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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
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Fly Creek Hotel on the chopping block? Page 6. VISIT www.
AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, April 14, 2022
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State Police conclude January incident had ‘no criminal activity’
Photo courtesy of Carol Louden
They are the champions! Meet the Laurens Central School Jaguars SA-1 Winter Guard, fresh off their championship turn at the Mid York Color Guard Circuit’s competition on April 2 in Clifton Park. Top row, left to right, Athena Saggese, Sophie Gilmore, and Mackenzie Budine; center row, left to right, Sierra Rondeau, Natalie Davis, Mallory Kovacs, and Alexis Cole; lower row, left to right, Alicia Stevens, Isabella Failla, Emma Hughes, and Mackenzie Louden. Read all about their victory and all the work it takes to keep the team at peak performance in our story on page 9. INSIDE ►it’s not difficult being green: Otsego Chamber, county agencies, Brewery Ommegang team up for Earth Day, recycling events, page 2. ►FLY CREEK HOMESTEAD EVENTS: Hulse Hill Farm has North American Cashmere Goats, opportunities for area kids, and plenty to do around the farm, page 3. ►GOODIES (OR NOT) IN THE STATE’S NEW BUDGET: Gas tax holiday, new rules for cocktails to go, a farm worker overtime subsidy, and more, page 6. ►LOTS OF ‘RUMORS’ FLYING AROUND WORCESTER: The Catskill Players ready the Neil Simon comedy classic for a late-April run, page 10. ►A FEW THOUGHTS ON IMPORTANT THINGS: Our columnists this week consider how to navigate life with variants new and yet to come, talk about the good works of Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, look askance at the state’s new gas tax holiday, and comment on the dangers of gaslighting . Pages 4 and 5. Follow Breaking News On
AllOTSEGO.com
New York State Police issued a statement late in the afternoon on Friday, April 8, announcing “no criminal activity occurred” in a January 2, 2022 incident in Hartwick and “the victim’s injuries were the result of an unfortunate fall.” The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta first reported in our February 3 edition that sources with direct knowledge of the investigation already had determined the unfortunate incident to be an in-home accident. New York State Police told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta at the time they had determined the January 2 event “appears to be an isolated incident.” According to the April 8 statement from the New York State Police, “Investigators spent months conducting interviews and examining evidence, ultimately leading to the determination that the woman’s physical injuries were caused when she fell inside her home. The investigation has determined that no criminal activity occurred in the home and the victim’s injuries were the result of an unfortunate fall. Sadly, the woman passed away several weeks after her fall. She is identified as 86-year-old Flora Polulech. “The New York State Police offers our sympathy to the fall victim’s family, and are glad to report that no crime occurred and there is no threat to the community. We also thank the Hartwick community for their patience while we fully investigated this incident to ensure accuracy and public safety.” [Editor’s note: See our editorial on the matter on page four of this week’s edition.]
CCS graduate Vincenza Alessi, 28, passes after tough two-year battle against rare blood, bone marrow disease Her time on Earth was far brief, but her legacy of love and caring goes on. Cherished Vincenza Alessi, 28, became an angel on Sunday, April 10, after a two-year battle against a rare blood disorder. Heaven is so lucky to have her home. Vincenza was a 2012 graduate of Cooperstown Central School, earning her degree in psychology and women’s studies from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She recently had earned her master’s degree in special education from Grand Canyon University. Vincenza taught special education classes at Charlotte Valley Central School in Davenport, New York and, while studying for her master’s, substituted for two years at Cooperstown Central. She loved teaching and her students adored her. She found great joy in the young children she was able to help and looked forward to a long career using her talents in her chosen field. Without knowing, Vincenza even taught the dieticians at New York Presbyterian Hospital how to expand and modify their menu selections; as her health deteriorated and she was eating less, she would ask her nurse for simple foods not on the menu: pasta and butter, pasta and red sauce, string cheese, salad with chicken. When she returned to New York Presbyterian for the final time several weeks ago, staff reached out to proudly show her a brand-new menu for patients — one filled with the very dishes she had requested, now a part of
Vincenza Alessi, happy with one of her beloved pets.
the Hospital’s regular offering. In and out of the classroom, Vincenza looked out for and cared for the disadvantaged. She never failed to be kind to people, always had a friendly wave for the people she met, and, even
in the weeks before her passing, continued to feel genuine happiness for others celebrating their own good news. We were not surprised that even after her diagnosis, she still would stop to save lost and wandering dogs and cats to make sure they got home safely. If they didn’t have a home, she would find one for them. Vincenza loved holidays, filling her home with decorations for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and any other special day — although she was the person who could wake up on Tuesdays and celebrate that it was Tuesday! She enjoyed feelgood movies from Disney and Hallmark and, after ceasing her medical treatment, was able to hear her two favorite songs, “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran and “Hallelujah” by Rufus Wainwright. She fought hard for her life for the last two years, enduring hundreds of blood transfusions and operations as she struggled forward. She was deeply grateful to the community for listening and taking on the conversation of bone marrow transplants to help those in need. We plan to continue to work the “Be the Match” program in her honor. Our fearless Vincenza lived for light and renewal for everyone and, with that in mind, we plan a celebration of her life to take place in the near future at Glimmerglass State Park. We plan to offer seed packets in her honor, as she believed the world would be an even more 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
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, aPRIL 14, 2022
Otsego County Chamber, regional group pair up to be green
‘Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful’ kicks off in Oneonta Otsego County’s Chamber of Commerce joined Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful this week to kick off Earth Day volunteer action aimed at registering individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups to register cleanup or beautification events in the Mohawk Valley region. The Chamber, part of a six-county group comprising the KMVB coverage area, hopes to register at least 50 groups toward the KMVB’s goal of signing up 300 cleanup crews as Earth Day and Earth Week approach. “Oneonta has always been a stalwart environmental protection community,” said Otsego County Chamber Director of Operations Kathryn Dailey on the steps of Oneonta’s City Hall. “This city and all of Otsego County appreciate the value of a healthy and litter-free environment.” Steven Smith, Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations Economic Development District, said groups can range in Kathryn Dailey and MVEDD Executive Director Steven Smith on size from “one to two people to whole community groups the steps of Oneonta’s City Hall, kicking off a drive to sign up 300 getting together to clean up public space.” groups for a big spring cleaning. “There are roughly 2,000 pieces of trash per mile in our state,” he said. “Cigarette butts are our biggest nemesis. Anna Rutenbeck said OCCA and Brewery Ommegang will They’re like little hand grenades exploding out of an open offer another Drive-Through, Drop-Off Recycling Event on car window or ugly piles in shopping mall parking lots Saturday, April 23 at Brewery Ommegang from 12 - 3 p.m. where people just decide to empty their ash trays.” Drive-Through, Drop-Off recycling provides area resiThrough the Otsego Chamber, groups that register their dents the opportunity to recycle materials that can’t normally clean-up efforts with Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful can receive free materials including gloves, trash bags, masks, and other assistance. Supplies are available to registered groups at the Otsego County Chamber office in Oneonta now through April 22. Register your group for the event by clicking on the KMVB banner at www. mvedd.org. Otsego County Solid Waste Coordinator Shane Deegan said the county’s recycling rate stands at approximately 10-13 percent, “about half of 8 Hoffman Lane, Cooperstown what it should be.” He urged 607-322-4060 county residents to visit the LIVe mUsIC! county’s website for information on the ongoing commuApril 15th - Evan Jagels and Wyatt Ambrose 6-8pm nity compost bin and rain April 22nd - Becca Frame and The Tall Boys 7-10pm barrel sale (https://otsego. April 29th - Gus Leinhart and Guest 6-8pm compostersale.com) and to April 30th - The Council Rock Band 7-10pm visit www.recyclerightny. May 6th - Jerry Dee & The Dovetones 7-10pm org for information about the May 13th - Stoddard Hollow String Band 7-10pm state’s rules and guidelines **May 21st - Mostly Dead 7- ?pm** for recycling. Otsego County NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS Conservation Association’s
be put out curbside or taken to the transfer stations, such as styrofoam, corks, cellphones and used toothpaste tubes. The event will be set up at Brewery Ommegang’s concert parking field on Route 33 in Milford. Registrants will follow a circuit through the field, dropping off recyclables at different stations, where volunteers will unload cars, then sort and package the items for recycling. Items that can be brought to Drive-Through, Drop-Off include rigid Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) packaging, coolers, and egg cartons; natural wine bottle corks; tennis balls; inkjet cartridges; cellphones and chargers; small electronics including digital cameras, PDAs, tablets, and game controllers; coffee bags; VHS and audiocassettes, CDs and DVDs; toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes and dental floss containers and packaging. In addition, Empire Recycling’s Confidata truck will provide paper shredding and used clothing and textiles will be collected by HELPSY. Drive-Through, Drop-Off is free, but pre-registration is required. To sign up for a time slot to drop off recyclables, visit https://occainfo.org/earth-festival/. Volunteers are also needed to help with the event and can sign up at https:// occainfo.org/calendar/earth-festival-drive-through-dropoff-recycling/.
