Councilmembers Appoint Haney as Interim Supervisor
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
HARTWICK
Town of Hartwick officials have appointed an interim supervisor, and she has hit the ground running.
“My first day is today,” wrote Connie Haney in an e-mail on Wednesday, January 22. “I started working with Town Clerk Andrea Vasquez last night, after the board’s work session meeting. My first week will be familiarizing myself with key aspects of operation, such as payroll, bill paying and banking.
“Taking care of the town employees’ livelihood is extremely important,” she said.
Haney, co-owner of the Cooperstown Bat Company with husband Tim, was appointed interim supervisor on Tuesday, January 21, following a motion by Bryan LoRusso. Councilmembers Chris Briggs, Bruce Markusen, LoRusso and Tom Murphy— often at loggerheads since the resignation of former Supervisor Robert O’Brien—voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with Haney taking the lead.
“To be honest, Ms. Haney was an obvious great candidate,” LoRusso said in an e-mail on Monday, January 27. “Mr. Murphy and I were just waiting for Mr. Markusen and Mr. Briggs to agree on the appointment.
“With regard to town business moving forward, I have no doubt we will move forward productively, constitutionally and factually with Ms. Haney. As a small business owner, common sense and logic applies each and every day. Running a town is not extremely different than running a small business. Many key functions apply. I hope this will be the most productive 11 months this town has seen in a very long time,” LoRusso said.
“I am pleased that the board has been able to come together to unanimously vote for Connie Haney as interim town supervisor,” Markusen said on
Continued on page 7
Iconic Civil Rights Voice Keynotes MLK Breakfast; Essay Winners Announced
By TERESA WINCHESTER ONEONTA
The official 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day was on January 20—that date falling during SUNY Oneonta’s winter break. However, the revered civil rights leader was not to be forgotten. On Monday, January 27, King’s legacy was commemorated by a community breakfast held at Hunt Union on the SUNY Oneonta campus. The keynote address was
given by singer and civil rights icon, Bettie Mae Fikes.
Fikes was born in Selma, Alabama in 1946 and is known as “the Voice of Selma” for her powerful singing as part of the Civil Rights Movement. On Monday, she spontaneously interspersed her unscripted talk with lyrics from gospel and protest songs and urged those present to “keep a song in your heart.”
Born into a family of gospel singers and preachers, Fikes sang
her first church solo at age 4. She traveled with her parents’ vocal groups, the SB Gospel Singers and the Pilgrim Four. She performed at both the 1964 and 2004 Democratic National Conventions. In 2020, she sang at the funeral services for John Lewis, an early civil rights activist who later became a congressman from Georgia’s 5th district.
Fikes was known for replacing traditional lyrics of gospel songs
Continued on page 6
Otsego Lake Data to Serve National Research Project
OTSEGO COUNTY
he work of SUNY Oneonta Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kiyoko Yokota was recently selected for a National Science Foundation Research Opportunity Award, supplement to a Collaborative Research Project: “MRA: On thin ice-implications of shorter winters for the future of freshwater phytoplankton phenology and function.”
The $50,356.00 award, via the University of Missouri-Columbia, enables Dr. Yokota to purchase sampling gear and provide paid undergraduate research experiences in winter limnology—the exploration of the biological, geological, physical, and chemical characteristics of lakes during the winter season. Samples and data from Otsego Lake will be analyzed in conjunction with those from 17 other lakes across the continental U.S.
According to 175 years of ice cover data captured for Otsego Lake, the scientists at the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station recorded zero days of ice cover for the winters of 2001-2002, 2011-2012, 20162017, and 2023-2024. In winter 2022-2023, complete ice cover formed on February 4, but the lake was completely free of ice by February 20, with total duration of 16 days.
“For this most recent research initiative, we have been sampling Otsego Lake since May 2024 and will continue until April 2026,” Dr. Yokota said.
“Last winter, Otsego Lake technically had a complete ice cover, but it was too thin to walk on for sampling or recreation, activities that traditionally took place every year with certainty,” continued Yokota. “This winter, a lake-wide ice cover was first observed last Sunday from our Biological
Photo provided
Samples and data from Otsego Lake will be analyzed
Photo provided
From left, SUNY Oneonta President Dr. Alberto Cardelle, SUNY Oneonta Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Innovation and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Bernadette Tiapo, essay contest winners Julianna Everson (9th grade, Worcester Central School), Evangeline Trask (5th grade, Greater Plains Elementary School), Evie Chen (8th grade, Oneonta Middle School), Sallie Han, professor for the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence, Van Havercome, associate director, Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence, and Erin Francisco, assistant director of DEI Projects and Initiatives.
Museum Announces Lecture
SARATOGA SPRINGS—The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, 61 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, will host a series of free public lectures through April. Local historian Amy Godine will present the first talk at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, with a lecture on African Americans who settled in the Adirondacks and fought in the Civil War. Godine is the author of “The Black Woods: Pursuing Racial Justice on the Adirondack Frontier,” published by Cornell University Press. It describes the experiences of free Blacks who built a farming settlement known as Timbuctoo near Lake Placid in conjunction with abolitionist leader John Brown.
Godine’s exhaustive research of Civil War pension records at the National Archives reveals the life-changing individual, community and political impact of military service in a war of emancipation. She is a founding Fellow of the New York Academy of History and a recipient of the Larry Hackman State Archives Research Fellowship, the John Brown Spirit of Freedom Award, and the Weyerhaeuser Book Award.
Educational Forum Slated
MILFORD—The Catskill Regional Teacher Center will hold its 21st Annual Legislative Forum at Springbrook’s Family Engagement Center, 105 Campus Drive, Oneonta, from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 13. The center, which serves 35 districts and two BOCES in six counties, will invite state legislators including Assemblymembers Brian Miller and Joseph Angelino and Senator Peter Oberacker. Teachers, administrators, education students, parents, and other concerned groups are invited to attend and submit questions. For more information or to RSVP, contact CRTCNY.org@ gmail.com or (607) 436-3920.
Quilt Show Starts Saturday
COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association’s 34th Annual Fenimore Quilt Club Show will be on display in the Village Hall Galleries from February 1-16. It features more than 50 quilts and quilted items in traditional and contemporary designs, as well as a special display and sale in memory of founding member Betty Giffin. The club’s special collector’s quilt will be raffled on Sunday, February 16, with tickets available throughout the exhibit run. The show is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.
CAA To Host Watercolor Class
COOPERSTOWN—Local artist Emily Falco will lead an introductory watercolor class at the Cooperstown Art Association’s upstairs classroom space in the Village Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 15. The class is designed for beginners and those with some watercolor experience, and will be most rewarding for those with experience drawing from life. Materials are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring preferred supplies. There is a $125.00 fee for CAA members ($130.00 for non-members). To register, contact gallery@cooperstownart.com or (607) 547-9777.
Ponce To Speak at CANO
ONEONTA—The Community Arts Network of Oneonta will kick off its new season of Writers Salon with award-winning fiction author Pedro Ponce at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. He will give a reading and Q&A based on his recent short story collection, “The Devil and the Dairy Princess.” Writers Salon, held at 11 Ford Avenue, is free and open to the public.
NY Gains Private-sector Jobs
ALBANY—Preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released by the New York State Department of Labor on January 23 indicate that the state gained 7,200 private-sector jobs, a monthly increase of 0.1 percent, in December. The new total of more than 8.4 million is an increase of 1.3 percent, or 108,800 jobs, over December 2023, matching the U.S. annual increase. New York’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate and labor force participation held constant at 4.4 percent and 61.2 percent, respectively. The state trails the nationwide job growth rate, and slight unemployment growth in New York City offset a decline in the rest of the state. Private education and health services led new hiring, increasing their workforce by 5.1 percent over the year. To view the full report, visit www.dol.ny.gov.
‘Soccertown USA’ To Open
ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s spring exhibition, “Oneonta: Soccertown USA,” will open on February 1 for display through June. It will explore the city’s history of youth soccer, OHS programs, Hartwick and SUNY Oneonta soccer, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame. There will be an opening reception from 56:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1. GOHS is open
noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.oneontahistory.org.
Blood Drive Planned at Fox
ONEONTA—A.O. Fox Hospital will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive in the Levine Conference Room from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5. Donors will receive a $15.00 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments may be made by calling 1 (800) RED-CROSS, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, and one pint can save up to three lives.
