Hometown Oneonta 03-27-25

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Perrino Makes Quarterfinals, Upsets Section III Champion

By WRILEY NELSON ALBANY

Cooperstown junior Matthew Perrino finished a phenomenal season in the quarterfinal round of the New York State wrestling championships at MVP Arena in Albany on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and March 1. Entering the tournament with a 34-14 record and the 11 seed, Perrino upset the Section III champion and battled the four seed and Section VI runner-up all the way to a hard-fought 4-3 loss.

Perrino defeated his first opponent of the tournament, 22 seed Finn Sheridan

(21-15) of Trinity, by pinfall.

“It’s hard to get into the proper mindset at this high level of competition,” he said. “Everyone is there for a reason. You only have your parents and coaches there as support, but so does everyone else. I felt confident for the first match because it was a slightly worse seed, but still had to take it incredibly seriously to really face the challenge.”

The next round was a rematch against Section III Division II champion Christopher Doshna (41-3) of Marcellus/Onondaga, who beat Perrino by pinfall in early December. Perrino

Continued on page 11

Financial Support Reinstated for Downtown Oneonta

By MONICA CALZOLARI ONEONTA

Interest in having a voice in local government seems to be on the rise in Oneonta. Ten city residents took the opportunity to be heard at the Common Council meeting on March 18. Four more residents sent the council correspondence that was read aloud by City Clerk Kerri Harrington.

The meeting lasted four hours. The packed agenda included a

lengthy discussion about the need to support downtown businesses and increase foot traffic on Water Street. City Administrator Greg Mattice gave a presentation about parking and the lingering public perception that the lack of convenient parking is negatively affecting downtown.

“Since 2020, downtown businesses have taken a beating. Some Water Street businesses are down over 50 percent in revenue,” Len Carson, R-Fifth Ward, said.

Carson said businesses in his Fifth Ward are not experiencing the same problems.

“Nick’s Diner does well. Sloan’s [New York Grill] does well. Subaru does well,” he said.

Questions About the Round-About

“Is there a way to postpone the round-about project?” Carson asked.

Mattice said he will ask the New York State Department of Transportation.

Mattice said the DOT will be presenting its plan to council soon.

The intersection of Lettis Highway and Main Street

will become a roundabout. Construction is currently scheduled to start this summer, just as the tourist season begins.

Support for Downtown Businesses

City of Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek is in favor of reinstating a $60,000.00 budget to support downtown Oneonta which was cut last December during the one council meeting he was not able to attend due to a wedding out-of-state. He added a three-page summary of key points for the council to consider on March 18’s agenda.

The Finance/HR Committee meeting discussed the same topic on March 13. Wayne Carrington, owner of the B-Side and Autumn Café, and Jim Seymour, co-owner of Black Oak Tavern and Brew-U, attended that meeting. So did Kaler Carpenter, youth services coordinator for Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others in Otsego County. A document reviewed by the Finance/HR Committee itemized how the $60,000.00 budget would be allocated: $15,500.00 for enter-

Continued on page 11

LWV Names Delegate to ‘Students Inside Albany’

COOPERSTOWN

The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area has announced that Elias MacLeish will be the 2025 delegate to the annual Students Inside Albany conference in Albany. Elias, the son of Padraic and Shelby MacLeish, is a junior at Cooperstown High School and lives Hartwick.

“Congratulations to Elias. The SIA program is a fantastic immersive experience for our area students,” said Kristin Pullyblank, co-president of the LWV of the Cooperstown Area. “Civics education is at the forefront of the League’s mission, and we are fortunate to have been able to send at least one student since the inception of the program in 2001.”

The League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation Inc. sponsors one delegate from each League in New

York to SIA. The program is designed to increase high-school students’ awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. This year’s SIA Conference will take place May 18-21 and will bring 40-some students from across the state to Albany.

Students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. Shadowing their senator and their assemblymember for an afternoon and attending a session on the Chamber floors are two of the highlights of SIA.

At Cooperstown High School, Elias is involved in mock trial, Envirothon, year-

Continued on page 11

Photo by Michael Perrino

CCS junior Matthew Perrino with coaches Mike Croft (left) and Trentin Carentz at the New York State Boys Wrestling Championships on Friday, February 28.

Photo by Monica Calzolari

FOR-DO’s Kaler Carpenter speaks in favor of funding for Muller Plaza activities and entertainment at the March 18 City of Oneonta Common Council meeting.

Photo provided

ELIAS M AC LEISH

SFcU Soon To Occupy Former community Bank Building

By TERESA WINcHESTER

mORRIS

The Village of morris and the Butternut Valley have reason to celebrate. The 195-year-old building at 132 main Street will once more serve the community as a functioning bank. Sidney Federal credit Union, which has already begun operating in morris on a limited basis to fill the void left by community Bank’s January 2024 pull-out, has sealed the deal, working through Jami Brown of Keller Williams Realty.

In a march 20 Facebook post, Brown announced, “Working

as a buyer’s agent, I’m proud to have helped bring back a financial institution to the community of morris.”

The effort to procure alternative banking services was led by Butternut Valley Alliance and its “Save Our Bank” task force, formed on the heels of community Bank’s withdrawal. members of the task force included co-chairs Ed Lentz and maggie Brenner, as well as other BVA members Tom Washbon, Jason cianciotto and Bob Thomas. members at-large included Jim Tremlett, John DiStefano, Peter martin, Arlene martin and Andrea Hull.

“This is an incred-

ible accomplishment that we’re very proud of. We’re grateful to the many BVA volunteers that helped out and to SFcU for its true commitment to community banking,” Lentz said.

“It’s a huge victory for our valley, demonstrating SFcU’s confidence in our financial viability. Their willingness to pursue acquisition of the bank building is evidence of their awareness and appreciation for our historical significance,” Brenner stated in an email communication.

Brenner further stated, “SFcU has demonstrated its commitment to our community from the first discussions. They quickly opened a limited-service

.dining&entertainment

outstanding charges.

released

branch so we would not be totally without financial services. They have shown their commitment through other actions as well. They added their sponsorship to BVA projects such as On the Trail of Art, Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder and Summer Harvest Festival.”

Butternut Valley residents expressed their pleasure at the imminent SFcU opening.

“I’m delighted to know that Sidney Federal will be opening a bank here in morris soon. I was extremely disappointed that community Bank abandoned us. It’s reassuring to know that there is a banking institution still available to support a small community,” said Kathy Riso of Garrattsville.

Arlene martin and her son, Peter, both partners at the morrisoperated Sunburst Reflections, also had positive comments about SFcU’s occupation of the building.

“I’m thrilled to hear that the bank is reopening in morris, especially since we have the possibility of getting Emily Boss back,” said Arlene.

Boss was manager at the now-defunct morris branch of community Bank and is currently a branch manager at SFcU.

“We owe thanks to the BVA group and to Jim Reynolds and Andrew Smith of SFcU for their continued support and enthusiasm in bringing banking back to our community,” said Peter, who was himself a member of the “Save Our Bank” task force.

Tony Kaminski while retrieving his mail at the morris Post Office.

As of monday, march 24, Andrew Smith, chief retail officer for SFcU, could not give an exact date as to when the doors at 132 main Street would open to the public for banking.

“It’s going to be a couple of months before we’re ready to open the doors. We know we have some work to do to make sure the building is preserved and up-to-date with all of our systems,” he said.

Our Bank” task force announced a partnership with SFcU in may 2024, Lentz stated, “In the end, it came down to a choice between two credit unions, both of whom were able to meet the needs of Butternut Valley residents, businesses and municipalities. It was a tough choice, but we ultimately decided that, on balance, and taking into account the local name recognition of SFcU, partnering with SFcU was the best decision for our community at this time.”

and removal. In accordance with US government laws, each carpet labelled with country of origin, fiber content and Certified genuine handmade. For more info please call 1-301-762-6981.

“I used to be a customer at community Bank, but I switched to SFcU. I’m ecstatic that they’re opening here. It’s a beautiful old building and it’s cool that it will be used again,” said

Asked about whether many bankers had switched their accounts to SFcU since its operations began in morris, Smith was unable to give exact details. He did offer, however, that “…we have had a lot of interest and a great response from the community. We’re confident that once we’re fully operational additional memberships will come in. We’re also continuing to work through the application for a Banking Development Designation which, if approved, will allow us to provide financial services to the local municipalities.”

Absent such a designation, municipal governments are not able to bank at credit unions. With the BDD in place, the towns of Butternuts and morris and the villages of Gilbertsville and morris, as well as other municipalities in the Butternut Valley, will be able to bank at a more convenient location.

According to Smith, it is possible that employment opportunities could open up for morris area residents.

“We always open up opportunities to our current staff first for transfer or advancement. Any open positions that are available after that process will be posted on our website at sfcuonline. org/career,” Smith said.

When the “Save

As opposed to a bank, which has shareholders and is publicly traded, a credit union is a notfor-profit money cooperative whose members can borrow from pooled deposits at low interest rates. SFcU was formed in 1949 at the instigation of Scintilla magneto corporation employees, who paid $25.00 each to fund an application fee to secure a charter. That same year, the charter was granted by the Bureau of credit Unions.

In an era where brickand-mortar banks are disappearing worldwide, the re-establishment of a viable financial institution in morris is remarkable.

“We believe in a balanced approach to brick-and-mortar and online offerings. As we grow as a financial institution, it’s important that we are able to meet our members where they choose to transact with SFcU. We’re currently in the process of acquiring a mobile branch that will be able to serve some of our other local communities that have been left without access to a financial institution,” Smith said.

Photo by Teresa Winchester

Sidney Federal Credit Union has announced its purchase of 132 Main Street in Morris. The 195-year-old building functioned as a bank for 168 consecutive years until Community Bank, N.A. ceased operations in January 2024. SFCU officials plan to open for business in June.

Coop Girls Fall in Semifinals

TROY—The Cooperstown Central Schools girls basketball season came to an end with a 59-37 loss to Section II champion Stillwater in the state Class C Final Four on Thursday, March 20. Eighth-grader Lanie Nelen scored 13 points, followed by senior Polly Kennedy with nine points and six rebounds. Senior Brenna Seamon had seven points and six rebounds. The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 21-5 record. Kennedy, Seamon, Mia Kaltenbach and Bella Reich will graduate this spring.

ADK Club Offers Scholarships

ONEONTA—The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club will provide full scholarships for two teenagers to participate in an Adirondack teen program of their choice this summer. All costs except transportation will be covered. Participants must reside in Otsego, Delaware or Chenango counties and must meet any additional requirements for the workshops. Visit https://adk.org/youth-teen-programs/ for a list of offerings and https://susqadk.org/adk-teenworkshop-scholarships/ to apply. Awards will be announced by the end of April.

