The Freeman's Journal 08-17-23

Oneonta’s First Pot Dispensary Opens

By WRILEY NELSON

ONEONTA

Aline of local residents and visitors, young and old, stretched across the Main Street bridge in Oneonta as a thunderstorm threatened late in the afternoon of Saturday, August 12. The smiling, waving crowd was waiting for the clock to hit 4:20 p.m. and DOSHA, Oneonta’s first legal cannabis dispensary, to officially open. Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, board and staff members of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, and military veterans mingled with employees and photographers before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Oneonta’s newest small business is located next to the city police department on Main Street. Customers arrive through a large waiting room and security checkpoint, where their identification is checked, and proceed to the sales floor in the back when it becomes available. Inventory specialists work with patrons to find a product that’s right for them and then retrieve the product from a vault in a third room.

Korey Rowe, the owner and proprietor of DOSHA, is a lifelong Oneonta resident and U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also an experienced filmmaker and produced a documentary, “Mile Marker” (2018), examining the use of cannabis by disabled veterans and PTSD patients. Rowe has been heavily involved in lobbying and educational efforts to promote the economic benefits of marijuana cultivation and sales for rural communities. He has been working on the business for nearly three years and received his provisional license to begin operations in May.

“Everything here is veterans-first,” Rowe said. “We hire predominately veterans as employees and we work with veteran-owned local producers.”

DOSHA is the first service-disabled veteranowned dispensary in the history of New York State. New York’s licensing program for cannabis prioritizes communities with high marijuana arrest rates,

insiDe

Steve Gaunt Completes Otsego Lake Swim

By CASPAR EWIG COOPERSTOWN

Why does one swim the length of Lake Otsego? Because it is a challenge, and it’s there. And so, at 8:02 a.m. on Sunday, July 30, Steven Gaunt plunged into 76-degree water at Council Rock to begin his 9-mile journey to Springfield Public Landing. Gaunt was accompanied

by a kayak alternately paddled by his father, David Gaunt, his father-in-law, Mike Pikarsky, and friend Bill Wilson—to act as guide and to supply water and protein bars along the way—and a motorboat operated by Armin Sommer.

Gaunt, a native of Birmingham, England, immigrated to the United States in 2008, settling in San Antonio, Texas. After meeting Kiersten, his wife

Continued on page 11

BIANYS To Honor Laurens Couple at March On Walk

By DARLA M. YOUNGS LAURENS

page 10

►next ny forward meeting announced, page 10

►fire company card fundraiser underway, page 12

►area news in brief, page 14

In 2015, Manny Pelligra had been getting ready for work—knowing retirement awaited him at the end of the week—when his wife, Pat, told him she wasn’t feeling well. As they left the house together that day, Pat needed help to the car, and Manny immediately knew he had to get her to the emergency room. Pat had suffered a stroke. What began as a brain bleed was followed by years of surgeries and rehabilitation.

“The first couple of years during Pat’s recovery were certainly difficult,” Manny recalled. “There were many doctor appointments, therapy visits, additional surgeries, counseling, etc. Our retirement plans had changed, and our daily life needed adjustment.

“After Pat’s stroke, and a couple of years of reorganizing and redirecting our plans,

we began to realize how prevalent brain injury was,” he continued. “And we came to understand how the support we had received played a vital role in Pat’s path to recovery.

We decided that we wanted to get involved and help those that helped us. Our advocacy efforts mainly began through our contact with the Brain Injury Association of New York State.”

Manny and Pat’s introduction to BIANYS has led to many good connections—“other brain-injured people with whom to share frustrations and successes. Also, other caregivers to share experiences, coping strategies and ways to make life easier. BIANYS itself has a great team of professionals who can help people and families with a wide variety of support and resources.”

The Pelligras had a long history of advocacy efforts prior to her stroke.

“Pat, at 19, and in her first marriage, had given birth to a daughter with multiple disabilities. At the time, Pat was told she should put Tracey in an institution—that she probably wouldn’t live for more than three years,” Manny explained.

“My first child was born with a brain

Continued on page 9

Photo by williamjaymiller

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Photo provided

PAT AND MANNY PELLIGRA

Local Carver Seeks To Do good With Wooden ‘Comfort Birds’

By DAN SULLIVAN RICHFIELD SPRINgS

Jacquie Donahoe

spends her summers at her family’s camp on Canadarago Lake. She happens to be an accomplished woodcarver and is part of a network of carvers who seek to ease suffering and pain around the world through their products. Her interest and passion for woodcarving came from her experiences riding the carousel at the now defunct Canadarago Lake Park.

“I would try to ride the carousel as often as I possibly could, and my dream was to carve a carousel horse one day,” Donahoe recalled.

Since 2010, Donahoe—who resides in Ballston Spa—has been part of a loose confederation that carves “comfort birds.” Based on a 1982 design created by the late Frank Faust, these birds were originally made to be gifted to patients undergoing painful and stressful medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and dialysis. The birds are soothing to hold and function like a worry stone.

Along the way, the group has expanded the range of recipients.

Donahoe herself has contributed birds to a number of Capital District charities, including STRIDE Adaptive Sports, Wounded Warriors, and a variety of hospice, nursing, and palliative care facilities, as well as individuals struggling with grieving. However, the greatest opportunity to help those in need was to come out of a national tragedy.

On May 24, 2022, a gunman walked into an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas and took the lives of 19 students and two teachers, while wounding 21 others. Donahoe, who in her professional career was an occupational therapist working with elementary grades, was deeply affected.

“I was at first heartbroken, then angry, then overwhelmed by feelings of despair and helplessness. But then I decided to send comfort birds to Uvalde,” she said.

Donahoe reached out to her friends in the carving community, almost all of whom bought into

the idea. Soon, seven teams of carvers formed: two from Canada, four from New York and one from Pennsylvania. Two more groups assembled after reading of the project in “Woodcarving Illustrated,” the bible of woodcarvers: one in georgia and a fifth in New York.

Together, over the next five months, the teams— consisting of folks aged 8 to 80—finished 438 comfort items (birds, turtles crosses and hearts) and sent them to Uvalde. They were given to bereaved individuals, survivors and first responders, all of whom deeply appreciated the gifts.

Working on this project helped give Donohoe inspiration to include a wider demographic of those in need of comfort. Since Uvalde, she has gifted birds to mothers of students at goldstar, a school for autistic children, and to cancer survivors. She has also decided to offer her birds for sale at the Richfield Springs Food Co-op.

“I want the proceeds from the sales of the birds to benefit The Co-op, as well as to provide funds to buy materials to further my work,” she said. Having worked with wood from over 400 species of trees and shrubs, the funds come in handy.

For those who would like to learn more about her efforts, Donahoe is a daily visitor to the co-op in the summer months.

Olympic Skier Visits Cooperstown

COOPERSTOWN

Jonny Moseley, a freestyle skier and television presenter, visited Cooperstown to attend his son’s Dreams Park tournament. Moseley won a gold medal in moguls at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. He also took second place in the Big Air event at the 1999 X games, and placed fourth at the 2002 Olympics. Moseley is the first person born in Puerto Rico to become a member of the U.S. Ski Team.

“What a special place!” Moseley said. “My family came for a baseball tournament but we had an epic vacation. We met incredibly friendly people, swam in the lake, learned about the local history and watched plenty of baseball. One night we were headed back to dinner and we spotted the Mt. Otsego Ski Shop. I thought it might be a private garage but my friend informed me that he learned to ski at the nearby rope tow. Very cool. I can’t wait to come back!”

BBHoF Looks at 2024 Eligibles

COOPERSTOWN

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum released a partial list of former MLB players who are eligible for election to the Class of 2024. Next year’s induction will take place on Sunday, July 26. Players must have played 10 seasons and have been retired for five full seasons before they can be selected for the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Provided they remain retired, the following players are some of the potential inductees for 2024: José Bautista, Adrián Beltré, Bartolo Colon, Adrián gonzález, Matt Holliday, Jim Johnson, Victor Martinez, Joe Mauer, Brandon Phillips, José Reyes, James Shields, Chase Utley, David Wright and Brad Ziegler. Bautista is a six-time All-Star and two-time American League home run leader who played 15 seasons for eight different teams. He totaled 344 home runs and led the AL in walks twice. On Friday, August 11, he signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays in order to officially retire as a member of

the team he led for 10 seasons. Beltré is the only player in history to rack up at least 3,000 hits and 450 home runs while playing more than half his games at third base. Six-time All-Star Mauer played his entire career for the Twins and became one of the most successful catchers of the 21st century. Utley was a beloved second baseman for the Phillies and helped lead the team to a World Series championship in 2008 with a record-tying five home runs. Wright was a long-serving third baseman for the Mets and is one of only four third basemen in history with 350 doubles, 200 home runs and 150 stolen bases. For more information on potential inductees, or to view the field of candidates for 2025-2028, visit https:// baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/futureeligibles?mc_cid=7a477588ee&mc_ eid=b8283344dc.

Photo provided

Gold medalist Jonny Moseley stumbled across the Mt. Otsego Ski Shop during a recent trip to Cooperstown.

Dreams Summer

Author Keane To Visit Library

COOPERSTOWN—Acclaimed national bestselling author Mary Beth Keane will visit the Village Library of Cooperstown for a talk and book signing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23. Copies of her book, “The Half Moon,” will be available for purchase, thanks to The Green Toad Bookstore.

Milford Plans Family Fun Day

MILFORD—Otsego County Relay for Life will hold a Family Fun Day event at Wilber Park in Milford from 11 a.m. to dusk on Saturday, September 23. There will be a children’s color run, car show, vendors, food, bounce houses, games and activities, fireworks at dusk, and more family fun.

Library To Host Museum Tour

JORDANVILLE—The Village Library of Cooperstown will run a special guided tour of the Russian History Museum at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 24. The event will tie in to the library’s group discussion of “Fathers and Sons” by Ivan Turgenev on August 9. Pre-registration for the museum trip is required; call the library at (607) 547-8344 or visit the circulation desk to sign up. The library will organize carpooling for participants without reliable transportation.