Concert, Cakewalk Planned
COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Chamber Orchestra will present a free concert as part of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival in the ballroom of the Village Library at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1. The orchestra will partner with Christ Church Episcopal to hold a Cakewalk Benefit for the Cooperstown Food Pantry at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 2. In addition to free hot chocolate and coffee, participants can win baked goods donated by the community. Tickets for this family-friendly event are limited and cost $10.00 for an individual and $30.00 for a family. They may be purchased at the door or from Melissa Manikas at Cooperstown State Farm, 29 Pioneer Street. For more information, visit cooperstownwintercarnival.com.
FoVL Observes Library Month
COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown will observe National Library Lovers’ Month in February, beginning with its annual Winter Carnival Book Sale in the Village Hall Board Room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, January 31 through Sunday, February 2. Book donations may be delivered at the Fair Street entrance from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 30.
FoVL and the Welcome Home Cooperstown Committee will hold a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate libraries on Tuesday, February 4. There will be a bookmark craft and remarks by Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh. Local artist Peg Donahue has created custom Library Month posters that will be available to the public by donation. Local businesses interested in getting involved should contact
Continued on page 9
Coop Sports Wrapped
COOPERSTOWN—
Cooperstown girls basketball overcame a 20-15 halftime deficit to beat Dolgeville 54-42 at home on Tuesday, January 21. Seniors Polly Kennedy and Brenna Seamon each scored 11 points; Seamon also had nine rebounds, seven assists and six steals. Seventh-grader Emma Johnson added 10 points and five rebounds, and eighth-grader Lanie Nelen had nine points. Johnson put away another 19 points and six rebounds in the Hawkeyes’ 69-16 trouncing of MorrisvilleEaton on Friday, January 24. Senior Mia Kaltenbach added 14 points and four steals, and Seamon had five points, nine rebounds, 10 steals, and eight assists. Cooperstown stands at
Farmers’ Market Benefit Features Local Chefs and Local Cheese
COOPERSTOWN
Otsego 2000 will host Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause on Sunday, February 2 from 5:307:30 pm. The event, which raises funds for the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, will feature gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, and desserts made by local chefs, and local beer, wine, and cider. Held during the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause will take place in the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley.
Chefs participating include: Tim Searles of Doubleday Café, Brian Wrubleski of Mel’s at 22, Jesse Pascale of Rock
Hill Farm, Michelle Iannelli-Rubin of Social Eats Café, Dasang Gurung of Norbu, Peter Calhoun of The Otesaga Resort Hotel, Anthony Leberto of Brimstone Bakery, Julio Rubio of the Lakehouse 1843, Dan Wisnosky of the Elm Inn, Josh Rumberger of the Tryon Inn, Edwin Vazquez from the Freight Wheel Café, Chloe Ford of Chloe’s Bakeshop, and Alex Webster, the CFM manager, who also owns Alex’s World Picnic.
Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches will be made with local cheeses, including Painted Goat Farm chèvre, Mountain View Dairy Swiss and Camembert, Byebrook Farm Gouda, Harpersfield Farmstead tilsit, Spur-
beck’s cheddar, and Trollbok Farm hushållsost (Swedish farmer cheese).
The Stoddard Hollow String Band will perform traditional American music and feature Marvin Zachow (fiddle and vocals), Ed McGee (banjo), Frank Frazzitta (guitar and vocals), and Tom Ives (bass).
“Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause has become a much beloved midwinter tradition since we started it in 2012, now an annual finale to the Cooperstown Winter Carnival. We are grateful to our talented local chefs and cheesemakers for making fundraising for the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market so delicious and fun,” said Ellen Pope, executive director
of Otsego 2000.
Pope noted that last year’s event sold out in advance.
“We also are very grateful to Heidelberg for donating bread,” she added.
Tickets to the event are $35.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 6-12 years. Children under six are admitted free of charge. Admission includes tastes of chef’s grilled cheese creations, soup, dessert, and one free beer, wine, or cider. Space is limited. Tickets can be purchased online at www.otsego2000.org, by calling (607) 5478881, or by stopping in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Otsego 2000 offices in Pioneer Alley.
ow in its 57th year, the Cooperstown Winter Carnival returns Thursday, January 30 through Sunday, February 2 with a vibrant lineup of events. The festivities kick off Thursday evening at The Otesaga Resort Hotel with hot chocolate, fireworks and a special address by Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh. Winter Carnival highlights include annual events such as the Fenimore Quilt Club Show, Family Movie Night, a Village Scavenger Hunt and Trivia Night.
“This year we have snow, so don’t miss out on the outdoor fun, like sledding and a Snowpal Making Contest at Lakefront Park, free ice skating at Badger Park, and an ice sculpture at Pioneer Park,” organizers said. Live music can be heard throughout the weekend at The Otesaga and Brewery Ommegang, and Fenimore
Winter Carnival is
Chamber Orchestra will present a free concert on Saturday in the Village Library ballroom. Throughout the weekend, there are new events not to be missed, including a spooky tour of ghost stories at the Baseball Hall of Fame, a balloon artist at the Beverage Exchange, a reading of “Bridget Finds a Home” at the Landmark Inn, flower arranging instructions from Hanna at Mohican Flowers, a fun ice slide at Pioneer Park, a mitten silent auction at Rigby Handcrafts, and the debut of the Snowglobe Disco Party at Templeton Hall.
The carnival concludes Sunday with the Blizzard Bash at Doubleday Field Parking Lot, featuring family-friendly activities, live ice sculpting by Aaron Pencar, special character appearances, and a dazzling Tesla Car Light Show to end the weekend on a high note. Check out the full event schedule online at cooperstownwintercarnival.com.
Carnival Kicks Off with Fireworks, Wraps Up with Blizzard Bash
Photo provided
Karen Katz chats up Anthony Leberto at last year’s Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause event.
Perspectives
EDITORIaL
Talking Back to the Winter Doldrums
They are upon us again. Those dark, gloomy, cold, cloudy, lonely, empty days, wherein pretty much nothing happens. Indeed, we have suffered through the lightless winter solstice, managed to put away the glitzy holiday season, and figured out what we need from the January white sales. And now we have—the winter doldrums. It’s a curiously long way to spring.
The word doldrums emerged from the very difficult sailing area around the equator known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone, where winds are light or nonexistent and a sailboat, no matter how big or small, can be stuck there for a long time, its crew running out of food and water, and forced to endure inactivity, boredom, and the resulting depression. This quite large area of the Atlantic, which is centered around the Sargasso Sea (a weed-infested sea with no land borders), has been much glorified by the later term Bermuda Triangle, which has through the years endured many hurricanes, weather extremes including lengthy, depressing doldrums, and magnetic anomalies, which threaten successful navigation. Here, many a ship and airplane has disappeared, providing a feast for all manner of creative, mostly literary, explanations.
So, we are left with the doldrums. They can describe almost anything that’s in a slump, from economic doldrums to sports, to cultural and real estate doldrums, but the really offensive doldrums are simply those of winter, and this is where we are right now. We are in a slump, just waiting for the sun to shine, the daffodils to bloom and the birds to sing. It’s a perfect time for the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, instigated in 1967 to, in the beginning, provide a recreational and social diversion for the people of the village and to, as the carnival volunteers say, celebrate the whimsical, uplifting spirit of winter. It is also, brilliantly, a concrete harbinger of spring.
Our feisty little carnival is not the first of its kind (nor is it in its 57th year, as is stated; it is rather in its 58th, as it was founded in 1967 by the Cooperstown Ski Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and it’s on track for its 60th anniversary, which the powers that be say will be in 2027, a tad confusing). Carnivals—also known as winter festivals, snow festivals, and frost fairs—have been around since 695, when the Thames River froze for six weeks, and everyone took to the ice for food, games, and goods. The great Frost Fair of 1683-84 was claimed a Bacchanalian triumph, with two months of horse- and coach-racing, ice skating, puppet shows, bullbaiting, football, bowling, sledding and foxhunting, all out on the frozen river. By the early 19th century the climate had become milder, and the Thames stopped freezing over.
There are carnivals across the world, many, some small, for their own residents, and others larger and longer-lived. They are pretty much all run by volunteers, focused on the health benefits of the great outdoors, brimming with local camaraderie and organized to put an end to the deep winter doldrums.
