County Representatives Discuss Electrification and Sprinklers, COVID and Foreclosures
By KRISTIAN CONNOLLY
OTSEGO COUNTY
It’s a curious feature of Otsego County government that the monitor which displays voting results on matters before the Board of Representatives is set up so that every member is already listed as a “Yay” before a vote is even called on any particular issue.
In that sense, it came as no surprise that a raft of resolutions bundled into the consent agenda—as well as one resolution edited in order to fix a typo, and an added resolution following an executive session—were all unanimously approved by board members at their regular meeting on September 4 in the Otsego County Board Chambers.
With all votes taking place without public discussion, most of the board’s conversation during the monthly meeting took place amid the reports given by the chairs of various board committees.
The September meeting started with SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle and Otsego Now Chief Executive Officer Jody Zakresvky each making presentations to the board, with both leaders speaking about their entity’s relationship with Otsego County government; the role that their institution or organization fills in the county; projects that each has underway or on the horizon that will be to the benefit of the county; and the various challenges each entity faces—particularly in recruitment and retention of staff.
Following the presentations and committee reports, the board’s consent agenda contained a host of resolutions asking to approve committee decisions on department requests concerning everything from the construction of tiny homes for the unhoused to creating or abolishing county staff positions, to software, technology, or equipment purchases.
The lone resolution that substantially differed from the rest came out of the Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Daniel Wilber. Resolution 301, as proposed, said the county board was “opposing updates to the New York State uniform fire prevention and building code requiring automatic fire sprinkler systems in all new residential construction and to the state energy conservation construction code prohibiting fossil fuel equipment and building systems in all new construction.”
A 2023 report from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services noted that “sprinkler systems rapidly apply water to a fire during its initial phase, when it is smallest, far sooner than a responding fire department, reducing fire and smoke damage, providing residents extra time to escape, and reducing the risk to firefighters.”
Meanwhile, according to the New York-based nonprofit organization Urban Green Council, the fossil fuel measures proposed by the state are to “require zero-emissions new construc-
Continued on page 8
A Celebration of Life and Fond Farewall COOPERSTOWN—Hundreds of people gathered in the Cooperstown Central School auditorium on Saturday, September 7 to pay their respects, share remembrances, have a laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear or two as longtime influential community figure and CCS educator, coach, and athletics Hall of Fame member Don Howard was celebrated posthumously. Howard passed away in early June at the age of 82. In a career at CCS that spanned more than three decades, Howard taught history and psychology and was a longtime coach of both boys JV basketball and boys varsity track and field. After 49 years living in Cooperstown, he and his wife of 44 years, Doris, shown above, split time between the Adirondacks and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina later in Howard’s life. The memorial service featured four speakers, each invited by Howard’s family as a representative of a group (or groups) of people who were integral in his life. The quartet featured Howard’s daughter, Kelly Howard Kerner, on behalf of the family; Frank Miosek, as a teaching and coaching colleague, fellow golfer, and neighbor; CCS alum Wayne Miller, as a student and athlete; and CCS alum Joe Kennedy, as an athlete and track and field coach. “I look around today, and I see in the audience the people he loved, and cared about,” said Kerner, who spoke first. “From family, to friends, to childhood friends, his golfing buddies, coworkers, and so many former students and athletes. I know he’s looking down today, and he is grinning from ear to ear. He is loving this.”
Eagle Scout Project Helps Retire Old American Flags
By MONICA CALZOLARI
ONEONTA
Benjamin Casola, age 17, decided at age 12 that when he became an Eagle Scout, he wanted to educate others about the importance of retiring old American flags properly.
►25 for 25: city of oneonta’s goal, page 5
►morris welcomes sfcu on main street, page 6
►prep underway for coop dinner, page 9
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otego graveyard at night, page 12
“I got the inspiration because when I was 12 years old, I saw a temporary box on Main Street [in Oneonta] for flag collection,” he said. “It was only there a week, but it gave me the idea for my Eagle Scout project.”
Casola joined the Cub Scouts in first grade when he attended Valleyview Elementary School. He became a Boy Scout in the fifth grade when he entered Oneonta Middle School.
He graduated from Oneonta High School in May 2024 and is now a
freshman at SUNY Cobleskill majoring in wildlife management.
Along the way, Casola earned 36 merit badges.
“Eagle Scout is the highest rank you can achieve in the Boy Scouts,” he explained.
He added, “The whole point of the Eagle Scout project is building leadership skills.”
Casola spent hours planning the project, writing it up and applying for permission to build six indoor boxes distributed throughout Oneonta. He wanted to educate people, young and old, how to properly retire an American flag.
Every spring since he was 12, Casola and his troop of Boy Scouts helped the American Legion and older veterans
Continued on page 6
Photo provided
Photo by Ryan Pereira
Eagle Scout Benjamin Casola stands beside one of the boxes he had built to encourage retirement of old American flags. This one is in the Town of Oneonta Town Hall.
Winners of Foundation’s Annual Beautification Contest Announced
COOPERSTOWN
Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation, announced the winners of the 2024 Clark Foundation Cooperstown Beautification Contest last week.
Held annually since 1954, the competition judges Village of Cooperstown residential and business properties on their horticultural beautification efforts in three categories: Most Attractive Floral Display in a Business Setting, Most Effective Overall Planting Which Enhances a Residential Property, As Seen from the Street, and Most Appropriate Residential or Business Window Box or Boxes and/or Hanging Basket or Baskets.
There is a $1,000.00 award for first place; $750.00 for second place; $500.00 for third place; and $400.00 for honorable mention in each category.
“Over 65 years ago, my grandmother, Susan Vanderpoel Clark, founded the Cooperstown Beautification Contest to recognize the tremendous time and effort so many of our residents take to make our village look welcoming and beautiful,” Jane Forbes Clark said.
“She would be so happy that this wonderful tradition continues to make our Village even more special,” Clark added.
This year’s Beautifica-
tion Contest judge was Deirdre S. Hickey, who holds a bachelor’s in technology in plant science from SUNY Cobleskill and a master’s degree in plant systems and education from Cornell University. Hickey has been in the green industry approximately 43 years. Her experience in the industry varies from landscape design and landscape maintenance to floral design and management. Her current employment is with SUNY Cobleskill as an instructor with the Plant Science Department.
This year’s award winners are:
Category I: Most Attractive Floral Display in a Business Setting First: Pioneer Sports
Cards, Mark Wolpert, 106 Main Street
Judge’s Comments: Floral colors worked well with the business theme. Most impressive to me was the “invisible” support for the vines! All plants looked healthy and maintained.
Second: Norbu, Kunsang Tsering Gurung and Nawang Tsering Gurung, 149 Main Street
Judge’s Comments: Potted plants added so much to the alleyway leading one to the door of the establishment. Plants were maintained, healthy and a lovely surprise.
Third: Metro Cleaners, Helmut Michelitsch, 115 Main Street
Judge’s Comments: Fantastic floral display! Healthy plants, colors
well chosen, melding beautifully, extended to the pots on the sidewalk. Ferns were glorious and worked well as a focal point in the window boxes for me. Colors chosen worked well with the building. Appreciated the use of the hydrangea in the center of the large containers.
Category I: Honorable Mention
First: Cooperstown Classics, Todd and Jennifer Howard
Second: Hubbell’s Real Estate, Glenn Hubbell and JoAnne Hubbell, 157 Main Street
Third: Charlie & Cooper, Joan Clark, 88 Main Street
Category II: Most Effective Overall Planting Which Enhances
a Residential Property, As Seen from the Street.
First: Martin and Margaret Tillapaugh, 24 Pioneer Street
Judge’s Comments: Great combinations, impressive gardens, lovely classic feel to presentation. Front pots are healthy— not a fan of pink—but this worked well! Side gated garden was lovely!
Second: Charles and Ursula Hage, 73 Pioneer Street
Judge’s Comments: All the spaces work well together for a lovely cottage garden—from the rudbeckia at the sidewalk to the pennisetum at the door planter. Hydrangeas are a must for this kind of garden and it’s beautiful!
Third: Carol Taylor, 1 Westridge Road
Judge’s Comments: Lovely plantings—understated and calming. Leaf color and texture put to good use!
Category II: Honorable Mention
First: Dr. & Mrs.
Clarification
William and Karen Streck, 4 Lakeview Drive North
Second: Richard and Pamela Scurry (Pamela), 28 Lake Street
Third: Anita Meyers, 82 Grove Street
Category III: Most Appropriate Residential or Business Window Box or Boxes and/or Hanging Basket or Baskets
First: Brian and Kathleen Clancy, 19 Leatherstocking Street
Judge’s Comments: Wow! Bridal veil in perfect bloom in two separate hanging baskets! Impatiens in window boxes were well cared for, all worked well with house color.
Second: Richard and Barbara Havlik, 94 Fair Street
Judge’s Comments: Window boxes to the third floor of the house! Colorful, looks well maintained and look good in pictures. Not easy to do.
