City Council Approves Stage, Discusses Zoning of Markets
By TONY SAVIO
ONEONTA
In addition to motioning to move forward with the Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage in Muller Plaza, one of the main topics of discussion at the Oneonta Common Council meeting on Tuesday, September 17 was a proposal to change the zoning code for what is designated as a “neighborhood market.”
After raising more than $10,000.00 for architectural drawings and other services through a GoFundMe campaign created by Kevin Wood, the grandson of legendary saxophonist and former Oneonta resident Al Gallodoro, the Common Council voted to move forward with the next step of making the stage a reality.
The city will accept the gift of architectural drawings and associated rights to begin the formal RFP (request for proposals) process to receive bids to build and install the stage.
According to a September 21 post on the Al Gallodoro Facebook page managed by Wood, the group “will continue to raise money via [its] GoFundMe campaign to ensure that we provide amazing world-class entertainment the day the stage is unveiled sometime in 2025.”
The topic that inspired the most discussion at the meeting, however, was the definition of neighborhood markets.
City officials have been talking about the zoning of neighborhood markets for several months, since a late 2023 proposal to open an Oneonta location on Walnut Street of the popular
Cooperstown business Stagecoach Coffee provoked strong responses from neighborhood residents, resulting in the withdrawal of that proposal.
The concern about regulating neighborhood markets stems from precedents of two or more similar shops opening on the same street.
“Tightening up the definition allows us to move forward in a way that we create parcel uses that are beneficial to the neighborhood,” said Fourth Ward Council Member Kaytee Lipari Shue during the discussion.
Under current regulations, neighborhood markets cannot exceed 1,000 square feet and cannot be within 500 feet of each other. Common Council members discussed size regulations and the number of seats each neighborhood market can offer its customers.
Current business owners can use 25 percent of their space, or 250 square feet, for customer seating. The regulation specifies permission to offer 15 indoor seats and five more outside.
Fifth Ward Council Member Len Carson expressed concerns about the logistics of the seat regulation, questioning the ability of neighborhood markets to fit the allowed number of chairs in their shops. Based on the need to allow approximately 32-35 square feet per person for indoor seating, Carson said he kept “doing the math” and concluded that “there’s no way to get 15 ever into 250 square feet, so you’re going to struggle to get eight into that space.”
After deliberation, the Common Council did not come to a decision and the topic was tabled for a later date.
Continued on page 12
Community Speaks Out For and Against Sign Law Amendment
By DARLA M. YOUNGS COOPERSTOWN
Approximately three dozen people gathered at the Cooperstown Village Hall on Monday, September 23 for the Board of Trustees meeting and public hearing on proposed changes to the village’s sign law. The public hearing, where it was standing room only, comes as a result of an inquiry by Joan Parillo regarding possible placement of Hometown Heroes banners in the village. The banners can be seen in communities throughout Otsego County and New York State, and have become a popular way of honoring the service of indi-
vidual veterans, but the village’s current sign law would prohibit the hanging of such banners on public property.
Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh opened the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. by reading the guidelines for public comment. Nineteen individuals respectfully addressed the assembly, including both residents of the Village of Cooperstown and those residing in the immediately surrounding areas.
Comments ranged from support of the current sign law and concerns that the banners might be too distracting and therefore likely to cause accidents, to those in favor of the proposed amendments so that veterans could be further
Continued on page 13
Nonagenarian Channels Dylan in Sculpture, Paintings
By TERESA WINCHESTER
BUTTERNUTS
OCards nOw avaIlablE, page 12
►CalEndar, page 14
n Friday, September 20, Marcus Villagran, 92, sat at the kitchen table in a 125-year-old farmhouse in the Town of Butternuts, where he lives with his fellow ceramic artist and partner of 10 years, Elizabeth Nields. He cut a striking figure, wearing a rust-colored fedora over his shock of white hair and an army green woolen overshirt. He was using scissors to slice up apples, gathered from a tree on his property and already peeled and halved. He planned to serve his applesauce at his September 22 opening, held at the Dunderberg Gallery, a renovated hardware store he owns and operates in Gilbertsville.
His exhibit is titled “Jack of Hearts: Sculpture and Paintings by Marcus Villagran.” The title refers to “Lily,
Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts,” a nineminute-long narrative ballad recorded by Bob Dylan for his 1975 album, “Blood on the Tracks.” It is the tale of an abusive diamond mine owner (Big Jim), a bank robber (the Jack of Hearts), Lily (a dancer having an affair with Big Jim), and Rosemary (Big Jim’s long-suffering wife). Ultimately, as the song recounts, Rosemary hangs for the murder of Big Jim.
Villagran sees the song as “a story about a mythical being who never had to win a card game or a boxing match or any kind of fight.”
“It’s a purely mythical event,” he said. At the exhibit opening, singer-songwriter Keith Torgan performed the song.
Villagran said his mother played piano and was “the singer in the family.”
“She taught me to love all music, but I
Photo by Darla M. Youngs
It was standing room only as approximately three dozen people awaited the start of the Village of Cooperstown public hearing on Monday, September 23 to discuss proposed amendments to the current village sign law.
Photo by Teresa Winchester
Marcus Villagran’s stoneware tile and wood sculpture of Bob Dylan (36x30x2 inches).
Rummage Sale To Return
COOpeRSTOWN—The First presbyterian Church of Cooperstown will hold its 137th annual rummage sale from Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, September 28. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Several other churches and community groups contributed to the sale. All sales are by donation and will support the church.
CCESO Annual Meeting Slated
ONeONTA—Cornell Cooperative extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties will hold its annual meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16 at the Craven Lounge in SUNY Oneonta’s morris Conference Center. There will be a brief business meeting and hors d’oeuvres, as well as opportunities to meet staff members and win door prizes. A live Zoom broadcast of the meeting will be available. To RSVp for the free event or receive the virtual meeting link, e-mail neh57@cornell.edu or call (607) 234-4304, ext. 111.
Genre Painting To Be Featured
COOpeRSTOWN—Fenimore Art museum will open a new exhibition, “The Art of the everyday: American Genre painting,” for the fall season on Saturday, September 28. It highlights more than 30 works from the museum’s extensive collection, offering depictions of everyday life by a variety of artists. painters such as William Sydney mount, e. L. Henry, eastman Johnson and Thomas Waterman Wood used genre painting to address complex issues of American society in the early 19th century. “The Art of the everyday” is on display through Sunday, December 29.
Faculty Named News Champs
ONeONTA—The University of Vermont’s Center for Community News recently announced its third annual Faculty Champions awards to honor the best journalism professors across the country. Among the 52 awardees are 14 faculty members from SUNY schools involved with SUNY’s Institute for Local News.
According to a release, news-academic partnerships can play a key role in preserving local journalism and news environments. University-led student reporting programs provided more than 10,000 local news stories to struggling media enter-
prises across the country last year. SUNY ILN works with individual campuses and media organizations to develop new programs, make strategic investments in news deserts, and coordinate system-wide learning opportunities.
Local Faculty Champions include Andrew bottomley and Gayane Torosyan at SUNY Oneonta and peter brusoe at SUNY Delhi. For more information, visit https://legacy.drup2.uvm. edu/ccn/faculty-champions-and-fellows.
CAA Fall Exhibits To Open
COOpeRSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association will host an opening reception for its fall exhibitions from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 4. “Within a mile: Contemporary Art in Historic South Worcester” exhibits a diverse group of artists in multiple media from the scenic Delaware County hamlet. “Otsego and beyond: photographs by mark Zeek” will display more than five decades of work by the celebrated local photographer. The exhibits are on view through Friday, November 1, during normal gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CAA will also hold its biennial “Luck of the Draw” fundraiser from October 4 through 19.
Angel Network To Hold Mixer
COOpeRSTOWN—Angel Network of Cooperstown will hold a “mix, mingle and make a Difference” event to share information about their community service projects from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1. The free event will be held in The Otesaga Resort Hotel ballroom. There will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, a silent auction and door prizes. For more information, visit https://angelnetworkofcooperstown.org/.
Annual Art Auction Party Set
DeLHI—The West Kortright Center will hold the closing party for its annual art auction at River Rock events, 739 County Road 18 in Delhi, from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 12. There will be music, light snacks, and drinks, with all proceeds going to benefit WKC and its mission to support local artists.
All works on sale were donated by regional established or emerging artists. bidding is not required but is highly encouraged. An inventory sneak peek and early bidding will be available at www.westkc. org on Tuesday, October 1.
DR. ELIZABETH PELKOFSKI GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST
Woodsmen To Be Highlighted
eAST meReDITH—Hanford mills museum will host an exploration Day to focus on wood, trees, forests and conservation from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. museum staff will demonstrate traditional sawmill, carpentry and cooper techniques. SUNY Cobleskill’s Woodsmen Team will show off their lumberjack skills throughout the day. Otsego County Conservation Association and other local sustainability organizations will have information on invasive species management, outdoor safety, and hiking opportunities. Additionally, Lucas Novko will perform historic blacksmithing demonstrations. Vendors and food trucks will be on hand, and max Rainwater will perform live music from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, visit hanfordmills.org.
PEO To Host Raffle, Sale
ONeONTA—philanthropic educational Organization’s Oneonta bH Chapter will hold a basket raffle and thrift sale to support women’s scholarships on Sunday, September 29. Doors will open at the Sixth Ward Athletic Club, 22 West broadway, at 1 p.m., with the drawing held at 2:30. Local treasures and refreshments will be available for purchase. The barbershop quartet 4ever Young will perform live music.
