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Town of Otsego Holds Meeting To Discuss Renewables, Law By CASPAR EWIG
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FLY CREEK n Wednesday, February 7, the Town of Otsego held an informational meeting to air the many issues surrounding possible installation of solar energy systems within the town boundaries. The meeting was held, in the words of Town Supervisor Ben Bauer, “to get input into drafting amendments to the land-use law” to allow installation of solar energy systems and to address concerns raised by citizens. In holding such a meeting, the Town of Otsego joined a growing chorus of upstate communities raising serious questions about, and pushing back on, New York State’s renewable energy policies. “My goal is to make sure our local interests are well represented, and that anything that happens here is to our own local benefit,” Bauer said in an email after the meeting. A similar informational meeting was held recently in the Town of Springfield and, in another instance, a coalition of community-based environmental groups filed comments calling for reconsideration of the Public Service Commission’s plan for replacing power plant emissions with large-scale renewables. The Town of Otsego’s informational meeting was structured in two parts. Initially, attendees heard presentations by Steve Helmin and Keith Schue, two persons familiar with current green energy issues. Thereafter, written questions directed to the Town Board or the speakers were presented and gave rise to some spirited, though not contentious, discussion. INSIDE ► POETS TO READ AT MORRIS CAFE, page 2 ► WOODWIND CONCERT IN SPRINGFIELD, page 3 ► COCO BAKERY MACARONS RECALLED, page 3 ► APRIL 20 SET FOR EARTH FESTIVAL AT mcs, page 3 ► HELP GHANAIAN’S DREAM COME TRUE, page 4 ► UNDERSTANDING OUR NATIONAL DEBT, page 4 ► SPRINGBROOK HAS READY WORKFORCE, page 5 ► BEES A HOBBY? page 8 Follow Breaking News On
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Helmin, a resident of Glen, New York and co-chair of an organization known as GlenFARMland (Families Allied for Responsible Management of Land), accented that towns and communities such as Otsego should push New York government and regulatory bodies to address the issue of climate change without destroying the environment of the community. “The danger,” he said, is that failing to oversee the development of green energy “could result in an undesirable energy spawl.” He cautioned that the town should remain vigilant because often developers will negotiate with the landowners, making unsupportable promises and only advising the town after their plan has already been created. Helmin further pointed out that local communities are faced with an additional problem—municipalities really only have a say in projects below 20 megawatts. For larger projects, Albany has the right to override Home Rule and disregard local laws if those laws are deemed to place an “unreasonable burden” on the development of solar farms and other aspects of renewable energy. Finally, property can be taken by eminent domain for transmission powerlines, a capability that may even be extended to transmission for individual renewable projects if legislation proposed by the Governor is enacted. Helmin emphasized that, in addition to having the town carefully craft local land-use or zoning laws, residents should continually organize and petition the state to only adopt renewable energy policies that are consistent with local agricultural and other natural uses. Keith Schue, a native of Cherry Continued on page 8
Photo by Emily Hilbert
Grayson Hazzard puts out a test fire at the Cooperstown Fire Department’s “Meet Your Local Heroes” event during the Cooperstown Winter Carnival.
Carnival All About Community By EMILY HILBERT COOPERSTOWN he Cooperstown Winter Carnival, held February 2-4 under the auspices of the Cooperstown Lions Club, drew large crowds to its multitude of events, which stretched for three full days. One thing that stood out, going from venue to venue, was how much the weekend was focused on the community. Cooperstown is a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially in the summer. Since its inception 50 years ago, the Winter Carnival has been a way for those who brave the winters here to have a bit of respite and fun. The following is an overview of some
T
of the more popular events on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, February 3 was a day packed with things to do for people and families of all ages. Starting bright and early, the Cooperstown Fire Department hosted “Meet Your Local Heroes,” bringing together various fire and safety departments that community members rely upon to keep them safe. Monica Carrascoso, who led the event, described the Cooperstown Fire Department as “the most well provisioned and well trained in the area.” Speaking with some of these hometown heroes, one is struck by the sense of pride they feel in the services they provide. Michael Molloy, for one, has Continued on page 6
Teen with Multiple Allergies To Advocate in D.C. By MONICA CALZOLARI
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ONEONTA ixteen-year-old Devin Sailer, a student at Oneonta High School, will travel to Washington, D.C. next month to advocate for all teenagers with food allergies before the legislators and senior U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials. He is a member of Food Allergy Research and Education, which works on behalf of the 33 million Americans living with life-threatening food allergies. Sailer applied to be among 170 of his peers who will make their voices heard March 4-6 during “Courage at Congress:
Advocate for a Cure,” which provides the opportunity to come together for two full days of advocacy and education. He will receive a stipend to assist with expenses. Sailer is allergic to 31 different allergens: all nuts, peanuts, tree nuts, peppermint, shellfish, several environmental allergies, multiple medications and stinging insects. Exposure to any of these can be fatal. Just one bite of a piece of Valentine’s chocolate with nuts or peanut butter could put him in a life-or-death situation. “I participate in Teen Talks every couple of days over Zoom Photo by Monica Calzolari with other teens across the Oneonta High School student Devin Sailer is headed to Washington, D.C. next month for “Courage at Congress: Advocate for a Cure.” Continued on page 7
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Diverse Voices To Be Heard at Coffee Shop Poetry Reading programs at Hartwick Golf Course in Laurens. quarterly magazine which College for nearly 40 She has three sons, the addresses environmental years. eldest of whom is a first- and social issues and has MORRIS year student at Hartwick published such distinBensen had high praise n Sunday, Feb- for the three poets. College. She has taught guished writers as Wendell ruary 18, from poetry workshops online Barry, Bill McKibben, and “Julene, Vicki, and 1-3 p.m., the through several literary E.O. Wilson. Lisa make poems of Gatehouse Coffee Shop at organizations and hopes The “Dunga Brook great inventiveness, rich 129 Main Street, Morris to give a poetry workDiaries” record her emotion, and enticing will offer its first reading shop this summer at the experiences at her farmmusicality—all sharing of original works by area Gatehouse. house and are accessible the imagery of rural poets, featuring Julene at dunga_brook@instaVicki Whicker left upstate life, its seasons, Waffle, Vicki Whicker Los Angeles in 2011, gram.com. creatures, and landand Lisa Wujnovich. The Whicker’s writings where she had worked scapes. Their poems are format of the reading will have been published in as a footwear designer distinct and distinguished be “call and response,” numerous anthologies. for high-end companies in portraying the strength during which each poet such as LA Gear and Nevertheless, she does and resilience of womanwill read a selection of Skechers for 26 years. not consider herself “a hood,” Bensen stated via her poetry prompted by Her destination was natural writer.” e-mail. a poem just read by a “I studied and worked northern Otsego County Born on Long Island, fellow poet. at it,” she said. and an 1820s farmhouse, Waffle, Whicker, and Waffle grew up in Andes. In Los Angeles, she purchased sight-unseen Wujnovich come from The natural features of took classes from Jack in response to a Facebook different backgrounds this Catskill Mountain post asking, “Who wants Grapes, who patterns and write in distinct town provided inspito buy my neighbor’s his teaching approach voices. Their common ration for her poetic in part on Konstantin house?” thread is their participa- sensibilities. famed Photo by Teresa Winchester While her farmhouse Stanislavsky’s “I don’t think I could Seated at a table in the Gatehouse Coffee Shop in Morris, tion in “Seeing Things,” acting techniques, encourwas under renovation, a copy of her chapbook ,“So I Will a workshop offered by live without trees,” poet Julene Waffle signs aging people to find their OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 Remember.” Waffle will be reading with fellow poets Vicki Whicker lived off-grid at inner voice by working Bright Hill Literary Waffle said. a KOA campground. This Waffle, who now lives Whicker and Lisa Wujnovich on February 17. Center in Treadwell experience led to two of from the inside out. since 2017. The work- in Morris, will read poems Whicker’s work and love of nature and family, does that remind me of?’ her artistic endeavors— shop is directed by from her 2020 chapbook, her interest in current I like figurative language, study have garnered “iphoneography” and the Robert Bensen, who “So I Will Remember.” events, and her general going from regular, impressive results. She “Dunga Brook Diaries.” also directed writing Her poems reflect her observations on life. everyday language and Her iPhone enabled her was recently named a a “I can remember a lot finding way to say it to take pictures and edit winner in the “Writing of things, but notOCTOBER every- better,” she said. 31, 2020 them using one device for Writers” contest for 1 – DECEMBER a non-fiction piece titled thing. That’s why I wanted Waffle has partici- with two apps. to record certain aspects pated in numerous online “I started taking photo- “Snake River Saloon, of my life, and I want my poetry readings and has graphs because I fell in Ski-Stoned, Colorado, kids to remember, too,” also read at Bright Hill love with how beautiful 1982.” The contest, Waffle said of her chap- Literary Center; never- this place is,” Whicker hosted by multi-awardCan you help? winning writer Pam book’s title. theless, she feels this said. will be a bit Waffle did not begin reading “My photos are like Houston, solicited pieces different for her. to write poetry seriously magical realism. Using of 200 words or fewer. We're almost out of: In Los Angeles, she until she participated in “I’ll be reading to the phone is like using Dry cat food “Seeing Things.” people I know, teach, and a viewfinder. It’s the enjoyed participation in Los Angeles Writers Canned dog food am related to. 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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 NEWS BRIEFS
Invasives Talk Scheduled
Store Recalls Macarons
NEW YORK STATE—Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society will host Otsego County Conservation Association Program Director Jeff O’Handley for a Zoom lecture on invasive species at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 16. The program will include an overview of invasive species that threaten local areas, as well as tips for tracking and controlling their spread. Registration is required; visit https://tinyurl.com/yusenjvd for more information or to sign up.