Third: Penney Gentile,
Continued on page 11
ONEONTA--Bruce Downie, building committee chairman for Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County, pointed out that the article on page A-3 “A Grim Reminder” [issue of September 5, 2024] incorrectly listed the owner of 18 Richards Avene in Oneonta. While the property was formerly owend by CJMDF Enterprises, Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County recently purchased the property and hired Tweedy Construction Company of Walton to remove and properly dispose of the hazardous debris. “The lot will eventually be used to construct a single-family residence for one of our partner families. There will be an open application period from September 23 to October 14, 2024 for low income families to apply. Visit our website for an information on to apply: // habitatotsego.org/homeowner-application/”
Photo provided
Beautification Contest judge Deirdre S. Hickey said of the display at Pioneer Sports Cards: “Floral colors worked well with the business theme. Most impressive to me was the ‘invisible’ support for the vines! All plants looked healthy and maintained.”
Otsego County Workforce Challenges Are Daunting for Both Public, Private Sectors
By KRISTIAN CONNOLLY
OTSEGO COUNTY
The common thread running all the way through the Otsego County Board’s meeting on September 4 was the subject of workforce recruitment and retention, and the challenges that both private enterprises and the county itself have been trying to overcome in filling vital roles in the community.
At the outset of the meeting, the board heard wide-ranging presentations from both SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle and Otsego Now Chief Executive Officer Jody Zakresvky. Both leaders spoke about the various challenges each entity faces—particularly in recruitment and retention of staff.
Cardelle spoke about SUNY Oneonta’s Extended and Community Learning (ExCL) Center, which he termed the “workforce development arm of the college.”
Said Cardelle, “We have decided that the mission of workforce development, where that means providing opportunities for those that want more than just a college education but maybe entry-level positions, that’s a role that we have to play.”
Cardelle then spoke about a recent $1 million grant to help train individuals who will work as direct support professionals for students with cognitive disabilities in institutions such as Springbrook, Pathfinder Village and The ARC Otsego. Students get 18 credits toward a university degree, it’s free, they get paid while doing it, and they get a bump in pay.
“Not only does it improve the services at those institutions, it’s a good retention strategy, to try to keep individuals in those positions,” said Cardelle. “As we all know, those are hard areas to recruit.”
Cardelle also cited SUNY Oneonta’s Bassett Cares program, which provides a “greater and greater push for our students to get recruited into Bassett. Across the board, not only in clinical sciences, but everything from financing, food service, etc.”
More broadly, Cardelle told the board about how SUNY Oneonta is trying to find solutions that serve both the university and the Otsego County community.
“We continue to work in trying to identify areas and ways that we can not only benefit some of the work and mission of the university, but also the
county,” said Cardelle. “One of the ways we’re doing that is trying to solve some of our own workforce challenges.
“We want to be able to provide opportunities for individuals, we want our students particularly to know the benefits of staying [in Otsego County] and working.”
Later in the week, County Board Chair Edwin Frazier Jr. said via e-mail that he’s been meeting regularly with Cardelle to see how more students can be integrated into county government.
“If we get them employed here while they are students, will they be more likely to stay here after graduation?” wondered Frazier.
“Will the ‘networks’ that they develop here enable them to become employed and add to our community with their special talents? We are working on adding internships in multiple county departments and also considering approaching third- and fourth-year students to see how we may be able to entice them to consider local full-time employment in Otsego County after graduation.
“I like President Cardelle’s intentional method of purposely hiring some of their own recent grads. They don’t necessarily stay with the college, but most stay in Otsego County,” Frazier wrote.
Otsego Now’s Zakrevsky followed Cardelle in presenting to the board, providing an update on the many economic and community development projects underway or hoped for in the future. Zakrevsky addressed the staffing challenges his organization faces as they seek to accomplish their goals in the county.
In identifying Otsego Now’s “weak spots,” Zakrevsky was clear.
“We have too many projects, and not enough staff. That’s really our major weak spot. … We have a staff of two and a half people, so that really taxes us.”
Zakrevsky specifically noted that Otsego Now is looking to add both an economic development director and a marketing director.
In discussing the ways that Otsego Now is hoping to improve its ability to be more effective in its work, and to attract and retain staff, Zakrevsky first noted that “our salaries are not competitive, to be perfectly blunt,” and that “we’re looking at retirement systems, additional health care. … I’ll be turning to [the county] for some [help in that effort].”
Zakrevsky’s final
assessment for the board was also clear.
“We need to bring young people in to grow our agency, and to have a future,” said Zakrevsky. “We’ve gotten over the hump of financial stability. You don’t want someone who’s got retirement benefits from another job, that’s got healthcare coverage from another job, because all you’re going to end up with is an old person. We want to bring in younger people to run this agency.”
During the regularbusiness portion of the meeting, the subject of staffing challenges, recruitment, and retention was mentioned by multiple representatives and the county administrator during their individual reports to the board.
In Rep. Adrienne Martini’s update from the Health Services Committee, she said, “Staffing remains a problem at community services and addiction recovery services. Hopefully some of the programs that President Cardelle mentioned will help us fill some of the gaps.”
Later in the week, Martini added via e-mail: “DSS, CSS and ARS all have staffing challenges. On a country-wide scale, we need more folks in professions like social work; on a local level, we need to figure out how to attract and retain them.”
Rep. Margaret Kennedy’s Administration Committee report noted that some of the work the committee did in August was to “create, fund,
and fill a number positions, and also abolish a number of positions so that the spending will be at maximum efficiency to meet the needs of [the Department of Social Services.]”
Kennedy later added: “We did get a staff update [from Community Services] with plus on a couple of new hires, and then others who are leaving, so hopefully we can stabilize and attract some new talent in that department.”
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, County Administrator Steve Wilson noted that unemployment in Otsego County—“not just [county government] but unemployment in general”—is up to 4.4 percent, placing Otsego County as the 39th-lowest unemployment rate of all 57 counties in the state.
With regard to the county government, Wilson said that “since January, we have hired about 110 people, but close to 80 have left. Not from those 110, but other positions. And we’re basically net about 20 positions up, continuing our slow effort to build up our workforce.”
Wilson then put his finger right on the main issue with the county and staffing shortages, saying, “I think we’re roughly at about 85 percent of our budgeted workforce. That, of course, has an obvious impact on the services we can deliver.”
Frazier summed up the situation via e-mail after the meeting: “The county has had significant
New Shop Glimmers on Chestnut Street
By BILL WALLER
COOPERSTOWN
The Last Firefly celebrated its grand opening on Friday, August 30 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and store owner Marla Russo. Mayor Tillapaugh welcomed another new business to the village and wished Russo much success.
The Last Firefly is an eclectic shop owned by artist and collector Russo, featuring a unique collection of jewelry, items of an unusual nature and even some baseball memorabilia. From canes to ceramic bird’s nests, The Last Firefly is a carriage house crammed full, just waiting to be explored.
Located at 39 Chestnut Street, next door to Don Olin Realty, The Last Firefly is the totality of Marla Russo’s trousseau of hand-made jewelry, unique collector’s finds and even custom artwork.
Russo began her collecting in New Jersey and,
Photo by Bill Waller
The Last Firefly opened on August 30 next door to Don Olin Realty on Chestnut Street.
Photo by Bill Waller
Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh joins Marla Russo for the ribbon cutting at The Last Firefly.
Perspectives
EDITORIAL
Otsego Stars Continue To Shine
Not long ago, we introduced our readers to some of Otsego County’s stars and shined a light on their accomplishments. This week, we do more of the same.
Let’s start with one of our own. Libby Cudmore, former Iron String Press managing editor, has just released a new book. “Negative Girl” is a continuation of Cudmore’s series in “Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine,” “Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine” and “Tough.”
It follows rock star-turned private investigator Martin Wade and his assistant, Valerie Jacks, as they try to solve the mysterious death of the daughter of Martin’s former bandmate. Cudmore is the 2018 recipient of the Oregon Writer’s Colony prize, the 2023 Shamus award for best PI short story, and the 2023 Black Orchid Novella award. In addition to her fiction writing, Cudmore is the current co-host of two podcasts, “OST Party” and “Misbehavin’,” teaches short fiction through The Writer’s Circle and works as a staff writer at Hartwick College. Those who pick the paper up early on newsstands can catch her at Roots Public Social Club in Oneonta this Wednesday, September 11, where she will read from “Negative Girl” and sign copies. You go, girl!
In this week’s issue, we meet 17-year-old Benjamin Casola, a 2024 graduate of Oneonta High School, whose Eagle Scout project educates others on the proper retirement of “Old Glory.” Throughout his public school days, Casola, now a freshman at SUNY Cobleskill, has dedicated himself to efforts which honor veterans and respect the flag. There are now six receptacles located in the city and town of Oneonta designed to collect old flags and teach folks how they should be properly retired. Nicely done, Benjamin.
Who owns the number one cidery in the country, according to “USA Today”? Why Bill Michaels, of course! The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard has been awarded the title of Best Cidery in the United States after a four-week voting period during which readers of “USA Today” chose their favorites in categories related to travel, entertainment and lifestyle. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff, who ensure every visitor has an exceptional experience,” Michaels said in a recent media release. “We are deeply grateful to our loyal fans and visitors who supported us with their votes.” The fresh-pressing season at the mill begins on Wednesday, September 11 with the arrival of the apple harvest. Let’s all raise a glass to Bill and his team.