Film Days: Save the Date
COOpeRSTOWN—Glimmerglass Film Days will return for its 12th season Thursday, November 7 through monday, November 11. It will once again offer its signature combination of independent films, filmmaker talks, art, books, parties, guided walks and collaborative efforts with other local organizations. This year’s theme, “boundaries,” will explore physical, human, spiritual, environmental, and geopolitical limits and boundaries of all kinds. A full schedule and tickets will be made available in early October.
Fall Craft Fair Is Saturday
OTSeGO—pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Road, will hold its Fall Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. In addition to vendors and the ever-popular White elephant Treasure Tables, there will be a bake sale and other refreshments. The Grange will also offer information on the National Grange’s Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors program. For more information, call (607) 435-4656.
Continued on page 9
Group Receives Foundation Diversity, equity, Inclusion Grant
SpRINGFIeLD
The Community Foundation of Otsego County announced on monday, September 23 that it has awarded a Diversity, equity and Inclusion Grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to the organization Council Rock, to be used in providing educational materials and public outreach.
Council Rock is a group of selfadvocates with intellectual disabilities who volunteer at community events in the Otsego County area. The group encourages community engagement and helps raise awareness of the abilities of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. members meet each month at the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome, edmeston, to discuss topics ranging from equal access and choice, from volunteerism to capital improvements.
The group’s motto is “We speak up for ourselves and our friends.” Their goal is to share their talents and energy with others to improve Otsego County’s quality of life. Taking a grassroots approach of “neighbors talking to neighbors,” the group started a postcard campaign, is developing social media messaging, and has organized
inclusive events in edmeston and area communities.
“Although people with intellectual disabilities are more visible than at any other time in history, they still face discrimination, prejudice
Meet, Greet To Share Info on High Holy Days
COOpeRSTOWN—Welcome Home Cooperstown will host the next of its monthly meet and greets at the Village Hall, 22 main Street, on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. The event is intended to welcome newcomers to the community, to share information, and to make connections with established residents. All members of the community are welcome to attend. The event will include general information about the Cooperstown area and institutions, with Stephanie bauer, past president of Temple beth el in Oneonta, sharing traditions surrounding the High Holy days of Rosh Hashanah—New Year, celebrated beginning at sundown on October 2—and Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, observed on October 12. music will be provided by michael bauer and refreshments are courtesy of The Landmark Inn. All members of the community are encouraged to attend and participate in the work of building a stronger, more diverse, and welcoming community.
OFA Senior Resource Fair Set for October 1
ONeONTA—Otsego County Office for the Aging will sponsor its annual Senior Resource Fair at Southside mall on Tuesday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
.dining&entertainment
and exclusion,” said group advisor brittany Goodrich, director of the Kennedy Willis Center, pathfinder Village. “Council Rock members share their abilities by meeting community members at events and volunteering
to benefit local nonprofits. Through creating person-to-person connections, our self-advocates are changing perceptions and promoting inclusion for all.”
Council Rock’s service activities are proposed, developed and voted on by group members. To grow their network and foster partnerships, the self-advocates have worked in recent years with the Otsego County board of elections, the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, NYCm Insurance, the Office for the Aging, edmeston Central School, and the Town of edmeston. Other partners include the Upstate Institute and Colgate buddies at Colgate University, best buddies International, and the Center for Social Responsibility and Volunteerism at SUNY-Oneonta.
Council Rock is open to all people with disabilities and meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome. If community members wish to learn more about self-advocacy, please contact the group through their e-mail, councilrock@pathfindervillage.org.
Immediately following the resource fair, there will be a public hearing in the mall Community Room, where citizens will have an opportunity to share ideas, concerns and recommendations to make Otsego County an age-friendly community. OFA hosts this event each year to showcase the many services for seniors provided by local businesses and organizations. both the resource fair and public hearing are free and open to the public. Those unable to attend the public hearing may contact OFA to provide comments and feedback by calling (607) 547-4232, e-mailing aginginfo@ otsegocounty.com or visiting 140 County Highway 33W, Suite 5, Cooperstown.
photo provided
The Community Foundation of Otsego County recently awarded $5,000.00 to the selfadvocacy group Council Rock. Pictured above are group members Ashley Dhanraj, Nick Campbell, and Jeffrey Meyers, front row, and Daniel Raffelock and Michelle Banks (back).
Perspectives
Keeping the Monarchs in Our Glens
It’s the end of September and the end of summer, but, happily, it’s not yet the end of the monarch butterflies, who right now are abandoning us for warmer parts south. These beautiful creatures, native to North America, exist around the globe, save for a few very cold climates. They are abundant here, during the summer, in upstate New York, bobbing across our fields, flitting about our gardens and pollinating our landscapes. They possess two pairs of orange-red wings covered with black veins and white spots that resemble stained glass and they have a wingspan of around four inches. They lay their eggs on milkweed, only milkweed, a plant that is toxic to animals and humans, and their larvae eat the leaves when they hatch.
Adult monarchs live, for the most part, four to five weeks, and those in the Midwest and east of the United States undergo a magnificent and complicated migration to Mexico for the winter. They are known scientifically as Danaus plexippus, which is Greek for “sleepy transformation,” and refers to their ability to hibernate and metamorphize. Although here in New York the nine-spotted ladybird beetle, commonly known as a ladybug, is the state insect, the monarch is the state insect of Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, Vermont and West Virginia.
Monarchs have been steadily losing numbers—their average population in 2016 was estimated at 200 million, down 100 million from their historic numbers—but at this time they are not listed as endangered. There are two major reasons for their falling numbers: the loss of their primary food and egg-laying habitat here in the north, and the loss of their overwintering forests in Mexico.
Along with our beloved birds that have turned their energy southward and are in the midst of their migrations right now, so have the monarchs, leaving us as quickly as they appeared in the spring. But in all the world, no butterflies or insects migrate like the monarchs of North America. In fact, our monarchs exhibit the most highly evolved migration pattern of any known species of butterfly or moth—and perhaps of any known insect. While the monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains jump down to small groves along the California coast, those from east of the Rockies, including Canada, the Midwest and the Northeast, travel up to 3,000 miles, through Texas and into the Transvolcanic mountains of central Mexico, where they roost, clustered together, over 10,000 feet above sea level on steep south-facing slopes, until it is time to return north around the second week of March.
The monarchs that make this trip are different from their short-lived parents and grandparents, in that this generation is born in late summer and, due to the vagaries of temperature and humidity, is able not only to fly those many miles south, but also to overwinter and then begin their return voyage home. These guys live up to nine months. They do not make it all the way back, instead laying their eggs when they find new growths of milkweed to deposit them on along the way. Their grandchildren arrive here in the late spring, when our milkweed is up, and sire two or three more generations before that special long-living one begins its round-trip voyage to Mexico and back.
While the illegal logging of the forests of Mexico, especially of the monarchs’ favorite tree, the oyamel, have indeed contributed to their decline, research by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shown that the habitat loss of breeding grounds (e.g., milkweed) in the United States—through herbicides and urban and rural development—is the main cause of both recent and projected population declines.
If we want to save the monarchs, we must encourage the development of habitat and forage for these magnificent butterflies; we must build and support migratory way stations for them, in our gardens and in our parks and along our highways.
Leave your milkweed alone and keep our monarchs in our midst.
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 should 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
Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs
Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Interm: Arya Patel
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Terry
Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs Web
FOR
Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District
MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association
Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year. First Class Subscription, $155 a year. Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com
Society Requires Sociality
When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with a stranger? I still recall how amazing it was that the same mother who taught me not to talk to strangers seemed to be able to talk to strangers so effortlessly! These conversations might begin while standing in a grocery aisle, or at the checkout line, or at the library, or at the post office. It did not seem where we were mattered in the least. My mother was fearless! And my father was even worse! After a 10-minute chat, my father knew an amazing amount of information about yet another human. And as far as I could tell, the victim of the conversation seemed to have enjoyed the process! The incredible shock was learning that many adults seemed to share my parents’ gift of gab.
Don’t look now, but surprising interactions of this type still happen today. One might be tempted to conclude that somehow we humans are wired for sociality. In fact, you may be surprised to discover that you also have the innate ability to converse with others and enjoy it. With this in mind, one might not be surprised by the wide popularity of social media. Yet social media is not the same species of communication that my young self witnessed my parents having in their conversations. Those exchanges of long ago were much more exciting. It was as if my parents were risking something at each encounter, be it rejection or being misunderstood or disagreement or embarrassing rudeness. Yet the potential reward seemed worth the risk to them.
One place in my childhood stands out as particularly risky. It was the service counter at our local post office. I did not relish pumping my stingray bicycle to the post office to get stamps for my mother. The counter was attended by some unhappy people. They were not shy about letting a young boy know how bothered they were to sell stamps to him. So it was natural in my way of thinking when the phrase “go postal” came into use, referring to unhappy employees behaving badly at their work place. But things can change for the better. In fact, the United States Postal Service counter is one shining example of how the world has improved! By the way, there are no statistics that I could find supporting the idea that postal workers are somehow more stressed, nor more prone to violent acts targeting coworkers. Our society requires sociality. It is risky on the individual level, but it is worth the investment. Spend a few minutes each day talking face to face with a real human. It can become a healthy habit. Perhaps our future society will thank you for your efforts. I am sure any children that might observe your socializing will grow up the better for it.
Blaine Jones has resided in the Town of Oneonta with his wife and family since July 2000. He enjoys visiting their kids, grandchildren, eating, working, sleeping, going to church, watching things grow. He enjoys not having a sprinkler system to repair each spring. During high school he wrote a weekly column for the hometown paper. He hopes to write a book someday.
Help Pick the 2025 Winter Carnival Theme
The Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committee has invited community members to help them choose a memorable theme for this year’s carnival, scheduled to take place Thursday, January 30 through Sunday, February 2, 2025.
