The Freeman's Journal 12-22-22

Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Former OHS Hooper Returns to Oneonta

By TED MEBUST

ONEONTA

Anytime I get on the court, I’m happy,” said Graham Wooden, a former Section 4 basketball star for Oneonta High School. After recently transferring to SUNY Oneonta from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania this fall, he has hit the ground running.

“We’re happy to have him in the program,” said Red Dragons coach Cameron Conover. According to Conover, SUNY Oneonta had been recruiting Wooden during his time at OHS, telling the 5’11” guard he was always welcome to come play despite choosing Mansfield.

Wooden missed his first college season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience he described as “tough and unfortunate,” though recognizing the struggles of friends and family during that period provided him some perspective in retrospect.

After the canceled season, Wooden picked up his career in the Mansfield Mountaineers’ 2021-22 campaign, where he averaged 9.4 minutes of play and 3.1 points per game.

Hall of Fame Honors Long-Tenured Staff Members

COOPERSTOWN—Eight staff members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum were honored on Monday, December 12 for reaching service milestones in an event hosted by Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark and President Josh Rawitch. The eight staff members and their years of service are: Becky Ashe, administrative and events associate, 35 years; Helen Stiles, senior acquisition and cataloging specialist, 35 years; Rick Kelly, security manager, 30 years; Milo Stewart Jr., staff photographer, 30 years; Evan Chase, director of security and facilities, 20 years; Chris Burditt, facilities manager, 20 years; Claudette Scrafford, manuscript archivist, 20 years; and Diane Adams, museum store manager, 15 years.

Killdeer Trio, An Otsego Original, Finding Its Groove

By IAN KENYON OTSEGO COUNTY

For Wyatt Ambrose, Sebastian Green and Evan Jagels, 2022

► letters to the editor: springbrook’s $33 million dollar grant;

is a year nearly a decade in the making. In May, the trio—now officially the “Killdeer Trio”—sat down for their first rehearsal with the intent to perform as a band. Their debut performance followed in less than a month and since then has propelled Ambrose, Green and Jagels, all Otsego County residents, into back-to-back performances throughout the area.

“This group would not have been possible without the long-familiar chemistry and shared perspective between us,” Ambrose explained.

While identifying as a jazz trio, Killdeer Trio (coined by Green) concurrently leaves room for interpretation and adaptation.

“’Killdeer Trio’ could sound like a jazz trio or a disgruntled punk band and we enjoy this subtle artistic ambiguity,” Ambrose elaborated.

The embrace of creative

versatility extends far beyond the band’s name and deep into Killdeer’s approach to musical composition, with equal focus on cohesion and improvisation.

All compositions created, recorded, and performed are exclusively original, guided through a collaborative approach between all three musicians on arrangement and interpretation.

“For me, the inspiration is to create a situation where I

can blend all of my musical influences into a cohesive sound rather than trying to fit into a specific musical style. We all want to have a group where we can let the music flow naturally and make that music as honest as possible,” Ambrose added.

Jagels explained, “In the jazz tradition, a heavy focus is placed on improvisation and jazz is the most

“It was nice being back on the court. I definitely didn’t take it for granted and met some great people,” Wooden said of his time in Pennsylvania before deciding to transfer. “What it came down to was, academically, I wanted to change my major to exercise science,” a 122 credit-hour course of study at SUNY Oneonta which he aimed to pursue after predominantly taking biology coursework at Mansfield.

Wooden recently put his academic interests into action, helping create and implement an exercise program, the “Little Red Dragons,” for area children at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. The pilot program helped exercise science majors further skills in human growth and motor development.

Since making the move to Oneonta, Wooden is averaging 26.7 minutes of play and 11.5 points per game. Described Continued on page 10

Fly Creek Fire District Elects New Commissioners

By CASPAR EWIG

FLY CREEK

Keith Dickinson, Sam Hoskins and Edward Kukenberger emerged as winners in a hotly contested election on Tuesday, December 13 for three seats on the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Fly Creek Fire District. Dickinson defeated Joan Kegelman, the sitting appointed chairman, for a full five-year term. Hoskins, who ran unopposed, will fill a vacant seat for a three-year term, and Kukenberger will rejoin the board for a oneyear term, having defeated challenger Kevin Green.

