The Freeman's Journal 11-10-22

Local Casts Vote for First Time

By TED MEBUST COOPERSTOWN

Local hairdresser and caregiver Paula Rudloff voted for the first time on Tuesday after receiving her citizenship this past March.

“I woke up this morning with tears in my eyes because I believe it’s so important to participate these days,” she said of the experience.

The process of receiving her citizenship, she explained, took a long time, yet she loved studying and learning the necessary information.

Paula and her husband, Geoffrey, have lived and worked in Cooperstown for 18 years. Together they have three children—Daniel, Michael and Stephanie— who are now all in college. Daniel studies at SUNY Oneonta, Michael at SUNY Buffalo and Stephanie at SUNY New Paltz.

Along with her work, Paula is an avid volunteer around town.

“I like to help people. It’s my joy to give to the community, and I’m thankful for the love and support I’ve received here,” she said.

Former CSC Director Honored

By IAN KENYON COOPERSTOWN

For 45 years, Val Paige has been in the center of activity at the Clark Sports Center. Spanning a career that began within the walls of the Alfred Corning Clark Gymnasium—now home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s executive offices—and moved in 1986 to the CSC’s current home on Susquehanna Avenue, Paige’s story and that of the sports center are very much intertwined.

“What we have in the Clark Sports Center and the role it serves in our community, it’s really so special and so amazing, and people really appre ciate it,” Paige noted.

A longtime member of the Clark Sports Center team, Paige began her CSC career as assistant aquatics director. She later served as the aquatics director, program director, associate director and, ultimately, as director of the sports center from 2012 to 2022.

Paige has been named the 2022 Patrick C. Fetterman Award recip ient and is the first post-pandemic honoree, following a two-year hiatus of the award’s bestowment. She joins an exclusive roster of honorees including previous winners Pete Henrici, John Lambert, Harold “Bud” Lippitt and Michael Perrino,

among others. The Fetterman Award, presented each year in memory of longtime ACC Gymnasium Director Patrick C. Fetterman, recognizes indi viduals demonstrating a distinguished dedication to serving local youth in the area of athletics.

Paige recalled the moment she learned she had been chosen as this year’s winner.

“I was sitting in the office with [current CSC director] Brenda Wedderspoon-Gray. The sports center staff walked in and, unknown to me, they were this year’s award committee. Brenda then told me I would be honored this year and at that moment it hit me square in the heart. There really is no more elite group of people to be a part of.”

Through an annual presentation of the Fetterman Award by the Clark family, The Clark Foundation, and the CSC, recognition of honorees takes place amongst their family, friends, and members of the community. This year’s presentation was held on November 8 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel.

During her tenure Paige experi enced two major milestones in the sports center’s 130-year history, beginning with the transition from the ACC Gymnasium to the current facil ities. Looking back, Paige noted the ACC Gymnasium’s initial core offer ings: a small swimming pool, basic gym floor and a few squash courts. Regarding the move to the present-

New York State Recognizes Otsego County Volunteerism

By TED MEBUST OTSEGO COUNTY

tsego County resi dents Sheila Serbay and Neil Riddell were recognized by New York State’s Office for the Aging at a celebration of Older New Yorkers’ Day on November 4. The pair, along with 92 others from around the state, received honors for their volunteerism and service to older adults in their communities.

“These are two individuals who unselfishly give up their time, resources, and skills in order to make someone else’s life a little better, and we are proud to have such

Tamie Reed, director at the Otsego County Office for the Aging.

Though Governor Hochul declared May as Older Americans Month earlier this year, the online ceremony—which heard remarks from New York

State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen—took place in November to dually acknowledge National Family Caregivers Month.

Serbay, a Cooperstown resident, continues to teach her “Psychology of Adulthood and Aging” class at SUNY Oneonta despite challenges brought on by the pandemic. Originally created as a project for that class, she has been the organizer of a yearly event in collabora tion with local businesses, college students, and the surrounding community which raises money for gift bags filled with blan kets, hygiene products, gift

cards, and various foods intended for older adults in need.

When the pandemic took away a large number of her students, Serbay coor dinated the help of friends from around Otsego County to create masks for distri bution to organizations serving those in need.

“It’s nicer to give than receive,” Serbay expressed.

In addition to such efforts, Serbay helped schedule vaccination appointments when they became avail able, for those lacking access to the necessary software.

Serbay has lived in Otse-

genuine volunteers repre senting Otsego County in this statewide recognition,” stated

Photo by Ted Mebust

Val Paige receives the 2022 Patrick C. Fetterman Award from Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation.

Photo provided SHEILA SERBAY

Photo Geoffrey Rudloff

Photo provided NEIL RIDDELL

Area Filmmakers Awarded Top Prize at California Film Festival

by TeD mebUST GILbeRTSvILLe

Gilbertsville’s own Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman were proud recipients of the berkeley video Film Festival’s “Grand Festival/ State of the Nation Award” on october 28 in California.

Their feature documentary, “Something in the Water,” was recognized at the 31st annual bvFF, an event which highlights achieve ment in electronic, inde pendent filmmaking and provides a platform for media coverage.

“We’re honored to be recognized by such a presti gious organization because, like them, we believe this country has a lot of wounds that need to be healed and in a small way, our film addresses those needs through the testimonies of people across America,” stated Stillman.

The film was also featured in morehouse College’s Human Rights Film Festival in Atlanta and will premiere in the South Texas Underground

Film Festival later this year.

“Something in the Water” illustrates the film makers’ 16,500 mile, crosscountry journey in search of common ground amongst the 200 Americans they interview along the way. Set before, during, and after the 2020 presidential elec tion, the film’s creators set out to confront the “period

of animosity near home and across the country, amid a contentious election, a lethal pandemic, the reckoning of historical truths, and a sharp economic downturn.”

of the experience, Wachter emphasized the “lessons” it offered, saying that in the end, “most Americans seek civility, and wish to speak their truth

about what America means to them.”

The pair founded a produc tion company, Important Films media, to offer tools and guidance in creating independent films for indi viduals and companies across all industries. Their mission is to use film as a medium in raising awareness of human rights, issues of social justice

and stories that inspire other people’s lives. Despite some hesitation before starting work on “Something in the Water,” Stillman found solace in what the documentary uncovered. basically, we all want the same things: a good job, healthcare, food, a safe place to live, to raise our kids, and

despite all our differences and problems we face as a nation, there is common ground in this country if we are willing to work at finding it,” he said. “I had my doubts it was possible when we started our docu mentary and by the time we finished, I came away more optimistic than ever.”

Sunday, Nov 27 12–2 pm

Friday, Dec 2 3–5 pm

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Sunday, Dec 4 2–4 pm

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Sunday, Dec 11 2–4 pm

Tuesday, Dec 13 3–5 pm

Thursday, Dec 15 3–5 pm

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Saturday, Dec 17 2–4 pm

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Tuesday, Dec 20 3–5 pm

Thursday, Dec 22 3–5 pm Friday, Dec 23 3–5 pm

Photo by maria Farrington

Mel Vapour (right), executive director of the East Bay Media Center and co-founder of the Berkeley Vid eo Film Festival, presents filmmakers Joseph C. Stillman and Jeri Wachter with the 2022 BVFF “Grand Festival/State of the Nation Award” for their documentary film, “Something in the Water.”

Arrival at the Christmas Cottage in Pioneer Park

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty BEST BETS

C elebrate the Spirit ofC hristmas

Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta are joining with The Salvation Army to make a joyful Christmas for area families through the Angel Tree Program.

This tradition dates back to 1921 with the creation of The Freeman’s Journal Christmas Fund by Editor & Publisher, Rowan D. Spraker Sr., as a way for neighbors to help others enjoy a happy holiday.

This is the 101st year of this community tradition.

The Salvation Army has gathered the Christmas wish lists, grouped by family. Help Santa, be an angel!

‘Luminosity/Luminous Streets’ exhibit marks tenth Glimmerglass Film Days

CooPeRSToWN—Art exhibitions have been a feature of Glimmerglass Film Days for nine of its 10 years, and this year’s exhibition at The Smithy extends to store fronts in the village of Cooperstown.

“Luminosity/Luminous Streets” will run from November 5-19. “Luminosity” is a four-person show at The Smithy featuring light sculptures by Daniel buckingham and contemporary video art by Ariana Gerstein, Yeon Jin Kim, and Tomonari Nishihara. The video artists are each on the art faculty at SUNY binghamton, and buckingham is a professor at PrattmWP College of Art and Design in Utica. In addition to The Smithy show, “Luminous Streets” will feature light sculptures and video art in 13 Cooperstown storefronts along main and Pioneer streets. This ambitious project includes light sculptures from the Quest for Light Collective, curated by buckingham, and video works curated by Kim.

“The art will be intriguing, myste rious and quirky—an unexpected visual surprise,” said Sydney Waller, curato rial organizer for “Luminosity/Luminous Streets” and a founding member of the Film Days Steering Committee. She noted that the exhibition reflects the Glimmerglass Film Days theme, “Connection.” Film Days will present 28 film events November 1014, along with filmmaker talks, live music, local food and drink, guided walks, and restaurant specials.

“The Collective seeks to invigorate the cultural landscape,” said buckingham. our world is a stage filled with curious vessels in the form of coffee pots, violins, fauna, toys, and victrolas, all a visual delight.”

Collective members showing their works in Cooperstown include Ferrell Crawley, venus Fitzgerald, Abdullah Gramish, Aldo macedo, Shannon Nisiewicz, maribel Perez, Flynn Scorzelli, Christy Wucen and Peter Liangpu Yu. The sculptures in “Luminous Streets” consist of highly crafted welded steel objects, LeD lights and chiffon.

