The Freeman's Journal 06-29-23

&COOPERSTOWN ONEONTA

upcoming independence day festivities

Festival Set for July 4th

ONEONTA—Hill City Celebrations (formerly First Night Oneonta) announced that it will hold its annual Hometown Fourth of July Festival in Neahwa Park on Tuesday, July 4. The festivities will begin with a parade on Main Street at 1 p.m., followed by a full day of activities in the park and fireworks at dusk. Featured mainstage music acts include Dan Sales and Rich Mollin (1:30-2:30 p.m.), Randy Miritello and the Hop City Hellcats (3:30-4:30 p.m.), Hanzolo (5:30-6:30 p.m.) and headliner Alex and His Latin Orchestra (7:30-9 p.m.). Kosmic Karma Fire and Circus Arts will perform at 9 p.m., with fireworks beginning at 9:30. A second acoustic stage in the park will feature performances from Solid Ground, the Sweet Adelines and Heaven’s Back Door. Various local performers, including jugglers, bicyclists, dancers and martial artists, will offer entertainment on the large basketball court. A rain date is set for July 5.

Museum Hosts Traditional 4th

COOPERSTOWN—The Farmers’ Museum will mark Independence Day with a traditional 1840s-style celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. The Declaration of Independence will be read on the Bump Tavern Green at noon. There will be 13 celebratory toasts with lemonade made from an 1840s recipe. All regular museum activities and demonstrations will run as usually scheduled. Tintype photography portraits will be available for $35, weather permitting.

Springfield Celebration Returns

SPRINGFIELD—The second-oldest Independence Day celebration in the country will return in Springfield Center on Tuesday, July 4. The parade’s theme this year is “salute to Lady Liberty.” It begins at 11 a.m. Afterwards, a celebration will be held at the Springfield Community Center, featuring live music, food, historical exhibits, raffles and more. Free parking is also available at the Community Center. All are welcome to join the parade; registration information may be found at https:// forms.gle/LNJK7CMKudSEpz339.

insiDe

WELCOmE, jOEL page 11

Don Is Living the Dream

By DARLA M. YOUNGS ONEONTA

Thanks to a program introduced in April, Heritage at The Plains at Parish Homestead is making residents’ dreams come true.

Heritage at The Plains, a senior living community located at 163 Heritage Circle in Oneonta, features independent living, assisted living, memory care and temporary stay options. The new program, “Tree of Dreams,” is designed to identify special experiences for which residents yearn or achievements to which they aspire.

“The program is designed for a resident to get their lifelong dream fulfilled,” explained Kristen Jones, director of sales and marketing. “We hand out a questionnaire form to all the residents to fill out. They write down their accomplishments in life and also things they wish they had time to do.

Iron String Press Launches New AllOtsego.com

COOPERSTOWN

This week, AllOtsego.com’s much-needed facelift goes live. The online home of “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” since 2009, AllOtsego.com also provides breaking news coverage and exclusive web content to subscribers. Slow response time due to ever-increasing archival materials and an outdated layout have prompted parent company Iron String Press to revamp the site, resulting in a much more responsive and graphically pleasing online platform.

“Since I came on board at the end of last September, we have been working on a number of changes and improvements here at Iron String Press, and people are beginning to take notice,” said General Manager/Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs. “Chief among our goals was a new, more user-friendly website. Months of weekly meetings have resulted in a site that will be easy to access on any device, is pleasing to the eye and offers a multitude of new advertising opportunities.”

AllOtsego.com is a subscription-based news site, currently averaging 35,000 unique visitors and 80,000 page views each month. Subscribers to “The Freeman’s Journal” receive complimentary access to AllOtsego.com in addition to their hard-copy newspaper.

“Even during this restructuring period, we continue to attract new subscribers to both TFJ and AllOtsego. In celebration of our fantastic new site, we’re dropping the paywall for two weeks so folks can navigate the redesigned website for free at their leisure,” Youngs said.

Continued on page 11

Bassett, Hartwick

Continued on page 11

Building Teamwork

Physicians, Students Combine for First Joint Simulation Lab

COOPERSTOWN

Bassett Healthcare Network and Hartwick College are launching joint simulation labs for first-year Bassett residents and nursing students. This is the first time Bassett residents are partnering with Hartwick nursing students in simulation labs.

Twenty-three first-year resident physicians from Bassett Medical Center Graduate Medical Education Programs

(Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Transitional Year) will work together with summer nursing students from Hartwick, St. Elizabeth’s College of Nursing, SUNY Morrisville, and SUNY Delhi.

The group will participate in

hands-on training, observation and debriefing as they rotate through three clinical simulations: Transitions of Care/Safe Effective Handoff, Emergent Situations, and Patient/Family Communication. The Clark Nursing Simulation Lab at Hartwick College will be the site of the exercise.

“Teamwork is the essential foundation for the best patient care. These collaborative simulation labs for a new generation of doctors and nurses build team thinking and hone their practice,” said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, president and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network. “We extend our thanks to the professionals who built this exceptional program and enthusiastically support the participa-

tion of the nursing students and our residents.”

“We are very excited to be partnering with Bassett in this interdisciplinary simulation event,” said Patricia Grust, PhD, RN, CLNC, chair and clinical associate professor, Nursing Department, Hartwick College.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to integrate the perspectives of medicine and nursing in a variety of realistic and challenging scenarios that support an optimal healthcare experience and outcomes for the individual, family, and members of the healthcare team.”

“We embarked on this alliance with Hartwick College because simulation is a valuable tool for training nurses and physicians

Continued on page 11

When the paywall is reactivated, new readers can subscribe to AllOtsego.com at special introductory rates: $3.99 for one month, $3.39 per month for six months and $2.99 per month for an annual subscription.

“The annual subscription is by far the most economical choice, at 25 percent off the open rate,” Youngs added. “Subscribers will have access to all the weekly content of ‘The Freeman’s Journal’ and ‘Hometown Oneonta,’ as well as to breaking news and exclusive web content.”

According to Xander Moffat, who was tasked with the redesign, “The new and improved site includes many upgrades to both the underlying technology and the overall design, structure, and layout. It’s built on a new server designed to offer major improvements to the site’s performance, especially page loading times,” Moffat explained.

“We’ve updated the homepage layout to make the site easier and more enjoyable to navigate,” added Iron String Press Publisher/Advertising Director Tara Barnwell.

The new homepage includes sections for each of the main content categories (news, opinion,

Continued on page 11

Photo provided

Heritage at the plains resident don carter gets ready for his ride in a porsche Boxster, kicking off the new “ tree of dreams” program.

September 11th Remembered

Local event Introduces Sgt. Maj. Vince Makela, ‘21 Strong’ Inspiration

By JOeL J. PLUe

OneOnTA

This past weekend, the spirit of patriotism was alive and well at Oneonta’s Liquor Depot as retired Army Sergeant Major Vince Makela—one of the first responders from the U.S. military to land in Afghanistan after 9/11—was on hand to introduce his new whiskey.

Makela’s enthusiasm, skill, and knowledge of the military have inspired a Hollywood movie and have served as an inspiration to many young men and women interested in joining the armed forces.

Deployed overseas following the terrorist attacks of

September 11, 2001, Sgt. Maj. Makela and his men were among the American military’s first boots on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11 and the inspiration behind Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey. Crowds gathered on Saturday, June 24 with great enthusiasm to meet Makela and to sample his award winning All-American whiskey. Reminders flowed of the brave soldiers who rode horseback to track down the Taliban in a special mission for the United States military. This action was later detailed in the blockbuster film “12 Strong,” starring Chris Hemsworth, and in numerous books and documentaries.

evan Isgar, an employee

Liquor Depot employees Maria

by Makela. Professing his personal favorite to be the Horse Soldier Barrel Proof [Reserve], he described the non-chill filtering and his satisfaction in draining a glass of it in the summertime with one big chunk of ice.

Makela also offered words of wisdom to those who may seek a career in the armed forces.

“The military will give you the training, skills and knowledge to go forward in any direction you choose. You can take your career with the military as far as you want,” he said.

Isgar (with “Hooch,” the store mascot) join Sgt. Maj. Vince Makela as he introduces his Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey. of Liquor Depot, said, “We are incredibly excited to have Sgt. Maj. Vince Makela in the store today. We have never had an event like this. It’s an honor to support his product and achievements.”

The event began at 12:30 p.m. with much enthusiasm, as attendees snapped photos, enjoyed samples of the Horse Soldier Bourbon whiskey varieties, and had their own bottles signed

Remembrances of September 11 were renewed as the crowd discussed where they were when they learned of the attack and the tremendous impact it had made upon their lives.

A retired new York City police officer present said of

the event, “I recently moved here from the city. September 11th holds a special and tragic place for me—I had many close friends pass away that day. The feeling of closeness and patriotism we shared as a country in the aftermath was inspiring, but unfortunately now a lot of that has been lost over time. Coming into the store today and regaining at least some of that patriotism we were all a part of back then was such an experience.” The Liquor Depot event provided a reminder of the patriotism and bravery that exists within our country.

To learn more about the mission of the 12-member Operational Detachment Alpha 595 Special Forces team—known as “The Horse Soldiers”—visit https://horsesoldierbourbon.com/.

Village Trustees Approve Change in Zoning Law

By CASPAR eWIG COOPeRSTOWn

The Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees enjoyed an active meeting on Monday, June 26, touching on many issues and including two public hearings.

The public hearing to

approve Proposed Local Law no. 3, a change in the definition of “shortterm rental” as used in the village zoning law, revealed uniform agreement for the proposed change.

The new definition of short-term rental states that it must be incidental to the residential use of the prop-

erty. However, both Chip northrup and Celia Oxley, who spoke at the hearing, and Wendy Smith and Beth Glynn, who submitted letter comments, were of the opinion that the amendment did not go far enough and that the zoning law should be amended to strengthen the definition of “residential” by requiring more than the 30day occupancy which is presently part of the definition.

The proposed law was approved unanimously.

The second public hearing—held to receive comments on the village’s application for various grants to be submitted pursuant to the Consolidated Funding Application process—did not draw any comments. Thus, the Board of Trustees decided to withdraw the proposed applications for Pioneer Alley improvements and downtown revitalization and to proceed with four

other applications.

One of the applications in progress is for funds to authorize a study of ways to limit the intrusion of storm waters into the sewage system and another to proceed with the installation of “smart” water meters that would detect inadvertent water usage. In addition, the village will apply for funds to construct the design already approved for improvement of Lakefront Park at the end of Pioneer Street. The Board of Trustees will also seek funding to update the watershed management plan for Otsego Lake and its environs. The original plan was formulated in 1998 and updated in 2007, and is due for further revisions.

