The Freeman's Journal 11-17-22

Former School Houses Luxury Apartments

By DARLA M. YOUNGS ONEONTA

We wanted to create some thing that we would be proud of owning and something that the community needs.” This was the impetus behind Chestnut Hill Estates, with 10 new luxury apartments now housed in the former Chestnut Street School.

David Weaver, who owns the property along with partners John Imperato and Anthony Carimando, said the trio had discussed working on a project together before finding the right property, which they purchased in December of 2021.

“We all grew up in the area and are lifelong residents. I was born and raised in Oneonta and John and Anthony grew up in Schenevus,” Weaver explained. “John and Anthony have owned rental properties together for 15 years and I have owned rental properties for close to 10 years with other partners. When we toured this location for the first time we all saw the great potential with the building but also the land to build more units.”

The former Chestnut Street School, located at 290 Chestnut Street, opened on September 8, 1914. There were 75 students and Miss Iva Smith was the school’s first principal.

“We have had a lot of people reach out to us saying they went to school there,” Weaver added.

According to City of Oneonta Historian Mark Simonson, Chestnut Street School closed in June of 1966, with its students— and those of the former Plains School, at the corner of Chestnut Street and Winney Hill Road— attending the new Greater Plains School that fall. The building housed Oneonta City School District offices until 1996, and is the former location of the Calvary Hill

Retreat Center.

Weaver said Imperato and Carimando, who own a construction company together, started work on the building as soon as the sale of the property was finalized.

“The 10 apartment units are all unique in the main building because we had to fit into the basic config uration, which made it challenging for John and

Anthony but also made the finished product amazing,” Weaver continued. “Two of the units upstairs are similar but still have a few different features to give them their own charm.”

There are eight large one-bedroom apartments, a studio and a three bedroom, two bath apartment, Seaver said. The plan going forward is to have two more build ings constructed. Those buildings will have 10 units each, which will all have the same basic layout, he said.

Weaver and his partners retained historic features where possible.

“We kept all of the orig inal floors upstairs, just sanding and refinishing them. We also kept a few doors that were original to the school. Upstairs had an auditorium with a stage. John and Anthony converted that space to three apartments. They kept the stage in and that is where the studio apartment is. The building had a lot of old slate chalk boards and original lighting that we couldn’t keep. Luckily an antique dealer wanted them and they will find other homes,” Weaver said.

All of the apartments

Ommegang Brews for Veterans

By TED MEBUST COOPERSTOWN

In support of veterans nationwide, Brewery Ommegang’s recent Hops for Heroes event raised funds for Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organi zation that provides aid to active military, veterans and their families. Participating breweries throughout the country produced a special Veteran’s Day batch, Homefront IPA, the proceeds of which exclu sively benefit the nonprof it’s mission.

“When we were putting this together, I immedi ately thought, ‘we have to get Ommegang involved,’”

Chobani Donates Gifts To Help St. James Food Programs

ONEONTA—St. James Episcopal Church is now able to store produce for prolonged periods of time, thanks to Chobani. The locally-based yogurt producer continued its tradition of community engagement by donating three coolers to St. James Feeding Ministries. St. James Feeding Ministries services the surrounding area by providing food to those in need. Their Lord’s Table, located at 18 Elm Street in Oneonta, provides hot meals five days a week from 4-5:30 p.m. Typically serving 500-plus meals a week, they were recently forced to cut back hours due to budget constraints. The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, another Feeding Ministries program, serves meat, canned goods, boxed items, bread, and produce to more than 300 families once a month. Even after a recent $200,000 building addition funded by community donations which allowed space for a walk-in freezer, their ability to serve fresh produce had decreased. Thanks to Chobani’s donation, the Feeding Ministries programs can maximize the shelf-life of their food and continue serving the surrounding communities.

Feeding Ministries Director Marcia Hoag personally extended thanks to Don Brown, Chobani’s commu nity impact manager, for the generous gift. For more information or to contribute to the Feeding Ministries program, call (607) 373-0857 or e-mail feedingmin istries@stjamesoneonta.org.

Benton to Run for Clerk

By TED MEBUST COOPERSTOWN

Photo provided MACGUIRE BENTON

illage trustee and former Deputy Elections Commissioner MacGuire Benton announced his candidacy for Otsego County clerk on Monday, November 14. With his trustee tenure ending in April, he plans to begin his campaign for the 2023 General Election Ballot

said PJ Baunach, chair of Soldier’s Angels board of directors and former resi dent of Richfield Springs. Soldiers’ Angels holds a

voting seat on the Veterans Affairs National Advisory Council and its programs aid active duty military,

Photo by Ted Mebust

Soldier’s Angels Board Chair PJ Baunach works to register raffle par ticipants alongside SA volunteers Terry and Bill.

Continued on page 6

Photos by Patrick Muller

The former Chestnut Street School is now Chestnut Hill Estates.

Photo provided

Feeding Ministries Director Marcia Hoag greets Chobani’s Donald Brown upon delivery of donated coolers.

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty BEST BETS

November 19 Concert To Feature Noted Polish-American Violinist

by IAN KeNYoN oNeoNTA

Catskill Symphony orchestra music Director maciej Żółtowski could not be more direct: “Czech composers occupy a very special place in my heart.”

Reflecting on his own graduation concert in 1997, Żółtowski elaborates.

“It opened with Smetana’s Overture from “The Bartered Bride.” I love the down right contagious optimism and inexhaustible energy. Since then, my programs frequently feature sympho nies by Dvořák, including those lesser known—like the ‘Fifth’ or the ‘Sixth’— which we are going to play with the CSO.”

True to the maestro’s word, the CSO will perform several of Żółtowski’s favorite selections hailing from his native Poland and neighboring Bohemia at the next concert, on the evening of November 19 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta. The second concert of the CSO’s season, appropri ately titled “Slavic Spirit,” will open with the bustling overture of Czech composer Bedřich Smetana’s operatic comedy, “The Bartered Bride,” followed by one of Polish composer Henryk Wieniawski’s most noted violin concertos, and concluding with the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s radiant “Sixth.”

“This concert promises to leave you in high spirits,” Żółtowski noted.

The November 19 concert will also intro duce Kinga Augustyn, a versatile New York Citybased virtuoso concert violinist and recording artist. Augustyn, praised as “stylish and vibrant” by UK magazine “The Strad” and “beyond amazing, one hell of a violinist” by “Fanfare,” has performed as a soloist with orchestras throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. This will be Augustyn’s performance with the CSO.

Żółtowski elaborated on the timing of his decision to include Wieniawski in the concert programming.

“Last month was the Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, the oldest violin competition in the world, occurring every five years in Polish Poznan. It is not a coincidence that the next CSO concert features a work by Henryk Wieniawski—one of the greatest violin virtuosos of all time, whom contem porary critics and music lovers regarded as the rein carnation of Italian violinist Niccolò Paganini.”

Żółtowski added that Wieniawski had first intro duced himself to American audiences during a 18721874 tour that, within the first eight months, resulted in 215 concerts in 60 cities throughout the eastern half of the country.

Commenting further on the inclusion of Dvořák in the programming, Żółtowski underscored that the choice is personal and draws on memories of times both good and suspenseful.

“I remember how terri fied I was to conduct the ‘Sixth’ with the Plzen Radio Orchestra in the Czech Republic, who are natu rally considered experts on Czech music, especially the greatest of all—Dvořák! It ultimately proved to be one of the greatest artistic experiences of my life, not to mention the thrill of performing in a concert hall called by the greatest ever jocular Czechs ‘The Hell’ due to its subterra

Take-out Chicken Dinner Benefits Food Pantry

COOPERSTOWN—Christ Church, 69 Fair Street, will host a Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q Chicken Dinner and Pie Sale on Friday, November 18 from 4-6 p.m. Dinner is take-out only and includes a half chicken, baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw and a roll for $13.00. All proceeds benefit the Cooperstown Food Pantry.

GOHS Unveils New Historical Marker

ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society, in partnership with the City of Oneonta and Otsego Now, will unveil a new historical marker this for the D&H Roundhouse on Roundhouse Road. The historical marker registers and docu ments one of the largest roundhouses in the nation and a structure that had an invalu able impact on Oneonta’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

The D&H Roundhouse Historical Marker commemorates the D&H Roundhouse for its nearly 50 years of railroad service to oneonta as the area’s primary locomotive facility and railway repair station.

nean location.”

While Slavic Spirit is the last concert before the holidays, the CSO’s season will continue with its third concert at SUNY oneonta on March 25, welcoming back concertgoers to the annual Le Cabaret fund raiser and guest conductor competition. CSO Chair Sarah Patterson added prep arations for the fundraiser are already well underway.

