The Freeman's Journal 12-08-22

Driving in a Winter Wonderland

Garden Club a Force of Nature

By DAN SULLIVAN RICHFIELD SPRINGS

Many communities across New York State have garden clubs.

The thought of them might conjure an image of some local “dames de certain age” tending selected areas, resplendent in gloves and sun hats, for several weeks during the late spring and summer, doing their part to beautify their town. They then recede into the back

ground until next year.

That vision bears little resemblance to reality for the Garden Club of Richfield Springs.

The GCRS is a 12-month operation with 18 full-time members and several “auxil iary” (read: male) members that meet and work throughout the calendar year. Any given month will have the club meeting several times, both as a full club and in one or more of its 10 standing commit

Continued on page 7

What To Do About the Deer: An Ongoing Rural Debate

By TED MEBUST ONEONTA

The City of Oneonta’s Quality of Life and Infrastructure Committee recently heard findings from a commissioned report on the various impacts of increasing deer populations in the area. Carried out over two months, the Deer Management Task Force report named overabundance, Lyme disease and an increasing number of deer-related accidents as driving forces behind their investigation.

“Our goal is not to eliminate deer. It’s to reduce the population to a sustainable level and mitigate the problems surrounding the issue right now,” explained Betsy Holland, an Oneonta resident who led the special task force and presented at the meeting on Monday, November 28.

Overpopulation, Holland stressed, has wide-ranging impacts on our ecosystem, endangering the health of both deer and humans in Otsego County. Consulting with Donna Vogler, a professor of biology at SUNY Oneonta, the task force detailed how vegetation on forest floors is deci mated and biodiversity decreases when deer populations are too dense, allowing inva sive species to flourish. With this comes increased competition for food and trans mission of diseases and parasites amongst deer populations. Recorded Lyme disease cases in Oneonta alone have jumped from eight in 2020 to 114 in 2022, according to Bassett Healthcare practitioner Diane Georgeson, MD. Additionally a survey linked to the report found 75 percent of

Oneontan respondents rated the negative impacts of deer on people as very impor tant and 88 percent described having been affected by a deer-related accident.

Considering the absence of any natural predators for big game, such as wolves and mountain lions, the main control for deer populations today is hunting. Though not its sole recommendation, the task force encouraged antlerless deer hunting on the city’s outskirts and proposed that city offi cials apply for a nuisance license from New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation to allow hunting deer outside of season.

“Regulated hunting remains the most efficient means to manage deer. Adequate harvests of antlerless deer are essential to successful efforts,” cited the task force from a DEC deer management report.

Their recommendation comes at a time when the benefits of late-season hunting in rural communities have come into question.

Following the introduction of a Holiday Deer Hunt by the NewYork State Department of Environmental Conservation last year, extended bow and muzzleloader seasons have stretched deer and bear hunting into January. While regular firearm season runs from November 19 to December 11, the Holiday Deer Hunt allows bow and muzzleloader hunting from December 12-20 and December 26 to January 1 in the Southern Zone, within which Otsego County is located.

A State Senator Joe Mannion-sponsored bill, S6510/A07785—which has passed

River Journalist Honored with Topps Allen &

By TED MEBUST TAIPEI, Taiwan

Standing next to his uncle amongst the roaring Jack Murphy Stadium crowd, a young Neal Moore watched the Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Bench step into the batter’s box for one of his final career at-bats. Pausing to capture the moment, he felt forceful echoes of “We want Johnny! We Want Johnny!” rumble throughout the grounds. It was a moment, he said, that made him understand the significance of baseball.

“There were three pitches and there were three strikes. And it didn’t matter. In the nosebleeds [seats] with my uncle, I thought to myself, this isn’t about the

Padres, and it’s not about the Reds. This is about baseball, America’s pastime. Right here and right now is something beau tiful. There are moments that are magic,” he explained.

The man who traversed America along 22 of its connecting rivers from February 2020 to December 2021 told this story while reflecting on his journey. Surviving obstacles of all sizes, from flat tire portages with his canoe to curious bull sharks in the Mississippi, he had hoped to intimately understand how America and its people are connected. Though baseball only represented part of Moore’s passage, having casually hiked to Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of

Photo by Caitlin Breier

Photo provided

Neal Moore, pictured with his signed Allen & Ginter baseball card from this year’s collec tion, at the Topps offices in New York City. Continued on page 10

cOOPeRSTOWN

On Tuesday, November 29, author Pamela mccoll presented at Fenimore Art museum on the insights and experi ences she had gained in the 10 years it took to research and write her volume, “Twas the Night—The Art and History behind the classic christmas Poem.” The lecture was particularly relevant this year, since it is the bicen tennial of the poem’s first reading and since part of the imagery contained in it parallels imagery James Fenimore cooper incorpo rated into his work, “The Pioneers,” published about the same time.

According to the history as recounted by mccoll, this iconic poem was written by clement clark moore and read to children on christmas eve in 1822, without the intent of being published. but through a series of transfers of copies

of the tale, the narrative wound up in the hands of the “Troy Sentinel,” which published it anonymously in 1823 under the title, “A Visit from St Nicholas.”

From that date forward, the poem’s popularity exploded to the extent that there are literally thou sands of different editions and different images

arising from the story, some of which are valuable collectors’ items.

mccoll pointed to the origins of some of the imagery that existed prior to and concurrent with the publication of the poem, including those of Washington Irving, that most probably influenced

Photo courtesy warnerlibrary.org

Pamela McColl explores the art and history of Clement Clark Moore’s classic Christmas poem in her new book.

Moore’s telling of the story. Similarly, she detailed the lasting effects which the poem has had on future depictions of Santa Claus by artists such as Thomas Nast and Norman Rockwell.

This thoroughly delightful Christmas story was created around the jovial St. Nicolas, who only spread cheer and presents without any hint of punishment for misbehavior. It also firmly established the image of a St. Nick arriving on the eve before Christmas in a sleigh filled with gifts and pulled by eight reindeer with names like Donner and Blitzen. It established the chimney as the entry door. Over the years, St. Nick morphed into Santa Clause and the name of the story changed from “A Visit from St. Nicholas”

to the present “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” However, this simple children’s tale is not without its controver sies. First and foremost is the issue of whether Moore actually wrote it, because—when the “Troy Sentinel” first printed the story—it was published anonymously and without any reference to George Clement Moore. However, McColl traces the trans mittal of the document that ultimately ended up in the editor’s hands as coming from persons who were personally connected to Moore. Furthermore, when authorship was first disputed, Moore publicly stated that he wrote it and no contemporaneous statement appears to the

contrary.

Because the poem’s first publication was anony mous, subsequent writers took liberties and made changes to the language as they saw fit, such as changing the names of the reindeer. And the last line change from “Happy Christmas” to “Merry Christmas” has been gener

After reading about a study that disclosed that the biggest Christmas wish of many children was that their parents would quit smoking for good, McColl published (and still publishes) an edition elimi nating the two lines refer ring to Santa smoking and having a pipe. The publica tion caused a short-term uproar that was captured on the major news networks, some of which castigated McColl as the destroyer of a beloved Christmas story.

ally adopted in subsequent editions. In the meantime, the poem has long been in the public domain and writers have adapted the script to incorporate teddy bears, Winnie the Pooh and other characters. It has even been used by adver tisers to promote their products.

McColl herself made a change in 2012 that landed her in hot water.

However, in response to this writer’s question, McColl assured us that despite the emphases on dieting, Santa would retain his “bowl full of jelly” belly.

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

All Decked Out

COOPERSTOWN—The 7th Annual “Rockin Around Town” Ugly Sweater Run was hosted in partnership between the Clark Sports Center and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, December 3. Proceeds benefitted Helios Care in efforts to provide holiday gifts for local children who have recently lost a loved one. Top of stairs, from left: Marie Horo, Theresa Johnson, and Steff Obkirchner; bottom of stairs, from left, Marcy Matis and Amy Trombecky.