Not even in business a full year, Mount Vision’s own Segina & Associates LLC is already earning accolades. Chief Executive Officer and founder Mark Segina formed the company in November 2023 with the stated purpose of “building the scientific and engineering team needed to develop the novel technology that’s needed to accelerate the clean energy transition in the United States.” According to the website, their research extends to sensors and data collection solutions for enhanced geothermal systems, closed loop geothermal, machine learning/algorithmic decision making tools, and bioenergy/biofuels using the by-products and waste from timber and agriculture sectors. Segina and crew are among nine winners for the first phase of the StatVentures Address Geolocation Challenge, the U.S. Census Bureau announced last week. The competition is designed to revolutionize the way addresses are geolocated in remote and rural areas across the United States. The nine Phase 1 winners were selected for “their exceptional concepts, and their unique approaches” to the problem at hand. Phase 2 kicks off in late September. Congrats, and fingers crossed!
Congratulations as well to the Otsego County Conservation Association, which has recently been awarded $144,500.00 via the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program. The monies are earmarked to “advance cross-watershed collaboration, assessments and future restoration efforts in Otsego County, New York.” OCCA’s project will create a culvert assessment community science team, expand stream water quality monitoring teams, form a lake water quality monitoring team, support capacity-building efforts for participating organizations, and collect valuable data and site-specific information that will support future habitat restoration projects in the county. OCCA’s grant is especially timely, as the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District has been working to reform the county’s Water Quality Coordinating Committee, which has been on hiatus for a few years now. Kudos to OCCA and other Otsego County organizations as well, for their continued efforts toward water quality improvements, habitat restoration and community stewardship.
There are shining stars in every Otsego County community who deserve recognition, whether it be for an award they won, a grant they secured, a project that benefits the public good or simply a good deed on behalf of others. Unfortunately, we can’t list them all here but, more than likely, you know one or two of them yourself. Next time you see them, we hope you’ll say thanks for a job well done.
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.
Publisher / Advertising Director Tara Barnwell General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs
Staff Writer: Kristian Connolly Office Manager: Larissa Ryan
Terry
County Residents Save Big Bucks Thanks to Robust Visitor Economy
While Otsego County residents may feel a bit of the summer squeeze in grocery store aisles or a slight slowdown on the roads, there’s one big upside that’s easy to miss: fewer zeros on your tax bill. A fresh tourism impact report commissioned by I Love New York reveals a simple truth: Without the $352 million spent by visitors in Otsego County in 2023, every local household would be on the hook for an extra $1,835.00 in taxes just to keep local services humming. It turns out, all those out-of-town adventurers snapping photos, eating out and hitting up the local shops are doing more than enjoying the scenery—they’re playing a major role in shielding Otsego County’s wallets. This isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a game-changer. As the region continues to see a rise in tourism dollars since the pre-pandemic days of 2019, it’s clear that the economic impact is more than just a boon—it’s a buffer against big tax bills.
The data is in, and it’s telling us something loud and clear: Tourism isn’t just flourishing in Central New York, it’s fueling Otsego County’s growth and resilience. Thanks to Destination Marketing Corporation’s datadriven approach to marketing, they’re not just guessing where to direct the county’s tourism marketing dollars— they’re making informed decisions about which markets and audiences hold the most potential. This strategy has been a key driver of the impressive increase in visitor spending, keeping Otsego County’s momentum strong. Tourism is more than just a number on a report; it’s about creating a vibrant community, fostering opportunities, and paving the way for a prosperous future. With Otsego County already known far and wide for its baseball heritage and natural beauty, we remain committed to amplifying our appeal as a top destination in New York State. Our ongoing investments in marketing, infrastructure, and beyond ensure that while tourists make memories, our residents enjoy a higher quality of life and economic stability.
Key findings from the Tourism Impact Report:
• A Big Bump in Visitor Spending: An increase of 180 percent in visitor spending from pre-pandemic levels in 2023, including a 10 percent jump from the previous year.
• Tax Relief Thanks to Tourists: Without the influx of state and local taxes from tourism, every household would face an additional $1,835.00 tax burden to maintain current government services.
• Regional Economic Boost: Central New York raked in a whopping $5 billion in direct tourism spending in 2023.
• Local Spending Snapshot: Visitors in Otsego County spent $389 million, with $194 million going to lodging and second homes, $117 million on food and beverage, $54 million at retail and service stations, and $19 million on recreation.
• Supporting Local Jobs: Tourism directly supported
Continued on page 6
Gun Laws Should Be Sane, Sensible
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Web Architect Xander Moffat Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Legal Counsel Jill Ann Poulson
Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Interm: Arya Patel Editorial Board Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs
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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
My company makes marksmanship training simulators for the military. We use military weapons, all of which are variants of the AR 15, as the simulation controller, so that the Marine or soldier can use their service weapon in the simulation. The rifles are machine guns capable of firing up to 800 rounds per minute. To develop the simulations at our offices in Texas and North Carolina, we use the HK 416 for the Marines and the Sig MCX for the Army. What they can do to a human body you don’t want to know— which is why there are no open caskets after a school shooting.
I see very little rationale for the use of such firearms by civilians, unless the owner is a member of the National Guard or a licensed security guard, etc. If civilian ownership of AR 15s is not simply banned outright at the state or federal level, the ownership of such high ammo-capacity semi-auto rifles should require the posting of a surety bond by the owner, a regular proficiency test of their use for the owner, and civil and criminal liability for
everyone in the firearm’s chain of custody, including parents. No more pearl-clutching “thoughts and prayers.” Sane, sensible gun laws. Vote accordingly. Somewhere, some time, some school child will be glad you did.
Chip Northrup Cooperstown
More Support for Heroes Banners
The Pugliese family would like to extend our support to the Hometown Heroes project. With two generations and five servicemen in our family hailing from Cooperstown, we’d love the opportunity to see these men and their military service celebrated with a Heroes’ banner. Given all of the regular challenges Cooperstownians deal with living in a town dedicated to tourism, the Hometown Heroes banners seems like an ideal opportunity for the town to give back to those of us who have chosen to call Cooperstown home and their family members willing to lay down their lives for it.
Lennie Pugliese Olsen Cooperstown
Legislation Bad for Small Retail
The National Federation of Independent Business has been, and continues to be, the loudest and strongest voice for small businesses across New York, including small retailers. Unfortunately, this legislation [an amended version of the Retail Worker Safety Act signed into law by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul] will have an outsized and onerous impact on small retailers who have not only faced severe financial headwinds, but unpredictable consumer spending and rampant retail theft. Main Street retailers do not have teams of lawyers, human resource personnel, or dedicated compliance staff, unlike their big box competitors, to keep up with the unending regulations from Albany. New York State government is responsible for public safety, not small business owners. Make no mistake, small businesses will feel the impact of this bill while large, big box retail will be just fine.
Ashley Ranslow Director, NFIB, New York State
Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
210 YEARS AGO
Song—I asked my fair one happy day—What should I call her in my lay? By what sweet name from Rome or Greece? Iphigenia, Clelia, Chloris, Laura, Lesbia, Delia, Doris, Dorimene or Lucrece? Ah! Replied my gentle fair, Beloved, what are names but air? Take thou whate’er suits the line, Clelia, Iphigenia, Chloris, Laura, Lesbia, Delia, Doris, But don’t forget to call me thine.
September 14, 1814
135 YEARS AGO
Post Office Matters—The office of Postmaster at Cooperstown is not as lucrative as most people suppose. If not robbed during the year the Postmaster may get about a $1,000 net for his services—but he must not attempt to do a credit business. The salary is $1,700; allowance for Clerk only $300; for rent, fuel and lights (since October last) $285—total $2,285. He pays for Clerk-hire $900; rent $225; fuel and lights about $85; political assessments say $75—total $2,185. The people are not demanding one-cent letter postage, but they do demand better accommodations. Cooperstown needs and should have a larger post office—$285 will aid somewhat, but it is not enough. The work now imposed upon the Postmaster at offices like Cooperstown is double what it was before money order and registered letter systems were established.
September 13, 1889
110 YEARS AGO
The lawn fete held last Wednesday at Fernleigh, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Clark, was a success indeed, as over a thousand dollars will be turned over to the Red Cross Society by the committee. Everyone in Cooperstown responded generously. There was scarcely a shop that did not give a donation. Bronner donated his orchestra, Miss Huestis drew silhouettes throughout the afternoon, and talent abounded in the vaudeville show. About five o’clock, a terrific windstorm arose driving some home and others for shelter to Fernleigh house where the vaudeville show under the organization of Miss Constable was repeated.
September 9, 1914
85 YEARS AGO
Plans are perfected for a get-together of leaders of the Young Republican clubs which will be held at the Leatherstocking Farm of W.T. Sampson Smith, county president on Sunday. All officers and leaders of the score or more of clubs of Otsego County have been invited to attend. Contrary to notices already mailed, the event will be held at the airport on the farm, and not at the Boat House on the lake. This change was found necessary to provide space for the softball and horseshoe pitching tournaments. The Airport, which will be plainly marked, is reached from the Pierstown Road after it branches from the Lake Road. The picnic supper will be served in the hangar.
