcitrants. “She’s doing it just to get in the paper,” the recalcitrants, generally, replied. Otsego County Health Department officials — remember, friends, they’re just the messenger here — last week expressed valid concern over their safety while at work. Not because of Covid-19, but because of threats from people irritated by the county’s enforcement of an order that came down from Albany. We’d call it juvenile, but it’s much more consequential. When Governor Cuomo pontificated during his television monologues about his various mask requirements, he’d say something jovial along the lines of “New Yorkers will enforce it.” That it would be quintessentially “New York Tough” to get up in someone’s grill on the street to make it perfectly clear that hey, pally, you oughtta be wearing a mask. Or, as it happens, ramrod into a public office building to express a dissenting opinion in a threatening “New York Tough” sort of way. Thanks for that, Disgraced Ex-Governor. Who’s left, then, to carry out the enforcement or face a big fine? You got it: business owners. Big stores and office buildings will, for the most part, scotch-tape anodyne signs on entrance doors; some may have security on hand to ask customers to at least think about putting on a mask. Mandate enforcement exposes small businesses to the direct and potentially dangerous brunt of a public weary from Covid-19 rules and looking for any opportunity to hop on the nearest soapbox to set the world to right. Our Main Street stores hoping for last-minute Christmas shoppers already are up against daunting competition, and now they have to once again wear the unwanted badge of the mask police. We believe, despite the hassle, they generally prefer the temporary requirement to the randomized essential vs. non-essential businesses delineation that lurks in the wings should Omicron and Delta continue their deadly spread. When people shop and dine in our local businesses, we hope they’ll just deal with it and put on their masks. A grand total of zero business owners and employees want to be That Person to tell valued customers that state law requires a face covering. They’re far more eager to point you to the book you’re looking for, the candy they could recommend, or the earrings that just came in that would go perfectly with the sweater you’re considering. They want to show you to your table with the hope that you’ll enjoy your evening out. They neither need nor want nor have the time to hear a treatise on personal freedom and how they’re infringing it and just following like sheep when this is all a government hoax or whatever. They just want to do their job. We don’t like the mandate; a mask is one more thing to forget when we’re running out the door for that lastminute errand. But early data show Omicron likely has a way of sneaking around the back corner of our vaccinations and booster. A little piece of cloth that protects us and the vulnerable around us isn’t a bad alternative to feeling horrid or being intubated. The doctors to whom we entrust every vestige of our health tell us that masks work. And if for no other reason, we’ll wear them to save our county’s beleaguered health department and local businesses from unnecessary unpleasantries.

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Larissa Ryan Business Manager

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Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Historian

Editorial Board Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell, Ted Potrikus MEMBER OF National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

I welcomed Christmas Past into our family room a few nights ago by playing Bing Crosby 78s from my parents’ record collection. Knowing these belonged to my Mom and Dad brings me great joy, and as the perfectly scratchy discs played, it was nice to be sitting again in the village where they lived and played those same records dozens of years ago. Of course I thought of them as I often do, and, back in Cooperstown as I am, Bing brought back welcomed memories. Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s, with the village’s beloved junior high English teacher, Mrs. Reynolds, always delivering the First Reading, from Isaiah 9:1-6. For many years, I served as that night’s altar boy and knew, every year, that Father Sise would shake his head before the opening procession and tell us, “You would not believe the number of people who called the Rectory today to ask ‘what time is Midnight Mass?’” (To be fair, that got confusing later on, when he himself moved it to 10 p.m.) Marveling that through thick and thin, my parents — and then just my Mom — found a way to pack the living room with presents under the tree. Time marched on to starting Christmas traditions in my own family — some borrowed from the past, like teasing our daughters in the same way my father did to all us

Potrikus kiddos by requiring them to sit (or bounce) at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning while us parents went downstairs to “check to see if Santa had arrived.” Taking the entire morning to just hang out and eat two or three breakfasts. Spending Christmas Eve with our dear friends and their children. This year finds our daughters on opposite sides of the country. It will be different being apart, but they’ll be creating their own traditions with their husbands to carry them through the years. Despite those bittersweet overtones, Christmas Present is, indeed, my Christmas present. Three months ago, I was standing on Christian Hill with family and friends on a postcard-perfect October Saturday as our younger daughter married her lifelong love. The wedding was at my brother Joe’s renovated barn and farm house; Joe and his family did a top job preparing the buildings and the grounds for something quite spectacular. Had you told me that afternoon that a few weeks later I’d be moving to Cooperstown to work at this newspaper, I’d have thought you were perhaps dipping into some of that stuff from a Massachusetts dispensary. Life is funny, sure enough. Here I am, taking my morning walks now on a path that retraces

my old morning paper route. Seeing people I’ve not seen in years. Walking to work. Going to meetings in a high school building in which I’d not set foot in 40-odd years. And perhaps the most mundane thrill: a glass of water from the tap. Trust me: Cooperstown’s tap water is outstanding. The stuff we’ve been drinking for the past few decades around Albany has a lingering hydrogen peroxide afterburn that’ll have you reaching fast for a bottle of that pricy Essentia stuff to rinse it out. What about Christmas Future? I couldn’t have predicted where I am today just a few months ago. A few days ago, one of my Twitter pals started a thread in which he asked his followers to ‘post a picture of you taken in 2020 before you knew what was to come.’ I get it and everything, but my response instead was this: “Post a picture of you taken earlier today before you know what is to come.” We didn’t know then and we don’t know now. The best we can do today is enjoy the who, what, where, and why of our current when. And certainly we all can hope that Christmas Future finds us with our loved ones, celebrating an end to this hideous pandemic existence, and finding peace and ease we jokingly request from Santa Claus. I hope to see you all there. Merry Christmas!

richard Sternberg, M.D.

Life during COVID: December in Otsego

Checking the Otsego County Department of Health dashboard on December 20 showed a distinct uptick in a number of cases of COVID in recent days. Most of these still are probably from Delta, but also are beginning to reflect the Omicron variant. The website did not identify the specific variant of those cases. Dr. Fauci says the number of cases of the Omicron across the United States doubles every two to three days. That in itself is very disturbing. The good news is that those who have been fully vaccinated and, where indicated, have received booster shots, generally show mild symptoms. The number of patients in intensive care units over the total number of people who tested positive shows a decline from those of a year ago. Additionally, the Paxlovid antiviral medication, when available and when properly indicated, seems to decrease the risk of serious complications by up to 90 percent. Even in those patients who are deemed to be at low risk for complications — the young and healthy — Paxlovid decreases the risk of hospitalization and death by some 70 percent. One must remember, though, that the number of people who fall in this category is relatively low. Otsego County finds 500 cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days. This means one half of 1 percent of the county’s population is currently, actively experiencing COVID-19. That is about 300 people. In the last seven days there are listed 381 active

cases. Of that, ten are hospitalized. There haven’t been deaths. There have been frequent breakthrough infections. What does this mean for us in Otsego County? One: The rate of transmission of COVID-19 has gone up significantly. In the last week, the percentage of tests that are positive is 9 percent. While this represents only people who present themselves for testing, we have to remember that in the past, this rate has been below 1.0 — representing an equivalent transmissibility rate. Two: The severity-per-case seems to have decreased. This may be because many of those people testing positive have been fully vaccinated with boosters. I would like to see statistics broken out for those who have not been previously vaccinated, which would give me a better idea how dangerous Omicron is in those who are unprotected. We still don’t know how long being fully vaccinated and having one booster gives a person significant immunity from severe disease. We do know that having been vaccinated and boostered does not prevent one from catching the disease and being able to transmit it to others. Three: We should soon have available Paxlovid for the treatment of early-onset symptoms. The only problem with this is finding an available site to do rapid testing when one has any symptoms of the flu or cold. Someone with more serious symp-

toms of COVID-19 specifically, such as complete loss of smell, will trigger a greater reaction from the healthcare community. Someone with sniffles could be on their own to find testing. So now what do we do? The governor has declared a state of emergency and the requirements of this seem reasonable and appropriate. If you’re unvaccinated, I strongly urge you to stay away from groups of people and make sure that when you are near people they are wearing masks properly. Even with proper mask placement, Omicron seems to be highly transmissible. I, of course, urge everyone to get vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated your decision is more subtle. So far I’m seeing Christmas party after Christmas party canceled or having people who RSVP’d positively not showing up. People are beginning to avoid restaurants again and meetings are being transferred back to Zoom. On the other hand, the Village of Cooperstown trustee’s meeting for December 20 was in person and I attended. Currently, more than previous spikes, I feel that we have to make our own informed decisions based on a risk tolerance. I am pretty much convinced that everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, will sustain an Omicron infection. It’s that transmissible. There are things to do to mitigate this risk and of course to mitigate the outcome.

reality, the town declines into Pottersville, where the protagonist George Bailey gets drunk in a bar that was not in Bedford Falls. The salient cinematic difference between the two towns can be summed up as bad zoning: Pottersville’s main street is festooned with bars. Bedford Falls is not.