Photo by Tara Barnwell

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

Baby Eagles Look to Their Future

Last Saturday, much to our collective surprise and dismay, the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team lost to the Netherlands in the first game of the knockout round of the FIFA [International Federation of Association Football] 2022 World cup, in Qatar. In many and obvious ways it was a very sad day for the young team; in other ways it was the beginning of a four-year campaign to bring the sport to the attention and adoration of the American people and the world.

In this country, soccer has always played second fiddle to that rough-and-tumble (and maim beyond repair) contact game of football—strangely, what soccer is called in every other country in which it is played.

Football takes center stage these days for the better part of every year; there is rarely a sports report or, for that matter, a news report which does not mention the up-coming competitions and the whacky comings-andgoings of celebrity players that parade across our media whenever they can catch someone’s eye.

Soccer, on the other hand, is a relatively non-contact sport, but for the occasional body chops and trip-ups. It’s much safer to play, so kids can start at a young age, and it doesn’t leave its players with permanent damage, short of some torn AcLs and some major headaches. It’s an intel ligent game as well, requiring serious thought among its players and strategic coach, trainer and team homework before each match. It is also a game of intensive and studied teamwork; persuading that little round ball to make its way speedily down a field, deftly guided and dribbled by myriad fast-moving feet, and then to somehow sneak by a towering, far-reaching and agile goalie, is an obscure feat—hence the low scores in soccer games. In this World cup, 90 minutes of real game time and an inordinate number of stoppage minutes (563 minutes in this year’s Group Stage) have averaged 2.58 goals per game; 24 of 48 of those games have been scoreless in the first half.

What has been remarkable is the depth, ability, age and future of the baby Eagles. They are the second-youngest team in the World cup (the youngest distinction goes to Ghana), with a core group aged under 24 years old. Their captain, Tyler Adams (who is from Wappingers Falls, New York) is 23; one of their star scorers, christian Pulisic, is a year older; brendan Aaronson is a mere 22 and Gio Reyna’s 20th birthday came just before the team played Wales last month.

Despite their loss last Saturday, and despite the fact that they have not yet reached the professional levels of the Dutch and English teams, the American team has finished this World cup in a very good place. They now have experience and age on their side as they prepare for the future. They have sparked a growing interest in and fascination for the game of soccer, both here and abroad, and that is very good news for the next World cup, which will be held in America, canada, and Mexico in 2026.

The 2022 World cup has given the USMNT a look at the beginning of a carefully crafted trend. With another four years of playing experience, enhanced by their European training, our baby Eagles will become giants, and the generations that follow will reach even further.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

The Freeman’s Journal welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

RICHaRD STERNBERG, M.D.

Why I Am Masking Up Again

It would be a safe thing to say that I was one of the strongest advocates in central New York for masking up, having vaccina tions up to date—it should be two original, at least the most recent vaccine for the Omicron variants and having been boostered for last year—avoiding crowded indoor spaces, and generally keeping your distance from other people when ever possible. When I now go to the clark Sports center, very few people are wearing their masks. I personally felt comfortable with this policy as relates to cOVID and there have been a few times when I forgot to bring a mask with me. I try to wear a mask around my neck, pulling it up over my nose and mouth when somebody is near physically, but frequently I forget to do so. That changes now, regret tably and disappointingly.

cOVID is still with us, but in Otsego county, the number of new infections and hospitaliza tions appears manageable. For the week ended November 29, which is the last date posted on the Otsego county Department of Health’s website as I write this column, there were 36 new cases, and only four hospitalizations—30.7 percent of the county population not yet had any vaccinations and 64.2 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated with at least one booster. The transmission rate is 47/100,000 population. These numbers are concerning but not alarming. by themselves, I might say we go back to the way we’ve always been at this time of year, with people taking themselves out of circulation when they’re sick and wearing masks

… IN THEIR OPINION

Re: Transfer Station Complaints

Recently, a resident of cooperstown wrote in with concerns about the appearance and operations of the Otsego county Northern Transfer Station located in cooperstown. The station, as pointed out in the letter, is managed by casella.

As the division manager of casella’s Oneonta Hauling Division and Transfer Stations in Otsego and Schoharie, I take great pride in our facilities and feel as though we do an outstanding job representing the very best of our county. We are your friends, neighbors, and relatives and we work hard to serve all of you. When it doesn’t meet your stan dards, you can be sure that it is not meeting ours.

The U.S. is experiencing the highest levels of hospitalizations from influenza in a decade. It goes on to say that nearly every state is battling high levels of multiple respiratory viruses, which threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system.

“The Washington Post”

around vulnerable people, such as in hospitals.

The problem is, there is a veri table stew of respiratory viruses and diseases out there.

In a statement attributed to “The Washington Post” on Monday, the U.S. is experiencing the highest levels of hospitalizations from influenza in a decade. It goes on to say that nearly every state is battling high levels of multiple respiratory viruses, which threatens to overwhelm the health care system. These are cOVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, plus those less serious, like the common cold.

“It’s a perfect storm or terrible holiday season,” the statement reads.

According to Reuters, “there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitaliza tions and 4,500 deaths in the U.S. from flu so far this season.” The flu season has just begun and has

(and it’s Not Just COVID)

another four to five months to run.

Nationwide, pediatric hospitals and nursing units have been over whelmed by children with RSV. Many hospitals are placing patients in conference rooms, lounges, hallways, and reopening spaces that they initially created when cOVID hit hard two and a half years ago.

So, I am going back to wearing my mask when out in public, especially where I can’t control the distance between me and other people. I will use it in the gym unless it is particularly empty and no one is working around me. I will use it when working with my trainer. I will also use it as much as possible when I go out to social events, even where food is present.

Those of us fully vaccinated and boosted appropriately for cOVID and this year’s flu might feel the risk is slight to us in terms of getting seriously ill, and we will be right, though the risk is not zero— but as we found out about these diseases, we can still catch them and be contagious without being significantly symptomatic.

So, for the time being, I will also be using my mask more frequently than I have been recently, even though I find it an annoyance, espe cially while exercising globally.

There are countries, mostly in East Asia, where people routinely wear masks when they go out. Wearing a mask in and of itself is not the end of the world. So, wear masks around other people and make sure all your vaccinations are up to date.

Dr. Richard Sternberg is a retired Bassett Hospital orthopedic surgeon.

company, in 2021 we were respon sible for managing more than 1.2 million tons of recyclable material, including 700,000 tons of house hold, commercial and industrial recycling. Here in Otsego county, we are steadfast in our commitment to recycling. Our recycling audits are consistently among the best in the county and we continue to work with our customers to ensure that it remains that way.

I’d also encourage anyone from the community who has questions or concerns to contact me directly. Let’s work together on solutions.

Main St. Cameras a ‘Slippery Slope’

The Village of cooperstown is currently exploring the installation of strategically placed surveillance cameras in the village.

The collection of data from the cameras can be viewed by the government and other local authori ties and can be used to maximize surveillance of local citizens. Racial profiling, collection of vehicle regis trations and the gathering of citizens for legal demonstrations or enjoy ment are a few of the concerns that come to mind.

Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara barnwell

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

I do want to take a moment to address a few items. First, we have recently hired a new employee who has done a great job in getting the cooperstown site into great shape and we continue to receive compli ments on the work he has been doing there. More work needs to be done, and we are committed to bringing this facility up to both your expec tations and our standards. Second, with regard to litter along the fence, admittedly this has been a struggle with the wind. We have been trying to hire someone to serve in this role and have had to rely on other staff members to take care of this in addi tion to their regular duties, which is no small task. At no point do we expect the county board to take on this role.

Most importantly, I want the community to know that all your recyclable material is being recy cled. Your recycling goes into a covered dumpster and then into the recycling transfer trailer. As a

For more information on how recycling works, and how you can help be a part of the solution to ensure we all recycle more and recycle better, please visit www. casella.com/recycling-works and www.casella.com/recyclebetter.

Lonnie O’Bryan Oneonta Division Manager, casella Waste Systems, Inc.

