The Freeman's Journal 03-02-23

DEC Summer Camp Spots Up for Grabs

Lottery Begins March 1st

OTSEGO COUNTY

Children ages 11 through 13 throughout Otsego County have an opportunity to win a free week at a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation summer camp through a special lottery offered by the Otsego County Conservation Association. The lottery is open through the month of March, with winners announced on March 31, OCCA officials said.

“For over 75 years, DEC summer camps have offered young people so many wonderful educational experiences in the great outdoors,” said Amy Wyant, OCCA’s executive director. “We are pleased to be able to once again offer this opportunity to children in the area.”

Children ages 11-13 can enter the lottery with parental permission by filling out an entry form on OCCA’s website at https://occainfo.org/camp/.

The form requires name, age, and contact information, and asks the children to answer a

single question: Why do you want to go to DEC summer camp? Wyant said, “We’ve awarded camperships through essay contests in the past but decided to simplify things for this year.”

Winners will have multiple sessions and camps to choose from, Wyant said. DEC currently offers camps at four locations across the state, including in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and western New York. Camp activities include hiking, canoeing, fishing, and archery; exploring diverse habitats; and learning basic ecological principles and skills. Camps run for five days, with the first available session beginning on July 2 and the last ending on August 18.

“Through generous funding from the Tianaderrah Foundation, we’ve been able to send many kids to DEC summer camps over the years,” Wyant said. “Everyone who has gone has told us what a great experience it is.”

For more information, call OCCA at (607) 547-4488.

Editor’s Note: Due to unforseen circumstances, part two of the “Otsego County EMS Reaches Crossroads” series will run next week. Please stay tuned.

Just a Girl and Her Chicken HARTWICK—Tom and Betty Steele’s granddaughter, Lily Luna Goodspeed, developed a special bond with one of the Steeles’ hens during a recent visit from California with her father, Jimmy Goodspeed. “I needed a name for one of my hens that I adopted from the SQSPCA. Lily Luna decided to name her Popcorn. So fitting,” Betty Steele said. We invite you to send pictures of your furry, feathered or finned friends to darlay@allotsego.com. Every week, we’ll select at least one photograph to be highlighted in the newspapers and online.

Public

Hearing Set for March 7

Lake Street Permit To Be Considered

By CASPAR EWIG

COOPERSTOWN

At 7 p.m. on March 7, the Cooperstown Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider an application for a special use permitting short-term rentals to exist on the property at 40 Lake Street. The original application, heard on February 7, was tabled to determine whether the 400-foot-radius of notification to adjacent property owners had been completed as required.

The home in question, originally built in 1793 and once known as the Averill Cottage, is one of a number of large, single-family houses that front on Lake Street, east of The Otesaga Resort Hotel. Its present owners—Mark Curley, wife Mary, and Mark’s mother, Irene—purchased the property in October of last year.

The application to permit the four upstairs bedrooms to be used for short-term rentals of periods less than 30 days has drawn a rather impassioned opposition from adjacent property owners and other Cooperstownians who feel that permitting this historical structure to be used to house short-term renters would negatively impact the neighborhood.

“This would set a terrible precedent,” said Chip Northrup, who lives at 17 River Street.

In a letter to the Zoning Enforcement Officer, Northrup stated that “the application…as deeply flawed as it is…exposes the potential harm that can be done to a stable, single-family neighborhood by converting a historic single-family home into transient housing.”

Mark Curley countered this by saying any

Continued on page 6

Maher, Oberacker Calling for Universal School Meals Program

Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Senator Peter Oberacker (R,CSchenevus) are among a group of legislators reaching across the aisle to support creation of a permanent healthy school meals program in New York State.

Maher is a co-sponsor of the legislation introduced by prime sponsor Assemblymember Jessica GonzálezRojas (D, WFP-East Elmhurst). The bill as proposed, A0194/S01678A, would establish the program to provide breakfast and lunch to all children in public school districts, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

The federal program that guaranteed meals to students during the pandemic has expired, leaving 726,000 students without access

to a healthy breakfast and lunch. Maher and Oberacker were joined at a press conference on February 17 by Wallkill Central School District Superintendent Kevin Castle, Sara Gunn, director of the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, and Lori Rolison of the American Heart Association.

“Our children deserve to succeed in school, no matter their circumstances. None of them should be distracted by hunger taking their attention from their studies, personal growth and development,” said Maher, a member of the Committee on Children and Families. “Financial hardship has hit more families than we realize and children shouldn’t suffer for it. This is why a bipartisan network of legislators are working together to create a universal healthy school meals program. Healthy kids mean healthy futures.”

“My father instilled in me at a very young age the value of eating

healthy and he always talked about how important it was that his children did not go to bed or to school on an empty stomach,” said Senator Oberacker. “I am proud to join Assemblyman Brian Maher as well as officials from the Wallkill Central School District to support this program, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate in the coming weeks as we begin budget negotiations.”

“Children who are not well fed cannot be well read. With the federal government in gridlock, it is incumbent on our state to address the hunger cliff that has impacted almost 800,000 children in New York State. Addressing hunger in our state should not be a partisan issue. But it is a moral imperative,” said González-Rojas. “My Republican colleagues understand that universal school meals have incredible health,

Photo provided

Photo provided Assemblyman Brian Maher, left, and Senator Peter Oberacker.

Photo provided

Made with Love

ONEONTA—Chelly Nicholson, above, placed third in the Community Arts Network of Oneonta’s 18th annual Chili Bowl Cook-Off and Fundraiser on Saturday, February 11, in the “People’s Choice, Amateur” category. Nicholson is pictured with CANO Board President Jim maloney. The full list of prize winners is below. Judges Choice: 1. Our Town Cafe; 2. SUNY Delhi; 3. Soda Jerks. People’s Choice, Amateur: 1. Tie: Sean and Doria Hall; 2. Lorraine Brady; 3. Chelly Nicholson. People’s Choice, Professional: 1. SUNY Delhi; 2. Wise Guy’s Sammy’s; 3. Our Town Cafe.

By CASPAR EWIG mIDDLEFIELD

Installation of solar panels was not listed as a permitted use in residential zoning districts established by the Town of middlefield Zoning Law as amended in 2016. But with the present emphasis on the development of renewable energy, the Town Board determined that an overall law should be enacted to deal with the various forms of solar panel installations. Accordingly, the board held a public hearing on February 14, at which it considered and ultimately passed Local Law 3 of 2023, titled “The Solar Energy Systems Law.”

The solar energy systems law creates four different system tier classifications: individual installations (Tier 1); ground-mounted panels not covered under Tier 1, on lots up to eight acres (Tier 2);

installations on lots up to 40 acres (Tier 3); and, for larger and/or more complicated projects, Tier 4. All tiers require a zoning permit and a site plan review approved by the Planning Board, with final approval by the Town Board required. Thereafter, each tier sets out additional requirements of varying stringency and specificity applying to that particular type of installation.

The public hearing was well attended, with a number of residents voicing their concerns and suggestions regarding the draft that had been circulated. Initially, two residents—Paula DiPerna and Robert Seward—were of the opinion that the board should not consider a solar zoning ordinance without a comprehensive development plan because, in Seward’s words, to do so “puts the cart before the

horse.” And DiPerna noted that the absence of any pending application made discussion of the entire issue premature.

One concern expressed by both speakers was the town board’s failure to analyze the negative effect solar panel farms and ancillary equipment would have on preserving agricultural farmland, protecting other natural vegetation and interfering with wildlife in general.