“The governing board recently met and a number of new ideas came up in conversation. We always look for ways to think ‘outside of the box’ for this beloved annual event and this year will no doubt accomplish just that,” Patterson said.

Patterson added, “After the overwhelming success and community support we witnessed at last year’s fundraiser, the first Cabaret hosted since pausing our events during the pandemic, the CSO as a whole is more heartened and enthusiastic than ever to continue this musical tradition.”

Le Cabaret will celebrate the CSO’s 69th season and once again host the enter taining Guest Conductor Competition. The 2022 competition welcomed SUNY oneonta Dean Dr. Tracy Allen; former Director of oneonta Public Transportation Paul Patterson Sr. and Cooperstown’s Stagecoach Coffee co-owner Matt Grady. Ultimately, the 2022 competition was won by Paul Patterson, Jr., filling in for his father on request at the last moment. The 2023 competition participants will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to Augustyn, upcoming guest artists include The Jeremy Pelt Trio, led by preemi nent young jazz trum peter Jeremy Pelt, and the Catskill Choral Society, which will join the CSO at SUNY oneonta on may 13 for a special concert titled “Music from the Silver Screen,” to conclude the 2022-2023 season.

A public ceremony to unveil the marker will be held on Friday, November 18 at noon at the corner of Roundhouse Road and Fonda Avenue, on the property of A Treffeisen & Son LLC, to celebrate the preservation of a piece of o history. The D&H Roundhouse Historical Marker was funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State Historic marker Grant Program.

Holiday Bazaar Planned at Future Home of Shelter

ONEONTA—Super Heroes Humane Society will hold a Holiday Bazaar fundraising event at the future home of the shelter, 160 Pony Farm Road, later this month. The sale is scheduled for Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, November 20 from noon to 2 p.m. Among the items for sale will be jewelry, Christmas decorations, collectibles, plants, furniture and miscellaneous items. More than 20 raffles are planned, featuring filled baskets, pottery, a brand new women’s bicycle and a Hello Kitty sewing machine. Donations for the Holiday Bazaar are being accepted by appointment at the shelter’s thrift store by calling (607) 432-3333.

C elebrate the Spirit of C hristmas

The 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 Free man’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!

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 #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 #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.

Photo by Peter Schaaf

KINGA AUGUSTYN

Cherry Valley Native’s IPO Market Exposé the Culmination of Two-Year Effort

CHAPeL HILL, NC

If you were walking along Pioneer Street in the early 2000s and happened upon “The Freeman’s Journal” offices near main Street center, you’d find a young editor hard at work. Dakin Campbell, a member of Cooperstown High School’s class of 1995, was launching a burgeoning career in jour nalism. At that time, the Cornell University graduate could be found diligently reporting on the events of local town and county board meetings. Today, as chief financial correspon dent for “business Insider,” Campbell’s investment has paid off in dividends. After receiving his

master’s in journalism from Columbia University, Campbell began working for “bloomberg News,” where his foray into the financial world took off. Later moving to “business Insider,” he wrote an article in 2019 covering the near collapse of WeWork during its public debut, which would become a major driving force behind his

He published his findings of the IPo process this past July in his book, “Going Public: How Silicon valley Rebels Loosened Wall Street’s Grip on the IPo and Sparked a Revolution.”

“I like diving into the little corners of the financial sector, learning as much as possible about them, and demystifying what I find for my readers,” Campbell expressed.

describes the revolutionary path those companies have taken to reclaim agency in the IPo process.

venture into long-form writing. Considering his expert analysis of WeWork’s initial public offering, book agents began requesting Campbell delve deeper into the topic, a prospect that “certainly interested” him.

An IPo, for the uniniti ated, refers to the first time a company sells shares to public market inves tors. Successful companies take their shares to public markets to access a much broader group of investors. Historically, this process involves a valuation of the company’s share prices by Wall Street investment banks. However, these behemoth institutions don’t consult public buyers when deciding this price.

“A lot of the IPo process is an insider’s game,” Campbell described.

Working solely with mutual fund and hedge fund giants, Wall Street investment banks have been deciding compa nies’ futures for over a century. In recent years, however, some companies have been challenging this system. Campbell’s book

Campbell’s story revolves around influen tial characters in the tech and finance worlds, such as barry mcCarthy, former chief financial officer at Spotify. Campbell noted that throughout the process of writing his book, “asking powerful and successful people simple questions” helped him achieve a larger goal of the project—democ ratizing financial expertise.

“For the average reader, understanding it all [the IPo process] is critical knowl edge and good to have in order to understand how to make the right invest ments,” he explained.

Campbell works and lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife and two children. The process of writing the book, he noted, required many extra curricular hours.

“I would do my research and writing at 5 a.m. before the kids woke up and spend time during the weekend at UNC’s library,” he said.

“I’m very thankful for my wife’s support during that time.”

Campbell’s book is avail able for order at https:// www.dakincampbell.com/.

“I like diving into the little corners of the financial sector... demystifying what I find for my readers.”

– Dakin Cambell

EDITORIaL

Bassett: A Beginning

Over 150 years ago, in 1867, Susan Fenimore Cooper— the visionary daughter of our illustrious James Fenimore Cooper—founded the Thanksgiving Hospital, the first such hospital in the village of Cooperstown and, so it’s told, in the state. Dedicated to the “weak and suffering among the popu lation of Otsego County and the adjoining counties,” it had 16 beds. At the time Cooperstown was a small rural community with 1,600 people.

Established in appreciation of the end of the Civil War, the Thanksgiving Hospital was guided for three decades by Miss Cooper, working closely with Dr. Wilson T. bassett, an Otsego County-born son of a veterinary surgeon who had emigrated from England in 1815. When bassett began his medical prac tice in the 1840s, in Mount vision, there were 60 physicians in Otsego County, six of them in Cooperstown.

In 1869 Wilson bassett and his wife, Mary, also a doctor, relocated t0 Cooperstown. Wilson and Mary bassett became attending physicians—working without charge—at the Thanksgiving Hospital. The venerable institution treated its rural area patients with diseases “of the gravest nature:” typhoid, paraplegia, peritonitis, chronic diarrhea, influenza, ulcers, fractures, amputation, hernias, cancer, pneumonia and an assortment of serious farm accidents. It also established a training school for nurses.

When their daughter, Mary Imogene bassett, became a doctor in 1887 she specialized in academic neurology, studying electrotherapy and lecturing on nervous diseases. She returned to Cooperstown in 1893 to work with her father, and among her patients was Edward Severin Clark who, in 1915, decided to build a new 100-bed hospital, name it for his physician and friend and appoint her chief of staff—two firsts in America for a woman.

The Mary Imogene bassett Hospital opened on June 29, 1922, with the transfer of patients, equipment and the Nurses Training School from the Thanksgiving Hospital. At the end of the first year, MIb Hospital had admitted 722 patients at an average cost of $10.68 per day; there were 12 student nurses, a deficit of $80,000, and Dr. bassett had died. In 1924 there were 46 beds filled, the physician support was scarce, the income was $34,000 and the annual cost $120,000. The rural region could not support the new institution; it closed the following year, sending the remaining patients and the Nurses Training School back to the Thanksgiving Hospital.

bassett reopened in 1927, receiving 17 patients—and the Nurses Training School—from the long-suffering and now permanently closing Thanksgiving Hospital, which was to become the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home. The renewed bassett had salaried physicians, experimental and up-to-date surgical and medical equipment, an extraordinary medical library, the proverbial Nurses Training School and, within another two years, physician internships and a bacteriological research laboratory. bassett had become an academic hospital as well as a fully equipped, medically savvy rural institu tion. An important and extraordinary beginning, all coher ently described by John S. Davis, MD, in his 2016 “bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York: 200 Years of Health Care in Rural America.”

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the MI bassett Hospital, and this issue welcomes the first in a series of monthly columns, “bassett At 100,” by its President and CEO, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, addressing events, issues, concerns, and developments at what is a significant and welcome outgrowth of the Thanksgiving Hospital—the bassett Healthcare Network.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

DR. TOMMY IBRaHIM

Flu, COVID-19 and Hospital Happenings

Monthly news and insights by Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network

I am honored to have the oppor tunity to reach you through “The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta.” Each month I will keep you up to date on emerging public health information, share the latest news from bassett Healthcare Network, talk about health trends in the news, address your questions and concerns, and discuss ways you and your family can stay healthy.

At bassett, we are dedicated to improving the health of our patients and wellbeing of our communi ties. With flu season right around the corner, we want to make sure you and your family are protected. being vaccinated against the flu not only protects you, it also protects people around you who are more vulnerable to flu, such as people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions or lowered immunity, and young chil dren. The flu can also cause certain health conditions—like diabetes, asthma, heart, and lung disease—to become worse. So, protect yourself and those around you. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine each year.

