The Freeman's Journal 08-03-23

Bassett Project Back on Track

COOPERSTOWN

By DARLA M. YOUNGS

According to attorney Matthew E. Hamlin, geotechnical testing of the Templeton Foundation’s Averill Road property has been completed.

“The project is now in the design development phase so that my client can move forward with the project in the fall with the filing of an application for a special permit with the Village of Cooperstown,” Hamlin said in an e-mail last week.

Templeton’s proposed housing project—which has been the subject of two lawsuits to date filed by attorney Douglas H. Zamelis on behalf of clients Michael Swatling and Carolyn O’Brien—is intended for Bassett Healthcare employees.

On April 6, following 90 minutes of oral argument, Madison County Supreme Court Justice Hon. Patrick J. O’Sullivan ruled the Templeton Foundation could proceed with geotechnical testing contingent upon New York State Department of Environmental Conservation compliance.

“My client expects to have designed an environmentally friendly and energy efficient multi-residential housing facility that will benefit Bassett Medical Center and the local community,” Hamlin said of the proposed project.

New Trailer a Game Changer for County Animal Rescue

By DARLA M. YOUNGS OTSEGO COUNTY

Photo provided

Junior Livestock Show Winners Announced COOPERSTOWN—The 75th Farmers’ Museum Junior Livestock Show was held last month. Above is Dairy Cup Winner Abbie Ainslie of Otsego County with her Holstein Oakfield LO Scarlett. Also pictured, from left, Dr. Paul D’Ambrosio, president of The Farmers’ Museum, and Dairy Cattle judges Matthew Sharpe and William Taylor. For full results, visit allotsego.com.

insiDe

►DR. IBRAHIM DISCUSSES BASSETT HEALTHCARE HIGHLIGHTS, page 4

►HELIOS CARE: nEWS FROM THE nOTEWORTHY, page 5

►FOUnDATIOn AWARDS AnnOUnCED, page 6

►COOPERSTOWn ROTARY n AMES AWARD WInnER, page 6

►AnDERSOn FAMILY PLAnS 100TH REUnIOn, page 6

►TERRY BERKSOn’S ‘CREWSTER’, page 10

►OnEOnTA ROTARY TO HOLD FUnDRAISER, page 10

On Thursday, July 27, the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services made a presentation to the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that marks a significant milestone in animal welfare efforts in this county.

Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones and two of his staff members were on hand at the SQSPCA to officially introduce shelter officials

to a brand new livestock trailer for use in farm animal rescues, as well as an animal response trailer fully stocked with supplies and equipment needed for emergency rescues in general. Prior to this, the SQSPCA has been forced to rely on volunteers for assistance in transporting large animals such as horses, cows, and pigs, and has had to load and unload crates and other rescue implements in and out of the shelter’s only van, as the need arose.

“We were told Emergency Services

Continued on page 13

Cooperstown Native Makes Good at Rowing Nationals

By WRILEY NELSON BETHEL, OH

Colin Wilcox didn’t think he would ever return to rowing.

The 2016 Cooperstown Central School graduate and Long Island resident competed at the collegiate level at SUNY Geneseo, but he thought his career had ended when the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to his senior season. After more than two years out of practice, he returned to the sport with the New York Athletic Club and put up impressive performances at two national competitions in July.

Wilcox is tall, powerfully built and a natural athlete, traits he shares with his father, Toby. He played football, ran cross-country and swam for the Cooperstown Hawkeyes, but his love of competition extends to many other sports and games.

“I’ve played a lot of sports over the

years,” he reflected. “In addition to those main three seasons at Cooperstown, I did fencing at SUNY Oneonta for many years. When I was a kid, I always said I wanted to try out every sport I could. I even did cheerleading for a while, and my sister had to take me to Cobleskill for it.”

Toby Wilcox began rowing in college after a series of injuries put an end to his running career. Colin picked up the sport in high school from his father and Cooperstown rowing dean Chip Northrup.

“When I got to Geneseo, the coach asked if I had rowing experience, and I said yes. That meant I could go to the advanced practice that started two weeks before the regular practice. Unfortunately, I had only sculled up to that point, and my timing was off. But I didn’t want to quit.”

Sculling, unlike standard rowing, uses two oars.

Wilcox spent two years coaching a Syracuse-area adult team using his experience as an assistant coach his final year at Geneseo. He joined the New York Athletic Club last fall and said they were remarkably open to an experienced rower who was out of practice.

Continued on page 7

Photo by Darla M. Youngs Otsego County Emergency Services staff and SQSPCA officials gather on a rainy afternoon in front of the newly acquired livestock trailer, to be used in animal rescue efforts countywide. Pictured, from left, are: SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes; SQSPCA Board member Cory Moffat; Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones; Assistant Emergency Services Coordinator Damon West; SQSPCA Board President Gaylord Dillingham; SQSPCA Board members Peter and Merilyn Gould; and Homeland Security Coordinator and Health and Safety Officer Bob Satriano.

Photo provided

Wilcox, second from left, and his team pose with their bronze medals at the

Rowing Summer National Championships.

Y

Fitness Celebrates Grand Opening

ONEONTA

Over 80 people gathered to celebrate the opening of Oneonta Family YMCA’s Y Specialty Fitness @ FoxCare on Friday, July 14. In attendance were New York State Assemblyman Brian Miller, representatives from Congressman Marc Molinaro’s office and the NYS Alliance of YMCAs, and many community members.

“It was great to see the community embrace this unique new collaboration with Bassett Healthcare Network’s AO Fox Hospital and the Oneonta YMCA, focused on improving the wellness of our community,” said Oneonta YMCA Executive Director Frank Russo. “The Y is building upon the success of this longstanding, beautiful facility and dedicated staff.”

The Y reported increasing membership at the new facility and more than 7,300 swipe-ins from June 5 to July 31. Specialty Fitness has added a personal trainer to the floor, increased the pool hours and added six new fitness classes.

“The YMCA aims to improve everyone’s overall health by providing programs and activities that promote overall wellbeing, no matter where you are on your journey to better health,” a press release concluded. For more information, visit www.oneontaymca.org.

All

Dining & Entertainment continues on Pg. 7

Photo provided

The recent Oneonta Family YMCA’s Y Specialty Fitness @ FoxCare grand opening was well attended.

Perspectives

Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should

Courtesy is defined by Merriam-Webster as “behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others; courteous behavior; a courteous and respectful act or expression,” and civility as “civilized conduct, especially courtesy, politeness.”

As a news outlet which publishes in both hard copy and electronic formats, we strive to cover today’s issues with both courtesy and civility, and with respect. Respect for differing opinions, differing political views, differing lifestyles and differing religious beliefs. Variety, after all, is the spice of life.

Covering the news, and sharing with our readers the events and happenings in their communities, is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. We do our best to present information in a fair and unbiased manner, letting the reader make up their own mind as to what events interest them and what position they take on a divisive or controversial issue. We welcome readers’ thoughts and opinions, both via letters to the editor and in comments on our website and Facebook posts.

Unfortunately, we have noticed a growing trend – particularly in social media comments—whereby courtesy, civility, and respect have been replaced by discourtesy, incivility, disrespect, and, in the extreme, hate speech.

Comments in June regarding an AllOtsego Facebook announcement for the Otsego County Conservation Association’s Queer Paddle, during Pride Month, became so egregious that we eventually removed the post. We had been monitoring the thread of comments, “hiding” those that were inappropriate, but missed one remark over the weekend that was entirely unacceptable and just plain mean.

OCCA Executive Director Amy Wyant wrote a letter to the editor the following week, calling out the commenters in question for being negative and bigoted. “This is unacceptable behavior,” she wrote.

And she was right.

Have people forgotten how to be courteous? Have social and electronic media opened the flood gates for abusive, vituperative statements made in writing that most would not dare to say to someone’s face? It certainly seems so. And lest the right starts blaming the left—or vice versa—let us make it perfectly clear that this bad behavior is not exclusive to either. Nor is it unique to male or female, young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated.

Before common courtesy falls entirely by the wayside, and social etiquette becomes a thing of the past, perhaps we should all reexamine how we treat others in our daily lives, not just on social media. Sure, some things have evolved and changed over the years. Kissing someone’s hand is no longer seen as polite, you don’t have to wear black to a funeral, and gender-neutral pronouns and honorifics are now preferred. But the basics remain: holding the door for the person behind you; saying “thank you” when someone holds the door for you; saying “please” when you are requesting something; giving up your seat on the bus to a person in greater need; saying “excuse me” before you walk in front of someone in the grocery aisle; saying “pardon me” when you burp or bump into someone; cleaning up after your pet; returning your shopping cart to the corral; and so on.

With regard to comments made online and on social media, perhaps our mothers said it best: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Showing courtesy—or simply being kind, even when our viewpoint conflicts wildly with that of someone else—doesn’t cost us anything. Being mindful of the feelings of others doesn’t lessen or discount our own beliefs. We can make our opinions known in ways that are not harmful to, or disparaging of, our neighbors. Courtesy and civility are part and parcel of being good citizens.

After all, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

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.

Bassett: Thriving for Your Sake

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Colleagues, In a recent column, I shared my confidence that Bassett Healthcare Network is poised to meet post-pandemic healthcare challenges and emerge thriving on the other side. Today, I want to highlight what exactly that means for you—our patients and community neighbors.

Labor shortages are posing problems in many industries, but in healthcare it is more than an economic crisis. Staff shortages lead to longer wait times for appointments, test results, hospital beds and treatment—all of which can potentially result in poorer outcomes for our patients. The deeper crisis is how worker shortages reduce access to care.