Trustees considered an inquiry from a manufacturer to construct four electric vehicle fast charging stations, to replace the two slow chargers presently installed in the Doubleday Field parking lot. Such a construction would use five existing parking spaces, which might result in loss of income but would provide a benefit to a growing sector of the public. Because the installation would require construction, there was opposition from some trustees, but it was decided to encourage the provider to present plans to the board for further consideration.

Related to the issue of parking, trustees called for a public hearing on Monday, July 24 to raise the parking fines from $35.00 to $45.00.

A QUIET CONCERT FOR THE FOURTH

26th Annual Independence Day gathering

In memory of Louise Porter Moore

Tuesday July 4, 2023 | 4 pm

Potluck supper following performance Windfall Dutch Barn

2009 Clinton Road, Fort Plain

Johana Arnold, soprano; Kim Paterson, piano; Carleton Clay, trumpet; Steve Gorn, bansuri; Rich Mollin, bass; Sam Aldridge, sitar; and very special guest arist ARIANNE AJAKH.

Free & open to the public on a walk-in basis. Please bring a dish to share if possible. Table settings/beverages provided. Presented as a gift to the community by the Catskill Conservatory. Call 607-263-5230 for info or visit windfalldutchbarn.org.

Photo by Joel J. Plue

Favaron, Cecelia Countryman, Evan

Stuart Presents Readings, Lecture on History of Trans Liberation Movement

By WRILeY neLSOn COOPeRSTOWn

Otsego Town Historian and Iron String Press contributing writer Sharon Stuart gave a lecture on the history of the transgender liberation movement at the Cooperstown Village Hall on Friday, June 16. The talk revolved around Stuart’s research for and contributions to an upcoming book by Carolyn and Christopher Wolf-Gould, Oneonta-based physicians who have become nationally-respected leaders in gender-affirming care. Stuart read several excerpts from her essays on the history of the movement, including reflections on her own experiences as an activist.

Stuart traced the modern American transgender liberation movement to the Second World War, linking it to other civil rights with their roots in the great political, economic and cultural shake-up of full mobilization.

“World War Two was what got American women in pants,” Stuart said. “Until those factory jobs came along, women could be arrested in most places in the U.S. for wearing pants. It helped raise new questions about gender expression and identity.”

Throughout the lecture, she emphasized common stages in the history of many civil rights movements. Her theory of social change posits that a minority group, oppressed by the wider society for one reason or another, gradually raises its profile and forms alliances with legal, scientific, political, and civil-society groups to mobilize its own members and sympathetic members of the broader population.

The first and longest selection recalled Stuart’s encounter with legendary transgender activist Virginia Prince and

famous physician Dr. Harry Benjamin at Prince’s Beverly Hills home in 1968. Prince was the founder and publisher of “Transvestia,” an underground magazine that played a critical role in knitting together a nationwide trans community. She also founded the Society for the Second Self, or “Tri-

ess,” an international educational, social, and support group for heterosexual cross-dressers and their families.

Dr. Benjamin was a German-American endocrinologist and sexologist whose decades of work largely created modern gender-affirming health care. His patient, Christine Jorgensen, a WWII veteran who made front-page international news after transitioning in the early 1950s, became the first famous transgender activist in the U.S.

After reflecting on her conversation with Benjamin, which covered everything from the Vietnam War to Stuart’s own childhood, Stuart read her history of a “boot camp for new women” held on the Pacific coast of Oregon in the 1970s and 80s. The camp, hosted and staffed by a Seattlearea modeling agency, was “almost like a finishing school,” Stuart recalled. The young cisgender women who served as instructors provided a crash course in speech, movement, etiquette and bearing for people “whose mothers had not taught them how to be women.”

Stuart played a critical role in integrating PFLAG—the country’s oldest and largest organization that unites parents, families and allies of LGBTQ people—founded in 1973. PFLAG did not advocate for trans issues or allow trans members for its first two decades. This changed in 1998, in part thanks to Stuart’s tireless lobbying of voting members. She recalled following a board member to a nordstrom and discussing trans inclusion as they browsed in the dress department. PFLAG became the first nationwide LGBTQ organization to officially adopt a trans-inclusive policy; Stuart helped write the organization’s information booklet for parents of transgender people. She has also assisted numerous legal and political campaigns for gay and transgender rights.

AllOTSeGO.dining&entertainment

Healthcare

Don’t miss our fantastic parade also! Details: hillcitycelebrations/com

Five Star Subaru, LEAF, Dewar Foundation, Nellie and Robert Gipson, Brook’s House of BBQ, The O’Connor Foundation, Kelley Eckmair, Corning Inc. Foundation, Hartwick College, Oneonta Osteopathy, Future of Oneonta Foundation, Price Chopper, Benson Agency, Stewart’s Foundation, Gates Helms Hawn, Springrook, Bassett

Network, Oneonta PBA and Anonymous Foundations.

Photo by Wriley nelson

Historian Sharon Stuart reads selections from her collected works on the history of the transgender liberation movement.

EDITORIAL

Help Us Help You

This week, after a few long months of studied work, which included numerous failed and frustrating attempts, multifaceted thoughts and endless meetings as well as significant and intelligent breakthroughs, Iron String Press unveils its newly redesigned, modern, long-awaited, readable, and truly navigable website: AllOtsego.com, the online home of “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta.” This is our latest, and certainly not our last, effort to add significantly to a series of improvements designed to better serve our community.

Aside from our exciting and improved website, which also provides for a wider circulation and better advertising opportunities, we have taken on a number of new writers and contributors, all of whom are local, and locally knowledgeable, and all of whom are well versed and diligent in the sublime and oft-misused art of writing. They choose their topics, perform their research, and write articles, stories, and columns with our readers in mind—to inform and entertain them, answer their questions, and present the facts, from either and all sides. Their goal is information, not controversy, though at times even those facts can, and will, create their own controversy, notwithstanding our fair and balanced, as it were, reporting.

What is most important here is the recent significant growth and positive improvement of the newspapers themselves. Subscriptions and circulation have risen during the past two years of the company’s new ownership; there has been a flurry of positive comments (as well as a smattering of duly deserved and horribly helpful criticisms), both registering the most welcome increase in reader participation in our communities; and we also note the vastly augmented involvement by area organizations, which are now flooding our offices with news and information each week, and by our readers themselves in their letters to the editor.

“The Freeman’s Journal”—along with its offshoot, now gone, publications (the “Richfield Springs Mercury,” the “Cherry Valley Gazette,” the “Milford Tidings,” the “Otsego Farmer”)—has been recording the history of Cooperstown and Otsego County for 215 years, longer than most any other weekly in the country. “Hometown Oneonta” is a relative newcomer, serving the southern end of Otsego County for the last 15 years. Some ownership and recording phases have been better than others; we stand determined to ensure that our time as stewards of community journalism will ultimately be considered to be as reliable, informative, and informed as any in the past.

Local media is most critical when danger looms. Threats to the beauty of our area or to our rural lifestyle that we all cherish are always lurking on the sidelines—raising their heads in their own time—as are challenges to Otsego Lake and our other important water bodies, such as the current HAB encroachment. A newspaper should be all over these, reporting on meetings and decisions and progress. Ours is.

Decision-makers at all levels of local, state, and federal government typically gauge community support or disdain for proposed projects by the opinions expressed in and by the local media outlets—through regular and thorough reporting, editorials, and letters to the editor—making such outlets the most potent defense against unwanted or unwise projects. Your media voice is imperative in pursuing decisions that benefit our villages and communities. Without that voice anything can, and will, happen.

So let us not lose that smart, strong voice. Nothing can resurrect a local news outlet without the full support of the community it serves. Do you have $2.99? That’s all it takes to stay informed and engaged every month via AllOtsego.com. It’s also a simple way to champion a valuable community resource.

We are doing our part. Will you do yours?

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.

Are Smart Meters Safe? Of Course They Are

An opinion article on June 1, “Smart Meters Coming Soon, But Are They Safe?” asks an important question.

It has just one answer. Yes.

Smart meters are scheduled to be installed in New York State Electric and Gas’ Oneonta division beginning in the spring of 2025. They will eliminate the need for manual meter reads while offering customers greater convenience, more control, and expanded choices to understand and manage energy use.

And yes. Smart meters are safe.

Assessing risk is something NYSEG takes seriously. Customers should, too, and we appreciate interest our customers take in the equipment we install in their homes and businesses. It is why you will always see us mention a credible source and citing it, list a website and link it, or make a recommendation and provide the credentials to back it up. I am writing to address some of the points contained in the June 1 opinion piece to provide our information and the resources we have used to implement this enhancement for the communities we serve.

The opinion piece questions approval of NYSEG’s smart meter installation plan. The plan was approved by the New York State Public Services Commission in 2020. Approval comes with an understanding (Myths vs. Facts: The Truth about Smart Meters (whatissmartenergy.org) that the radio frequency energy emitted by smart meters is well below limits set by the Federal Communications Commission and following in-depth review of studies by the World Health Organization that states the very small amount of RF produced by smart meters is not harmful to human health.

The FCC also sets RF exposure limits for other household devices used every day, like televisions, Wi-Fi routers and cell phones. All those devices have higher RF levels than smart meters and are used more frequently, for longer durations, and in closer proximity to our bodies. The fact is, the smart phone or laptop you may be using right now to read this article emits more RF than a smart meter. But rest assured, those devices are well under FCC RF exposure limits as well.

Calling All Boats for OLA Boat Parade

The Otsego Lake Association’s annual “We Love Our Lake” Decorated Boat Parade will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd, forming off Three Mile Point (weather permitting).

This year’s parade, with the theme of “Our Glimmerglass Shines,” will feature a “boat” that we have not seen before.

A local pilot has graciously offered to enter his “flying boat” (see photo and think “Da Plane, Da Plane” as cried out by Tattoo in the “Fantasy Island” TV show from 1977-1984) as our “grand finale” at the end of the parade. Wow— that should add some excitement!

The SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station’s barge, the Anondontoides, will again be our lead boat, where the judges on board will record the theme and owner of each boat for judging. The Anondontoides will then lead the parade slowly along the westerly shore of the lake to a point off Lakefront Park in Cooperstown where an awards ceremony will be held. Please stay around for a few minutes at the end of the parade while the judges announce and give out the prizes. There will be five general prizes awarded—all as determined by the judges.

All boats, large and small, are welcome—including antique or classic, human powered, wind powered, electric powered, jet powered, outboard powered, inboard/outboard powered and, of course, flying boats.

By the end of 2025, NYSEG and our sister company, RG&E, will install more than 1.3 million smart meters and 600,000 natural gas modules in 17 divisions across New York State. When we do, we will join utility companies from all over the country, and fellow utilities in New York State, that have also made the important commitment to modernize their infrastructure and pass along the benefits to customers. But we will be in your community long before our technician visits your home.