60 YEARS AGO
September 13, 1939
The Farmers’ Museum entertained 37,163 visitors during August to set a new one-month record. Its old mark of 36,683 for a single month was established during August 1962. During the first eight months of this year The Farmers’ Museum has attracted 94,272 visitors.
September 9, 1964
20 YEARS AGO
Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for both mother and baby. Breast milk is the perfect nutritional food for babies throughout their first year of life since it has all the ideal ingredients in the correct amounts. Mothers recover from childbirth faster, return to pre-pregnant weight earlier, and lower the risk for certain cancers. Infants that breastfeed, suffer less from allergies, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and diarrhea.
September 10, 2004
As the Seasons Change, So Can We All
Soon the hills will be resplendent in a blaze of vivid colors. On some, the earliest harbingers of autumn, the leaves have already begun to turn and detach from limbs and branches to begin their spiral downward.
In this “even” year, the landscape is dotted not just by splashes of crimson and gold, but by red and blue. These are the other signs of the times. Lawn signs and billboards.
Like the stems of leaves, the moorings of politicians and their supporters grow increasingly tenuous as the days wear on. Detachment and a downward spiral follow.
Facts become elusive. Positivity withers and negativity reigns.
It has already begun.
But unlike the trees that surround us, we are not forced by the season to stop the conversion of sunlight into energy and new growth. And so, in Oneonta we are beginning a campaign of positivity, education and community collaboration. We are calling it the “Campaign for 25.”
It’s a call to our citizenry to make Oneonta a better place by working together to address these 25 goals:
1. Celebrate and promote our diversity.
2. Support and care for our veterans.
3. Increase housing opportunity for all.
4. Engage our college population in our city’s planning and success.
5. Commit to respectful, fact-based dialogue.
6. Grow our economy and create new opportunities and support for entrepreneurs.
By MERL REAGLE
7. Make Oneonta an engaging and entertaining destination for tourists and residents.
8. Empathically but realistically address the issue of homelessness.
9. Implement a parking strategy that enables convenient connection to Main Street.
10. Dedicate ourselves to collaboration for common cause.
11. Be welcoming of new neighbors and embrace those who choose to live here.
12. Step up to become stewards of our neighborhoods.
13. When confronted by division, be uniting.
14. Become accepting and supportive of those with mental health issues.
15. Embrace the potential of our graduates as the new generation of Oneonta’s leadership.
16. Support a strong, vital and growing smallbusiness sector.
17. Encourage childcare options to support the needs of young families.
18. Prioritize the environment and sustainability.
19. Understand how our history can inform the best decisions for our future.
20. Encourage visual and performing artists to embrace the potential of Oneonta.
21. Ensure the safety of all by seizing opportunities to assist in that security.
22. Expand youth activities and support those who seek to provide them.
23. Promote healthy opportunities and increase
Continued on page 11
When You’re Hot, You’re Hot…
Energy Demystified: Thermal Energy, a Hotbed of Activity
Every Sunday afternoon during the COVID-19 lockdowns, my husband and I met up with our neighbors, Beth and Charlie, for drinks in their back yard. We set up lawn chairs six feet apart and talked about anything and everything in the humid Maryland heat. The tradition continued through the freezing winter, as we donned extra layers of clothing and grasped steaming mugs of wassail and hot toddies. The next year, as sweat again slipped down our necks and condensation off our beers, we made a plan to check an item off Charlie’s bucket list: to go sailing in Greece in August 2024.
Thermal energy was absolutely not on my mind when we made these plans.
In 95-degree temperatures and through Google-issued heat warnings, our sailboat heaved to and fro across the Aegean Sea. On more than one occasion, so did my lunch. We made it back safely and had a marvelous time together, but I learned three things: a) how much I love Greece’s language, history, and food; b) how little our word “nausea” has changed from the original Greek word “nausía” (ναυσία, seasickness); and c) how quickly heat rash and heat exhaustion take the wind out of my sails. Despite how poorly I reacted to both motion and heat, I am still fascinated by how both motion and heat are so intricately connected to thermal energy.
In the world of thermal physics, energy takes on multiple names. Each plays a role in shaping the behavior of matter, and each helps describe specific physical situations. Physicists still argue over naming conventions, but the main players are internal energy (U), work (W), heat (Q), Gibbs free energy (G), Helmholtz free energy (F), enthalpy (H), and calories (kcal). Temperature itself is proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a system, an energy of motion also measured in Joules.
These names, symbols, formulas, and applications may differ, but underneath it all, from a dimensional perspective, they all stem from the same physical quantity: energy. That is, they can all be measured in units of Joules, just like the other flavors of energy we’ve studied this year. Knowing this can help you sort the multilingual alphabet soup that is physics.
Given that Greece, motion, and heat have been so very interconnected for me this summer, let’s nail down these concepts using analogies from Greek mythology. We’ll concentrate on just the first three concepts here, although I hope you’ll explore the others if you like this particular form of energy.
First, internal energy (U) is the sum of all forms of microscopic energy in a system. It includes all the kinetic energy (the motions, rotations, and vibrations) of tiny particles and all the potential energy of those particles interacting with each other. Think of Pandora’s box (in the original myth, it’s a jar, not a box!) rollicking with buzzing, sparking, invisible particles of evil and mischief inside. “Thermal energy” is a term often used interchangeably with internal energy, but generally, it’s the energy that comes from random molecular motion. We can’t ever know the total internal energy exactly, but we can study what happens when there’s a change in the system.
When Pandora opened the jar—changed the state of the system—the evil emerged, changing the state of the world. The jar still contained hope, however, a gift to Pandora from the gods. When it comes to internal energy, we can’t ever measure what’s in that jar exactly before or after Pandora opens it, just as we can’t measure evil or hope, but we can definitely understand what changes.
We’ve already talked about kinetic and potential energies this year in our “Energy Demystified” series, along with work (W), but work is so important in thermal physics that it deserves its own analogy. I like to think of work as Hephaestus—god of fire, volcanoes, metalworking, and craftsmanship—banging around his forge, swearing, and sweating. Just as Hephaestus uses his hammer and anvil to forge weapons for the gods, work in thermal physics is the energy transferred when we apply force to move objects or change states.
Hephaestus can do work on a system, like hammering on a glowing-hot sword, applying an outside force to shape it, just as external pressure does work on a gas, compressing it and
changing its volume. In both cases, energy is transferred from the outside—the hammer or the pressure—into the system, transforming the state of the sword. This kind of work shows up as a positive quantity in thermal physics equations.
Alternatively, work can be done by a system; think of Achilles using this finished sword to ruthlessly skewer enemies. In this case, the sword (the system) is doing work on its surroundings, converting its stored potential energy into mechanical work. Just as a gas (like steam) expands and pushes against a piston, doing work on its environment, so too does the sword apply force over a distance, transforming its potential into action. This shows up as a negative quantity in equations, as we’ll see in a moment.
Heat energy (Q), finally, can be envisioned as the warm hearth fire tended by Hestia, the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and sacred and sacrificial fires (also pigs). In this other kind of forge, heat is the energy transferred because of a temperature difference, and it flows naturally from hotter to cooler objects, just as Hestia’s fire spreads warmth throughout her kitchen on Mount Olympus.
Hestia’s cooking is all about this flow: She adds heat to her pots and pans, transforming raw ingredients into meals, just as heat is added to a system to raise its temperature or cause a phase change. When she removes a pot from the fire, the heat leaves the system, and the contents cool down, just as heat can be subtracted from a system, lowering its total internal energy state.
This flow of heat energy, Q, into or out of a system, is one of the central ideas in the First Law of Thermodynamics, which essentially states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Picture Hestia adding heat to the system, a pot of water: as she stokes the flames under the stew pot, the total internal energy of the system increases, either raising the temperature of the contents or causing a change in state (the water boils, starts steaming). In turn, the steam pushes against the lid of the stew pot, creating work done by the system (a negative quantity, like waving around a sword): The steam starts escaping from underneath the lid. The mathematical expression of this is the equation for the First Law of Thermodynamics:
dU = δQ − δW,
which means “a tiny change in the internal energy equals a different kind of tiny change in heat minus a tiny change in work done by a system on its surroundings.” If Hestia removes the pot from the flames, energy flows out of the system as heat is transferred from the hot pot to the cooler air.
Alternatively, what if Hestia decides, unwisely, to do work on the system—like Hephaestus hammering on the sword—by forcing the lid down tightly on the pot, even as the temperature inside the pot increases? In this case, she is doing work on the pot of water, driving up the internal energy to a dangerous degree. The volume of the pot remains the same, but since the temperature is going up, pressure must also go up. This is the essence of the pressure cooker. When work is done on the system, our internal energy equation becomes
dU = δQ + δW, and Hestia should really reconsider her cooking methods.