Caution is advised. If Cooperstown greenlights “cannabis dispensaries” it should zone them off Main Street. Like way out, man. The patrons will surely find the dispensary, even without a bell.

LETTERS

‘Pot’tersville To the Editor: Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” was set in the fictitious village of Bedford Falls, modeled after the real town of Seneca Falls, New York. In the movie, in an alternative

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

“I own no interest and no party, but my country.” –

Banner motto of The Freeman’s Journal, 1823 to 1827

THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

News from the noteworthy Springbrook

Tell them you’re grateful

Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 Years Ago

Last Saturday night the walks all about town were so slippery that foot traveling was unsafe, and in front of the post office they were a perfect glare. As you step from the high stone step of the office there is a flagstone which inclines at a slight angle, and this was smoother than all the rest. About every other person, on coming from the office would step upon the stone, flounder about, and grasp wildly at the air, and then sit down. A small boy saw that there was fun in store and his yells soon drew a crowd of urchins. They united with him in hooting at those who fell, until there were some two or three hundred people gathered upon the walk in front of the office. As soon as Postmaster Bundy became aware of what was going on he put a stop to the boys’ fun by sprinkling ashes upon the walk, when, with a parting wail which resounded all along the street, the youngsters dispersed. December 1886

110 Years Ago

About 30 years ago the chief crop raised in Otsego County was hops, and no farm was without its field. Conditions have changed, and many farmers have plowed up their hops and engaged in the raising of other crops. The difficulty of obtaining desirable helpers in the hop yards, the competition of the crops in the west where hops can be raised at less expense, the destruction of the crops by blight, all have been material to the change. A few years ago, Adolphus Busch, the St. Louis brewer, purchased Uncas Lodge, a fine villa near Otsego Lake, and began the cultivation of the hop crop there. Today, he has, without a doubt, as large an acreage devoted to the cultivation of hops as any farmer in the county. December 1911

90 YEARS AGO

With Christmas only two days live here. And it is Springbrook, a away, I am filled with thoughts of place I am fortunate to call both my family, friendship, and community. employer and my community. But, what is family? How do we With these thoughts in mind, I am define community? According to excited to welcome over 100 new the Merriam-Webster dictionary, people to the Springbrook commua family is “a social group made nity. These amazing people reside in, up of parents and their children,” work for, or have a family member and a community is “a group of at one of four new Springbrook people living in the same place or community homes. It is fitting having a particular characteristic in that we welcomed these four new common.” While these definitions are technically correct, “I encourage you to reach out what they fail to include is the joy, the pain, the triumph, the to those around you to let them fear, the frustration, and the know how grateful you are to excitement that we share with have them as part of your family the people who we consider our family. Or the many and your community.” families and family members who we choose. My life is made richer by my homes at this time of year, who family and my community (and I joined Springbrook on December 1. consider far more people than my Now, the people who live in these wife and three sons as my family). community homes have access to But what I’d like to spend more Springbrook’s full breadth of lifetime considering today is my long services. These include day community. Like my family, my support options, alternative housing community is much more than just options, employment supports, and the town I live in. It is Delaware even the opportunity to self-direct and Otsego Counties, Oneonta, their own services — all ways for Hartwick College — all places I a person to not just live, but to live have spent valued time in my life. a life of purpose and fulfillment. I It is New York State, this beautiful can’t wait to see all we help each part of our country filled with as other achieve! much diversity in nature as we see The teamwork that has made in the number people who choose to it possible to bring these four

new homes to our community is in keeping with why I hold Springbrook so close to my heart. Thanks to the collective work across many departments, the transition for the homes was relatively seamless. The enthusiasm and willingness of countless people to take on this challenge exemplifies the strength of our community. Undertaking the process of adding four new homes has not come without difficulties, but was made joyful by my coworkers. As the leader of the transition team responsible for bringing these new homes to Springbrook, I am also so grateful to the people of these new homes — each with their own joys, fears, triumphs, talents, and challenges — who have trusted in us to provide supports, services, and employment. We do not take this trust lightly — it is a privelege that we are proud to embrace. This holiday, I encourage you to reach out to those around you to let them know how grateful you are to have them as part of your family and your community, be they coworkers, friends, or family. And, Merry Christmas. May we enjoy this holiday with the knowledge that we share a wonderful community! Seth J. Haight is Chief Operating Officer, Springbrook

BY Merl Reagle

The Point of April 15th…Any way you look at it it hurts

ACROSS

December 1931

20 Years Ago

Charities in New York received just 32 cents for every dollar generated by professional fundraisers and telemarketers in 2000, State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer reports. Of $188.4 million raised for New York charities by professional fundraisers in 2000, the charities received only $59.3 million. The fundraising contractors kept the $129 million balance. To make matters worse, charities that are content to receive just 32 cents on the dollar often take their own administrative costs from that return, further diminishing the funds available for their charitable goals. December 2001 Solution: ‘‘Love Letters” (Dec. 16)

1 African nation or preppy name 5 Writers with cartridges 9 Melodious Horne 13 Loos 16 W hy TAX and TACKS sound the same: Both ___ 20 Library org. 21 Both ___ 22 Papa Playboy 23 Arm-over-arm swinger 24 Sib’s kid 25 Ralph of The Waltons 26 Knight time? 27 Director Riefenstahl 29 Tall bird 31 Student buys 34 Collar 37 Loose 40 Source of Asian butter 41 Both ___ 51 City law: abbr. 52 Opened 53 Like parking garages 54 Entomologist’s first name? 56 B oth ___ (continues at 70 and 83 Across) 59 Annoy 60 Play section 62 Actress Moore 63 Org. that inspired this puzzle 64 Hawaii, basically 67 A car, to a teen 68 Red river? 70 See 56 Across 71 Pill bottle 72 Word before deal or meal 75 Kangaroo kids 76 Evergreen 77 Star Wars princess 81 Snatcher’s target 82 Wine vat 83 See 56 Across 86 Reinforcements, e.g. 87 General assemblies? 90 “Drop us a line!” 91 Fine 92 Both ___ 97 Erstwhile spy org. 98 Glop 99 San Fran time 100 ___ Cabin 106 Thoughtful 110 Dutch cheese 114 File this 115 Way to go 118 Fox, in Italian 121 Billy Joel hit, “___ to Extremes” 122 Sharp-angle turn

123 Both ___ 127 Tokyo Rose’s real name, ___ Toguri 128 Both ___ 129 For each 130 Change for a five 131 German car make 132 Backtalk DOWN 1 Witches’ meeting 2 Mauve, e.g. 3 “Son of ___!” 4 Lucy’s guy 5 ___ out (outwit) 6 Lauder of cosmetics 7 Japanese theater 8 Type of duck 9 Stringed instrument, to Luigi 10 Actor M. ___ Walsh 11 Cornhuskers’ home: abbr. 12 Beast of burden 13 Cowboy’s shout 14 Record keeper 15 Secure places 16 Yawn 17 Above, in Zwickau 18 JFK or LAX datum 19 Skinny 21 2001 computer 26 Oxen linker 28 Imbibing parlor 30 “Rumble in the jungle” victor, 1974 32 Looked over