As you would expect, one of Bassett’s top priorities is addressing the healthcare worker shortage by hiring more people. Last year, we invested nearly $50 million in employee compensation increases to make our wages more competitive and improve our benefits programs. Since then, we have started offering sign-on bonuses for all staff (including up to $20,000.00 for nurses), retention bonuses and referral bonuses. All the while, we are undergoing internal improvements that we hope will make our network a place where people want to build their careers. As a result of this important focus, Bassett welcomed 1,177 new hires in 2022 across its facilities, including 181 registered nurses alone. Learn more about career opportunities available across Bassett’s campuses by visiting www.bassett.org/careers.

We still have work to do to improve recruitment and retention, but economic analysts predict that the national healthcare worker shortage may continue for at least another 10 years or longer. We can’t simply hire our way out of this crisis—we need to be creative with our solutions. Bassett’s mission to improve the health of our patients and wellbeing of our communities demands that we also address the access to care crisis with imagination and vigor. Here are some examples of what we’ve done so far.

• Every health system has employees with qualifications beyond what they use in their current position. Earlier this year, we developed what we call an Integrated Labor Pool to tap into those professional resources. Any caregiver who is willing and able can join. Then, when a need crops up in the network, we can draw from this robust reserve of highly skilled workers to help open more inpatient beds. This system is both efficient and flex-

Tick-borne Illness Continues to Rise

ible, taking advantage of available resources. With about 60 participants so far, we’ve laid the groundwork and the program has a very promising future.

• Telehealth is an essential tool for increasing care access in rural health. It is easier for patients to keep telehealth appointments, it reduces the impact of last-second cancellations, and it extends our practitioners’ reach beyond geographical limitations. I also see automation and artificial intelligence playing an important role in the near future. These technologies have the potential to free our practitioners from burdensome administrative tasks to spend more time where it matters most—with patients. To encourage the use of telehealth services, last year we opened our “Get Care Now” Digital Front Door. Our numbers show it’s working—over the last two years, our average number of virtual visits per month rose from just under 4,000 to well over 5,000—a more than 25 percent increase. That trend has been steady, even as pandemic restrictions began diminishing. Learn more about these care options—including daily on-demand video visits and online e-visit questionnaires with diagnostic services—by visiting www.bassett.org/getcarenow.

• We have been streamlining our hospitals’ internal workflow processes. As a result, we are increasing the number of inpatient and outpatient surgeries we complete weekly and decreasing the average length of hospital stays for our patients overall. This means patients can get the care they need more quickly— including elective surgeries.

Bassett’s ongoing work to optimize care across our communities—and better serve you—requires strategy, diligence, and patience. We thank you for continuing to entrust us with your care through unprecedented industry challenges on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bassett’s caregivers are passionate—the heart and spirit that goes into caring for our family, friends, and neighbors every day is not to be understated. This includes putting our heart and soul into finding access solutions and improving care experiences across the continuum.

When Bassett thrives, it is because we want you to thrive. It is our privilege to serve you. Wishing you a joyful rest of the summer and good health,

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim President & CEO Bassett Healthcare Network

Columnists

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

Web Architect

Xander Moffat Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson

Editorial Board

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

people with HIV/AIDS and cancer!

It’s about time. We’ve been trying to sound the alarm for more than four years, when we found it necessary to “educate” our physicians about the threat of tick-borne illnesses. At my sister’s insistence, one doctor at a local hospital investigated the possibility that her ailment might be due to a tick bite—in particular, anaplasmosis. After learning all about it, he contacted her to inform her that she indeed did have anaplasmosis. Fortunately, she didn’t develop the Alpha Gal syndrome, which would have endangered her health with a meat and/or dairy allergy.

Well, it’s finally happening. At the top of today’s news on every major news channel was word of the tick illness that causes Alpha Gal syndrome, with a report that more than 490,000 people across the U.S. are infected!

In recent months, the Centers for Disease Control and Mayo Clinic have been reporting on these tick-borne illnesses in the news and on social media, and last year it was said that more than half a million people in the U.S. have Lyme Disease—another tick-borne illness. The news report indicated that Lyme infections are higher than the numbers of

Based upon our experience locally, veterinarians are more knowledgeable about this problem than are local physicians.

Maureen Dill Morris

Fan: Induction a Great Experience

Great article [“Fans: Parade Did Not Disappoint”]. Really appreciate the small-town atmosphere and super friendly baseball fans and HOFers. Also, thanks to Caspar [Ewig] for taking time to sit with us and chat a bit about the induction experience.

Definitely will consider coming back again next year.

Go baseball!!

Juan M. Guzman Tampa, Florida

Why Are We So Complacent?

I, along with a few caring friends, were very surprised when the United Nations’ watchdog agency permitted the Fukushima Nuclear Plant to start throwing its radiated water into the Pacific Ocean after 12 years of wait.

According to them, this radiated water has been diluted and is not going to

harm the fish, sea plants, sea salt and bacteria inhabiting the ocean. The United States and Taiwan have not taken seriously this impending disaster which might be greater than the pandemic of COVID 19. However, the greatest concern has been shown by such surrounding countries as South Korea, China, fishermen of Japan, Australia and Singapore.

Some outspoken scientists, like the one in Hawaii, have warned us of the dangers of mixing this radiated water into the Pacific Ocean. Not enough research has gone into such a radically drastic move which might wipe out once and for all the present human beings along with our children, grandchildren, and rest of humanity.

All the fish, plants, bacteria and others who depend upon this water might be wiped out also. There would be no beaches that would be safe.

The reason being given by the Japanese company that owns the nuclear plant is that they cannot hold the water anymore. They are running out of space and they had waited enough for 12 years since the disaster first took place. They also had diluted the water so that there would be a minimal amount of radiation which human beings and all the fish,

BaSSETT aT 100

DR. TOMMY IBRaHIM

110 YEARS AGO

Activities at the Country Club: Five boats entered the sailing race last Wednesday from the Country Club. The Wednesday races are for the individual who wins them and the one who has won the greatest number of Wednesday races, regardless of the boat sailed, at the end of the season receives a cup. Those who were entered in the race Wednesday were: William C. Bowers, William Lee McKim, Waldo C. Johnston, William Truslow Hyde, Ralph Hyde and Wade Guy. The breeze was southerly and generally strong. Crossing the line first was William C. Bowers who kept the lead throughout the race. Ralph Hyde was next to cross, Wade Guy third, Waldo C. Johnston, fourth and William T. Hyde fifth. In the tennis stepladder tournament for ladies at present the ladder is as follows: Mrs. Stephen C. Clark, Miss LeMoyne, Miss Van Wyck, Miss McKim, Miss Grace Brown, Mrs. Ralph Birdsall, Miss Usher, Miss Mary Brown, Miss Dorothy Warrin, and Miss Patterson.

July 30, 1913

85 YEARS AGO

The hosts of the American Legion will invade the Leatherstocking land the coming weekend for the semifinal and final games of the Legion’s Junior Baseball Tournament of New York State. Local arrangements for the titular contests on historic Doubleday Field, for the second time in as many years, have been completed by Clark F. Simmons Post 579 of this village, according to Earl G. Stalker, post commander. Both the infield and outfield of the diamond which lies on the spot where Major-General Abner Doubleday laid out the first baseball lines and taught his schoolmates the rules of the new game he had devised, will be in first class condition, and there will be seating capacity for over 1,000 people. Parking grounds at the entrance to the field afford ample space for a multitude of cars which may be left without charge.

August 3, 1938

60 YEARS AGO

As it has every year since 1939, with the exception of the war year 1945, Cooperstown will play host Monday to Major League baseball and to thousands of visitors on Hall of Fame Day. The day will get underway with induction ceremonies for John Gibson Clarkson (pitcher, 1882-1894); Elmer Harrison Flick (outfielder, 1898-1910); Edgar Charles “Sam” Rice (outfielder, 1915-1934); and Eppa Rixey, Jr. (pitcher, 1912-1933). In the afternoon at 2 o’clock, the Milwaukee Braves and the Boston Red Sox will meet in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

July 31, 1963

35 YEARS AGO

The Rotary Report by Jim Woolson: Fines: George Cade paid $1 for having spent two weeks on a trail ride in Cody, Wyoming and he “still has to stand up to eat!” Jim Woolson was forced to pay 50 cents because his wife won third prize at Senior’s Bridge—stop winning Beverly! Mike Jerome paid 50 cents for some free advertising, but the under-fine of the day was to Hugh MacDougall who only had to pay a dollar even though he was mentioned by name four times in the New York Times in an article about Burma.

August 3, 1988

20 YEARS AGO

When he graduates from Virginia Tech in May 2004, 20-year-old Scott Bliss plans a 30,000-mile trip across the continental United States to document on 300 rolls of film what he calls “blue collar patriotism.” “It seems like so many people have so many opinions on why we should or shouldn’t have gone to war,” Bliss explained. “I see all these white collar people on TV questioning our country’s motives, but the American workers are the ones who are going to support our country. As I drive around, it’s usually the house that needs a paint job that has an American flag out front.

August 1, 2003

Examining the ‘Good Death,’ End-of-Life Needs

What does it mean to have “a good death?” This isn’t a question many of us proactively ask ourselves. In fact, most people don’t really like to talk about endings, let alone dying. As a culture, we are often uncomfortable using the words “dying” or “died,” often substituting phrases like “passed away” or “lost.” So it makes sense that reflecting on what we and our loved ones need during our last days can feel daunting.

The good news is, knowing what it takes to support people who are dying and those who care for them isn’t rocket science. It’s pretty simple, actually, and comes down to this: taking a holistic, compassionate approach while recognizing that each person’s journey is unique. Fortunately, hospice providers like Helios Care are dedicated to supporting caregivers and patients in a way that aligns with their values and preferences.