In a lengthy memorandum filed with the Town Board and recounted at the hearing, Seward detailed his objections and concerns, and provided examples where the proposed law made enforcement difficult because of the use of ambiguous terms. Seward specifically detailed areas where he considered that the proposed law failed to properly address maintenance of the facility, decommis-

sioning and transparency of operations.

Following the public discussion, the board determined that some of the objections raised were outside the parameters of a zoning law, and that others would be covered by the town’s building code, or by requirements imposed by New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act. After opinion of counsel that any change in the present structure of the proposed law would require a lengthy review, the board resolved to pass the law in its present form, with the understanding that it would be amended if subsequent needs required a change.

A copy of the Town of middlefield Local Law 3 of 2023, “The Solar Energy Systems Law,” can be found on the town website at https://www.middlefieldny. org/documents--forms.html.

THE PARTIAL OBSERVER SANDRA BRIGHT

Thinning of Deer Herd the Only Viable Solution

Iused to consider myself an animal lover, against harming any living creature. I still care about animals, very much, but my concern has grown to envelop all of nature; because of this, I now advocate reducing the deer herd. There’s a delicate balance, and if one species thrives, it is often at the expense of others. As a prey species, deer evolved to have multiple births. In the absence of cougars and wolves, their key predators, the population has grown to outstrip available resources.

As I looked at the increasing impacts of too many deer on our parks, our neighborhoods, our health and the deer themselves, I contemplated these questions:

1) Am I willing to sacrifice other species for the deer? Deer overbrowsing has greatly reduced native

OHS Drama Club

Disney Character ‘Breakfeast’

Is This Saturday

plants in our forest understory, impacting creatures that rely on them for food, shelter, and raising young. Deer are not strict herbivores, and will eat eggs, birds, and other animals.

2) Am I willing to say goodbye to our forests as they exist today?

In Wilber Park, I see many fallen trees, and few saplings to take their place. Invasive species thrive. Biodiversity suffers.

3) Can I accept a greater risk of tick-borne disease? Deer host adult ticks. Japanese barberry, an invasive flowering plant aided in its spread by deer browse, hosts mice and the tick nymphs they host.

4) Have I considered the increasing risks and financial burdens of damage from deer-vehicle collisions, erosion, flooding and increased food costs caused by deer over-browsing?

5) Do I care about the health of

ONEONTA—The Oneonta High School Drama Club will host “Belle’s Disney Character Breakfeast” on march 4 from 9 a.m. to noon in the OHS Cafeteria. The “breakfeast” includes:

the deer themselves? Competing for limited resources weakens the herd; greater population density increases the spread of disease; deer are injured or killed through interactions with the human environment.

Ideally, non-lethal methods could reduce the deer population to sustainable levels. But fertility control only works with an isolated herd and costs from $500.00-$1,500.00 per deer. Translocation relies on having an area to absorb relocated deer and results in a high mortality rate.

After careful consideration, I came to the difficult conclusion that lethal methods are the only viable solution. Death from an arrow is more humane than a slow death from starvation, illness or injury.

Sandra Bright is a member of the Oneonta Deer Management Task Force.

pastries, pancakes, bacon and/or sausage, eggs, juice, plus coffee, tea, and cocoa at a cost of $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for teens. Kids 12 and under eat free Also featured at this event will be photos

with the characters, storytime with Belle and coloring with mrs. Potts and Lumiere. Proceeds will benefit the OHS Drama Club’s performance of “Beauty and the Beast,” coming up march 17-19.

By CASPAR EWIG FLY CREEK

At its monthly meeting on February 8, the Town Council of the Town of Otsego considered what to do with a newly enacted state law that permits each local taxing authority to pass a law granting a 10 percent real estate tax exemption for active volunteer firemen and ambulance workers.

Fire Chief Christine Voulo of the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company spoke out in favor of having the town pass the enabling law to assist in the ability of the Fire Company to attract volunteers.

However, the apparent windfall was not without a number of problems. Because the state did not create the right until early this year, Otsego’s enabling legislation had to be written, adopted, and implemented in time for the firefighters and ambulance workers to file for the exemption before the property assessment date of march 1, 2023.

Will Green, counsel for the town, said the schedule would be tight but agreed to expedite drafting the local law, so that the mandatory public hearing on the law could be held on February 22 and still give the volunteer time to file for the

Empty Bowls Luncheon Returns; Proceeds To Benefit Food Pantry

COOPERSTOWN—The 2023 Empty Bowls Luncheon will be held on Saturday, march 4 from noon to 2 p.m. at Christ Church Parish Hall, 69 Fair Street. The Empty Bowls project was begun in 1990 by michigan art teacher John Hartom as a way for his students to raise money for a local food drive. Hartom and wife Lisa Blackburn, also an art educator, created a model for others to follow and the concept spread across the country. This is the 15th year the Empty Bowls event will be held in Cooperstown.

Potters at The Smithy Clay Studio have been busy glazing more than 300 hand-thrown bowls made especially for this event; local restaurants and individuals will donate delicious soups and breads. Guests are asked for a $20.00 donation for a simple soup lunch served in a bowl of their choosing, which they will keep as a reminder of “empty bowls” and hunger in Otsego County.

All money raised from the event is donated to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, every $1.00 of which enables the food pantry to purchase $10.00 worth of food from Feeding America. Located at 25 Church Street, the pantry is open six days a week. Visit www.cooperstownfoodpantry.org for more information. For further details on this event, contact Kathy Chase at (607) 547-2627.

exemption.

The second problem, inclement weather, caused a cancellation and rescheduling of the public hearing to march 8. The disappointment created by the delay was tempered, though, by the realization that the “benefit” given by the state was offset by a requirement in the law that volunteers

must renounce a $200.00 tax credit to which they would otherwise be entitled. In other words, the volunteers could not take both exemptions.

Simple arithmetic exposed the undesirability of accepting the real estate tax benefit. Assuming a $200,000.00 assessment, and applying the Otsego town tax rate of .4527 percent, would

We Celebrate

Show

DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Dental Assistants Recognition Week

Today’s dental assistants strengthen the entire practice and enhance patient satisfaction around the world. Dental assistants are committed to professional development and quality dental care.

607-432-4621 | oneontadental.com

result in a tax savings of $90.00. That savings could increase if the school district and the county also passed similar enabling legislation, but it does not appear to be the panacea for recruiting that Chief Voulo had hoped. According to Ben Bauer,

Otsego town supervisor, “We will consider the enabling law at the march 8 hearing. If we pass it, it will only represent an option for which the individual volunteer firefighter or ambulance worker can apply if it results in a savings.”

SPECTACULAR AUCTION

18th & Early 19th Century Country Americana

From the Catherine Treffeisen Collection (1941—2021) Saturday, March 11, 2023 - 10:00 am

Preview March 10, 9:00-4:00 and day of sale

Sale to be held at the American Legion, 22 Union Street, Sidney. 440+ lots to be sold unreserved; nearly all in original “as found” painted surfaces. Complete listing and photos available online at AuctionZip.com Auctioneer #36033.

Furniture • Country Store • Stoneware • Treenware • Lighting Textiles • Toleware • Folk Art • Birdcages • Baskets Pantry Boxes • Hat Boxes

All items must be removed day of auction. All sales final. All sold as is. 15% bp - 18% credit card

This is an old-time country auction, phone bidding & absentee bidding can be arranged - no internet bidding.

Sale conducted by Hesse, Schillaci, & Shultis. All inquiries call 607-287-5320.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ELKS

(Formerly at Quality Inn) 84 Chestnut St. Oneonta Sunday, Mar. 5 9 am to 3 pm BUy · SELL · TrADE 50 dealers on hand Admission $3 Sponsored by Midstate Arms Collectors, Inc.