33 Uniform sew-on 35 Singer Lane 36 1950s hairdo 38 Hill dweller 39 Caesar’s dozen 41 Canada Indian 42 Silly Sandler 43 Greek marketplace 44 Buddies 45 Oct or prop ending 46 “Not if my life depended on it” 47 “Chic” adjective 48 Curse 49 Pot opener? 50 Part of Amtrak’s 800 number 51 Creaky 55 19-in. items, sometimes 57 1977 U.S. Open winner 58 Trig function 60 “So!” 61 Casals’ instrument 65 Protein-rich bean 66 Full of foliage 67 Bug 69 Common verb 70 Where Ephesus was 71 Drop in on 72 Refreshing place 73 Bon mot 74 Language of Pakistan 75 Checkers move 76 PETA peeves 78 Israeli airline 79 Admired one

80 What to do if you don’t see what you want 82 Play about Capote 84 ___ up to (admit) 85 Adheres (to) 87 Secy., e.g. 88 Shampoo ingredient, perhaps 89 ___ Paulo 93 Bridge support? 94 Purpose 95 Charged particle 96 Put on the feedbag 100 Loosen, in a way 101 Unsophisticated 102 Certain Cuban 103 C leric’s garb (anagram of A ROLE) 104 Fungus fuzzies 105 Star Trek character 107 Vine-covered, as colleges 108 Spherical bacteria 109 Nevada city or county 111 Christian fashions? 112 1 943 Spencer Tracy film, ___ Named Joe 113 “Timely” doz. 116 Ordinarily, in the dict. 117 “¿Como ___?” 119 Name of 12 Popes 120 Volcano near Palermo 123 G alley slave’s least favorite Greek letter? 124 A million millennium 125 Day of the wk. 126 Fax machine ancestor: abbr.

THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Lucky pooches spend a Sunday with kids as Susquehanna SPCA, RIF join forces treated well, and reading to them helps socialize the dogs to humans. “The more social and friendly our dogs are, the easier it is for them to get adopted,” Ms. Haynes said. “It’s also about getting them used to people.” She said Sundays usually find only two staff members in the building, reducing the chance for the dogs to have a lot of human interaction. With the kids in tow this past weekend, it was different. “Today is an extra special day for the dogs when normally it would be boring for them,” she said. The SQSPCA is a nokill animal shelter which Kevin Limiti emphasizes humane treatMatteo Basile, top left, reads “One Starry Night” to Petunia while Declan Artale keeps her calm. ment of animals including treating them for malnutrition or illness, spaying and By Kevin Limiti neutering, and finding them loving homes It was organized chaos at the Susquehanna SPCA Jill Basile, a member of the Otsego County Board and (SQSPCA) animal shelter on Sunday as children came to director of Oneonta Reading is Fundamental (RIF), said read Christmas stories to the dogs in the kennels. she had known Ms. Haynes for a long time and decided Children hung stockings and ornaments on the dog to collaborate with her because reading to dogs is not just homes as the excitable canines vied for their attention. The helpful for the animals but also the children. kids excitedly bounced around from dog to dog, all as part “It’s a good way for kids to practice their reading because of an effort to socialize the furry friends while simultane- the animals don’t care when they’re having trouble,” Ms. ously helping the children with their reading skills. Basile said. She said the non-judgmental nature of the dogs Three young boys climbed right inside the kennels with relieves the anxiety of mispronouncing words and encourthe dogs to read the stories. Amber the bulldog cuddled up ages confidence in reading. next to Vincent Moscatello, 9, as he read “All the Colors RIF supports children’s literacy by spreading awareness of Christmas” to her. Matteo Basile, 9, read “One Starry of the issue, creating programs to encourage reading, and Night” to Petunia, a heavyset bulldog, while Declan Artale, partnering with community groups to implement literacy 9, sat inside the kennel to pet her. The bulldogs seemed to programs. They are funded entirely by donations and relax and settle into the stories. volunteers. Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com Reading to dogs, though is not just a cute game — it’s a Matteo Basile is Jill Basile’s son and he said that he very important one for the shelter. believed Petunia enjoyed the book. SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes said many Petunia, lazily sprawled on her back while getting her of the dogs came from puppy mills where they weren’t belly rubbed, seemed to agree.

_________ A complete Guide to

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________

►Thursday, Dec. 23

HOLIDAY STORIES – 7 p.m. 3 & 7 p.m. Join congregation Holiday stories, songs, poems for candlelight service to celand much more are performed ebrate the night before Christby the board of directors of mas. All health department Bigger Dreams Productions. guidelines will be followed. 7 Premiering on YouTube. Just p.m. service streamed to Facesearch for the Bigger Dreams book. Church of Christ Unitin OtsegO COunty Productions youtube page to ing, 22 Church St., Richfield enjoy this holiday gift to the Springs. 315-858-1552. community. CHRISTMAS EVE MASS – 4:30 p.m. Worship this ►Friday, Dec.24 Christmas eve with St. Mary’s ‘Our Lady of the Lake’ Roman CANDLELIGHT SERVICE – Catholic Church, 31 Elm St.,

_______

SANTA – 4 - 6 p.m. Bring the kids and furry friends to get some adorable holiday pictures with Santa. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through a winter wonderland with local light displays. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit www.facebook. com/FNOneonta

what’s fun

Cooperstown. 607-547-2213. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through a winter wonderland of light displays. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. See Thursday Listing. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP – 5:45 & 7:30 p.m. All are invited to worship on the night before Christmas. refreshments will be served between services. Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-5712. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – 7 p.m. Christmas Eve worship, walk-ins welcome. All health department guidlines will be followed. There will only be one service this year due to the pandemic. Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607432-6552.

Tips for travelers amid COVID chaos

Covid-19 wreaked havoc with domestic and international travel, but a local expert says travelers are beginning to regroup and can benefit from a reminder on new protocols in place. “There are some important things to keep in mind now that people are thinking of traveling again, especially internationally,” said Joan Badgley, owner of Leatherstocking Trails travel agency in Cooperstown. Some may have let their passports lapse during the Covid19 travel shutdown. “Make sure your passport is valid,” she said. “Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your arrival before they will grant you entry into their country.” Ms. Badgley said pandemic-related slow-downs cause passport renewals to take longer than usual. “Thanks to the pandemic, the time to get a passport renewed is up to 11 weeks,” she said. “Expedited applications are taking up to seven weeks, and they are charging an extra $60 for that service.” She said Leatherstocking Trails reminds international travelers to stay on guard during their visits abroad, with “simple things” people can do to protect themselves and their belongings. “Don’t keep your passport or your wallet in your back pocket,” Ms. Badgley said. “It’s easier to get pickpocketed when it’s in your back pocket.” Be smart about taxis and public transportation. “Get in the habit of double-checking the seat of the taxi or bus, go back into your hotel room and make sure you have everything,” she said. “Phones, wallets and passports are easily left behind, and tracking them down is difficult.” Ms. Badgley believes applying for Global Entry will save time and frustration as well. “It really pays to get Global Entry, it gives you expedited processing through U.S. Customs and Border Control at airports and it’s only $100,” she said. “That includes TSA Pre-Check, too, and it’s good for five years,” she said. Visit www.ttp.dhs.gov for more information. Last but not least, she suggests signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. “STEP is a free government service that lets travelers enroll their international travel with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest to their destination,” she said. “I wouldn’t leave home without it.” For more information on STEP, visit www.step.state.gov. With Covid-19 and its variants again on the rise throughout the world, travel laws are changing constantly. Do your research with the help of these websites, as well as the Otsego County Department of Health at www.otsegocounty.com/departments/health. As the experts put it, caution and early planning will make traveling less stressful and more enjoyable.