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165 Main Street, Cooperstown Upper Main Street, by the traffic light 607-547-6141
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Alex Torres y su Orquesta
TickeTs: All tickets $20. Limited number of tickets available. Tickets available on line at http://www.cooperstownconcertseries.org/. Tickets may also be available at the door.
Friday, April 22 7:30 pm Otesaga Resort Hotel
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FREE ADMISSION 19 AND UNDER
NEW EXHIBITIONS ON VIEW!
North by Nuuk: Greenland After Rockwell Kent 3KRWRJUDSKV E\ 'HQLV 'HNJEDXJK April 1 – December 31
Al Hirschfeld: Caricaturist to the Stars April 1 – September 11
Ralph Fasanella: Americans Unseen
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April 1–September 18
Left: Ralph Fasanella (American, 1914-1997) Woman with Box, 1952. Oil on canvas. Collection of Ron Carver and Barbara Doherty This exhibition is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
THURSDAY, aPRIL 14, 2022
Homesteaders at Hulse Hill Farm hope to introduce area youngsters to outdoor life The chickens, Christine McBrearty-Hulse said, were “the gateway drug to farming” when she thought it would be fun to raise a few. Hulse Hill Farm, on Route 28 midway between Cooperstown and Fly Creek, still has chickens, but also pigs, barn cats, a rabbit, and goats of various age gathered in spacious fenced-in fields, with the farm’s North American Cashmere goat herd at the core of her farm products. “It’s a true homestead farm experience,” she told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta on a tour of the farm, which includes a bed-and-breakfast (including a wellappointed ‘tiny home’), vegetable gardens, and farm stand with products from the farm and local artisans. “We looked at our options and took old ideas from farming and 4-H and it turned into all this.” Along with the B-and-B, Hulse Hill offers at-the-farm events, gearing up for an April 16 Make-a-Posey Fiber Pin workshop, farm tours on April weekends, and two projects about which Christine is excited — a ‘native paw paw tree’ discussion on April 23 and a Junior Farm Apprentice Program for local youth. Her enthusiasm for the apprentice program stems not just from her love for farming, but also her attachment to students borne from a 30-year-plus career as a counselor for
“Come celebrate the resurrection of our Savior this Easter!”
Cooperstown Central School. “Particularly coming out of COVID, we’re hearing so much about students having too much ‘seat time,’” she said. “My goal is to get kids outside to be experiential, to enjoy being outside and with animals. Open space is what they need more of these days, and a farm is a great place to get it.” Her education background drives her belief that the farm’s ‘junior apprentices’ do best with specific chores and instructions, but with room to “let them figure it out.” “I miss the students and the experience of working with them every day,” she said. “The apprentice program lets them pick and choose where their interests are. If you’re into marketing, animals, gardening, we want to expose each student to each part of the process. Same with our event guests, showing them the entire process for preparing the cashmere for market.” “For the kids, it’s a great chance to learn how to do something right,” she said. “There are specific tasks that need to be accomplished, but we’re not standing over them saying Christine McBreary-Hulse has some quality time with one of the ‘do this or do that.’ There’s nothing I love more than seeing North American Cashmere Goats at Hulse Hill Farm on Route 28 one of the kids just hanging out with the animals and having between Cooperstown and Fly Creek. some quiet time in an open field. Take the time to enjoy. explain how they take the fruit and distill it into a liqueur. Otherwise, it’s no fun.” Along with the fiber pin workshop, the Paw Paw Tree If you taste one you get something super-sweet, like mango event on April 23 will introduce participants to a tree with banana. I’m really looking forward to that event.” Plenty on offer at Hulse Hill Farms; for more informaChristine says is ‘native to our area.’ “These grow on the Susquehanna,” she said. “We have tion on its diverse slate of agriculture-based programs and someone coming in from Mohawk Spirits Distillery to opportunities, visit www.hulsehillfarm.com.
--Pastor Jack
The “Red Door”Church (First ¤ ¡ £ ¤ ¡ ဿ
ENCOUNTER THE CROSS Good Friday 4/15 noon - 7 pm SUNRISE SERVICE Easter Sunday 4/17 8 am EASTER EGG HUNT Easter Sunday 4/17 9:15 - 10:15 am EASTER BREAKFAST Easter Sunday 4/17 10:15 am RESURRECTION CELEBRATION Easter Sunday 4/17 10:30 am HE IS RISEN INDEED!
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Church Office: 607-432-7520 5IF Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt �
577 Greenough Road, Cooperstown communitybiblechapel.com • 607-547-9764
Christ ChurCh, EpisCopal
46 River Street, Cooperstown 607-547-9555 · www.christchurchcooperstown.org The Rev’d Nathan P. Ritter
Holy Week and Easter Services
april 10 palm sunday 8 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 10 am Holy Eucharist Rite II with the Liturgy of the Palms, Palm Procession and Passion Reading april 14 Maundy Thursday 7 pm Holy Eucharist with the Washing of Feet, Stripping of the Altar and Passion watch in the Chapel. april 15 Good Friday 7 pm The Solemn Liturgy with John’s Passion april 16 holy saturday 7 pm The Great Vigil of Easter with Blessing of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Vows and the First Eucharist of Easter april 17 Easter Day 8 am Rite I Holy Eucharist 10 am Rite II Holy Eucharist
Join us for Easter Sunday as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. May you find the answers you’ve been looking for!
Palm Sunday April 10 8 am & 10 am – Eucharist
First United Methodist Church 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta 607-432-4102
eaSter SUnday april 17
• Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m. in the Courtyard followed by a continental breakfast • Egg Hunt at 9:45 a.m. • Worship at 10:30 a.m. • The 10:30 service is on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube • To join a Zoom service on your phone, call 646-558-86564 Meeting ID 195 736 049 Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell, Pastor Visit us online at www.firstumc-oneonta.org
Elm Park UnitEd mEthodist ChUrCh 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta 607-432-6552
EastEr sUnday sErviCE
in PErson & onlinE WorshiP
april 17, 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary’s Our Lady of the Lake
Visit our website: elmparkumconeonta.org and click on “Find us on Facebook”
We invite you to join us!
Main Street Baptist Church
April 14 Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7 pm April 15 Stations of the Cross: 12 pm Passion Service: 3 pm April 16 Easter Vigil: 8 pm April 17 Easter Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11:30 am
Corner of Main & Maple Streets in Oneonta www.msbchurch.org 607-432-5712
31 Elm Street, Cooperstown
A Blessed Easter to All!