Saving Article IX

Among the most important sections of our New York State constitution is Article IX, one that has been on the local books since the organization of our local governments—our counties, cities, towns and villages: home rule. This, in a broad sense, describes those governmental functions and activities traditionally reserved to or performed by local governments without undue infringement by the state. More technically, home rule refers to the constitutional and statutory powers given local governments to enact local legislation in order to carry out and discharge their duties and responsibilities—budgets, property taxes, schools, highways, fire departments, libraries, and the like. Home rule is accompanied by a restriction on the authority of the state legislature to enact special laws affecting a local government’s property, affairs and government. The legislature is specifically prohibited from acting with respect to the property affairs or governance of any local government except by general law, or by special law enacted on a home rule request by the legislative body of the affected local government, or by a two-thirds vote of each house upon receiving a certificate of necessity from the Governor. Article IX, in fact, serves both as a source of authority for local governments and as a shield against intrusion by the state upon their home rule prerogatives.

Although nearly every state in the union has some form of a home rule clause in its constitution, the home rule powers in New York State are among the most advanced in the nation. This makes our local governments full partners with the state in the shared responsibility for providing services to their people. It also means that we are able to enjoy the full benefits available to us in Otsego county: decent highways and bridges, clean streets, substantial police and fire departments, satisfactory public transportation, active and contributing libraries, and public school systems that perform pretty well for their students.

Not. So. Fast. Last month, the proposed FY2024 State Executive Budget was released, in which Part N proposes to eliminate public input from the appraisal modeling of industrial-scale solar and wind projects, and to exempt models and discount rates from the State Administrative Procedure Act. This will adversely impact town, county, and school district budgets by imposing a methodology that prevents the appropriate collection of revenue, depriving communities of the ability to invest in local services and infrastructure and eroding property values, while at the same time sending more revenue out of state to the (often foreign) energy developers, corporations that already enjoy pretty hefty state support. It further usurps local decision-making and home rule. Lastly, and equally damning, Part N backdates the effectivity of its declaration to 2021, essentially voiding the temporary restraining order that was issued that year to the Town of Blenheim, et al., in Schoharie, in its litigation to challenge the appraisal methodology for a solar- and windenergy project the town was being forced to host.

The immediate challenge to local governments here is wind and solar energy development, whose negative impact on the use of our essential agricultural farmlands remains a problem yet to be solved. Worse, though, is the challenge that is staring us, and our local governments, in the face: the incipient loss our constitution-given home rule Article IX and the frightening precedent that loss would hold over future challenges to our local governments.

Take a stand. Send a letter. Attend a meeting. Make some noise. Protect your local government.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

False Alarms in Science and the Media: Examining cause and Effect

When we moved into a house in 2018, I was delighted by the 1970s appliances that came with it, particularly a gas stove. Not only did it have an enormous oven underneath the range, but also a smaller oven hanging above. Two ovens and a gas range! What luxury!

Alas, the gas stove has since struggled and the one remaining oven that works keeps making the fire alarm go off. Last month, I was about to start the search for a new one when the headlines rolled in: Science

Finds Gas Stoves cause Asthma in Kids! U.S. Government to Outlaw Gas Stoves! Random Guy on Twitter Says the Government Shall Never Take His Beloved Stove!

It’s tiring, really.

A great summary of the issue from a moderate but informed perspective comes from Emily Oster, an excellent economist who teaches at Brown University. In a “Slate” article titled “Are Gas Stoves Really causing Asthma?” she explains exactly how the researchers behind the science paper arrived at their bold thiscauses-that conclusion. The evidence that sparked the controversy is, as Oster says, “probably overstated.” What started as a flashy claim set hot tempers ablaze and ignited terrible stove-related puns in news stories across the nation.

The vast majority of us want to be wise, we want to be safe, and we want to be good to our planet and

An Open Letter to Cooperstown Center

1. The cooperstown center Family council would like to express our concerns over the unfortunate decision by corporate to cut two full-time nurses simply because of their cost compared to other agency nurses.

The two nurses had worked for five and six years, respectively. They were highly skilled, fully qualified for all nursing positions and very quick to work extra shifts.

The lost hours are being made up exclusively through overtime, a practice known to be taxing on the current staff, impacting morale, and which may lead to dangerous gaps in nursing coverage. We are fully aware of the early decisions by Focus that led to the eventual criminal negligence of residents and one of the first was a cut in nursing staff.

This current decision is particularly vexing because nursing, as we have often stated, was an area of strength for cooperstown center.

We must advise that any further cuts in nursing staff will result in our official notification to the Otsego county Board of Health of those dangerous decisions.

2. We would also like to address the loss of Lacy Rinker and particularly her duties as employee trainer. This position is particularly important in the training and development of our cNAs.

each other, especially our kids. But false alarms stress us out: How can we keep our families and flocks safe from both wolves and little boys who cry wolf? What about scientists whose data analysis leads them to believe they are legitimately justified in crying wolf? When should we panic, get angry, take action? Science and news literacy—learning how science does or doesn’t work, and how information is represented or misrepresented in the media—will absolutely help us as we sort the good shepherds from the ones who want unwarranted attention. As consumers, as citizens, as parents, as leaders in our communities, we must learn when to ignore the false alarms.

My father-in-law, Joseph, is a wise, measured man, and we’ve had great conversations over the years. In fact, the first day I met him, we zoomed right past small talk and were agreeing about something in politics, or religion, or culture—I don’t quite remember the topic—but I remember that he said, “Don’t push the emergency button.” I liked that, and it has stuck with me. We absolutely must act with speed in emergencies, but even Emergency Medical Technicians are taught, when they arrive on site, to stop and assess the situation first. We ought to do the same with science studies—and in any situation where people might be using science studies to bolster their own agendas.

Understanding

We know a staff that is well compensated, supported and appreciated results in the highest quality care for our family members.

Richard Salamacha President, cooperstown center Family council

Rebuttal to County EMS Program Stance

I have been following the movements of the Board of Representatives and the 911 director over the last two years in regard to the county’s paid EMS program that the constituents of Otsego county never approved. After reading last week’s article on AllOtsego.com, I have many thoughts to share and questions to be answered.

The Board of Representatives, including prior members, has never aggressively helped fire/EMS volunteerism in Otsego county. They have never offered county-wide incentives that made a substantial difference in volunteers’ lives. To that point, I have watched regulations get jammed down volunteers’ throats while telling them they need to pay for their own courses, they need certain certifications which they must also pay for, they must have certain levels of expertise—all without any form of incentive or financial assistance to do so.

relationships is a broad but important starting point to help us assess alarming information. When we accurately pinpoint causes and their effects, we can solve problems, make better decisions, predict future outcomes, improve our health and happiness, and be better scientists. In fact, science is based on the principle of causality and is a critical component of the scientific method. The hypothesis, if we remember back to our elementary science fair projects, is a cause-and-effect prediction: If I do X, then Y will happen.

However, in reality, causality is very tricky to determine. Lots of problems crop up when we try to determine what causes what. Here are just six of those problems: 1. correlation does not equal causation: Just because two variables seem to happen at the same time doesn’t mean we can say that one causes the other. Maybe other factors are making both variables change, or maybe the correlation is entirely coincidental. If you want a good laugh, go to Tyler Vigen’s website,

Continued on page 9

do they justify four ambulances, 16 employees (10 part timers) and think they are going to offset the 17 volunteer houses that already exist in Otsego county? How can the county justify this additional spending when volunteer and paid ambulance services are all showing up on the same calls (this has been happening for months)? It is very apparent at this juncture that the board has managed to put the county and its taxpayers in quite the dilemma.