Hartwick Athletes Make List

ONEONTA—Hartwick College placed 91 student-athletes on the Fall 2024 Empire 8 Conference President’s List, including seven members of the field hockey team: Caroline Aspuru, Makayla Bales of Sidney, Tessa Cox, Makenzie Kensel, Kayla Kinkel, Erica Leeson and Natalie O’Malley. To qualify, athletes must maintain a 3.75 GPA or better in full-time academic work and display positive conduct on and off campus.

Five Hawks on the women’s swimming and

diving team made the President’s List, including Anna Bischoff of Oneonta, Savannah Evans, Kate Gucciardi, Emma Lupe and Allison Neelands.

The softball team had two honorees, Brianna Blake and Kylee Cucci, of West Edmeston.

Madilynne Smith of Morris and Lawrence McCumiskey of Delhi were among the six crosscountry and track and field athletes on the list.

Franklin Stage Receives Grant

FRANKLIN—The Franklin Stage Company received a New York State Council on the Arts Support for Artists Grant for the commission of a new play, “The Civilities,” by Syracuse-based playwright Kyle Bass. Bass is the author of “Possessing Harriet” and “Toliver and Wakeman,” which FSC produced in 2019 and 2022, respectively. His new work is set at Cornell University in 1936, the 75th anniversary of the American Civil War. It follows Blessah Hart, a Black graduate student of history and anthropology, as she meets elderly white poet and Confederate veteran M. Silas Jackson, who has resided in Ithaca for nearly 60 years. “The Civilities” explores profound questions of race, heritage, civility, and the tensions between history and literature as means of conveying truth. Further details on FSC’s 2025 summer theater season will be available soon. Visit franklinstagecompany. org/ for more information on their admission-free community theater.

Gardeners To Host Workshop

ONEONTA—Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers will host writer, gardener and naturalist Gert Coleman for a journaling workshop from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6. Coleman teaches nature writing workshops

across the state and will demonstrate the practical and mental benefits of garden and nature journaling. The $10.00 workshop fee includes a journal, informational handouts and refreshments. It will be held at the Rowe House, 31 Maple Street, and has limited space available. Registration is required at cceschoharie-otsego.org by Thursday, April 3. For more information, call (607) 547-2536 x228.

Ramadan Is Focus of Event

COOPERSTOWN—Welcome Home Cooperstown will host its next monthly community meet and greet at the Village Hall from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1. All members of the community are invited to attend, welcome area newcomers, and share information and connections. In addition to general information on the Cooperstown area, the April event will focus on the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Running from February 28 to March 29 this year, Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. There will be a brief overview of the month and related cultural traditions by Dr. Amjad Qabbani, Izees Abdallah and Amin Abdallah, as well as live music by the 18 Strings folk trio and refreshments provided by Melissa Manikas State Farm.

Pelvic Health Class Slated

COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network will host a free class on pelvic health during perimenopause and postmenopause at the Clark Sports Center from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. Physical therapist Amy Taggart and occupational therapist Lauren McCarthy Whaley will provide an overview of pelvic floor and pelvic girdle anatomy, the effects of menopause, pelvic floor therapy, and

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EDITORIaL

HOMETOWN Views

Finding Commonality in a Time of Great Divides

Things are pretty tumultuous right now in the U.S. and throughout the world, with political unrest both here and abroad. Those of us who live in the United States are extremely fortunate in that we are not facing warfare within our borders, as so many other nations are. However, as the divide between our two major political parties continues to grow, it seems more and more as though we are, indeed, fighting a sort of war here at home—philosophically, at least. Republicans can’t understand Democrats, and vice versa. Democrats believe Republicans to be ill-informed, and vice versa. Bipartisan cooperation has become an oxymoron.

Are we really all that different, though? What do Democrats and Republicans really want, at the end of the day? We all want to be able to feed our families, heat our homes and educate our children. We want to be safe and have access to affordable healthcare. We want to be treated equally, and with kindness and respect.

This week, we reached out to our Otsego County friends and neighbors to find out what helps them relax in this heated political environment— what brings a smile to their faces, or reminds them that, regardless of our differences, it’s good to be an American.

Cindy Falk spends time in nature to decompress and rejuvenate.

“During the winter, thanks to my son, Isaac, who gifted me with crosscountry skis, I often ski along the lake shore. There is nothing like the serenity of being surrounded by freshly fallen white snow with only the sounds of trees swaying or, as spring arrives, birds chirping to escape temporarily from the cares of the world. Being outdoors reminds me that we are a small and short-lived part of something much bigger.

Cass Harrington finds solace in the changing of the seasons.

“Pretty soon, Cooperstown will be abloom with flowers and the visitors will return, once again breathing life into our small business community. The temperatures will rise, bringing about both softball and paddling seasons. Spring migration will usher in snow-birds, both literal and proverbial, that retreated south for the winter.

We’ll once again be lulled to sleep by peeping frogs after a day’s work in the garden. The world may be amuck, but life in this community is about to be that much brighter.

Ellen Pope turns to our beautiful surroundings for solace: “Healthy forests and working farmlands, and the delicious foods they produce. A placid lake early in the morning. The smell of soil in spring.”

Bryan LoRusso takes a more utilitarian approach, “finding a piece of property and rehabilitating it back to its original glory. Our town has that

Norman Rockwell potential.”

“Thank goodness for baseball season,” says Mark Drnek. “Watching a Yankees game, spending an evening at Damaschke Field, taking in a little league game at Doc Knapp, or a tournament game at the All Star Village… these are the breaks that I desperately need in my day. I will not be surprised to see more folks joining me in the stands. The American pastime is my diversion each spring, summer, and fall and, frankly, the season can’t come too soon.”

Jeff Katz can’t wait for baseball season, either.

“I have found a lot of happiness watching sports lately, more so than usual. Baseball season is about to start and my own personal Induction Weekend planning is well underway— we’ve got a full house and driveway. Those both make me happy.

For Sean Lewis, the answer is community.

“No matter one’s political position in today’s polarized nation, everyone wants a better community. Safe streets, good schools, friendly neighborhoods and new opportunities for future generations. Communities are what makes this country great,” Lewis says. “What I do is two-pronged. Professionally, I try to identify individuals who deserve a bit of help. It could be connecting them with a mentor or resource they may sorely need. It may be sharing advice or helping them restore self-confidence to succeed in what they feel is important. Personally, I volunteer. As a member of the Oneonta Rotary, I help raise funds for Operation Warm. This program provides hundreds of winter coats, hats and mittens to area youth. I serve on the Board of Hill City Celebrations, the

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.

organization that creates the Hometown Fourth Celebration in Neahwa Park, the Festival of Lights and First Night. I play Santa Claus each year. I am a Christmas bell-ringer, a cleaner of roadways, and an assistant at Saturday’s Bread food distribution. I feel that the most valuable gifts that one human can give to another are time and forgiveness. And in today’s climate, we need them more than ever.

Cassandra Miller is also all about community.

“Working on projects that make Oneonta a better place to live and visit brings me a lot of joy, especially when I get to work with others from all walks of life. I don’t need to know where someone stands on taxation bills if they treat others with respect and dignity. Our community feels supportive and collaborative.”

Hudi Podolsky goes to the Clark Sports Center for aqua aerobics to unwind.

“In the locker room, we aren’t red or blue, we’re just women keeping our aging bodies moving,” Podolsky says. “We’re kind to each other, we have fun, we’re doing something together, encouraging each other, and doing something for ourselves. We don’t judge each other, we just each try to be the best version of ourselves we can be. We all bless Carol Lachance for her inspiring instruction, and we bless Jane Clark, who supports this amazing facility. We’re all filled with gratitude and smiles.

Ed Lentz finds “so many things” to help distract from the current political upheaval.

“The first to come to mind was watching NCAA basketball while waiting for the opening day of the baseball season. Others include working on improving our town as town supervisor and our community as chair of the Butternut Valley Alliance, reading novels, walking the dogs.”

“Right now, watching the NCAA basketball tournament is a great way to relax,” echoes Zachary McKenney. “There is so much intrigue in both the women’s and men’s tournaments this year. I made my co-directors of the Hartwick Institute of Public Service fill out brackets, and we’re having a great time keeping up with all of the games.”

Don Mathisen takes a more personal

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn Poetry Pokes Fun at Tesla Haters

Yet another limerick, this one especially timely. What purpose is burning and vandalizing Teslas supposed to serve? Is it working?

view of things.

“I’m grateful for having good health at age 75. I’m grateful that I love my daughters, Jessie and Lindy, and grandson Raphie, and that they love me. I have wonderful relationships with my son-in-law, Danny, and my almost son-in-law, Paul. I’m appreciative that I have a loving relationship with my brothers and sisters, Anne, Greg, Mike, Kathy, and Bill. I’m happy that I have a nice place to live, that I’m part of a caring community, and have a job that keeps me engaged. I’m an optimist. One can look at life and the world around us and see all the good things we have. Or they can focus on the negative. I choose to be happy.”

“I choose kindness, compassion and humor to bring smiles and gratitude,” says Larry Malone. “This winter I shoveled the sidewalks and driveways of neighbors, one of whom is absent a spouse on active duty. I pulled out my chainsaw to clear yards filled with storm debris, and last week I walked a retired friend through doing their taxes for the first time. It’s possible to turn a blind eye to politics at the local level to find common ground to solve problems. At the national and global level, empathy must rule when people we’ll never see are being harmed. Without empathy, it’s easy to succumb to fears, both real and invented by others.”

As our nation moves forward, it’s important to remember and embrace the commonality between those on opposite sides of the political aisle. Your neighbor may not agree with you on immigration. Your brother might not share your views on President Trump. Your coworker may take a different view on the war in Ukraine. Your partner may not vote the same way you do.

But, at our core, Americans are not that different—we’re all just trying to make our way and live our lives in a highly polarized political climate. So watch a ballgame, take a hike on that trail, offer assistance to someone who needs help, exercise. Just forget about politics for a while. After all, it really is the little things that count the most.

Editor’s Note: We continue to receive responses even as we prepare to go to press, and will post those on AllOtsego.com.

Or ride an eBike. They’re all the rage among avant-garde lefties right here in River City. Or so I’m told.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2025 17th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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Columnists and Contributing Writers Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

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Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

It was once thought Elon’s Tesla cars

Would show owners to be virtuous stars.

But when he began ending Our gov’s wasteful spending, They all claimed he belonged behind bars.

Waldo Johnston Vero Beach, FL

Are Teslas Just a Status Symbol?

Owning a Tesla has been fashionable in liberal circles for years, a status symbol of virtue-signaling: “I’m helping the environment every time I drive faster than you do!”

That’s one virtue I can signal differently.