The three winning candidates will join Christine Voulo and Betty Staffin, who are currently serving five-year terms.

In addition, voters rejected five separate propositions. Four of the propositions requested voters to ratify board resolutions which had been passed the week prior to the election. These resolutions sought to establish multiple reserve funds to cover the purchase, maintenance, and repair of various fire department equipment and buildings. The fifth defeated proposition was to ratify a board resolution of November 10

Photo by Jon Shestakofsky/National Baseball Hall of Fame

From left, Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark, Rick Kelly, Chris Burditt, Milo Stewart Jr., Diane Adams, Claudette Scrafford, Evan Chase, Becky Ashe, Helen Stiles and Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch.

Photo provided

Sebastian Green, Wyatt Ambrose and Evan Jagels.

ONEONTA

Hill City Celebrations, formerly known as First Night Oneonta, commenced its third annual Festival of Lights in Neahwa Park on December 18, preceded by an opening ceremony to celebrate this year’s festival honorees, retired A.O. Fox Hospital providers Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo and Physician’s Assistant Lynne Bolstad.

The reception, which took place just before sundown ahead of the festival lighting, celebrated Matsuo and Bolstad, longtime and beloved community practitio-

ners who served the greater Oneonta area for nearly 40 years. Remarks were offered by Mayor Mark Drnek and family physician Dr. Benjamin Friedell, among others.

“Since 1996, the First Night Oneonta Board has offered safe and fun entertainment and programming to promote togetherness,” said Drnek. “As a former and founding member of this board, I am so proud of the way their yearly festivities have evolved over the decades. The Festival of Lights is only starting its third season, but it’s already a beloved and well-rooted Oneonta tradition. As we honor Dr. Matsuo

and Lynne Bolstad and their tremendous legacy of care, I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the season of giving in Oneonta, a very special place to live.”

“To be a member of the Fox Family is a privilege,” said Dr. Friedell. “Dr. Matsuo and Lynne have been amazing colleagues to me and the other members of Fox’s medical staff for decades. I am honored to stand here this evening and thank them for their service to this community. Their grace and excellence are an example to us all.”

The Festival of Lights will run every night until January 1, 2023. Admission is

free and all are welcome to drive through Neahwa Park to enjoy nearly 50 light displays from area organizations and businesses.

On December 31, Hill City Celebrations’ New Year’s Eve returns to the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, offering free entertainment and refreshments for the whole family from 5-8 p.m. Both events are being made possible by generous donations from many local businesses and individuals.

For more information, visit www.firstnightoneonta.com.

Is There a Santa Claus?

In 1897, “The Sun,” a New York newspaper, published one of the most famous editorials in journalism. Written by Francis Pharcellus Church, it was in answer to a letter written by an 8year-old girl who was not satisfied by answers given her by her family and friends to her question—one that remains to this day on the inquisitive minds of many children—Is there a Santa Claus?

“We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

‘Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.

‘Some of my little friends say there is no Santa claus.

‘Papa says “If you see it in The Sun it’s so.”

‘Please tell me the truth: is there a Santa claus?

Virginia

dr riCHard SterNBerG

Thermal Nuclear Fusion: A Christmas Hope

The most important news item of the 21st century occurred on Tuesday, December 13. It was not about the war in Ukraine. It was not about the U.S. political crisis or political crises anywhere else in the world. It had nothing to do with the ongoing three-year pandemic that we’ve gone through and which is now being exacerbated by epidemics of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other diseases. The most important news item of the 21st century was the announcement by the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in california of the ability to create a thermal nuclear fusion reaction that generated more energy than it took to initiate it.

the radiation and because of the chemical properties of the elements left behind.

Fusion creates energy by forcing together two atoms of hydrogen in the form of deuterium or tritium, which are isotopes of basic hydrogen, thereby creating a helium atom with the release of energy. Isotopes are forms of an element that have more neutrons in their nuclei than the primary atoms of these elements.

the process is possible.

O’Hanlon

115 West Ninety-Fifth Street’

“Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

“Not believe in Santa claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on christmas Eve to catch Santa claus, but even if they did not see Santa claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

“You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

“No Santa claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

Ho Ho Ho — Merry christmas to all!

Allowing for the fact that there was additional energy needed to set up the experiment, the importance is that the actual reaction produced more energy than went into starting it.