SCHENECTADY—Price Chopper/Market 32 issued a voluntary recall on all varieties of Coco Bakery Macarons sold between Tuesday, January 30 and the present. These products may contain peanuts that were not listed on the label or disclosed by the supplier. Customers can return these products to their local Price Chopper/Market 32 store for a full refund. For more information, contact customer service at (800) 666-7667 or consumerresponse@ pricechopper.com.
Scientist Featured on Podcast
Garden Club Announces Talk
ONEONTA—A new episode of “Sing for Science,” a popular music and science podcast created by Cooperstown resident Matt Whyte, features two SUNY Oneonta professors. The 40minute “Spyro Gyra” episode includes awardwinning musician and Oneonta music professor Jeremy Wall and Biological Field Station scientist Holly Waterfield for a discussion of jazz fusion, musical composition, lake formation, and the harmful algae blooms of recent years. For more information, visit https://suny.oneonta. edu/news-events/suny-oneonta-featured-singscience-podcast.
ONEONTA—The Oneonta Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 19 at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street. Alexis Agliano Sanborn will present a talk titled “The World of the Japanese Microseasons.” Sanborn will explore the ways that seasonal divisions shape the experience of daily life. She is a specialist in East Asian culture with advanced degrees from U.C. Santa Barbara, Harvard University and New York University.
Youth Programming Slated EAST MEREDITH—The West Kortright Center announced that registration is open for all of its child and teen summer workshops. Their theater workshops cover all aspects of stage production, including acting, costumes, tech and music. Children and teens ages 6-19 are eligible. There will also be a three-week filmmaking workshop for teens. Spaces are limited; for more information or to register, visit www.westkc.org/yptaw/. Scholarships are available, and students from Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties have reduced registration fees.
Heitz To Address FCAHS FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28 at the Fly Creek Methodist Church. Prior to the meeting, local historian Tom Heitz will present a lecture titled “The StrongMinded Women are Coming: Susan B. Anthony in Otsego County, 1855,” which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served between the presentation and meeting.
Photo provided
Brian Mulder’s Union Grove Distillery will be featured on “Moonshiners: Master Distiller” on February 27.
Distillery Episode To Air ARKVILLE—Brian Mulder, owner and distiller of Union Grove Distillery in Arkville, will appear on the Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners: Master Distiller” this month. The basis for each episode showcases three distillers from across the country, both legal and outlaw, who compete to impress the judges with their best moonshine and take home the title of Master Distiller. “Being asked to be on the show and then getting cast was a complete surprise. This was never something I aspired to, but it was a tremendous opportunity, and I am glad I did it,” said Mulder, who was approached by a casting agent to be on the show. “I shipped nine gallons of local maple syrup to set and packed my suitcase full of yeast, wild Catskill Mountain ginseng root and ginseng extract. After experiencing the excitement and popularity of moonshine, we will be adding moonshine to the line-up. First up will be Maple Ginseng Moonshine. We will have a 30-gallon moonshine still at Union Grove by the time our episode airs.” The episode in question is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 at 9 p.m. Union Grove Distillery will be celebrating with a screening party, along with a variety of charcuterie, snacks and a cash bar. Union Grove Distillery is located on Route 28 in Arkville.
Church Hosts Quartet Concert SPRINGFIELD—St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 7690 State Route 80 in Springfield Center, will host Binghamton-based Fair Winds Woodwind Quartet for a Black History Month concert at noon on Monday, February 19. The concert, “No Mountain Too High,” will highlight the central significance of Black composers and performers in American music. It will feature an engaging selection of music from many genres, including spirituals, ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, rock, pop and soul. The concert is free to attend and expected to last about one hour.
Earth Festival Set for Apr. 20 MILFORD—The Otsego County Conservation Association announced that Earth Festival 2024 will be held at the Milford Central School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. Earth Festival is an environmentally focused, interactive event featuring exhibits, workshops, vendors, food and entertainment. More than 20 vendors and exhibitors have confirmed their attendance so far. There will be a maker space, children’s activities, a seed exchange, a clothing swap, a morning service project and a bird walk hosted by Delaware-Otsego Continued on page 9
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
The Myth Busting Economist
EDITORIAL
The Kindness of Strangers
E
noch Bright Ampong has a dream. Some 5,000 miles away, in the Republic of Ghana, he dreams of coming here to Otsego County to study at SUNY Oneonta’s revered Cooperstown Graduate Program. Admission into the CGP program is highly competitive. Classes are generally comprised of about 25 students, a mix of history museum and science museum studies. The application process is multi-step. Students submit an online application through SUNY Oneonta, which includes an essay about their ideal museum and the role they hope to play, along with letters of recommendation from academic and professional references. Faculty review these materials and select applicants who then advance to the interview stage. These interviews take place in person in Cooperstown during a weekend in late March, we are told. In cases where that isn’t possible due to distance, as with Ampong, interviews can be done through virtual means. Following interview weekend, applicants are notified of the admissions decision. Once accepted, they must make a deposit to hold their spot, and they need to secure housing. Students arrive in late August. According to CGP officials, Ampong was accepted into the program last year, but his unique situation required more time than domestic students typically need to begin. Specifically, he needs to raise about $56,000.00 in order to travel to the United States, live here for two years and complete the program. The average monthly salary in Ghana, in U.S. dollars, is $230.00 (Mintsalary). Very few people make $1,100.00 or more per month and about a quarter of Ghanaian employees average just US$170.00 monthly income. Ampong himself, a museum docent at Elmina Castle—a former slave trading fort on the Gulf of Guinea, preserved today as a Ghanaian national museum and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Monument—earns about US$30.00 a month in his semi-official capacity as a tour guide during the season and otherwise relies on $3.00 per day doing hard labor at construction sites. The $56,000.00 would seem out of reach. Ampong, who holds a degree in tourism management from Takoradi Technical University, was encouraged to apply to the museum studies program here by Professor Peter Rutkoff, a CGP adjunct professor and summer Cooperstown resident. The two met in August 2022 at Elmina Castle on one of Rutkoff’s research trips. Rutkoff was impressed by the 28year-old docent, calling him “the best guide he’d come across in Ghana.” The two kept in touch and Ampong applied to the program, was accepted, but was unable to pay tuition at the current level of financial aid. With his passion for informative museums and his dream of a U.S. education, Ampong has said his goal is to help establish one of the best museums in his home country. From a young age, he has dreamed of finding a new life in the U.S. and of returning home to enrich Ghana. “I had an African American English teacher in high school,” he recalled, “and her stories about America inspired me.” As you may have read in last week’s paper, Rutkoff feels strongly that CGP is where Ampong belongs, as does Professor Gretchen Sorin, the program’s director. They are not alone. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Springfield Center has organized a GoFundMe page (https://www. gofundme.com/f/enoch-ampong-study-in-cooperstown) on behalf of Ampong, and donations are beginning to trickle in. The question now is whether the $56,000.00 is attainable in the limited time frame. “Inclusion,” “diversity” and “welcoming.” These are the buzzwords of the day. Let’s put our money where our mouths are, and help this young man’s dream come true.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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OUNDED
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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
1808 BY
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“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.
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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
larry malone
Understanding the National Debt
M
y last column highlighted recent trends in federal budget deficits and busted a couple of big myths about them. The first was that we haven’t always had deficits. We were running a surplus until 2002, when spending during the Bush Administration turned a $236 billion surplus in 2000 into a $-413 billion deficit in 2004 (a $-649 billion swing). The second was that deficits had recently been shrinking, as they should in a strong economy. But revenue reducing tax cuts that largely benefitted corporations by the Trump Administration took effect in 2018 and added $2.3 trillion to the National Debt. We also unraveled how dysfunction in Congress has ended any semblance of a normal process in passing an annual budget. Instead, Continuing Resolutions have become the bandaids that keep our government running. Another Continuing Resolution was enacted just before the January 19 shutdown deadline, but it only keeps the government running until March 1. Now we’ll have a look at how annual spending affects the National Debt, which is the total debt created by the federal government. Our National Debt dates from the earliest days of the American Republic. When we fought the Revolution, we borrowed (from France) to pay for the weapons needed to take the fight to the British. When large parts of Margaretville and Prattsville were swept away by Hurricane Irene in August 2012, spending by FEMA was added to The Debt. The same was true over the last three years, when I-88 was repaved from Rotterdam to Oneonta. If you own savings bonds, CDs, or have some of your savings in Treasury funds, you own part of The Debt. And your bank or credit union uses some of the dollars you deposit with them to purchase U.S. Treasuries. They use your saved earnings to bolster their profit margins by owning some of The Debt.