“Luminous Streets” also features moni

tors large and small tucked among merchan dise in store windows. The screens will offer an array of cutting-edge film, anima tion, and video art by artists matthew Garrison, Case Jernigan, DeCarlo Logan, Jessica mensch, Jason mitcham, Sarada Rauch, and Gregory Wall. Along with the well-established artists, three works by emerging artist Julien miller, from Fly Creek and now brooklyn, are included.

An artist talk on November 5 from 57 p.m. will feature Daniel buckingham and Yeon Jin Kim. The talk will begin at The Smithy, then take participants along Pioneer and main streets to view the light sculptures and video art that are part of “Luminous Streets.”

“We wanted to do something special for the community to mark the tenth year of Glimmerglass Film Days,” said ellen Pope, executive director of otsego 2000. “Highlighting Cooperstown and all that it offers is a key tenet of Film Days,” she continued. “Having the art exhibit extend to shop windows around Cooperstown is a great way to build excitement for—and to celebrate—this milestone year.”

Pope noted she is very grateful to the store owners, the artists, and to curators Sydney Waller, Daniel buckingham, and Yeon Jin Kim.

“Luminous Streets” will be on view daily from 4:30-11:30 p.m. November 5-19 in the windows of Cooperstown Classics, Cooperstown Distillery beverage exchange, F.R. Woods House of Pro Sports, Grand Slam Guitars, Heroes of baseball Wax museum, J. Gorman Fine Jewelry, Kate’s Upstate, The Local bird, mickey’s Place, Riverwood, Rudy’s Wine & Liquor, Tin bin Alley, and the former T.J.’s Place at 124 main Street. “Luminosity” at The Smithy, 55 Pioneer Street in Cooperstown, will be open daily from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

“Luminosity/Luminous Streets” is made possible with a grant from the C.J. Heilig Foundation with additional support from Transitions Counseling. For more informa tion, visit glimmerglassfilmdays.org.

‘Salute to Veterans’ Concert is Sunday

The oneonta Community Concert band will honor veterans with marches, melodies, and more at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in downtown oneonta at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Conductor Andrew D. Pease will lead the traditional Salute to veterans concert of patriotic music. The program will feature familiar historic marches and medleys along with newer pieces.

The musical lineup includes “The black Horse Troop” by John Philip Sousa, “Courage for Winds” by Adrienne Albert,

“military escort” by Harold bennett, “Remembrance” by D.I.D. Choi, “e Pluribus Unum” by Fred Jewell, and “Polly oliver” by Thomas R. Root. Selections from “Suite Francaise” by Darius milhaud also will be presented.

The hour-long concert will end with “A Hymn for the Lost and the Living” by eric ewazen, the “Armed Forces Salute” arranged by bob Lowden, and “God bless America” by Irving berlin.

This Salute to veterans is supported by a generous grant from the Dewar Foundation.

The oCCb includes professional, amateur and student musicians from throughout the area. The group regularly gives free concerts to present different styles of music, including band pieces, jazz, swing, show tunes and transcriptions from orchestral works.

For more information, call (607) 3767485 or visit the oneonta Community Concert band page on Facebook.

FAMILY #1 Boy, age 4, size 5/6: Cars, trucks dino saurs, airplanes

Girl, age 3, size 4/5: Babies, unicorns, kitties

FAMILY #2 Girl, age 2, size 4T, shoe 6/7: Montes sori toys, learning toys, dress up Girl, age 3, size 5T, shoe 7/8: Anything with bugs, art & crafts

Boy, age , size 12, shoe 3: Anime, crafts, PS4 games

FAMILY #3 Boy, age 2, size 3T, shoe 8: Cars, astronauts, & trucks

FAMILY #4 Boy, age 4, size 4/5, shoe 12: Batman, Paw Patrol

Girl, age 9, size 8/10, shoe 6.5: Schleich horse, Crafts

FAMILY #5 Girl, age 6, size 6/7, shoe 4: JoJo Siwa, Encanto, Sponge bob Squarepants

FAMILY #6 Boy, age 7, size 10, shoe 4: Action figures, Legos

Girl, age 5, size 7, shoe 13: Doll House and accessories, learn ing activities

FAMILY #7 Girl, age 3, size 4T, shoes 9: Trolls, Frozen, My Little Pony

Girl, age 1, size 18 mo, shoe 5/6: Elmo, Curious George, Puppies

FAMILY #8 Boy, age 8, size 8, shoe 2: Dinosaurs, Plushies

Girl, age 10, size 8, shoe 2: Plushies, Puzzles, dollhouse

FAMILY #10 Boy, age 11, size Mens Medium, shoe 7: Basketball, Fort nite, Nintendo Switch Games

Girl, age 5, size 6x, shoe 13: Bike with training wheels, Arts & Crafts

Gifts should be both new and unwrapped (price tags removed please), and received no later than December 9 (to allow the elves time for wrapping and loading). Gifts may be dropped off at the offices of The Freeman’s Journal, 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, or at the Salvation Army Chapel, 25 River Street, Oneonta. Questions? Call Santa’s elf Larissa at 607-547-6103, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or e-mail ads@allotsego.com.

The

Film still from Zoonomia by Yeon Jin Kim

“Zoonomia,” a film by Yeon Jin Kim, is currently on view at The Smithy.

Applause

Film festivals have been around for a century, and now, in the 21st, they have come into their own. They are meeting places for filmmakers and audiences who are interested in the world in its variety, different approaches to life and in film as an art form, a medium and a tool of social expression. Global digitalization has given film festivals an exceptional tool for crossing the communication channels from the most distant places and, with multiple languages, films now present a rich diversity of voices, aiding communication in an increas ingly polarized world.

In 2013, Otsego 2000 launched Glimmerglass Film Days, a five-day environmental film and cultural festival that was created to present independent films about humanity’s interaction with the natural world and to raise awareness of the important environmental issues of our times. The inaugural event—“The First Year”—featured nine films and a handful of shorts. It brought a number of people to Cooperstown, primarily from neighboring townships, in the fall post-foliage season, for thought-provoking educational features and discussions, as well as for a variety of brain-stimu lating outdoor activities. The interest generated at the festival was significant, and with a subsequent, equally successful weekend of 10 films, augmented by lectures and outings, in November 2014 (“It’s About the Water”), Glimmerglass Film Days’ trip to national recognition was established. At the time the organizers hoped this new program would grow from an educational experi ence to a sustainable economic development initiative that would provide an infusion of visitors and a helpful boost to the shops, cultural attractions, restaurants, and accommodations in Cooperstown and neighboring villages, along with adding to the substantial quality of life enjoyed by its residents.

This week, from November 10-14, Glimmerglass Film Days—“Connection”—opens for its tenth season. With 34 films and 16 filmmakers and speakers, and having survived the threats of the recent pandemic, the event has grown tremendously since its inception. The films are screened at the National baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers’ Museum, Templeton Hall and the village Hall, and when it’s all over, some of the films will be available virtually from November 18-20.

Also this year, Glimmerglass Film Days has added “Luminous Streets,” a more visible twist to its annual companion art exhibition, in order to reach an even wider community. This multi-artist installation of glowing light sculptures, interspersed with cutting-edge video art, is now installed in a variety of shop windows on Main and Pioneer streets, leading curious visitors to the exhibition “Luminosity” at The Smithy.

Guided hikes and walks complement Film Days, giving the film audiences an airy outdoor break. The Chamber of Commerce and Oneonta’s Green Toad bookstore also participate, with the Chambers’ Coop Eats running from November 10-20 and books for sale at screenings.

It has taken a mere decade for this well-received event to take root—due, perhaps, to the dates of play, to the cultural hunger of those who live around here, and to the superior and thoughtful quality of the films. Congratulations Film Days, we applaud you.

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, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

SUlliVan

Projects on the Horizon in Northern Otsego

Over the past several years, the Town of Richfield and village of Richfield Springs have built a coalition of residents, civic groups, and local government officials to form a revitalization plan for the two municipalities. Momentum began to build back in 2015, with the formation of a Joint Town/ village Comprehensive Plan Committee. Working with a profes sional planning firm, under a grant secured by Otsego Now, a Joint Comprehensive Plan was adopted in late 2018 by both Town and village. The Town then quickly followed with a Zoning Amendment in 2019. both the plan and the amendment won New York Planning Federation awards for best in state in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The stage was set for grant seeking.

A 2019 Consolidated Funding Application award was secured by Otsego Now and Andela Products for the development of the longdelayed Richfield business Park. While COvID has dramatically slowed down progress for this project, it is still moving forward. Meanwhile, several civic groups have forayed into the grant world, with the usual mix of success and frustration. Most notable of these efforts has been the successful CFA award to Richfield Youth Sports—$161, 419 was granted by New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the

deBoraH J. taYlor

Yes, Virginia, Our

construction of playing fields on an 18.5-acre property that straddles the village/Town border, a highly accessible spot for the area youth to gather. There are plans to apply for more funding to construct infrastructure to make the facility a year-round sports destination. This facility will serve large areas of Otsego and southern Herkimer counties.

Private investment is also alive and well in Richfield. Several build ings in the East Main Street and West Main Street historic districts (we have three historic districts) are in the early project stage:

1) 68 Main Street, the oldest house in the village (1825), is currently housing professional offices. Renovations have begun to transform the house back into residential use, with market-rate rental units.

