The Freeman's Journal 10-27-22

C’town Trustees Ban Smoking, Vaping on Main Street Sidewalks

By CASPAR EWIG

In a lightly attended Cooperstown Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, October

well

of the business district of Cooperstown’s Main Street.

The 7:30 p.m. public hearing was set to address an amendment to Chapter 233-3 A of the Village Code. The Proposed Local Law 8 of 2022 under consideration reads as follows, with the suggested amendments italicized:

“The following areas owned by the Village are hereby designated as smokeand vape-free zones: Village Hall and adjoining land at 22 Main Street; Doubleday Field, the Doubleday Field grandstand, bleachers, and other spectator and player areas; sidewalks and adjacent public property on Main Street between Fair Street and Pine Boulevard: and Council Rock, Lakefront Park, Pioneer Park, Badger Park, Three Mile Point Park and Fairy Spring.”

Only two residents in attendance made any comments, one of which was a personal recollection regarding the negative effects of driving through a smoking area in another town. No other statements were made by either residents or trustees that might be said to represent a reasoning for the under lying purpose of, or necessity for, the rule change. Nor was any discussion held on the economic or “positive experience” impact that the law might have on business going forward.

Except for one trustee admitting that there

might be a problem of practical enforce ment since workers in the business estab lishments would want a place to smoke, the only lively discussion that took place among the trustees was to determine what areas were encompassed by the proposed amendment.

For example, would the grassy area between the sidewalk and the roadway be considered within the definition, and what constituted “areas of adjacent public property.” Trustee Richard Sternberg short circuited that discussion with a suggestion that the Board pass the resolution despite the open questions subject to subsequent “tweaking” afterward. Or, in the words of another trustee, “Let’s pass it and see where it goes.”

The penalty for violation of the new law would be the issuance of a summons that could result in a fine up to $100.00.

Natural Burial Gaining Countywide Interest

By DARLA M. YOUNGS

During my father’s last hospital stay, as he was being treated for lung cancer that had spread to the brain, an attending physician asked him, “What’s your life’s plan?” The doctor wanted to talk about brain surgery, and Dad was having none of it.

“What’s my life’s plan?” he replied. “Pushing up daisies, that’s my life’s plan.”

This was in the spring of 2006, and my father died shortly after. Since then, though, “pushing up daisies” has become a real option for those making end-of-life

plans. The National Funeral Directors Association reported last year that 55.7 percent of people surveyed in an NFDA Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report would be interested in green funeral options because of their potential environmental benefits, cost savings or other reasons.

“Natural burial is an alter native to traditional burial and cremation. It is burial without embalming, in a biodegradable vessel, such as a burial shroud or plain pine casket, and without a

Continued on page 11

Ready for Trick or Treating!

The Railroad Inn on Railroad Avenue in Cooperstown has gone all out for Halloween... This skeleton is over 12 feet tall, and baby skeletons scale the entrance to the inn. For fun Halloween activities, check out pages 2 and 3 of this week’s issue.

FASNY: Practice Escape Routes Now to Save Lives Later

If your fire alarm were to go off right now, would you know what to do or where to go? What if you were stuck in the dark? What about your family and roommates? In the event of a house fire, you may have as little as two minutes to safely escape before smoke eclipses your vision. It is critical to practice escape routes ahead of time, so you will know what to do in an emergency, rather than allowing the panic of the situa tion to become the difference between life and death.

In support of Fire Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week, which was October

9-15, The Firefighters Association of the State of New York urges New Yorkers to develop and rehearse an escape strategy to stay prepared in the event of an emergency. Knowing your exits is especially important if a family is renting or visiting a home they may be unfamiliar with.

“It’s critical to plan and practice a home fire escape route. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Every home is different, so every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Ed Tase, president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Have a plan that accommodates everyone in the home. Children, older adults and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will know how to help them!”

A key part of every escape plan is to have a single rendezvous point that all people in the structure go to.

Escape plans are not the only thing that residents should do to prepare for emer gencies—checking that smoke alarms are operating properly is also essential. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can give residents critical time to escape a home during an emergency. According to the National Fire Prevention Association,

Photo by Tara Barnwell

Smoking and vaping on Cooperstown’s Main Street business district were banned by the Board of Trustees at a meeting on Monday.

Photo by Tara Barnwell\

Photo by Monica Vogelmann Carrascoso Springfield Fire Department held a joint drill recently with the fire companies from Cherry Valley, Cooperstown and Richfield Springs.

Continued on page 3

Winds Concert ‘a Musical Triumph’

by KARoLiNA HoppeR

The recent performances by the Fenimore chamber orchestra on october 8 at christ church in cooperstown featured the winds section of the orchestra and revealed some rarely heard and as well as some well-known works.

This balance between the rare and wellknown seems already an established norm for this very stylish orchestra.

The beginning of the concert brought two complete rarities. The italian opera composer Gaetano Donizetti, far better known for his late 37 operas than any of his orchestral pieces, composed his “Sinfonia for Winds” when he was only 17 years old and a student in bologna. Donizetti provides his listeners with what was to become typical. That is, easily flowing, romantic—dare we even say bel canto (“beautiful singing”), melody. The problem with the piece is its brevity. one wishes Donizetti could have devel oped more of the gorgeous melodies he had devised.

Vicent d’indy was represented by his chanson et Danses.” This work can also be classified as a complete rarity, reminding one, at times, of Wagner’s “Siegfried idyll.”

The audience was treated to Darius Milhaud’s “chamber Symphony No. 5,” a mischievously cacophonous and much shorter work. chromatic layers of individual parts alternately colliding and uniting in unison seem to allude to the grotesque and vibrant world of the famous

“Rite of Spring” by igor Stravinsky. The idea of modality in jazz also seemed to inspire Milhaud.

The jewel of the afternoon was charles Gounod’s “petite Symphonie.” Here is another much-loved composer who brought forth very little instrumental music. Very French in style, the melodies are gracious and deceptively easy.

All of these works are difficult, at best, and require the absolute ultimate in instru mental playing. it has become known that each member of Fenimore chamber orchestra was specially chosen for their part. This particular aspect of the orchestra was brilliantly on display that afternoon! it was uncanny how each section sounded as if they were one voice. The intonation was also something in which one could easily revel.

Despite the high level of playing, none of that could matter without someone like Maciej Żółtowski on the podium who gently nurtured and shaped all the nuance required by the music. To say the after noon was a musical triumph would be understating the case.

Hawaiian Mission House Group Tours Village

Members of the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives visited cooperstown on october 21 as part of the commemoration of the Second company bicentennial in New Haven, cT, and princeton Theological Seminary in princeton, NJ.

Fourteen members of a Second company of missionaries from the American board of commissioners for Foreign Missions left from New Haven in November 1822 on a whaling ship and arrived in Honolulu and the Sandwich islands—now known as the Hawaiian islands—in April 1823. They were accompanied by four men from the mission school at cornwall, cT. included in the group were the Rev. and Mrs. charles Stewart, early residents of cooperstown, and betsey Stockton of princeton.

in cooperstown, the mission group visited Lakewood cemetery, where the Stewarts and betsy Stockton are buried, and the Fenimore Library, where the Stewart papers are preserved. The visit included a walking tour of the early 19th-century neighborhood in the village that would have been familiar to the Rev. Stewart and his family when they lived here. He retired in 1862 after a distinguished career as a missionary and military chaplain and returned to cooperstown, where he died in 1870.

photo by Milo Stewart

Merrilyn O’Connell leads visitors in a tour of Lakewood Cemetery.

All

halloween

Safety

from page 1

three out of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms or in homes lacking smoke detectors. New York has the third most home fire fatalities in the country this year. More than 80 percent of fire-related casualties in New York are a result of residential fires, compared to the country-wide average of 76 percent.

“Having an effective escape plan is tied to having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” said President Tase. “Smoke detectors are the first line of defense during a home fire.”

Community Gathers to Show Support for One of Its Own

“Tommy’s like part of our family. We inherited him with the campground over 30 years ago. He’s been cutting grass and splitting wood for us ever since,” said Juli Sharratt. Juli and husband, Dwaine, own Beaver Valley Campground, where a benefit for Hartwick resident Tom Steele was held on Saturday, October 8.