Graphic provided
Let’s take a close look at the chart above that shows the growth of The Debt over the last six years. The values on the left side of the chart are TRILLIONS of dollars. The HUGE spike in spending to address COVID in 2020 and 2021 is immediately apparent. The Debt went from $23.5 trillion before COVID to $28.5 trillion a year later. Is that bad? One Debt myth would answer yes, seeking to alarm us by comparing it to selective types of household debt. “It’s like a credit card, and it would be irresponsible to have more credit card debt than your annual income.” But that misleading statement ignores what you might owe for a home and car—which could be three or four times more than what you earn each year. Currently, The Debt is only about 120 percent of the U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product, our measure of total income generated in the U.S. each year). That’s down from 133 percent of GDP in 2020, at the peak of COVID spending. So that means comparing The Debt to total household debt is a non-starter myth. As the chart shows, The Debt does rise over time, as it has for most of American history. But as we get more distance from the economic challenges of COVID, it has once again been increasing at a more normal rate (while shrinking as a percentage of the GDP). Now let’s finish up with a closer look at that big, unprecedented spike in federal spending which added more to The Debt during COVID. Remember those “stimulus checks” that kept us afloat and the Payroll Protection Program that helped businesses Continued on page 9
Letters to the editor … In their opinion
Warm Regards and Many Thanks We extend our sincerest gratitude to more than 100 individuals, businesses, and organizations that generously supported the 2024 Cooperstown Winter Carnival. Hundreds of residents and visitors joined us for a myriad of winter festivities, ranging from the delightful Hot Cocoa Kick-Off at The Otesaga Resort Hotel to the inaugural Blizzard Bash tailgate event at Doubleday Field parking lot, and everything in between! The success of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, orchestrated under the auspices of the Cooperstown Lions Club, is indebted to the combined contributions of everyone involved. This achievement was made possible through the generous support of an Otsego County Community Grant, and invaluable marketing assistance from Paperkite and Destination Marketing Otsego County/This is Cooperstown. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Snowball Sponsors: Bassett Healthcare Network, Leatherstocking Credit Union and Optum. Special
recognition is also extended to our hospitality venue, the Cooperstown Beverage Exchange, and the support provided by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce as well as the Village of Cooperstown for their essential involvement and backing. The 56th edition of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival was truly a triumph, and it was made possible by each and every one of you who attended and supported the cause. We’re counting on your continued support! Stay tuned for updates on the planning and participation for the 2025 Winter Carnival. Your involvement is key! www.cooperstownwintercarnival.com 2024 Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committee
‘What You Do Matters’ Much has been said about Joe Biden’s age, and I’m sure that Trump and your Congressional representative will continue to bring it up and insult him…even though Trump constantly gets things mixed up and can’t remember dates and names.
I do not write for sympathy, because none is needed. True, seniors forget some dates, forget some names. But so what? That’s true of all seniors (and many younger folks!). What is also true of most seniors is that they have an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge and the wisdom to see what’s really important in life. The issue is: what they do, not if they forget a date or name. Honest Joe is a perfect example: For a guy who is attacked for being old, he has done a hell of job for us. Look at the record. Joe knows how important it is to save this Democracy, to fight for it here at home, to protect us against claims of rigged elections, and support Ukraine in the face of Russian attacks. Joe has brought new jobs and manufacturing, investments in better cell service and Internet, better education, better health care insurance, lower drug costs, and better roads and bridges. Joe brought us out of the pandemic, where more than Continued on page 9
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 news from the noteworthy
SPRINGBROOK
Springbrook: ‘Untapped Employment Potential’ Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
160 YEARS AGO
Local—Real Estate: Mr. N.H. Lake has purchased of the Prentiss estate the building in which he does business, and in which, for about 40 years this paper has been published. Mr. Andrew Shaw, Jr., has purchased the building adjoining us on the east, of the Stowell estate, to be occupied by him as a hop store. Mr. S. will become a resident of the village in the spring. Mr. D.A. Avery has purchased the lot opposite the mansion of Mr. Sill, on which he will erect a residence next season. Cards and circulars are printed on our new Yankee Card Press at the rate of 10,000 a day. Call in and see it work. February 12, 1864
135 YEARS AGO
Local—In these days when there is so much reading matter offered in books and newspapers at a very low cost, there is greater need of discrimination in the selection of what shall be read, and especially on the part of young people. Much of it is trash, and not a little of it positively hurtful. There is enough that is entertaining, instructive and amusing, to meet all proper demands. The Miss Doubleday house on Pioneer Street has been sold to Charles R. Hartson; consideration, $4,500. It is the intention of Mr. Hartson to put the building in first rate condition for a dwelling, in the rear of which will be the bottling establishment. February 15, 1889
85 YEARS AGO
The work of erecting seating facilities at Doubleday Field for the coming summer got underway in earnest this week. A force of 34 men is on the job, a Works Progress Administration project, and plans are being made to add from ten to twenty-one later in the week, according to Harry A. LaDuke, the foreman. The men will be taken from local relief rolls. The demolition of the old grandstand at the county fairgrounds has been completed and the steel has been transported to Doubleday Field for use in the new grandstand being erected there which will seat 700 people. Working from plans drawn by W. Carter Burnett, local engineer, the force has completed the laying of the concrete foundation of the new stand and cutting and erection of the steel will start the middle of the week. February 15, 1939
60 YEARS AGO
Wendell Tripp has joined the staff of the New York State Historical Association as editorial associate. He came here from Geneva where he has been a member of the history department staff at Hobart College. A graduate of Drew University with a Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, Mr. Tripp is currently a candidate for a doctor of philosophy degree at Columbia University. A major in American History, which he has taught for a number of years, he is a specialist in the history of New York. At Fenimore House, Tripp will serve as managing editor of the New York State Historical Association’s quarterly “New York History,” and will set up a program of historical research and publications. February 12, 1964
20 YEARS AGO
The New York State Senate has confirmed Bassett Healthcare President and CEO Dr. William F. Streck as a member of the state’s Public Health Council. “The Public Health Council is the main oversight body for public health policy in New York,” Dr. Streck explained. “I’m obviously grateful to have been nominated to that committee and I think it is to the advantage of our broad region to have an individual on that committee.” Streck will join a working group of the council that is addressing the availability of specialty services and the organization and financing of health services in hospitals and nursing homes. February 13, 2004
Solution: “Totally New” (February 8)
W
henever I pick up the paper, go shopping, or dine at a restaurant, I see so many employment vacancies that remain unfilled. Unemployment has remained steady at 3.7 percent for the general adult population but is at a high of 7.1 percent for persons with a disability. What many employers in our region need to realize is that we have an untapped vein of potential right here in Otsego County: Springbrook’s Employment Services. This program has long sought to create a more equitable community and a more robust economy through sustainable employment. In January, Governor Kathy Hochul pledged to make employment more equitable by making New York State an Employment First State for those with disabilities, building on 2023’s Executive Order 31. This is an important and progressive step for supporting people with disabilities, because they have had negligible employment opportunities for too long. I encourage local and regional businesses to become employment-first businesses by partnering with us to make the most of supported employment. Executive Order 31 committed New York State to become a model employer for people with disabilities. This entails removing barriers to employment for the 73.8 percent of unemployed people with disabilities versus the 36.9 percent of their peers who are employed—and will ultimately “eliminate the gap between working people with disabilities and working people without disabilities, as well as endeavor to increase recruitment, hiring, retention, and
the career advancement of people with disabilities in the State workforce” [Executive Order No. 31 (2023)]. Springbrook is at the forefront of bridging the gap for people with disabilities through employment services and has successfully prepared and placed people with disabilities in paid, competitive positions, meeting employers’ needs in retail, food service, custodial, and more in over 145 businesses and organizations that provide employment and pre-employment (assessments) in the following counties: Delaware, Broome, Otsego, Cortland, Tompkins, Chenango. A new Employment Services office located at the Ford on Main will be the employment hub for Otsego County and bridge the employment gap between people with disabilities and employers. This new workspace will have onsite employment specialists offering services for people seeking employment and local employers seeking qualified employees. For employers like Sharon, who co-owns Gilbertsville Farmhouse with her husband, Aldo, Employment Services has been “essential for us and the person we’ve employed. It has provided new perspectives and created learning opportunities for both parties. The program has broadened our horizons at Gilbertsville Farmhouse, and we love working with the employee to ensure continued success in their employment here.” I am thrilled to see employment needs for people with disabilities recognized by the state and Springbrook’s Employment Services expansion in its tenth year with a new hub for Otsego Continued on page 9