Like the divisions that welcome smart meters before you, we’ll meet you face to face at open houses, answer your questions at community events and refer you to fact-based materials from trusted organizations that are already present on our website (www.nyseg.com) months ahead of your installation. The customer benefits of these smart meters include billing based on actual usage and, once fully implemented, improved outage response based on knowing which smart meters report power outages— eliminating customers’ need to call.

We look forward to further discussing the benefits of smart meters in this community.

Angela Capps is manager of meter services for NYSEG.

Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Maureen Culbert, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Daniel Francis, Ian Kenyon, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, T. Stephen Wager, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

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

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

We encourage you to decorate your boat using the “Our Glimmerglass Shines” theme, but you may decorate your boat anyway you wish. It can be unusually decorated, humorously decorated, patriotic theme decorated, joyful/party theme decorated, sports theme decorated, military theme decorated, etc. If you prefer, you do not even need to decorate your boat—just join in the parade and view the other boats up close.

You can even join the parade at any time or anywhere along the route, especially for non-motorized boaters who might not want to travel the full route.

If you are unable to enter your boat in the parade, you can watch from shore at various points along the parade route, including Three Mile Point, Brookwood Point, the Cooperstown Country Club (members only), The Otesaga Hotel, and Lakefront Park.

There are no fees, registration forms, rules, or regulations except travel slowly, stay in line, and be courteous to other boaters. In the past, we have had more than 50 boats participate in the parade. The parade is meant to be a fun-filled, family event for all boaters to celebrate our love for Otsego Lake.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Wayne Bunn, boat parade chairman, at bunnwayne@gmail.com or (518) 542-6630. You can also view photographs of boat parades from past years at www.OtsegoLakeAssociation.org.

We look forward to seeing you on July 3rd. Remember 3 (July 3rd)—3 (3 p.m.)—3 (Three Mile Point)!

Wayne Bunn Otsego Lake Association Boat Parade Chairman

Representation, Courtesy Matters

Over the weekend, the Otsego County Conservation Association received multiple negative, bigoted comments on a Facebook thread that was advertising our Queer Outdoor Adventure Programming.

This is unacceptable behavior.

OCCA started the Queer Outdoor Adventure Group to create a space for members of the queer community to come together and enjoy nature in a safe space. Our QOAG encompasses the same outdoor education and nature

appreciation programing that all of our other educational programs provide. The only difference is that they are led by and inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.

Many people asked us why we needed a separate group for this purpose, and after seeing the hurtful comments that were posted over the weekend, we are even more secure in our decision to create a separate, safe space for queer community members to enjoy our programming.

Since 1968, OCCA has worked to get ALL people out to enjoy nature. We also believe that being inclusive is a huge part of being part of a community and we will continue to have programing that allows us to do just that.

Amy Wyant Executive Director, Otsego County Conservation Association

Young People Needed in Public Office

I have decided that, due to focusing on my academic studies to get my degree in political science and to attend to my own personal medical issues, I am taking a temporary sabbatical from running for office at this time. Otsego County is in need of young adults to run for office to help this county grow and thrive, however my time has not yet come. I wish the young people success and hope in their duties.

AJ Hamill Oneonta

Photo provided

This year’s OLA Decorated Boat Parade will feature a “flying boat” for the first time.

From NYSEG’S “Smart Meters Frequently Asked Questions

210 YeARS AGO

Fourth of July—The Republicans of the County of Otsego will celebrate the Independence of the U. States, on the 5th of July next, at the Village of Cooperstown. An oration will be delivered on the occasion; the exercises will begin at 10 o’clock a.m. Republicans are earnestly invited to attend. By order of the Committee of Arrangements, June 26, 1813. June 26, 1813

185 YeARS AGO

The following names appear in a list of The Democratic Young Men of the Town of Otsego: Francis Taylor, Chester Taylor, 2d, Joseph A. Cheney, Cornelius Van Horne, Luther J. Burditt, Abner Graves, Jr., Joseph S. Jarvis, Alexander Waterman, Rufus Butts, n.D. Tunnicliff, William Cooper, Wm. L. Crandal, Philip Roof, Philander Waterman, George Potter, Aaron norton, Hiram S. Babcock, Parley e. Johnson, Thomas Jewitson, Benjamin F. Kip, Rensselaer Fitch, John Boyce, Wm. Holmes, George Jones, ezra D. Burr, Richard W. Higby, John nichols, nelson Johnson and Delos Pier. June 25, 1838

160 YeARS AGO

A case of lynch law occurred at newburg, new York on Saturday last. A negro perpetrated an outrage on an Irish girl, after terribly treating her. The Sheriff immediately started in pursuit of this negro and captured him at Mattewan. Before dark he was a prisoner in the newburg jail. As the poor girl’s story was made public, the villagers became greatly excited and congregated by hundreds around the jail. Finally, after efforts to restrain them, they broke open the jail, dragged out the negro, and, after beating him unmercifully, they put a rope around his neck and hung him upon the nearest tree.

June 26, 1863

135 YeARS

AGO

For the Ladies—no woman need cease being a girl, nor should she, for a good deal of her bloom is off the rye when the naturalness and vivacity of girlhood are gone. There is a time coming when women will be fair at forty without being fat— at least without being covered with that manner of fat which destroys the taper of the ankle and reduces it all to a uniform size set into the middle of the foot. You have it in your power, if homely, to make your face pleasing and attractive. If handsome, you have it in your power to keep your beauty up to forty and beyond it, and to keep growing more attractive. Your face is not shaped by chance. There is a cause for the expression usually found on it. Thoughts make faces pleasing or repulsive. They carve lines, put in wrinkles, keep the mouth open as it should not be, or keep it shut as it should be. Thoughts dye the skin sallow or leather color, or the pink and white of health. They govern the walk and the way the body is carried.

June 29, 1888

110 YeARS AGO

The thirtieth annual convention of the American Institute of electrical engineers is now in progress at the O-te-sa-ga. The engineers, numbering two hundred and their wives arrived on Monday, their arrival marking the opening of the hotel’s season. Monday evening, a reception and dance was held in the hotel ball room with music by the orchestra under the leadership of Harry Meyer. Two sessions are being held daily at which time papers on technical subjects are read by members of the institute. An elaborate schedule of entertainment has been planned by the committee in charge, consisting of a golf tournament on Tuesday upon the course of the Cooperstown Country Club; an automobile trip around Otsego Lake on Wednesday afternoon, a bridge tournament for the ladies and an excursion around the lake Thursday afternoon on the steamer Mohican.

June 25, 1913

85 YeARS AGO

The Cooperstown Playground under the personal direction of Lester G. Bursey, Director of Physical education at the Cooperstown High School will open its fourteenth season on Tuesday, July 5. All parents are urged to send their children on that day to register. As in former years special programs for boys and girls will be held, with activities for all, including quiet games and swimming. Swimming makes up a major part of the playground program and each morning is devoted to this sport. This year the children will have the use of the new facilities at Fairy Spring Park and will be transported to and from the playground. Miss Harriet Withey will assist with the girls’ programs and Walter eggleston with the boys’ work.

news from the noteworthy

Who Will Write Oneonta’s next Chapter?

P

We expect the first and we hope for the second.

roblems and solutions.With each column written, every video recorded, every meeting attended, and each item of social media posted, or podcast dropped, it’s been my goal to provide a clear explanation of the challenges we face, as well as a reason to have faith that our community can and will address and solve our problems.

It’s been a narrative intended to help build an understanding of what’s gotten us here, and a foundation for discussion of our future path.

While I maintain (and endeavor to share) an upbeat perspective, I haven’t minimized the concerns. They are real and some have been with us for a while.

Oneonta’s population hasn’t much changed in 75 years. If the world hadn’t, that would be fine. But that’s not the reality.

This is our existential challenge; and one that, left ignored, will doom us to hard times and worsening quality of life.

Our population is aging, and as was made clear by a recent survey provided by the Housing Commission’s Senior Housing Workgroup, the preference for many is to “age in place.”

Longer lives and diminishing physical capabilities are already combining to put new layers of stress on our seniors’ often fixed incomes. To ensure continued quality of life, it’s easy to project the need for varied and ongoing support. So, it’s imperative that we’re able to maintain and grow all the exceptional services that Oneonta currently provides.

But there is no guarantee of that.

As this generation of Oneontans leaves the workforce and enters retirement, they aren’t being replaced in similar numbers on the front end. That’s not sustainable without consequence, and the consequence is

By MeRL ReAGLe

frightening.

Without a robust younger workforce, the burden on our businesses to operate at an efficiency that would invite growth could be too much. You’re already seeing it in the shorter hours and fewer days that some businesses are open.

A lack of staffing is the cancer eating away at our economy. It’s reasonable to assume that few business owners and their core staff will be willing to endure the stress of working harder and longer to “cover” open positions indefinitely.

That’s a hard reality, and you can extrapolate from it the potential impact on so many things we enjoy and take for granted.

From community services to volunteer-produced events, there must be a new generation to take the baton from the old.

And batons are already being dropped.

Add to this equation the diminishing numbers of those providing professional services—dentists, lawyers, electricians, plumbers—and the impact becomes frustratingly clear.

But the problem has an inarguable solution.

There’s no path to surmounting this challenge that does not include increasing our population. So, as a city, we’re targeting and inviting young families and young professionals to join us.

(We happily welcome and embrace every age, but…) Our best future will be determined by the success of our efforts to infuse our community with new vitality in increasing numbers.

Because it would be a poor column if I didn’t leave you with some good news, I can proudly tell you that we are definitely making progress!

And there’s more to come.

Mark Drnek is the mayor of the City of Oneonta.

Male-Female Relationships…

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

News briefs compiled by wriley NelsoN

Local Researcher Seeking Barn Quilt Information

OTSeGO COUnTY—James Irving Matson announced that he will be performing a research survey of barn quilts in upstate new York. He asked residents who own, display or make barn quilts to reach out to him via Facebook or jamesmtsn@yahoo.com. Matson intends to interview residents and compile a catalog of the increasingly popular art form in the region. Barn quilts are a relatively new form of grassroots public art and have become common in the American South and parts of Canada.

FAM Plans Zoom Lecture on 19th-century Potter

COOPeRSTOWn—Fenimore Art Museum will host a live Zoom lecture on the life and legacy of 19th century African-American potter Thomas W. Commeraw at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5. Author and researcher Brandt Zipp will provide a tour of documents and stoneware that illustrates the life of one of the early nation’s most prominent Black craftsmen and activists. The museum’s exhibition, “Crafting Freedom: The Life and Free Black Potter Thomas W. Commeraw,” is on display through September 24. Zipp is the author of “Commeraw’s Stoneware,” the result of nearly two decades of research. He is a founding partner of Crocker Farm, Inc., a research-focused auction house specializing in historic American utilitarian ceramics. His research may be found at https://www.crockerfarm.com/blog/author/brandtzipp/. Registration for the lecture is free, with a suggested donation of $10. For more information or to register, visit fenimoreartmuseum.org.