2) 108 Main Street, the site of a former bank and currently empty, will house the village offices and Justice Court, with profes sional office space as well. This effort, linked to #1 above, is set for completion in 2023.

3) 118 Main Street is another former bank building, also empty at present. A mixed-use commercial residential renovation is slated to begin soon, with expected comple tion in late 2023. All three of these projects will utilize energy-effi cient, renewable energy systems for

heating and cooling. They are also excellent examples of adaptive reuse, and the re-purposing of historic structures—and great examples of Smart Growth principles in practice!

4) 20 Lake Street is known by locals as “The beadle block,” a reference to the builder and original owner. The Greater Mohawk valley Land bank is the current owner, and it has stabilized the structure with the goal of renovation into market-rate apartments. The village has submitted a Restore New York grant application for this work.

In addition to these projects, indications abound that point to a revitalization of Richfield. Property transfers have occurred in large numbers, the most notable being the recent sale of bella vista, one of the most intact sulphur spas in town. The housing market is exception ally tight. In the past three to five years, five new businesses have occupied formerly empty space on Main Street. The oldest of these, the Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative, is in its fifth year of operation.

So, despite the fact that Richfield did not make the cut in the first round of New York Forward grants, there is undeniable movement toward rejuvenation, re-invention and renaissance throughout the town.

Dan Sullivan is supervisor of the Town of Richfield.

Recyclables Really DO Get Recycled

A group of Otsego County residents toured Sierra Processing in Albany to find out exactly what happens to the items we place in our local recycling bins. Where does it all go? Does it really get recycled? How do they sort it?

When Otsego County’s official hauler, Casella Waste, empties our recycling bins at the Northern and Southern transfer stations, as well as the towns of Hartwick and Cherry valley, the drivers haul it, unsorted, to Sierra Processing. Located across from the Port of Albany, Sierra processes—sorts and readies for sale—mixed recyclables for more than a dozen counties in the Capital District, as well as three in Massachusetts.

Huge haulers dump loads of unsorted recyclables on the floor at two ends of the 30,000-square-foot-building, and the sorting begins. bulldozers shove it onto giant conveyor belts, where a shaking process evens the piles out so quick-working humans can pluck unrecyclable items—car batteries, lawn hoses, guns, knives, battery chargers, electric cords, etc.—from the fast-moving, never-ending flow. The conveyor belts continue up, down, all-around, sorting plastics, cardboard, aluminum, tin, and glass into separate streams. The plant also uses robots who pick, pull and sort. And make a lot of noise.

Finally, the separated recyclables are strapped into bales and loaded into trucks for their final destina tions, where they will be re-processed into new goods. Georgia-Pacific was buying paper and cardboard, for example.

Sierra Processing Maintenance Manager David Christie, who led the Otsego County group on its tour of the facility, considers those bales of paper, cardboard, aluminum, tin, glass and plastics his “product.” When it

Oneonta Theatre Future Looks Bright

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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in The Fenimore Art Museum

The Friends of the Oneonta Theatre is proud to announce the start of the stabilization and revital ization of the Oneonta Theatre, with the help and guidance of Thomas Cormier, who knows the theatre’s workings very well.

As we celebrate this historic event, we raise a glass to FOTOT board Members. We are thankful

trucks from Sierra to his customer, Christie wants it to be clean and well-sorted, the best that it can be.

Christie said that, while it varies, around 90 percent of the items dumped on the floor at the beginning of the “big Sort” make it to a recycling destination, leaving about 10 percent to go into landfills. Those items include (but are certainly not limited to) black garbage bags that are full but which workers cannot safely open because they can’t see the contents.

The plant runs 24/7, with around 35 employees per shift. between 400-450 tons of recyclables are processed each day.

So when we wonder, as we lug our bags of recy clables to the bins every week, if indeed, all the “stuff” is recycled? Yes, it is, for the most part. We have to be careful on our end, too.

Otsego County residents who participated in the tour included representatives from the Otsego County Conservation Association Recycling Committee, Town of Hartwick recycling volunteers and League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area members.

for their hard work and dedication.

Thanks to our community and its support that we treasure beyond measure. You have donated gener ously, supported our fundraisers and volunteered in so many ways.

For now, let us celebrate! For our city and our region, the future looks brighter with The Oneonta Theatre in it.

Elaine Bresee FOTOT vice President Oneonta

Vets Urged To Hold More Activities

Why doesn’t the Cooperstown American Legion/vets Club do more events?

We would love to participate. It seems, sadly, that those men and women are over the age of 70 and cannot do as much as veterans who may have served in Afghanistan.

Susan M. Straub Fly Creek

Tara barnwell Editor and Publisher

Darla M. Youngs General Manager

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Ted Mebust Staff Writer

Ivan Potocnik

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Web Architect Historian

Editorial Board

Elinor vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara barnwell

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District

letterS in tHeir oPinion

dan

Photo by Martha Clarvoe

a recent trip to Sierra Processing helped to demystify the recycling process.

210 YeARS AGo

Lieut. Col. myers, Deputy Quarter-master General, was stationed in charge of Fort erie, and succeeded in completely silencing the fire of the enemy, drove a detachment from the encampment near the black Rock, destroyed a barrack, in which was a considerable depot of ammunition. The Caledonia, lately captured by the enemy, was destroyed at her moorings. Lieut. Col. myers speaks highly of the discipline of the detachment of the 49th regi ment under major ormsby, and of the skill and spirit with which the guns were served.

November 7, 1812

Trust is Key to Success of Vertically Integrated Farm

Teresa Labruzzo, co-owner of Dream Weaver Farm in Richfield Springs, admits she was not at all sure if there would be any customers when they opened their farm store two years ago. but in fact, market research wasn’t necessary after all...there is a huge demand for DWF’s products. This edition of “The Life of the Land” will explore some of the elements which make this an agricultural success story.

185 YeARS AGo

S W O R D

Editor’s. Note: In 1837, members of the Democratic Party were commonly referred to as republicans. Republicans! To The Polls!! Republicans should vote at all times. I do not know of any occasion which furnishes a valid apology for a Jeffersonian Democrat to neglect this invaluable franchise. It was bought with blood; secured to each of you by the patriot firmness and enlightened intel ligence of the most revered body of sages that ever delib erated upon the destinies of any people since the world was created. Can a man neglect to vote, when by this simple act, he can sustain those institutions, bought at such immense cost, in their pristine vigor and purity? oh no, they cannot do this: the yeomanry of otsego, cannot do this. They are not made of the stuff to look quietly on, and suffer the President of their choice and delight to be ruth lessly assailed by those who practically show themselves the worst enemies of their country’s welfare!

160 YeARS AGo

By Merl Reagle October 23, 2022

November 6, 1837

The draft—over 1,500 cases have been disposed of by the Commissioner and examining Surgeon in this County; yet on Tuesday morning there were still about 2,200 still on the list awaiting action. That number will probably not be dimin ished during the week—the additions keeping fully up with the number disposed of during the day. either the draft will have to be postponed, or examinations continued after it shall have been made. Yesterday morning the Commissioner’s office was full, and at least one hundred waiting on the outside. We are informed that a majority of the cases which have come before the Surgeon during the current week have failed of their application to be stricken from the roll.

November 7, 1862

DWF builds upon agricultural expertise and local good will established by the Labruzzo family over generations. The good health of soil and water is a high priority. Although not certified organic, the farm utilizes sustainable practices such as crop rotation, composting, rotational grazing, and minimal tillage to reduce reliance on pesticides and herbicides. In addition to the usual corn and soy, crops such as buckwheat, oats, and rye play an important role in soil restoration and in the production of high quality animal feeds, hay and straw products, and honey.

A vertically integrated business is one which “streamlines its operations by taking direct ownership of various stages of the production process rather than relying on external contractors or suppliers.”

The combination of all these activities has a syner gistic effect of adding value in a virtuous cycle. For example, the Labruzzos have been raising and butchering meat for family consumption for decades. obtaining a license to sell their meat resonates through the whole system, creating more internal demand for their own feeds and hay, and more people in the store who might also purchase vegetables which are grown mostly for the wholesale market, including niche prod

by meRL ReAGLe

ucts such as Chinese cabbage for the Asian market.

being an integrated operation also results in cost savings. because most of the operation is local, there are fewer transportation costs. “Waste,” such as manure or straw remaining after grain harvest, can be recycled elsewhere in the system or sold.

In comparison, industrial agriculture, which supplies almost all the foods available in our country, has coopted any movement to offer healthier alternatives.

Thus “organic” foods are now mass produced. “Grass fed” meat and eggs are available at your supermarket.

Poultry feed with the same list of ingredients as DWF’s product is available at a big box store near you. but there are some missing ingredients.

one ingredient is the great benefit to the agricul tural land in our area when it is properly and atten tively managed, with consideration for the seventh generation. Without this, our fields grow fallow, or are degraded by contract farming.

Perhaps you have seen those bumper stickers: “Know your farmer; Know your food.” Since this farmer is feeding her family the same stuff she’s selling you, there are embedded layers of safety and quality in the relationship. The second and most powerful ingredient in the success of Dream Weaver Farm is trust.

Authored by Sustainable Otsego. Since 2007, we have promoted ecologically sound practices——locally, regionally and nation ally. Our platform calls for sustainable living, economic independence and home rule. Please visit us at sustainableotsego.net or facebook. com/SustainableOtsego.

By Merl Reagle October 23, 2022

November 11, 1887

of forgetting to put the bag in the vacuum?