I find it very concerning that the county reps are not reigning in or demanding accountability for where we are going with this program as it appears to be run and managed by Mr. Wilber. To be honest, this is very reminiscent of the county officials thinking they could afford to build an old-age home (The Manor) and then realizing they were in way over their heads. I truly believe you have another Manor on your hands, and Mr. Wilber doesn’t have the answers going forward. If he did, the answers would be public, you would provide budgets and strategic plans to constituents going forward, and you would prove to taxpayers you don’t intend to tax them and bill them.

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

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

Editorial Board

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

3. We were happy to hear that labor contract negotiations are signed and complete. Nobody in the building seems to have a copy of the contract. Would it be possible for one to be sent for us and the employees to review?

4. We would also like to see more local hires, a goal we believe can be accomplished through local advertising. That practice seems to work for other nursing homes in the region.

5. On a more positive note, we were happy to see the dishwasher finally get replaced.

6. And finally, on the most positive note of all, we would like to say to corporate how much we support and appreciate our staff at cooperstown center. As you can tell from many of our complaints and observations, our goals are symbiotic with the staff’s.

county EMS volunteerism is dwindling due to how the county treats its volunteers. Volunteerism in general is dwindling due to all of the unfunded mandates and regulations.

I agree it is nice to have a certain level of training in the ambulance if your health is at jeopardy. But let me ask, where does this county EMS program end? Are we going to eventually request a surgeon be in these rigs as well? We don’t even have the staff or beds in the local hospitals to treat people, yet regulations are continually being pounded into volunteers, making them pay for it—all without any form of thank you or incentive— just to get someone from one place to another, in this case a hospital.

Where are we going from here, when the funding for this program runs dry at the end of 2023? How did the county plan on funding a multimillion-dollar EMS service? How

E-mails including many of the same concerns were sent to board members by at least one fire chief. Instead of addressing the issue at hand immediately, Mr. Wilber’s response was to tell that individual not to communicate the issues in writing. In fact, he scolded them for doing so.

I request the county board members insert themselves into this pet project of Mr. Wilber’s and demand answers before allowing the program to continue. I request that Board members individually talk to their volunteer houses—I am quite certain if the board spent the money on incentives and advertising, programs for youth volunteers, tax incentives, and training stipends, we would not be having this conversation.

In closing, I am asking the Board of Representatives to pull in the reins and support our volunteers instead of creating more tax burdens on its constituents.

Bryan LoRusso Hartwick

Photo provided

Do gas stoves cause asthma in kids? The answer is complicated.

210 YEARS AGO

Marine Prizes—At New York, British ship Rio Nouva, from London for St. Kitts and Antigua, with a valuable cargo of dry goods; prize to the Rolla, of Baltimore; taken after an action of 20 minutes, in which no lives were lost. The prize is a London-built ship, nearly 400 tons, coppered, not 3 years old – mounts 14 guns, and had 25 men. At Portland, British ship Ralph, and British brig Euphema prizes to the America, of Salem. The Ralph was from Quebec bound to London, with a cargo of oak timbers; and the Euphema has a full cargo of coca and coffee, and mounts 10 guns.

March 6, 1813

185 YEARS AGO

Mr. Editor—Will you please inform the public through your paper, that at a meeting of the Whigs of Exeter on the 21st inst. I was nominated a commissioner of Schools; and that, too, after a resolution to nominate none but “whole hog” Whigs to any office in town. It is due to myself, as well as to the Whigs of Exeter, to say that I do not claim the honor of belonging to the Whole Hog Whig Party. I therefore disclaim all connexion with them, and shall decline the honor they intended me. Sumner E. Turner. Exeter, March 3, 1838.

March 5, 1838

135 YEARS AGO

The Orphanage last week had an application to receive into its fold the six young children of a poor woman who is slowly dying of consumption, and whose husband is a dissipated man; but only three of them could be received. There are a great many cases there which would, if narrated, excite the sympathy and interest of our readers. In providing a home for such young objects of charity, the institution is accomplishing much good.

March 2, 1888

110 YEARS AGO

Democrats who may incline to the idea of non-partisan nominations in village affairs will do well to carefully scrutinize the ticket which will appear on the voting machines this year opposite an Indian head and entitled “The citizens Party.” It should be borne in mind that this citizens’ ticket was nominated by Republicans and, apparently with little regard for non-partisanship upon the part of the majority in attendance at the caucus. When the Democratic caucus, whether wisely or unwisely, voted not to amalgamate with the citizens’ movement, it left in the room upstairs a vast majority of Republicans, the Republican caucus having been deferred until after the citizens had made their wishes known. The Republicans took part in and by their members controlled the citizens’ meeting.

March 5, 1913

85 YEARS AGO

Former Sheriff Don W. Rose, one of the most ardent of local followers of Izaak Walton, last week was granted a trademark by the U.S. Patent Office for fishing spoons and lures under Section 22, “games, toys and sporting goods.” The products will be marketed under the trademark “Leather Stocking.” Mr. Rose, who has specially good luck with the Otsego Lake trout, originally began the making of a special spoon to be used in catching this big denizen of The Glimmerglass. It worked well for him, and during the past three years he has been improving it and adding spoons and lures for other species. Although his tackle has been sold to many fishermen in this locality and to others about the country, no general merchandising campaign has been held pending approval of the trademark.

March 2, 1938

60 YEARS AGO

cooperstown central School chalked up its 15th straight victory of the boys’ basketball season Thursday night of last week. The Redskins upended New York Mills 68 to 46 despite the fact that two regulars, Bob Winne and Bob Breish, were forced to remain on the sidelines because of illness. Kenny Wertheim led the Redskin scorers with 18 points, while three other members of the club hit in double figures. Doug Patterson picked up 14, while Les Grigsby and Doug Dickinson each had an even dozen. The Redskins, who clinched the center State League title the previous week will close out the regular season with games against Waterville at home on Friday night and away at Sherburne Saturday night.

February 27, 1963

news from the noteworthy

DDAM Promotes Inclusivity, Equitable Workforce

Every year in March, we take time throughout the month to recognize people with developmental disabilities as members of our community, coworkers, family and friends for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Developmental disabilities can occur at birth or become present over the development age and can include autism and ADHD, cerebral palsy, learning, language, and intellectual disabilities. You may know or work with someone who has a developmental disability. Today, we live in a much more inclusive society, thanks to the actions of self-advocates and advocates of persons with developmental disabilities, as well as policy changes, and the evolution and growth of organizations like Springbrook. However, there will always be spaces and places that can grow in the scope of their inclusion and diversity, and an equitable workforce is a great place to start.

The Upstate Baptist Home opened its doors in 1925 as a home for orphaned children and was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1941. In 1966, its mission and vision were transformed into providing residential and educational services to people with developmental disabilities, which eventually came to call itself Springbrook. Springbrook has constantly transformed itself and the land around it to accommodate the expansion of the school and residential homes, as it has in the community with day habilitation programs and community homes. We have always been ahead of our time. We have always taken action to support the people in our community.

This month, DDAM is going #BeyondTheconversation to promote awareness and advocate for people with disabilities. For Springbrook, this means reflecting on what we do as an organization and as people who advocate for one another. It means that we move forward as a

By MERL REAGLE

community and take action to support inclusion and equity for people with developmental disabilities. To do this, we must learn about and understand the everyday barriers the same people face in connecting with their community. Significant barriers include access and equity in employment. When I think about taking action to support inclusion, employment services are a big one, because it brings people of different abilities together within the community and the workplace. It also shows the possibilities when people with disabilities are supported. Further, it illustrates equity in action by working with people from where they are rather than trying to fit them into the box of what most people think a “typical employee” should be.