OWL, Dandelion Stage Present Interactive Theatre

OneOnTA—Dandelion Stage, a local interactive community-based theatre company, will present two programs in partnership with Oneonta World of Learning this summer. “Dinosaur Invasion,” a free-range outdoor theatre adventure, will be presented at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in July at Fortin Park. In this interactive experience, children will help save the world from time-traveling dinosaurs unleashed in an evil plot to destroy the time-space continuum. Separate programs are scheduled for children ages 3-6 and ages 7-12. “Butterfly Boogie,” an immersive puppet movement performance for children ages 2-5, will be presented at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays in July in Fortin Park. In this program, the bees don’t buzz, the butterflies can’t remember how to fly, and the snails are racing all over everywhere instead of sliding slow as snails are supposed to go. In this interactive performance children will jump, glide and boogie as they help garden friends remember to be themselves. Fortin Park is located at 101 Youngs Road in the Town of Oneonta, off County Route 47 near exit 16 off Interstate 88. Seating is limited for all Dandelion Stage programs, and advance reservations are recommended, as performances may sell out. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door, payable by cash or check, at each performance. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit https://www.dandelionstage.com/. Children younger than 7 must be accompanied by a participating adult or designated grownup.

Cooperstown Artisan Festival Requests Vendors

COOPeRSTOWn—There are still available slots for artisans, makers and crafters at the 2023 Cooperstown Artisan Festival. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 2 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 3. The festival is located at the Otsego County Campus, 197 Main Street in Cooperstown. There will be live music, food trucks and children’s activities in addition to more than 30 vendors that have already registered. All applications and fees should be sent to the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce—the chamber has warned that Facebook scammers have tried to have vendor fees sent to them personally. For more information, contact the chamber at (607) 547-9983. To see the full lineup of artisans, vendors and musicians, visit https:// www.cooperstownartisanfestival.info/2023-festival.

GOHS Program To Highlight Player Piano History

OneOnTA—next up in the Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s History After Hours Series is “History After Hours: Player Piano!” on Thursday, July 13 from 5-7 p.m. This session will center on the GOHS’ player piano and the history of music and piano manufacturing in Oneonta. Special guest Ben Gottfried, from Richfield Springs, will “roll” into town with his story of rebuilding player pianos for people from all over the country for nearly 50 years. The player piano is a pneumatic device fitted into a piano that plays the piano in a human-like way using air flow. They were produced in great quantities starting around 1910 and through the late 1920s, when their popularity faded. They gained popularity again in the 1960s, becoming a top seller in music stores. The modern era came to an end in 1984, when the last pneumatic player was produced new in this country. GOHS staff will also play some great tunes from its piano roll archives to complement its overview of the rich history of the player piano. Singing and dancing encouraged, but not required. All History After Hours events at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, feature activities and stories for children, and all events are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.oneontahistory.org.

County OFA Announces Farmers Market Checks

OTSeGO COUnTY—The Otsego County Office for the Aging will soon have farmers market checks available for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older. The booklets of five $25.00 checks are provided through the new York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and can be used to purchase fresh produce at participating local markets. To qualify, seniors must have a monthly income below $2,248.00 for a oneperson household or $3,040.00 for a two-person household. Checks will be available starting on Monday, July 3. They can be picked up at OFA offices at County Highway 33W or 242 Main Street, Oneonta, or at the following locations between 10 and 11:30 a.m. on the following dates: nader Towers Housing, Oneonta, July 12; West Hill Terrace Apartments, edmeston, July 13; Oneonta Heights Apartments, July 18; Academy Arms Apartments, Oneonta, July 19; Unadilla neighborhood Apartments, July 25; Cherry Valley Community Center Café, July 26; Richfield Springs Community Center, August 1; Worcester/Schenevus Library, August 3; Gilbertsville Baptist Church, August 8; FoxCare Center, Oneonta, August 9; Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, August 16. For more information, contact the Office for the Aging at (607) 547-4232.

NYS Young Republicans Re-Elect Giunta

LAKe PLACID—At the 2023 Young Republican State Convention in Lake Placid on June 10, delegates representing more than 30 chapters of the Association of new York State Young Republican Clubs unanimously re-elected Peter Giunta of Richmond County as chairman. Giunta is chief of staff to state Assemblymember Michael Reilly and served as president of the Staten Island Young Republican Club from 2019 to 2021. He has been involved in state and local politics for over a decade and helped more than 30 Young Republicans get elected to office in the 2022 election cycle. “It is an honor to be re-elected unanimously by my peers and entrusted, once more, with this extraordinary responsibility to lead our association through what I believe is a Republican resurgence in new York not seen since the 1990s,” said Giunta. The convention also re-elected Bobby Walker, of Albany County and formerly of Cooperstown, as vice chair. Daniel Koerner, of Otsego County, was re-elected as treasurer.

Roots Brewing Company to Host Death Discussion

OneOnTA—Anne Ohman, a death doula, will host a small-group community conversation about death and dying at Roots Brewing Company, 175 Main Street in Oneonta, on Saturday, July 22 from 3-5 p.m. The “Death and Drinks” event is intended to open a space for people to share questions, curiosities, fears, beliefs and stories about the final great mystery. Ohman said that a conversation about “death and end-of-life options shakes the taboo, softens the fear, and invites us to be more fully alive.” Space is limited to preserve the small group size. For more information or to sign up, visit https://deathanddrinksatroots.eventbrite.com.

Young Artists To Perform at Christ Church

COOPeRSTOWn—Glimmerglass Festival Young Artists will perform at 10 a.m. Sunday services at Christ Church, Cooperstown, from July 2 to August 13. Most of their selections will be excerpted from oratorios.

Youth Sports Builds a Home of Its Own

By DAn SULLIVAn RICHFIeLD SPRInGS

Some 15 years ago, a group of Richfield Springs parents started working together to provide opportunities for their kids to play Little League and youth baseball and softball.

The group, led then as now by Len Pickens, asked property owners in the area to allow them to make baseball and softball diamonds on their property temporarily.

This went on for years as the group—financed mainly by bottle and can returns along with donations— moved from site to site, each time having to build anew.

Simultaneously, surrounding communities were joining into the schedules. With a service area that stretches from Cooperstown to Little Falls, the need for a permanent site was becoming urgent. The sports offered by what is known as Richfield Youth Sports expanded to include soccer and basketball as well.

In 2021, after amassing more than $100,000.00 in container returns and donations, Pickens led the negotiation and subsequent purchase of 18.4 acres on Lake Street, straddling the Richfield village/town border. next came an application for a CFA grant through new York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which was successful.

RYS was awarded a maximum of $161,419.00 for planning, design and construction of the fields. However, no construction

could start until an archeological study of the site was completed. Prior to that, bids had to go out for engineering specs, and then there was the process of contracting with the State Historic Preservation Office—itself a long, complicated series of meetings, e-mails, and calls. Last year was consumed with those details. Finally, RYS was authorized to go out for construction bids.

By 2023, however, construction costs had risen sharply. When bids came back, they were double the funds that RYS had available. There was no way to move forward unless an accommodation could be reached. And, with the cooperation of OPRHP and RYS, a way was found: Heavy equipment could be rented and the actual work could be performed by qualified volunteers. Pickens had recruited dozens of local residents with the requisite skills to handle the big machinery, the engineers agreed, and the state signed off.

On Friday, May 26 the equipment arrived, and the volunteers—many of whom took vacation days to be available—went to work. That work has continued seven days a week since beginning. Tens of thousands of cubic yards of soil and rock have been moved. The drainage work is being completed to the engineers’ specifications. The Richfield Youth Sports Athletic Complex is taking shape.

Pickens, a man of few words, had this to say: “These volunteers show what a great community we have here. not only are the equipment operators here on site, but the coffee, food, and snacks that are donated show the support we have. We look forward to welcoming kids from the area to our facility.”

Construction will continue through June, when the seeding of the fields will take place, depending on moisture conditions. Hopefully, there will be soccer games at the facility this fall.

Photo by Dan Sullivan overlooking the construction site of the future richfield youth sports facility softball, baseball and soccer fields.

Butternut Valley Artists Impress Visitors to BVA’s ‘On the Trail of Art’

By TeReSA WInCHeSTeR

MORRIS

General Jacob Morris State Forest welcomed more than 350 visitors over the weekend of June 10-11 as the site of Butternut Valley Alliance’s third annual “On the Trail of Art” outdoor art exhibit. A half-mile scenic trail featured approximately 150 pieces from both homeschooled students and student artists from edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, and Morris central schools.

“This is the third year of ‘Art on the Trail,’ and my students absolutely love participating. Their work keeps getting better and better,” said Ashley Hughes, art teacher at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School.

Forty other artists, all with ties to the Butternut Valley, also displayed their works.

Strolling musician

Kristina Turechek intermittently played the melodica, a hand-held reed instrument with a keyboard on top, while fiddler John Potocnik played his fiddle at a site along the trail. Doug ernst, retired Morris Central School music teacher, organized and played in a trombone ensemble with Matt Oram and Jeffrey Young on June 10. On June 11, playing flute, ernst was part of a wind ensemble, joined by Rachel Rockwell on clarinet and Melissa Wilson on bassoon.

Two of the more unconventional pieces in the exhibit were by abstract artists, Tony Pinotti and Simone Mantellassi. Pinotti’s untitled on-site installation consisted of identical threefoot by three-foot squares cordoned off by reflective tape. Inside the squares were natural objects such as starling eggs, pinecones, moss and feathers.

‘I wanted people to slow down and look at nature a little more carefully. I wanted the artist’s hand to disappear entirely,” Pinotti said.

“His piece is almost invisible, but when you do see it, it almost blows your mind,” said fellow artist Mantellassi.

As visitors approached Mantellassi’s painted cardboard and paper mâché sculpture, they may have had the impression that a pile of litter had been left on the forest floor. Mantellassi had fashioned a microwave oven, saucepan, running shoe, and other miscellaneous litter as

part of his oeuvre, which he titled “In memory of Herbert von K…”

“I used to find garbage when I was walking in the forest as a kid in Italy,” he said, revealing one form of memory evoked by the title.

“Herbert von K” refers to Herbert von Karajan, conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic during World War II and Adolph Hitler’s favorite conductor.