Every year, I put more miles on my bike than I do on my car. Based on the amount I drive, it would only take 10 years to save enough fuel to offset the energy cost of mining the cobalt, lithium and copper that

goes into the Tesla’s batteries. Those formerly fashionable Tesla owners are now driving “SwastiKars,” the object of derision from incensed liberals like themselves. And me. Teslas have the worst safety record, the highest insurance rates and the fastest depreciation. If they don’t self-immolate at the showroom, Tesla itself may go up in flames based on its latest financial statements.

Tesla shares sell for approximately 65 times earnings (down recently from 115), meaning, in Warren-BuffetSpeak, it would take 65 years to get your money back on the share, if Tesla paid out all of its earnings in dividends, which it doesn’t. Toyota, which is far larger than Tesla, with higher earnings and better products, has a stock price about 1/8th the valuation of Tesla.

With sales off by 50 percent in China, 45 percent in Europe and 40 percent in the U.S., Tesla’s stock price has further to fall. Since SpaceX is collateralized with Tesla stock, it could go into receivership before it blows up again over the Bahamas.

If you want to help the environment, buy a used car.

Support Needed for Project Prom

Planning for the 2025 Cooperstown Project Prom is underway. The event, held at the Clark Sports Center, is scheduled for May 30, following prom.

Project Prom was established in the 1980s to provide students an alcohol- and drugfree post prom evening. To carry on this tradition, the committee relies on generous donations from community members and business owners as we strive to make this a memorable and safe event the students want to attend.

Please consider making a gift to support Project Prom. We appreciate any monetary donations to go toward our entertainment, food and other fees. We also are grateful for donations of gift cards or other items that can be used as raffle prizes. Monetary donations of checks can be made out to Continued on page 9

HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

110 YEARs AGo

The Wilber National Bank has, some weeks since, installed and has been operating one of the latest and most improved Burroughs statement machines – a device that approaches as near to a mechanical book keeper as is easily conceived, and is a marvel to all who have witnessed its operations. With it the bank has daily a statement sheet of each active account, posting and adding all deposits made and subtracting all checks paid by the bank upon the account and automatically recording the daily balance. This is all done mechanically, an operator manipulating the keys of the machine much as one writes with a typewriting machine. The machine is controlled by an electric motor and has all the latest appliances and attachments for ledger work. This implement, marvelous and almost human as are its capabilities, is of course not designed to displace the ledger and accounting system of the bank, but rather as an additional check against error, and to provide a quick and accurate method of supplying depositors statements of their accounts. At present, the Wilber National is posting and tabulating daily some 2,000 active accounts with the machine.

March, 1915

70 YEARs AGo

Doctors should lie to their cancer patients as a means of prolonging human life, a Baltimore psychiatrist yesterday advised the nation’s family physicians. People who say that they would want to know about it if they developed cancer are forgetting that they have two selves – one who wants to know about it and the other who does not, said Dr. Leo Bartemeier. He addressed the Academy of General Practice. The part of the personality that does not want to know should be protected by the physician, Dr. Bartemeier asserted because it supports the natural will to live. “some people who are told about it may turn toward suicide via the drug or alcohol route,” the psychiatrist added.

Dr. Edward Weiss, an allergist from Temple University, Philadelphia, said this country has so many neurotics and so many allergic people that the two types of trouble overlap in many individuals. The neurotic factors in allergy are so frequent that the patient’s private life should be investigated, and in many cases they should be turned over to psychiatrists.

March, 1955

30

YEARs AGo

Less than a year after its start the state University College at oneonta’s Center for social Responsibility and Community is deemed a success. Backed by a $400,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the center’s first student volunteers began last september to identify and carry out projects they believe will make a difference to oneonta and the people who live here. since then sUCo students have engaged with the community in a wide variety of volunteer service activities. It is expected that students volunteering under the Center’s sponsorship will eventually participate in service projects at the state, national and international levels as well.

March 1995

20 YEARs AGo

Chronic wasting disease has been found in a white-tailed doe from a captive herd in nearby oneida County. This is the first time the fatal malady has been detected in New York state. “This is not a public health threat, but it is a slow-moving animal health threat,” said Jessica Chittenden, NYs Agriculture & Markets spokeswoman. The oneida County herd was quarantined and the remaining 16 animals will be killed and tested. The detection of the disease in New York is the first discovery of the ailment outside the Midwest or Rocky Mountain regions. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a degenerative neurological illness.

March 2005

Solution: “Dial F for Football” (March 20)

FCo Increasing Audience, Education, Exposure

Fenimore Chamber orchestra continues its commitment to Cooperstown and the surrounding area in two most important ways. An anonymous donor presented Fenimore Chamber orchestra with a gift to make certain that children and up to two accompanying adults, high school and university students should all be able to attend our concerts for free. This is an exceedingly timely gift, as it enables us to expand our mission of providing extraordinary performances at the highest level of artistic achievement. This gift will ensure that young people are exposed to the symphonic arts and can help shape their taste for classical music.

Artistic Director Maciej Żołtowski is also presenting pre-concert talks at Fenimore Art Museum that are free to the public to attend. These talks add to the education of concertgoers, informing them about the composers as well as the music, and explaining that the music is not there simply for its own sake; many times it is, but that is another discussion entirely. The talks will also cover musical eras, from the Baroque to the modern, so that those attending the preconcert talks can gain the insight they need to help them enjoy their concertgoing. The attendance at concerts and the learning about the music go handin-hand toward a complete education in all things musical. As the talks continue, the greater the depth

By MERL REAGLE

1Roberts of Star 80 5 To smithereens 10 Mountain ridge 15 School test, for short 19 With 105 Across, a Halloween tune? 21 Foxy female

Lhasa

Post-Halloween activity?

25 “Nothin’ ___!”

26 Prefix with center or gram

27 Of punishment 28 Ky and Thieu, in ’60s headlines 29 Decrease gradually

Coming-out celebs 32 Filmdom’s Ben, e.g. 33 Retina reactors 34 Calls forth

Plight of the poor

Fancy danse

38 Charles Atlas’s real name, Siciliano 40 Mom’s Halloween response to “Where’s your daughter tonight?”

46 Word with pick or wit 49 Gullies, in Tucson 50 Full of a grain

Phnom

Cartoonist Lazarus

Columnist Robb 56 Wall work 57 Rigid class distinction 58 Penn., e.g. 59 “Dogs”

of learning about one of the greatest of the arts. Fenimore Chamber orchestra also recently finished its first and historic Young Person’s Concerto Competition. The clear winner, out of 22 entrants from some of the world’s most important music schools and conservatories, was Isabel Chen, a student at Eastman school of Music in Rochester. This was completely in tandem with our vision that now, more than ever, the world needs resilient and inclusive cultural resources to enrich and connect. Nothing could be more enriching, and connecting, than the discovery of new, superbly gifted young artists. Ms. Chen is certainly representative of the generation of exceedingly talented and gifted youth who will, in turn, be the next generation of musical artists gracing the concert stages of the world. We are beginning work for the next competition in 2027.

Thomas Wolf is the chair of the Governing Board of Directors of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra.

Photo provided

Isabel Chen, winner of the young Person’s Concerto Competition, performs with the fenimore Chamber orchestra at Christ Church.

nilsen

the partial observer patricia

The Truth About Your NYSEG Bill

It has been a challenging time to make ends meet. There’s been an increase in the cost of your groceries, insurance, and, yes, even your utility bill. NYSEG cares about the people we serve, and we want to make sure that you can afford to keep the lights on at home.

That’s why I want to make this perfectly clear: NYSEG has not raised your delivery rate this winter.

I know you have questions, so let me explain.

NYSEG is highly regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission and tasked with safely and reliably delivering energy to your home through our wires, substations, and pipelines. However, we are also required to issue bills which include a major line item that we have no control over: supply.

While delivery costs have not changed since May 2024, as part of our 2023 agreement with the state, supply costs, which originate from third-party energy suppliers, have dramatically increased this winter. The daily supply rate has increased by more than 50 percent in many cases and in parts of the state, some customers have seen increases of 67 percent or higher.

Again, NYSEG only controls the delivery line item on customer bills, not supply costs. The New York Independent System Operator is responsible for the wholesale energy market and the cost to supply energy is set by the market and not by the Public Service Commission. While NYSEG purchases the supply on customers’ behalf, we do not mark up or profit from the supply line on your bill. As a consumer, you have the freedom to choose where you get your supply. Some suppliers offer a fixed or variable price for their supply. However, if you choose a different supplier, you could end up paying less or more—there is no guarantee of savings compared to what NYSEG purchases on customers’ behalf.

There’s another reason why your bill is higher than normal: You’re using more energy, even if your habits haven’t changed. Every year, the cold temperatures will require your home to use more energy. That’s simply a fact. When temperatures are in the teens and single digits, your furnace, boilers, and baseboard heating use more energy to keep your home at your ideal temperature. Even your water heater works harder when it’s cold outside, as the water that comes into your home is colder.

This winter has been significantly colder than the past few years. The average temperature was 28 degrees in December, 20 degrees in January, and 24 degrees in February. All three of those temperatures were colder than normal conditions. In fact, some areas this winter are about 10-15 percent colder than last year, which correlates with the spike in your energy usage. NYSEG last had similar cold winter conditions during the winters of 20132014 and 2017-2018.

The increase in energy use will happen again. In just a few months, we’ll be in the dog days of summer. During this time, when you escape the high heat and humidity to enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, it’s reasonable to expect your energy usage to increase. In short, when extreme temperatures hit, more energy will be used. When those periods combine with higher supply costs, it’s normal to see bills double or even triple.

Meanwhile, we are here to help you manage your energy use and costs. Your family can receive help with your bill through initiatives including our Energy Assistance Program, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), budget billing, payment arrangements, and other opportunities that help qualifying families. NYSEG also regularly provides tips on how to reduce your energy use, such as adjusting your thermostat when you leave the house, proper insulating, and other helpful tips around your home.

There’s one other thing: We’re not naïve. There’s a reality of the social media world we live in. Misinformation will travel around the world several times before the truth gets around once. There are legitimate billing concerns from individuals that we have, and always will, faithfully resolve. However, others choose to vilify our company and our workers either because they are pushing an agenda, unwilling to accept personal responsibility for their usage and/or lack of payment, or trolling smart meters because that’s our newest technology. Those same people are interacting with others online who could be helped by contacting us directly, who end up becoming more upset due to the misinformation they read on these community forums. The last I checked, the Internet is undefeated in arguments on the Internet. Having unpaid bills is stressful, and we want to make sure that customers are aware of the true driver of these high bills, while we also offer financial help and energy efficiency solutions to those who qualify. We still have lots of work ahead of us in our efforts to educate consumers. Our team has diligently worked to create informative materials that are widely available on our website and regularly included with paper bills. Additionally, we’re investing $1 billion to focus on serving our customers, with increased bill assistance and expanded protections during extreme temperature events.