Also, please remember that COvID-19 remains a serious concern. being vaccinated against COvID-19 helps stop the spread

SUNY Oneonta Is On the Right Track

As a student and as another generation of my family attending SUNY Oneonta, I was and still am captivated by the speeches of those who spoke at President Cardelle’s inauguration. Those who gave inspi rational speeches did a phenomenal job. I was and still am impressed by the articulation, dedication, and the creativity of those who addressed, those who were in attendance whether in person or via streaming. As a student of the said university, I can say that this administration has already done an amazing and outstanding job in the first year of the new administration. I think it’s safe to say that this new administra tion will help guide the students at SUNY Oneonta in the right direction and will be a beacon of opportunity for all future and current students of SUNY Oneonta.

Andrew (AJ) Hamill City of Oneonta

Polly Renckens

Lauded for Service

The Richfield Springs Food Pantry thanks and congratulates Mrs. Polly Renckens for her six years of devoted service to the Richfield Springs Food Pantry and its mission of ensuring that all members of our commu nity have access to nutritious food. The Richfield Springs Food Pantry has made great strides since Polly Renckens began her leadership role with her husband, Jim, in 2017.

During the time of Mrs. Renckens’ service, the organization has expanded its reach from serving 100 households in 2017 to over 200 households in 2022. Mrs. Renckens had a central role in helping the pantry obtain a grant to purchase additional food and increase service to those in need from twice a month to a weekly basis. Her other respon sibilities have included managing the volunteer schedule, ordering food deliveries, and serving as vice President of the board of Advisors.

and protects you and those around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics are officially recommending COvID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months and older. In fact, Dr. Monica brané, bassett Healthcare Network’s chief of pediatrics, tells us: “The vaccines are absolutely safe. As a mother and pediatri cian, I recommend the COvID19 vaccines wholeheartedly for children ages 6 months and older. Protecting our kids against COvID19 infection is very important, and it’s also one of the most responsible things we can do for our communi ties as we continue to work together to fight this virus.” As a physician and a father with a young family, I could not agree more with Dr. brané about the importance of keeping each other safe.

If you or your family need to get a flu shot, start or complete your COvID-19 vaccination series, or get a booster, schedule an appoint ment with your primary care prac titioner or your pharmacy to make sure that you and your family are fully protected.

There is so much more happening at bassett! by now, you should be seeing us a lot more visibly through our new marketing efforts. We have work underway to completely redesign our call

center so that we can improve your experience when interacting with our health care system. We have a dedicated team of practitioners supporting our virtual and tele health programs available to you now. Recently, we have welcomed several accreditation bodies surveying our services across Otsego County, and have received positive reviews. There is much in store for bassett, and despite the near-term challenges we face in healthcare, I am emphatically opti mistic about bassett’s future and commitment to serving you.

One of the very best parts of my day is connecting with patients and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out with your comments or questions, and with this new column underway, topics you’d like to hear about in the future. And if you happen to run into one of our amazing employees, please thank them for their contributions. Without them, our mission ceases to exist.

Stay tuned for more exciting information from bassett and I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful and privileged that you have entrusted your care to us.

Wishing you happiness and health always, Tommy

Constance

Richfield

Communities Urged To Safeguard Lake

Proposition 1 passed last week. It authorizes state bond funds for envi ronmental infrastructure—including $650 million for clean water proj ects. The Otsego Lake community should make a proposal to address harmful algal blooms (HAbs) in the lake. The funding proposal should come from the village, the townships and the county. The proposal should be crafted by the lake stakeholders and experts—led by the biological Field Station. HAbs can be reduced by better watershed management and in-lake remediation. As of last week, state funds may be avail able to support our effort to keep Glimmerglass Lake from turning into Pea Soup Pond. Let’s work on a plan to address the problem.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

GASO Opportunity for Smokers To Quit

Seventy percent of smokers want to quit, but fewer than 10 percent of adult smokers manage to quit each year because nicotine is so addic tive. The American Cancer Society began an annual event, Great American Smokeout, over 40 years ago to encourage smokers to take the first step to quitting smoking. On the third Thursday of November, thousands of smokers nationwide participate in GASO, using it as an opportunity to make a plan to quit or make one beforehand and initiate the plan on that day. This year’s GASO is on Thursday, November 17.

Smoke- and tobacco-free poli cies can also help cessation efforts, not only because they reduce the opportunities for using tobacco, but because they de-normalize tobacco use. For some smokers who are trying to quit, these policies can help them get over their final hurdle. These policies also protect and enhance everyone’s health and experience in those spaces and help prevent kids from becoming tobacco users them selves. Research has shown that the more kids witness people using

Tara barnwell

Darla M. Youngs General Manager

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Ted Mebust Staff Writer

Ivan Potocnik Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Web Architect Historian Editorial Board

The Richfield Springs Food Pantry’s volunteers and board members are grateful for Mrs. Renckens’ friendship and celebrate her numerous years of commitment to our local community.

Cummings

Springs

LETTERS … In THEIR OPInIOn

Photo provided

Spirits were high as more than 400 people attended the recent inauguration of SUnY Oneonta’s ninth president, Dr. alberto J.F. Cardelle.

200 YeARS AGo

o bituary – Died at Schlosser, in this state, on o ctober 29th, m r. vine Griffin, late of this village, aged 21 years. m r. Griffin belonged to the detachment of militia which was called into the service of the United States. Impelled by devotion to his country, he voluntarily bid adieu to his friends and home, and dedicated himself to her service. His manly and social virtues, conciliated the friendship and esteem of his companions in arms; and his merit, activity, and faithful discharge of his duty as a soldier, early attracted the notice of his superiors, and were rewarded by promotion. Frankness, gener osity, sincerity, benevolence, sensibility to the woes of others, and a sense of honor which rendered him incapable of a mean action – these were virtues which strongly marked his character, and endeared him to his associates. A numerous circle of friends condole with his afflicted relatives on this melancholy occasion.

November 14, 1812

175 YeARS AGo

excerpts from a Proclamation by William marcy, Governor of the State of New York – During the past season, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations has liber ally dispensed his benefactions to the people of this State. Together with the full enjoyment of the rights of conscience, with public tranquility, and the increase and diffusion of knowledge, they continue to be blessed with civil institutions admirably calculated to secure, in the highest degree, their social happiness and the benefits of a free government. The dealings of Divine Providence with us, as individuals and as a political community, have been in other respects distinguished by unusual kind ness and liberality. We have been mercifully exempted from those calamities which are frequently permitted to afflict nations; we have enjoyed an unusual degree of public health; and have been favored with a fruitful season and a plenteous harvest. I do therefore, in confor mity to established usage, appoint Thursday, the 30th of November next, as a day of public Thanksgiving, and respectfully recommend its due observance as such to the good people of this state. W.L. marcy.

November 13, 1837

150 YeARS AGo

There are few people in Washington who know of the great amount of business done here in the buying of Government horses. Away beyond the President’s House and south of the enclosure devoted to Washington’s equestrian statue known as the “Circle,” and adjoining the o bservatory Grounds in the First Ward of the city, is an immense series of shops, yards and stables call the “Government Horse Corral.” At this place all the Army horses and mules are bought and inspected; sick and worn-out animals put in hospitals; wagons repaired and teams furnished. There are over 8,000 men employed in these shops, and the cost of labor and material is nearly $40,000 a month. There have been as many as 19,000 horses and mules in the corrals at one time, and the daily average is 15,000.

November 14, 1862

125 YeARS AGo

The County of otsego has a voting population of about 15,000. It is estimated that about 14,000 will be polled. The two parties are evenly balanced. When it is remem bered that otsego went Democratic in 1876 by 168, Republican in ’78 by 377, Democratic in ’79 by 62 on Governor and 100 Republican on Lieutenant-Governor, Democratic in 1880 by 28, Democratic in ’85 by 72, Republican in ’86 by 53, it will readily be conceded that the county is about as near a tie as well can be, and that neither party can claim a majority.

November 11, 1887

Post-election Activities Full of Positivity, Unity

The midterm elections are over, or mostly over, as tight returns leave many state and federal races close and uncertain. I, for one, am very glad that pre-elec tion coverage and political mailings have ceased and we have voted.

We can now get back to our jobs, our commu nity, and our lives, where real things happen, where we can make a difference to a person and to our community.

During election week when ads for candidates were forcing all of us to look at extremes, where candidates were pictured in stark contrast by both parties, where reason and facts were driven out by hyperbole…I had the opportunity to listen to our community, to the people of our community, our friends, our neighbors. We were not talking about the elections (though it may have been on our minds). We were talking about community.

The day after the election was a day filled with events for us at Springbrook.