“We’re looking for a short, catchy phrase that captures the spirit of Cooperstown and sparks wintry ideas,” committee members said. “Send your suggestions to cooperstownwintercarnival@gmail.com by October 25. Let your creativity shine—we can’t wait to see what you come up with!”
According to the Winter Carnival website, cooperstownwintercarnival.com, The Thursday Hot Cocoa Kick-Off will be held on Thursday, January 30 with events continuing on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. The Winter Carnival will close on Sunday, February 2 with the Blizzard Bash.
“Planning is going ahead and we look forward to working with our fellow community members,” organizers said.
Rise and Vote for U.S. Decency
Donald Trump had four years to lead the United States and failed us by his own choosing. Whether it be in foreign policy or domestic policy, he did not protect the nation as commander in chief.
Trump talks a lot but doesn’t say much other than to hurl insults and make false statements.
Quality of life is not a business decision. But rather, it is a humane choice to be empathetic to those who cannot help themselves.
Kamala Harris has that empathy and is returning the United States to an era when we were respected internationally because of how we treat our citizens domestically.
This election is a clear choice between those who have never had it so good and those of us who know we can do better. Kamala Harris will lead us there.
We’ve had a Black president before and that worked out just fine.
Fellow citizens, exercise your right to vote to preserve your sacred heritage, promote
your children’s future and obtain the blessings of liberty we all cherish. To maintain a sense of decency in the United States, rise and vote! Our democracy is at stake.
Joe Bialek Ohio
Sharing Articles Can Be Okay
Ms. Eckler assumes too much when she suggests that only readers who have digital subscriptions should be allowed to copy and share material from newspapers and other media [“Paywall There for Good Reasons,” by Carla Eckler, The Freeman’s Journal, Sept. 19, A-4].
My wife and I do not have digital subscriptions to any newspapers, magazines or other media. We prefer the print versions. We find it more pleasurable and civilized reading from them than from peering at a screen.
We purchase newspapers daily and “The Freeman’s Journal” weekly, from the stands at local stores where they are sold in Cooperstown. We divide the sections and
enjoy reading them with our breakfast. If there is something we see that we’d like to share, we do so without feeling guilty of engaging in some form of theft, since the piece is taken from our paidfor copy. The same holds true for our print subscriptions to magazines and journals, which are received by mail.
John A. Rudy Cooperstown
Healthcare Issues Must Be Tackled
A recent news story on the shortcomings of rural health care prompted this letter to you. And it saddens me to feel the need to bring this matter before a public forum such as this. In the mid-80s, when I first lived in Otsego County, Bassett Hospital was the absolute go-to place for any healthcare or emergency needs. When one of my sons was injured in a horrific car accident, the care he received was excellent. Through the years, Bassett’s medical and hospital staff were among the very best. But, sad to say, not so much anymore.
Continued on page 12
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
THE PARTIAL ObSERvER
by
Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
185 YEARS AGO
On Friday, the 13th instant, a committee of five persons, (Messrs, Prentiss, Foote, Starkweather, Bowne and Pease) repaired to Fort Plain in two Barouches, and waited upon the President of the United States (Martin Van Buren) at that place. At nine o’clock the next morning, he took a seat in a handsome barouche drawn by four elegant creamcolored horses, and, accompanied by several other carriages he proceeded on the route to Springfield Corners, where they arrived at half past eleven. There were assembled about 200 men on horseback with a large concourse of citizens, by whom the President was received with the most enthusiastic and deafening cheers. The President alighted from the carriage and was greeted with a most hearty welcome from the Committee of Arrangements and numerous others who crowded around him. A large number of ladies had assembled at Mr. Willoughby’s to whom he was introduced by the Committee. Finding the gathering of citizens too large to admit of a personal introduction to them all, the President was obliged to leave, and, with a cavalcade of 300 horsemen, and a long train of carriages, he proceeded toward Cooperstown.
September 23, 1839
160 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown McClellan Club—The Democracy of this town assembled on Thursday evening last at their Club Room in this village for the purpose of forming a McClellan (for President) Club. The meeting was organized by appointing Judge Crippen temporary chairman, and Chas. B. Cooley, Secretary. On motion, a committee of five was appointed to report permanent officers and rules for the government of the club. The Committee reported the following as permanent officers: President, Arthur A. Brown; Vice President, Hezekiah Sturges; Corresponding Secretary, S.A. Bowen; Recording Secretary, F. H. Roof; Treasurer, D.A. Avery; Standing Committee, J.A. Lynes, E.P. Cory, and German Snyder. The report was unanimously adopted. The meeting, which was large and spirited, was addressed by several gentlemen during the evening, briefly and with much effect, their remarks eliciting frequent applause. With three cheers for “Little Mac” the meeting was adjourned.
60 YEARS AGO
September 23, 1864
A list of new high school teachers at Cooperstown Central School includes Theodore J. Kantorowski, boys’ physical education and football and wrestling coach and Donald E. Howard, Jr., seventh and eighth grade social studies; and Miss Ann M. Lamberson, home economics.
35 YEARS AGO
September 23, 1964
Ms. Patricia Brown, C.N.M., will speak on “Modern Midwives: A New Role in Women’s Healthcare” on Thursday, October 5 at the Village Library. A certified nurse midwife, Ms. Brown will give a slide presentation on childbirth and discuss the role of midwives in women’s healthcare. According to Ms. Brown, although midwives have assisted women in childbirth for centuries, it is only recently that physicians have recognized their unique contributions to women’s health.
20 YEARS AGO
September 27, 1989
An evening game of hide-and-seek was disrupted Tuesday when a car parked behind a home at 91 Beaver Street burst into flames that eventually spread to the structure as well. “I was playing hide-and-seek with my friends in the back yard when we heard a loud popping noise,” said 10-year-old MacKenzie Coleman. “Then we noticed that the car was all black and smoking, so we all ran out front and started telling everybody.” The blaze, of undetermined origin, was extinguished in two hours.
September 24, 2004
Solution: “Dressing the Part” (September 19)
news from the noteworthy
Bennett: A Garden Cannot Grow Itself
Agarden cannot flourish without love, labor and imagination. The effort put into it is what makes it thrive.
T’nette Kuzminski was a prodigious gardener, of plants and of people. Her love, labor and imagination brought “The Life of the Land” column into being three years ago. Her idea was to write about small family-run farms applying innovative agricultural practices to grow healthy food, and, importantly, affording the farmers a living—something difficult in today’s world of corporate agriculture.
Raised in Manhattan, T’nette fell in love twice in the arboretum while attending Smith College. She loved studying in the Botanic Garden, and she fell in love with Adrian Kuzminski, who visited the college and garden to study with her. Her agricultural and romantic interests bloomed there and continued throughout her life.
She and Adrian married, moved to Hawaii, and lived for several years in an essentially transparent tree house with flora and fauna always on display. In 1980, her agricultural interests expanded when she and Adrian moved to their farm in Fly Creek. As she practiced medicine at Bassett Hospital and Adrian taught philosophy at Hartwick College, they both embraced using their land for sustainable agricultural purposes. Letting it sit fallow was not an option.
T’nette had limitless intellectual interests and deep emotional connections to nurturing and growing things, animal or vegetable. She and
By MERL REAGLE
Tricks…
1 Hooded coat 6 Where La Pampa prov. is
Greek letter 14 Word before or after break
18 Siberian, yes; Liberian, no
19 Seat at the wedding 20 ___ Irish Rose 21 8th c. Chinese poet 22 Upside-down, as a clown’s hat?
24 What hat lovers listen to? 26 Ragbag
Flying fish-eater 28 Three-toed ratite
Glorify
Parisian’s daily prayer? 36 Ultimate 37 It merged with AT&T in 1999 38 Editing word
1998 Judi D. role
Get back on
“Very hatlike,” in Italian? 52 Arena cry
Jewel
Augsburg article
Basketball stat 59 Result of the old bucketabove-the-door gag, in Scotland?
Squad, e.g.
Acting Christian
Boyfriend
Adrian raised sheep for seven years. They raised beef cattle for the same amount of time. They raised ducks, chickens, and Guinea fowl. From her orchids and other lovely house plants to her spectacular flower gardens and her lush vegetable gardens, T’nette relished bringing ideas and things to life and helping them flourish. One idea still going strong is the ongoing Kid Garden at Cooperstown Elementary School that she helped found in 2008, teaching children the fundamentals of plant cultivation while encouraging them to eat their vegetables.
In 2007, in the spirit of improving and protecting Otsego County’s rural environment, Adrian was joined by other like-minded people to create Sustainable Otsego. The organization embraced three guiding principles to influence public policy: sustainable living, economic independence and home rule. All of these ideas resonated with T’nette. After retiring from medicine in 2016, T’nette joined in directing Sustainable Otsego.
T’nette’s goal with this column was to keep Sustainable Otsego relevant in these times. She invited me—Larry Bennett, also a Sustainable Otsego member—to cowrite. Our subjects ranged widely, including regenerative agriculture, high tunnels, fish farming, organic farm education, A2 milk, CSAs, riparian buffers and more. We spent many hours together driving around the county to interview farmers. T’nette nurtured our column, and she profoundly valued the insights of the
Continued on page 12
it’s
your head
Muscle woe 70 “Dumb ___ tree” (Chaucer)
Maui crop
Wind danger 75 Maker of the 9-3 convertible
Luci’s dad
Wintertime “combohat” that never caught on?
