The Freeman's Journal 05-30-24

►

WeHaveRe-Opened ourOutdoolLiving& Garden Center! Come See Us!

NewAsburyGardens 248 River Street Oneonta 607-432-8703 newasburygardens.com

We Remember

New Exhibit, Statue Unveiled at BHoF

Black Baseball Experience Focus of Weekend, Season

By CHARLIE VASCELLARO

When historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown opened on the site of a cow pasture in September of 1920, who could have imagined a scene like this year’s inaugural EastWest Classic celebration and re-creation of the Negro Leagues All-Star game?

Twenty-seven years before Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, and 19 years before the opening of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, like much of American society, professional baseball at most levels was a segregated institution. And so, the appearance of two dozen recently-retired Black major leaguers, 10 Black Hall of Famers serving as honorary coaches, and 2014 Little League World Series legend Mo’ne Davis (the first girl, now woman, to earn a victory in Series play) may have constituted the largest gathering of Black players—certainly the biggest number of Black major leaguers—to participate in a game on Doubleday Field.

Fueled by former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard’s three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning, the East defeated the West 5-4 in front of a capacity crowd of 5,740 and Howard was named the game’s MVP. The game was marked more by its pageantry than its competition and was resplendent in celebrating Negro League’s history, with player’s donning uniforms of well-known and regionally applicable historic franchises including the Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays, Birmingham Barons, Newark Eagles, and Detroit Stars. Former Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones looked perfectly at home in a Baltimore Elite (pronounced E-Light) Giants uniform.

The Doubleday Field grandstand behind home plate was filled with family, friends, and descendants

Continued on page 6

Attorney Honored by Local Chapter of State Bar Assn.

By TERESA WINCHESTER MOUNT UPTON

The Del-Chen-O chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of New York State has named Claudette Newman as its 2024 “Member of Distinction.” The honor was conferred at a May 9 dinner held at the Old Mill Restaurant in Mount Upton.

Newman is a founding member of the association, of which she speaks highly, saying that its continuing legal education classes and lunches with judges are “a huge benefit and offer moral support.”

According to a statement from Del-ChenO, the chapter chose to recognize Newman based on her “unwavering commitment to serving others.”

Service to others has always been foremost in Newman’s mind, which is the

reason she chose to study law.

“I always wanted to do something where I could help people. Becoming a lawyer went with my skill set,” Newman said.

Newman also attributes her desire to serve others to her Christian values.

“We are called to serve,” she said.

Newman serves Gilbertsville Baptist Church, of which she is a member, by being a moderator for its business meetings.

Another influence on Newman’s serviceoriented mindset was Sherburne attorney Patrick Joyce, with whom she worked just after passing the bar exam in 1995.

“He believed strongly in helping those whom nobody else would help,” she said.

Early on, Newman’s interest in practicing law was piqued by participating in mock trials at Bainbridge-Guilford High School. From that experience, she not only

Continued on page 9

Photo by Vantine Imaging

Hon. Elizabeth A. Garry with Claudette Newman at the Old Mill Restaurant in Mount Upton.

Top photo, Cooperstown VFW Post 7128 by Darla M. Youngs; photo above, Oneonta Legion Post 259 by Marie D. Iannotti

SAVE FOR THE SEASON

Cooper Country Crafts Celebrating Half a Century of Success

By ELIZABETH COOPER

COOPERSTOWN

scarves, wooden toys, and trinkets of all kinds.

SAVE FOR THE SEASON

It’s a rare thing for any store to survive for 50 years. Especially a homey craft store in a town focused on baseball tourism.

But Cooper Country Crafts can now claim that distinction.

This little jewel of a store in Doubleday Court has been around since 1974 and has occupied the same spot since about 1977. There is a special quality to the place. The sun streams through the windows, filters through brightly colored glassware and dances across ceramics,

And without fail, there is a cheery salesperson there to greet you.

What’s the secret? It’s a co-op, managed and staffed by the crafters themselves.

“Everything is handmade and the people that do it love it,” said founding member Judy Curry. “And the love shows up in what they do and in the quality of the work.”

On a recent Friday, Curry was outside giving the door a fresh coat of paint. She said the idea for the store came out of a conversation she had one day with fellow crafter Marion Bronner. The two had been selling

items at a consignment shop and were frustrated by the 30 percent fee levied on sales.

“We thought we could do our own store and could do it more economically,” she said.

Their first location was where the Pioneer Patio restaurant is today. Soon they attracted other crafters with the same feelings about consignment—over the years there have been more than 300—and they drew up some rules.

“Everybody pitches in,” Curry said. “No matter what we do— paint the shop or build shelves—somebody in the group does the work. We take turns working there and we keep expenses very low.”

They also became a non-profit.

“Everybody gets the sales from their items and we take a small percentage to pay our bills,” Curry said.

Today there are about 20 active members.

“We have a great group of members,” she added. “It is just a really good, fairly tight-knit group

and we have become good friends.”

One such member is Sharon Gibbons of Deansboro, a seamstress who makes everything from pocketbooks to little girls’ sundresses and sculptures of Santa and snowmen.

“I used to do craft shows,” the 25-year member said. “A friend of mine said, ‘Why don’t you try Cooper Country

Crafts?’ I sell just as much there as I did at all my craft shows. The people are wonderful.

All the crafters are like family.”

Barb Grant of Oneonta has been a member for seven years.

“I like that it is so unique,” she said.

Grant makes crocheted market bags and knit blankets, hats, scarves, and other items.

Alessandra Paul, marketing and operations coordinator for the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, called Cooper Country Crafts “a hidden gem.” Paul said it is rare in Cooperstown for a business to be open for so many years.

“It is a very unique store, very picturesque, very warming and open

Continued

Magic Box Holds Tarot Deck Exchange

By EMILY HILBERT ONEONTA

The Magic Box in Oneonta held a tarot deck exchange on Saturday, May 11. Anyone with complete, opened tarot

decks in good condition was welcome to bring them in and exchange them for a new deck.

Finally, a use for those decks lying around that haven’t been handled in quite a while.

Tarot decks are deeply personal tools used for divination. They are typically not touched by anyone except the owner, and whoever is receiving

the tarot reading.

In order to make this event work, the Magic Box required that all decks for exchange be dropped off no later than Thursday, May 9. For each deck dropped off, exchange participants received a voucher which could be used to get a free deck on Saturday, or to receive $5.00 off a new deck or on classes offered

at the store. Friday, May 10 was the day the decks were cleansed and purified, so they could find new owners during the exchange event.

Anastasia Majestic, owner of the Magic Box, explained a bit of her purification process.

“The cleansing process will include smoke cleansing after invoking four directions and keeping decks on a selenite plate or in a bowl of salt,” Majestic said. Saturday came, and participants were able to stop by the Magic Box any time from noon to 5 p.m. to peruse the exchange decks up for grabs. Decks ranged from the common and classic, like the Rider-Waite deck, to the fun and popculture, including Game of Thrones and 3D decks. Participants were encouraged to take their time and really look through the decks to find which ones spoke to them.

This reporter already owns a wide variety of tarot decks, including a well-loved Rider-Waite, and instead opted for The Untamed Mystery Tarot, while a friend went with the Crow Tarot due to her love of all things corvids.

Majestic opened up a little more about the event and the inspiration behind it.

“This is the first time I have done an event [like this],” she said, adding that she hoped the anticipation and success would allow the Magic Box to be able to hold a similar event down the line.

When asked where the idea for a swap event came from, Majestic said that she is “all about reducing, reusing, and recycling,” and “the inspiration is to give items a new home.”

Finally, given the personal nature of tarot decks—and the fact that the event involved swapping out decks

Photo by Tara Barnwell

Cooper Country Crafts, located in Doubleday Court, offers a shopping alternative for those not primarily interested in baseball clothing and memorabilia.

Library Celebrating 75th with Party This Sunday

By EMILY HILBERT COOPERSTOWN

Tell the book lovers to grab their party hats, because the Village Library of Cooperstown is celebrating its 75th birthday this Sunday. Located at 22 Main Street, the building was completed in 1898 as a gift for Robert Sterling Clark, son of Elizabeth Scriven Clark. In 1932, Robert Sterling Clark donated the building to the Village of Cooperstown, after which the Women’s

Library Director Heather Urtz Amendolare explained.