In late August, Steele was in a severe motorcycle acci dent and had to be airlifted to Albany Medical Center; he is now recuperating at a facility in Little Falls. It was the Sharratts’ daughter, Jamie Dobrovolc, who came up with the idea for the benefit.

“As soon as I posted the event on Facebook, people in the community reached out to me in a big way,” said Dubrovolc.

“Tickled Pink offered to attend with their bright pink food truck and donate all of the days’ profits, which totaled $1,060.00. All-In Cornhole pulled together a tournament held on our pool decks. Dennis Dibble said it was the driest place they could find! They brought in $310.00,” Jamie said.

Community members supported Steele by donating raffle items and

baked goods or by showing up and participating in the days’ activities. Local busi nesses donated merchan dise, gift certificates and services.

“Ten rounds of bingo later,” continued Jamie, “our final champion donated her winnings back to Tom! Our 75/25 raffle winner gave most of his winnings to Tom as well, which raised that raffle total to $562. My Mom and Dad donated sales of cabins, campsites and firewood. We pulled 63 different winners on Sunday and ultimately sold more than 2,800 raffle tickets.

“The greatest fund gener ator, raising over $3,000.00, was our ‘Tips for Tom’ jar, where Tommy’s community donated directly to him with nothing in return. Thank you to all who participated in some way. The benefit was a huge success!”

Juli added, “It was a fun way for the community to celebrate a great friend who has been given a second chance.”

Tom Steele still has several surgeries and months of physical rehabili tation ahead of him. Those who wish can contribute toward these expenses via GoFundMe.

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty BEST BETS

Hey, all you moms and dads hoping for some Halloween fun minus the kids—Brewery Ommegang’s “Fright Night” at the Tap House on Friday, October 28 may be just the thing. The $10 cover for this event includes a free 5-ounce pour of the brew ery’s new spooky brew, “All Hallows Treat,” a variety of contests, and dancing to the musical stylings of DJ Raphael. Visitors 21 years and older are invited to “come dressed to scare.” For more information on this night of boos and brews at Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, call (607) 544-1800.

There’s still time to enjoy the Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, if you yet haven’t checked it out. Visitors can make

their way through the final Haunted Maze of the season on Saturday, October 29 from 7-9 p.m. Organizers warn, “Be prepared to be scared!” The suggested age for those exploring the maze is 10 years plus; chil dren not yet in the seventh grade must be accompanied by an adult. A trip through the maze costs $10 per person and food trucks will be on site for post-fright refueling. The Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is located at 1316 County Highway 26, Fly Creek. To learn more, call (607) 358-5748.

• Don’t miss “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” this Saturday, October 29 at Worcester’s historic Wieting Theatre! The Eastern Otsego Farmers Market is partnering with theatre officials to present a full audience participa tion experience beginning at 9 p.m., including lines and props. However, as the Wieting is a venerable community institution, neither rice nor confetti will be thrown. Those who love this movie will know what to expect, while first-time viewers are in for a real treat. This event is free, but donations are greatly appre ciated. The Wieting Theatre is located at 168 Main Street, Worcester.

• Help your kids into their costumes and join the Oneonta Lions Club, Destination Oneonta and Gamma Phi Delta on Monday, October 31 from 3:30-8 p.m. for the Halloween Parade and Downtown Trick or Treating! Trick or treating

starts at 3:30 p.m. on Main Street, with the line-up for the parade beginning at 5 p.m. on Elm Street, followed by the parade of assorted ghouls, fairies, superheroes and such at 6 p.m.

•

Bring the whole family out in their best Halloween regalia to join the Cooperstown Village Library, Cooperstown PTA and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Halloween Parade down Main Street.

Local fairies, ghoulies, giants, ghosties, superhe roes, wizards, and every thing in between will gather on the lawn at the Village Library and then proceed down Main Street to the Chamber of Commerce, where the participants will enjoy apple cider and candy before sending the kids off to trick or treat around town. The parade is held Monday, October 31 at 5 p.m. beginning at the Cooperstown Village Library, located at 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. Call (607) 547-8344 for details.

• Finally, don’t miss the Pumpkin Glow events in Oneonta and Cooperstown this weekend. Creatively carved pumpkins will be on display at two local libraries, to delight the public and celebrate the season. In Huntington Park, adjacent to the Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Jack O’Lanterns will line the pathways beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. The Cooperstown Art Association’s Pumpkin Glow begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 30 on the porch and lawn of the Village Library.

Photo by Ken Gracey

the Red Knights International

BOO!

In 1959 Louis C.

a

was at the time director of the New York State

Diligence Called for, Now More Than Ever

approximately 300 deaths in children in the U.S. each year from it.

also linked to long-term conditions including new-onset Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Association in Cooperstown, published “Things That

Bump in the Night,” a compendium

stories about ghosts who roamed New York State

beyond. “It is a great privilege to live in a town which the dead have not deserted,” he writes. “Walk the streets of Cooperstown…on a moonlight night and [you will see] a village where the enchantment of death is a warm and friendly quality.”

River Street is a pretty good start. At its juncture with Main, under a giant pine tree, stands Pomeroy Place, where Ann Cooper Pomeroy came back long after her death in 1870. Just up the hill is Greencrest, where the portrait of Jane Storrs Cooper Worthington (1843-1863) has once again been removed from the main staircase. While its occasional removal in the past has scared up a great deal of physical commotion in the house, now at last the house is quiet.

Above Greencrest, a stone wall holds an unhappy Native American who, for many years, keeps pushing the wall out onto the sidewalk.

Across the street in Byberry Cottage, Susan Fenimore Cooper, daughter of the author, spent her final years. It is said that immediately after she died, in 1894, she set forth in her wheelchair, crossed River Street, entered Christ Church and rolled down the aisle and disap peared through the altar. There are a number of other houses and businesses in the Village and beyond that swear to having a ghost or two.

At the 19th-century Village at The Farmers’ Museum there is a young ghost who roams the rooms of Bump Tavern and makes mysterious early-morning strikes on the anvil in the Blacksmith Shop.

At the other end of the Lake, Hyde Hall has many ghosts, among them Phillip Sherwood, George Clarke, who built the house, died in it and never truly left, and an unidentified young girl with a long braid who has been seen recently descending the staircase. People have reported hearing Ann Cary Cooper Clarke (d. 1850) play the piano late at night and hearing whis pers, knocking, and footsteps.

According to Jones, “the great majority of the dead are totally indifferent to our values, but they do have something on their minds that needs to be taken care of, or they have some sort of compulsion which makes it necessary for them to come back to old scenes.” Some are malicious, and while occasions of violence are rare over all a clear conscience keeps these guys away. A great many ghosts, on the other hand, are just a nuisance, making noises, moving furniture, letting the cat in, scaring the dogs, opening doors, but these are more often than not attention-getting antics.

They make plenty of noises too; they moan and screech, speak in muffled voices, rap on tables, roll things around in the cellar, knock on doors, thump and hammer, play the piano, wind clocks and now and then let off a terrific blast, like a rifle shot. Of course, these aren’t the only noises the dead make, but these are the ones that occupants of really haunted houses may express.

Happy Hallowe’en.

Again, just when it seemed we reached the point where we can go out with people and decrease our use of masks, COVID strikes back and possibly with more virulence than previous strains. The number of new strains to consider is large. New strains include BA.5.2.6, BA.4.1.9, BE.1.2, BA.4.7, BF.13 and XBB, among others. Already BA.5 and BA.4 strains have high penetrance in the U.S. The new and improved booster shots only use RNA to code for the original strains, BA.1 and BA.2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and others warn that this year the winter viral season will be worse than usual because we have to deal with flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). A side effect of the lockdowns and protective behavior over the last two years has been decreased contact between people so that influenza, rhinovirus (common cold), and other circulating viral illnesses have decreased, off-setting some of the increased mortality due to COVID. RSV is primarily a disease of children which makes it difficult for them to breathe and doesn’t have a vaccine yet. There are

LETTERS … In THEIR OPInIOn Vote! Please Help Save Our Country

This election is like none other in our time. It will either cement the global elite’s plan for our country or start us back on a path that will ultimately save this country so our grandchildren can have a lifestyle of freedom and opportunity that we have been so blessed with.

The Democrats have gotten used to swaying liberal Republicans, buying key elections with global elites’ dollars or just stealing elec tions. They have worked our judicial system, our media and the mind of some, so they can pull off most of their tricks. If patriotic Republicans don’t achieve wide margins we will see more elections stolen. Contrary to what many liberals think, a successful Democratic midterm elec tion will lead to a country we will not recognize or be able to reverse.

