The Freeman's Journal 01-20-2022

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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

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Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, January 20, 2022

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January’s chill lures fishers to Otsego ice, but is it too early? By Ted Potrikus

Ted Potrikus

Where frozen fish come from Two intrepid ice fishing fans venture out onto the southeastern corner of Otsego Lake after last weekend’s frigid temperatures covered portions of the shoreline. INSIDE ►MOTEL’S PAST AND PRESENT: The need for services for some fuels occasional troubles, page 2. ►one dime at a time?: Environmentalists, lawmakers ponder a ten-cents-abottle deposit for NY, along with a dime for wine and liquor bottles, page 3. ►IT’S ALRIGHT TO BE OPTIMISTIC: We think Mayor Drnek might be Onta something, page 4. ►A FEW THOUGHTS ON IMPORTANT THINGS: Our columnists this week conflate Wordle, Batman, and Covid, shine a light on hunger, and remind us why Covid rules change, pages 4 and 5. ►GEARHEADS REJOICE: Grand Slam Guitars opens its doors on Cooperstown’s Main Street, page 3 Follow Breaking News On

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Mid-January’s cold snap invited winter sports enthusiasts onto the ice covering the southeastern corner of Otsego Lake last weekend, amazing a few passersby who wondered about their safety. “That’s as risky a behavior as I’ve ever seen for this time of year,” said Matt Albright, Assistant to the Director of the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station. “That ice couldn’t have been more than an inch thick.” “It might be as early in the season as I’ve ever seen anyone out there,” he continued, noting he watched a pair of intrepid ice fishers as they stepped farther from the edge along the streets of the Lakeland Shores development. “I love ice fishing myself, but these guys must be really devoted to it!” Field Station rules for its students require four inches of clear ice as the minimum for safe access, with “white, or old ice” requiring more thickness. “Old white ice can lose its integrity when six inches thick,” read the guidelines. SUNY also requires students to “test ice thickness every few feet with augur when first accessing open water.” “Some people think four inches is overprotective,” Mr. Albright said. “Safety first for our students.” “If I were to go out, I’m going five feet out and cut a hole to test the thickness,” he said. “If it’s good, I’ll go another five feet and cut another hole. If it looks decent, then I feel safe to be out there.” SUNY’s ice data traces the lake back to the winter of 1849-50, showing a ‘freeze date’ of February 1, 1850 and a break-up date of April 24, 1850. Continued on Page 6

Keeping the roads clear

Area crews ready for whatever Mother Nature brews By Kevin Limiti

It is easy to take for granted the pristine roads that resurface after every snow fall. When Mother Nature sends the winter weather, it isn’t magic that clears away the snow from the streets but the grit of the workers manning the snow plows and checking for ice in the early hours of the morning. Cooperstown Streets Superintendent Christopher Satriano said that all starts with the vigilance and hard work of one man, who checks the conditions of the road first thing in the morning. “During the week, I have a guy who works at 4 a.m. every morning to check for ice,” Mr. Satriano said to The Freeman’s Journal/ Hometown Oneonta. “If he comes in the morning and the streets need to be plowed, he checks the list of on-call snow plowers. If it’s just ice, we have two small sanders.” He said Cooperstown has one big dump truck attached with a plow as well as a few other pickup trucks. There are four routes divided up among the snow plows, with the workers paying particular attention to key parts of Cooperstown “We prioritize the hospital, Chestnut Street,

and Main Street,” he said, making sure cars can get into the entrances of the village. Bassett is especially important, he said, because it is the biggest employer in the area and people need to get to work – not to mention the need to keep the route clear for emergencies. He said there were some hindrances to plowing, including cars parked illegally in non-

designated parking areas. People tossing snow into the streets from their driveways and sidewalks is also a major headache for the crew. In addition, prices for snow plow parts are “through the roof,” according to Mr. Satriano, as well as their availability. “The price of steel has gone up so much,” he said. The snow plows typically work between November and April. “We don’t usually plow after 4 p.m. unless there is something that is really wild,” Mr.Satriano said. “We all work 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shifts, but we’re all on-call. We’ll come in early and stay late, per the weather.” In Oneonta, the process is the same, but on a bigger scale. Continued on Page 6

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

THURSDAY, January 20, 2022

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Police, advocates, hotels partner for emergency housing By Kevin Limiti

Motel 88 in Oneonta does not have a happy history. Formerly known as the Oasis Motor Inn, the lodging saw drug busts and suicides, and carried a local reputation for a generally seedy atmosphere. To add to its unhappiness, a fire broke out last week, and it remains under investigation. But according to the Oneonta Police Department, the criminal element at Motel 88, and other motels like it, is related to the temporary housing they provide. The 66-room motel is located on Chestnut Street in Oneonta, across the street from Sloan’s New York Grill, and has a Chinese buffet and a karate dojo on the premises. Some high-profile examples of criminal activity that occurred at the motel over the years include three men arrested in 2014 with 146 bags of heroin, worth $3,600, and a Cortland man arrested in a 2017 drug bust where OPD found $1,750 worth of drugs. According to OPD, they received 113

A recent fire in a unit at Oneonta’s Motel 88 sparked comment on the inn’s recent history.

calls for assistance from the motel last year with a total of 13 arrests at the motel. Some of the charges associated with the arrests included criminal trespass, menacing with a weapon, possession of controlled substances, criminal contempt, and more.

OPD Chief Chris Witzenberg explained to The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta that many of the problems come from people who are generally in some sort of crisis and are in desperate situations. “It’s been better lately than it has in the past,” Chief Witzenberg said. “A lot of (Motel 88) is temporary housing. With that, there are people whose needs aren’t being met and their needs overlap with crimes of desperation. We’re talking about people who are impoverished and present themselves in a criminal way.” In comparison, the Townhouse Inn on Main Street has had 26 arrests last year, which Chief Witzenberg explained was due to heavier foot traffic and a nearby bus stop. He said the same people often make up a large number of arrests in a particular area. “One person is responsible for about a third of incidents,” he said of crimes at the Townhouse Inn. “One person could be responsible for the bulk of our calls in these situations.” OPD received 105 calls for assistance from the Townhouse Inn last year.

