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AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 7, 2023
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Public Question, Answer Session Held by Mayor
Ibrahim, Bassett Ready for What Comes Next
By MONICA CALZOLARI
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
ONEONTA ore than 30 residents attended the first question and answer session organized by City of Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek on November 29. NAGS Bar & Kitchen at 221 Main Street hosted the gathering, which began at 6 p.m. Mayor Drnek and City Administrator Greg Mattice, PE, answered questions for more than two hours. Executive Director of the Greater Oneonta Historical Society and Vice Chair of the Planning Commission Marcela Micucci fielded questions from the audience. The questions centered on the following topics: • salary increases • the budget deficit • tax increases • the need for new revenue sources • a parking management system • Main Street Renaissance Program • Stagecoach Coffee • vacant homes Wendy Hunt, a resident of Franklin who lived on Center Street in Oneonta for 30 years, kicked off the meeting with the first question. She asked, “Is it true there will be a 30 percent increase in salaries for city employees and how will it be funded?” Mattice confirmed, “We have proposed a $1,085,000.00 increase in total salaries plus the corresponding FICA costs and retirement plan benefits. An appropriation of $1,834,000.00 from the General Fund Continued on page 11
COOPERSTOWN utgoing Bassett Healthcare Network President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tommy Ibrahim and Staci Thompson, the network’s current vice president and chief operating officer, sat down on Thursday, November 30 to discuss Ibrahim’s decision to leave the organization. Thompson has been appointed by Bassett’s Board of Directors as Ibrahim’s successor. She will assume the role of interim CEO on January 1, 2024. Ibrahim was named Bassett Healthcare Network’s president and CEO on July 13, 2020 following a nationwide search. His contract was originally through December 2024, but in July of 2022 Bassett officials agreed to an early contract extension through the end of 2029. “Dr. Ibrahim has championed a number of visionary initiatives that have positioned our network well for growth and financial stability while advancing our mission to improve patient health and community well-being,” Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Directors Chair Doug Hastings said at the time. “Dr. Ibrahim has exceeded our expectations.” Eighteen months later, Ibrahim is ready to move on. “The Board set a list of objectives when I was hired, and we’ve compressed five to seven years of progress into less than four years,” Ibrahim explained. He is confident Bassett is in good hands Continued on page 11
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INSIDE ► news briefs, page 3 ► ccs student warns against distracted driving, page 4 ► letters, page 4 ► derosa bemoans renaming craze, page 6 ► farmers’ market to host holiday market and stroll, page 6 ► MALL GM DISCUSSES NEW STORES, MALL STATUS, page 10 ► CUDMORE TO PUBLISH NEW BOOK, wins awarD, page 10 Follow Breaking News On
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Photo by Tara Barnwell
Giving the Gift of Christmas COOPERSTOWN—Iron String Press received its first Angel Tree Program delivery on Monday, December 4 as a generous donor dropped off gifts for a 4-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy. Response has been a little slow thus far this year, as the holidays have snuck up on us all. There are still 20 individuals from eight families remaining to be chosen, all children, ranging from 3 months to 12 years old. The deadline for dropoff is Friday, December 15 and gifts should be both new and unwrapped. Turn to page 2 for more information and a complete list of families in need of a little extra help this holiday season.
Woodland Cycles Purchases Mt. Otsego Rental Equipment MILFORD ike Reynolds, owner of Milford’s Woodland Cycles LLC, announced that he has purchased the new and used rental equipment from the Mt. Otsego Ski Shop. All of Mt. Otsego’s snowshoe and ski rentals will be available at Woodland Cycles’ building at 24 South Main Street in Milford. “Hearing that [Mt. Otsego was] closing permanently this season, I felt this was a good opportunity to continue making winter rentals an option in the Otsego County area,” Reynolds said in an e-mail on Monday, December 4. “This will hopefully keep people enjoying the outdoors year round. With the bike shop and now winter activities being represented, I would like to help outdoor tourism grow in the area in all seasons. Otsego County has the potential to be something extremely special, even more so than it already is.” Reynolds said he acquired about 20 pairs of snowshoes and 40 pairs of crosscountry skis, including boots and poles, in the transaction. He does not plan to offer service or tune-ups for the winter sporting equipment. Woodland Cycles is a full-service shop offering equipment, maintenance, and information on local routes, cycling groups, and events. Reynolds has more than 20 years of professional experience in the cycling world. For more information, visit www.woodlandcycles.com.
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Photo by Julene Waffle
Holiday Beautification MORRIS—Morris residents Linda Hillis and Marcia Foote began putting up holiday decorations throughout the Village of Morris last Thursday.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
Angel Tree Partnership Brings Holiday Joy to Those in Need tion 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 info@allotsego.com. FAMILY #1 10-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 10 Shoe size: 8 Likes: anything, boys’ toys 1-year-old female Size: 18 months Shoe size: 5T Likes: age-appropriate toys, educational toys FAMILY #2 6-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 10/12 Shoe size: 4 Likes: boys’ toys, arts/crafts, board games 3-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 6 Shoe size: 10 Likes: baby dolls, little girl toys 3-MONTH-OLD MALE Size: 6-9 months Shoe size: n/a Likes: baby/educational toys
FAMILY #3 9-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: medium-large Shoe size: 1 Likes: crafts, Barbie accessories, board games 1-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 2T Shoe size: n/a Likes: learning toys, books, age-appropriate toys FAMILY #4 9-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 10/12 Shoe size: 2 Likes: Barbies, girl toys 7-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 10/12 Shoe size: 1 Likes: Army men, boys’ toys 3-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 4T Shoe size: 8T Likes: Paw Patrol, Hot Wheels, PJ Mask FAMILY #5 4-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 4T Shoe size: 8T Likes: WWE, LEGOs, Play-Doh
1-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 18 months Shoe size: 5T Likes: baby dolls, Fisher Price people, Minnie Mouse FAMILY #7 1-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 2T Shoe size: 4 Likes: Minnie Mouse, Toy Story, Paw Patrol, Bluey 3-MONTH-OLD MALE Size: 3-6 month Shoe size: n/a Likes: baby toys FAMILY #8 7-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 6/7 Shoe size: 13 Likes: educational toys 12-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 12 Shoe size: 9.5 Likes: sewing machine 1-YEAR-OLD FEMALE Size: 12-18 month Shoe size: baby shoes Likes: Melissa and Doug brand toys, wooden baby toys
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This Holiday Season SHop Small and local!
FAMILY #9 12-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 14/16 Shoe size: 7 Likes- PS4 controller, DreamGear Street Fighter 12-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 14/16 Shoe size: 6.5 Likes: Spaulding basketball/football, ice cream maker 8-YEAR-OLD MALE Size: 8 Shoe size: 2 Likes: Pokémon cards, Hot Wheels set, remote control spider
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here’s still time to help someone this holiday season through the Angel Tree Program, as “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta partner again with The Salvation Army to help ensure a joyful Christmas for area families. This tradition dates back to 1921 with the creation of The Freeman’s Journal Christmas Fund by Editor and Publisher Rowan D. Spraker Sr., as a way for neighbors to help others enjoy a happy holiday. This is the 102nd year of this community tradition. The Salvation Army has gathered the Christmas wish lists, grouped by family, below. You can help Santa, and be an angel, by selecting a family to sponsor. Gifts should be both new and unwrapped (price tags removed, please), and received no later than Friday, December 15 (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 Salva-
rs Ot be seg o County Cham
Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
157 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-5740
OPEN THIS WINTER!
THE COOPERSTOWN ART ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO
The Holiday Show & Sale!
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A GREAT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
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Holiday Rock
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dren’s Choir perstown Chil • 6:30 pm Plus the Coo ay, Dec. 15 Hotel
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AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, November 30, 2023
Outgoing OC Rep Gives Advice To Future Candidates
Newsstand Price $1
Bassett Healthcare Security Team Is Now Open Carry
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
ONEONTA tsego County Representative Clark Oliver, who had served District 11 (City of Oneonta Wards 1 and 2) since 2020, resigned his seat as of Wednesday, November 8. According to Oliver, he completed his Master of Public Administration at the University at Albany in June and did not run for re-election this cycle because he planned to look for employment out of the area. Although he had intended to serve his final term to completion, Oliver was offered a position with New York State in the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence as a gender violence prevention specialist. In this capacity, Oliver will be conducting policy analysis to aid survivors of domestic violence as they interact with the child support system and attain
COOPERSTOWN n response to growing trends of violence against healthcare workers nationally, Bassett Healthcare Network’s Security Department has moved from a concealed carry to an open carry model. According to Director of Public Relations Gabrielle Argo, in order to meet campus security needs across the region, Bassett’s security team is continually implementing evidence-based, best-practice policies and safety models to support employees, patients, and visitors in a changing environment. This change is about visibility and deterrence. “Research strongly reveals that perpetrators are less likely to attempt to carry out any type of violent act if obvious security measures are in place, like the presence of
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Merry and Bright COOPERSTOWN—The annual Cooperstown Lions Christmas Tree Sale is officially underway, featuring freshly harvested balsam fir and spruce trees from Harpursville. The trees are being sold right across from the Cooperstown Fire Department and can be purchased Monday through Friday from 5-6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trees measuring 8 feet and smaller
“The Freeman’s Journal” makes a great gift for the holidays! Subscribe for you or someone else today: (607) 547-6103. Gift cards available.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
Compiled by wriley nelson
COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Children’s Choir will appear as a featured special guest opening act at the Cooperstown Concert Series presentation “Bach to the Future Holiday Rocks” concert at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15. The choir, a newly-established group made up of local children aged 7-11, will perform a set of rock, pop and holiday songs. The headlining act, which is billed as “a whimsical twist on classical and holiday music favorites re-imagined as rock, jazz and world rhythms,” will play both traditional instruments and unique innovations such as a “Drum-itar” and a sixstring electric violin. Tickets are available at https:// cooperstownconcertseries.org/. For more information on the Children’s Choir, contact Dana LaCroix at (607) 304-1359 or cooperstownchildrenschoir@ gmail.com.