“The village library is committed to meeting the changing needs of our community. This includes providing additional children’s programs, programs at Connections at Clark Sports Center, offering weekday lectures and additional book discussions, increased funding toward our digital content in Libby, and increased print book and DVD purchasing.

“We aim to foster

Schedule for Sunday, June 2

1 p.m. Activities: Live music, local author tables, silent auction, face painting, time capsule, crafts, history displays

1:45 p.m. Speeches: Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Senator Peter Oberacker, Assemblyman Chris Tague, Jane Forbes Clark

2:45 p.m. Silent Auction winners announced 3 p.m. Event concludes

Club of Cooperstown took care of it from 1939 until the library gained a charter from New York State in 1949.

With the library being such a prominent fixture in the village all this time, it made sense to wonder how it has contributed to the community over the years.

lifelong learning in an inclusive and open environment,” Amendolare said.

Thanks to the hard work of a staff of five, and lots of volunteers, Amendolare and her crew are ready to celebrate the library’s 75th birthday in style.

When asked what

Continued on page 7

Baseball Seminar Returns for 35th Year

By TERESA WINCHESTER COOPERSTOWN

Baseball is about more than home run records, batting averages and runs batted in. Just ask Bill Simons, SUNY Oneonta Professor Emeritus, former chair of its history department and co-director of the 35th Cooperstown Symposium on Baseball and American Culture.

“Baseball is a mirror of the American culture,” said Simons in a May 19 telephone interview. “A lot of American history can be reflected through baseball—race relations, military history, women’s history. Baseball developed at a time when America was moving to the city, yet it evokes a rural nostalgia,” he said.

The conference is co-sponsored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and SUNY Oneonta. Codirector for the Hall of Fame is Cassidy Lent, director of Reference Services at its Giamatti Research Center.

“I’m looking forward to the folks who come to the conference—the energy and the atmosphere they bring with them and all the camaraderie,” Lent said.

Lent also enjoys the way newcomers and “frequent fliers” come together at the conference.

“It’s gratifying to see every year,” she said.

Simons is the only individual to have played some role in the symposium since its inception.

“It (the symposium) was supposed to be a ‘one-and-done’ for the 50th anniversary of the Hall of Fame, but we’re not going anywhere. It’s been going on since 1989 and it’s the preeminent baseball scholarly conference,” Simons explained.

Each year, approximately 150 people attend

the conference. This year’s program features 24 two-hour sessions, running concurrently, with two presentations per session. Each presentation lasts 25 minutes, followed by a questionand-answer session.

This year’s presentations feature “Dodgers and Giants Move West,” “Diamond Sutras: A Survey of Baseball and/as Buddhism,” and “Lefty O’Doul’s 1949 Goodwill Tour of Japan,” to cherry-pick just a few. The full program is available online at https://baseballhall.org/ discover-more/education/symposium Program selection is rigorous, Simons said. Abstracts for presentations are solicited via a “massive list serve,” resulting in a “significant number” of proposals. The selection committee makes its decisions for inviting presenters according to a checklist. Names of those proposing are blocked out to ensure “blind judgment,” Simons also said, adding that, in the spirit of inclusivity, those not chosen to present are invited to be session moderators.

The symposium has proven to be a catalyst for baseball scholarship and publications.

“At times we have brought out anthologies based on the conference, and well over 100 books have had their genesis through presentations at the symposium,” Simons said.

A major feature of

the symposium is its keynote speaker, usually someone well-known in the sports world. Past keynoters have included Frank DeFord, George Plimpton, and Roger Kahan, author of “The Boys of Summer.” This year, Howard Bryant will speak on May 29 at 1 p.m. in the BHoF’s Grandstand Theater. Bryant, a Boston native, is a sports journalist and radio and television personality, writing weekly columns for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. He appears regularly on ESPN Radio and is a frequent panelist on The Sports Reporters. Since 2006, Bryant has been sports correspondent for Weekend Edition with Scott Simon on National Public Radio. Bryant’s 2002 book, “Shut Out: A Story of Race and Baseball in Boston,” won the CASEY Award for the best baseball book of that year. In 2005, he published “Juicing the Game: Drugs, Power, and the Fight for the Soul of Major League Baseball,”

Continued on page 7

Photo by Teresa Winchester

Cassidy Lent, manager of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s reference services at the Giamatti Research Center, stands in front of a mural depicting Town Ball, a precursor of modern baseball. On May 30, as part of the symposium, Peter Young hosted a game of Town Ball in Cooper Park.

Perspectives

EDITORIAL

When Is Enough Enough?

Among the most unsightly business development that has unfortunately survived the growth and development of our country in recent decades is the strip mall, called as well a plaza, a type of shopping center where multiple stores and eateries, often of the box and chain variety, are generally built on the outskirts of cities and large towns, on or near the larger traffic arterials. They offer little connection to their nearby towns and villages, often leading to precipitous declines in traditional “Main Street” commerce, and tend to overwhelm their once bucolic surroundings, replacing open spaces and obscuring roadside views.

The first such mall, the Park and Shop, was opened in Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C., in 1930. Today there are upwards of 115,000 such malls in the United States, over a quarter of them in California, Texas and Florida, where it is often difficult to find the original town centers that have been laid waste by the seemingly endless commercial expansion and urban sprawl. Lately, however, these malls have been giving way to online sales and a global pandemic, and their customer numbers have plummeted. The shop owners have had to come up with new ways to encourage their customers, and they have done so by shifting their purpose from selling purely consumer products to becoming destinations for entertainment and culture. The infamous Mall of America, in Minnesota, now contains an aquarium, a theme park and adventure golf, among other attractions.

Which leads us to our own back yard, just south of Cooperstown on Route 28 in the Town of Hartwick, where the hamlet of Hartwick itself is so far removed from the chaos of the town’s Route 28 hamlets of Hartwick Seminary, Hyde Park and Index, that planners seem to have no qualms about placing the value of tax revenues well above concerns related to density, traffic, and quality of life. While this unbridled development does nothing to diminish the placidity of life in the hamlet of Hartwick itself, it has an enormous impact on the reputation and serenity of Cooperstown, a place often called America’s favorite hometown and sometimes America’s most perfect village.

Presently, we are seeing the construction of yet another chain hotel and something to be called the “Cooperstown Experience,” a soonto-open, one-of-a-kind baseball and softball tournament complex that promises a complete family vacation experience in “The Baseball Capital of the World.”

To accommodate this development, a previously untouched early 19th-century federal farmhouse was scraped from the earth in a manner that would have been nearly impossible in the Village of Cooperstown. One wonders when enough might be enough.

It has been noted that a significant number of visitors who stay in Hartwick’s chain hotels and recreate in the attractions there sometimes do not actually make it into the Village of Cooperstown and leave with no idea of why it would be called America’s perfect village, or even that there is a lake here. These people leave with no true Cooperstown experience.

Fortunately, Cooperstown is blessed with a village government that consistently strives to retain the peace and beauty of the village, as well as The Clark Foundation, which not only supports the village leaders, but also maintains an expansive and bucolic “green zone” that stretches from the northern boundary of the Town of Hartwick to Cooperstown itself. Perhaps those who are in charge of affairs in Hartwick could take a page from their neighbors and consider some more sensible zoning to prevent sprawl, or at least to ensure these new enterprises are more attractive—from sign ordinances and density requirements to building design guidelines and light pollution mitigation. Locals would be happy, and visitors might enjoy a more sustainable and attractive “Baseball Capital of the World” experience.

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.

MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association

Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

Class Subscription, $155 a year.

A Plea to Locals for Philoxenia

When did tourist become a dirty word?

Way back when, young aristocratic Englishmen famously traveled to continental Europe on what was called the Grand Tour. Were they the first tourists? Nowadays the word tourist is accompanied by a sneer and a knowing roll of the eyes. Whereas the young intrepid Englishmen were romanticized and admired, their modern-day counterparts, up and down the social scale, are treated with contempt.

Summer approaches. Some residents of Cooperstown are already gearing up to brush off the tourists who will soon arrive.

I am a tourist. At least, when I go to Milford, I am an outsider. Or when I go to Los Angeles I am no different from another tourist visiting there.