“Occasionally, we’ll have people who are more problematic than others,” Chief Witzenberg said. Crisis Intervention Director from Opportunities for Otsego (OFO) William Rivera said that they have contracts with local motels, including Motel 88, to provide temporary housing assistance for those who are housing insecure. He said each year about 60 people utilize OFO’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program. “We use (motels) for individuals who are eligible for temporary housing through our program,” Mr. Rivera said. “The goal is getting them through the night until they can find housing or securing housing with friends or family. It’s very, very temporary.” He said it is important that they secure “increased funding for all these services for vulnerable populations.” “We only have one homeless shelter here in Oneonta and it’s not a walk-in shelter,” Mr. Rivera said. “I think the discussion should really begin with the lack of safe and affordable housing in the community.”

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THURSDAY, January 20, 2022

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

‘Grand Slam Guitars’ fills Cooperstown Main Street storefront range from the traditional to the exotic, vintage magazines, store-branded shirts, and, of course, an impressive array of new, used, and vintage guitars. “This place is a toy store for gearheads,” he said. “We hope every musician around who loves the whole experience comes in. We’ve got all the parts to do your own building, fixing up your instruments. I love to meet creative people who get into it.” Jamie Roche agreed as she pointed out a few of the guitars on offer. “Some of these are real pieces of art,” Owners Wayne and Jamie Roche have filled their new store in Cooperstown with plenty of guitars, noting a rare 12-string bass gear, and music. guitar as her husband highlighted one instrument at By Ted Potrikus the top of an array of guitars mounted on the store’s wall. Along with the book shop still there today, 139 Main “That’s an original Eddie Van Halen Charvel from 1982,” Street in Cooperstown has seen a wide variety of occupants he said. “It’s the model that came out before they put the over its history. In its time, the impressive storefront has ‘EVH’ branding on it. It’s a beauty.” housed a car dealership, an auto garage, gift shops, a stereo Indeed it is, a striking instrument known as the ‘bumble and record store and now, after more than a year with its bee’ for the bright yellow lines crisscrossing the guitar’s lights out, is home once again to retail with the opening of black body. Grand Slam Guitars. It’s not just for the veteran vintage guitar aficionado, Guitarist Wayne Roche and his wife, Jamie, opened though. Wayne, a lifelong guitar player, said the store has the store in January with a limited schedule — open plenty of stock for the beginner to the professional. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons — as they stock Grand Slam Guitars is the Roches’ brick-and-mortar the shelves and prepare for the village’s busy spring and extension to their website, www.guitarheads.net, doing summer ahead. business on line for the last 22 years. In a retail economy “Yes, we’re creeping open a little bit,” Wayne joked as he where online sales dominate, it may seem counterintuitive walked around the store. It’s filled with guitar gear – parts to expand a web presence to include brick-and-mortar. Not and accessories, pickups and pick guards, guitar picks that so for the Roches.

job scene The job scene Customer Service The

To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103

Logistics Coordinator

Sportsfield Specialties is seeking a Customer Service Logistics Coordinator to support the Customer Service department as the customer point of contact for all outgoing D1 and D4 Sale shipments. Responsibilities include but not limited to: • Collaborate with D1 and D4 Sale teams to review backlog and shipping and delivery requirements for outstanding orders. • Collaborate with Production Scheduling to verify ship dates. • Update orders as necessary with correct address and site contact information. • Gather details for product returns and Obtain Order Approval from Finance when necessary.• Cut metals with oxyacetylene or plasma. • Collaborate with Customer Service if customer contact is required due to a Finance Hold. •Prior to shipment, verify and follow up with Customer for written order approval and Tax Exemption status if not already received. • Collaborate with Sales and Shipping to determine best shipment method of orders scheduled to ship. • Release orders to ship to the Shipping Department. • Produce and file RMA’s with Shipping and Finance. • Gather details for product returns and Obtain Order Approval from Finance when necessary.• Cut metals with oxyacetylene or plasma. • Be the primary point of contact for Purchasing and Finance to pack list vendor items and service fees. • Be the primary point of contact for Purchasing and Finance to pack list vendor items and service fees. • Other duties as assigned. RequiRed qualification and skills: • Strong communication, organizational, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. • Ability to interact and communicate effectively/respectfully at all levels. • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment • Working knowledge of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, etc.). • Working knowledge of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, etc.). • Flexible schedule when required. • Ability to accept feedback and/or constructive criticism. expeRience/education: • Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree with 4 years’ experience in Customer Service/Logistics Environment in lieu of. • Experience with ERP or SAP database. Salary DOE, great benefit package includes but not limited to: health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, life insurance, flexible spending and paid time off. To apply, submit application online www.sportsfield.com, apply in person at 41155State Highway 10 or fax resume to 607-746-3107 or send resume to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer

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“When this storefront opened up, we decided to go for it,” Wayne said. “Jamie and I have been coming to Cooperstown since 1998 for the Hall of Fame inductions and we love it here. We thought, ‘Why not open a store in a small village during a pandemic?’” That the couple’s introduction to Cooperstown came via the Hall induction ceremonies and they use a decidedly Fenway font for their Main Street signage betrays a love for baseball and, to be sure, a love for the Boston Red Sox. Wayne recalled his own transformation to a devout Red Sox fan, despite growing up in New Jersey with a diehard Yankees fan for a father. “I was watching a Yankees/Red Sox game with my dad,” he said. “I guess he wanted me to get excited about baseball and the Yankees. I remember it, though, Jim Rice came up and was just awesome. I took one look at him and thought, ‘This is my guy and this is my team.’ Much to my father’s disappointment.” “We’re equal opportunity sports fans,” Wayne joked, pointing out the “Helmet Guitar” for sale — yes, a guitar body shaped like a football helmet, customizable to the player’s favorite team. “We like all sports, all guitars, and we welcome fans of any team!”

News Briefs

Dr. LeCates moving on Bassett Medical Center President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. William LeCates is moving on, announcing January 12 his plans to transition away from his leadership role at Bassett Healthcare to pursue a new opportunity in New York City. To place effective employment ads, Bassett Healthcare Network Director call 607-547-6103 of Marketing and Communications Angie Blair said Dr. LeCates will remain with Bassett as its Northern Region Executive through April 30, 2022, to ensure “continuity of leadership as we move forward.” She said Dr. LeCates will maintain close professional ties to Bassett, leaving his leadership role but remaining clinically active within the Network’s nephrology department. “Obviously we’re sad to see him leave but we’re thrilled for him in his new path,” Ms. Blair said. “He’s a true pillar of his community and we wish him and his family nothing but the very best.”