“If you can believe that”
Infamous Richard
Pomp and Circumstance
Soccer’s Hamm
What
AROUND THE TOWNS
Photo provided
Hudson Highlands Bikers Make Helios Donation
ONEONTA—The Hudson Highlands Retread Motorcycle Group rode to Helios Care headquarters on Thursday, August 29 to deliver a $2,000.00 donation. The club has made more than two dozen donations to Helios since 1994, supporting many critical patient and family services that are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. These include spiritual care, massage therapy, bereavement support and Camp Forget-Me-Not grief counseling for children. “In true fashion, group members arrived on their motorcycles to personally deliver their donation. Their unwavering support over the years is a true testament to the group’s values and generosity,” Helios Care officials said. “Every dollar donated to Helios Care is spent right here in our region, helping patients and their families.”
Birthday Luncheon at the Sunflower Cafe SPRINGFIELD CENTER—Sue Drake recently celebrated her 84th birthday with friends at the Sunflower Café, where “it’s always sunny in Springfield.”
Conversations included Sue’s birthday trip to Greece and histories of unique experiences from her guests (one cared for a U.S. president and well-known celebrities), first jobs, working at the Woodland Museum on the Bush Estate, and a huge surprise tip tucked in a pillow at an Adirondack resort. Seated from left are Sue Drake, Diane Richardson, Liz Susman, Karen Dunlap, and Kathy Snyder. Standing from left are Maria Lazarich, Gail Lewis and Ann Roth.
Imaginations at Play
COOPERSTOWN—Abigal Babbitt, an Oneonta School District 11th grader, was among more than 385 artists in grades 6-12 who particiated in Fenimore Art Museum’s “Young at Art!” Regional Youth Art Contest. Babbitt’s piece, titled “Nostalgic,” was recognized because it “evokes memories of the focused concentration friends experience when playing cooperative games.” Her concept, Babbitt said, “is the happiness and child-like emotion you feel when playing your favorite board game.”
Youth Wins Over Experience in Rotary Foundation Tournament
RICHFIELD SPRINGS
The rain held off and a great turn out contributed to a successful 2024 Lyn Edinger Memorial Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation at Meadow Links Golf Course on Sunday, June 9.
Team Sandler took home first-place honors with a score of 54 on the 18-hole course, which was played in a captain and crew format. Team members James Matson, Tanner Clinton, Elijah Sandler and Christian Sepp each received a $50.00 gift certificate to a local business, including Mel’s at 22, Mohican Flowers, and Upstate Bar & Grill/Boca Osteria or New York Pizzeria.
Team Jastremski, with a score of 56, took second-place honors and each player received a free round of golf with cart at Meadow Links. Team members were Mike and Connie Jastremski and Maria and Steve Hyden
Fortunately there were enough prizes to share for the two teams—Team McKenna, with Pat McKenna, David Irvin, and Mike Cleveland, and Team Membrino, with Joe and John Membrino and Ken Witty—which both tied for third place with a score of 62.
In the Putting Contest, James Matson of Team Sandler took first place with a putt 21 inches from the cup. He received a $25.00 gift certificate to Grand Union and a gift certificate for a Rotary luncheon. John Membrino placed second with a putt 36 inches from the cup.
Rotarians and golfers enjoyed a picnic reception followed by a lively auction with Gary Kuch serving as auctioneer. CRF Chair Ellen Tillapaugh commented that the donors who contributed prizes, underwrote the reception, and sponsored course holes and the putting tournament were all fundamental to the success of the event.
The Cooperstown Rotary Foundation, a 501c3 organization, provides funds and resources within the framework of the goals and ideals of Rotary International and has provided more than $45,000.00 in support to various projects and organizations since its inception. The foundation funds scholarships at Edmeston and Cooperstown schools, and international and local projects, most recently contributing to the Cooperstown Food Pantry for nutritional supplements for cancer patients and funding to the Angel Network for Cooperstown Central School families.
Photo provided
Team Sandler— James Matson, Tanner Clinton, Elijah Sandler and Christian Sepp—finished first in the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament.
Photo provided
Team Jastremski—Mike and Connie Jastremski and Maria and Steve Hyden—took secondplace honors in the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament.
Photo provided
Photo courtesy of Fenimore Art Museum
Alessandro Baricco wrote “Novecento” in 1994 as a one-person show, which was adapted into a movie in 1998, “The Legend of 1900,” starring Tim Roth. In 2024, SUNY Oneonta’s Kiara Pipino has broken the original monologue up into six parts, and asked Oneonta local musician Tim Iverson to create a musical score. The production of “Novecento” directed by Pipino, with a runtime of an hour and 20 minutes, starts its run this week. The play centers on a renowned pianist, Novecento, born onboard the Virginia, an ocean liner that moves between the Americas and Europe. Novecento lives his life onboard the Virginia until it is destroyed. I found the rehearsal engaging: a dance between six actors telling one story as they passed bits and parts to one another in one fluid motion to the next. It is so engaging as a cast of six, I cannot imagine it as a one-person show! And, when I sat in, they hadn’t yet incorporated Iverson’s musical score, so I am eager to go back and watch with that addition, especially the part where the lead character has a music battle with Jelly Roll Morton.
After rehearsal, the cast and crew members gathered and talked to me about their thoughts on the play, a conversation that also has me eager to go back and rewatch the play, for they each brought new perspectives and ideas to it and I want to rewatch it with those perspectives adding to the color of the show.
When the play’s
storyteller, Tim Tooney, first meets Novecento, he has come on board to play his trumpet. Through a series of incidents during a wicked storm at sea, Tooney learns that the legendary brilliance of Novecento’s piano play he had heard about, and begun to doubt, is true. The two become close friends. When one day Tooney questions Novecento, asking him why he hasn’t left the ship, Tooney tells us that he does so only after plucking up his courage and shivers in fear as he asks. It was about this shiver of fear that I asked students, wondering why Tooney was scared, despite Novecento being an easy-going, gentle piano player.
Ashley Stockman answered by beginning with a question, “Tell me this, if Hercules were real would you shiver with fear if you met him? So, learning that a legend that you’ve heard of is alive—because that’s the thing, Novecento is a legend who has never gotten off the ocean in however many years he has been alive—learning that’s true would be a little scary to anyone and now, he’s right in front of you.” This was an answer that others in the room thought an interesting take. Stephanie Lynne had a slightly different perspective, one that could be equally as true. “I thought it was that deep down he knew this friendship he was creating wasn’t going to end well, and he knew that it was probably going to end in heartbreak.”
At one point early in the play, the captain has decided it is time for Novecento to be sent ashore to live a more conventional life as a child. But while they search from bow to stern, they cannot find
Novecento anywhere and fear he fell or jumped off the ship. Once back out to sea, though, Novecento reappears, so I asked the group to speculate on where they thought he was during the search.
Alex suggested he had moved around, knowing the ship and areas that would be searched better than anyone. Ashley thought he was in the kitchen, which brought magical realism into the picture, for one of the distinguishing features of this ship is that it had no kitchen. Ethan Cardinal said, “I thought he was either hiding in the piano or he camouflaged himself in the third class with the immigrants which he, himself, is. He doesn’t fit in with the first class folks, but with the immigrants no one would look at him.”
Seamus Daly thinks, “…this play is going to strike a chord with anyone with first-generation immigrants in the family, like their parents or grandparents, because at the end of the day it is a story about immigration, finding yourself in this country and how scary that journey can be. My mom and dad are both immigrants, so hearing this story about a boat bringing so many immigrants, even Novecento who has this skill at piano, it is so interesting to think about that process and how it relates to my family and history.”
Kara Durkin suggested that anyone who likes hearing about legends and creepypastas would like this play. So, of course, I had to show my age and ask what in the Sam Heck is a “creepypasta”? The group explained that it is like urban legend horror stories, and came from the term “copypasta.” (At which point I was not going to share the
depth of my ignorance by asking what in the SH is copypasta. A quick Google search later told me ‘copypasta’ comes from ‘copy and paste’ and refers to bits of text that have been copied and pasted multiple times across the Internet. So now you know. The things you learn in a theater setting!)
Stephanie assured me musicians and music lovers will enjoy the play. When Stephanie told her parents she plays Jelly Roll, her dad started playing Jelly Roll for her on Facetime, which she couldn’t really hear, she said, but she appreciated his enthusiasm.
The group also reflected on the message of the play. They all had interesting takes on it, that seemed to come down to the idea that life is immense, and in choosing not to expand your horizons, not to accept change, there are consequences which include not being able to grow. A lesson they all seemed to have embraced.
The question I put to the group that got the widest range of answers was: If, like Novecento, they were to spend 32 years of their lives in a space as limited as a ship, what space would they choose?
The scale of places grew from Stephanie, who said she’d choose her bed at home, to Nicole Canfield, who said she’d choose her dorm, to Ashley, who said he’d choose a log cabin by a river with his girlfriend, and to Arlee Peterson, who said Hawaii due to the lack of cold weather, the presence of family and good Chinese food.
Alex Dinardi gave an answer that should have been obvious to those of us in the room, but wasn’t, saying, “Honestly, I would choose a theater, because it gets changed a lot over time. Seats get changed, sets get changed, it’s just really a nice place because it never stays static, it’s always changing, so I would never get too upset staying in that one place because it’s always going to be different.”
Then there was Brian Gershowitz, who gave an answer many faculty and administrators (especially in the admissions office) at the college would love: SUNY Oneonta. But he
Continued on page 8
LOCAL ORGANIC CHEMICAL FREE
Mini-Snacking Peppers, Orange/Red/ Yellow/Green Bell Peppers, Eggplant, Beefsteak/Heirloom/Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Orleans Sweet Potatoes, Red/White/ Magic Molly/French Fingerling/Russian Banana Potatoes, Green/Yellow Wax Beans, Red Beets, Kale, Red/Green Leaf/Butterhead Lettuce, Red Seedless Watermelon & Red Seeded Watermelon.