In ancient Greece the word for stranger was xenos, which meant not

only stranger, but guest and friend. Philoxenia was the word of the day, visitors welcome. Can we not emulate the ancient Greeks and happily share our village with those who come our way? Visitors have the same right to the sidewalk as I do. We would all be better off with mutual smiles up and down Main Street.

It is gratifying to see families enjoying their meal in one of the many eateries in our village, and to note the bustle at the hostelries, and to observe the pleasure taken at the opera, the concerts, the art exhibitions, and the baseball events, all of which enliven the life in the streets by our enchanted lake and let’s not forget that the visitors come to share their wealth with us, thus ensuring the village’s healthy and fruitful bottom line.

Sam Goodyear is a resident of the Village of Cooperstown.

May We Never Forget

OTSEGO COUNTY—Memorial Day observances took place throughout Otsego County on May 27, including in Cooperstown, where a contingent representing the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7128 marched on Main Street.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

Interpretations

Differ on Climate

The May 16, 2024 edition of your Partial Observer presents Roger Caiazza’s professional perspective related to climate change.

With all due respect for Roger’s professional opinion based on his experience in the energy sector, I wish to point out an alternate perspective.

The subject of climate change and the impact of fossil fuels was studied by the IPCC (International Commission on Climate Change) with specific attention given to post-glacial changes that coincide with the “Industrial Revolution.”

Illustrating Caiazza’s article is a diagram (Figure 7) that shows atmospheric temperature changes limited to 1850 through 2020. Unfortunately, this fails to represent a full and accurate perspective because it does not include conditions known to have existed throughout geologic time during episodes of known glacial and interglacial events.

When shown completely, the diagram has the shape of a “hockey stick” that is relatively flat before rising abruptly in post-glacial time

to show increased atmosphere temperature.

The interpretation applied is that at no time during all the years since the end of the last Ice Age, including climate changes recorded in historic time, has the climate warmed as fast as it has during the Industrial Revolution. Consequently, the IPCC recommended to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and the adoption of “green energy” sources.

P. Jay Fleisher glacial geologist Brunswick, Maine

Poulson’s Article Was Inspirational

Re: “Peggy and Bob’s Himalayan Trek,” by Robert Poulson, (May 23, 2024, front page).

Kudos to the Poulsons for being an inspiration to the rest of us octogenarians. They have shown that we are not obliged to withdraw from the world or worldly pursuits simply because of the calendar. In so doing, they have added new meaning to the slogan, “Just Do It!”

John and Suzanne Rudy Cooperstown

Miracle Needed To End Bloodshed

The parting of the Red Sea was an act of God. Is Israel’s rebirth dependent on an Act of Guns or an Act of God?

If Israel is to be the light of the world, then what needs to take place is an Act of God, a miracle. Guns, bloodshed, murder and mayhem should not be necessary.

I do not believe that the light of the world emanates from the flash of exploding bombs. Gerry Welch Cooperstown

Columnists and Contributing Writers

Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Ian Kenyon, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

Photo by Darla M. Youngs

Photo by Darla M. Youngs

by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

160 YEARS AGO

The War News—No decisive action has occurred in Virginia since our last issue. For several days after the severe fighting of seven or eight days, the armies of Grant and Lee remained comparatively inactive. On Wednesday, May 18th, General Grant commenced what was at first intended to be a general engagement. But the enemy was found to be so strongly posted that the assault was abandoned after severe fighting in which both armies lost heavily. The next day Lee attempted to turn the right flank of Grant’s army, in which he was repulsed, principally by the gallant action of a division of new troops. On Friday morning there was a skirmish, in which 200 rebels were captured. Lee commenced a voluntary retreat on Friday. Whether Lee was compelled to fall back on account of a flanking movement by Grant, or rather to secure a new and stronger position, does not clearly appear. But whichever was the case, the retrograde movement took place and Grant pushed forward in pursuit. Our forces are reported occupying Guineas’ and Milford Stations, the first fifty and the latter forty miles from Richmond.

May 27, 1864

85 YEARS AGO

New York State Governor Herbert H. Lehman has approved the bill of Assemblyman Arthur L. Parsons of Central Bridge, Schoharie County, amending the conservation law to provide that it shall be illegal to carry any rifle larger than a .22 caliber rim fire during the open season for deer in counties where there is no open season for deer. Also signed by the governor was a bill of Senator Walter W. Stokes of Cooperstown amending the conservation law, by providing that persons in automobiles shall not carry any gun or rifle unless it was unloaded in both chamber and magazine.

May 31, 1939

60

YEARS AGO

A two-year-old male Labrador retriever, owned by Mrs. George Murnane of Syosset, and handled by J. Riser, won the James Mithoefer Memorial Trophy in the seventh annual Central New York Retriever Club field trial held here over the Memorial Day weekend. The trophy, offered for the first time this year honors the memory of Dr. James Mithoefer, who was an associate surgeon at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and a founder and the first president of the club. The Syosset Labrador bested a field of 18 retrievers in the Derby, one of three events in the three-day trial which opened on Friday and ended Sunday. Mrs. Murnane will have possession of the trophy for one year plus a replica for permanent possession.

June 3, 1964

35 YEARS AGO

The NBC Today Show crew is coming to Cooperstown for a live broadcast with host Bryant Gumbel on the morning of June 2. Gumbel will open the show at 7 a.m. in front of the National Baseball Hall of Fame talking with museum curator Ted Spencer and associate director Bill Guilfoile. Interviews with Hall of Famers and baseball historian John Thorn will follow as the program moves along through the early morning hours. As Thorn is interviewed, the local Leatherstocking Town Ball team will play the Beachville, Ontario Cornstalks for the NBC cameras at Doubleday Field.

May 31, 1989

20 YEARS AGO

The nation has seen gasoline and fuel prices escalate at unprecedented rates in recent months and the average price per gallon is higher in the Cooperstown area. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.06. However, in the Cooperstown area the price has settled at around $2.15 per gallon. Nearly half the cost per gallon goes to the oil companies.

May 28, 2004

Solution: “I’d Like to Thank” (May 23)

Locals: ‘Wake Up and Smell the Coffee’

This is the season we have been waiting for. After months of arctic deep freeze, snow shoveling and window scraping, we have emerged from winter’s tunnel into the bright light of summer. Yes, it’s summertime in Otsego County and we can all take the time to breathe, relax, and enjoy.

Fresh off the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kickoff of summer, the breezes are warm, the trees are in full foliage, and the smell of freshlymown lawns enters through our open windows. These days are the reason we chose to move back to Otsego County. Of all the places our family has lived, this area was by far our favorite. We are all blessed to live here, in nature’s beauty. We have clean waterways, gorgeous lakes, rolling hills full of wildlife and breathtaking valleys that stretch deep into the distance. What’s not to like, right?

Well, it may depend on who you ask.

To some, the benefits of summertime in Otsego County listed above take a back seat to other things that come to our communities as regular as the seasons. “The traffic is horrible!” “I can’t get a hotel room anywhere.” “Kids are everywhere!” “I can’t get a table at the diner.” “Fireworks? Again?” Sound familiar? (Frowny, red-faced emoji time).

As someone who has lived nearly everywhere, I would like to say something out loud to those who choose to see only inconveniences inside this county-wide community. Please, wake up and smell the coffee. It’s wafting on the breeze from the successful java shop on the corner. The traffic

By MERL REAGLE

comes from hundreds of thousands of people that trek across the country, and even the world, to be here in our home county for a few days. And yes, they bring their kids, their cars, dogs, grandparents and their infectious enthusiasm for our communities, our traditions, our destinations, and our natural beauty. Yes, they take up parking spaces, hotel rooms and restaurant tables everywhere you look. In my opinion, there is just one thing we can say to these folks in our midst for the next three months: “Welcome to our community.”

Because our honored guests are just that: guests. And while we graciously host these folks, remember what these individuals mean to our local economy. Just one baseball camp, Cooperstown All Star Village in the Town of Oneonta, brought over $90 million of financial impact to Otsego County in 2023. Add in other, similar facilities—the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Brewery Ommegang, our local colleges, our parks and camping/hiking areas—and they combine to be the economic lifeblood of our region.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is working hard to help generate other types of businesses that will impact this county all year long. Businesses that will generate more jobs, more taxes and more housing. This is a long-term plan for everyone. But while we are where we are, don’t forget to smell the coffee. First one’s on me.