Democrats want a one-party system of government which will end our democracy, our way of life and the principles that have propelled us to the greatest power in the world.

The success of this country doesn’t fit the global elite’s vision for the world and our Democratic Party, along with some Republicans, have become the global elite’s vehicle. They are willing to sacrifice our country for their financial gain.

Thank God Trump has made all this visible! Why do you think the elites and their Democrats are relentlessly after Trump and many of his supporters? They are scared!

Prior to Trump, they were very tact fully progressing without many of us understanding their total agenda. It’s now clear that we have the fight of our life before us and our grand children/generations to follow are dependent on us to overcome the take down of God’s and our country.

Please! Please vote! I’m scared, but I haven’t given up. I truly believe God is with us and this great country!

Bruce Beckert South New Berlin

Miller Will Be Fierce Advocate for 121st

As Supervisor of the Town of Montgomery I can say firsthand

It is now clear that COVID vaccination (and flu, for that matter) won’t prevent getting the infection but can decrease the symptoms. The CDC director, Rochelle Walensky, just announced that she has COVID 19. She received the bivalent booster one month ago at a CVS pharmacy.

In addition to all this there is both good news and bad news about Long COVID.

There may be a repurposed antialcohol addiction medicine that can help with the symptom of brain fog. On the other hand, one can develop Long COVID without having severe acute symptoms. There is an expec tation that treating people with Long COVID will become more expensive than treating acute infections by the overwhelming number of cases and the difficulty dealing with some of its symptoms. It is estimated that 2-4 million people in the U.S. are out of work or doing only limited amounts of work due to Long COVID symp toms. There is mounting evidence that COVID-19 causes not only mild cognitive impairment, but is

There is lot of social pressure to use a mask and precautions only in a place that demands one, like the hospital. This doesn’t appear to be good enough, especially for older adults and those with risk factors. A few people will try to space them selves out “almost six feet apart,” but I see this rule violated constantly. At this stage of the disease lock downs don’t make sense anymore.

Most people either had COVID, whether or not they were aware of it, or have been vaccinated and therefore there is some level of herd immunity. Children are at less risk to begin with and, if vaccinated and without risk factors, unlikely to get seriously ill. After watching national statistics in reading and math go dramatically down, it is clear that now in-person learning is essential for adequate progress.

The bottom line remains, and I know I am being redundant and preaching to the choir, get your vaccinations, both COVID boosters and flu, use masks, and avoid crowds.

that I have been proud to call Brian Miller my New York State Assembly representative. While I know many of the folks reading this letter may be voting for Brian Miller for the first time, rest assured he will represent you well. He works hard, he listens and he has been a fierce advocate for issues that have been very important for the residents I represent. The 101st district is one of the longest in the State of New York. It is a two- to three-hour drive to many parts of the district. Brian Miller did his very best to make sure all of us felt represented even with this geographical challenge. I look forward to continuing to work with Assemblyman Miller and I know that he will continue to work dili gently to improve the quality of life in any community he represents.

Brian Maher Supervisor, Town of Montgomery, Orange County

Is ‘Perfect Village’ Pricing Out Seniors?

Now getting into our ninth decade of life, we find there are concerns that weren’t there in our eighth decade.

The latest concern is downsizing. Even though we older folks want to stay in our present home forever, the reality is that the constant upkeep, inside and out, becomes very difficult. So now is the time, and many others feel this way too, to move forward to the next stage of our lives. Now is the time to sell the house and move to a first floor, handicapped acces sible two-bedroom in Cooperstown. BUT—now the problem! These apartments are like finding “hens’ teeth” (as my Dad used to say). We don’t want to put our home on the market, and have no place to live.

Cooperstown really is the “Perfect Village,” but for our age group there are several problems. First, there are few housing opportunities for people in our situation. We are not ready to live in a single room, despite some wonderful local accommodations, and there are few apartments offering what we would like. Second, in our local area we have no progressive living facilities. In Oneonta you have St. James’ Manor and The Plains; in Utica there is Preswick Glen; New Hartford has Sitrin, but Cooperstown

lacks such a program. We need a program that begins with self-living units, then moves to assisted living and finally transitions into full care. With the number of seniors locally (and the numbers are growing) we have a definite local need. And finally, maybe there are contractors or visionaries that would jump at this opportunity. Lately, Francesca Zambello and Simple Integrity have begun Chestnut Crossing. Maybe, if The Clark Foundation could offer some land on Brooklyn Avenue or River Road or Route 28 south of the village, some contractor would consider building this much-needed complex close to Bassett Healthcare and downtown.

We love the area, we are so fortu nate with all we have, with Bassett being the hub—but as we age, we realize there is still an important piece yet to be filled.

Time to fill in the missing piece of the “Perfect Village.” How about “The Gateway Complex” south of the village? Just thinking… Jim and Polly Renckens Richfield Springs

Another Call for Voters This Election

In his letter of October 13th, Bruce Beckert gives a concise image of the current Republican Party. His sources of honest information might’ve included Fox News and Infowars, but those in the know are already familiar with them. He did sign his name, which puts him ahead of the “Sound-Offers” in that other paper. Most importantly, he urges us all to vote. Not to worry, Mr. Beckert.

Keith Willcox Roseboom

RICHaRD STERnbERg, M.D.

182 YEARS AGO

When the polls are open, vote yourself and then look out for the rest. Be at hand all day, and if there be a democrat missing start out after him. Possibly he may be backward with his seeding and unable to lose the time required to go to the place of voting. Send him along and work for him your self. Do anything that is fair and honorable to get out the voters. Bear it in mind that the Democrats never have lost the contest when they all turned out to the election. Don’t forget this! Some men station themselves at the ballot box, on the day of the election, to brow beat and overawe poor men, who may happen to be in debt to them. Democrats! Will you suffer this thing to be done? No, you must never tamely bend to the tyrant oppressor’s yoke! You must be permitted to vote as precisely as you wish. Stand at the polls until the ballot box is closed, and see that the infirm Democrats are not kept away from voting by the crowd. Men are employed in some places to block up the polls and keep the Democrats away. Watch well that the way is kept clear.

157 YEARS AGO

October 26, 1840

That Hotel – We are not without reasonable hopes that the project of a large first-class summer hotel at this place will ere long assume a tangible shape. There are at least three eligible sites for such a building — two directly on, and the third quite near the Lake. The proprietors of two of these sites — comprising eight or ten acres each, are willing to put them in a hotel company as stock, and probably they might consent to do something more. To put up a building calculated to accommodate say 350 guests, would cost about $50,000, of which sum at least $30,000 would be expended in this village for labor, material, and living. It probably would be leased for a term of years at an annual rent suffi cient to yield a fair percentage on the cost. It would be filled with guests the first season.

October 27, 1865

of the Aging. The first part ran October 6, 2022.

Statement: Promoting independence and quality of life for older adults in Otsego County.

purpose of Office for the Aging is to improve access to, and availability of, services that enable older adults to live and age in their community by coordinating and offering services such as transporta tion, homemaking and personal care, home-delivered meals, caregiver support and information, and assis tance regarding long-term services and supports.

for the Aging partners with a variety of groups and organizations in an effort to expand awareness, directly provide services, and advocate on a local and state wide level to expand services and supports to the growing aging population. Some key partners include: the Alzheimer’s Association; Catholic Charities; Helios Care; Otsego County Departments: Community Services, Public Health, Social Services, Veterans Services, Otsego County Council of Senior Citizens; and Otsego Rural Housing Assistance.

Although Office for the Aging’s reliance on volun teers has dwindled over the years, the department does seek guidance from a volunteer-based Advisory Council which consists of 16 residents, age 60+, from all areas of Otsego County. The Advisory Council helps to ensure that the services provided through OFA align with the needs of residents, and members serve as a liaison between the department and their community.

The current challenges that Office for the Aging faces revolve around the growing aging and disabled population and the decreased workforce to support

By MERL REAGLE

82 YEARS AGO

Five men registered with the Cooperstown Area draft board had their numbers drawn in the lottery. They are: Clifford E. Harrington, Mt. Vision, 1st #158; Frank Joseph Kavic, Jr., Schuyler Lake, 2nd #192; Morgan James Bunn, New Lisbon, 19th #105; Joseph James Gomiller, RD 3 Cooperstown, 41st #188; Norman Stanley Walter, Garrattsville, 46th #120. Some 4,881 men between the ages of 21 and 35 have regis tered for the first peacetime draft in the nation’s history.