On Stage
Continued from page 7
grinned and said, just kidding. “If I had to pick somewhere to be for 32 years, I don’t think I would. I don’t think I could stay someplace for 32 years, I think I’d go CRAYzee. I’ve got to keep moving, that’s where I’m at.”
If you want to be entertained by local student, faculty, and community talent, and walk away asking yourself how you have defined the limits of your world, consider coming to one of the showings of “Novecento” this week. From reading and watching the play, I realize that at this stage of my life, I find some comfort in the idea of a more confined world. m aybe a world bigger than just my bed, but certainly a cabin by a river with my husband sounds attractive. And, if I find myself starting to go cray-zee— and knowing that my husband, like b rian, is someone who has
to keep moving –I’ll just get my husband to build a theater beside the cabin and invite Kiara and her cast and crew to come over. That should keep life interesting for a long time. I just hope that there is good Chinese food available through Uber dash at this cabin.
“Novecento,” directed by Kiara pipino and performed by SUNY Oneonta students, shows in the evenings at 7:30 p.m. September 27-28 and October 2-3, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on September 29. All performances take place at the Hamblin Theater on the SUNY Oneonta campus and are free with a SUNY Oneonta student ID or $5.00 general admission. Reserve tickets at https:// oneonta.universitytickets.com/ or purchase on-site.
Next up, “proof,” a studentdirected play at SUNY Oneonta with shows starting October 24.
Rachel Frick Cardelle covers performing arts at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College.
ObITUARIeS
Betty Proctor Sohacki 1933-2024
FLOReNCe, KY – betty proctor Sohacki, formerly of the Town of middlefield in New York, passed away on September 22, 2024 at the age of 91 in Florence, Kentucky. betty was born in bay City, michigan to Colon C. proctor and Doris (July) proctor. She graduated from Central michigan University. betty taught at milford Central School in milford, New York for many years and was an active member of St. mary’s Our Lady of the Lake for many decades, along with her husband, Leonard. Together they
were active volunteers in many capacities, including church activities, the Otsego County Jail ministry and the Cooperstown Food bank. betty is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leonard Sohacki and their six children, Lynn Sohacki of Ann Arbor, michigan, Carla Desrosiers and husband Stephen of Rochester, New Hampshire, paul Sohacki and wife Katherine Gannon of Twin Falls, Idaho, Tim Sohacki and wife Tumu of Chula Vista, California, Janet Lunneman and husband Robert of Florence, Kentucky, and Anne Sohacki and husband Tim Urbanski of Sparta, Kentucky. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September
St. Stanislaus Church, 1503 Kosciuszko Avenue, bay City, michigan. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local food bank.
Hubbell’s Real Estate
27, 2024 at
photo provided Betty Proctor Sohac ki
Van Atta, Others To Address Dems
ONEONTA—Delaware County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Kim Van Atta will address the Oneonta Democratic Club’s monthly meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 5.
She will speak about new Get Out the Vote strategies and the New York State Coordinated Campaign’s work with local candidates and officials. Common Councilmember Elayne Mosher Campoli, State Senate candidate Michelle Frazier and Rory McClenahan from the state Democratic Committee will also present at the meeting. It will be held at Get Fresh on the Main cafe, 254 Main Street, and is open to
the public. To RSVP, contact Garymaffei@gmail.com or the Oneonta Democratic Club Facebook page.
Hartwick Unveils New Initiatives
ONEONTA—Hartwick College relaunched itself as “The Life Balance College” for the fall 2024 semester. This transformative new initiative will emphasize academic success, physical and emotional wellness, career readiness, and financial health for all students. It includes personalized faculty and peerto-peer support, J-term travel courses, and up to $10,000.00 in merit-based scholarships.
Hartwick will also transition to a transparent tuition model of $22,000.00 for tuition and fees, and $16,000.00 for room and board starting in fall 2025. Students will also have access
to $250.00 in Life Balance Credit, for engaging in wellness, community or career development activities, each semester.
Henrici Performs Poe Classics
COOPERSTOWN—
Fenimore Art Museum will present “Tell-Tale: Stories and Poems from the Macabre Mind of Edgar Allan Poe” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. The program, created and performed by local actor and director Michael Henrici, features full theatrical performances of Poe’s most chilling stories, including “The TellTale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Raven,” “Annabel Lee,” and more. Tickets are available at FenimoreArt.org; contact
m.tamburrino@fenimoreart. org for special group or school rates.
Kinney Requests Nominations
GOUVERNEUR—Kinney Drugs will honor American Pharmacist Month and Employee Stock Ownership Plan Month with a chainwide Favorite Pharmacist and Employee Contest. Customers are strongly encouraged to vote for their favorite neighborhood pharmacist or other employee by visiting https://www. kinneydrugs.com/. Each voter will be entered in a drawing to win a $500.00 Kinney shopping spree, and the winning employee’s chosen charity will receive a $1,000.00 donation. Nominations and votes are due by late October. Kinney Drugs is 100 percent employee-owned.
CAA Announces Sewing Class
COOPERSTOWN—
Cooperstown Art Association will offer a children’s beginner sewing class for ages 7-12 on six Fridays from October 4 to November 8. Instructor Betsy Foster will demonstrate essential sewing techniques, from basic hand-stitching to sewing machines. It runs from 3:155 p.m., and all materials are included. To register, contact gallery@cooperstownart.com or (607) 547-9777.
Ghost Tours Set To Return
COOPERSTOWN—The Farmers’ Museum’s “Things That Go Bump in the Night” ghost tours will return on October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Reservations are required at FarmersMuseum.org.
LegaL nOtice
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 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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
Notice of QuaLificatioN of CLVEN BETA XI, LLC
Appl. for auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/04/24. 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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of Porter Pickles LLC,
LEGALS
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
LegaL nOtice
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
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of
Diedrick Enterprises LLC.
Arts of org. filed with SSNY on 8/21/2024. Off: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 434, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.24
LegaL nOtice
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO
INDEX NO.
EF2023-615
Plaintiff designates OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property
Mortgaged Premises: 59 NORTH STREET, EDMESTON, NY 13335
Section: 108.13, Block: 1, Lot: 7
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.
CARLTON WOODBECK,
AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MEGHAN E. WOODBECK A/ K/A MEGHAN
ELIZABETH WOODBECK
F/K/A MEGHAN LUM; AIDEN LUM, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MEGHAN E. WOODBECK A/ K/A MEGHAN
ELIZABETH WOODBECK
F/K/A MEGHAN
LUM; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF MEGHAN E. WOODBECK A/ K/A MEGHAN
ELIZABETH WOODBECK
F/K/A MEGHAN LUM, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where
service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
Notice of Nature of actioN aNd reLief SouGHt tHe obJect of the above caption action is to foreclose a mortgage to secure the sum of $62,755.00 and interest, recorded on June 04, 2012, in instrument Number 20122739, of the public records of otSeGo county, New york., covering premises known as 59 NortH Street, edmeStoN, Ny 13335. the relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. otSeGo county is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
Notice you are iN daNGer of LoSiNG your Home if you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
you muSt reSpoNd by SerViNG a copy of tHe aNSWer oN tHe attorNey for tHe pLaiNtiff (mortGaGe compaNy) aNd fiLiNG tHe aNSWer WitH tHe court
Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4LegalOct.10
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of
S & D 94 MAIN STREET LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/12/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 137 Main St., Unadilla, NY 13849, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.24
LegaL nOtice
Notice of orGaNizatioN of Dangca Excavating LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
1. The name of the limited liability company is Dangca Excavating LLC. 2. Articles of Organization of Dangca Excavating LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on August 7, 2024.
3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.
4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 257 Townline Road, Laurens, NY 13796.
5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Dangca Excavating LLC, 257 Townline Road, Laurens, NY 13796.
6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities. 6LegalOct.24
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLity Company:
DREAMOID LLC.
Art. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY on 09/19/24. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Office in OTSEGO COUNTY. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, PO BOX 214, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.31
LegaL nOtice
Notice of orGaNizatioN of BES HOUSE AND SUPPLY LLC
under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/18/24. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Ma Eden Marquinez and Bjorn Marquinez, 1 Susquehanna Ave., Apt. 2, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.31
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of
LBNAN LLC
Art. Of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 09/20/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to 7665 State Highway 28, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalOct.31
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of
Tom Hunt
Excavating LLC
Art. Of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 8/30/2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail a copy of process to the LLC at 159 Mravlja Hill Road, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.31
LegaL nOtice
Notice of pubLic HeariNG otSeGo couNty
Otsego County will hold a second public hearing on Wednesday October 2, 2024 at 9:55 a.m. at the Otsego County Office Building Second Floor Board Chambers, 197 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 for the purpose of hearing public comments on the Otsego County’s current Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project: 868ME532-23, Otsego County Microenterprise Grant, $300,000. The CDBG program is administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR), provides resources to eligible local governments for housing, economic development, public facilities, public infrastructure, and planning activities, with the principal purpose of benefitting low/moderate income persons. Otsego County, along with the subapplicant, Otsego Now, applied for and received $300,000 in CDBG funds to provide local businesses, including agricultural businesses, with financial assistance to assist with business development. The hearing will provide further information about the progress of the ongoing CDBG project. Comments related to the effectiveness of administration of the CDBG project will also be received at this time. The hearing is being conducted pursuant to Section 570.486, Subpart I of the CFR and in compliance with the requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
The Otsego County Office Building is accessible to persons with disabilities. If special accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, those with hearing impairments, or those in need of translation from English, those individuals should contact Trevor Fuller at (607) 547-4340, at least one week in advance of the hearing date to allow for necessary arrangements. Written comments may also be submitted to Otsego County Planning Department, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 until October 9, 2024. 1LegalSept.26
Deborah H. Clegg
1951-2024
HARTWICK—
Deborah H. Clegg, a beloved and vital part of the Hartwick community, especially the fire and EMS group of first responders, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully Thursday morning, September 19, 2024 at her home in Hartwick. She was 73.