By MERL REAGLE
The New Fall Lineup… Inspired by a certain game show ACROSS 1 Excited 5 She might reach for a C note 9 Chicken or tuna, e.g. 14 Yaphet role, 1977 17 W ho Wants To Breathe ___? 20 Gay partner? 21 Kabuki participant 22 W ho Wants To Dance Like ___? 23 Who Wants To Eat Some ___? 25 Abbr. on Windy City buses 26 Retired freedom fighter? 27 Computer language 29 Have as a customer 30 He has a small work force 32 “Solemn ___ owl” (Goethe) 35 “A wink is as good as ___” 37 Yemeni port 38 The sixth sense 40 W ho Wants To Sing ___? 97 Who Wants To Spell ‘___’? 44 Actress Hagen 102 Superlative finish 46 Esau’s land 104 Some July babies 48 “Where ___ I?” 49 Part of a Civil War signature 105 Snigglers’ wrigglers 50 W ho Wants To Shine Some 106 Can’t live without 108 Jeer at ___? 112 Characteristic styles 53 German-Polish river 115 Be an immature victor 54 Small marsh 117 TourBook publisher 57 Persian, for one 119 It’s on the level? 58 City of NW Spain 120 W ho Wants To Play Some 59 W ho Wants To Act With ___? ___? 122 Who Wants To Fight A 62 Hellenic H ___? 63 Potok’s Asher 126 Color 64 Pokémon’s genre 127 See 89 Across 66 Bridal path 128 W ho Wants To Die Like 67 Unescorted ___? 69 Who Wants To Live In ___? 129 Try: abbr. 74 Thief Le Moko 130 Kilmer subject 75 Does paper work 131 “Of course!” 77 John or Bonnie 132 Stack role 78 Little whisky, e.g. DOWN 80 Popular juice drink 1 Ticker outlet 81 W ho Wants To Read Some 2 Cull ___? 3 Well-established 84 African antelopes 4 Tropical fruits 87 Arm-over-arm swinger 5 Abbr. on Crest 88 Au or Cu, e.g. 89 With 127 Across, a popular 6 Love Story composer 7 Albania’s capital candy 90 Who Wants To Move A ___? 8 Ex-hurler Hershiser 9 Further helpings 92 Present start 10 Computer type 93 Tease 11 Pink Panther films co-star 95 “If You Go Away” penner 96 2nd Lts. graduate from it 12 Dark or pale drinks
13 British title 14 Marcos of the Phillipines 15 Quick mover 16 Chant 17 Some enlistees, familiarly 18 Fly at half off? 19 Oper ender 24 Condemn 28 Dressy event 31 Wild duck 33 Legree’s creator 34 Rashad of sports 36 Stallone’s sci-fi judge 39 In a snit 41 Be all charged up? 42 Zeno’s town 43 S an Francisco Bay’s ___ Buena Island 44 Al Neuharth started it 45 M etal used in performance bikes 47 Get-up-and-go 51 Tenn. athlete 52 Band aide 53 Draft rating 54 Actor Richard 55 They’re wellconnected 56 Where Lord Byron died 57 People people 59 Antiseptic surgery pioneer 60 Taxing tyke 61 Cup rim 65 Hair holder 68 DFW datum 70 Buffalo‘s lake
71 Hole number? 72 Belly button type 73 J immy Hoffa’s middle name (aptly enough) 76 Alabama city 79 N oncommercial spot, for short 82 Typesetting mach. 83 Like Chicago in 1871 85 Free, to Franco 86 Come to terms 90 Public health agcy. 91 Little bit 92 “... ___ thought” 93 Tough tests 94 ___ many words 97 Bible prophet 98 Crossed through 99 S ite of Michael’s hidden gun in The Godfather 100 Extent 101 “Here’s Johnny!” et al. 103 S pend the evening at home 107 Häagen-___ 109 Addicts 110 Approaches 111 Container weight 113 ___ Helens 114 German-French river 116 Cultural opening? 118 Snowy peak 121 “So ___ heard” 123 “How can ___ sure?” 124 The Zuider ___ 125 Busy flyer
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Carnival
Continued from page 1 been with the department since 1975 and has served as chief for the past three years. He puts the safety of the community above all else, and it is clear that he enjoys what he does. Demonstrations and education were the name of the game at this event, with everything from the hydraulic jaws of life, the importance of wearing a seatbelt, to even putting out a “real” fire. Think you want to be a hero, too? Contact the Cooperstown Fire Department today. No time to go to the Utica Zoo? Not a problem, they came here! The Utica ZooMobile was greeted by a packed crowd of excited families in the Village Library Upstairs Ballroom. Morgan Rynkiewicz and Kat Hawley, educators at the zoo, took charge of the event and showed off their array of wildlife. One animal in particular who stole the show was an African pygmy hedgehog named Delphi. When the animal fun was over, many visitors headed downstairs to the Friends of the Village Library Book Sale, which extended throughout the weekend. Ivy Bischof, co-chair of Friends of the Village Library, explained that the book sale is a “way for the community to get together in the winter months.” The books are always fresh, with inventory from the summer months completely replaced. Bischof said they sell roughly 1,000 books each day of the event, and all proceeds go to the Cooperstown Village Library. After the bookworms made their purchases, it was time for the opening of the Fenimore Quilt Club Show at the Cooperstown Art Association, which boasted both new and antique quilts on display. Sharon Chambers and Lisa Smith, co-chairs of the show, explained that this has been an annual tradition for more than 30 years. Dozens of quilts lined the walls and center of the room, exhibiting strong patterns, vibrant colors, and intricate stitching. A room at the entrance had been set aside to highlight pieces created by JoAnn Launt, the former co-chair of the Fenimore Quilt Club, who passed
away last year. All those events can certainly make a person hungry, so it was time for many folks to head to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market to grab some groceries for the week. Alex Webster, manager of the market, explained that the market is a year-round amenity for the community to support local businesses and farms. He also expressed his excitement at an event that would be happening there the next night: Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause. Once their groceries were in the car, people began heading up toward St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church to Rotary’s Frosty Fling, organized by the Rotary Club of Cooperstown. Dozens of silent auction baskets lined the inside of the room, with craft vendors flanking the walls. Gifts of all sorts could be purchased, from woven textiles, to jewelry, to even paper crane artwork. Sunday was another day filled with food and fun. The Blizzard Bash was a Winter Carnival first, as people gathered in the Doubleday Field parking lot for a family-friendly cookout complete with music, bounce houses, and pie-eating contests, all leaving folks “wanting s’more” at the fire pit. Community members could reserve a spot to park their cars and have a tailgate party, adding to the whole back-yard BBQ feel of the event. Marcy Birch, a Winter Carnival Committee member, said the Blizzard Bash had a “great turnout,” with “beautiful weather.” Brewery Ommegang’s food truck was also on hand to feed the hungry crowd. Once the Blizzard Bash wrapped up, it was time to take “a voyage to fromage” at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market for Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause. Peg Odell, program and communications manager at Otsego 2000, described how the popular foodie event has been held annually in the community for about a decade. Begun as a fund-raiser for anti-fracking efforts, the gourmet gathering is now held to benefit the farmers’ market itself. “I’m so grateful to the chefs who came out and donated their time,” Odell added.
Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000, which administers the farmers’ market, further explained that Heidelberg Bread donates the bread, Otsego 2000 purchases the cheese, the Chatty Wren donates the coffee, and The Otesaga Resort Hotel donates the dessert platters. Any other addition to the event is donated by the chefs, along with their time and talent. In the market, chefs had set up stations to dish out their creations and visitors walked hungrily down the line to see what they came up with. Plates piled high with different Photo by Emily Hilbert grilled cheese creations Maddie Olesky (left) and Linda Cunningham (right) admire the quilts on display at CAA. (and don’t forget the soups) went as far as the eye could see, with second and third trips a necessity in order to try everything. Jesse Pascale of Rock Hill Farm, whose grilled cheese included roasted garlic, called the event “great fun.” Jenee Rasmussen of Crumhorn Coffee House offered a first to the fundraiser: a grilled cheese with vegan mozzarella. Michelle and Al Rubin of the woman-owned Social Eats Café-Project 607 in Oneonta, talked about how the fund-raiser is a huge success for Otsego County and in bridging the gap between Oneonta Photo by Emily Hilbert and Cooperstown, as Jim Patrick explains to Caden and Maggie Sawyer how hydraulic jaws of life work. their honey miso grilled cheese had flown off the table. Dasang Gurung of Norbu contributed a curried-lentil soup, adding that he enjoys being part of a community with great food. Music was provided by the Stoddard Hollow String Band, who played into the night to the enjoyment of the hungry crowd. Market Manager Webster said the evening went “better than ever,” and was “great community building.” This was not hard to see, as Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause sold out almost a week prior and had an estimated attendance of Photo by Emily Hilbert more than 250 people. Shoppers enjoy the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market during Winter Carnival. At the end of the night, as the crowds made their way to the door and the chefs packed up their supplies, there was an air of satisfaction in the farmers’ market. The event was—much like the Winter Carnival itself— once again a success for the community, leaving people in eager anticipation of what 2025 holds in store.
Photo by Emily Hilbert
Brewery Ommegang’s food truck feeds hungry event-goers during the Blizzard Bash.
Photo by Emily Hilbert
The Rotary Club of Cooperstown’s Frosty Fling featured a fabulous silent auction.
Photo by Emily Hilbert
Photo by Emily Hilbert
Rock Hill Farm owner Jesse Pascale served up grilled cheese sandwiches with Morgan George and Hailey George-Jameson.
