The Freeman's Journal 02-02-23

Armory’s Future TBD By Oneontans

By TED MEBUST

ONEONTA

Following a recent evaluation of the Asa C. Allison, Jr. Municipal Building, located on the corner of Academy Street and Fairview Street in Oneonta and colloquially known as “The Armory” in reference to its initial purpose, the city found it to be underutilized and in need of improvement. Therefore, city officials opted to hear opinions from its residents about the building’s future in a survey released in December.

“It’s an old building that’s showing its age,” said Greg Mattice, Oneonta’s city administrator currently overseeing the project with Kerri Harrington, city clerk.

According to Mattice, the city obtained $45,600.00 from a New York State Community Development Block Grant to “evaluate the condition of the building and identify needed improvements, particularly

Continued on page 9

Village Improvement Society Holds Auction

GILBERTSVILLE

The Gilbertsville Village Improvement Society has begun an online auction through Lambrecht Auction of Bainbridge, the proceeds of which will go toward upkeep of the Gilbert Block. Eighty items are offered, ranging from “top shelf” treasures such as a complete set of German Rosenthal china to Instapots. Also featured are heirloom-quality furnishings, vintage décor and stained glass windows. Works by local artists—including ceramic artists Elizabeth Nields and Marcus Villagran, visual artist Alberta Hutchison, and collage artist Jane Higgins—are also available through the auction.

Those interested in viewing or bidding on auction items may visit www.lambrechtauction.com or www.laibids.com and scroll down to “Gilbertsville Improvement Society Fundraiser.”

Rolen Stands Alone in Hall of Fame Vote

By BILL FRANCIS COOPERSTOWN

Scott Rolen, a hot corner maestro known for his defensive wizardry at third and considerable ability in the batter’s box, has been added to the sport’s greatest roster.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s starstudded lineup increased by one when the results of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame vote were announced a little after 6 p.m. on January 24 live

New BBQ Eatery Has Ties to History

By DAN SULLIVAN RICHFIELD SPRINGS

on MLB Network from the iconic Plaque Gallery. Surrounded by the bronze images of 340 of the National Pastime’s forever figures, the 47-year-old Rolen’s name was called by Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch in front of a national audience.

“Tonight, we are pleased to announce the addition of one new member to the Hall of Fame fraternity,” Rawitch said. “A two-way superstar…today Scott Rolen becomes a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Continued on page 8

Bidding closes on February 16 at 7 p.m. An in-person preview of auction items will be held on Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gilbert Block on Commercial Street. The pick-up date for items purchased will be February 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, also at the Gilbert Block.

The purpose of the auction is to raise funds for maintenance and structural improvements to the Gilbert Block, a neo-Tudor style strip of buildings designed by Boston architect Henry Forbes Bigelow and constructed between 1893 and 1895.

“Funds are needed for general maintenance of our properties on an ongoing basis. Right now, funds are urgently needed for plumbing improvements so we can rent the former Value Way space. Its closure has left a big void in the village life and economy. We need

Continued on page 8

Our area’s newest barbecue restaurant, Maplewood BBQ and Spirits, takes its name from that given by original owner John Tunnicliff to the mansion built on his estate in 1760, which included a huge tract of land covering what is today parts of Otsego and southern Herkimer counties. At that time, Maplewood was in Tryon County; Otsego would not be formed until 1791.

Restaurant owner John Yule, also a partner in the Knotting Hill Farm wedding venue in Jordanville, has done his research on the mansion that houses his new eatery.

“The fireplace was part of the original kitchen. And the crane to hold pots is also original,” he pointed out.

Original hand-hewn beams are also visible in many rooms. Throughout, the stonework is impresContinued on page 3

Stopping the Spread

Photo by Nancy Callahan

Gilbertsville’s Gilbert Block on Commercial Street features a row of neo-Tudor style structures built between 1893 and 1895 (left).

An elephant table is one of the 80 items currently featured in the Gilbertsville Village Improvement Society’s fundraiser auction, accessible at http://www.laibids.com (right).

Otsego County Republicans Endorse Basile

The Otsego County Republican Committee has endorsed Jennifer Basile in the race for Otsego County clerk, following a meeting on Saturday, January 28. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7.

“It’s truly an honor to earn the endorsement of the Otsego County Republican Committee,” said Basile. “The hardworking members of the committee know that we need to continue the county clerk’s office tradition of providing customers with great customer service and efficient operations. I’m ready to deliver for the people.”

“Jennifer Basile is the right person to serve as our next Otsego County clerk because she has the experi-

ence and customer service qualifications we need,” said Len Carson, chairman of the Otsego County Republican Committee. “We’re proud to support her candidacy and

will work hard every day from now through November to ensure that she is successfully elected.”

Basile launched her candidacy in January after incumbent County Clerk Kathy Sinnott Gardner announced she will retire at the end of the year. Gardner has also endorsed Basile’s campaign.

A 14-year veteran of the County Clerk’s Office, Basile has served for the last seven years as deputy county clerk. Additionally, she has been a certified paralegal since 2004, and has a total of 27 years of quality customer service experience and 12 years of management experience.

Basile grew up on a family farm and now lives in the Town of Otsego with her husband, John, and their daughter, Kaylee.

Tillapaugh: ‘Village is Well Positioned’

Editor’s Note: Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh was a panelist at the recent Otsego County Chamber of Commerce “State of the State” Breakfast. The following is her address.

Good morning and thank you to the Otsego County Chamber for hosting this forum. I am honored to be included on this panel of city, county, and state elected officials and a representative of Congress.

For most of you, the calendar year is your fiscal year. That is not the case for our village—the Village of Cooperstown’s fiscal year is June 1st to May 31st, so we are two-thirds of the way through our current 202223 budget. Next month we will begin budget workshops to have a tentative 23-24 budget in place by the mandated deadline of March 20th. Our General Fund budget is usually about $4.1 million and we also have separate Water and Sewer budgets which total approximately 2.2 million, resulting in about a $6.3 million dollar village budget.

The budget process will certainly be a lot easier this year. We can finally say that the summer of 2022 was a normal summer for our village, particularly in regard to revenue from the village’s major

industry—tourism. Our paid parking revenue is an important revenue area. While not back to pre-pandemic levels, certainly a great deal healthier than the past two years. Contributing to the summer’s success was a July Induction Weekend for the first time since 2019, and our Main Street merchants reported excellent sales.

And not just local village businesses.

Cooperstown, marketed as the Home of Baseball, is a tourism engine for the entire county and central New York region: a positive impact on lodging, restaurant, and attraction businesses. You will find the name Cooperstown adorning and benefiting many businesses far beyond village boundaries.

The burden of being a tourism engine, and building and maintaining all the tourism-related infrastructure, falls on our residents—all 1,752 according to a 2019 population estimate.

This is my twelfth year on the Cooperstown Village Board, having served as trustee, then deputy mayor and for the last five years as mayor. For the past 10 years, those of us in government leadership have made it a priority to not increase the property tax levy. The tax levy has remained at $1,779,194.00 for 10 years. That represents a $5.20 tax levy per $1,000.00 assessed value, or $520.00 on a $100,000.00 house. That is lower than many municipal tax rates in the county.

Keep in mind that as a village, we cannot create a local sales tax and are reliant on sales tax funds shared and distributed to

all municipalities in Otsego County. One million dollars spent at businesses on our Main Street provides just $363.36 in sales tax revenue to the billage. The City of Oneonta and Otsego County receive more sales tax revenue from sales on Main Street Cooperstown than the village does.

Contrast our limited ability to generate revenue from the tourism industry to the millions in tourism infrastructure which the village maintains and improves to support that tourism industry.

Such infrastructure investment is only possible through careful stewardship of village finances and successful grant writing.

Village funding along with grant funding have enabled:

• A $2.7 million Federal Highway Administration TEP grant to improve Main Street with ADA compliant sidewalks, wayfinding signage and a DOTcompliant traffic signal with pedestrian crossing signals.

• An $8.4 million Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade completed in 2021, which ensures that we meet all the standards set by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, four years before they will be mandated. The upgraded plant protects the Susquehanna River—a valuable recreational and tourism resource—for decades to come.

• A $7 million upgrade of historic Doubleday Field, including restoration of the 1939 Grandstand, ADA compliant pedestrian access from Main Street and a new third base building known as the Fowler Pavilion, which has locker rooms and 19 public bathrooms. The village provides the only public bathrooms in our downtown.

• A $300,000.00 DEC Climate Smart Community Award to replace a Willow Creek culvert in the Village. The creek is a tributary of Otsego Lake and, en route to Otsego Lake, actually flows under the 1939 Doubleday Grandstand.

• A $146,000.00 DEC Water Quality Improvement Grant to construct a new salt shed at the village’s Highway Department, ensuring improved environmental stewardship and aquifer protection.

• A Federal Department of Justice grant to purchase body worn cameras for our Police Department, a $30,000.00 cost.

• An Empire State

Development Capital Grant in cooperation with the County IDA for the installation of downtown Wi-Fi infrastructure.

• A $400,000.00 New York State Historic Preservation grant to restore the skylights and upgrade the lift in Village Hall, an 1897 building. In the past 10 years, we have invested nearly $1 million dollars in Village Hall, which serves as a Main Street anchor and a community center, complete with library, art gallery and spaces for a film series and lecture series.

Numerous smaller grants have supported everything from the creation of a tree inventory and the purchase and planting of trees to grants to support the installation of signage recognizing the Mohawk and Haudenosaunee people.

I have focused on fiscal matters, but no less important is the village’s continued implementation of goals and projects cited in our Comprehensive Plan. Developing more housing in the village, particularly apartment-style housing, is a goal in the plan. We don’t look at “zoning” as a bad word, but rather at how zoning regulations can help us achieve some of the goals developed in our community driven Comprehensive Plan. With that in mind, three years ago changes to the zoning law encouraged greater density of housing. The first apartment building constructed in nearly 50 years in the village will have an open house later this month: 10 Chestnut, also known as Chestnut Crossing, provides 12 energy-efficient apartments just a half block from the village’s Main Street. A larger-scale development on Averill Road is currently working its way through the village’s Planning and Historic Preservation Review boards. Initiated by Bassett Hospital, the proposed project would address the shortage of housing in the village which impacts recruitment of medical personnel at the hospital and contributes to our region’s designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area. We feel Cooperstown is well positioned to continue being an economic engine for our region. Our successes are the area’s successes and we enjoy working with our upstate organizations and municipal neighbors to ensure that upstate New York once again thrives.