Deborah Diane Harper was born September 3, 1951 in Youngstown, Ohio, a daughter of Thamar L. “Tim” Harper, Sr. and Harriette E. (Preston) Harper. In 1954, the Harpers moved to Milford, and Deb attended school there until the early 1960s, when they moved to Hartwick. She attended the Hartwick Grade Center until the sixth grade, and then attended Cooperstown Central School and graduated with the Class of 1969. She went on to graduate from SUNY Agricultural and Technical College at Cobleskill, where she earned an associate degree in accounting. For 10 years she worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for L.P. Butts Inc. in Oneonta, and then went to work in the same capacity for 38 years at Otsego Electric Cooperative Inc.
On May 10, 1980, Deb married Ronald George Clegg in a ceremony at the Hartwick United Methodist Church, and they made their home on East Main Street in Hartwick.
For many years, Deb dedicated her life to fire and EMS service, both in Hartwick and at the county level. She was an active member and treasurer of Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, as well as a member, and for many years served as captain of, the Hartwick Emergency Squad.
Deb was also a member of the Otsego County Emergency Squad Association and the Otsego County Special Operations Team.
Through the years, Deb was a dedicated and hard-working member of the Hartwick American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 1567, as well as the now former Hartwick United Methodist Church. And she will long be remembered as the Queen of Chinese Auctions!
Perhaps more than her service to her community was her devotion to her family. Deb especially enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and could always be counted on to be at their various sporting events. She
also loved her yearly trips to visit family in West Virginia. Talented at crocheting and knitting, she was always ready to give to others items she had hand-made for special occasions. In addition to enjoying watching the New York Yankees and NASCAR (Martin Truex Jr. was currently her favorite driver) she excelled at playing Pitch with her favorite partner, Butch Jones.
Throughout her life, Deb led a life dedicated to the service of others, spending countless hours serving the members of her beloved community and her family. A mother and friend to everybody, she will truly be missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Deb is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 44 years, Ron Clegg, of Hartwick; their son and daughter-in-law, Andrew T. and Cassie Clegg, of Hartwick; and five grandchildren, Chelsey, Tarah, Philip, Emma, and Harper. She is further survived by her sister, Norma Jean Stilson of Ocala, Florida, two brothers, Thamar L. Harper Jr. and wife Lori and James C. Harper and wife Deborah of Hartwick, and their families.
In addition to her parents, Deb was predeceased by an infant son, Phillip Daniel Clegg, who died April 29, 1985, an infant daughter, Amanda J. Clegg, who died November 3, 1987, and a grandson, Bruce Harper Clegg, who died December 7, 2017.
Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Hartwick. At the conclusion of the visitation, Deb will be placed on the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1’s 1946 Seagrave Pumper and, after a procession through the streets of Hartwick, will be laid to rest in Hartwick Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Clegg family would truly appreciate donations in memory of Deb be made to the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the Hartwick American Legion Post 1567, PO Box 262, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the First Baptist Church of Hartwick, 3110 County Highway 11, Hartwick, NY 13348.
OBITUARIES
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral
Beth HudsonHankins 1959-2024
MANSFIELD
CENTER, CT—Elizabeth (“Beth”) HudsonHankins, 65, died at home on August 17, 2024 surrounded by her family and in the hearts of many, after a long illness. She was an enthusiastic lifelong athlete, a mental health professional and a devoted mother and grandmother.
Beth was born in Burlington, Vermont on July 17, 1959 but spent her formative years in Alaska. She graduated from Cooperstown Central School (New York) in 1977 and Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1981. A Nordic skier, competitive runner and distance cyclist, she played a pioneering role as the first girl to run crosscountry at Cooperstown High School when her family moved east.
Shortly after graduating from Carleton, Beth married classmate and Nordic ski team cocaptain John B. Hankins. Just two years into their loving four-decade union, Beth and John co-led 12 teenagers on a six-week 400-mile long wilderness canoe trip from Temagami, Ontario north to the southern shore of Hudson Bay. It was the first of many athletic adventures they shared together, culminating in 2021 in Hawaii when they achieved their goal of completing a 100-mile bike ride in each of the 50 states.
Beth received a graduate degree from UConn School of Social Work in 1984. An insightful and empathetic therapist, she held a variety of jobs over her long career. She provided adult mental health support at United Services in Willimantic and helped those with medical issues, including cancer, at St. Francis Medical Center in Hartford. Beth provided mental health services
Dietz Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com
for teenagers at Windham High School, where she was proud to help start and support the first Gay/Straight Alliance. Later she opened her own psychotherapy practice and worked at the Windham Hospital Emergency Room until her retirement in 2019. She cherished the professional relationships that grew from shared efforts to bring comfort and hope to those addressing mental health issues.
She was a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of Storrs and the Unitarian Universalist Society East in Manchester, where she served on a variety of committees and helped to coordinate Sunday services. In June 2024, she offered a last service at UUSE, “The Bitter with the Sweet,” which drew from her recent experience with cancer.
She leaves her husband, John, her daughter, Nellie, and husband JP Lindsey of Jersey City, New Jersey, her daughter, Anna, and husband Tim Durkin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, four beloved grandchildren (Elio, Rafael, Eliza, and Annabel), her parents, Dr. Charles and Dorothy Hudson, brother Andrew Hudson, sister Amy Landis Hudson, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Beth was held at the Unitarian Universalist Society East located at 153 Vernon Street in Manchester on Thursday, August 29.
Donations in her memory may be made to Planned Parenthood, www.weareplannedparenthood.org, the Unitarian Universalist Society East of Manchester, www. uuse.org, or the Unitarian Fellowship of Storrs, www.uufstorrs.org.
Elnora E. Rathbun 1941-2024
COOPERSTOWN—
Elnora Edna Rathbun, a native of Cooperstown who will be remembered by many for her years at Church & Scott, passed into eternal rest the morning of Saturday, September 21, 2024 at her home in Toddsville with her family by her side. She was 83.
Born March 5, 1941 in Cooperstown, Elnora was a daughter of John William Rathbun and Marion Cora (Wright) Rathbun. She grew up in the small hamlet of Toddsville, attending a one-room schoolhouse until moving up to the Cooperstown High School, graduating in
the Class of 1959. She was looking forward to attending her 65th year class reunion this October.
She had many jobs. She worked for New York Telephone as an operator until “dial up” came to be, and also worked at an insurance company and as a check-out lady at Victory Markets. Elnora then worked at Church & Scott Pharmacy for 39 years until her retirement. She was the “go to” person in the pharmacy, knowing where everything was located and knowing everyone that came in by their first name.
Her retirement gave her the opportunity to go south during the winter months, spending time with her daughter and family. She was very much a “family” oriented person being concerned about everyone, calling them on special occasions or just to find out what they were doing.
She enjoyed having lunch with many friends at Jackie’s Restaurant in Milford. She loved her daily newspaper, keeping up on local news and doing the crossword puzzles, which she had numerous books, along with word search. She also enjoyed bowling at Milford Bowling Lanes and going to many tournaments with friends and her mother earlier in her life.
Elnora is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline (David) James of Mableton, Georgia and Terri Phillips of Latham, and a son, Scott (Melissa) Rathbun of Christian Hill; her grandchildren, John (Susan) James and Charles (Julie) James of Georgia, Ryan Phillips, Emily (Tyler) Gates, and Cora Phillips of Latham, Dylan (Heather) Rathbun of North Carolina, and Lindsey Rathbun of Oswego; and her greatgrandchildren, Adriana, Tucker, and Weston James, Skylynn, Hunter, and Harper Rathbun.
She has two brothers, William (Betty) Rathbun of Ilion, and Jack Rathbun of Oneonta, and a sister, Debra Reed of Schenevus, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is predeceased by her parents and a greatgranddaughter, Madeline James in 2008.
Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home with the Reverend Nathan Ritter, Rector of Christ Church, Cooperstown, officiating. The service of committal and burial will follow in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek, where Elnora will be laid to rest with her family. Following the burial, all attending are welcome to gather at Jackie’s Restaurant in Milford for food and fellowship.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Photo provided DEBORAH H. CLEGG
Photo provided BE t H H u D s O n- HA nkins
Photo provided EL n ORA E RAt HB un
More recently, we are hearing from family members and colleagues who, for a host of reasons, are now turning to other area hospitals for care. Some, like myself—forced to seek out new physicians, due either to doctors leaving Bassett or because of a physician having decided to curtail their practice— are meeting the same obstacles, in that many healthcare professionals considered to be worthwhile replacements are not taking new patients or they, too, are planning to leave this area. I know of an EMS person who willingly traveled back and forth to an Albany hospital seven days in a row because of their concerns of having their family member treated at Bassett. I’ve also heard that ambulances transporting patients to the Bassett ER are made to wait an inordinate amount of time (with their patients still in the ambulances) before they are admitted to the ER.
There is absolutely no excuse for healthcare inadequacies such as these to be allowed to continue as they are in a county that prides itself in its services. We must all do everything possible to promote political will to tackle these shortfalls in service in Otsego County.