NY weighs dime deposit

New Yorkers would pay a 10-centsper-bottle deposit on an expanded list of redeemable beverage containers under new legislation that supporters say would “update” the state’s 40WIC Qualified Nutritionist year-old bottle bill. FT Head Start Positions Ulster County Assemblymember with school breaks and summers off: Kevin Cahill sponsors the bill to double the deposit from its current Family Partner five-cents-per-bottle and expand Assistant Teacher eligible containers to include wine and liquor bottles, dairy products, ice teas, and sports Classroom Aide drinks, and increase the handling fee for redemption OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competitive wages, excellent benefits centers to five cents per container. and opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, “The Bottle Law is the most successful waste diverbenefit package summary and descriptions of all employment openings, visit sion and recycling program offered by New York State,” www.ofoinc.org/jobs EOE Assemblymember Cahill said. “Increasing the deposit and The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, adding containers for wine, iced tea, and sports drinks will thriving families, and caring communities since 1966. further incentivize returning these materials and remove litter from our roads and waterways.” New York added plastic water bottles to the deposit law in 2009. The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) lists the ‘Bigger Better Bottle Bill’ among its priorities for the state Legislature’s 2022 Session, creating a “Bottle Bill 40” coalition comprising environmental, civic, and social justice organizations. Lawmakers approved the 2009 bottle law expansion as part of that year’s state budget and over the objection of many manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her 2022-23 state budget as this edition of The Freeman’s Journal/ Hometown Oneonta went to press; the spending blueprint does not appear to include any bottle law revision at this time. With at least eight to 10 weeks of negotiation ahead with the state Legislature, however, lawmakers and advocates will use the opportunity to forward their own issue and spending priorities

as part of the spending plan due April 1, 2022.

Senior Victim Advocate Transitional Housing Navigator

Perspectives

THURSDAY, January 20, 2022

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL editorial

ted potrikus

Destination ‘yes’ Oneonta’s new mayor, Mark Drnek, dropped a surprise when the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 virtual ‘State of the State’ on January 11 and he told Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh that he wants to collaborate with her and other regional leaders on a “destination marketing” campaign to attract new residents to an Oneonta-to-Cooperstown corridor. His proposal – one he freely admitted was a surprise to all on the Zoom meeting – came after Mayor Tillapaugh said she’d gently tease his predecessor, Gary Herzig, that Oneonta was home to Cooperstown Baseball World and Cooperstown All-Star Village, and they “really benefit that community’s lodging and business community.” With Cooperstown Dreams Park in the Town of Hartwick, she said, “I always joke that the Village of Cooperstown is the only one without an actual baseball complex named after Cooperstown.” She’s right, of course – we wonder if players and parents unfamiliar with the region aren’t a little disappointed to learn that the Village itself is some 20 miles away from the place to which they’ve traveled to say they played baseball “in Cooperstown.” Her comment speaks directly to Mayor Drnek’s idea – a regional marketing strategy that tells people looking for a new place to call home that the whole of Otsego County provides all manner of opportunity. Mayor Drnek sketched his thoughts on reviving Oneonta’s downtown and attracting those he called “new, remote-working, and entrepreneurial” to the region: making Market Street an entertainment district with social options for 25-to-39-year-olds, a children’s museum based on the city’s railroad history, tapping into Cooperstown’s reputation as a great place to live. He shared his plan, too, to address what he called Oneonta’s ‘community wellness’ – mental health services, food insecurities, housing, and related issues. “It’s a big ask,” he told the Chamber, “but we’re going to be realistic.” All of these ideas – like so many that community, state, and national leaders present during those beginning-of-the-year addresses – are a big ask. Sometimes the presentations border on paint-by-numbers platitudes that evaporate minutes after the speech is complete. Sometimes the day-to-day realities of running a local, state, or federal government block the larger dreams that sound so good every January. Sometimes the news cycle is so overbearing that it’s impossible to call up the optimism necessary to move those dreams into reality. But we have to start somewhere. If figuring out a way to share with the nation the fact that Otsego County is a great place to live and work, then we’re all in. With its colleges and businesses, Oneonta is a key economic driver. With tourism, baseball, and Bassett, Cooperstown has everything to offer. The towns and villages in between and surrounding individually and collectively bring their own qualities and identities to the overarching message. Central to the effort: Congressman Antonio Delgado’s continued push for rural broadband expansion as part of President Biden’s infrastructure investment. That was the centerpiece of his presentation during the Chamber’s session; Otsego’s state and county leaders echoed the call. Without county-wide broadband operating at full strength and accessible to all, even the best marketing plans fall short. Let’s be realistic, then, as we head for ‘the big ask,’ but let’s be optimistic and work toward it. There’s nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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O M C O PE

The Freeman’s Journal welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

founded

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

Kevin Limiti Staff Writer

Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

I’m addicted to Wordle. It’s a part of the morning routine now – pour the coffee, read the news, tell myself that I’ll wait until later to Wordle, then Wordle nonetheless. If you’ve not heard about this nifty little online game, a warning: Do it once and you’re hooked. It’s almost too simple – it’s free, it’s not an app that you have to download, there are no ads clogging the site (powerlanguage.co.uk). Once per day, your job is to guess a fiveletter word in six tries. That’s it. It’s all the rage on various social media; The New York Times, National Public Radio, and various cable news channels have picked up on the craze. If you’ve got Twitter or Facebook friends, chances are pretty g o o d they’ve bothered your news feed with an update on their daily result. You get one game per day, then the addicted among us must wait until the next day for the next six-step guessing game. I write this on the 56th anniversary of the premier of the television series “Batman,” which demanded that we wait 24 hours to tune in at the same Bat-time on the same Bat-channel to find out how the Dynamic Duo defeated a bevy of fiendish crimials to worm its collective way out of certain doom. Just like Adam West’s “Batman,” Wordle makes us wait for the next

day. That might be one of its most addictive qualities. We don’t wait for anything these days. As my hero Bob Dylan recently penned, “I drive fast cars and I eat fast food.” We binge-watch entire television series in one sitting. Jack McCoy gets his law and order within an hour of us witnessing the crime at hand. We demand to know who won the election two weeks before Election Day. Please don’t

bother us with the details, just tell us how it ends. COVID messes entirely with that mindset. Remember way back when it all started and we marched around all confident that things would be “back to normal” by July 4th (by that I mean July 4, 2020) at the latest? That this was just a disruptive blip on the screen and we’d have all the answers in no time? Instead, we have to wait. And, thanks to Omicron, wait some more. Waiting takes time and it’s not easy work. Television condenses a four-day fictional police stakeout into time warp that might look like a couple of officers sipping on cold