The atomic bombs used in World War II and all current nuclear power plants, whether producing energy for commercial distribution or scientific and government purposes, are fission reactors. These rely on the splitting of radioactive materials to produce energy. These leave large amounts of radioactive waste, or fall-out, which are dangerously toxic both because of

Springbrook Thanks County for its Help

On November 15, New York State announced more than $33 million in community Development block Grant funding, awarded to dozens of municipalities for local infrastructure improvement and housing rehabilitation projects. Otsego county and Springbrook applied for and received a $300,000.00 grant for cDbG funds which will go toward the development and implementation of safety fencing around the perimeter of the main campus, the location of The School at Springbrook and residential units for the school and campus. The cDbG grants—designed to help communities provide affordable housing and safe living environments, primarily for low- and moderate-income residents—will improve safety and enhance the quality of life of those on campus.

This project, which has an estimated cost of over $400,000.00, will directly provide the safety and well-being of children and young adults with developmental disabilities attending The School at Springbrook, and several adults who reside on campus. Resident students and adults on the main campus have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, that may put them at risk of elopement or wandering. Springbrook has invested in technology-based improvements to access controls and alarms, but a physical boundary will prevent future risks.

When I had my epiphany about the importance of this news I thought that not very many other people would agree with me. I was very mistaken. Not only did many of my college classmates who trained as scientists and engineers think this way, I have found that many lay people also recognized the same.

Ever since scientists developed the hydrogen bomb—which is an uncontrolled fusion reaction device—70 years ago, they have dreamed of harnessing the energy produced in a controlled manner. This has proven very elusive and, until now, unobtainable. The experiment announced by no means solves all or even many of the problems related to developing controlled nuclear fission, but it is the major first step. It proves that

Why is this as important as I believe? Simply put, the earth is running out of easily obtained energy, fossil fuels. current nuclear energy produces byproducts that are highly dangerous and have to be stored. Obtaining the raw material for fission, uranium, will prove to be more difficult in time as current known sources dry up. We are running out of energy on this planet. The amount of energy readily available through renewables cannot reliably supply the world’s population, which is rapidly approaching 8 billion. Additionally, if we can solve the problem of global warming and figure out a way to clean the atmosphere of the hydrocarbon pollution that has caused warming and climate change, massive amounts of energy, beyond current comprehension, will be needed.

This is a great christmas present. It gives me, and a lot of other people, hope that there is a solution to the current crisis of climate change with increasing atmospheric pollution of molecules that trap heat and burn up the Earth.

Feliz Navidad.

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

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

The Springbrook Foundation has secured private donations of $65,000.00 toward the project cost. but it is grant funding for projects like this that support the safety of our students most of all, in addition to the continued employment of more than 250 Springbrook staff who serve students and adults at this location. Staff at Springbrook include teachers, nurses, therapists, behavior specialists, residence counselors and support staff. Springbrook has approximately 1,320 staff working at locations across the Southern Tier and central New York, more than

half of whom are based in Otsego county, making Springbrook one of the largest employers in the county. The Mohawk Valley region, which includes Otsego county, was awarded $7.3 million in cDbG funding.

Springbrook is grateful for the ongoing partnership with Otsego county, which provided cDbG funds on a past project to make safety and accessibility upgrades to several Springbrook community residences in the county. Staff, students, and residents at Springbrook appreciate the support of the county board of Representatives and Planning Department in securing these resources and for securing the future of Springbrook.

Patricia Kennedy, CEO Springbrook

Kudos to ‘A-Team’ for Lake Protection

Glimmerglass Lake (aka Otsego) faces its biggest ecological challenge since the last Ice Age in the form of harmful algae blooms, “HAbs,” which can make lake water not only unpotable, but un-swimmable, unskiable, un-rowable and unpopular. Fortunately, we have the A-Team on the job: The new incoming president of the North American Lake Management Society, none other than our own Dr. Kiyoko Yokota of SUNY Oneonta, and Mr. Doug Willies, who is going to lead the effort to get a DEc-approved HAb mitigation and remediation plan in place in order to organize and formalize the response. Kiyoko is a brilliant scientist whose

specialty is quagga mussels, the little culprits that may be exacerbating the HAbs, and Doug is a can-do organizer and a canny Scot who can pinch the life out of a penny or a quagga mussel. We couldn’t have a better team leaders to address the challenges of keeping Glimmerglass Lake from turning into Pea Soup Pond.