Tapped for Service

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Democratic Committee caucus nominated George Fasanelli (left) and Joe Membrino (right) for reelection to the Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees on Monday, January 30. Current trustee MacGuire Benton has chosen to pursue the position of Otsego County clerk rather than running for reelection. The members of the committee thanked Benton for his four years on the board and for bringing a new generation into Cooperstown government. Similarly, Membrino has been on the board for four years—one year when appointed to fill out the term of former trustee Lou Allstadt and three years from his first elected term. The Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees election will be held from noon to 9 p.m. on March 21 at the Cooperstown Fire Department, 24 Chestnut Street.

GMU Bus Vote Set for February 7

GILBERTSVILLE—The Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District will hold a February 7 vote on two propositions related to the purchase of new school buses, which will not increase the school tax levy. Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on February 7 at the GilbertsvilleMount Upton Central School District. Residents must present identification to vote on the following propositions:

Proposition 1: Bus Purchase

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to-wit: RESOLVED, shall the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District, Otsego County, New York, be authorized to purchase two 66- passenger school buses and to expend therefore a maximum estimated cost not to exceed three hundred twenty five thousand, two hundred dollars ($325,200.00), including incidental expenses in connection therewith, and that $325,200.00 Capital Reserve Fund monies shall be used to pay the cost thereof?

Proposition 2: Establishment of Capital Reserve Fund

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to-wit: RESOLVED, shall the Board of Education of the GilbertsvilleMount Upton Central School District be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law to be designated “Vehicle and Equipment Reserve Fund” in order to pay costs of the purchase of the school transportation vehicles and maintenance equipment, and, in order to accomplish the same, said Board is hereby authorized to establish the ultimate amount of such Reserve Fund not to exceed $750,000.00, plus accrued interest and other investment earnings thereon, with a probable term of 10 years and, to appropriate annually from available fund balance and/or other legally available funds of the School District to such Reserve Fund?

Bliss, Kennedy Continue Roles

OTSEGO COUNTY—Leadership for the Otsego County Board of Representatives remains unchanged for 2023. Board Chair David Bliss (R-Cherry Valley, Middlefield, Roseboom) and Vice-chair Margaret Kennedy (R-Hartwick, Milford, New Lisbon) were re-elected on Wednesday, January 4. The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1. The board’s schedule, meeting agendas and minutes are available at https://www.otsegocounty.com/legislature/ board_of_representatives_/documents.php

Second Merger Vote is February 15

SCHENEVUS—The proposed merger between Schenevus and Worcester central schools goes up for vote again at Schenevus on Wednesday, February 15 from noon to 8 p.m. Schenevus district resident and taxpayer Nicole Miskell submitted a petition on December 2 to the New York State Education Department, calling for a revote as per state education law. The proposed merger was originally rejected by Schenevus voters on December 1, 2021, 509254. Worcester voters had approved the proposal, 298-162. Read the full order from New York State Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa at https://www.schenevuscsd. org/new-york-state-commissioner-of-education-order/

Fair Dates Will Be Shortened

MORRIS—Otsego County Fair Manager Lisa Jackson has announced that the Morris fair will open one day later in 2023, running for five days instead of the usual six. Staffing issues are impacting fair organizers statewide, according to Jackson, and midway companies and vendors are also having difficulty finding people to work. The dates for this year’s fair are Wednesday, August 2 through Sunday, August 6, with harness racing on Tuesday, August 1 as planned.

Photo by Richard Sternberg

Photo provided JENNIFER BASILE

SUNY Oneonta Soccer Accolades Mark Prolonged Run of Success

by TeD MebUST

ONeONTA

T

Men’s Soccer program continued its winning ways this past season, and they have the awards to prove it. Their coaching staff, led by veteran Head Coach Iain byrne, received Division III Region III Staff of the Year commendations for 2022 by the United Soccer Coaches, an American organization of coaches made up of over 30,000 members, the largest association of soccer coaches in the world.

he SUNY Oneonta“This is really another award for the players. We ended the year as the number one team in the region, won our conference, and made a run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. We had great support from our assistants—who wanted to do most of the work!” said byrne, commending Assistant Coach brian Wagstaff and Faculty Mentor JoAnne Murphy. Senior Tristan battistoni earned SUNYAC Men’s Soccer Student Athlete of the Year honors for the second consecutive year, the Academic All-American

Photo provided IAIN BYRNE

garnering acclaim from his coaches.

ence championship this year, on his birthday no less, was one for the ages,” said byrne of his team’s 2022 campaign. All five will be moving on next season.

“Unfortunately, we lose a great senior group this year, so it may be back to the drawing board next year,” byrne lamented. Despite this loss, byrne pointed out that “some of the younger players made great progress and we [the Red Dragons] had two of the top freshmen in the conference,” referencing forwards Milton Mancias Magana and Joe Holder.

the future seems bright for the Red Dragons, who have built a legacy to protect during byrne’s tenure.

“We have been on a great run these last eleven years, so in a way it was business as usual. We have won two of the last three conference championships, and seven of the last 11. It all comes down to your big players making the difference in

the pressure games, and this year they came through for us” said byrne, whose teams have averaged a staggering 82 percent win percentage in the SUNY Athletic Conference over that time. byrne will be entering his 26th season for the Red Dragons this coming fall, having started shortly before the 1997 season.

Newly Opened Nordic Style Shop!

Hop on up to upper Main Street to Railroad Ave. and see all Cooperstown has to offer!

BBQ

Continued from page 1

Maplewood bbQ and Spirits, located at 3939 on State Route 20 in Richfield Springs, has been open to the public for a little over a month. Yule originally intended the Maplewood estate for lodging.

“What changed my mind were the local residents who would stop in and say things like, ‘You’ve got to open a restaurant here,’” Yule said.

He engaged the services of Kevin berberick, nickname “K-Dog,” a locally renowned barbecue chef. The crowds came immediately. One recent evening saw the parking lot fill up in minutes, with cars parked for hundreds of feet along State Route 20.

And the crowds are not coming for mere ambiance. Diners are enjoying the large variety of barbecue offerings, but that is not all. As Yule develops the menu, more and more entrees—including eggplant parmesan, quesadillas, and salads—are being added. Large groups can also be accommodated in the banquet room, which holds up to 100.

“We were able to get a few company Christmas parties booked,” Yule noted.

One remarkable aspect of the restaurant owner’s approach is his attitude to other Richfield-area businesses.

“I want to see us all

thrive. I want Maplewood to be a catalyst for all our prosperity, not a competitor,” he said.

“Our team leaders were Tristan battistoni, Lucas Fecci, Ian Zingaro, ethan brunell and Nate Hanna, our goalkeeper. Nate’s performance in the confer-

Mancias Magana tallied eight goals and nine assists in 19 games, while Holder contributed six goals and two assists in 21 contests. With these rising talents,

Stop in on Saturday during Winter Carnival and enjoy a complimentary cup of Maple Coffee, some Swedish Smultron and authentic Gingersnap cookies. Yum! sive, lending a timeless, secure atmosphere.

Thus, no pizza yet from the imported wood-fired pizza oven.

“Until I get a local partner who will benefit from the activity, I’ll hold off,” Yule said.

Well worth a trip, Maplewood bbQ and Spirits is open every Thursday through Monday at 4 p.m.

Open position: Parish Administrator 15-20 hours/week flexible, Computer skills nec. For a full job description go to https://www.ceccoop.net/parish-administrator apply at rector@christchurchcooperstown.org

$17/hour starting wage

$1500* sign-on bonus

*DETAILS UPON HIRE*

COUNTY

OTSEGO

SECRETARY TO THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD

The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities since 1966. Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals EOE OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competitive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For details on our current openings, our benefit package summary, and TO APPLY, visitwww.ofoinc.org/jobs Victom Counselor/Advocate Shelter Associates FT Head Start Positions with school breaks and summers off: Center Dirctor Classroom Teacher Bus Driver Family Partner Assistant Teacher Classroom Aide

Winter Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 am -4 pm Come on by!

21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown

The job scene

HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITER

Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. (SSI), located in Delhi, NY, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Human Resources Recruiter to research, develop, implement, and maintain effective recruiting and staffing strategies to attract a diverse pool of qualified/capable talent for its NY location.

responsibilities/Duties inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Collaborate w/dept. managers to identify open positions, create/post job postings internally/ externally, and conduct phone/in person interviews.

• Build applicant sources (colleges, internet sites, employment agencies, etc.) and attend job fairs, community events, etc.

• Perform reference/background checks and handle all aspects of employee onboarding inc. benefit eligibility, while maintain the highest standards of accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

RE q UIRE d q UA l I f ICATIONS/S k I ll S:

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness.

• Problem-solving aptitude and understanding of HR best practices and current regulations.

• Familiarity with online meeting platforms (Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc.).

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; HRIS systems helpful but not required.

• Associates Degree in HR or similar field with min. 2 years exempt/non-exempt recruiting exp. in relevant industry. Will consider PHR/ SHRM certification with work experience in lieu of degree.

To apply, submit application online at www. sportsfield.com, 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.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. We do not sponsor employment visas.

The Party Continues and You’re Invited

Those familiar, fluffy white flakes are falling peacefully on Cooperstown and surrounds Monday night as we write this editorial. Their arrival is just in time for the return of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival later this week, following a two-year hiatus prompted by the pandemic.

Will there still be snow on the ground when the Hot Cocoa Kickoff rolls around on Thursday night? Maybe, maybe not—no matter, because the 55th Cooperstown Winter Carnival begins in the cozy quarters of The Otesaga Resort Hotel with warm beverages, a word from Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, a visit from the Hill City Ice Queen (for the kids, and for the kid in us all), live music by the Cooperstown Bandelions and…fireworks!

Initiated in 1967 by winter sports enthusiasts representing the Cooperstown Ski Club and Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, today the Cooperstown Winter Carnival is produced under the umbrella of the Cooperstown Lions Club by a volunteer-run committee. An article by Daniel Francis in the January 19 issue of “The Freeman’s Journal” gave an overview of this year’s Winter Carnival plans, introduced the 2023 committee members and took a couple detours down memory lane with past carnival chairs.

In the spirit of those fond reminiscences, we share the following Winter Carnival tidbits, compliments of the Lions Club and written by our own Tom Heitz in 2008.