Maureen Dill Morris
LVODC 50th Celebrated
When Dr. Roy Bartoo came to SUNY Oneonta in 1974 and asked a few folks if there was a need for help with literacy in the area, he
pass all of his time—and more. I have all the books and all the recordings of every song he’s written up until 2021. He has written an excellent book about his life.”
Villagran was referring to “Chronicles: Volume 1” which, in 2004, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Villagran’s exhibit features approximately 50 Dylan paintings and sculptures in the gallery’s front space. Villagran describes these works as “abstract realism.”
Paintings from his “previous life” may be viewed in the gallery’s back room.
people. I learned much about gardening from her, and much about farming. Most importantly, I learned how one remarkable person can encourage everyone and everything around her to grow. Authored by Sustainable Otsego. Since 2007 we have promoted ecologically sound practices – locally, regionally, and nationally. Our platform calls for sustainable living, economic independence and home rule. Visit us at sustainableotsego.net or facebook. com/SustainableOtsego.
Fundraiser
found a definite opening. He brought the idea of Literacy Volunteers from Syracuse via Buffalo University. Little did he know that 50 years later Literacy Volunteers of Otsego and Delaware Counties would still be going strong, filling in the gaps.
The number of individuals in Delaware County with less than a ninth-grade education is 868. In Otsego County, it is 2,907. The number of individuals in households with limited English proficiency in Delaware County is 1,557. In Otsego County, it is 1,573.
From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, Literacy Volunteers of Otsego and Delaware Counties has served 62 individuals. Approximately 2,100 volunteer hours of tutoring were conducted by 31 tutors.
The first languages of our ESL students include: Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, Haitian Creole, French, Swahili, Russian, Korean and Arabic. Our native English speakers
who needed help were on the radar, too.
The hours of tutoring lead to jobs, reading to kids, reading a menu, confidence and citizenship. Doors are opened. Our communities are enriched. A mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income.
That is the history and those are the numbers. Now I want to speak personally of what I have experienced as a volunteer for about six years. I have met and gotten to know people from Azerbaijan, Libya and Cuba. Without exception, they have been serious students with much to share. Our dentist from Libya has become a citizen and can help her children in school. The family has worked hard and put in the sweat equity for a Habitat House. Our math teacher from Azerbaijan has finished another master’s degree and has goals to become an actuary and has already passed three exams. Our Cuban has helped his family buy a home and is proudly looking forward, as his granddaughter starts college.
I have laughed and cried with them. I have
learned to respect each of their cultures. I have watched with pride when they encourage and cheer each other on. All have made remarkable progress with the help of our local volunteers in Cooperstown.
On Sunday, September 22, we celebrated 50 years in the area. Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek proclaimed the day for us. New York State Assemblyman Brian Miller brought a proclamation from Albany. A good time was had by all. We are now at the Rowe House on Maple Street in Oneonta. We look forward to the next 50 years with more volunteers and more students. Check us out. Literacy Volunteers of Otsego and Delaware Counties.
Robin Lettis LVODC Board Member Oneonta
Exhibit
Continued from page 1
somehow overlooked Bob Dylan. I’m embarrassed that I’ve only been aware of him for about three years,” Villagran said.
What drew Villagran to Dylan at this late date?
“Words,” said the artist. “He has all the words that I want to use to describe life in my time. I encom-
The Dunderberg Gallery is located at 118 Marion Avenue. The “Jack of Hearts” exhibit runs through the holidays, Villagran said, noting that he may be adding pieces to it from time to time. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Information on the gallery is available at dunderberggallary.com
Council
Continued from page 1
“It’s not clear to me what the broader purpose of these changes may bring about, particularly when the city is focused on economic development of Center City,” said Second Ward Council Member Cecelia WalshRusso. “We want to make sure these changes aren’t so restrictive that they do not invite small businesses to open in Oneonta.”
Garden
Continued from page 5
farmers, agricultural specialists and others who shared their time and wisdom to help build it.
T’nette was like the sun shining down on fertile farmland. Friends and family faced toward her, basking in her warmth. In fact, what T’nette nurtured best of all was loving relationships, with her plants, her writing, and her
Underway
FLY
CREEK—The
Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company announced that local painter Susan Kenyon will be the artist for their third annual Holiday Card fundraiser. This popular event features one work donated by an area artist each year. Kenyon’s oil painting “Winter Moon” will be this year’s card. She is a self-taught impressionistic painter with more than 30 years of experience and a season-long Fenimore Art Museum exhibit under her belt. Pre-order forms are available on flycreekfire.com and on the Fire Company’s Facebook page. Pre-ordered cards and cards for purchase will be available for pickup at the firehouse on Saturday, October 5. The original oil painting will be sold in a silent auction on the same day. Cards will also be available for purchase at the Fly Creek General Store and Stagecoach Coffee. All proceeds benefit the FC Fire Company.
Workshop
Announced
COOPERSTOWN—
The Otsego County Board of Representatives will hold a 2025 budget workshop at noon on Wednesday, October 2 in the basement of the County Office Building, 197 Main Street in Cooperstown. The public is strongly encouraged to attend.
Photo provided
Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek (center) reads a proclamation in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Literacy Volunteers of Otsego and Delaware Counties on the porch of the Rowe House. Joining Drnek, to his left, are LVODC Board Members Ronald Ritter, Ari NikiTobi and Andrea Lucas. To Drnek’s right are past LVODC Board President Thomas Beattie, Executive Director Jeanne Ellsworth and Board Member Cindy Struckle.
Sign Law
Continued from page 1
honored here in the village, to the need for funding for veterans services.
Village resident Thomas Russo, whose father served in the Marines in Korea, said he wished this had not become a divisive issue, “but it has.”
“I am sure that we are all in favor of honoring our veterans, though we may disagree on the best way to do that,” Russo said. Russo feels there are too many banners and signs in the business district now and suggested honoring veterans in a more permanent way.
“My father believed as I do that the government owed veterans its support…owed them more than an ephemeral token of respect,” Russo continued. “As for me, I intend to continue to honor veterans by refusing to vote for anyone who thinks that being captured makes one less of a hero or who refers to them as suckers and losers.”
Floyd Bourne, commander of Cooperstown VFW Post 7128, said his organization would be willing to assist folks in the purchase and hanging of the banners, if the sign law amendments are passed. Both the VFW and the American Legion are tax exempt, Bourne said, and would be willing to take a lead role in the initiative.
“There are lots of representatives here tonight from the VFW. We feel strongly about this and are asking for a little respect. It’s not too much. It really isn’t,” he continued.
Bourne, who pointed out that there is signage everywhere in the village, commented, “As I drive through the village, I don’t hit any cars trying to read [the signs]. Anything you can do to make this happen would be much appreciated,” he said, directly addressing the trustees.
Cooperstown resident Chip Northrup said of the proposed sign law change, “Any banners are a distraction to motorists, motorcyclists, [and others]. I think it’s a terrible idea.”
Susan Mulligan, on the other hand, said she feels very strongly that veterans should be honored and she approves of changing the law. Mulligan explained that when driving in other municipalities with Hometown Heroes banners, where most of the banners are hung on NYSEG utility poles, “I noticed they were there—it did not distract my driving through town.”
Mulligan pointed out that tourists won’t be looking at the banners May through November, and contended that the village is “not that busy” but for 12 weeks out of the year. She said she would be willing to purchase and maintain the banners herself, if necessary.
Joan Parillo of Fly Creek, who first proposed the hanging of Hometown Heroes banners in the
Village of Cooperstown, pointed out that she had identified three signs on village property that are in violation of the current sign law, two on Pioneer Street and one on Chestnut Street. Parillo has been very vocal about what she deems are inconsistencies in the village sign law and its enforcement.
Parillo, who has also gone to the Town of Otsego to seek permission to hang Hometown Heroes banners on State Route 28, commented, “They’re a lot easier to deal with.”
Village resident William Rigby, also a veteran, came to Cooperstown in 1992, when there were “no signs at all, really.” Rigby told those assembled that there were a lot of other veterans in his family, none of whom were ever in favor of publicity.
“I follow in their footsteps,” Rigby said. “Can’t you come up with another idea?”
His wife, Janet Rigby, spoke next, saying she, too, was concerned about the possible alteration of the sign law.
“I learned in the fourth grade that just because everyone else does it, doesn’t mean I have to,” Janet Rigby said. “The only one that’s benefitting from this is Rileighs Outdoor Décor [the outdoor decoration business behind the Hometown Heroes Banner Program].”
She emphasized that she would rather see money spent to fund veterans’ services.
Ken Zigon, who currently lives in Oneonta but was born and raised in Cooperstown, said he is looking forward to seeing his father and brothers’ pictures on the banners and does not believe the addition of the banners to utility poles will be a distraction or a problem, saying, “I drive big trucks. You can walk as fast as you can drive a car on Main Street Cooperstown.”
“There’s a ship named after Cooperstown because of the veterans,” Zigon continued and, referring to Russo, he
added, “That fellow tried to make it political before he beat it out the door. These banners should hang in this town.”
Helmut Michelitsch, owner of Metro Cleaners, said he believes not allowing the signs would be an “injustice to vets and our community.”
“I love this town. The [village] board is intelligent enough to delineate where these signs would be appropriate. I don’t find them objectionable. Leave it up to the board where they would be allowed.”
The Hometown Heroes banners can be found in “every small community in the state,” Michelitsch said, and people love them.
“Let’s try to honor our vets. This is a nice way of doing it,” he concluded.
Achim Koeddermann, an associate professor at SUNY Oneonta of German origin, spoke next.
“I just moved here, and the more I live here the more I love it,” Koeddermann said.