Weaves a raised design into

Shore with a show, once

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

Opera Streaming Service Off to Good Start at Foothills

Death, both as the tragic end to a love story and as the culmination of a lover’s revenge, marked the start of the 2022-2023 metropolitan opera’s “Live in HD” streaming series at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center.

Ironically, the streaming series narrowly avoided near tragedy itself before it had even begun. The Foothills needed to update its receiving equipment to accommodate a change in the met’s transmission, the cost of which would have amounted to half of the expected ticket sales. When added to the 50 percent of ticket sales the Foothills pays as the price for receiving the stream, it would have meant the series would not have netted any income.

“However, we felt that it was important for us to offer the opera series,” said Geoffrey Doyle, newlyinstalled executive director of the Foothills. “And so, prior to the start of Cherubini’s ‘medea,’ I issued a plea for contributions from the audience to cover this unan ticipated shortfall.”

As it turned out, Doyle’s sense of obligation was rewarded.

“I was delighted,” he said, “to report that, upon the opening of verdi’s ‘La Traviata,’ our supporters had not only equaled, but had generously exceeded the number needed to make the season a success.”

Last month’s “Live in HD” opera season opener, “medea,” retells the rather dark theme from Greek mythology of a woman scorned. medea takes revenge on her unfaithful husband, Jason (of the Argonaut fame), by killing not only his new bride but also taking the lives of their two children. In her final act, medea kills herself and lies amid the bodies of her dead chil dren while the gods cause the fiery immolation of the surrounding temple.

Although written and premiered in 1797, the opera’s style is prescient of the domineering orchestration that will become part of the Wagnerian experience some 50 years later.

The role of medea was once the signature role of the renowned soprano, maria Callas, and there are those who will say that nothing will ever compare to her rendition. Yet, without assuming the role of musical critic, the singing in the present production was strong and the acting was expressive. The staging was appro priately minimal during the portions where the music defined the characters or furthered the underlying theme, and grandiose and artistically innovative during

the festive portions.

This month’s second opera, verdi’s “La Traviata,” presented the more lyrical mood of opera. In “La Traviata,” verdi tells the story of violetta, the Parisian courtesan whose mutual love with Alfredo is inter rupted by Alfredo’s father’s concern for the family’s honor. only as she is dying from consumption are all parties reunited and reconciled. The production was lively and the choreography of the dancers in the second act was astounding in both its artistry and athleticism.

As a total aside, this opera was, for this writer, an interesting new experience from earlier performances seen many decades ago. The third act was always a musical event in the Italian language with which I was not familiar. However, thanks to closed captioning, written dialogue accompanied the music, and—for the first time—the production had a more emotional effect upon me. A veritable tearjerker!

The remaining operas this season are:

• December 10: Kevin Puts’ “The Hours” (world premier)

• January 14: Giordano’s “Fedora”

• march 18: Wagner’s “Lohengrin”

• April 1: verdi’s “Falstaff”

• April 15: Richard Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier”

• April 29: Terence blanchard’s “Champion” (met premier)

• may 20: mozart’s “Don Giovanni”

• June 3: mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte”

Nothing can compare to attending a live perfor mance at the met in its New York opera house, but the Foothills venue served the performance well. The large movie theatre-type screen on the second floor of the center’s annex and the good quality of the sound made for a first-rate experience. The folding chairs were comfortably padded to make sitting through the performances enjoyable. The entry price of $20.00 was certainly reasonable and, for the price of prepaying for all the remaining operas, the Foothills even provides a living room seating experience.

Sorbera Cleans Up Main Street on Sophomore Service Day

o N eo NTA—Tanner Sorbera of burlington Flats was one of nine students from SUNY oneonta who participated in the college’s first Sophomore Service Day event on Saturday, october 15. From 1-4 p.m., the students washed the outside of nearly every main Street storefront window, with additional help from three volunteers from the college’s wres tling team. This event was the first service day specifically for sophomores, allowing the participating students to acquaint themselves with the community while making a difference. Sorbera is studying Criminal Justice at SUNY oneonta. Sophomore Service Day was an initiative of the Center for Social Responsibility and Community at SUNY oneonta. “After sore shoulders, our group of students felt very proud of their accomplish ments when they looked at all the windows sparkling,” said Linda Drake, CSRC director. “When students volunteer to improve our downtown, it really cements the feeling of community—and the sense that we all belong here.”

The job scene job scene

For more information on upcoming “Live in HD” showings at the Foothills, visit www.foothillspac.org.

Editor’s note: Do you have a second impression on this topic, or a first impression of your own on a performance, book, movie or something else? Send your thoughts to info@allotsego.com.

Cooperstown Boys Soccer Bursts into State Final Four

by TeD mebUST CooPeRSToWN

Cooperstown’s boys soccer program is riding an impres sive 11-game win streak into their upcoming state semifinal match against maple Hill this weekend. Following their second sectional title in two years and a regional win against Spencer-van etten, the team is now just two games from a Class C state title.

“We’re prepared for this weekend because many of our boys were here last year,” said Head Coach Frank miosek.

on the heels of last season’s successes and the loss of multiple major role players, Assistant Coach Lucas Spencer described a team that needed to forge its own identity early on in order to be successful.

Captained by seniors Colby Diamond, oliver Wasson, ethan Kukenberger and PJ Kiuber, the team proved they could handle pres sure, winning eight games in their first month alone. miosek contributes the team’s ability to prevail,

Event Raising Funds for Meds

oNeoNTA—The St. James mission Team will host a “Grand breakfast” fund-raiser on Saturday, November 19 from 8 a.m. to noon, in order to raise funds for much-needed medicine.

St. James episcopal Church is located at 305 main Street, oneonta. The pancake and sausage break fast event is by donation.

especially in tight contests, to “team greatness,” empha sizing their ability to play as a unit.

Coach Spencer high lighted the goalkeeping play of junior Charlie Lambert— who didn’t allow a single goal in the entire month of october and is one shut-out shy of tying the program record—in maintaining the team’s momentum. With Lambert’s solid presence in the net, and a strong defen sive back line, Spencer and miosek have been able to utilize an attacking forma tion that has yielded 67 goals for the Hawkeyes so far this year. The streaky boys squad is “full of great

athletes” who are “reaping the rewards” of shared experience on the field with one another, said Spencer.

many of the team’s players have been involved for years with the Cooperstown Soccer Club, an organization that has seen promising growth in recent years.

“Its impact is clear,” Spencer explained, “consid ering kids can play for more than just three months a year [during the school season].”

That said, this team has decided three months isn’t enough for them (consid ering their August preseason workouts), as they head

further into November.

“This deep into the season, maintaining focus is the difference,” according to Spencer.

While the team’s fitness is important, they also utilize film and strategy sessions to prepare for their matches.

“We try to teach proac tive soccer, focusing on the little things,” explained Spencer.

Heading into their final weekend, the stage is set for the team to display the results of this intensive preparation.

Photo provided TANNER SORBERA

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2023 OTSEGO COUNTY TENTATIVE BUDGET

nOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego will meet at the Otsego County Court house, second floor Courtroom, located in the Village of Cooperstown, new York, on Tuesday, november 15th at 6 p.m. for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the Ten tative Budget of the County of Otsego for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023. The location is accessible to per sons with mobility impairment.

The public hearing will be streamed via Facebook Live on the official Otsego County Facebook page:https://www. facebook.com/ Otsego-County-nY102347451408765/

FURTHER nOTICE is hereby given that copies of the 2023 Otsego County Tentative Budget and the County’s Exemption Report will be avail able after november 4th at the offices of the Clerk of the Board of Repre sentatives and the County Treasurer lo cated in the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, new York, where they may be inspected or procured by any interested persons during regular business hours. The tentative budget may also be viewed on the County website. Pursuant to Section 359 of the County Law the maximum salary that may be fixed and payable during the fiscal year to members of the Board of Representatives and to the Board Chair thereof respectively are hereby specified as follows:

Members of the Board of Represen tatives $13,415

Chair of the Board of Representatives $23,891

Dated: november 4, 2022

Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, new York

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SECTION 5311

OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROJECTS 2021-2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby made that the County of Otsego is applying for federal financial assistance to provide public transporta tion service as follows: FIXED ROUTE SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE COUnTY, WITH LIMITED SERVICE TO COnTIGUOUS COUnTIES during the periods of 20212023.

Public notice is further made that the

County of Otsego is also applying for federal finan cial assistance to purchase buses and bus shelters that will be used to provide public transporta tion service for fixed-route service throughout the county, with limited service to contigu ous counties.

The transportation service will be avail able to the general public during all hours of opera tion. The project is expected to be financed by FTA Section 5311 Rural Program public transportation funds, with additional funds to be provided from State Operat ing Assistance (STOA) and shared service contracts with, the City of Oneonta, Birnie Bus Service Inc., and Leatherstocking Trolley Company. The total federal share for operating projects is ex pected to be up to $1,580,000.

Comments on the proposed project are invited from the general public, private bus and taxi companies, other public transporta tion providers and human service agen cies. Interested par ties may comment on the project or obtain more details about the project by writing to:

Kevin Musser, Planner Otsego County Planning & Solid Waste Department 197 Main Street Cooperstown, nY 13326 607-547-4225 musserk@otsego county.com

Human service agencies that receive assistance from other Federal agen cies for non-emer gency transportation services are encour aged to participate and coordinate with the provider in the planning, design and delivery of transportation services. Agencies may obtain cop ies of the service description and submit proposals for service coordination.

Private bus and taxi operators may request copies of the project service description from the above named person and may submit comments on the service as described.