Letters

A Pearl Harbor Day plea To the Editor: I write this on December 7, Pearl Harbor Day for those of us who were old enough to recall the events of that Sunday in 1941, a “day of infamy” as FDR proclaimed to Congress and the world. A joint session of Congress unanimously declared war the next day. America had entered World War II and committed itself to a total wartime footing. Young and not-so-young men stretched in long lines to sign up to join the fight. “Rosie the Riveter” showed up to build the tanks, planes, ships, and material needed to fight a two-ocean war. She learned to drive, work shift work in the factories, had her own money, kept the home and family running and never looked back. World War II emancipated the American housewife! I remember it all, from Hitler’s prewar tirades over shortwave radio to the frantic newscasters on WOR radio announcing the attack and the early successes of the Japanese army in the Pacific: Wake Island, the Philippines, and the Aleutian Islands. I remember arriving at the Unadilla, New York train station late at night along with my mother and brother in April 1942 on our move to the farm. Our only companion was a veteran coming home in a plain pine box. I have always wished I had spoken to him that night and thanked him. I remember VE Day and VJ Day and the horns blaring, people shouting and running into the streets. I remember the boys coming home, war brides and EVERYBODY in America pulling together. They married, built homes, built businesses, started families, and America prospered. We were the envy of the world. I remember the respect and admiration shown to those who had served and returned and the hands held out to help them. What the heck has happened? I am furious about the acceptance of the greed and the motives of US entrepreneurs and major firms who have sold out to the Chinese by investing in China and providing them with OUR technology to be used against

America. Their greed is reprehensible and traitorous. I am embarrassed by the way our forefathers are being degraded and attacked and their brilliant foresight in creating a better form of governance being forgotten and disrespected. Our history is being taken from us. Proven ballot theft and tampering is a direct attack on our representative government and should be resolved in the courts, not the public arena. I would rather you steal my car than my vote. I am disgusted and disappointed with our current crop of politicians and their “hangers on” on both sides of the aisle. What the heck is going on? Politicians and their families are being openly enriched via foreign agreements and diplomatic arm twisting. They should be prosecuted. I am scared to death of the indoctrination of our children via the educational system into socialist values that have never worked elsewhere and often have led to communism and dictatorships. The denial of our history and our forefathers is in textbook 101 of their playbook. Have all our men and women who sacrificed so much in the many wars died in vain? If so, then shame on us. Future generations are being buried in debt used to pay today’s proffered benefits. Much of that debt being owned by China and subject to being called at any time. What can we do about it? Pay attention, do our homework. VOTE! Pay less attention to the comics and the obituaries (just kidding) and more on the real news. Please read about Mussolini and his dictatorship, read about Hitler and the National Socialist Party, read about Greece and its civil war to defeat communism. Read about the Spanish Civil War, (complicated). Read about Cuba, Venezuela, and China. They all began with a socialist agenda and morphed into communism and then dictatorships. Our press has been compromised, the airways as well and TV is only good for the weather and entertainment. Read about Bolivia. If you only read fiction, try George Orwell’s 1984. It’s only a story but given today’s state of affairs it’s a start. Earle Peterson Cooperstown

An opinion on patriotism To the Editor, The Democrats have control of our country currently and the leadership has come under control of globalist radicals trying to implement their “Global Great Reset.” They need to take this country out of the way first so they can proceed. This is why they had to take the 2020 election and the Georgia Senate runoff in January. Four more years of Trump would have probably put an end to their longprogressing plan. It’s on fast track now because of how Trump exposed them. If their agenda is left unchecked, we will lose our freedoms, rights, savings, religion, and everything our Constitution stands for. We have to realize: currently all our Democrat representatives are following leadership like a flock of sheep, while too many of our Republicans are playing soft ball to the Democrats hard ball. What can we do? We must speak out, not conform, to unconstitutional mandates, plus identify and support our true patriots that are willing to stand up for us and our country. Mike Lindell has shown his patriotism by launching his website that offers truth in what is really going on and some things we might do. He has hard facts about the election that need to get to the Supreme Court. The religious based Faith & Freedom Coalition tells you how they use contributions and how far they reach. President Trump (like him or not) is a true patriot. I can tolerate him if he can help us save our country. There are many patriot politicians across our country we must identify and support. Every freedom-loving citizen must stand up now to save our great country. We must know exactly what is coming at us and react before it will take guns and deaths to regain our freedom. Prayer should also be part of our priority. Bruce Beckert South New Berlin

THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

OBITUARIES Joan M. Crandall, 87

March 11, 1934 – December 8, 2021 ONEONTA – Joan M. Crandall passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in her home on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Joan was born on March 11, 1934 to Myrtle (Barnes) and Malcolm Misner in Sidney, N.Y. She grew up in Sidney in the midst of a large loving extended family during the Great Depression. She graduated from Sidney Central High School in 1952. She started a full time job 3 days after graduation at Scintilla, before it was called Bendix. It was there she met her future husband, Gerald

M. Crandall. She fondly recalled trips from Sidney to Binghamton with her girlfriends to get her hair done on Saturdays to go out on dates with Gerry. She would then take the bus to Oneonta and Gerry would drive her home afterwards. They were married on August 19, 1956 at the Sacred Heart Church in Sidney, N.Y., and were married for 45 years until his passing in 2001. They settled in Oneonta, where Gerry was from, and started their family. They purchased a home on the hill to what is now the Hartwick College entrance where they had the first of 5 daughters.

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

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

Legal

Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BLC Keeping, LLC Article of Organization filed 12/03/21 with the Secretary of State Office Location: Otsego County SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 197 Main St Worcester NY 12197 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.20

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, 832 Winney Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalJan.20

Notice of Formation of Twin Mountain Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/30/2019. 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

Filed 10/28/21 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 253 Southside Dr, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

Legal nOtice

Rooted Space LLC

Notice of Formation of

Filed 10/15/20 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 87, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.13

Articles of Organization were filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 26 November, 2021. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent for process and shall mail to: PO Box 132, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.13

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability

312 Cornish Hill Road LLC

Legal nOtice

Legal

Oneonta Yoga LLC

A favorite story of team, at one point Joan’s was that she holding the posionce counted 56 tion of President diapers hanging out of the Parents for on a line to dry. the Oneonta Otters. The college She so enjoyed purchased the being able to travel home from them and proudly watch and they moved her son swim, and to the West End Joan M. Crandall continued through of Oneonta where to follow through they continued with the Oneonta growing their family by High School boys swimadding another daughter ming club following grandand finally, a son. This was sons who swam. also where she lived for the Joan had many interests remaining 56 years. and even more talent. She During the busy years was an accomplished seamof raising 7 children Joan stress and created many was an active member of St treasured dresses and then Mary’s Church and school. counted cross-stitch pieces, She was active in almost many of which are prized every function and activity possessions of family and that went on at the school, friends. She sang in the including all of the class- choir at St. Mary’s and was rooms with a Crandall kid in a patron of the local arts and them. She could most often enjoyed traveling on bus be found helping out in the trips to New York City to kitchen of the school or the attend Broadway shows. office with other moms. After she retired she came Summer time would find into her own when she fell she and Gerry bringing in love with country line the family to Gilbert Lake dancing. She danced at for a stay in a cabin, and Wendy Wade’s for 10 years numerous day picnics were performing in dance recispent there. tials where the country line She went back to work dancers received standing full time in 1973 at the Social ovations. She liked to say, Security Administration good naturedly, that those Office in Oneonta, receiving were the ‘10 best years numerous advancements of her life” , much to the in the 24 years she worked chagrin of her children! She there. In addition to working was very sad when she had full time, she belonged to to stop due to her health. numerous clubs and sociShe volunteered at the eties, where her passion Hospice thrift shop. and was fulfilled when assisted traveled to several states to with the YMCA’s swim see her children, a favorite