There’s so much more to thermal physics— “thermal” itself comes from the Greek adjective “thermós” (θερμός), meaning hot or warm—so the next time you sip a hot or cold drink, perhaps in the company of your neighbors, think of the godlike forces at play around you contributing to the experience. If you travel, prepare for unexpected thermal shifts; climate change is, unfortunately, not a myth. Just as we were leaving Athens, in fact, a major wildfire moving at lightning speed broke out to the northeast, the worst Greece has seen this year.
As our world’s internal energy increases, be ready to confront, understand, and embrace the science of thermal energy. The laws of thermodynamics aren’t going anywhere, so as things heat up, let us be the change that brings equilibrium to our system.
Jamie Zvirzdin researches cosmic rays with the Telescope Array Project, teaches science writing at Johns Hopkins University and is the author of “Subatomic Writing.”
SFCU Opens Service Location in Morris
SIDNEY
Sidney Federal Credit Union announced on Tuesday, September 10 that it is opening a Member Service location in Morris.
The temporary location, shared with Zrowka’s Creekside Farms, at 140 Main Street, Suite C in Morris, will give residents the opportunity to work with an SFCU member engagement officer to open accounts, open share certificates, apply for loans and enroll in online banking. Due to the nature of services provided, cash transactions will not be available.
SFCU will have representatives onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours may change based on demand.
“We’re proud to bring some financial services back to the Morris community,” said SFCU President and CEO Jim Reynolds. “The Banking Development District application with the New York State Department of Financial Services is still in progress, but that doesn’t limit us from beginning our outreach with the residents. This again shows our commitment to the community and our willingness to lend a helping hand. Special thanks goes to the Butternut Valley Alliance in helping us find this location.”
“We are pleased to see SFCU take this next step in its commitment to our community,” said Ed Lentz, chair of Butternut Valley Alliance. “It has been a pleasure working with them to ensure continued services in the valley and we have been impressed with their responsiveness to our needs. We look forward to the day when they are able to expand their services here.”
Headquartered in Sidney, SFCU is a full-service financial institution providing the tools and resources members need to make banking easy and convenient. SFCU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego, and Schoharie counties and portions of Broome, Oneida, and Herkimer counties, SFCU officials said.
More information on SFCU can be found at www. sfcuonline.org.
Scout
Continued from page 1
place American flags on every grave of every veteran in all three cemeteries in Oneonta.
Every fall, he and his troop members assisted the American Legion in collecting the weathered flags and burning them in a ceremony to honor and respect the service these veterans gave to their country.
Casola wrote letters and asked for donations to cover the costs of building and painting six boxes red, white, and blue. He received $600.00 in cash donations and approximately $400.00 in material donations from Munson’s Hardware and Building Supplies and Pickett Building Materials.
His father, Paul Casola, is the troop’s scout master.
“My dad has been my mentor ever since I became a Cub Scout in the first grade,” he added.
Paul Casola is a social studies teacher at Oneonta Middle School teaching seventh- and eighth-graders.
To teach young people respect for the American flag, Benjamin Casola decided to place the six boxes strategically in six central locations, all indoors:
• Valleyview Elementary School
• Riverside Elementary School
• Greater Plains Elementary School
• Oneonta Center Street
District Office
• Oneonta High School’s lobby adjacent to the Middle School
• Town Hall in the Town of Oneonta Casola’s troop built and painted the boxes as a team effort.
“The hardest part of the project was not doing the work myself. I had to rely
Economy
Continued from page 4
$135 million in labor income in Otsego County, accounting for 11 percent of the eightcounty Central New York region’s tourismrelated earnings.
As Otsego County continues to thrive thanks to a robust tourism economy, it’s clear that the benefits extend far beyond the scenic views and memorable experiences. The influx of visitor spending not only bolsters local businesses and creates jobs, but also serves as a crucial financial shield for residents, sparing them from significant tax increases. By investing in effective marketing strategies and continually enhancing the visitor experience, Otsego County is positioned to remain a vibrant and welcoming destination. This growth is not just a win for tourists—it’s a win for everyone who calls this beautiful region home. For more details on our tourism strategies and to access the full impact report, contact Ryan Geraghty. To stay updated on the latest activities, visit ThisIsCooperstown.com or WeGoOtsego.com and follow us on Facebook @ThisIsCooperstown and @We.Go.Otsego, and on Instagram @ GoCooperstown and @ We.Go.Otsego.
Cassandra Harrington is chief executive officer of Destination Marketing Corporation.
Graphic provided
NFIB: Main Street
Job Growth Stalls
ALBANY—The August jobs report from the National Federation of Independent Business found that 40 percent, seasonally adjusted, of small business owners self-reported job openings they could not fill, up two points from July. Job growth has slowed significantly in recent months, and owners now report “labor quality” as their number one operating problem. Openings were most frequent in transportation, construction, and manufacturing sectors, and lowest in agriculture and finance. State-level data has not yet been made available. NFIB is a large national lobbying and research firm. The full report is available at https://www.nfib.com/foundations/research-center/monthlyreports/jobs-report/.
New Fall Festival
Announced
FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company will host its inaugural Fly Creek Fire Company Fall Festival from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. Phat Backs and Ye Olde Bubble Tea and More will have food trucks, and there will be games, crafts, and sundaes from Stewart’s. The community will have a chance to meet volunteer firefighters, EMTs, fire police, and other company members, and to learn about safety in conjunction with the start of Fire Prevention Week. Children are welcome to check out the trucks and receive their own helmet. Locally made holiday cards will be available for purchase and the original Susan Kenyon oil painting “Winter Moon” will be raffled.
The festival will be held at the Fly Creek Firehouse, 811 County Road 26.
Historical Society
Meets Sept. 25
FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will host its next monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 at 208 Cemetery Road. Martin Tillapaugh will present a lecture on the history of burials at 6:30, followed by light refreshments and the meeting at 7:30.
History of Richfield To Be Presented
RICHFIELD SPRINGS—
The Otsego County Historical Association will offer a special Sunday program, “Richfield Springs in the Age of Elegance,” at 134 Main Street at 2 p.m. on September 15. It will feature a pictorial review of the town’s history, hotels, bathhouses and other attractions.
As always, admission to OCHA programs is free.
CCE Schedules
Fall Programming
COOPERSTOWN—Cornell
Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties announced two upcoming programs to help gardeners prepare their land for the winter. Otsego Master Gardener volunteer Kim L’Heureux will share information on cover crops and seed saving at the new demonstration garden at 123 Lake Street in Cooperstown from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 26. Free soil pH tests will also be available. The program is free and open to the public.
Dr. Amara Dunn-Silver
from Cornell’s New York State Integrated Pest Management Program will lead an extensive, interactive discussion of best wintering practices to control pests and cultivate beneficial insects from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 5. Registration is required by visiting https://cceschoharieotsego.org/ or calling (607) 5472536 ext. 235.
Shock-toberfest
Returns Oct. 26
ONEONTA—Foothills
Performing Arts and Civic Center will host the third annual Shock-toberfest from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, October 26. Three locally-made horror films will be screened, and there will be a shadow cast screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The festival will feature local craft beers and ciders, ax throwing, professional pumpkin carving, live music and theater, sideshow performers, and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://foothills.ticketleap. com/shock-toberfest-2024/.
Exhibits Highlight
Folk Art, Pictures
COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum will open “Boundless Spirit: American Folk Art,” a new exhibit highlighting the best of the museum’s distinguished collection of folk art on Saturday, September 14.
“Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustration,” will open the same day. It features original illustrations from Caldecott Medal recipients and runners-up, celebrating the best children’s book illustrators. Both exhibits run through Sunday, December 29.
True Blue Weekend Set for Sept. 20-22
ONEONTA H artwick College’s True Blue Weekend 2024 homecoming festivities will take place the weekend of September 20-22. Reunion classes, alumni, and families are invited to an array of traditional and new programming that celebrates the college. Among other events, there will be a Presidential Kick-Off Party, fireworks show, Pine Lake Fall Festival, a carnival, varsity athletics competitions and reunion gatherings. The football team will host Juniata College at 1 p.m. on Saturday and women’s soccer faces 2023 Empire 8 champion Nazareth University at 2 p.m. Volleyball plays across town in the Oneonta State Tournament all day, taking on Alfred State at noon and Marywood University at 2:30 p.m. Women’s tennis hosts Drew University in Wilber Park at 1 p.m. on Sunday. For a full calendar of events and registration information, visit https://www.hartwick. edu/alumni-and-friends/true-blue-weekend/.
Subscribe to AllOtsego.com Call (607) 547-6103 for more details.
tion to lower emissions from the buildings sector, which accounts for 32 percent of statewide greenhouse gas emissions.”
edward Dawyot, of New Lisbon, was the only member of the public to address the board at last Wednesday’s meeting, and part of Resolution 301 was on his mind.
“I’d like to compliment you on going against the governor’s brainstorm about doing away with gas in residential houses and stuff,” said Dawyot. “It’s absurd. I don’t know where they come up with these ideas. You don’t have the [electric] power in New York State.”