“Herbert von Karajan was part Jewish but he opted to

The job scene

stay in Germany. He became a nazi. He put his career before his convictions, which is kind of like garbage to me,” Mantellassi said, adding that as an abstract piece, there is leeway for approaching his work from “many different directions.”

Positive comments about the exhibit could be overheard all along the trail.

“It’s awesome—the creativity. It’s all very different, a million ranges of talent,” said Lauren DeBiase, who recently moved to Morris from new Jersey. Her painting, “Snacktopus,” was featured in the open air gallery.

“It’s nice seeing the mix of mature artists and kids’ art at the same time. Some of the kids’ art is stunning,” said Dave Cocco of Richfield Springs.

“It’s amazing what this group put on for our community this weekend! It takes some serious vision to walk into a state forest and pop up a gallery! Thank you, BVA, for continuously showing up for our area in such impactful ways!” Gina Gardner stated in a Facebook post after the event.

Gardner also contributed an abstract ink drawing, “BrainCelium,” to the exhibit.

“On the Trail of Art continues to grow and garner more enthusiasm, both from contributors and attendees. We’re thrilled by the amount of diversity we were able to introduce—and with the storytellers and musicians and the artists of all ages.

The talent in the Butternut Valley is overwhelming,” said Maggie Brenner, co-chair of

the Butternut Valley Alliance. Butternut Valley Alliance is a not-for-profit organization serving the Butternut Valley watershed, whose Butternut Creek flows from the Town of exeter to its confluence with the Unadilla River in the Town of Butternuts. BVA’s mission is to encourage the Butternut Valley to become a better place to live, work and play.

PARKS SUPERVISOR OPENING

The Village of Cooperstown has an opening in the position of Parks Supervisor. Requirements include good knowledge of park construction and maintenance activities; ability to supervise the work of others; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to keep records and make reports; reliability; physical strength and endurance; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years full time paid experience in parks and/or recreation¬al facility and building maintenance. Possession of a valid Class D or greater NYS Driver’s license is required for employment. This position also requires plowing snow and sanding in a non-CDL required vehicle.

This is a full-time position with competitive wage and attractive benefits. Applicants must be a resident of Otsego County. For further information regarding the position and to obtain an application please contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 607-547-2411 or send your resume and cover letter to:

Village Clerk, Village of Cooperstown PO Box 346, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Photo by Teresa Winchester

Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School sophomore Lindsay Turnbull’s collage, inscribed with the advice “Go to the place u feel most alive,” was one of 150 student art pieces in “On the Trail of Art,” an open air gallery mounted by the Butternut Valley Alliance in Morris’s General Morris State Forest June 10 and 11.

Feiffer Hosts Film Screening of ‘Little Murders’ at Fenimore Art Museum

By WRILeY neLSOn

COOPeRSTOWn

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and Richfield Springs resident Jules Feiffer returned to the spotlight on May 19 for a screening of his 1971 film “Little Murders” at Fenimore Art Museum. “Little Murders” is a black comedy about a young, professional woman who brings her nihilistic and nearly catatonic boyfriend home to her dysfunctional family. It paints a dark portrait of a society collapsing under the weight of random violence, obscene phone calls, random shootings, garbage strikes, electrical blackouts and paranoia.

The film, directed by Alan Arkin and starring elliott Gould and Marcia Rodd, received perfect four-star ratings from Roger ebert and Gene Siskel.

“Little Murders” opens with Patsy newquist (Rodd), a new York interior designer, rescuing Alfred Chamberlain (Gould) from a beating at the hands of street toughs. She becomes fascinated with Chamberlain, an obsessive photographer who is emotionally vacant and has neither the ability nor desire to feel pain or pleasure. He usually allows criminals to beat him “until they get tired” and move on. Patsy, who has a long history of “molding” men, accepts Chamberlain as her ultimate challenge. She takes him on a stunning montage of expensive, romantic dates, introduces him to her wildly dysfunctional family and attempts to get to the bottom of his emotional state.

The film is a caustic comedy with biting, disorienting satire and brilliant performances. A young Donald Sutherland questions reality until your head spins with an endless wedding

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, July 11, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

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

41 nelson Avenuepartial demolition

12 Linden Avenuegarage demolition

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, July 11, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.

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

Tele: (607)547-2411

13, email: jutter@cooperstownny.org

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

nOTICe is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, new York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law amending Local Law no. 1 of 2011-providing for the administration and enforcement of the new York State uniform fire prevention and building construction code.

nOTICe is further given that the Board

of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, new York on Wednesday, July 5th at 9:50 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard. The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment.

The public hearing will be streamed via Facebook Live on the official Otsego County Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/otsegocountynewyork

A copy of this Local Law is available on the Otsego County website.

Dated: June 23, 2023

Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, new York

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF BUTTeRnUT VALLeY HeRITAGe FARM LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSnY on 06/20/23.

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, 533 Dimmock Hollow Road, Morris, nY 13808.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalAug.3

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Susquehanna Spirit LLC.

Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSnY) 6/14/23.

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

Purpose: any lawful

sermon as the existential Reverend Henry Dupas. Lou Jacobi, as Judge Stern, gives another hilarious, interminable monologue on new York’s immigrant past and the decline in public religiosity. “Little Murders” more than fulfills its tagline: “Funny in a new and frightening way.”

Feiffer, 94, opened the Film Society of Cooperstown event with a brief conversation with Bill Francis and Jeff Katz. Feiffer gave an overview of his life and career, beginning with his apprenticeship under master cartoonist Will eisner. eisner put me to work doing nothing, because I was qualified for nothing, and he paid me nothing,” Feiffer recalled. He spoke about the rise and fall of the graphic novel as an

LEGALS

activities.

activities.

6LegalAug.3

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF name of LLC: Mountain Side Contracting LLC

Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the nY Department of State: April 30, 2023 Office of the LLC: Otsego County

The new York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: Mountain Side Contracting LLC at 107 Briar Hill Road, Cooperstown, nY 13326. Purpose of the LLC: Any Lawful Purpose

6LegalAug.3

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ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF

n Smith Transport LLC

Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law

First: The name of the limited liability company is: n Smith Transport LLC

Second: The county, within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is OTSeGO.

Third: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against the limited liability company may be served. Th post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon the Secretary of State by personal delivery is: nA-

TIOnAL ReGISTeReD AGenTS, InC., 28 LIBeRTY ST., neW YORK, nY 10005

I certify that I have read the above statements, I am authorized to sign this Articles of Organization, that the above statements are true and correct to the best

of my knowledge and belief and that my signature typed below constitutes my signature. neil Smith, ORGAnIZeR (signature), neIL SMITH ORGAnIZeR, 1518 CO RT 20, eMeSTOn, nY 13335

Filed by: neIL SMITH, 1518 CO RT 20, eDMeSTOn, nY 13335

6LegalJul.27

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Weinberg Wealth LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with nYS Dept. of State (SSnY) on 06/17/2023.

Office location: Otsego County

SSnY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSnY shall mail a copy of any process to: 95 Pioneer St Cooperstown, nY 13326.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

6LegalJul.27

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF AZ Residential Properties LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of new York (SSnY) on May 24, 2023. Office Location: Otsego County. SSnY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSnY shall mail process to 21 e James St, Richfield Springs, nY 13439.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJul.27

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Joe’s Buds LLC.

Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State (SSnY) 6/6/23.

Office location: Otsego Co.

SSnY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSnY shall mail process to: 29 Miller Street, Oneonta, nY 13820. Purpose: any lawful

art form and reflected on his friendship with Art Spiegelman, author of “Maus.” In response to queries by Francis, Feiffer discussed the inspiration and production of “Little Murders.”

Feiffer began the work as a novel in the mid-1960s as a response to the random violence he saw on the news.

“I saw the Kennedy assassination on TV, then the [University of] Texas tower shooting. I knew that something had changed, that this country was no longer the same…that these were not aberrations, they were our future,” he said. “I looked around and no one seemed to see what I was seeing. I didn’t see any analysis, any acknowledgment. I knew that if no one else was going to write about it, I had to.”

“I discovered after two years of work that I wasn’t a novelist,” Feiffer said.

After realizing that he was more effective as a playwright, he turned out a first draft in three weeks. The first run of “Little Murders” on Broadway was “a disaster,” but the play enjoyed an off-Broadway renaissance after a successful run in the United Kingdom.

Feiffer closed with a reflection on his new life in Otsego County. He and his wife, J.Z. Holden, moved upstate from Long Island in search of a cleaner environment following severe health issues. Feiffer survived a serious cardiac event that required resuscitation; “this is the version of me that came back,” he joked.

The rural environment and thriving small communities helped inspire him to continue his cartooning at his old pace. Asked for the secret of his longevity, Feiffer replied, “I always wanted to be a boy cartoonist, and I still am.”

6LegalJul.27

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF A NY LImITEd LIABILITY COmPANY

name:

FAnCY FARM 1962 LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSnY) was 13 June 2023. Office location: Otsego County. SSnY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSnY shall mail copy of process to 6141 South 2175 east, Ogden, UT 84403. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under nYS laws.

6LegalJul.27

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NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF 3692 COUNTY HIGHwAY 35 LLC UNdER SECTION 203 OF THE LImITEd LIABILITY COmPANY LAw.

1. The name of the limited liability company is 3692 County Highway 35 LLC.

2. Articles of Organization of 3692 County Highway 35 LLC were filed with the new York Secretary of State on June 5, 2023.

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 215 Tuscan Road, Worcester, nY 12197.

5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or

her is: 3692 County Highway 35 LLC, 215 Tuscan Road, Worcester, nY 12197.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalJul.20

LegaL nOtice NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF dANGCA LLC UNdER SECTION 203 OF THE LImITEd LIABILITY COmPANY LAw.

1. The name of the limited liability company is Dangca LLC.

2. Articles of Organization of Dangca LLC were filed with the new York Secretary of State on May 26, 2023.

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 257 Townline Road, Laurens, nY 13796.

5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Dangca LLC, 257 Townline Road, Laurens, nY 13796.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalJul.20

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NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF CLAPPER’S mAPLE RIdGE RANCH LLC

UNdER SECTION 203 OF THE LImITEd LIABILITY COmPANY LAw.

1. The name of the limited liability company is Clapper’s Maple Ridge Ranch LLC.

2. Articles of Organization of Clapper’s Maple Ridge Ranch LLC

were filed with the new York Secretary of State on April 10, 2023.

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 184 Reservoir Road, Oneonta, nY 13820.

5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Dana Clapper, 184 Reservoir Road, Oneonta, nY 13820.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalJul.20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Culture Rally, LLC.

Articles of organization filed with SSnY on June 5, 2023.