The local, enthusiastic organizers of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, under the auspices of the Cooperstown Lions Club, have scheduled all manner of outside activities to amuse and encourage us, and inside entertainment to keep us warm and happy. While it looks as if we are going to have a frozen Lake Otsego for this year’s carnival for the first time in several years, sled-dog and automobile races on the lake disappeared from the line-up some time ago, but we can go sledding at Lakefront Park, skating at Badger Park, make some really big snowmen, and finish off with a Blizzard Bash in Doubleday Field parking lot, complete with an insane Tesla light show. So come and eat, drink, shop, and play. The doldrums will disappear and spring will come.
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Are Americans Still the Wealthiest People on Earth?
This time out, we remember an Oneonta legend and debunk a big myth concerning what it means to be wealthy. We also consider whether Americans are still the wealthiest people on Earth.
Most folks think you are wealthy if you have a lot of money. But having a ton of cash does not necessarily mean you are wealthy. That’s one of the bigger myths about how the economy works. To debunk it, we only need to revisit stories of individuals who die and leave behind loads of cash after appearing to be poor during their lifetimes.
Years ago, there was one such individual in our region by the name of George Hamway. George would sit in his rusted pickup, parked opposite Southside Mall in Oneonta, and wave at passing vehicles. He was elfin in look and appeared destitute by every visual yardstick. But George and his family had owned the land WalMart now sits on, and large sums of cash were rumored to have been found in his modest home after he died.
Let’s assume George left a substantial cash hoard behind. From the recollections of many, George wore infrequently laundered clothing, rarely showered, and spent most of his waking time in the truck. Was he wealthy? The answer is a resounding NO.
The true meaning of what it means to be wealthy is best captured in a popular T-shirt from the 1980s. It was white, with a quote attributed to Malcolm Forbes in black letters: “He Who Dies With the Most Toys Wins.”
If you have lots of money, but spend none of it, you are essentially poor. And if you are poor, due to a lack money, unwillingness to spend, or misfortune, you aren’t as wealthy as others because you don’t own what they own. That’s why the uber rich trot out their wealth by launching themselves into orbit and buying influence with the president. Did you hear that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn
4Cs: Thanks for All Your Help!
The Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee (4Cs) extends sincere thanks to the following who went above and beyond for Santa this year:
Cooperstown Central School Coaches Lambert and Talbot and the boys varsity basketball team, and Coach Lippitt and the varsity wrestling team, as well as the CCS football team, for their assistance in setting up, taking down, and painting the stanchions and barricades; the CCS kiosk volunteers; Tin Bin Alley; the Fly Creek Cider Mill; Mitch Hotaling and the Village of Cooperstown crew; Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh; the village Fire Department, Police Department, and Fire Police; the Lake and Valley Garden Club; KC Ryland; Decorating Day volunteers; Claire and Bob Satriano; and Gavin Grady and Emerson Toulson.
We have always known it takes a village to bring the Christmas magic to our beautiful village, and each and every year our volunteers step
up and make it happen.
planning a $500 million wedding on his $500 million yacht this summer?
In recent years, those of us who are not members of the new oligarchy class had a painful reminder that inflation makes us less wealthy if our wages and salaries don’t keep up with the prices of the things we consume. We had to stop purchasing some of the necessities and “toys” that we normally bought with our hard-earned income. At the end of the day, the money we have at hand is merely the means to achieve a comfortable standard of living and the occasional enjoyment of some pleasures of our choosing.
Since 1776, when Adam Smith published his “Wealth of Nations,” economists have tried to compare the wealth of different nations. Today, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per capita—the dollar share for each citizen in the total produce of a nation—is used to compare the wealth of citizens in different countries. It’s basically calculated by taking the GDP, which is the total dollar value of everything a nation produces in a year, and dividing that number by the total population.
According to the World Bank, the U.S. GDP per capita (per person) in 2023 was $81,695.00. That means the average share of our national wealth for a household of four would be $326,780.00! Gimme some of that, right?
The reason the average U.S. household doesn’t have that much money income is because a few households
Continued on page 8
The 4Cs appreciates all who gave their time this year!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Barb Cannon Head Elf, Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee
Please Support Crayon Carnival
As we all recover from the excitement of the holidays and settle into the long, cold winter, community events can provide a bright social highlight for everyone. For decades, the Cooperstown PTA has hosted the Crayon Carnival at the school as a family-friendly and entertaining fundraiser. Last year, the generous financial support of the Cooperstown Central School community allowed us to host this event with no admission charge, and we were thrilled to see so many families enjoying themselves on a chilly spring morning, as it was rescheduled due to a March snowstorm.
The Cooperstown PTA is incredibly grateful for the generous donations we
received through our direct giving campaigns in 2023 and 2024. The funds raised have supported educational programs such as summer music lessons, high school field trips, and student-ofthe-month awards. We have even added new programs, including community Bingo and pizza night, hosted in 2023 and 2024, and scheduled again for February 13, 2025. Successful community events require both financial support and volunteers, and we urgently need your help. The Crayon Carnival was popular last year, drawing more than 250 children and family members. However, we faced a shortage of volunteers, making it challenging to run the event smoothly. To ensure that the Crayon Carnival is safe and enjoyable for everyone in 2025, we need at least 20 adult volunteers committed to working twohour shifts to help with setup, supervision, and clean-up. No experience is necessary, and you can even volunteer while your kids play. We understand that schedules are busy, so we welcome volunteers who are
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
THE mYTH-buSTIng ECOnOmIST LaRRY maLOnE
Photo provided
Photo of george Hamway from the Facebook group “If You grew up In Oneonta, nY, You may Remember…”
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
210 YEARS AGO
Fire—On Thursday morning last, at about 3 o’clock, the Distillery near Shankland’s Mills, owned by Mr. William Cook, which was just got into operation, was consumed by fire. His loss is estimated at about 1,000 dollars. Our villagers were again alarmed by the cry of fire, about 11 o’clock last evening, which proved to be in the shop of Jonah Foster, cooper, which was wholly consumed, but by the usual exertions of the citizens, the adjoining building was saved.
160 YEARS AGO
January 26, 1815
Will the South arm their slaves? This is a question which has been very fully discussed North and South, during the past two months. At the South the proposition has met with more opposition than favor, so far as we can judge from the tone of their papers and the speeches in the rebel Congress. The expediency of the movement has been seriously questioned; and we are inclined to think that the idea of a general arming of slaves has been abandoned. If the arming of the slaves is ever to be resorted to, it ought to be done now; and the fact that it is not being done seems to prove pretty clearly that the idea is not seriously entertained by Confederate leaders.
135 YEARS AGO
January 27, 1865
It is a sad task to record the death of one of the oldest and best known merchants of this village, Mr. William E. Cory, though that event had been apprehended for some time past. It occurred on Wednesday morning of this week in the 63rd year of his age after an illness, more or less severe or threatening, of several years. It has been a constant battle, which Mr. Cory fought out bravely, cheerfully, hopefully to the end. As long and often as it was possible for him to do so he came down to his store. We believe the last time he was out was on Election Day in November. Mr. Cory was clerk to his father and uncle, as he had been from his boyhood, and afterwards succeeded them in business. Mr. Cory leaves a widow and four children.
January 31, 1890
60 YEARS AGO
Dr. Charles A. Ashley, associate pathologist at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, was the speaker at the regular weekly luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club at the Hotel Otesaga on Tuesday. Dr. Ashley and Dr. Theodore Peters, Jr., research biochemist at Bassett, showed slides which illustrated the microscope’s capabilities with micrographs of specimens photographed through the instrument. The electron microscope employs a stream of electrons in place of a beam of light as used in conventional microscopes.
January 27, 1965
35 YEARS AGO
The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, a group of veteran jazz musicians, will perform Friday, February 2, at 8 p.m. in Cooperstown’s Sterling Auditorium. The band, which previously appeared in Cooperstown in 1979 and 1983, is the third offering in the 20th Anniversary Encore Season of the Cooperstown Concert Series.
January31, 1990
20 YEARS AGO
Dedicated students in area schools have already raised $4662 to help aid survivors of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Southeast Asia and eastern Africa in late December. At Milford Central School, a week-long series of efforts garnered $2,600 to help the people of Sri Lanka, shattering their $1,000 goal. The funds will be donated to Citihope, an international humanitarian relief organization based in Andes. School officials expressed their pride in the students’ efforts.