Hamill To Run for City Council Post

Our elected officials, in their capacities, need to do more for their citizens while still maintaining a proper and modern budget that works with the people, help their citizens in any way they can, be held accountable to a higher standard, and remember that they answer to their constituents.

With that being said, I hereby announce my candidacy for coun cilman for the First Ward in the city of Oneonta. As your candidate for councilman, I firmly feel that we need to start to do more, not less, to help the people out in the city of Oneonta.

Andrew (A.J.) Hamill Oneonta

The possible addition of facial recognition software or other data collection and surveillance risk violating privacy laws. Let’s not go down the slippery slope of the village becoming a “big brother” to its citizens or visitors.

George W. Hymas Pierstown

In Gratitude for Local Coverage

To the editorial team at AllOtsego. com…

I’m writing to you today (11/29) to thank you for your recent coverage of Sweethearts & Heroes in cooperstown.

Everyone on our team is grateful that you used your valuable time and space to let your readers know about our important messages and missions. We appreciate you.

If you ever need someone on our team to comment on a relevant story that you’re pursuing, please don’t hesitate to find us. We have you in our files, too.

Thanks again.

Leon Thompson for Sweethearts & Heroes

Tara barnwell Editor and Publisher

Darla M. Youngs General Manager

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Ted Mebust Staff Writer

Ivan Potocnik

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Web Architect Historian

Editorial Board

LETTERS

210 YEARS AGO

Indians – The Ontario Messenger states, on the au thority of E. Granger, Esq., Indian Agent, that neither our government nor any officer connected with it, has ever authorized the employment of Indians in the pres ent war. The instructions from the War Department to Judge Granger are explicit. With a view to keep them from going over to the enemy, the agents were autho rized as a last resource to embody as few of them as possible and report them to General Smyth who would order them to be supplied with rations. But this was solely to keep them easy.

December 12, 1812

185 YEARS AGO

It is with feelings of saddened regret that we announce to our readers the death of the Hon. James O. Morse, first Judge of Otsego County Courts, at Little Falls, Herkimer County, on the morning of December 4th, aged 49 years. He had been in attendance at the Montgomery County Circuit at Fonda, where he was violently seized with an affection of the brain. He was immediately removed to the residence of his daughter at Little Falls, where he received all the aid which medical skill and filial attention could bestow; but his disease baffled all human power. His name, his influence, his character and exertions, all were identified with and devoted to, the progress of society. To a clear and vigorous intellect, he brought the aids of indefatigable industry and indomitable perseverance. In his private relations he was beloved and esteemed by all; in his public stations respected and honored.

December 11, 1837

160 YEARS AGO

Fire! How startling the cry in our streets ever since the succession of fires which last spring desolated our Village. Perhaps most of our citizens are now resting under the belief that the local authorities are better prepared than then for battling the dreadful element, in the event of another fire. If so, let them be undeceived, and learn that their safety lies in their own carefulness. True, the citi zens of the village, in public meeting assembled, passed a resolution calling on the Trustees to make the necessary appropriations for securing a better and surer supply of water, and all necessary fire apparatus. But nothing has been done. There is not a good and complete organiza tion of the Fire Department. There is not a good supply of water. There is no hook and ladder company, axe company, nor hose company. The engines are in good order, but would be of little use in case of a large fire.

December 12, 1862

135 YEARS AGO

Robert Parshall, a farm laborer in Pierstown, sustained quite severe injuries one day last week, under singular circumstances. He was engaged in removing old apple trees for a neighbor, and had just dug and cut around one preparatory to pulling it over, and rather unwisely, as he afterward found out, ascended the tree to attach a rope for that purpose. He had no sooner reached the desired height, than the tree, without the aid of a rope, came crashing down. Between the frozen ground and the tree, Mr. Parshall sustained a broken cheek bone and several ugly cuts about the face, which required a number of stitches to hasten recovery. He was attended by Dr. Babbitt. Even as old a man as Mr. Parshall is, we believe he has learned a lesson that he will not forget, and that is, to fasten a rope to the tree he wishes to remove, just before digging and chopping around it.

December 16, 1887

FSA Works To Help Individuals, Families Meet Basic Needs

Family Service Association, located at 277 Chestnut Street in heart of Oneonta, is sometimes referred to as the “Area’s Best Secret.”

FSA is a privately funded human services agency, with an annual budget of just under $300,000.00.

The agency is staffed by three full-time employees, volunteers and college interns. Most popular for our Clothing Room, FSA offers a host of other programs to help people and families in need of assistance.

The Clothing Room is open to the public and set up like a thrift store, but all items are free. Donations are accepted from community members, stores or other organizations, and neatly displayed for “shop pers” to take at no cost. FSA’s Clothing Programs also provide specific items to individuals for employ ment, school or health needs.

FSA’s Emergency Service Program provides assis tance during times that are commonly seen as an emer gency or high-stress period for a household. Examples are house fire, eviction, food shortage, job loss, health issues or domestic violence, to name a few.

Our Training/Employment Program assists indi viduals in gaining job training, removing barriers to employment and offering internships or volunteer experiences.

FSA collaborates with other community agen cies and strives to combine resources and staff when projects may be too big for just one organization to tackle. For the past two years, FSA has worked

By MERL REAGLE

Reindeer

in collaboration with other community partners to create a Warming Station for home less people during the winter months. Securing a safe and appropriate location has been the challenge. We all iden tified there was a definite need and worked diligently to see this project through. Unfortunately, the challenge of finding a location has fallen on the group once more and we are actively seeking a new space.

As 2022 comes to an end and we start our plan ning for 2023, FSA hopes to continue to find inno vative and relevant services for people in Otsego County and the surrounding areas, to help individuals and families meet more of their basic needs while overcoming barriers that challenge their success and prevent them from moving forward. FSA is constantly looking for funding opportunities and new ways to raise and utilize funds.

FSA strives to work together with other commu nity organizations to assist people in meeting their own needs. We encourage people to contact us with any questions or visit our website or Facebook page for more information—Patricia Leonard, (607) 432-2870, pleonard@fsaoneontany.org or www. fsaoneontany.org.

Family Service Association was established in 1909 and is a private local non-profit human service agency. Funding is provided through grants, churches, national and local foundations, fundraising, and dona tions from the community. Programs are designed to assist area residents in meeting their own needs.

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

Tabor Academy Shines Spotlight on Cooperstown’s Bradley Weldon

Whether it be on the trails, on the track, or in the classroom, bradley Weldon ’23 brings levity, hard work and a positive attitude to every space she enters.

According to Weldon, running has been a big part of her Tabor experience.

“The cross country team was the first group of people I got close with my first year at Tabor. Through running, I have made and developed countless friendships that I will have for years to come,” she says.

Weldon is now competing in her final seasons as a Seawolf and is acting as a captain for the second year in a row. This role has been a rewarding experience, teaching her skills and values, like lead ership, accountability, and teamwork that she says have set her up for success after graduation.

bradley is every coach’s dream as an athlete. She is devoted and motivated, and one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever worked with. She cares so much about her running, but she also cares about the team’s experience as a whole,” says Jess Karis, cross country coach and science teacher.

“bradley leads with her incredible deter mination, but she also leads with her kind

ness, her joy, and her positivity. She always looks out for the other runners on the team, checking in with them about their own races, and bringing so many smiles and laughs to every practice and competition.”

The 2022 cross-country season has held no shortage of success for Weldon. coach Karis attributes this to Weldon’s focus and conviction, calling her an “incredible competitor with grit that you just can’t teach or coach.”

At buckingham browne & Nichols School on October 9, 2022, Weldon broke her personal record—a goal she had been working toward since summer. This accomplishment was extremely fulfilling, leaving Weldon jumping for joy.

“When I crossed that finish line, I was so exhausted I could hardly stand. but, when I heard the timing official call out ‘18:40,’ I felt like I was on top of the world,” says Weldon. “Hearing my result was such a gratifying moment because I set a goal, worked hard, and was experiencing all that hard work come to life.”