At Springbrook’s family engagement center, we had a celebration of life for a dear friend, a man who went to school in morris, who participated in our community and lived in earlville with dear friends. He was supported by his incredible family and the many friends he developed in his too-short life. Faced with many adversities along the way, he main tained a positivity and good will that was palpable. Remembrances shared were focused on his contribu tions and his approach to life and life’s problems. He made friends because of his optimism, his good will and his kindness to others.

over 90 people gathered to remember matthew— people who, the day before, may have felt polarized from the person sitting next to them. Joined together, we shared in the joy of knowing matt and his family.

meRL ReAGLe

old friends brought together despite differences, political or otherwise, were united and caring for matthew’s family and each other.

That Wednesday morning, I attended a breakfast for more than 45 area not-for-profits, sponsored by the Community Foundation of otsego County.

The event was led by Jeff Katz, executive director of the CFoC, with an introduction by SUNY oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. We joined to talk commu nally about challenges each organization faced, challenges our county faced and innovative solutions. The one challenge we could all identify was the need for more money! one would have thought that would have silenced many in the group. Not so!

I led a group that left me inspired by the people dedicated to our region and their cause. From the Film CooP group, to Delaware Chenango madison otsego boCeS, to otsego Rural Housing Assistance, we shared our experience, perspective and ideas. It was amazing the connections that were made, the depth of our community, and the positivity of the group. No name calling, disparaging comments or negativity. We listened to one another and learned from hearing one another’s viewpoints.

on that same Wednesday, I had the great joy of giving a tour of the school at Springbrook to Hartwick College’s new President Darren Reisberg. A tour of the school is always a joy. The staff are amazing, the students engaging, and the hard work and challenges cannot go unnoticed. President Reisberg’s interest in what we do and how we can work together to accomplish our goals ignited new thoughts and ideas because of his commitment to work together to create a better community.

I feel so very fortunate to have spent the day after

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

Continued from page 1

have granite counter tops, dishwashers and washer/ dryer units. The upstairs apartments boast 15-foothigh ceilings.

“We also have a lot of safety features, including keyless entry with a face recognition option, a sprin kler system throughout and central station fire alarm,” Weaver said. “Since we are still in the first stages of the project, we don’t have a concrete plan of what exact amenities we will offer. A lot of that will depend on the clientele. We have talked about putting in a playground, pickleball courts, basketball courts or even garden plots for each apartment.”

Weaver and his partners are proud of the finished product and, after a small break, they will continue onto the second building, which is phase two of the project.

“It was amazing for me to come by and see all the work John and Anthony were doing and the trans formation that occurred throughout the year. They spent countless hours at the building creating something that is really special for the community,” Weaver concluded.

Benton

Continued from page 1 with a listening tour across the county.

“I feel ready to take on more for more people,” stated benton.

The reopening of oneonta’s Department of

motor vehicles office, he explained, is a central issue to his campaign.

“It’s a matter of access for people in our county that have to do basic govern ment business. It’s a lot to ask people to take time from work to travel from all over the county to come to Cooperstown,” he said.

benton described his time with the county elec tions committee—“filing, processing paperwork and making sure that people were having their concerns and needs met”—as good preparation for the posi tion of county clerk. He commended the commit tee’s “nonpartisan effort” in instituting the changes to election law that were passed down in 2021 and plans to bring that same ideology to the clerk’s office.

“It’s not a partisan job. I’m running for it because I believe that I will do the best job. I’ve spent my professional life in customer service, business develop ment, and local government, and bringing together that combination of skills will serve me and the people of otsego County really well,” he explained.

benton has also over seen the growth of the Cooperstown Distillery’s sales department, which he organizes and describes as having “built from near scratch.”

“You’ve got to be creative and conscious of the limi tations of government,” he said of the lessons he’s learned serving as trustee.

“I have been tested both in the public and the private sector. I like to make sure that people have what they need and that they feel

respected and heard. I feel people should receive highquality service for the tax dollars that they pay.

“I believe our government can be effective, but only if it’s results-driven, and I promise people results. I will continue the good service at our county clerk’s office and do all that I can to make it better,” said benton.

In closing, benton reit erated his nonpartisan commitment to the clerk position, saying, “even if you think I’m wrong about everything in the world, I’ll talk to you.”

Vets

Continued from page 1 veterans, military fami lies, and wounded service members.

ommegang’s alehouse hosted a packed house of customers hoping to win the accompanying raffle, which included a specially designed baseball bat, among other gift shop and brewery goods.

For more information about Soldiers’ Angels, visit https://soldiersangels.org/.

Continued from page 5

the election with positive people, willing to listen and learn. People who did not jump to conclusions or create conflict, who sought common ground and under standing. People making a difference, doing their best, lives well lived and loved. People not assuming the worst, but expecting the best.

Patricia Kennedy is Springbrook’s chief execu tive officer.

Continued from page 4

tobacco, whether on screen or in real life, the more likely they will use it themselves.

Smoke-free policies for public spaces are supported overwhelmingly in otsego County. A 2020 Siena College Research Institute survey found 75 percent of otsego County residents supported smoking bans on all municipal grounds and 70 percent supported smokefree outdoor areas around businesses open to the public. Recently, Cooperstown made most of the sidewalks along its main Street smokeand vape-free and the village of Laurens passed a policy banning the use of tobacco and cannabis products on all village property.

Smokers in our area who are thinking of quitting could use GASo on November 17 to start their cessation journey. They can now go to more smoke-free spaces to help them along the way.

Jennifer Hill Community

engagement Coordinator, Tobacco Free Communities: DoS

KennedyMany Hands Protect Lake

The otsego Lake and SUNY oneonta commu nities worked together to protect property, life, and the environment around otsego Lake on Saturday, November 5.

Saturday morning had me concerned about whether the autumn no-wake zone buoy buoyfest would be a success or would be only the first day of a multiple day effort to retrieve our NWZbs. Winds were strong enough to cause

Lettersconcern, and we had lost the services of four divers, who we had planned to work with us, in the 24 hours prior to the event. Health and other good reasons prevented those four divers from partici pating. The preparation work provided on Friday by otsego Lake Association members bill Richtsmeier, mickie Richtsmeier, Doug Willies and Peter Regan facilitated an early departure. The focus and experience of graduate students Sarah Coney and brian Hefferon provided core successes which inspired our SUNY oneonta under graduate students and recent graduates, Liv bartik, Alan brault, Zach Lebid, and Katlin mancusi, to see the work through to completion.

The oLA board of Directors was well represented, providing essential tender services: Wayne bunn, Peter Regan and Kiyoko Yokota.

Chuck Hascup master fully employed his barge to support our work. I am grateful to all.

The last two NWZbs,

at Springfield Landing and Lake Front, will be retrieved and swapped for spar buoys, as is our tradition, on the weekend prior to Christmas eve. That typically involves breaking through thin ice along the shoreline to reach those buoys, but the shallow depths involved encourage a lighthearted attitude about this December work.

Paul H. Lord SUNY oneonta bFS Divemaster and Instructor

Last Week’s Letter Clarified

Hello again. I am so sorry that my original comment implied that people over 70 cannot do as much. What I meant is that our local American Legion/vFW needs more retired veterans of all ages to get involved, take on leadership roles and plan projects. Please forgive any negativity that may have resulted from previous comments.

Sue Straub Fly Creek

In late November of 1965 my dad, in his yellow taxi cab, ferried me and my duffle bag down to the Brooklyn Army Terminal where I would board the USS Darby bound for Bremerhaven, Germany. Several other soldiers who had also gone to Preventive Medicine School were among the 1,400 troops that were about to cross the Atlantic. The water was calm for the first few days but, in spite of the smooth going, this guy, Harris, had already turned green. In fact, he looked seasick as soon as we set sail. It wasn’t that large a ship so we were like sardines packed in the hold. Our duffle bags were stacked like cord wood, preventing access to soap, tooth paste, fresh socks and underwear. After a while our quarters began to smell like dirty laundry. Then the seas got rough and the ship was pitching and rolling around so that you had to hold on to the frame of your bunk or else you’d wind up on the floor. Luckily, I was feeling okay because an old salt on a fishing boat out of Coney Island had once told me that to avoid sea sickness on an empty stomach, he always kept a box of Ritz crackers on hand. Wisely, I took his advice. Harris was in the bunk across from me and hadn’t uttered a word for days. He looked greener than ever and, as the ship would rise on a swell, I would heartlessly

announce, “Here we go Harris, up, up, up!” Then, at the top of the wave, I’d sing, “Down, down, down!” If looks could kill, in Harris’ eyes I was a dead man.