coffee and staring out the window for a minute or two, so it looks easy. But a stakeout demands long hours of incessant concentration and adherence to the task at hand. Rather like COVID protocol, I suppose. It takes time, incessant concentration, adherence to the task at hand, and a too-long path toward a return to whatever will be normal when our stakeout is over. Hence the joy of Wordle, a charming bridge between modern technology and the old-school demand that we wait until tomorrow. My one Wordle regret is that its developer apparently skipped the copyright step – already there are dozens of rapacious apps out there claiming to be the real thing (the real thing is not an app, it’s the web address at the top of this column). It’s not beyond some Hollywood bozo to ruin it before long – a summer replacement game show airing five nights a week with hyper-stylized cutaway shots of an audience paid to be amazed as game players challenge each other to guess five-letter words while dressed in impossible costumes or facing a stone-faced three-judge panel commenting on the quality of each word they guess. For the time being, though, may I recommend Wordle in its purist form – a simple, unadorned website offering a little bit of ad-free, free-ofcharge amusement that pairs perfectly with your morning beverage of choice and can take your mind off whatever stakeout crowds your mind.

richard Sternberg, M.D.

Evolving disease, evolving guidelines People have questioned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of changing recommendations for treatment, isolation and quarantine, vaccination, and social distancing. Some say these agencies and the government are lying to us. Covid-19 management, though, remains an evolving scientific investigation. Development of prevention, treatment, and best practices to prevent the disease while minimizing overall societal impact is constantly changing. Research and data has improved what seemed to be the best available advice in public health actions two years ago, at the outbreak of the disease. The fact that what scientists have told us in the past is not what is the best practices now does not mean that they were lying to us. It means that in their best judgment they gave advice which they also followed for

themselves and their families, that they thought best at that time. Covid-19 cases have increased recently due to the emergence of Omicron, with more active cases and hospitalizations than at any other time during the pandemic. The death rate remains high, though not as high as during the initial stages when we had limited treatment available. A much higher percentage of the population is infected on any given date, and we are more easily able to determine who’s infected due to better and more available testing. The number of people determined to have COVID at any one time has become so great that segments of society are beginning to collapse. The CDC has taken into account societal impact due to illness as well as isolation and quarantine requirements in updating its recommendations. The proper use of easy home testing kits can open up society by allowing more people to terminate quarantine

and isolation sooner. While legitimately-produced tests, especially used incorrectly, can show false negatives, false positive results are rare. Testing at an approved site using the more accurate PCR test, while taking longer to get a result, can give a more accurate answer. The CDC’s website – cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/ quarantine-isolation.html – outlines for every reader in an easy-to-follow chart the most up-to-date guidelines for quarantine and isolation. Last updated on January 9, 2022, the site recommends shorter isolation for asymptomatic and mildly ill people in quarantined periods of five days to focus on when a person is most infectious. The CDC and FDA recognize the need to keep society going and to deal with the mental health aspects of the pandemic. We are running out of hospital beds, ICU beds, and healthcare workers. We are also running out of essential workers in other fields. The benefit to society following these current recommendations is believed to outweigh the risks involved.

female, and they have little incentive to compete as a “hormonal male” against adult biological males. There is a rather straightforward solution. Change the rules: “Hormonal female” adult athletes should compete against other “hormonal female” adult athletes, not adult biological females. Chip Northrup Cooperstown

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolf arrived, and the season commenced. Santa had hundreds of little visitors and answered dozens of letters. A special shout-out to: Bill Waller, Liam Murray, Cody Moore and her Equestrian Team, the Village Crew, Ah Coopella, Tin Bin Alley, The Pit, Leatherstocking Corporation, Tallman Enterprises, Andrea House for the wonderful Santa signs, Lake and Valley Garden Club, Cooperstown Fire Department, the Chamber of Commerce, and all our new young and energetic members — we couldn’t do it without all of you! Have a safe and prosperous 2022! The CCCC Cooperstown

in 1808

Tara Barnwell Publisher Ted Potrikus Editor

Wordle. Batman. COVID.

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Historian

Editorial Board Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell, Ted Potrikus OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year. First Class Subscription, $155 a year. 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.

LETTERS

Complicated game

I coached high school boys and girls crew. NCAA rules allow an adult male athlete to compete as a “hormonal female” after only one year of testosterone-lowering therapy. This may lower their times by 5 to 10 percent. So a mediocre male athlete can beat many elite female athletes if their 95 percent times are better than the times of their biological female competitors. A mediocre male athlete can more easily medal as a “hormonal female.” They can game the NCAA rules to do this, then switch back to being “hormonal males.” A biological adult female cannot take testosterone and compete as a

Thanks for Christmas

The Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee thanks everyone for making this holiday season a success. With your donations and participation, the Village was decorated,

THURSDAY, January 20, 2022

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 NEWS FROM THE NOTEWORTHY

Community Foundation of Otsego County

Spotlight on county’s Hunger Coalition

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

210 YEARS AGO

Congress has agreed to raise 25,000 men. This looks like a certainty of war; but whether we have peace or war, it is an event in which all must rejoice, that within the walls of Congress there never was greater harmony than at present prevails. All seem to be convinced that the time has arrived when our national forces ought to be increased both by sea and land, so as to combine strength with dignity, and to hold forth to foreign powers the certainty that aggressions will hereafter be resisted with the spirit that becomes freemen. January 18, 1812

110 YEARS AGO

Town Topics – About 50 Belgian hares were received by Waldo C. Johnston, superintendent of Iroquois Farm, last week. They came direct from Belgium. Will Carlton, the poet, who was advertised to recite his “Over the hills to the Poorhouse” and other poems in the Village Hall last Thursday evening, failed to connect, and it was said he had missed a train in Albany. Mr. Carlton seems to have hard luck in reaching Cooperstown. Several years ago his trolley car went off the track and he walked into town, mud covered, and arrived about 11 o’clock on the night he was to entertain here. January 17, 1912