Sean Lewis is president and chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce.

People with Something Extra…

“___ this cozy?” 18 Sport of eight-second events 19 Hide presents? 20 Arranges a certain way

Bowl game org.

Oppenheimer’s baby

Former candidate who likes the thornier issues? 26 Not quite dry

Singer who should exercise more? 29 Takes on again

Rim attachment

Latch ___

Critical beginning?

Fact ending?

It’s paper or plastic

“Watch your head!”

Actor whose car never gets stolen?

City S of Lillehammer

Exhaustive wd. book

Redenbacher jarful

Cytoplasm stuff

Gatecrasher

Game authority

Close by

Singer who works only at beach resorts?

Grain bristle

Mussel genus (or a marriage cut short?) 64 On everybody’s short list

Supreme Being

Contemporary of Lana

Maestro’s instrument

Novelist who can’t help winning awards?

Malory’s

Continued from page 1

of recently-retired Black major league players, Black Hall of Famers, and Negro Leagues stars.

The exhibition game was the brainchild of former Hall of Fame curator John Odell, who died before he could see it in the summer of 2023, and a major component of the Hall of Fame’s new Black Baseball Initiative, a multi-pronged approach to sharing Black baseball stories.

“The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s new initiative will provide greater depth to the stories of the Black baseball experience, including Black voices and interpretations, while incorporating new research that addresses society’s evolving understanding of racism and its impact on the National Pastime—all while celebrating Black culture through the lens of baseball,” said Josh Rawitch, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Another vibrant and engaging element of the initiative is the opening of “The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball” exhibit, honoring the history of Black baseball and celebrating its impact on the game and on the United States.

The exbibit opened with a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Hall of Fame’s Grandstand Theater on Friday, May 24. There were too many people in attendance to hold the ceremony in front of the exhibit. The first rows of the theater were occupied by more than a dozen Hall of Famers, who joined Rawitch and Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark on the stage.

“The Souls of the Game” exhibit replaces the hall’s previous “Ideals and Injustices a.k.a. Pride and Passion” exhibit that opened in 1997 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s big-league breakthrough.

The new exhibit was assisted in its creation by an advisory committee that included representatives from Major League Baseball, the MLB Players Association, the Smithsonian Institution, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Players Alliance, as well as a dozen researchers, writers, and scholars.

Hall of Fame shortstop and board member Ozzie Smith was among the speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“As a Black man, I’ve been proud to see the Hall of Fame take the time, the effort and the initiative to develop this project and to celebrate the accomplishments of those who came before and after me, as well as the challenges we have faced and continue to face,” said Smith, adding, “I’m proud to be included in this exhibit as one of the voices of Black baseball. And just like many of you, I am committed to ensuring that more and more young Black people fall in love with the game like all of

”I am walking this road with Henry. He would agree that he was deserving of this honor! I am very honored and I thank you for loving Henry.”

us did.”

The East-West Game on Saturday, May 25 was the culmination of the weekend’s celebration of the Black baseball experience, beginning with the unveiling of a new statue of Hall of Fame slugger, civil rights activist, philanthropist and humanitarian Henry “Hank” Aaron in a private ceremony near the base of the museum’s Grand Staircase on the first-floor lobby beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.

Sharing the room with the statue of Negro Leagues player, ambassador, oral historian and namesake of the Hall of Fame’s Buck O’Neil award, both statues were created by sculptor William Behrends. It’s fitting placement for Aaron, who also meets the criteria of candidates for the Buck O’Neil Award, which “honors an individual who enhances baseball’s positive image on society, who broadens the game’s appeal, and whose integrity and dignity are comparable to the namesake of the award, John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil.”

The new statue has been given the title “Keep Swinging,” derived from a favorite quote of Aaron’s, ending with his favorite phrase: “As long as there’s a chance that maybe I can hammer out a little justice now and then, or a little opportunity here and there, I intend to do as I always have—keep swinging.”

A group of approximately 60-70 attendees for the unveiling ceremony included most of the Hall of Famers in attendance for the EastWest classic game, including pitchers Rollie Fingers and Jim Kaat, former New York Yankees manager and MLB executive Joe Torre, former commissioner of baseball and close friend of Aaron, Bud Selig, 2023 HOF inductee Fred McGriff, and 2003 inductee Eddie Murray, along with Jim Rice and Harold Baines. Also in attendance were former Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, Congressman from Georgia and Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Andrew Young and his wife, Carol.

Speakers included HoF Chairman Jane Forbes Clark and Lieutenant Governor of New York Antonio Delgado, who delivered poignant introductory remarks.

Aaron’s wife of 48 years, Billye, gave a thoughtful and emotional speech: “To say that I am bursting at the seams with pride and joy is an understatement.”

Gazing upon the statue, Billye Aaron said, “It’s a reflection of Henry’s character and humbleness, it seems to be all there,” she said, smiling, “if you look hard enough.”

Aaron’s children, sons Hank (Hankie) Jr. and Larry, daughter Dorinda, and granddaughter Emily were in attendance.

Created with assistance from HoF supporters Jane and Robert Croty and with the blessing of Billye Aaron, the statue recognizes Aaron’s accomplishments on and off the field.

“The legacy of Hank Aaron has always been about so much more than just his incredible baseball achievements,” said Clark. “His philanthropic vision, his support of youth empowerment efforts and his pioneering work as an executive have opened the doors of opportunity for millions throughout the United States and around the world. We are extremely privileged to care for and preserve his entire personal collection in Cooperstown, and this statue will stand forever as a tribute to an American hero.”

Aaron donated his entire collection of artifacts to the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Robert Croty previously provided sponsorship for the museum’s “Character and Courage” exhibit inside the museum’s entrance, featuring the statues of Roberto Clemente, Lou Gehrig and Jackie Robinson, the only three players honored by Major League Baseball with their own days of recognition.

“The idea came to me when Hank passed in January of 2021. I worked with the hall on the other three that we dedicated back on November 1, 2008, which I remember because it was the day before my 50th birthday. Fast forward to the day Hank passed. I picked up the phone and called Ken Meifert, (vice president, sponsorship and development) and said, ‘Hank Aaron is big and special, and I know you can’t do statues for everybody, but if you’re interested?’ We originally thought of adding him as a fourth (in

the “Character and Courage” exhibit) in the front, but the previous sculptor had passed, so we wouldn’t have the same style and consistency,” said Croty, adding, “A decision was made to put Aaron by himself. Once they came to that decision, I ran it up the flagpole in February of 2021, when Jeff Idelson had come back into the fold as interim president of the hall. He said he wanted to make sure that Billye bought into the idea. What’s important to me is that Hank has a statue up there, and that ‘Keep Swinging’ quote.”

Croty’s connection to Aaron dates to his junior high school days in Kettering, Ohio.

“When I was 14, I was in junior high school in ninth grade in 1974. I was talking to my buddies about going to the game on Opening Day in Cincinnati. I told them ‘Hank Aaron is tied with Babe Ruth. This might be the day he breaks the record [Ruth’s record of 714 career home runs]. We agreed to skip out of school and made a run for it. The teachers were chasing after us. There were five of us.

“We hitchhiked all the way to Cincinnati, (approximately 50 miles) in two groups. We made it there and were immediately approached by a group of older ladies who told us they were skipping school, too, they were teachers. And they gave us tickets! They had extras. It was crazy how it all went down. We heard the roar of the crowd just as we were entering the ballpark. We missed seeing him hit it, but we saw him rounding the bases and heard him speak when they stopped play after the home run. We found our way up to our nose

bleed seats. Later during the game, we found my dad sitting in his seat and told him we needed a ride home.”

Croty brought an entourage of relatives with him to the statue unveiling, including his young nephews, cousins and grandson.

“Having my grandson there was important to me. I wanted him there. He’s not old enough to understand now, but I’m hoping he’ll remember being there. I asked all of them to bring their kids and grandkids here because it’s all about connecting generations,” said Croty. “Name one institution other than baseball that does a better job of connecting generations.”

Land Trust Receives $100K State Grant for Brookwood Point

COOPERSTOWN

The Otsego Land Trust has been awarded $100,000.00 by the Department of Environmental Conservation through the New York State Conservation Partnership Program with the Land Trust Alliance.