Fashion Show Headlines Event

FRANKLIN—Franklin’s traditional summer festival will return on Saturday, August 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Institute Street near Main Street. It will feature two popular local bands, Off the Record and Terri Whitney and the Country Express Band. The Oneonta Dance Club Square Dancers will perform with the latter group around 1 p.m. There will be children’s activities, including a bounce house, St. Paul’s famous pie sale, more than 30 local and regional arti-

Friday Reception

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association will hold an opening reception for two new exhibitions on Friday, August 18 from 5-7 p.m. Gallery A will feature “Made in New York: The Art of Wood” and the “Paint the Point!” installation will be in Gallery B.

sans and crafters, and many options for food and drink. Community organizations will have tables, and there will be yard sales around the village. Franklin Central School will hold an all-class reunion at St. Paul’s Church from 5:30-8 p.m.; BYOB alcoholic beverages are permitted. Contact kljohns@citlink.net or (607) 434-7120 to reserve a spot at the reunion.

“Old Franklin Day showcases the Village of Franklin’s history and traditions with a welcoming community, engaged local organizations, old-fashioned hospitality, talented artists and crafters, and just

Otsego County Hazardous Waste Day August 25-26, 2023

Household

Not Accepted: motor oil, syringes, explosives, ammunition, tires, electric vehicle battery cells, items with Freon, propane tanks, microwaves

For more information: www.otsegocounty.com/departments/solid_waste/ solidwaste@otsegocounty.com 607-547-4225

Dreams Summer

plain fun for kids of all ages,” said Connie Martin, Old Franklin Day coordinator.

“Whether you want to shop, eat, play, dance in the street, learn more about the community, catch up with old friends or make new ones, there’s something for everyone,” added Coordinator John Wilson.

The headline event of the day will be the fashion show. This year’s show, “A Century of Everyday Fashion,” will feature local models exhibiting clothing styles of the 20th century. It is presented by Threads Past and Present and The Vintage Closet, vintage clothing businesses in Unadilla. The show starts at 2 p.m. at Franklin Central School, 26 Institute Street. Admission is free. The show is curated by Linda Hovey, owner of Threads Past and Present, and Johanna Marr of the Vintage Closet.

“Johanna and I are bringing the show back again by popular demand,” said Hovey. “The show will take the audience on a fashion journey from 1900 to 2000, with models ranging from adults to teens to a young family wearing everyday fashions for daytime work, school, and evening. It’s fun for everyone and the vintage fashions are sure to bring back great memories.”

For more information on the fashion show, contact Hovey at (607) 353-2944 or sewing1@stny.rr.com. To learn more about Old Franklin Day or to become a sponsor, visit franklinny.org/ofd23, visit the Old Franklin Day Facebook page, or contact Connie Martin at candjmartin@fastmail.com.

Community Day, Sales Return

FLY CREEK—The 23rd annual Fly Creek Community Day and Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, August 26. The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will be serving lunch, including hamburgers, hot dogs, desserts, and hot and cold drinks, at the Old Grange building on Cemetery Road at 11 a.m. Donations of cookies and brownies are appreciated. To sign up for the yard sale map, submit a sign-up form and $5.00 to

Photo courtesy Cooperstown Art Association

EDITORIaL

In Support of the Record, For the Record

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” So goes the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which was contained in the Bill of Rights and ratified on December 15, 1791. It guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and the press, and the rights of peaceful assembly and petition.

Last Friday, August 11, the office of the “Marion County Record,” a small 150-year-old family-owned weekly newspaper in Marion, Kansas, with a circulation of 4,000, was raided by the local police force and county sheriff’s deputies. The police seized computers, servers, and cell phones of the seven reporters and editors and went on to search the home of the publication’s owner and editor of 25 years, Eric Meyer, a career journalist and former professor at the University of Illinois, seizing his computers and router as well. The raids were the result of a complaint from a restaurant owner, who accused the newspaper of violating her privacy by illegally obtaining and disseminating sensitive information on a conviction against her. The Record, on the other hand, said it had obtained the information legally from a tip and used public online records to verify the details. Although it had a viable story, the paper decided against publishing it and instead contacted the police. The Marion chief of police defended the raid, but has issued no further details.

Unfortunately, this raid is not unique. Tensions between local newspapers and local law enforcement officials have escalated in recent years and there have been several cases in the not-so-distant past of local authorities taking aggressive actions against news organizations. Unfortunately, a number of these publications are part of a dwindling group of small, local newspapers that are struggling to hold their own local governments to account.

On Sunday, August 13, more than 30 news organizations, including “The New York Times,” “The Washington Post” and “The Wall Street Journal,” signed a letter from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press—an organization founded in 1970 to provide legal support and representation to protect First Amendment freedoms— condemning the raid, noting that both the raid and the seizure appeared unduly intrusive, and raising concerns that the execution of the warrant may have violated federal law that strictly limits federal, state, and local law enforcement’s ability to conduct newsroom searches. The letter urged the police chief to return immediately the seized equipment and records to the newspaper, purge any such records retained by the police department and initiate a full, independent, and transparent review of the actions of the police department. A lawyer for the newspaper demanded that the police department not review any information on the seized devices, which contained, of course, information from and identities of confidential sources.

The newspaper’s owner and editor, Eric Meyer, said his immediate concerns are to figure out how to publish next week’s edition. “The Freeman’s Journal” wholeheartedly supports Mr. Meyer and his Record. Freedom of the press, and the ability to publish reliable, well-researched, and wellinformed news, whether it be for or against anything or anyone, is essential to a successful and flourishing democracy.

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.

LLC Transparency Act Deserves Support

Citizens have a right to know who they’re dealing with, whether it be in government or private enterprise. But that’s not the case when it comes to Limited Liability Companies, or LLCs. LLCs, for example, can own property, apply for grants, operate as landlords and donate to political campaigns. Holding government accountable for its action demands a wellinformed public.

We need to know who, not what, is benefiting in order to do our jobs as citizens. Discovering who’s behind the curtain isn’t easy. Cruise through your local property tax rolls or the state’s campaign finance disclosure database. You’ll see plenty of LLCs, but you won’t see plenty of names.

Anonymous shell companies have been a popular vehicle for money laundering, tax evasion, organized crime, terrorism and other forms of corruption for decades. Yet, as the bill notes, establishing an LLC requires less personal information than getting a library card.

That’s why it’s important for Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Limited Liability Companies Transparency Act, passed by both the Assembly and Senate, which would require these special kinds of business organizations to publicly identify the owners to the state and to the public registry run by the Department of State.

At the federal level, the Corporate Transparency Act, which takes effect next year, seeks similar disclosures from businesses, including LLCs, but stops short of making the information publicly available.

A wide variety of businesses, from pizza shops to mall developers and property buyers, use the LLCs as an organizing business structure. The approach, sanctioned by state law, provides the owners some limits on liabilities the company could face.

NY Forward Grant Important to All

In recent years, Doubleday Field and its approach have been renovated; sidewalks have been upgraded on Main and Pioneer streets; Pioneer Park has been redesigned, and much more. The result is a more appealing downtown, and it has all been done with public dollars and much work from a few very committed individuals. We should all be grateful for what they have accomplished.

We now have a unique opportunity with a sizable $4.5 million grant from NY Forward to continue the momentum of revitalizing our downtown. The grant is designed to go beyond visual appeal and create investment in areas that directly contribute to the vitality of our community by leveraging public funding with private investment. It’s an opportunity to build on prior work in the public sector through cooperation between the public and private sectors.

As a practical matter, LLCs also offer the people who actually own the company the ability to remain anonymous. Under current reporting requirements, LLCs need only supply a company name, county of operation and a basic address where legal documents should be sent. Sometimes, the address is a post office box; sometimes it’s an attorney’s office; sometimes it’s a registered agent. For anyone interested in knowing more, the information provided is often frustratingly nondescript and consequently useless.

But we all have a well-established interest in this information and the legislature should be commended for recognizing this by including solid public disclosure requirements.

The lack of transparency with campaign donations is just one of the reasons the LLC Transparency Act has the support of good government groups such as Common Cause and the League of Women Voters. While a 2019 law change required LLCs making political donations to disclose their owners, many are ignoring the requirement, the groups say.

The Business Council of New York State opposes the law, saying it will violate the privacy of law-abiding businesses—including thousands of small businesses organized as LLCs—and put their security at risk. There are some provisions in the legislation for public disclosure to be waived when “a significant privacy interest exists.” The law’s efficacy will be determined in part in how waiver requests are handled.

Given the benefits state law confers on LLCs, it’s not too much to ask that they at least let us know who they are. This is a good step toward much-needed transparency.

Judy Patrick is senior vice president for editorial development for the New York Press Association.

We shop everywhere except downtown. So, we need development that benefits everyone—resident families, visitors, employees, and property owners—in every way, from more apartments and offices to year-round shops.

The impact of the grant will be determined by decisions and constraints considered during the next few months. What ratio of public to private dollars is acceptable? How can we best incentivize property owners to invest in their buildings to ensure their apartments and office spaces are all rented? How will the Village of Cooperstown use a portion of the grant to meet the parking needs associated with such development? Will the nature of development under this grant be part of a better vision for downtown?

Act support.

Don’t be fooled, though, by the now-standard government public relations ploy of the “educational listening tour.” They’re little more than cutand-paste roadshows repeating the same bullet-point platitudes and painting a promise of inclusion. Mega-billion bond acts, though, are famous for earmarking funds for pet projects hand-picked well before voters approve or reject the overarching ballot measure.

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

In assessing how effectively the money from the grant will be spent, an important measure will be how many dollars of private investment each dollar of public money generates. The dollars that count most will come from building owners committed to seeing their properties used to the fullest year-round. This is the fastest way to create a vibrant Main Street, the heart of our community, and where most of this investment should be focused.

We are not close to the level of vitality we can have. We once had 1,000 more residents, and we now have unoccupied apartments. Our institutions draw crowds in summer, but downtown is quiet in winter.

Everyone has an interest in how these public dollars are allocated, and we should urge everyone to participate by asking the hard questions and keeping those few who will be deciding accountable. Let’s get this right! It’s a vast, unique opportunity, and I encourage more people to attend the public hearings. I also invite our local papers to follow this issue more proactively.