October 30, 1940

50 YEARS AGO

Clyde S. Becker of this village will retire after more than 52 years in the banking business, all of them spent with the National Commercial Bank and Trust Company of Albany and the predecessor of its Cooperstown office, the Second National Bank. He joined the firm in 1913 as a messenger and file clerk. After spending the winter in Florida Mr. Becker said he

such residents. This is especially true in terms of healthcare, long term care facilities and home care aide shortages. State and federal funding is unable to keep up with the demand, and diminished support from family and friends causes older adults to sit on waitlists for care, be forced into nursing homes or go without such supports at all. Outside challenges such as the complicated and costly healthcare system, increased living costs and very limited resources in a rural community make it difficult for aging residents to age in place successfully. Providing services in a rural community naturally costs more due to the large geographical area and limited number of residents. Delivering meals to customers that live miles apart and providing home care when aides aren’t reimbursed mileage for the time they spend traveling between rural residents all make delivery of such services more challenging.

As for opportunities, OFA has the ability to connect directly with aging residents on a daily basis to assess the need for services and adapt those services to meet the needs of local residents. We are able to work with partner organizations to fill gaps and leverage resources to prevent duplication and improve the continuum of services provided to them as they age. Being in a small community allows us to personally build relationships with the librarians, faith leaders, town and village officials, and school districts. We also have an opportunity to change how our society views aging and help families better prepare for the aging and caregiving process.

Written by the Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOtsego.org)

A Blurbal History of L.A.

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

Local Travelers Heed Call of Scotland’s Landscapes, History

By TRISTA HAGGERTY

Scotland had been calling to me for several years. Its moody skies and mist-shrouded lochs, meandering stone walls and wandering sheep all stirred a sense of returning home. As a tour guide to ancient sites, it’s the perfect place to bring a group because there is so much to discover—ancient ruins that predate Christianity by a few thousand years. And a landscape that invites you to explore its mysteries and unveil truths long forgotten. our journey began as I guided my group to the top of Dunadd in Kilmartin Glen, the oldest prehistoric site in all of Scotland. It’s where the kings placed their feet onto the stone atop the hill, and “married” themselves to the land. By this, they swore to rule the kingdom in service to the goddess, dedicated to following the guidance of both cosmic and earthly wisdom. We each took a turn, placing our foot into the well-worn footprint embedded in the stone. In our own way, we each made a commit ment to serve both humanity and the earth in accordance to natural law.

From here, we traveled around the Isle of Mull, traipsing through both heather and marshland to an ancient stone circle, medieval castles, and an old, but still active, woolen mill. By the end of the day, our ferry to Iona was waiting for us.

As I stepped onto the shores of Iona, a small island that’s part of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, I felt a wave of contentment envelop me—an inner peace that is often felt when you enter a holy site. As I walked down the cobblestone street, I passed the ruins of the old nunnery. The Irish influence was noticeable as I saw the worn etchings of a Sheela-na-gig carved above the entryway.

We spent five days here, hiking through high winds and harsh rain to her furthest shores, up a hill to a holy well, and to the abbey’s chapel for moments of contem plation, ending our days warming our feet by a cozy fire. It was a time for deep reflection while letting go of things in our lives that no longer served us.

From Iona, we sailed back to the mainland and headed to the Isle of Skye—a magical landscape created by land slides and often used as the backdrop in movies such as “Braveheart” and “Harry Potter.” Skye’s unique culture is steeped in both mystery and myth, with countless tales and legends of faeries. They were the spiritually advanced race also known as the Tuatha dè Danann who held special powers. My group spent time wandering the faerie hills as a way to connect and reawaken their ancient knowledge.

our trip concluded with a drive through the iconic Glencoe region to our final destination, Rosslyn Chapel. Further mysteries were unveiled as our local guide led us through the mystical chapel that gained notoriety from Dan Brown’s book, “The Da Vinci Code.”

I returned home to our equally beautiful landscape, and ever more aware of the similarity between our own Lake otsego and Scotland’s many lochs—with the Kingfisher Tower donning a plaque that reads, “Dedicated to the Lady of the Lake,” eluding to the Arthurian legends that are so much a part of Scotland’s culture. My next sacred journey takes me far from familiar terrain and all the way to the dry deserts of Egypt. However, there is a strong connection between Egypt and Scotland, and I’m looking forward to guiding yet another group into discovering some of the lesser known truths of our ancient ancestors.

Political Candidates Speak Out: Backgrounds, Goals Explained Meet the Candidates for Representative in Congress, 21st District

Publisher’s Note: We sent out an e-mail asking the candidates for the major political races in November to share information about themselves, so our readers can get to know them a little better. We asked them:

A. Please tell us about yourself.

B. If you were elected to office, what are your top prior ities and why?

We will run these answers over the next few weeks, in hopes this will help in your decision-making process on Tuesday, November 8. Please get out and vote!

Matt Castelli—DEM, MOD

A. I have dedicated my life to serving our country and community.

Raised in Upstate New York down the road from a dairy farm, I learned early on the importance of integrity and honoring your word. My mom, a lifelong Republican, and my dad, a lifelong Democrat, taught me the importance of putting aside differ ences and working together for the greater good.

After the 9/11 attacks, I focused my life’s work on protecting our country through counterterrorism and national security. I became a CIA officer, where I led intelligence collection and counterterrorism operations; serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. My team hunted down some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists, working within the same unit that found osama Bin Laden.

My success at the CIA led to the opportunity to serve as Director for Counterterrorism at President obama’s National Security Council. In that role, I developed strategy, policy, and operations to keep America safe from

terrorism and extremism. My work degraded Al Qaeda and ISIS, and strengthened security cooperation with our allies. I stayed in this role for the first year of the Trump White House before returning to the CIA.

In 2020, as the world faced a devastating pandemic, I took a leadership position with a veteran-founded New Yorkbased company dedicated to eliminating barriers to care for groups are often left behind in the healthcare system, including veterans, seniors and rural communities.

B. We can lower costs and strengthen our economy by producing local goods and energy, smart investments, and a fair tax system, unleashing the full potential of Upstate New York.

Funding local law enforcement and first responders, addressing the climate crisis, providing for our military and veterans, and expanding access to care creates safety and security for everyone.

I will always stand up for women’s reproductive freedom, Second Amendment protections, and the right to love who you love and be who you are. And I will honor my oath to defend the Constitution, our democracy, and the fundamental right to vote.

Elise M. Stefanik—REP, CON

A. As the only candidate born and raised in Upstate New York, I grew up in a small business family, where I learned firsthand how chal lenging it is to run a business and create jobs in New York State.

I was the first member of my immediate family to graduate from college, and I ran for Congress to fight on behalf of hardworking

Upstate New York families. Since my first election, I am proud to have delivered real results for the hardworking families of NY-21, including solving over 13,000 indi vidual constituent services cases and delivering over $500 million in federal funds back to Upstate New York and the North County.

As the chief advocate for Fort Drum, I have delivered $5.5 million in VA benefits to local veterans as well as an historic pay increase for our military. I am proud to earn endorsements from every local and state police union and our brave border patrol officers. I’ve written legisla tion to end dangerous “Bail Reform,” and I will always back the blue!

I am proudly independently ranked as one of the most effective and bipartisan Republican Members of Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking and by the Lugar Center. I have participated in nearly 2,000 district constit uent events since taking office, and I will continue to work my very hardest to represent families, small businesses, farms, veterans, and seniors in NY-21. I am humbly asking for your vote to continue to be Upstate New York’s fighter in Congress.

B. I will lead the fight to stop the reckless spending fueling inflation; unleash American energy independence to lower the price of gas, heating, and utility bills; support law enforcement; protect our Second Amendment Rights; and uphold the Constitution. I will fight to secure our southern border and end the flow of illegal immigrants and deadly fentanyl into our communities.

I am committed to a government accountable to the people and will conduct critical oversight on Cuomo’s deadly nursing home order and the FBI’s involvement in the deadly Schoharie limo crash on behalf of Upstate New York families.