At Springbrook, we provide services like Supported Employment, Pathway to Employment, and community Prevocational Services. These services give people who self-direct their care opportunities to seek fulfilling and gainful employment. Each service offers something different. As a result, businesses have partnered with us to hire employees who are ready, willing, and able to do the job with the necessary skills and support. In addition, a person with a disability has found purpose through employment and community.

Look around your workspace and workplace: Do you see an inclusive office or work location? Do you see an equitable workforce, one that is diverse and where persons with a disability have fulfilled a position? Integrated workplaces are the next step in taking action this month. So, what can we do to create change this month and every month beyond March? The time for conversation is over; the time for action is now. So, join us at Springbrook to take that next step… You will not regret it.

Patricia Kennedy is chief executive officer of Springbrook.

Back-Up Plan…Everyone needs one

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

Continued from page 1

impression that he is attempting to alter the character of the neighborhood is unfounded.

“Our family bought this property with the intent that this will be our retirement home,” Curley said. “It fulfilled all of our requirements: a walkable town, lovely view, and a large house that will serve as a place for our grown children and their prospective families to come and visit.”

Curley made it clear that he intends to restore and refurbish the house as a family home consistent with the historical nature of the village.

“As part of the process of repairing and restoration of the house, we have filed and met with the historical review board. From that initial meeting, we received feedback and direction to ensure that the window replacement, particularly facing the street, remains historically accurate.”

In his letter to the zoning enforcement officer, Northrup pointed out that the special permit seeks to convert all four bedrooms on the second floor into short term rental units, and that converting four of the five bedrooms in the house hardly qualifies as “incidental.”

Such special use “effectively turn(s) the property into a rooming house,” Northrup argues, which he considers to be “incompatible with a neighborhood of historic, single-family homes.

“Perversely,” Northrup notes, “the owner’s proposed one-room occupancy would be ‘incidental’ to the property’s use as a rooming house.”

“A major environmental concern,” Celia Oxley of 10 Pioneer Street, added, “is the orientation of the proposed additional driveway and parking spaces. The stream

that flows alongside their property is a live stream in which fish spawn. The driveway and parking area will be on an incline, so the stream will be infected by any oil, gas or anti-freeze runoff. It’s just unacceptable.”

“We intend to be good neighbors,” Curley affirmed, “and we intend to follow the village’s laws and ordinances. We also feel, however, that we should not be deprived of our rights under those ordinances to the fair use of our property. We fully understand that the permits provided are renewable yearly.”

In response to an inquiry as to construction of the driveway and the parking area, Curley said their application contemplated using a permeable pavement, but actual construction diagrams would await the outcome of the hearing.

Details of the application are on file with and can be viewed at the Zoning Board offices in the Cooperstown Village Hall at 22 Main Street.

Lunches

Continued from page 1

academic and economic benefits for families. I call on our state legislature and governor to fund this proposal in our next state budget. No child should have to go to bed hungry at night. We must speak to the very real economic concerns of New York families from across the state and this proposal will help us do just that.”

“The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley happily supports universal school meals for K-12 students. We have worked with school districts to set up pantries at individual schools and students won’t use them because of the stigma. Students aren’t coming

because they are more afraid of being teased or bullied than they are of going hungry.

A program like universal school meals will eliminate this problem. No child should go hungry, especially over something like stigma in the schools,” added Gunn.

According to a statement released by Maher’s office last week, one in seven kids in New York State experiences hunger. Financial pressures from inflation and other factors are impacting more working families than before, and a family of four making $51,400.00, who already have to make dollars stretch, does not qualify for the existing school program.

Maher also pointed out that rural schools often fall through the cracks, unable to provide meals to students. This is partly due to the fact that although there is poverty in rural areas as well, because it is less concentrated, these schools are often ineligible for the federal Community Eligibility Provision.

The universal healthy school meals bill will remove these hurdles and barriers faced by children in getting access to nutritious meals. The legislators hope to see its passage this year.

Getting Ready for July Induction

COOPERSTOWN—Scott Rolen visited the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Tuesday, February 28 for his orientation tour. Rolen will be inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame class during Induction Weekend, July 21-24. He is a seven-time All-Star who won eight Gold Glove Awards for fielding at third base during a 17season career in the major leagues. This is Rolen’s sixth year on the ballot. From left: Niki Rolen (Scott’s wife), Finn

SUNY Theatre Department to Present ‘Bernhardt/Hamlet’

ONEONTA

Beginning Friday, March 3, the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department will present “Bernhardt/Hamlet,” a play written by American playwright Theresa Rebeck. The production shows the challenges faced by 19th-century actress Sarah Bernhardt in her role as Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The real-life Bernhardt performed as Hamlet in 1899, and this play captures both the drama and comedy of the international celebrity’s performance during this time.

The SUNY Oneonta production of “Bernhardt/Hamlet” is directed by John McCaslin-Doyle, professor of theatre

history, dramatic literature and acting, with help from the Mask and Hammer theatre club, an active and dynamic campus organization that promotes opportunities for students of all majors to become involved in theatre activities.

Full-time production staff roles include the scenic designer/technical director/scene shop manager, the costume designer/costume shop manager and the lighting designer/assistant scene shop manager. “Bernhardt/ Hamlet” features 10 student actors and one student stage manager.

“The play also discusses the ongoing struggle of what it means to be female in a male-dominated society,” said

McCaslin-Doyle. “Does Hamlet need to be male? Is gender - and gender preference - the main thing that defines a character or a person?”

The “Bernhardt/Hamlet” production can be seen in the Hamblin Theater at SUNY Oneonta on Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and from March 7 to 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://oneonta.universitytickets.com/, in person at the Hunt Union Information Desk from Monday to Saturday between 1 and 10 p.m. and in person at the box office in the Fine Arts Center one hour before each scheduled performance.

Photo by Milo Stewart Jr.,/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Rolen (son), Raine Rolen (daughter) and Scott Rolen. They are sitting on a bench in the museum in front of a photo of the 1939 Hall of Fame Induction Class.

Esther Ann Babcock 1943-2023

c LINTONDALE—Esther

Ann Babcock passed peacefully on February 17, 2023 at Vassar Brothers Medical center in Poughkeepsie, New York from complications of a series of illnesses. Born the daughter of the late Alice (Gannon) and Norman Babcock on December 1, 1943, she spent her formative years in her beloved birthplace, cooperstown, New York, up on Irish Hill. Until her death, she remained a member of the Native Daughters and Historical Society of cooperstown.

She was a graduate of the State University college of New York at Oneonta, with a Bachelor of Science in education-home economics. She became a middle-school teacher of home and careers for 35 years for the Marlboro central School District, retiring in 2003. While in that position, she was also a strong advocate for the New York State United Teachers, where she served locally, both as a member and secretary.

For the past 50 years, she had resided in the Modena and clintondale areas and could be described as a genuine “homebody.” She was known for her gardening expertise, her love of entertaining, putting together puzzles (not over 300 pieces, please), playing Mexican Train Dominoes, bird watching, reading, accumulating trivia knowledge (think Jeopardy) and simply being a warm, loving person.

She is survived by her uncle, Ward Babcock (father’s brother) and his wife, Sally, of Sherburne, New York, and her aunt Helen Gannon (widow of Esther’s uncle Truman [mother’s brother]) of Medina, New York. Also surviving are many cousins, but one who must be mentioned individually because she was more like a sister, Gloria Parsons of colony, Texas, who predeceased her.

cremation arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue, Kingston. www.jvleahyfh. com. At Esther’s request, she was cremated and there will be no viewing hours or services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Modena Fire and Rescue Squad. Her cremains will be placed in the family plot in Exeter center cemetery, Exeter center, New York.

mountain. Joanne and Jeff settled in Seattle, where they welcomed their son, Andrew.