60 YEARS AGO

The Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC), a 501c3 nonprofit public charity founded in 2019 to bring together financial and human resources to address challenges and increase opportunity in Otsego County, recently conducted a survey asking respondents to prioritize the work we should address. Nearly 300 people told us the greatest needs fall in the category of Basic Human Services: food insecurity, affordable housing, transportation, child care, mental health/ addiction, special needs populations, healthcare, geriatric services, crime prevention, and homelessness. (Respondents also cited educational pathways, community and economic development, arts and culture, environment, and social justice.) Stepping up to address all these challenges is, of course, the extensive network of nonprofits and social service agencies throughout the county. There are over 160 registered nonprofits in Otsego County, only 61 of which have one or more staff members. Every day, hundreds of volunteers work steadfastly for the good of their fellow citizens. COVID’s devastating impact has focused our attention to the services offered by all these groups and their heroic volunteers. We’re pleased to introduce our “Spotlight on Social Services” column to detail the mission, programs, clients, volunteers and challenges they face. CFOC hopes these features will encourage readers not only to

become familiar with these groups, but also support and volunteer. We can honor the advice of Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Find out more about the Community Foundation of Otsego County at https://cfotsego.org/. Our first ‘Spotlight’ shines on The Hunger Coalition of Otsego County — a group created to help unite the county’s various feeding programs. The diverse group combines some 164 network participants — feeding programs, farmers’ markets, religious, educational, and nonprofit agencies, and individuals. With grants in 2020 from CFOC and The Clark Foundation, the Coalition helped community pantries purchase everything from paper bags to freezers and shelving; local donors and additional Clark Foundation grants in 2021 allowed the Coalition to support pantries and give $10,000 to the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship, which sends fresh produce, milk, cheese, and other products to food pantries. Five Star Subaru coordinated a food drive with the Coalition. The Coalition’s board is allvolunteer, as are the staffs of most local food pantries. The Hunger Coalition of Otsego County seeks suitable volunteers not only for board participation, but also for the many programs they assist. The Coalition includes:

Burlington Flats Food Pantry Community Cupboard (Edmeston) Unadilla Valley Food Pantry Southtown Food Pantry (South New Berlin) The Cooperstown Food Pantry Richfield Springs Food Pantry The Salvation Army Food Pantry (Oneonta) West Oneonta Baptist Church Pantry Daily Bread Pantry (Cherry Valley) Butternut Valley Food Pantry (Gilbertsville) St. James’ Episcopal Church Loaves and Fishes (Oneonta) St. Mary’s Food Pantry (Oneonta) Faith Deliverance Tabernacle Schuyler Lake Food Cupboard First Presbyterian Food Pantry (Oneonta) Tri-Valley Food Pantry (Schenevus) Milford Food Pantry Hartwick United Methodist Food Pantry 7th Day Adventist Helping Hands (Oneonta) Otego Community Food Pantry St. Matthew Lutheran Food Pantry (Laurens) United Methodist Church Food Pantry (Mt. Upton) Unadilla Community Food Pantry For more information, contact Board President Cindy Blanchard at 607-206-4281, visit the Coalition’s Facebook page @HCOCOTSEGO, or its website at www.otsego hunger.com. Find additional information through Rev. Dr. Cynthia Walton-Leavitt at reddoorchurch@ stny.rr.com.

BY Merl Reagle

Pumping Irony…This one should give you a little workout ACROSS

January 17, 1962

35 YEARS AGO

Cooperstown may see the return of one of its old transportation mediums and alleviate some of the village’s parking problems at the same time. Trustee Pam Washburn’s proposal to the board of trustees last week would transport visitors to the village from parking lots outside the village by means of a trackless trolley system. The trolleys would be provided by the Molly Trolley Company of Maine. Two of the trolleys would be used during peak summer months and the $13,000 cost to the village would be covered with income from advertising displays on the trolleys, purchased by area businesses. Rider fees of 25 to 50 cents would be collected by the company. Each trolley carries 32 seated passengers and 16 standees. January 21, 1987

Solution: ‘‘If I Owned a Travel Agency” (Jan. 13)

1 Suspect’s trump card 6 Mr. Smart Guy 9 Rascal 14 Lights-out notes 18 Antisocial type 19 Go on breathing 21 Claudette in It Happened One Night 22 Melange 23 Moola 24 Irrigation method 25 Ways to your heart 26 Richard who played “Jaws” in The Spy Who Loved Me 27 Definition of “pumping irony,” part 1 31 Pro’s prop 32 Fitness legend Jack 33 S impsons writer-turnedTV host 34 Worthy of bussing 38 “... man ___ mouse?” 39 Org. that’s well-endowed? 41 ___ need-to-know basis 42 Mardi Gras day: abbr. 43 “Pumping irony,” part 2 49 Vermeer et al. 51 Pop singer Perry 53 With pictures: abbr. 54 It may come before dawn 55 “Pumping irony,” part 3 60 Nintendo rival 61 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest creator 62 Bandleader portrayer 63 b, d or k, e.g. 65 Aleutian island 68 Athos’s chronicler 70 Knight in shining armor 71 Where prints are processed? 75 Sewing unions? 77 Tropical fruit 81 Towel word 82 “Pumping irony,” part 4 86 “___ the Walrus” 87 Lizard starter 88 1982 Fassbinder classic 89 Location 90 “Pumping irony,” part 5 95 He rules you out 97 Bloodshot chihuahua 98 Banca unit, once 99 The Forest Service’s dept. 100 Most stylish 102 Bomb trial, briefly 105 Pal of Gilda

108 Beastly place 109 “Pumping irony,”the end 115 First name in jeans 116 Werewolves of London singer 117 Jon Krakauer’s Everest memoir, ___ Thin Air 118 Ocean terror of WWII 120 Horn of Africa gulf 121 Ness was one 122 Soft drink choice 123 Bay of Naples resort 124 Mailing courtesy: abbr. 125 Derby flora 126 Reason for a hard R 127 1950s failure DOWN 1 The sum-total 2 Rude dude 3 Margin size, often 4 Nice hats? 5 “Let me say that again” 6 And the Band Played On star 7 Intersection alternative 8 Madonna movie 9 Time for Today 10 Jones of the 1969 World Series Mets 11 Bio title words 12 Chinese dynasty 13 Colombian buck 14 Widmark film, Don’t Bother

___ 15 Do a wheel job 16 Painting of Mary’s grief 17 Athenian lawgiver 20 Post-play commentary? 28 Dress down 29 He played Cole in Night and Day 30 Champagne buckets 34 Lollipop lawman 35 Idiotic 36 Razed Vegas hotel 37 Beef modifier 39 Like some hooters 40 Attack, puma-style 43 All wool and ___ wide 44 Sardine container 45 Bra brand 46 Paper-view section? 47 Strongly suggest 48 Rampage 50 Cooks, as clams 52 American rival, once 56 Doctor’s evil side 57 “Made ___” 58 Entertainer with a whip 59 Angler Walton 60 Pig smellers 64 Therefore 66 The planet in Forbidden Planet, ___ 4 67 Island big shot 69 Approving look