NYSEG will continue to make sure you can easily connect with a person to answer any questions you have. NYSEG is committed to providing continuous education and communication to all stakeholders including elected officials, government regulators, and you, our valued customer.

Patricia Nilsen is the president and chief executive officer of NYSEG and RG&E.

Fundraiser Starts Friday at Mel’s

By SARAH ROBERTS COOPERSTOWN

Mel’s at 22 is collaborating with aerial photographer William Jay Miller to host an event in an effort to assist three local nonprofit organizations: the Cooperstown Food Pantry, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Springbrook.

All three nonprofits have special connections to the team at Mel’s at 22 and to Miller, who has donated seven signed and numbered “super-sized” prints of aerial images of Cooperstown to the cause.

Miller, who lives locally, is a licensed drone pilot with the FAA. He started flying drones eight years ago and now specializes in aerial images and videos of Cooperstown and Otsego Lake.

“I try to showcase the area in a different perspective than most people are used to seeing,” Miller said in an interview.

League of Women Voters Observers are Shining a Light on Democracy

Held each year in midMarch, Sunshine Week is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government and private sectors. Their purpose is to shine a light on the importance of public records and open government. The League supports these efforts and in spring 2023 and after a hiatus of several decades, the LWV of the Cooperstown Area reinstated its Observer Corps. The Observer Corps are members of the League who attend local governmental meetings, note what happens at the meeting, and report back to the League Board. Observers also review other ways the entities interact with the public, such as websites and live broadcast of the meetings.

Observers help ensure that the issues facing our community are being handled in the open—“in the sunshine”—and that there is transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement that supports good government.

League observers do only that— observe and report on the process and the actions taken at a particular meeting. They do not speak at the meetings for themselves or for the League. Observers use a form developed by the League to assess each meeting. The League has two concerns: whether the public body is adhering to the Open Meetings Law and whether the entity is considering an issue that is of interest to the League. Observers also report on topics raised in the public comment session. (Interestingly, public comment sessions are not required by law.)

Finally, observers track how well these public bodies provide information to those they represent. The observers note if the governmental entity records or broadcasts meetings, if there is a website, whether the website includes copies of past minutes of committees, links to local laws, and other information the public needs.

To date, the League has observers attending meetings of the Cooperstown Central School District and the Cherry ValleySpringfield School District; the Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees; the town boards of Cherry Valley, Middlefield, Otsego, and Hartwick; the Watershed Supervisory Committee; and the Otsego County Board.

Included below are several overall reports from our observers from some of the entities the League has been observing. More will be posted on the LWV Cooperstown website (www.LWVCooperstownArea.org).

Middlefield Town Board Meeting

live. They lack some equipment to do this. Acronyms are used. When executive sessions are held, the purpose is explained.

—Maureen Murray, Sandy deRosa, Christina Bourgeois, observers

Cherry Valley Springfield School Board Meeting

The Cherry Valley-Springfield School Board meeting minutes and agendas are posted and easily accessible on the school’s website. Agendas and notifications are sent out on time, including to the Leagues observer. Meetings always begin promptly; visitors are acknowledged and there is always time on the agenda for public comment. The meetings are not streamed live. Any executive sessions are now held at the end of the meeting with an announcement regarding the focus. There are challenges at times understanding acronyms; however, the members are always willing to clarify any confusion or question. Sharing supporting data regarding current issues such as absenteeism, testing, etc. would be helpful either at the meeting and/or included in the minutes.

—Anna Gaeta, observer

Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees

The village website includes agendas and minutes of meetings for trustee meetings. Agendas are sent within the recommended time frame and are quite complete. Since October 2023, the agendas have included all the business that will be dealt with at that meeting—invoices, letters to the board, permits, etc. Draft minutes are posted in a timely fashion. Meetings always begin promptly, and time is allowed for public comment. The meetings are broadcast live; the video is posted the next day, if not sooner. Any executive session is held at the end of the regular meeting, and the mayor announces the purpose of the session. The members use many acronyms and the nameplates that identify the members are difficult to read.

—Patty MacLeish, observer

Watershed Supervisory Committee

The kick-off event for the fundraiser will be on Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, from 5-8 p.m. Patrons of Mel’s at 22 will be able to view the art and have pictures taken with a 1 to 10 scale image of Kingfisher Tower, a well-known structure on Otsego Lake.

Miller’s photographs will be for sale during the event and Mel’s at 22 will provide tickets for anyone who purchases a Kingfisher specialty cocktail on Friday or Saturday. Those tickets will go into a drawing at the end of the event for the chance to win a 30”x15” metal print of Kingfisher Tower. The winner will be drawn at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. The Kingfisher specialty cocktail contains Grey Whale gin, St. Germain, triple sec, house sour mix, and prosecco, garnished with a lemon twist.

“We were talking about how we could do something for the community,” Miller said. “The fundraiser will continue until all prints have been

Continued on page 11

The Town Board meetings start on time. The agenda is available on the website at least three days in advance. The website also includes announcements about the schedule of Town Board meetings, Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, and Planning Board meetings, as well as notices from the Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk hours. Board members and chair are engaged and collegial, and there is good discussion as issues are presented. Public comment is placed at the top of the agenda and all board members listen attentively. It’s not very common for this item on the agenda to last a long time. When it does, managing the timing and number of speakers could be improved, perhaps by appointing a timekeeper for the discussion period. Meetings are not broadcast

This group is composed of representatives from the towns of Otsego, Hartwick, Middlefield, and Springfield, as well as the Village of Cooperstown, and is concerned with all watersheds and Lake Otsego. One meeting each month focuses on septic issues, with a second meeting for the watershed concerns. Agendas are available on the Village of Cooperstown website. Meetings begin promptly, and committee members who are unable to attend in person are usually connected online.

—Bruce MacLeish, observer

NY State’s Open Meeting Law

Recent changes in New York’s Open Meeting Law have new requirements regarding websites, including the requirement that public entities serving populations above a certain size must also maintain a website. (https://opengovernment.ny.gov/). The Open Government website contains much more information on what citizens can expect at a public meeting. One place to begin to understand the law is the Open Meetings Law “Frequently Asked Questions” (https://opengovernment.ny.gov/ frequently-asked-questions-0). Patty MacLeish is communications director for the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area.

Sessa To Perform at West Kortright Center

EAST MEREDITH—The West Kortright Center will present a concert by Brazilian musician Sessa at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. He is known for his minimalist style, legendary stage presence, and small backing group consisting of a women’s choir and Afro-Brazilian percussion.

Tickets are $25.00 in advance, with a 10 percent discount for WKC members and 50 percent off for children 12 and under. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit westkc.org.

from page 10

projects. Can you clarify what the expected tax contributions from RSS’s proposed development will be?

5.) Funding the $25 Million Project:

- How does RSS plan to fund the proposed $25 million cost of this project? Please list all applicable State, Federal and Local programs.

- How will your proposed acquisition of 27 Market Street be financed?

- We understand that RSS is unwilling to secure funding before

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Mitchell’s Lumber Sales LLC

Articles of organization filing date with the NY Secretary of State (SSNY) was January 27, 2025.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 422 Bentley Road, New Berlin, NY 13411.

Purpose: to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: SPRINGFIELD ART CENTER LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 February, 2025. 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 422, Springfield Center, NY 13468. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

attempting to acquire the property. Does this mean RSS intends to hold the property while applying for competitive funding with minimal or no financial commitment for as long as it may take?

6.) The RSS web site – www.27MarketStreet. com

This website promotes a “shared vision.” However, given everything that has transpired over the past year, the Oneonta community does not believe that RSS is genuinely open to the public’s vision. Additionally, emails obtained through a FOIL request reveal that in December 2023,

Name: BLISSFUL BEGINNINGS DAYCARE LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 February, 2025.

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 45 Genesee St., Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of Howell’s Sunny Days LLC, Filed with the Secretary of State on January 28, 2025. Office Location is in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to P.O. Box 12, Springfield Center, New York 13468. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

T & J Duncan LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/18/24.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail

Mayor Drnek encouraged Christine Nealon to include a “Maker Space” on the first floor, stating that it would provide him with “talking points” to help promote RSS to the public. Furthermore, the 27MarketStreet.com website selectively links only to news sources that support the RSS project at 27 Market Street. Notably absent are recent articles discussing parking concerns and those advocating for the continued use of 27 Market Street as parking. Can you comment on this?

In Summary

It is our hope that RSS

will eventually recognize that the best course of action is to withdraw from attempting to acquire 27 Market Street. Doing so would allow the Oneonta community and RSS to collaborate in a more constructive and transparent manner. Other potential locations exist within the Town of Oneonta that may better suit this project’s needs. However, if RSS and Mayor Drnek remain closely aligned and focused on this site, productive discussions on alternative solutions will be stifled, and divisiveness within our community will persist.

LEGALS

copy of process to: The LLC, 7 Hill Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.3

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Notice of formatioN of D&R LIQUOR HOLDINGS LLC.

Filed 2/10/25. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 4850 State Rte 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: General. 6LegalApr.3

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY (LLc).

Name:

Oneonta Resident Rentals, LLC. Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) was 18 February, 2025. 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, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.3

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Notice of formatioN of Sleeping Lion Lodge LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on February 19, 2025. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail process to P.O Box 12, Springfield Center, New York 13468. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalApr.3

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Notice of formatioN of Popmuz, LLC, Art. of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 2/2/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 802 S. Fairway Road, Glenside, PA 19038. Principal place of business is 6680 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.3

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY: Casa Nostra Creations LLC.

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/02/2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 26 Suncrest Ter, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.10

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Notice of formatioN of Tafel Farm, LLC.

Articles of organization filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on 02/27/2025. Official Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated

Thank you, Bryan Shaughnessy, City of Oneonta 1st Ward Resident

Luisa Montanti, City of Oneonta 4th Ward Resident

Marge O’Mara, City of Oneonta 7th Ward Resident

Carolyn Marks, City of Oneonta 7th Ward Resident

Paul Conway, City of Oneonta 2nd Ward Resident

Bob Brzozowski, City of Oneonta 7th Ward Resident

Kathy Varadi, City of Oneonta 8th Ward Resident

Chip and Stephanie Holmes, City of Oneonta 8th Ward Residents

Dean Roberts, Owner of Green Earth, 6th Ward

Charles Hartley, City of Oneonta 7th Ward Resident

Jacki Hunt, Manager of Clinton Plaza, 8th Ward

as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1342 County Highway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.10

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Notice of formatioN of

TheWashWizards LLC

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) was 6 March, 2025.

Office location: Otsego county SSNY designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 834 South Side Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalApr.17

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Notice of formatioN of:

C.M.C.E., L.L.C.

Articles of organization filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on 03/19/2018.