Fraley Wins Excellence Award COOPERSTOWN—The late Gerry Fraley has been elected the 2024 winner of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s Career Excellence Award. He will be honored with the prestigious recognition for “meritorious contributions to baseball writing” at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s induction weekend, July 19-22. Fraley covered the Phillies, Braves and Rangers for nearly 40 years and pioneered the use of daily notebooks
in beat coverage. According to a release, he formed close relationships with players, coaches, scouts, executives, and umpires to become one of the most trusted voices in the industry. His writing style, the release continues, was “crisp, insightful and punchy, matching his feisty temperament.” “Frales” died in 2019 at the age of 64. He was named on 173 of the 370 ballots submitted by the electorate comprised of BBWAA members with at least 10 consecutive years of service. He was the runner-up in the 2023 election by two votes and will become the 75th winner of the award. Candidates for the ballot were selected by a three member BBWAA-appointed committee and announced during the All-Star Game meetings in Seattle on July 11.
Historic Sign To Be Auctioned SKANEATELES—Estate Consultants auction company recently discovered an historic 1886 Village of Oneonta broadside print that announces the renaming of the fire department to the D.F. Wilber Hook and Ladder Co. It commemorates David Wilber’s donation of $800.00 to the Village toward the purchase of a new fire truck. The broadside is in good condition and mounted behind glass. The sale will be held online in January, with a catalog going online two weeks beforehand. For more information, visit Estateconsultants123.com.
Library To Host Health Talk COOPERSTOWN—The Village Library of Cooperstown will host Douglas DeLong, MD for a panel discussion on the health effects of social isolation and loneliness at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 10. The Sunday Speaker Series event is free and open to the public. It will be held in the third floor ballroom. Dr. DeLong will give a brief presentation on the epidemiology and consequences of isolation, followed by a panel of representatives from relevant local organizations.
Valleyview Seeks Volunteers ONEONTA—The New York State Mentoring Program at Valleyview Elementary School is looking for two or three additional mentoring volunteers. NYSMP creates supportive mentor relationships for children in schools, foster care, and the court system; volunteers guide youth with respect, structure, and compassion to help build positive life skills. Mentors are matched one-onone with students but will also meet as a group with other mentors and mentees. The program is led at each school by a social worker. Prospective volunteers must complete an application at https:// www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-mentoringprogram, complete a 90-minute training and be fingerprinted. Continued on page 6
Realty 29 Pioneer Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Phone: (607) 547-4045 Fax (607) 547-4046 info@ashleyconnorrealty.com www.ashleyconnorrealty.com
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On Fridays in December our staff will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive in front of our Fort Plain office. We are matching all funds collected! Thank you for your support!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours Come see why we are the most talked about Christmas & Gift Shop in Central NY
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
the partial observer
EDITORIAL
Bully (Isn’t) for You
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hanksgiving is over, right down to the perfect turkey soup and tired mashed potatoes. Santa has arrived, lampposts are decorated with twinkling lights and bright red ribbons, we have had enough snow to wake up the snowplows and put the lawnmowers to sleep. The much-heralded jingle-bell season has begun—an exciting conclusion to another difficult year as well as a renewed anticipation of, we hope, a good new year to come. We are still here, still living our lives, still trying to understand the comings and goings of the country and the world. So, it may be a good time to explore one of our most serious and growing threats to the welfare and happiness of our children: bullying. In all of its guises. Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threats, to abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate. It’s a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally, and repeatedly, causes another person injury or discomfort; it can take the form of physical contact, verbal abuse, cyber threats and disparaging innuendoes. Strangely, when the word “bully” was first used, in the 1530s, it meant “sweetheart,” from the Dutch word boel, meaning brother, lover. Later, in the 17th century, it became “harasser of the weak,” where it stands now, having hopped quickly over Teddy Roosevelt’s famous bully pulpit, the predecessor of “bully for him.” Today, bullying among children, in all of its postures, is most prevalent in primary schools, although it can and does begin much earlier and continue much later in the perpetrators’ lives, leading to adult bullying, which, as we are now witnessing, is becoming increasingly prevalent in this country. In schools, bullies may do their damage individually or in groups. Their behavior may include physical assault, verbal harassment, or psychological maneuvering, and their actions are most often directed repeatedly toward particular targets. The children who are bullied tend to be members of a different social class, race, religion, gender, or of a differing personality, strength, size, or ability, both intellectual and physical. And now there is a recent addition to the bully tools: the Internet. Cyberbullying—willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices—has become a very real threat. Victims are bullied in any online setting, including social media, computer games, and text messaging, and may include name calling, sharing private or embarrassing photographs, and excluding others. Cyberbullying can be done outside the schoolroom, so a victim can be bullied throughout the day and night. Kids and teens are good at this. Victims of bullies suffer, unfortunately, for a long time. Depression, anxiety, and stress are immediate results; educational failure, school absences, substance use and, in extreme cases, self-harm, even suicide, may also occur. About one in four teens has experienced cyberbullying; one in six has been a perpetrator. One study has shown that 60 percent of middle-school bullies will have at least one criminal conviction by the age of 24. Every state in the U.S. has laws against bullying. Although these laws won’t abolish bullying, they do bring attention to the behavior and inform the perpetrators such activity will not be tolerated. Let us work even harder to prevent this.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
founded in 1808
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Columnists and Contributing Writers
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OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year. First Class Subscription, $155 a year.
Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main Street, Cooperstown NY 13326-9598 USPS Permit Number 018-449
Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Box 890, Cooperstown NY 13326
Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
Arya patel
Presentation Touches Student Hearts, Minds
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s a teenager, one of the things I most look forward to is learning to drive and having the ability to drive myself and my friends around. Growing up, I always knew driving came with precautions, and, like with anything, there is a chance for disaster. It wasn’t until Ms. Karen Torres gave a presentation to my school that I realized how drastic these disasters could be. The presentation was called “Distracted Driving,” and Torres had gone into great detail about accidents caused by distracted driving, but more importantly precious lives lost because of recklessness. Ms. Torres had told many touching stories about her own personal life, including the story about how she lost her father due to a distracted driver. As she spoke, tears flooded the auditorium, and she managed to make a few hundred high-school kids speechless. I’ve been in a car probably close to every single day of my life, but I never did realize how serious each car ride I was in could be, whether it was a five-minute drive, or a fivehour drive. Torres not only touched our hearts by showing videos and pictures of children, teenagers, and adults in various states, but through her emotions and her ability to relate to the students was able to impact our lives forever. She taught us to value our time with loved ones, and made us think, “Was the text that important?” following a video of a car crash because the driver was distracted on their phone. The energy from the crowd was filled with many various feelings. You could feel the tears pouring from friends’ and teachers’ eyes as they admirably looked at Torres, recognizing
“...the words of Karen Torres will stay with me forever...” her bravery and devotion to speak about such a deliberate topic. You could feel the fear of, “What if this were to happen to me?” But, most importantly, you could feel the pain and suffering of, “What if I were to do this to someone else?” The entirety of the crowd was absolutely shook, but everyone knew it was a talk we needed to have and that we needed to acknowledge the risks of driving, and what is at stake when you are at the wheel. Torres had made the presentation unique to every one of us without realizing it, and she has convinced me never to touch my phone while driving, nor take my eyes off the road. Every time I step in the car, I think about the presentation that was given to me and my classmates, and I think of the catastrophes that can arise from issues like this. Many times, the words spoken at such presentations go in one ear and out the other rather quickly, but the words of Karen Torres will stay with me forever, as she touched my heart and my classmates in the span of only 50 minutes, in which she might just have saved numerous lives. Information on this speaker can be found at: https://www.all4udad.com/ Arya Patel is a sophomore at Cooperstown Central School and vice-president of the CCS chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Letters to the editor … In their opinion
Thanks to All for Holiday Success The Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee thanks everyone for making this holiday season a success. With your donations and participation, the village was decorated; Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolf, the Hill City Ice Queens, the conductor from the Polar Express and BABY GOATS IN SWEATERS— along with a host of Christmas trees and gingerbread men— arrived at Santa’s Cottage with the Otsego School of Dance performing for the crowd. A special shout out to: Coach Lambert and the Cooperstown Central School basketball team; Cody Moore and her equestrian team; the Village Crew; Tin Bin Alley; the Cider Mill; Leatherstocking Corp.; Tallman Enterprises; Lake and Valley Garden Club; Beth McGown; Mike Butler; the Cooperstown Fire Department and Fire Police; the Chamber of Commerce; and all our new, young and energetic members—we couldn’t do it without all of you. Have a safe and prosperous 2024, Cooperstown! The Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee
Best Wishes for Clark Oliver As a fellow Democrat, Ward 1 resident, and City of Oneonta resident, I sincerely thank former County Representative Clark Oliver for what he has accomplished, achieved, and the work plus effort he has put in during his time and service as a County Board representative. I must admit that dedicated leaders are hard to come by, but Clark Oliver definitely has been a dedicated leader for our county. Mr. Oliver will do the same excellent job in his new role in our state government as he has done as county
representative. Good luck, Godspeed and keep up the good work. John G. Hamill IV City of Oneonta
doned wind turbines from previous tax shelter programs. Sixty story tax shelters are not a desirable land use in the Town of Springfield. Chip Northrup Cooperstown