January 28, 2005
news from the noteworthy
Strategies for Battling Those Winter Blues
New York winters can take a toll on the most resolute of bodies, minds and spirits. It is typical to be affected by the cold, gray, short days characteristic of this time of year. Seasonal affective disorder, appropriately abbreviated to SAD, is the technical term for the winter blues we are prone to in these early months. Coping with isolation from social groups, reduced physical activity, lack of sunlight, and, worst of all, boredom, can be very challenging. I present a few easy-to-implement strategies for curbing winter blues, if only for a moment in your day.
Start with Centering
Use this exercise to calm an overactive or cloudy mind.
Close your eyes and get in tune with your nonsight senses.
Take deep breaths as you ask yourself:
• What is one thing I can hear? The tick of the clock.
• What is one thing I can feel? The fuzzy fibers of your blanket.
• What is one thing I can smell? The candle burning.
• What is one thing I can taste? The warm tea that’s cradled in your hands.
Notice the simple joys in life.
Connect by Disconnecting
It’s easy to spend hours scrolling on cold days. How do you feel after a day of indulging in social media content? Excessive use is not beneficial to
By MERL REAGLE
Farming It Out…
our happiness. Set a timer on your social media apps. When your limit expires, you will be automatically kicked off until the next day. This is an easy way to give yourself time for meaningful interactions with your loved ones. Invite a friend over, call your family, talk to the person standing next to you in line, and smile at the people you pass on the sidewalk. It’s amazing how receptive the world is to our involvement when we are present enough to engage.
Lean into Healthy Hobbies
What are your favorite indoor activities? Do you like to read, draw, paint, knit, play music, play games, solve puzzles, organize, clean, paint your nails, cook, bake, decorate, plan, envision, dream? Individual, solo hobbies can be leveled up by inviting others to join in. All of the above activities can be done with others. Be creative in your ability to beat isolation. Be brave in inviting others to join you. The worst they can say is “no.”
Avoid Pitfalls
There isn’t an easy button comprehensive enough to erase all adverse feelings from the world or even within the confines of our minds. Advertisements offer self-proclaimed quick fixes to immediately solve the winter blues. Proceed with caution as Instagram and Facebook serve you targeted ads to buy non-FDA-approved vitamins and “natural” sunlight lamps, as convenience stores pedal nicotine and alcohol, as dispensa-
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a business meeting without a few corny jokes?
Gary’s home: abbr.
with contemporary references. For instance, rather than singing, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine,” she would sing, “Tell Jim Clark, I’m going to let it shine.” Jim Clark was the Selma sheriff from 1955 to 1966, ignominiously remembered for his brutal response to protesters seeking to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, to advocate for voting rights.
Fikes’ deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement date from the 1960s. As a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Fikes sat in at lunch counters, boycotted buses, registered voters, and led walkouts of her own R.B. Hudson High School—all to advocate for desegregation, voting rights, and social justice.
As a teenager, she was jailed in 1963 for her participation in a Selma protest. In 1965, she participated in a protest known iconically as “Bloody Sunday”— during which approximately 600 marchers were confronted by Sheriff Clark, Commanding Officer John Cloud and many others who had responded to Clark’s order for “all white men in Dallas County over the age of twenty-one to report to the courthouse to be deputized.” As the demonstrators were crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge, troopers shoved them, knocking many to the ground, beat them with nightsticks and fired tear gas, while mounted troopers charged the crowd on horseback. A total of 17 people were hospitalized, with 50 receiving treatment for “lesser” injuries. It was in the course of this march that John Lewis suffered a skull fracture. Head scars from this encounter were visible for the rest of his life. Televised images of “Bloody Sunday” provided both Americans and international audiences with an eye-opening account of the brutal treatment of Blacks in the South and prompted wide support for both voting and civil rights. This year marks the 60th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma-to-Montgomery marches.
In her talk, Fikes described Clark as “the meanest sheriff in the world,” yet today, she counts his daughter Peggy as “one of my best friends.”
In regard to the current political climate, Fikes expressed both disappointment and hope.
“Everything we fought for has been taken away,” she said.
She then alluded to the Trump administration’s executive order to remove Air Force training courses featuring videos of the Tuskegee Airmen as well as of the Women Airforce Service Pilots in an effort to diminish the influence of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“Everything has been done by design, and we so easily fall into it,” she said.
Nevertheless, Fikes
remains positive.
“You don’t have MLK or Malcom X [today], but you still have a voice…I still believe that the best is still to come.”
Although often referred to as an “icon” of the Civil Rights Movement, Fikes does not actively seek the limelight, she confided in a private interview. When it comes to Selma and the movement in general, she is quick to point out that there were many “foot soldiers” contributing to progress in civil rights. In particular, she gives great credit to Selma’s “Courageous Eight.” It was these unsung heroes, Fikes said, who began the groundwork for the Selma-to-Montgomery March and who invited Martin Luther King Jr. to Selma. The eight individuals were the Rev. R. D. Reese, Ulysses Blackmon, Amelia BoyntonRobinson, Ernest Doyle, Marie Foster, James Gildersleeve, the Rev. J.D. Hunter, and the Rev. Henry Shannon.
“What we did, we didn’t do it for recognition,” she said.
Fikes also eschewed the limelight when she declined an invitation to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show with the Freedom Riders, civil rights activists who brought attention to racial segregation in American interstate transportation in the early 1960s.
Fikes humorously recounted that, while Winfrey introduced the Freedom Riders by saying, “These people are the reason I’m here today,” the celebrity had no gifts to give them, despite often lavishing her audience with expensive gifts.
Fikes is likewise unimpressed by the 2014 film “Selma,” which depicts events of the Selma-toMontgomery marches.
“It’s entertainment. It’s not accurate,” she said, referring again to the “Courageous Eight” who, in her opinion, did not receive adequate attention in the movie.
Wary of the invasion of technology into our daily lives, Fikes, who says she has never “googled” herself, feels that spirituality is the missing ingredient in modern life.
“Education by itself serves no purpose. We have mind and body, but the spirit has been left out. Spirit brings unity,” Fikes affirmed.
Also present at the breakfast were the three division winners of the MLK Jr. Essay Contest fostered by SUNY Oneonta’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. The entrants were asked to interpret the Martin Luther King Jr. quote: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” They were then asked how people their age can bring unity and understanding to their communities.
According to Erin Francisco, assistant director of DEI Projects and Initiatives, there were 32 entries in all. Greater Plains Elementary School fifth-grader Evangeline Trask was the winner for the Elementary School Division. Evie Chen, an
eighth-grader at Oneonta Middle School, took the prize for the Middle School Division, while Julianna Everson, ninthgrader at Worcester Central School, won the High School Division. Each student received a plaque and $100.00 in prize money.
In her essay, Trask wrote, “We can see that there are people who have no homes all over the town. To help, we could make fundraisers to buy shampoo, toothpaste, and other things so they can take care of themselves. We could bring community to our schools by having more group activities, like read-alouds, movies, board games, and more!”
With regard to King’s quote, Chen wrote, “If we don’t accept and work together, we are fools for letting color blind us from seeing we’re all one species.” She gave credit to King’s philosophy of non-violence, observing, “MLK demonstrated the impacts of nonviolent resistance and protests, proving that you don’t change people through asserting dominance but by changing the preconception embedded into their brains that whites are superior to Blacks just because they didn’t have to fight for their rights.”
In her essay, Everson wrote, “Individuals can build unity, empathy, and understanding within our schools and communities with King’s teachings by the inspiration of listening to his quotes or speeches…Most of King’s speeches and quotes were followed by a stand or protests. When King got his word across, he never once gave up or backed down; he kept going.”
Everson concluded by paying tribute to both King and her own mother as role models.
The winning essays are published in their entirety on this page.
The community breakfast was sponsored by the Office of Equity & Inclusion, Activities Council, the Capek Family Fund for Inclusive Excellence, UniversityAdvancement, and the Office of Alumni Engagement, all at SUNY Oneonta. Hartwick College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging was also a sponsor.
and work together, we are fools for letting color blind us from seeing we’re all one species. MLK had to combat the white supremacy surging through America in the mid- to late-1900s as a result of segregation.