Her effort and triumph did not stop there, though. Weldon went on to earn 2nd place at the ISL [Independent School League] and New england cross country championships the following month—a personal highlight that Weldon admits she may never forget.

“The energy at big meets like these is

honestly an electric feeling. In distance running, as in most sports, you can train to be your best, but the key is being your best at the right moments,” continues Weldon. “Fortunately, I have had great coaches and teammates at Tabor, who have prepared me to be at my best in those important moments.”

Following the New england cross country championships, Weldon signed her National Letter of Intent to run for bucknell University next year. by Sippican

“Tabor cross country has meant so much to me. I am so fortunate to be part of something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” exclaims Weldon. “I can’t thank my coaches or teammates enough; you guys really are the best. I will miss everyone next year and wish them all the best. GO SeAWOLVeS!”

York Press Association.

Continued from page 1

both the Senate and Assembly—provides coun ties an opportunity to optout of the added days. Proponents of the bill argue that the Holiday Deer Hunt could have “signifi

cant economic impacts on rural communities and businesses” that “depend on revenue generated by activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, snow mobiling and farm-to-table operations,” which are less accessible during hunting season, according to the New

Regardless of this hunting debate, the task force’s report shows that deer populations in Otsego county have reached an unstable limit. Their management Policy offered smaller-scale suggestions to help mitigate associated

problems, such as land scaping with deer-resistant plantings, constructing eight-foot fencing, and distributing educational materials on the issue to city residents, empha sizing that it will doubtless require a community effort to address this issue.

Reprinted with permission from Tabor Academy mARION, mass.

Harbor, Pennsylvania, and beyond, Tabor Academy looks forward to cheering Weldon on whatever trails she may take.

Photo courtesy of Tabor Academy Bradley Weldon attends Tabor Academy, an independent preparatory school located in Marion, Mas sachusetts. She is the daughter of William and Jeanette Weldon of Cooperstown.

Of Leaves, and Finding Solice in Today’s World

Things are pretty much settled in for the winter up here on the hill. A few odds and ends remain to be attended to come spring. No matter, never possible to fit every thing in. Putting a place to bed bears a striking resem blance to getting something like an essay written. One never quite hits it square on the nose, but there comes a time to either send it in as-is or slip it into the file for another day. Perhaps it is true that nothing is ever finished. That is equally true of the noble goals upon which this country is founded. A work in progress always in need of some tweaking.

While raking leaves a few days ago and smooshing them into sheetrock buckets for transport to our upper vegetable garden, I thought of those halcyon days long ago when, of an afternoon, there were no chores to claim my time. I would leaf through old “Reader’s Digests,” particularly the “Life in these United States” section, which more often than not included vignettes of everyday occurrences in the lives of ordinary people. Many funny, some ironic, but always amusing and in many ways reassuring. More than anything, other peoples’ stories taught me how much each of us has in common. I always came away comforted.

The question, then, is this: Given our common humanity, how might each of us find ways of finding some solace despite the roiling cultural and political toxicity characterizing public life? The natural tension that has always existed between the individual and society is at as heightened a level of acrimony as it has ever been. There are no easy answers, but it seems to me step one is to live locally. That is, find ways of achieving a personal balance and sense of well-being despite the doomsday prognostications the media daily pummels us with. Ignoring reality is no cure. But staying away from ideologically motivated cable news and social media platforms is a good start. I have better things to do. Such as raking leaves and mulching garden beds.

By living locally I mean focusing on the self, family,

friends and community. Focusing on the self means doing those things that offer one content ment. Contentment is a lower bar and offers more longevity than happiness, which is ephemeral. Each of us passes through time differently. I read, work in the garden, take walks, write, travel a bit, and spend a great deal of time daydreaming. Others make furniture, refurbish cars, takes classes, etc. Finding ways of spending time with family is another and, if political viewpoints are at odds, best to focus on the many commonalities that override politics.

There is not much one can do about distasteful stuff at a distance, but there is much one can do close to home. I lean toward individual acts of conscience, however they take shape. I fervently believe that there is virtue in paying attention to alternate perspec tives, no matter how troubling they might seem. Plato advised long ago to always try to walk in another’s shoes to get the feel of their thinking. Seeking ways of understanding others is an essential tool if common ground is ever to be shared. There is no excuse for violence, not only because too many innocent people are hurt, but because it solves absolutely nothing. It never has.

Sitting here looking out my window, I find myself thinking of the plethora of lunacies that we seem to be facing more and more these days. Cruelty abounds. The philosopher Seneca warned us that “all cruelty springs from weakness.” That is all well and good, but what can an individual or a family or a community do about it? Sticking one’s head in the sand is certainly not the answer. But doing what one can to mollify and perhaps abate the rampant toxicity we face is to act otherwise, to make an effort to understand the way others feel, to make an effort to see how they see things. I believe that most of us occupy the middle ground and are equally appalled by the violence and meanness that abounds. Talking to one another is the answer, not fighting. Vilifying one another solves nothing.

contined from Page 1

tees. During winter, the members are busy designing their yearbook, which details ongoing projects as well as new initiatives, like this year’s “Curb Appeal” project. It involved adding three more flower beds along Main Street/Route 20. Combined with the seven ongoing projects the GCRS maintains, members of the club could be seen at all daylight hours tending the 10 areas during the months of the growing season. Fall means a continuation of the work, with cleanup as well as decoration of those areas.

The garden club also functions as a catalyst for collaboration among other civic organizations and businesses in the commu nity. The Chamber of Commerce contributes mightily, planting and maintaining dozens of flower boxes along Main Street and Route 28 west of the village. The Richfield Springs Central School also collaborates with the GCRS. The Junior Garden Project plants seeds, which become the plantings around the

flagpole at the Richfield Springs Central School. The village Department of Public Works partners with the garden club as it hangs wreaths decorated by GCRS members on all the streetlights in the village. Combined with the contri butions from James Jordan Associates, the number of tended green spaces in Richfield Springs has grown into the mid-teens.

Invigorated by their programs’ successes, the GCRS is now venturing into the grant world to build capacity for more beautifi cation. The first target area is the eastern gateway to the Village of Richfield Springs along Route 20, where a section of the municipal water supply is situated. Funds will be used to clear vegetation from an end of the pond to allow native species to thrive.

As towns across upstate New York seek to revi talize, organizations like the Garden Club of Richfield Springs play a critical role in the beautification of our communities. When you encounter a garden club member at their work, be sure to say thanks for your service!

OBITUARIES

Richard R. Card 1949-2022

HARTWICK—Richard

R. Card, 73, of Hartwick, New York, passed away December 2, 2022 at his

home surrounded by his loved ones after a long battle with cancer.

Richard was born on August 22, 1949, the son of Mildred and Garieth Card.

Richard was pre-

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

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

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

deceased by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and one brother-in-law.

Richard retired from SUNY Oneonta, New York after almost 30 years. He also retired from Milford Central School after that.

Richard was loved and cherished by his family. He is survived by his wife, Marion Card; four chil dren and their spouses, Tina and (Tom) Olivera, Raymond Clapper, Vickie and (Perry) Maraglio, and Rickie and (Corlissa) Card;

as well as 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters; and three sisters-in-law.

Richard was a private man who loved his family and his animals. He was a fan of Elvis and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.

To honor Richard’s memory, there will be a celebration of his life on December 11 from 1-4 p.m. at Creek Side Station, located at 3193 State Route 205, Hartwick. His family invites everyone who knew him to attend and remember his wonderful life.

Francis G. ‘Frank’ Slocum 1931-2022

UNADILLA—Francis G. “Frank” Slocum, 91 of Unadilla passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

Frank was born on May 26, 1931 in Oneonta to

Forrest and Helen (Becker) Slocum. Frank met Jean on a blind date and they married August 18, 1956 and moved to Unadilla. Jean predeceased him on February 8, 2021.