So let’s take a closer look at this “good death” concept. Research shows that—for the dying and caregivers alike—holistic care consists of meeting five related needs. The first three center on the person who’s dying, and the last two apply equally to their caregivers.

First and foremost, holistic care at end of life starts with making sure people are as comfortable as possible. In other words, the better job we do at managing pain, the easier it is for people and their families to spend quality time together at end of life. Hospice medical and nursing staff specialize in this type of care, no matter the type of illness or

By MERL REAGLE Spooner or Later… A

condition involved.

Second, during their final months and weeks, people overwhelmingly want to be in a place that’s meaningful for them. Yet as anyone who’s cared for a dying loved one knows, being at home during this time really does “take a village.” This is where hospice home health aides, social workers and volunteers really shine.

Whether someone has six months or six days to live, time and again they report the healing value of connection. That’s the third aspect of holistic care: having active relationships with the people who are most important in one’s life. From help with tasks of daily living, to connecting families with local services, to providing companionship and respite for caregivers, our team takes pride in “meeting people where they’re at.”

When it comes to meaning, closure and feelings of acceptance—the fourth end-of-life need—our chaplains rise to the occasion. Spiritual care at end of life helps people gain gentle clarity about their beliefs and preparedness for dying. For caregivers, social workers hold space for conversations about anticipatory grief and the challenges of caregiving, and bereavement counselors provide one-on-one counseling and host grief support groups to help folks find their path forward in the face of loss.

What does all this holistic support add up to? Well, it helps give people the bandwidth to be with one another during what’s arguably one of the most profound periods of being human.

Continued on page 9

sound approach to trading

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

Cooperstown Community Says Farewell to One of Its Own

By JEFF IDELSON

Four-time Academy Award-

winning actor Katherine Hepburn

famously said, “If you obey all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun.” In many ways, longtime Cooperstown resident Bob Faller, who passed away on July 12, channeled the mantra of Hollywood’s leading lady. He was also renowned for his strong personality, independence and outspokenness, much like the talented screen actress.

Bobby Faller moved to Cooperstown in 1996 to join The Otesaga Resort Hotel as its director of sales and marketing—a position he held for a quarter-century—after many years in the same role at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Bobby was THE MAN in the Capital Region. He brought his family, a powerful work ethic, and a Rolodex that was second to none. We became fast friends, and I loved working closely with him from my office at 25 Main Street, as his positive energy and level of creativity were infectious.

Equipped with charm, authenticity and strong negotiating skills, he was a pied piper: Soon after his arrival, a stable of corporate clients and associations were following him to town to hold events. With an ever-present twinkle in his eye, a ceaseless ear-toear grin, and a tireless work ethic, he

brought business to the area that helped relieve Cooperstown of some of the financial loss that had stemmed from the 1994-1995 baseball work stoppage. Group after group would book meetings in America’s Perfect Village and ask Bobby to line up Hall of Famers to join their conferences. Ozzie Smith, Phil Niekro, Dave Winfield, Brooks Robinson, Goose Gossage, and Johnny Bench—to name a few—spent substantial time in Cooperstown in the fall, winter, and summer months. I used to joke with Phil that he spent so much time in the village that he was going to

Foundation Announces $100,000 in Awards

SPRINGFIELD

The Community Foundation of Otsego County has announced the commitment of 19 awards totaling more than $100,000.00 to Otsego nonprofits. Mirroring CFOC’s strategic plan, the awards cycle was divided into three categories: Immediate Needs, Strengthening Nonprofits and Strengthening Community. The response to the call for applications was heartening, with nearly 50 organizations applying for funds and requesting just under $430,000.00.

Among the notable awardees are Athelas Therapeutic Riding, collaborating with Head Start to provide early equine therapeutic riding; Catskills Agrarian Alliance, working on building up the Future Food CSA; Cherry Valley Memorial Library, enhancing Internet access with universally accessible outdoor seating and a solar-powered charging station; and The Family Service Association, receiving support for an employment transportation assistance program.

CFOC Executive Director Jeff Katz said, “While we regret we are unable to fund all the applications received, we’re happy that Otsego nonprofits know they can turn to us for help. As CFOC continues to grow, we will be able to offer more assistance to these organizations.”

The latest round of awards marks a significant milestone, with the total funds directed by the Community Foundation to Otsego nonprofits exceeding $600,000.00. The organization is less than four years old.

While CFOC was not able to fulfill all the recent requests, Otsego nonprofits have another avenue to fundraise. On September 20, 2023, Otsego nonprofits can participate in Mohawk Valley Gives, a giving day focused on the needs of the region’s charitable organizations. Registration for the event is free and open until July 31. Further information can be found on the CFOC website, cfotsego.org.

Looking ahead, the Community Foundation of Otsego County plans to announce the criteria for an additional awards deadline on October 15, 2023. Interested nonprofits can find more information on the website or by e-mailing contact@cfotsego.org.

Other award recipients are: Bassett Medical Center— Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Fund; Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties; Community Arts Network of Oneonta; Cooperstown Food Pantry Inc.; EDD Adaptive Sports; Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties Inc.; Friends of the Oneonta Community Health Center; Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown; Hartwick College—Griffiths Center; Hartwick College—Institute of Public Service; Helios Care; Otsego 2000; Otsego Christian Academy (GOLEF Fund); Richfield Springs Community Center; Safe Schools Mohawk Valley; and St. James Feeding Ministries.

have to start paying local taxes.

Bobby also had a zest for life (and music) that was unsurpassed.

Everything was interesting. Take the time he borrowed a colleague’s motorcycle to ride alongside some friends who were State Troopers. Cruising along the west side of the lake near Five Mile Point, he missed a turn, flew over the handlebars, and nearly killed himself. I asked Yogi Berra to sign a ball for him not too long after. The Yankee catcher inscribed on the ball, “Dear Bob. No more motorcycles.” Bobby laughed so hard that his broken ribs hurt. That

Catherine Davis Black Award Winner Named

COOPERSTOWN

Cooperstown Central School graduate Charlotte Pope is the recipient of the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation’s 2023 Catherine Davis Black Scholarship. Pope was acknowledged at this year’s CCS Commencement Ceremony on June 25th and received the $1,500.00 scholarship at the July 18th Rotary Club of Cooperstown luncheon at The Otesaga Resort Hotel.

The scholarship was created in 2015 by the CRF in memory of Catherine Davis Black, a founder and Charter Member of the local Rotary Club’s taxdeductible charity. Black was the first female president of the Cooperstown club and went on to be one of the first female Rotary district governors.

Because Black had a special interest in early childhood education and music, the scholarship criteria stipulate that the recipient should be planning to pursue a career in one of those areas, as well as having demonstrated the Rotary tenet of “service above self” by volunteering and contributing to their community.

In bestowing the award, CRF Chair Ellen Tillapaugh noted that Pope was a perfect fit for the scholarship criteria, as she has volunteered extensively and plans to attend Miami University of Ohio this fall to major in early childhood education.

“I am so honored and grateful to receive the grant from Rotary,” Pope said. “I admire the work that they do in Cooperstown. I plan to further my own education and pursue a career in teaching.”

Pope is the daughter of Gina Ulrich and Brent Pope of Toddsville.

County’s Hazardous Waste Day

Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26

MIDDLEFIELD

Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 at the Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33. The day’s schedule is divided by last name; residents with names beginning A-H are set for 8-9:30 a.m., I-Q names are welcome 9:30-11:30 and R-Z should arrive 11:30 to 1 p.m. Paints, pesticides, solvents, mercury, chemical cleaners, batteries, antifreeze, hobby and pool chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and other classes of hazardous waste will be accepted. Motor oil, explosives, ammunition, tires, electric vehicle battery cells, propane tanks and microwaves will not be accepted.

was the end of motorcycles for him.

Then there was the time we tried playing golf at Leatherstocking. Armed with a 3 wood – and ONLY a 3 wood—he nearly rolled the cart on the hilly 11th fairway. After reaching the clubhouse, Bobby declared that his golfing day(s) was officially over. Our last adventurous time together came when I visited him in Florida at his beach-side condo in Ormond-By-TheSea, and then spent an afternoon hightailing it around St. Augustine in my friend Mike Veeck’s (another kindred spirit) yellow Mustang convertible. Bobby enjoyed the beauty and culture of Cooperstown to its fullest. Working on his farmhouse and expansive property in Fly Creek, spending considerable time boating on the lake, and supporting the local American Legion, were all part of his DNA. He was very much at home drinking a beer at the Club, sipping a glass of wine with his many friends at Boca or Upstate, or enjoying one (or two) of Alex and Ika’s famed Cherry Valley Manhattans.

There were no strangers in Bobby’s life: Everybody he met became his friend. He and I got along well because he didn’t have a judgmental bone in his body and there wasn’t anyone he would not help. He spent

Anderson Family Holds 100th Reunion Saturday

ONEONTA

Descendents of Burrit L and Mary Amanda Walling Anderson will convene in the Wilber Park Upper Pavilion on Saturday, August 5. It will be the 100th anniversary of the first Anderson reunion in August 1923, which attracted 103 attendees and was featured in the “Oneonta Herald.” Anderson descendents have held the event every year since except 1945 and 2020, and the event has averaged about 50 people per year. The reunion draws relatives from at least 16 states across the country.

Attendees should bring their family tree information if they have not already sent it, and should bring a recipe to add to the family cookbook. Coffee and brunch will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a group photo and lunch at noon. Participants should bring a dish to pass and drinks. There will be a business meeting and games and activities in the afternoon.