Chip Northrup cooperstown

Editor’s Note: The Harmful Algal Bloom Action Team—a collaboration of water professionals, researchers, and educators from the national network of Water Resources Research Institutes, the North Central Region Water Network, and Cooperative Extensions from the 12 states in the North Central Region of the United States—is holding its third annual Harmful Algal Bloom Research Symposium on January 5 and 6, 2023. This virtual symposium is free. Visit the North Central Region Water Network’s website for more information. The symposium will include discussions about the latest harmful algal bloom research, examples of effective bloom management, and the latest technologies being used to tackle this global issue.

Letter Platform Appreciated

I would like to thank this paper for printing my letters over the past two years, as well as the readers that read them. We all are so fortunate to live in this country, the greatest country in the world.

Tara barnwell Editor and Publisher

Darla M. Youngs General Manager

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Ted Mebust Staff Writer

Ivan Potocnik

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Web Architect Historian

Editorial Board

Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara barnwell

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

letterS iN tHeir opiNioN

Photo provided

a recent grant awarded to Springbrook will go toward the development and implementation of safety fencing around the perimeter of the main campus.

210 YEARS AGO

December 19, 1812

185 YEARS AGO

It is estimated that the population of the United States consume annually 18,000,000 barrels of flour, the product of 8,000,000 acres of wheat land, the average production being estimated at 25 bushels per acre. This gives 200,000,000 bushels of wheat as the aggregate production of the country the present year, which at five bushels to the barrel, makes a total of 40,000,000 barrels of flour —22,000,000 more than the annual consumption of the United States. It appears that there is an overplus in the production of breadstuffs. Upon this state of facts, we naturally look for a material reduction of price. However, the present price of flour is exorbitant when compared when compared with those of former years. On Saturday, common Western Flour was quoted in New York City at $9; fancy brands at $9.25; Georgetown and Richmond flour at $10; and wheat at $2 and $2.06.

December 18, 1837

160 YEARS AGO

Death of Richard Cooper, Esq.—Another of the old residents of Cooperstown has passed away – so suddenly and unexpectedly that his friends were shocked at the sad announcement, made by telegraph on Tuesday last, on the morning of which day Richard Cooper, Esq., died in New York, of typhoid fever. He went to the city on business soon after the burial of his son, Lieut. Cooper, where he was prostrated by the same disease. At no time did his friends here despair of his recovery, hence they were entirely unprepared for the painful intelligence of his death. Mr. C. had a legal mind of the very first order; in some departments of Law he had no superior in the State. Although most of his time was occupied in the management of the great landed estate of Mr. Clarke, he had made his mark in the Courts, especially in the famous Cooper libel suits, and certain anti-rent suits.

December 19, 1862

135 YEARS AGO

Personal—The minstrel entertainment given Friday evening for the benefit of Nelson Hose Co. was wellattended and afforded good amusement to the audience. The company derived a substantial benefit from the same.

Monday evening, December 19, marked a new era in the history of Cooperstown when its streets became partly lighted by electricity, under the Edison copper three-wire system. Comparatively few people had witnessed its operation in the cities where it has been adopted, and hence it was to most a novelty. And certainly it was a pleasing one to all, for it was a success. Between 7 and 8 o’clock the main streets of the village on that pleasant dark winter’s evening were unusually crowded with people, most of them interested in the final preparation for hanging a large electric light over the four corners at the intersection of Main and Pioneer streets. A few minutes after 8, the sudden flashing of the strong white light on the faces of hundreds of people watching for it, was received with a loud and joyous shout of greeting.

December 23, 1887

Celebrate Safely, Responsibly This Holiday Season

The celebration season has begun! It is time for festivities, holy days, gatherings, traditions, family, parties, events and maybe a little football. With that, I wish a great big happy holidays to all who are reading this. I also hope for each of you a safe and joyful season. If you follow LEAF at all on Facebook (please do!), you will see that our theme for the month is, “Celebrate Safely!” We have been sharing tips and suggestions for making sure that everyone has a good time and gets home without incident.

Here are the highlights for hosting an event: Let’s start with this: It is always okay to celebrate without alcohol! We are fully aware that our culture nearly demands that alcohol be present at any gathering. However, gatherings without alcohol tend to be less expensive (and who’s not trying to save a buck these days?) and less prone to a spirits-infused incident. It’s a win-win, so it is worth consideration.