Meet the Candidates for New York State Comptroller

Thomas DiNapoli—DEM, WFP

A. As State Comptroller, I am known for my independence and steady leadership.

I began my career in public service at a young age, winning my first election as a trustee on the Mineola Board of Education. I was the first 18-year-old in New York State to hold public office. I later ran for the New York State Assembly and represented northwestern Nassau County for 20 years. I have served as State Comptroller since 2007.

economic development, transportation projects, school operations, and more have raised public awareness of critical problems and identified operational efficiencies. My efforts to fight for prudent state budget, state debt and building rainy day reserve reforms have received wide spread praise.

THOMAS DiNAPOLI

My record as State Comptroller reflects an unwav ering commitment to protect the people’s money and hold government accountable to New Yorkers. I have fought waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending and pursued officials who abuse their positions. Under my leadership during turbulent fiscal markets, the state pension fund has grown to record highs—from $154.5 billion when I first became State Comptroller to $272.1 billion. It is one of the best-managed public pension funds in the nation.

My office is known for its fact-driven analysis of economic, policy and fiscal issues. When CoVID-19 hit the state and New York City hard, I closely tracked job loss, economic recovery, and pandemic relief programs. My audits have identified tens of billions in waste and cost savings for state agencies, public authorities and local governments, while offering recommendations for opera tional improvements. My audits on quality-of-life issues,

B. I grew up in a middle class, union household and I know the financial pressures families are facing with high inflation and interest rates. As I manage the state pension fund, I am keenly aware of the enormous responsibility I have to the people who are relying on it for their retirement security. In my next term, I will continue to work with law enforcement around the state to identify and prosecute those who steal from taxpayers. I will audit state agencies and local governments to help them eliminate waste and improve services and operations. I will look at high dollar programs to make sure they are working as promised.

Paul Rodriguez—REP, CON

and ANZ. I started my financial career as an equity research analyst, later transitioning to credit analysis and eventu ally becoming a global banker working with multinational corporations in the United States and internationally.

I had worked with companies and entities in various industries and geographic regions, often when financial markets were in distress. More recently, I worked for the Archdiocese of New York as a development professional, raising funds to support the pastoral and charitable works of the Catholic Church.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Certificate in Global Policy Studies at the University of Georgia. I also completed a Fellowship in Economics at Stanford University. I live in Brooklyn with my wife of 17 years (Rocio) and two of my three daughters, aged 11 (Natalia) and 15 (Ana Sofia). My oldest daughter, aged 27 (Gabriela), is married and lives in Puerto Rico. I am a cancer survivor who wants to empower fellow New Yorkers to fulfill their dreams.

A. I come from a humble back ground, having been born to working-class Puerto Rican parents in Queens, New York. A single mother raised me, and we lived in New York City, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Atlanta, Georgia. I worked my way through school, earning an economics degree and eventu ally cold-calling my way to a job on Wall Street. That began a career that lasted more than 25 years at various leading firms, including Salomon Brothers, Merrill Lynch, UBS, BBVA

PAUL RODRIGUEZ

B. If elected, I will work to bring integrity back to the auditing process and restore proper accountability to the state government by exposing corruption and abusive practices. Taking politics out of the state’s pension fund management is imperative. Regardless of the political party, I will stand up against corruption, pay-to-play politics, and wasteful spending that increases the annual budget, leading to fewer services for New Yorkers. The Comptroller must avoid activism and remain genuinely independent. Political ideology should not influence pension plan management, and it is irresponsible to use the state’s pension as a political tool to fund pet projects or promote social agendas.

ELISE STEFANIK

MATT CASTELLI

She is an ancient Celtic goddess and indicative of how long the goddess culture persevered, unwilling to be buried and, instead, taking up residency above the entryway of an otherwise Christian place of worship.

Photo by Trista Haggerty

Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye.

Oneonta Boys and Girls Club Marks New Chapter, New Leadership

By IAN KENYoN

In November 1970, an 8-year-old Robert Escher dropped by the oneonta Boys Club and became a member. Fifty-two years later he has stepped back through the door of the now oneonta Boys and Girls Club—as the new Executive Director. Earlier this month, the oneonta Boys and Girls Club announced Escher would lead the organiza tion, now in its 75th year of operation. Growing up in oneonta, the club remains at the center of Escher’s childhood memories:

“My brother Steve and I, along with the Central Ave. boys, were at the club every night after supper and on Saturdays. You name it, we did it—from every sport imaginable along with the wood shop, fitness activities, game room and who could ever forget the snack bar?”

The oneonta Boys Club, founded in 1947 by profes sional boxer and oneonta policeman Carl J. Delberta Sr., was a response to the area’s need for facilities where boys could get in good physical condition and avoid trouble on the streets. Providing oppor tunity for boys regardless of creed, color or cultural differences, the club found overwhelming support throughout oneonta and in 1968 dedicated its original facility at 70 River Street in oneonta. Membership grew from eight members to more than 500 and the club’s mission expanded to include serving as a center where boys could come to challenge their minds, express their individuality and creativity, and begin developing a strong sense of community and belonging.

In the late 1990s, the club’s Board recognized their

original facilities were no longer meeting the needs of ongoing demand and in 1998, following a two-year construction project, greatly enhanced club facilities— complete with brand-new facilities for girls. At this time, the club also recog nized the service it could provide to girls, operating from that time forward as the oneonta Boys and Girls Club.

Escher echoed the impact of this mission through his own experience.

“As a kid, sports was my life. I loved playing all sports and honestly it was where I gained a lot of selfesteem and confidence, which is exactly what our goal is here at the club.”

He added and under scored the value that athletic role models bring to a younger audience,

LEGALS

LegaL nOtice

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

INDEX No EF2018-859 CoUNTY oF oTSEGo

Plaintiff designates oTSEGo as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMoNS

Mortgaged Premises: 243 CHEST NUT STREET, oNEoNTA, NY 13820

Section: 99.12, Block: 1, Lot: 17

oCWEN LoAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. RANAGA FAR BIAZ, AS EXECU ToR To THE ES TATE oF NATHAN BATALIoN A/K/A NATHAN BRoSS BATALIoN, if living, and if she/he be dead, 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 ac tion; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the fol lowing designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, execu tors, 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, admin istrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, commit tees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; PIYAWAN BATALIoN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE To THE ESTATE oF NATHAN BATALIoN, if living, and if she/he be dead, 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 ac tion; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the fol lowing designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, execu tors, 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, execu tors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; AARoN BATALIoN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE To THE ESTATE oF NATHAN BATALIoN; SHIRA STANFoRD ASIYo, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBU TEE To THE ESTATE oF NA THAN BATALIoN; LUKE RoSINSKI; THE PEoPLE oF THE STATE oF NEW YoRK; UNITED STATES oF AMERICA; BRANDoN CAR

PENTER; LAU RENT PAUL; NICK FIoRINo; ADEM TURMANN, “JoHN DoE #5” through “JoHN DoE #12,” the last eight names being fictitious and un known to plaintiff, the persons or par ties intended being the tenants, oc cupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the subject property described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants

YoU ARE HERE BY SUMMoNED to answer the Com plaint 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 fore close a Mortgage to secure the sum of $144,200.00 and interest, recorded on March 18, 2015, in Instrument Number 2015-1143 of the Public Re cords of OTSEGO

County, New York., covering premises known as 243 CHEST NUT STREET, ONEONTA, NY 13820.

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 de scribed 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 com plaint 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 at torney or go to the court where your case is pending for further informa tion on how to an swer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RE SPOND BY SERV ING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE AT TORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: September 30, 2022

RoBERTSoN, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 4LegalNov.10

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF UFirst Movers & Logistics, LLC

Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/19/22. office in otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8053 State Route 51, West Winfield, NY 13491.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.1

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: D. J. BERNARD AND ASSoCI ATES, LLC.

Articles of orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 october 2022. office location: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 21 Delaware St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalDec.1

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED

LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: BLUEBIRD HAUS LLC.

Articles of orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 october 2022. office location: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 85 Chestnut St, Apt 2, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalDec.1

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Tickled Pink BBQ LLC. Arts. of org. filed with the SSNY on 10/10/2022. office loc: otsego County. Registered Agent Inc. designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 4128 Co Hwy 11, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.1

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NAME of LLC: Highland Property Inspections LLC

Date of Filing: 09/02/2022 office of the LLC, otsego Co., The NY Secretary of State (NYSS) has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The NYSS May mail a

himself included.