Jeff continued to ride the steep and the deep at crystal Mountain and Alpental, two of his favorite places. After 20 years in Seattle, they moved to Pittsburgh to be closer to family.

Jeff loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was an avid snowboarder who loved the great outdoors, fishing, camping, cooking and having fun with friends.

Jeff was a talented artist whose paintings hang in many Seattle business establishments. His modern cityscapes are proudly displayed in the homes of family and many friends.

Jeff is survived by his beloved son, Andrew, his wife, Joanne, mother Judy and her husband, Jimmy “Truck” Mccann, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews. He is also survived by his in-laws, Robert and Peggy Poulson, of cooperstown, New York and their children, Eric, Sharon, Susanna, and Jill.

May the wax be warm, may the snow be deep and may the tracks be fresh.

Take deep turns in the sky, dude.

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Andrew Lattner Scholarship Fund, 328 Ashland Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15228 (checks payable to Andrew Lattner).

Arrangements by Laughlin cremation and Funeral Tributes.

Mary Anne T. Ross

1943-2023

ONEONTA—Mary Anne T. Ross, 79, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2023 at the A. O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta. She was born August 17, 1943 in Oneonta, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Powell) Ross.

Mary Anne attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and graduated from Oneonta High School in 1961. She continued her education at The college of St. Rose, receiving a Bachelor of Science in music education-voice and then went on to obtain both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in music performance-voice at The Juilliard School in New York city.

While living in New York city, she became a member of the camerata Singers, who toured the country and did a performance at The White House as well as with the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. As a five-day contestant on Jeopardy, Mary Anne was able to earn some extra money to help with graduate work expenses.

Upon returning to Oneonta, Mary Anne became a renowned vocalist. She was a Resident Artist in Voice and Adjunct Professor in the Music Department at Hartwick college from 1979

until she retired in 2014. Throughout her career, in addition to her teaching responsibilities, she gave private voice lessons, did vocal coaching, and taught numerous master classes. She was an integral part of the Hartwick college Summer Music Festival, and enjoyed participation in the Bach Aria Festival, Aspen Music Festival, and chautauqua Institute. In various capacities, she was affiliated with the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Guild of Musical Artists, Oneonta Boy choir, Glimmerglass Opera and catskill choral Society, to name just a few.

Mary Anne’s love of music, her talent, dedication and work ethic inspired countless individuals. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends to share treasured memories and talk of happy times. She considered church and family, as well as friends who seemed like family, to be her community of support. She was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Mary Anne is survived by her beloved cousins, Mary, Betty, chris, and Fred (Sue) Powell, Rose Anne Pirone, Tom and Rico Ross, Joseph, Michael and Frank Morales, Anne Denbow, Pasqualine Rundle, Esther Riegert, the Rev. Dr. Dorothy Dann, Mary Kirpes, and their families. She is also survived by many dear friends, among them Janet, Eli and Valerie England.

She was predeceased by her parents and infant brother, Joseph Ross Jr.

Mary Anne’s family would like to send their thanks and appreciation to Dr. James Walker, the Hampshire House staff and the A. O. Fox Nursing Home staff who took such good care of her.

She will be laid to rest with her family at Mt. calvary cemetery.

Donations may be sent to catholic charities, 176 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, St Mary’s catholic church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

“I’ve always enjoyed music, and I’ve been really lucky all my life to do something that I love. Singing is the most freeing experience that I’ve ever found…..”

—Mary Anne Ross

Catherine Schweitzer

1926-2023

HARTWI c K— c atherine

Pauline Schweitzer, known to many as Kay, Katy or Mimi, of Hartwick, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023 at Bassett Hospital in cooperstown. She was 96 years old.

Kay was born on October 26, 1926 in Little York, New Jersey to the late Margaret (Gallagher) Mai and the late Philip Mai Sr. Her early childhood was on a farm in the New Jersey countryside

MOUNT LEBANON, PA—Jeffrey Alan Lattner, 52, passed away February 23, 2023 in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Jeff was born to Roger and Judy Lattner in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in Denver, where his lifelong passion for the mountains began. He moved to Boulder where he met his future wife, Joanne, at 22 years old. Their shared love for snowboarding grew as they moved to Breckenridge to spend more time on the

with her 13 brothers and sisters. When the family moved to Avenel, New Jersey, the one-room schoolhouse she and her siblings attended actually closed for lack of students. During World War II, she worked for the Regina corporation (known for its vacuums) making bomb fuses.

Kay married the late Donald Schweitzer on July 13, 1947 in St. Andrews catholic church, Avenel. After Don retired in 1983, they moved from Edison, New Jersey to Hartwick. She was a widow since 1988 and lived independently into her 90s. She enjoyed gardening, feeding her backyard birds, cooking for her family and taking care of her grandchildren. In her early life in New Jersey, she enjoyed being a troop leader for Girl Scouts.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen Hoffman. She is survived by her son, George Schweitzer, and his partner, Pamela Markel, of Windsor, Pennsylvania, and her daughter, Theresa covert, of West Winfield.

She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Margaret Hoffman and her partner, David Sherman, of Southport, Maine; colleen Witter, her husband, Jason, and their children, Mackenzie and Gwendolyn, of West Winfield; Dana conte, her husband, Nathan, and their children, Joseph, Kathryn, and John, of Hartwick; Lisa covert, her husband, Jason Rashkow, and their daughter, cora Rashkow, of castletonon-Hudson, New York; and Patrick Schweitzer, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her sister, Victoria Stavick, of Whiting, New Jersey, and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her brothers: Philip Jr., William, Gustave, John, and Frank, and her sisters: Pauline Mai, Florence Schink, Susan McQueeney, Elizabeth Baumle, Mary Johanesen, Grace Rimkus, and Margaret Kato.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, February 24 at connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in cooperstown.

A Mass of christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 25 at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman catholic church in cooperstown, with Fr. Michael cambi, Pastor, officiating. To view a live stream of the Mass, please go to https://stmaryscoop. org and click on “View the Livestream Here.”

Immediately following the Mass, a time of remembrance and fellowship will be held in the St. Marys Parish Hall and all are welcome to join.

A private family burial will be later this spring in St. Mary’s cemetery, Index.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be made to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in cooperstown.

and countless other talents. Today, Jeff’s stretchers are hanging behind some of the greatest art in the greatest museums—“the wrong side of the canvas,” as Jeff would say.

What many might call a “Key West” renaissance man, Jeff’s first love was always music. He played piano and bass, but his primary love was the guitar. He was the lead vocalist in the Kennesaw Mountain Boys, a band based in cooperstown, New York that played at The Otesaga Hotel, Red Shed Brewery and the Leatherstocking Golf course during the golden hours of many summer evenings.

Jeffrey Syman

1954-2023

DAVENPORT—Jeffrey

Syman passed away on February 11, 2023 at the age of 68, with his family by his side. Jeff was born May 17, 1954 in New York. He was raised in Bronxville, New York before his family moved to connecticut in the early 1960s. He graduated from Danbury High School, where he was captain of the tennis team. He went on to study at the University of Miami until his junior year, prior to moving to Schenevus, New York, in the early 1970s.

Known to many as “the man behind the art,” Jeff founded SymanArts, where he built frames and stretchers with unique hardware to stretch the frame, along with many other styles. Two of his mentors, Richard Artschwager, and Ivan carp, former owner of the OK Harris Gallery, encouraged Jeff to open the business.