Springfield Is No Place for Turbines Job Well Done, As property owners in Otsego County, we object to Brian Wrubleski the two proposed 60-story windmills in the Town of Stark, which evidently is located in the Town of Springfield’s zoning district. If the proposed project is not allowed under the town’s zoning code, then the town should object and be prepared to take legal action against the developer. This proposed project is structured to take advantage of state and federal tax codes. As such, these 60-story windmills would be doomed to go from being functioning eyesores to non-functioning eyesores as soon as the accelerated depreciation plays out. I have some experience in wind energy technologies. My family’s solar energy company, Northrup Energy, was sold to Atlantic Richfield, which in turn was sold to BP, and was, at one time, the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the world. In the U.S., all large wind power projects are structured as tax shelters, which primarily benefit big banks. The “economic necessity” to build in Springfield is driven less by the wind available than by the New York State and federal tax credits available. When such a tax shelter reaches the end of its economic life—based on accelerated depreciation after the investors have recouped their aftertax investment—it will be sold, and the next owner will have little incentive to keep it running once in need of repair. At that point, it will be abandoned. High wind regime areas in California, such as the Altamont Pass wind farms, are literally museums of aban-
A huge thanks to Brian Wrubleski, owner of Mel’s at 22, for coming to Connections at Clark Sports Center and sharing food and stories with a gathered crowd of about 40 people. Everyone has a story, and Brian’s was inspiring. He shared his struggles and how his wife, Mary Ellen, was the inspiration for the restaurant. One person who attended said this: “We’ve been to Mel’s restaurant many times. We think about how tasty the food is, how good the service is, and how pleasant the room is. But we haven’t thought about the owner’s story. Brian’s story reminded us that each person has a complicated life story, and that even if we see someone doing well, we should never assume their life has been easy.” When Brian opened the floor for questions, the first person who spoke did not ask a question but rather thanked him for the food Brian had provided for a special occasion. Others asked him to talk about how COVID affected him and how he made it through that time. He described the dining room being filled with takeout orders as he and his staff shifted gears into takeout versus dine-in, something I think he did exceptionally well, as we all navigated that challenging time. So, thank you, Brian, for the lunch and the lessons in resilience, in learning to live with loss, in taking failure in stride, and in the value of sharing your story. Sally Zaengle Connections at Clark Sports Center
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 news from the noteworthy
SPRINGBROOK
Appreciating What We Have Achieved Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
160 YEARS AGO
The ceremonies attending the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg commenced this morning by a grand military and civic display, under command of Major General Couch. The line of march was taken up at 10 o’clock, and the procession marched through the principal streets to the cemetery, where the military formed in line and saluted the President. At a quarter past 11 the head of the procession arrived at the main stand. The President and members of the cabinet, together with the chief military and civic dignitaries took positions on the stand. The President seated himself between Mr. Seward and Mr. Everett, after a reception marked with the respect and perfect silence due to the solemnity of the occasion. The assemblage was of great magnitude, and was gathered within a circle of great extent around the stand, which was located on the highest point of ground on which the battle was fought. So quiet were the people that every word uttered by the orator of the day must have been heard by them all notwithstanding the immensity of the concourse. The President then delivered the dedicatory speech: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation…” November 27, 1863
110 YEARS AGO
In Our Town—Mrs. Jasper A. Schrom has adopted a new dog which she has named Welcome. Not that she will ever believe that any dog could quite equal Fred, who a few months ago passed on to “dog heaven.” But it was in memory of Fred that she took her new charge. It is a beautiful Shepherd that has been roaming the streets apparently lost for several days past, and we are sure it has found a good home and a kind mistress. December 3, 1913
85 YEARS AGO
Only on rare occasions do top-flight government officials open and directly criticize the government and policies of another power. Thus, when President Roosevelt recently spoke of the Jewish persecutions in Germany as being horrible and almost unbelievable, he was doing the unusual and the daring. The immediate response was a bitter campaign of vilification against this country in the inspired Nazi press. The response here was about 100 percent favorable to Mr. Roosevelt’s stands. There is a growing sentiment in this country for breaking off all commercial and diplomatic relations with the Reich. December 7, 1938
35 YEARS AGO
Since the Cooperstown Fire Department started an equipment fund contributions by area residents have helped to purchase many items, including first aid materials, foam ejectors, lighting plants, air compressors, Survivair units, protective clothing, a rural fire numbering system, a portable pond, a generator, radio equipment, Hurst jaws of life, power megaphone, fire police flashlights, paging units for department chiefs, 50 page units for members, and other apparatus. This past year the contributed funds have helped purchase OSHA bunker pants and boots, new lightweight fire hose, pager batteries, flashlights and four Haline fire extinguishers. December 7, 1988
20 YEARS AGO
Susan and Jeff O’Handley are the proud owners of a refugee barred owl. The bird was found starving in North Carolina and came to its new home in Hartwick recently to become part of the Wildlife Learning Company team. Three other birds—a turkey vulture, a great horned owl, and a red-tailed hawk—also made the journey north. Wildlife Learning Company, Inc., is a full-service environmental education company. The O’Handleys bring the birds as well as a wide array of other animals to classrooms throughout the region for hands-on learning experiences. December 5, 2003 Solution: “Ode to a Classic” (November 30)
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uring the weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year, there is so much to be thankful for. But for many of us, it can be challenging to find time to pause and appreciate the moment amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for hosting family, cooking, traveling, volunteering, gift-wrapping and giving, and so on. Today, I take a moment to appreciate everything I am thankful for, including the vibrant community I live in—where I’ve made my home, where I’m surrounded by family and friends. In my letter from October 2021, I reflected on everything I love about Otsego County, our region, and the City of Oneonta. It was then I wondered: How do we attract people to our area who want to build careers and families? How do we transform our region from “a place to visit” to “a place to live”? At the time, I called out the most important factors that people consider when moving to a new place; according to the “U.S. News & World Report,” these things were cost of living, job availability, desirability and happiness, crime, quality of education, commute, and quality and availability of healthcare. Since October 2021, we have seen new home construction like the Dietz Street Lofts, Springbrook’s renovation of the historic Ford on Main, and the Chestnut Hill Estates, all of which offer market-rate and accessible housing options for artists, people with disabilities, and professionals. Our children, their friends and generations of youth bring a vibrancy to any area. Adding cost-effective housing is one route to keeping them here. At Springbrook, job availability and quality of education go hand-in-hand, so we work on job creation and retention each year as we expand services in this region and beyond. We have continually built upon our incentives for employee retention by adding yearly wage increases and
communicating with our area’s top schools to provide ongoing higher education opportunities and certification programming. Springbrook also extends job opportunities to the community for people with disabilities and local employers through Employment Services’ pre-vocational training and volunteer opportunities. To date, we have worked with more than 150 employers, enriching those who use services through Springbrook and those who employ them. What could be more desirable and bring happiness to everyone than a community rich in the arts? In the past few years, I have seen how vibrant Otsego County and the City of Oneonta can be. The city is again on the Top 40 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2023 list (back from 2020). Springbrook contributes to the wealth of the arts community each year through sponsorship, like the City of the Hills Festival, which showcases art and music by the creatives in our region, as well as Meet Me on Main Street, the Oneonta Festival of Lights in Neahwa Park, and many other events. This November, we sponsored “32 Sounds” at the Glimmerglass Film Days. My husband and I attend the festival yearly and watch as many films as possible over the weekend! Springbrook also hosts an art show every April in the Community Gallery at Fenimore Art Museum, which showcases work by artist-employees and artists who receive support through Springbrook. Our region’s robust non-profit sector makes all of the above possible. We can be thankful for the Community Foundation of Otsego County, Opportunities for Otsego, LEAF Inc., Family Resource Network Inc.; among art, music, entertainment, and history-centered non-profits like Hill City Celebrations, the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, the Fenimore Chamber Continued on page 10
By MERL REAGLE
Meaningful Dialogue… Lines that may resonate for crossword fans ACROSS 1 Drive critters 7 Algerian port 11 Boss 16 Brawl site 17 Maui goose 18 Ho preceder 19 Start of a runtogether exchange between Clifton Webb and Dana Andrews in the film Laura 21 Ball’s guy 22 Scull need 23 Begun: abbr. 24 Airport abbr. 25 Eat in style 27 Sad ending? 28 Exchange, Part 2 35 Lion portrayer 37 Achy 38 She-bear, in Spanish 39 Boil 40 Fabergé patron 42 Swiss river 44 Pick up 46 Small valley 47 Exchange, Part 3 52 Flight milestones 53 Back from to 55 Run distance 56 Of tremors 58 Greenland’s owner 60 Assistants 61 Wander 66 Think 67 Exchange, Part 4 68 “You’ll get __” 69 Sports maven Bob 70 “So long!” 71 Pasqueflower 72 Estonia’s capital 74 East of Eden brother 75 Director Craven 76 Mini-errors 80 Exchange, Part 5 83 Ex of Burt 84 Bull Run victor 85 Sun’s name? 86 Born Free lion 88 Kenya neighbor 90 Lit. initials 93 Morse bits 96 VHS successors 98 Exchange, Part 6 102 Author Levin 103 Wheedle
104 Anais __ 105 __ pro nobis 106 Schlep 107 Kin of bang! 110 End of exchange 115 Athlete Jesse 116 Prophet 117 1966 Righteous Brothers hit 118 Truman foe 119 Turner and others 120 Old car DOWN 1 “Silent” prez 2 Rhone city 3 Meets secretly 4 “__ solid flesh ...” 5 Mary’s boss 6 Rom. realm 7 Fistic combo 8 Sums anew 9 None of the above, sometimes: abbr. 10 “__ say more?” 11 Coins 12 “Get ready!” 13 Actor Holm 14 Actress Gabor 15 Shriner’s hat
16 Opals, for example 19 Attended 20 Meadow 22 Peanut __ 26 MIT, for one 29 Gag 30 Heedless 31 TV chef 32 “__ never work” 33 A Van Gogh 34 Coop group 36 School shout 41 Comic-book gunfire 43 Measuring again 45 Tree or street 48 Mother __ 49 Publicity 50 Danger areas 51 Nobel prize winner Bohr 52 Live like a jackal 53 Deposit org. 54 Perform again 57 Apply, as T-shirt art 59 Little rug 60 German cars 62 __-sahib 63 Texas city 64 Word or two 65 Are, to Alain
67 Tells fibs 71 Jackie’s 2nd 73 Recline 74 Attorney-__ 76 Seedy area 77 Sluggish 78 __ instant 79 Wreath add-on 81 Fuss 82 Previous 84 Etna output 87 Tight as __ 89 Sleepy 91 Connected 92 Slope fans 94 Firestorm starters 95 “The lamb was __ go” 97 Show wear 99 Be 100 Compass pt. 101 Unspoken 107 Punched out 108 Sense of wow 109 Prayer chair 111 Golf prop 112 __ Xing 113 Hiking dir. 114 Commotion
THURSday, DECEMBER 7, 2023
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA hawthorn hill journal
RICHARD DEROSA
New Briefs Continued from page 3
What’s In a Name?