Maundy Thursday April 1 4 10 am Holy Communioin
Good Friday Service 7 PM, childcare provided
Good Friday April 15
Easter Sunday Services 9:00 Worship Service 10:45 AM Worship Service
Good Friday Worship Noon
Easter Sunday April 17 8 am Eucharist 10 am Solemn Festival Eucharist
If you’re not quite sure, we have the answer you’ve been seeking.
607-432-1458
St. James Episcopal Church 305 Main Street, Oneonta · www.stjamesoneonta.org
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL editorial
Ted potrikus
Don’t be fueled
Gaslighting Hartwick The saddest truth, in the end, is a person died several weeks after a horrible in-home accident, and to the family of Flora Polulech, The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta sends our sympathy. Late in the afternoon on Friday, April 8, New York State Police issued a press release finally admitting they found a January 2, 2022 incident to be a sad and tragic accident. It’s called a “Friday news dump” — late on a Friday afternoon is the perfect time to send out a press release that the issuer would rather see lost in a weekend news cycle, the timing exceptionally matched here to a heavy load of state budget news out of Albany. It’s like a newspaper using the Legal Notices page to bury a correction to a howling error on a front-page story. Remember this: the State Police issued a guns-ablazin’ press release on January 3, 2022 “looking for person(s) who burglarized then injured an elderly homeowner in Hartwick.” Police asserted with provocative certainty that “the suspect(s) unlawfully entered a residence on Poplar Avenue and caused physical injury to an elderly victim.” Frightening stuff indeed. That gaslighting bulletin put local residents on edge and kicked off rampaging speculation as to who did what to whom and the extent to which the victim was harmed. One month later, on February 2, we asked State Police to comment on a report we had received from a source tied closely to the case telling us investigators already determined the matter to be accidental. NYSP declined comment beyond a statement certain the incident was isolated, “based on the evidence gathered and the lack of similar incidents reported before or after this incident in the immediate area.” But beyond saying the matter “remain(ed) an ongoing criminal investigation,” NYSP refused to respond to further questions over the next several weeks. Not long before its April 8 statement, we asked NYSP if it would be upgrading any pending charges given the news of Mrs. Polulech’s death. They refused to respond. Among our other questions NYSP refused to answer: ■ In a village with a population of just a little more than 600, what’s taking so long to bring charges against a person or persons in this case? ■ Does NYSP have a person or persons of interest? If so, or if not, why won’t NYSP at least allow that much to help put the village better at ease? ■ To what extent does NYSP feel responsible for issuing such a provocative statement without first determining the situation to be an “isolated incident”? Instead, NYSP’s resolute refusal to comment for three months left the door wide open on the local rumor mill, fanning flames for people affirming they know exactly what happened in that house and believing anyone who says anything to the contrary is covering for someone or somehow denigrating the family now sadly suffering. If what people claim to know as fact differs from what NYSP now says it has determined, they must come out from behind their keyboards to set the record straight. The State Police issued a hasty and irresponsible press release that grabbed ample local and regional media coverage on a slow news day in January, then abrogated its responsibility to the public by walking away until sneaking out a press release late in the afternoon of a busy news day three months later. That’s disrespectful to the citizens they vow to serve and to whom they now owe an apology and a vow to do better next time.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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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, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
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Tara Barnwell Publisher Ted Potrikus Editor Larissa Ryan Business Manager
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Ivan Potocnik Web Architect
Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Historian
Editorial Board Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell, Ted Potrikus OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year. First Class Subscription, $155 a year. Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.
A few weeks back I wrote in this space about New York’s gasoline tax; predicting lawmakers from various corners would be calling for its temporary roll-back as a means to relieve the price at the pump. If I remember correctly, I confidently wrote that it couldn’t be done — that lifting the sales tax on anything, however temporarily, is too complicated, too much of a political and logistical lift. I also picked Iowa and Gonzaga for the March Madness championship, so there you go. Albany indeed made a liar out of me last weekend with a budget that includes suspending a part of the state’s gasoline tax from June 1 — December 31, reducing the pump price by roughly 16 cents per gallon. This is nice, coming as it does just as the summer driving season gets underway. Every little bit helps. Hang on a second … June 1 … that date rings a bell … it’s the start of the second quarter of the state’s fiscal year so that makes it a good date to change tax policy, however temporarily. But miracle of miracles, it’s two days before the scheduled end of the state Legislature’s regular 2022 session; a passel of incumbents in every part of the state (including Governor Hochul) face primary election challenges on June 28 and legislative leaders are sending their troops home for some full-scale campaigning between June 3 and June 28. What better gift to send them home with than a gasoline tax break. They’ll all be able to tell us how hard they fought for “middle-class New Yorkers struggling to choose between
buying a gallon of gas and buying food to put on the table.” Friends in the Capitol tell me the gas tax was one of the big sticking points in the budget talks. My guess is the sticking point wasn’t necessarily an opposition to the concept but more a deep dive into figuring out its logistics, more political than practical. On the practical side, for instance, they had to figure out how to siphon the tax out of the pump without decimating the revenue dedicated by law to the downstate Metropolitan Transit Authority. Easy enough. Surely they talked, too, about whether to force counties to give up their share of the sales tax. Albany has avoided that ever since those old “week without sales tax” deals where the state would drop its four percent sales tax on clothes and shoes, then give counties the chance to opt in. Few did. None could afford it. Otsego and every other county in the state have two fundamental sources of revenue: sales tax and property tax.
Announcing the budget deal, Governor Hochul called on county governments to consider following the state’s really-not-all-that-brave lead on the gas tax. She knows they can’t. Everyone in that Capitol knows counties can’t afford it. Some might try, just to be in the “look we did it, too” camp, but for the most part, it’s a cynical non-starter. But at least state officials up for election can say they did their part. Carrying the tax break through December 31 is doubly convenient, too — December 31 marks the end of the state’s third fiscal quarter, but it also comes after November’s general election. I begrudgingly give them credit — spanning the temporary tax break across two sure-to-be-sticky elections is pretty genius political stuff. Imagine the calamity had New York re-imposed its gasoline tax on September 1 — the start of the state’s second fiscal quarter and, for the most part, the end of summer driving. The price at the pump would’ve jumped 16 cents-per-gallon on the eve of the real campaign season and voters would have rebelled. As it is, this state-sales-tax-only tax break will go the way of the state-sales-tax-only tax break we “enjoy” on clothes and shoes costing up to $110 per item (there’s a reason for that, too, and it’s ridiculous, but there’s not enough column space to explain it) — a shoulder-shrugging, feel-good photo opportunity that delivers far less benefit than its attendant press releases would try to lead one to believe.
Richard Sternberg, M.D.