In its March 1, 1967 edition, “The Freeman’s Journal” reported: “An estimated 10,000 visitors witnessed the many events which went to make up Cooperstown’s first annual Winter Carnival over the weekend (February 24-26). A highlight of the carnival was a sled dog race held Sunday afternoon which drew a crowd estimated at more than 6,000 persons both in the village, along the east and west sides of Otsego Lake, and at Three Mile Point. A huge throng gathered at the starting point at the busy Main Street intersection and then fanned out down Pioneer Street as the dog teams took off at two-minute intervals down Pioneer Street and onto the lake. The course was laid out on the east side of the lake to a point opposite Five Mile Point, thence across the lake and down the west side and to a timer’s car at the foot of Pioneer.”

The headliner of indoor activities in 1967 was a fashion show and ski film festival which opened the carnival. “The Freeman’s Journal” reported: “The carnival opened Friday night with a fashion show and ski film program at the Cooperstown Theatre, attended by more than 500 persons. Bill Edwardsen, popular WGY disc jockey, was master of ceremonies for the show, which took as its theme an imaginary winter and summer tour of resorts via jet airliners. Some 25 models took part in the show before a set created by David Averill, art instructor of Cooperstown Central School. After the show, a Bavarian party was held at the Hotel Pratt under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Louis B. Hager, and Mr. and Mrs. Vito Pugliese. Between 400 and 500 persons attended the party, jamming every available spot in the popular hotel throughout the evening.”

Back outside, 1967 carnival attendees enjoyed skiing competitions, a sports car rally and a baseball game at snow covered Doubleday Field with players mounted on skimobiles. “The Freeman’s Journal” described the action: “Ski races were held at Mount Otsego on Saturday morning with four classes run. A gymkhana on ice for sports cars was held concurrently at the foot of Otsego Lake, under the direction of the Turnpike Saab Club. A crowd estimated at 800 attended the skimobile baseball game held at Doubleday Field Saturday afternoon between teams representing Cooperstown and Richfield Springs.”

Indoor social events served to thaw out frozen feet and keep the carnival spirit on the upswing with dancing, music, good food and drink. “The Freeman’s Journal” reported: “Saturday night included two dances -- one the annual Susquehanna Ball

Continued on page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

“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, e-mail 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.

It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over

On Monday evening, January 30, the White House announced that the COVID19 emergency will end on May 11.

The emergency, which was initially declared by President Donald Trump in 2020, has been renewed every 90 days since. If the Biden administration simply fails to renew the current 90-day declaration, the emergency would lapse in April rather than May. The White House stated that an “abrupt end to the emergency declarations would create wide-ranging chaos and uncertainty through the healthcare system for states, for hospitals and doctors’ offices and, most importantly, for tens of millions of Americans.”

This announcement came soon before a scheduled vote in the House of Representatives on a bill called the Pandemic is Over Act. This bill would have declared an immediate end for pandemic related emergency measures, including financial support for vaccinations, testing, and treatment, and would place COVID in the same category as any other illness. This bill would pass the House but die in the Senate (pure party lines and political theater).

Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), House of Representatives majority leader, said “Rather than waiting until May 11, the Biden administration should join us now in immediately ending this declaration.”

The White House stated that the emergency is no longer needed,

since COVID is no longer among the top five killers of Americans. Nevertheless, it kills more than 500 people a day in the U.S. and its territories, 50 percent greater than lung cancer, which is the most fatal cancer. Ending the emergency will create many changes in the fight against COVID. The elimination of free services and treatment, and the reclassifying of COVID in terms of hospital reimbursement could lead to chaos. Having to pay out of pocket will not only affect those who are in the lower income levels but will also affect the decisionmaking processes of those with higher incomes as to whether it’s worth spending the money for testing and treatment. The end of the emergency will probably decrease the number of people wearing masks.

Patients with Medicare have been able to get eight free home testing kits per month. This will end, and the number of tests done by individuals when they suspect infection will certainly decrease. Vaccines and Paxlovid will be costly to people depending on their healthcare insurance. What does this mean to us locally? In reviewing the most recent state of New York Department of Health Data, the County of Otsego Department of Health Dashboard and the New York Times Tracker, I am getting

some apparently conflicting data. The state says Otsego’s positive testing rate is 16.7 percent, higher than all contiguous counties except Herkimer, which is slightly higher. The county DOH Dashboard says we have a new case rate of 0.1 percent and a substantial transmission rate. The Times Tracker says we have a new case rate of 17 per day. Possibly more important at this stage in the disease is hospitalizations and death, which the Times reports as 0.17 deaths per day per 100,000, or approximately one death every 10 days. It looks as though, until there is a new breakout strain, we should be in a good position.

It’s clear that COVID has not been eliminated or even brought down to the fatality level of influenza, which averages between about 100 to 200 a day depending on various factors such as severity of the prominent subtype and whether the annual vaccine had a component against the prominent subtype.

I believe we should continue the precautions and vaccinations with new boosters constantly being developed for the specific subtypes that are most prominent at that time. I’m going to continue to wear my mask in theaters and areas where there are many people. What are you going to do?

Dr. Richard Sternberg is a retired Bassett Healthcare orthopedic surgeon.

What Is the Cost of ‘Saving’ a School?

Further Thoughts on the Schenevus-Worcester Merger

Schenevus/Maryland/ Westford friends:

As a community, we have gone back and forth about whether or how students would benefit from an annexation merger with Worcester. We have sincere disagreements, despite all wanting what we believe to be best for our community’s children. Many want an answer to whether the district can or can’t be “saved.” This is an honest question, but not the one I believe we should be asking. Sure, with enough money, the district may remain independent. We can agree to disagree about the quality of the educational program. Many are quite satisfied with the status quo, but how much will it cost to retain that? How much can our community afford and can we know what the impact of voting a particular way would be?

wisely—chosen to wait until after all merger votes to present a project to the public. Why is this? Because the financing of the project, and thus the scope of what can be done, will be vastly different if the voters choose to merge with Worcester. Here, I provide an example of how that cost will vary if the voters choose to remain an independent district.

To put things into context, let us consider what happens when a capital building project is needed. Every time a construction project is considered, the board of education is presented with a list of items and a cost estimate. Most of the items are necessary repairs or upgrades, but some are “wish list” items that would enhance safety, security or function of the building. If cost is an issue, the board usually goes through the list and eliminates some items to reduce the size of the project before presenting it to the voters for their approval.

the benefits of incentive programs. These include a lump sum payment of more than $10 million in incentive aid and increased building aid for 15 years. In the second case, we will assume that no cuts are made to the project and all of the “bells and whistles” are included. This example will show how both students and taxpayers are better off with the financing we would get as a merged district.

In Case #1, the district remains independent and proceeds with a simplified project with no “bells and whistles” and perhaps a corner or two cut on repairs. We will estimate the project cost at $3 million.

The current amount of building aid we would get from the state, which is based on our (declining) student enrollment, is 84 percent.

deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Daniel Francis, Ian Kenyon, Tom Shelby, Dr. Richard Sternberg, Dan Sullivan, T. Stephen Wager and Jamie Zvirzdin

Web Architect Ivan Potocnik Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson

Editorial Board

Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs

We do have at our disposal a simple example that removes many of the variables that discussing the educational program brings with it— a building project. By now, everyone should be aware that the Schenevus Central School building is in dire need of some critical repairs and has been for some years now. Past and present boards have—in my opinion,

‘Nirvana’ Use Should Not Be an Issue

When I saw the front page of this week’s Freeman’s Journal I immediately checked my calendar, thinking I had somehow missed a couple of months and this was the April Fool’s issue. But no, it’s the January 26th issue, and the article about Ommegang was not

To get an idea of the impact merger incentives can make, let’s look at two scenarios: the first, in which the district remains independent (the voters say “NO” to the merger) and the project is reduced to only the essentials; the second, in which the voters say “YES,” Schenevus joins with Worcester, and the merged district receives

a spoof of the omnipresent swath of American citizens who seem to spend their days seeking new ways to be offended.

Thank goodness for my neighbor, Peter Wood, at the Buddhist Retreat Center. He put this silly brouhaha in exactly the right context.

As for Messrs. Fisher and Zed, if they intend to nurture their outrage, they are going to be very busy boys. A

Before any financing and having to pay interest, district taxpayers will need to shoulder a $480,000.00 burden. This is a minimum estimate (because it does not include interest) and it is also likely that a second project would be necessary in years to come. If, for example, instead of replacing the entire roof with a new roof, a portion of the roof is repaired, that repair will not last as long as a new roof, so a project to replace that portion of

Continued on page 9

look on the Internet reveals that almost every state has a Nirvana restaurant. Lots of opportunity for hurt feelings there. And do they know about the late Kurt Cobain’s band? Me? I’m going to have a Heavenly Ham sandwich washed down with, dare I say it? An Ommegang IPA.

Lang Keith Cooperstown

210 YeARS AGO

We consider the American Navy to be indivisible; and we hope the same attentions will be paid to all our squadrons. The officers who discharge their duty to their country with zeal and fidelity, though the evidence of it may not be so conspicuous, are equally entitled to the grateful notice of their fellow-citizens, with their more fortunate brethren.

January 30, 1813

185 YeARS AGO

Died at the Mohawk village, on the Grand River, Catherine brant, relict of Capt. Joseph brant, the celebrated leader of the Six Nations, aged 78 years. She was the third wife of the distinguished chief, whose name during the war of the American Revolution carried terror into every border hamlet, and was moreover, in her own right, by birth, the head of the great Indian confederacy of the Six Nations.

January 29, 1838

160 YeARS AGO

Death of elihu Phinney – Another of the aged men of Cooperstown, whose family name has been identified with the place from its early settlement, has passed way. Mr. Phinney was born at Canaan, Columbia County, New York, July 1, 1785 and was therefore in his 78th year. Judge Phinney, father of the deceased, came to this county in the winter of 1795, bringing his family with him. As he stated in his own newspaper, “he penetrated a wilderness, and broke a track through a deep snow, with six teams. He established a book store and printing office, and was the pioneer editor and publisher of the country west of Albany – a man of sound judgment and sparkling wit. He was succeeded in business by his sons Henry and elihu; and after the death of the former in 1850, the book store was continued by elihu who retained an interest in the business until his death. elihu was a man of great industry and untiring energy, as the fruits of which, he left a handsome estate to his heirs.

January 30, 1863

135 YeARS AGO

Does it pay to keep up an efficient Fire Department, and to furnish it with necessary accommodations and apparatus? These facts and a recent occurrence answer the question. The Union School building, its apparatus and library, are estimated to be worth about $28,000, all belonging to the taxpayers residing on this corporation, and which they would be obliged to replace had the same been consumed by the fire of January 27th. The insurance on the same is $15,000. The property was saved from destruction by the village fire department – and that puts about $13,000 to the credit of the latter, now aided by a good supply of water. Yes, it pays! Keep up your fire department.