Al and Michelle Rubin of Oneonta’s Social Eats Cafe-Project 607 enjoy Grilled Cheese for a Good Cause.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Sailer
Continued from page 1 United States. This month, we talked about Valentine’s Day and the risks of dating,” Sailer said. “For example, if I am dating and kiss a girl who just ate nuts, I can have a severe allergic reaction and go into anaphylactic shock,” he said. Anaphylaxis is a severe, allergic reaction in which the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that cause the body to go into shock. Blood pressure drops suddenly, the airways narrow and the pulse may become weak. Eight percent of all U.S. children have food allergies. That’s 5.9 million children. About 30 percent have multiple allergies. Sailer is in this group. “I am extremely allergic. I am a very specialized case,” Sailer said. He is treated by doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital. Each year, 150-200 people die from allergic reactions to food. Food allergies send 30,000 people to emergency rooms every year and cause 2,000 hospitalizations, according to an article dated 2004 on foodallergy.org. Sailer said, “I want to give a face, a voice and life to these statistics.” “I also have an allergy to local anesthetics. When I go to the dentist and need a cavity filled,
I cannot receive a needle to numb the pain. I just have to tough my way through the drilling,” he said. Sailer recalls going to the emergency room about once a month when he was growing up. Now he ends up in the emergency room about once a year. “Last December, I went to a restaurant in New York City where my family and I have eaten before. What I noticed first is that when I ate a little of the duck sauce, it irritated my throat. I also took a bite of filet mignon. It turns out that it was marinated in peanut sauce. I broke out in red, rashy hives and my airway started getting obstructed,” he said. “I took my Benadryl® and gave myself an injection of epinephrine in the cab on the way to the emergency room. I spent the next 10 hours in the hospital before I was released. I almost died. It is a good thing that we did not board the train back to Oneonta,” Sailer said. Former restaurant critic and author Heidi Knapp Rinella reports that “70 percent of the deaths occur while eating out at a restaurant,” according to her article “Fatal Reaction: When Dinner Turns Deadly.” “I get nervous going to restaurants. I prefer to eat at home,” Sailer said. “I always carry allergy medicine and two EpiPens® with me at all times. My mother
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7 [Frances] also carries two EpiPens in her purse. All my relatives have EpiPens available for when I visit.” “When I was younger, kids would tease me about my food allergies and waive peanut butter at me. They did not realize how dangerous it was,” he said. Sailer was born in Troy, New York and went to school in Saratoga until he was 8 years old. He recalls, “I remember having to sit by myself at lunch and sit in a corner during birthday parties and other events when food was being served.” “Some people compare my food allergies with being lactose intolerant. My allergies are much more serious. They can be deadly. It is not a matter of feeling bloated or getting an upset stomach. If I eat a food I am allergic to, I can die,” Sailer explained. “I also have asthma. Although it is not related to my food allergies, asthma can restrict your airways and so it is a bad combination to have both,” he said. “I take Xolair® once a month by injection. It is not a miracle drug, but lessens the effects of my food allergies. I have been taking it for two or three years. It costs $80,000.00 a year. Luckily, it is covered by my insur-
ance,” Sailer said. “Not everyone is as lucky as I am,” he continued. “Some kids and families need to choose between buying their medicine or buying a house.” These experimental drugs are very expensive, he said. “I am very lucky to have a mother in the medical field. She is a nurse midwife. She is able to inject me with Photo by Monica Calzolari the Xolair medicine I Oneonta Middle School has two tables designated for stutake once a month. I am dents with allergies to peanuts. extraordinarily fortunate that I have a family and a food allergy is as serious way I have.” Rural communities tend community that supports as it is. Food allergies are no joke,” Sailer said. to be poorer and more me,” Sailer said. “Personally, I have an secluded. They do not “I would like to make interest in government, have the same resources a discernable change in politics and legislation. I as large, urban centers, the world, especially for have thought about going Sailer pointed out. those with food aller“I would like chilgies,” he continued. “I into law. There is a field called food allergy law. dren to be taught about am in favor of nasal I would like people not food allergies at a much epinephrine. It is not to have two struggle the younger age,” he said. FDA approved. I would like legislature to speed up the approval process because it can save lives. A lot of kids have a phobia of needles. Nasal epinephrine is easier to administer.” Luckily, Sailer has outgrown his allergy to coconut and scallops, he said. Seafood allergies affect nearly 7 million people, while peanut or tree nut allergies affect 3 million people. People can develop an allergy at any time. “Education is key. Some do not believe a
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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Double Feature at the Foothills Highlights Work of Lori Bailey
THE PARTIAL OBSERVER
ONEONTA ilm and television star Mark Valley, best known for roles on “Boston Legal,” “Jericho” and “Garrow,” and Reality TV show personality Bulent Gurcan of Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid” will be joining regional indie film producer and director Lori Bailey on Saturday, February 17 for a double feature screening of two locally-produced films, “A Roadhouse Coup” and “Garrow.” “Our first movie of the evening is ‘A Roadhouse Coup,’ which chronicles the life and crimes of Otsego County’s famous ‘Mallet Murderess,’ Eva Coo,” said Bailey. “This film features former Senator James Seward, Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and retired Oneonta Police Chief Douglas Brenner, along with an eclectic cast of Photo provided local actors.” The second half of the double feature will be “Garrow,” a true crime drama profiling the nationally-famous case of Adirondacks serial killer Robert F. Garrow. “This film supports a well-mixed cast of notable and recognizable talent— Mark Valley, Philip Casnoff, Terri Garber and Jay-Alan Christianson—along with many local actors, extras, and law-enforcement officials that were instrumental in the 1978 manhunt, capture, and death of serial killer Robert Garrow,” according to Bailey. The movies will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. Tickets for this one-night-only, back-to-back screening are $20.00 and can be purchased online at foothillspac. org or at the door. “Come meet and greet Mark Valley and other surprise guests at the Foothills,” invited Bailey. “Grab a drink. Snap a photo. Support local theater and the arts. Most of all, enjoy the shows and be afraid…be very afraid!”
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Continued from page 1 Valley and an active environmentalist, pre-sented a compelling argument for the expansion of nuclear power as the best alternative to the use of fossil fuels. He reminded everyone that the good record of Upstate New York in reducing carbon emissions was due in large part to the functioning of the nuclear facilities located in Wayne and Oswego counties. Absent an increase of nuclear power capacity to serve the Downstate area, Schue demonstrated how the state’s present underlying policies and targets on renewable energy actually perpetuate rather than eliminate, the use of fossil fuels. Schue argued that this continued reliance on fossil fuels would be required even when the renewable energy sources were operating at 100 percent efficiency. And the need for fossil fuels becomes even more acute when one considers the inherent unreliability of solar panels and wind turbines, in that the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow, he said. After the presentation,
Town Board members and the speakers considered issues raised by the written questions, including concerns of possible ground water contamination due to use of pesticides to limit grass growth under solar panels. The issue of monitoring these facilities and securing the expense of dismantling and decommissioning the solar panel units after their useful life engendered a lively and extended discussion. Finally, in response to one question, it was pointed out that installation of a battery facility to store energy could be hazardous in the event the lithium batteries ever caught fire, which is not unheard of, as such fires are difficult to extinguish. At the conclusion of the meeting, Supervisor Bauer said he and the board would review the present draft of the proposed amendment to the town’s land-use law and submit the proposed revisions for public consideration in the near future.
deeply rooted in my own experience. It is tied to the land. It takes this land to ground me,” Wujnovich said. Her poems in 2023 were largely driven by a house fire that dislodged her and her husband from the hay loft of the former dairy barn they lived in. “All I could write was haiku for a while,” Wujnovich said. Haiku is a Japanese form for three-line poems traditionally evoking images of the natural world. Prominent book artist Roni Gross, whose works appear in the collections of The Library of Congress, Harvard, and Yale, selected one of Wujnovich’s poems, “I Knew How to Be Helpful,” for a limitededition letterpress book. “The poem is the story of when I was a young girl in a dangerous predicament with a predator and how my voice saved my life. It’s important for women’s voices to be heard,” Wujnovich said. The letterpress book was recently shown at the prestigious CODEX Continued from page 2 International Biennial as a poem. Then, I started Artists’ Book Fair and writing more and more Symposium in Oakland, poems. Poetry suits my California. lifestyle. My poetry is
Poetry
STEVE DAVIS
Beekeeping Is a Hobby?
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recent survey by ModestFish identified beekeeping as the number one favorite alternative hobby in New York State. At first I was really thrilled to see that so many people wanted to participate in apiculture. Then that uneasy cloud cast its shadow over me. “Hobby?” Beekeepers take up the activity for various reasons. Most want their own sustainably-sourced honey. Some expect to make money from it. Many want to get closer to nature or appease their environmental guilts by supporting these little pollinators. And many beekeepers are just masochists, wondering what they can do to impose their YouTube techniques on one of nature’s most perfectly refined creatures. Let’s start with a few fun facts. Honeybees provide pollination for about one third of the food we eat. Eighty-five percent of the flowering plants rely on honeybee pollination. These plants provide food for other animals, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and add nutrients to the soil. The soil is held in place by the roots from the plants that the bees pollinate. This is the short version of just a piece of the fabulous miracle of our food chain. So, it troubles me that “hobby” doesn’t quite reflect the level of recognition these little creatures deserve. They are essential to our world and they are worthy of greater admiration and respect. Serving up a few more facts: Apples, carrots, squashes, almonds, broccoli…all need bee pollinators. If you are not a fan of fruits and vegetables, let’s talk about meat. Cows eat alfalfa and other grasses. No bees, no meat, no milk, butter or ice cream. (New Zealand serves honey ice cream! It’s worth the trip.) That’s a taste of the obvious stuff. Bees play an essential role in simply allowing us to live. But keeping bees is an educational adventure, too. We’ve heard the “circle of life” stories relating to so many natural cycles. Beekeeping provides the vehicle to understanding the connectivity of so many of nature’s systems. I often refer to the timing of these interrelated systems as “seasonality.” The queen bee lays eggs in late winter. As the larvae develop, the maple blossoms pop out and dandelions grow. These plants which provide nutrition for the developing larvae are reacting to the seasonal longer days and the warming weather. A major antagonist in beekeeping is the varroa mite, which transmits diseases. The mite population begins to increase perfectly coinciding to the new larval growth. As days shorten, there is actually a physiological change in honeybees. While normally a worker bee will live about 4-6 weeks, these winter bees need to live several months. So winter bees actually store extra fat in their bodies so the bees themselves become an energy source for the colony as they generate heat by shivering through the cold months. So our hobby bees are a thread that ties together seasons, plants, weather and even dependencies with other challenging insects.
Photo provided
Beekeeping can also trigger philosophical thoughts if you want to venture beyond a casual hobby activity. As a beekeeper, you can delight in looking for the one queen in a mass of 50,000 constantly moving, miniscule, nearly identical insects. If you don’t find her, is she really missing? There is an ancient philosophical question, “Is absence of evidence, evidence of absence?” Just because you can’t find her, does it mean she is not there? Carl Sagan asked this question, trying to comprehend the existence of extraterrestrial life. Cultures have pondered this question for ages, seeking to know if God exists. If this hobby can lead us to wondering about the existence of God, where else could it lead us? So I struggle with calling beekeeping a mere hobby. I began beekeeping in hopes that I could learn to be a better human. The organization and cooperation in the hive is a miraculous example of how a complex society can function. There are so many lessons to learn. Are you looking for a thoughtprovoking hobby? You don’t need a bee veil or an Epipen®. You can join this natural connectivity at any part of the circle. Let more of your lawn grow native plants. Reduce your mowing, especially in May when those larvae need pollen the most. Stop inappropriate use of pesticides. Consider participating in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Pollinator Partnership program. And, of course, come talk honeybees with us at the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association meetings. We meet on the fourth Thursday of nearly every month at 7 p.m. at The Farmers Museum. Check out our Facebook page or website. Or you may join us on February 24 for an “Introduction to Beekeeping” class. Registration information is on our sites. But wait. I can’t leave you without one “the birds and the bees” story. The term “honeymoon” originates from an ancient Norse term for “honey month.” Traditionally, newlyweds would enjoy a period of seclusion, with an ample supply of mead, a fermented honey wine. Mead originated for medicinal purposes but was soon recognized for its aphrodisiac qualities. Cheers! Steve Davis is a beekeeper and mentoring coordinator for the Leatherstocking Beekeepers Association.