“Having sports heroes is the great part of being a kid and acting it out on the field or court. Growing up, we constantly emulated the way Roy White stood in the batter’s box or shooting jumpers just like Bob McAdoo. Thanks to our very own Mark May, I have been exposed to a wonderful group of very successful people that serve as an example and compass for me, in my life.”

Growing up in oneonta and now taking the oppor tunity to return, Escher could not be more excited to reconnect with his home town community.

“I always loved coming back home to oneonta. I love the memories growing up in this community and could not be more grateful to have grown up here. I love the geography of our area, it’s truly beautiful.

We’re a close-knit commu nity, it’s so nice to wave or honk to several people no matter where you go. We have a lot going on for us within such a small community.”

Escher has previous professional experience in the region, including with the oneonta Family YMCA and Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, now Helios Care.

Looking beyond the first week at the club, Escher plans to learn as much as possible about the organiza tion—with plenty of oppor tunity, as the club operates from September through July, six days a week during boys’ and girls’ leisure hours. The club continues to offer a variety of programs including basketball, archery, wrestling, fitness, arts and crafts, cooking, and yoga. During the month of

on page 9

copy of any process to the LLC at 232 Potato Farm Road, Laurens, NY 13796; Purpose of LLC; any lawful purpose.

6LegalNov.24

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

BEERS AND STEERS LLC. Articles of orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 September 2022. office location: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 185 Gunset Ski Bowl Rd, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalNov.24

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SALE AND SUCRE LLC.

Arts of org. filed with the SSNY on 10/07/2022. office Loc: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Sarah Hartmann, 10 Davis Dr oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any Law ful Purpose.

6LegalNov.17

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Cooperstown Composting LLC.

Arts of org. filed with SSNY on 9/13/2022. 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.

6LegalNov.17

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: TURNER RANCH CooPERSToWN LLC.

Articles of orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 September 2022. office location: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 181 Stone Quarry Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalNov.17

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF New York’s Butcher Brothers LLC.

Filed 8/31/22. office: otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 12 Commons Dr, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: General.

6LegalNov.3

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: JoANNE ToBEY CoNSULTING LLC.

Articles of orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 September 2022. office location: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to Po Box 7, Westford, NY 13488.

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

6LegalNov.11

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF YNoT HoLDINGS LLC

Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/30/22. office in otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5001 Route 23, Ste. 3, #166, oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal busi ness location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalNov.10

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Klipnockie Traders, LLC.

Articles of or ganization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 05/06/2022.

The office of the LLC is to be located in otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been des ignated 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, 7 Hudson Street, oneonta, NY 13820.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6Legaloct.27

Photos provided Bob Escher (inset) is the new executive director of the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. Escher’s affilIation with the organization began back in 1970, when he became a member at age 8.

Bradley J. Myers

July 28, 1989-Oct. 12, 2022

RICHFIELD SPRINGS— Bradley J. Myers, age 33, of Lake Street formerly of Ilion, passed away peace fully on Wednesday October 12, 2022 at his residence.

He was born on July 28, 1989 in Cooperstown, a son to Donald J. Myers and Cheryl Bancroft Richardson. He was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. Bradley grew up on the family farm, later worked for Sadlon Farms in Richfield Springs, Caruso Cattle in Frankfort, and many construction jobs. He enjoyed time with his children, family and friends.

Bradley was always the life of any gathering. In his free time, he enjoyed drawing and artwork.

He is survived by his parents; six children, Damien Smith, Antonio Smith, Ayden Smith, and Julianna Smith, all of Ilion, and Mea and Isiah Pedrick of El Paso, Texas; two brothers, Jason Swezey and his wife, Nancy, and their son, Hunter, of Ilion; Richard Myers and his significant other, Emily, and their children, Skyler, Anna, and Ryan, all of Ilion; three sisters, Jennifer Craig and her significant other, Damon, and their children, Amya, Keona, and Leroy,

OBITUARIES

Jr. all of Rochester, Christina Searles and her husband, Josh, and their son, Jacob, of Richfield Springs, Katherine McDougall and her husband, Mike, and their children, Julia, Thomas, and Tyler, all of Arkansas; and many cousins.

Calling hours for Bradley will be Friday from 4-6 p.m. in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. At the conclusion of calling hours at 6 p.m., a funeral service will take place with Pastor Ed Reed officiating. Following the funeral service, the family would like to invite everyone to the Columbia Center Town Barn for a Celebration of Life.

Gary C. Graves Sept. 7, 1951-Oct. 15, 2022

MARYLAND—Gary Charles Graves, 71, of Maryland, New York unex pectedly passed away at home on October 15, 2022.

Gary was born September 7, 1951 in Oneonta, New York to Lawrence and Beverly (Wilson) Graves. After graduating from Oneonta High School and Scott Community College in Iowa, he and Jim Trieber opened a motorcycle shop, G&J Cycles, in West Oneonta. Shortly after the closing of G&J Cycles, he then started working on the D&H Railway as a trainman in 1974 until his retirement in 2011.

His love for motor cycles was his life-long passion, which he passed on to his children. Gary and his brother, Terry, spent many fun-filled weekends watching his son, Adon, race motorcross.

Because Gary and his brothers, Larry and Terry, spent much of their childhood enjoying time on Crumhorn Mountain, they all decided to build their homes and raise their families there.

Gary had a love for nature and a green thumb that produced many flour ishing gardens. He had many hobbies: antiquing, collecting railroad lanterns, restoring steam engines, but his favorite was repairing and restoring antique motorcycles. His last resto ration was building his dream motorcycle, a 1947

Knucklehead, which he was able to ride this summer.

Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda (Mickey), his brother, Larry (Nancy) Graves, His Daughter Jessica (Daniel) Griffiths, and son, Adon (Gina), and three grandchil dren. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Josh, Shannon, Breanna, and Corey.

Gary was predeceased by his parents and brother, Terry Graves. A celebration of life will be announced next summer.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Milford Fire Department, 63 S. Main St. Milford, NY 13807.

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

Lester R. Grummons

Grand

607-432-6821

ON CUTTING BACK

This is the time of year when several things cross my mind. I think of those lines in Frost’s wonderful poem, “AfterApple Picking,” where he admits to being “… overtired /of the great harvest I myself desired.”

Not that we are burdened with a “great harvest” up here on the hill, but we do maintain a hefty assortment of gardens, among them two sizable vegetable gardens that meet most of our needs throughout the summer and provide us with ample supplies of storage crops for winter use. More than enough, in fact, to keep us in onions, garlic, potatoes, squash, beets and carrots while wintering in Arizona. Not much in the way of apple picking this year, although last year’s apple harvest reaped 19 gallons of tasty cider. one gallon left in the freezer, which will most likely make its way westward. But it is a lot of work, a labor of love of course.

We often labor ardently at tasks that take their toll on aging bodies buoyed by an energetic spirit that outpaces the body’s ability to keep up. Each fall, as harvest activities wane, I ask myself the same question. Is this the year we actu ally do cut back? Given my penchant for planting every inch of the garden, usually ending up with a lovely jungle

Escher

of July, there are a variety of day camps from which

of edibles (much to Sandy’s dismay), it seems that my gardening theory amounts to a conviction that more is more; less is neither acceptable nor aesthetically permissible. My gardening aesthetic

brings to mind a notion in evolutionary theory known as the ‘tangled web.” Stuff grows pretty well in a crowd. Cutting back is a sort of halfway measure. Giving up is out of the ques

tion. That is, until the spirit is so over whelmed by a recalcitrant body that it gives way to the body’s insistence that things really must change. Not there yet. But where I am, finally, is at that point where cutting back makes a great deal of sense. I gave up plowing our long, steep driveway several years ago. Got a great, dependable guy down the road who takes care of that. No more tree felling, cutting, and splitting; lower back issues settled that matter. Usually about this time of year when, my friend Jim comes over for our weekly walk, we stroll by the gardens and right on key I say, “Really gonna cut back this year.” “Sure,” he says, knowing full well come spring that idea will have gone windward. Not so this time around. one feels in one’s bones the winds of inward change, senses an existential shift, a sort of internal rearrangement of priorities. one of those ineffable recognitions we all experience over a lifetime.