In spite of the high seas, several of us tried to stay on deck out in the fresh air as much as we could. There was Lawrence from Maine, De Luca and Golda from New Jersey, and Babington from the Bronx. Somehow, we got hold of a spicy piece of pulp fiction and for laughs took turns reading and rewriting the lines out loud. There was ocean as far as you could see, and though the ship moved along at 25 knots an hour day after day, it never ran out of water. The Atlantic seemed incredibly wide.

Eventually, the ship’s tossing made a lot of guys very sick. They were hanging over the rail and blowing their cookies or lying on the floor of the latrine looking like they were ready to die. The smell of vomit was everywhere. Nobody seemed to be going to chow any more. Up until then I was holding my own, but the box of Ritz crackers was running low. Harris remained in his bunk most of the time, his mouth tightly closed, not uttering a word. I no longer gave him an account of the ship’s tossing. Predictably, I ran out of crackers and within a few hours was as sick as a dog. When I didn’t show up on deck to take part in the pulp read

ings, Babington came down to find me prostrate and hugging the empty cracker box. He offered a swig from his bottle of brandy and swore it was keeping him from getting sick. I declined with a moan while a green and tight-lipped Harris looked on from his bunk.

As a distraction, Babington convinced me to see a movie that was being screened. It was called “The Yellow Rolls Royce,” and its theme song was ominously called “Let’s Forget about Tomorrow.” For the next few days I

OBITUARIES

Elizabeth H. Gilbert 1928-2022

BAINBRIDGE—

Elizabeth H. Gilbert passed away peacefully on October 22, 2022 in Georgetown, Texas. Betty Gilbert was the youngest of four children. Her father was a German immigrant and her mother an orphan. Betty was raised in rural upstate New York with little in the way of creature comforts. One of her childhood chores in the winter was to take the horse to a creek and break the ice, so that the horse could drink water. There was no indoor plumbing.

Her family moved to Bainbridge, New York in her teen years and there she thrived. She created the position of majorette and performed with the high school marching band.

After graduating from high school, she took classes in stenography and other secretarial skills at a busi ness school in Albany, New York, riding the train back to Bainbridge on week ends. Her first job was as a secretary for the research department of a chemical company in Bainbridge, working alongside her sister, Helen.

Betty met Seward Gilbert at a roller-skating rink. A tall and handsome veteran, he had recently returned from military service in the Pacific. She was concerned that Seward would think she was too young to interest him, so she lied about her age. She was pretty, exuberant and smart; he was interested! They were married on August 1, 1948.

The new Gilbert family had their first child in 1949; eventually there were five

children spanning 16 years in age. Betty tended to household finances, raised a large garden, worked at the local bank, and served at the Bainbridge Baptist Church. She had a beautiful alto voice and often was asked to sing solos. All her chil dren have a love of music because of her encourage ment and abilities.

The Gilbert family loved to travel. On weekends and for summer vaca tion the family visited parks throughout the eastern seaboard with their camping trailer. Using a two-burner stove and tiny refrigerator, Betty would whip up meals that the children would devour after a day of swimming in a lake or sightseeing. When the younger children reached their teens, Betty and Seward expanded their range of travels to interna tional destinations. They became members of a travel club that provided weeklong homestays in foreign lands. Betty and Seward also hosted families from all over the world through this program, as well as two foreign exchange students.

10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service honoring her life will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge. There will be a Celebration of Life service for Elizabeth Gilbert at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Betty’s memory, please consider donating to The First Baptist Church in Bainbridge, New York.

Kent Robert Hoyt, Jr. 1973-2022

LAURENS—Kent

Robert Hoyt Jr., 49, of Laurens, died Saturday, October 29, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born in Springfield, MA on July 15, 1973, the second child of Kent Sr. and Susan Hoyt. He graduated from Gilbertsville School before going into the workforce as well as attending Mohawk Valley Community College for welding. Kent enjoyed fishing, riding snowmo biles, cooking, country music and spending time with family and friends.

thought I was going to die. I had nothing to throw up any more but, like many others, I still kept heaving. Ironically, I learned that this was the last troop ship to Germany. From then on soldiers would be flown to Europe. Finally, we reached Bremerhaven and boarded a train headed south to Ludwigsburg. It took a month for my stomach to straighten out. Harris got his revenge. He never got sick. The worst he got was green. Recently, I was happy to read that in 1970 the USS Darby was sunk while being used for target practice.

Kent’s family has entrusted his care to the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. Online condolences may be made at www.john stonfh.com

Richard ‘Dick’ Shutts 1934-2022

UNADILLA—Richard

“Dick” Shutts, 88, of Unadilla, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in Oneonta, surrounded by his loving family.

He served in the Army from 1956 to 1958. He was a New York State Trooper for a short period of time when he met the love of his life, Diane. Richard spent most of his career as a heavy equip ment operator, including at Stevens Excavating in Otego. He also worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance as an agent for 11 years and Howe Gas in Sidney.

Endicott at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.

She was born January 11, 1939 in Afton, New York, the daughter of the late Charles Sr. and Elfreda (Johnson) Angel.

Gracie grew up in Triangle and graduated from Whitney Point Central School the Class of 1959. For many years she was a CNA at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta until her retirement in 1995.

On August 28, 1980, Gracie married William “Bill” H. Wilsey Sr. in Laurens. Together they celebrated 32 years of marriage until Bill’s death August 6, 2013.

She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW where she served as treasurer and also a Woman of the Moose member.

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

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

In their senior years, the couple spent summers in Bainbridge, New York and winters in Punta Gorda, Florida. They often had friends and family as visitors who always felt welcome; a good time was had by all. Betty remained active with frequent walks, quilting, and their garden. She was a whiz at making fruit pies.

After Seward had health setbacks, Betty and Seward moved to the Round Rock, Texas area where their son, David, resides. David was best suited for managing their care as their health declined. Betty made the most of their time in senior living facilities, joining the chapel choir, playing bean bag baseball, and social izing with other residents.

Elizabeth Gilbert left this life for a better place on October 22, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 74 years, Seward; chil dren Seward Jr., Helene, Daniel, David, and James;

Kent is survived by his long-time partner, Amanda Genier; his son, Dakoda; mother, Susan Hoyt; sisters, Sandra (Andy) Meyers, Laura Hoyt (John), and Kelly Hoyt (Anthony); nieces and nephews, Andrew, Kyle, Nicole, Mackenzie, Joseph, and Zeta; aunts and uncles, John (MaryLou) Ganio, Gino (Joan) Ganio, Robert Ganio, Helen (Jim) Groff, George (Linda) Wade, Chuck (Lynn) Wade; as well as many cousins and extended family.

Kent was predeceased by his father, Kent Sr.; grandparents, Robert and Ruth Hoyt and Gino and Rosabell Ganio; cousin, Tyler Hoyt Costello; and aunts, Virginia Ganio and Jan Costello.

A celebration of life was held at the Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens, NY 13796 on November 5. In lieu of flowers, memorial dona tions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Diane McElligott; daughter, Charlene “Chod,” Phoenix, AZ; sons, Michael “Mike,” Hemet, CA, and Steven “Floyd” (wife France), Roaming Shores, OH; grandson, Cédric “CD,” Greenbelt, MD; sister, Lynn, Locust Grove, VA; many nieces and nephews; and Belle, his favorite fourlegged companion. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Ardelle Shutts.

The Shutts family would like to thank the staff at Chestnut Park Rehabilitation Center and Helios Care for their kind ness and comforting care. There will be no calling hours. A private burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Sidney will be held at a later date. Share condo lences and memories online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.

Gracie Wilsey

1939-2022

ENDICOTT—Gracie J. Wilsey, 83, of Endicott and formerly of West Oneonta passed away Friday, October 21, 2022 in

Gracie is survived by her children, Fran (Theresa) Tonkin of Apalachin, Robert (Marlena) Tonkin of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Linda Dickerson of Endicott and Robin (John) Kiser of Endicott; stepchildren, Billy (Lisa) Wilsey of Harpursville, Tina Wilsey Bishop of Missoula, Montana and Tom (Maureen) Wilsey of Preston; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Angel and Hallie Canale; one brother, Bill (Kathleen) Angel; her companion and protector her loving dog, Max; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 11 a.m. to noon. Funeral services immediately followed at noon. Burial will be in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery, Hartwick Seminary.

To send the family an online condolence, visit www.bookhoutfuneral home.com. Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.

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

Photo provided

USS Darby (DE-218) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort in service with the United States Navy from 1943 to 1947 and from 1950 to 1968. She was sunk as a target in 1970.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at the NYSDoT, office of Contract management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1Cm, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. bids may also be submitted via the internet us ing www.bidx.com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDoT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CoNR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDoT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

electronic docu ments and Amend ments are posted to www.dot.ny.gov/ doing-business/op portunities/const-no tices. The Contrac tor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive noti fication of Amend ments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-busi ness/opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been is sued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communi cation with NYS DoT on procure ments and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in dis qualification. Con tact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are gener ally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bid ding opportunities for Small business Firms, including, but not limited to D/m/Wbe’s and SDvobs.