Frank was a retired machinist of Amphenol Corp. and drove school bus for Unadilla Central Schools. He was a 60-year member of the Unadilla Fire Department and Emergency Squad and captain of the Fire Police. He was the first recipient of the Otsego County EMS Driver of the Year Award in 1996 and Otsego County Fireman of the Year in 2007.

In 2008, he received a New York State Senate Volunteers of Valor Award from Senator James Seward. He was former vice president of the Otsego County Volunteer Fireman’s Association and the Tri-County Fireman’s Association. He received a Chamber of Commerce

Good Neighbor Award and was a trustee of Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla. Frank served his many friends and family as an assistant at both Westcott Funeral Home and WestcottMadden Funeral Home. Frank is survived by his two daughters and sonslaw, Lory and Patrick van Lieshout, Durhamville, and Catherine Slocum-Bell and Russell Rudes, Philadelphia, New York; five grandchil dren, Mark (Janelle) van Lieshout, Megan (Joshua) Vanderhoof, Jessica van Lieshout, Connor Bell and Marissa White, and Zachary Bell; two greatgrandchildren, Charlotte Vanderhoof and Vivian van Lieshout; and also several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Arthur and Robert Slocum.

Funeral Services will be held at the Unadilla Fire Station 72 Clifton Street Unadilla on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at noon. Rev. Roy Vandermark, his close friend, will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla.

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings.

Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

The family will receive friends at the WestcottMadden Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Unadilla on Saturday, December 10 from 2-6 p.m. Memorial contributions in memory of Frank may be made to: Unadilla Fire Department and Emergency Squad. Online condolences may be made at: www.wmad denfh.com.

RICHARD R. CARD

Photo provided

Margaret Goodrich and daughter, Sarah, at the Garden Club of Richfield Springs ‘ Christmas for Children Open House held on De cember 4.

LEGALS

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.m. on Thursday, January 05, 2023 at the NYSDOT, Office of contract management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1cm, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. bids may also be submitted via the internet us ing www.bidx.com.

A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form cONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

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

Amendments may have been is sued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

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

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

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.c 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, code of Federal Regula tions, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimina tion in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 code of Federal Regula tions, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Depart ment solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirma tively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged busi ness enterprises will be afforded full op portunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be dis criminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in

consideration for an award.

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

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

D264941, PIN 9m1023, FA Proj Y2409m10-233, broome, chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga cos., 2023 bridge Washing of 432 bridges, Regionwide, Night Time Work, bid Deposit: 5% of bid (~ $125,000.00), Goals: Dbe: 2.00%

2LegalDec.15

nOtice

LegaL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTIce IS HeRebY GIVeN that the board of Trustees of the Vil lage of cooperstown will hold the follow ing public hear ings in the Village Office building, 22 main Street, cooperstown, New York on monday, December 19th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the follow ing:

Proposed Local Law No. 9 of 2022- A Local Law Amend ing chapter § 27013 (b) Parking time limited in designated locations - to specify that 15-minute park ing restrictions are only in effect from 7 Am until 6 Pm daily.

Proposed Local Law No. 10 of 2022- A Local Law Amending chapter § 270-14 (G) (7) - Parking reserved in designated locationTrolley/bus/carriage stops: remove the following language: Parking is reserved Tuesday-Sunday 9am to 9pm from the Saturday prior to memorial Day to columbus Day as a horse-drawn carriage passenger boarding area on the south side of main Street west of chestnut Street in the first two parallel parking spaces west of the on-street angled parking. car riage operators must have a permit for the use of Village streets from the Village of cooperstown.

Any resident of the Village of cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said proposed applications at such public hearing. Dis abled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearings, or in fur nishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village clerk to request assistance.

Dated: December 6, 2022 by order of the Village board Village of cooperstown

Jenna L. Utter Village clerk Village of cooperstown 22 main Street cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooper stownny.org (email) LegaL nOtice

VOTERS OF OTSEGO COUNTY

Official Results of the: General election November 8, 2022

Porposal number one, a proposition Yes 11,477 No 9,358 GOVERNOR/LT. GOVERNOR Lee Zeldin/Alison esposito 13,255 Kathy c. Hochul/ Antonio Delgado 8,795 COMPTROLLER Paul Rodriguez 11,701 Thomas P. DiNapoli 9,980 ATTORNEY GENERAL michael Henry 12,441 Letitia A. James 9,272

UNITED STATES SENATOR Joe Pinion 12,042 charles e. Schumer 9,623 Diane Sare 148

REP IN CON GRESS, 19TH DIST marcus molinaro 6,850 Josh Riley 5,812 REP IN CON GRESS, 21ST DIST elise m. Stefanik 5,621 matt castelli 3,501 STATE SENATOR, 51ST DIST Peter K. Oberacker 13.316 eric ball 8,254

MEMBER OF AS SEMBLY, 101ST DIST brian m maher 2,598 matthew mackey 1,193 MEMBER OF AS SEMBLY, 102ND DIST christopher Tague 3,713 Nicholas S. chase 2,510 MEMBER OF AS SEMBLY, 121ST DIST Joe Angelino 1,640 MEMBER OF AS SEMBLY, 122ND DIST brian D. miller 4,932 Dan buttermann 4,216 colton mennig 230

SHERIFF Richard J. Devlin, Jr. 15,130

COUNTY CORONER christian Shaefer 14,292 David G. Delker 12,941 CITY OF ONEONTA COUNCIL MEM BER, WARD 8 (UNEXPIRED TERM) emily Falco 104

BURLINGTON COUNCIL MEM BER (UNEX PIRED TERM) Timothy J. Schorer 12 Neil A. Hourihan 10 Lisa baulch 6 Todd Hovick 5 Paula Wengert 1 Susan Gelatt 1 Denyse Ruffles 1 Jay Lyons 1

BUTTERNUTS TOWN CLERK (UNEXPIRED TERM)

Lucy J. Richards 553

EXETER COUN CIL MEMBER (UNEXPIRED TERM) David A. Arkema 10 brent G. buell 1 LAURENS COUN CIL MEMBER (UNEXPIRED TERM)

carl R. Schidzick 316 OTEGO TOWN JUSTICE Jack cerar 798 Thomas Kolberg 775

PLAINFIELD COUNCIL MEM BER (UNEX PIRED TERM) mark e. Stillwell 308

RICHFIELD TOWN JUSTICE Robert Joseph Woodrow 672

WORCESTER TOWN SUPER VISOR (UNEX PIRED TERM) Jeffery e. Wilcox 688

WORCESTER TOWN JUSTICE brian Keenan 52 Adam Stoutenberg 1 eric burton 1 Keebler 1

WORCESTER COUNCIL MEM BER (UNEX PIRED TERM) brendon Ralph 631

Otsego county board of elections 140 co Hwy 33W, Ste 2 cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-4247 www.voteotsego. com

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF brooks’ Roost, LLc

Articles of Or ganization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/28/22. The office of the LLc is to be located in Otsego county.

The Secretary of State has been des ignated as agent of the LLc upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLc served upon it to: The LLc, 5560 State Highway 7, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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

6LegalJan.12

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF TRUcK RecORDS LLc

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/2022.

Office loc: Otsego county. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLc may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 10 Davis Dr Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any Law ful Purpose.

6LegalJan.12

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: mLD Dermatology, PLLc (the “company”).

The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the company with the Secretary of State was November 21, 2022.

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

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

shall mail a copy of any process against the company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: christopher L. Roma, 80 exchange Street, Ste 700, binghamton, NY 13901.

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

6LegalJan.12

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SAS 237 LLc

Articles of Organi zation filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/30/2022

Office: Otsego county SSNY has been des ignated as the LLc’s agent upon whom process against it may be served

A copy of process should be mailed to the LLc at: 16 Lakeview Drive S cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: all lawful.

6LegalJan.5 LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: 19 GLeN LLc

Articles of Orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 17 November 2022.

Office location: Otsego county. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLc upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 130 chestnut St, Apt 1R, cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalJan.5 LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

mANOR HOUSe FARmS ReNTALS LLc

Articles of Orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 November 2022.