Official Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1345 County Highway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.17

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Notice of formatioN of Lockstep Digital LLC

dba Lockstep

Articles of organization filed

with SSNY on 02/25/2025. Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as an agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: PO Box 92, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalApr.17

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Notice of formatioN of HAWKEYE AVIATION LLC

Articles of org. filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/17/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.24

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Notice of formatioN of Campbell Apartments, LLC, a foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on November 13, 2024, an Application of Authority. The fictitious name under which the foreign limited liability company will do business in NY is: HolubHinchey Rentals, LLC, Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 4910 E. Andora Drive, Scottsdale, AZ

85254. General Purposes.

6LegalMay.1

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Notice of pUbLic HeariNG NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historical Preservations and Review Board (HPARB) for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: • Meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York.

36 Grove Street – application to demolish residence. (residence is to be reconstructed ~10 feet away on new foundation).

The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)5472411 Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1LegalMar.27

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Notice of pUbLic HeariNG

NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law amending Local Law 3 of 2024 – Extending Local Law No. 2 of 2021 continuing the rate of tax of 6% - Imposing a tax on the occupancy of certain hotel, motel, and similar rooms in Otsego County.

NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 9:55 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard. The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment. The public hearing will be streamed via Facebook Live on the official Otsego County Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/otsegocountynewyork A copy of this Local Law is available on the Otsego County website.

Dated: March 27, 2025

Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of READY HELPERS LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 01/29/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY desig-

nated as agent for process & shall mail to: 438 COUNTY HWY 11, ONEONTA, NY 13820. Purpose: Any Lawful. 6LegalMay.1

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Notice of formatioN of

STEAMSTRESS AND CO LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 02/17/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 15 MAPLE ST, WORCESTER, NY 12197. Purpose: Any Lawful. 6LegalMay.1

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Notice of formatioN of JAKE’S DELI LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 01/29/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 291 COUNTY HWY 5, OTEGO, NY 13825. Purpose: Any Lawful. 6LegalMay.1

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Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLitY compaNY: soapcoNY LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/15/2025. Location: Otsego County NY. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. Business address: 7 Maiden Ln, Cherry Valley N.Y., 13320. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalMay.1

News Briefs

Continued from page 3

symptom management strategies. Visit bassett.org/ event/2025/05/06/free-course-managing-the-effectsof-menopause-on-your-pelvic-floor to register.

Historic District Topic of Talk

COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library will host Otsego 2000 Executive Director Ellen Pope and former Executive Director Martha Frey for their next Sunday Speaker program on March 30. The free talk will run from 3-4 p.m. in the third floor ballroom of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street. Pope and Frey will discuss the Glimmerglass Historic District, established 25 years ago, and the role it plays in economic development and environmental protection.

ArcoStrum Duo To Perform

COOPERSTOWN—Award-winning violin-guitar duo ArcoStrum will perform at the Fenimore Art

Mary Tabor

1949-2025

HARTWICK—On March 2, 2025, Mary Tabor climbed on her horse Rebel and rode at a full gallop to rejoin her husband, her father, and her family as she held hands with her sons.

Mary was born in the parlor of her family home on October 19, 1949 to Kenneth Kane of Christian Hill. Her earliest memories were of riding through the fields on a stone boat and picking potatoes as her diaper dragged in the dirt. She lamented throughout her life that she had to forgo the fun of kindergarten; she spent her fifth year at home helping to take care of her father, who was immobile while he recovered from breaking his back. She made him soup for lunch every day because it was all she knew how to cook. A remarkable autodidact, Mary learned how to read and write that year, and entered school ahead of her peers. She said of her childhood that, “We had next to nothing, but somehow we had everything.”

She was, from her first day to her last, her father’s daughter. A second-grade classmate twice the size of the others was an indiscriminate tormenter, and one particular victim was made to cry every day. Mary seized a brief moment during which the teacher left the room and pushed the bully into a garbage can. When the teacher asked the class who did it, Mary took responsibility. She was rewarded with having her knuckles beaten with a ruler. The bullying stopped, and after her father went in the next day, the teacher never hit another child.

Mary’s childhood on a lively Christian Hill was bursting with horses, music, stories, friends, 4-H and mothering a

Museum at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 as part of the Cooperstown Concerts series. Tickets are available at www.cooperstownconcerts.org and may be available at the door.

The group includes Strauss Shi, three-time international First Prize-winning violinist, and TY Zhang, Grand Prize winner of the Guitar Foundation of America’s International Concert Artist Competition. Former classmates at Julliard, the pair share a passion for redefining their art form for the 21st century.

Hicko To Address Historians

COBLESKILL—The Town of Cobleskill Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 173 South Grand Street, Suite 1, at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 7. The keynote speaker will be Maryrose Hicko, registrar at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. She will discuss her work overseeing new acquisitions and the museum’s 3D collections. The talk is free and open to the public. The Historical Society is also open to new members, with $10.00 annual dues.

OBITUARIES

Earth Week Cleanup Slated

ONEONTA—Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful will host an Earth Week Kickoff event at 4 Dietz Street at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. City of Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek will deliver brief remarks before supplies are distributed for a city-wide litter cleanup. For more information, contact info@mvedd.org.

SUNY Delhi Wins Awards

DELHI—SUNY Delhi’s Student Life Division recently received four awards for creativity, innovation and appeal to a diverse student body from the National Association for Campus Activities, MidAtlantic Region.

The Student Programming Board earned the Spirit Award and Outstanding Community Impact Award, and its president, Julia Romanowski, won the Student Leader Award.

The SUNY Delhi Broncos Vote Committee was recognized with the Excellence in Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Award.

constant cast of children dropped off at the house when a family’s reduced circumstances forced them to turn to help from the Kane farm. Late in her life, she was shopping at Walmart when a man stopped her to ask if she was Mary Tabor. When she said yes, he explained that he had been one of those children. He told her that she’d saved his life.

While a teen, Mary’s sister Hilda’s hopelessly troubled car broke down in Hartwick. A gentleman one day removed from his release from the Navy offered to help; Ken Tabor drove them home, fell in love with Mary, and they were married for the last 55 years of his life.

Together they struck out west to the Binghamton area, where Ken worked for IBM and Mary attended the Imperial School of Beauty Culture in Endicott. Her talent as a hairdresser was only eclipsed by her ability to put her clients at ease. She continued working as a beautician after moving back to Hartwick while she and Ken built their own family home on Christian Hill. They did not employ contractors; Mary, Ken, and their families provided both the skills and the labor.

As Mary brought up her own children, she began working at Cooperstown Central School as a volunteer, where she compiled an indefatigable community curriculum vitae: she was five minutes early for every Little People’s Theater rehearsal; her cowbell was the loudest at every football game through the 1980s; and under her guidance, Cooperstown’s annual yearbook was errorfree, on time, and under budget. Each year she made sure that every student who wanted a yearbook got one, even

if they couldn’t afford it.

Mary worked at Cooperstown with athletic directors Ted Kantorowski and Mike Cring. In her retirement, she joined Laurens Central School in special education with Sandy Kaster and a host of friends whom she talked about daily. At both schools, her job titles were nearly nominal; her real work was providing overlooked students with the education that their schools, and occasionally parents, either couldn’t or wouldn’t.

Despite a full-time work schedule and devoting even more time to raising three boys, Mary earned a degree from Herkimer by taking classes at night. No winter storm would make her miss a class; through those years she periodically assisted the DEC with whitetail population control as she propped up local body shops. It paid off, as on countless occasions a conversation would reveal that someone just assumed she was a professor with a PhD. When she wasn’t serving as an oracle, she was reading. Her mind was at home both in the pages of the Western canon and within the stories of Jeffrey Archer and John Grisham.

Mary was a meticulous quilter who eschewed modern computerized machines for a traditional Singer Featherweight, and she became a staple at area auctions as she curated antiques and silver. Whether bullion or numismatic coins, Mary became a bellwether for other auctiongoers, particularly with Morgan silver dollars. If she didn’t bid, it wasn’t worth having, and when she stopped bidding, the price was too high. Her favorite memories included riding horses in Montana and traversing Las Vegas with her

nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com

family, sipping limoncello on the Thames with her granddaughter, and poring over recipes in the Fannie Farmer cookbook with her grandson. She lived for every family holiday, which included the Kentucky Derby, as she provided all of them with an unshakeable, impenetrable stability that persists in perpetuity.

Mary continues to live on Christian Hill through her three boys, Jeffrey, Jason, and Matthew, all of Hartwick and Cooperstown, and her grandchildren, Allison, Jacob, Peyton, and Lucas.

The Tabor family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. At the conclusion of the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Frances P. Wayman 1926-2025

HARTWICK—

Frances P. Wayman, a Hartwick native, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2025. Frances, the youngest of 10 children, was born on June 24, 1926 at her family’s farm on the top of Scotch Hill to Anton and Mary Zupevec of Austria. After her family moved to North Street, Frances walked across the field to Hartwick High School, graduating the only girl in a class of five.

Frances met her future husband, Douglas F. Wayman, when they both worked at Mohican Florist in Cooperstown. They were married on May 19, 1945. Frances and Doug purchased their present home on School Street in Hartwick, where they raised their two children, Kenneth and Linda.

Frances’ passion for cooking led her to 25 years as a cafeteria cook, first at Hartwick High School and Grade Center, then retiring from Cooperstown Elementary School after the Hartwick school’s closure. She is still known by many of Hartwick’s community as “the cafeteria lady” who always made sure neither her students nor staff left hungry!

During the summer, Frances enjoyed entertaining friends at the family’s camp on Canadarago Lake. She was an expert seamstress whose talents were often sought out by the community. Frances was an avid gardener. Included among the

vegetables were the special pole beans from Yugoslavia, brought to this country by her sister. A reunion favorite, always requested, were her baked beans. In retirement, Frances enjoyed caring for her senior siblings, exercise classes and other activities with her lifelong neighborhood friends.

In 2004, after 59 years of marriage, Frances lost the love of her life, Doug, and in 2018 her daughter, Linda Alessi, of Long Island. Frances is survived by her son, Kenneth Wayman; sonin-law Dan Alessi; and grandsons Brian, Ben, and Matt Alessi; as well as several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will’ be held at the convenience of the family. The family is thankful for the support they received from hospice. Contributions in Frances’ memory may be made to the Hartwick Baptist Church and the Hartwick Emergency Squad. Arrangements are in the care of the Tillapaugh Funeral Home.

Photo provided MARY TABOR

Photo provided FRANCES P. WAYMAN

Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education, with Project Prom in the subject line. Mail donations to: Dan Crowell, Project Prom Treasurer, 134 Allison Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. To donate online visit https://sites.google. com/view/coopprojectprom/. For donations of a raffle item, contact Abbe Furnari, raffle chair, at abbefurnari@verizon.net.