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$ 1.9 trillion $ 1.2 trillion $ 3.1 trillion
TCJA (Tax Cut and Jobs Act) CARES & CARES + (COVID Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) CAA (Consolidated Appropriations Act) ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)
The numbers bust a final myth about the roles of the two most recent presidential administrations in driving up The Debt. The Trump Administration added about $6 trillion to The Debt, while the Biden Administration added $3.1 trillion. Most of the emergency measures to address COVID were needed except, perhaps, a final round of stimulus checks included in the ARPA during the first months of the Biden Administration. And yes, the $9 trillion in federal spending had a role in the inflation that we’ve experienced for the past two years. That’s why inflation myth busting is on deck for next time. Larry Malone is professor emeritus of economics at Hartwick College.
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Hi. My name is Gavin Iorizzo and I’m in 4th grade in Mrs. Reis’ class in Cooperstown, and I think there should be a story on Riverwood on Main Street. It’s the only toy store in town and on February 29 it is sadly leaving. It is going to be moving to Ithaca, New York. I think it’s a loss to the community. It’s a loss because it will be harder to find cool toys unrelated to baseball. The owner, Todd, is kind and generous. He is also sad to be leaving Cooperstown. If you see him around, give your gratitude to him. He has this cat named Freddie that runs around the store. So go to Riverwood and get your toys, and make sure to say hi to Freddie. I hope you will put this in the paper or spread awareness. Gavin Iorizzo Cooperstown
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TRUMP (2016 to 2020) December 2017 TCJA March 2020 CARES Act April 2020 CARES + December 2020 CAA TRUMP TOTAL
IN
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survive? Who was responsible for the spending that led to the surge in The Debt? The answer is in this table:
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1 million people died and the economy was broken. Today, under his leadership, the economy is stronger than ever with the stock market at new highs and more jobs than any time before, anytime. For a guy who forgets some dates, wow, what a record, especially for middle-class America. Meanwhile, Trump and your congressional representatives have done nothing for you except insult and attack those who do the work and spread fear and loathing: nothing to invest in manufacturing, nothing to build out our infrastructure, nothing to lower your taxes, nothing to bring you healthcare, nothing to bring working families anything of value. What Trump and your Congressional Representatives did do was try to destroy Democracy, praise Russia, and pass huge tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, not you. Look it up. Living in his gold-plated palaces, he is the elite we must stop. Both Joe and Trump forget some dates and names, but only Joe has ever done anything for you. If just this once, vote Honest Joe. For your family. For America. Sherwood Guernsey Rural Freedom Network Pittsfield, MA
Audubon Society. Drive Through Drop Off, OCCA’s community recycling day, will take place at Brewery Ommegang from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Now in its third year, this event helps residents recycle items that are difficult to dispose of properly. The 2023 Drive Through Drop Off pulled nearly 10,000 pounds of trash from the waste stream. A full list of accepted items may be found at www. occainfo.org. OCCA also seeks sponsors for both events. For more information on making a tax-deductible donation, contact Assistant Director Shelby MacLeish at (607) 5474488 or coordinator@ occainfo.org.
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Myth Busting
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County. We are excited to realize opportunities for employees of Springbrook and the people that Springbrook supports, and we look forward to continued growth. If you’re an employer looking to hire qualified employees, contact Employment Services specialists Rhiannon Ham (Broome, Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego counties) at hamr@springbrookny. org or Michele Gravel (Cortland, Onondaga, Tompkins, and Tioga) at gravelm@springbrookny.org to get started! Patricia Kennedy is chief executive officer of Springbrook.
Of his tenure as U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Roberts said, “The hardest decision I had to make was whether to erect fences and barricades around the Supreme Court. I had no choice but to go ahead and do it” because, he said, of protest over the draft decision to overrule Roe v. Wade that leaked from the Supreme Court in 2022. Of course, no one attacked the court after it overruled Roe. Is the Chief Justice now driven by fear of the MAGA mob? It seems so from the Supreme Court’s February 8 oral argument in Trump v. Anderson. When Jason Murray, the Colorado voters’ attorney, asked the Court to uphold the state’s disqualification of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate, the Chief Justice replied with concern about titfor-tat responses by other states resulting in the “daunting consequence” that the nation would be left with “just a handful of states that are going to decide the presidential election.” Mr. Murray responded that the court has the authority and responsibility to prevent that outcome by rejecting frivolous constitutional claims. The Chief Justice interrupted him. “Well now, hold on. You might think they’re frivolous but the people who are bringing them may not think they’re frivolous.” With that, the Chief Justice left the impression that MAGA beliefs, let alone lies, threats, or violent actions, are reason enough to sidestep constitutional review of Colorado’s decision to disqualify a presidential candidate. Has any Chief Justice ever made our Supreme
Court appear less capable of meeting the moment? Mr. Murray returned to the constitutional question, arguing that, “There’s a reason Section 3 [of the 14th Amendment] has been dormant for 150 years. And it’s because we haven’t seen anything like January 6th since reconstruction. Insurrection against the Constitution is something extraordinary.” The Chief Justice pushed back, accusing Mr. Murray of evading the question that Mr. Murray himself was asking the court to decide: “It seems to me you’re avoiding the question, which is other states may have different views about what constitutes insurrection. And now you’re saying well, it’s all right, because somebody, presumably us, [will decide what an insurrection is]. And we’d have to develop rules for what constitutes an insurrection.” Mr. Murray reassured the Chief Justice that the court indeed can and should decide the constitutionality of any state’s decision that a presidential candidate is an insurrectionist under the 14th Amendment, “just like this court interprets other constitutional provisions.” As further reassurance, Mr. Murray could have pointed out that the Roberts court had not incited mob violence with its numerous decisions rejecting MAGA’s 2020 election challenges, including those supported by the spouse of a justice sitting that day in judgment of his client’s case. Chief Justice Roberts and the Supreme Court now have “no choice but to go ahead” and decide whether fear or the Constitution will rule the day. Joseph R. Membrino Cooperstown
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Roberts Just Courting Fear?
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 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. 69 Beaver Street – Applicant is seeking an Area Variance to build a garage within the side yard setback. The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments • must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@ cooperstownny. org, or • by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, March 5, 2024, or • may be offered in person at the 5:00 p.m. ZBA meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Respectfully, Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)5472411 Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org Legal nOtice 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 25, 2024, at 1 PM to transact a
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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.22
made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
NEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Cooperstown, NY 13326. Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.14
FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 4LegalFeb.29
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
Legal nOtice SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Otsego County. U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstLAURIE HEXT AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARILYN L. HEXT; ASHLEY MATTESON AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARILYN L. HEXT; HELENE EJDESTAM AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARILYN L. HEXT; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARILYN L. HEXT; LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (NORTHERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Index No. EF2023-772. Mortgaged Premises: 16 Canterbury Circle, Washingtonville, NY 10992 Section: 103 Block: 4 Lot: 18 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $107,167.62 and interest, recorded in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office on April 17, 2008 in Book 1550, Page 350, Document Number 2008-00062996, covering the premises known as 325 Butternut Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Otsego County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTOR-
Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF How Life Works, LLC. Filed 12/21/23. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 361 Bush Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Registered Agent: Usacorp Inc, 325 Division Ave, Ste 201, Bklyn, NY 11211. Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.21 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ELITE SANITATION ENTERPRISES LLC A Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization were filed with the New York Secretary of State on February 5, 2024. 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: Gabriele Travis, 854 County Highway 39, Worcester, NY 12197. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMar.21 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Dublin Consulting NY LLC filed w/ SSNY 1/31/24. Off. in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agt. of LLC upon whom process may be served & shall mail process to c/o James C. Raneri, 644 Keys Rd,
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Craft Woodworking LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 21, 2023. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 1431, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.14 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SG JUNIOR, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 01/26/24. 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, PO Box 1373, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMar.14 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LOTUS GLASS STUDIO, LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/2/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1091 County Hwy 46, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.14
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Doubleday Court LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/1/2024. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Molly Hernandez, 17 Walnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. General Purpose 6LegalMar.14 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Butternut Valley Ventures LLC filed 1/18/24 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 4021 State Highway 51, Garrattsville, NY 13342 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalMar.14
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the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalMar.7 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Articles of Organization of Schweitzer CS LLC (the “LLC”) were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on January 5, 2024, effective upon the date of filing. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 21 Frederick Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702. Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.7 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Arts of Org. filed w/ SSNY 1/19/24. Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St, #112, Albany, NY 12207 General Purpose 6LegalMar.14
Articles of Organization of Schweitzer GC LLC (the “LLC”) were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on May 15, 2023, effective upon the date of filing. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 21 Frederick Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702. Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.7
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Randylayne And Sons Consulting LLC.
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Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 01/23/2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to The LLC, 93 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of
Filed 1/7/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 23 Watson St., Unadilla, NY 13849. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.7 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
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be served. SSNY should mail process to Alfred W. Quick: 7553 NY-80, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.