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title vI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regula tions, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimina

tion in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regula tions, Part 200, Title Iv Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Depart ment solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirma tively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged busi ness enterprises will be afforded full op portunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be dis criminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accom modation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, binghamton, NY, 13901

D264927, PIN 9TbP23, FA Proj Y1109TbP-233, Chenango, Dela ware, otsego, Schoharie, Sul livan, Tioga Cos., bRIDGe PAINT ING - Six Locations, bid Deposit: 5% of bid (~ $375,000.00), Goals: Dbe: 6.00% D264811, PIN 9ADA20, FA Proj Y2409ADA-203, broome, Chenango, Delaware, otsego Cos., ADA ImPRove meNTS - various Locations, bid Deposit: 5% of bid (~ $75,000.00), Goals: Dbe: 2.00%

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NAme: LTb GCP Consulting LLC, Articles of orga nization were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 11/09/2022.

office location: otsego County. SSNY has desig nated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 516 Light Hill Rd., morris, NY 13808.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.22

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF metals-n-Petals, LLC

Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/9/22. office in otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 263 County Highway 21, West Winfield, NY 13491.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.22

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 49 Susquehanna LLC

Filed 8/10/22 office: otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 46 elm Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.22

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“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:

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”).

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

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

6LegalDec.8

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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.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: bLUebIRD HAUS LLC.

Articles of orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 october 2022.

office location: otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 85 Chestnut St, Apt 2, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalDec.1

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Tickled Pink bbQ LLC.

zation 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

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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.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF vintage Giraffe LLC

Filed 8/1/22 office: otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 54 State Highway 357, Unadilla, NY 13849

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.22

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF JHAK SPACe TC, LLC.

Articles of or ganization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/11/22.

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

The Secretary of State has been des ignated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The

Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 1700 York Ave., 1P, NY, NY 10128.

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

6LegalDec.22

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: Sayer Trucking, LLC (the

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.

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,

LegaL nOtice

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

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

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: D. J. beRNARD AND ASSoCI ATeS, LLC.

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

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws 6LegalDec.1

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

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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

nOtice

LegaL

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: beeRS AND STeeRS LLC. Articles of organi

Purpose: Any Law ful Purpose. 6LegalNov.17

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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

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LegaL

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: TURNeR RANCH CooPeRSToWN LLC.

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

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

6LegalNov.17

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NBHoF Class of 2022 Vets Honored

By TED MEBUST COOPERSTOWN

In keeping with tradition, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum recognized the military service of 2022 inductees Gil Hodges and Buck O’Neil with a ceremony in its plaque gallery on Veteran’s Day. Before a crowd of NBHoFgoers and a Cooperstown Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard, the pair became the 69th and 70th members to bear a special medallion below their nameplates, indicating the details of their service.

“The Hall of Fame’s plaque gallery is where we recognize baseball excellence, but it’s also where we honor service and sacrifice,” stated NBHoF President Josh Rawitch. He encouraged all those in atten dance to contribute letters to Operation Gratitude, a service which provides care packages for deployed troops, first

responders, military families, recruit graduates, veterans, wounded heroes and caregivers.

Joel Evans, executive deputy director of New York State’s Division of Veterans’ Services, noted the “pleasure and honor” he felt—as a veteran and a baseball fan—in cele brating Hodges and O’Neil. He mentioned a personal connection to Hodges’ Brooklyn Dodgers, as they sometimes played stick ball in the streets with kids from around the neighborhood—like Evans’ father.

The ceremony included a video message from Commander Evan Wright, speaking aboard the USS Cooperstown, a naval Freedom-class littoral combat ship which carries the names and honors of NBHoF military servicemen and is the first naval ship named after Cooperstown, New York.

For more information regarding Operation Gratitude, visit https://www. operationgratitude.com/.

SUNY Athletic Trainer Leads State Group

ONEONTA—The New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association has named Lauren Stephenson, athletic trainer at SUNY Oneonta Athletics, as the new president of the orga nization. NYSATA stands to advance the profession of athletic training for the purpose of enhancing the quality of healthcare for the physically active in New York State.

As president of the orga nization, Stephenson plans to draw on her business consulting and administra tion experience to elevate the profession and aware ness of athletic trainers with the goal of improving the general public’s under standing of what athletic trainers do and the impor tance of their role in protecting the health and well-being of the physi cally active. She also aims to bolster diversity and inclusion initiatives while working to get legislative

STEPHENSON

goals passed in New York State. This includes an ongoing effort to pass a bill that would require licensure for athletic trainers, rather than just a certification.

“I am excited to step into the role as president of the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association and work toward elevating the profession both inter nally and externally,” said Stephenson. “I’m looking forward to using my past experience to create a

solid organizational struc ture, strengthen engage ment among members and increase public awareness.”

An athlete her whole life, Stephenson decided to go into athletic training as it combined her love of medi cine, specifically emer gency medicine, with sports and being a part of a team. She enjoys making a differ ence in her patients’ lives and is deeply invested in how her athlete-patients are doing on and off the field and court. Her involvement in NYSATA began because of her interest in public perception and recogni tion of athletic trainers. She joined the organization in 2011 and has been involved in various public relations projects, lobby days and letter writing campaigns on behalf of the governmental affairs committee.

Stephenson’s term as president will run for two years and she will step down in June 2024.

World Series Treasures Headed to Cooperstown

COOPERSTOWN—

The Houston Astros made history at the 2022 World Series. Now, artifacts from

the second World Series championship in franchise history are coming to the Hall of Fame.

Following the Astros’ 4-1 win on Saturday night, the team, its players and manager generously donated several artifacts that tell the story of their victory to the Hall of Fame, and those pieces will soon take a permanent place in Cooperstown.

Artifacts donated by the Astros following Game 6 in Houston include:

• bat used by Yordan Álvarez in Game 6 when he hit a go-ahead 3-run home run in the 6th inning

• jersey worn in Game 2 and wristbands worn in Game 6 by Astros manager Dusty Baker, as well as his signature toothpicks

• spikes worn in Game 6 by Astros closer Ryan Pressly, who did not allow a run in 10 Postseason appearances

• jersey worn in Game 1 by World Series MVP

Photo by Ted Mebust

Joel Evans, executive deputy director at New York State’s Division of Veterans’ Services, gives remarks at NBHoF’s medallion commemoration for hall veterans Gil Hodges and Buck O’Neil.

Photo provided LAUREN

AROUnD THE TOWnS

Books, Volunteers Sought for Collection

By DARLA M. YOUnGS COOPERSTOWn

Friends of the Village Library is already preparing for its popular Winter Book Sale, to be held February 3-5 during the 2023 Winter Carnival Weekend.

From 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday, november 19, FoVL will host a book collection in the Village Hall Board Room at 22 Main Street. Used books in good condition are welcome, along with CDs, DVDs and audio books. Textbooks and outdated travel books, however, will not be accepted.

“The Cooperstown community is incredibly generous in donating used books for the sales,” said Lynne Mebust, FoVL board member and co-chair of the Book Sale Committee along with Ivy Bischof. “While some book collections are more successful than others due to factors such as weather, timing, publicity, etc., I estimate that we collect somewhere between 3,000-5,000 books per collec tion day.”

According to Mebust, FoVL generally conducts two book sales annually. One is the three-day event during Cooperstown’s Winter Carnival, and the other is an eightday sale beginning the last Saturday in June and running daily through the following weekend.

“FoVL’s contributions supplement the library’s oper ating budget and make possible additional acquisitions, programs and equipment beyond what is achievable in the tax-supported library budget,” Mebust explained. “This past year, FoVL’s contribution to the library was approxi mately $28,000.00. The book sales and annual appeal are FoVL’s two fundraising initiatives.”

The FoVL Board of Directors currently includes President Karen Katz, Vice President Sydney Sheehan, Secretary Bill Oliver, and Treasurer Kallie Moore, along with Henry Bauer, Bischof, Ann Brown, Dee Crowell, Emily Gibson, Alan Kozak, Antoinette Kuzminski, Mebust, Martha Membrino, Molly Mooney, nina nocciolino Mullaney, Molly Myers, and namita Sugandhi.

“In addition to the board, anyone can be a Friend of the Village Library of Cooperstown by participating in our programs, making a donation, or volunteering at our book sales and other events,” Mebust said.

Volunteers are integral to the success of the book sales.