Office location: Otsego county. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLc upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 115 central Park West, Apt 16D, New York, NY 10023.

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

6LegalJan.5

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: AKUmeL, LLc

Articles of Orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 November 2022.

Office location: Otsego county. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLc upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process

to 15 South St, cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalJan.5

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF by The books consulting, LLc Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/2/22.

Office location: Otsego county. SSNY designated as agent of LLc upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Karen Kropp, 153 county Highway 58, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalDec.29

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF exotic Smoke & Snacks, LLc

Filed 10/20/22. cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 389 chestnut St, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalDec.29

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NAme: LTb GcP consulting LLc, Articles of Orga nization were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 11/09/2022.

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

Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF metals-n-Petals, LLc

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/9/22. Office in Otsego co. SSNY desig. agent of LLc whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 263 county Highway 21, West Winfield, NY 13491.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 49 Susquehanna LLc

Filed 8/10/22

Office: Otsego co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 46 elm Street, cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Vintage Giraffe LLc

Filed 8/1/22

Office: Otsego co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 54 State Highway 357,

Unadilla, NY 13849 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF JHAK SPAce Tc, LLc

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

The office of the LLc is to be located in Otsego county.

The Secretary of State has been des ignated as agent of the LLc upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLc served upon him to: The LLc, 1700 York Ave., 1P, NY, NY 10128.

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

6LegalDec.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

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

The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the company with the Secretary of State was November 1, 2022.

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

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

Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: christopher L. Roma, 80 exchange Street, Ste. 700, binghamton, NY 13901.

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

6LegalDec.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: Twelve black cats, LLc (the “company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the company with the Secretary of State was November 1, 2022.

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

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company, to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: christopher L. Roma, 80 exchange Street, Ste. 700, binghamton, NY 13901.

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

6LegalDec.15

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 cJP Homes LLc

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

3. The county within the State of New York in which the principal office of the LLc is located is Otsego.

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

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

6LegalDec.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTIce OF ORGANIZATION OF LImITeD LIAbILITY cOmPANY

FIRST: The name of the Limited Li ability company is colmena Acres LLc (hereinafter referred to as the “com pany”). SECOND: The Ar ticles of Organiza tion of the company were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on October 26, 2022.

THIRD: The county within New York in which the office of the com pany is to be located is Otsego.

FOURTH: The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process against the company may be served. The post office address to which the Secre tary of State shall mail process is c/o LLc, P.O. box 328, cooperstown, New York 13326

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

6LegalDec.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: Golden Ridge Growers, LLc

Articles of Orga nization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) 08/24/2022. county: Otsego. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLc upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 405 Jumps Rd, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalDec.15

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Name of LLC:

mOTORSPORTS mADNeSS SUP PLY cOmPANY LLc

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

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

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

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Name of LLC: UPSTATe bAGGeD Ice LLc Date of filing of Articles of Orga nization with the NY Department of State: October 25, 2022 Office of the LLC: Otsego county The New York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom the process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLc at: michael Anzelone or Lowell Wilsey 3641 State Highway 205 Hartwick, New York 13348.

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

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 61 eLm ONeONTA, LLc Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/18/22.

Office: Otsego county. SSNY designated as agent of the LLc upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLc, 1055 Franklin Avenue, Suite 206, Garden city, NY 11530.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.8

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Stop & Drop Dog Toilet LLc

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

Off. in Otsego co. cert of Form filed w/ SSDe 10/18/22.

SSNY desig. as agt. of LLc whom pro cess may be served & shall mail process to the LLc, PO box 71, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Add. maintained in De: c/o Accumera LLc, 3500 S. Dupont Hwy, Dover, De 19901. Name & add. of auth. officer in De where cert of Form filed: SSDe, Div. of corp, 401 Federal St, Ste. 4, Dover, De 19901. Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.8

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Stop-In Smoke, LLc

Filed 10/6/22. cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 5831 St Hwy 7, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalDec.8

Fred McGriff Unanimously Elected to BBHoF

Five-Time All-Star Will Be Inducted in Cooperstown July 23

SAN DIeGO

ive-time All-Star and 1995 World champion Fred mcGriff earned election to the National baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, December 4 via the contemporary baseball era committee process.

mcGriff was the only candidate elected from the contemporary baseball era committee Players ballot, which was considered by a 16-member committee that held meetings in San Diego. The eight-person ballot was comprised of candidates whose primary contribu tion to the game came from 1980 to the present.

mcGriff was named on all 16 ballots as the only candidate to reach the 75percent threshold necessary for election.

mcGriff, 59, will be joined in the Hall of Fame class of 2023 by any electees who emerge from the baseball Writers’ Association of America voting, which will be announced on Tuesday, January 24.

mcGriff played 19 seasons with the blue Jays, Padres, braves, Devil Rays, cubs and Dodgers from 1986-2004, earning five All-Star Game selections at first base. He reached the 30-homer mark in 10 seasons, becoming the first player in history to hit 30or-more home runs with five different franchises. The 1994 All-Star Game mVP and one of the leaders of the 1995 braves team that won the World Series, mcGriff totaled 493 home runs and eight 100-RbI campaigns, finishing in the Top 10 of his league’s most Valuable Player Award voting six times. mcGriff

led his league in homers twice while compiling a .377 career on-base percentage.

The 16-member Hall of Fame board-appointed electorate charged with the review of the contemporary baseball era Players ballot was comprised of Hall of Fame members Greg maddux, Jack morris, Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith, Frank Thomas, and Alan Trammell; major league executives Paul beeston, Theo epstein, Derrick Hall, Arte moreno, Kim Ng, Dave St. Peter, and Ken Williams; and veteran media members/historians Steve Hirdt, LaVelle Neal, and Susan Slusser. Hall of Fame chairman of the board Jane Forbes clark served as the non-voting chairman of the contemporary baseball era committee.

chipper Jones was

originally scheduled to be a member of the contemporary baseball committee but was replaced by the Hall after being diag nosed with cOVID-19.

Results of the contemporary baseball era Players ballot (12 votes needed for election): Fred mcGriff (16 votes, 100 percent); Don mattingly (8 votes, 50 percent); curt Schilling (7 votes, 43.8 percent); Dale murphy (6 votes, 37.5 percent); Albert belle, barry bonds, Roger clemens and Rafael Palmeiro each received less than four votes.

The contemporary baseball era committee will next consider player candidates in 2025 for the 2026 Induction year, as part of the three-year era committee cycle. The contemporary baseball era committee executives/

managers/Umpires ballot will be considered in the winter of 2023 for the class of 2024, and the classic era committee will consider candidates whose primary contributions to the game came prior to 1980 in the winter of 2024 for the class of 2025. committees are annually scheduled to convene at the Winter meetings.

The eight contemporary baseball era Players committee finalists were selected by the baseball Writers’ Association of America-appointed Historical Overview committee from all eligible candidates whose most significant career impact was realized from 1980 to the present. eligible candi dates include players who played in at least 10 major league seasons, who have been retired for at least 15 seasons and who are not on major League baseball’s ineligible list.

Hall of Fame Weekend 2023 will be held July 2124 in cooperstown, with the Induction ceremony slated for Sunday, July 23, 2023. The bbWAA election results will be announced at 6 p.m. eT on Tuesday, January 24, on mLb Network.

Also this week, two Hall of Fame award winners will be announced, with the bbWAA selecting its annual career excellence Award winner on Tuesday, December 6, for meri torious contributions to baseball writing. On Wednesday, December 7, the museum will announce the 2023 Ford c. Frick Award winner, given for excellence in baseball broadcasting.

Give Thanks by Donating Blood or Platelets

OTSeGO cOUNTY

As many reflect on the upcoming holiday celebra tions with family and friends, the American Red cross urges donors to shake up their holiday traditions and plan a time to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks.

blood and platelet dona tions tend to drop more than 20 percent during holiday weeks. Seasonal illness and the threat of winter weather can add more concern

during a time of year that is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply.