If you have any questions or would like more information about Project Prom, visit its website or contact coopprojectprom@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your generous support of this special event, which for the first time is an event for both Cooperstown juniors and seniors.

Michelle Hitchcock and Laurie Williams Project Prom Communications Co-Chairs

Melissa Miller Fundraising Chair

Education Not a Partisan Issue

I am writing to express my deep concern over recent discussions regarding the dismantling of the Department of Education. Such a move would be shortsighted and detrimental to the future of our nation’s students, educators and communities.

The Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Americans. It provides essential funding to schools, supports students with disabilities, enforces civil rights protections, and promotes innovation in teaching and learning. Closing this department would jeopardize these vital functions, leaving states and local districts to fend for themselves without the necessary resources or oversight.

Education is the foundation of a thriving society and a strong economy. Without federal support, disparities between wealthy

and underfunded school districts would widen, exacerbating inequality and limiting opportunities. Furthermore, the Department of Education’s role in data collection and analysis helps identify achievement gaps and guides policies to address them.

While some argue that closing the department would reduce bureaucracy, the reality is that its absence would create chaos and inefficiency. States and local districts would face increased administrative burdens, and the lack of a unified vision for education would hinder progress on national priorities like STEM education, teacher training, and college affordability.

Rather than dismantling the Department of Education, we should focus on strengthening it. By investing in our schools, supporting educators and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education, we can build a brighter future for all. I urge policymakers to reconsider this misguided proposal and prioritize the needs of students and families. Education is not a partisan issue—it is a cornerstone of our democracy and a pathway to opportunity. Let us work together to protect and improve it, not tear it down.

Mike Stein Member, CooperstownOneonta Indivisible

Grow Up, Oneontans

The latest drama in the continuing saga of 27 Market Street and Rehabilitative Support Services was laid out in your March 13 piece. I was struck by the defensive reaction by the mayor, imploring the council to “step outside the comfort zone of shared opinion.”

It occurred to me that if such opinions about RSS are truly shared, then are they not valid? I read the complete letter to RSS and, if you get past the accusations, found the six questions directly asked of them quite legitimate and should have been asked and answered long ago.

If the parties could get beyond their wounded egos and focus on answering the stakeholders’ questions without having to resort to the Freedom of Information Act, we’d all be better informed.

I have still not made up my own mind about RSS, but this childish behavior from all sides doesn’t help me decide. Please, someone be the adult in the room. We deserve better.

Mary Tingley Oneonta

We’re In It for the Long Haul

Yesterday, while working my shift at a local nonprofit, I saw

one of the saddest things I have ever seen: an 18page document, directed to all nonprofits both local and statewide, and drafted by legallyinformed people, about what to do if ICE comes calling. Looking for you, or for one or some of your clients. Wanting to get into your space. They want to ask for more information: Who do you serve? Or to find certain people: Are they here? Where are they? Who are you? Prove it. The document, put out for all the volunteers and staff to read, told us: What to ask them. First, who are they? And to watch out: ICE people sometimes dress like the police, although they are not. Ask for I.D. If they want a certain person: Why? Does that person have a criminal record? Did he/she commit a violent crime? Proof? If they want to come in to look for someone, or to look at your records: Do they have a search warrant?

People feel powerless: They wonder what they can do. The Internet is full of would-be useful advice, all the way from meditation to medication. Write to your congressperson: as if Marjorie Taylor Greene is sure to listen to you. Carry a sign. Go to law school, if you can find one that hasn’t been shut down. Learn what is constitutionally lawful, and what is not. Represent.

Advocate. Know your rights. Tell other people. I don’t know all about what to do either, but I know this: You have to do what you can. And it’s not hopeless. I have studied biological anthropology and medicine, and I feel I can say this: Both evolutionarily and genetically, we are programmed to try and fail to succeed and try again. As toddlers, we tried to stand up, fell, got up and tried again. Then we did it. Then we tried to walk. Took a first step. Fell down. Tried again. Then we walked. Then we ran. Last Tuesday, I went to a small rally in Oneonta. There were perhaps 200 people there. But I could have counted on the fingers of one hand the number there under the age of 50 or 60. Many, probably most,

of those assembled there had been at rallies and marches at an earlier time, wanting us out of Vietnam. We got out. They had marched against war, poverty, hunger, injustice: Medicare and Medicaid were born. Civil rights for all persons here were made law. Our leaders took notice, or we replaced them. They, we, have made some progress. Because the people there were people on the long march. They started, and have kept to, the “long run.” I felt proud to be with them. Do what you can: because the long run isn’t some vague time in the future. The long run starts now. One step at a time. Start it. Take it.

Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown

RSS Purchase of 27 Market St.: Opposing Views

Letter to rSS executive director devita in favor

We Support Your Efforts

March 24, 2025

Dear Executive Director DeVita, This letter reflects the collective views of a multitude of Oneonta residents and key downtown stakeholders. We are actively engaged in local government affairs and we have been closely following RSS’s activities in Oneonta. We would like to express our support for your organization’s efforts to purchase 27 Market St.

According to Mayor Drnek, RSS staff will be presenting on this matter at the April 1st Common Council Meeting. We invite you to attend so you can see that Oneonta is a diverse, welcoming, and empathetic community. Your Director of Strategic Partnerships, Christine Nealon, has advocated on behalf of this project effectively and we look forward to engaging with her further.

A recently distributed letter states that you and Mayor Drnek have engaged in “behind-the-scenes discussions” to lay the groundwork for this project. Conversely, the signatories of this letter recognize that this project remains in the conceptual phase of development given that RSS has not yet been approved to purchase the property. Furthermore, we disavow the statements made by a small contingent of residents that characterize our community as being largely opposed to this project.

Supportive and affordable housing have long been framed as “controversial” and “unpopular.” When in reality, substance use disorder and mental illness could one day affect all of us. Oneonta would be lucky to have a space that supports those in need, who could one day be our children, family, and friends. The supportive housing model has also been used to temporarily house survivors of domestic violence, those with chronic health conditions, and others at risk of homelessness due to no fault of their own.

Furthermore, our nation faces a housing and affordability crisis. The cost of living has far outpaced wage growth, displacing many of our hardest working residents. These vitally important members of our community have been ignored and deserve our support. Conceptually, the majority of residents at 27 Market St. would earn between 3070% of Otsego County’s household median income. Both the 2018 City of Oneonta Comprehensive Plan and its 2022 MU-1 Zoning Code recognize the importance of locating housing of all types in close proximity to our employment centers. Indeed, the City understands that providing housing at an affordable price point will allow individuals to enter our local economy and “filter up” into homeownership as their social circumstances improve.

As the main economic engine of Otsego County and given the city’s proximity to employment centers in Binghamton and Albany, Oneonta represents an ideal location for a housing project that supports young professionals and those in recovery trying to reenter the job market.

This letter is intentionally concise. Unlike those in opposition, we recognize that this project is in the conceptual phase and many key details have not been ironed out. As a collective, we believe that those dealing with substance use disorder and/or mental illness deserve our compassion and a place to recover. We believe that the hardest working Oneontans deserve a convenient residence near employment and critical services. We believe in an organization that has provided these critical services for decades. We believe in our elected officials to express openness and empathy to those in need. And, we believe in each other, no matter what may ail us or how much money we make.

Clark Oliver, Former County Representative, Wards 1 and 2, City of Oneonta

Danny Lapin, Former County Representative, Wards 5 and 6, City of Oneonta

Nora Mendez, Otsego County Representative, Wards 1 and 2, City of Oneonta

Andrew Stammel, City of Oneonta Business Owner, Former County Representative, Town of Oneonta Resident

Kerri Lincoln, Vice President, Otsego Pride Alliance, Ward 1 Resident

James Mcilroy, Main St. Business Owner, Ward 1 Resident

Emily Ward, Otsego County Democratic Committee Member, Ward 1 Resident

Deb Bruce, Ward 1 Resident

Brendan D. Aucoin, Ward 1 Resident

Rita Casassa, Ward 1 Resident

Laura Latora, Ward 1 Resident

Stephanie Rozene, Ward 1 Resident

Alex Fisher, City of.Oneonta Business Owner, Co-Founder, Oneonta Thrives!, Ward 2 Resident

Debra Marcus, J.D., Ward 2 Resident

Dorothy Fee, Business Owner, Ward 3 Resident

Kelly Dutcher, Ward 3 Resident

Aimee Swan, Ward 3 Resident

Brigid Sullivan, Ward 4 Resident

Olivia Burlew, Ward 5 Resident

Valerie Cole, Vice-Chair, Otsego Co. Democratic Committee, Ward 5 Resident

Abigail Gouldin, Ward 5 Resident

Anthony Nicholas, Ward 5 Resident

Jacqueline More, LMSW, Ward 5 Resident

James R. Koury, Former City Clerk, Ward 6 Resident

Zak West, Ward 6 Resident

Harper Hawthorne, Ward 8 Resident

Naomi Roth, Ward 8 Resident

Aaron Sorenson, Ward 8 Resident

Kate Simeon, Town of Oneonta Resident

Rebecca Bonker, Town of Davenport Resident

Rhiannon Ham, Town of Worcester Resident

Elayne Mosher Campoli, Common Council Member, Ward 1, City of Oneonta

Caitlyn Davey, Environmental Board Commissioner, City of Oneonta, Ward 6 Resident

Elizabeth Mcilroy, Main St. Business Owner, Ward 1 Resident

Karen Oliver, Former Main St. Business Owner, Ward 1 Resident

Kathy Tobiassen, Former Co-Coordinator, Catskill Choral Society’s Grand & Glorious

Garage Sale (held on Main St.), Board Member, Bigger Dream Productions, Former Board President, Orpheus Theatre, Ward 1 Resident

Fennec Beckmann, Ward 1 Resident

Kathy DeAngelo, Ward 1 Resident

Tara Mosher Campoli, Ward 1 Resident

Elizabeth Voltz, Ward 1 Resident

Jessica Wintringham, LMSW, Former Employee, RSS and Opportunities for Otsego, Ward 2 Resident

Sarah Schlafer, Ward 2 Resident

Peter Friedman, Resident of Center City for 38 years, Ward 3 Resident

Zanna McKay, Ward 3 Resident

Nathaniel Henry, MSW Candidate, Ward 4 Resident

Gary Burlew, Ward 5 Resident

Joanna Chapman, Ward 5 Resident

Elyse Doyle, Ward 5 Resident

Pathy Leiva, Ward 5 Resident

Jesselton Simpauco, Ward 5 Resident

Mark E. Pawkett, Ward 6 Resident

Gary Flaherty, CSM, Retired, Ward 6 Resident

Darby A. Champion, Ward 8 Resident

Barton Tyler Miller, Ward 8 Resident

Jeff Sloan, Ward 8 Resident

Geoffrey Doyle, Town of Oneonta Resident

Charles Sherrard, Town of Oneonta Resident

Kirsten Foster, Gilbertsville Resident

Amy Pondolfino, Town of Pittsfield Resident

Letter to rSS executive director devita aGainSt

Withdraw Your Offer To Buy

February 27, 2025

Dear William DeVita, This letter reflects the collective views of numerous Oneonta residents and key downtown stakeholders.