Instead of the Hometown Heroes banners, Koeddermann said he would rather support something more tangible to help veterans, and would like to see younger veterans become more involved.
“What I didn’t see in the Memorial Day parade was younger veterans. My appeal is to try to get younger generations involved and I don’t see the banners doing this,” Koeddermann explained, becoming emotional when he said to the veterans assembled, “Thank you for saving my country.”
Perhaps the most compelling argument of the evening came from Cooperstown resident Linden Summers.
“I’m not a native,” Summers said. “I was four weeks old when we moved here.”
Summers recounted that his grandfathers served in World War I and his parents served in World War II.
“On Memorial Day, they were godlike creatures to people my age,” he recounted.
The value of veterans and what they have done for us is forged in his mind forever, Summers said.
Summers, who has spent the last 5-10 years traveling through Delaware, Chenango, and Otsego counties, continued: “Whenever I saw those [banners] they took me back to those days and triggered memories of veterans and what they have done for all of us.”
He said he wondered why Cooperstown didn’t have any Hometown Heroes banners, and thought it was only because no one had yet taken the initiative.
“This is a great missed opportunity for this village to not do what so many other towns and villages in New York State have done,” Summers said. “The Village of Cooperstown is not unique, in that it shares with all the communities [in that] mothers, fathers, sons and daughters went off to war. This board has the power to pass the law,” Summers concluded to a round of applause from the crowd.
Pine Boulevard resident Karen Crissman said that, although every male member of her family has served in the military, she is opposed to changing the law.
“We need a better way to help veterans,” she said.
Teriann Sammis, who has lived here for 31 years, was in the Navy— her family is a Navy family, she said.
“[Though] I am not the type of person that
[wants] their picture on a banner, I love this,” she continued. “I don’t think it’s too much to ask for recognition for veterans. It is the memories and appreciation that is important. Personally, I want people to be able to be recognized for what they have done.”
James Mogavero said that while he appreciates our veterans, he believes “Cooperstown is really unique and can’t really be compared to other communities” in terms of traffic, aesthetics and architectural integrity. He said he is not in favor of anything that adds to the distraction.
Diane Adams assured those gathered that she understands heavy traffic, but wondered how many people are just assuming there will be distractions caused by these banners.
“Has anyone communicated with other communities?” she asked.
Adams expressed support for the Hometown Heroes banners, saying “These veterans wrote us all a blank check. I feel that the banners start conversations and energize young people.”
The banners are “a way we can open this community to more conversation,” she added.
Tim Weir, who grew up in the area, spoke on behalf of the American Legion and his family. He said he thinks it is important to honor individual local veterans and is in favor of changing the sign law to allow the banners.
“All I feel in my heart is memories and a sense of pride when I see them—I don’t get
out and read them. They make me feel ‘warm and fuzzy.’”
The final speaker of the evening was village resident Richard Blabey, who assisted with the writing of the current sign law and is himself a veteran.
The intent of the law, he said, was “to get the spread of signs under control so the village can maintain its character, and to balance the need for signage in the business district with the issue of over-signing.”
“It is a very complicated law,” Blabey said. “We worked on it for months.”
Blabey concluded by saying the proposal is contrary to the intent of the law, but he did present an option for placement of the Hometown Heroes banners.
“Cooperstown Central School has a parking lot with lots of poles. Banners hung there could be an inspiration to students. The military needs recruits. I think this would be an ideal place,” he said.
Mayor Tillapaugh closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. The Cooperstown Village Board of Trustees will meet next on Monday, October 28. Those interested can view the full trustee meeting and public hearing at https://www. youtube.com/@villageofcooperstown7215/ streams.
Call 607-547-6103 TO SUBSCRIBE!
The Freeman’s Journal Hometown Oneonta AllOtsego.com
►Fri., Sept. 27
COMMON READ
Read “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henriquez, then discuss with Professor Thor Gibbins on 10/15 at 6 p.m. or 10/17 at 4 p.m. In partnership with SUNY Oneonta’s Common Read. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
RUMMAGE SALE
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit mission and church needs. Pay what you can. Continues 9/28 from 9-11 a.m. First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, corner of Pioneer and Elm streets, Cooperstown. (607) 5478401.
LIBRARY 10 a.m.
“Coffee & Puzzles.” Each Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, cauliflower and no-bake cookies. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.
ANNIVERSARY Noon to 3 p.m. “One Year Celebration.” Potluck lunch. Registration requested. The Gathering Place, 5506 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 2674732.
POTTERY 1:304:30 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 9/28 at 11 a.m. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
Two-day festival of kites, music, food and fun. Cherry Valley. (607) 2643080.
THEATER 7:30 p.m.
“Novecento.” Presented by the Mask and Hammer Theatre Club. Also held 9/28 with a matinee at 2 p.m. on 9/29. Hamblin Theater, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
MAGIC 8 p.m. “The Evasons: Mentalist Duo.” Hunt Union Ballroom, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.
►Sat., Sept. 28
FREE FISHING DAY
All day. Visit dec.ny.gov/ things-to-do/freshwaterfishing/learn-to-fish
BENEFIT RUN 9 a.m.
“Colie’s 5K Fire Run/ Walk.” Benefit for the Richfield Springs Fire Department. Fees apply; registration required. Begins and ends at the Richfield Springs Fire Department, 34 East James Street, Richfield Springs.
ERS’ 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.
CHERRY VALLEY KITE
FESTIVAL—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two-day festival of kites, music, food and fun. Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3080.
CRAFT FAIR 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Pierstown Grange Craft Fair.” Crafts, bake sale and more. Pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown.
COIN SHOW 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Otsego Numismatic Association Coin Show.” Free and open to the public. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
EXHIBT OPENING
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “The Art of the Everyday: American Genre Painting.” On view through 12/29. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
LOCAL AUTHORS
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “2nd Annual Local Author & Artists Expo and the 125th Anniversary of the Library Charter.” Presented by the Richfield Springs Public Library at Spring Park, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.
MUSEUM 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Blacksmithing Weekend.” Workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, activities and more. Registration required. Continues 9/29.
The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.
FUNDRAISER 11:30 a.m. “Lucky Duck Open Golf Tournament.” Full round of golf plus pig roast, beverages and more. Admission by donation to give a big “hands up” to neighbors who desperately need it. Held at Meadow Links Golf Course, 473 County Highway 27, Richfield Springs. (518) 727-5992.
ART Noon to 3 p.m. “Nate Katz’s Fall Art Sale.” Postcards, prints and custom orders. 79 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.
FUNDRAISER 2-6 p.m. “Hops for History.” Local beer and food tasting with bar crawl to support the Oneonta History Center. Fees apply; registration required. Begins at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.
MUSIC 2 p.m.
“Sounds of America.” Presentation by conductor Maciej Żółtowski on three composers featured in the upcoming October concert of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra. Free admission. Auditorium, Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
LITERATURE 2-4 p.m.
“Poetry & Fiction Reading.” Free admission. Donations appreciated. Windfall Dutch Barn, 2009 Clinton Road, Fort Plain. (518) 774-0134.
WORKSHOP 2-5 p.m.
“Process Art Workshop: Weaving and Sculpting with Cattails.” No experience necessary. $25/ non-member. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.
VOLUNTEER DAY 2-4
p.m. “Garlic Cleaning.”
Volunteers clean garlic bulbs, prepare garlic for donation to food pantries, and take home a pint of garlic. Unadilla Community Farm, 5937 County Highway 18, West Edmeston. info@unadillacommunityfarm.org.
OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m.
“Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians, and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 8582523.
ORCHESTRA 7:30
p.m. “Mozart, the Hero; Mozart, the Legend.” Performed by the Catskill Symphony Orchestra. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. ►Sun., Sept. 29
“Oneonta Epic” Bike Ride. 20-40 miles of trail riding with Otsego Bicycles. Meet at the upper level of Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta. (607) 432-1731.
GRANGE 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Fall Craft Fair.” Bake sale, treasure tables, refreshments and more. Pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 433-4656.
FALL FEST 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Unadilla NY Fall Fest 2024.” 50+ vendors, kids’ activities, corn maze, pumpkins, food trucks, live music and more. Free parking and free admission. Held rain
or shine under the big tent. Covered Bridge Farm Market, 331 Covered Bridge Road, Unadilla. SERVICE Noon. Grave marking service for Revolutionary War Soldier Jerome Clark. Held by the Sons of the American Revolution and the American Legion at the Cherry Valley Cemetery. Visit cherryvalley.com
FUNDRAISER 1-2:30
p.m. “Basket Bonanza Raffle & Thrifty Treasure Sale.” PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) fundraiser featuring a performance by 4Ever Young Barber Shop Quartet. Drawing at 2:30 p.m. Sixth Ward Athletic Club, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta. (607) 4346112.
OUTDOORS 1-3 p.m. “Mushroom Walk.” Foraging basics, mushroom identification and tree species recognition with a local forager. Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association at Butternut Creek, Morris. (607) 547-4488.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 p.m. “Making of Cheese and Cheesecake.” Presented by local cheese maker Don Evans. Town of Maryland Historical Society, AmVets Building, 25 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 6389343.
MUSEUM 2-5 p.m.
“Museum Open House.” Artifacts, collections, exhibits, photos, music and more with the Morris Historical Society. 89 Broad Street, Morris. (607) 263-5965.
COOPERSTOWN 4-7 p.m. “10th Annual Community Harvest Supper!” Food, music and good company. Bring a dish to pass. Presented by Growing Community Cooperstown. Tables set up on Main Street between River and Fair streets, Cooperstown. growingcommunity@ yahoo.com.
ARTIST TALK 5 p.m.
“Homecoming” artists discuss works on display. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-4025.