Most of the early generations of the Anderson family lived in the North Franklin and Oneonta areas. Later generations spread to Sidney and eventually around the U.S. One of Burrit and Mary Amanda’s children owned a grocery store on Chestnut Street. Anderson descendents have served in the armed forces in every major conflict since the Civil War. Recent generations include Russ Southard Jr., a former Oneonta alderman.

Oneonta Area NAACP Taps Sloth for Award

ONEONTA

The Oneonta Area Branch of the NAACP has awarded a second 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Tuition Assistance Award to Anya Sloth. The purpose of this award is to recognize a student who has demonstrated the ideals and principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in their schools and communities. The Education Committee selected Sloth because she is an excellent role model for her peers.

Sloth graduated from Oneonta High School this past spring and will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall, majoring in biology. During her time at Oneonta High School, Sloth was a part of the concert choir, concert band, drama club, cross-country team, indoor track team and outdoor track team. Her senior year, she was captain of the girls cross country team and made many fun and long-lasting memories and friendships. She made it to the STAC All Conference “team.” Her favorite class was AP Biology because Sloth has always found science interesting and fun.

When not at school, Sloth loves reading, walking her dog Odie, going for long runs, babysitting and writing her “Daily Star” columns. She thinks that writing and sharing thoughts and ideas through her columns is a great way of spreading education and opening other individuals’ eyes to different subjects.

Sloth plans to keep running at SUNY Plattsburgh while studying biology with hopes of eventually going into the FBI as a forensic biologist. She is super excited to see where life will take her and can’t wait to add more people to her story.

Sloth would like to thank her mom and sister for always pushing her to do her best, her dog for being a good support animal, and her friends for making her laugh and always offering good advice.

Photo provided

CCS Class of 2023 graduate Charlotte Pope (center) at the Rotary Club of Cooperstown meeting on July 18, where she received the Catherine Davis Black Scholarship to assist in her future studies at Miami University of Ohio. She is pictured with her mother and father, Gina Ulrich and Brent Pope.

Photo provided ANYA SLOTH

Photo by @jeanfruthimages

Bobby Faller had a zest for life that was unsurpassed. Continued on page 7

Faller

Continued from page 6

his life paying it forward. He gave people the shirts off his back. I’m quite confident he’ll never have to pick up a tab inside the pearly gates.

Mr. Faller loved his large family more than anything, especially his two boys, of whom he was incredibly proud—Kevin and Tim, who called him dad. Harry and Elaine, his parents, called him Robert. growing up in Port Jarvis as the runt of the litter, his five older siblings—Mark, Tracy, Beth, Jeffrey and Linda—called him Rob. They all took great

care of him, as he did of them. Bobby was blessed to have a caring inner circle. His Cooperstown family, which loved him unconditionally, knew him as Bobby Faller. The imprint he leaves behind is massive and permanent. He was a friend to many and universally beloved. So as you read this, raise a glass, give a toast, and smile as you think about all the kindness he sprinkled around the village on his life journey. RIP Bobby. You were the best.

Jeff Idelson lived in Cooperstown and worked for the Baseball Hall of Fame from 1994-2019, 2021, serving the last 12

years as president. Today he lives in San Francisco and is the co-founder of Grassroots Baseball, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and celebrate the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation at the youngest levels.

Rowing

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“They allow rowers who used to have good times, even if they aren’t at that level anymore. It was great to be able to get back in shape,” he explained.

Starting in November, Wilcox threw himself back into training, spending two-hour

AllOTSEgO. dining&entertainment

Like to sing?

We

All voices are welcome by appointment. Some choral experience is helpful, but sightreading isn’t required ~

To schedule an appointment, email Auditions@catskillchoralsociety.com

For more information, visit www.catskillchoralsociety.com/auditions

sessions on rowing machines and getting out for pre-dawn water practice on a Westchester County lagoon as often as weather allowed. He works a hybrid remote/ in-person job and usually gets rowing machine sessions in in the morning, on his lunch break, and after work.

The hours of hard work paid off with success in major national competitions this summer. Wilcox and the Athletic Club team attended the Independence Day

Regatta in Philadelphia, a storied competition dating to 1880. He won the men’s doubles final and placed second in the quads final.

The 2023 Independence Day Regatta featured 75 teams, predominately from the northeastern U.S. The NY Athletic Club finished 12th in the team rankings.

Wilcox also put up a strong showing at the Summer National Championships in Bethel, Ohio, placing seventh in a tight men’s doubles final. The regatta featured

nearly 1,400 athletes from 73 clubs across the country competing in 77 events. He and his team will return to competition for the Head of the Charles Regatta, one of the biggest rowing events in the world, in Boston on October 20-22.

“It would have been nice to place a bit higher [at nationals],” Wilcox reflected, “but I’m proud of what we did, and we’ll have a strong team for Boston… at the end of the day, it’s about living life to be the best you can be.”

Making music for over 50 years

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SUMMONS

Index No. EF2023-104

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT

– COUNTY OF OTSEGO

KEYBANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, -vs-

WILLIAM H. STENZ, AS EXECUTOR TO THE ESTATE OF GERARD

J. STENZ, DECEASED; OWEN M. STENZ whether he/she be alive or dead, or the successor in interest, if any, of said defendant who may be deceased, and the respective Heirs at Law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; BRITTANY C. STENZ-MABIE; Defendants.

Mortgaged

Premises: 168 Mountain Lane, Cooperstown, NY 13326

TO THE ABOVE

NAMED DEFENDANT(S):

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

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR

HOME

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

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

OTSEGO County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises.

Dated: January 16, 2023

Mark K. Broyles, Esq. FEIN SUCH & CRANE, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff Office and P.O. Address 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, New York 14614 Telephone No. (585) 2327400 Section: 86.00 and 71.00 Block: 1 Lot: 7.02 and 22.23 and 22.24

NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION

The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of OTSEGO, State of New York as more particularly described in the Complaint herein.

TO THE DEFENDANT, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON. BRIAN D. BURNS Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated JULY 14, 2023 and filed along with the supporting papers in the OTSEGO Parcel I ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND. situate in the Town of

Middlefield. County of Otsego and State of New York, PARCEL II ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, situate in the Town of Middlefield, Otsego County, Now York,

agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 168 Clover Hill Road, Oneonta, New York 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful act under New York LLC Law.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Kostek Consulting LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 30, 2023.

as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to the LLC, 161 Tunnicliff Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: any lawful.

6LegalSept.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF The Chief Schenevus, LLC.

Arts. of org. filed with SSNY on 07/13/2023.

Office: Otsego County.

Date of Formation: March 25, 2023. County: Otsego. Secretary of State of New York designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against LLC may be served with copies then mailed to: Phoenix Herbs, LLC, 114 Morrell Rd., Worcester, NY 12197.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Dream Exotics, LLC.

LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 16 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 434 Williams Road, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

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2321 State Highway 80, Burlington Flats, NY 13315.

Purpose: General. 6LegalAug.17

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PLEASANT BROOK HOTEL LLC

Filed 6/28/23

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 510 State Highway 165, Roseboom, NY 13450

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalAug.17

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 5/4/2023. Office in Otsego Co.

SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Hawkeye’s Bluff, LLC, 50 W 85th Apt 13, New York, NY 10024

Purpose: Any Lawful purpose.

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1 Lot: 22.24 of the Town of Middlefield, NY 13326 77305

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; Name of LLC: 379 COUNTY HIGHWAY 33, LLC; Date of filing: July 26, 2023; Office of the LLC: Otsego Co.; The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 6559 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, New York 13326; Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Pleasant Brook Hotel LLC.

Filed 6/28/23. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 510 State Hwy 165, Roseboom, NY 13450.

Purpose: General.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF RCBJ PROPERTIES, LLC

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on 07/21/2023. Office location: 168 Clover Hill Road, Oneonta, Otsego County, NY. SSNY has been designated as

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 20 Quarry Street, Cherry Valley NY 13320

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF JNC OTSEGO LLC.

Filed 6/26/23.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: James Crutchley, 13 Oliver St, Framingham, MA 01702.

Purpose: General.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 31 Walnut Street, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on July 18, 2023. NY office Location: OTSEGO County.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 31 Walnut Street, LLC, 31 Pioneer Street, Suite 3, Cooperstown, New York 13326. General Purposes.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Alan/Roberta Steere LLC.

Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 6/30/2023. Office location Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 104 Stevens RD, PO Box 126, Maryland, NY 12116.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Oneonta Family Medicine PLLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/10/23

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1123 County Highway 26, Fly Creek NY 13337.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF RSD Enterprises LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on 6/29/2023. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: RSD Enterprises LLC, c/o Robert Dunbar 235 Flax Island Rd, Otego, NY 13825. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: Phoenix Herbs, LLC

Filed 6/16/23. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 389 Chestnut St, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalAug.24

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: KING CABIN LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 July 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 8129 St Hwy 28, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Olivia The Creative, LLC.

Articles of organization filed with SSNY on June 28, 2023. Location: Otsego County SSNY is designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 25 Woodside Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: HOTDOG VENTURES,

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WAXING GIBBOUS, LLC.

Filed 5/20/23. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Julia Hickey, 153 Irish Hollow Rd, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

Purpose: General. 6LegalAug.24

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The name of the limited liability company is: Mooi Leven, LLC (the “Company”).

The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was December 22, 2022. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Christina J. Graziadei, 80 Exchange Street, Ste 700, Binghamton, NY 13901.

The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Empire Electrical Controls LLC.

Filed 2/6/23.

Office: Otsego Co.

SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Joshua Cormier,

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ANSELMO REALTY LLC

Filed 6/28/23

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 510 State Highway 165, Roseboom, NY 13450

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalAug.17

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ABILENE ACRES, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/29/23. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 633 Dimock Hollow Rd, Morris N.Y. 13808.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalAug.10

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 45 CEDAR STREET LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/28/23.

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, c/o Michael F. Galella, 76 Hunter Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalAug.10

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Hawkeye’s Bluff LLC

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.

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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 activities.

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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

Helios

Continued from page 5

Lester R. Grummons

1943-2023

ONEONTA—Lester

“Les” Raymond grummons, 80, of Oneonta, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023 at UHS Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, with his family at his bedside.

Born in Sayre, Pennsylvania on June 16, 1943 to Lester D. And Mary (Stella) grummons, he married Sharon A. Allen on June 29, 1964 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Vestal, New York. Sharon passed away on October 19, 2004.

He graduated from Owego Free Academy, Class of 1961. He studied at SUNY Broome and graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse.

After working in funeral service in the Oneonta and Binghamton areas, Les left the profession to pursue a career with IBM, where he became a senior accountant in the Federal Systems Division from 1966 to 1970. Because of his desire to care for grieving families, he decided to return to funeral service and purchased the RotheryMurphy Funeral Home in Oneonta.

Les had a passion for flying, and in 1972 he, along with his partner, Joseph Pondolfino, purchased a Cessna 206 and established an air hearse business (Aero Coach).

Les was a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s Church, where he was an usher, and served on the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Committee and the Parish Counsel.

He was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degree; Oneonta Sons of the American Legion, where he served as local Detachment Commander, District and State Commander, and National Chaplain; Oneonta Rotary; BPOE 1312; Fraternal Order of the Eagles; Loyal Order of the Moose; the Sixth Ward Athletic Club; and the Oneonta Country Club.

Les was a member of the Leatherstocking Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors, and the New York State Funeral Directors Association, where he served in all executive offices and was presi-

All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, especially when they are dying and grieving. As hospice

providers, the entire Helios Care team has a humble understanding of what a privilege it is to care for our community

in these ways. And finally, speaking of supporting the local community, our team will be hosting another

OBITUARIES

dent from 1983 to 1984. He still served on several state committees.

In 1976, Les was elected to the Common Council and served four years as alderman for the 8th Ward. He also served on the City of Oneonta Housing Authority and was involved in the planning and construction of Nader Towers and Lettis Apartments. In 2018, Mayor gary Herzig appointed him to the City of Oneonta Airport Commission. In 2019, Les was honored by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year.

He served on the operations board of Helios Care for 13 years, and was elected chairman for three consecutive years. He also served on the Helios Care Foundation Board, for which he was chairman.

Les enjoyed his friends at the former Neptune Diner, and Bella Michaels, where he had a special seat of his own at the bar.

He is survived by his three children, MaryMichelle (geoffrey) Brown, Seattle, Washington; Ann Marie grummons of Oneonta, New York; and Michael Allen grummons (Joe grimaldi) of Norwalk, Connecticut; his two granddaughters, Payton (Weston) Rose, Hillsborough, North Carolina; and Chandler (Darren) Yorke, Raleigh, North Carolina; his brother, Leonard (Donna) Schmidt of Owego, brother-in-law gary Reardon of Valois, New York, sister-in-law Valerie Allen of Virginia Beach; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends are invited to greet the family on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. at the Lester R. grummons Funeral Home, 14 grand Street, Oneonta. A funeral mass will take place on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta.

Les will be laid to rest with his wife, Sharon, in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the physicians, nurses, care providers, and friends of Les who took care of him and checked in on him during his time of illness. A special thank you to Les’

devoted friend, Ingrid Hofbauer.

In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. grummonsfuneralhome. com for the grummons family.

Lucy Battel

Hamilton

1933-2023

COOPERSTOWN—

Lucy Battel Hamilton died peacefully on July 19, 2023 at her summer home in Cooperstown, New York surrounded by her loving family. Known to all as “Bunny,” she was born in Buffalo, New York on November 13, 1933, the daughter of Lucy Mills Battel and John Lawrence Battel.

After attending the Buffalo Seminary and Bennett College, she and Lyman Bass Townsend wed, settling in Millbrook, New York with their three children. It was during her Millbrook years that Bunny began a lifelong passion for gardening, and love of the outdoors, nature, and adventure.

She subsequently married Louis Busch Hager, dividing time between Manhattan and Cooperstown, New York. Bunny found great delight in traveling the world, often by train; in music, from Stevie Wonder to Stephen Sondheim; in entertaining, whether it required dressing in a costume (her favorite being a green sequined ball gown with matching diamond tiara) or recreating gourmet Magazine’s “centerfold.” She was not one to hold back on usage of butter, mayonnaise, and heavy cream in her recipes. Another food-

Caregiver Support group in Oneonta this fall. So be on the lookout for details on our website and in local

media! We look forward to being there for you. Dan Ayres is president and chief executive officer of Helios Care.

related skill she mastered involved an uncanny talent for opening pistachios with one hand while steering a car with the other.

With her husband, Lou, she found a calling in the world of Broadway show production and investment as an “angel,” even crossing the pond to bring “Peg of My Heart” to London’s West End. At the other end of the spectrum was a staging of “Terror Stalks the Night” at the family’s fishing camp, Fernleigh Lodge, in Ontario, with Bunny playing a key role as the murder victim.

Bunny made Cooperstown her permanent home upon marriage to Dr. Lewis L. Hamilton, while spending winters in Boca grande, Florida. Florida became the place to be for Thanksgiving from that point on. But paradise was not perfect. She later attributed her bad back problems to years of stooping over on gasparilla Island beaches to gather thousands of fossil sharks’ teeth for her unsurpassed collection.

Not one to slow down or miss a step, she served on the board of Cole Kitchen, a London theatrical agency, as well as continuing investments with Dodger Theatricals Ltd. (New York), often with an eye on the winners, including “Jersey Boys,” “Matilda,” and “guys and Dolls” among many.

Travel adventures with husband Lewis ensued. Inspired by Ballymaloe in Ireland, Bunny returned home to Cooperstown and created an Italianate-style fruit and vegetable garden at Lewis’s Allen Lake Road farm, delighting all who visited, including her growing extended family of many grandchildren, whom they cherished as grandmoth.

One grandson reflected on how she always wanted to be where the action was, finding a way to make everything more fun and full of life. Her family and lifelong friends were incredibly important to her, but as well, her influence on all she encountered in life was immense and lasting.

Of note, too, was her love of dogs, particularly finding good traits in one terrier her family knew was pure evil.

At times her wit and

advice were somewhat perplexing: “That’s better than a poke in the eye with a burned stick.”; “Only boring people are bored. I’ve ordered you a marching band to arrive at 2 o’clock.”; “You would be a lot prettier if you would just run a brush through your hair and put on a little lipstick.”

Her humor, generosity, and loving spirit were not saved for family and friends alone. She was deeply committed to making the world a better place, becoming involved with organizations she cared deeply about.

In the early years of Cooperstown’s glimmerglass Opera, she was secretary of the board, and served as board member of the Catskill Symphony, a key player in bringing summer concerts to the area for 15 seasons.

She supported a broad range of organizations including service as president of both the Bennett College Foundation and the Lake and Valley (gCA) garden Club (Cooperstown,) vice president of the Planters garden Club (Boca grande), board member and secretary of the Boca grande Women’s Club, vestry member of Christ Church (Cooperstown), board member of the Susquehanna SPCA, and trustee of the New York State Historical Association.

A dream she envisioned came to pass with the creation of the “Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater.” Located high on a bluff over-

looking a view north over Lake Otsego, this important addition to the Fenimore Art Museum property is now used for theatrical productions and special gatherings.

Bunny is pre-deceased by her parents and loving stepfather george A. Brainard and survived by husband Lewis Hamilton and brothers Robert L. Battel and Calvin A. Brainard. Her family includes daughters Lucy Townsend, Shelley graham (Tom), and son Lyman Townsend (Amy), all of Cooperstown, New York. Other children she counted as her own are Louis Busch Hager Jr., Alice Hager Holbrook, Mary (Sissy) Hager Thomas, all of Palm Beach, and Heidi Hamilton Kerko (New Canaan, Connecticut). grandchildren include Walker Irving, Jamie Irving, and Ted Irving; Nicholas graham, Kathryn Williams, Leigh graham, Pamela Rich, Holland Townsend, Lyman Townsend III, and Brianne Carey; and additionally nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for August 28 at Christ Church in Cooperstown at 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of her life at Templeton Hall. Contributions in Bunny’s honor may be made to any of the organizations she cherished, Fenimore Art Museum, glimmerglass Festival and Susquehanna SPCA.

On August 28, please follow Bunny’s Number One Rule: “Never leave the house looking less than your best.”

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

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

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

Funeral Home

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings. Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

Photo provided Lester r. grummons

Photo provided Lu CY B. HA m ILton

news briefs

The Call of the Crewster

One spring I was late to order some laying hens from Roger Vaughn, who had a farm outside of Richfield Springs and housed among other critters about 2,500 chickens. I usually got the ones that he soon intended to rotate because of a drop in their production. Naturally, I wouldn’t get an egg per chicken every day, but it beat waiting about 20 weeks for baby chicks to mature and start laying. By then I would almost be getting ready to take my whole flock to King’s auction so that we’d be free for winter travel to Florida. One might think it was cruel to unload healthy chickens that were still laying but, the way I saw it, when I bought them from Roger I was giving the birds a stay of execution. If I didn’t take them they would have all been sent to the slaughter house to make way for a new laying crew. In my hands they lived an extra few months and I spoiled them rotten with lots of corn, handpicked dandelions, leftovers from the kitchen, and brief free-range sojourns around the back yard in the early evening.