Leon Conover Cooperstown

Don’t Rely on Bond Act Funds

The whole of the greater Otsego County region can hope Otsego Land Trust’s advocacy will succeed in obtaining grants through New York’s “Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.” The Trust’s “News from the Noteworthy” column published August 10 outlines projects that surely merit Bond

Add to those foregone conclusions this year’s storms buffeting high-population areas throughout New York. Those in less-dense regions should prepare to watch Albany’s Bond Act largesse flow to parts of the state where the most voters reside and where union jobs will capture the bulk of the work. Algal blooms and invasive insects are no match for flood-ravaged roads inconveniencing thousands of commuters.

To the Land Trust and likeminded organizations: Keep up the important work, but have a Plan B if you’re relying solely on money from the state.

Ted Potrikus Tucson, AZ

Village Needs History Museum

Congratulations, Mayor Tillapaugh, on the wonderful job you are doing with the upgrades of our quaint little village. The streets, sidewalks, and now Doubleday Field and parking lot are outstanding. Our “Perfect Village” gets better and better thanks to you, Mayor Katz and the local village officials now and in the past.

But, there remains a large piece of perfect picture that remains missing. What is it that

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

110 YEARS AGO

When Mrs. Frank B. Shipman, the Treasurer of the Parish Guild of Christ Church deposited in the Second National Bank the money received at the fair held in the parish house, the discovery was made that one of the five dollar bills in the pile was a fake. A casual glance at the bill would disclose nothing unusual, but under the keen eye of the banker its “queerness” was easily detected. Close examination showed that the figures “5” and “V” had been taken from five dollar bills and pasted over the figure “1” on a one dollar bill. The work is so crude that it seems as if it must have been done by a child. The person who passed the bill may have considered it a prank, but in reality it is a grave violation of the counterfeit laws.

August 13, 1913

85 YEARS AGO

Oneonta Can’t Continue as a ‘Dumping Ground’

You’ll find a timeline of significant and impactful moments in the life of Oneonta displayed on the walls of the Oneonta History Center. It’s not all positive, but it’s generously dotted with good, trajectory-altering actions taken by citizens and government.

We’re in such a moment now, and what we do today will be noted.

Unlike earlier decades, when Oneonta’s upstate location and geographic distance from other communities gave it a measure of control over threats to its health, safety, and economy, these are different times.

There have always been shared issues, such as weather patterns, regional infrastructure, and challenges to the economy and population. But our unique problems were generally local and could be addressed internally and as a community. Consequently, Oneonta planned and executed decisions that are still being felt today. Whether or not those actions were the best that could have been taken…they were ours to take.

But we are living in a different time, and the inability or unwillingness of some who surround us to address and assume responsibility for their residents’ needs—coupled with Oneonta’s deserved reputation as a city that cares—has put us in new, uncharted, and dangerous waters.

Lack of affordable housing is endemic in the state, as is the continuing diminishment of mental health services, the proliferation of cheap, powerful, and highly addictive drugs, and the procedural and staffing challenges of public safety.

By MERL REAGLE

60 YEARS AGO

August 24, 1938

Mrs. Thomas M. Waller, a member of the Advisory Council to the New York State Conservation Department will speak at Fenimore House, Wednesday, August 14, at 8 p.m. During the past five years Mrs. Waller has spoken on conservation to Garden Clubs and other organizations in 29 states. The first half of Mrs. Waller’s talk will be devoted to the dangers of environmental pollution. In the second half, she will discuss Rachel Carson’s views as presented in her recent book “Silent Spring,” which has alarmed readers.

August 14, 1963

35 YEARS AGO

The ideas brought forth at last week’s Otsego 2000 conference have brought ideas and issues first delineated by author James Fenimore Cooper back to life. According to his great-great-grandson, Henry S.F. Cooper, James Fenimore’s Leatherstocking Tales are arguably a major source of today’s environmental movement. That movement received considerable impetus at the Otsego 2000 meeting in the Cooperstown High School Auditorium.

August 17, 1988

20 YEARS AGO

Brian Henrici, of Boy Scout Troop 1254 in Cooperstown, will receive his Eagle Scout Award on Sunday, August 17 at 1 p.m. at Bear Pond Winery. Henrici is the son of Peter and Judi Henrici of Cooperstown. A CCS graduate, he will attend Western New England College this fall. “When I first came to the troop it was very well respected. There were eight seniors and I respected them and wanted to grow up like them by becoming an Eagle Scout. These days, scouting is not taken as seriously as it once was, but through scouting, I’ve seen some things I never would have seen otherwise.”

August 15, 2003

It’s a lot, and apparently too much for some. So, it’s easy to rationalize the notion that Oneonta has become a “dumping ground” for the problems of others.

To be kind, well-intentioned legislators and service providers have unwittingly contributed to our current predicament. However, it’s easy to understand why individuals and agencies have welcomed the avenue that’s been presented and have taken advantage of what appears to be the best route for an “at-risk” population.

Like every other municipality in these United States, Oneonta would have had its own issues with an unsheltered population, neighbors in need of mental health support, and a flood of easilyaccessed narcotics.

We do have neighbors in need, and—as a caring and moral community—we are rightfully committed to their support.

However, for decades we’ve been the resource to which increasing numbers of others have been directed, within this county and beyond.

We do not have the housing, we do not have the services, and we do not have the capacity for this to continue.

What we do have is easy access to narcotics, ample opportunity for petit larceny, untenable stress on case management, a growing population of the untethered and a deep reservoir of peer support for bad decision making.

The harm to those needing care, and to our city’s ability to grow and prosper, requires

Continued on page 13

Stairway to Knowledge… Step right up

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

SPRING STANDOUTS: Marannda Barnes of Sidney and Anessia Simonds of Oneonta were named to the spring 2023 Dean’s List at Russell Sage College. To be placed on the Dean’s List for the semester, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher while carrying a minimum of 12 credits in courses graded A-F, with no grades of Incomplete.

SCIENCE STARS: Willow Tompkins of Worcester has graduated with a Bachelor of Science and cum laude honors from Elmira College. Parker Robinson of Edmeston also received a Bachelor of Science degree. Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 16 Division III varsity teams.

LOCALS LISTED: SUNY Delhi announced its Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester on Tuesday, June 27. Students who are enrolled in six or more credits and who maintain a GPA of 3.50 or better are eligible. The following local students were honored: Raven Brown, Burlington Flats; Nelson Mondaca, Cooperstown; Dominick

Dalton and Dylan Waid, Davenport; Madison Bolton, Garrattsville; Dylan Brundage, Maryland; Travis Bookhout and Kiernan Dunham, Laurens; Erika Ferguson, Morris; Montana Pikul, Mount Upton; Reanen Goodspeed, Mount Vision; Tara Austin, Lucas

Breakey, Veronica Coe, Tiara Cooper, Marcos Hernandez, Yulia Holmes, Cael Howland, Emma Knudson, Taylor

Lopez, Devon Loucks, Catherine

Lusins, David Marvel, Haylee Misner, Logan Monroe, Kaylan Ogden, Liliana

Ortiz, Rachel Ouiment-Edson, Tyeshia

Stevens, Nathan Tessitore, Jacob

Weiner and Kaylee Willmart, Oneonta; Emma Cusimano, Luke Foster, Sydney

Lawrence, Emma Lobdell and Hayley

Willsey, Otego; Jennifer Johnson, Hannah Osborne, Kacie Ost, Anthony Poliseno and Owen Schneider, Schenevus; Julia Obeada and Zachary

Starr, Sidney; Caleb Backus, Aidan

Cutting, Courtney Gilbert, Isabel

Horan, Sophia Terrell and Trevor

Winchester, Unadilla; and Maria Kanai and Morgan Manchester, Worcester.

CLARKSON GRADS: Clarkson University held its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13.

Delaney Holohan of Cooperstown received a Bachelor of Science in engineering and management, with a project management minor. Loren Harmon of Hartwick earned a Master of Science degree in environmental science and engineering. Taylor Murch

of Laurens received a BS with distinction in aeronautical engineering and mechanical engineering, with a minor in mathematics.

PBA SCHOLARS: The Otsego County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association awarded three scholarships to graduating highschool students in June. Kaden Butts of Unadilla Valley Central School, Peter Kiuber of Cooperstown Central School and Lydia Lusk of Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School received the scholarship.

SCRANTON STANDOUT: John P. Lambert of Cooperstown was among more than 1,600 students named to the Dean’s List at the University of Scranton for the 2023 spring semester. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better while taking a minimum number of credit hours. Lambert is a senior management major at the University’s Kania School of Management.

DELHI DEGREES: More than 800 students graduated from SUNY Delhi on Saturday, May 13. Commencement was held with certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees conferred upon the classes of Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. Local graduates and their degrees are as follows. Cooperstown—Elizabeth Lesko, Master of Science, nursing education; Nelson Mondaca, Bachelor of Business Administration, culinary arts management; and Eugene Yeboah, Bachelor of Science, nursing. Davenport— Amber Alexander, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; and Shaelah Butler, Associate in Science, individual studies. Laurens—Ty Leahy, Associate in Applied Science, golf and sports turf management. Maryland— Christopher Bostwick, Associate of Occupational Studies, residential construction. Mount Upton—Montana Pikul, Associate in Applied Science, veterinary science technology. Mount Vision—Jonah Mathieson, Associate of Occupational Studies, welding technology. Oneonta—Lindsey Asman, Master of Science, nursing education; Tara Austin, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; Justin Brown, Associate of Occupational Studies, electrical construction and instrumentation; Tiara Cooper, Associate of Applied Science, Nursing; Ethan Grant, Bachelor of Technology, mechatronics technology; Marcos Hernandez, Associate in Applied Science, welding technology; Cael Howland, Associate in Applied Science, mechatronics design; Meredith Johnson, Master of Science, nursing education; Marisa

Center Welcomes New Administrator

COOPERSTOWN

Cooperstown Center, the 174-bed skilled nursing facility on Phoenix Mills Cross Road and part of the Centers Health Care family of skilled nursing facilities, has a new administrator.

Jo Peterson is a resident of Morgantown, West Virginia, where she lives with her husband and their two children. She has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and specializes in long-term care.

“I am renting an apartment in Cooperstown on Chestnut Street. I love the community here,” said Peterson in a recent e-mail. “My family hasn’t decided yet if we will be relocating. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school and we want to let her finish at ‘home.’”

Peterson has been a licensed nursing home administrator for 12 years and has worked in the long-term care industry for 20 years. She is deeply passionate about the care of residents in long-term care.