February 3, 1888

85 YeARS AGO

The senior division of the Fenimore Troop Girl Scouts selected dramatics as the project for the first half of the year under the leadership of Miss Marjorie Wicks and under the coaching of Mrs. Angelo Pugliese. Now, after several months of study, they are presenting a one-act comedy, “A Little Mistake” by elizabeth Gale. The presentation will be on Friday, February 4 at 8 p.m. in the Girl Scout room at the Second National bank building. The public is cordially invited to attend. There will be no admission charge. The cast of characters includes betty Davidson as an elderly woman who is Ray’s Aunt; Jerry as a “Little Mistake”; betty Winne as Helen, a young girl of 18; Helen baily as elsie, a very shy young lady; Sally Thompson as Ray, a boisterous, athletic girl and Kay Thompson as the cook, a foreign hybrid. Make-up artists are Christie Mortensen, Louise Campbell and Dimples Campbell. Fanny Parillo and Alice Campbell planned the costumes and stage settings. Jane Freeman will produce the strange and exciting sound effects. elizabeth Wedderspoon and Helen eggleston will play the overture.

February 2, 1938

news from the noteworthy

Remove Temptation By Disposing of Unused Medications LEAF

It is not news to anyone that we, as a nation, are in the midst of the worse overdose and drug-related death crisis in the entire history of our country. based on numbers from the Centers for Disease Control, we have lost 107,000 people to drug overdose in the last 12 months. That number would equal losing about the same number of people who live in Chenango and Otsego counties combined…in one year.

It is a slow-rolling tragedy that causes moms, dads, brothers, sisters, spouses and children to bury a human that is precious to them. There have been over a million (yes, 1,000,000.00) overdose funerals since 1999, the identified beginning of this crisis. It is a real human tragedy that receives far too little attention.

Although much of this crisis is beyond our personal ability to control, there is one really important thing that we can all do to help limit exposure to opioids. It may be obvious, but the number one predictor of misuse of opioids is exposure to opioids. The reason for that exposure doesn’t matter; medical or nonmedical. It is the exposure that creates the risk.

We can limit exposure to opioids by cleaning out our medicine cabinets. Youth and adults alike tell us (via surveys) that they often get their first exposure to the drug from other people’s medications. Most people who are prescribed opioids for short term pain management do not finish their prescription. They take the medication for a couple of days, and then an over-the-counter medication does the rest. And, for many of us, it is kind of normal for unused medications to remain in the medicine cabinet or on a shelf somewhere.

Leftover, unused or expired medications are ripe for the taking. The good news is that it is very easy to remove that temptation. Here are the best ways you

by MeRL ReAGLe

can clean out your medicine cabinet:

1) Utilize a medication disposal drop box. These are typically located in police stations and pharmacies. Simply use a dark sharpie to cover your name and drop unused medication containers in the box. They are removed and disposed of safely. To find the drop box nearest you, follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/rky9aah

2) Request free medication deactivation bags from LeAF. If you would like to use an environmentally friendly way to dispose of medications at home, deactivation bags are a great way to do that. All it takes is the included activated charcoal and warm water to render medications unusable and easily disposable. You can request deactivation bags at https://forms.gle/wTe7UG7qPcpg1unq9

3) Check the FDA “flush list” for those medications that can safely be flushed. Although we would recommend the previous two options, there are some medications that can safely be flushed down the toilet. If you would like to consult the safe-to-flush list, please check out https://tinyurl.com/y72qmddy

Finally, if you are currently taking a prescribed medication with potential for misuse, consider a medication lock box. They are relatively small and don’t take up much room on a shelf. Most of all, they help to make sure that the only person who has access to the medications is the person who is currently prescribed to take them. Many organizations, including LeAF, provide lock boxes for free. Just reach out and ask.

Let’s keep both our loved ones and our environment safe from unused medications.

Julie Dostal is executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions, Oneonta.

Shark Therapy… Fishing for solutions

Compiled by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art museum Research Library

Talk Focuses on Aleutian Islands

ONEONTA—Arch-

aeologist Debra Corbett will be featured in a Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society presentation via Zoom on Friday, February 17. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Corbett will discuss “The Symbolic Meaning of Birds to the Unangan People.” The program is free to attend, but registration is required at https:// bit.ly/3vzIXKm.

The Unangan people of the Aleutian Islands relied on birds for food, clothing and tools. Beyond these everyday needs, birds— especially seabirds—were sentient beings interacting with humans in meaningful ways, potent sources of power, and imbued with spiritual meanings. Corbett will briefly introduce the Unangan Aleut and their homeland, show some ways birds were used in daily life, then explore aspects of this relationship between birds and the Unangan people.

Corbett’s obsession with the Aleutian Islands began in high school, when she read Hector Chevigny’s “Russian America: The Great Alaskan Venture, 1741-1867.” His image of islands “greenly beautiful, with grass that grows so long it overhangs the cliffs into the surf,” electrified her. Her first Alaska job with the Bureau of Indian Affairs took her to the islands. The job was to investigate historic sites claimed by newly created native corporations resulting from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The BIA sent two crews to Adak Island in the Aleutians. Since she was passingly familiar with boats, Corbett was picked for one of the crews. They spent three months in a rat-infested cabin, with an inflatable boat, in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. She was completely hooked.

In 1989, she went to graduate school at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, finishing her master’s degree in 1991 and going to

work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During school, her advisor gave her a phone number and said, “This crazy bird biologist in Kansas wants to find an Aleutian archaeologist. Call him!” Her future was set.

From 1991 to 2003, she worked with Dr. Douglas Causey, the aforementioned biologist, and Dr. Christine Lefevre. Along the way, the crew experienced the best and the worst the Aleutians have to offer—shipwreck, injury, laughter, frustration, fear, transcendent joy, and unbelievable archaeology— all shared with amazing friends and a host of students and colleagues.

The mission of DelawareOtsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.doas.us.

Three Exhibits Open at SUNY Oneonta

ONEONTA—Three new art exhibitions opened Tuesday, January 24 in SUNY Oneonta’s Fine Arts Center galleries. Public opening receptions for all three exhibitions are planned for Thursday, February 2 from 4-7 p.m.

The receptions are an opportunity to celebrate the shows and the artists. Brief remarks about the exhibitions will be made in place of formal talks. Each exhibit features a variety of art mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mixed-media installations and more.

The Martin-Mullen Gallery will feature “Milk Tongue” through March 11. This group exhibition touches on birthing and mothering from a woman’s perspective. It was curated by SUNY Oneonta Art Department faculty members Ashley Cooper and Carrie Mae Smith and features work by artists Tirtzah Bassel (Brooklyn), Madeline Donahue (Brooklyn), Kyrin Hobson (Chicago, IL), Rose Nestler (Brooklyn) and Suzanne Schireson (Providence, RI).

Community members are invited to attend an opening reception Thursday, February 2 from 5-7 p.m., with an inclement weather date set for Thursday, February 9 from 4-6 p.m. Additionally, a panel discussing “Milk Tongue” will take place on Friday, February 3 at 1 p.m. in the Martin-Mullen Gallery.

The Open Space Gallery will feature “Black, White, & Full Color” through February 18. This exhibition features artwork by 23 students across the Writing About Literature, African American Women Writers, Postcolonial Literature and Culture: The Americas, Creolization in Literature and Postcolonial Literature and Culture: Africa classes taught by Sheena Mason, assistant professor of English. The artwork is inspired by the concept of double consciousness and questioning societal interpretations of race through the lens of racelessness, personal experience, and an overview of contemporary and historical literature.

The opening reception will be Thursday, February 2 from 4-6 p.m., with an inclement weather date set for Thursday, February 9 from 4-6 p.m.

The Project Space Gallery will feature “Art Across Campus: Literature in Translation” through February 18. This exhibit showcases final projects by 37 students in courses outside the Art Department. The opening reception will be Thursday, February 2 from 4-6 p.m., with an inclement weather date set for Thursday, February 9

three operas and one work of American musical theater, performed with full orchestra and no sound amplification.

In addition to the four mainstage productions, Glimmerglass Festival is proud to present the world premiere of Ben Morris and Laura Fuentes’ “The Rip Van Winkles,” featuring the Glimmerglass Youth Chorus performing alongside members of the company’s Young Artists Program. Throughout the season, the company will also host a slate of events, including concerts conceptualized and performed by 2023 Artist-in-Residence Anthony Roth Costanzo. These events expand upon the themes of the mainstage productions, offering the chance for dialogue and conversation in engaging venues and formats.

are available now. To learn more about the season, or to purchase tickets, visit www. glimmerglass.org or call the Glimmerglass Festival Box Office at (607) 547-2255.

Dining Center

Extends Hours

RICHFIELDSPRINGS—

Otsego County Office for the Aging has expanded hours at the Richfield Springs Dining Center, located at the Community Center on 6 Ann Street. In addition to being open on Thursdays for lunch, the center will now also serve lunch on Tuesdays. The center opens at 11 a.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. for a suggested contribution of $3.50.

from 4-6 p.m.

All three galleries are free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Galleries are closed between exhibitions and open by appointment only when classes are not in session. A visitor parking permit is required and can be obtained by visiting the University Police Department. For more information about the gallery or upcoming exhibitions, contact Gallery Director Sarah Simpson at (607) 4362445 or visit https://suny. oneonta.edu/art-galleries.

Festival Schedule, Tickets Available COOPERSTOWN—The Glimmerglass Festival announced details for its 2023 Festival, the first for new Artistic and General Director Rob Ainsley. Repertory for the 2023 season embraces this moment of transition for Glimmerglass, honoring the festival’s past with exhilarating revivals, exploring the infinite variety of the art form with reimaginings of beloved classics, and shaping opera’s future with a world premiere.

The 2023 Festival will open with revivals of Giacomo Puccini’s “La bohème” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” celebrating the success of the company’s past decade. New takes on Charles Gounod’s masterwork “Romeo and Juliet” and G.F. Handel’s groundbreaking “Rinaldo” round out the festival’s mainstage offerings. The season continues the company’s tradition of staging

“I approach my first season leading this great company full of hopes, aspirations, curiosity and passion—all feelings shared by the characters whose stories are told so vividly in our 2023 productions,” said Ainsley. “‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a stunning showcase for its two young stars, ‘Rinaldo’ opens a conversation about how we interpret the complex legacy of the Crusades in the 21st century, ‘Candide’ and ‘La bohème’ offer the opportunity for joy and celebration, and our world premiere youth opera, ‘The Rip Van Winkles,’ is a modern story about connectivity and the impact of technology on our daily lives. We are delighted to present a season that spans the entire history of opera, engaging audiences in the power of story and music as cultural forces with the means to create concrete change.”