So, the problem was where to get chickens that were already laying. My neighbor, dick Perry, lined me up with a guy from Miller’s Mills who had layers for sale and would deliver. The man warned that his

birds were laying such big eggs that they were blowing themselves out and sometimes not surviving. I considered his obvious exaggeration unnecessary promotion. Upon the delivery of his Golden Comets he even threw in a free rooster. Incredibly, on the very first day, the biggest egg ever laid on the farm arrived. It was literally twice the size of the eggs I had been buying. I was eggstatic! all the big browns laid that day were at least jumbo in size. In contrast, the free rooster wasn’t much to look at. He was short, white with drooping wings, had a small head and no comb, just red skin

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String Quartet To Return

CHERRy Va LLE y —One of the most anticipated local concerts of the year will return to Star Theatre, 44 Main Street in Cherry Valley, on Sunday, a ugust 6.

Led by violinist and Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra Concertmaster Ruotao Mao, the Fenimore String Quartet will perform from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or online via the Cherry Valley artworks Facebook page.

THIS FALL

Compiled by Wriley Nelson

Rotary To Hold Wine Tasting Fundraiser

ONEONTa—The Oneonta Rotary Club announced that it will hold a summer wine tasting fundraiser from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, august 18 at Social Eats Café-Project 607, 546 Main Street in Oneonta. Guests will try a fivecourse wine tasting, or can opt for non-alcoholic specialty mocktails. Tickets are $75.00 and must be ordered in advance. all proceeds benefit the club and its activities. To register, visit the Oneonta Rotary Facebook page or call (607) 431-4808. Founded in 1922, Oneonta Rotary Club promotes lasting, positive change in the community. Its service projects include winter coat drives, Rotary youth Exchange, grants to local nonprofits, scholarships, personal care, food and school supply drives, and little free library maintenance. For more information, contact info@oneontarotary.org.

Community Farm Seeking Volunteers

WEST EdMESTON—The Unadilla Community Farm will host a volunteer herb transplanting day from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, august 5. Up to 20 people are needed to transplant, water and mulch a variety of mint plants. Each person will receive a potted mint plant of their choice. Volunteers are asked to register using the form on unadillacommunityfarm.org.

Unatego District To Provide School Supplies

OTEGO—Unatego Central School district announced on Thursday, July 27 that it will provide basic school supplies to all students pre-K through grade 12 during the 2023-2024 year. according to a release, many local families are struggling due to rising prices and a stagnant local economy. Students will still need to provide backpacks, sneakers for gym classes and smocks for elementary-level art classes. all other basic supplies, such as paper, notebooks, pens and pencils, will be provided once school starts on Thursday, September 7. More information will be released later. Unatego will also continue to provide breakfast and lunch without charge to all students, regardless of family income.

OLA Annual Gathering Set for August 12

OTSEGO—The Otsego Lake association will hold its annual gathering at the Otsego Sailing Club, 5992 State Route 80, on Saturday, august 12. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature updates on harmful algae blooms, lake water quality, fishing and no-wake zone buoys. There will also be awards presentations and scientific research posters by SUNy Oneonta students. Coffee, treats, merchandise, membership renewals and a silent auction will be available at 8:30 a.m. The meeting and presentations will begin at 9 a.m. and are expected to end by 11. Participants are encouraged to bring a chair and a friend. For the full program, visit www.otsegolakeassociation.org.

Fenimore Will Spotlight Regional Artists

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore art Museum will present its 16th annual “art by the Lake” event to celebrate local and regional artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, august 12. a wide range of art will be available for view and purchase on the lakeside lawn. The event will feature artist demonstrations, food for purchase from the Fenimore Café and tastings from Cooperstown distillery. “art by the Lake” is a juried competition featuring 25 artists and judged by noted artist Nancy Callahan. Six cash prizes and two additional prizes sponsored by Golden artist Colors will be awarded at a 1:30 p.m. ceremony. Proceeds will benefit the Fenimore’s educational programs. For more information, visit fenimoreart.org.

Roseboom Antique Power Days Return

ROSEBOOM—Roseboom’s annual celebration of antique trucks, tractors, cars, and machinery will return on Saturday and Sunday, august 19 and 20. antique Power days will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the old grange hall on Beaver Street. There will be a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon both days. Sunday will feature a Chinese auction, an outdoor church service at 10 a.m. and a tractor parade at 1 p.m. Exhibitors are invited to a dinner on Saturday night and are asked to bring a dish to pass. New displays are welcome. For more information, call (607) 264-3015 or (607) 282-2735.

CV Artworks Announces Variety Show

LLEy—Cherry Valley artworks will present a night of musical theater, jazz and improvisational comedy at Star Theatre, 44 Main Street, from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, august 12. The 2023 Cherry Valley Variety Show is produced by Cristina Van Valkenburg and david “Big dave” Mattey. Pokémon composer and renowned musician Ed Goldfarb will visit from San Francisco to serve as musical director and pianist. doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30; tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased at the door or online. Credit cards are accepted.

SHHS Sets Low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic

—Super Heroes Humane Society will hold its next low-cost spay and neuter clinic for cats on Thursday, august 17. The cost is $130.00 per female, $95.00 per male and $95.00 per feral cat. The fee includes a rabies vaccination. Cats must be dropped off at 160 Pony Farm Road between 6 and 6:15 a.m. and picked up between 6 and 6:30 p.m. They must be in an individual hard-sided carrier and feral cats must be in a trap. The fee must be paid in cash. Each person is limited to three cats per clinic. There is a $25.00 non-refundable deposit due at the time of drop-off. To register, visit the Super Heroes Humane Society Facebook page.

Art Garage To Host Helen Quinn Artist Talk

MIddLEFIELd—Helen Quinn, of Queens and Treadwell, will discuss three of her bodies of work at the art Garage in Middlefield at 6 p.m. on Thursday, august 10. Featured in the exhibition “Passages: Creatures and Curiosities,” her work includes outsized silk-screen prints exploring the “floating worlds” she creates from subway observations. The work is influenced by her residency in Japan as a Luce scholar. She will also discuss her glazed ceramic “face-pot” vessels, inspired by indigenous ceramic heads she saw during a residency in Oaxaca, Mexico, and her “circus Rorschach” works on paper. The galleries will open at 5 p.m. and there will be light refreshments. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. admission is free. Call or text (315) 941-9607 to reserve a spot.

Otselic Fishing, Heritage Offers Free Concert

NORTH PITCHER—The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage association will host a free concert by the Vestal Mountain dulcimer Players at the North Pitcher Episcopal Church, 1069 State Route 26, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, august 6. dulcimers are a class of string instruments popular in many folk music traditions, especially in appalachia. Vestal Mountain’s repertoire includes Celtic, Irish, folk, hymnal and country music. Kandi’s Kitchen food trailer will provide food. The OVF&Ha is a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects the natural and historic resources of the Otselic River region in Chenango County.

Photo provided the infAMOU s crewster

Crewster

Continued from page 10 where the comb should be. No wonder the guy got rid of him. He had been given a crew cut, which made him look more like a “crewster.”

Maybe the cut comb was mistakenly meant to prepare him to be a fighting cock, because when he crowed I thought he was more of a Screamin’ J. Hawkins than a Cassius Clay. His piercing crow sounded very much like a woman screaming. All day long this rooster just kept screaming.

That evening it was already dark when I got home from fishing on Canadarago Lake. When closing my birds in for the night, the rooster wasn’t there. I checked high in the two trees in the chicken yard and low under the laying boxes, but my crewster was nowhere to be found. Two times in the past I had lost birds to a raccoon and a weasel but there was no sign of a struggle, no blood and no feathers. It looked like the screamer just flew the coop. No big loss.

It was a warm night, so I opened the bedroom window before going to sleep—alone. My wife, Alice, was down in Tennessee enjoying a visit with the grandchildren. About five in the morning I was sound asleep when this terrible noise almost blew me out of bed. It came from right outside my window and when I lifted the shade, there, roosting in a cedar right next to the house, was the bald-headed bird from hell. My cell phone was on the night table so I took a picture. Then I got a broom out of the hall closet and tried to scoot the rooster off his perch, but all he did was sidle away while he continued screaming. I took my covers and went down to sleep on the living room couch.

In the morning the feathered nightmare was no longer in the tree outside my bedroom window. He was now over by the chicken coop trying to get in the yard. I figured it was easier for him to fly out of the coop than to fly in. When I let the girls loose and fed them, he remained outside the fence. I let him stay out and hungry all day.

In the evening when I opened the gate he scooted in and headed for the feed pail. I was hoping he learned his lesson about staying where he belonged. Alice was due home that night and would be tired from the long trip. I was worried because she’s a light sleeper and kind of explosive when waked in the middle of the night—imagine by a woman screaming. Aside from that, I’m looking forward to those big brown eggs in the morning.

Terry Berkson’s articles have appeared in “New York” magazine, “Automobile” magazine and many others. His memoir, “Corvette Odyssey,” has received many good reviews: “highly recommended with broad appeal,” says “Library Journal.”

Program To Highlight

Oneonta Vets

ONEONTA—On

Thursday, August 17

from 5-7 p.m., the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will host “History

After Hours: Hometown History!” A talk by cocreator of the new World War II fallen database and website Jim Greenberg will be featured, and the GOHS printed brochure of Oneonta’s veterans honored on the Hometown Heroes banners found on Main, Chestnut, and River streets will be debuted.

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.