CAA Announces Extended Hours, Events
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t now appears the renaming craze has moved from statues, schools, colleges, highways and who knows what else, to birds. The American Ornithological Society, the group that decides each bird’s moniker, has joined the fray and announced that “it would rename all species honoring people.” It claims that names attached to people “… can be harmful, exclusive and detract from the focus, appreciation or consideration of the birds themselves.” Who knows how far and deep the renaming mania might go. Seems as if this recent spate Photo provided of cultural activism knows no Wilson’s warbler is one of the birds honoring bounds. Curmudgeon that I people that will be renamed. am, perhaps I should change many warblers there are whose my name to something more identification is tied to a person. descriptive of my essential personQuite a list: Bachman, Lawrence, ality than Richard or James (middle Brewster, Townsend, Sutton, name). I remember my mother Swainson and Wilson. Apparently, once remarking on her fondness “a diverse group” will take on the for Richard the Lionheart, he of the renaming task. I would not want crusades whose slate is not exactly to walk in any of those shoes. As clean. As far as I know I have never exhibited any lion-hearted qualities, any reader can easily tell, I see the whole enterprise as rather silly and so a case can be made for my being at one with recent efforts to turn inaptly named. I would rather not back time and history. I understand conjure up any replacements. I’ve the offensiveness of certain statues, lived with Richard long enough to especially in the South. But birds! have gotten over any of its not-soI agree with Jerry Coyne, an avid reputable associations. I have been birder and evolutionary biologist, pretty adept at cutting my own that “Performative acts like this are swath through life in as un-lionlike really deeply injurious to science… a fashion as one might imagine. We cannot go back through the I could never go on a crusade, history of science and wipe out because when in a crowd of more everybody who was not a perfect than three or four people I go dumb human being.” He also suggests and fade off into some ineffable we devote more time and energy to internal universe. Pretty comfy teaching disadvantaged kids about there, by the way. birds. Seems to me being imperfect Years ago, when birding in Costa is akin to being very human. At Rica, I remember the excitement of any rate, I wish them good luck. I seeing my first Wilson’s warbler. I can’t image what it would be like knew what it looked like, its habitat to be perfect. Actually, the prosand feeding preferences, and with pect sounds awful. I’ve got my the help of an experienced guide fair share of imperfections and I’ll was able to see one for several minutes up close. Fact is, the Wilson never give them up. As they say, part of its name never got in the way they complete me. A curious charof my joy at finally seeing this beau- acteristic of humans is that we seem more inclined to waste resources tiful little bird. Lucky little devil, and energy on so many things that it had no idea of its connection to in the long run really do not matter. several Wilsons who of late have Sit in on one of many congressional found themselves out of favor. That hearings and get back to me on just is the curious thing about names. how worthwhile any of them were. The things we name have no idea Precious few. what we call them, could care less, I plan on sticking to the names of and exist quite nicely in total ignomy avian friends for the long haul. rance of whatever we have chosen They have served me well and I am to call them. No matter what new not about to cast them aside. Besides, names might be foisted upon the more than 100 victims of this recent I feel sad for Bachman, Wilson, and restructuring of history, they will be Townsend, et. al. who are not around to fight back. Not a fair playing field. oblivious to this latest in a long line One last gripe. I grew up watching of questionable shenanigans. the Tappan Zee bridge being put All species have a system together piece by piece from my of communication. Be fun, for dorm room window in Tarrytown. instance, to know what forms of For me it will always be the Tappan address amongst themselves chickZee Bridge. Sorry Gov., but Tappan it adee buddies use. I have watched is and always will be. chickadees over the years sit very still on a branch for long periods of Dick deRosa’s Hawthorn Hill time, as if deep in meditation. They essays have appeared in “The appear to be much better at it than I Freeman’s Journal” since 1998. A have ever been. collection, “Hawthorn Hill Journal: Selected Essays,” was published Just for the fun of it, I looked in 2012. He is a retired English through the warbler section of my teacher. trusty Peterson’s guide to see how
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association announced that it will have extended shopping hours for the Holiday Show and Sale. The sale will remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5 as part of Welcome Home Cooperstown. It will also remain open until 7 on Tuesday, December 19 in conjunction with the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market’s Holiday Market event. Visitors on both nights will be entered to win a family membership, which entitles the holder to 10 percent off purchases for one year. There will also be complimentary Prosecco for patrons who are of age.
Hall of Fame To Host Holiday Celebration COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will host its annual Holiday Celebration with family-friendly activities throughout the day on Saturday, December 9. Beginning at noon, local residents will be admitted to the museum free of charge in exchange for a donation of five nonperishable healthy food items or an unwrapped toy; all donations support the Cooperstown Food Pantry or Toys for Tots. There will be craft activities available in the Learning Center at 1 p.m. and a performance by the Pathfinder Village Bell Choir at 2 p.m.
‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Goodrich Theater ONEONTA—The Fokine Ballet Company will present its 36th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” at SUNY Oneonta’s Goodrich Theater at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 15 and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 16. The staging is based on Artistic Director Donna Decker’s grandmother’s restaging of the original production for the Ballet Russe in 1940. It will feature local children and professional dancers, including Dance Theater of Harlem artists Kouadio Davis and Kamala Saara. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online at http://fokineballetcompany.square.site.
‘Shop with a Cop’ Charity Short of Goal OTSEGO COUNTY—Otsego County law enforcement will repeat their annual “Shop with a Cop” holiday event on Saturday, December 16. Up to 36 local children will be selected by county school districts to receive up to $200.00 to spend on themselves and their families, and to go shopping with a Sheriff’s deputy or member of the Cooperstown, Oneonta City or SUNY Oneonta police departments. Organizers are still short of their donation goal and ask the community to assist; checks made payable to Otsego County Deputy Sheriffs PBA may be sent to 172 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown 13326, Attn: Shop with a Cop by Thursday, December 14.
Feedback Sought on Firefighting Stipend NEW YORK STATE—The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services announced the opening of a 60-day public comment period for draft regulations establishing the state’s first training stipend program for volunteer firefighters. $10 million was secured in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget to offset the cost of training courses. “The role volunteer firefighters play in our communities cannot be overstated, and with so many departments facing recruitment and retention challenges, it’s critical we support these brave men and women who keep our communities safe,” said Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. “Training is an essential component of firefighting and by offsetting its cost, New York is making it easier for volunteer firefighters statewide to continue serving their communities, without impacting their own bottom line.” Volunteer fire departments serve about 9 million New Yorkers, nearly half the state’s population. In recent years, more than three quarters of these departments have reported a decrease in the number of volunteers. At the same time, calls for service have increased 29 percent from 1997 to 2020. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control will administer the stipend to volunteer firefighters for first-time completion of the following training courses after August 31, 2023: basic exterior firefighting operations, self-contained breathing apparatus/interior firefighting operations and fire officer 1. Students must be a member in good standing as determined by their department and stipend applications must be submitted by the fire chief. For more information or to submit a comment, visit https://www.dhses.ny.gov/news/dhses-seeks-public-commentdraft-regulations-establishing-new-stipend-volunteer-firefighters.