The 2023 Glimmerglass Festival will run from July 7 through August 20. Every mainstage production will be accompanied by the Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra and is staged in the Alice Busch Opera Theater.

Glimmerglass Festival holds to its longstanding commitment to community and accessibility, offering free events throughout the season, including preview talks before each mainstage production, backstage tours, changeover talks, and a lunchtime concert series sponsored by Oxalis, held in some of Otsego County’s most beautiful venues (dates and locations to be announced in the spring).

In 2023, Glimmerglass will once again present a youth opera, “The Rip Van Winkles,” free of charge to all children under 12 years of age, with the support of the Zambello Gay Tribute Fund.

Ticket packages and single tickets for the 2023 Festival

Residents age 60 and older are encouraged to come and have a hot, nutritious meal, socialize and enjoy a board game or cards with friends and neighbors.

Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling Central Kitchen at (607) 547-6454. Menus can be obtained by visiting the dining center, calling Central Kitchen or by going to Office for the Aging’s Facebook page. More information can also be obtained by calling Office for the Aging at (607) 547-4232.

Museum Releases

Call for Artists

CANAJOHARIE—

Artists living in New York State are invited to submit entries to the “Art of New York: Annual Juried Art Show” hosted by the Arkell Museum and the Canajoharie Library. The application deadline is April 20; there is a limit of 50 inches for 2D work and 24 inches for 3D work. Accepted works will be on display from May 12 through July 24 in the Regional Art Galleries. Accepted artists and a guest may tour the Arkell Museum with one-day-free admission passes. Accepted artists are also eligible for consideration for solo Regional Art Gallery exhibitions.

The winner of Best in Show will receive a $300.00 cash prize, a $100.00 gift card from Golden Artist Colors and a solo exhibit. Two Juror’s Choice Award recipients will walk away with $100.00 cash plus a $100.00 gift card from Blick Art Materials, and two artists will win Awards of Excellence and a $100.00 gift card from Blick Art Materials.

The Arkell Museum of Canajoharie and the Canajoharie Library are located at 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. For more information, visit arkellmuseum.org/regional-artcurrent-exhibitions

Photo provided

“Art Across Campus: Literature in Translation” will be on display through February 18 in SUNY Oneonta’s Project Space Gallery. This exhibit showcases final projects by 37 students in courses outside the Art Department.

Kernan Cross 1948-2023

BRUNSWICK, ME—

Kernan Cross, a central New York native and Cooperstown Central School graduate, passed away January 13 in Brunswick, Maine. He resided in Boothbay Harbor, Maine from 1973 until a recent move to Wiscasset, Maine. He was 75.

Kernan’s open manner earned many friends. Customers of Main Street Photo in Damariscotta, Maine, which he owned for many years, often stopped by just to visit. He also built strong relationships through his volunteer and artistic activities.He was known for his humor and playfulness, highlighted by his wit and by the rubber ducks that appeared magically in his wake. His easy-going traits worked with his thoughtfulness and expertise in several fields to make him an influential presence in many lives.

Variety marked Kernan’s professional activities and personal interests. He tended bar in several MidCoast Maine establishments and drove the Boothbay school bus. He was an accomplished photographer, talented amateur jeweler and avid bicyclist.

But music was Kernan’s main love. He sang with the MidCoast Maine-based Tapestry Singers and in Lincoln County Community Theater shows, most recently in the musical “Bright Star.” A spirited ukulelist, he could be found wielding one of his collection of instruments in concerts and meetings of Damariscotta’s Skidompha Strummers Ukulele Club. He was a jazz aficionado and shared his deep knowledge of the genre as host of his weekly podcast and on his radio show, “All That Jazz,” on Bowdoin College’s station, WBRU.

Kernan was an enthusiastic participant in all of his artistic endeavors and was generous in sharing his encouragement and expertise with friends and fellow group members.

Kernan was born in Utica, New York on January 21, 1947. He graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1965 and was an active alumnus, helping to organize and host a number of class reunions. He was a 1973 graduate of the University of Rhode Island. He was predeceased by his parents, Maynard and Laura (Monroe) Cross, and his younger brother, David. Kernan is survived by his wife of many years, Jane (Berkowitz) Cross, and his son, Jacob.

Variety also marked Kernan’s volunteer activities. He was a Literacy Volunteer tutor. He was also a recent student and a technology host of Midcoast Senior College online courses. He delivered Meals on Wheels and bicycled many times in the American Diabetes Association’s fundraising Tour de Cure. Donations to local community arts groups or to any of these charitable organizations would honor Kernan’s memory.

Celebrations of Kernan’s life are being organized for the Boothbay area in february and for Cooperstown in the spring. Details will be coming from his close friends soon.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall funeral Home and Cremation Services, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, Maine. To extend online condolences, please visit Kernan’s Book of Memories at www. hallfuneralhomes.com

OBITUARIES

will be celebrated at 10 a.m. friday, february 3, 2023, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with fr. Michael Cambi, Pastor, officiating. To view a live stream of the Mass, please go to https:// stmaryscoop.org and click on “View the Livestream Here.”

Burial with Military Honors will be later this spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index.

he met Cooperstown native Mary Giovanna Curcio, and the two were married September 21, 1971 in Tokyo. Paul earned the rank of Sergeant, was transferred to the USAf Reserves in 1972, and received his honorable discharge in 1974. Upon returning stateside, Paul and Mary eventually came to reside on Main Street in Hartwick, where they raised their two daughters, Meridith and Lindsey. for over 25 years, Paul was employed as a unit clerk at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. He also worked for a time painting area houses.

Throughout his life, Paul was a faithful Roman Catholic, and was a devoted communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. for a time he served the Parish as the Sexton of St. Mary’s Cemetery in Index, a job that gave him great satisfaction in helping people at a most difficult time.

Paul was loved by many for his kind and genuine heart. He truly loved talking to people and was able to strike up conversations with just about anyone he met. While he loved being around people, he also enjoyed quiet walks in the woods, fishing, peacefully admiring the beauty of Otsego Lake at Three Mile Point, taking afternoon drives, and watching sunset on the back hills of Hartwick with his wife, Mary.

Paul also has a strong affinity for all animals and especially loved his two dogs, Tucker and Digby, who were right by his side until the very end.

Paul had an amazing memory and enjoyed telling many entertaining stories, often using his wonderful sense of humor and wit. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, and he would find comfort in knowing how his kindness and compassion impacted so many.

Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary G. Mullins of Hartwick; their two daughters, Meridith Mullins and her partner, Beth O’Boyle of Richmond, Virginia, and Lindsey Mullins and her spouse, Natalie Laidlaw and their three children, Caitlin, Olivia, and Ian of Ithaca; his mother, Betty Mullins of Victoria, British Columbia; his brothers and sisters, Mary, Patricia, Rodger, Kevin, Eileen, Brendan, and Patrick and their families; a sister-in-law, Sharon Curcio; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. He was predeceased by his father, Patrick, in 2008; a brother, Daniel, in 2022; a brother-in-law, Joseph S. Curcio Sr., in 2004; and his inlaws, Sam Curcio in 1989 and Jennie Curcio in 2007.

and Schuyler Lake. for many years she worked in the housekeeping department at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Maria R. Parrillo

1928-2023

COOPERSTOWN—Maria

R. Parrillo, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, passed away peacefully with family by her side Thursday afternoon, January 26, 2023 at A.O. fox Nursing Home in Oneonta. She was 94.

A native of Italy, Maria was born february 8, 1928 in Naples, a daughter of Ralph and Bianca (Peluso) DeSimone. She was raised and educated in Naples, with her schooling focusing on mathematics. During World War II she met Lewis Parillo, a native of Cooperstown who was serving in the United States Navy. Maria and Lewis were married April 8, 1946 in Naples, and upon his honorable discharge from the Navy they came to Cooperstown and settled into their home on Beech Street.

for many years Maria worked for Lady Juliet and Dr. Christopher Tadgell at their summer cottage on Lake Street in Cooperstown. She was also active with the Otsego County Board of Elections and was a communicant of St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. for several years she enjoyed spending winters with her husband in Zolfo Springs, florida.

Maria is survived by her three daughters, Susie Jennings and husband, Gary, of Hartwick, Joan Hotaling of Toddsville and Sara M. Terrano and husband, Curt, of Cooperstown; two grandchildren, Jason Parrillo and Jessica Jennings Bryan (Mark); and three great-grandchildren, Jessica Parrillo, Christopher Bryan, and Mia Bryan.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lewis, who died August 17, 1995; a son, Mario Parrillo, who died October 27, 1977; and a son-in-law, Kenneth W. Hotaling Jr., who died August 17, 2008.

Maria will be laid to rest later this spring in Hartwick Seminary Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Francis Thayer

1921-2023

fORK SHOP—frances H. Thayer passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101 Monday, January 23, 2023, at her home in fork Shop.

On April 15, 1944, frances married Donald G. Thayer in Hartwick, and in 1955 the Thayers settled into their home on the corner of fork Shop Road and Bissell Road. Through the years she enjoyed tending to her large vegetable garden (she was known for her horseradish) and into her 90s was still driving her tractor. She also enjoyed playing tennis, ice fishing, taking long walks, square dancing and taking many trips with the Doubleday Dancers Square Dance Club of Cooperstown, and attending many of the annual fork Shop community picnics.

frances is survived by her two sons, Alan W. Thayer and wife, Linda, and Larry C. Thayer and fiancé, Chastidy Baker, of fly Creek; a daughter, Donna Hubbell, and husband, Arthur, of Middlefield; five grandchildren, Garrett and Aaron Thayer, Michael J. Thayer and Jed Hubbell, and Tina Kilts; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister, Betty Lisiesky, and husband, Andrew, of Binghamton; a sister-in-law, Marianne Semrov of Dale City, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her two cats, Tommy and Molly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, who died September 4, 1975; a granddaughter, Carey Ann Thayer, who died December 12, 1994; and her brother, William A. Semrov, Jr., who died March 24, 2019.

A graveside service will be held later this spring in the fly Creek Valley Cemetery in fly Creek.