“We need a lot of help and encourage anyone who would like to assist to show up and get involved. Our organi zation relies on dozens of volunteers to collect, sort, and store books on collection days; to set up tents, tables, and books prior to sales; to organize and sell books throughout the sales; and to clean up at the conclusion of each sale,” explained Mebust.

FoVL’s board members are joined in this work by members of the Library Board and people from throughout the community who donate their time to this effort.

“We also collaborate with the Library Club at Cooperstown High School, whose members are valuable volunteers and help make the sales possible. This work can include a lot of physical labor and we are very grateful to Henry Bauer, who leads the younger generation of FoVL board members on our book sale committee, along with volunteers such as Bud and Jacob Zaengle and many others who help with the literal heavy lifting.”

FoVL is mindful of keeping books out of the waste stream to the extent possible.

“Unsold books from the Winter Carnival sale will be stored until the summer sale,” Mebust said. “The summer event is longer and more books are sold. In an effort to place as many books as possible into the hands of the community, a $5.00 bag sale is held during the final two days of the summer sale.”

According to Mebust, FoVL tries to donate any books remaining unsold after the summer sale to such organiza tions as retirement communities, nursing homes, family court, thrift stores, the jail and local book dealers.

“Although in past years we have had to recycle some unsold books, in 2022 we were successful in donating all unsold books to other organizations in the area,” she said.

The book collections and the book sales make people happy, Mebust continued.

“They are beloved community events. Cooperstown loves books, and loves our library, and this affection makes being involved in the FoVL sales a very enjoyable experi ence. Community members appreciate having a good way to donate used books and we are equally appreciative of all those who save up their books for our collection days. And when a sale begins, there is always a positive reaction from members of the community and Cooperstown visi tors alike.”

FoVL’s mission is to promote cultural literacy and enhance community engagement in the library through the following measures: advocacy for the library; fundraising; direct financial contributions to the library to support its infrastructure and programs; and development and support of educational and recreational programs.

Those wishing to donate used books can bring them to the Fair Street entrance to 22 Main Street on Saturday, november 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.

“FoVL accepts used books in good condition. We cannot accept outdated textbooks, travel books, or encyclope dias—or books in poor condition—due to the burden this puts upon our volunteers to dispose of such unwanted items. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with the book collection should arrive by 9:45 and will be welcomed to the Friends—and put directly to work,” Mebust said.

Pinned and Proud

COOPERSTOWn—Around 60 family and friends gathered at the national Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum last weekend for a promotion ceremony to honor Lieutenant Colonel E. Albert Eckart III. “Albert is like a part of the Grady family,” Pati Grady of Cooperstown said. “He’s always loved baseball and he visits us a lot.” So much so that Josh Rawitch, nBHoF president, offered to have the pinning ceremony in the Hall. “We are incred ibly proud of Albert,” Grady said. Above, Eckart (left) is joined by Rawitch and Colonel (Retired) Matthew Keurejian.

SUNY Professor To Speak on Antiracism

COOPERSTOW n

Friends of the Village Library welcomes Sheena Mason, PhD, on Sunday, november 20 from 3-4 p.m. for a discussion on her new book, “Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism).”

Dr. Mason offers a solu tion for how people aspiring toward antiracism can avoid unintentionally upholding racism, illustrating that to undo racism, we must undo our belief in “race.” Through her teaching, research, and service, Dr. Mason inspires and informs individuals and organizations on antiracism and provides revolutionary antiracist initiatives and policy-changing efforts.

Sheena Mason earned

Treasures

Continued from page 9

Jeremy Peña, who hit .400 with two doubles and a home run in the World Series

• spikes worn in Game 5 by Justin Verlander when he earned his first World Series win

• glove used by Chas McCormick in Game 5 when he made an incredible catch in the 9th inning

• elbow guard worn in Game 6 by José Altuve, who hit .308 in the World Series

• spikes worn in Game 2 by Framber Valdez, who won both of his World Series starts

• ball thrown by Cristian Javier in Game 4 and signed by all four pitchers who combined on just the second World Series no-hitter, as well as catcher Christian Vázquez

• rosin bag from Game 4’s combined no-hitter

• scorecard kept by Hall of Famer and FOX broadcaster John Smoltz from Game 4’s combined no-hitter

The Astros also donated a bat that ALCS MVP Jeremy Peña used during the ALCS. From the Phillies, Alec Bohm donated the bat he used in Game 3 to hit the 1,000th home run in World Series history.

These and other pieces from the 2022 Postseason will be featured in the “Autumn Glory” exhibit, which will be on display through the 2023 Postseason.

her PhD in English literature from Howard University. Before joining the SUnY Oneonta staff as an assistant professor in African American litera ture, she taught at the College of William and Mary, California Lutheran University, and Howard University.

Monthly FoVL Sunday Speaker programs are held in the third floor Ballroom of the Village Hall at 22 Main Street. The programs are free and open to the public.

Film Plastic Recycling Challenge Returns

OTSEGO COUnTY—The Otsego County Solid Waste Department and the Otsego County Conservation Association are teaming up once again to promote the Otsego County Schools Plastic Film Recycling Challenge. The challenge promotes recycling of film plastics and is open to all public and private K-12 school buildings located in Otsego County.

The challenge kicks off on America Recycles Day, november 15, and runs through April 14, 2023. During the challenge, students are encouraged to collect clean, dry film plastic, including single-use grocery bags, Ziploc-style food bags, wood pellet bags and more, and bring them to their school. A volunteer weighs the film plastic, submits the weight collected, and delivers the collected plastic to a participating retailer for recycling. Each week, the weight of material collected is reported to OCCA. The school that collects the most film plastic by weight per capita will win.

“Even with new York State’s recently enacted ‘bag ban,’ there are still many types of film plastics being used, and the challenge has been a great way to get them out of the waste stream,” said Jeff O’Handley, program director for OCCA. “In the three years of the challenge, schools and their communities have collected over 10,000 pounds of film plastic for recycling.”

The Otsego County Schools Plastic Film Recycling Challenge is a subset of a national film plastic competition run by Trex, which recycles film plastics into construction mate rials. Schools registering with Trex will receive promotional materials and three recycling bins and have the chance to win a bench made from recycled film plastic. Schools registering with the Otsego County challenge will receive instructions and a packet of information about how the challenge works and what can be collected. Schools that don’t have a suitable container for collecting the film plastic are eligible to receive a free container from Casella Waste Systems.

Schools that register for the Otsego County Film Plastic Recycling Challenge can also register separately to partici pate in a national challenge run by Trex, which uses film plastic to make construction materials such as composite lumber. Schools that register with Trex will receive separate materials from Trex and are eligible for different prizes.

Tammie Harris, the director of Otsego County’s Solid Waste Department, said the Film Plastic Recycling Challenge is not just important because of how much plastic gets recycled.

“The Challenge is important as an educational event that teaches people how and where they can recycle film plastics,” Harris explained.

Unlike rigid plastic containers such as milk jugs, film plastics are not collected as part of Otsego County’s regular recycling program. A 2009 state law required certain retailers to provide containers for their customers to return plastic bags and other film plastics to the store. The store is then responsible for sending them to a recycler.

“Despite the state law, many people didn’t know that these items could be recycled, or how,” Harris said.

Schools that would like to register for the challenge can visit the Otsego County Solid Waste Department’s website at https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/s-y/solid_ waste/plastic_film_recycling_challenge.php. They can also contact Jeff O’Handley at OCCA, (607) 282-4087. Though the challenge kicks off on november 15, registra tion will remain open until november 30.

Photo Pati Grady

Photo provided DR. SHEENA MASON

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.

OPENING RECEPTION 46 p.m. See what the students at SUNY Oneonta have been working on. Celebrate open ing of exhibit, “Project Open Call: Fall 2022,” featuring art works submitted by students. Martin-Mullen Gallery, SUNY Oneonta. (607) 436-2445.

HISTORY AFTER HOURS 5-7 p.m. The whole family is invited for fun history activi ties. This month, get in the spirit of the season with some Holiday History. The night will include photo opportunities with Santa Claus, present wrapping with Bresee’s vin tage wrapping paper, demon strations of the model train, a hot chocolate bar, and much more. Oneonta History Cen ter, 183 Main St., Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.

ARTIST TALK 5:30 p.m. Talk with the artists whose work is featured in the exhibit, “Terrain.” Discussion will focus on the art and the art ists’ process, with a chance to continue the discussion after hours 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. Enjoy a performance by genre defy ing band, The Killdeer Trio, in tribute to musician Larry Hulst. Performance will be held in the exhibit, “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/yagermuseum/

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,” which is set in a fictional Oneonta. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. (607) 432-2070.