The full language of Resolution 301 asserted that the measures being explored by the state would result in “[having a] negative impact on taxpayers proving to be overly burdensome and make new homeownership more difficult to obtain”; would “increase the costs of new construction, burden the existing water supply, cause delays in residential construction proj-
ects, and decrease the inventory of available housing”; and “will overstress the power grid, making the power load unmanageable to handle the level of electric buildings, drive up the costs of commercial and residential construction.”
Wilber did not respond to an e-mailed follow-up question about Resolution 301, and the county’s position that such requirements placed on new construction projects—e.g., buildings that do not exist at the present time and are not part of the existing available housing inventory— would have the effect of decreasing the available housing inventory.
As part of the consent agenda, Resolution 301 passed unanimously and without discussion, along with 31 other resolutions coming out of various committees.
In other business, most committee reports were presented without discussion afterward. Of particular note from those committee updates:
– Rep. Adrienne martini spoke for the Human Services committee, and provided information on
programs and services for the unhoused, and an ongoing bill from the criminal court that the county must pay so that an individual in need of medical care will be able to stand trial.
but the topic to draw the most intra-board discussion during martini’s committee report was based on a mid-August COVID update provided to the Human Services Committee by County Director of public Health Heidi bond.
“The COVID numbers are increasing kind of alarmingly,” said martini, speaking to a room in which two of the approximately 25 people were masked. “I’m sure if you have talked to anybody you know, you already know that. There is expected to be kind of a dip, beginning of October, and then it’ll ramp right back up again. So, COVID vaccines are available, make your own choices.”
“Are we scheduling COVID now, with a dip in October and then coming back up?” asked Wilber.
“I have no idea how they come up with this stuff,” said martini, which was followed by some laughter in the room. “Suffice it to say from now until December, take your own chances. Wear a mask. Get a vaccine. Don’t [get a vaccine]. It’s up to you.”
“I was joking,” said Wilber.
“I know what I would advise, but …” finished martini.
Later in the week, martini clarified what she would advise: “my personal recommendation—which is not to be confused with the county-level recommen-
dation—is to get the new vaccine when you can and mask-up if you are medically vulnerable, feeling unwell, and/or just want to. Again: That’s just my advice and is not policy.”
Debra Lynch, the COVID coordinator for the Otsego County Department of Health, later told The Freeman’s Journal that the County recommendation hasn’t changed.
“There’s going to be a booster again offered this year,” said Lynch, who encouraged people to follow the health department’s website for updates, clinic announcements, etc. “Our guidelines are on our website. We follow the [Center for Disease Control and prevention], and that’s per the State telling us that’s how we should do it. Nothing’s changed since last season.”
While mentioning advice like “If you don’t feel well, stay home,” Lynch also noted that there is some discretion given to workplaces about how to handle COVID when it comes to areas like how long before someone can return to work.
“everyone’s supposed to have their own guidelines,” said Lynch.
– Rep. David bliss gave the report for the Solid Waste and environmental Concerns Committee, and informed everyone that county residents now “can order rain barrels and composting barrels from the planning Department for a much lower cost than is available at retail.”
– Rep. margaret Kennedy provided the Administration Committee’s report, which included that the committee approved a budget transfer from the recent federal opioid settlement in order to work with babies who have positive toxicity screens at birth.
“Those are federal monies from the settle-
ment coming into the state, into the county, and that’s one way they can be utilized,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy also informed fellow board members that the subject of “land banks” would be coming up in the near future. Otsego County currently works with the Greater mohawk Valley Land bank when the county has foreclosure property it would like to relinquish.
The near future turned out to be just minutes later, however, as once all the committee reports were complete, Kennedy’s request to open up discussion about land banks was approved by County board Chair edwin Frazier Jr.
Rep. Jill basile inquired about land bank properties in Oneonta that the city has been maintaining, and whether the city would be reimbursed by the land bank.
“I don’t know the definitive answer, but my end-of-the-day response would be that if the land bank has had work done for them, the city should invoice them for the work that was done,” said Kennedy, who serves as the chair of the board for GmVLb GmVLb information also indicates that Otsego County Administrator Steven Wilson, a former Schoharie County representative and Schoharie County Administrator, is a former GmVLb board member.
Rep. Jerry madsen wondered whether the county gives all of its foreclosed properties to the land bank.
“I don’t think all of them,” said Kennedy. “Some counties do put all their properties in the land bank, Albany County for example. One-hundred percent of their foreclosure list goes into the land bank. That isn’t how we’ve been doing it in Otsego, it’s been more of a case by case.”
After describing some of the general challenges with some properties in the county, Kennedy added, “I don’t know if we want to formulate a strategy for giving property to the land bank, but we can work on that with [land bank staff].”
Lastly, Kennedy addressed an additional question from madsen about the process for the county turning over property to the land bank.
“Traditionally we have, as a county, forgiven the outstanding taxes when a property has been deeded over to the land bank,” said Kennedy. “but the idea is that the land bank will be providing at least [the equivalent to the tax forgiveness] if they’re doing a demolition, doing a cleanup, and eventually changing the property over to be a productive and taxable piece of property.”
The September board meeting wrapped up with an executive session that included County Administrator Wilson and e911 Director Robert O’brien. Upon returning to open session, the board added and passed Resolution 302, which extended the service contract the county has with bassett Healthcare for ambulance services.
Growing Community Readies for 10th Annual Harvest Supper
COOPERSTOWN
Growing Community invites residents from around the area to bring a potluck dish and pull up a chair to the community dining table at its 10th Annual Community Harvest Supper.
The dining table will be set up on Main Street from Fair to River streets on Sunday, September 29
from 4-7 p.m. Stoddard Hollow String Band will once again be on hand to add to the festive harvest mood, and games for kids will be available on the library lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market building in Pioneer Alley, off Main Street.
The Community
LWVCA Hosts National Voter Registration Event
OTSEGO COUNTY
The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will be participating in National Voter Registration Day, a nationwide, nonpartisan effort to register hundreds of thousands of voters, on Tuesday, September 17. League members will be out in force at the locations listed below and available to assist voters who want to register or update their registration if they have moved. October 26 is the deadline to register or update voter registration in New York.
“Every eligible American deserves the chance to participate in this year’s pivotal elections,” said Hudi Podolsky, LWVCA voter services chair. “Voter registration is the first step to ensuring your voice is heard. We want to make sure every resident who wants to vote on Election Day is registered by October 26.”
National Voter Registration Day is an annual nonpartisan campaign to register hundreds of thousands of voters in communities and online. Embraced by a host of celebrities, bipartisan elected officials and organizations, NVRD leverages the collective impact of thousands of community partners, including hundreds of League of Women Voters groups, nationwide, every year.
League volunteers will be available to assist voters on September 17 with registration as well as applications for Early Vote by Mail Ballots and Absentee Ballots at the following locations:
• Price Chopper, 1 West Main Street, Richfield Springs, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Grand Union, 5 Commons Drive, Cooperstown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• SUNY Oneonta Campus Quad (rain location is Hunt Union outside Starbucks), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. League members will also register voters at the Cherry Valley Kite Festival on September 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area empowers voters through education, registration and get-out-thevote activities in every election,” said Podolsky. “We host candidate and issue forums and registration drives while also providing trusted and timely elections information on VOTE411.org. We believe our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard.”
To learn more about the LWVCA, visit www. lwvcooperstownarea.org.
Harvest Supper is BYOE—bring your own everything:
• A potluck dish to pass made, if possible, with local or homegrown ingredients in honor of the harvest season;
• Place settings for your family (reusable or compostable plates, cutlery, beverage cups);
• Beverages • Camaraderie!
As in past years, Growing Community members strive to make this event as close to zero waste as possible, and ask attendees to bring reusable dishes, plates, cups, cutlery, etc. Any paper products should be uncoated so they can be added to the compost
receptacles. Organizers ask attendees to please note that disposable aluminum or plastic serving dishes and utensils can’t be recycled unless they are clean, so attendees should keep this in mind and take home any aluminum or plastic serving dishes.
Growing Community began organizing the Community Harvest Supper in 2011, thanks to a member of the community sharing her dream of a communal table on Main Street where all are welcome. There are no table reservations—the event is free and open to all, with no politicking, no fundraising, and no tabling—just good food
and conversation shared among friends and neighbors, old and new alike.
“Growing Community is deeply grateful to the Village of Cooperstown, Mohican Farms, and so many other volunteers without whose cooperation and support the Harvest Supper would simply not be possible,” the press release reads.
“This year, Growing Community is seeking volunteers to help with setup, decoration, and breakdown—to volunteer, sign up on volunteersignup.org/KR3C4 or contact Kristen Griger at kristenmgriger@ gmail.com.”
Growing Community is also seeking contri-
butions to help offset the cost of table and chair rentals. Checks made out to Growing Community should be mailed in care of Ellen Pope, 28 Elm Street, Apt C, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Growing Community is a group of people committed to growing food locally, sharing knowledge, eating well and, through these three things, building community. Through its projects, Growing Community works to inspire people to plant, harvest, learn and share. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/GrowingCom munityCooperstown.