Legal

LEGALS

Company (LLC). Name: DRI 8, LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 November 2021. 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 393 Main Street Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalJan13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: LIFE & LIBERTY FIREARMS LLC. Articles of Orga-

experience was visiting the Grand Canyon 4 times. She was a proud supporter of The Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble, The Friends of Huntington Library and the Oneonta Community Concert Band, Attending her last concert this past fall. She also belonged to the Red Hat Society and the Young at Hearts Club. She kept up with her childhood friends and was active with her Sidney Alumni Society, attending quarterly lunches with her friends of 80 plus years. She leaves behind the people that she loved the most, her family. She leaves behind her two sisters, Judy Lieungh of Tenn. and Diane Arnold of Saline, Mich. She was very proud of her 7 children, 20 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. She enjoyed being teased in the middle of a noisy gathering that this was all her fault, reminding her that she and Gerry started this! Her children include, Maureen and Bill Decker, of Oneonta, Kathleen and Ted Bailey of Oneonta, Colleen Clune of Harrisburg, Eileen Crandall of Tempe, Ariz., Darleen and Randy Bussy of Indianapolis, Ind., Charleen and Ken Taylor of Franklin, N.Y. and Fla., and Michael and Kim Crandall, of Queensbury, N.Y. Grandchildren include Matthew and Toby Decker, Stephen Decker, Melissa Decker, Braden

Decker, Daniel Decker, Rory Decker, and Brenna Decker. Kristopher and Marie Crandall, Joshua and Elizabeth Bailey, Colin and Aline Crandall, Todd and Keri Bailey, Cameron Bailey, Jonathan Bailey. Jaclyn and Jason Gaddis, Julie and Jeff Hoke, Morgan Bussy, Spencer Bussy, Christian Crandall, Madison Crandall and Noah Crandall. Great Grandchildren include Merrick, Jaxon, Nathan and Mason, Sophie and Millie, Maisie, Jackson,Teddy and Everett, Tyler, Liam and Kaden, Brinlee and Colton, Kylie, Emma, Bella, and Lily, and Leo. She also leaves behind her Sidney childhood friends who came to see her faithfully every month in the last year of her life, Helen Rosenkranz and Jean Warner. She leaves behind her “adopted’ daughter Inez Vagliardo who pampered her for the last 2 years of her life and we will be forever grateful for this friendship. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Gerald Crandall, one son-in-law John Clune, and her parents and 2 brother-in-laws. The whole Crandall family would like to send out a special thank you to everyone at Helios Care, they are an incredible group of people whose compassion, knowledge and resources are beyond compare. Funeral service will be held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to Helios Care, at HeliosCare.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. grummonsfuneralhome. com for the Crandall family.

Legal

nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 24 November 2021. 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 452 Gulf Road, Hartwick, NY 13348. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJan.6

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 15 South Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalDec.30

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.30

Filed 11/1/21 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 1290, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.23

ful activity. 6LegalDec.23

Legal nOtice

Name:

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: 79 BEAVER STREET LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 17 November 2021.

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of IVERSON HERITAGE FARMS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/06/2021. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1193 County Highway 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of PALMS AND PINES PROPERTIES LLC. Arts of Org. filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 4/7/21. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 128 Zephyr Knoll, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalDec.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 29 Pioneer Street LLC

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

Notice of Formation of

TAUZEL FARMS LLC.

CONY ASSOCIATES LLC

Certificate of Conversion filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 25 October 2021. 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 117 White House Crossing, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalDec.23

filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/3/2021. Office loc.: Otsego County. The principal business address is 4758 NY-28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to 303 W. Lancaster Ave., #290, Wayne, PA 19087. Purpose: Any law-

►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or LarissaR@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

OBITUARIES Robert R. “Bob” Brady, 70 October 29, 1951 – December 13, 2021

SCHENEVUS – Robert R. “Bob” Brady, 70, passed away at home in the comfort of his family on December 13, 2021. Bob was born October 29, 1951, in Cooperstown, the son of Arthur and Virginia (Meade) Brady. He graduated from Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus. Bob worked as a driver for UPS for 29 years. He always kept busy with excavation side jobs, as he would say working with “big toys in the big sandbox”. Bob is survived by his

be held at a later wife, Kathy Brady; daughter, Kathryne date. Donations may Brady Mancini and grandchilbe made to the dren, Nicholas and SPCA (www. sqspca.org). Alexis Mancini; daughter, Alizabeth Online condolences may be Brady; stepson, sent to www. Scott Brandow, and grandchildren, Robert R. Brady lhpfuneralhome. Hannah and Jake com Arrangements Brandow; siblings, Scott Brady and Robin are with Oneonta’s only (Randy) Hubbard; a niece family-owned funeral home, and two nephews. Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono He was predeceased by at 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta. his parents and brother, Arthur “Butch” Brady Jr. A celebration of life will

John Robert Oakley

Victoria Weaver, 69

September 21, 1952 – December 16, 2021 ONEONTA – Victoria Weaver, 69, passed away at home on December 16, 2021 after a long battle with diabetes. She was born September 21, 1952 in Hackensack, N.J., the daughter of Victor and Laura (Hungerford) Minutolo. Victoria graduated from Oneonta High School in 1970. She married Charles Joseph Weaver on March 16, 1973 in West Oneonta. Victoria had a daycare in her home for many years. She enjoyed gardening and loved spending time in her kitchen, cooking and baking. She was known for her beau-

July 20, 1945 – December 17, 2021 CHERRY VALLEY – John Robert Oakley, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother who worked for many years as a logger and then a loom operator and technician for Thistle Hill Weavers, passed Friday night, December 17, 2021, at his home on Chestnut Ridge Road surrounded by his family. He was 76. Born July 20, 1945, in Muncie, Indiana, John was a son of William Marion Oakley and Ruth (Dunn) Oakley. For many years he was employed by Otsego Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a foreman for the line clearance crew. In recent years he joined with his wife, Rabbit Goody in oper-

ating Thistle Hill Weavers in Cherry Valley. John was especially adept at maintaining and repairing the complex looms and machinery involved with the day-to-day operations at Thistle Hill Weavers, and was greatly appreciated for his expertise and engineering skills. He will be fondly remembered as a calm and peaceful man who possessed a special and unique relationship with his God. John will be greatly missed by his wife, Rabbit Goody of Cherry Valley; his four children from a previous marriage, Hollyann Oakley of Cherry Valley and her children, Jasmine and Jacob Neill, Daniel

Oakley and wife, Diana of Cherry Valley and their children Dorothy and Gabriel Oakley, Courtney McInnis and husband, Josh of Mountain View, Hawaii and their children Isaiah, Elijah, Aaron, Azariah, Tabitha and Noah John, and Rebecca Sutherland and husband Guy of Boston, New York and their children Clara and Griffin; a sister, Virginia Braley of Milwaukee, Wis.; a brother William Oakley of Charleston, S.C., and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of John’s life will be held next year. Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Douglas K. Walrath, 92

tiful wedding and A celebration of anniversary cakes. life will be held at She and her family a later time. enjoyed their trips Donations may be made to the to Topsail, N.C., where Victoria loved American Cancer visiting the beach. Society. She is survived A heartfelt by her husband, Joe thank you to the Weaver; daughters, Victoria Weaver Helios staff for their kindness and Trisha (Christopher) compassion given Matz of Davenport and Heidi (James) Ulmer to Victoria. Online condolences to may of Wells Bridge; grandsons, Darrion and Tanner be sent to, www.lhpfuneralMatz; 4 brothers, Russell, home.com Arrangements are Andrew, Michael and David with Oneonta’s only family Minutolo; several nieces, owned funeral home, Lewis, nephews and cousins; as Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 well as her beloved puppy, Dietz Street, Oneonta. Molly.