Thanks to a partner ship with Amazon, donors who give blood through December 15 may be eligible to receive a $10.00 gift card via e-mail.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Otsego county are:

• cooperstown December 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the clark Sports center, 124 county Highway 52

Community Solar Program Seeks Otsego County Participants

Otsego county is seeking residents interested in reducing their electric bill by connecting to an offsite solar energy provider. This is part of a New York State energy Research and Development Authority program to promote community solar. Otsego county Planning and Solid Waste, in collaboration with energy Smart Otsego county, is administering the program here in Otsego county.

community Solar is a system whereby residents (renters, owners, etc.) can save money on their elec tric bill by subscribing to a solar energy provider at an offsite location in the area.

Residents keep their current electric utility and

earn credit toward their monthly electric bill. The savings are based on how much energy is generated by your community solar project.

call (607) 547-4225 for more information.

• Gilbertsville December 12 from 1-6 p.m. at christ episcopal church, marion Avenue/ State Route 51

• Richfield Springs December 12 from 2:306:30 p.m. at the Richfield Springs community center, 6 Ann Street

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of iden tification are required at check-in. Individuals who

are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High-school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Those interested can book a time to give blood or platelets at redcrossblood.org or by calling (800) 733-2767.

Great Otsego Light Trail Switches On

by TeD mebUST OTSeGO cOUNTY

With end-of-year holidays around the corner and Santa claus making appear ances countywide, locals are warming to the season’s festivities. To add to the list of anticipated events this December, Otsego county welcomes back The Great Otsego Light Trail.

Started in November 2019 by LeAF, an area nonprofit health and safety organization, The Great Otsego Light Trail maps a county-wide outline of the best light shows on display this holiday season.

“The idea for the light trail started when I began to see people posting beau tiful light displays from around our communities on Facebook,” said Julie Dostal, LeAF executive director. “I had heard of light trails in other areas and began to wonder if

anyone was keeping a list of displays. After searching and asking around, I didn’t find one, so I thought, ‘how hard could it be?’”

m ade up of mostly resi dential homes, the map currently includes over 27 locations, though submis sions are accepted and open through c hristmas this year. Locations on the map range from as far south as Unadilla to Schuyler Lake at the coun ty’s northern end.

This year’s theme is “celebrate Safely,” which reminds drivers to be safe and sober when enjoying the display, emphasizing the event’s taking place during National Impaired Driving Prevention month.

For more informa tion on this year’s Great Otsego Light Trail, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ GreatOtsegoLightTrail or the map at https://tinyurl. com/2gbz8z9m

Photo provided

FRED McGRIFF

Photo by caitlin breier

The Richfield Springs tree lighting ceremony in the Spring Park was held on Sunday, December 4.

Fame from Little Falls while passing along the erie canal, he’s had a long-time fascination with the game. Now, he’s been recognized with one of its most distinc tive badges—a Topps Allen & Ginter baseball card.

“About 30 minutes following the release of the “New York Times” article, [chronicling his canoe adventure] a Topps repre sentative reached out to me,” said moore.

Allen & Ginter cards have historically high lighted the country’s most interesting, successful and peculiar—for more than 100 years. beginning in 1887 as cigarette trading cards, these collectables depicted oddities, spec tacles and celebrities of all types. Resurrected in 2006 by Topps, annual collec tions have since continued the original tradition.

“There’s all these rari ties,” said moore of the sets. “You have the weird and the wild and everything in between. It’s just fun.”

Their latest issue features multiple Neal moore cards, a small number of which bear his signature.

“About 300 of them are in blue ink, then there are red signatures, and there are 10 of those. The rarest of them are the black ink, and I believe there are five of those,” said moore.

Following his river adventures, moore has returned to Taipei, Taiwan

for the first time since the pandemic, having worked there and in cape Town, South Africa as a teacher for years prior. He is also crafting a narrative account of his travels throughout the United States and giving speeches about his journey. He plans to visit Harvard’s Travelers club next month, joining a historical list of speakers including Theodore Roosevelt and edmund Hillary.

Though moore will need time to plan, his next venture, he says, might involve another transcontinental trek—this time in the heart of South Asia. The Grand Trunk Road, or

“the river of life” according to Rudyard Kipling, spans four capital cities of the region and has facilitated cultural diffusion for centu ries. While such sights are reason enough to visit, moore believes the greatest memories from his adven tures have been with the people he encountered.

“The people and their way of life and what they have to tell us is valuable. To step into something great during your lifetime, be it the Grand Trunk Road or the baseball Hall of Fame, it attaches you to a piece of history. It’s exciting to learn from people.”

C elebrate the Spirit of C hristmas

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

This tradition dates back to 1921 with the creation of The Freeman’s Journal Christmas Fund by Editor & Publisher, Rowan D. Spraker Sr., as a way for neighbors to help others enjoy a happy holiday. This is the 101st year of this communi ty tradition. The Salvation Army has gathered the Christmas wish lists, grouped by family.

FAMILY#12

Help Santa, be an angel!

Girl, age 11, size 12/14, shoe size 12: violin stuff, arts and crafts, dress clothes.

Boy, age 9, size 10, shoe size

5: soccer, RC cars, arts and crafts, Pokémon.

Boy, age 6, size 6, shoe size

13: soccer, winter clothes, superheroes, Legos.

Boy, age 7, size 7, shoe size

1: books, legos, superhe roes.

Boy, age 4, size 4, shoe size 13: legos, stuffed animals, soccer, learning toys.

FAMILY #13 Girl, age 4, size 4, shoe size 13: baby dolls, Barbie’s, coloring books.

Boy, age 2, size 2T, shoe size 10: learning toys, noisy toys.

Girl, age 6, size 5: learning toys, diapers.

Boy, age 2, size 2: appro priate toys, diapers.

FAMILY #15 Girl, age 8, size 12/14, shoe size 4: Barbie’s, crafts, journals, pens.

Boy, age 10, size 10/12, shoe size 5: cars, nerf guns, PS4 games.

Gifts should be both new and unwrapped (price tags removed please), and received no later than December 9 (to allow the elves time for wrapping and loading). Gifts may be dropped off at the offices of The Freeman’s Journal, 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, or at the Salvation Army Chapel, 25 River Street, Oneonta.

Questions? Call Santa’s elf Larissa at 607-547-6103, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or e-mail ads@allotsego.com.

what’s fun in

BEST BETS

Renowned Portrait Artist Brings Photo Exhibit to Richfield Springs

by TeD mebUST RIcHFIeLD SPRINGS

After two years of living in Otsego county, Dmitri Kasterine, a photographer whose work hangs in both the Smithsonian and London’s National Portrait Gallery, is opening a free exhibit of his work to the surrounding community. Located at 1441 county Highway 23 in Richfield Springs, the event will feature a vast portrait collec tion from throughout the artist’s career— subjects ranging from Queen elizabeth II to Jean michel basquiat—on Saturday, December 10 from 5-7 p.m.

Kasterine’s career brought him in contact with numerous cultural icons of the previous century, especially while living in New York city during the 1980s, where he admitted the artists were “much more accessible” than today.

Originally from england, he also spent over two decades in Newburgh, New York, where he crafted an intimate photographic account of how the town’s declining economy has affected locals.

“I love taking photographs, particularly of everyday people,” said Kasterine, who prefers a Nikon to an iPhone camera. The “subject and the way the photo is taken,”

he explained, “have to be more outstanding than ever” given the prevalence of portraittaking devices today.

Saturday’s event will display works on subjects from Kasterine’s travels in Venice, artists, musicians and writers he’s met along the way.

Learn more about Kasterine’s career and upcoming exhibition at kasterine.com.

For visits after December 10, schedule a time with ckasterine@gmail.com.

AllOTSeGO. dining&entertainment

Photo by Neal moore

Neal Moore Topps Allen & Ginter baseball card.

Photo by Dmitri Kasterine

Queen Elizabeth II is just one of the famous person alities photographed by Kasterine.