If you wish to com ment on any aspect of the proposed project, submit a proposal or a request for service coordi nation or request a public hearing on this project, you must make your interest known in writing within fifteen calendar days of the date of this publication and pro vide your comments within fifteen cal endar days of your receipt of the project service description. Your requests and/or comments must be forwarded to the above person.

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Village of Milford, new York

NOTICE OF VILLAGE ELECTION

Please take notice that Village Election

for the Village of Milford will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from Noon - 9pm at the Village Hall

The following of fices will become vacant April 1, 2023 and are to be filled at the Village Elec tion:

One Village Trustee - Two Year Term

Village MayorTwo Year Term

If you are interested in running for either position, Indepen dent nominating Pe titions are available at the Village Hall or new York State Board of Elections website at www. elections.ny.gov.

Completed inde pendent nominating petitions should be delivered to the Mil ford Village Clerk at the Village Hall, 64 South Main Street, Milford, beginning Tuesday, February 7, 2023, and no later than 5:00 pm Wednesday Febru ary 14, 2023

Kitty Ruling Milford Village Clerk

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING nOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEn that the Board of Trustees of the Vil lage of Cooperstown will hold the follow ing public hear ings in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, new York on Monday, november 28th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the follow ing:

Proposed Local Law No. 9 of 2022- A Local Law Amending Chapter 300-17 (B) (Zon ing) of the Code of the Village of Cooperstown to pro hibit Age-Restricted Transactions as a Home Occupation which include the buying or selling of products for which Federal, new York State, Or Otsego County Law des ignates a minimum age for purchase.

Public Hearing on the Use of Cameras in Public Areas Policy-The purpose of this policy is to enhance public safety, assist in the deterrence and in vestigation of crime, and protect critical infrastructure of the Cooperstown Police Department (CPD) and the Village of Cooperstown (Village) through the use of cameras mounted in public areas. It further regulates how the camera system will be deployed, operated, main tained, and moni tored at locations within the Village of Cooperstown, as well as how images captured by those cameras will be stored, accessed, disseminated, and retained.

Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said proposed applications at such public hearing. Dis abled citizens, who

LEGALS

require assistance in attending said public hearings, or in fur nishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance.

Dated: november 8, 2022

By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown

Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, nY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooper stownny.org (email)

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NOTICE OF VILLAGE ELECTION VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN

Please take notice that the next Village Election of officers for the Village of Cooperstown will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

The following of fices will become vacant at the end of the current official year (March 31, 2023) and are to be filled at the Village Election on March 21, 2023, for the terms noted next to each office:

Village Trustee (2 positions) – each position a 3-year term

Absentee ballot applications are available in the Vil lage Clerk’s Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, new York during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning november 21, 2022.

Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street, PO Box 346 Cooperstown, nY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) (607) 547-5487 (fax) jutter@cooper stownny.org (email)

Dated: november 4, 2022

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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

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: Sayer Trucking, LLC (the “Company”).

The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was november 1, 2022.

The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The

Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Christopher L. Roma, 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, nY 13901.

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

6LegalDec.15

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: Twelve Black Cats, LLC (the “Company”).

The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was november 1, 2022.

The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The

Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Christopher L. Roma, 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, nY 13901.

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

6LegalDec.15

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY UNDER NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY LAW

1. The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is CJP Homes LLC.

2. The date of filing of the Articles of Or ganization with the Secretary of State is november 3, 2022.

3. The County within the State of new York in which the principal office of the LLC is located is Otsego.

4. The Secretary of State of the State of new York is hereby designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him or her is: 17 Pine Street, Oneonta, nY 13820.

5. The character or purpose of the busi ness of the LLC is any purpose allowed by law.

6LegalDec.15

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nOTICE OF ORGAnIZATIOn OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPAnY

FIRST: The name of the Limited Li ability Company is Colmena Acres LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Com pany”).

SECOND: The Ar ticles of Organiza tion of the Company were filed with the new York State Secretary of State on October 26, 2022.

THIRD: The County within new York in which the office of the Com pany is to be located is Otsego.

FOURTH: The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process against the Company may be served. The post office address to which the Secre tary of State shall mail process is c/o LLC, P.O. Box 328, Cooperstown, new York 13326

FIFTH: The pur pose of the business of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Limited Liability Company Law.

6LegalDec.15

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

name: Golden Ridge Growers, LLC.

Articles of Orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSnY) 08/24/2022.

County: Otsego. SSnY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSnY shall mail copy of process to 405 Jumps Rd,

Oneonta, nY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under nYS laws. 6LegalDec.15

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Name of LLC: MOTORSPORTS MADnESS SUP PLY COMPAnY LLC

Date of filing of Articles of Orga nization with the NY Department of State: October 24, 2022

Office of the LLC: Otsego County The new York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: Michael Anzelone or Lowell Wilsey 3641 State Highway 205 Hartwick, new York 13348.

Purpose of the LLC: Any Lawful Purpose 6LegalDec.8

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Name of LLC: UPSTATE BAGGED ICE LLC Date of filing of Articles of Orga nization with the NY Department of State: October 25, 2022 Office of the LLC: Otsego County The new York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom the process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: Michael Anzelone or Lowell Wilsey 3641 State Highway 205 Hartwick, new York 13348.

Purpose of the LLC: Any Lawful Purpose 6LegalDec.8

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 61 ELM OnEOnTA, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSnY on 10/18/22.

Office: Otsego County.

SSnY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSnY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 1055 Franklin Avenue, Suite 206, Garden City, nY 11530.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.8

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Stop & Drop Dog Toilet LLC

Auth. filed w/ SSnY 10/24/22.

Off. in Otsego Co. Cert of Form filed w/ SSDE 10/18/22.

SSnY desig. as agt. of LLC whom pro cess may be served & shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 71, Oneonta, nY 13820.

Add. maintained in DE: c/o Accumera LLC, 3500 S. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. name & add. of auth. officer continued Pg. 8

georgia goodspeed 1943-2022

Georgia Goodspeed, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, died early Tuesday morning, November 1, 2022 at Albany medical Center with the comfort of her loving family by her side and is now with God and her true love, Jerry. She was 78. born November 18, 943 at the mary Imogene

bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Georgia was one of three children of the late elizabeth Downes and George Flint.

In her youth, her father worked on many farms in the area, so Georgia attended several schools throughout otsego and Delaware coun ties. She eventually attended Cooperstown Central School and graduated with the Class of 1962.

That same year, she married Jerry “boo-boo” Goodspeed in a ceremony held october 6 in the Cooperstown methodist Church.

For over 20 years, Georgia was employed as a maid at The otesaga. She later worked at bassett Hospital in their house keeping department.

In her leisure, Georgia enjoyed having a good time with family and friends. An

obITUARIeS

avid fan of NASCAR, she also enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, embroidery and was wellknown for her spaghetti, mac and cheese, baked beans, cookies and pies. Her family looked forward to her making their favorite dessert for their birthdays and her Christmas sweets. She also had a lot of fun decorating her home in Toddsville for the various holidays, most especially Halloween, Christmas and easter.

will be greatly missed by family and friends. They enjoyed special memories playing board and card games, learning later in life that they had followed “GG’s Rules.”

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

14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

She enjoyed travelling with Jerry, having their camper in tow, visiting loved ones, attending many races rooting for mark martin, and collecting spoons along the way. They enjoyed a trip to Alaska, and visiting mt. Rushmore and Alcatraz were other travel highlights. Annual Labor Day weekend celebrations at their Ponderosa—where she was the official corn hole tournament score keeper chief of chiefs and proudly received the first boo-boo memorial Good Sport Award—will be fondly remembered. She was always the number one fan and supporter for family members’ sports and activities. She loved attending and cheering at quad races and rode in the local parades honoring Jerry and veterans.

She was happiest when surrounded by her family, especially her cherished grandchildren, great-grand children and grand-fur babies. She was a devoted wife and mother, grand mother, and “GG.” Her smile and sense of humor

Georgia is survived by three daughters, betty Steele and husband, Tom, of Hartwick, Sue Gage of edmeston, and Sherri Goodspeed and fiancé, Gordie marshall, of Fly Creek; three grandchil dren, Jimmy Goodspeed, michael Gage and wife, michele, and Jessica Talbot and husband, mikey; and three great-grandchildren, Lily Luna musgraveGoodspeed, breona Hope Talbot and Rylan David Talbot; and her faithful and beloved kitty, Cuddles. She is further survived by a brother, Frank Flint.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 511/2 years, the love of her life, Jerry; her parents; a sister, Catherine Williams, and precious cat, midnight.

In accordance with Georgia’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. She will be privately laid to rest with Jerry in Hartwick Cemetery.

The Goodspeed family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to the Susquehanna SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

Stephen Michael Pindar 1952-2022

Stephen michael Pindar, 70, of oneonta passed away unexpectedly Friday, october 28, 2022, at mary Imogene bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.

He was born march 19, 1952 in Cooperstown, the son of the late C. Richard and Patricia (Cross) Pindar.

Steve graduated from oneonta High School, Class of 1970, and then received his business Administration degree from SUNY Delhi.

As a younger man, Steve enjoyed water skiing on Goodyear Lake and worked in the family’s auto part business, Cross Supply.

on August 7, 1992 Steve married Lisa Rumenapp. While raising his family, Steve was a Little League coach, 2nd Ward Alderman, helped establish The Lord’s Table, and did mission work in the Dominican Republic.