71 ___ Pet 72 Finish a sowing job 73 Recipe lady Rombauer 74 Spiel’s conclusion? 76 Hostess ___ Balls 78 Blazing 79 Candidate’s quest 80 “Well, ___ aren’t you special!” 83 Battery terminal: abbr. 84 Mopy 85 Pregnancy class 87 Funny sketches 91 Goosebumps author 92 Report card signers 93 Culture medium 94 “Everybody’s a ___!” 96 Fruits and veggies 100 Compromise 101 “What a shame” 102 Visitor’s guide 103 Defense lawyer’s opp. 104 Roof edges 105 Don Juan has many 106 Together 107 Taboos 110 Drug or energy chief 111 Interlocking blocks 112 The Loch Ness Monster, e.g. 113 Vocalized error 114 Like snow in L.A. 119 No later than

THURSDAY, January 20, 2022

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Bassett puts temporary hold on inpatient visits Bassett Healthcare Network temporarily suspends visitation to inpatient units across all of its hospitals beginning January 19, 2021. Network officials say the community virus spread around Central New York remains high with the “extremely contagious Omicron variant,” leading to measures to protect the safety and health of its patients and staff. Bassett said its hospitals will consider extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis, including for end-of-life patients or those who are cognitively impaired.

Bassett’s emergency departments continue to suspend visitation. Where visitation still occurs — such as longterm care facilities and outpatient clinics — the Network applies special testing processes or other restrictions. Visit www.bassett.org for those details. Officials plan to reassess community virus trends “after January” and determine whether it is safe to restore visitation. The January 18 announcement affects the following locations:

A.O. Fox in Oneonta, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi. Hospital officials continue to urge those experiencing minor symptoms to take an at-home antigen test, visit a primary care practitioner, or visit a state testing site. They urge patients to NOT use emergency departments for COVID-19 testing and reserve those resources for people experiencing emergent and critical care needs.

Be safe on the lake’s ice Continued from page 1 “The lake has frozen over every year since then except for three years,” Mr. Albright said. “Those three years all come in the last 20 years, which says something else altogether.” A 2020 report from Field Station researcher Holly A. Waterfield, CLM, shows no freeze in the winters of 200102, 2011-12, and 2016-17. Available data show a freeze date of February 9, 2020 and break-up date only 40 days later (March 20, 2020). The report shows a gradual declination in the duration of ice cover, writing, “Long-term trends in the duration of ice cover follow those exhibited by many lakes throughout the northern hemisphere. The rate of change in Otsego Lake’s length

NEWS BRIEF

ice cover in more recent years (1960-2020) is greater than that seen from 1850-2020, based on a decade mean ice cover duration. The ecological effects of such changes are currently a focus of researchers around the world.” Mr. Albright said Otsego Lake “is functionally frozen over” at this point, expecting the ice to deepen as January progresses. The Field Station provides this guidance for its students: “Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.” Mr. Albright stresses safety precautions for anyone heading out. “There’s some really nice foul weather gear available now,” he said. “Float coats and suits that fit like overalls – from what I understand they work like a giant life vest that can keep a person afloat.”

Prioritizing the plows Continued from page 1 “We have approximately 40 miles of roadway to maintain,” PublicWorks Director for Oneonta, Christopher Yacobucci, said. “Roads are divided into 10 separate plow routes and three salt routes.” The trucks consist of five single-axle, CDL-required dump trucks, three nonCDL dump trucks, one flat bed truck, three pickup trucks, and one loader. There are 13 employees manning these routes with shifts spanning from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. “We typically start plowing after two inches of snow accumulation,” Mr. Yacobucci said. “For anything under two inches, we just salt the roadways. For larger snowstorms, we track the storm and plan accordingly. We use approximately 1,500 tons of salt on an average year.”

He said they prioritize the main routes and then tackle the smaller side streets. “These routes are all done at the same time,” he said. “Each route tries to get to the main throughways first.” He said the workers are happy to contribute to allowing people to travel safely during snowstorms. “They find it fulfilling. They take pride in their work,” Mr. Yacobucci said. “They’re there to make sure people get to work and make it safely.” He said Public Works only uses contractors when the snowfall is above 30 inches. He said they’ve met to prepare for the next snow storm, and are ready for when it comes. “We’re all prepped and ready to go,” he said.

Richfield Springs craft festival back Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs brings its Friendship Craft Festival back this year after a two-year hiatus, and they’re looking for crafters to participate. The Festival celebrates its 41st year on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

in Spring Park on Route 20 in Richfield Springs. For information and an application, visit www.rschurchofchristuniting.com, e-mail friendshipcraftfestival@yahoo.com, or call Carla at 315-858-1451.

OBITUARIES Elizabeth J. Arnold, 70 December 1, 1951 – January 7, 2022

O N E O N TA for always caring – Elizabeth J. about others and for Arnold, 70, a having a big heart. life-long resident Elizabeth is surof the Oneonta vived by her two area, died Friday children, Robert morning, January Charles Coe and 7, 2022, at Bassett wife, Cheri of Medical Center in Hampton, Va., Elizabeth J. Cooperstown. and JoAnn Louise Arnold She was born (Coe) Wheeler and December1,1951,at husband, Randy A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital of Edgerton, Ohio; the in Oneonta, one of eight chil- father of her children, dren of Charles and Rose E. Robert William Coe and (Sisson) Banks. She was wife, Sharon of Hamilton, raised on the Banks family Ind.; her three sisters, Ann farm in Oneonta. Borst of Cobleskill, Leona In recent years she resided Briggs of Oneonta and at Robynwood in Oneonta, Patricia VanDerwerker of until moving to Robinson Schenevus; and many nieces Terrace Rehabilitation and and nephews. Nursing Center in Stamford. She was preceded in She will be remembered death by her father, Charles

Banks, who died November 7, 1984, her mother, Rose E. Reed who died January 21, 2013; her second husband, Thomas Arnold whom she married in the 1990s; two sisters, Lynn Rathbun who died in 2010, Eva J. Coe who died in 2020; and two brothers, Charles Banks, Jr. who died in 1964, and James “Jimmy” Banks Browning. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 1 - 3 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Douglas Lynn McLaud, 72 March 4, 1949 – January 7, 2022