“We are very excited that Ms. Peterson has come aboard to head up our Cooperstown Center,” said Jeff Jacomowitz, director of corporate communications at Centers Health Care. “She brings a wealth of experience and much successes with her, and she is surely a people-person, where she gets to know the residents on both the short-term and long-term care. We are very lucky to have Jo.”

Peterson started work at Cooperstown Center on May 3.

“I love the facility as a whole. It’s a beautiful building on a spectacular piece of property. I have made some changes, but mostly things like accountability for all staff and reinstating outings and events for our residents. We recently did a car show at the center and are currently planning a Fall Festival for the center and the community in September.

Prior to coming to Cooperstown Center, Peterson was the executive director at CommuniCare Health Services in Charlottesville, Virginia from the end of 2022 into 2023, but spent six years, from 2016 to 2022, as a Nursing Home Administrator with Genesis in Morgantown, West Virginia.

In her spare time, Peterson enjoys watching her daughters play softball

Continued on page 13

Bassett Medical Center Receives Excellus BCBS Health and Wellness Award

UTICA

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Bassett Medical Center a $5,000.00 Health and Wellness Award to support the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Program. Since its inception in 2004, this program has helped thousands of patients who are battling cancer with prescription drug costs, lodging at the Hannah-Lee House, transportation, medical supplies such as wigs and colostomy bags, and various other expenses. This donor-funded program enables providers at the cancer center to bring comfort and offer additional assistance to patients who are facing challenges.

“We thank Excellus for contributing to the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Program at Bassett, which has been extremely comforting to patients who need to overcome financial concerns while also battling cancer,” said Dr. Alfred Tinger, MD, FACRO, medical director, Bassett Cancer Institute.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Health and Wellness Awards support programs that conduct ongoing work or initiatives designed to improve community health and health outcomes. Health disparities are complex and can have many causes. These awards are given to programs that address specific health conditions or factors linked to health disparities.

“Providing access to high-quality health care is core to our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” stated Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica regional president. “We are proud to support the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Cancer Patient Assistance Program with this essential community health funding to help remove barriers to care for the most vulnerable patients.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to supporting local organizations that improve community health. The company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies, or products.

Kanai, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Emma Knudson, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; David Marvel, Bachelor of Technology, mechatronics technology; Rebecca Myers, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; Rachel Ouimet-Edson, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Gregory Pickhardt, Bachelor of Technology, mechatronics technology; Tyeshia Stevens, Bachelor of Science, nursing; and Kaylee Willmart, Associate of Applied Science, nursing. Otego—Kyler Blanco, Bachelor of Business Administration, cyber operations management; Emma Cusimano, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; Kayla Dean, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Carly Hill, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; Sydney Lawrence, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; Cooper Patrick, Associate of Occupational Studies, electrical construction and refrigeration; Kaylee Spooner, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; and Rebekah Willsey, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice. Richfield Springs—Patrick Twomey, Associate in Applied Science, construction technology. Richmondville—Rhamel

Bynum, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; Dakota Caronia, Associate of Occupational Studies, electrical construction and instrumentation; John Janakis, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; Schenevus—Owen Schneider, Associate in Applied Science, integrated energy systems; Unadilla— Caleb Backus, Associate of Arts, criminal justice studies; Aidan Cutting, Bachelor of Technology, mechatronics technology; Courtney Gilbert, Associate of Applied Science, nursing; and Maggie Washburn, Associate of Occupational Studies, residential construction.

WITH HONORS: Timothy James Meyers of Morris earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in environmental management from University of Maryland Global Campus in spring 2023. Meyers was one of nearly

3,400 students who earned degrees from UMGC in the spring semester. Graduates came from all 50 states, four U.S. territories, and 22 countries. UMGC was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. The average age of a UMGC graduate in the spring class of 2023 is 35 years old.

DESERVING DUO: Carly Erway of Fly Creek and Julie Latil of BoucBel-Air, France and Cooperstown have achieved spring 2023 Dean’s List honors from the University of Rhode Island. To be included on the Dean’s List, fulltime students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades which are grade point average applicable during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable earning at least a 3.30 quality point average.

RIT REWARDS: The following students were named to the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the spring semester of the 20222023 academic year: Tulip Bailey, Cooperstown, graphic design; Luca Gardner-Olesen, Hartwick, film and animation; Kara Gildea, Cooperstown, photographic and imaging arts; Siarra Goodhue, Oneonta, physician assistant program; Ronin Gould, Oneonta, mechatronics engineering technology; Ronnie Hickling, Edmeston, packaging science; Derek Hochbrueckner, Hartwick, biomedical engineering; Theodore Ignatovsky, Cooperstown, engineering exploration; Georgia Liddle, Oneonta, interior design; Lillian Miller, Richmondville, ASLEnglish interpretation; Julia Rissberger, Oneonta, game design and development; Jack Seeley, Cherry Valley, mechanical engineering technology; and Isabelle Tsamis, Richmondville, graphic design.

Photo provided

Excellus BCBS Regional President Eve Van de Wal (center) presents Bassett Medical Center staff members with an oversized check in honor of the recent Health and Wellness Award. Pictured with Van de Wal, from left, are: Mark Kirkby, program manager, Bassett Cancer Services; Mickee Pomeisl Spencer, service line director, Bassett Cancer Services; Van de Wal; Naomi Bronson, patient eligibility and support specialist, Bassett Cancer Services; and Shayna Keller, Excellus BCBS community investments and partnerships manager.

Photo provided JO PETERSON

Honors

Continued from page 1

injury. It’s ironic that, all these years later, I have one, too,” added Pat.

Pat was a constant advocate for Tracey, attending all of her review meetings.

“If something was not right, she insisted that corrections be made,” Manny said.

During Tracey’s time at developmental centers, Pat made friends with other moms of disabled children.

“She and two of her friends worked hard to make sure the systems became better. Pat and those two moms are friends to this day. Their strong advocacy for their children brought them together and they supported each other,” Manny reflected.

Today, Tracey is 54 years old, healthy and happy.

“She lives in a wonderful group home in the Utica area and has excellent care,” he said.

After retiring from the Norwich City School District, where she was a junior/senior high school English teacher, Pat held jobs in which her advo-

cacy efforts continued. She taught high-school equivalency, gED, then later worked for a Southern Tier AIDS program. As a volunteer, she served on the Board of Directors of The Arc of Otsego County. She held various board positions with The Arc, including president of the board. She also served on the Oneonta School Board as vice-president.

“We met in 1985, as I was employed by The Arc of Otsego County,” said Manny. “I worked there for almost 20 years in a number of roles. We both were also involved with The Arc of New York State. I served on the statewide Public Information Committee.

“Therefore, we got much experience advocating for people with disabilities,” Manny added.

“There have been so many people, groups, and medical professionals that have been significant in helping us,” Manny said. “We are so very fortunate to have a wonderful circle of family and friends— many friends that Pat has known since elementary school. All these people and groups have helped

us in a variety of ways.”

Brain injury is not discriminatory, Manny pointed out. It can happen to anyone, at any time, whether it’s a brain bleed, stroke, concussion, or accident, auto or otherwise.

“Pat and I attend the monthly Brain Injury Support group for individuals affected by a brain injury. I worked with BIANYS to create a caregivers support group. Now there are three caregivers groups that meet monthly via Zoom. I help facilitate the oncea-month daytime group,” Manny said.

On September 9, Manny and Pat will be honored by BIANYS at the organization’s annual March On for Brain Injury Walk. The couple will be recognized at the Hudson Valley event, where they will have the opportunity to say a few words on the impact of a brain injury on their lives and how they turned to advocacy in the wake of recovery.

“All that Manny and Pat have done and continue to do is part of their passion to assist and provide support to those impacted by brain injury,” said Eileen

Reardon, executive director of BIANYS. “Their strength and perseverance throughout Pat’s injury and beyond is admirable, and we look forward to honoring them at the March On for Brain Injury Walk.”

“We are thrilled to serve as honorees for the March On event in Hudson Valley and to represent Central New York,” said Manny. “This walk helps us all provide a greater awareness of brain injury and how it affects so many families. It is so important to be advocates and let the public, media, medical community, and others know about the frequency of brain injuries and the frustrations of families that deal with them.”

The Brain Injury Association of New York State is a statewide nonprofit membership organization that advocates on behalf of people with brain injuries and their families.

Established in 1982, BIANYS promotes prevention as well as provides education and community support services that lead to improved outcomes for children and adults with brain injuries.

The March On for Brain Injury Walk occurs in three locations across New York State—Hudson Valley, Long Island and Rochester—and brings together brain injury survivors, caregivers, and professionals to celebrate and honor members of the brain injury community. Those who would like to support Pat and Manny in their efforts, whether in person or virtually, can learn more at marchon. BIANYS.org. Their team is “Advocates for Brain Injury.”

Now, more than seven years after her stroke, Manny and Pat have been partners throughout Pat’s journey with brain injury and they have dedicated their lives to advocacy efforts in order to bring a greater awareness of brain injury through public information efforts.

“We are willing to speak with individuals, families and community groups to share our story, to help people face the onset of a brain injury,” Manny elaborated. “And also to share with the medical community the trials and life adaptations of a brain injury.”

There have been many changes to the

couple’s daily life since Pat’s stroke. According to Manny, she can do some things herself, and can walk a bit, but needs assistance with a variety of things.

“She lost her left side peripheral vision with the stroke and a bit of it has come back, but it still causes her issues. Her walking is limited and she tires easily. As her full time caregiver, my primary role is provide a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment for her. I do have an aide who comes in two afternoons a week—they really enjoy each other’s company, do puzzles, play Uno, chat, work on projects to help with Pat’s vision loss. Pat’s aide is a great person, and they have become good friends. It also provides me with a bit of respite,” Manny said.

Prior to the stroke, Pat loved to drive, and Manny was content with his role as passenger. Now, he does all the driving.

“We still have a number of regular appointments,” Manny said. “We don’t travel much, and our life is different than we planned, but we are comfortable and try to make the best of every day.”

Robert Scott Faller

1957-2023

PORT JERVIS—

Robert Faller, a beloved individual whose departure on July 12, 2023 has left a profound void in our hearts, will forever be remembered by those most fortunate to have known him. Known affectionately to his friends and colleagues Bobby, he lived life with gusto and by his own rules.