Just when you thought it was safe … Again, just when you thought you could get back into the water, a new variant arises and we have to make decisions regarding our activities and vaccinations. I wrote about BA.2 about two months ago and noted it was a variety of Omicron that appeared to have the potential to become the prominent variant in the community. This has come to pass. Now, the “EXP variant of BA.2 appears to be a recombinant with an older version. It is clearly more infectious because of the BA.2, but we don’t yet know really how severe it will be. In Otsego County, the number of cases per day has been creeping up. Five weeks ago, I believe there was a report indicating a one-day total of only six new cases. On April 11, 50 new cases were reported. Luckily, there are only three hospitalizations, which implies relatively less virulence either due to vaccination or prior infection. Nevertheless, numbers are increasing suggest that the community load is about 400+ cases. This is certainly enough to provoke a new spike. The question is: what to do now. Authorities have declared the disease
to now be endemic rather than pandemic. That means it’s in the community and is probably here to stay on a permanent basis. Consider how frequently COVID mutates and the fact that while vaccination prevents serious illness, it does not prevent transmission of the disease. We are getting back to life as we knew it before the beginning of the pandemic two-plus years ago. People are no longer distancing, wearing a mask (except in certain environments such as the hospital), and many decided not to get boosters after having been vaccinated. There’s still a significant group that hasn’t been vaccinated, but many of them probably have had COVID and are developing immunity based on this. Personally, I made decisions for my own care. For example, if an important event is coming up in my life such as my next surgery or my daughter’s wedding in June, I’m going back to relative self-quarantining and using a mask whenever I’m outside. I’ve also decided to use N-95 mask whenever I go to the gym. I am eating out again, though preferably at restaurants that have significant spacing between tables. I am not yet going to sporting events where
people are seated close to each other or to movies for the same reason. I might consider a movie in the middle the week, in the middle of the day, when there should be very few people in the theater. When my friends come to visit, we generally sit six feet apart, but we’re not using masks. We plan to celebrate our upcoming holidays, Easter and Passover, in our normal fashion with the family and friends gathering. I am now going to all my club meetings and all my meetings of civic groups and government. Depending on circumstances, I may or may not wear a mask at these. I expect, despite the above protocols, that I will contract a COVID variant at some point. I think I’m adequately protected. I know what treatments to seek if this infection becomes significantly symptomatic. I personally decided that the only other choice is to hide forever and that’s not a fun way to continue to lead my life. Dr. Richard Sternberg, retired Bassett Hospital orthopedic surgeon, is providing his professional perspective during the COVID-19 threat. Also a village trustee, he lives in Cooperstown.
temporary shelter program for homeless Ukrainian mothers and children, “Shelter For Ukrainians” (SFU). This could be accomplished by setting up a website matching desperate refuges with willing participants. With the help of government
and private funding to reward the homeowners with financial aid, it would be viable. Anyone with expertise willing to help? Gerry Welch Cooperstown
LETTERS
Shelter for Ukrainians Hopefully this idea won’t cost a lot to set up. I will have an extra room in my house. There are many Americans who do so, as well. In the name of humanity, I would like to start a
“I own no interest and no party, but my country.” –
Banner motto of The Freeman’s Journal, 1823 to 1827
THURSDAY, aPRIL 14, 2022
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5
NEWS FROM THE NOTEWORTHY
Otsego Rural Housing Assistance
Spotlight on Rural Housing Assistance
Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
212 YEARS AGO
I have often said and I now repeat it again, that it ever was, and still is the desire of the party styled federal, to curtail the rights of the common class of people and bring them under bondage. In order to deceive they style themselves “Federal Republicans,” “Friends of the People,” “Disciples of Washington,” &c., &c., setting up the hue and cry against Democracy — setting it forth as being something very terrible, and, if adhered to, will utterly destroy liberty and equality. I believe the people of America, generally speaking, would choose the best, and as a democratic government is the only pure republican government on earth, if they are rightly informed such they will support. April 14, 1810
162 YEARS AGO
The Cooper Memorial, now standing in Lakewood Cemetery, has received an appropriate and fitting completion, in the statuette of Leatherstocking, recently erected upon the top. We believe we but express the opinion of everyone, who has viewed this work of art when we say that the sculptor, Launtz, has succeeded in presenting a perfect embodiment in marble of the hero of the “Pioneers.” April 13, 1860
137 YEARS AGO
The quarrel over Afghanistan: Afghanistan has a territory of about 200,000 square miles and a population of about 7,500,000. Her soldiers are brave and hardy. It was in 1747 that they liberated their country from the rule of Persia. In regard to the present quarrel of England and Russia over Afghanistan, the New York Journals states: “Prejudice for, or against Russia or England should not be allowed to blind the public opinion of America to the real cause of the present crisis in Central Asia. With the war we have nothing to do either as principals or as seconds. We are good friends of both sides. Any expression of sympathy on our part for either would be injudicious and ill-timed. Americans need not be, and ought not to be, pro-English or pro-Russian.” April 18, 1885
62 YEARS AGO
April 13, 1960
Solution: ‘‘Soup or Sundae” (Apr. 7)
Many service organizations fly under the radar for years while doing good work for their communities day in and day out. Otsego Rural Housing Assistance (ORHA) has been serving this county since 1984 and yet surprisingly few people in our area have heard of us. ORHA’s mission is to preserve and expand the affordable housing stock in Otsego County. In New York State parlance, we are a “Rural Preservation Company.” Each year we pump over $1.2 million in state and federal rental assistance, housing rehabilitation, and accessibility funding into our community and into our local economy. Most of our work falls into one of two realms: first, under contract with New York State, we administer the county-wide HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which provides rental assistance to over 150 low-income households throughout the county. For many families, Section 8 vouchers make the difference between homelessness and living in decent, affordable housing. Second, ORHA administers $350,000-$500,000 annually in grant funding to provide home rehabilitation, repairs, and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners, with a special focus on keeping elder residents safe in their homes, aging in place, instead of nursing homes or other institutional
settings. This means we hire local roofers, carpenters, plumbers, excavators, and electricians, all of whom get their building materials from local suppliers. Take a drive through any part of Otsego County and you will see homes (including mobile homes) in dire need of repairs that the homeowners cannot afford. You will also see homes with new roofs, new siding, new front stairs and ramps, along with less visible interior repairs, that have been funded by ORHA’s programs. The need is endless and the funding is limited, but we manage to help 35-50 households each year. And we do all of this with a staff of four. Otsego County has no housing department, but ORHA works closely with county agencies such as Planning and the Office for the Aging to develop new programs and identify households in need of assistance. We have been the grateful recipients of support from the Community Foundation of Otsego County and the Community Foundation of South Central New York. ORHA’s most recent major accomplishment was the development, in collaboration with the Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corporation, of the Alden Park Apartments, a 10-unit senior rental complex in the old Cherry Valley school on Genesee Street. What is unique about our work is that we don’t just talk about housing;
we improve housing conditions. That means we go into people’s homes and apartments — 200 or more each year. Often, these homes are dilapidated or dirty or just plain unsafe. We meet lots of cats. Our website — www.otsegoruralhousing.org — features photos of completed projects and tips on how to support our work. You will also see information about our current staff and board members, but ORHA’s legacy of service to the community would not have been possible without its visionary founding executive director Tony Scalici, who shepherded the organization through its first thirty years. Timothy Peters Executive Director, Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. “Spotlight” is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOtsego. org) Our mission: We lead and inspire community-wide efforts that significantly improve the quality of life and the prosperity of the Otsego County, New York area. Connecting people who care with causes that matter, we leverage collective knowledge, creativity, and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone.