Location: Otsego County. SSnY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSnY shall mail process to 16 Hazel St., Oneonta, nY 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJul20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Kato en LLC.

Filed 1/16/23.

Office: Otsego Co.

SSnY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Kato Family, 266 Copes Corners Rd, South new Berlin, nY 13843. Registered Agent: Hiroaki Kato, 266 Copes Corners Rd, South new Berlin, nY 13843.

Purpose: General.

6LegalJul20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF LImITEd LIABILITY CORPORATION

Melissa Fallon-Korb LLC

filed with the Secretary of State of nY (SSnY) on 5/10/23. Office location: Otsego County. nYSS is designated as agent of this LLC upon whom process may be served and SSnY will mail process to 53 Fair St, Otego nY 13825.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJul20

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF FAITHFUL CARe AT HOMe LLC

Filed 5/25/23 Office: Otsego Co. SSnY designated as agent for process&shall mail to: 33 north St, edmeston, nY 13335

Purpose: all lawful

6LegalJul13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF MALLOCH MAnAGeMenT, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State on May 25, 2023; The office location within new York is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to c/o THe LLC, 4485 County Highway 18, new Berlin, new York 13411.

Purpose: acquire, own, hold, develop, lease, manage, operate real property or to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJul.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Hoppin Hogs LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSnY 5/23/23,

Otsego Co. SSnY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, nY 12207

General Purpose

6LegalJul.13

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF K & A Roofing & Construction, LLC, a nY limited liability company (LLC).

Arts. of Org. filed with nY Sec. of State (nYSS) on 04/11/2023.

Office: Otsego County. nYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. nYSS shall mail process to: K & A Roofing & Construction, LLC, 149 Weeks Road, Springfield Center, new York 134682313.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF AUSTIn eLeCTRIC nY LLC

Articles of Org. filed nY Sec. of State (SSnY) 5/23/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSnY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSnY shall mail process to PO Box 446, Oneonta, nY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJul.6

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF WOODSIDe PROPeRTY SeRVICeS LLC .

Filed: 3/17/23 .

Office: Otsego Co. Org. in DeLAWARe: 07/29/2022. SSnY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to its foreign add: 16192 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, De 19958. Arts. of Org. filed with Secretary Of State Jeffrey W. Bullock, 401 Federal St., Ste 3, Dover, De 19901.

Purpose: General. 6LegalJun.29

Photo by Darlene Wedderspoon

Artist Jules Feiffer (left) discusses his career with Bill Francis and Jeff Katz.

COMPILED BY WRILEY NELSON

SPORTS SNIPPETS COMPILED BY WRILEY NELSON

Hall of Fame To Open ‘Souls of the Game’ in 2024

COOPeRSTOWn—The national Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that a new exhibit, “The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball,” will open in spring 2024. It will trace the long history of Black baseball from the early decades prior to the formation of the negro Leagues, through the complexities of re-integration, to the challenges that remain today. The new exhibit is part of the Hall of Fame’s Black Baseball Initiative, which includes additional outreach programs, educational material and virtual programming.

“‘The Souls of the Game’ will share the stories of Black baseball through the voices of the men and women who lived, and still live, that history,” said Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch. “The exhibit will provide an authentic, cohesive narrative of Black baseball history while celebrating baseball through the lens of Black culture and vice versa.”

The title of the exhibit pays tribute to the seminal 1903 book “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.e.B. Du Bois, arguably the most significant American philosopher and political theorist of the 20th century.

“Du Bois’s ‘The Souls of Black Folk’ was and remains one of the most important books by a Black person written in the 20th century,” said Dr. Gerald early, Washington University professor and one of several curatorial consultants for the Black Baseball Initiative. “One of the main messages of Du Bois’s book was that, in their status as free men and women, Black people needed to use all that was around them to invent, shape, and resurrect their own culture. By echoing Du Bois’s book title, this exhibit emphasizes that message about the meaning of baseball for Black Americans. Baseball was not merely a sport for Blacks. It was an element, a brick, in building a culture. Baseball was about Blacks creating themselves anew as a free people, as Americans of African descent.”

The exhibit was announced at a Juneteenth event in Paterson, new Jersey’s Hinchliffe Stadium on Monday, June 19. Larry Doby Jr., the son of Hall of Famer Larry Doby, who became the first Black player in the American League three months after Jackie Robinson integrated the national League, was in attendance. Doby was from Paterson and played baseball and football and ran track in Hinchliffe Stadium before he began his negro national League career in 1942.

For more information about the museum’s Black Baseball Initiative, visit https://baseballhall.org/The-Black-Baseball-Initiative?mc_cid=35fe9a1678&mc_eid=0691805ed7.

SUNY Oneonta Announces Baseball Prospect Clinic

OneOnTA—The SUnY Oneonta baseball program announced it will be holding its annual end of the Summer High School Recruiting Clinic on August 20 at Red Dragon Field. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration opening at 8:30. The clinic is intended for all current high-school athletes (classes of 2024-2027) who wish to improve their skills or demonstrate their abilities to the SUnY Oneonta coaching staff. Participants will focus on offensive and position instruction in the morning, with live game play in the afternoon. The cost is $120.00. For more information and registration forms, visit https://oneontaathletics.com/news/2023/6/8/baseball-announces-aug-20end-of-summer-high-school-prospect-clinic.aspx.

Seamon Named Division II Player of the Year

COOPeRSTOWn—The Center State Conference announced its 2023 all-star player list on Friday, June 16. Dani Seamon, the Cooperstown Central School pitching and hitting star, was named Division II player of the year. Seamon and teammates Katie Crippen, Savannah Kirkby and Jeana Geertgens were all named to first-team all-star divisional honors. Sophia Hotaling, Tori France and Brenna Seamon received honorable mentions.

Andrades Honored for 1,000-Point Career

LAURenS—Laurens Central School senior and three-season star Gabby Andrades had her number 3 basketball jersey hung on the LCS gymnasium wall in a ceremony on Thursday, June 8. She became the first girls basketball player and the fourth player overall in school history to score 1,000 career points on February 3. She averaged 23 points per game in the 2022-2023 season and was named to Tri-Valley League First Team All-Star honors. Andrades was also named a TVL First Team All-Star in the 2022 soccer season and 2023 softball season. She helped lead Laurens to victory in the 2023 TVL softball tournament. In addition to the framed jersey presentation, Andrades took home the Coach’s Award in soccer and basketball and the softball Sportsmanship Award at the Awards Banquet. She will play at SUnY Cobleskill next year.

Timothy Allen

Ferguson

1960-2023

COOP e RSTOW n

Timothy Allen Ferguson, 62, of Oneonta passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023 at M.I. Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.

He was born november 03, 1960 in Delhi, the son of the late Arthur and Delores (Hoffman) Ferguson.

Tim married ethel Kleingardner on november 1, 1978. ethel predeceased him on June 8, 2005.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and especially logging and cutting firewood.

Tim also enjoyed trips to Turning Stone and drinking coffee. each day, he would make his rounds drinking coffee. He also loved to dance and especially with his love, Ginger.

Tim is survived by his five children, Alice (Jerry) Parkes, east Meredith, Luke (Hayley) Ferguson, east Meredith, Josh (April) Ferguson, Oneonta, Corinne (Robert) Wheeler, Schenevus, and Joseph (Megan) More, east Meredith; significant other Ginger Houck, Oneonta; 18 grandchildren; one sister, Brenda (Kevin) Roe, east Meredith; two brothers, David (Angel) Ferguson and Rodney Ferguson; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Mervin and Mark Ferguson.

A celebration of life

service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.

The family requests that fond memories be shared at www.bookhoutfuneralhome. com

Iver P. Lindberg

1951-2023

OneOnTA—Iver P. Lindberg, 71, married to Lillian Catherine Rathbun, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, June 9, 2023, at home.

He is survived by his son, David G. Lindberg; daughter Tammy Lindberg-Bartlett; grandsons, Jordan MongeonLindberg and Luke Bartlett; and lifelong hunting partner and friend Ben McCord.

He was born October 5, 1951 at home in Lena, the son of David A. and Dorothy H. (Jacobs) Lindberg. Iver was a resident of Oneonta and Cooperstown. He enjoyed reading. He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed. He enjoyed his tractor business for many years and loved his customers and community.

He was predeceased by his parents; daughter Tracey C. Lindberg; sonin-law James Bartlett; and siblings Anna Lindberg of Oneonta, Barbara Lindberg of Oneonta, David Lindberg Jr. of West Laurens, John H. Lindberg of Mount Vision, Fred Marble of Oneonta, Louie Barnes of Mount Vision, and John Roote of Otego.

NEWS BRIEfS

Deer Management Task Force Proposes Report Tool

OneOnTA—Betsy Holland, chair of the Oneonta Deer Management Task Force, presented a proposal to the Common Council’s Quality of Life and Infrastructure Committee on Monday, June 26. The committee created a three-phase plan to evaluate and mitigate the city’s deer problem. Holland suggested an incident reporting tool, which would allow the city to gather more data about deer damage, determine the times and places of highest activity, and tailor its response. Committee members agreed to the proposal and did not take a formal vote, but did decide to send it to the full Common Council and City Attorney Greg Merzig for review. The Council will next meet on Wednesday, July 5.

Shakespeare’s

‘The

Tempest’ to Open at Fenimore

COOPeRSTOWn—Fenimore Art Museum’s Glimmer Globe Theatre will present a summer of live Shakespeare performances beginning on Wednesday, July 12. This year’s play is “The Tempest,” a tragicomedy believed to be one of Shakespeare’s last works. In a new twist on this famous story, a motley crew of aeronauts finds their airship caught in a vicious tempest about to crash into an isolated and magical isle. nearby, the vengeful wizard Prospero lives with his daughter, Miranda, and two servants: Caliban, a native of the island, and Ariel, a spirit of the air. After Prospero reveals he and his magic were indeed the cause of the shipwreck, he recounts his tragic past to Miranda, setting in motion a chain of events that will change their lives and the futures of all who call the island home.

The production is directed by Michael Henrici, also starring as Caliban alongside Lissa Sidoli as Prospero. It features Andie Alban as Ariel, Tom Russo, Samantha Lizak, Andrew Munro, Colleen Bunn, J Lentner, Wriley nelson, Peter exton, Mark Murphy, Marisa Chism, emily Begin, Kim Frederick, Dashiell Henrici, Tessa Davis and Gavin Abrams.

“The Tempest” will run at 7 p.m. each Wednesday and Thursday night from July 12 through August 10. It is set against the backdrop of Otsego Lake in the museum’s Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater. Tickets are available in advance via eventbrite.com or at the theater immediately before the show. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and insect repellant. An alternate indoor location is available at the Farmers’ Museum in case of inclement weather. For more information, visit https://fenimoreartmuseum. org/calendar-a-4 or contact m.tamburrino@fenimoreart.org.