We are actively engaged in local government affairs and have been closely following RSS’s activities in Oneonta and have significant concerns regarding your organization’s efforts to purchase 27 Market St.

According to Mayor Drnek, RSS staff will be presenting on this matter at the April 1st Common Council Meeting. Given the complexities and concerns surrounding this project, we ask you to take a more handson approach. Unfortunately, your public relations employee, Christine Nealon, has lost credibility within our community due to inconsistencies in her public and private communications. As a result, many residents now question the accuracy and reliability of the information she presents.

Emails obtained through a FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) request between RSS and Mayor Drnek reveal that you, and others, have been directly involved in behind-the-scenes discussions. Over the past two to three years, you have privately met with Mayor Drnek multiple times to lay the groundwork for the proposed RSS project at 27 Market Street. It is clear that the plans the City of Oneonta and your organization conceived together have not proceeded as intended. As your organization and Mayor Drnek continued to push for RSS to gain site control over 27 Market Street, public opposition has repeatedly derailed your efforts. The initial vote to sell the property to RSS was scheduled a year ago, then postponed to October 2024, then to January 2025, and now to May 2025. Throughout this period, Mayor Drnek has worked persistently to appoint new Council members who align with his unpopular agenda, despite significant public disapproval.

Since December 2023, the City of Oneonta Common Council, city staff, and the public have devoted countless hours to addressing your controversial proposed development at 27 Market Street. RSS has been at the forefront of extensive discussions in local news, social media, and community forums.

We suspect that you now recognize that entering into private agreements with Mayor Drnek while keeping the Common Council and the public uninformed was a mistake. Your alignment with Mayor Drnek indicates a determined effort to push this project forward at all costs, despite widespread community skepticism and opposition. Many residents feel that both RSS and the Mayor have misrepresented key aspects of this initiative. Our goal is to hold RSS and Mayor Drnek accountable, ensuring transparency and honesty in your dealings with the community— whether regarding 27 Market Street or any future projects.

To uphold these principles, we request written responses to the questions listed below. They are grouped into six categories, and we ask that responses be sent via email by the close of business on March 21, 2025.

1.) Comparable Properties:

- Please provide the documentation on the comparable properties referenced in the December 19, 2023 Council meeting. (see property addresses below)

- What would the income range be for both supportive and nonsupportive housing units if these properties were located in Oneonta?

- The three comparable RSS properties include:

a) 140-150 Hudson Ave Ext, Poughkeepsie City

b) 104 Clinton Avenue, Albany

c) 116 N Meadow Street, Ithaca (under construction, estimated completion Fall 2026).

RSS has provided conflicting

information regarding income requirements. At the December 19, 2023, and January 2, 2024, Council meetings, Christine Nealon stated that the income range for renting an apartment in the proposed 27 Market Street development would be $18,000 to $60,000. These confusing figures were subsequently reported by the news media and reiterated by Mayor Drnek. However, further investigation by community members revealed that the actual income requirement for a one-person household in a nonsupportive unit would likely be under $30,700—nearly half of the $60,000 figure initially presented by RSS. This $30,700 figure is based on the 50% AMI threshold for 2024. This discrepancy has caused significant confusion within the community.

2.) Supportive Housing Component:

- How is ‘supportive housing’ defined, and what are the qualification criteria and eligible target populations?

- What percentage of units at the comparable properties are designated as supportive housing?

- RSS has stated that 30% of the proposed units at 27 Market Street will be supportive housing. However, the three comparable properties mentioned earlier designate at least 50% of their units for supportive housing. Additionally, New York State funding agencies such as HCR provide additional financial incentives for projects with 50% or more supportive housing units. Can you clarify where the 30% figure originates and whether this number may change?

3.) Commercial Space Requirement:

- The first floor of the proposed RSS structure must include commercial space in accordance with downtown zoning regulations. Clinton Plaza borders 27 Market Street on two sides. Robert Semaya, who speaks for the owner of Clinton Plaza, expressed his concerns in a three-page letter to the Common Council on January 7, 2025. In addition to parking-related issues, he also raised concerns that the proposed RSS commercial space could negatively impact not only his own commercial property but also other retail locations along Main Street. What are your thoughts on these concerns? The letter in question is attached.

4.) Property Tax or PILOT Agreement:

- Will RSS pay property taxes or enter into a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement?

- Christine Nealon has stated that RSS would voluntarily agree to a PILOT as a goodwill gesture toward the community. However:

a) As a non-profit organization, RSS cannot be legally compelled to pay property taxes or a PILOT.

b) RSS pays nothing at its other properties. RSS’s comparable properties in Poughkeepsie and Albany do not pay taxes or PILOTs (as confirmed by the tax assessors in those cities).

c) The Dietz Street Lofts PILOT was discussed at a Council meeting as a potential comparison. However, even if RSS agrees to a PILOT, it would likely be much lower than what Dietz Street Lofts pays, given that RSS’s proposed project is predominantly “very low-income” housing (50% AMI). This lower rental revenue would result in a smaller PILOT payment. According to a 2025 budget document, Dietz Street Lofts pays a $70,000 PILOT, with the city’s share being $23,000. The Dietz Street Lofts, which consists of 64 units of middle-income and lowincome housing, generates significantly higher rental revenue than the development RSS is proposing at 27 Market Street.

- A March 2024 document (Cover Letter for P&SA) from Christine Nealon cites NY Tax Law RPTL 581-A as governing all addordable

Perrino

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kept a lead throughout the match and won 32 by decision. Doshna went on to finish fourth in the state tournament

“It was a rough match,” Perrino said. “I had to fight it all the way through. I managed to keep up good movement and was able to get behind him.”

The win set Perrino up for a difficult third match against three seed Takota Smith (33-6) of Pioneer, an opponent he had never faced. He consulted with his support in the bleachers, including family members, teammates, and partners from club wrestling and nearby schools, to set his goals and plan of attack. Smith took a 4-2 lead late in the second period, then relied on a strong defense and stalling to run down the clock.

“In the third period, [Smith] went straight to the mat,” Matthew’s father, Michael, said.

“Matthew had good control of the match but couldn’t turn him over. He eventually got a point for the stalling, but there were only 30 seconds left and not enough time to pick up another penalty.”

“I got some good moves on him, but he had great defense,” Matthew added. “Once he balled up with his hands under him, I couldn’t get hold of a wrist or another fulcrum point to turn him over. I hadn’t really seen that before, but now my coaches were able to tell me what to do in that situation: try to push them out of bounds, and maybe let them pick up another point so I can set them up for a takedown and, in this case, a 6-5 win at the very end.”

Perrino qualified for the main quarterfinals on Saturday, March 1, and returned to the ring exhausted and beat up from the day before. His opponent, Griffin McQuade (36-8) of Maine-Endwell, beat him by decision in the Cooperstown Invitational in December.

“I was nervous going into that match, knowing that he knew a lot of my moves,” he continued. “I tried to bring the same aggression I had the day before. [McQuade] is a little lighter than me and is incredibly fast, especially defending. He eventually got me in a headlock and pinned me with about 30 seconds left.”

“We’re very proud of Matthew for competing at States, of course, but his improvement from Sectionals just two weeks earlier is even more impressive,” Michael added. “He had

the sixth seed going into that tournament, and he upset the fifth, fourth and third seeds. Then, he beat the top seed and champion from Sectionals in Albany. Making it to States was a gift, but he had accomplishments all along the way.”

“I’ve learned so much about the sport this season, especially coming off some rough losses earlier in the year,” Matthew explained.

“Coaches [Mike] Croft and [Trentin] Carentz have been a constant help, especially with the mental and strategy side of things. They’ll do very detailed critiques, since one little wrong move can mess up a whole match. My best friend, our 285-class wrestler Max Scharf, is always there to help me warm up and train. It was especially helpful since we both started the season coming back from serious knee injuries. Max Koffer has also been a huge help with the mental side of things, getting us all into an aggressive mindset and talking about new moves and ideas.”

Inspired by Koffer’s off-season improvement, Perrino recently decided to join him in the Gorilla Grapplers Wrestling Club in Sidney. He will compete in a three-day national tournament in Virginia Beach at the end of March. After that season, he intends to start a local freestyle wrestling group to improve his mat awareness and mobility. His dedication to the sport and fascination with its every aspect, physical and mental, is clear in nearly everything he says.

Cooperstown wrestling fans can look forward to another strong season and a healthy crop of upcoming athletes learning by example. Complete results from the state tournament are available at nysphsaa. org/tournaments/?id=34.

Oneonta

Continued from page 1 tainment with $1,000.00 earmarked for programming by Community Arts Network of Oneonta; $16,500.00 for 14 weeks of programming by FORDO; $3,000.00 for Water Street; $20,000.00 for a marketing campaign, and $5,000.00 for winter holiday festivities.

Al Gallodoro Stage Coming in June

Another construction project that will disrupt traffic on Main Street this spring is the addition of a permanent covered stage dedicated to Al Gallodoro, the renowned jazz saxophonist who moved to Oneonta in 1981.

According to his

website, Gallodoro became the first alto sax/ clarinet in the Orpheum Theater house orchestra in New Orleans in 1927 at age 15. He performed vaudeville acts with Bob Hope, Edgar Bergen and Milton Berle.

“When will the stage be up and running?”

Scott Harrington, RSixth Ward, asked.

“The second week of June,” Drnek said.

“We invested a ton of money in that stand,”

Kaytee Lipari Shue, DFourth Ward, said. “You spent $110,000.00 of the parks and recreation’s budget….Altogether, we spent $350,000.00 to build a stage.”

Some of the money to pay for this project came from a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. Chair of the Finance/HR Committee Cecelia Walsh-Russo, D-Second Ward, asked if recent federal budget cuts would affect the financing for the stage’s construction.

“We are already in receipt of the ARPA money,” Director of Finance Virginia Lee said.

Geoff Doyle, executive director of Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, spoke at the March 18 meeting. He said he is willing to take on the role of booking the bandstand on Fridays for bigger bands and duets on other days.

“The bandstand funding is officially secured and should be used and not sitting idly,” he said.

Doyle proposed booking performances “at times ideal for folks heading to downtown for drinks and dinner after work.” He plans to coordinate schedules with the Foothills, B-Side and Black Oak Tavern to leverage foot traffic to all four venues.

Drnek said, “There is a shared sentiment that [Oneonta] needs to be marketed better or marketed period.”