BY Merl Reagle
Happy Haunting Ground…Adding a little Hope to Halloween ACROSS 1 Poets, old-style 7 Happy refrain 12 Harry of the SFPD 20 Specialized groups 21 Trap in the garment district? 22 Study of Mars 23 With 45 Across, a query put to Bob Hope in 1939’s The Cat and the Canary 25 Medicinal solution 26 Wall climbers 27 Keen and lively 28 Witch doctor whammies 29 Where to trawl the line 30 Act shamelessly? 31 Math pioneer Karl 32 Disease fighters 35 Two-hulled vessel, for short 36 Je, in the objective case 37 Vergil guided him down 38 Tries on the set 39 Luxury 42 Rock legend Hendrix 43 $500-a-plate attire 44 Fluctuates 45 See 23 Across 49 Upright 50 Ways and ___ Committee 51 “Hitman” of boxing 52 Torture chamber or pool hall gizmo 53 Co-star of The Bodyguard 55 Queue after Q 56 Monogram of one of the “3 Bs” 59 He played Mary’s boss 61 Munchies from Mañuel 63 Pudding type 65 German article 66 Game show icon Trebek 68 Accommodates, as a portraitist 70 Wooley of “Purple People Eater” fame 71 Damage 73 Dudgeon 74 Cartoon oldie, ___ Quest 75 With 102 Across, Bob Hope’s reply 79 Christmas time 80 One of the “if-I-only-hads” from The Wizard of Oz 81 Big name in theaters 82 Goes across, in Italian 84 Bottlenecks 85 Queen Mary’s subjects 87 Chopper 88 Effort: abbr. 89 Arizona Indian
90 “___ be praised” 91 Out of touch 94 Mutt’s medic 95 1988 Dan Aykroyd film, My Stepmother Is ___ 97 “___ after the show” 98 Set ___ (have something to work toward) 100 Balcony scene? 102 See 75 Across 104 50 below and 120 above, for example 105 Gropes 106 Wine sampler 107 Mecca for kids with cash 108 ESP, for example 109 Marriage sites DOWN 1 Found by a whole new generation 2 Harold Arlen song of 1931 3 Matchbox vehicle, e.g. 4 Kitchen or luncheon ending 5 Lee’s legions 6 Govt. funds for the disabled 7 On ___ (busy) 8 Pay 9 Abundant 10 Dieting buzzword 11 Word before how or hoo 12 Let the ___ (spill the beans)
13 Melodic 14 Gives for a time 15 Touched in the cabeza 16 Bluesy instruments 17 Welcome mat’s secret 18 Farming: abbr. 19 Scientific Bill 24 Requiring fertilization 28 Go “poof!” 30 Loads of lifetimes 31 Tag, for one 33 Overhaul 34 Not care ___ 36 Contact in person 37 Severs relations 38 Find or be found 40 Has at a lollipop 41 Irish exclamation 42 Post-coup regimes 43 Seafood sauce 46 Tobacco-drying kiln 47 Pulpit talk: abbr. 48 Part on a dolly 50 Actress Jeanne 53 1 956 Jayne Mansfield film, The Girl Can’t ___ 54 Later 56 Actor from Englewood, N.J. 57 C ute kid or dog, cinematically speaking 58 Future terrors of the desert
60 Informants, sometimes 62 Len Deighton novel 64 “This ___ of those songs ... ” 67 Greek letters 69 Podiatry concern 71 Fantasts 72 G ive “temporary” money to a third party 74 Baloney 75 Poet Ogden 76 “You’re kidding!” 77 Revel of 1773 78 Bible verb 79 Like sconce troughs 83 Zoomed 85 B aseball pitch or skidding player 86 John of Monty Python 90 San Antonio fort 91 O ne-thirteenth of this clue number 92 Rings out 93 Lighten the mood of 96 Perform without ___ 97 Snick-and-___ (machete) 98 Pertaining to grandparents 99 Nucleus 100 Word after get or jet 101 Prefix meaning “outside” 102 Possibilities 103 Landing time, approx.
Fly Creek Hotel in jeopardy?
This edition of The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta goes to press as we learn the Town of Otsego will begin reviewing and discussing an application that could see the nearly 150-year-old buliding that once housed the Fly Creek Hotel be torn down. Details were incomplete at press time, but the discussion potentially would include a public hearing and review through the Town’s Historic Preservation Advisory Commission process. The buliding stands at the corner of Schoolhouse Road and Route 28 in the Village of Fly Creek.
News Briefs
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Sales tax Otsego County — and every other county in the state — still will be required to head to Albany with a biennial plea to their state counterparts for the right to levy a local sales tax rate higher than three percent. Governor Hochul had sought to free local governments from the need to seek and receive the state’s approval for a local sales tax rate, as long as they want to extend their existing rates or increase their rate to no more than 4 percent. As they did in prior budget negotiations, state legislators rejected the proposal, one that also would have required local governments to seek and receive temporary approval by a majority vote of the local government’s governing body in order to impose additional sales tax above the current statutory 3 percent threshold.
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Lawmakers approved a tax credit intended to offset costs to farmers who may soon be required to pay farm workers enhanced overtime wages. The state’s Labor Department has yet to sign off on a January 2022 recommendation that would see the overtime threshold for farm workers drop from 60 hours/week to 40 hours/week over a decade-long phase-in; observers believe the new budget makes Labor Department approval inevitable. Otsego County Assemblyman Chris Tague, long a vocal opponent to the drop in the overtime threshold, told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta in January he was concerned the Labor Department’s approval was inevitable, given the Governor’s State of the State proposal for the farm tax credit. “When she started talking about increasing tax credits for farmers to offset operating costs, to me, that was a private message that the Wage Board will drop the overtime threshold.” “It was like she was saying to the farmers, ‘Here. We’ll give you some tax credits but we’re going to increase your operating costs by 40 percent,” the Assemblyman said. “People are already paying enough. Tax credits aren’t the answer.”
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beverage in lieu of a food item not actually ordered or delivered will be treated as a violation of the law.” Acceding to strident opposition from the state’s retail liquor stores, the budget deal allows liquor stores to open on Christmas Day and prohibits restaurants from selling entire bottles of wine or liquor to go. The state Legislature will revisit drinks-to-go in three years.
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Drivers in New York will enjoy at least a partial break from the state’s gasoline tax beginning June 1. The state’s new budget knocks 16 cents off the price of a gallon of unleaded or diesel gasoline between June 1 and December 31. It’s part of a $220 billion budget New York’s state Legislature approved April 7 and 8. Governor Kathy Hochul urged county governments across the state to follow suit and suspend local sales taxes on gasoline over the same period. Counties currently are allowed to cap their local sales tax at 8 cents or 12 cents per gallon, the budget provides a new option to cap the tax at 16 cents, as well. Otsego County’s sales tax rate on gasoline currently stands at four percent per gallon, accounting for some 8 – 10 percent of the county’s total sales tax revenue according to the New York State Association of Counties. Patrick De Hann, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com, said this week gas prices may have already peaked for 2022. “Gas prices have continued to move in the right direction — down,” he said. “More good news is on the horizon: the national average this week will likely fall back under the critical $4 per gallon mark. The situation for now continues to show signs of improving, with the national average falling back into the $3 range as early as this week.” The new budget also permits restaurants selling wine and liquor to offer cocktails to go or for delivery when accompanied by a “substantial food item” and only if sealed with a secure lid designed to prevent consumption without removing the lid or breaking the seal. Restaurants cannot sell or deliver alcoholic beverages outside of licensed hours of operation, and the price per serving must be the same as if consumed on premises. The State Liquor Authority issued guidance on April 11 defining a “substantial food item” as “sandwiches, soups or other foods … which are similar in quality and substance to sandwiches and soups; for example, salads, wings, or hotdogs would be of that quality or substance; however, a bag of chips, bowl of nuts, or candy alone are not.” SLA guidance continues with this warning to restaurants: “Obvious efforts to circumvent the law, for example and unreasonably small portion of soup, a serving of canned beans, a handful of lettuce, or charging a small extra fee for an alcoholic
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Anyone who joins the League of Women Voters of the Oneonta Area (open to all) by April 30 will receive discounted membership fees. Those joining the Oneonta League before the end of the evening will be entered into a drawing for the $100 gift card to The Green Toad Bookstore, with other incentives for those mailing in membership forms later on.
State’s $220 billion budget offers gas tax relief and cocktails to go
Cocktails to go
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Otsego County Board of Representative members Adrienne Martini and Meg Kennedy will speak about they decided to run for office and how individuals can improve local democracy at an April 21 event sponsored by the League of Women Voters, Oneonta Area and Cooperstown Area. The free forum begins at 7 p.m. at the Foothills Performing Arts Center Atrium in Oneonta. Meg Kennedy, a Conservative, represents Otsego County District 5 which includes Milford, Hartwick,and New Lisbon. She works in her family business, ARK Floral, and is part of the leadership committees of both the Oneonta and Cooperstown Farmers’ Markets. She also serves on the Town of Hartwick Planning Board. Adrienne Martini, a Democrat, represents Otsego County District 12, which includes Oneonta City Wards 3 and 4. She is an award-winning journalist and author of three books. Along with the forum, participants can find out about the work of the
League of Women Voters, which includes Voter Registration; Vote411, a free online resource to find out about candidates running for office, organizing candidate forums, youth engagement, efforts to protect the environment, and the League’s advocacy work. League members will be on hand to explain why they joined the League.