If you do serve alcohol, it’s a good idea to have a fun, festive drink option for those who choose not to drink. Make is just as attractive to have a fizzy, decorative juice or soda as it is to have any other mixed drink. You can find great ideas for festive non-alcoholic drinks simply by googling “holiday mocktails.”

I mean, how yummy does a “Candy Cane Mocktini” or a “Raspberry Crème Sparkler” sound?

Serving alcohol does come with responsibility, both legally and socially. If the choice is to have alcohol at a party you’re in charge of, openly encourage guests to have a plan for getting home. It needn’t be hush-hush because it is okay to be forthright about safety. Any guest who has more than one drink per hour (I’ll spare

By MERL REAGLE

you the alcohol metabolism rate presentation here) is highly likely to have some sort of impairment. Even a very slight level of impairment it too much to drive a 3,000-pound hunk of metal down the road. Buzzed driving is impaired driving.

Consider limiting the amount of alcohol that is available at an event. There are many ways to do this that don’t have to be off-putting to guests. The first one is to just establish a cocktail hour prior to a meal. Announce a “last call cocktails” right before serving the meal and, after that, offer punch, soda, tea, and coffee for the rest of the evening. This gives all of your guests a significant amount of time between their last drink and the trip home. It is absolutely okay to plan an event the way you want it planned and no explanation is necessary.

A second option would be to only offer beverages with a lower percentage of alcohol (a non-fortified wine, regular/lite beer or a low-alcohol punch). Choosing the drinks that are served, rather than having an open bar, lends the host a great deal of flexibility, creativity and budget management. Like the above strategy, it’s okay to buy a limited quantity for the event. A lower overall percentage of alcohol plus a finite supply can reduce impairment without the host having to feel like a grinch.

December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Celebrate often with friends, loved ones and colleagues! Let’s just make sure that safety is at the top of any celebratory checklist, which can make for a much more festive season!

Peace and joy to you all.

Julie Dostal is executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions, Oneonta.

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

Unatego Science Foundation Continues Good Works

by TeD mebUST UNATeGO

Dr. Jonathan Davis, president of the Unatego Science Foundation, recently provided the Unatego School District with a $3,000.00 check which will be used to purchase scientific equipment, materials, supplies, technology, software, curricular materials, and provide fellowships to deserving students from the district. Since its founding in 2008, the foundation has donated more than $86,000.00 to provide Unatego with financial resources for students and teachers.

“It’s one way to give back to the community,” said Davis. “It’s been great to help our local students.”

Davis owns and operates Valley Veterinary Associates, specializing in theriogenology and surgery, along with milfer Farm, Inc., which is one of the largest Thoroughbred breeders in New York State.

He and a cohort of area benefactors started the organization to provide students with a productive outlet and expose them to multiple career pathways, hoping to keep them away from drugs. One of the original founders, Davis explained, lost his son to substance abuse.

Unatego Science Foundation’s major accomplishments include helping Unatego High School develop a robotics course, providing scholarships to graduating seniors each year and creating an indepen-

dent study program. The program allows Unatego juniors to further their inquirybased learning skills by designing a science question and researching it through the end of their senior year.

Through a largely donation-based effort, today’s USF leadership team—composed of Davis and Scott White, president of the bank of cooperstown—have continued their original goal by expanding the scope of the organization. Their recent efforts include acquiring equipment for Sidney High School and projects helping to maintain Otsego county watersheds.

SQSPCA Adds Clearing of Shelter to Challenge Goal

The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals (SQSPcA) has set two ambitious year-end goals, and they now need support from the public in order to meet those targets. The “Promise for Parkie challenge” has been underway since Giving Tuesday, November 29. If the SQSPcA can raise

$100,000.00 by end of day December 31, challenge sponsors beth and Gary Glynn will give the shelter an additional $25,000.00.

SQSPcA executive Director Stacie Haynes is also asking community members to help clear the shelter for the holidays.

Adoption fees will be waived from Tuesday,

December 20 through christmas eve, December 24, for those hoping to find a new four-legged family member; adoptions are subject to approval and additional fees may apply. Fostering is also encouraged during this “KennelFree christmas” initiative. For more information, visit www.sqspca.org.