Janice L. Kelly, 86

March 13, 1935 – December 14, 2021 Oneonta – Janice at St. James. L. Kelly, 86, passed She enjoyed the away on December many activities 14, 2021 at A.O. including arts Fox Nursing Home, and crafts, and Oneonta. playing bingo She was born and Rummikub. Janice was an avid March 13, 1935 in Norwood, N.Y., the reader. She also daughter of Harold Janice L. Kelly had a lot of fun L. and Gertrude being the execu(Sessions) Fuller. tive producer of Janice married the love three of her daughter Lori’s of her life, Richard F. Kelly feature films. on February 27, 1954 in She is survived by her Saranac Lake. He prede- children, Dawn (David) ceased her on November 6, Vergari, Lori Kelly-Bailey, 2011. and Brian Kelly (Sarah Janice was the secretary Sanderson); grandchildren, for the family business, Justin Ploutz, Megan Ploutz, KMS Plastics in Oneonta. Michael Vergari, Alyssa She was a member of the Albert, David Vergari, First Presbyterian Church Alysa Blasetti-Sprague in Oneonta. Janice loved and Joel Plue and many the time she spent living great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Shirley and grandson, David Fuller. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. with the service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. The Rev. Mark Montfort will be officiating. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Oneonta, at a later date. Donations may be sent to, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

December 11, 1929 – December 17, 2021

MeMories to Cherish every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation. Be sure to remind your funeral director to provide obituary information to our newspapers, along with a favorite photo of your loved one. Or submit the information yourself, directly to info@AllOtsegO.com, or by filling out a special form at www.AllOtsegO.com/loved-ones/

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wife of 54 years, the former Margaret (Peg) Blencoe, whom he married on July 22, 1967, in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown; their daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Walrath-Tamayo and her husband, Salvador of West Chicago, Illinois; and two grandchildren, Salvador Douglas Tamayo of Madrid, Spain and Sofia Vareliana Tamayo of West Chicago, Illinois. He is further survived by his wife’s sister and husband, Ruth and Peter Deddish of Oak Park, Illinois and their family, and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Douglas O. Walrath who died July 30, 1974; his mother, Bertha K. Walrath who died November 11, 1987; his brother, James O. Walrath who died April 8, 2012, and a nephew, James C. “JC” Walrath who died June 10, 2006. A service to celebrate and honor Doug Walrath’s life is being planned for the summer of 2022. It will be held at Christ Church, Cooperstown, with interment to follow in the Blencoe Family plot in Lakewood Cemetery. As a way to honor the memory of Doug’s life, his family would appreciate memorial donations to the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation, PO Box 993, Cooperstown, NY 13326, or to the faith-based organization of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Chief Budget Officer. He attended the training school sponsored by the New York State Conference of Mayors and in 1969 received their five-year award for training. He also helped organize the New York State Association of Municipal Purchasing Officials and served as Secretary. His service to the community extended to his work as treasurer of the parent support group that raised funds to send the CCS Girls Field Hockey team to Australia in 1983. He also served as scorekeeper for the town ball club in the 1960s. After retirement in June 1990, he continued serving the Village of Cooperstown when he was appointed to complete Jim Woolson’s unexpired term as Village Trustee. He also served a short term on the Village Water Board. Of the Episcopal faith, Doug was a lifelong faithful and dedicated member of Christ Church in Cooperstown. After a dozen years of service, he retired in 2005 as church treasurer. He also served as a Sunday School teacher and Junior Warden of the Vestry. An active and dedicated member of the Cooperstown Rotary Club since 1970, Doug was a Paul Harris Fellow and served on the House Committee. He was also a member of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128. Throughout Doug’s life, he was always devoted to his God, his family, his local community and his country with a faithfulness that was truly honorable. Doug is survived by his

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COOPERSTOWN – Douglas K. Walrath, beloved husband, father and grandfather, who served the Village of Cooperstown as Clerk, Treasurer and Administrator and who was active with the Rotary Club and Christ Church, left us suddenly and unexpectedly Douglas K. after a Walrath b r i e f illness Friday afternoon, December 17, 2021, at Bassett Medical Center with his wife, Peg, and Fr. Nathan Ritter, his pastor by his side. He was 92. Born December 11, 1929, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Douglas Kramer Walrath was one of two sons of Douglas O. and Bertha (Kramer) Walrath. Raised in the Village, he graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1947. During the Korean War, Doug proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was badly wounded while on active duty and received the Purple Heart in April 1951. Following his military service, Doug attended Ithaca College and earned a bachelor of science degree in radio and television graduating magna cum laude. Beginning in February of 1965, Doug was employed by the Village of Cooperstown and served as Village Clerk and clerk of all the Village boards. As Village Treasurer, he was Administrator and

founded

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THURSDAY, DEcember 23, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

Santa’s one-of-a-kind Cottage marks 40 cozy years This week’s edition goes to press as Santa Claus makes his final preparations for his Christmas Eve trip around the globe, but for the last four decades, he’s had a wonderful place to call home in his visits to Cooperstown. The 2021 Christmas season marks the fortieth anniversary of the village’s oneof-a-kind Christmas Cottage, located each year in Pioneer Park. That the Cottage still looks brand-new is testimony to its design and construction — not to mention the TLC the Village and the Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee devotes to the structure. Fly Creek residents Lena and Bruce Guyot, expert designers of dollhouse kits for Greenleaf Dollhouses, Inc., created the life-sized Cottage from the ground up in the summer of 1981 after Santa’s former Cooperstown abode — two red storage huts on loan annually to the village from the Agway store on Railroad Avenue — would no longer be available. With only a few months before Christmas, the Guyots and the Christmas Committee met, designed, and created a miniature-scale model for the

new building. “It was a lovely combination of people and talent to make that cottage happen,” Lena Guyot recalled. “We had a couple of months at best to take it from design to model to completion.” “People knew that Bruce and I designed dollhouses and kits,” she said. “The Committee came to us and we thought we could do something special that was in keeping with the beauty of the village.” Detail was key, she said, including commissioning a stenciling artist to incorporate the image of a mouse hole on the Cottage’s interior wall. “Not a creature was stirring, you know,” she said. “We needed to have a mouse hole!” “It’s the teeny tiny details that make hard work fun,” she said, noting design specs like a front and back door to the building “so that there’d be a place for family members to watch while their kids interview Santa Claus.” “We never did this for the credit,” she said. “We wanted to keep the joy and innocence of Christmas alive and make it come to life on Main Street.” Cooperstown carpenter Jim Dean volunteered to First United Methodist Church firstumc-oneonta.org build the Cottage to scale based on the Guyots’ original drawings and the model. The Christmas Committee provided the materials. “The design is specJoin us for Christmas Eve tacular,” Mr. Dean said, Candlelight Communion Service looking back on the work on its anniversary. He Santa’s Cottage, Main Street Cooperstown at 8pm collaborated with furniIn Person and on Zoom-Meeting ture restorer and master “We were really fortunate to have someID: 195 736 049 craftsman Bill Ralston in thing so unique and so carefully designed. 607-432-4102 their Pioneer Street shops to They scaled everything just right.” A Reconciling Congregation · build the Cottage in 1981. “We built the basic frame, made the Rev. Marti Swords - Horrell, Pastor windows, the doors, the trim, all the hinges, everything, right here in Cooperstown,” he said. “There were so many local volunteers PARTY THROUGH THE NEW YEAR WITH on the project. They made it a real community project.” “Ed Hobbie came along and fabriGet a Lifestyle/Signature Loan cated the chassis and the wheels so we could move it to Pioneer Park,” Mr. Dean starting at continued. “I’d like to name everyone who helped but there were just so many, and they all volunteered.” APR Cooperstown’s Bill Waller added, “The painting was done in the cold of November. A plastic tent was erected over the house and space heaters used to warm up the surfaces. We had a copper wind vane made, copper flashing, custom stenciling around the interior all done by volunteers.” “We had a rallying cry: It’s for Santa and the children,” he said. Lena Guyot had fond memories of working in the cold.