Milford’s O’Connor Reaches 150 Career Wins MILFORD—Milford Central School senior TJ O’Connor achieved his 150th varsity win in the Captain Tony Bailey Memorial Tournament on Saturday, December 2. It is his fifth year wrestling for the Cooperstown varsity team; despite missing his freshman year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CNYwrestling.com reports his career record is 152-27. He made the state tournament in seventh grade and has since racked up two Center State Conference titles. In the Bailey Tournament, O’Connor beat three opponents and lost the championship match in sudden-victory overtime.
CCS Boys Swimming Takes Season Opener COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown boys swimming defeated Rome Free Academy 92-85 in a final-event victory to open the season. The team of Thomas Hellenthal, Macon Aramini, London Kinley and Finn Morgan placed first in the 200 medley relay. Hellenthal also won the 200 freestyle. Kinley, Henry Ayers, and Margaret Raffo took the first, second, and third places in the 200 individual medley.
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Farmers’ Market Announces Holiday Market and Holiday Stroll THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
COOPERSTOWN he Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, a program of Otsego 2000, will hold a special Holiday Market from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19. Other retailers in Cooperstown will have extended hours as well that evening to accommodate holiday shoppers. Vendors featured at the Holiday Market will include Black Willow Pond Farm, Wildwoods Woodturning, Girasole Farm, Straight from the Hive, Mountain View Dairy, Sasha Glinski ® Studios, ARK Floral, Laura’s Chocolates, Tech Tamer Woodworks, Nectar Hills Farm, Empire Natural Foods, Crystal’s Customs, Mimikis Wooly Bears and Dutchayr Fibers, Arabeth Farm, Elk Creek Farm, Traveling Herb Farmer, Chatty Wren Coffee Roasters, Mill Hollow Maple, Middlefield Orchard, Rock Hill Farm, Terracotta Republic and Origins Café. Dave and Pam Tisch will perform on the market stage, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance after ® 5 p.m. following a session at their cottage
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from 3-5 p.m. participate in this festive Otsego 2000 Executive tradition that celebrates Director Ellen Pope local farmers, artisans, coordinated the Holiday makers and businesses,” Market and participation she said. with other local shop Pope also noted that owners. shoppers will have two “We’re calling it after-work opportua Holiday Stroll and nities to enjoy Main welcome everyone to Street in December,
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
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thanks to the Stroll the Streets event organized by the Welcome Home Committee. Local businesses participating in the Holiday Stroll will include Cooperstown Art Association, Willis Monie Books, Bridgette
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Lane, Grand Slam Guitars and Stagecoach Coffee. There will be complimentary mulled cider at the farmers’ market. It is open during regular hours each Saturday in December from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Legal
Legal nOtice NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF OTSEGO COUNTY Official Results of the November 7, 2023 General Election Proposal One Yes 6050 No 4070 Proposal Two Yes 6509 No 3570 SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT State Supreme Court Justice Cheryl Insinga 5701 Deirdre Hay 4756 OTSEGO COUNTY County Clerk Jennifer Basile 6466 MacGuire Benton 4611 District Attorney John M. Muehl 8343 Coroner (Vote for up to two) Edward M. Stanimer 7526 Michael Fox, Jr. 7233 County Representative, District 1 Edwin Frazier, Jr. 402 County Representative, District 2 Jerry Madsen 658 County Representative, District 3 Rick Brockway 634 County Representative, District 4 Michelle Catan 618 County Representative, District 5 Margaret M. Kennedy 1157 County Representative, District 6 Jennifer Mickle 760 County Representative, District 7 David Bliss 696 County Representative, District 8 Andrew Marietta 897 County Representative, District 9 Keith O. McCarty 727 County Representative, District 10 Daniel G. Wilber 729 County Representative, District 11 Nora Mendez 372 Paul Ahearn 128 County Representative, District 12 Adrienne Martini 198 County Representative, District 13 Donald Scanlon, Jr. 282 County Representative, District 14 Jillian Basile 177 CITY OF ONEONTA Council Member, Ward 1 Luke Murphy
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219 Council Member, Ward 2 Cecelia WalshRusso 158 Council Member, Ward 3 Shannon McHugh 96 Daniel Rorick 27 Council Member, Ward 4 Kaytee Lipari Shue 103 Council Member, Ward 5 Leonard E. Carson, Jr. 142 Donald Garrison, Jr. 55 Council Member, Ward 6 Scott Harrington 159 Council Member, Ward 7 Bryce Wooden 91 Sean Dwight 30 Council Member, Ward 8 Emily Falco 76 James Peter DeAndrea 12 BURLINGTON Supervisor Russell McCall 182 Clerk/Collector Deborah J. Wengert 191 Town Justice Craig Slattery 193 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Mark Bolton 177 Denyse Ruffles 172 Superintendent of Highways Jason Rous 188 BUTTERNUTS Supervisor Bruce Giuda 266 Town Clerk Lucy J. Richards 290 Council Member (Vote for up to two) John Hill 254 Keith M. Lilley 239 Superintendent of Highways David Haynes 308 Tax Collector Doris Moennich 297 CHERRY VALLEY Supervisor Tom Garretson 215 Town Clerk Mary Beth Flint 213 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Edward D. Vanderwerker 194 Mark D. Cornwell 121 Superintendent of Highways Martin V. Field, Jr. 231 DECATUR Supervisor Johnathan D. Kersman 1 Lindsey Kelley 1 Paul Strenn 1 Thomas Hunt 1 Town Clerk Fred Kersman 73 Council Member (Vote for up two) Lindsay Kelley 3 Peter Kelley 3 David Lorette 2 Donald Hill 1
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Jon Marshall 1 Thomas Hunt 1 Superintendent of Highways Richard Sawyer 83 Jason Hornbeck 27 Tax Collector Brenda Hunt 98 EDMESTON Supervisor Arthur R. Klingler, Jr. 314 Clerk/Collector Linda Eriksen 292 Town Justice Barbara Bateman 33 Miss Muzzi 1 Council Member Russell Carpenter 302 Russell Dutcher 266 Superintendent of Highways Johnathn Button 269 Joseph Chesebro 102 Trustee of School Funds Gordon R. Terry 320 EXETER Supervisor Doreé M. VanTassel 122 Clerk/Collector Wendy Crouch 33 Brandy Zinger 10 Joanne Chapman 1 Amanda Plows 1 Michael Connors 1 Pam Andela 1 Council Member (Vote for up to two) David A. Arkema 148 Dan Andela 34 Brandy Zinger 2 Tom Chenel 1 Wendy Crouch 1 Superintendent of Highways Steven A. Baker 120 Randy S. Brooker 82 HARTWICK Supervisor Robert J. O’Brien 380 Dylan Arnot 175 Clerk/Collector Andrea Vazquez 497 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Thomas J. Murphy 315 Bryan F. LoRusso 290 Jason Blaske 243 Pat Ryan 188 LAURENS Supervisor Dean Buccheri 285 Town Clerk Deborah Lawyer 307 Town Justice Kim Loftus 324 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Rowland Dutcher 279 Carl Schidzick 274 Superintendent of Highways Wayne Shulgay 311 Tax Collector Patricia Brockway 309 MARYLAND Supervisor Ronald Wheeler
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250 Town Justice Michael Carroll 252 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Brian Bookhout 254 Harold Palmer 205 Superintendent of Highways Timothy S. Walke 261 MIDDLEFIELD Supervisor David Karl 426 Clerk/Collector Jean Schifano 424 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Kelly Branigan 404 Jeffrey Woeppel 394 Superintendent of Highways Brendan Kraham 450 MILFORD Supervisor Casey Eckler 437 Town Clerk Rosemary Aborn 399 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Harold Couse 406 Vera Sosnowski 68 Austin L. Partridge 32 Doug Hall 1 J. Schmo 1 Kevin Musser 1 Kimberly More 1 Maria Myers 1 Patricia Barlow 1 Rachel Corrie 1 Richard Rumple 1 Superintendent of Highways Billy Sutphin 434 Tax Collector Jon Coffin 398 MORRIS Supervisor Jeffrey B. Porter 251 Clerk/Collector Linda Ewing 293 Council Member (Vote for up to two) David L. Johnson 245 Jeffrey A. Webster 226 Superintendent of Highways Kyle E. Utter 280 NEW LISBON Supervisor Edward T. Lentz 189 Bruce J. Page, Jr. 101 Clerk/Collector Charlene R. Wells 259 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Laura Curtis 170 Scott Fickbohm 169 George Knarich 30 Superintendent of Highways Donald B. Smith 252 ONEONTA Supervisor Randal Mowers 646 Clerk/Collector Ryan F. Pereira 526 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Patricia Riddell Kent 619 Brett Holleran
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551 Superintendent of Highways James Hurtubise 766 OTEGO Supervisor Joseph S. Hurlburt 350 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Terry E. Brown 258 Barbara W. Stanton 297 Superintendent of Highways John Hurlburt III 364 OTSEGO Supervisor Benjamin Bauer 913 Town Justice (Vote for up to two) Gary Kuch 846 Lauren Cady Glynn 666 Jesse Torruella 465 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Deb Dalton 853 M. Patricia Kennedy 846 PITTSFIELD Supervisor Shelby Wing 173 Clerk/Collector (Unexpired Term) Sandra Clapperton 36 Jennifer Luther 1 Paul Stein 1 Cherry Clapperton 1 Town Justice Gary L. Carson 132 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Lisa Jackson 105 Clifford Carl Tice 98 Kaylee Weidman 65 Justin Weidman 62 Superintendent of Highways James Wing 124 PLAINFIELD Supervisor Todd Lewis 79 Town Clerk Jon Cockett 87 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Mark E. Stillwell 85 Connie L. Peeters 69 Superintendent of Highways Rod Jennison 91 Tax Collector Debra A. Wheelock 105 RICHFIELD Supervisor Larry Frigault 374 Paul Palumbo 257 Clerk/Collector Maggie Patrick 482 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Edward T. Bello, Jr. 366 Frederick Eckler 347 Dan Sullivan 297 Penny SimondsTibbits 204 Superintendent of Highways Tim Proctor 533
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ROSEBOOM Supervisor Patti Gustafson 106 Clerk/Collector Erin Van Dewerker Seeley 114 Town Justice Steven Mosenson 112 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Steven Gridley 125 Jack Barrett 91 Superintendent of Highways Daniel R. Gage 135 SPRINGFIELD Supervisor Galen Criqui 217 Town Clerk Jeannette Armstrong 223 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Dale Schultz 223 Martha Oakley 85 Superintendent of Highways Jeff Brown 232 Tax Collector Ann Magruder 240 UNADILLA Town Justice (Vote for up to two) Ronald Reed 386 Dwight Mott 4 Arsene Wenger 1 Terry Hamblin 1 Wyatt Beers 1 Austin Peck 1 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Donald Cole 377 Allen Anderson 321 WESTFORD Supervisor Walter Heinrich 164 Clerk/Collector Samantha Brown 154 Town Justice Keith Beck 21 Jocelyn Harris 5 Brian Wood Beck 1 James Feil 1 Michael Vanetten 1 Council Member (Vote for up to two) James Feil 147 Steven Zerby 106 Superintendent of Highways Jason Ritton 152 WORCESTER Supervisor Jeffery E. Wilcox 275 Clerk/Collector Jo-Ann Beverland 261 Council Member (Vote for up to two) Harold J. Ridgeway, Jr. 265 Martin Brendon Ralph 260 Superintendent of Highways Richard E. Evans 287 Otsego County Board of Elections 140 Co Hwy 33W, Ste 2 Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-4247 www.voteotsego. com
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 4:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: •Meeting to be held at the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York 1 BEAVER STREET – Site Plan Review for Renovations of and addition to building for an employee daycare as an accessory use to a medical facility, and accompanying addition of 5 parking spaces and a playground. The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)5472411 Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org Legal nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO INDEX NO. EF2023-307 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property Mortgaged Premises: 6625 COUNTY HIGHWAY 18, WEST WINFIELD, NY 13491 District: , Section: 33.00, Block: 1, Lot: 2.01 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, vs. MARY ELLEN WARD, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD A. WARD; HEIRS AND DIS-