Photo provided

Dave Richards (left), superintendent of Unatego Central Schools, holds a $3,000.00 check donated by Dr. Jonathan Davis on behalf of the Unatego Science Foundation.

PEOPLE & BUSINESSES IN THE

HEARING HELPERS: Kinney Drugs, an independent, employee-owned company of stores throughout New York and Vermont, has announced the launch of its new Hearing Health Center, made possible through its partnership with Lucid™ Hearing. The Hearing Health Center will offer an assortment of over-the-counter hearing aids, personal amplifiers and hearing protection in 52 Kinney Drug stores across the northeast. OTC hearing aids garnered U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in October and are intended to make hearing healthcare more accessible and affordable. Prescription hearing aids can range from $2,300.00 to $4,500.00 per ear, according to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Kinney’s regular retail prices range from $40.00 to $1,000.00 per pair, depending on the type of hearing aid. They offer a 60-day return policy and oneyear warranty on parts and labor.

DMC DIRECTOR: Josh Taylor, previously a talent acquisition specialist for cookware company Le Creuset, has been named Destination Marketing Corporation’s brand content director. The organization promotes businesses and experiences in Otsego and Schoharie counties, and is looking to expand their marketing potential of the “This is Cooperstown” and “Visit Schoharie County” platforms. Taylor currently serves on the Worcester Planning Board and the town’s Wieting Theatre board. Given his directorship of the Eastern Otsego Farmers Market in Worcester and Schenevus, Taylor hopes to increase community engagement with area farmers and producers.

MINDFUL MARYLANDER: Neil Cotton, a SUNY Oneonta student from Maryland, New York, and 34 of his classmates gathered in Neahwa Park to hang lights and decorations recently in preparation for the Oneonta Festival of Lights, a free annual drive-through display which opened on December 18. Sponsors First Night Oneonta and Five Star Subaru, along with more than 30 participating local organizations and businesses, will have their own light displays. The event is dedicated to the late SUNY Oneonta assistant men’s soccer coach John Hayen, who was known for his elaborate light displays.

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER: On Saturday, December 10, community action group Laurens Together extended holiday greetings to neighbors who needed a little extra cheer in this season of giving. Twenty generous community members baked delicious homemade pies and holiday cookies, which were then delivered with a smile by eight elves to 55 families throughout the Town of Laurens. Peggy and Starr Liddle, the leaders behind Laurens Together, spearheaded this second annual tradition. Of the event, organizer Peggy Liddle said, “The generosity and neighborly actions of all the Laurens residents who participated is outstanding and makes one feel warm and grateful for the community where we live.”

Patrick F. ‘Tex’ Gorden Jr. 1948-2022

MARYLAND—Patrick

F. “Tex” Gorden Jr., who served for many years as a locomotive engineer for The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 13, 2022, at Strong Memorial Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center, following a valiant battle with cancer. He was 74.

Born December 2, 1948, at home on South Delaware Street in the Village of Stamford, Tex—as he was known by so many—was the son of Patrick F. and Anna (Kardokas) Gorden.

A graduate of St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Brooklyn, Tex later attended Texas Tech University and earned a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy and aeronautics.

Tex proudly served his country in both the United States Army and the Air National Guard. On April 11, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas with A Battery, 7th Battalion, 18th Artillery. Sgt. Gorden was later transferred to and served with the U.S. Army Reserves until April 10, 1973. On January 11,

1977, he enlisted with the Air National Guard of Massachusetts and honorably served until October 4, 1978.

For 24 years, Tex worked as a locomotive engineer with The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad based in Milford. In the early 1990s, he met Denna J. Harris at The Bold Dragoon in Cooperstown. The two enjoyed their love for the railroad, and were married May 19, 2000, in the Freight House of the railroad in Milford. Together they served the railroad, with Tex also sitting as a member of the Board of Directors of The Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society and the Leatherstocking Chapter

Super Salesman

COOPERSTOWN—Boy Scout Troop 1254 held a fundraiser and sold just over 150 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, at $10.00/dozen, to offset the costs of their next Supertrip. “In February, we’re going to take Amtrak down to Florida to camp in the Everglades and Keys. Supertrips are a bi-annual Troop 1254 tradition since 1987,” Diana Nichols, scoutmaster, said. “We have 32 Scouts and family members going, and four retired Scoutmasters are going to meet us down there and act as our ground crew.” Boy Scout Patrick Gibson, pictured above, sold 68 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts of the 150+ dozen sold by Troop 1254.