The sixth child of Elaine and Harry Faller of Port Jervis, New York, Rob often referred to himself as the “Black Sheep.” He was a man who lived in the moment and often reminded us that he had had 10 times more fun in his life than anyone he knew. His love of adventure began when he talked his father into purchasing him a dirt bike upon completion of his Bar Mitzvah. From there it was motorcycles, sports cars, and a few beloved Toyota Land Cruisers, which helped him get into many tight places and created countless shared memories with close friends.

Rob exceeded all expectations of a black sheep in his professional career. He viewed every problem as a challenge to meet and had an exuberance which drew people in. Rob knew how to get things accomplished and would do anything for his friends and family. His generosity, creativity and desire to connect with

people gave him a reputation of excellence in the world of hospitality. He was a masterful storyteller and, before political correctness, could have made his living as a standup comedian.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rob embraced life with enthusiasm and great zest. His infectious laugh and genuine appreciation for the simple joys serve as a reminder to cherish every moment. He deeply enjoyed entertaining, and his impression of Marlon Brando’s Don Corleone was without parallel, and he employed it frequently.

Rob’s legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his sons, Kevin and Tim, soon to be daughter-inlaw Caroline, brothers Jeffrey and Mark, sisters Linda, Tracy, and Beth, several nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends, all of whom were impacted by his larger-than-life presence.

A public memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Desmond Hotel (Crown Plaza) in Albany, New York at 1 p.m., to celebrate Robert’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Though we grieve the loss of Robert, we find comfort in knowing that his memory will forever live on within us.

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”

We all have our own great moments spent in the company of Robert Faller. The lasting impact he made on our lives will be held dear throughout time.

Catherine Wilmot Walker 1931-2023

COOPERSTOWN—

Catherine Wilmot Walker, a life-long resident of the Cooperstown area, entered into eternal rest late Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2023, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. She was 92.

Born May 6, 1931 at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, she was the daughter of geary A. Wilmot Sr. and Catherine Crain Wilmot.

When she was 8 years old, Catherine was present for the grand opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame when it opened its doors to the public on June 12, 1939. School was closed that day, and several years ago she recalled, “I was on my dad’s shoulders across the street while the induction was

leW i S, HurleY & pietrobono Funeral Home

51 Dietz Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511

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taking place. I remember the people more than anything else; it was so crowded.” When Babe Ruth arrived to the train station (her brother, geary, had the honor of carrying his suitcase), she recalled him walking up Main Street to the barbershop for a shave. “My eyes were as wide as saucers. And I remember he was surrounded with kids.” Memories of that day stayed with her the rest of her life, and she became part of a small group of local people known as “the 39ers,” which also included the late Homer Osterhoudt and Howard Talbot.

After graduating from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1949, Catherine attended the State University College of Education in Oneonta, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

In 1955, she married John Walker in a ceremony at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. They settled in Fly Creek, where they raised their family.

For many years, Catherine worked at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as a visitor’s guide—or, in the old parlance, a red coat— until retiring in 2001.

Catherine is survived by one daughter,

Heller & Skinner

Funeral Home

155 Main Street Worcester, nY 607-397-9711

www.hellerskinnerfh.com

Proud to be family-owned John & Kathleen (Heller) Pietrobono

Catherine Walker Ainslie and husband, James A. Ainslie of Richfield Springs; three sons, John g. Walker and wife Clarinda of Dalton, georgia, Timothy J. Walker of gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Steven J. Walker of Fly Creek; and six grandchildren, Bobbie Walker, Tim Walker, Matt Walker, David Walker, Emma Walker, and John Walker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Walker, who died in 1984; their son, Robert M. Walker, who died in

1975; and her brother, geary A. Wilmot Jr., who died in 1997.

With respect for Catherine’s wishes, her services were private. She was laid to rest with her family in Springfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the Walker family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

Arrangements were under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

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 ROBERT SCOTT FALLER

My Own Groundhog day

Before my family and I moved to Oneonta in 2018, we had either lived in a big city or near one. We believe cute, furry wildlife should be left to frolic as in a disney movie and not hunted by our large pit bull, Sherlock. But our delicate urban sensibilities may have changed.

On June 30, I had just sat down on our back deck to relax after work when Sherlock flushed a groundhog from under the deck and tore down the hill after it. I jumped up and ran down after him, yelling uselessly at him to stop.

The groundhog almost made it under our fence at the bottom of the hill, but Sherlock caught it, shaking it violently in his large jaws. I grabbed Sherlock’s collar and tried to pull him off. But Sherlock is laser-focused when he hunts and 90 percent muscle, and he pulled me onto the ground. at some point, he released the groundhog, who dropped between us. as Sherlock lunged for it again, with me still holding his collar, the groundhog bit me above the knee.

dude, I tele-thought to it, I’m trying to help yOU. The groundhog wouldn’t let go of my leg and it hurt. I finally managed to shake it off as Sherlock thrashed it some more.

Fortunately, my daughter came running down and helped me get Sherlock off the groundhog, which collapsed on the ground and later died. We dragged Sherlock back to the house. Inside, I saw the bite was about two inches long but shallow. It wasn’t until I was cleaning it and rinsing the mud off my legs that I thought, rabies!

I googled “groundhog” and “rabies,” hoping it would not tell me groundhogs can carry rabies. But it did. Stupid Google.

at that moment, my husband Matt came home from grocery shopping and we told him what had happened.

“you’re going to have to get checked for rabies,” he said.

It had been my lifelong plan never to get a rabies shot, but I knew Matt was right. We went to Fox Hospital. Rob, the Emergency Room doctor on duty, told me I was his first possible-groundhog-rabies-bite.

“a first for me, too!” I said. We high-fived.

The ER has to report possible rabies cases to the Otsego County department of Health. danielle was the lucky OCdOH person on call that night. She called me at the ER from a restaurant. I hated interrupting her Friday night.

danielle told me we could collect the groundhog’s body, have it tested for rabies and, if negative, I wouldn’t have to get shots. I liked that option. But we’d have to freeze the groundhog’s body—which meant in our freezer next to waffles and ice cream—until Monday when the OCdOH would pick it up at our house and send it out for testing. The problem was, we were going to Virginia the next day to visit my parents and wouldn’t be back until Tuesday, July 4.

danielle then told me rabies shots were much better than they used to be (yay), but I would have to get a series of them over two weeks (boo.) She also said Otsego County would pay for all the shots. I decided I’d get them.

The ER people didn’t 100 percent agree with danielle. yes, the shots were less painful now, but they were no picnic. I would get the rabies vaccine in my shoulder, which was like other mostly painless shots, but also three to five mini-injections right around my bite, which they indicated would hurt. However, that would be the worst of it. The vaccine boosters I’d have to get on three, seven and 14 days afterward would also be in my shoulders and painless.

Matt was allowed to come back and hold my hand while dr. Rob expertly administered the mini-shots around the bite. They stung a lot, but surprisingly, the pain faded quickly. We finally left close to 9 p.m. and got take-out for dinner.

The ER people gave top-notch care that night. danielle from OCdOH helped me throughout the July 4th weekend to ensure I got my three-days-after booster--in West Virginia! I am grateful I live in a state that values public health.

From now on, though, I will let nature take its course.

Jennifer Hill lives in Oneonta.

Teaching Old dogs New Tricks

Dear Tom, Our sweet, furry family member, Bruno, is a 6-yearold French bulldog. He is a loving and beloved member of our family and great with kids. However, he is anxious and at times aggressive toward other animals and birds, such as geese. He has been this way since he was younger, but it has gotten worse lately. He even bit a friend’s dog recently. Needless to say, it is a difficult and stressful situation for everyone. I know the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But I hope that with your help and advice, we can refute that myth. Please help!

Thank you for your time and wisdom.

Sincerely, Bruno and Fam

dear Bruno’s family,

First of all, the saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is incorrect. The wisdom an old dog has gained by living with people makes it much, much easier for the dog to grasp what you want him to do, especially if the lesson includes yummy treats. The more accurate statement would be, “It’s harder to break longestablished habits in an older dog.” It will take me a fraction of the time to teach an older dog new tricks than an egg-for-brain puppy.

when around geese and ducks, and then with only the words, “Leave it.” With consistency, life with Bruno will be a lot more fun.

Best of luck,

dog Charmer Tom ***

Dear Tom, I have an 11-year-old papillon mix that I adopted when he was 9. Jack is very food motivated and spends most of his time looking/waiting for something to eat. Otherwise, he’s happy to lay around as long as he’s with me. Jack and our 7-year-old Boston mix, Gretta, used to sleep on our bed, but a few years ago we got soft crates with nice beds for them. Jack had a rough time of it and whined for days, no matter what I put in there for him—toys, my T-shirt, etc. I tried putting the crate in another room and then he barked non-stop. Eventually, he got to like it and runs right in at night, waiting for his treat.

Next NY Forward Meeting Set for August 23

COOPERSTOWN

The Local Planning Committee for the Cooperstown New york Forward program will hold its third meeting on Wednesday, august 23 from 4:306:30 p.m. at the Cooperstown Village Hall, 22 Main Street. The meeting is open to observers from the public, with an opportunity for public comment.

The agenda for this meeting includes a summary of public engagement results to date, a draft vision statement and goals for the Strategic Investment Plan, a review of proposed projects, and a discussion of the project evaluation criteria.

The LPC is co-chaired by Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and Regional Economic development Council member Ken Meifert and consists of 12 other members representing a diverse cross section of the Cooperstown community.