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TRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD A. WARD; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD A. WARD, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result
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in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $172,500.00 and interest, recorded on August 10, 2010, in Instrument Number 2010-3685, of the Public Records of OTSEGO County, New York., covering premises known as 6625 COUNTY HIGHWAY 18, WEST WINFIELD, NY 13491. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. OTSEGO County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: November 3, 2023 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Orit Avraham, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, continued Pg. 9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9
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from Pg. 8 Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4LegalDec.21
Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 59 Woody Hill Rd., Hope Valley, RI 02832 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.11
Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 12 Parish Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave , Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: General. 6LegalJan.4
(SSNY) on November 15, 2023. NY office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 2570 County Hwy 39, Worcester, New York 12197. General Purposes. 6LegalJan.4
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of RSD Enterprises, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on 6/29/2023. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: RSD Enterprises LLC, c/o Robert Dunbar 235 Flax Island Rd, Otego, NY 13825. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.11 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Foreign LLC Wanderlust Properties, LLC (DBA Wanderlust Rental Properties, LLC) Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/15/23. Office Location:
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Aaron Fisher Enterprises LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State (SSNY) on November 1st, 2023 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 20 Harrison Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.11 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of GIAMBRONE SELF PUBLISHERS LLC. Filed 9/18/23.
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/13/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 1455, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.4 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Water Rock, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: OLD HOMESTEAD FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 15 August 2023. 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. 6LegalJan.4
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Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: POSTOAK LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 November 2023. 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 15 South St, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJan.4 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: EPIC LANDSCAPES SUPPLY LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State
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(SSNY) was 8 November 2023. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 908, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJan.4
Formation of
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Renamiya LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/02/23. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 218 Main Street, Ste. 4, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.14 Legal nOtice Notice of
MORRIS LEGACY CONTRACTING LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/27/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 49 Main St., Schenevus, NY 12155, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Kelley LLC of Oneonta New York. Filed 9/6/23. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 12957 St Hwy 30, Downsville, NY 13755. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalDec.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Chaco and Butler LLC.
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Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/23. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: the Company, c/o GordonLaw LLP, Attn: Michael Gordon, Esq., 51 Bedford Road, Suite 10, Katonah, NY 10536. Purpose: any lawful activities. 6LegalDec.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 100 SPRUCE ST LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/25/23. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 100 Spruce St. Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.7
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY UNDER NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY LAW 1. The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is 4109 Route 7 LLC. 2. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State is October 24, 2023. 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: 4109 State Route 7, Oneonta, NY 13820. 5. The character or purpose of the business of the LLC is any purpose allowed by law. 6LegalDec.7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Southside Mall To Welcome New Stores, Including Michaels By WRILEY NELSON ONEONTA outhside Mall General Manager Luisa Montanti announced that the mall will enter a new era with the addition of a Michaels as an anchor store in the spring. The announcement is the latest in a series of new additions to the mall as it recovers from the economic slowdown caused by the COVID19 pandemic. Southside
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has added a number of local offerings in recent years, including Sweet Caroline’s Co., Azul Oneonta and a holidayseason pop-up location for Super Heroes Humane Society. Other new stores are expected to be announced soon, but the mall team is not yet at liberty to discuss specifics. According to Montanti, Michaels corporate reached out to Southside several years ago, and the craft-supply
store made a perfect fit for the storefront recently vacated by Office Max. She said that new offerings are found by mall team scouting and solicitation from companies. “We’re pretty well maxed out now in terms of space, despite losing three stores in the wake of COVID due to leases expiring or large chains consolidating their stores into fewer locations during the downturn,” Montanti said. “In terms of sales, we’re up
nearly 20 percent over last year and foot traffic has been steady. I always like to thank our small, local community for supporting our small, local mall, and I’m happy that we’re able to offer so many services and event spaces to the area.” She singled out Luncheons and Dragons and the recently renovated Southside Cinema as important players in drawing traffic and creating community space within the mall.
“We aim for continuous improvement over the coming years,” she continued. “There are a number of other new businesses outside the mall on this side of the river thanks to the new water district plan…we are also happy to provide event space to local non-profits.” In the last week alone, the mall hosted an American Red Cross blood drive in partnership with the Oneonta YMCA and a basket raffle fund-
raiser with Otsego Pride Alliance. In addition to other stores and programs, the Southside Market crafter and artisan fair is held on the second Saturday of each month. There will be a Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, featuring a wide variety of local makers. Santa will visit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Southside Mall and Southside Market Facebook pages.
Former Iron String Press Managing Editor To Release New Novel By WRILEY NELSON ONEONTA ward-winning author and former Iron String Press Managing Editor Libby Cudmore will release her next novel on September 10, 2024. Datura Books has signed “Negative Girl,”
A Photo provided
LIBBY CUDMORE
a neo-noir thriller set in a dying city in upstate New York. “I began developing this idea at the Barrelhouse Writer Camp in 2017, where I worked with the concept of an ex-punk private investigator as a character,” Cudmore said. She started to write a
sequel to her first novel, “The Big Rewind,” using characters similar to the leading pair in the new work as clients for her detectives, then realized they could stand alone. The first Martin Wade story was published in “Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine” in 2020. According to a release, “Negative Girl” explores obsession and death in America’s forgotten spaces through the lens of a literary crime drama. It follows Martin, who lived hard in his youth but, unlike many of his
friends, hit the recovery path and became a PI. He and his assistant, Valerie, are contacted by a young woman who needs help keeping her biological father away from her, but no one involved realizes that the father is Martin’s old bandmate, still using drugs and on a destructive path that will soon collide with Martin’s clean life. “I’m so thrilled to be working with [Datura Acquiring Editor] Daniel Culver and everyone at Datura in bringing Martin and Valerie to a wider
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audience,” Cudmore said in the release. “From their first outing in ‘Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine,’ I knew this PI pair was destined for a larger case. ‘Negative Girl’ puts Martin and Valerie on the case of a drowned girl with ties to Martin’s past life as a hard-living rock star and forces both of them to confront the question: What happens when the past is buried for too long?” “My stories are always based in upstate New York; it’s what I know,” Cudmore told “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta.” “I’ve lived in Oneonta since 2007. In fact, the American form of the PI genre started right here in Oneonta with S. S. Van Dine’s Philo Vance stories. My work draws in some ways on reporting I did for the newspaper, including crime reporting and work related to the opioid epidemic.” The Wolfe Pack, a fan forum and organization dedicated to Rex Stout’s classic “Nero Wolfe” books and novellas, and to promoting detective fiction generally, announced on Saturday, December 2 that Cudmore won their 2023 Black Orchid Novella Award. This award, presented jointly with “Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine,” celebrates the novella format in crime fiction; Cudmore won with her novella “Alibi in Ice,” which will be published in the July 2024 issue of “Hitchcock.” Cudmore also received The Private Eye Writers of America’s 2023 Shamus Award for Best PI Short Story for her story “Charlie’s Magazine.” Cudmore graduated from CobleskillRichmondville Central School in 2001 and attended Binghamton University and the University of Southern Maine. In addition to her prolific work in fiction, including a novel and recent publications in half a dozen prominent mystery fiction magazines, she works as a staff writer at Hartwick College. “The Big Rewind” (2016) is available from William Morrow and Company and from booksellers. “Negative Girl” will be released in September. Holiday Special: Subscribe to AllOtsego.com and get one month free. Call (607) 547-6103 for more details.