The grant will be used to develop a new walking trail and paddling launch on the north side of the Brookwood Point Conservation Area.

“We are grateful to New York State and the Land Trust Alliance for their generous support,” said Gregory Farmer, executive director.

“The new walking trail and paddling launch will provide safer and easier opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect to nature,” Farmers said.

Delta Engineers, Architects and Surveyors of Endwell was hired by Otsego Land Trust last year to update the master plan for the north side of Brookwood Point.

The proposed north side improvements have received broad support from Otsego Land Trust’s partners, Otsego Area Rowing and the Otsego Sailing Club. The Town of Otsego Zoning Board of Appeals approved

the north side project at its May 21 meeting, despite complaints from several concerned citizens and adjoining property owners.

The Brookwood Point Conservation Area encompasses 22 acres just north of Cooperstown. The property includes a creek, wetlands, formal gardens, fields and forests. It is popular with residents and visitors for its natural beauty and the access to Otsego Lake.

The New York State Conservation Partnership Program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to advance land

conservation, economic development, farmland protection, community conservation, and recreation and tourism.

Otsego Land Trust is a communitybased nonprofit protecting local fields, forests and waterways in perpetuity since 1988.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Brookwood Point and other public properties, visit otsgeolandtrust.org/events, sign up for e-mails, or follow Otsego Land Trust on Facebook.

Photo by Charlie Vascellaro

Jane Forbes Clark, flanked by Ozzie Smith, Ken Griffey Jr., Joe Torre, Eddie Murray and Jim Rice, cuts the ribbon marking the opening of the “Souls of the Game” exhibit.

Photo by Charlie Vascellaro

Mrs. Billye Aaron speaks to the crowd after her husband’s statue is unveiled.

Photo by Charlie Vascellaro

The new statue of baseball legend Hank Aaron was unveiled on Thursday, May 23. It is titled after Aaron’s favorite phrase, “Keep Swinging.”

Seminar

Continued from page 3

which was New York Times Notable Book of 2005. “The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron,” published in 2010, also won the CASEY Award and was likewise New York Times Notable Book of 2010. Also in that year, Bryant appeared in “The Tenth Inning,” Ken Burns’ extension of his 1994 documentary, “Baseball.”

An entertaining feature of the three-day conference is the re-creation of a game of Town Ball—a precursor to modern baseball. Local historian Peter Young, dressed in 19th-century attire, will serve as host, instructor and umpire for the game.

As Simons explained Town Ball, “The key purpose is to put the ball in play. Skill level precludes enthusiastic participation in our game. We have had former major league players and non-athletes share the same Town Ball experience. There is no such thing as a strike-out. There are no foul lines and any ball hit is in play. It uses a much softer ball than today’s game. You can hit someone with the ball to get them out.”

Following the Town Ball game, a dinner, hosted by Lent and served by Sunrise Catering, will be held in the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery.

“It’s the most hallowed place in the museum. It’s usually as quiet as

Stanley Eckler Hall 1934-2024

COOPERSTOWN—

Stanley Eckler Hall, husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 at his home in Cooperstown, at the age of 90 years.

Born on January 10, 1934 to Wesley and Cynthia Hall, Stanley grew up in Milford, New York.

He would later return to his hometown, in his retirement, to found Cooperstown Brewing Company in 1995, known for its flagship beer “Old Slugger.”

A lifelong learner, Stanley had both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from St. Lawrence University, a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Purdue University, and a master’s degree from Clarkson University.

Spending nearly 40 years in education, fundraising, development and consulting, he

a cathedral there. At the dinner, there is a tremendous spirit of fraternity and Casey always makes an appearance,” Lent said.

“Casey,” of course, refers to the protagonist of “Casey at the Bat,” the 1888 poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer. In past years, the poem was recited by Tim Wiles, but this year’s recitation will be performed by Ernest Found, who will throw a change-up by reciting “Casey’s Revenge,” written in 1907 by Grantland Rice.

Simons feels that baseball is a special sport due to its accessibility to all body types.

“Something about the game reflects the hurly-burly of American democracy and the American character. It allows accessibility that other sports don’t. For instance, there are not too many NBA players who are not way over 6 feet. But just look at Jose Altuve, the Venezuelan who, at 5 feet 6 inches, has three American League batting titles. Anyone can aspire to play baseball at the highest levels,” Simons said.

A lifelong baseball devotee, Simons speaks of the sport with deep appreciation.

“Although recent rule changes set time limits between pitches, baseball is still the only major team sport where the length of the game is not dictated by a clock. It’s both a team and an individual sport, Baseball is

the game with the most history. The best part of baseball is its past. There is no sport that connects the past to the present like baseball,” he said.

Library

Continued from page 3

events people could look forward to, Amendolare said, “Beginning on Wednesday, May 29, and during regular library hours, the library will be hosting 1949-themed displays with information on what was timely the year we became a public library, including current events, books, movies, and radio shows.”

Sunday, June 2 is when the party really gets going.

According to a press release, from 1-3 p.m., “friends and families can meet local authors, enjoy music and crafts, learn about the library’s history, participate in a silent auction, and listen to remarks by Jane Forbes Clark and a proclamation from Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh.”

The library will be closed on June 1 to set up for the celebration. Anyone interested in helping to prepare for the festivities can reach out Amendolare at co.heather@4cls.org.

Need a literary topic of conversation? She’s currently reading “War and Peace” and “Nosy Neighbors.”

The Village Library of Cooperstown is open seven days a week. Visit

the library website at https://villagelibraryofcooperstown for hours and further information, or check out their socials. Facebook: Village Library of Cooperstown. Instagram: @coopvillagelibrary.

Tarot

Paul also noted that Cooper Country Crafts wasn’t a baseball store.

“Everybody loves baseball here,” she said. “But it offers a safe haven for people who don’t do baseball. It’s a break from sports.”

There will be a cele-

finally retired in 1995. Over those years, Stan served as vice president of development at Hiram College, Purdue University and Hartwick College, consecutively; but the highlight of his career was as Colgate University’s vice president of public affairs for many years to follow.

He was also very proud to serve as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and as Company Commander of the Military Police from 1955-1957.

Stan married Jewel Irene Breiner in August of 1957 and was blessed with three children.

He is predeceased by his son, Brian Hall, and survived by his daughters, Sandra Barry and Nancy Jane Burr, as well as his daughter-inlaw, Tuire Hall; sons-inlaw, Daniel Barry and Stephen Burr; and his seven grandchildren, Sampo Hall, Seidi Hall, Delaney Barry Carson, Carly Barry, Ellen Burr Oleniczak, Peter Burr, and Timothy Burr; and his wife of 67 years, Jewel.

Stanley was a member of the Native Sons of Cooperstown, the St. Lawrence Alumni Association, Sigma Chi, and the ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club.) An avid outdoorsman and Adirondack 46er, he enjoyed backpacking, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing and photography in his spare time, as well

bration in honor of Cooper Country Crafts’ 50th anniversary on Friday, May 31 from 5-7 p.m. in Doubleday Court. Everyone is invited to enjoy light food and beverages, shop or just mingle.

Candidates To Meet at Forum

Continued from page 2 DELANSON—The League of Women Voters of Albany County and the LWV of the Cooperstown Area will co-sponsor a candidates’ forum for the Democratic candidates for New York’s 102 Assembly District in advance of the June 25 primary. The event is scheduled for Sunday, June 2 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Octagon Barn, 588 Middle Road, Delanson. League volunteers will serve as moderator and timekeepers.

the previous owner was not feeling connected to—Majestic was asked what people can do to ensure a strong connection with their new deck. Majestic said that decks and readers need to have a relationship of reciprocity.

“We need to understand them and give them rest and love, in order for them to show us the path. The personal connection to the story of the deck or the story behind the art is essential.”

She continued, “Thus, the connection is built via a shared background or experiences, such as with people. So, one can connect to the tarot by recognizing what symbols, or art, are close to one’s heart and finding a deck that has it within.”

Crafts

Continued from page 2

to the community,” she said. “The people are always looking out for you and for one another. It is such a special place and such an accomplishment to reach those 50 years open.”

OBITUARIES

as enjoying the getaway lodgings at Elk Lake, surrounded by the High Peaks region, with his loved ones.