Village Library Releases Full Summer Calendar

COOPeRSTOWn—The Village Library of Cooperstown released its complete calendar of events for July and August on Sunday, June 25. There will be a Play and Learn event for children under age 8 on Mondays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Storytime will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Tween/teen events are set for 1 p.m. on Thursdays. The library will be closed on July 4 for Independence Day and July 22 for Hall of Fame induction. national bestselling author Mary Beth Keane will visit for a talk and book signing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23. For the full events calendar, visit the Village Library of Cooperstown Facebook page.

Hall Serves Regency-Era Cocktail at Lighting Tour

SPRInGFIeLD—Hyde Hall will host a “Get Lit!” historic lighting and cocktail tour at 7 p.m. on July 7 and 8. The 90-minute tour will explore the long evolution of ondemand lighting technologies throughout history. negus, a port-based punch named after an early 18th century British military officer, will be served. The drink, which reached its peak popularity after the napoleonic Wars and is featured in several Jane Austen works, includes hot water, lemon juice, sugar and nutmeg. The event is restricted to those ages 21 and over. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://hydehall.org/events-2/.

Summer Harvest Festival Seeks Vendors

MORRIS—The Butternut Valley Alliance is looking for craft and artisan vendors to participate in its Summer Harvest Festival, which will take place in Guy Rathbun Park, Morris, on Saturday, August 19. Vendor set-up begins at 10 a.m. and the festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. There will be live music all day. The vendor fee is $20.00. For more information, contact ginagardner96@gmail.com.

OBITUARIeS

Iver is also survived by his sisters, Bonnie Marble of Oneonta, Betty Barnes of Mount Vision, Susan (Ivan) norton of Morris, norma Jones of South edmeston, Deborah (Walter) Stretch of Worcester, and esther Roote of Otego; brothers Richard (Judy) Lindberg of Oneonta, Frank Lindberg of Connecticut, Donald (Doty) Lindberg of Worcester, and Douglas Lindberg of Otego; and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to all the ambulances and police officers that came to our assistance and a special thank you to the east Springfield Fire Department for providing refreshments following the funeral service.

His funeral service was held at Ottman Funeral Home on June 16, with Mitchell Rowley of Church of Christ officiating. Interment in Springfield Cemetery followed.

Arrangements were under the care of Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley.

Noreen V.

Neumann

1936-2023

UnADILLA—noreen V. neumann, 87, passed away June 22, 2023 at A.O. Fox nursing Home in Oneonta.

She was born January 21, 1936 in Brooklyn, new York, the daughter of Alfred Dunnett and Doreen Ayres Demming.

noreen worked as a senior aging services aide for Otsego County Office for the

Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

Aging for many years.

She is survived by her children, Joanne and husband, Paul, Claudia and husband, Josh, James and wife, Carolyn; grandchildren, Barbara and husband Kevin and their children Brooke and Ryan, Cristina and her children Romin and Kane, Justin and wife Melissa and their children Serena, Tyler, and Henry, Jeffrey and wife Renata, James and his children Jaden and Brandon; and many cousins, family members, and wonderful friends especially Ursula Schroeder and Tonya Rowe.

She was predeceased by her children, Dennis, Barbara, and Dianna; a grandson Jason and her husbands, Fred, Thomas, and Ted.

A graveside service was held June 30 at the evergreen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla, with the Rev. Roy VanDermark, officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

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

Funeral Home

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

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

82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

“Nothing can ever take away a love the heart holds dear.”

Photo provided NOREEN V. NEUMANN

Dream

Continued from page 1

“We wanted to create a program that would inspire people—keep the residents happy and looking forward to something. even if it’s not their dream, it may be that of a close friend,” Jones said.

This past Tuesday, June 27, Heritage at The Plains made their first resident dream a reality, when Don Carter—a resident since July of 2022— enjoyed his first ride ever in a Porsche. To achieve this, staff used Facebook and a post that began, “Heritage at The Plains is in search of a Porsche!” The post goes on to explain the Tree of Dreams program and reads, “We have selected our first resident for this program and a dream of his would be to take a ride in a Porsche! So, we are calling any and all to help us fulfill our first dream within our community.”

Thanks to Phoebe Reese, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Bassett Healthcare network, Carter enjoyed a nice, leisurely drive in style, in a 240 horsepower, fivespeed, six-cylinder Porsche Boxster.

Jones—going on two years with The Plains—is one of three employees directly responsible for implementing the Tree of Dreams program, along with executive Director Trudy Claudy and Activities Director Deborah Ziegler. The corporate office came up with the idea and fleshed it out behind the scenes, according to Jones, and it is up to the three of them to roll the program out into The Plains community and implement it.

“We have a Tree of Dreams wall started in our community,” Jones said.

As resident dreams are realized, staff will take photos of their journey that will then be hung on the wall for all to enjoy.

Heritage at The Plains has approximately 100 residents among its various housing units and about 50 employees, Jones said.

“We have independent living apartments, assisted living apartments and memory care apartments (a safe place for residents with dementia), complete with living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom,” explained Jones.

Assisted living and memory care apartments also include the cost of having care aides and nurses 24/7.

“We are a beautiful senior living community that allows residents to feel comfortable in their home, visiting with friends and embracing the moments that Heritage at The Plains senior living provides,” Jones said.

AllOtsego

Continued from page 1 briefs, in memoriam and calendar of events sections). each section provides previews of the most recent articles and postings, and users will be able to navigate from there to the main category pages, where they can browse all articles for that category. All of the archived content from the old allotsego.com will still be available, as well.

According to Moffat, the process of migrating existing subscriber accounts to the new site is still underway.

“The paywall will not be immediately activated, which means everyone will be able to access the site’s content while we get the subscriptions migrated,” he said. The new website is built in such a way that will allow staff to continue making updates and improvements over time.

“We look forward to seeing and hearing how visitors are using the site and discovering how we can continue to innovate and improve their experience,” Barnwell said.

“In addition to all of the above providing a better user experience, these much needed improvements are a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that our publications continue to find success in the current media landscape,” added Youngs.

“Local news connects community members, fosters debate, can instigate major social change and encourages regional economic growth and development. The ways in which we deliver the news may be changing, but our purpose and our role as a valuable resource remain the same,” Youngs said.

“The process with AllOtsego has revolved around figuring out the best ways to update our technology and design to offer readers and visitors a fast, reliable, and enjoyable browsing experience. We’ve also had to ensure that what we came up with would be sustainable and fit within the bandwidth of the busy newsroom,” Moffat recounted.

According to Moffat, digital strategy plays an important role in how modern publications adapt to a constantly changing ecosystem.

“’The Freeman’s Journal’ and ‘Hometown Oneonta’ have always felt like really critical parts of the community in multiple ways, and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to make a contribution,” Moffat said.

Moffat, a filmmaker and freelance digital media consultant, works with organizations to help them develop and refine their creative and technical strategies in support of their

mission. He studied film and continues to work on screenplays and short films in addition to collaborating with other filmmakers as an independent producer. Moffat is also involved locally with Glimmerglass Film Days, for which he serves as technical director and contributes to the programming team.

Bassett

Continued from page 1

in a variety of settings,” said Jill Stoecklin, Bassett’s administrative director of Medical education and the Medical School. “For simulations to be most effective, it is important for nurses and physicians to create a collaborative partnership. By doing so, we all learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives to provide optimal patient care.”

“Bassett and Hartwick working together not only furthers the education of resident physicians and student nurses—it also has a positive impact on the communities we serve by ensuring the continuation of the highest level of patient care that Bassett is known for,” said Angela Belmont, DnP, Rn, neA-BC, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Bassett Healthcare network.

Bassett and Hartwick professionals worked together to plan and implement the event and will be participating in the simulations as facilitators. They are:

Hartwick College:

Dr. Patricia Grust—clinical associate professor and department chair, nursing erica Holoquist, Rn—nursing laboratory coordinator

John Janitz, Rn—nursing lab instructional specialist Bassett Medical Center:

Dr. Russell Moore—senior attending physician, Internal Medicine Residency Program director

Dr. erik Riesenfeld— senior attending physician, Transitional Year Residency Program director

Dr. Joon Shim—senior attending physician, General Surgery Residency Program director

Tareq Issa, Rn—nurse educator, Active Learning Center nancy Morris, Rn – simulation lab clinical educator, Active Learning Center

Jill Stoecklin – administrative director, Medical education and Medical School

Bassett and Hartwick’s simulation lab collaboration comes on the heels of their recently announced joint endeavor to provide Bassett employees with substantial tuition discounts when they pursue degrees in nursing and nursing education at Hartwick College. Both

VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

The Violence Intervention Program at Opportunities for Otsego offers support to victims, survivors and families impacted by violent crime such as domestic violence, sexual assault, physical assault, elder abuse, stalking, hate crimes, motor vehicle assault and homicide.

The Violence Intervention Program offers assistance in accessing crime-related supports and resources.

Counseling Advocacy

programs reflect a shared priority to increase the number of registered nurses and healthcare professionals practicing in Bassett’s rural service area.

Festivities

Continued from page 1

An evening concert and firework display will take place in Glimmerglass State Park. The Council Rock Band will begin performing at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dusk. For more information on any of the events, contact springfield.july4@gmail.com or Committee Chair Debra Miller at (315) 858-0304.

CLIA Announces

Boat Parade Info

RICHFI e LD—The annual Canadarago Lake Improvement Association

Boat Parade will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 3 at the Canadarago Lake Boat Launch. Boaters should gather prior to the start time Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats, dress up and tag the CLIA in their social media posts. The Canadarago Lake Recreation Committee fireworks show will begin at dusk.

Fireworks Set for Saturday

COOP e RSTOW n —The Village of Cooperstown Independence Day fireworks, sponsored by the Cooperstown Fire Department, will take place on Saturday, July 1 at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). For more information, call (607) 547-2411.

Iron String Welcomes new Sales Agent

By WRILeY neLSOn COOPeRSTOWn

Iron String Press has hired independent filmmaker and freelance journalist Joel J. Plue, 36, of Oneonta, as an advertising sales agent. Plue comes from an Oneonta family and was raised in Westchester County. He returned to Otsego County at the age of 18.

A seasoned blogger, Plue has done extensive work in television and movie reviews, and on subjects ranging from crime, war and international relations, and technology to fine dining. His most recent journals include “From Caliphate to Collapse: Tracing the Journey of ISIS,” “exploring U.S.-Iran Relations,” and “A Comparative Analysis of Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine vs. mRnA Vaccines: Lessons To Be Learned.”