THURSDAY, December 7, 2023
Mayor
Oneonta for 13 years. He said, “We hired a third party, the Burke Group, to come up with benchmarks of market median salaries for comparable positions in other upstate New York municipalities.” The proposed salary increases are to bring salaries within 90 percent of the median salaries paid elsewhere to be competitive. Michael Stolzer, owner of OneontaStudents.com, asked if benefits were included in the salary study done by the Burke Group. Mattice replied, “No, benefits weren’t part of the Burke study, but we did a separate comparison of our benefits with other municipalities and found that Oneonta’s benefits are very similar.” Jim Tomaino asked, “How are we going to pay for these salary increases?” One of the ways the city is funding increases to salaries is from a $400,000.00 savings in healthcare costs. Mattice said, “By
Continued from page 1 balance will cover the deficit and balances the budget.” Mayor Drnek explained, “We are short-handed by 15-20 positions. We are asking people to do a lot more for the same amount of pay. We have found there is a lot of institutional memory in our employees and when a person leaves, they are hard to replace.” For example, Mattice pointed out that the deputy finance director position has been open for a year. The mayor explained, “There is a high cost associated with losing staff. We need to advertise the job, find candidates willing to work for the salary we can offer, interview and train the new person. Our goal is to retain the excellent staff we have, fill vacant positions and not have to cut services.” Mattice is one of the long-term employees who has worked for the City of
The
job scene To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103
Drivers wanteD to deliver newspapers to high-traffic spots in the greater Oneonta area every Wednesday afternoon. Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, registration and insurance. Approximately 4 hours per week. Email Publisher Tara Barnwell at Tarab@allotsego.com. n on
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11 joining Cayuga County Health Insurance Consortium, we avoided another 20 percent increase in healthcare costs like we incurred in 2023. We found the same amount of coverage at a much lower cost.” Stolzer also asked about the proposed 10 percent property tax increase. Mayor Drnek said, “Although a tax increase was proposed to cover the deficit, the Common Council decided to adhere to the tax cap and not raise taxes by 10.3 percent.” Drnek added, “We do not want to cause any more agitation to our taxpayers. We must increase funding coming into the city. Let’s think outside the box. We need to turn Oneonta back into what Oneonta was. We need to maximize our arts community, and we’d like to bring the farmer’s market back to Main Street.” The mayor asked the audience to become ambassadors for the city and to volunteer to be part of the Main Street Renaissance Program. A concern about implementing paid parking was raised by several members of the audience. Someone asked about the cost of the program and what the projected revenue may be from paid parking. Mattice outlined the goal of parking management and some of the possibilities. A specific proposal is still being developed and will be discussed with the Parking Strategies Taskforce before it is presented to the Common Council for consideration and action. Mattice said, “The goal of managing our parking is to try to encourage turnover of premium parking spots on Main Street.” One problem cited is that some people take advantage of the free parking and leave their cars on Main Street for eight hours. The hope is that a paid system that would allow visitors the choice to park for one to two hours would allow
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more people to access the most convenient parking available when shopping on Main Street. Hunt said, “We tried paid parking several times in the past and it did not work. I predict it will drive traffic away from Main Street.” George Wells, a 50year resident of 12 Walnut Street, expressed concern over a proposal for the owners of Stagecoach Coffee to convert their garage at 31 Walnut Street into a neighborhood coffee shop. Wells is opposed to commercializing an historic residential neighborhood and complained that there is a lack of transparency and communication about when the Planning Commission is meeting to hear the proposal from the owners of Stagecoach Coffee. Danny Lapin said, “The next meeting of the Planning Commission is December 20. Although there was a preliminary meeting, the application is not complete and the official review process has not begun.” Walnut Street is a mixed-use, R2 neighborhood that has zoning language allowing a “neighborhood market.” Residents worry about the unintended consequences this “neighborhood market” wording might create. Residents welcomed the idea of this popular Cooperstown coffee shop opening a business in Oneonta, but questioned whether converting the garage of a five-bedroom residential home is the best option for a business that proposes to have 19 seats inside and 20 seats outside. They expressed concerns about traffic, parking problems and having a coffee shop in the back yard of a singlefamily residence close to their own back yards. A recent editorial in the local daily newspaper stated, “…the building at 82 Center Street, which housed the now-closed Center Street Deli in Oneonta, has been vacant for some time. Many have been suggesting that the Stagecoach owners look into taking over that location.” Before Stagecoach Coffee can proceed with modifications, they will need a use variance approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Vacant, dilapidated homes known as zombie homes was a concern raised by Van Jaffie. He said, “The zombie house next door is depreciating the value of our home. Recently the police found two to three homeless people living in this zombie house.” Stolzer estimated there are 84 zombie homes around the city. The mayor confirmed the city’s commitment to addressing the concern, and to enhancing the quality of housing in the neighborhoods, but said, “We have a population of 13,000+ in Oneonta and only two code enforcement officers.” Drnek added, “I am enlisting the community to exercise situational awareness and report concerns to the city.” Stolzer ended the meeting on a positive
note saying, “Thank you for doing this Q&A. We need this kind of dialogue. We should do this more often.”
Ibrahim
Continued from page 1 with Thompson, who was brought into the Bassett fold by Ibrahim from Guthrie Medical Group some seven months ago. “This is an appropriate milestone at which time to have another wonderful leader and thinker to carry the organization forward,” Ibrahim said. Thompson praised Ibrahim, saying he has harmonized the network in a way that’s never been done before, and said she admires him for having the “will and fortitude to work within a compressed timeline.” According to Ibrahim, he made the decision to leave several weeks ago. “The Board and I agreed it was the right time,” he said. “There’s a stellar and skilled leadership team in place.” Ibrahim’s three and a half years with Bassett Healthcare Network have not been easy. “The past two years were incredibly difficult, as we took important steps to create a sustainable foundation to build upon,” Ibrahim said in a statement in July of 2022. “I am deeply appreciative of our system and entity boards for their unwavering support. Our leadership teams and each of our caregivers and practitioners have done a masterful job to get us here, and we’re still only getting started.” Last week, Ibrahim cited pandemic-related challenges, a massive paradigm shift and tumult within the health industry, changing economic headwinds, and problems maintaining appropriate staff as difficulties that have persisted. Questioned about the challenges of running the Bassett network and how he copes with his critics, Ibrahim stressed that it is never easy, and not personal. “It’s important to understand we are coming from a place of leadership that requires empathy while managing to meet the needs of others,” he said. Ibrahim said it is essential to be able to rely on your peer network and family, and to have a support system in place to fall back upon. With regard to Thompson, Ibrahim said he took part in the selection process and fully endorses her appointment by the board. “Staci is a perfect partner and leader, with a wealth of experience— more than 30 years. She understands how to work with physicians and healthcare systems operations.” For her part, Thompson said she has worked with Ibrahim, learned from him, and is honored to carry on in his stead. “It takes a tremendous amount of courage to step away and step forward while providing stability for those who remain,” she said. Asked if there was anything he wanted to accomplish but did not, Ibrahim said, “Of course.