While in the Dominican Republic children were playing baseball barefoot without equipment and uniforms. Having watched this, he was determined to change that. From that experience, Roberto’s Kids was born. Today, more than

20 years later, well-worn baseball equipment and uniforms have been distrib uted to underprivileged children globally. In 2008, he received the Alumnus of merit award at SUNY Delhi for his works.

Steve was the community director for the oneonta Tigers and was the general manager for the oneonta outlaws. While with the oneonta outlaws he was the New York Collegiate baseball League president. most recently you would find Steve, and his signa ture red sneakers, at The National baseball Hall of Fame and museum.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Pindar of oneonta; three chil dren, Jillian (Christopher) eastman of east Syracuse, Josh (Lindsey) Rumenapp of oneonta, and Christopher Pindar of oneonta; two grandchildren, Alexander and Abigail eastman; and several extended family members.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 4 in the bookhout Funeral Home, 357 main Street, oneonta from 5-8 p.m.

A celebration of life will be held at The oneonta boys and Girls Club, 70 River Street, oneonta at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 5.

In lieu of flowers, memo rial donations may be made to Roberto’s Kids, 55 Union Street, oneonta, NY 13820.

To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.bookhoutfuner alhome.com. Arrangements are by the bookhout Funeral Home, oneonta.

Me M ories to Cherish

LEGALS

from Pg. 7

in De where Cert of Form filed: SSDe, Div. of Corp, 401 Federal St, Ste. 4, Dover, De 19901. Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.8

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Stop-In Smoke, LLC.

Filed 10/6/22. Cty: otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 5831 St Hwy 7, oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalDec.8

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 ASSoCIATeS, LLC.

Articles of organiza tion 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 organiza tion 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 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 organiza tion 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 Lawful 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 organiza tion 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 a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: JoANNe TobeY CoNSULTING LLC.

Articles of organiza tion 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

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home

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

GEORGIA GOODSPEED

STEPHEN PINDAR

AROUND THE TOWNS

Facebook. For assistance with the route schedules, call (800) 388-9853.

Wheelchair accessible service is always available.

BVA Annual Meet Is November 12

MORRIS—Butternut Valley Alliance will hold its 2022 Annual Meeting on November 12 from 4-5 p.m. via Zoom Videoconference. The meeting is open to the public and all inter ested persons are encour aged to attend. Agenda items include the election of members of the Board of Directors and officers, committee assignments, a review of 2022 activities, a preview of 2023 activities, adoption of a budget for 2023, and discussion about 2023 strategic priorities.

Program Is For Budding Artists

COOPERSTOWN—

Creekside Wins NDEAM Award

ONEONTA—The Arc Otsego announced recently that Creekside Industries Recycling Center, a divi sion of The Arc Otsego, is the recipient of the 2022 Employer Recognition NDEAM Award. The nod comes in recognition of Creekside Industries’ demon strated commitment to providing employment oppor tunities for individuals with disabilities. NDEAM, or National Disability Employment Awareness Month, is observed annually in October, and celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabili ties —past and present—and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Creekside Industries Recycling Center partners with Corning Life Sciences to provide recycling services for the Corning Oneonta plant. The Recycling Center processes approximately 850,000 pounds of medicalgrade plastics each year. All materials are sorted by plastic grade and then further treated through baling or regrinding. Once materials are processed, they are warehoused and then sent by truckload to a plastics recycler or back to Corning Oneonta. This project keeps plastics out of the landfill, meeting The Arc Otsego’s mission of becoming more sustainable as a community and maximizing Corning’s return on scrap plastics.

Creekside Industries Recycling Center was once part of The Arc Otsego’s pre-vocational program, transitioning in April of 2017 to a standalone business offering an integrated employment setting for indi viduals with and without disability. Today, Creekside employs 12 individuals with disabilities.

According to a recent media release, the current success and practices of employment of individuals with disabilities can be attributed to William Morley, manager of the Recycling Center since December 2020. Morley is described as “patient and under standing while holding all employees accountable, with high work standards and expectations in a productive team approach.”

Some highlights from Morley’s leadership of the Recycling Center include shift scheduling based on transportation needs, work tasks assigned based on individuals’ strengths, redesigning of work processes to accommodate individual needs, inclusion of Employment Specialists for greater communication between staff, and always including the full team in additional shift or promotion opportunities.

To learn more about employing individuals with disabilities or services offered by The Arc Otsego and Creekside Industries, visit www.arcotsego.org or call (607) 432-8595.

Otsego Express

Fares Reinstated

OTSEGO COUNTY—

As of November 2, Otsego County has reinstated all fares on its Otsego Express public transit routes. Over the last six months, Otsego County subsidized fares for all passengers riding Otsego Express buses with Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding earmarked for public transportation services.

Monthly passes purchased for use during the month of May 2022 will be honored for the month of November 2022. Fare and transfer rates effective November 2 are: Adults, $1.00; Seniors, $0.50; Under 6, Free; Route

Deviation, $2.00; Senior Route Deviation, $1.00; Monthly Pass, $30.00; Otsego Express/OPT Transfer, $1.00; and Otsego Express Line Transfer, $0.50.

Otsego Express provides service in Richfield Springs, Oneonta, West Oneonta, Cooperstown, Fly Creek, Burlington Flats, Edmeston, Cherry Valley, Schuyler Lake, Springfield, Worcester, Schenevus, Hartwick, Laurens, Mount Vision, Otego, Unadilla and Sidney.

All Otsego Express routes can be viewed at www.otsegoexpress. com. Service alerts can be viewed on the website or by searching “Otsego Express Public Transit” on

BVA is a 501(c)(3) orga nization whose mission is to encourage the Butternut Creek Watershed to become an even better place to live, work and play. BVA activi ties connect communities, protect the environment and promote the arts. The Zoom videoconference link can be accessed via BVA’s website in the “Upcoming Events” section on the homepage, www.butternut valleyalliance.org.

Elmira Names Local Key Award Winners

ELMIRA—A tradition that originated in 1935, the Elmira College Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or prepara tory school. The following Otsego County students were awarded this year: Allison Allen, New Berlin; Crystal Castle, Hartwick; Liam Curran, Davenport; Emily Diotte, Richfield Springs; Leah McCrea, Cooperstown; Collin McEnroe, Burlington Flats; Max Meo; Oneonta; Dominick Rheel, Oneonta; Emma Simmons; Unadilla; and Ella Tomlins, Edmeston.

Grant Program Seeking Applicants

OTSEGO COUNTY— Otsego County is accepting applications for grant funding to assist qualifying property owners with septic system improvement costs. Property owners with septic systems in place within 250 feet of Goodyear Lake or within 250 feet of the main stem of the Susquehanna River, south of Goodyear Lake, qualify for assistance. Small businesses with less than 100 employees and the same distance requirement may also apply.

Up to 50 percent (not to exceed $10,000) of the eligible cost will be reim bursed upon completion and once all conditions of the funding are met. Eligible costs include design, repair/ rehabilitation, installation, septic system components and enhanced treatment. Routine maintenance costs will not be funded.

The Septic System Replacement Program is funded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. To learn more, contact the Otsego County Planning Department at planning@ otsegocounty.com or by calling (607) 547-4225.

Preschoolers and toddlers are invited to join Fenimore Art Museum each Tuesday from November 1 through December 13 for a morning of exciting exploration to awaken their artistic curi osity and wonder. During the “Preschool Tuesdays” program from 10-11 a.m., young art lovers will explore various works in the museum’s galleries with special hands-on activi ties, story time, art proj ects and more. “Preschool Tuesdays” is included with museum admission and free for museum members and no registration is required. Fenimore Art Museum is located at 5798 State Route 80, Cooperstown. For more information, (607) 547-1472.

Arts Funding Awards Available

EARLVILLE—The

Earlville Opera House has confirmed a continuation in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2023 Broome, Chenango and Otsego Statewide Community Regrants Program. Awards for up to $5,000 supporting community arts, arts educa tion, and individual artist grants are available to non-profit organizations and artists in Broome, Chenango, and Otsego counties for cultural initia tives next year.

The BCOSCR Program offers funding in the following categories: community arts grant

support for arts and cultural projects to communitybased organizations, groups, collectives, or individual artists; and arts education grants for pre K-12 in-school projects, after-school programs, and community-based learning. A series of virtual grant workshops will be held to assist potential applicants in navigating the process. The workshops are free, but preregistration is required. The deadline for 2023 grant appli cations is Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Visit www.earlvilleop erahouse.com/regrants for SCR Program guidelines, an intent-to-apply form, application link, and grant workshop information. Opportunities are for proj ects taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2023. EOH staff is available to assist with the application process and questions can be sent to SCR Grants Coordinator Victoria Kappel at victoria. kappel@earlvilleopera house.com.

Blood, Platelet Donors Sought

OTSEGO COUNTY— Heading into a busy holiday season, the American Red Cross asks blood and platelet donors to help maintain its vital supply. All blood types are needed and appointments are available.

To thank donors, a $10 egift card to the merchant of their choice will be given following donation. The offer runs from November 1-22. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.

Event To Feature Nesting Bird Pics

ONEONTA—DelawareOtsego Audubon Society will host a special live presentation at the Elm Park Church in Oneonta on Friday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m., featuring area photographer and naturalist Rick Bunting. The program, “Got Cavities?” is a compi lation of photos taken in the past few years that focuses on some of the area’s cavity nesting bird species and the family life they create in their special “homes.”