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“It was terrible weather,” she said. “We had plastic sheeting up because the windows hadn’t come in and the roof wasn’t on. We were painting and freezing but I had made a big pot of chili that day and we all sat in the middle and filled ourselves with a hot lunch. We really felt the joy of the project.” “It was close to Christmas time when we finished,” Mr. Dean said this week. “I just found the original key to the front door in my desk. It has a little label on it that says ‘Santa House.’” He credited the Village of Cooperstown and its workers for taking good care of the Cottage and keeping it looking new for each year’s holiday season. “There’s a special building for it,” he said. “So many great professionals came together in 1981 to bring this thing to life, and now we have a great group of people who care about it as much as we did. Pioneer Park looks wonderful. People volunteer and work hard every year to make Cooperstown look spectacular.” As for Santa’s Cottage, he said, “Everyone is very proud of it.”

New York’s Styrofoam ban hits Jan. 1 New York’s ban on single-use Styrofoam food and beverage containers, as well as ‘packing peanuts,’ takes effect January 1, 2022. That brings an end to Styrofoam bowls, cartons, hinged ‘clamshell’ containers, cups, lids, plates, trays, or anything else used to ‘temporarily store or transport prepared

foods or beverages.’ Also out: packing peanuts and other loose bits of packaging protection that contains Styrofoam. The law allows a civil penalty of up to $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second in the same calendar year, and $1000 for the third and subsequent violations in the same calendar year.

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A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Students want racism action Continued from page 1 “Another person’s ignorance and hate is not my burden,” she said. “I want dignity for all students in this school. I am tired. Change starts at the end of our comfort zone. It’s time to get uncomfortable.” CCS Senior Class President Grant Crowson followed with similar comments. “There’s racism and harassment here in an environment that does not support the victims,” he said. “We hear racially-motivated hate speech and when we report it we’re told we’re being ‘too sensitive’. What’s too sensitive when you hear one kid tell another to ‘go back to your country’?” He urged the Board to review personnel and procedure “to find out who is contributing to a culture of hate and toxicity.” “Imagine being Amelia,” Hartwick resident Jennifer Dibble said to the Board. “We need a total reconstruction of what’s happening in this school. You can’t change what’s happening at home where kids are learning all this awful behavior but this

school should be a safe space for all.” “We can’t just keep re-reading the policy we have,” she said. “It doesn’t work. It’s that simple.” After the meeting, Mr. Crowson expressed confidence that Board members and Superintendent Spross heard the message. “I know Miss Spross definitely feels the need to work with us and hear what we have to say,” he said. Board policy does not allow members to respond during the meeting to comments made during the public session. But with some three dozen residents attending the meeting in person and another 50 watching the live webcast, Mr. Crowson said he was encouraged. “I was there speaking on behalf of most of the senior class,” he said. “The Board meeting was the right place to tell more people that we’re just done with this. There are kids in the school who feel like they don’t belong and it’s not right.”

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Trustees default to ‘yes’ on pot Continued from page 1 Board members commented on the issue as they cast their votes: Mayor Tillapaugh noted a Rockefeller Institute study showing nearly 40 percent of New York localities opting out of allowing on-site consumption lounges and that Massachusetts – a state to which dispensary supporters often point as a model for New York – has no law permitting on-site lounges. “Dispensaries are another issue,” she said. “I’ve toured the dispensaries in Great Barrington (Massachusetts) and they’re run with precision. I’m not personally opposed, but I think New York State has left us no choice but to opt out of dispensaries for now.” “We’ve had no guidance at all from the state,” the Mayor said. “We were told in early April that we’d have regulations. They didn’t even create the Office of Cannabis Management until September 20. At its last meeting on December 16, all they did was agree to lease office space in New York City and agree to some staffing issues.” “We’re being forced to make a decision but we have no tools,” she said. “By opting out now we can buy time until we can see the regulations and the rules. It would be easy to repeal the opt-out after that.” While four trustees agreed with the mayor’s support for opting out of on-site consumption lounges, none expressed outright support for opting out of retail dispensaries. “I’m a tad concerned that the state hasn’t

given us the rules,” said Deputy Mayor Cynthia Falk. “I think it’s safer to allow people to buy a regulated product from a regulated dealer. Otsego, Hartwick, and Middlefield all are opting in. It’ll be all around us.” Citing language in the state’s law legalizing adult possession of pot and setting the stage for dispensaries and lounges, Ms. Falk said she “trusts the state law allowing us to establish time, place, and manner regulations in our local zoning” and would vote in favor of opting in on dispensaries. Fellow Board members echoed those points. Trustee MacGuire Benton said Cooperstown houses “three liquor stores and a distillery” and should not pass up the opportunity to welcome economic diversity to the village. “I don’t buy in to the alarmist fears that dispensaries would change the character of the village,” he said. “There is a structure in place for state regulations. We have vacant space on Main Street. There’s a wide demographic of people who ‘participate’ in this part of the new economy. I absolutely do not think that we should opt out.” Trustee Joseph Membrino said he believes the ‘long trajectory’ of the state’s upcoming regulatory drafting process will allow Cooperstown and other localities to help craft suitable rules. “We can join with other towns and villages to lobby the state Legislature for better regs,” he said.

Bassett electives Continued from page 1 -out the pandemic. “We’ve been careful about elective procedures for months,” he said. “We defer the treating physician or practitioner’s direction for care for their individual patients. If a patient is in pain or needs immediate attention, we take care of it. If the practitioner consults with the patient and decides it’s something that can be deferred, we follow that.” “People who have scheduled procedures will hear directly from their provider,” he said, urging patients to stay in touch with their care providers. “We always care for people seeking care,” he said, assuring people that the state’s temporary hold does not close any hospital doors. “We provide the assessment and the care whether we’re busy or limited under state regulations.” DOH limitations and the current Omicron-fueled COVID19 positivity surge, however, pushed Bassett Healthcare to suspend visitation in all emergency departments across its network beginning December 22. “Our emergency departments can get a little crowded with patients and visitors,” he said. “We want to protect the safety of patients and staff in all of our facilities.” He said those patients staying in hospital rooms may still have visitors under existing COVID visitation protocols in place throughout the Basset network. “We want safety and we want healing,” he said. “We want patients to be able to have visitors during this important holiday time. We continue to ask that everyone be mindful of safety and follow the procedures.” Otsego County officials continue to contend with the Omicron surge, reporting a 9.3 percent seven-day average percentage positive and more than 300 active cases. The county and all of New York State remain under an indoor mask mandate from Governor Kathy Hochul through January 15, 2022, with exceptions under certain conditions. County Public Health Director Heidi Bond talked with The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta about enforcing the mask rule. “If we see complaints about businesses not requiring masks, we try to educate them,” Ms. Bond said. “Outside of that, we don’t have the resources to do anything else.” She said rapidly increasing COVID-19 infections could continue well into the new year. “It’s going to take a few months before we get out of this surge with people gathering for Christmas and New Year’s,” she said.