The time has come to actually cut back. Besides, less time spent slogging about the place opens up time for other pursuits. More time for reading, writing, thinking, or doing what I am very good at, probably one of my more productive activities, absolutely nothing.

choose. Routinely sched uled are additional educa tional

fishing,

trips that

Escher emphasized, “The priority now is to immerse myself in the club, which has been a great experi ence in my first five days. Moving forward, I truly believe that all the right answers will come that will help the kids we are privi leged to serve.”

Escher and his team are

similarly looking outward as much as they are looking inward—citing an eagerness

learn from other ideas from organizations around the country, including what has worked and what has not. The goal remains the same, as Escher points out.

“I’m exploring which piece here or there that we

can incorporate at our Club to make it even better for the kids,” he said.

With a lot of work ahead and articulating his own strategy for the club’s future, Escher welcomed the community’s input on the beloved organization, adding, “We’re here to listen to how we can add

value to the community.”

When asked about the club’s legacy and what he wants his contribution to the organization to ultimately be, Escher responded, “The only mark I want to leave is on the kids, one of self-confidence that they deserve and can be anything they want to be…”

Photo provided

Tasks such as gardening, often a labor of love, take their toll on aging bodies.

WWII Greek Resistance Celebrated Shipboard with Oxi Day Program

Friday, october 28, millions around the world

commemorate oxi (pronounced ō-hē) Day, honoring Greece’s coura geous resistance during World War II. The day will be remembered by USS Slater and the Capital Region’s Hellenic Community with a brief program beginning at 10 a.m. aboard the ship, which is located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay streets.

In 1940, Mussolini delivered an ultimatum to Greece’s prime minister demanding the entry of the Italian army and the occupation of Greek terri tory. The prime minister refused, and the response was quickly echoed by the people of Athens as “oxi,” meaning “no.”

The Italian forces entered Greece through the steep Pindos Mountains. There they met fierce and unex pected resistance. Hitler was forced to delay the invasion of Russia and extend their

campaign into the winter in order to subdue the Greeks when the Italians failed in their efforts. This fatal diver sion proved to be a great advantage for the Allied forces. Winston Churchill paid homage to the Greek resistance by claiming, “… until now we would say that the Greeks fight like heroes. From now on we will say that heroes fight like Greeks.”

USS Slater has a special connection to the people of Greece. In 1951, the ship, along with three sister ships, was transferred to the Hellenic Navy and renamed Aetos (pronounced ī-tōs), meaning “Eagle.” She completed hundreds of reconnaissance missions and training cruises for Naval Cadets over a 40year career. Every year on oxi Day, USS Slater pays special tribute and remem bers the strong historic ties that Greece has to the ship.

on Saturday, october 29 USS Slater will open her decks after hours to

welcome aboard trick or treaters, who are invited to come in costume to hear stories of heroes, explore the decks, aim the weaponry, and collect candy aboard a WWII warship. The $5.00 ticket includes a mini-tour of the ship, candy, prizes, activities and more. Tickets are avail able at the door and the event runs from 5-7 p.m.

USS Slater, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for her 25th season in Albany from now through Sunday, November 27.

For more information, visit www.ussslater.org or call (518) 431-1943.

For several years now, visitors to the Brookwood Point Conservation Area have enjoyed watching the nesting pair of bald eagles that have settled in the area. Many people have admired the protected birds as they soar over otsego Lake or watch for prey from a nearby tree.

Early one morning in August, otsego Land Trust staff discovered the female bald eagle splayed on the ground, but with no visible injuries. Sergeant Mike Stalter of the otsego County Sheriff’s office, who is also a general falconer, helped to gently secure the eagle.

otsego County Environmental Conservation officer Mark Vencak transferred the eagle to wildlife rehabilitator Suzanne Johnson, working as an assistant under Kelly Bolton Martin, a federally licensed rehabilitator and president of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. The eagle was then transferred to Charley Koop, a rehabilitator also working under Kelly’s license and a master falconer. Charley immediately transferred the eagle to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University for evaluation, surgery and recovery for the next two months.

The veterinary team oper ated on the eagle’s broken femur and monitored her recovery. The eagle was then transferred to Jean Soprano, who is licensed specifically for eagles for evaluation of the ability to release.

Throughout the summer, the male eagle and the juve nile could be heard calling out for the female eagle’s return. We are pleased to

Eagle Returning to Brookwood Event Is for Veterans

report that she has regained her health and will be trans ported back to the nesting range by Chenango County Environmental Compliance officer Brett Armstrong. The eagle is scheduled to be re-released at Brookwood Point this weekend.

Brookwood Point is owned and managed by otsego Land Trust, a private nonprofit organization.

The Sidney Elks Lodge will host “Veterans Information and Services Day” on Wednesday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be served at the event, which will feature vendors, giveaways, haircuts, door prizes, music, blood pressure screening and more. This event is open to veterans of all branches of the military and their guests (giveaways and door prizes for veterans only). The Sidney Elks Lodge is located at 104 River Street, Sidney. Reservations are encouraged by calling (607) 563-2175, but not required.

Photo provided

The USS Slater is open for tours and trick or treating this weekend.

Invention by Cooperstown Resident Getting Interest from Military

By CASPAR EWIG

Ghosts, especially at this time of the year, are meant to scare one to death. But ghosts can also be used to save a soldier’s life. And it is upon that idea that Cooperstown’s James (or “Chip,” as he likes to be called) Northrup filed a patent seven years ago that underlies the function of a training system designed to enhance a soldier’s ability to zero in on a moving target. The concept is obvious: If you are going to shoot at some thing, you better aim at where a target will be, not where it’s been. Even a bullet that travels faster than the eye can follow must take some time between the instant it leaves the barrel of the gun and the time it hits its target. And a moving target (or an enemy combatant) is not going to conveniently stand still in that interim.

While the concept may be disarmingly simple, creating a training system that will teach and perfect a soldier’s ability to put that concept into practice is not. That is where the brainstorm of the inventor takes over. The premise is to create a virtual reality that allows one to see the lead point at which one must aim in order to hit the target. Hence the ghost: one aims

Burial

Continued from page 1

at an image that reflects nothing at the time of pulling the trigger, but that represents the place where the target will be when the bullet finally reaches it.

Northrup has been perfecting and continu ally updating the computer program that constitutes his virtual and augmented reality simulator and patents. In the words of the patent, it calculates “a target path from a weapon position and a range. A lead is calculated. A phantom target is displayed at the lead. A virtual laser and virtual tracer are provided to assist in target tracking.” A soldier practicing in the virtual world will be able to use that information in the real one.

From Northrup the inventor to Northrup the entrepreneur, the voyage is about to come to fruition in that the U.S. Army has already commissioned two prototype simulators embodying Northrup’s patent. Similarly, he has organized a demonstra tion from which he expects to obtain a contract from the Marines.

once actualized, the Cooperstown area can then boast of another innovation along with the Morse Code, assembled as a method of communication in Cherry Valley, and the first human organ transplant, which was performed at Bassett Hospital.

burial

explained Anna Rutenbeck, a member of the newly formed Upper Catskill Natural Burial Association and project coor dinator for the otsego County Conservation Association.

burial and green burial are terms used inter changeably by most in the alternative death care community.

“People are interested in natural burial because it’s environmentally friendly, less costly than traditional American burial and it is the way many cultures around the world bury their dead already,” Rutenbeck continued.

The UCNBA held its first meeting in April of this year. The group is currently a small one, comprised of Bob Brzozowski, Jim Mills and Karen Palmer, all of oneonta, and Rutenbeck, who lives in Cooperstown.

“We are in the process of designating our group as a 501(c)3, but currently do not hold formal status as a nonprofit,” Rutenbeck said.

“I’m relatively new to the area,” said Rutenbeck, who moved to otsego County in 2019, “but our other members have deep ties to otsego County and the Upper Catskill region. Bob reached out to the organization where I work, oCCA, in early 2022 asking about natural burial options in our region.

“Because we have none, we got to talking and started meeting. I’ve cared deeply about natural burial and alter native death care practices for over a decade. I think it’s important that we create places and resources for those who want to lessen their envi ronmental impact after death, and for those who want areas to create personal and mean ingful spaces for death care,” she continued.

According to Rutenbeck, traditional American burial is extremely costly to the environment.