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THURSDAY, aPRIL 14, 2022
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
OBITUARIES Vincenza Alessi Continued from page 1 beautiful place with more butterflies and birds attracted by flowers growing everywhere. We thank the doctors, nurses, and entire staff of New York Presbyterian Hospital and Bassett Cancer Care for their care and kind-
Janet L. Frankl, 72
ness, and Helios Care for their caring and wonderful dedication to Vincenza. Vincenza is survived by her mother, Ln Alessi, and brother Dante Alessi of Cherry Valley, half-siblings Nicole (William) Grueter and children of Medford, New York, and Christian
Alessi of Oakdale, New York, Cindy and Jeffrey Treis of Duanesburg, New York, and her treasured pets — cats Chloe, Mr. Magoo, and Theodoria and dogs Kiyah and Belle. Arrangements are under the care of Connell Dow Deysenroth.
Paul D. Vergari, 95 July 25, 1926 – April 7, 2022
Paul’s journey to America began at the age of three with his pregnant mother by his side. They reunited with his father, Umberto, who had been working in the coal mines in Carbondale, Pa. to support his family. Paul grew up with his two younger brothers, avidly playing sports like
baseball and football. Paul was a talented accordion player and as a teenager, he was commissioned to travel regionally, to perform. He was even invited to play at the Windsor Hotel in Oneonta, at the age of 15. After finishing high school, Paul was drafted into World War II, where he
MeMories to Cherish every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation.
Be sure to remind your funeral director to provide obituary information to our newspapers, along with your favorite photo of your loved one. Submit the information yourself, directly to info@AllotSego.com, or by filling out a special form at www.AllotSego.com/loved-ones/ OUNDED
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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
served honorably. Following the war, he returned to the love of his life, Connie Asquisto. Moving to Paterson, N.J., they went on to enjoy 58 years of marriage. Paul worked as a plant manager, in the garment district for nearly 40 years. He crafted beautiful shearling suede coats that the entire family adorned with pride. Paul and Connie’s highlights together included music, dancing, traveling and cruising. Later in life, they moved to Oneonta, N.Y. to be closer to family. At his leisure, Paul enjoyed golf, he continued to entertain family and friends with his lively accordion music and exuberant persona. The last fifteen years of Paul’s life was spent with his brother, Siro Vergari. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life such as good Italian food, wine, family, friends and The Lawrence Welk Show. Paul found light in all aspects of life. Daily walks, nature, birds, children, games and family all brought him joy. Paul was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Alhambra. Besides his loving wife, Connie, Paul was predeceased by his parents, Umberto and Giuliva Vergari, brother Frank and his wife Anne Vergari and sister-in-law Joan Vergari. Paul (Uncle Peno) is survived by his brother, Siro and many loving nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. Following the visitation, a funeral mass will take place at 12:30 p.m. at St Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St, Oneonta. Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Paul’s honor to St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital. stjude.org Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. grummonsfuneralhome. com for the Vergari family.
Dec. 9, 1949 – Mar. 19, 2022
OTEGO – Janet mutual. Janet was L. Frankl, 72, always very proud passed away of how clean and peacefully at home well maintained with family on the SUNY campus March 19, 2022. was, and still is. She was born Janet was very December 9, 1949 active with her in Livingston, union (United UniJanet L. Frankl Mont., the daughter versity Profesof Joseph and Dorothy sionals) as a delegate and (Kinnick) Adams. Janet grew executive board member. up on a cattle ranch south Janet would always adhere of Livingston in Paradise to her values of professionValley on the Yellowstone alism and fairness. River. The family raised James Frankl married black angus cattle. Janet Janet, the love of his life, on was proud to show the steers April 23, 2004 at the First in 4-H competitions. She United Methodist Church, enjoyed riding horses and Oneonta. sleeping outside under the Janet was an active apple tree with her sisters. member of the First United She attended a one-room Methodist Church, and schoolhouse until the eighth loved to cook with Jim grade. A photo of the school- for The Saturday’s Bread house along with Janet and program, and always created her young classmates, was a very delicious meal for published on the April 2, the guests. She loved to sit 1960 Saturday Evening with the guests after all her Post. Janet belonged to a labor of love and enjoy their small country Methodist company and a meal. Church, where she was Janet always had a dog, or involved with Methodist 2, or 3, in the house. They Youth Fellowship. all had their quirks, but she Janet graduated from loved them all. With her Park County High School, compassion, kindness, love Livingston, Class of 1968. and affection, she gave a She attended Montana State few rescue dogs a hom, and University. Janet moved to enhanced the quality of their New York State and attended lives. They all brought great SUNY Oneonta as a non- joy and comfort to her. traditional student, mainJanet often thought of taining a 4.0 GPA; attaining others first, always with love, a bachelor of science degree, understanding, compasClass of 1989. Upon gradu- sion, empathy and endless ation she was immediately generosity. She sponsored hired by SUNY Oneonta, children for many years with working different posi- Child Fund International, tions before becoming Smile Train and many local the Assistant Director of charities. Janet always Facilities Planning. Janet had time for everyone, was very dedicated to her especially those in need. position as a professional at Janet loved to sew, knit, SUNY Oneonta making a and was an avid reader, loved positive impact and contri- to cook and have family bution for a rewarding gatherings. She enjoyed 27-year career. Janet was shooting her dad’s guns on held in high esteem by her occasion, and was an excelcolleagues, and that was lent shot. She taught herself
sign language and became quite proficient. She always embraced a challenge and always found the right path. Above all, loved spending time with her family and many, many friends. Janet loved and adored her grandchildren, Dante, Emerson and Brynn. She is survived by loving husband, James Frankl of Otego; her son, Jason Franks and his wife, Bindu, and Janet’s favorite person, her grandson, Dante, of Mamaroneck; stepdaughter, Dana Frankl and Nate Bevins and their children, Emerson and Brynn Bevins Frankl, of New Rochelle; stepson, Ian Frankl of Laurens; her sister, Judy Adams and John Kinnick of Helena, Mont.; nephews, Ryan Elvrom, Gavin and Geoff Hurley and Mark Turner. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Dorothy Adams; brother, Bill Hurley and sister, Jo Anne Turner. Janet a truly beautiful person inside and out, classy through and through. We will forever love you and cherish you in our hearts. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. on April 19, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be 1 p.m., April 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Marti SwordsHorrell officiating. The church will livestream the service on Zoom.us, meeting ID# 837 7768 8601. Donations may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com
Save the Date A.O. Fox Hospital’s Medical Staff Presents
Carson Lecture Series April 25, 2022 Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta Lecture: 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.
“TB and Covid: A Tale of Two Pandemics” Presented by Richard E. Chaisson, MD Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Tuberculosis Research Guests will be required to undergo Covid screening (temp and questions) and wear masks when not eating or drinking.