By design, Jeff always had his clients’ needs at the front of his mind. He worked with artists such as Wolf Kahn, Peter Halley, Robert Ryman, chuck close, Bob Mangold

When not on land, Jeff could be found on his floating cottage on Otsego Lake or on his Key West, Florida-docked sailboat, Joie De Vivre, a name that translates to “the joy of living.” Jeff enjoyed living like few others. A UScG-certified captain, Jeff did charters for several years. He sailed around the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida and several times to Havana, cuba. He spent many winters in Key West and his last several years in Samara, costa Rica, where he saw “heaven on earth” in the sand outside his casita on the Pacific. When in Europe, he traveled the canals of France on a barge with friends and wandered the cliffs of the Amalfi coast.

Jeff was loved by his colleagues, artists, close friends, classmates he never lost contact with and the countless people he met while living a life many only dream of. Known as “Jeffrey Dog” by his loving family, “Dog” is survived by his brother, Stan Syman, and his sisterin-law, Lori Syman, as well as nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

The family would like to thank the exceptional oncology staff, nurses, and doctors—in particular, Dr. Jeffrey Allerton—at Bassett Hospital. Their skill and expertise were only exceeded by their compassion and empathy.

There will be a celebration of life for Jeff on July 15, 2023, in Garrattsville, New York.

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

Jeffrey Alan Lattner 1971-2023

Photo provided JEFFREY ALAN LATTNER

Photo provided CATHERINE SCHWEITZER

Photo provided JEFFREY SYMAN

Permit Should Be Denied

40 Lake Street is one of the oldest houses in the Village of Cooperstown, in one of the most prominent single-family locations. It is probably the worst candidate in the historic heart of the village to be turned into a short term rental property. The house and location are simply not suited for shortterm rental, which, in this instance, would amount to a form of house and neighborhood abuse. The village should meet its regional obligation for long term affordable rental properties, but not with this historic home, not in this prominent location, not as a boarding house. multiple reasons to reject this requested change of use of 40 Lake Street into a short term rental house:

1. 40 Lake is surrounded by single-family residences, none of which are short term rental houses.

2. There is inadequate parking for the proposed use as required by code.

3. The lawn fronts on the back yards of six (6) singlefamily residences, which creates a privacy issue.

4. The proposed use is redundant to the Lakefront Hotel, Cooperstown Inn, Otesaga Hotel, etc.

5. Rental turnover would be detrimental to the neighbors’ quiet enjoyment of their properties.

6. As a fragile historic building, it may be subjected to additional wear and tear and fire risk.

7. The owners may not live on the property, or, like other STRs, may pretend to live on the property.

8. The property was recently purchased, so the buyer cannot claim hardship as the reason for the permit.

9. The property is one of the most historically signifi-

cant single-family houses situated in the historic core of the village. Turning it into a boarding house would damage its historical significance.

In general, short-term rentals should not be approved in the historic, single-family core of the village, and they should be scrupulously avoided in buildings of unique historic value and character that are located in wholly singlefamily neighborhoods.

James L. Northrup Cooperstown Lake Association

Has HAB Update

A recent article in “The Freeman’s Journal” asked, “Do Blooms Also Like It Cold?’’ and comments questioned what is being done to address our harmful algal blooms—HABs. The answer is, a lot.

We consider Otsego Lake to be unique—and in many ways it is. But one of the ways it is not unique is its susceptibility to HABs. Hundreds of bodies of water in the Northeast have experienced HABs recently. The causes of HABs are under study, but we do know there is no one driver or any party to affix blame to.

The Otsego Lake Association and its members have taken the lead in studying and dealing with HABs.

Doug Willies, a member of OLA’s Board of Directors, has been appointed by the Village of Cooperstown and our mayor to lead an effort with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Acting through the authority of the Watershed Supervisory Committee and under the scientific direction of Dr. Kiyoko Yokota from the SUNY Biological Field Station, the group is working toward inclusion in a NYSDEC 9-Element Plan

to study all aspects of HABs. The 9E Plan is also a longterm management plan for the lake and its watershed.

The Otsego Lake Association is a member of NYSFOLA, the New York State Federation of Lake Associations. OLA’s publication—“The Glimmerglass Journal,” edited by Scottie Baker—won NYSFOLA’s award for the best in its class last year. NYSFOLA has invited OLA to participate in the Citizen’s Statewide Lake Assessment Program.

CSLAP is a volunteer lake monitoring and education program that is managed cooperatively with NYSDEC. OLA volunteers will be trained by using a NYSDEC curriculum and will collect bimonthly water samples throughout the lake to be sent to the Upstate Freshwater Institute in Syracuse for analysis. An idea of the rigor to be applied to this process can be seen at https://www.dec.ny.gov/ chemical/81849.html. It is hoped that the information gathered and analyzed from this program will help us to learn more about, and perhaps predict, HABs.

The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station is a key asset for Otsego Lake. Scientists, including OLA’s scientific advisor Dr. Kiyoko Yokota, are studying all aspects of the HABs. OLA supports the BFS through volunteer labor and financial support.

OLA volunteers are involved in every aspect of our lake’s health—from lake clean-up days, to supporting the boat washes, to sponsoring the Volunteer Dive Team. Paul Lord, from SUNY’s faculty and a member of OLA’s board, has led these efforts.

Lastly, OLA volunteers are working through a wide variety of actions, including

slowing erosion and sediment loading by building lake front buffer strips, posting placards at boat launch sites, and promoting youth lake awareness though library book donations.

I urge your readers to go to https://otsegolakeassociation.org/. Learn about OLA, read past issues of “The Glimmerglass Journal” and join OLA. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and actively participate in protecting the health, wellbeing, and beauty of Otsego Lake. These actions are more important than ever now.

Jim Howarth Co-president, Otsego Lake Association

Science

Continued from page 4

“Spurious Correlations” (https://www.tylervigen. com/spurious-correlations), and you’ll see what I mean.

2. Confounding variables: Confounding variables are “extra” factors we forgot to account for in an experiment, making it hard to tell which variable is causing the observed effect. For example, people who drink alcohol have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. But that’s not because alcohol causes lung cancer: It’s because people who drink are also more likely to smoke, and smoking is a known cause of lung cancer.

3. Reverse causality: In some cases, the direction of causality is reversed from what we expect. maybe Y causes X, instead. For example, it may be the case that poor health causes people to exercise less, rather than the other way around.

4. Simultaneity: This problem is when X causes changes in Y and Y causes changes in X. maybe

smoking causes depression and depression causes smoking.

5. Ethical limitations: In some cases, it’s neither possible nor ethical to conduct experiments that would definitively prove causality. For example, it might not be ethical to randomly assign people to different diets or lifestyle behaviors. And it’s definitely not ethical to subject children to gas stove fumes to find out if gas stoves really do cause asthma in kids.

6. Complexity of natural systems: Life is so beautifully complex that we cannot predict with perfection how something will affect something else. Natural systems are often chaotic, to the extent that even with great computational power, it’s impossible

to say with 100 percent accuracy that something causes something else. This is why we rely on statistics, but as we’ve seen in the Great Gas Stove Kerfuffle, it’s easy to go wrong and misinterpret or inflate statistical data.

In sum, the next time someone tells you to push the emergency button and get fired up about an issue RIGHT NOW, press pause instead. Assess the situation, as EmTs do. I don’t know what stove I’ll end up buying, but I know this: With so many problems to confront in this complex world of ours, careful causal relationships can help us make better decisions, but because we have limited time, resources, attention and energy, we have to pace ourselves.

FoxCare Fitness Will Close June 1

ONEONTA—A.O. Fox Hospital and Bassett Healthcare Network announced on Tuesday, February 28 that FoxCare Fitness will be closing permanently as of June 1. Hospital and network leadership reached the decision following an extended period of declining membership and operational challenges, many of which are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the opening of several fitness facilities in Oneonta and the surrounding area makes it increasingly difficult for FoxCare Fitness to acquire and retain members. For more information, visit allotsego.com.