The separation of races caused individuals to look down on people of color because of the rooted history Blacks have played for centuries in American history—from being traded as slaves in the 1600s to the 13th Amendment, that promised freedom to African Americans.
saying that we as people have a choice and can make a decision. For instance, King decided not to follow the regulations. He knew what he wanted and what would benefit not just him but all African Amercians. He hoped Caucasians could put our differences aside and grasp how to be respectful, including treating African Americans equally, or we can suffer in despair and imprudently.
Elementary School Division Essay Winner: Evangeline Trask
Some people think community means a neighborhood or a town. Others think it is the feeling when people come together and work as a group. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ”We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meant that if we don’t work together as a community, we will die knowing we should have worked together.
People my age can help to build a community by finding problems, and their solutions. For example, we can see that there are people who have no homes all over the town. To help, we could make fundraisers to buy shampoo, toothpaste and other things so they can take care of themselves.
We could bring community to our schools by having more group activities, like readalouds, movies, board games, and more! This could bring community to our school by letting multiple grades do activities together and bond.
Whether community means a town or togethership, everyone should feel it. We need to come together and solve problems, have fun, and always have each other’s backs. Dr. King once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or die as fools.”
Middle School Division Essay Winner: Evie Chen
On March 22nd of 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
MLK’s dream was for all people—regardless of color, race, or background—to be treated with equality in society.
Note how in this quote MLK said, “live together” instead of “survive together,” indicating there is, indeed, a difference between the two. While anyone can survive without treating others with equality, it is their ignorance and closedmindedness that prevents them from reaching greater heights and experiencing a better quality of life.
MLK also states, “Perish together as fools.” If we don’t accept
But they never really were free, were they? Not free from prejudice. Not free from segregation and most definitely not free from the lack of fundamental rights every human deserves. MLK‘s ultimate goal was to guarantee basic, humane rights to all people of color, regardless of their ethnic heritages.
Moreover, MLK demonstrated the impacts of nonviolent resistance and protests, proving that you don’t change people through asserting dominance but by changing the preconception embedded into their brains that whites are superior to Blacks just because they didn’t have to fight for their rights; they were already worthy of them to begin with and people of color weren’t.
We can start to build empathy in schools and society by practicing color blindness; seeing everyone as human instead of a color. We can encourage self-expression and turn the topic of race into a normalized discussion. Children and adults alike can get rid of their unconscious bias and spread diversity throughout the world.
High School Division Essay Winner: Julianna Everson
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American minister and an activist. He was born on January 15, 1929, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He passed away on April 4, 1968 due to an assassination. He was known for many things in the past and still is to this day.
King is recognized for his speeches that have changed many individuals’ perspectives on equality for African Americans. A speech many individuals may recognize to this day is “I Have a Dream.” King not only fought for himself but hundreds of other African Americans. King performed his speeches in front of numerous Caucasians, which was a huge concept knowing that many white people were already against the idea of African Americans being treated equally. King gave up what he had left to attempt to get his word across peacefully the whole time, and he often organized groups and marched through the streets with signs as well as speeches.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
As an activist, this was an extremely strong quote. It can mean numerous things to many individuals but, in my perspective, this quote is simply
In King’s mind, we have two options: be cooperative, or not accept each other and have that leading to bigger issues. King never wanted to fight or argue, or even make individuals look foolish. King simply wanted Caucasians to understand African Americans’ mindsets and perspectives on these simple topics of inequality that Caucasians would consider normal. In addition, at the end of the day we are all people capable of completing the same actions. Furthermore, King would never surrender; he was arrested 29 times. While many arrests resulted in his quick release, King’s longest sentence was four months for sitting and waiting for his food at a restaurant right where he grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite the fact these protests seem little, he spread the idea all over, such as in his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” which was presented in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial. According to researchers roughly 250,000 people attended the speech, and millions more heard it over the radio and on television.
Individuals my age can build unity, empathy, and understanding within our schools and communities with King’s teachings by the inspiration of listening to his famous quotes or speeches. Once we dig into a quote or speech and break certain points down, as I did with the quote I was presented with, the words become clearer. Then, as you understand, you get to know the individual while also understanding our history and how we as people have evolved. We can then realize the little things that were done were, in reality, big accomplishments. Most accomplishments, if not all, did not benefit one person but benefited many individuals in a positive, life-changing way, meaning permanently fixed, and helped us today figure out how to deal with situations and equality.
Most of King’s famous speeches and quotes were followed by a stand or protests. When King got his word across, he never once gave up or backed down; he kept going and going. I think he taught great life lessons and set great examples. When I think about growing up, I look at individuals that would be great examples. I know King is, and was, a great role model to many, many children and even adults.
If anyone were to ask me why are you so respectful and a great problemsolver, I would simply say my mother raised me right, but King taught us very important lessons: If you know it is right, fight for it, and if there is a choice, choose peace.
Photo by Teresa Winchester
Worcester Central School ninth-grader and MLK Jr. essay contest winner Julianna Everson speaks with Bettie Mae Fikes, keynote speaker at a community breakfast commemorating King. The event was held at SUNY Oneonta’s Hunt Union Ballroom on Monday, January 27.
Helios Care CEO Announces Departure Effective April 21
ONEONTA
Chief Executive Officer and President Dan Ayres has announced his resignation from Helios Care to join a larger hospice organization on the East Coast, effective April 21. Ayres informed the Board of Directors of his upcoming move on January 21. This difficult decision to leave Helios Care was decided upon by Ayres and his family as the next step in his long career in healthcare systems
management, officials said.
According to a media release, Ayres came to Helios Care in 2016 and helped guide the organization through tremendous growth and change. He was instrumental in instituting new initiatives, including the name change from Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. to Helios Care.
“This thoughtful decision opened up dialogues with area residents about what the organization can do for them or their loved ones, fostering earlier engagement and improving patient outcomes—the goal for everyone,” the release reads.
Ayres said this has been the hardest decision he has ever had to make.
Photo by Tina Macaluso
Lights, Camera, Action!
COOPERSTOWN—Filmmaker Aidan Macaluso spent three days last week shooting at several locations throughout the village, including the Iron String Press newspaper offices on Railroad Avenue. Macaluso’s project, titled “The Cure for the Clinically Unobservant,” is a dark comedy short film that follows a man on his surreal quest to cure his chronic inability to produce interesting anecdotes at parties. Aidan is the son of George and Tina Macaluso, of Cooperstown. Pictured above, from left, are Patrick Koehle, Aidan Macaluso and George Macaluso.
Haney
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Wednesday, January
28. “Given her experience as the owner of the bat company, and her prior work with Bassett Hospital, I think Connie will be well suited for the decision-making that comes with leading the Town of Hartwick throughout 2025.”
The Town of Hartwick has been without a supervisor since O’Brien relocated in late November. At that time, Town Attorney William C. Green also resigned. The board has since voted to contract with Syracuse-based Hancock Estabrook LLP for the town’s legal services.
“I was approached and asked if this was something I might be interested in doing,” Haney said, when asked how she came to throw her hat in the ring for the interim supervisor position. “I had been attending meetings and was concerned about being without a town supervisor. This and the support of friends and family brought me to the decision to offer myself as a candidate.”
Haney has been a manager, and has worked with the public on many different levels, for more than 30 years.
“I spent 17 years in several management and program capacities at Bassett Healthcare. My husband and I have three businesses in the Town of Hartwick and raised our children here.
“As part of our business life, I have been the treasurer for all three businesses, working with our accountant and the bank to ensure quality control and maintain financial records. We have annual insurance audits and I am also responsible for proper filings for state
and federal regulations,” Haney explained.
Haney’s first order of business as interim supervisor will be to review all of the town’s internal policies and municipal laws to bring herself up to speed.
When asked how she hopes to navigate the obvious divide between the four councilmembers, Haney replied, “My goal is to work with each councilmember equally and in the same manner, respectful that we all may not agree on all topics.
“I think we can be creative with making decisions that satisfy all Town Board members. We all have the same goal—we each want what is best for the citizens of the Town of Hartwick.”
As to how she will handle the often contentious public comment period at recent town meetings, Haney and the board members are on the same page.
“The Town Board reviewed the Organizational Meeting Minutes on January 21, and the Public Comment Period format was discussed and agreed upon by the members of
the board,” Haney said. “I will be following the decision made by the board last evening, requesting all parties to respect and support the town policy and enforcing that policy when necessary.”