“The production of caskets and steel burial vaults, the health and environmental impacts of embalming chemicals, and the burial of all of those products has a huge environmental impact. Cremation has costs as well, with a single cremation producing an average of 535 pounds of carbon dioxide. The carbon cost of a natural burial can be virtually nonex

istent, with actual benefits to the environment in terms of nutrients being returned to the soil and the creation of spaces which are conserved specifically for this purpose,” she went on to say.

Interest in natural burial is growing for a number of reasons, Rutenbeck empha sized—low environmental impact, the low cost, the connection to nature, the connection to culture and many more.

“The benefits to natural burial are as varied as the people who seek it,” she said.

There are four types of natural, or green, burial grounds—hybrid burial grounds: conventional ceme tery incorporating natural burial practices; low-impact burial grounds: conventional cemetery with area for natural burial practices; natural burial grounds: low-impact grounds with commitment to natural landscape; conserva tion burial grounds: natural burial grounds backed by a conservation organization.

Washington, Colorado and oregon have legalized human composting, a type of green burial that turns the body into soil using wood chips and straw to

make it easier for microbes to break down tissue, with legislation underway to add New York and California to that list.

“As far as I’m aware,” said Rutenbeck, “the nearest natural burial cemetery is the Fultonville Natural Burial Ground.”

on Sunday, october 23, the UCNBA hosted its first

online program, “Natural Burial in otsego County.” The presentation featured information about natural burial and how to get involved in the creation of a natural burial cemetery in otsego County.

“our Zoom was attended by about two dozen people,” Rutenbeck said. “There was ample opportunity to ask

questions, connect with others interested in natural burial, and to learn more about sustainable death options.”

Rutenbeck cares deeply about the environment, and has grown to care deeply as well about otsego County and this region.

“We have incredible environmental resources here and I think we should

do everything we can to preserve them,” she said.

For more information about the UCNBA, contact annarutenbeck@gmail.com or (802) 310-3902.

Darla M. Youngs is the general manager of Iron String Press and a former executive director of the Otsego County Conservation Association.

Photo provided

Northrup (right) with Luis Velazquez, CTO Marines, and Vince Pope, Master Gunnery Sergeant.

►Thursday, OcT. 27

PUMPKIN SCULPTING—58 p.m. Learn to sculpt your pumpkins for this Halloween with Ian McWee ney of the Community Arts Network of Oneonta and Huntington Memorial Library. Open to all aged 16+ unless accompanied by an adult. Held at The Studio at CANO, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. Visit canoneonta. org/the-studio

SANITORIUM—5-10 p.m. Take a haunted walk through the Southside Sanitorium as presented by Luncheons & Dragons. Maybe you’ll even come out alive on the other side. Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-4401 or visit facebook.com/south sidemall/. Also held 10/28, 10/29, 10/31 and 10/31.

ART IN THE DARK—6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tour museum’s galleries of folk and fine art by lantern light with guides. Learn some of the mysterious, melancholy, untold stories behind the pieces and discover secrets with ultraviolet light. Cost, $16/non-member. Pre-reg istration required. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400 or visit feni moreartmuseum.org

►Friday, OcTOber 28

GHOST TOURS—5:30 p.m.

Join eerie lantern-lit tour through the historic village to learn about the ghost at the Bump Tavern, the mysterious early morning strikes on the anvil at the Blacksmith’s Shop and other “Things That Go Bump In The Night.” Six tours/ night. Reservations required. Recommended for people aged 10+. Cost, $20/nonmember. The Farmers’ Mu seum, Cooperstown. 607-5471456 or visit farmersmuseum. org. Also held 10/29.

GHOST TOUR—6-7:30 p.m. Take guided lantern tour through 200-year-old mansion full of spooky stories and rest less souls. Cost, $25/adult. Extended walking and stair climbing is part of the tour. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Rd., Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098 or visit hyde hall.org. Also held 10/29.

THEATER—8 p.m. Bigger Dreams Productions presents “Misery,” adapted by Wil liam Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King. General admission, $20/ adult. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Visit biggerdreamsproductions.org. Also held 10/29 at 8 p.m., & 10/30 at 2 p.m.

►saTurday, OcT. 29

MALLOWEEN—Noon to 3 p.m. Come trick or treat around the mall in your best costume from noon to 1 p.m. for children 12 and under. Then enjoy games and the costume contest from Noon to 3 p.m. Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-4401 or visit facebook.com/south sidemall/ TRICK OR TREAT—1-4 p.m. Bring the kids for a Sleepy Hollow themed trick or treat through the Historic Village. Meet the headless horseman and Ichabod Crane from the classic tale and enjoy read ings in the School house at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15. Ad mission is free to children and accompanying adults with donation. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450 or visit farmers museum.org

PUMPKIN PAINTING AND MOVIE NIGHT—4 p.m. Paint a pumpkin and enjoy some snacks. Take home or leave to be displayed in the Pump kin Glow. Stay at 5 p.m. for a family friendly Halloween movie night, then at 6:30 the adults and older children are invited for a good old Halloween horror movie. Vil lage Library of Cooperstown.

Visit facebook.com/VillageLi braryOfCooperstown/ ONEONTA PUMPKIN GLOW—6:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and a candlelit walk through Huntington Park to view the carved pumpkins of this year’s pumpkin glow. Vote for your favorite. Present ed by Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 or visit facebook.com/hmlo neonta/ UPSTATE HALLOW—8 p.m. Celebrate Halloween with a costume contest, dance con test, drink specials, with DJ Articulate Art Boden. It’s bound to be a wild night for all. Upstate Bar & Grill, 5418 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 282-4525.

►sunday, OcTOber 30

COOP LOOP—1 p.m. Fun 5K/10K race on moderately difficult course through scenic Cooperstown. Will include prizes for children and adults for costumes in categories Scariest, Fun niest, Best Group, Most Creative, and Best Overall. Cost, $30/adult for the 5K. Begins & ends at The Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800, ext. 111 or visit clarksportscenter. com/events/2022-coop-loop5k-10k-race/

COOPERSTOWN PUMPKIN GLOW—6-7 p.m. Stop by and enjoy the Jack O’Lanterns on display this Halloween. Carve your own and bring it down to be displayed with the rest, and don’t forget the candle. Held at the Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 5479777 or visit cooperstownart. com/pumpkin-glow.html

►MOnday, OcTOber 31

hallOween

TRICK OR TREAT—3:30-8 p.m. Bring the kids for fun trick or treating through Main Street Oneonta. Stick around to catch the parade at 6 p.m. Main Street, Oneonta. Visit destinationoneonta.com/ HALL OF FAME—3:30-5 p.m. Children in costume with their families can enjoy a trick-or-treating adventure through the museum with candy and Hall of Fame Trivia. Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown. (607) 5477200 or visit baseballhall. org/events/halloween-cel ebration-2022?date=0

TRUNK OR TREAT—4 p.m. to dark. Bring the kids out to see the decorated cars, collect candy, build your own spider, make a puffy ghost, carve pumpkins, and much more. Railroad Inn, 28 Rail road Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7111.

ONEONTA PARADE—5 p.m. Bring the kids in their scari est, prettiest, or even weird est costumes for the Oneonta Parade. Parade begins at 6

p.m. Line up is at 5 p.m. on Elm Street, Oneonta. Visit destinationoneonta.com COOPERSTOWN PA RADE—5 p.m. The gremlins, ghouls, fairies, and ghosties and everything in between take over the town for a fun parade down Main Street, Cooperstown.

►Thursday, OcT.27

BEEKEEPING—7-9 p.m. Monthly meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeepers Association open to all to learn about beekeeping and share their experiences. Hosted at The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. Visit leather stockingbeekeepers.com

►Friday, OcTOber 28

UNVEILING—Noon. The city will be unveiling portraits of Lee and Joanne Fisher, founders of the Oneonta area NAACP. They spent years pursuing the ideals of civil rights and equal justice, ap pearing in Otsego courts and serving on committees. Public is welcome to attend cer emony celebrating their work. Supreme Courtroom, County Annex Building, Cooperstown.

PET FOOD PANTRY—4-5 p.m. Dog owners in need are invited to the Susquehanna SPCA pop-up food pantry, featuring food donated from Top Shelf Dog. Made possible by Greater Good Charities. Northern Eagle Beverages, 7 Railroad Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 547-8111.