Laurens Together is an affiliation of Laurens neighbors who come together to participate in community beautification projects and community support projects such as food and hygiene drives, animal welfare action, and this holiday outreach. To learn more or get involved, visit the Laurens Together Facebook page.

SPRINGBROOK STAR: Springbrook recently recognized Rob Vogel for his 35-year professional milestone accomplishment. Vogel is currently serving as Springbrook’s director of quality assurance and corporate compliance officer. Before that, Vogel worked as a temporary at their Ford Avenue location, shift coordinator at the Walnut Street Community Home, house manager at Nichols, and was assistant director of community homes.

OBITUARIES

of the National Railway Historical Society. Tex also enjoyed racing cars, and last drove car #36 with the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modified Series.

Tex is survived by his wife of 22 years, Denna J. Gorden of Maryland; his older sister, Geraldine Dwarica (Len) of North Guilford, Connecticut; and three nephews. He is further survived by his wife’s siblings and their families: Donna Kemp (Steve) of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Darlene Bennett (Walter “Wick”) of Vero Beach, Florida; Janet Snyder (Jack) of Fly Creek; Martha Harris of Cooperstown; Margaret Hunt (Dale) of Gilbertsville; John Harris (Karen) of Milford; Andrew

Harris (Karen) of Erhard, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Jean Harris of Middlefield; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, William J. Harris (September 10, 1997); his mother-in-law, Barbara C. Harris (March 7, 2020); and two brothers-inlaw, Thomas Michael Harris (June 13, 2012) and Joseph Harris (May 25, 2021).

Interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

As a way to honor Tex’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, 136 East Main Street, Milford, NY 13807 or the Susquehanna

INCREASED IRIDESCENCE: Golden Artist Colors, Inc., a local manufacturer of quality art materials, has expanded its inventory with 37 new acrylic colors. With additional options in the iridescent and fluorescent categories, artists are now able to choose from up to 85 colors. Known for their quality and archival integrity, Golden Artist Colors is committed to producing materials that encourage exploration of form and concept. For more information about Golden Artist Colors, call (800) 9596543 or visit goldenpaints.com.

GENIUS JAQUAY: Jaelyn Jaquay, formerly of Cherry Valley-Springfield High School, was selected to the 2022 Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference team during her fall term at Baldwin Wallace University. To be selected, students must maintain varsity status and accumulate a grade point average of at least 3.50. Jaquay carried a 3.96 GPA in communication sciences and disorders and psychology, running distance events for the women’s track and field team. Baldwin Wallace University is a liberal arts college that offers coursework in 80 academic areas.

BACKING BASSETT: Bassett Healthcare Network’s Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety; Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing received a new round of funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Through 2027, funding will be available for research aiming to enhance the safety and health of farming, forestry and fishing industry workers. Since 1992, Bassett’s NEC has proposed, tested and implemented possible workplace solutions, serving 12 states from Maine to Maryland, thanks to NIOSH backing.

ALEHOUSE ANNIVERSARY: Red Shed Brewery’s Cooperstown Taproom celebrated its five-year anniversary on Saturday, November 26 with food, drink and live music from Doomsday Mechanics. The Cooperstown Taproom is one of three locations under the Red Shed umbrella: their Cherry Valley Taproom and Brewery on Butterbowl Road, Cherry Valley, is where it all started; the Red Shed Alehouse, also in Cherry Valley, is the newest location in the Red Shed Brewery family.

LEADER LECATES: The Boy Scouts of America have named Dr. William LeCates, former president of Bassett Medical Center, as the recipient of their Community Leadership Award for Public Service. He’s a member of the New York Army National Guard, a current Army National Guard state surgeon and has served in Afghanistan, Liberia, and Iraq. Currently, he works as an executive director in the Health Services division of JPMorgan Chase. Dr. LeCates was celebrated at the Boy Scouts Leatherstocking Council Award Dinner on December 9.

Send news of promotions, births, awards, milestones and more to “Locals” at info@allotsego.com.

SPCA, 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Arrangements are under

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

Funeral Home

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

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

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.