Gail Evelyn Quick

1945-2024

OTEGO—Gail Evelyn (Stimpson) Quick died peacefully with her family by her side on May 24, 2024 at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home, following a brief illness with cancer. She was born October 1, 1945 in Oneonta to Dorothy and Virgil Stimpson.

She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1963 and from SUNY Oneonta in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree. After teaching in New York and California, she worked as the director of the Delhi Campus Child Care Center for 16 years. She then worked for Community Arts

Network of Oneonta for close to 10 years.

Gail’s most favorite thing in life, besides burnt hot dogs and marshmallow sundaes, was being a Grammy! Shane, Ryan, Elaina, Noah, and Jason were her pride and joy. She was their biggest cheerleader, attending many sporting, dance, theatre and music events throughout the years. Gail was also Grammy to her nieces, nephews and many other

Mary Finneran and Janet Tweed are vying for the Democratic nomination to represent the 102nd District. The 102nd District comprises all of Schoharie and Greene counties, and portions of Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Otsego (including the towns of Otsego, Worcester, Cherry Valley, Middlefield, and Springfield), and Ulster counties.

Finneran, a resident of Cairo, is a retired art teacher and environmental and social justice advocate. Tweed is a Delhi village trustee and physical therapist. The winner of the June 25 primary will face incumbent Christopher Tague in November. There will be no Republican forum, as the Republican incumbent is running unopposed.

The public is invited to submit questions for the candidates at tinyurl.com/District102Dems. Voters also may find out information about the candidates

NYFOA To Host Meeting

COOPERSTOWN—New York Forest Owners Association Central New York Chapter will host a meeting and woods walk at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. The morning session at The Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, will feature speakers Jeff O’Handley of Otsego County Conservation Association, May Leinhart of Otsego Land Trust, John MacNaught of Catskill Forest Association, and Daniel Zimmerman of Otsego Soil and Water Conservation District.

After the morning presentation, the group will travel to Forest of the Dozen Dads County Park, 325 Blacks Road in Cooperstown, for lunch and a woods walk.

family friends. Countless sleepovers, trips to the pool, game nights and movie nights are some of the memories they will all cherish. In recent years, she enjoyed organizing and participating in Zoom meetings for the Oneonta High School Class of 1963 and for her family from New York, California, and Hawaii.

Gail was an active member in the churches she attended throughout her life. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and organized many children’s events. She was also one of the founding members of Saturday’s Bread in Oneonta.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Becky (Eric) Miller of Oneonta, and by her son, Robert (Amy) Murdock of Scotia;

her five grandchildren, Shane Miller, Ryan Miller, Elaina Murdock, Noah Murdock, and Jason Miller; her sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Gary Baker of Oneonta; nieces and families Tina (Richard) Rutenber, Willow, and Dylan and Ginny (Dave) Sullivan, Grady, Owen, and Paul. She is also survived by many cousins and close friends. Calling hours for family and friends will be on Thursday, May 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, New York. A burial for immediate family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CANO, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Photo provided STANLEY ECKLER HALL

Photo provided GAIL EVELYN QUICK

SFCU Officials Meet with Residents To Discuss Bank Opening

MORRIS

Approximately 30 residents from Morris and the Butternut Valley gathered at the Morris Firehouse at 7 p.m. on May 23 for a follow-up to the news that Sidney Federal Credit Union intends to establish banking services in the Village of Morris. The meeting was organized by the Butternut Valley Alliance, whose task force began working to find an alternate bank when Community Bank, NA ended 167 years of banking services in Morris on January 19.

Present at the meeting were SFCU President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Reynolds and Andrew Smith, SFCU’s vice president of sales and marketing, who gave updates on the status of the SFCU-BVA agreement and answered questions from the public. The meeting was recorded and is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=2Ts9npx1mKE.

As opposed to a bank, which has shareholders and is publicly traded, a credit union is a not-for-profit money cooperative whose members can borrow from pooled deposits at low interest rates. SFCU was formed in 1949 at the instigation of Scintilla Magneto Corporation employees, who paid $25.00 each to fund an application fee to secure a charter. That same year, the charter was granted by the Bureau of Credit Unions.

SFCU has 11 branches spanning parts of Broome, Oneida and Herkimer counties, as well as all of Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Cortland, Onondaga, Madison, Schoharie, Montgomery, Fulton, Hamilton and Essex counties.

“All members of SFCU have an equal voice and equal voting rights,” Smith said.

Smith also emphasized SFCU’s involvement in the community.

“We want to give back to the community,” Smith said, noting that SFCU sends team members to speak at schools about financial education, sponsors youth sports groups, offers “shred days,” and supports more than 100 non-profit organizations. In partnership with the National Forest Service, SFCU also plants a tree for every new member or

business joining the credit union.

Maggie Brenner, leader of BVA’s “Save Our Bank” task force, stated that much work was still to be done before a full-service operation is up and running.

A top priority at this point is to pursue designation as a Banking Development District, an initiative fostered by the New York State Department of Financial Service and designed to encourage the establishment of branch banks in underserved areas across the state. According to the DFS website, to be designated as a BDD, the application must demonstrate not only that the community is in serious need of banking services, but also that this need is not being met by existing nearby financial institutions. The applicant must also show that by establishing a new branch in the proposed district, the institution is prepared to meet the specific, identified unmet need and that there is strong community support for the BDD designation.”

To encourage participation in the BDD program, $10 million in subsidized public deposits and other benefits are made available by the state to banks and credit unions that open a branch in these communities. Banks and credit unions successfully applying

for BDD designation are eligible to receive below market-rate deposits from New York State. These provisions are intended to diminish potential financial risks subsequent to opening.

BVA has already obtained letters of support from the town governments of Morris, Butternuts, and New Lisbon and the villages of Gilbertsville and Morris. A major advantage of a BDD is that both municipalities and school districts, not normally allowed to bank at credit unions, may do so if they have signed letters of support for a BDD. BVA is now asking for letters of support from the community at large. Letters should be sent to “Save Our Bank” task force member Jim Tremlett at jim@jimtremlett.com.

“Community support will speed up the process,” Smith said.

Brenner said that SFCU is committed to offering services in Morris as soon as possible. The time frame for opening up is six months to one year. An immediate need is to find a location for a field office where people can open accounts or buy share certificates, which are similar to certificates of deposits.

BVA is asking for community input on available office space. At the meeting, the idea of using a trailer as a temporary office was floated—a concept which jibes with SFCU’s intent, stated by Reynolds, to invest in a mobile unit to work with other communities. Its primary focus will be in communities that have lost banks. Suggestions about a bank location may be sent to Brenner at brenner_maggie@yahoo.com.

Brenner made a point of dispelling the rumor that CBNA would not sell the building it formerly occupied in Morris if it were to be used by another bank. She also said that the task force is working to educate legislators about the significant impact bank closings have on rural communities. She said she hopes that BVA’s success to date draws a blueprint for affected communities in their efforts to restore banking services.

“We are continuing to have positive conversations with Community Bank. The building is not currently for sale and will not be (for sale) in the near future due to internal procedures of CBNA,” she said.

Brenner also wanted people to know that those who own property in the area but have a permanent address elsewhere are still eligible to become members of SFCU.

Task force member Peter Martin urged the community to network with local businesses to encourage them to sign up with SFCU.

Reynolds complimented the task force on its work, describing it as a “tenacious group with no quit in them.”

BVA board members include Ed Lentz, Bob Thomas, Tom Washbon, Jason Cianciotto, Peter Martin, and task force leader Maggie Brenner. Members at large are former Town of Morris Supervisor John DiStefano, Jim Tremlett, Arlene Martin, Peter Martin and Andrea Hull.

“We are excited to join the community. A rural designation is in our community charter and we are member-centric. We need brick-andmortar banks to support the communities we serve,” Reynolds said.

Richfield Craft Fest Returns

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The

43rd annual Friendship Craft Festival, sponsored by the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs, will take place in Spring Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Crafters can apply as vendors until June 1, although late submissions may be accepted if space is available. Contact friendshipcraftfestival@yahoo. com or (315) 858-2103 to apply. There will also be a bake sale, Brooks’ House of BBQ chicken served from 11:30 a.m. until sold out and concessions sold by the Richfield Springs Youth Sports Organization.