Rick Bunting is professor emeritus from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he served as chair of Music Education and conductor of the renowned Crane Chorus. Previous to his work at Potsdam he taught at the Bainbridge-Guilford Central School, SUNY Fredonia and Jacksonville University. He continues his musical endeavors as a guest conductor and as a member of the Susquehanna String Band. Since his retirement from teaching, Bunting has devoted a great deal of time to his passion as an amateur naturalist. He enjoys taking pictures of what he sees and sharing them whenever he can. This program is free and open to the public and will begin promptly at 7:30; attendees are asked to arrive early. Refreshments will be served. No recording will be available. For more information, visit www. doas.us.

Photo provided William Morley accepts the 2022 Employer Recognition NDE AM Award for Creekside Industries Recycling Center Division. Morley leads the team at the recycling center, promoting an inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities.

B2B Program Helping Veterans Transition from ‘Boots to Business’

By DARLA M. YOUnGS SOUTHERn TIER

have served

country in the United States Armed Forces on Friday, november 11—Veterans Day—one program in particular is giving something back.

Boots to Business is offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and run in new York State by the Region II Veterans Business Outreach Center.

Boots to Business is an entre preneurial education and training initiative for tran sitioning service members and their spouses. The B2B “Boots to Business:

Reboot” is an eight-hour course providing attendees with an overview of entre preneurship and applicable business fundamentals.

“Our territory in Region II includes all of new York State, new Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Amy Amoroso, VBOC and B2B director, counselor, and lead instructor. “B2B is offered only to transitioning service members and spouses on military bases, while the Reboot class is open to veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service members including national Guard and Reserve, and spouses.”

According to B2B promotional materials, Reboot participants are introduced to the skills,

knowledge and resources they need to launch a busi ness. This includes steps for developing business concepts and a business plan, as well as information on SBA resources available to help.

“Reboot classes are free, and graduates are eligible to then take the six-week online ‘Boots to Business Revenue Readiness’ course through Mississippi State University, again at no cost,” explained Amoroso.

Free monthly webi nars are also available to veterans and their spouses, on topics ranging from “How to Write Your Capabilities Statement and Define Your Government Target Market” to “How to Respond to an RFP.”

“Veterans, service members and military spouses can contact our offices, join webinars or review the information we have to share on our website, www.vbocregion2. com,” Amoroso continued.

“All the counseling, training and webinars are free. We offer confidential, one-on-one counseling for vet entrepreneurs that are looking to start or expand a business, buy or sell— whether franchise or family owned—or who want to go

into international trade.

“We help with business planning, cash flow projec tions and management, research, procurement, networking, mentoring, and more,” Amoroso said. “We are the one-stop-shop for veterans and their families looking into an entrepre neurship venture.”

The B2B program started in 2013 and, as of late 2019, more than 100,000 service members had participated.

Amoroso, a military spouse who describes herself as a “business coun selor and educator for 25+ years and serial entrepre neur,” has been assisting business-minded veterans since the program’s incep tion. Current VBOC Region II staff includes Administrative Assistant Jennifer Beston, who aids in the instruction, plan ning and execution of the classes. Kathy Caruso, executive director of the Mcnulty Veteran Business Center—host organiza tion of VBOC Region II—provides program coordination and grant management. A contractor, Juan Marrero, instructs the B2B and Reboot classes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Earlier this year, Amoroso

and the Mcnulty Veteran Business Center/VBOC received the SBA’s “2022 national Small Business Week Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award” for their work in helping veterans, service members, and mili tary spouses start and grow their businesses.

“Our small but dedicated team of three worked tire lessly during the pandemic to provide important infor mation and support for these small business owners when they needed it the most,” Amoroso said of the award. “We are humbled by this award and are grateful for the opportunity we have every day to serve those who served.”

Among the B2B success stories are retired Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Ray Gagnon, president and chief execu tive officer of Schenectadybased JDog Junk Removal and Hauling which is, according to Amoroso, the only national franchise that is veteran owned, operated, and employed.

Internationally recog nized as a world class business builder, coach, trainer, leader, and mentor, Gagnon is also founder and chief consultant of

Business Operational Success Systems and, most recently, creator and head coach of Chaos Coaching, which provides small busi ness entrepreneurs with real life training, coaching, and mentorship. He is a regular guest speaker at Reboot classes with Amoroso, sharing best practices and advice on how to succeed in business.

Stonewall Defense is a successful defense contracting firm based in upstate new York founded by Richard newkirk and nicholas Campbell, both prior military service members and B2B graduates.

While no B2B or Reboot classes have yet been held in Otsego County, Amoroso expects local veterans may already be availing themselves of the VBOC Region II services and she is eager to offer additional assistance.

“We would love to be able to collaborate with an organization in Otsego County that could host one of our B2B classes for veterans and their fami lies,” she said.

To connect with Amoroso and the Boots to Business program, call (518) 326-5522.

607-432-1782

go County since 1985, previously working as a criminal narcotics inves tigator, and is currently a teacher at the Otsego County Police Academy. She has three children—Ryan, Andrea, and Brandon— and five grandchildren. Serbay is also a volunteer with the Cooperstown Fire Department.

Otego resident Riddell has spent decades working with various organizations such as Helios Care, Bloomville United Methodist Church, SUnY Delhi and the Otego Food Pantry. As a teenager, he said, receiving support from his community in Delaware County helped him overcome some incred ibly challenging moments. Since then, he’s given back whenever possible, and grown his own family. He and his wife, Linda, have three children, six

grandchildren, and one new great-grandchild.

Having served during the Vietnam War as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, Riddell high lighted his involvement with Helios Care’s “We Honor Veterans” initia tive—through which he’s been able to connect with other veterans—as particu larly rewarding. He’s also been a referee for college and high school-level soccer and basketball in the area for decades. To honor his life-long support of local sports, Riddell’s alma mater, SUnY Delhi, recently named their new turf field after him.

“You’re never bigger than the game,” said Riddell of his community work. “All volunteers are as worthy as I am.”

The video celebration of this year’s Older new Yorkers’ Day can be viewed on YouTube.

day site, Paige described it as nothing short of “amazing.” Under her lead ership in the 2010s, change came again as the sports center doubled in size to its present footprint, a transition she described as “bigger and better.”

Paige underscored the CSC’s role as an invalu able community and social center.

“It plays a huge role in our town. Athletes of all varieties have a place to train, people have a place to practice good health, we provide a social environ ment for meeting friends and working out, and we host a wonderful option to the kids for after-school activi ties,” she said, reflecting.

“In what other towns can kids of all ages walk from school over to such a robust facility, and have mom and dad pick them up at the end

of the day?

“You look around at other small towns throughout the region and really across the country, and you don’t find facilities like the Clark Sports Center,” Paige continued. “Towns around here do not have the option that we do and that’s abso lutely in part due to the overwhelming generosity of The Clark Foundation and the Clark family over the decades.”

When pressed on her favorite sports and facets of the sports center, Paige laughed and deferred: “You’ll never be able to get me to choose favorites, it’s all too special to me.”

After 45 years, Paige retired from the sports center earlier this year, knowing “it was time,” and passing the torch to Wedderspoon-Gray. Asked about her ambitions for the next chapter in her life, Paige laughed and noted that has been a popular question this year. Having

just returned from a trip to new Hampshire, Paige plans to spend more time with family and indulging in personal passions, including her love of classic rock concerts.

“I absolutely love classic rock and it’s great to be able to return to concerts after the last few years. now I don’t have to worry about waking up so early the next day!”

she quipped. Early or late, Paige remains a familiar face around the sports center, her home away from home.

With a sentiment and tone similar to those of another legend enshrined in Cooperstown, Paige noted, “I really am the luckiest person and I will never get over the privilege of being part of the luckiest town.”

Price Chopper Raising Funds for Vets

Price Chopper/Market 32 has launched its november campaign to help raise funds for the nonprofit organiza tion, Disabled American Veterans. Through november 30, customers will be given the opportunity to round up their change at checkout, 100 percent of which will go directly to DAV. Price Chopper/Market 32 has kick-started the fundraising with a $10,000.00 dona tion. DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides cost-free lifetime support to more than a million veterans of all generations and their families each year. In addition to having extended nearly 163,000 free rides to medical appointments and assisted with 151,000 benefit claims last year, DAV worked to connect veterans with mean ingful employment opportunities by hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportu nity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible. To learn more, visit: www.dav.org.

►Thursday, Nov. 10

BOOK CLUB Reserve your copy of “The Firekeep er’s Daughter” to read in the month of November, then join the group to discuss on November 30 at 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chest nut Street, Oneonta.

WORD THURSDAY 7 p.m. Enjoy presentation by featured writers Kendel Hip polyte and Clifford Brooks. Suggested donation $3. Presented by Bright Hill Press & Literary Center, Treadwell. (607) 829-5055 or visit face book.com/brighthp

THEATER 7:30 p.m.

The SUNY Oneonta Theater Department presents “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage. The play fo cuses on the drama between friends when one becomes a manager, the other does not, then the union goes on strike while the management locks out the workers and the labor and racial tensions begin to affect the two women’s friendship. General admis sion, $5. Goodrich Theater, SUNY Oneonta. (607) 4364500 or visit suny.oneonta. edu/theatre-department/ season-shows. Also showing 11/12 and 11/13.