The job scene

To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103

position Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum are seeking Cafe Attendants for the Fenimore Cafe and Crossroads Cafe. Cafe Attendants prepare and serve all food and beverages to visitors of the museums. Cooking and/or food prep experience is preferred but we are willing to train enthusiastic individuals. Serv-Safe is a plus as is cashier or POS experience. Successful candidates will have a professional appearance and display strong customer service skills. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evening events.

Applications are available at fenimoreart.org or farmersmuseum.org. Completed applications may be sent to: Human Resources, Fenimore Art Museum, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, emailed to: hr@fenimoreart.org, or call Mary at 607-547-1462.

EOE

NEED TO FILL A JOB?

ThE JOB SCENE

607 -547-6103

The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum have an opening for:

Mailroom/Shipping and Receiving Clerk

This position requires basic computer skills, the ability to lift 50 pounds and a valid driver license. The clerk processes and delivers all outgoing and incoming mail and provides shipping and receiving assistance for both museums. Standing and walking for extended periods of time and the ability to learn and abide by USPS regulations are necessary. Daily trips to the Cooperstown post office and occasional trips to other mailing facilities are required. A professional and courteous manner is essential. This position is part-time, Monday – Friday, 8a – 1:30p. Please send completed application to PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, Att: Human Resources. Applications can be found online at fenimoreart.org or farmersmuseum.org or call 607-547-1462.

position

Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum are seeking Cafe Attendants for the Fenimore Cafe and Crossroads Cafe. Cafe Attendants prepare and serve all food and beverages to visitors of the museums. Cooking and/or food prep experience is preferred but we are willing to train enthusiastic individuals. Serv-Safe is a plus as is cashier or POS experience. Successful candidates will have a professional appearance and display strong customer service skills. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evening events.

Applications are available at fenimoreart.org or farmersmuseum.org. Completed applications may be sent to: Human Resources, Fenimore Art Museum, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326, emailed to: hr@fenimoreart.org, or call Mary at 607-547-1462.

$17/hour starting wage $1500* sign-on bonus

*DETAILS UPON HIRE*

EOE

plants and bacteria that live in the ocean could tolerate. It would not be harmful to any of them.

A number of scientists specializing in this area have warned us that not enough research has gone into such a drastic move on the part of the United Nations Watch Dog Agency to permit the mixing of this radiated water into the Pacific Ocean. Since most of the big oceans and seas are connected, this move on the part of the Japanese agency and the United Nations’ watchdog agency would be tantamount to one of the biggest disaster human beings and all living forms have ever faced.

Let’s think about it more while more research is being done by the various scientists all over the world to avert this bigger-than-COVID 19 disaster. Let’s avert this impending pandemic by doing more research and not be lured by the fact that there is no more space.

Ashok K Malhotra Oneonta

Help Us Meet Our $$ Goal

Have you ever reached the end of the race only to find they moved the finish line?

In January 2022, Super Heroes Humane Society submitted a grant application to the New York State Department ofAgriculture and Markets’ Companion Animal Capital Fund toward the renovation of our new shelter building located at 160 Pony Farm Rd in Oneonta. The first phase of renovation focuses on completing all the animal housing and handling spaces and was estimated at that time to cost approximately $642,000.00. Once phase 1 is completed, we will be able to move our operations to Pony Farm Road.

In February 2022, we were thrilled to be informed that the need for our organization was recognized by New York State, and we were being awarded $440,347.00 toward our project!

Thanks to the support of our incredible Super Heroes community, we raised the remaining $200,000.00 and were set to begin construction. However, due to New York State staffing shortages, the grants were not processed and we did not receive access to the funds until this spring (2023). As you know, during the past year inflation hit hard and building materials and labor costs have skyrocketed. The same project proposed in early 2022 at an estimated cost of $642,000.00 now has a cost of $775,000.00. In order to begin our renovations in September as planned, we must raise the difference of $133,000.00.

Over the past year while waiting for our funding to be released, Super Heroes HS has diligently cut costs to continue to manage two properties and still fulfill our mission to better the lives of our community’s

companion animals and their caretakers through compassion, expertise, and engagement.

Even during these tough times for our organization, we provided more than 900 pounds of free pet food through our pantry, have helped residents from 61 communities fix more than 600 cats, provided more than 300 days of pet boarding for our neighbors in crisis, and found loving homes for hundreds of animals in need. It is clear that our services are needed in this area.

We must raise the $133,000.00 now to begin the renovations on our new facility so we have a permanent home to serve our community, engage with you in new and needed ways, and provide high-quality care for the animals in our program. We know our community is made up of some of the world’s best volunteers and supporters. We are asking that all Super Heroes show your support with a donation today to ensure the vital and valuable services that we provide to the people and animals in our region continue to be available. We are so close to our goal!

Lisa Meschutt, Vice President Super Heroes Humane Society

Truck Traffic Not To Blame

I respectfully disagree with Chip Northrup’s proposition to ban truck traffic on State Route 80 as a means to address the chronic roadway failures. While I understand the concern for the safety and stability of the road, such a ban could have adverse effects on our local economy, given that State Route 80 serves as a crucial transportation link for commerce and supplies in and out of our community.

Based on the evidence from past embankment failures since the great flood of 2006, it is clear that these incidents have coincided with highwater events. The recent collapse further supports this observation. The root cause of these failures appears to be persistent elevated lake levels, which have been eroding the shoreline due to the lack of control at the Mill Street Dam.

It is evident that the design of the existing dam has led to the accumulation of silt north of the dam and into the lake, thereby restricting the depth of the water to just a few feet. Consequently, when rainfall occurs, there is more water entering the lake than can be adequately released. This imbalance exacerbates the issue and contributes to the embankment failures along State Route 80.

To address the core problem effectively, I propose a logical solution: modifying the dam to allow water and sediment to be released from its base, rather than the current top-over system. By making this change, a more significant volume of water and sediment can be released during and prior to high-water events and the river will

eventually be restored to an appropriate depth.

Once the source of the road collapse problem is effectively addressed through dam modification, we can proceed with engineered stabilization projects and necessary repairs to ensure a safe roadway and a clean lake environment. Implementing a ban on necessary vehicle traffic and making substantial fill and patch repairs will not resolve the underlying issue, and it could lead to further degradation of our economy, existing infrastructure, ongoing shoreline erosion, and declining lake quality.

In conclusion, let us focus on a solution that targets the root cause of the problem and promotes long-term benefits for our community. By altering the dam to allow for controlled water and sediment release, we can preserve the vital transportation link of State Route 80, while also ensuring the safety of our residents and the preservation of our environment. Simply banning weight from the road surface without addressing the problem at its base seems illogical.

Michael Stuart Middlefield

Thankful for Neighbors

On Sunday, after attending the opera, I came home to find that my newly-acquired dog was nowhere to be found. She had been securely shut in the house and had dog door access only to the well-fenced back yard.

As I had had her for less than 24 hours, she did not yet have dog tags and was not chipped. She comes obediently when called, but didn’t. My heart was in my mouth as I searched—the path where we had walked that morning; all around the property. She might have been hit by a car, or decided to try to make it back to her home of the previous years, which was 45 miles away.

I went to my neighbors. Now, I am ashamed to say that I did not know them. I had introduced myself to the people on one side—several summers ago—but not the people on the other; I had encountered the three young men from across the street only transiently but had happened to pass them in the morning, and introduced them to my dog. I used to know the people across the street well, but they had moved and the house was empty.

Knocking on unfamiliar doors, I described my dog and asked if they had seen her. Two had; one person showed me a security camera shot of her in their back yard, which fixed the time and location. Everyone I talked to immediately offered to help. People set off in different directions.

Within the hour, I had her back; the kind people next door had got her and brought her home. The person who had her on a leash then looked at my dog yard fence, found two suspicious places, and observed that the grass was matted in front

of one them. He asked for screws and a screw driver and secured the loose board; went home, to get a better tool, and secured the other place. Neighbors. I am so glad I live where I do. Thank you all.

Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown

Trailer

Continued from page 1

had a surprise for us,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes.

“We were amazed to find a brand new livestock trailer in our parking lot. Before this entirely unexpected development, while Emergency Services was able to haul a trailer for us, we were at the mercy of finding a trailer provided by a private individual.”

“Now we know we can count on Emergency Services and we don’t have to worry about the extra time and energy coordinating a trailer,” Haynes added.

Both trailers officially belong to the county and will be stored at the Public Safety Complex on County Route 33W, Jones said, for use by Emergency Services and the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office—partners in the Otsego County Animal Response Team— and the SQSPCA.

“Since my arrival to Emergency Services in September 2017, animal cruelty cases have been on the rise and so our office proposed this project to the Office of Homeland Security. Funding was approved and the purchase was made from Davis Trailer World in York,” he explained.

According to Jones, Bob Satriano, the county’s Homeland Security coordinator and health and safety officer, was the lead on the $20,000.00 grant, which was fully endorsed by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office.

“Bob obtains all of our Homeland Security funding that benefits the county and its residents

by lessening the burden of the local taxpayer,” Jones said. “Sheriff Devlin was very supportive of this project and offered his unwavering support in seeing this through.”

Jones is no stranger to the struggles faced by the SQSPCA when called to mobilize, having been a regular SQSPCA volunteer since January of 2021, when he assisted in the rescue of three pigs from deplorable living conditions on a Schenevus farm.

“The SQSPCA had posted on Facebook that they were looking for ‘Farm Friends’ help, and so I reached out, offering our personal stock trailer to assist when there was a need,” Jones recalled. “And I’m glad I did. It’s been a very rewarding volunteer role in my spare time and now it has become incorporated as a major part of our emergency services response and mitigation practices.”

Jones described his first rescue, working with SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes, Otsego County Deputy Erica Puffer and SQSPCA staff: “We were in almost waist-deep snow. I remember it was freezing cold and the wind was obnoxious.”