►Thursday, March 2

BOOK CLUB Pick up

“Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson to read during the month of March and then discuss at the meeting on March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

RESERVATIONS Last day to reserve your spot on the bus to view the Capitol Region Annual Flower and Garden Expo. Tickets are $115/person for the bus, admission and lunch. Leave at 8:15 a.m. on March 24 from Oneonta Price Chopper. Return by 5 p.m. (607) 563-8065.

MAKER CLUB 10 a.m. Bring your art, crochet, sewing, knit or other handwork project to chat, share and enjoy making. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

TAI CHI 10-11 a.m. Seniors over age 60 are invited for the series, “Tai Chi for Arthritis.” Held Tuesdays and Thursdays, participants must commit to 11 of the 16 sessions. Free, donations accepted. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 168 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 547-4232.

WOMEN’S GROUP 1 p.m. The community is invited for a meeting of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter BH, Oneonta, an organization to help women fulfill their educational goals. Meeting to be held at St. James Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 2670539.

CONNECTIONS 1:15 p.m. Join former Freeman’s Journal editor Tom Heitz to learn “How America’s Greatest Hoax Got a Home in Cooperstown.” Community Room, Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com

OPEN STUDIO 4-6 p.m.

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

T ZONE 4-6 p.m. Teens aged 12-15 are invited for this after-school program to de-stress, enjoy a nutritious snack and play games with their peers in a safe environment. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. Visit richfieldspringscommunitycenter.org/programs/

►Friday, March 3

EXHIBITS OPENING

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. View three solo shows by photographers fascinated by upstate New York. In “Steeples,” Todd Boebel asks, “What happens to an old church once its doors are closed?” Explore the landscapes, both urban and rural, of Robert Coppola in the exhibit “Frame of Mind;” and celebrate the intensity, danger, and sparse beauty of the rural landscape in winter with Phil Scalia in “The Snows of Canajoharie.” On view through April 30. Admission, $9/non-member. Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie. (518) 673-2314.

OPENING RECEPTION 58 p.m. Celebrate the opening

of the exhibit, “Youth Arts Show,” during the First Friday events. 25 Main Collective, 25 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340.

FAMILY NIGHT 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the national day of unplugging with an evening of family fun featuring bowling, Zumba, rock climbing, board games and much more. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800.

CAREER NIGHT 7-10 p.m. Students, parents and guardians are invited to come learn about different careers. This week’s featured career is in the education field. Free. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-3200.

CABIN FEVER 7 p.m. The Cabin Fever film series presents “Moonstruck,” starring the Oscar-winning Cher, playing a Brooklyn widow engaged to a mama’s boy, who falls in love with her fiancé’s brother (played by Nicholas Cage). Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. Auditorium, Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

JAZZ NIGHT 7 p.m. Come out for a fun night of jazz music with the Mark Kramer Trio, featuring world traveled Mark Kramer on the piano with friends John Hvasta on drums and Rich Mollin on bass. Admission is by donation. Cash bar available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

COMEDY OF MURDERS 7 p.m. Travel back to the 1940s with the Bainbridge-Guilford Drama Club in “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” by John Bishop. In this comedy, a group of actors and producers are trapped in a mansion with a homicidal maniac. Admission, $5/person. Auditorium, Bainbridge Guilford High School, 18 Juiliand Street, Bainbridge. mdowney@bgcsd. org. Also showing at 7 p.m. 3/4 and at 2 p.m. 3/5.

YOUTH ZONE 7-10 p.m. Students in grades 7-12 are invited for a fun night of games and activities each Friday. Games range from air hockey to Xbox games to board games, with arts and crafts, baking, movie nights, and more also offered. Held at The Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. Visit richfieldspringscommunitycenter. org/the-zone/ CONCERT 7:30 p.m.

Come out for a concert by the reggae afro funk band, “The Medicinals.” Tickets, $20/ person. Presented by the Cooperstown Concert Series at The Otesaga, Cooperstown. Visit cooperstownconcertseries.org/medicinals/ CONTRADANCE 7:3010:30 p.m. Rejoin your friends for a fun social dance with the Otsego Dance Society. Will feature music by the band Tom Wadsworth and Tom White, with Garry Aney calling the dances. Suggested donation, $8/adult. First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. Visit otsegodancesociety. weebly.com/

►s aTurday, March 4

DEADLINE Last day to reserve your spot in the Hummingbird Feeder Poppy Paint & Sip. Cost, $25/person includes bottles, supplies, and snacks. BYOB. Hosted by W-H-S Unit 1360 American Legion Auxiliary at the Cherry

Valley Community Center, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-9423.

CHARACTER BREAKFAST

9 a.m. to noon. All are invited to breakfast with the cast of the Oneonta Middle and High School production of “Beauty and the Beast,” in character. Tickets, $10/adult, $5/teen, children 12 and under are free. Cafeteria, Oneonta High School, 130 East Street, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/ OrpheusTheatre/ SEWING WORKSHOP 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your quilting to the next level in this workshop, “Introduction to Foundation Paper Piecing.”

Limited to 8 participants.

Tickets, $35/person, covers all materials. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040.

TAX PREP 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Get ready for tax season with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Hartwick college accounting students certified by the IRS, with their professor, will be available to provide one-on-one assistance in preparing individual tax returns. Either in person or online. Held at the Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 4321980.

EMPTY BOWLS Noon

to 2 p.m. The Empty Bowls Luncheon returns, featuring 300+ handmade bowls by local potters, soups and breads from local restaurants, and individuals to raise money for the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Purchase a bowl for $20 and every $1 of that buys $10 of food from Feeding America to support the families of Northern Otsego County who rely on the pantry. Christ Church Parish Hall, 69 Fair Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2627.

SNOMMEGANG

2-6 p.m.

Enjoy this winter beer festival featuring all your favorite, and your soon-to-be-favorite, craft breweries and a live perfor-

mance from the Mountain Jam Band. Tickets, $55/person. Presented by Brewery Ommegang at Muller Plaza, Oneonta.

AUDITIONS 3-5 p.m. The Catskill Community Players invites any who are interested to try out for 16 roles, in a variety of genders and aged 20+, in the comedy “Office Hours” by Norm Foster. A script will be provided; participants must submit calendars so a rehearsal schedule may be planned. Performances will be held at the Wieting Theatre in Worcester on May 19 and 20. Auditions are being held in the Fellowship Room, First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Contact nancybcouch@yahoo.com. 2nd session held 3 - 5 p.m. on 3/5.

TRIBUTE CONCERT 6 p.m. Take a musical journey through the career of Neil Young, from Buffalo Springfield to Neil Young and Crazy Horse, in this concert, “Like a Hurricane.” Tickets, $30 at the door. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. CLUB NIGHT 7 p.m. Teens are invited for a fun night of live music featuring the Lily Soleil Band, Waiver, Plaid Jackets and Cole Fortier. Enjoy a safe night with friends and fun music. Free. Club Odyssey, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 353-7143.

►sunday, March 5

GUN SHOW 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to buy, sell or trade with 60+ dealers with the Mid-State Arms collectors. Admission, $3/person. All regulations will be obeyed. Oneonta Elks Lodge, 84 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 748-1010.

►Monday, March 6

SENIOR MEALS Noon.

Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday and Wednesday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompanying a senior. This week, enjoy cream of broccoli soup, chicken patty on a bun, cucumber red onion salad and vanilla ice cream. Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 547-6454.

CHAIR YOGA 2-3 p.m.

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