.dining&entertainment
Community-driven Effort is Energizing Oneonta’s Main Street
in a time when building consensus is difficult, it’s been easy to get behind the vision for downtown Oneonta to be a destination for both residents and visitors. The city-funded Oneonta Downtown Renaissance kicked off in June with the explicit purpose of attracting people downtown.
It’s especially exciting to see how the Downtown Renaissance has sparked a wave of community-driven initiatives, such as the Oneonta Storefront Project, which fills vacant storefronts with art, and downtown business owners collaborating on promotions like sidewalk sales. Organizers and artists already doing cool things like the second Saturday Nighttime Alley Market have been able to harness their efforts to something bigger with the Oneonta Downtown Renaissance, too.
That’s the point—to engage different community members to activate downtown, which benefits all of us, from year-round residents and the college community to summer baseball families.
This summer, the city has invested in this vision significantly through:
• Weekly Thursday evening music performances in Muller Plaza
• Daytime activities in Muller Plaza organized
by FOR-DO’s Club Odyssey
• Relocating the Oneonta Farmers’ Market to Dietz Street from Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center
• Fast-tracking Oneonta Community Initiative grants of up to $1,000.00, including for student artwork on Main Street rubbish bins
• Waiving permits for food and artisan vendors in Muller Plaza and Dietz Street during closures
• Hiring a Downtown Renaissance coordinator to manage musicians and vendors
It’s not just the city that is creating reasons for people to go downtown, it’s the businesses and organizations that keep offering ways to enjoy our city, which was recognized as one of Money magazine’s 50 Best Places to Live in 2024.
This week offers a treasure trove of reasons to head downtown, most notably the annual City of the Hills Festival. The free community celebration is organized by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta and involves dozens of artisans, musicians, organizations, and vendors. With a kickoff block party at CANO’s Wilber Mansion on Ford Avenue on Friday and the artisan market and activity fair on Main Street on Saturday, the City of the Hills Festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our community.
LEGALS
09/04/24.
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
Dream Mini Mart LLC.
Filed 7/10/24.
Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 389 Chestnut St, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful.
6LegalSept.12
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Shelby Group Enterprises, LLC.
Filed 4/26/24.
Cty: Otsego.
SSNY desig. for process & shall mail POB 361, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalSept.12
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF COMMON HOUSE KITCHEN LLC
Arts. of Org. filed SSNY 7/23/2024. Otsego Co. SSNY designated agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE ST., #112, ALBANY, NY 12207 General Purpose. 6LegalSept.12
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
4CSUNS, LLC.
Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 08/06/2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego
►Need to
County.
The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, PO Box 216, Westford, NY 13488. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
6LegalSept.26
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITEd LIAbILITy COMpANy CRESTVIEW ESTATES, LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with Dept. of State of NY on August 8, 2024. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Betty Lee, P.O. Box 63, West Oneonta, New York 13861, principal business address. LLC does not have a specific date of dissolution. Purpose: All legal purposes. Filer: Lavelle & Finn, LLP, 29 British American Bl., Latham, NY 12110. 6LegalSept.26
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CENTER VALLEY GROUP LLC
Arts Of Org filed with SSNY on 6/19/24 Office location:
Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Richard Cain, 715 Center Valley Rd., Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.3
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
D & D CTOWN RENTALS, LLC.
Filed 2/16/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Dee Sales, 12 Susquehanna Ave., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.3
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Chaoui Supplier LLC
Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 08/19/2024. Office in Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 554, Otego, NY 13825. Purpose: To engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalOct.3
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
Brewed & Baked, LLC
N.Y. Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on August 15, 2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to Brewed & Baked, LLC located at 135 Chestnut Ridge Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.10
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WAYSTONE PRESS LLC
Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/19/24. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 607, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which entities may be organized under the laws of the state of New York.
6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF QuALIFICATION OF CLVEN BETA XI, LLC
Appl. for auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on
Here’s what’s happening downtown this week:
• Wednesday: Book launch of “Negative Girl” by Libby Cudmore at Roots Public Social Club; Brazilian flamenco music at B Side Ballroom
• Thursday: Final Thursday night music in Muller Plaza summer concert series, featuring The FisherCats led by five-time Grammy awardwinning producer Joe Ferla; Live jazz at Roots Public Social Club
• Friday: City of the Hills Kickoff Block Party at CANO Wilber Mansion; 80s DJ Dance Party at Black Oak Tavern
• Saturday: Dog Days End of Summer Parade at Neahwa Park; City of the Hills Festival on Main Street; Family Resource Network’s 30th Anniversary Celebration at Foothills PAC; “Anomaly” film screening at Foothills PAC; Hop City Hellcats at B Side Ballroom; Stonkeonta Throwdown with Stonk, Orange Grove, and the Parkies at Black Oak Tavern Oneonta Downtown Renaissance dispels the notion that there’s no reason to head downtown. There’s so much to do on our historic Main Street and the surrounding area.
Cassandra Miller is a member of the Oneonta Downtown Renaissance Steering Committee and the editor of the “Townie” Substack newsletter.
Office location: Otsego County. LLC formed in Indiana (IN) on 08/27/24. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. IN addr. of LLC: 710 Adams St., Carmel, IN 46032. Cert. of form. filed with IN Secy. of State, 302 W. Washington St., Rm. E018, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Gates Grain, LLC, a NY limited liability company (LLC). Arts. of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (NYSS) on 08/26/2024. Office: Otsego County. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail process to: The LLC, 7149 County Highway 18, West Winfield, NY 13491-3709. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF EVER AFTER FARMS NY LLC.
Filed 8/28/24. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process
& shall mail to: 222 Crawford Rd., Otego, NY 13825. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF
The Matheson Starling House, LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 8/7/24. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 590 County Highway 3A, Unadilla, NY 13849. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF pubLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historical Preservation and Review Board (HPARB) for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Monday, September 30th, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:
• Meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York.
13 Eagle Street – demolition of rear addition. The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Monday, September 30th, at 3:30 p.m.
Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
Tele: (607)5472411
Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1LegalSept.12
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Porter Pickles LLC, a limited liability company ( the “LLC”).
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (the “SSNY”) on 8/29/2024. Office location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served.
The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 146 River Street, Oneonta, New York 13820. Purposes: any lawful activity.
6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Zuill Realty, LLC,
a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on August 13, 2024. NY office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Zuill Realty, LLC, 4631 State Highway 205, Hartwick, NY 13348. General Purposes. 6LegalOct.17
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NOTICE OF pubLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following:
proposed Local Law No. 11 of 2024 - Amend Sign Law - amendment of language to allow for banners
to be placed on utility poles on Chestnut Street, Lake Street, pine blvd, and Glen Ave.
proposed Local Law No. 12 of 2024 - Amendments to the Zoning Law - Section 300-17 E - Accessory dwelling units, Section 300.17.1 (b) New ShortTerm Rentals, Section 300-8 Applicability of district regulations, and Section 300-87 definitions Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearings, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. Copies of the proposed local law are available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dated: September 10, 2024
By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org 1LegalSept.12
Awards
Continued from page 2
20 Nelson Avenue
Judge’s Comments: Window boxes and baskets were colorful, looked well maintained, full and unique.
Category III: Honorable Mention:
First: Robert Nelson and Van Ramsey, 20 Fair Street
Second: Eugene and Edna Holowachuk, 56 Elm Street
Third: Allan and Elizabeth Burgess, 77 Beaver Street
Drnek
Continued from page 5
the community’s access to education.
24. Determine new funding streams to ensure the enhancement of our quality of life.
25. Provide care and support to our seniors to allow them to age in place with dignity.
To be sure, there are more goals that could be added to this list, but we’ll start with these.
If you are interested in helping achieve any or all of them, I invite you to contact me at mayor@ oneonta.ny.us.
Working together, we can make 2025 a transformative year.
To help facilitate that process, we will be holding a series of community education sessions on a variety of topics that are connective to this list.
The first of these is scheduled for Wednesday, September
Sarah M. Trosset
COOPERSTOWN—
Sarah M. “Sally” Trosset, beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, niece, friend, and a vital member of the Cooperstown community, passed away Thursday morning, September 5, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home on Nelson Avenue after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 57.
Born December 17, 1966, in Deven, Pennsylvania, Sally was one of five children of John A. “Jack” Mahoney and Marcia Ellen (Gaughan) Mahoney.
She was raised in Dover, Massachusetts, where she graduated in the Class of ’85 from DoverSherborn High School, and went on to Syracuse University, Class of ’89. She spent her summers on the Herring River in West Harwich, Massachusetts, one of her favorite places in the world.
On October 19, 1996,
18 at 6 p.m. at Roots Public Social Club. Our topic is the recruitment and retention of young families, the availability of childcare, and current and planned programming for children and young adults. We will share successes and challenges and examine the financial assistances that are available for agencies and entrepreneurs that seek to offer these services.
Attendees will be provided with useful information and an opportunity to ask questions of the professionals that have made it their life’s work to enhance this crucial aspect of our
community. There is an option to the negativity of this political season. It’s respectful dialogue, and a renewed commitment to the examination and sharing of facts. Independent of party or affiliation, it’s how we all win.