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Douglas Lynn will all miss him McLaud passed greatly. Douglas away peacefully also shared a deep on January 7, friendship and 2022 at his home love for his grandin Springhill, Fla. children’s fathers with his beloved Chuck Callahan and wife Pauline Andrew Bedard. Miller McLaud at Douglas loved his side. Douglas living on the canals Douglas L. McLaud and Pauline in Cocoa Beach and were married on enjoyed watching December 31, 1968 and the dolphins and manatees had just celebrated their each day. Douglas also loved 53rd wedding anniversary. playing and watching golf. Pauline’s care exemplified Most of all Douglas loved their lifelong love. his family. Douglas was born on Douglas is also survived March 4, 1949 in Oneonta. by his sisters Leslie Blum He was the son of Douglas of S.D., Susan Van Cott M. and Joan Crandall (Craig) of Unadilla, N.Y. McLaud. Douglas grew and Mary E. McLaud of up in Oneonta and Otego South West Harbor, Maine and graduated from SUNY who all agree that Douglas Oneonta. After graduation, was a much loved, great big Douglas worked for many brother growing up! He is years with his parents as part of the Douglas M. McLaud Insurance Agency team in Otego, before moving to Cocoa Beach, Fla. Douglas owned and operated a Ship Chandlery business in Port Canaveral, Fla. and became a real estate developer in Florida. Douglas and Pauline raised two beautiful and beloved daughters; Amy Susan McLaud Callahan and Lori Ann McLaud Bedard, both of Florida. Douglas was the beloved “Grandpy” to his grandchildren Charlie Callahan, Sam Callahan, Rachel Bedard, Andrew Jacob Bedard and Noah Bedard and his great granddaughter Zoey Callahan. He loved them ALL and they

also survived by nieces and nephews Daniel Dolezel, Stephanie Horlock, Zoe Vandermeulen, Suzi Spisak Moutinho, Leif Van Cott, Gillian Morrison, Ian Van Cott and Alex Van Cott. Douglas is also survived by his sister-in-law Linda Miller of Kentucky. Douglas was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Joan McLaud, in-laws John and Betty Miller, his sister Kathleen McLaud Spisak and his niece Ginny Dolezel. All donations should be made in memory of Douglas McLaud to: HOSPICE @ Chapter Health System 3010 W. Azeele Street Tampa, FL 33609. Douglas also felt strongly about adopting a pet in need and planting a tree!

THURSDAY, January 13, 2022

OBITUARIES

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

Virginia Lee Ganio, 70 MT. VISION – Virginia Lee Ganio, 70, of Mt. Vision passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at Bassett Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 18, 1951 in Cooperstown,

the daughter of the late Gino and Rosabel (Miller) Ganio. Virginia graduated from Laurens Central School and went on to further her education and graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in Horticulture.

November 18, 1951 – January 7, 2022

Having a loved of plants, Virginia owned and operated her own greenhouse “Ginny’s Place” in Mt. Vision for several years. For 43 years she worked at Corning, Inc. as a machine operator and stockroom clerk. Being a single mom didn’t hold Ginny back from giving her son the best

life. They would get in the car and drive to Florida or Maine for vacation. Ginny loved to read. She loved to laugh. But what brought her the greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed.

She was a member of the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Laurens. Virginia is survived by her son and daughter-inlaw, Jim and Jenn Ganio; two grandchildren, Justin and Jenna Ganio; siblings, John and Mary Lou Ganio, Gino and Joan Ganio, Susan and Kent Hoyt and Robert

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

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

Legal

Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Andrew Hunt Contraction LLC The Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on July 20th, 2021. OFFICE LOCATION: Otsego County. The Secretary of state is designated as Agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to 157 Canham rd, South New Berlin, NY 13843. PURPOSE: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalFeb.24 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: Meeting location to be via videoconferencing, due to Executive Order 202.1 issued by the Governor. 21 Railroad Avenue -Applicant seeks an area variance for the construction of a 2-story residential structure within the side yard setback. 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 Thursday, January 27th, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. Requests for the Zoom link must be made prior to Tuesday, February 1st at 3:30 p.m. by anyone who wishes to participate in the public hearing. Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)547-2411 Email: jutter@cooperstownny.org 2LegalJan.27 Legal nOtice Cemetery Association Annual Meeting Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the LOT OWNERS of the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery Association will be held at the Hartwick Seminary Fire House, Dept. 2, in Hartwick Seminary, NY. This meeting will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at 1 PM to transact a business meeting, which includes the election of Trustees. COVID restrictions, such as a mask, will be required of all attendees and no refreshments will be served, bottled water will be available. 3LegalFeb.3 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FILING OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION IN NEW YORK BY A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name: Kent Jones

Legal

LEGALS

Consulting, LLC.

Formation of

Articles of Organization filed with sec. of state of NY(SOS) on 10/1/21. Office location: Otsego County. SOS is designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SOS shall mail copy of process to 13 Fernleigh Dr, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 6LegalFeb.24

CNY JOINT RECON LLC.

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: SCHOELLIG’S FIELDCREST FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 7 January 2022. 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 325 Santoro Road, Garrattsville, NY 13342. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalFeb.24 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Thistlemint Farm LLC Articles of Organizations were filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 27 November, 2021. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent for process and shall mail to: P.O.Box 132, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.24 Legal nOtice Notice of

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/06/22. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 5 Ravine Park South, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.24 Legal nOtice NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot.ny.gov/ doing-business/opportunities/const-notices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

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NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124. Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/W/MBEs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an

award.

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BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting. Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D264742, PIN 9WW02A, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga Cos., STRUCTURES WHERE & WHEN, 21/22 NYSDOT, various locations, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $40,000.00), Goals: MBE: 5.00%, WBE: 10.00%, SDVOB: 6.00% 2LegalJan.27 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, January 24th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following Proposed Law No. 1 of 2022 – to amend the Village Charter Section III – the annual Village Election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Legal

from 6am until 9pm or at the time set for general elections by the New York State Board of Elections, at such place as shall be designated in the notice of such election, and such notice signed by the Trustees shall be posted in at least three public places in the village, six days before the day of the election. Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local law at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. A copy of the proposed law is available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dated: January 3, 2022 By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownnny.org (email) 2LegalJan.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Dooalot, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on May 5, 2015. NY Office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom

Ganio; several nieces, nephews and cousins; lifelong friend, Debbie Barker. Calling hours were on Saturday, January 15, 2022 in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 125 County Hwy. 11 (Main Street), Laurens from 12 - 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life service immediately followed at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Paul Messner officiating. Memorial donations in Virginia’s name may be made to either The Ganio Scholarship Fund, c/o Laurens Central School, 55 Main Street, Laurens, NY 13796 or to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 125 County Hwy. 11, Laurens, NY 13796. Online condolences may be made by visiting www. bookhoutfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.