►Friday, Nov. 18

BLOOD DRIVE 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Save up to three lives with the American Red Cross. Community Bible Cha pel, 577 Greenough Road, Cooperstown. Register at redcrossblood.org

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 & 70s. Free to those aged 62+. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800. Also held 11/21 and 11/25.

NATURE GROUP Noon to 2 p.m. The community is invit ed to explore the area around Mud Lake. Program is open to all, great for homeschool ers to get together and learn about nature. Presented by Otsego County Conservation Association. Held in Robert V. Riddell State Park, Daven port. (607) 547-4488 or visit occainfo.org/calendar/occahomeschool-nature-group-2/

BLOOD DRIVE 12:306:30 p.m. Save up to three lives with the American Red Cross. Bassett Hall, 1 Atwell, Cooperstown. Register at redcrossblood.org

HAM DINNER 4-6 p.m. Enjoy dinner of ham, scal loped potatoes, peas, rolls and brownies. Reservations appreciated. Proceeds go to the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Hartwick Food Bank. Cost, $12/din ner. Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4636 State Highway 28, Hartwick Seminary. (607) 432-6852.

AUDUBON PRESENTA

TION 7:30 p.m. Enjoy presentation fom Rick Bunting, local photographer and naturalist extraordinaire, titled “Got Cavities.” The pre sentation is a compilation of local photos about local cavity nesting bird species and the family lives they create. Free, open to the public. Refresh ments available. No recording will be provided. Presented by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society at Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 397-3815.

►s aTurday, Nov. 19

WINTER CRAFT FAIR 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come support the Oneonta Middle School and have a fun day with vendors, food, festivities, gift wrapping, a pie sale, and more. Stop at the main desk to enter the drawing for the gift basket. Proceeds support student activities for the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Oneonta Middle School Gymnasium, 130 East Street, Oneonta. (607) 433-8200 or visit oneontacsd.org

BOOK COLLECTION 10 a.m. to noon. Friends of the Village Library are collect ing books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks in preparation for the 2023 Winter Book Sale. Please no textbooks or outdated travel books. All proceeds benefit the Cooperstown Village Library. Donations are accepted in the Village Hall Boardroom, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. Please use the Fair Street en trance. E-mail lynnemebust@ gmail.com for questions.

ART WORKSHOP 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join artist Celia Buchanan for workshop, “Faux Finishing and Acrylic Techniques,” exploring the world of textures that can be achieved with acrylic, gels, mediums, and paints in every thing from painting to home decor. Tickets, $45 which in cludes materials. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040.

PRIDE ALLIANCE 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Otsego Pride Alliance presents a Holi day Bazaar. Features holiday items from local vendors. Find that perfect gift here. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 386-1508 or visit facebook.com/otsego pride/ THANKSGIVING 3 p.m. Create an autumnal floral centerpiece to decorate your Thanksgiving table. Hosted by The Local Gal with proceeds going to Ten Fold Plus. Com munity Room, Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-4401 or visit facebook.com/south sidemall/

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

POTLUCK DINNER 6 p.m. The Greater Milford Historical Association invites the commu nity to bring a dish to pass and to share gratitude for the good of the past year. Board mem bers will provide hot and cold cider, coffee, and desserts. Will include music by mem bers of the Stoddard Hollow String Band and attendees will receive free membership to the GMHA. Held at the Upper Susquehanna Cultural Center, 7 North Main Street, Milford. (607) 431-9663 or e-mail thefiddlesmith@gmail.com ►suNday, Nov. 20

TREE OF LIGHTS 2 p.m. Celebrate life this year in a positive and uplifting way. Ceremony will include music, refreshments, readings, remarks and more. The com munity is invited to purchase a personalized ornament to help decorate the tree, which will be lit on the 20th and stay lit until after January 1. Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta. (607) 431-6773 or visit cahpc. org/events/tree-lights

SUNDAY SPEAKER 3 p.m. Friends of the Village Library present author Sheena Mason, PhD, discuss ing her new book “Theory of Racelessness: A Case for Antirace(ism).” Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344 or visit facebook. com/VillageLibraryOfCooper stown/

AUTUMN CONCERT 3 p.m. The Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble presents their Fall Concert. The theme is “Diver

Mural Moment

COOPERSTOWn—The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the completion of a mural project on the back of its cottage with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, november 18 at 10:30 a.m. The mural, created by artist Kelcy Kimmerer, was an initiative of the chamber’s 501(c)3 arm, The Cooperstown Foundation, to help build the pres ence of public art in Cooperstown.

sions” and will be conducted by Andrew Pease and Amy Hoxie. Free; open to the public. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. Visit catskillwinds.com MUSIC 3 p.m. Enjoy performance by celebrated chamber music trio, the Neave Trio, performing on the piano, violin and cello. Sug gested donation, $12/adult. Reservation recommended; masks required. Presented by the Friends of Music of Stam ford at the Stamford United Methodist Church, 88 Main Street, Stamford. (518) 9188003 or visit friendsmusic.org REMEMBRANCE 4 p.m. Join the Otsego Pride Alliance to honor the lives of the trans gender people who lost their lives in 2022 to violence and transphobia. Unitarian Univer salist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 386-1508 or visit facebook. com/otsegopride/ SENIOR PET BINGO 6-8 p.m. Celebrate Senior Pet Awareness Month with the

Super Heroes Humane Soci ety. Play Bingo for fun prizes and bid on cat/dog themed gift baskets. Admission, $10 minimum food or beverage purchase. Roots Brewing Company, 175 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 435-0035 or visit facebook.com/Roots BrewingCompany

►MoNday, Nov. 21

DEADLINE Register for free Thanksgiving dinner for delivery or take out from The Lords Table. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Church and the Oneonta community. For reg istration, contact Deb Bruce at (607) 433-0356 or e-mail oneontathanksgiving@gmail. com

►Tuesday, Nov. 22

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 Andes Rail Trail, An des, with hike leader Glenda Bolton. (607) 432-7485 or visit susqadk.org

►Thursday, Nov. 24

Happy Thanksgiving!

TURKEY TROT 9 a.m. Start Thanksgiving day the right way. Do a 5K run or a 2K walk to prepare yourself for the holidays ahead. Proceeds support the patients and families cared for by Helios Care. Virtual option is avail able. Start at Oneonta Boys & Girls Club, 70 River Street, Oneonta. Visit Hospice5K.com

►Friday, NoveMber 25

STROLL 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk off the Thanksgiv ing meal with a stroll through the Historic Village. Visit the turkeys, see tools made at the blacksmith shop and watch food be prepared on an open fire at the Lippitt Farm House. Free admission with donation. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450 or visit farmers museum.org/event/thanks giving-at-the-farm/ BLOOD DRIVE Noon to 6 p.m. Save up to 3 three lives with the American Red Cross. Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Register at red crossblood.org

WALK-IT-OFF HIKE 1-3 p.m. Join the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce to walk off that Thanksgiving Dinner. Explore the forest and grassland just outside Oneonta and observe the transition from autumn to winter and how plants and animals prepare for the cold months ahead. Free; registration required. Held at the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta. (607)

547-4488 or visit occainfo. org/calendar/walk-it-offblack-friday-family-hike/ ►s aTurday, Nov. 26

A GIFT TO GIVE 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The holidays are fast approaching. Get out and find the perfect gifts for friends and family at the “A Gift to Give” vendor and craft fair. There will be local crafters, vendors, national brands, food, music and more. Foot hills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit foothillspac.org

SHOPPERS RALLY & RAFFLE 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Sharon Springs, follow the map, get your ticket stamped and then enter a raffle at the final stop at the American Hotel to win a Sha ron Springs Gift Basket. Info with sharonspringschamber. org/shoppersrally

WREATH FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Attend the Adorn A Door Wreath Festival to benefit the Art Association. Artistically crafted wreaths will be up for silent auction with music, raffles, treats and more available. Cooperstown Art As sociation. (607) 547-9777 or visit cooperstownart.com

STROLL 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk off the Thanksgiv ing meal with a stroll through the Historic Village. Visit the turkeys, see tools made at the blacksmith shop and watch food be prepared on an open fire at the Lippitt Farm House. Saturday only, enjoy a telling of the history of Thanksgiving from the Native American perspective from Onondage storyteller Perry Ground. Free admission with donation. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.

ART WORKSHOP 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join artist Celia Bu chanan for workshop, “Mixed Media Done Right,” exploring multimedia techniques with everything from watercolor to pastel to make a piece of art that will last (and while having fun). Tickets $45, which in cludes materials. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040

LIFESKILLS 4 - 6 p.m. Teens are invited to learn to cook with Lynn. Menu posted to FB. Seating limited, reser vations required. Presented by The Oneonta Teen Center. 50 Dietz St., Oneonta. 607 441 3999.

Photo by May-Britt Joyce