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Legal
Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION City School District City of Oneonta, New York PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Oneonta City School District, Otsego County, New York, will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oneonta Senior High School pursuant to Section 2017 (4) (5) of the Education Law of the State of New York, for the presentation of the budget document. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and a vote, by voting machine, will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at The Foothills, 24 Market Street, Oneonta, at which time the polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., EST, for voting on the following items: To adopt the annual budget of the Oneonta City School District for the fiscal year 2022-2023 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable real property of the District, To elect three (3) members of the Board of Education, each to serve three (3) year terms, commencing on July 1, 2022 and expiring on June 30, 2025, to succeed Bill Grau, Darren Gaisford, Shawn Beckerink, whose terms expire on June 30, 2022. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education, to serve the remainder of a vacated seat currently held by board appointed member Joseph Temming the term for this seat is May 18, 2022 and expiring on June 30, 2023. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York. Voting at said Annual Election will be by use of voting machines. ALL VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE AT: THE FOOTHILLS 24 MARKET STREET, ONEONTA, NEW YORK Petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education to fill four (4) expired terms of three (3) years shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at the District Office, no later than April 27, 2022 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District and state the residence of each signer; the name and residence of the candidates. NOTICE, is also given that any person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election, pursuant to Section 352 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote without further
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registration pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law. Military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 pm on May 3, 2022. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. The School District will transmit military ballots to military voters on May 3, 2022. Completed military ballots must be received by the School District by 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2022 in order to be counted. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District has fixed May 3, 2022 as the date on which the Board of Registration of said school district will meet at 31 Center Street, in Oneonta, New York, in said school district, for the purpose of preparing a register for each school election district for the Annual City School District Election to be held on May 17, 2022. Said Board of Registration will meet for said purposes on May 3, 2022 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At such hours and place, any person who has not permanently registered by May 3, 2022 or who did not register for the general election held on November 3, 2021 or who is permanently registered, but at the time of such registration resided in a school election district other than the one in which he or she presently resides or has not voted in an intervening election, must in order to be entitled to vote at said election, present himself or herself personally for registration. The register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District at the Board of Education Offices at 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the district beginning May 6, 2022, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and each day, except Saturday or Sunday, prior to the day set for the election, May 17, 2022 and at the polling place on the day of the vote. Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained by any resident of the Oneonta City School District each day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, during the period of seven days immediately preceding the date of the public hearing to be held on May 4, 2022. Copies of the proposed budget will be available on said days at the Board of
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Education Office, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
powers with respect to bonds and notes; and providing for an estoppel procedure, be approved?
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District shall provide for absentee ballots for the election of Board of Education member, the school budget and any other referenda stated in this notice. Applications for absentee ballots for said annual election are available at the Board of Education Offices, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Education at said address no later than May 14, 2022 if mailed and May 17, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. if personally delivered. Absentee ballots are to be submitted no later than 3:30 p.m. on May 17, 2022 the day of said election, to the address of the Clerk of the Board of Education. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except weekends, and on the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/her challenge and reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that any other proposition not requiring official notice in the call of the Annual Meeting may be voted upon at said election, subject to the provisions of Section 2035 of the Education Law, provided a proposition is filed with the District Clerk on or before April 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. prevailing time; said proposition must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District: must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District; and must state the name and residence of each signer. The School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, or any proposition that fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition. PROPOSITION 1 – PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUSES Shall the March 23, 2022 bond resolution authorizing the purchase of school buses for the City School District of the City of Oneonta, at a maximum cost of $237,640; authorizing the issuance of up to $237,640 bonds (five year maximum maturity); providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments; pledging the District’s faith and credit for debt service; delegating
Dated: April 1, 2022 Oneonta, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE ONEONTA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Regina Ranieri McGuinness Regina Ranieri McGuinness, District Clerk 4LegalApr.21 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following Proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2022 - Amend § 270-14G-Parking reserved in designated location- Trolley/ bus/carriage stops: Parking is reserved Tuesday-Sunday 9am to 9pm from the Saturday prior to Memorial Day to Columbus Day as a horse-drawn carriage passenger boarding area on the south side of Main Street west of Chestnut Street in the first two parallel parking spaces west of the on-street angled parking. Carriage operators must have a permit for the use of Village streets from the Village of Cooperstown. Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local law at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Administrator to request assistance. A copy of the proposed application is available for inspection at the Village Administrator’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dated: April 8, 2022 By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) 1LegalApr.14 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of GOURDS AND GAMES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/7/22. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.
THURSDAY, April 14, 2022
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SSNY shall mail process to 125 Patterson Rd., Richfield Springs, NY 13439, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.19
County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 6 Country Club Rd. Oneonta NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful. 6LegalMay.19
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Dooner Enterprises, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 03/30/22. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Dooner Enterprises, LLC, 473 Burillo Road, Maryland, New York 12116. Purpose: Any Lawful purpose 6LegalMay.19 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Fly Creek Flowers LLC Articles of Org. filed on 3/12/2022 with SSNY Office: Otsego County SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 2189 County Highway 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.19 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 245 Lake Shore Drive North, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 02/24/22. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 839 Creed Road, Oakland, CA 94610. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalMay.19 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Otego 401 Deli, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 01/24/2022. 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, 113 River Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalMay.19 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of 3 Burr Ave LLC. Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/28/2022. Off. Loc. Otsego
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NORTHEASTERN ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SERVICE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 4/1/22. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 129 Hawkins Rd., Maryland, NY 12116. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMay.19 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF THE BRAIN FREEZE SHOPPE LLC. Filed 3/18/22. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Stephanie Koslowski, 67 N. Main St, Homer, NY 13077. Purpose: General. 6LegalMay.19 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of MILLER VENTURE PROPERTIES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/25/22. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 6040 Steam Mill Rd., Unadilla, NY 13849. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business location: 1706 State Highway 7, Unadilla, NY 13849. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Farm and Nature Creative LLC Articles of organization formed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/12/2022. Office: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 126 Whispering Oaks Lane, Otego NY 13825. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of AJewelNRuth Adventure LLC. Filed 3/8/22. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Anna Rathbun, 3801 County Hwy 11, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: General.
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6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Manufactured Home Masters LLC. Filed 3/9/22. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Jessica Anne Simons, 438 County Hwy 11 Lot42, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 1 MICKLE PLACE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 3/24/22. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: The LLC, 17 N. Bayles Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050. The Purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Oculo Visitant Gallery LLC Arts of Org. filed 12/07/2021. Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process&shall mail to 116 Manley Dr, Hartwick, NY 13348. Purp: any lawful 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Oneonta Property Management LLC A. of Org. filed with Sec of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/14/21. Office in Otsego Cty. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to 277 Main St, Oneonta 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of KELLKY MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/24/22. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 33 Walnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of VITAL TRENDS USA, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/24/22. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be
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served. SSNY shall mail process to 205 Arnold Rd., Burlington Flats, NY 13315, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.5 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MISS VIKKI LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC) Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State on March 10, 2022. The office location within New York is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to c/o THE LLC, 330 Nelson Road, South New Berlin, New York 13843. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of T.S.T. HOLDING PROPERTIES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/10/22. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1 West St., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF A FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Appliance Maintenance Services LLC Articles of Organization filing date with the Department of State (SSNY) February 15, 2022. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 1251 County Highway 11 Laurens, NY 13796 Purpose: To engage in any and all business activities and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of JOSH’S TREE SERVICE, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 03/02/2022. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Josh’s Tree Service, LLC, 986 County Highway 22, Burlington Flats, NY 13315 Purpose: Any Lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of THE MENAGERIE AT THE COREY HOUSE LLC
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Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/31/2022. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The Menagerie at the Corey House LLC, 1291 Co Hwy 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any Lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Donut Depot LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/11/22. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 102 Depot Rd., Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Boat Owners United LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/13/22. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Boat Owners United LLC, 116 West Hill Rd, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.28 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company Name: MSJ Storage, LLC., Articles of Organization filed with NYS Department of State on February 10, 2022. Office Location: Otsego County. NYS Department of State had been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to 218 Pegg Road, Morris New York 13808. Purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity under the LLC Law of New York. 6LegalApr.21 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name: DRI 9, LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 March 2022. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 393 Main Street Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.14
THURSDAY, aPRIL 14, 2022
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9
State Police charge Springfield man with ghost gun felony count
Jaguars out-do schools from Liverpool, New Hartford, elsewhere
Laurens Color Guard wins championship Laurens Central School’s storied Jaguars color guard brought home first-place honors in the Mid York Color Guard Circuit’s Winter Guard competition, out-performing guards from Liverpool, New Hartford, Mohonasen, and other large school districts throughout New York State. The Jaguars’ SA-1 Winter Guard capped its October-to-April season with the April 2 championship, adding another honor to the school’s 50-yearplus legacy of color guard excellence. “Ours is one of the oldest Guards in New York State,” Jennifer Sander told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta; she and Carol Louden are co-directors of the squad. “The senior guard put in two-and-a-half to three hours of practice three days a week. It’s a lifestyle for them and for all of us who are involved.” Her team, she said, couldn’t wait to get back on the floor after a two-year COVID-induced hiatus. But when the season began, they were ready to go and eager to make the jump from the SA-2 class, for smaller schools, to Senior Guard SA-1. “For my daughter and the other girls in SA-1, Color Guard is their life,” Ms. Sanders said. “Coming back after COVID I think they were worried they might be out of practice. People don’t realize how much goes into it, the endurance, the strength, the precision. To do a show as intense as we did is pretty amazing and we couldn’t be more proud.” “We’re a school of less than 300,” Ms. Sanders said. “We’re competing against guards from schools like Shenendahowa (in Clifton Park) with six times the students. We put out three different guards every year and the girls love it.” Along with the champion SA-1 guard, featuring students from grades
New York State Police charged a Springfield, New York man with numerous felonies after members of the NYSP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations discovered he was in possession of
The Laurens Central School Jaguars dazzle the audience and judges during the April 2 Mid York Color Guard Circuit’s championship competition. The Jaguars took home the top prize in the region-wide competition. Photo courtesy of Carol Louden.