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THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

County Office for the Aging asks County Board to earmark funds for repairs As the Otsego County “We didn’t get any negaBoard of Representatives tive feedback,” Ms. Reed prepares to allot its share said. “They realize it’s of federal aid in January an unmet need and saves 2022, Office for the Aging money by keeping seniors Director Tamie Reed out of nursing homes.” proposed allocating money Mr. Peters said ORHA to Otsego Rural Housing tried something similar in Assistance (ORHA) to help 2018 when the Community repair mobile homes for Foundation of South low-income seniors. Central New York gave an $8,000 grant to help repair ORHAExecutive Director Timothy Peters said it would mobile homes. “That be a good use of American money went quickly,” he Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) said. Since then, he has funds because of the nature been encouraging the of mobile home living for OCOA to request funding seniors. from the county board to “They’re often sort of do the same thing. trapped in mobile homes Otsego County Board of that they own but due to Representatives President lack of income they can’t Dave Bliss said he believes using federal relief funds make repairs,” Mr. Peters said. “People are living on for the mobile homes is $1,200 to $1,500 a month “probably going to get on Social Security. So if a approved,” and that it roof needs a replacement, was already passed on the and it costs $1,200, they committee level. can’t afford it.” ORHA offers many different services to low Ms. Reed requested $300,000 over three years income families in Otsego to repair 36 units, adminisCounty, including using tered by ORHA. Submitted by ORHA state grants to make Housing assistance for Otsego Rural Housing Assistance shows the results of its work in a housing repairs for resimobile homeowners already Powerpoint slide on housing repairs for low-income families. dences in the county, and exists through state and providing rental assistance federal programs, such as the New York State Mobile and for Section 8 houses through the Housing Choice Voucher Manufactured Home Replacement Program. But seniors, (HCV) program. The vouchers pay a portion of the rent defined by those over the age of 60, often don’t qualify based on the individual’s income level. because they own their mobile homes, but not the land it According to its website, more than 150 Otsego County sits on, such as in a mobile home park. families receive rental assistance through the HCV Ms. Reed said it was an issue that could be addressed program. through federal relief funds. This isn’t the first time ORHA has advocated for low“We saw this as a hole that we could fulfill,” Ms. Reed income seniors, which established senior housing out of a said. “ORHA already has state and federal funding. It’s a portion of the former school on Genesee Street in Cherry good investment.” Valley, in large part because of a New York State Small She said the feedback from the county board was Rental Development Initiative grant. positive.

In Sidney and in Richfield Springs, it’s a season of giving

The Sidney Elks Club delivered a truckload of school supplies in early December to the Unatego School District for distribution to its students. From left to right are Elks Club member Sharon Harris, Unatego Central Superintendent Dr. David Richards, and Elks Club member Jim Johnson.

In Richfield Springs, Aubuchon Hardware’s John and Te Mazza present a $2,200 to Richfield Youth Sports President Len Pickens as the group works to develop sports fields in the village. Earlier this year Aubuchon and this Community Foundation donated and raised funding totaling more than $11,000.

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A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, December 23, 2021

County’s municipalities lay out different strategies for federal aid By Kevin Limiti

December 18 and January 3. “Having greater capabilities to do things like the Festival of Lights in the park requires electricity,” Mayor Herzig said, pointing out where workers had started digging trenches and installing poles with outlets. Future usage for ARPA funds at the park include playground improvements and building a permanent amphitheater, which Mayor Herzig hopes to name after famous

old. Town supervisor Ron Wheeler said the town wants to repair or replace the pavilion in Borst Field Park and repair sidewalks. • The Town of Morris has not yet allocated its $123,000 ARPA allotment. • The Town of Oneonta received $500,000. Town Supervisor Bob Wood said he is looking at technology improvements such as video conferencing and radio

How Otsego County municipalities use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) varies as widely as the towns and villages themselves. President Joe Biden signed the law in March 2021, giving federal relief dollars to state and local governments for COVID recovery For the City of Oneonta, this means spending the federal dollars on renovating Neahwa Park. But for Cooperstown, it simply means covering only 10 percent of revenue lost mostly to a drop in pandemic travel. Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta that the federal money wasn’t necessarily a bonus for them. “It barely made up 10 percent of the lost revenue,” Mayor Tillapaugh said. “Kudos to anybody who got a windfall. They were made whole. We weren’t made whole.” Mayor Tillapaugh said since ARPA is based on population and not lost revenue, the amount of money ARPA gave Cooperstown barely made a difference. She estimates losses during COVID were $800,000. Cooperstown plans on putting the ARPA Funds, a little less than $180,000, towards finishing the renovation of Doubleday Field, which began in early 2020. ARPA funds disperse in two installments; half in the summer 2021 and the other half in summer 2022. Pittsfield Town Supervisor Shelby Wing said her town was in a similar position as Cooperstown. She said the town lost a “substantial” amount of revenue Kevin Limiti between 2019 and 2020, which she says exceeded the Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig gestures to the millrace running through Neahwa Park that he hopes to use ARPA funds to connect to the $132,000 ARPA earmarked for Pittsfield. Susquehanna Green Way trail. “Pittsfield will be utilizing the funds for purchases or projects that were not able to be completed in 2020 as we Oneonta-born outlaw country singer Jerry Jeff Walker. communications for the highway department, and also did not have the revenue as compared to that in 2019,” the Mayor Herzig also wants to construct a pump track -- a considering improvements to Fortin and Hemstreet parks. supervisor said. series of loops and banked turns for biking -- so “young • The town of Otego, which required a FOIL request for In contrast to the Cooperstown and Pittsfield predica- people can practice and learn mountain biking.” Volunteers access to their ARPA fund usage, has more than $100,000 ments, Oneonta has more leeway on spending the federal and donations will fund the project. with no current plans on how to use the money. relief money. • Westford is using its federal relief funds to create a Otsego County received a total of $11.4 million in direct Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig took The Freeman’s aid. The Otsego County Board of Representatives created a storm mitigation system with the intent of building a salt Journal/Hometown Oneonta on a tour of Neawha Park county-wide ambulance service with the funds and intends containment bunker or shed. in November, showing how the City plans to use its $1.4 to look at how to spend the rest of the funds in January million in ARPA funds. 2022. Mayor Herzig said he understood the importance of Here’s how other towns in Otsego County used or plan to having outdoor activities since the pandemic first struck, use their ARPA funds: which is why he allocated the money to local parks. • The Town of Cherry Valley acquired close to $68,000. “Every community is doing something different with Town Supervisor Tom Garretson said he hopes to put the (the ARPA Funds), but the intent is to provide something ARPA funds toward the town’s museum and library, each for the people as they overcome the effects of COVID,” receiving about $12,000, as well as other non-profits in the Mayor Herzig said. “It is important to have access to free, town. Dave Weaver 607-432-2022 healthy outdoor activities. The parks were one of the only • The Town of Maryland received more than $185,000 22-26 Watkins Avenue, Oneonta safe places people could come, socialize, and exercise. We and, through a combination of ARPA funds and grants, Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm thought that was an appropriate use of ARPA funds.” wants to replace two bridges that are more than 100 years One of the mayor’s passion projects would build a pathway around the millrace that runs through Neahwa Park, eventually connecting it to the Susquehanna Green Way Trail. “That has always been a dream,” Mayor Herzig said. It could take a long time to complete because of the project expense, but Oneonta plans to use a combination of ARPA funds and grants MANY COMPANIES. MANY OPTIONS. in order to make the dream a reality. Bieritz insurance agency “Having natural assets like Real people who truly care... a river is a wonderful thing,” your hometown insurance agency! he said. “People should be 209 Main Street, Cooperstown able to see it and enjoy it.” 607-547-2951 across from Bruce Hall 607-263-5170 in Morris The Future for Oneonta Celebrating our st Foundation pledged $50,000 31 YEAR! Ben Novellano 1990-2021 for the trail. Mayor Herzig said the plan is for the ARPA funds to pay the balance. New Purchases and Refinances Other uses include renoDebt Consolidation vating the park’s basketball Free Pre-Qualification court, which Herzig called an Fast Approvals • Low Rates “embarrassment,” as well as Matt Schuermann its skate park. Registered Mortgage Broker Oneonta upgraded the elecNYS Banking Dept. tric infrastructure in the park with ARPA money in order to 20 Chestnut Street • Suite 1 • Cooperstown 607-547-5007 accommodate the Festival of www.leatherstockingmortgage.com Lights, taking place between

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