In appreciation for the wonderful care provided to frances, the Thayer family suggests that memorial donations be directed to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Margaret

Tillapaugh

1948-2023

ONEONTA—Margaret

Tillapaugh was ushered into Jesus’ presence on January 19, 2023 at the age of 74 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. She was born on December 20, 1948 to George and Marcia Knight in Hartford, Connecticut. She lived in the Oneonta area ever since arriving in 1967 to attend Hartwick College.

teer positions. She participated in Bible studies, volunteered to wrangle kids for the MOMS program, managed fox Hospital gift shops, volunteered in Boy Scout Troop 316 in Otego, and so much more. She was always up for an adventure and would help out in whatever way she could.

There’s a good-sized group of former teenagers out there who identified her as Mrs. Tillapaugh! (Yes, including the exclamation point.) They may have been her math students at Oneonta Community Christian School, now Otsego Christian Academy, which she helped launch back in the 90s; a ski clubber from the 2000s; or perhaps one of a couple decades worth of sweaty pedalers on the Main Street bike trip, of which she was the queen and made sure they were all fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is possible that some may have even only known her as “The Pink House Lady” during the years she operated a gift store in an unmissable pink Victorian house on Route 7, east of town.

Whatever you called her, she had a place in her heart for you, a laugh to share with you, and an opinion to offer. She was signed up to go back to Israel this spring, to revisit the places Jesus walked 2,000 years ago. Instead, she graduated and is now stepping in Jesus’ footprints from two seconds ago, still sharing a laugh, and likely offering an opinion. We will miss her.

Cremation has taken place through Simple Choices, Inc. The family will be gathering to celebrate her life on february 11 at 2 p.m. at the Main Street Baptist Church, 333 South Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. Peg was big on parties, but not a fan of beige, so wear bright colors and bring your stories! And we all know that she loved flowers. (And pretty much everything else in nature.) But we are confident that she has as many flowers as she needs where she is at, and instead invite you to make a gift to Otsego Christian Academy in her honor. fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Peggy’s family online at SimpleChoicesCremation.com.

Meghan E. (Lum) Woodbeck

1984-2023

EDMESTON—Meghan

Elizabeth (Lum) Woodbeck, age 39, passed away at her home on friday, January 13, 2023. She was born January 12, 1984 at Bassett Hospital

in Cooperstown to her parents, Edwin and Susan (Pentzien) Lum. She is a graduate of Edmeston Central School in 2002 and moved on to receive an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Sullivan County Community College in 2004 and SUNY Oneonta in 2006. She worked many jobs in communications and found a great fit working in marketing at Bassett Hospital.

Meghan had a soft spot for animals. This is evident in her many adopted cats and dogs and her donations to help adopted pitbulls. Meghan loved musicals and participated in Peet Hook Players. She made many trips with her mom to Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Meghan loved to travel and it usually involved camping with her husband and son. One of her favorite trips was to Branson, Missouri to visit the Dolly Parton Stampede and the Titanic Museum. She was a “Star Wars” lover, which included a trip to Comic Con in Boston with her son.

Meghan took immense pride in her family and home. family was always first. Her nephews were a major part of life. Aunt Meghan often played Nanny and attended their athletic events, birthdays and made holidays special for them. She loved going for motorcycle rides and having campfires with her husband. Her home was her sanctuary and she worked to make it feel that way. Meghan balanced her work scheduled and social life around home-schooling her son, Aiden. She gave him tremendous support as he nears completion of high school.

Meghan made time for many friends who loved her spirited conversations and her spunky, sarcastic sense of humor. She wore her emotions on her sleeve and anyone who knew her, knew where they stood with her. Her emotions still were no obstacle for her helpful, caring side. Meghan always found time to help those closest to her.

Meghan is survived by her husband of nine years, Carlton; son Aiden; step-children Christoper and Victoria; parents Susan and Edwin; in-laws Cathy and Carlton; brothers Michael and Shane; grandparents Jone and Elmer; nephews Garrett, Dustin, Connor, and Branton; godchildren Aaliya, Everett, and Amelia Yego; godchildren Sawyer and Blake Houk; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. funeral services will be private. The family asks that a contribution be made to the Susquehanna SPCA of Cooperstown in lieu of flowers.

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.

Paul

Patrick ‘Moon’ Mullins

1949-2023

HARTWICK—Paul Patrick

“Moon” Mullins, 73, of Hartwick, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family Saturday evening, January 28, 2023, at his home.

A native of Canada, Paul was born April 17, 1949 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, one of nine children of Patrick Joseph Mullins and Bridget “Betty” (O’Brien) Mullins.

After graduating from high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Air force on March 25, 1968 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. While he was stationed in Japan at the USAf Hospital at Tachikawa Air Base

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, february 2, 2023 at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth funeral Home in Cooperstown. A Mass of Christian Burial

She was born March 31, 1921 at the family home on Jones Road in Oaksville, the daughter of Christina Pushlar. In 1938, her mother married William A. Semrov, and he became her stepfather.

In her youth, frances attended schools in Oaksville

In reality, very few people called her Margaret throughout her years. She was known as Peggy by her sisters, Karen and Judy Sara, and brother Steve. She was called Mom by her four daughters, Evelyn (Nate) Ransil, Laura (Mike) Downie, Sara Tillapaugh and Amy (Tim) Meyers. Gar was the nickname of her favorite grandmother, so she chose that for her own grandmother’s name and has been called Gar approximately 231,962 times over the last 25 years by her 11 grandchildren. Their names, which Gar remembered almost all the time, are Caleb, TJ, Beverly, Lillian, Rebecca, Connor, Muriel, Eleanor, Luci, Annabelle, and Zeke, and one great-grandchild, Olivia.

To many people, she was their friend, Peg. She had a very active social life that revolved around Main Street Baptist Church and her many volun-

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

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings. Peter

Photo provided PAUL PATRICK MULLINS

Smoke on the Water MIDDLefIeLD—Multiple fire and emergency squads responded to a fully involved structure fire in Peggs bay on January 30. The seasonal residence, located at 144 Valenza Lane, is owned by Joseph Duffy. No one was injured in the blaze.

Rolen

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“Scott, welcome to Cooperstown.”

The Class of 2023— which also includes fred McGriff via the Contemporary baseball Players era Committee vote in December—will be inducted on Sunday, July 23 in Cooperstown.

Only an hour after Rolen received the much-anticipated phone call at his home in bloomington, Indiana, informing him that he had joined baseball immortals, the Hall of fame’s newest electee took part in a Zoom media conference call.

“first of all, I think it goes without saying thank you to all the baseball writers in the association and across the country, whether with a vote or without a vote,” Rolen said in an opening statement. “I really appreciate everything. I enjoyed my career. I enjoyed my time and everybody’s professionalism. So that being said, I appreciate everything.”

A sturdy third sacker, listed at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds during his playing career, Rolen—just the ninth third basemen elected to the Hall of fame by the bbWAA—played 17 seasons from 1996 through 2012, splitting his time between the Phillies, Cardinals, blue Jays and Reds. The unanimous National League Rookie of the Year in 1997, he was a seven-time All-Star (200206, 2010-11) and eight-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base (1998, 200004, 2006, 2010). Winning the NL Silver Slugger Award for third basemen in 2002, he finished fourth in 2004 NL Most Valuable Player voting.

The Indiana native, selected out of high school by the Phillies in the second round of the 1993 amateur draft, collected at least 20 home runs in 10 seasons (1997-2004, 2006, 2010), hit .300-or-better in two seasons (2004, 2009), reached the 100-RbI mark in five seasons (1998, 200104) and scored 100-or-more runs twice (1998, 2004).

Rolen finished his career with a .281 batting average on 2,077 hits, compiled a .364 on-base percentage, socked 316 home runs, clubbed 517 doubles, collected 1,287 RbI and stole 118 bases. He is one of only four third basemen in history (players who appeared in at least 50 percent of their games at third base) with at least 300 home runs, 100 stolen bases, and 500 doubles, along with Adrián beltré, George brett, and Chipper Jones.

Meet Your Local Heroes During Cooperstown Winter Carnival

COOPeRSTOWN—The public is invited to meet some of the local heroes who keep them safe on Saturday, february 4, including fire department representatives, law enforcement officials from both the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department and the New York State Police, emergency medical service workers, and other vitally important civil servants and volunteers. from 9 a.m. to noon, the Cooperstown fire Department at 24 Chestnut Street invites visitors to: put out a “real” fire; tour the fire trucks, a corrections van, and the village’s backhoe; and enjoy demonstrations involving K-9 security dogs in action, a forced entry simulator that shows how the fire department breaks down doors, and a CPR mechanical compression machine. The event, free and open to all, will also feature robots, scavenger hunts, and prizes, as well as fire extinguisher training and blood pressure checks.

Auction

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Defensively, Rolen, who ranks 12th all-time with 2,023 games played at third base, led the NL in putouts by third basemen twice (1997, 1998) and assists twice (2002, 2004).

“I was a shortstop and pitched a little bit and then through high school I played right field, center field, left field, second, third and short in the same year,” Rolen said. “I kind of kept growing and there was another kid that played shortstop and I got moved over to third base and caught a little attention, I guess, in the summer. That’s just kind of where they kept me and I never played anywhere else after that.

“I took pride in defense and base running. I thought those are two aspects that I could really contribute on a daily basis on the field.”

In the postseason, the right-handed batting Rolen appeared in nine series, hitting .220 with five home runs and 12 RbI in 39 games. In 2006, he hit .421 with five runs scored in five games to help the Cardinals win the World Series.

With candidates needing to appear on at least 75 percent of all ballots cast to earn election, Rolen, in his sixth year on the bbWAA ballot, received 297 of the 389 votes for a percentage of 76.3. He debuted on the ballot in 2018 and received 10.2 percent of the vote.

“There was actually never a point in my life that I thought I was going to be a Hall of fame baseball player. So we can start there. Never did I think I was going get drafted, never did I think I was going to play in the major leagues. And then certainly when I make the ballot, it’s a great honor,” Rolen recalled.

“And what was funny is, I was coaching my son’s basketball team at the time, and we were sitting in the parking lot the very first time through. He was probably in fourth grade or fifth grade and we’re going to go have a horrendous practice. We were listening on the radio before we went in and he was asking me a bunch of questions, and I said ‘I need 5 percent. And that’s all I need. And he’s like, ‘Dad, I think you’re getting in’ and I’m like, ‘Oh, man.

I don’t think so.’ That was the year Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Trevor Hoffman and Vlad Guerrero got in. A big ballot. We heard that I was 10.2 percent and I was still on the ballot. And he says to me, ‘Did we win?’ I said, ‘Oh, we won.’”