The pigs themselves did not make the rescue any easier, proving difficult to move and even knocking one SQSPCA staff member into a snowbank before they could be routed into the waiting trailer.

Jones has since assisted in a number of rescues, including equine cruelty cases where the SQSPCA—being without access to a trailer of its own—has been dependent upon the recruitment of volunteers with trailers or has had to pay livestock haulers in order to move the animals to safe locations.

“Having formed the Animal Cruelty Task Force in February of 2019, and working in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office, we have devel-

oped a strong partnership with Otsego County Emergency Services as well. For years now they have been the first to answer when we needed help rescuing animals. In many cases, we could not have provided lifesaving emergency care to animals without their support,” Haynes said.

The grant for the livestock trailer was important to Jones and his staff for several reasons.

“Having firsthand knowledge that animal cruelty cases continue to rise and that humans are not the only ones to experience emergencies due to flooding and other such events, this trailer allows us the ability to also provide rescue services for our four-legged friends. I have always been fond of animals, from my 4-H days as a kid on into my adulthood,” he said.

The county’s Public Animal Welfare Services trailer, purchased with Homeland Security grant funds in 2011 and now also available to the SQSPCA for use, is fully stocked with hundreds of items necessary during an animal rescue—a generator, wire dog crates, cat carriers, dog leads, fence pliers and other tools, buckets, electrical cords, horse halters and leads, flashlights, caution tape, office supplies, and much more.

“Following the 9/11 attacks, the focus on terrorism changed the world,” Jones said in reference to the PAWS trailer. “While agroterrorism and biological attacks were on our radar, we needed to also include animals in our planning efforts.”

“We are incredibly grateful to be in Otsego County, where folks who work in our government prove time and again, they care about animals,” Haynes said.

Perhaps thanks to Jones’ experience back in 2021, sorting boards used for moving pigs are included with the new livestock trailer.

Cannabis Store Opening Ceremony is Saturday

ONEONTA—U.S. Army veteran and filmmaker Korey Rowe will open DOSHA, a legal cannabis retail store, on Main Street in Oneonta on Saturday, August 12. Mayor Mark Drnek and other officials will attend the opening ceremony at 4 p.m. Products will be locally sourced from certified New York growers and processors. DOSHA will also offer classes to prospective or experienced cannabis producers and entrepreneurs.

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.

►Friday, aug. 4

EXHIBIT TOUR

2 p.m. “Otsego: A Meeting

Place.” Join a museum educator to learn the rich history of the Otsego Region, explore the Otsego Lake shoreline, learn about the early inhabitants of this area and visit the reproduction Mohawk Bark House and the Seneca Long House. Included with museum admission. The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

EXHIBIT OPENING

5-8 p.m. “The Chervillians,” featuring works by Cherry Valley artists. 25 Main Collective, 25 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340.

TRAIN RIDES 6:30

p.m. Ride the Richfield Springs Scenic Railway through the beautiful park. Tickets, $20/adult. Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, 168 MC Koons

Lakewood Cemetery Association

The Lakewood Cemetery Association will hold its Annual Meeting Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the West (Lakeside) Section of Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown. Please bring a lawn chair. Check cooperstownlakewoodcemetery.com for updates in the event of inclement weather.

Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 717-5969.

JAZZ NIGHT 7 p.m.

An evening of jazz music with Rich Mollin. Admission by donation. Cash bar available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

THEATER 7:30 p.m.

“The Gin Game.” Tragicomedy presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Admission, $20. Also showing 8/5 and at 2 p.m. 8/6. Foothills

Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.

CONTRADANCE 7:30

p.m. Fun social dance featuring Tailwind, with Pamela Goddard calling. Arrive at 7:15 for introduction to basic steps. Admission, $10/adult. Presented by the Otsego Dance Society at Cornfield Hall, 655 County Route 26, Fly Creek. (607) 547-8164.

►Saturday, aug. 5

PARKING PRESENTA -

TION 9 a.m. “Mayor to Address Dems about Parking.” Mayor to speak on downtown parking, future plans, address short-term concerns and evolving strategies. Get Fresh on the Main Café, 254 Main Street, Oneonta. RSVP to garymaffei@gmail.com.

PADDLE & PULL 9 a.m. to noon. Help control the invasive water chestnut in local waterways. Bring your own canoe/kayak or reserve one for use from the Otsego

County Conservation Association. Meet at Fishing Access site on State Highway 28, Portlandville. (607) 547-4488.

VOLUNTEER DAY

10 a.m. Transplant spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint and hairy mountain mint. Each volunteer takes home one potted mint of their choice.

Unadilla Community Farm Education Center, 5937 County Highway 18, West Edmeston. RSVP at unadillacommunityfarm. org/herbtransplanting/

ART WORKSHOP

10 a.m. “Creative Movement Workshops for Kids” with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company. Children aged 6-8 learn about works of M. C. Escher followed by creative exercise. Free, registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

EXHIBITION 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Passages: Creatures & Curiosities,” featuring Petey Brown, Ava Fedorov and Helen Quinn. Free admission. Also open daily by appointment. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5327.

PERIOD FARCES

Noon & 2 p.m. “Cox & Box: A Musical Comedy” presented by The Templeton Players. A silly musical farce in which a conniving landlord tricks Mr. Cox and Mr. Box into sharing the same apartment. How long before chaos ensues? The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown (607) 547-1450.

TRAIN RIDES 1 p.m. Nature discovery and appreciation on the “Mink Creek Local” over railway bridges and into the “Great Cedar Swamp.”

Learn the history of the local railway built in 1868. Tickets, $20/adult. Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, 168 MC Koons Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 717-5969.

ART WORKSHOP

1 & 3 p.m. Fun workshop exploring the art of optical illusion for children aged 8-12. Learn how M.C. Escher used illusions to make shapes that are impossible in the real world, then give it a try using various arts and crafts items to create a work to bring home. Free registration. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

OPEN HOUSE 2-5 p.m. “Dog Days of Summer.” Bring a four-legged best friend for an afternoon of treats for humans and pups. The SQSPCA will be available with dogs for adoption. Donate canned food, toys, blankets, more to the SQPCA and get BOGO tastings. Montezuma Winery, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

3-7 p.m. Worcester Fire Department invites the community for ice cream, hot dogs, food, raffle, bounce houses, face painting and to tour the new facility. Celebrate first responders of the community. Worcester Hose Company, 36 Church Street, Worcester. (607) 397-8032.

►Sunday, aug. 6

PERIOD FARCES Noon & 2 p.m. “A Good Night’s Rest” presented by The Templeton Players. Mr. Snobbington desperately needs to sleep but the neighbor is making a ruckus after being locked out. What to do but invite

the neighbor in, if only he will quiet down. What could possibly go wrong? The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown (607) 5471450.

SUMMER SUNDAY PRESENTATION 1-3 p.m. “Delhi and Catskill Coverlets” with Betty Tanski. Free and open to the public. Bring own folding law chair; handicap accessible. Swart-Wilcox House Museum, 24 Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta.

TRAIN RIDES 3 p.m. Sunday Ramble. Tickets, $20/adult. Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, 168 McKoons Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 717-5969.

►Monday, aug. 7

KIDS CLAY CLASS

9-11:30 a.m. Little Smithy Clay Camp. Children aged 6-8 learn the essentials of clay construction through project-based learning. Cost, $170.

Materials included. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, through August 18. The Smithy Clay Studio, 55 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. FOOD SERVICE Noon to 1 p.m. Children receive free food. Open to all children through age 18. Other activities include a bookmobile and games. Held Monday through Friday in July and August. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. (607) 432-0061. BIG KIDS CLAY CLASS Noon to 2:30 p.m. Big Smithy Clay Camp. Children aged 912 learn the essentials of clay construction through pottery wheel and slab construction. Cost, $170.

Materials included. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, through August 18. The Smithy Clay Studio, 55 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671.

CONCERT 5:30 p.m.

“Grit N Grace.” Free. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenan-

go Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377.

CONCERT 7 p.m. Lauren Mettler. Indie singersongwriter. Free; rain or shine. Meadow Links Golf Pavilion, 476 County Road 27, Richfield Springs.

OPENING NIGHT 7:30 p.m. The Glimmerglass Festival presents “Rip Van Winkles” by Morris and Fuentes. Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5472255.

►tueSday, aug. 8

SENIOR SOCIAL SIGN-

UP Seniors aged 50+ are invited to register for an hour of fitness with friends followed by a potlock lunch with Y Specialty Fitness. Plan to bring a dish to pass. A WellCare representative will be available to answer questions about Medicare. Y Specialty Fitness @ FoxCare, 1 FoxCare Drive, Suite 216, Oneonta. RSVP to (607) 431-5454 or email YSFLeader@OneontaYMCA.org.

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment, water, and be aware of level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Fetterley Forest, Richfield Springs. Contact hike leader Sarah Patterson at (607) 432-6284.

TUESDAY MARKET

Noon to 4 p.m. Local farmers and artisans, plus live music, every Tuesday afternoon through September. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5476195

MUSIC FEST 7 p.m. Nuevo Tango. Argentinian bandoneon master JP Jofre joins highly-acclaimed Cuban-American cellist Tommy Mesa for a program exploring the fusion of classical music and tango. Part of the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival 25th anniversary season. $30, adults; $15, students under 18. Purchase tickets in advance at www.cooperstownmusicfest.org.

floor w/3 BRs, full BA, 600 sq. ft. bonus room, & laundry area. Heated w/radiant heat or wood/coal auxiliary unit. Outdoors includes 2-story playhouse, attached garage, more. Close to I-88 & East End Oneonta! $560,000 MLS#R1478108.