The Village of Cooperstown was selected by the Mohawk Valley REdC to receive a $4.5 million award from New york State Governor Kathy Hochul through the Ny Forward program. Investment from this program will allow Cooperstown to develop a Strategic Investment Plan and implement key catalytic projects to advance a community vision for downtown improvements. Projects selected for funding will transform the community and support a vibrant local economy. More information can be found at https://www.cooperstownny.org/new-york-forward/

Ny Forward was launched in 2022 to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New york’s smaller communities, with a focus on hamlets, villages, and neighborhood-scale commercial centers. For more information, visit https:// www.ny.gov/programs/ny-forward.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many dogs that were antisocial and very aggressive when it came to other dogs. Those dogs were obviously not candidates for the dog park, and yet without doggie friends they lived wonderful lives harmonizing with their two-leggeds. as for Bruno’s going after other wildlife, that’s likely to be predatory aggression. The 9week-old puppy chases the blowing leaf because the movement of the leaf elicits the prey drive in the dog. In Bruno’s case, he simply needs to be taught “Leave it!” Whatever he’s focused on—be it a squirrel, a duck, another dog—he has to disregard it, shrug it off when told “Leave it.” depending on a dog’s intensity when it comes to other dogs, or its prey drive, the method to get the cooperative “leave it” is dependent on the dog’s temperament, sensitivity to a correction, and how motivated he is by food rewards. My method to get the mini poodle to ignore the pizza crust on the sidewalk might just be a slight pop of the leash to the side, and praise and a treat when he passes it. Hearing me say “leave it” as the light snap of the leash startles him, just as he’s focused on the pizza, makes the pizza the “bad guy,” to be avoided. The rest is easy. However, stopping the 140-pound Rottie from dragging the 115-pound owner to get to the dog it sees and wants to fight, the leash pop “ain’t gonna cut it.”

I’ve been asked a million times, “What’s your methodology?” It’s always been the same answer. “It depends. I’m a ‘depends’ trainer. What I do depends on a whole lot of stuff.” In Bruno’s case, since reaching out to me you have witnessed his total cooperation in ignoring meat on the floor and happily taking the treat instead. after a couple of very slight leash pops, he was even cooperating when off leash. He was also cooperative

Because Jack has some incontinence at this age, I feed him dinner at 4:30 p.m. so he will hopefully do his business outside before going to bed at 9:30. Jack is finally quiet all night in his crate until 4:45-5 a.m. After ruling out the possibility that he’s in pain (he’s on Gabapentin for back issues), I think it’s because he wants to get up and have breakfast. He’s very persistent and will whine for an hour straight! When I tell him to get back in his bed, he may for a short time, but then continues to whine until I get up. I wait until he’s quiet for a few minutes so he’s not rewarded for whining, but I end up getting up by 5:30, since by then I’m awake.

I would greatly appreciate any ideas you might have to remedy this situation.

Thank you, Jack’s Mom ***

dear Jack’s Mom,

My first thought is to thank you for rescuing an older dog. There are so many older dogs languishing in shelters that will make great companions, especially since they need a minimal amount of training, already housebroken and well beyond ill-mannered puppy behaviors such as destructive chewing, jumping, etc.

Unless you are heading to bed yourself at 9:30, my initial thought was to try and keep Jack up later with some “special toys.” Three small hollow marrow bones, one with a piece of meat wedged in the middle, the other two with cheese and peanut butter, may happily occupy him for another hour or so. you want the “food stuffs” stuck in the middle so he can’t remove them, but will continue to try.

If keeping Jack up later is not an option, have the three “special toys” ready to be given to him as soon as he wakes up, and he just may give you some extra snooze time as he’s occupied in his quest to get at the meat and cheese and peanut butter. However, once you’re up, it’s important to remove the special toys! He only gets them to be used as the a.m. distraction, otherwise they will lose their “specialness.”

Good luck in the quest for extra zzz’s.

dog Charmer Tom

THE DOG CHARMER TOM SHELBY

Photo provided Sherlock’s encounter with a groundhog while protecting his territory had unexpected consquences for owner jennifer Hill.

Photo provided

With Tom Shelby’s help, Bruno proves treats can be a great motivator.

Continued from page 1

(and soon-to-be mother of his first child), he moved to Cooperstown in 2022.

“Armin Sommer and I first met at a church gathering, and since Armin had swum the lake in 2021, he eventually convinced me to undertake the feat,” Gaunt recounted. “Although I played sports in school, I had never swum competitively, and I certainly never swam any long distances. But it sounded interesting and I figured I was now in the best shape I’d ever be, so why not try it.”

Originally, Gaunt had planned on starting Saturday, but because the weather predictions sounded more favorable, he postponed the swim until Sunday. And, at the start, the lake lived up to its ‘Glimmerglass” name and the wind stood still.

“For the first mile, I was making good time and things were going well, but then the weather man proved wrong,” Gaunt said. “Headwinds blew up to 15 miles per hour with white caps on the lake.”

This slowed the pace immeasurably.

“Between miles 3 and 4, I felt like I

minority- and womenowned businesses, distressed farmers, people with prior cannabis arrests, and disabled veterans.

A recent lawsuit by a group of veterans, alleging that the state had repeatedly prioritized past marijuana offenders over them, resulted in a temporary restriction on new cannabis licensing until the matter is worked out in court. It was the latest in a series of complications and delays in the troubled rollout of New York’s legal cannabis program. Rowe said that his operating license, which he received in part due to his own prior conviction, will not be affected by the litigation. However, he stands in full support of his fellow veterans and invited Carmine Fiore of Levittown, one of the plaintiffs, to the grand opening.

“I’ve known Carmine for a long time,” Rowe said. “I heard about the legal action and suspected he might be involved. I invited him to be our very first customer and was glad he was able to make it. I wanted to show solidarity with the veteran community around the state.”

The opening ceremony was well attended, and about 100 customers waited outside for sales to begin.

“Unfortunately, a lot of them got soaked as the storm rolled in, because we had to keep everyone outside while the ribboncutting happened,” Rowe said. “Fortunately, our waiting room is large enough that that won’t happen again. As far as we could see, no one left because of the rain. It was good to see our customers so excited.”

“This is going to be very big for the local economy and for the municipalities,” he continued. “Four percent of all our sales go to Otsego County in taxes, and our first few days show that sales are going to be significant.”

He reported strong sales on Sunday, August 13, DOSHA’s first full day of business. At press time, Rowe and his employees were setting up floor fans to prepare for another day of pouring rain and high

was going nowhere and, around mile 5, I hit a wall and almost wanted to quit, but my father shouted encouragement and motivated me to travel on,” Gaunt said, “All throughout I kept asking myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But now, 8 hours and 5 minutes later, I can say, ‘I did that,’ and I can tell my daughter when she is old enough that you can do anything when you put our mind to it, and that’s

what makes it all worthwhile.”

The challenge to swim the length of Otsego Lake has captivated many in the past, and the Clark Sports Center displays a plaque made and maintained by Angus Mackie—with the names and times of many of the swimmers—who said, “Since it is self reporting, not all people report, and also I have not been able to attach the names of all swimmers.”

However, Mackie has a list that shows at least 70 individuals have accomplished the feat since he started recording in 1973.

Over the years, there have been some notable stories. According to Mackie, the youngest recorded swimmer, at 11 years old, was Helen Zaengle in 2013, followed by her 16-year-old sister, Laurel, in 2020 and by 14-yearold Mimi Aramini, whose swim raised more than $2,000.00 for the Community Foundation of Otsego County.

In 2014, a group of seven from the University Club in Boston held a team meet on the lake and various friends

have undertaken it as a joint quest. In August of 2012, Cooperstown High School swim team members Erik and Sean Mebust and Cassidy and Eden Griger completed the swim, each encouraging the other on.

Vicky Buck and Cathy Raddatz paired up to swim the length of the lake in August 1985, although Kathy admits to hoping she would be able to exit gracefully when a violent thunderstorm struck the lake the night before. No such luck—the lake was calm and the two had a good swim.

Another successful lake swimmer, Lori Doig, recalled, “The chicken soup I made the day before was the best soup I ever tasted when they gave it to me during the race.”

The allure to take up the lake swim challenge continues.Ariadne Hodgson— a former captain of the Cooperstown High School swim team and daughter of swim coach John Hodgson—successfully completed her Otsego Lake swim on Friday, August 11.

The job scene

attendance.

“It was great to see the support from the community in our first few days of operation,” he concluded. “We had so many people, from so many different walks of life, come through,

we had the Chamber of Commerce and the mayor there to support us as we opened. I was very glad to see the community turning out and showing that the business is legitimate, licensed, fully official and here to stay.”

Worcester CSD

CSD

ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & Milford)

Sub S titute Po S ition S:

Teachers

LTAs

Aides & Monitors

Nurses

Cleaners

Bus & Van Drivers Clerical & Office Support

Food Service Workers

$17/hour

Photo by Caspar Ewig

Kiersten Gaunt gives husband Steve a good luck kiss before he starts his 9-mile swim.

Continued from page 6

and volleyball. She also enjoys traveling with her husband to watch Major League Baseball.

“My family LOVES baseball and softball! My oldest daughter is hoping to play softball at Niagara University in 2024,” Peterson wrote. “My husband and I have traveled the country visiting MLB parks. Our favorite team is the Atlanta Braves. My husband and I have a goal to visit ALL the MLB parks in the country.

“We went to see the Baseball Hall of Fame over Memorial Weekend and loved it. It’s very impressive and filled with monumental history. We really enjoyed it.”

Letters

Continued from page 4

Sharon Springs, Oneonta, Milford, Middlefield, Springfield Center, Cherry Valley and Richfield Springs have that we don’t? A local historical museum…a place to collect, share, teach our wonderful history. Nowadays there is no place to donate old photos, newspapers, books, articles of clothing and any artifacts that continue to exist in local attics, garages, cellars, a place to share our past with fellow Cooperstonians and visitors alike…What a shame.

But where would it be?

How about the old A&P/ CVS? No, too big. But how about Lou Jersons Pic and Pay/Sears/NAPA/ Diastole? Now there is an ideal location—close

to Doubleday Field, perfect size and parking, handicapped accessible. Hmmm. Just thinking.

Jim Renckens Richfield Springs

Swim Event a Success

Thanks for the information you published about our Early Bird Swim last week. This really helps us to gain community support for our efforts and those that are involved. Funny fact: We had more than 70 people who came to the swim, causing a small break in the dock, but it’s already fixed! Oops!

Jaye Shelby Cooperstown

Clark Oliver Appreciated

Kudos and thanks to Otsego County District

11 Representative Clark Oliver for his thoughtful words about DSS clients in need of housing. Clark is mature beyond his years, and has a heart of gold. His voice will be missed.

Marty Van Lenten Becker Otsego County District

11 Oneonta

More Info Requested

In his “Partial Observer” opinion piece of August 10, Mr. Caiazza focuses entirely on the relative costs of electric bills to the consumer. His analysis is incomplete. What are the costs to us and to the planet—of ongoing global warming?

Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown

Holiday Card Now Available

FLY CREEK

The Fly Creek Fire Company has announced its artist for this year’s Holiday Card fundraising campaign.