Kaler Carpenter from FOR-DO explained that the $16,500.00 budget he used for Muller Plaza activities for the past two summers was originally earmarked for children’s

programs. He said he chose the large chess games, water games and sidewalk chalk to appeal to the families with children visiting Main Street.

“I would not want to see that money disappear for children’s programming,” he said.

“Last year, I kept specific tabs on visitors to the plaza,” Carpenter continued.

According to his records, there was a 42 percent increase in traffic to the plaza from 6,183 visitors in 2023 to 8,768 visitors. Carpenter tracked the number of kids, teens, young adults and families—60 percent were adults, he said.

Michael Forster Rothbart, D-Seventh Ward, said, “We need a better coordination between the businesses and activities on Muller Plaza.”

Harrington asked the city administrator, “Can we come up with a plan to keep that stage going?”

Don Mathisen, DEighth Ward, said, “I don’t think we should pay Kaler to sit in Muller Plaza.”

“I respectfully disagree,” Walsh-Russo said. “We need to activate that space.”

“There were people hanging out and enjoying themselves on hot days,” Elayne Mosher Campoli, D-First Ward, said. “That Youth Employment Program which FORDO facilitates is very beneficial.”

When the motion to approve the $60,000.00 was put to a vote, Mosher Campoli, Walsh-Russo, McHugh and Forster Rothbart voted in favor. Lipari Shue, Carson, Harrington and Mathisen voted no. Since the vote was tied 4-4, the mayor had the tie-breaking vote and voted yes to downtown support.

“There is a lot of work that can be done, and should be done, for a plan for 2026. We have a mission to have this be ongoing,” Drnek said.

“I have some concern over the blank check approach for the $20,000.00 marketing budget and the $16,500.00 check,” Forster Rothbart

added. The mayor suggested that an RFP process be used to identify a vendor for an integrated marketing plan.

“Mohawk Valley Edge comes highly recommended to me,” Walsh Russo offered.

Parking

Mattice shared his empirical data and assessment of parking downtown. In response, Lipari Shue cautioned, “We have a parking perception problem. We have round-about construction happening. I do not think [paid parking] is a good move right this minute. I think we need to wait until 2026.”

LWV

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book, cross country, track and field, and Leadership Training for Athletes. He has also been leading a project to restore the LaCava Nature Center.

Elias is interested in pursuing studies that would lead to a career in mining.

“I enjoy learning about how our government works (and doesn’t work),” Elias noted in his application, “[and] the conference would teach me valuable networking and lobbying skills, and…I would be able to translate what I learned into valuable resources and power for my community.”

Mel’s

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purchased, or until June 1.”

The prints are priced at $150.00 each. Net proceeds from the purchase of the prints will be donated to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, the SQSPCA or Springbrook, as buyers will have the choice of which nonprofit the proceeds from their

purchase will go to. The Cooperstown Food Pantry provides five days worth of food for each member of a household once a month. Additional care items, including diapers, are offered when available. The pantry also provides vouchers for the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and for the BackPack Program, which provides “kidfriendly, shelf stable, easily-prepared food… discreetly distributed on Friday afternoons to children who participate in the program.” According to its website, the SQSPCA “is committed to bringing about a time when there are no more homeless animals and every companion animal is guaranteed a loving home. We work to accomplish this goal through our spay/neuter, adoption, and education programs.” The SQSPCA supports animals who are in need through sheltering, spaying and neutering, and working to combat animal cruelty.

Springbrook supports members of the community with developmental disabilities through education and residential programs, as well as “work[ing] at school, in communities, and in the home to create a comprehensive learning experience that makes every day a chance to discover, build and grow.”

“Fast Friends Combo will provide live music on Friday from 6-9 p.m.,” said Derek Wedderspoon, general manager of Mel’s at 22.

“Come and view the artwork, try a Kingfisher specialty cocktail, and enjoy live music at Mel’s starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. It should be a lot of fun,” Wedderspoon said.

Editor’s Note: Visit AllOtsego.com for a preview of some of Miller’s prints to be sold as part of this fundraiser.

Please send cover letter and resume to info@allotsego.com, with

►Fri., March 28

COWORKING 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. “Free Day Pass.” Cooperstown Coworks, 6 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (607) 6432256.

THRIFTING 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $1 Bag Sale (except for tagged jewelry). Continues through 3/29. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335.

AGING 11 a.m. “Cell Phones For Seniors.”

Instructor Eric Camier teaches the basics of cell phone operation and answers questions. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

TAX SEASON

4:30-6:30 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick College via the IRS VITA program. Laurens Central School, 55 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-2050, ext. 1120.

THEATER 7 p.m. “The Government Inspector” by Nikolai Gogol, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher. Presented by Unatego Cue and Curtain. Unatego High School Auditorium, 2641 State Highway 7, Otego. (607) 988-5000.

OPEN MIC

7-10 p.m. Share a talent, from song to poetry, history and more. No politicking permitted. The Meeting House, 3080 County Highway 11, Hartwick. smcguire@ hartwickleah.org

THEATER 7 p.m.

“Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. Tickets required. Also showing 3/29. NJ Sterling Auditorium, Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8181.

MUSIC 7:30 p.m.

“Faculty Showcase Concert.” Presented by the Hartwick College Depart-

ment of Music. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta.

CONCERT 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.

“Dead Again: Type O Negative Tribute.” Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►Sat., March 29

LIBRARY 9:15 a.m.

“Coffee Group.” Held each Saturday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

YOGA 10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” Weekly classes open to all levels. Suggested donation applies. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga.

TEA CEREMONY

10 a.m. “Experience the Art of Gong Fu Cha: A Mindful Tea Ceremony with Alyssa Hardy.” Fees apply; registration required. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

TAX SEASON 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick College via the IRS VITA program. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

BOOK SALE 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Non-fiction books available, from history to self-help. Fees apply. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.

LIBRARY 10:30 a.m.

“Creative Writing Class.” Presented by 20-year newspaper columnist Chris Keefer. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. PLANETARIUM Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room

018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 4362011.

• 10:30 a.m. “Max Goes to the Moon.”

• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”

WORKSHOP 11 a.m. “Bird Friendly Windows Workshop.” Presented by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society at Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 3973815.

EXHIBIT

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Made in Middlefield III.” Textile, lighting, fine and rustic wood objects, and more by local artists/artisans. Includes informal “show and tell” with Bill Ralston and Molly Whyte discussing their works currently on view. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 9419607.

HUNTER PRIDE

1-6 p.m. “Banquet and Fundraiser.” Presented by Adirondack-Catskill Chapter of Safari Club International. Doors open at 1, auction at 3, banquet at 6. Reservations required. Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 988-6334.

KIDS QUILT CLASS

1-4 p.m. “Make a Throw Quilt: Two Day Sewing Class.” Designed for children aged 6-12 with a basic understanding of hand sewing, pinning, measuring, ironing and sewing machine use. Materials provided. Fees apply; registration required. Continues 3/30. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479777.

OPEN STUDIO

1-4 p.m. Work on art projects in the company of other artists. Held each Thursday and Saturday. Free-will donations to defray heating costs. Butternut Valley Arts & Crafts Center. 124 Main Street, Morris.

POTTERY

1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects

and hone their skills.

No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

AUCTION 2 p.m.; doors open at 10 a.m. “Dragon Auction.” Support Schenevus Classes of 2026 and 2027. Must be present to win. Schenevus Central School Gymnasium. 159 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 638-5881.

GAME 6 p.m. to closing. “First Pokémon Trade Night!” All ages welcome, adult supervision requested. Good Games, 154 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-8892.

CONCERT 7 p.m.

“Romeo Delight: America’s #1 Van Halen Tribute Show.” Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►Sun., March 30

FINALE 8:30-2 p.m.

“Sugaring Off Sundays.” Admission fees apply. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 p.m. “Unfortunate Local Events.” Attendees choose from folders containing clippings and information on local disasters from fires to floods, accidents and more. They will then give a summary of the event to the group. All welcome. Presented by the Town of Maryland Historical Society at the AmVets Building, 25 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 638-9343.

VIDEO GAME

2-7 p.m. “Super Smash Bros Tournament.” Entry fee applies. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

SUNDAY SPEAKER

SERIES 3 p.m. “Protecting Place through Preservation: Glimmerglass Historic District.” Hosted by Otsego 2000 Executive

Director Ellen Pope and former Executive Director Martha Frey. Free; open to the public. Upstairs Ballroom, Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

OPEN AUDITIONS

5:30 p.m. “Hamlet.” Paid roles. Open to actors of all experience levels. Also accepting video auditions. Glimmer Globe Theatre and Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

MUSIC 6 p.m. “Kirtan at Cooperstown Presbyterian.” Interfaith community space for reflection, prayer and devotion through sacred music. Donations gratefully accepted. First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown.

►Mon., March 31

SENIOR MEALS Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken parmesan, rotini in sauce, Italian green beans and brownies. (607) 5476454.

• 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta.

• Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley.

QUILTING GROUP

1 p.m. Held each Monday. Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1553.

CONNECTIONS 1 p.m.

LEAF’s Tessa Davidson presents on safe prescription disposal. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.

DISCUSSION 3-5 p.m.

“Current Events Discussion Group.” Held each Monday. Village Library of Cooperstown. 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

AGING 4 p.m. “Planning for Successful Aging: How to Have the Hard Talk with Loved Ones.” Presented by Helios Care with the Otsego County Office for the Aging. Classroom A at the Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown. (607) 5474232.

KIDS PLAY

5:15 p.m. “Strong Kids, Strong Play.” Fees apply. Also held 4/7. Oneonta Family YMCA, 20-26 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010.

TAX SEASON

6-8 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick Col-

lege via the IRS VITA program. Hartwick College, Golisano Hall, 2nd floor, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 4314338.

SUPPORT GROUP

6:30 p.m. “Divorce Care Support Group.” Presented by the Community Bible Chapel. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown.

COMEDY 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. “An Evening of Stand-Up Comedy with Tom Green.” Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

►tueS., april 1

KNITTING CIRCLE

9 a.m. Bring a knit project and work with the group. Beginners welcome. Held each Tuesday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

STORYTIME

9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Homer Folks Forest, Oneonta. Contact hike leader Jendy Murphy, (518) 605-5642.

MUSEUM 10 a.m. “Preschool Tuesdays.” Special one-hour program for toddlers and their families includes story time, art tour, and a craft or activity based on the theme of National Greeting Card Day. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

GARDEN CLUB

3-4:30 p.m. “Growing Green Thumbs.” Grades K-6 meet to plan the garden, eat healthy, sow seeds, learn about plant care and more. Fees apply. Held Tuesdays through 4/22. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800 ext. 124. MEET & GREET

5:30-7 p.m. “Welcome Home Cooperstown.” Gathering to welcome new residents to the Village of Cooperstown. This month will focus on the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.