Mark Drnek is the mayor of the City of Oneonta.
Firefly
Continued from page 3
upon relocation to Cooperstown some years ago, she had been planning and organizing her crammed-full shop,
getting ready for this special opening.
Russo plans to be open through Columbus Day and welcomes visitors and collectors to peruse her display of unique and special items.
Meeting
Continued from page 3
difficulties attracting and retaining employees for a few years now. The private sector can adjust salaries and benefit
she married Michael E. Trosset, Esq. at a ceremony at her cherished Cape Cod at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich, Massachusetts.
They settled in Mike’s native Cooperstown in July of 2001.
For the better part of a decade, Sally was an integral piece of Pathfinder Village in Edmeston, where she worked in the executive and development office. Pathfinder and its mission was something she held close to her heart.
She thrived on outdoor activities and was an avid runner and biker. Her passion extended beyond personal pursuit as she dedicated many years to supporting Cooperstown Central School and its athletics, as well as Girls on the Run and various village organizations. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood experiences, one of her greatest joys
was sharing moments with her family.
Sally was graceful and brave—and thrived during her fight with ovarian cancer.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Mike, of Cooperstown, and their three children, Teddy Trosset and Kate Trosset of Boston, Massachusetts and Lindsey Trosset, a senior at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
She is further survived by her siblings, Jay (Paula) Mahoney of New York City, Mark (Ellen) Mahoney of Scottsdale, Arizona, Ann Pereira-Ogan (George) of Wayne, Pennsylvania and Mel Bissell (Brad) of Williamstown, Massachusetts and their families, as well as a brother-in-law, Francis J. “Frank” Trosset, and sisters-in-law Beth Baumgartel (John) and Karen Ann Trosset.
She was preceded in
packages to respond to the markets much easier than the county can. This is part of the problem. While we have recently increased salaries, it still seems like we are trying to play ‘catch up.’”
death by her father, Jack, in 2007 and mother, Marcia, in 2019, her father-in-law, Edward J. “Ted” Trosset, Esq., in 1998, and mother-in-law Mary F. Trosset in 1976.
Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown, with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor, officiating.
Immediately following the Mass, all are welcome to a reception in the Glimmerglass Room at The Otesaga Hotel.
Interment will be held in Highland Cemetery in Dover, Massachusetts at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the Trosset family would
greatly appreciate memorial donations be made in memory of Sally to Pathfinder Village Foundation, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston, NY
13335-2314. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Photo provided SARAH M. TROSSET
►Fri., Sept. 13
GARAGE SALE
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
“Multi-Family Garage & Estate Sale.” Jewelry, clothing, watches and much more. Continues 9/14. 985 County Highway 35, Maryland.
GARDEN CLUB
10:30 a.m. “A Reassuring
Hum: Creating A Pollinator Garden.” Presented online via Zoom by the Butternut Valley Garden Club. (607) 435-6710.
SENIOR MEALS
11:30 a.m. Seniors enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of goulash, tossed salad, corn and chef’s choice pie. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.
LIBRARY 1 p.m.
“Homeschool Hangout.”
Join homeschool families for stories, activities, crafts and learning. Recommended for ages 5-18. Held each Friday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
POTTERY
1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@SmithyArts.org.
MUSEUM 2 p.m.
“Otsego: A Meeting Place—Guided Tours.” Included with admission. Also held 9/14. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
MUSIC 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. “Piano Masterclass: Aima Maria Labra-Makk.” Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. Visit hartwick. edu/academics/academic-departments/music-department/ CRAFT CIRCLE
3:30 p.m. “Still Life Painting.” Small children might need a caregiver’s help. Held each Friday. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
FESTIVAL 5-9 p.m.
“City of the Hills Festival.” Block party at Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. Visit cityofthehillsfest.org
THEATRE 8 p.m.
Broadway direct screening of “The Tempest.” Fees apply. Red Dragon Theatre, Hunt Union, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. Campus_activities@ oneonta.edu.
►Sat., Sept. 14
CLEAN SWEEP
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Autumn Hartwick Clean Sweep.” Hartwick Town Hall, 103 Town Drive, Hartwick. (607) 293-8123.
FUNDRAISER 9 a.m.
“American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk: In Memory of Kota Flood.” Registration required. 6th Ward Playground Field, Oneonta. Visit facebook. com/otsegopride
GILBERTSVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. to noon. Corner of State Route 51 and Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2305.
FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh vegetables, local meats and handmade crafts at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881.
NATURE 10 a.m. to noon. “Nature Journaling Workshop.” Led by James Van Gelder. Fees apply; registration required. Pine Lake Environmental Campus, Lakeside Classroom, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/DelawareOtsegoAudubonSociety
EXHIBIT OPENING
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Young at Art: A Selection of Caldecott Book Illustrations.” On view through 12/29. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.
MAKERS MARKET
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Fall Fling Shopping Showcase.” Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.
seum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.
PLANETARIUM Fees apply; registration required. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Room 018A Perna Science Building, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. Visit suny.oneonta.edu/ science-outreach-activities/planetarium
• 10:30 a.m. “Max Goes to the Moon.”
• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”
PARADE 10:30 a.m. “Super Heroes Humane Society First Annual Dog Days of Summer’s End Parade.” Begins and ends at Muller Plaza, Oneonta. (607) 441-3227.
EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “CrazyCool!!!” Exhibit featuring works in sculpture, paintings, carvings and more by self-taught artists. Last chance to view. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475327.
OPEN HOUSE 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Sweet Meadows Apiary Fall Open House.” Tastings, shopping, honey extraction demonstration and more. Sweet Meadows Country Home & Garden, 18269 State Highway 23, Davenport. (607) 278-4005.
Highway 23, Unadilla. info@dcnydems.org.
VOLUNTEER DAY
2-4 p.m. “Garlic Planting.” Volunteers learn to prepare garlic bulbs and soil, build/use a dibbler wheel, more. Unadilla Community Farm, 5937 County Highway 18, West Edmeston. info@unadillacommunityfarm.org.
ANNIVERSARY
5-8 p.m. “30th Anniversary of the Family Resource Network.” Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320001.
LOCAL FOOD 6 p.m.
“Taste of Oneonta: A Culinary Delight Benefiting Future for Oneonta Foundation.” Fees apply; registration required. Oneonta Country Club, 9 Country Club Drive, Oneonta. (607) 437-0563.
PAINTING 6 p.m.
“Seeing the Landscape— In Black & White and Color.” A plein air workshop. Fees apply; registration required. West Kortright Center, 49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith. (607) 278-5454.
CEMETERY 7 p.m.; tour starts at 7:30 p.m.
“Otego Voices from the Grave.” A guided walk in Otego’s Evergreen Cemetery. Fees: $7; children 12 and under, $5. Presented by the Otego Historical Society. Start at UCC Church, 290 Main Street, Otego.
Conservation Association. Reserve a watercraft or bring your own. Start from 100 Spring Street, Gilbertsville and paddle to Copes Corners Park, Gilbertsville. (607) 5474488.
FIBER 1-3 p.m. “Fiber Enthusiast and Knitting Meet-Up.” Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse Café, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. HISTORY 2 p.m. “Richfield Springs in the Age of Elegance.” Presented by Otsego County Historical Association. Free and open to the public. Richfield Springs Historical Association, 134 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (607) 547-8070. ►Mon., Sept. 16
SERVICES 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Q&A with the Otsego County Office for the Aging on programs, services, Medicare and Medicaid insurance and more. Held 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Bassett Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5474255.
CONNECTIONS
11 a.m. “Alzheimer’s Support Group.” Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown.
QUILT SHOW
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Draping the Pews” quilt show. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Route 26, Fly Creek.
HARVEST FEST
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest, featuring vendors, performers, artisans and more. Continues 9/15. The Farmers’ Mu-
FESTIVAL Noon to 5 p.m. “City of the Hills Festival.” Art, music, food and good times. Free and open to the public. Main Street, Oneonta. Visit cityofthehillsfest.org
MEET & GREET Noon to 4 p.m. Meet 2024 Candidates Vicki Davis, NYS Assembly District 121, and Michele Frazier, NYS Senate District 51. Food and beverages available for purchase. All welcome. Muddy River Farm Brewery, 15544 County
MUSIC 7 p.m. “The Rubber Band.” A Cajun rollicking good time. The Star Theater, 44 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3080.
FILM 7 p.m. “Anomaly.” Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
►Sun., Sept. 15
OUTDOORS 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Butternut Creek Fun Float.” Presented by the Otsego County
RESOURCES 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Resource Fair.” An event to connect citizens with local agencies for assistance. Go Unadilla NY, 172 Main Street, Unadilla. Visit facebook.com/GoUnadillaNY
CONNECTIONS
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (during lunch). “Oneon-One Tech Support.” Reserve a spot to get help using a personal device, from iphones to tablets. Held each third Monday of the month with Eric Camier. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. BLOOD DRIVE Noon to 5 p.m. Hunt College Union, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
Seamless modern updates offer all the conveniences desired. $349,000. MLS#1555373