According to officials, Maureen Heroux, known for her beautiful watercolor landscapes of the region, has donated a stunning work for use on this year’s cards.

The Holiday Card campaign, now in its second year, features a work donated by a local artist. Preorder forms will be available on the Fire Company website, flycreekfire.com.

Pre-ordered cards and cards for purchase will be available for pick up at the firehouse on Saturday, September 9 beginning at noon, following the parade and during the FCFC 75th anniversary picnic and celebration.

The original Maureen Heroux watercolor painting (pictured in part above) will be sold to the highest bidder in a silent auction that day. Subsequent card orders can be picked up at the firehouse by appointment. All proceeds will benefit the FCFC and the community it has proudly served since 1948.

Oneonta

Summer

Continued from page 3

immediate action. This is a moment in Oneonta’s timeline when those actions will have historical consequence.

Continued from page 5 cover printing to the Historical Society. Contact Dora at (607) 547-8321 for the form or more information. Tenfoot square spaces for sales on the Historical Society grounds are available for $10.00 and tend to be reserved quickly. To pick up a home yard sale sign or drop off food donations, visit the Historical Society between 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday, August 25.

At Tuesday’s [August 15] meeting of the Common Council, I detailed my plan. It should be no surprise that I’m looking for all of us (Oneontans, and our neighbors) to work together to find a better way—for everyone.

Together we can and will do this.

We really don’t have a choice.

Mark Drnek is the mayor of the City of Oneonta.

Editor’s note: The details of Mayor Drnek’s aforementioned plan were not available at press time. An overview was to be presented at the Common Council meeting of Tuesday, August 15 with the full plan to be unveiled on September 5.

Tasting Set for Friday

ONEONTA—Oneonta Rotary will host its summer five-course wine tasting fundraiser at Social Eats Café-Project 607 from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 18. Non-alcoholic options are available at registration. Tickets are $75.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. Call (607) 431-4808 or visit the Oneonta Rotary Club Facebook page to register. The event usually sells out quickly. All proceeds will benefit the club’s work.

TEDx Speakers Named

ONEONTA—The TEDxOneonta planning team released the lineup of speakers for the 2023 independentlyorganized TED event to be held next month. TED is designed to bring together a diverse group of community members to share new ideas and foster change. Josiah Brown will present “Could Tourists Save Your Town?” Julianne Kirkland will follow with “Managing Multiple Identities.” Keneea

Linton-George will be third with “The Paradox of Ethical Fashion,” followed by Noemie Florant’s “Painting a Diverse Future: Inspiring Young Minds to Erase Algorithmic Bias in AI.” Jean Tien will present “Hard Work Doesn’t Have to be Hard.” Juan Montenegro will conclude the evening with “Unleashing Human Potential Through Volunteerism: A Dyslexic’s Journey to Self-Discovery.”

The event will take place at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 15. Tickets are $25 until August 18 and $30 thereafter. Space is limited. Visit www.tedxoneonta.com to make a reservation. Since TEDxOneonta’s inception in 2017, its speakers have been viewed more than 500,000 times. The 2023 event, following the theme “Look Around, Look Ahead,” received over 90 applications from prospective presenters.

Golf Outing Planned

ONEONTA—The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 37th Annual Golf Outing at the Oneonta Country Club on Friday, September 8. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9:30. The outing is $699.00 for a foursome, $369.00 for a twosome and $199.00 for an individual ticket; a cart, breakfast, lunch, drink tokens and swag bag are included. There will be prizes for three flights, longest drive, straightest drive, marshmallow drive, a putting contest and a closest-to-the-pin contest. For more information or to register, e-mail kvanzandt@otsegocc.com.

Pretty with a Purpose

By daRLa M. yOUNgS

COOPERSTOWN

Members of the public gathered under cloudy skies and scattered showers on Thursday, July 27 to celebrate the completion of phase one of the “grow with Cornell Cooperative Extension garden Project.”

Master gardener volunteers guided between 20-30 visitors through garden beds constructed earlier this year dedicated to pollinator plants, native plants, deer resistance plants, potpourri flowers, and vegetables grown in raised beds to launch the new garden learning and activity center at CCESO’s Education Center at 123 Lake Street.

Featured all-american Selection beds showcased new plant varieties chosen for outstanding garden performance in the region by professional horticulturalists, as well as vegetables and flowers from Cornell’s Vegetable Variety garden Trails.

according to CCESO Executive director Liz Callahan, the new garden activity Center offers tangible opportunities to engage the public in the layers of work that the organization’s Master gardener volunteers, 4H youth development staff, nutrition educators, and agriculture and food systems teams are doing through a nurturing and contemplative garden that all are welcome to visit and enjoy.

“We began planning for a reconfiguration of the parking lot into a place of learning through gardening in the fall of 2013,” Callahan explained. “The first step was to conduct a design charrette which allowed us to assess needs and order priorities for the space.”

according to Master gardener volunteer and former CCESO board member Pati drumm, the Board of directors kicked off a public campaign in 2020 to raise money to start the garden project, when promised funds from New york State got tangled in red tape.

“The strong, positive response gave us the wherewithal to engage a contractor and move forward,” drumm said.

The push to complete

the project continued in 2020, when Master gardener volunteers were offered an opportunity to obtain rough cut larch timber from a local woodlot.

“It was purchased, stored, and dried at Mohican Farm, and ultimately used to construct the raised beds on the garden today,” added Peter Coleman, current chair of the Master gardener volunteers grounds Committee.

Both drumm and Coleman played major roles in the garden activity Center, Callahan said.

“as Master gardener volunteers, both Pati and Peter have completed extensive training and have logged the required volunteer hours,” Callahan continued.

“Pati was instrumental in visioning, planning, and fundraising, while Peter had an important role in oversight, problem solving, and in the building and implementation process.”

CCESO’s garden activity Center incorporates smart design for sustainability and universal accessibility measures, and 1) provides a place for hands-on educational experiences that introduce and expand knowledge and skills (including growing plants by utilizing lowinput and sustainable production resources, selecting appropriate varieties to support pollinators and native plant gardening, and composting);

2) incorporates a rain garden to demonstrate water and land stewardship (using the example of runoff that can impact Otsego Lake); 3) engages all ages in hands-on environmental and horticultural education; and 4) introduces visitors to the nurturing and therapeutic benefits of gardening and horticulture.

Future phases of the grow with Cornell Cooperative Extension garden Project will include the installation of a demonstration rain garden and a garden structure that will serve as both a workspace for the MgVs and an educational activity and programming space.

“as soon as we raise

sufficient funds, we will construct the garden house,” Callahan said. “Once that’s erected, we can install the rain garden.”

All-America Selections according to CCESO Operations Coordinator Madelyn Sanchez Taylor, all-america Selections is an independent nonprofit organization that tests new, never-beforesold plant varieties for the home gardener. after a full season of anonymous trialing by volunteer horticulture professionals, only the top flowers and vegetables are given the aaS Winner award designation for their superior performance. It is the only national, non-profit plant trialing organization in North america, she said in an e-mail.

“In 2014, Cooperstown Cornell Cooperative Extension was chosen as one of the select group of prestigious public gardens to be an all-america Selections display garden,” wrote Sanchez Taylor. “Folks can tour our garden and see new plant varieties that had the distinction of being designated as allamerica Selections.”

aaS identifies plant varieties that survive and flourish in each region of North america, providing a useful tool for picking successful plant varieties. gardeners can visit https://allamericanselections.org/ complete-aas-winner-list to identify the best plant varieties for their locale.

Vegetable Variety Garden Trails

according to Francie Stayter—a Master gardener volunteer since 2010 who attributes elderly neighbors and “Mother Earth News” in addition to Cornell Cooperative Extension for much of her gardening know-how—the Cornell Vegetable Variety Trial gardens are part of a citizen science project.

“CCEs across the state

VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

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

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

Counseling Advocacy

Helping Victims Become Survivors

- All services are free for victims, survivors and their immediate family -

create demonstration gardens where particular plants are grown as a way to observe and record how well these plants do in field trails in various counties across the state. Cornell provides seeds, plants and information for growing,” Stayter explained.

“Otsego Master gardener Mary Ellen Calta organizes the project for the CCE garden in Cooperstown,” Stayter continued. “That preparation begins in the winter. Some of the plants are started from seed indoors by Master gardeners and later transplanted into the garden, some seed is directly sown in the garden in May, and Master gardeners also went to Cornell in May to pick up plant starts.

“Throughout the growing season, plants are observed, photographed and evaluated. Using a 1-5 star rating, the plants are assessed for overall performance, taste, yield and ease. The demonstration gardens also model features of an ecological garden— cover crops, companion planting, mulching, attracting beneficials, and more,” Stayter said.

Recently, the trial gardens have featured prominent crops from highlighted geographical areas.

“In 2022, the focus was on plants from Latin america, the Caribbean and East asia. The plants this year provide an opportunity to learn about crops from China, Japan and Korea,” Stayter added.

In early winter, information from all the demonstration gardens is analyzed and collected, and added to a list of vegetable varieties for gardeners to help New york State gardeners select plants that have been field tested specifically for New york’s growing season, climate, soil conditions, etc. That information can be found at HTTP://vegvariety. cce.cornell.edu.

The produce from the demonstration garden is donated to local food pantries.

“Some of the favorite plants at our recent open house included Chinese pink celery (pictured above), Chinese sweet basil, and borage, a plant for attracting beneficial birds, bees, and butterflies. The demonstration garden is place for teaching and learning for all of us,” Stayter added.

“We are so proud of the garden but we want people to know that, yes, it’s pretty, but it’s more than just pretty. It’s pretty with a purpose,” Stayter said.

For more about CCESO’s community programs and events, go to http://cceschoharieotsego.org. Stay connected to Master gardeners postings at https://www.facebook.com/cceotsegoMg/

NEWS BRIEFS Compiled by Wriley Nelson

OLT Gets Preserve NY Grant

COOPERSTOWN—Otsego Land Trust received $14,780.00 as one of this year’s 19 Preserve New york grants to fund structural analysis and condition assessment at Brookwood Point. The study will consider restoration work of the historic property and evaluate ways to improve public amenities while maintaining the “secret garden” atmosphere.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Preservation League of New york State to address the weathering of historic features at Brookwood Point,” said OTL Executive director gregory Farmer. “Brookwood Point is our flagship property, the most visible and most accessible of our six public properties.”