Rolen received five more votes than the total of 292 needed

closer over the 75 percent bbWAA threshold was catcher Iván Rodríguez, a first-year candidate in 2017 who received votes on 76 percent of total ballots (336-of-442), four more votes than the 332 needed for election.

“I didn’t need to follow the ballot tracking because my phone would blow up about every day from my son and my buddies and everybody telling me where it was almost on a daily basis,” Rolen said with a laugh. “I was kind of in tune, but with the private ballots that don’t come in obviously there are a lot of unknowns.”

This year’s bbWAA ballot featured 28 players, including 14 first-year candidates. Others who received votes on more than 50 percent of the ballots included Todd Helton (72.2 percent), billy Wagner (68.1 percent), Andruw Jones (58.1 percent), Gary Sheffield (55.0 percent), Todd Helton (52.0 percent) and billy Wagner (51.0 percent). In his 10th and final season on the ballot, Jeff Kent received 181 votes (46.5 percent). Carlos beltrán was the top vote getter among first-year candidates, receiving 46.5 percent of the vote.

Rolen’s only visit to Cooperstown came, he estimates, about 25 years ago when he stopped in the small Upstate New York village on the way to boston from Indianapolis for New Year’s eve.

“I remember driving by the lake and there was ice fishing going on. I’m like, ‘Wow, this place is really cool,’” he said. “but now I remember just how beautiful and clean everything was.”

Rolen and McGriff will be inducted into the baseball Hall of fame at 1:30 p.m. eT on Sunday, July 23, on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown.

“Congratulations to fred,” Rolen said. “I was young when fred was there, and he just dominated the game. I played him so many times. When he was in Atlanta and I was in awe by how large the man was at first base. I have the most respect for fred. I’d kind of been wishing that he would have gotten voted in a long, long time ago. but it’ll be fantastic. It couldn’t be a better person to go in with.”

Bill Francis is the senior research and writing specialist at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and a former sports editor of “The Freeman’s Journal.” Reprinted with permission from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

to attract a replacement business, hopefully a grocery store of some kind,” said Lynne Ohl, VIS board member and auction organizer.

The Gilbert block is owned by the VIS. In the recent past, it has housed businesses such as the aforementioned Value Way Grocery, a bookshop, a quilt shop and a soda fountain, all of which have ceased to operate. Currently, five

Party

Continued from page 4

of the New York State Historical Association which attracted its usual crowd of more than 350 persons at Fenimore House, and a winter carnival dance at the Cooperstown Bowl-aRama where more than 300 persons enjoyed the activities. More than 200 persons attended an after-midnight breakfast at the Hickory Grove Inn at Six Mile Point, and late Sunday afternoon Hickory Grove was the scene of another jam-

Kids bakehouse—owned and operated by Heather and Cole Covington of Gilbertsville, specializing in artisan breads and pastries— is the only active business in the block. Several artists occupy studios above the former Value Way.

The VIS, founded in 1886, also owns and is responsible for maintaining the Gilbertsville Post Office and the 100-yearold Overlook Park on State Route 51. Since the entire Village of Gilbertsville was listed on the National Register of Historic Places

packed event, jazz concert and buffet supper.”

The carnival’s ability to adapt to changing times and tastes, and to survive uncertain weather, has helped sustain it over the years. “One year we were out on the street selling event tickets in sixty degree weather,” past chair Margaret Savoie recalled. At the other extreme, in 1972, the carnival was inundated by a recordsetting blizzard.

The 1974 Carnival saw the end of the Susquehanna Ball at the Fenimore House, demonstrating that as much

by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1983, VIS properties are likewise on the register.

Lambrecht Auction has been doing business since 1958, selling real estate, antiques, construction and farm equipment, tools, firearms, business liquidations, and more. Lambrecht’s operates out of the former elmer’s Glue factory, a 48,000-square-foot warehouse occupying 20 acres in bainbridge. for information on the VIS auction, contact Lynne Ohl at (607) 783-2518.

as the carnival schedules repeat events, the party evolves. Downhill ski events ended with the closing of the local ski hill, Mt. Otsego. But the party continues. from sporting events to culinary delights, from special sales to pitch and bowling tournaments, the Cooperstown Winter Carnival continues to evolve as a celebration of the season that all Otsego County residents can enjoy, whether there’s snow or not. The full carnival schedule can be found at www.allotsego.com. We hope to see you there.

Photo by Jonathan Maney

Continued from page 4

roof will be needed before the debt from the first project is paid off.

Remember that the $480,000.00 does not include any interest that we would need to finance the project. The $480,000.00 should not be taken from district reserves because those are needed to cover the district budget shortfall.

(Last year, the BOE used $303,000.00 in reserves instead of raising taxes enough to cover the deficit. Thus, we will need to deplete the reserves by at least that amount this year unless the budget decreases, which it will not, given that employee contracts include well-earned salary increases, and insurance and fuel costs continue to rise.) Note also that the state aid for the project will not come all at once. It will come in equal amounts over the loan term, whether it be 20 or 30 years. Thus, the taxpayers will feel a significant impact from the project in an independent district.

Now let’s look at Case #1, and what happens if Schenevus and Worcester merge. As part of the merger incentive package, the state will pay 98 percent of the cost for

any building projects that occur within the first 15 years of the formation of the new district. In this case, what would it cost taxpayers to go with a complete project—no cuts and including several safety and security enhancements?

Let’s say the project cost before financing is $8 million. At the new aid ratio for the merged school, the district taxpayers would have to pay $160,000.00, which is one-third the cost an unmerged district would pay to get LESS work done.

Also, remember that the merger will come with more than $10 million in a direct incentive aid payment. The generally accepted advice to school boards is that this aid be divided into three parts: one to save, one for program enhancement, and the final third to be used to ease any tax adjustments caused by the merge.

For example, if the board of the merged district wanted, they could use a mere 1.6 percent of the incentive aid and the cost to the taxpayers for an $8 million project would be ZERO. Remember that this version of the project not only repairs the problems, but also provides enhancements (e.g., things like a more secure building entry

or a water treatment system that would make building plumbing last longer). Even if this fund was not used, the cost for a complete project would be onethird what taxpayers in an independent district would pay for a partial project with nothing special and no improvements. Also, this amount would be spread over a larger taxpayer base in a merged district. For the curious who want a direct comparison, the $3 million version of the project would cost district taxpayers $60,000.00 with the building aid ratio for a merged district (one-eighth the cost to an independent district).

Our community is shrinking. We recently learned that we are losing yet another business on Main Street, one of the few that is left. The student population is declining.

Even four years ago, when there were almost 100 more students in the school, taxpayers were asking questions about whether it would be more responsible to increase collaboration with surrounding districts to economize. The example I provided above relates to building projects, but voters should be aware that regular state aid to school districts is strongly tied to student enrollment. Thus, as enrollment continues to decline, the taxpayers must shoulder an ever-growing portion of the costs or programs must continue to be cut. A district that is always in survival mode cannot provide our students with the education they deserve and puts a larger than necessary burden on taxpayers.

We have an important decision to make. For many reasons, I believe that voting YES on the annexation merger with Worcester is the most responsible path forward. Others may disagree, but I hope they do so with a good understanding of the true cost.

Kelly Gallagher served on the Schenevus Board of Education for 15 years, from 2005-2020, and was president from 2018-2020, when the board first voted to engage in a merger study with Worcester.

Armory

Continued from page 1

addressing accessibility and identifying potential utilization of ramps, elevators, and other ADA compliant improvements.” The city contributed an additional $2,400.00.

Project leaders composed a list of potential uses for the building with architecture consultants from JohnsonSchmidt & Associates, a Corning-based company. While acknowledging the success of recreational programs in the building’s gym and the Teen Center program housed in its basement, to which Oneonta has committed $13,500.00 annually, Mattice explained that the city hopes to hear feedback from the community on further uses.

“We didn’t want to leave much off the table, and instead give the community a chance to provide input at the very beginning of the process,” said Mattice.

Any projects involving The Armory using state funding would require review from the State Historic Preservation Office due to the building’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in U.S. military and architectural history.

Completed in 1905, The

Armory was designed by George L. Heins, New York State Architect from 1899 to 1907, for the members of Oneonta’s Company

G of the National Guard, according to Oneonta City Historian Mark Simonson. Heins’ most notable design was St. John the Divine Cathedral in Morningside Heights, New York. Heins’ firm won the bid despite having no cathedral building experience and competing with 59 other proposals in a competition held by the Episcopal Diocese of New York City in 1889. Despite being famously unfinished, St. John the Divine is the sixth largest church by area in the world.

With 437 survey responses from the community as of yet, discussions are underway about the future of the building. To take part in the survey, visit oneonta.ny.us.

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NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 23rd day of January, 2023, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of up to $24,580 from Sewer Plant Equipment Reserve, a capital reserve fund, to G-8130-480- Sewer Treatment -Repairs for boiler asbestos removal.

BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK

Jenna L. Utter

Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown

22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email)

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NOTICE OF HEARING TO HEAR COMPLAINTS IN RELATION TO ASSESSMENT ROLL

NOTICE IS HEREBy GIVEN

that the Village of Cooperstown, County of Otsego has completed the tentative assessment roll for the current year. Effective the date of this notice through February 21, 2023 the assessment roll may be seen at the Village Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

The Board of Assessment Review will meet on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York between the hours of 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, for the purpose of hearing and determining complaints in relation to assessments on the application of any person believing himself to be aggrieved. Complaints with respect to assessments must be filed with the Village Clerk on or before the day of the hearing on a form prescribed by the State. These forms are available at the Village Office.

The Assessor will be available through February 21, 2023, Monday through Friday, from 8am – 2 pm, Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6 pm – 8 pm, Saturday, February 11 from 9 am to 1 pm, or at a mutually convenient time by appointment, (607) 547-6057.

Dated this 1st day of February, 2023

Albert Keck Assessor

Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearings on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

Meeting to be held in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

Between Brooklyn and Susquehanna

Avenues-Demolition of a non-contributing agricultural structure- Tax Map No. 131.10-2-7.01

23 Lake Street- demolition of a carriage barn (carriage barn faces Hoffman Lane)- Tax Map No. 115.18-3-65.00

The plans for these projects 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 14, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

Tele: (607)547-2411

Email: jutter@cooperstownny.org

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LYNNDORA CONSULTING, LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/27/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 218 Main St., Ste. 20, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 1201 Meadery LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 1/19/23, Otsego Co.

SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207

General Purpose

6LegalMar.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF The Zero’s Journey LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 1/17/23, Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207

General Purpose

6LegalMar.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITy COMPANy

Notice of Formation of COOPERSTOWN CAMP SERVICES LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on 01/18/2023.