Haney’s appointment has also helped the town retain the services of accountant Ray Holohan, who had recently tendered his resignation.
“I have reached out to Mr. Holohan to confirm his status as the accountant for the Town of Hartwick and he has confirmed that we will be able to work together through 2025,” Haney said. “I also work with Ray through our businesses, so I am thrilled that he will be staying on. We will be meeting soon.”
Former Supervisor O’Brien, who is the director of Otsego County 911 and EMS, said of Haney’s appointment, “Connie is a wonderful choice for the interim supervisor position. Experienced, talented and committed to the Town of Hartwick. She will do an excellent job!”
Hartwick Town Clerk Andrea Vazquez said of Haney’s appointment, “I am looking forward to working with Ms. Haney and am confident that she will continue to move town business forward.”
Haney is looking to rise above the recent turmoil between town officials and residents.
“What is important is that the town can
“Working in this community to improve the lives of our residents during the last journey of their lives has been a privilege, and I know the team will continue to advance the mission of compassionate care with choices and, above all, dignity, for each patient served,” Ayres said.
“It is with deep regret and sincere appreciation that the Board of Helios Care accepts the resignation of Dan Ayres, president and CEO. For eight years, Dan has led the organization with vision, quality enrichment, community and individual relationship development, and—simply stated—the ability to get things done. All with a steady hand in a volatile industry,” praised Helios Care Board Chair Jeff Woeppel.
“Perhaps his most notable achievement is the manner in which the organization successfully continued to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Woeppel continued. “His presence, positivism and resourcefulness will be missed.”
A transition plan is underway for Helios Care, to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities, with patient care always at front of mind.
“Helios Care remains steadfast in its mission of making life easier for patients and families who are facing a serious illness, and is committed to upholding these values for their patients and the community,” officials said.
Letters
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only available for this one big event—there’s no need to attend PTA meetings or volunteer for other programs. We are currently scheduling vendors and organizing activities, but we need to finalize our commitments and organize volunteers by Monday, February 10. Visit https://www. signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44A8AB2FA5FEC2554589929-crayon to sign up for a volunteer shift, or contact the Cooperstown PTA at cooppta@gmail.com. We must have 20 volunteers signed up by February 10th in order to run the Crayon Carnival. Sign up today to help make this Cooperstown tradition a fun, familyfriendly success in 2025!
now move on to other matters concerning town business and the citizens of Hartwick,” she emphasized.
Shelby MacLeish President, Cooperstown PTA
Councilmembers Briggs and Murphy had not responded to inquiries as of press time.
Photo provided DAN AYRES
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13-3 for the season.
The Cooperstown boys beat Sherburne-Earlville 69-43 on the road on Tuesday, January 21. Junior Miles Nelen had 14 points, five assists and five steals, followed by junior Cooper Coleman with 12 points. Senior Cooper Bradley had 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Hawkeyes rallied from a first-quarter deficit to beat MorrisvilleEaton 99-71 at home on Thursday, January 23. Nelen and junior Christian Lawson each scored 22 points.
Cooperstown defeated Sauquoit Valley 88-31 on Monday, January 27. Nelen scored 19 points, followed by Coleman with 13 and sophomore Brody Murdock with 10. The undefeated Hawkeyes (15-0, 8-
Conrad Blasco Stergas 1942-2023
GLOVERSVILLE—
Conrad Blasco Stergas was born on October 7, 1942 in Gloversville, New York, the son of Blasco and Eoo Stergas, and was raised in New York. He died after a long illness on December 2, 2023 at Mountain Valley Hospice House, Gloversville.
He is survived by a brother, Ronald Stergas, of Johnstown, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Blasco and Eoo (Altomare) Stergas.
While at Johnstown High School, Conrad started flying airplanes and went on to become an excellent pilot.
After graduation, Conrad attended the Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, Missouri, and graduated after four years with the degree of Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. While in college, he was in the ROTC and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity.
Conrad entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant following college and, after Engineering Officers Basic Training, started rotary wing flight school. In Ft. Rucker, AL, where he attended Advance Rotary wing flight school, he was in instrument flight training when his helicopter had engine failure shortly after take-off and crashed. He survived the crash and was only set back one graduating class.
After earning his rotary wing pilot license, Conrad was reassigned
0) will visit Poland on Thursday, January 30.
Cooperstown volleyball lost its second match of the season on Thursday, January 23, falling in straight sets to Mount Markham. Senior Sophia Badgley had seven kills and seven digs, senior Alexis Wolfe made 14 assists and three digs, and junior Mia Pelcer added 15 digs, four kills, and two assists. The team stands at 13-2 for the season.
LEAF
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ries promote cannabis and CBD, as TV commercials sell diet pills and the newest phone.
The truth is, nothing of worth comes without work. We can choose to be responsible for our own happiness and wellbeing through proven methods. In times of weakness, avoid easy
access to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Know someone to call. Have a healthy alternative to substitute. Hang in there and practice gratitude. There are only a few months until spring.
Tessa Davidson, MPH, is the executive director of LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions.
Malone
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are eating MUCH bigger slices of the national pie.
A recent Princeton University study estimates that 2,400 U.S. citizens have an average monetary worth of $1 billion and control five percent of total income in the nation. I hope everyone is taking comfort in knowing that 13 of those billionaires are taking seats in the president’s Cabinet.
Elon Musk has 12
children from three different women and an estimated net worth of $435 billion. That means each of the 16 members of his household would have GDP per capita shares of over $27 billion. Elon’s household alone gobbles up the equivalent of about 1.5 percent of our total national wealth!
By comparison, last year the median household income for Otsego County was just over $67,000.00, with 14 percent of our friends and neighbors living below the household (two adults, two children) poverty line of $31,200.00. Neither of those two incomes, or any income number in between, buys a lot of necessities and “toys.”
All this means that GDP per capita isn’t particularly helpful in determining whether or not MOST of us are
OBITUARIES
wealthy or even “income healthy.”
GDP per capita is also not useful in determining if Americans are the wealthiest citizens of the planet. A comparison of GDP per capita among nations ranks the U.S. at #14, behind such countries as Brunei, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, and Qatar. Does that mean the average citizen of 13 other countries is wealthier than the average American?
Not necessarily. The cost of living in those nations has to be taken into account, but that’s also difficult calculate. In 1986, “The Economist” magazine rolled out its Big Mac Index to compare the price of a Big Mac across countries. The average price of a Big Mac in the U.S. in the most recent index was $5.69. Meanwhile, the most expensive Big Mac
in the world is found in Norway, where one costs $8.07. Should the cost of a Big Mac—one consumable among millions— lead us to conclude that it costs more to live in Norway than in the U.S.? If so, why does it cost more to live in Norway? We’ll take up those questions next time when we explore the 21st Century Distribution Economy. Larry Malone is professor emeritus of economics at Hartwick College.
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to Vietnam.
One Vietnam mission Conrad flew had a general on his Huey, going to an engineer unit south of Cam Ranh Bay. While en route, he received an emergency radio call of a unit under attack. This was during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Conrad advised the general of the situation and requested permission to go assist the unit that was under attack. The general gave permission, but requested that another aircraft be available to pick him up if something happened to Conrad’s aircraft.
Below is a copy of the Award of the Air Medal for Heroism Conrad received for that mission:
“Air medal with V for valor Device for Heroism while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam.
Lieutenant Stergas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1968 in the vicinity of Dalat in the Republic of Vietnam. Lt. Stergas was instrumental in rescuing personnel pinned down by heavy enemy ground fire. Although his aircraft was not equipped to be employed in an assault role, Lt. Stergas made repeated sorties into an extremely hostile area and was successful in evacuating many critical personnel. His expert flying and keen sense of military urgency has been in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself.”
Conrad also had hydraulic failure once
while on a mission and was able to successfully land the aircraft without any injuries.
Conrad was a Life Member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.
And after being honorably discharged from the military on May 20, 1969, with the rank of captain, Conrad went on to become certified as a flight engineer, an FAA airline transport pilot and an FAA flight instructor, and piloted private and commercial aircraft, flying for Northern Electric, Air North, Air Indies, Eastern Provincial Airways, Air Malta, Yemen Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and Eastern Airlines.
Following his Eastern Airlines employment, Conrad was contracted with the United Nations to oversee the air fleet for the newly formed United Nations Office of Aviation Safety and Flight Standards for the UN operation in Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.