READING SERIES 7:30 p.m. The Red Dragon Read ing Series presents author J. L. Torres, whose most recent work, “Migrations,” won the inaugural Tomás Rivera Book Prize. Other publica tions include “The Accidental Native,” “The Family Terror ist and Other Stories,” and a poetry collection titled “Boricua Passport.” Presen tation is free, open to the public. Craven Lounge, Morris Conference Center, SUNY Oneonta. Visit suny.oneonta. edu/english/red-dragon-read ing-series

THEATER 8 p.m. Bigger Dreams Productions presents encore performance of “Mis ery” adapted by William Gold man and based on the novel by Stephen King. General admission, $20/adult. Foot hills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Visit biggerdreams productions.org

►Friday, Nov. 11

VETERANS DAY FREE FISHING DAYS All day. Fish the freshwater of New York State. No license required. All the other fresh water fishing regulations apply. Visit otsegooutdoors. org/event/free-fishing-days/ HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get out and help clean up a portion of Route 80 with the Otsego County Conservation Asso ciation. Trashbags and safety equipment are provided by NYS. Refreshments and water provided by OCCA. Registration required. Meet at Mohican Farm, Route 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488 or visit occainfo.org/calendar/ highway-cleanup-10/

WALKING CLUB 10:3011:30 a.m. All are invited to walk on the gym floor and track with friends old and new while listening to music from the 60s and 70s. Free to those aged 62+. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800 or visit clarks portscenter.com. Also on 11/14, 11/18 and 11/21.

DESIGN CHALLENGE

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tweens are invited for a Cardboard Design Challenge using the MakeDo Tools. Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 5478344 or visit facebook.com/ VillageLibraryOfCooperstown/ SOUP & SANDWICH 1-4 p.m. All veterans are invited to stop by for delicious Soup and Sandwich Luncheon. Up to one guest is invited as well. Richfield Springs American Legion Post 616, 13 Lake Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-9934.

NATURE 3:30-5 p.m. Otsego County Conservation Association presents a family friendly nature walk, “Bridges to the Sky–All About Trees” to explore the lives of trees. Will include topics such as

the anatomy of a tree, tree identification and the role of trees in the world. Walk begins at the conclusion of the film “Sisters: The Summer We Found Our Superpow ers” by the Glimmerglass Film Days. Free. Leaves from the steps of the Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488 or visit occainfo. org/calendar/bridges-to-thesky-all-about-trees/ OPENING RECEPTION 57 p.m. Celebrate the holidays and find beautiful handmade gifts from local artists. The Holiday Show and Sale is on from 11/11 through 12/23. Opening reception is free and open to the public. Cooperstown Art Associa tion. (607) 547-9777 or visit cooperstownart.com

COMEDY 7-10 p.m. Enjoy one of the funniest stand-up comedy shows around with Mikael Gregg and Friends in this production of North Country Comedy Tour. Tickets, $25 at the door. Foothills Per forming Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit foot hillspac.org

COMMUNITY DANCE 7:30 p.m. Come out with your friends, meet new ones and celebrate Veterans Day at this “Harvest Home” contradance. Begins with a workshop on the moves and the music and then everyone dances. Free, open to all. Presented by Otsego Dance Society and the musicians of Harvest Home at St. Mary’s Episcopal Parish Hall, Public Landing Road, Springfield Center. (706) 495-4455 or visit facebook.com/Oneonta-Musi cians-Association-AFM-443281548775389405

►s aTurday, Nov. 12

HOLIDAY BAZAAR 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get ready for the holidays. Many vendors will be selling cookies, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, crafts, natural products and more. Also, stop at the Book Nook for your next read or at the snack bar. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chest nut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-4102 or visit firstumconeonta.org

KIDS HIKE 10:30 a.m. to noon. Get the kids out for this three-day weekend to explore the winter forest on a hike up to Star Field with OCCA Education Specialist Shelby MacLeish. Dress for the weather and be prepared for mud. Registration re quired. Free, open to all. Meet at entrance on Chicken Farm Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488 or visit occainfo. org/calendar/get-the-kidsout-star-field/ FIBER WORKSHOP Noon to 4 p.m. Make a fun felted scarf to wear or give away for the holidays with Artist Bobbi Goldman. Cost, $75 includes instruction and material. Reg istration required. Roxbury Art Center at Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040 or visit roxburyartsgroup.org

RUSSIAN HISTORY 1 p.m. Learn about the history of the Fabergé brand in an online presentation, “The Af terlife of Fabergé: Fauxbergé and More” with Dr. Karen Kettering. Kettering will trace the history of the jeweler, the efforts of art dealers after the workshop closed, the ef forts of forgers, and will end with some of the techniques and resources used by the professionals when assessing a work of art. Presented by The Russian History Museum, 1407 Robinson Road, Jordan ville. (315) 858-2468 or visit russianhistorymuseum.org

MUSIC 1:30 p.m. Cel ebrate Native American Heri tage month with screening of “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World,” a docu mentary film about the influ ence of indigenous peoples on the popular music of North America. Yager Museum, Hartwick College, Oneonta. (607) 431-4480 or visit face book.com/yagermuseum/ LIFESKILLS 4-6 p.m. Teens are invited to learn

to cook with Lynn. Menu posted to FB. Seating lim ited, reservations required. Presented by The Oneonta Teen Center. 50 Dietz Street, Oneonta. (607) 441 3999 or visit facebook.com/oneonta. teencenter

PLANETARIUM NIGHT 7 p.m. The public is invited to explore the cosmos with the powerful Digistar 6 digital planetarium system in a show hosted by SUNY Oneonta fac ulty, staff and students. Free, open to the public. Registra tion required. A. J. Read Sci ence Discovery Center, SUNY Oneonta. Visit facebook. com/AJReadSDC/ ►suNday, Nov. 13

VETERANS 1-3 p.m. Veterans are invited to ex plore the resource available to them in Otsego County at the Resource fair. Then, the Oneonta Community Concert Band will present “A Tribute To America’s Veterans” at 3 p.m. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 4312080 or visit foothillspac.org ►MoNday, Nov. 14

GARDEN CLUB 6:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments before the presentation at 7 p.m. with Michelle Peters from Am biance Florist of Albany. Pe ters will share useful tips on how to use available seasonal flowers and other nature’s offerings to enhance our holiday tables and homes. Created arrangements will be

up for raffle for $5 per ticket. St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta.

►

Tuesday, Nov. 15

COMMUNITY HIKE 9:45 a.m. The community is invited for a group hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Please bring appropriate clothing, gear, and enough water to stay hydrated and be aware of your level of fitness. Contact hike leader for more information. This week’s hike will be at Star Field, Cooperstown, with hike lead ers Jendy Murphy and Paul Wehren. (518) 605-5642 or visit susqadk.org

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WedNesday, Nov. 16

FIGURE THIS 6-9 p.m. Practice drawing from life in the studio. $15/session. Cooperstown Art Associa tion. (607) 547-9777 or visit cooperstownart.com THRIFT SHOP 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop in to support Helios Care and get 1/2 off everything in the shop. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, 261 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335 or visit face book.com/helioscarehospice/ MOUNTAIN CLUB MEET ING 6 p.m. Bring a dish to pass and enjoy dinner with friends followed by presen tation on the monitoring of terrestrial invasive species. Focus will be on monitor ing for the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. A hike to apply what

is learned will be held 11/29. Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/ SusquehannaADK

►Thursday, Nov. 17

BOOKMOBILE 9:15-9:40 a.m. Pick up a book or DVD from the 4 County Library System mobile library. Town Hall, West Oneonta. (607) 723-8236 ext. 322 or visit fcls.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_ US/fcls OPENING RECEPTION 46 p.m. See what the students at SUNY Oneonta have been working on. Celebrate opening of exhibit, “Project Open Call: Fall 2022” featuring art works submitted by students. MartinMullen Gallery, SUNY Oneonta. (607) 436-2445 or visit suny. oneonta.edu/art-galleries

HISTORY AFTER HOURS 5-7 p.m. The whole family is invited for fun history activi ties. This month get in the spir it of season with some Holiday History. The night will include photo opportunities with Santa Claus, present wrapping with Bresee’s vintage wrap ping paper, demonstrations of the model train, a hot choco late bar, and much more.

Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960 or visit facebook. com/OneontaHistory

ARTIST TALK 5:30 p.m. Talk with the artists whose work is featured in the exhibit “Terrain.” Discussion will fo cus on the art and the artists’ process with a chance to continue the discussion afterhours at the Rose & Kettle Restaurant. RSVP for the restaurant required, space limited. 25 Main Collective, 25 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340 or visit face book.com/25maincollective CONCERT 6 p.m. Perfor mance by genre defying band, The Killdeer Trio, in tribute to musician Larry Hulst. Perfor mance will be held in the ex hibit “Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul,” which features images of Hulst performing. The Yager Museum, Hartwick College, Oneonta. (607) 431-4480 or visit facebook.com/yagermu seum/

WRITERS SALON 7:30 p.m. Present your own work at open mic before presenta tion by featured author, Jesse Hilson, who will be reading from recently published crime novel, “Blood Trip,” set in a fictional Oneonta. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. (607) 432-2070 or visit canoneonta.org/writerssalon

Building TrAdes ConTrACTors

Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, administers housing rehabilitation programs to assist low-income Otsego County residents.

We welcome general contractors and building tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, masons, excavators, HVAC, roofers, lead assessors, flooring specialists, landscapers, tree specialists) to contact us about current and pending bid opportunities.

Our funding ranges from $400,000 to $600,000 annually for home rehabilitation and repair projects, and we pay promptly.

Our funding sources include federal and New York State grant programs such as HOME, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Mobile & Manufactured Home Replacement (MMHR), Access to Home, and others.

Contractors must carry liability and workers compensation insurance. Minority- and Woman-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) owners are especially encouraged.