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process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served upon him/her to: C/O Dooalot, LLC, 255 County Highway 27, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. General Purposes. 6LegalFeb.3 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Brookrose Farm LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/15/21. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Michael Telesco, 283 County Highway 57, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalFeb.3 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Chief Schenevus Farms, LLC Office Location: Otsego County N.Y. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on December13, 2021. SSNY is designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to Chief Schenevus Farms, LLC located at 6004 Vista Linda Lane, Boca Raton, FL 3343 Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalFeb.3 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of POLAR BEAR CONCESSIONS, LLC. Articles of Or-

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ganization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/26/2021. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: The LLC, 7 Maplecrest Way, Otego, NY 13825. The purpose ofthe LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalFeb.3 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BLC Keeping, LLC Article of Organization filed 12/03/21 with the Secretary of State Office Location: Otsego County SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 197 Main St Worcester NY 12197 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Twin Mountain Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/30/2019. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 832 Winney Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalJan.20

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

THURSDAY, January 20, 2022

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA Erna Morgan McReynolds

NEWS BRIEF

B e afra i d but do i t a n y w ay

Oneonta-Cooperstown bus changes

Changing countries Changing countries? Are you always afraid to do that? Or do you learn to take big moves in stride? Do you become starryeyed over the next adventure? Maybe. Stars sure danced in front of my eyes when a former partner lured me to move from New Zealand to London. One of the most exciting cities in the world and one where English was the native language. On top of that, all of my on-the-job training in New Zealand was in the British school of journalism. I was armed to take London by storm with tear sheets of my front-page leads at Wellington’s morning paper, The Dominion, and tapes of my best radio and TV news reports. My plane ticket included 13,000 miles of getting on and off planes, changing airlines, picking stop-over destinations. What should be the first stop? The Pacific Islands. When would I ever have another chance to see the Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Hawaii? We got a couple of nights sleep in each port of call to break-up the 14 hour flight to North America. The Cook Islands. We headed to the “capital” island, Rarotonga. We planned to spend our few nights there in our tent on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. That was when kids still hitchhiked and felt safe about it. Sleeping on a beach on a small island in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean seemed safe — and cheap. But that was not to be. The tourist authority had us figured out in advance, with motel owners lined up at the airport when we arrived after 11 p.m. We were assigned to Mrs. Sword, who ran a motel — New Zealand style. A small apartment, complete with a giant bowl of mangoes, pineapples, bananas, oranges and grapefruit as well as orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, eggs, New Zealand cheese, bread, taro and tins of the local mackerel. Five dollars a night for all of this. Mrs Sword also was the local scooter dealer. Since we were her guests she threw in our scooter. For a couple traveling on virtually no money this was a dream come true. Beautiful beaches, mountains to climb, a stocked larder, comfortable bed, terrace overlooking stunning beaches. We had a few adventures there. Our first was on our round-the-island drive searching for the base of the trail to climb the highest of the 23 mountains. Nearing the base another motor scooter aimed straight at us. A man about our age named Hans dismounted. Peter and I had hiking boots, day packs filled with water and snacks. Hans had pristine white sneakers with a white shirt and shorts to match. The muddy track to the top went past terraced taro fields — like rice paddies. A trial for someone who wanted his white sneakers to remain white. Hans had grown up in a city. He wouldn’t have understood “countryside” even if it had been part of a manicured stately home. Beautiful views for us as we climbed. But not Hans.

On the way down he was stunned as we passed a local farmer with taro stacked on his donkey. Next Hans decided he had to keep his socks and sneakers white. He took them off and immediately sliced the bottom of his foot as it sank into the mud. I had to rip my scarf off to stop the bleeding. Did he go for stitches as he should have? No. He limped on his red, swollen foot treated with mango skins — the only home remedy I knew. Papeete, Tahiti was our next stop. We landed expecting the serene beauty we had seen in Gauguin’s paintings. Exotic women in colorful sarongs. Stunning beaches. Luscious food. Instead, swarms of Vespa motor scooters screamed past us. Even croissants and coffee broke our budgets. After one long day we got the next plane which took us to Hawaii. On Oahu, we really did find beaches, places, and food we could afford. The Pearl Harbor Memorials, standing atop the burial group of 1,100 sailors interred in the USS Arizona, moved us to tears. Next to North America, Vancouver first. Just trying to escape the airport made us want to head straight back to New Zealand. Peter — a 20-something New Zealander of the 1970s, complete with the longish hair and blue jeans. Officials took him away to a room for what seemed hours, searching not only his backpack but his entire body for drugs. Eventually they came out for the letter from parents guaranteeing they would support him while he was in the United States. That got him released from the interrogation room. Then we figured out how to get a bus to downtown Vancouver, then found another bus which took us miles away to our hostel. Our adventures in Vancouver, across the U.S., and on to London next time. Erna Morgan McReynolds, raised in Gilbertsville, is retired managing director/financial adviser at Morgan Stanley’s Oneonta Office. She lives in Franklin.

Oneonta Public Transit this week consolidates four bus runs into two, addressing a driver shortage, overlapping existing routes, and changing ridership data. OPT Director David Hotaling told the Oneonta Common Council in December that existing “East End” and “Cooperstown” routes overlap, and “West End” and “River Street” routes faced dwindling ridership. The Council unanimously approved the plan. The Cooperstown run now leaves the OPT terminal at the top of the hour, with stops at FoxCare Center and Price Chopper before heading to Cooperstown with stops at Springbrook (upon request), Portlandville, Milford’s four corners, the Meadows Office Complex (Monday through Friday, by request on Saturday), Bassett Medical Center, and the Cooperstown fire department. Mr. Hotaling said times are approximate, but riders should expect to get to FoxCare

Dave Weaver

at 10 minutes past the hour and to Price Chopper at 15 minutes past the hour. Mr. Hotaling said buses will leave Cooperstown on the half-hour and make stops at Oneonta’s Price Chopper and FoxCare on the way back to the bus terminal. The Cooperstown route, which runs Monday through Saturday, remains a busy run with many commuters who work at Bassett Medical Center. The new River Street/West End route leaves the OPT terminal at the top of the hour and at 30 minutes past the hour, with stops at Nader Towers, Corning, the state Department of Transportation, near the corner of Oneida and Chestnut streets, and at Fonda Avenue. “We’re trying to get the message out about these changes,” Mr. Hotaling said. “Our bus drivers have been telling riders about the changes.” Direct questions to the OPT dispatch office at 607-432-7100, extension five.

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