six through 12, Laurens offers youth and cadet levels that attract younger students ready to join in the excitement and pageantry. The school this year welcomed Winter Guard members from nearby schools in Oneonta and Franklin, with one home-schooled student and one whose family drives from Elmira to participate in this toprated team. In the Mid York championship, judges scored Laurens and its competitors on timing — getting on and off the floor, that is — general effect, level of skill with throws and catches, handling of rifles for clean throws and catches, and artistic concept. Ms. Sanders said Winter Guard performances are “more artistic” than traditional outdoor Color Guard marches and competitions. “It’s a show with a concept,” she said of the April 2 competition. “Our SA-1 Guard used the Rolling Stones’s
“Paint It, Black,” for their work, the Junior Guard used Dolly Parton ‘9to-5,’ and the young group did their routine to ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie.’” The village’s fire trucks escorted the team bus back into Laurens late on April 2 to congratulate their championship showing. “It was midnight so they didn’t run the sirens, of course,” Ms. Sanders said. “It was great to get that kind of a welcome. All the girls were so happy about it!” “We go all year,” she said. “It’s amazing what these girls push through with school and COVID and everything going on, but for them and for all of us it’s a labor of love. We do the Sherburne Festival and the summer parades, we do a summer clinic for girls who want to get involved.” For more information on the Laurens Jaguars, visit www.laurenscs.org.
’ghost guns’ and other firearms. On April 10, 2022, Troopers from the Richfield Springs barracks responded to a 911 complaint of domestic incident that involved an attempted break-in at a residence on County Highway 54 in the town of Springfield. Police said Kenneth A. Carson, age 37, of Springfield, attempted to enter the home of a known acquaintance and discharged a firearm while outside. No one inside was hurt. Carson was arrested and charged with: • Attempted Burglary in the first degree, class “B” felony • Criminal Use of a Firearm in the second degree, class “C” felony • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree, class “C” felony • Manufacture of a Machine Gun, class “D” felony • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree, class “D” felony • Reckless Endangerment in the first degree, class “D” felony • Criminal Mischief in the third degree, class “E” felony Carson was transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing and remanded by a judge to the Otsego County Jail on $20,000 cash bail or $45,000 bond. His next court date was scheduled for May 5, 2022, at the Springfield Town Court. The New York State Police reminds people that possessing or making privately manufactured firearms without serial numbers (’ghost guns’) is a crime and is a threat to public safety. If you know of anyone who is making firearms, please contact your closest law enforcement agency.
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A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
‘Rumors’ abound in Catskill show
News Briefs
Photo courtesy of Phil Durkin
Cherry Valley Democrats endorse Matt Castelli in upcoming primary
The Cherry Valley Democratic Committee has voted to endorse Matt Castelli of Saratoga Springs, New York, in the June 28 primary election to determine which of the party’s candidates will face Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the November general elections. After meeting with Mr. Castelli and his primary opponent, Matt Putorti of Whitehall, New York, the Cherry Valley committee chose to back Mr. Castelli. State lawmakers drew Cherry Valley into Rep. Stefanik’s 21st Congressional District, carving it from its CD-19 designation — although those new district lines remain under judicial review at this time. From left to right, Andy Minnig, Frank McGrath, Diane McGrath, Gerry Woodworth, Kathleen Taylor, Kat Chiba, and Dennis Laughlin.
SUNY students collect food and CANstruct sculptures for charity
Cooperstown High School Leadership Training for Athletes — Ava Lesko, Elizabeth Hughes, Riley Green
SUNY Oneonta students and community members came
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together to collect and donate food for the 2022 CANstruction event that took place at Southside Mall on April 2. CANstruction is a national charity committed to ending hunger one can at a time. Teams in CANstruction events raise money to purchase cans appropriate to the sculpture they constructed. Participants used cans with original labels, and no glue or anything that will affect the cans during construction was allowed. “We received almost 1,500 pounds of food during this event and we distributed it to nine pantries in Otsego County,” Maggie Johnson, coordinator of the food distribution, said. “It was a great success.”
RUMORS is under the direction of Lissa Sidoli, with Diana Friedell producing, stage management by Deb Bruce, Diane Stammel in charge of costumes, and a set designed by Andy O’Dell and Charlie Reiman. There will be home-baked refreshments for sale during intermission to benefit the Worcester Woman’s Club. Mask wearing will be decided by the board based on CDC regulations regarding COVID safety at show time. Tickets are $20 General Catskill players, seated from left to right: Diana Friedell, Maria Johnson, J Lentner, Diane Stammel. Admission and $15 for Standing left to right: Mark Murphy, Ben Friedell, Charlie Reiman, Michael Tamburrino, Rhiannon Seniors or Students and can LaCross. be obtained in advance on line here thru Eventbrite: The Catskill Community Players celebrate their 48th year with Neil Simon’s comedy “Rumors” at the Wieting https://bit.ly/3K8BMym or at the door. The Wieting Theatre, built in 1910, was host to many Theater in Worcester April 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 vaudeville troupes touring across the U.S. by train. Here, p.m. on Sunday, May 1. A cast of local favorites perform in the hilarious tale of a the walls do talk — signatures of cast members from past shows from as far back as 1920 adorn the backstage walls. celebration gone wrong: Find out more about CCP at http://catskillplayers.org/ or Maria Johnson and Ben Friedell are Ken and Chris Gorman, J Lentner and Diane Stammel featured as Lenny at https://www.facebook.com/catskillcommunityplayers. and Claire Ganz, Diana Friedell and Mark Murphy appear as Cookie and Ernie Cusack, Michael Tamburrino and Rhiannon La Cross portray the young and ambitious Glenn and Cassie Cooper. Also joining the cast are Charlie Reiman and Abbey Koutnik as officers Welch and Pudney.
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THURSDAY, aPRIL 14, 2022
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