Photo by Teresa Winchester

SFCU President and CEO Jim Reynolds, Elaine Frederick, Carol Nealis, Debbie Newell, and SFCU Vice President of Sales and Marketing Andrew Smith discuss the opening of an SFCU branch in Morris at a meeting held at the Morris Firehouse on May 23.

Attorney

became a lawyer, she has, for the last 25 years, mentored Gilbertsvillemount Upton Central School students preparing for mock trials. For one six-year period, GmU won the competition five times. In 2024, the school made the semi-final stage. Two of her former mentees have become attorneys— Savana Conrade and Jennifer mason, who is now attorney advisor for mock trials at Norwich High School, the 2024 competition winner.

A native of Bainbridge, Newman has lived in Gilbertsville since 1989. She graduated from Binghamton University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in English and rhetoric, after which she obtained her law degree from SUNY Albany Law School in 1994. After her association with Joyce, she established a private practice handling criminal, matrimonial, family and real estate matters. In 1996, she accepted a position as court attorney for Judge Kevin m. Dowd. After Dowd was elected Supreme Court justice, Newman served as his principal law clerk until his 2012 retirement.

Also in 2012, Newman was appointed by the Town of Butternuts to fill an unexpired term as town justice. She has since been elected to that position three times. In 2019, she began serving as Chenango County court attorney for Judge Frank B. Revoir and continues to hold that position. Newman is also on the Chenango County Bar Association’s executive board.

Her community involvement includes presidency of the Village Improvement Society, which manages the Gilbert Block (the principal commercial buildings in the village), the Post Office building, and the Post Office and Overlook parks. A 30year member of the Butternut Valley Garden Club, she currently serves as its president, and was previously president of the Butternut Valley Nursery School.

Newman is married to Gilbertsville native Larry Smith. They have three children: Scarlett, 24, a gardener and part-time farmer, and twins Sadra and Ethan, age 22. Sadra is currently deployed in the mediterranean with the U.S. marines on the USS New York, while Ethan recently graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in economics.

In her leisure time, Newman enjoys gardening, tennis, kayaking, and spending time with her family and their four dogs.

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, milestones, grand openings, sports results, anniversaries and more. Photos welcome, too! info@allotsego.com

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNICIAN I

SSI is seeking an Information Technology Technician I (IT Technician I), for its Delhi, NY location, to assist with setup, manage, and maintain infrastructure of IT systems. This includes installing and supporting IT hardware, as necessary. Assist in change management and disaster response, and actively apply policies and standards to all projects. Must be able to work independently as well as function within a team environment.

Responsibilities/Duties

inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Monitor IT Infrastructure and applications for performance problems and provide troubleshooting support to staff. Analyze root cause of issues and resolve them promptly while updating staff all throughout.

• Apply technical expertise across various client environments and solve obstacles that arise, optimizing performance and resolving errors.

• Document procedures, device statuses, and other important technical information, recording details of the troubleshooting processes.

• Enforce quality control to ensure all output meets compliance standards and proper network security by following established policies and procedures.

• Interact with clients during all phases of service ticket, from troubleshooting to maintenance, communicating technical information.

• Thoroughly investigate/correct all issues, while still minor, guaranteeing ongoing security of network environment.

• Effectively manage time and resources to meet end user’s issues.

• Other tasks assigned.

Requi R e D q ualifications/ skills:

• Great oral, written and organization skills with attention to detail.

• Strong time-management with the ability to multi-task multiple projects/ tasks.

• Ability to solve complex IT issues with little to no supervision.

• Must be able to interact at all levels within the organization, respectfully and with tact.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. along with bending, standing, climbing and walking for periods at a time.

e xpe R ience/eD ucation:

• Associates degree in related field.

• Knowledge of various virtualization technologies.

• Experience with Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft 365 and Windows 10 is a plus.

Salary range is $55- $60k/year DOE, great benefit package includes but not limited to; health, dental, vision, 401(k), Flexible Spending, life insurance and paid time off. To apply, submit application online at www.sportsfield.com, apply in person at 41155 St. Hwy 10, fax your resume to (607) 746-3107 or mail to Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Scott Boys Farm LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on 04/18/2024.

Official Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1444 County Highway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalMay.30

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ROCKY HILL HOMESTEAD & FARM LLC.

Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 02/23/2024.

Office Location: Otsego County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 124 Harmouth Rd., Burlington Flats, NY 13315. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

6LegalMay.30

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy (llC).

Name: B&S Farms, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/05/2024. NY office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is 7717 State Highway 7, Maryland, NY 12116. Purpose/character of LLC: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMay.30

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Bimbercurly, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of

State of New York (SSNY) on 04/15/2024.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 174 Cemetery Rd. Fly Creek NY 13337. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

6LegalJun.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy.

Name:

D & S PILOT CARS LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 148 Brighton Road, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy.

Name:

BLUE CHIP FARM PROPERTIES LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 650 County Highway 27, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy.

HAMMERSTONE DEVELOPMENT LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 22 April, 2024.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 4886 St. Hwy. 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy.

D&W BUCKLEBERRY BAR LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 15 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 775 Up County Rd., Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy.

D&W CREEKSIDE PROPERTIES LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 15 March, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 775 Up County Rd., Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A Ny lIMITEd lIAbIlITy COMpANy.

NY PRECISION LINE STRIPING LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 20 February, 2024.

LEGALS

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 761 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Big Lion Little Bear LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/27/2024.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 496 Eggleston Hill Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BUGEL ASSETS LLC.

Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/26/2024. 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.

LEO BUGEL 28 MAPLE ST, ONEONTA, NY, 13820 Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

100 Main Street Cooperstown LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on March 29, 2024. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to P.O. Box 431, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalJun.20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Kelly HromadaJohnson Counseling Services LCSW, PLLC Arts of Org. filed 05/07/2024. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to 115 County Road 2, Mt. Upton NY 13809. Purpose: LCSW

6LegalJun.20

LegaL nOtice

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO

INDEX NO. EF2023-187

Plaintiff designates OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 20 VALE STREET, GILBERTSVILLE, NY 13776

Section: 282.06, Block: 1, Lot: 23.00

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST AB2, Plaintiff, vs. KELLIE WALTON FKA MICHAEL WALTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON; RAELENE WALTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being

herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; WILLIAM STEVENS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON; JILL STEVENS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN WALTON, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law,

next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; HMS, INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

“JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

To the above named Defendants

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION ANd RElIEF SOUGHT

THE ObJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $100,500.00 and interest, recorded on September 12, 2011, in Instrument Number 2011-4150, of the public Records of OTSEGO County, New york., covering premises known as 20 VAlE STREET, GIlbERTSVIllE, Ny 13776.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

OTSEGO County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE yOU ARE IN dANGER OF lOSING yOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

yOU MUST RESpONd by SERVING A COpy OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEy FOR THE plAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMpANy) ANd FIlING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: May 10th, 2024

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590

516-280-7675

4LegalJun.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WSKI LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/14/24. Office Location: Otsego County. John Snurkowski is Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail copy of process to John Snurkowski 1693 CountyHighway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.27

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE TO bIddERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in Instructions to Bidders (https://www. dot.ny.gov/ bids-and-lettings/construction-contractors/ importantinfo) until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Maps, Plans and Specifications may be seen at Electronic documents and Amendments which are posted to www.dot. ny.gov/doingbusiness/opportunities/ const-notices. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle continued

Celebrate, Honor, Remember

from Pg. 10

A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265265, PIN 912064, FA Proj Y0019120-643, Chenango, Otsego Cos., BRIDGE REPLACEmENT - NY Route 23, Towns of Butternuts, morris & New Berlin., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $375,000.00), Goals: DBE: 6.00% 2LegalJun.6

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of

RS International Apartments, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on may 16, 2024. Office Location: Otsego

County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 46, Schuyler Lake, NY 13456. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of PUBLic HeariNG

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

• meeting to be held in the Village Office Building, 22 main Street, Cooperstown. 42 Delaware avenueDemolition of a sun room

LEGALS

The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

Jenna Utter, RmC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)5472411

Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1Legalmay.30

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY.

BICE RANCH LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 may, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1850 Holman City Rd, Clayville, NY 13322. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY

mULLIGAN RANCH LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 may 2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has

been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1850 Holman City Rd, Clayville, NY 13322. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJul.4

LegaL nOtice

Notice of PUBLic HeariNG

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

• meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 main Street, Cooperstown, New York.