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TIN BIN ALLEY LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 1/22/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 4305 61st St, Apt. C2, Woodside NY 11377. Purpose: any lawful 6LegalMar.7
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 11 January 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 114 Main St, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalFeb.22
Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Roaming Roots Farm LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/14/2024. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 174 Main St, Otego, NY 13825. General Purpose 6LegalFeb.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Quicksilverkeys LLC filed w/ SSNY 1/18/24. Off. in Otsego Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the LLC, PO Box 386, Oneonta, NY 13820. Any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Terraforge Motorsports LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State Of New York (SSNY) on 01/14/2023. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of BARREL SEE LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/27/23, Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Aidan Sawyer, 211 County Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY 13326 General Purpose 6LegalFeb.22 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FILING: APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY (FOREIGN LLC). ADESACOLE LLC Application for authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/29/23. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to DOYINSOLA HALIMAT OGBEIFUN : 14 Tilton Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.22
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11
OBITUARIES
Photo provided
FRANCES G. bLIVEN
Frances G. Bliven 1932-2024
“Hello. This is Fran. Sorry I can’t be with you right now. I’m off—got another project going…” was what one would hear when leaving a message on Fran’s voice mail. How true! Fran was a lifelong learner whose calendar was filled with classes, meetings, workdays, concerts, and performances. Or, perhaps she was on one of her many international or continental trips. As a volunteer, Fran was a charter member, officer, board member, facilitator, participant, refreshment provider, usher or appreciative audience of AAUW (American Association of University Women and subsequent book club), Catskill Symphony (Christmas gift-wrapping specialist), CCAL (The Center for Continuing Adult Learning—how to tie scarves and travelogue maven), Chain Gang Crochet Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Rho Chapter (female outstanding educators), Executive Service Corps, Fenimore Art Museum, Friends of Huntington Memorial Library, Glimmerglass Guild and Festival, Greater Oneonta Historical Society, Oneonta Concert Association, Oneonta Federated Garden Club (Art in Bloom winner several times), PEO Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization), Susquehanna Valley Quilters, Friends of the Swart-Wilcox House Museum, and more. Fran was also known as a “Church Lady,” who arrived early and stayed late at First United Presbyterian (the “Red Door” Church) in Oneonta. She became a member in 1968 and was ordained a Ruling Elder in 1979 to serve on Session. Her favorite groups were Presbyterian Women, Sanctuary Guild, the Worship and Music Committee, and Memorial Fund team. She was often in the kitchen helping to prepare dinners, receptions, Summer Food Program lunches—or at The Lord’s Table serving dinners to whoever came through the door. As a member of the Adult Class and FUP Book Club, she often surprised other participants by her observations and wry comments. A native of Oxford, New York, Fran was born on July 16, 1932 to Paul and Elizabeth (nee Corbin) Bliven. Her “baby” brother, Robert, arrived eight years later. They walked to school every day and enjoyed
the family farm on Bliven Road, named after her great-grandfather. After graduating from Oxford High School in 1950 she attended State Teachers College at Oneonta, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also studied at SUNY Buffalo and the Universities of Massachusetts and Tennessee. She used to say that after going to a “Normal School”—she hasn’t been normal since. As a proud graduate of the Class of 1954, she was looking forward to celebrating her 70th anniversary of graduation. Fran began her career as a home economics teacher in Stamford, New York (1954-1957), then moved to Geneseo to teach on the high-school level (1957-1964). While there, she met Susan Albright, who lived in the same old Victorian house. Fran invited Sue to her parents’ home in Oxford when her brother, Bob, was home on leave from the Navy. It was love at first sight and they were married nine months later. Fran didn’t admit to being the matchmaker for five years. She said, “I wanted to be sure it would last…” In 1964, Fran began teaching at her beloved alma mater in the Bugbee Campus School. She inspired both her seventhand eighth-grade students (fondly known as the Bugbee Brats) as well as the student teachers assigned to learn from her. She taught them everything from how to create a budget to etiquette to sewing to French cooking! While teaching, Fran served as president of the New York State Council of Educational Associations and New York State Home Economics Teachers Association. She was also a board member of several other state and national educational organizations. After retiring as an associate professor in 1990, Fran was president of the SUNY Oneonta RFPAA (Retired Faculty, Professionals and Administrators Association) and an active member of the SUNY Alumni Association, the 1889 Society, and the Netzer Planned Giving Society. On Thursday mornings she often wore colorful clothing and jewelry from one of her travel adventures to her playdate with the 2-1/2- to 3year-olds at the Bugbee Children’s Center (the oldest playmate until 2019). In 2017, she was nominated to be one of
the Community Heroes in Portraiture for a special exhibit at SUNY Oneonta by artist Janet Wentworth Erickson. As a single woman all her life, Fran figured out how to live life fully and well. She exercised her body, mind and spirit on a regular basis. As a former “home ec” teacher, she had an eye for fashion and complementing outfits with jewelry and scarves that she had collected from all over the world. Fran enjoyed good food and wine on picnics and in pubs or fancy restaurants. She traveled well and became a good photographer to share her journeys with others. She was willing to try just about anything with her childlike curiosity. Fran was a role model, friend and confidante to many. She listened well and had a gentle way of helping people think about how to improve. Always the teacher. Fran had great wisdom, a dry sense of humor, a quick wit, and a joy of life that encouraged others. In later years she discovered that she preferred being a helper to others instead of a leader. Fran passed away peacefully on February 4, 2024 at A.O. Fox Nursing Home and Rehab, Oneonta, New York. She is survived by Bob and Sue Bliven, her brother and sister-in-law, of Somerset, Kentucky and many cousins and friends. Visitation will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, February 12 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13 at the First United Presbyterian (“Red Door”) Church, 381 Main Street, Oneonta, with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Walton-Leavitt officiating. A reception will follow the service in the church’s social hall. In the spring, her interment will be held at the J.D. Lewis Cemetery in Preston, New York. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, 2 Walling Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820 or in memory of Frances G. Bliven (note in memo) payable to SUNY Oneonta Foundation and mailed to University Advancement, Alumni Hall, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to an organization of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www. lhpfuneralhome.com
leWiS, HurleY & pietrobono
Skrzypiec; father Brian Curpier; grandmother Linda X. Curpier; aunt Chris Schiele; and cousin Frank Schiele. In lieu of flowers, we kindly suggest considering a donation to your local SPCA. There will be no services, only a family gathering to share memories privately. Photo provided
BRADLEY S. CURPIER
Bradley S. Curpier 1969-2024
ONEONTA—It is with both heavy hearts and fond remembrance that we celebrate the life of Bradley S. Curpier, who departed from this world on February 5, 2024. He was born on March 20, 1969 in Fort Rucker, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond the struggles he faced. Brad approached life with an extraordinary level of compassion and kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew him. Despite the challenges he encountered, Brad exemplified the true essence of empathy, making lasting connections with those fortunate enough to be part of his journey. Upon completing his high-school education in 1987 at Oneonta High School, Brad proceeded to pursue further studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. Following this, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Key West, Florida. Like his father, Brian, Brad loved aviation and quickly earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying for much of his adult life. His passion for aviation evolved into a career managing Clipper Aviation at the Oneonta Airport until 2011. Brad’s other lifelong joys were golf, shooting, fishing and his dogs. Brad is survived by his stepmother, Linda Curpier, whom he always referred to as “mom” and phoned nearly every day to checkin; brothers Adam, Peter (Crystal), and Carl Curpier (Kristen Shea); sister Leia Milavec (Mitch); sister Sunny CagninaMire; son Dakodan Wyckoff; longtime friend and companion Donna Moore; nieces Lauren Degraw and Cruz and Haze Curpier; nephews Alexander Curpier and James Milavec; and his beloved German shorthaired pointer, Riley. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins. Brad is predeceased by his mother, Margaret
Heller & Skinner
Funeral Home
Funeral Home
51 Dietz Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com
155 Main Street Worcester, nY 607-397-9711 www.hellerskinnerfh.com
Proud to be family-owned John & Kathleen (Heller) Pietrobono
Daniel Rutherford 1967-2024
ONEONTA—Daniel (Dan) Rutherford of Oneonta, 57, passed away unexpectedly at home from a heart attack in the early morning hours of February 10, 2024. He was a graduate of Oneonta High School in 1985, earned an associate’s degree from SUNY Cobleskill in 1987 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Oneonta in 1989. Dan worked for UPS for 30+ years, retiring in March 2022. He was also a courier for Community Bank since 2013. At times, Dan could appear to be gruff; however, anyone who knew him knew that he had one of the most genuine and sincere hearts. He is someone who always made it a point to check up on his neighbors and had a strong sense of duty to make sure people always knew they were cared about. He enjoyed hunting, traveling, baseball, his morning coffee appointments with friends and, most of all, spending time with his family. Dan was present at nearly every sports game, theatrical play and any other event in which his sons participated. In 2006, Dan received a kidney transplant from his sister, which drastically improved his quality of life.
Photo provided
daniel rutherford
Dan was preceded in death by his father, Gary Rutherford, and loyal canine companion Cain. Dan is survived by his son and daughterin-law, Joshua and Kari Rutherford, Maryland, New York; son Adam Rutherford (Brianna Laing), Rensselaer, New York; mother Eleanor Rutherford, Oneonta, New York; sister Julie Sutton, Afton, New York; partner Christine Neuhaus, Oneonta, New York; nephew Kevin Sutton, Greenville, North Carolina; and numerous cousins and friends that will miss both him and his humor dearly. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with the service starting at noon, on Saturday, February 17 at the Lewis Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home at 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta, with the Rev. David Rockwell officiating. Burial will be in Hillington Cemetery in Morris. The family extends heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Raquel Rosen of Bassett Nephrology for her many years of professional, compassionate care. Memorial donations may be sent to the Delaware Valley Humane Society, 101 E. Main St., Sidney, NY 13838. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www. lhpfuneralhome.com
Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar. Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home
Dignity, Respect, Tradition
Dignified and Caring Service since 1925
Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings.
Peter A. Deysenroth
82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com
what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________ Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com
A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
►Friday, Feb. 16 CONSERVATION—All day. “27th Annual Great Back Yard Bird Count.” Count birds in the back yard, at the local park or wherever birds can be found and report observations online. Held through 2/19. Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. Visit https://doas.us/ QUILT SHOW— 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Fenimore Quilt Club Show.” Warm, artistic and antique quilts on display from local quilters. On view through 2/18. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. Visit https://www.cooperstownart.com/ EXHIBIT OPENING—Noon to 4 p.m. “Precautions Urged: Public Health and Pandemics in Oneonta.” Explores the Great Influenza of 1918, tuberculosis, polio, HIV/Aids and the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on Oneonta. Displayed through 5/4. Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.