In 1997, Conrad formed the Airline Safety Association International, a nonprofit organization advocating effective safety standards to protect airline travelers.
And in 2020, Conrad received the coveted FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment to flight safety.
Remember Conrad Stergas for his love of flying, for service to his country, and for his commitment to Flight Safety.
Arrangements were entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, Gloversville.
Online condolences may be made at www. brbsfuneral.com.
Reprinted at the request of the family.
career was as a labor and delivery nurse at what is currently Crouse Hospital, Syracuse.
She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas Hickling Jones and Addie Elizabeth Truesdell and, more recently, by C. Gee, her beloved feline.
Roberta was baptized and confirmed at Grace Episcopal Church, where she was an active member for many years. It was her wish that her final service would also be held there.
She is survived by three very special friends, Jean E. Whitmore, Tracey White, and Jessica Rice, as well as her Grace Church “family” and other friends.
1934-2025
EDMESTON— Roberta Elizabeth (Bobbie) Truesdell, Syracuse, age 90 on Saturday, January 25, 2025 passed on from this earthly existence after a long illness.
She was born October 13, 1934 in the Town of Middlefield, New York.
Roberta grew up on a working dairy farm on Mill Creek Road, just North of the Village of Edmeston, New York.
She graduated from Edmeston Central School in 1952 and from Crouse-Irving School of Nursing in 1955. As a representative of her class, she delivered the Senior Address at graduation, which was held at Henricks Chapel. Almost her entire professional
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church at 819 Madison Street, on the corner of Madison and University Avenue in Syracuse.
The church will be open on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. for viewing prior to the 10 a.m. service. Burial in the spring will be with her parents at Taylor Hill Cemetery, next to the site of the old Taylor Hill Meeting House, north of Edmeston. If desired, one may make contributions in Roberta’s name to Food Center@324 at University United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 324 University Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home, 900 N. Salina Street, Syracuse. Burial arrangements are entrusted to Delker & Terry Funeral Home, 30 South Main Street, Edmeston, New York.
Photo provided CONRAD B. STERGAS
Photo provided ELIZABETH E. TRUESDELL Roberta Elizabeth Truesdell
Field Station Boathouse. With the predicted temperatures, we expect the ice to thicken this week. Over the next two weeks, we are planning to do underice sampling and conduct ice driving training for our BFS Volunteer SCUBA Dive Team.”
News Briefs
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FoVL Board President Karen Katz at kkatz@stny. rr.com or (607) 434-3418. For more information or a full schedule of events, visit www.villagelibraryofcooperstown.org.
Jimkata Performs next Month
COOPERSTOWN—Electro-rock band Jimkata will perform in the Cooperstown Concert series at The Otesaga Resort Hotel at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21. It is part of the band’s nationwide tour celebrating the release of their new album, “Running in Place.” Originally from Ithaca, Jimkata has built a national reputation for their powerful stage presence. There will be a large dance floor with limited seating. To purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org.
State announces Fair Funding
ALBANY—New York State Agriculture
Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that the state will provide a total of $350,000.00 in transportation and related costs to bring participating youth groups to county and local fairs. Applications must be submitted at https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp0345-2025-transportation-youth-county-and-localfairs-program by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18.
Additionally, the second round of the Agricultural Fairgrounds Advertising, Promotion, and Education Program will provide a total of $500,000.00 to support marketing at 50 fairs. For more information, visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/new-york-statecounty-fairs-promotional-programs.
Vendor Space Still available
SOUTH OTSELIC—The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association seeks arts and craft vendors for their 16th annual Fishing and Heritage Day on Saturday, May 17. The free community event attracts hundreds of people to South Otselic’s Town Park, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this year. Vendors may reserve space in the park until May 15. There is additional space available for nonprofit conservation, sporting, scouting and environmental organizations at the State Fish Hatchery. For more information or to register, visit ovfish.org, call (315) 653-7490 or email sotfishingday@gmail.com.
State Monitoring for HPai
ALBANY—The New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Health, and Environmental Conservation have continued proactive testing measures to monitor the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in light of outbreaks in other states. Although the risk to humans remains low, the virus has been detected in a wild goose in Putnam County and a
LEGALS
Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
WINDY HILL FARM & TRUCKING LLC
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 19 December 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 497 North Rd, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of Richfield Softball Complex, LLC
Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 12/12/2024. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 148-27 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of AIELLO PAINT CO LLC
Articles of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 12/11/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1644 Southside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of
KEMP HEAVY TRUCK REPAIR, LLC
Articles of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 12/13/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 928 East St., Cassville, NY 13318. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business loc: 2153 US Route 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. 6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of HM Print & Design LLC
Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/01/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to Wayne Hesler-Mondore, 22 Monticello Street, Richfield
Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.30
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
BODY IN BALANCE WELLNESS WITH JOANN LLC.
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 27 December 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 726 Fairway Drive, Acworth GA 30101. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
2LegalFeb.6
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Notice of formatioN of Kristi Lynn Photography LLC
Articles of organization filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) 1/1/2025. Office in Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 25 W. End Ave.,Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalFeb.13
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Notice of formatioN of
M Studios NY LLC.
Arts. of org. filed with the Secy. of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/27/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 28 Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalFeb.20
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Notice of formatioN of ZIGGY’S WELDING, LLC
Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 01/08/2025. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Ziggy’s Welding LLC, 238 Gately Rd, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose: Any Lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.20
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Notice of orGaNiZatioN of GRACI FARM LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/02/25. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Gokhan Yazici, 200 Baker Rd., Gilbertsville, NY 13776. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.20
poultry farm in Suffolk County. All poultry producers should take extra biosecurity steps, use personal protective equipment, and report sick birds, mass deaths or unexplained drops in egg production to the Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502. Dairy producers will also be impacted by new testing requirements. For more information, visit www.agriculture.ny.gov. nY
Maintains Rank in Study
NEW YORK STATE—SimplifyLLC, an LLC consulting firm based in Sheridan, Wyoming, released its annual study on the best and worst states for entrepreneurship, using updated data from the Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Tax Foundation, and U.S. Senate. New York ranked 32nd in the nation, identical to its position last year. Rankings were determined with six categories measured across all 50 states and D.C.: corporate tax rate, inflation, consumer spending growth, job creation rate, and net migration of educated workers. The state’s new business growth dropped significantly over the year, from 11.4 percent to -11.1 percent, but its job creation rate surged from 10.2 percent to 17.1 percent. New York continues to suffer the nation’s second-worst exodus of educated workers, but nearly 50 percent fewer educated adults left in 2024 compared to 2023. The best states for entrepreneurs were Washington, Texas, Maine, Nevada and Oregon. To view the full report, visit https://www.simplifyllc. com/best-and-worst-states-for-entrepreneurs-2025/.
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of Jorgensen Construction LLC
Articles of org. filed with the NY Sec.of State (SSNY) 01/13/2025. Office in Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served, SSNY shall mail copy of process to Jorgensen Construction LLC, 118 Darling Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326
Purpose: Any Lawful purpose.
6LegalFeb.27
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Notice of formatioN of Brown Family Beef, LLC
filed Arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful act.
6LegalFeb.27
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Notice of formatioN of Skinner Road, LLC
filed arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom
process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful act.
6LegalFeb.27
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Notice of formatioN of
452 Stone Road, LLC
filed arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful act.
6LegalFeb.27
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Notice of formatioN of
Daniel J. Brown Excavating, LLC filed arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful act.
6LegalFeb.27
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Notice of formatioN of
PHILTHYS, LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 01/08/2025. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.
The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 3 Tilley Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
6LegalFeb.27
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Notice of formatioN of Name of LLC: JUSTGRAZIN’ LLC
Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State: August 7, 2023. Office of the LLC: Otsego County.
The New York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: JUSTGRAZIN’ LLC at P.O. Box 207, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose of the LLC: Any Lawful Purpose
6LegalMar.6
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Notice of LiQUor LiceNSe
Notice is hereby given that a license, number pending for beer, cider, liquor and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to
sell beer, cider, liquor and wine at retail in a hotel under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 104 East Main St., Milford, NY 13807 for on premises consumption.
/s/ Catherine and Daniel Wisnosky The Elm Inn
2LegalFeb.6
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Notice of formatioN of AZ International Trading LLC, dba Viet Tot.