OTL will use the structural analysis report to understand the scope of restoration and repair required on the key features of the property.

“The historic garden House, the Icehouse, the Pump House, the stone walls and the fountains are all more than a century old and show the effects of weathering and winter storms,” a release said.

The PNy program is a regrant partnership between the New york State Council on the arts and the Preservation League, made possible with the support of the Office of the governor and the NyS Legislature. This year, the independent grant panel selected 19 applicants in 17 counties to receive support totaling $279,936. Many of the grants will support historic district designation or expansion. Since 1993, PNy has provided more than $3.7 million to over 500 projects.

FAM Celebrates Iroquois

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore art Museum will present Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) history and culture in a special event in the Lucy B. Hamilton amphitheater behind the museum from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, august 19. The event is free and open to the public. The afternoon begins with the regularly scheduled “Otsego: a Meeting Place” tour at 2 p.m. a museum educator will lead a tour of the Otsego Lake shoreline and provide information about the early inhabitants of the Susquehanna watershed and their cultural, economic, and political legacy. Noted Mohawk scholar darren Bonaparte will present Haudenosaunee history using recreated wampum belts to demonstrate records of important political agreements at 3 p.m. Chris Thomas and Friends, traditional dancers from the Onondaga nation, will demonstrate a social dance at 4 p.m. Crafters will be on-site to sell their works from 2-5.

Otsego Lake Remains Clear

SPRINgFIELd—The SUNy Oneonta Biological Field Station conducted limited water testing on Otsego Lake on Thursday, august 10. Samples were taken at the primary open water site, near the yokota Lab buoy, and from the Main Laboratory dock. No surface accumulations or shoreline scums have been documented or confirmed yet this summer. Water clarity decreased slightly since the previous survey on Monday, July 24. Microcystis, the genus of cyanobacteria responsible for last year’s harmful algal bloom, was present in the surface waters at a relatively low abundance. Sample analysis is under way to determine levels of mycrocystin toxins. The next sample collection will take place at some time during the week of august 14.

‘Messiah’ Auditions Aug. 31

ONEONTa—Catskill Choral Society will hold auditions for new singers to perform their holiday concert of Handel’s “Messiah” with full orchestra and soloists, to be performed at the First United Methodist Church on Friday and Saturday, december 1 and 2. auditions will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 12 Ford avenue, on Thursday, august 31, beginning at 5 p.m. They will be by appointment only; contact ccs@catskillchoralsociety.com to set up a time. Regular rehearsals begin on Thursday, September 7 and will run each Thursday at 7 p.m.

“We last performed the ‘Messiah’ in 2012, and we look forward to kicking off the holiday season with this beloved choral masterpiece,” said former Society President Chris Shields. “Our spring concert will include ‘Carmina Burana’ by Karl Orff, plus the group will once again collaborate with the Catskill Symphony Orchestra in May, so a busy, exciting year is planned.”

“We seek singers with some prior choral singing experience, plus talented high school and college age singers,” Shields said of the auditions. For more information, visit www.catskillchoralsociety. com or contact Shields at (607) 435-7008.

Chamber Event Open to All

HaRTWICK SEMINaRy—The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Barnyard Swing Mini golf and Family Fun Center to host a mini golf tournament and after-hours networking event from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, august 25. Early bird play begins at 4, followed by the main tournament at 5:30. The event is open to the community. There will be prizes for the top two team scores and a blindfolded hole-in-one competition. all participants will be entered into a raffle to win two Savannah Bananas tickets.

►Fri., August 18

OPERA 1 p.m. “The Rip Van Winkles.” The Glimmerglass Festival, Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

EXHIBIT TOUR

2 p.m. “Otsego: A Meeting

Place.” Join a museum educator to learn the rich history of the Otsego Region. Included with museum admission. Also held 8/19. The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

BENEFIT TASTING

6-8 p.m. “Oneonta Rotary

Wine Tasting.” Five courses of wine (or mocktails) paired with small plates. 21+, pre-registration required. $75/person.

Social Eats Café – Project 607, 546 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4314808.

MUSIC 6-8 p.m.

Kahlil Jade performs folk, country, blues, rock and pop. Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.

CONTRADANCE

6-9 p.m. Community contradance featuring music by Balter. $10, adults.

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

TRAIN RIDES

6:30 p.m. Ride the Scenic Railway. Tickets, $20/ adult. Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, 168 McKoons Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 717-5969.

OPERA 7:30

p.m. “Candide.” The

Glimmerglass Festival, Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

►sAt., August 19

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Fly-In Pancake Breakfast. All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, maple syrup, sausage, beverages. Cost, $9/adult to support the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department. Cooperstown/Westville Airport, Route 166, Cooperstown. RIVER CLEANUP 8 a.m. to noon.

Susquehanna River

Clean-up. Sign-up required. Cleaning from the Susquehanna Bridge to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cooperstown. Visit otsegooutdoors. org/event/susquehannariver-clean-up-2/

NATIONAL HONEY

BEE DAY 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate the honey bee. Includes an observation hive, free honey tastings and crafts for children. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5476195.

BICYCLE 10 a.m.

NYS Bicycle Racing Association Time Trial Championships. Registration required. CooperstownWestville Airport, 866 State Highway 166, Cooperstown. (607) 4372545.

ART WORKSHOP

10 a.m. to noon. “Prints Charming” printmaking workshop for kids age 6-10. $35/non-member, includes materials. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

EXHIBITION 11 a.m.

fun for the whole family. $25/adult. Reservations required. CooperstownCharlotte Valley Railroad, departing from 136 County Route 166, Milford. (607) 432-2429.

Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-

1400.

SOAP CLASS 2-5

p.m. Learn to make soap in different colors and scents. Participants take home 6 bars and the molds. Class is $30. Preregistration required. Red Barn Décor & More, 1938 State Highway 23, Morris.

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

BARN TALK 4 p.m.

local communities. Whether it’s exploring the world-renowned National Baseball Hall of Fame or enjoying water activities at the lake, there’s always something exciting to do nearby. $379,000 MLS#R1490690

to 3 p.m.

“Passages: Creatures and 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.

MEDIEVAL FAIR

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2-day fair in the renaissance/ medieval period. Featuring vendors, refreshments and entertainment. Continues 8/20. Windfall Dutch Barn, GPS location is 2009 Clinton Road, Fort Plain. (518) 774-0134.

SUMMER HARVEST

FESTIVAL Noon to 6 p.m. Farmer and artisan market, live music, and local foods from the Butternut Valley. Free admission. Guy Rathbun Park, Morris. Visit facebook. com/ButternutValleyAlliance

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 can the scheme last before chaos ensues? Also held 8/20. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown (607) 5471450.

TRAIN ROBBERY Noon. Action-packed ride featuring shootouts, period costumes and

OPERA 1 p.m. “Romeo and Juliet.” The Glimmerglass Festival, Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

SELF-DEFENSE

1-2 p.m. Free self-defense skills program for girls and women presented by Brooks Karate School American Goju. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-3200.

TRAIN RIDES 1 p.m. Nature discovery and appreciation on the “Mink Creek Local” over railway bridges and into the “Great Cedar Swamp.” Tickets, $20/adult. Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, 168 McKoons Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 717-5969.

ART WORKSHOP

1-3 p.m. “Prints in the Enchanted Forest” workshop for kids age 8-14. $35/non-member, includes materials. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

MUSIC & MEAD

2-9 p.m. “Mead is not Dead” series with Grateful Upstate Toodeloo. HoneyPot Farms Meadery, 5798 State Highway 51, Burlington Flats. (607) 437-0463.

HAUDENOSAUNEE

2-5 p.m. Celebrate Native America. Learn the history of the Haudenosaunee, participate in traditional social dances, and find unique items by hand crafters. Free. Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater,

BBQ DINNER 4:30

p.m. Chicken BBQ Dinner. Eat in or take out. No drive-through, no reservations. Dinners, $14. Pierstown Grange, Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 264-3069

SUMMER CONCERT

7-10 p.m. “Folk on the Veranda.” Bring a picnic and lawn chairs and enjoy folk songs of the Erie Canal, more. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098.

OPERA 7:30-10

p.m. “La Bohème.” The Glimmerglass Festival, Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

►sun., August 20

FARMERS’ MAR-

KET 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find local produce, arts, & crafts for sale, and get to know the local makers & farmers. Curry Park, 3898 State Highway 28, Milford.

OPERA 1 p.m. “Candide.” The Glimmerglass Festival, Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5472255.

SUMMER SUNDAY

PRESENTATION 1-3

p.m. “Writing a Writer’s

Life: Poet Elizabeth Bishop,” with Tom Travisano. Free and open to the public. Bring own folding law chair; handicap accessible. Swart-Wilcox House Museum, 24 Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta.

“Raising Barns: Past, Present and Future” with Dr. Cindy Falk, professor of material culture at the Cooperstown Graduate Program. Free. Register in advance. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 5478111. otsego2000.org

►Mon., August 21

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.

RABIES CLINIC

3-6 p.m. Free rabies vaccinations. First come, first serve; bring your pet’s vaccination certificate for the vet’s reference.

Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8111.

CONCERT 6 p.m. “The Small Town Big Band.” Free. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377.

CONCERT 7 p.m. Empire Saxophone Quartet. Popular classics and jazz. Free; rain or shine. Meadow Links Golf Pavilion, 476 County Road 27, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1646.

►tues., August 22

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Explore trails with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment, water, and be aware of level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at the Milford State Forest. Contact hike leaders Jendy Murphy & Paul Wehren at (518) 605-5642.

CRAFTY TUESDAY 10 a.m. Hammer and flowers craft. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

AQUARIUM 3-4 p.m. VIA Aquarium Marine Life Outreach Program. The Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.

RABIES CLINIC 6-8 p.m. Free rabies vaccination for cats, dogs and ferrets. First come, first serve; bring your pet’s vaccination certificate for the vet’s reference. Cherry Valley Town Barn. (607) 547-4230. LAKEFRONT CONCERT 6:30 p.m. “Hop City Hellcats.” Unique brand of Americana and outlaw country. Held at the historic Bandstand, Lake Front Park, Cooperstown. Visit facebook.com/CooperstownLakefront/