POTTERY—1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@SmithyArts.org or visit https://www. smithyarts.org/ TAX PREP—4:30-6:30 p.m. “Free Tax Preparation.” Get help with taxes from IRS-certified volunteers. Laurens Central School, 55 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-2050 ext. 1120. DANCE—6-9 p.m. “Valentine’s Barn Dance.” Old-time square dances, contradance, jigs, waltzes, more. Set to live music by the Contrasonics with Garry Aney calling. No partner/ experience necessary. Free admission, donation appreciated. Springfield Community Center, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. (607) 287-1410. MOVIE—7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. “Blazing
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Bieritz insurance agency Real people who truly care... your hometown insurance agency! 209 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-2951 across from Bruce Hall 607-263-5170 in Morris Celebrating our rd
Ben Novellano
33 YEAR! 1990-2023
what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________
Saddles: 50th AnniverTAX PREP—10 a.m. to sary Screening.” Trivia, 3 p.m. “Free Tax Preparawhat’s prizes. 18+, cash bar for haPPENIN’ tion.” Get help with taxes in OtsegO COunty 21+. Costumes encourfrom IRS-certified volunaged. Entry by donation. teers. Held Saturdays Foothills Performing Arts through 4/15. Huntington and Civic Center, 24 MarMemorial Library, 62 ket Street, Oneonta. (607) Chestnut Street, Oneonta. 431-2080 or visit https:// (607) 432-1980. www.foothillspac.org/ MARKET—11 a.m. CONSERVATION— to 4 p.m. “Cabin Fever 7:30 p.m. “Invasive SpeMarket.” Toys, collectcies” with OCCA Program ibles, many local vendors Director Jeff O’Handley. available. Strawberry Hall What to watch for, what to next to the Worcesterdo. Includes overview of Schenevus Library, 170 the species, where they Main Street, Worcester. came from, why they are (607) 397-7309. a problem here, and how SPIRIT FEST—1-4 p.m. participants can help con- “Cabin Fever Spirit Fest: trol the spread. Presented Through the Veil with online by the DelawareISD.” Spiritual shopping Otsego Audubon Society. and psychic readings with Visit https://doas.us/ the Institute for Spiritual Development of Oneonta. ►Saturday, Feb. 17 Held at the Southside Mall, 5006 State HighFIRST AID—9 a.m. way 23, Oneonta. (607) “CPR Certification 433-2089 or visit https:// Course.” West Oneonta www.facebook.com/isdoFire Department, 2862 neonta/ County Road 8, Oneonta HISTORY—2 p.m. “A and at the Cherry ValHistory of the Grange” ley Fire Department, 11 with Gail Lewis, master Railroad Avenue, Cherry of the Pierstown Grange. Valley. (607) 547-4328. Learn the history of loEDUCATION— cal granges, followed by 9:30 a.m. to noon. “Cricut discussion. Free. KinWinter Workshop.” Learn ney Memorial Library, about smart cutting ma3140 County Route 11, chines to customize evHartwick. (607) 293eryday items. $30/class, 6199. supplied included. Cherry BENEFIT—4-8 p.m. Valley-Springfield Cen“Spaghetti Dinner Bentral School, 597 County efit.” Support a local hero Highway 54, Cherry Valley. having serious health (607) 264-3265 ext. 518. issues. Dinner includes spaghetti, homemade
_______
AllOTSEGO. 1915 Renovated thRee-bedRoom plus Colonial faRmhouse is located in the hamlet of Hartwick and minutes to historic Cooperstown. The front porch, recently rebuilt, guides you into a hall entrance w/ built-in cubby bench and a two-landing staircase w/reading nook. The LR and DR are open w/new pellet stove. Hardwood floors throughout. The kitchen, completely remodeled, offers exposed original brick, treated butcherblock countertops, a deep ceramic farmhouse sink and custom shelving. All-new appliances remain. The first-floor bath includes the washer and dryer. The kitchen opens into a large, vaulted family room that leads to the big back deck. The master, two bedrooms and a full bath complete the second floor. Many updates include freshly-painted interior and exterior, new roof with architectural asphalt shingles, electrical updates, added outlets, new light fixtures, new oil tank, new exterior side door w/weather shield awning to deflect water and snow. Cooperstown Central School District. This home is in move-in condition. offered exclusively by lamb Realty $305,000.00 onCe Called “muRphy’s faRm,” this peRiod home, 1840, has its oRiginal ChaRm. Formal entrance foyer leads to a LR w/original hardwood floors, FP and French doors to the rear gardens. To the right of the foyer is a sitting room w/entrance door from the side porch and an open kitchen w/plenty of cupboards, pantry, laundry and first floor full bath. A spacious family room/DR is off the kitchen. Back staircase to office or nursery. The center hall foyer has a custom curved staircase; its stunning curves take you to a sweet landing, three bedrooms with eyebrow windows and another full bath. The master bedroom is spacious with a large closet. The home sits on 1.68 acres and has views of the meadow, also part of this offering, of 6.66 acres across County Road 22. This lovely home is situated just minutes to the center of Richfield Springs, State Route 20, with Canandarago Lake, grocery shopping, seasonal farmer’s markets, coffee shops and restaurants. The property has not been lumbered and there is additional income in the desirable trees on the vacant 6-plus-acre property across the road. A must-see property. offered exclusively by lamb Realty $ 325,000.00
LAMB REALTY Out Ahead of the Flock!
607-547-8145 | 607-435-3387
Nancy C. Angerer Broker Donna Skinner Associate Broker 607-287-4113
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Matt Schuermann
Registered Mortgage Broker NYS Banking Dept.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 sauce, salad, bread, homemade desserts and a 50/50 raffle. Suggested donation, $12. Hartwick Seminary Fire Department, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8091. FILM SCREENING— 7 p.m. “A Road House Coup” and “Garrow” double feature. Tickets, $20. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit https://www.foothillspac. org/
►Sunday, Feb. 18 EXERCISE—10:4511:15 a.m. “Intro to Group Cycling.” Open to beginners, seniors, anyone wanting a low intensity indoor cycling ride. Registration required. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800. READING—1-3 p.m. Poems and stories with local poets Julene Waffle, Vicki Whicker and Lisa Wujnovich. The Gatehouse Coffee Shop, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111 or visit https:// www.facebook.com/thegatehouseny DANCING—2-5 p.m. Round and Square Dancing. Covered Bridge Farm Market, 331 Covered Bridge Road, Unadilla. CONCERT—3 p.m. “Good Ol’ Summer in Winter Concert” with the Oneonta Community Concert Band. Free admission. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit https://www.foothillspac.org/
►Monday, Feb. 19 Presidents’ Day EXERCISE CLASS— 9-10 a.m. Each Monday and Thursday with instructor Carol Thompson. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309. PLAY & LEARN— 10 a.m. Guided sensory learning for children aged 5 and under. Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
CONNECTIONS— 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. “One-on-One Tech Support.” Reserve a spot to get help using personal devices from iphones to tablets. Held each third Monday of the month with Debra Eric Camier. Connections at Clark Sports Center, Community Room, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com CONCERT—Noon. “Midday Music at St. Mary’s” with the Fair Winds Quintet. American music including spirituals, ragtime, blues, jazz, rock, and more honoring Black composers and performers. Free admission, refreshments. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 7690 State Highway 80, Springfield Center. (607) 233 – 4523 ext. 101. WEBINAR—Noon. “Working with Wholesale Buyers.” Presented by the 2024 Agricultural Marketing Webinar Series. Held online by CCE Harvest New York. (518) 5693073. GARDEN CLUB—1 p.m. “The World of Japanese Micro-seasons.” Presentation by Alexis Agliano Sanborn. All welcome for annual tea. Bring a sweet or savory treat to share. Oneonta Garden Club at the St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. POTTERY—1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@SmithyArts.org or visit https://www.smithyarts.org/ FIRST AID—6 p.m. “CPR Certification Course.” Unadilla Fire Department, 72 Clifton Street, Unadilla. (607) 547-4328. TAX PREP—6-8 p.m. “Free Tax Preparation.” Get help with taxes from IRS-certified volunteers. Held Mondays and Tuesdays through 4/15. 2nd floor, Golisano Hall, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338. THEATER—6:30 p.m. Auditions for Starkid’s production of “Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier.” All welcome. Sarkus-Busch Theater, Robert McLaughlin College Center, Room 247, Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer. (315) 866-0300 ext. 8259.
►Tuesday, Feb. 20
Curb appeal plus with Village of Cooperstown home! Twin first and second floor wrap-around porches are just the beginning! Entire home was redone in 2007 and is move-in ready. Interior features well appointed eat-in kitchen w/quartz counter tops, LR w/exposed beams, hardwood floors and 1/2-bath w/stack laundry. Upstairs has two bedrooms w/large closets and office space. Attached garage offers upscale second-floor unit. Outside features a huge deck and fully fenced back yard. Versatile home will appeal to owner-occupants and investors alike! $399,900. MLS#R1520511
COMMUNITY HIKE— 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Neahwa/Catella parks, Oneonta. Contact hike leader Tracy Verma, (607) 353-9620, or visit https://susqadk.org/
►Visit allotsego.com/ otsego-county-events-calendar/ for the full calendar.
Thinking of Selling Your House? Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land
99 Main Street, Oneonta office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580 www.oneontarealty.com Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant
Inventory is low and buyers’ interest is at an all-time high! Call today! Our professional team of Realtors is excited to help 166 Main Street, Suite 1 you start the new year right by listing with Oneonta | 607.433.2873 Oneonta Realty and the Scanlon Homes Team. oneontarealty.com