Plue brings in-depth knowledge of marketing and advertising to Iron String Press. He is also passionate about filmmaking and has many years of experience in innovative local creative projects. He has collaborated closely with his mother, accomplished film director Lori Kelly-Bailey, whose most recent film, “A Roadhouse Coup,” was produced in Otsego County and received wide acclaim. They have worked together on numerous books and film projects.

“I’m looking forward to the new role in advertising

and sales, while I continue to freelance for the paper,” Plue said.

As a journalist, he has helped Iron String Press cover the Oneonta area and the southern half of Otsego County.

“Joel’s knowledge of Otsego County, his contacts throughout the region and his outgoing personality make him a perfect fit for our growing sales team,” said General Manager/Senior editor Darla M. Youngs. Plue’s sales work for Iron String Press—which produces “The Freeman’s Journal,” “Hometown Oneonta,” AllOtsego.com and a number of special seasonal publications— will be under the direction of Publisher/Advertising Director Tara Barnwell.

“We are very happy to welcome Joel to our staff. He will be a great asset to our company and to his customers as well,” Barnwell said.

Plue can be reached at joelp@allotsego.com or (607) 547-6103.

OLA, OCCA Planning Lake Cleanup Day

OTSeGO LAKe

The Otsego Lake Association will run a lake cleanup, sponsored by the Otsego County Conservation Association, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 15.

Homeowners should place lake and shore debris and trash at the end of their docks, preferably with a sign, for volunteers to pick up. They may also take their refuse to Three Mile Point. Glass, wooden dock pieces, old

tires, old pipes and other kinds of debris will be accepted. OLA will not take household or construction material, roofing materials, heavy metal objects, concrete or extensive boardwalk sections. For more information, visit otsegolakeassociation.org.

Photo provided JOEL J. PLUE

►Friday, June 30

GRANGE GATHERING

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. White Elephant Sale. Find interesting items you didn’t know you were looking for, pick up a treat at the bake sale and enter the raffle. Pierstown

Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 437-4656.

TECH CLASS 9 a.m.

“Fun with Google Drawings & Maps.” Learn how to make posters, drawings, and maps for fun and for friends. Taught by Tam Rutenber, certified Google education trainer. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. for assistance with devices; requires a laptop computer. Classes are free with a suggested donation of $10 to Angel Network of Cooperstown. Freight Wheel Café, 3097 Co. Rt. 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-3040.

JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Residents of the City of Oneonta are invited to bring the kids for a fun day learning about firefighting. Registration, $10. Presented by the Oneonta YMCA at the 6th Ward Booster Club, Scramling Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010.

RIBBON CUTTING 11:30

a.m. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sloan’s New York Grill. 337 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 267-4779.

FUNKY TOWN 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy delicious treats and groovy tunes of the disco era each Friday in Summer.

Vêsucré,Westgate Plaza, 107 Winnie Hill Road, Oneonta. PRIDE PROM 7-11 p.m. Dress in Pride best and step into Wonderland, featuring dancing, face painting,

BUY

specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, & drag performances. All welcome with love & acceptance. Tickets $15/ person, proceeds benefit the Otsego Pride Alliance. Open to those aged 18+. Cash bar available (21+). Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 386-1508.

FIREPIT FRIDAY 7-10

p.m. Get the friends together for music, bonfire, and some beer. This week, enjoy hot funky blues performed by The Fabulous Mojos. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 544-1800.

►Saturday, July 1

ART FESTIVAL

The Stagecoach Run Art Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary of bringing out artists, performers and everyone in between for a fun, two-day festival. Get a map and take yourself on a fun, self-guided tour of open studios and galleries of some of the area’s best performers, artists and makers. Treadwell. Visit stagecoachrun.com.

Continues 7/2. FARMERS MARKET

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Richfield Springs Farmers Market. Local produce, eggs, meat, flowers, plants, dairy products, honey, maple products, more. Spring Park pavilion, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-2703.

FARMERS’ MARKET

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find local produce, hand-made crafts, more. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8881.

SPOTLIGHT 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Stagecoach Run

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Rob Lee

607-434-5177 roblee1943@gmail.com

Spotlight Show, featuring works by 54 area artists. On view through July 31. The Word and Image Gallery, Bright Hill Literary Center, 94 Church Street, Treadwell. (607) 829-5055.

FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Otsego Farmers Market. Strawberry Hall, 174 Main Street, Worcester.

GALLERY SHOW

11 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Celebrate exhibit opening and meet artists Kristin Stevenson and Joanna Feldman. Complimentary tea, coffee, snacks and beverages. 354 Main, 354 Main Street, Otego. (917) 488-5631.

OUTDOOR THEATRE

11 a.m. “Dinosaur Invasion” by Dandelion Stage. In this interactive experience, children will help save the world from time-traveling dinosaurs, unleashed in an evil plot to destroy the timespace continuum. Separate programs are scheduled for children ages 3-6, and ages 7-12. Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Rd., Oneonta. Presented by Oneonta World of Learning—to purchase tickets or for more information, (607) 3539503. Also held 7/2.

KIDSTOCK

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This party is for the kids, featuring live music by party brass band Brasskill, Mike the Juggler teaching kids tricks of the trade, face painting, build your own bubble wand, native plant giveaway, an obstacle course, games, more. Suggested donation, $20/family. Held rain or shine at West Kortright Centre, 49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith. (607) 278-5454.

TRAIN ROBBERY Noon. Become a passenger on the train carrying a box full of money, and the outlaws know it. Will they get away with the box or will the lawmen prevail? Join this action-packed ride featuring shootouts, period costumes, and fun for the whole family. Tickets, $25/ adult. Reservations required. Cooperstown-Charlotte Valley Railroad, departing from 136 County Route 166, Milford. (607) 432-2429.

►Sunday, July 2

SUNDAY PERFORMANCE

10 a.m. Young Artists from the Glimmerglass Opera will be performing each Sunday

independence day event S

►Saturday, July 1

BBQ & TOURNAMENT 5 p.m. 4th of July party, featuring a summer BBQ and cornhole tournament. Oneonta Country Club, 9 Country Club Drive, Oneonta. RSVP to (401) 529-2141.

FIREWORKS Dusk. Enjoy a display of fireworks over Otsego Lake to celebrate Independence Day. Sponsored by the Cooperstown Fire Department. (607) 547-2411.

►Sunday, July 2

CONCERT 4 p.m. Springfield Appreciation Concert. Enjoy a preview of select summer performances from Glimmerglass Festival at this benefit for the Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration. Tickets, $5, available at the Convenience Corner Store (corner of State Highway 20/80). Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

►Monday, July 3

BOAT PARADE 3 p.m. “Annual Decorated Boat Parade” The Otsego Lake Association presents its annual Independence Day boat parade. This year’s theme is “Our Glimmerglass Shines.” All boats, large and small, are welcome—antique or classic, powered by people/ wind/electric/jet/outboard motor or other. Meet at Three Mile Point at 3 p.m. Parade can be viewed from the west shore of Otsego Lake and ends at Lakefront Park, Cooperstown. Visit otsegolakeassociation.org

BOAT PARADE 6 p.m. Independence Day Boat Parade. Featuring decorated watercraft by the community. Watch from the beach or your dock, or get your boat decorated, don a costume, and join in. Followed by fireworks at dusk. Launches from the Canadarago Lake Boat Launch, 135 Dennison Road, Richfield Springs.

►tueSday, July 4

CELEBRATION 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Step back in time for an 1840s style Independence Day, featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, tintype photography and a toast. The day will also include 19th century children’s games on the Tavern Green and artisans demonstrating their crafts. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.

PARADE 11 a.m. “Salute To Lady Liberty” with one of the longest running 4th of July parades in the country, featuring fire departments, veterans groups, marching bands, equestrians, more. Followed by a celebration with Brooks BBQ, live music, Springfield Historical Society open house, raffles, more. The parade will proceed from Springfield Center down Route 20 to the Springfield Community Center, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-0304.

ONEONTA CELEBRATION 1 p.m. Celebrate a Hometown Fourth of July with a parade at 1 followed by a festival featuring family-friendly games, activities, food and craft vendors, live music, and much more from 2-11 p.m. Culminates in fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Parade held on Main Street and proceeds to the festival in Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/ FNOneonta/

CONCERT 4 p.m. “A Quiet Concert for the 4th,” hosted by Carlton Clay, includes a performance by soprano Johana Arnold and keyboardists Jeremy Wall and Kim Patterson, joined by a special “secret” guest artist. Followed by a potluck supper; please bring a dish to share. Table service and beverages provided. Donations toward the upkeep of the barn appreciated. Free admission. Windfall Dutch Barn, GPS location is 2009 Clinton Road, Fort Plain. (607) 263-5230.

INDEPENDENCE DAY 7:30 p.m. 4th of July Evening Concert and Fireworks featuring live music from the Council Rock Band and then fireworks at dusk. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown. (315) 858-0304.

during services. Most selections will be excerpts from oratorios. Christ Church Episcopal, 46 River Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479555.

FARMERS’ MARKET

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find local produce, arts and crafts for sale. Curry Park, 3898 State Highway 28, Milford.

THEATER SERIES

2 p.m. Jeca Rodríguez-Colón. Multi-disciplinary artist and philosopher with a dance and

choreography background presents a work-in-progress showing and artist talk. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for a suggested donation of $5. Kaats Cradle, 76 Main St., Stamford. bit.ly/kaatscradletix

►Monday, July 3

EXERCISE CLASS 10 a.m. Get moving in this Low-Impact Exercise Class. Designed for seniors but all are welcome.

Held each Monday and Thursday in July. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. PET PARADE 6 p.m. “Gilbertsville Annual Pet Parade.”

All animals are welcome for this annual parade, from goldfish to goats, cats, dogs, more. Costumes encouraged, be creative. Free ice cream included. Parade begins in Centennial Park and ends at the Gilbert Block on Commercial Street, Gilbertsville.

►tueSday, July 4

COMMUNITY CONVERSA -

TIONS 8-9 a.m. Networking group discusses Oneonta’s past, present and future. No agenda, just informal, nonpartisan conversation. All welcome. Held each Tuesday at Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. KIDS’ ART CLASS 3 p.m. Children aged pre-K through 12 are invited to work on an arts and crafts project. Held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.

DRAWING

LESSON 4-6 p.m. Learn drawing fundamentals and techniques each Tuesday and Thursday through 7/20. Sign-up for one or more classes. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-2070.

ART COLLECTIVE 6 p.m.

IMPECCABLE HOME has had several major renovations & mechanical upgrades over the last few years. Walnut Street is a short walk to Main Street, Oneonta, restaurants & parks. $425,000 MLS#R1477839

Teens and adults are invited for this quiet time to work on your art with like-minded company. Held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.