Principal Business and Office Location: 4648 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, N.Y., Otsego County, N.Y. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 4648 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalMar.2

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NOTICE OF 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 12, 2023, at 1 PM to transact a business meeting, which includes the election of Trustees. COVID restrictions, such as a mask, will be up to each individual. Bottled

water and wrapped snacks will be available.

3LegalFeb.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC.

Janes Garden LLC

(LLC) filed Arts. of Org. with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/11/2023.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at c/o William Weinert, 337 County Highway 34, Schenevus, NY 12155.

Purpose: any business permitted under law.

6LegalFeb.23

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Highway 48 Property LLC.

Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSNY) 12/15/22.

Office location: Otsego Co.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, c/o Bradley Tillbrooks, 2831 Marsala Court, Orlando, FL 32806.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalFeb.23

LegaL nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BOB’S JOB’S LLC, A Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization

were filed with the New York Secretary of State on October 7, 2022.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the 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 to: Robert Nistad, PO Box 817, East Worcester, NY 12064.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalFeb.23

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Geoffrey Foster, LLC.

Articles of Org. were filed with the NYS Sec’y State on 01/03/2023.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The NYS Sec’y of State has been designated as agent for service of process against the LLC. NYS Sec’y of State shall mail a copy of any such process to the LLC at: 383 Pink Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

The purpose of the LLC shall be general.

6LegalFeb.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Johnson Contracting & Trucking LLC.

Filed 5/4/22. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Po Box 492,

Cooperstown, NY 13326. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

6LegalFeb.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny LIMITED LIABILITy COMPANy.

Name:

V&H RANCH LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 6 January 2023. 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 20 W Main St, Milford, NY 13807.

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

6LegalFeb.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DANTE’S PIZZERIA, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/28/22. 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, 416 1/2 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalFeb.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Optimize Advertise LLC.

Filed 7/21/22.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 1541 Mckoons Rd, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave Ste 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General. 6LegalFeb.2

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Dragonfli Properties, LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 7/5/22.

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, 1826 E. Parkridge Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84121. The purpose of the LC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalFeb.2

A district that is always in survival mode cannot provide our students with the education they deserve and puts a larger than necessary burden on taxpayers.

►Thursday, Feb. 2

CONNECTIONS TALK

1:15 p.m. Join the Connections program for seniors for a talk on the old Alfred Corning Clark Gymnasium, presented by Sally Zaengle. Will include a brief history and stories of the members. Bring your own stories to share with the group. Community Room, Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800.

OPEN STUDIO 4-6 p.m. Bring your current creative project from sewing, knitting, sketching, or painting and gather with friends and community members. Share your work, try new hobbies, pass on your techniques. Free, open to the public. Held each first Thursday of the month. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040.

TEEN ZONE 4-6 p.m.

Teens aged 12-15 are invited for this after-school program to de-stress, enjoy a nutritious snack and play games with their peers in a safe environment. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. Visit richfieldspringscommunitycenter.org/programs/

COOPERSTOWN WINTER

CARNIVAL 5-7 p.m. Start off the 55th Winter Carnival with a fun night out featuring hot cocoa with all the fixings, a commemoration by Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh at 5:45, music, fireworks at 6 and visit with the Ice Queen and friends. Adult beverages will be available. Commemorative mugs are $15. Fenimore Room at the Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown. Check out the complete schedule for the 2023 Cooperstown Winter Carnival at cooperstownwintercarnival.com

CPR COURSE 6 p.m. For the 2023 American Heart Month, locals in the healthcare field are invited to learn to perform CPR. Presented by the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services. Free. Milford Fire Department, 63 South Main Street, Milford. (607) 547-4328.

BOOK COLLECTION 67:30 p.m. Help the Friends of the Village Library prepare

for the Cooperstown Winter Carnival book sale. Bring your used books in good condition. Everything from paperbacks to DVDs and hardcovers to audiobooks will be accepted.

Please, no outdated travel guides, dictionaries, encyclopedias, textbooks, VHS tapes or cassettes. Use the Fair Street entrance at the Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

►Friday, Feb. 3

FIRST FRIDAY 5-8 p.m.

Visit art gallery for fun open house featuring items for sale from Ginger Girl Gifts and Elizabeth Nields (among others), plus stuff for your Valentine and all-around art collecting and gift giving. 25 Main Collective, 25 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340.

TEEN ZONE 7-10 p.m.

Students in grades 7-12 are invited for a fun night of games and activities each Friday. Games range from air hockey to Xbox games to board games, with arts and crafts, baking, movie nights, and more also offered. Held at The Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs.

THEATER 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a theatrical performance of “August: Osage County,” following the story of the disappearance of Beverly Weston, the patriarch of the Weston family, and the reactions of his wife and daughters. Tickets, $20/adult. Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions in the Production Center of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. Also showing 2/4 and 2/5 at 2 p.m.

►s aTurday, Feb. 4

CRAFT FAIR 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beat the cabin fever and come out for this fund-

raiser featuring local crafters and vendors. Krispy Kreme will also be on hand, taking preorders for you and that special someone to have delivered on Valentine’s Day. Otsego Christian Academy, 353 Main Street, Otego. Call David Kropp (607) 434-3454 or e-mail Judy Armstrong judarm0811@gmail.com

SNOW TUBING 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weather permitting, Glimmerglass State Park will be open for snow tubing on the hill. Admission is $5/person. Snow tubes are provided; there is a warming hut with snacks and hot chocolate available for purchase. Check the Facebook page or call the park office to confirm the slope is open. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8662. Also held Sundays.

ART OPEN HOUSE 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. View “Kelley’s Carved Convoy,” a surroundsight of trucks carved 1950s1990s by acclaimed Oneonta farmer and folk artist Lavern Kelley. Also includes mugs and ornaments by Marcie Schwartzman and wooden Kenyan miniatures (proceeds benefit Mukuru Art Collective). Free admission. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

CRUISING 101 1-3 p.m. Learn about cruising in the northeast with Deborah Trask of Dream Vacations. The evening will include northeast ports, cruise lines, itineraries and Q&A session. Also, get information on the “Lighthouse & History” group cruise to New England/Canada in August 2023. Light refreshments will be served. Held at Elm Park UMC, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. dtrask@ dreamvacations.com.

HML WRITERS 1:303:30 p.m. Join this supportive group each Saturday for fun writing prompts, discussion,

to share your writing, or just to get comfortable with your own style. Presented online by the Huntington Memorial Library, Oneonta. E-mail hmlwriters@gmail.com to sign up.

VALENTINES DANCE 2-5

p.m. Join the Otsego Pride Alliance for the “We Are Family” Valentine’s Day dance. Free to all ages. Includes sweets, refreshments and kids activities. Held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 386 1508.

YMCA RECEPTION 3-5

p.m. Children aged 3-10 are invited to bring the VIP in their lives for a fun reception including food, music, a craft activity, photo booth, a candy bar and much more. Tickets: $55/adult, $20/child. Suggested attire is informal wear. Hosted by the Oneonta YMCA at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010.

CPR COURSE 6 p.m. For the 2023 American Heart Month, all are invited to learn to perform CPR at the Heartsaver FA/CPR/AED course presented by the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services. Free, open to all. The Meadows Office Building, 140 County Highway 33W, Suite 5. Cooperstown. (607) 547-4328.

►sunday, Feb. 5

LIBRARY LOVERS All week, February 5-11. Stop by the library to pick up a project for “Get Crafty Week,” featuring the “Create Your Story: Blank Book Project.” Fill in the book with your life, get creative and return your book at the end of the month to be displayed in March.

Open to adults, young adults and children. Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 5478344.

DRAG BRUNCH 10 a.m. Come out for a good time with the Otsego Pride Alliance.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with host Lilly Bola. All welcome. Show starts at 11 a.m. Cover charge is $10.

Wakeman’s Coffee, 66 East Main Street, Sidney. (607) 386-1508.

WEDDING EXPO Noon to 3 p.m. Visit with the wedding vendors in Otsego County and get ready for your big day. Admission, $5/person. Held at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

SNOW MOON—1-8 p.m.

Celebrate a winter full moon at the park with hikes around the lake, hot dogs, chili, hot coffee/tea and more in the Briggs Pavilion. The fires will be burning all day, so come down and have fun. Bring non-perishable food items for the Martin Luther King Jr. food drive and be entered to win a Gilbert Lake goodie basket. The goal is to exceed the donation total of the First Day Hike (251 items donated), so your generosity is appreciated. Briggs Pavilion, Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 County Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.

►Monday, Feb. 6

SENIOR MEALS Noon.

Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompanying a senior. This week, enjoy a lunch of chicken cacciatore rotini in sauce. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.

CHAIR YOGA 2-3 p.m. Join certified yoga instructor Wanda Hunt for this chair yoga class. All fitness levels welcome. Cost to participate: a food donation to the Richfield Springs Food Pantry. Scheduled for each Monday through March 13. Held at the Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.

INNOCENCE PROJECT 9-

10 p.m. The community is invited to watch the documentary, “The Central Park 5,” about the five Black and Latino teenagers whose lives were upended when they were falsely convicted in the Central Park jogger case. Followed on February 8 by a presentation from one of the five as well as a staff member of the Innocence Project. Hunt Union Red Dragon Theater, SUNY Oneonta. (607) 436-3012.

VACCINE CLINIC 4-6 p.m. The Health Department will be offering the Bi-Valent COVID-19 booster vaccine. Registration required. Will be held in the EMS/Civil Service Classroom, Otsego County Meadows Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown. (607) 5474230.

TAX PREP 6-8 p.m. Get ready for tax season with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Hartwick College accounting students certified by the IRS, with their professor, will be available to provide one-on-one assistance in preparing individual tax returns. Either in person or online. Held at the Golisago Hall, 2nd Floor, Hartwick College, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338 or visit facebook. com/ofoinc/

►Tuesday, Feb. 7

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. All are invited for a group hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Please bring appropriate clothing, gear, enough water to stay hydrated, and be aware of your level of fitness. Contact hike leader for more information. This week’s hike will be at New Island, Oneonta, with hike leaders Tom and Roberta Austin. (607) 865-6540.

SENIOR MEALS 11 a.m.

Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal, meet friends old and new, and play a board game or two. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (607) 547-6454 for reservations.

Buying AntiquES, JEwElry, firEArMS

370 MAin StrEEt, otEgo 607-287-5320 buzzh123@gmail.com

Buying AntiquES, EStAtES, ArtifActS