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty what’s fun

►Thursday, dec. 8

MINI JOB FAIR 4-6 p.m. Get together your resume, cover letter and professional attire for this job fair featuring employers from Otsego, Dela ware and Chenango counties. Held by the NY Department of Labor at the Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-4800 ext. 125.

HOLIDAY PARADE—5 p.m. Get into your holiday finery and welcome Santa Claus to Oneonta at the holiday pa rade. Followed by tree lighting and other holiday festivities. Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 376-7599.

SANTA VISIT 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring the kids to visit Santa and tell him what they want most this Christmas. Santa’s Cottage, Muller Plaza, Oneonta. (607) 376-7599. Or visit 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 12/10; 5-7 p.m. on 12/16; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 12/17; and 5-7 p.m. on 12/23.

TREE LIGHTING 5:307:30 p.m. Celebrate the lighting of the Oneonta Christmas tree (at 6 p.m.). Includes horsedrawn carriage rides, Nutcraker Dancers in the windows of downtown businesses and much more. Muller Plaza, Oneonta. (607) 376-7599.

►Friday, dec. 9

WALKING CLUB 10:3011:30 a.m. All are invited to walk on the gym floor and track with friends old and new while listening to music from the 60s & 70s. Free to those aged 62+. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800. Also held 12/12, 12/16, 12/19, 12/23, 12/26 and 12/30.

NATURE GROUP—Noon to 2 p.m. Learn about the nature that lives in a city park with Otsego County Conservation Association Educator Shelby MacLeish. Explore surround ings, play nature games, and work to identify the plants and animals that are found in the winter park. Designed for homeschooled children but open to all. Free. Held in Neahwa Park, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 547-4488 or visit oc cainfo.org

VISIT WITH SANTA 35 p.m. Visit with Santa in Cooperstown to tell him all about your Christmas wist list. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. Or visit 24 p.m. on 12/10; 3-5 p.m. on 12/13; 3-5 p.m. on 12/15; 35 p.m. on 12/16; 2-4 p.m. on 12/17; 2-4 p.m. on 12/18; 3-5 p.m. on 12/20; 3-5 p.m. on 12/22; and 3-5 p.m. on 12/23.

CABARET 6:30-9 p.m. Enjoy an evening of fun, music, dancing and holiday cheer with the Stan Fox Trio. This FUNdraiser is to sup port the community activities held at Foothills. Party is in the Production Center of The Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 or visit foothill spac.org

►s aTurday, dec. 10

INVASIVE SPECIES 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how you can search for and document the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, an invasive species threatening our hemlock forests and eco system. Training indoors and

outdoors with Otsego County Conservation Association at Mohican Farm, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488 or visit otse gooutdoors.org

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy delicious breakfast in a beau tifully decorated museum featuring pancakes with local maple syrup, bacon, eggs, sausages, coffee, tea, orange juice, and hot chocolate. Admission is $12/adult, $10/ child. This 12th annual holi day breakfast is held in the 20th-century dining room at the Van Alstyne Homestead, 42 Moyer Street, Canajoharie, Visit facebook.com/VanAl styneHomestead/

Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 432-4401. Also visit the same hours on 12/11, 12/17 and 12/18.

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Noon to 5 p.m. Otsego County residents are invited for an afternoon of holiday fun featuring a holiday craft area at 1 p.m. and then a perfor mance from the Pathfinder Village Bell Choir at 2 p.m. in the Plaque Gallery on the first floor. Admission is by a dona tion of five non-perishable, healthy food items to sup port the Cooperstown Food Pantry or an unwrapped toy to be donated to Opportuni ties for Otsego. Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7200 or visit baseball hall.org

wassail around the bonfire on the Tavern Green. Music and performances will be held throughout the day. Tickets, $15/adult. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450 or visit farmers museum.org

CHRISTMAS STROLL 15 p.m. Join the Christmas Stroll House Tour for a walk around eight historic homes of Franklin, as well as the Franklin Railroad and Com munity Museum. Tickets are $10/person or $15/couple and are available at the Yokel Restaurant, 458 Main Street, Franklin. (607) 386-1369.

the 20th century, including Queen Elizabeth II, Mick Jag er, James Baldwin and many more. Opening will be hosted by Kasterine and will include conversation, food and wine (21+). Dmitri Kasterine Photography Gallery, 1441 County Highway 23, Schuyler Lake.

HOLIDAY PARTY 6 p.m. Join the Sharon Historical Society for their Mingle & Jingle holiday party, featuring raffles, Santa, entertainment, and much more. Held at the American Hotel, 192 Main Street, Sharon Springs.

►Monday, dec. 12

water to stay hydrated, and be aware of your level of fitness. Contact hike leader for more information. This week’s hike will be at the Susquehanna Greenway Trail, Silas Lane, Oneonta, with hike leaders Bill and Kathy Holmstrom. (607) 988-7180 or visit susqadk.org

WRITING GROUP—6:30 p.m. Bring your notebooks, pens/pencils and be ready to share your writing in a sup portive writing group. Spring field Library, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield. (315) 858-5802.

►Wednesday, dec. 14

EXHIBIT PREVIEW—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get an early look at the upcoming exhibit, “Kel ley’s Carved Quiet Convoy,” featuring a visual surround of crude or refined painted trucks carved in the 1940s1990s by acclaimed Oneonta farmer folk artist Lavern Kelley. Also find hand-painted Kenyan keychain ornaments for sale to support the Mu kuru Art Collective. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP—11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn to make unique gifts for your loved ones in this paper marbling workshop. Learn to float paints on water and transfer the design to a scarf, hat, or ornament to make a memora ble gift for the holiday season. Registration required. Tickets, $75/person. Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street, Stam ford. (607) 214-6040.

SANTA VISIT—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring the kids to visit with Santa and get the holiday shopping done at the

OPERA 12:55 p.m. View a live performance of the Metropolitan Opera, stream ing live in Oneonta. This week the Met presents “The Hours,” based on the novel inspired by Virginia Wolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.” The story follows three women as they grapple with their inner de mons and their role in society. Cost, $20/adult. Lunch avail able for purchase separately from Soda Jerks. Showing at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. 607-431-2080 or visit foothill spac.org

CANDLELIGHT EVENING 1-7 p.m. Bring the kids for the explanded Candlelight Eve ning, featuring holiday crafts, a visit from St. Nick, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” The museum is decorated for the season with holiday greenery and aglow with luminaries. Take a ride through the grounds on the horse-drawn sleigh with jingle bells and warm up with a cup of complimentary

SANTA VISIT 4:30 p.m. Come to the library to visit with Santa and tell him your Christmas list. Includes a crafting table, cookies and more. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chesnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

OPENING RECEPTION 57 p.m. Celebrate opening of new gallery by Dmitri Kasterine, whose photogra phy has captured a startling number of cultural icons from

SENIOR MEALS—Noon. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompany ing a senior. Enjoy pork and mushroom stew with biscuit, seasoned rice, and pud ding. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Gen esee Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 547-6454. Or enjoy a Christmas Dinner at Noon on 12/14 of stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, peas with pearl onions, a din ner roll and apple pie.

►Tuesday, dec. 13

COMMUNITY HIKE—9:45 a.m. The community is invited for a group hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Please bring appropriate clothing, gear, and enough

GIFT WRAPPING—5-7 p.m. Come out to the library to get the gifts wrapped away from prying eyes with some unique holiday paper. Paper and supplies provided; donations welcome. Village Library of Cooperstown. (607) 5478344.

►Thursday, dec. 15

BOOKMOBILE—9:15-9:40 a.m. Pick up a book or DVD from the 4 County Library System mobile library. Town Hall, West Oneonta. (607) 723-8236 ext. 322

BEEKEEPING 7-9 p.m. Monthly meeting of the Leatherstocking Beekeep ers Association open to all to learn about beekeeping and share their experiences. Hosted at The Farmers’ Mu seum, Cooperstown.

The VanHornesville Community Corporation and the Catskill Conservatory present the annual Richard and Janet Nevins Young Millpond Community Center Rt. 80, VanHornesvill, New York FREE AND OPEN TO ALL