72 Susquehanna Avenue – Application to es-

tablish garage apartment as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (for long-term rental use).

The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

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

Tele: (607)5472411

Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1Legalmay.30

LegaL nOtice

Notice of PUBLic HeariNG

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

• meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 main Street, Cooperstown, New York.

102 Pioneer Street – Application for a variance to build a shed within side yard setback.

The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zon-

ing@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

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

Tele: (607)5472411

Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of TOLSON COUNSELING SERVICES, LCSW, PLLC

Arts of Org. of filed with SSNY on 04/12/2024. Otsego Co. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail to 312 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 102 ONEONTA, NY, 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJul.4

LegaL LegaL LegaL

LegaL LegaL LegaL LegaL LegaL LegaL

Photo provided

Photo by Darla m. Youngs

Photo by Darla m. Youngs

Photo by Edwin Vazquez

Photo by Darla m. Youngs

Photo by Edwin Vazquez

Photo by Darla m. Youngs

Photo by Randy Christian

H H H H H H H H H H H H

►Fri., May 31

VOLUNTEER 10 a.m.

to noon. “Help Plant the Brookwood Point Garden.” Annual spring planting and gardening day in the historic gardens. Brookwood Point, 6008 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5472366.

BLOOD DRIVE

11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Donate for a chance to win a free haircut coupon. Oneonta Elks Lodge 1312, 86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Visit RedCrossBlood.org

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $10 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of beef bourguignon, wax beans, noodles and Mandarin oranges. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.

BLOOD DRIVE

1-6 p.m. Donate for a chance to win a free haircut coupon. Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. Visit RedCrossBlood.org

OPEN HOUSE

4-6 p.m. “Helping Hands.” Highlights of programs and activities at memberdirected wellness center. Presented by Rehabilitation Support Services at the Mountain View Social Club, 9 River Street, Oneonta. (607) 4331714.

POTTERY 5-6:30 p.m.

“Free Fridays.” Demonstration of throwing herb bowls/berry bowls on the wheel. Participants receive two balls of clay to craft two items, then select one of the creations to be fired and glazed. Guidance and instruction provided as needed. Pre-registration required. Open to adults and children aged 8-15 with adult supervision. First come, first served. The

Smithy, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671.

ANNIVERSARY

5-7 p.m. Cooper Country Crafts celebrates 50 years. Food, drinks, shopping for one-of-a-kind items by local craftspeople. Cooper Country Crafts, 2 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9247.

DEADLINE—5 p.m. Last day to submit art for the Annual “Art by the Lake” event. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400. BASEBALL 7 p.m. Opening game. Oneonta Outlaws vs. Saugerties Stallions. Free admission; happy hour from 5-6. Damaschke Field, Oneonta.

FILM SCREENING

7-8:30 p.m. “Exit Through the Gift Shop.” 2010 British documentary film tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant to Los Angeles who filmed LA street artists. Suggested donation, $10. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

THEATER 7:30 p.m. “It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis. General admission, $20. Continues 6/1 with a matinee at 2 p.m. on 6/2. Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions in the Production Center of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. Visit biggerdreamsproductions.org

►Sat., June 1 FirS t Day OF PriDe MOntH

BOOK CLUB Read “The Weaver and the Witch Queen” by Genevieve Gornichec and discuss on 6/20 at 4 p.m. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. BOOK GROUP Inter-

generational Book Club will be reading “Only This Beautiful Moment” by Abdi Nazemian, then come together for pizza and discussion on 6/28 at 3 p.m. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

RACE 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. “2024 Race the Lake Marathon and Half Marathon.” Registration required. $65/person for the Marathon. Presented by Clark Sports Center. Begins/ends at Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800.

YARD SALE

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore 30+ sales and find unique items. Individual hours may vary. Village of Cooperstown. Visit facebook.com/CooperstownYardSales/

GARDEN 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spring Annual Plant Sale. Perennials and indoor plants. Raffle drawing at 1 p.m. Includes bake sale, homemade soup, hot dogs and more, presented by the Garden Club of Richfield Springs. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs.

GARDEN 9 a.m. to noon. Oneonta Federated Garden Club Flower and Plant Sale. Perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables and house plants. Huntington Park, Oneonta.

OUTDOORS 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Trail Training.” Hiking trail maintenance with Otsego County Conservation Association. Registration required. Meet at parking area on Arnold Lake Road. Arnold Lake State Forest, 767 County Road 46, Hartwick. (607) 5474488.

FUNDRAISER 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “UUSO Annual

Book and Plant Sale.”

Huge selection of used books, movies, music and a large variety of plants. Bag sale at noon. All welcome. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-3491.

PLANETARIUM

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Community Day at the SUNY Oneonta Planetarium.” Three free shows. First come, first serve. Start times are 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, basement of Perna Science Building, West Dormitory Road, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

PRIDE 2-7 p.m.

“Pridefest 2024: Follow the Rainbow Home.” Family-friendly parade, drag shows, live music, dance performances, kids’ activities, food, more. Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 386-1508.

CONCERT 3 p.m.

“In Quest of an Ideal.”

Featuring the “Don Quixote Suite” by Telemann, “Concerto for Oboe and Violin” by Bach and “Three Mannheim Symphonies” by Stamitz. Fees apply. Performed by the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra at Christ Church, 46 River Street, Cooperstown. Visit fenimoreco.org

►Sun., June 2

CONSERVATION

1-4 p.m. “Paddle and Pull on Goodyear Lake.” Remove invasive water chestnut from the lake. Bring your own watercraft or borrow (free) from Otsego County Conservation Association. Meet at NYS Fishing Access Site, State Highway 28, Portlandville. (607) 5474488.

BIRTHDAY 1-3 p.m. Village Library of Cooperstown 75th

Birthday Celebration. Includes a celebration of local authors, crafts, music, library history, silent auction, remarks by Jane Forbes Clark, a proclamation by Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and birthday cupcakes. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

CONCERT 3 p.m.

“Little Delaware Youth Ensemble Spring Concert.”

Local young string players perform works by Mendelssohn, Gershwin, Anick, others. Free. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (917)902-9301.

ART GALLERY 5 p.m.

“Artist Talk: Totems & Opuscula.” Exhibiting artists discuss their process and works. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2644025.

►MOn., June 3

PLAY & LEARN

10 a.m. Guided sensory learning for children aged 5 and under. Held each Monday. Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

BLOOD DRIVE

1-6 p.m. Worcester United Methodist Church, 111 Main Street, Worcester. Visit RedCrossBlood.org

DANCE 7 p.m.

“Easy Line Dancing.”

Low impact line dancing. Free. Held Mondays through September. Will move indoors if raining. Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4355909.

►tueS., June 4

YOUTH 10 a.m.

“Preschool Tuesdays.” Structured learning environment for children aged 3-4 to explore the museum with an educator and participate in

games, dances and craft activities. Held Tuesdays through 6/25. The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

MEDITATION

5-6:15 p.m. “Cultivating Stillness: Weekly Meditation Group.” Attend in person or online. Admission by donation. Held each Tuesday. Samye Hermitage New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. contact@ samyeny.org.

OPENING RECEPTION 5-7 p.m. “Clay.” Exhibiting artists illustrate how clay can serve as a useful and diverse form of media. Visitors are invited to get hands-on and create a clay coil to be added to the community coil vessel on the first floor. Free admission. The Smithy Gallery & Clay Studio, 55 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671.

LIBRARY 5:30 p.m. “Paint Party.” Mix a mocktail and create a beautiful flowering tree painting with Andra from Art N Alcohol. Registration required; fees apply. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

MEET & GREET

5:30-7 p.m. “Welcome Home Cooperstown.” Gathering to welcome new residents to the Village of Cooperstown. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

►WeD., June 5

VETERANS 8-10 a.m. “Free Veterans Breakfast.” Free admission for veterans; guests, $5. Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-6314. SUPPORT 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half off everything except priced jewelry. Every first and third Wednesday. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 4325335.

BLOOD DRIVE Noon to 5 p.m. A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Levine Center, 1 Norton Avenue, Oneonta. Visit RedCrossBlood.org

BLOOD DRIVE 1-6 p.m. Cooperstown Fire Department, 24 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. Visit RedCrossBlood.org