There is always more that could be done, and so many things I would have liked to leave behind. But the system is ready and ripe for the next leader.” Looking ahead, Thompson acknowledged there are continuing challenges. “We need to make sure we perform services, continue to recruit and retain the best medical personnel, and improve access for the rural population,” said Thompson, who is passionate about rural healthcare. Bassett’s focus will continue to be on securing practitioners and caregivers, maintaining stability, and continuing to improve and grow, she said. Thanks to Ibrahim and the leadership team, Bassett Healthcare Network is consistently in the news, recently achieving accolades as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety from the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and as a Leading AgeFriendly Health System from Age-Friendly Health Systems. The network is also systematically bringing on new partners. Bassett will open its 22nd School-Based Health Center at Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School with a ribboncutting ceremony on December 7 and will partner with Geisinger, a nationally recognized integrated health system in central and northeastern Pennsylvania with 10 hospitals and a 500,000member health plan, to open a specialty pharmacy in 2024 with access to clinically complex medications that are not available at regular retail pharmacies. “The specialty pharmacy is a wonderful advancement,” Thompson said. Just last week, it was announced that A.O. Fox Hospital is now offering robotic-assisted surgery, greatly expanding surgical services outside of Cooperstown. The new da Vinci Surgical System provides surgeons with an advanced set of instruments to perform minimally invasive surgery, the press release read. In addressing a rumor that Ibrahim had positioned the network for either a merger or a buyout from a larger system, both he and Thompson were adamant there is no truth to it. “Bassett Healthcare Network will remain independent. I made sure of that before being hired,” Thompson said. Ibrahim has enjoyed his time in Otsego County and the wonderful friendships he and his family have formed here. “Leaving people behind is the most difficult part,” he said. “And my kids are going to deeply miss being at our lake house.” What’s next for Ibrahim? He said he is looking forward to a bit of a break. “I have several opportunities, but I’m going to take advantage of this gift of time to hit the reset button,” he said. “I haven’t turned it off in four years. It’s a 24/7 job and a 24/7 privilege.”
what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________ Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com
THURSday, December 7, 2023
A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
►Friday, Dec. 8 BOOK CLUB—Read “Only This Beautiful Moment” by Abdi Nazemian then join the group on 12/21 at 4 p.m. to discuss. Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (60) 547-8344 or visit https://www.facebook. com/VillageLibraryOfCooperstown/ HANDCRAFT— 9:30 a.m. to noon. “The Leaf and Loom: Knitting and Handcrafts Group.” Bring knit, crochet, macramé or other handicraft to work with the group. Beginners welcome to learn. Held every Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661 or visit https://www.facebook. com/harrislibrary SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $10 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of macaroni and cheese, fish on a bun, stewed tomatoes and strawberry ice cream. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454. LIBRARY—Noon to 1 p.m. “Library Catalog 101.” Learn to work with the online library catalog. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 or visit https://hmloneonta.org/adult-programs/ NATURE WALK— 12:30-2 p.m. “Homeschool Nature Walk—Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary.” Investigate a variety of habitats and spot their residents. DelawareOtsego Audubon Society Sanctuary, 52 Grange Hall Road Spur, Oneonta. (607) 547-4488. VISIT SANTA—3-5 p.m.
Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. HOLIDAY CRAFT— 3:30 p.m. “Make and Take a Jingle Bell Wreath Ornament.” Free, registration required. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. OPEN HOUSE— 5-7 p.m. Celebrate the holidays, meet the artists, shop for the holidays. Free snacks and refreshments. All welcome. The Artisans Guild, 148 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1080. THEATER—6 p.m. “A Krampus Carol.” The tale of Santa’s oft-forgotten demon helper, who punishes naughty children. Admission, $1. Open to the public. Also held 12/9. Sarkus-Busch Theater, Robert McLaughlin College Center, Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer. (315) 866-0300. THEATRE—7:30 p.m. “The Sound of Music.” $20/adult. Also held 12/9 at 1 & 7:30 p.m. and 12/10 at 3 p.m. Presented by Orpheus Theatre at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit https://www.foothillspac.org/
►Saturday, Dec. 9 FUNDRAISER— 8 a.m. to noon. “Pancake Breakfast with Santa.” Buffet-style breakfast, visit with Santa, then holiday shopping with local craft vendors. Breakfast by donation. Pindars Corners Fire Department, 8898 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 278-7000 or visit https://www. facebook.com/PCFDdavenport VOLUNTEER—9 a.m. to noon. “Hemlock Hunters Volunteer Training.” Learn to identify hemlock trees and the hemlock woolly adelgid that threatens
what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________
them, and how to reket.” Oneonta Vets Club, port it for conservation 279 Chestnut Street, what’s haPPENIN’ purposes. Registration Oneonta. (607) 432-0494 in OtsegO COunty required. Presented by or visit https://www. the Otsego County Confacebook.com/Oneontaservation Association at VetsClub/ the Clark Sports Center, MARKET—10 a.m. to 124 County Highway 51, 3 p.m. “Franklin Holiday Cooperstown. (607) 547Craft Market and Day 4488. of Festivities.” Holiday FAMILY—9 a.m. to 2 shopping then see what p.m. “Holiday Photo Seselse is happening around sion.” Update family photown. Concludes with a tos with Lazore Photogravisit from Santa and Mrs. phy. Free. Any donations Claus at the fire departgo to library children’s ment at 6. Franklin Fire & programs. Pre-registration Rescue, 351 Main Street, required. Village Library Franklin. (607) 829-6822. of Cooperstown, 22 Main SANTA—11 a.m. to Street, Cooperstown. 3 p.m. Southside Mall, (607) 547-8344. 5006 State Highway 23, GARDEN CLUB—9 a.m. Oneonta. (607) 432“Annual Holiday Greens 4401. Sale.” Fresh wreaths, FUNDRAISER—11 a.m. swags and greens arto 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. rangements. Includes “Chili Dinner.” Chili, corn bake sale and luncheon bread, salad, beverage with soup, chili, and and a visit with Santa. sandwiches. Presented By donation for eat-in or by the Oneonta Federated take-out. Proceeds benefit Garden Club. St. James MFD firefighter David AnChurch, 305 Main Street, drews’ medical expenses. Oneonta. Morris Fire Department, GARDEN—10 a.m. to 117 Main Street, Morris. noon. “Winter Sowing.” (607) 263-5500. Bring a translucent conHOLIDAY—Noon to tainer and sow seeds in 5 p.m. “Holiday Marwinter to sprout in spring. ket.” Holiday shopping, Seeds available or bring visit with Santa, art workyour own. Presented by shops, more. Free, open Otsego Master Gardento the public. Community ers at the Southside Mall, Arts Network of Oneonta, 5006 State Highway 23, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Oneonta. (607) 547-2536 Avenue, Oneonta. https:// ext. 228. www.facebook.com/CANSANTA VISIT—10 a.m. Oneonta to 1 p.m. Muller Plaza, CONCERT—Noon to Oneonta. 12:30 p.m. The City of HOLIDAY—10 a.m. the Hills Sweet Adeline “Christmas Market.” Mak- Chorus performs holiday ers market featuring local songs. Southside Mall, artisans and craftspeople 5006 State Highway 23, showcasing handmade Oneonta. (607) 988-2613 products. Southside Mall, or visit https://sachorus. 5006 State Highway 23, wixsite.com/cityofthehills Oneonta. (607) 432-4401 OPERA—12:55 p.m. or visit https://www.faceThe Met presents “Florbook.com/southsidemall/ encia en el Amazonas.” HOLIDAY MARKET— Tickets, $22/adult. Lunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Christavailable for purchase. mas Gift and Craft MarThe Loft, Foothills Per-
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AllOTSEGO.
forming Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit https://www.foothillspac.org/ HOLIDAY—1 and 3 p.m. “Sleighin’ the Hills Drag & Brunch,” featuring brunch and mimosas. Tickets, $10. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. https:// www.facebook.com/CANOneonta VISIT SANTA—2-4 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. FUNDRAISER— 4-7 p.m. “Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser.” Benefit for Corbin Tyrell and his family for medical expenses after an event on Thanksgiving Day. Donation based. Enter to win the gift basket raffle. Franklin Central School, 26 Institute Street, Franklin. (607) 829-3551. BENEFIT CONCERT— 4-6 p.m. Small Town Big Band presents “Holiday Benefit Concert and Bake Sale.” Benefit for the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Food, personal care and monetary donations encouraged. Chapel, Cooperstown Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. HOLIDAY ART— 6-8 p.m. “Ceramic Ornament Making with Diana Cozzens.” $48/non-member. The Art Studio, Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CANOneonta POTLUCK—6:30 p.m. Good food, fellowship, music and games in celebration of the season. All are welcome; bring a dish to share. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, Fly Creek.
►Sunday, Dec. 10 GARDEN CLUB— 10 a.m. “Make and Take: Boxwood Tree Workshop.”
homes
Presented by the Oneonta Federated Garden Club. $40. Registration required. The Green Earth, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. SANTA—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401. HOLIDAY PARTY— 2-4 p.m. The Cooperstown Fire Department welcomes area children for fun party featuring games, crafts, refreshments, and a visit with Santa. Pioneer Park, Corner of Main and Pioneer streets, Cooperstown. SUNDAY SPEAKER— 3 p.m. “Panel on Social Isolation and Loneliness.” Program begins with a presentation by Douglas DeLong, MD, on the epidemiology and consequences of social isolation and loneliness, followed by panel of representatives of local organizations dedicated to addressing the issue. Free, open to the public. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. OPEN HOUSE— 3-4 p.m. “Holiday Caroling and Tree Lighting.” All welcome for an open house followed at 4 p.m. by caroling and the lighting of the Fly Creek Fire Company tree at the intersection of State Route 28 and County Highway 26. Followed at 6 p.m. by a visit with Santa on the district fire truck. Fly Creek residents are invited to register so Santa can stop at their addresses to deliver holiday goodies. Fly Creek Fire Company, 811County Route 26, Fly Creek. FlyCreekChief@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/p/Fly-CreekVolunteer-Fire-Company100064896811667/
►Monday, Dec. 11 PLAY & LEARN— 10 a.m. Supervised play session for children under 8. Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344.
►Visit allotsego.com/ otsego-county-events-calendar/ for the full calendar
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