Articles of organization filed with SSNY on 12/15/2024. Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: PO Box 1469, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.6
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name: CANADARAGO LAKESIDE ESTATES LLC.
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 27 January 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 132 Lakeside Estates, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business
activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalMar.6
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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, February 11th, 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. 11 Walnut Street – application to install roofmounted solar panel array. 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, February 11th, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. Jenna Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
Tele: (607)5472411
Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1LegalJan.30
LegaL
►Fri., Jan. 31
CARNIVAL All day.
Cooperstown Winter Carnival. Held 1/30 through 2/2. Find the schedule at CooperstownWinterCarnival.com
LIBRARY 10 a.m.
“Coffee & Puzzles.” Each Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
SENIOR COFFEE
HOUR 10 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11 Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
BLOOD DRIVE
10:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org
SENIOR MEALS
11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of pineapple pepper pork, rice, Japaneseblend vegetables and oatmeal raisin cookies. (607) 547-6454.
LIBRARY 1 p.m.
“Homeschool Hangout.” Let’s get creative! We’ll build, draw and create. Recommended for ages 5-18. Held each Friday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
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.
SKATING 3-7 p.m.
Mixed use. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Badger Park, 87 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2411.
THEATER 8 p.m. “The Shark is Broken.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Tickets required. Also showing 2/1 and at 3 p.m. on 2/2. Then showing at 8 p.m. on 2/7, 2/8 and at 3 p.m. on 2/9. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4325407.
►Sat., Feb. 1
RAFFLE Enter to win. “Valentine’s Day Raffle.” Drawing held on 2/14. No need to be present to win. The Artisans’ Guild of Oneonta, 148 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1080.
PARENTS 9:45 a.m. “Baby & Me Yoga.” Donations appreciated. Held each Saturday through 2/15. Fit To Be Tied Yoga Studio, 103 Main Street, Key Bank, 3rd Floor, Cooperstown. (607) 7430054.
EDUCATION 10 a.m. to noon. “Knitting Basics.” Presented by the 2025 Continuing Ed Classes. Fees apply. Continues 2/8, 2/15 and 3/1. Go home with a finished project. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 2643265 ext. 518.
YOGA 10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” Weekly class open to all levels. Suggested donation applies. The Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga.
POETRY Noon to 2 p.m. “Love Poetry: A Generative Workshop with Julene Waffle.” Fees apply; bring your own paper/writing utensils.
The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
FUNDRAISER
1-6 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner. Benefit for the Milford Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Squad. Dinner by donation. Milford Fire Department, back entrance, 64 South Main Street, Milford. (607) 286-9492.
FOOD 1-5 p.m. “2nd Annual Chowderfest.” Admission by donation. High Burl Brewery, 2803 State Highway 80, Burlington. (607) 965-1247.
ARTS & CRAFTS
1-3 p.m. “Clay Bead Class.” Make clay beads and a finished pair of earrings. Fees apply. Main View Gallery & Studios, 73-77 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4321890.
AUTHOR TALK
1:30 p.m. “Mechanize My Hands to War.” Local author Erin K. Wagner discusses her newest book, which looks at a future shaped by AI. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
BAZAAR 2-8 p.m. “Janky Bazaar and Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop.” Continues 2/2. Cooperstown Coworks, 6 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (607) 6432256.
OPENING RECEPTION 5 p.m. “Oneonta: Soccertown USA.” Free; open to the public. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320960.
►Sun., Feb. 2
SHOW 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Sidney Gun & Knife Show.” 40+ dealers of guns, swords,
military souvenirs of any kind/condition. Paid admission. Presented by Midstate Arms Collectors. Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River Street, Sidney.
FIRST AID 10 a.m. to noon. “CPR Class for Heart Month.” Free. Laurens Fire District Emergency Squad, 34 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 433-2906.
DINNER 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Chicken & Biscuit Dinner.” Eat in or take out. Fees apply. Laurens Masonic Lodge, 7 Brook Street, Laurens. STUDENTS 1-3 p.m. “4-H International Night.” Student presentations on customs clothing and food (samples available). Pre-registration required. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Southside Mall Community Room, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 433-2521.
SPORTS 3 p.m.
Info Meeting for Otsego Composite Mountain Bike Team. Open to grades 6-12.Woodland Cycles, 24 South Main Street, Milford. (607) 282-0013.
SUPPORT 7 p.m.
“Post-Inauguration Community Meeting.” Presented by the Otsego Pride Alliance. Get support, make connections and write postcards to representatives. All welcome. Refreshments provided. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 386-1508.
SING 7 p.m.
“Oneonta Kirtan.” Fees apply. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.
►Mon., Feb. 3
Bible Chapel. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown.
►tueS., Feb. 4
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 Lower Robert V. Riddell State Park, Davenport. Contact hike leader Linda Pearce at (607) 432-8969.
TOUR—2 p.m. “Virtual Zoom Tour: In the Spotlight—Women Artists at Fenimore Art Museum.” Presented online by The Fenimore Art Museum.
SKATING 3-6 p.m. mixed use; 6:30-9 p.m. hockey. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Badger Park, 87 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5472411.
MEET & GREET
5:30-7 p.m. “Welcome Home Cooperstown.”
Gathering to welcome new residents to the Village of Cooperstown. Celebrate Library Lovers’ Month by learning about activities at the Cooperstown Library. Includes music by Luke Gheen and refreshments. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
EDUCATION 6-8 p.m.
“Art Class: Gelli Plate Printing.” Presented by the 2025 Continuing Ed Classes. Fees apply. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3265 ext. 518.
►Wed., Feb. 5
VETERANS 8-10 a.m.
to field questions and comments. $18/session, cash. Held each Wednesday. Cancellations will be communicated prior to session. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.
►thurS., Feb. 6
CRAFT 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Open Sewing.” Bring a project, sewing machine, and other tools and work with fellow crafters. Message/call to reserve a spot. Held each Thursday. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta.
ART RECEPTION 5-7 p.m. “Slip the Body, Center the Mind: Ceramics Exhibition.” MartinMullen Gallery, SUNY Oneonta Fine Arts Center, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
DANCE 6-8 p.m. “Line Dancing.” Fees apply. Each Thursday. Red Barn Farm Brewery and Kountry Kitchen, 3883 State Highway 7, Otego. (607) 267-4353.
GAME 6-9 p.m. “Pitch Game Night.” All skill levels welcome. Held each Thursday. Muddy River Farm Brewery, 107 Winney Hill Road, Oneonta. (607) 287-8770.
FILM SOCIETY
7 p.m. “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.” Presented by the Film Society of Cooperstown. Featuring special guest Chris de Ville, puppeteer. Village Ballroom, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
►Fri., Feb. 7
AGING
Buying AntiquES, JEwElry, firEArMS
and confidential
MAin StrEEt, otEgo 607-287-5320 buzzh123@gmail.com Buying AntiquES, EStAtES, ArtifActS
LIBRARY 9 a.m. “Exercise Class.” Presented by instructor Carol Thompson. Free, open to all ages. Held each Monday and Thursday. Strawberry Hall, Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
DISCUSSION 3-5 p.m.
“Current Events Discussion Group.” Held each Monday. Village Library of Cooperstown. 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
TAX SEASON
6-8 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick College via the IRS VITA program. Held Mondays and Tuesdays thru 4/15. Hartwick College, Golisano Hall, 2nd floor, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338.
SUPPORT GROUP
6:30 p.m. “Divorce Care Support Group.” Presented by the Community
“Veterans Breakfast at Laurens Legion.” Held first Wednesday of each month. Free. Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. SUPPORT 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half off everything except priced jewelry and furniture. Every first and third Wednesday. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335.
CRAFT 3 p.m. Crochet Group. Bring a project to work on or come and learn. Held each Wednesday. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
ART CLASS
6-9 p.m. “Figure This! Open Studio Life Drawing.” Non-instructional workshop with nude models for sketching. Hosted by a Cooperstown Art Association member, who will be present
10-11:30 a.m. “Estate Planning: Do You Know Where to Begin?” Presented by the Otsego County Office for the Aging with attorney Lauren Glynn. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 547-4232.
TAX SEASON 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick College via the IRS VITA program. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-3200.
LIBRARY Noon. “Stories Come Alive.” Reading for children aged pre-K through third grade. Must be accompanied by a caregiver. Held each Friday. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230. YARN CLUB
2-3:30 p.m. First Friday each month. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