Photo by Tara diLorenzo

Photo provided JOSH TAYLOR

Photo provided WILLIAM LeCAT e S

Reflections on Amazing Work by Caregivers, Recent Highlights

Dear Friends, Neighbors and colleagues,

The holiday season is an excellent time for reflection. We look back on our blessings at Thanksgiving, look forward with resolutions to the New Year, and spend quality time with those most important to us. I’d like to do a little reflecting on bassett Healthcare Network in this month’s column—starting with our people.

Our caregivers are the greatest blessings of the year and our best hope for the future. Over the past year, bassett Healthcare Network has received many distinguished acknowledgements for the amazing work of our caregivers in many disciplines. Here are some highlights:

• bassett Healthcare Network recently recognized outstanding nurses with the following awards:

- Karen Sitterly, RN— martha Twichell Award

- Heather Dygert, RN—Renee Henson Award (Intensive care Unit)

- Kristin Silano, RN—maureen Fitzgerald murray Award

- Susan carey, RN—

Pearl F. Day Award

- christina Simmonds, RN—Preceptor of the Year Award – A.O. Fox Hospital

- Kelly moyer, LPN— Preceptor of the Year Award – Ambulatory care

- elizabeth burns, RN—Preceptor of the Year Award – bassett medical center

• bassett received an $82 million grant from The Scriven Foundation to support improved access to care and investments in staff.

• Andreessen Horowitz bio + Health Fund (a16z) and bassett announced a partnership to develop digital health innovations to address rural healthcare needs.

• bassett and columbia University are advancing collaboration with cardiovascular Digital medicine and clinical Services.

• bassett Healthcare Network was named a Forbes best-in-State employer for 2022.

• A.O. Fox Hospital has been nationally recognized with an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

• bassett medical center received national awards

for providing excellent stroke care and lactation services.

• bassett medical center’s midwifery Program was honored nationally for “innovative and compassionate” care.

• bassett’s School-based Health program received an excellus bluecross blueShield grant for telemedicine and recently celebrated its 30th anniver-

sary of caring for children across central New York.

• bassett’s Northeast center for Occupational Health and Safety, part of the New York center for Agricultural medicine and Health, has been awarded funding for five more years.

• caregivers at bassett medical center, Valley Residential Services, Little Falls Hospital, NYcAmH,

bassett Health clinics and beyond have received national or regional awards.

And these are only some of the many ways our caregivers go above and beyond every day.

bassett celebrated the centennial of the founding of bassett medical center this year. One hundred years ago, bassett medical center opened its doors for the first time. Our organization’s legacy lives on through the work of our caregivers every day as we strive to improve the health of our patients and wellbeing of our communities.

This column is not a victory lap—far from it. There are huge challenges before us in rural healthcare. both our staff and our communities are navigating pandemic-related

changes and the economy. We need to rebuild our staffing teams and address burnout during a labor shortage. We see and feel the effects of mental health and opioid use crises daily—both national health emergencies.

bassett is working to foster the resources we need to meet those challenges and the culture we need to support our staff. but my pride in our accomplishments and what they say about our future make me confident that we are positioned to carry forward our incredible legacy for another hundred years.

Happy holidays—from me and everyone at bassett. Here’s to a stellar 2023.

Wishing you happiness and health, always. Tommy

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NOTICE OF PROPOSAL

Our client is proposing to construct one (1) 70-foot monopole communications tower in Otsego county, NY.

Tower #47216 will be located at railroad mile post 557.05, 0.24 miles northeast of the Pony Farm Road Spur railroad overpass, in Oneonta, NY 13820.

WSP Golder on behalf of our client invites comments from any interested party regarding specific location information and/or the potential effects of the tower on historic properties.

comments may be sent to matt Hull, 2000 Schafer Street, Suite H, bismarck, ND 58501 or matthew.hull@wsp. com. comments must be received 30 days following published date.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTIce IS

HeRebY GIVeN that the Zoning board of Appeals for the Village of cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 5:00 P.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: meeting to be held in the board Room of the Village Hall, 22 main Street, cooperstown, New York.

94 Pioneer Street

- Applicant seeks to renew special permit

to operate a shortterm rental.

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, January 3, 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

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTIce IS HeRebY GIVeN that the Zoning board of Appeals for the Village of cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 5:00 P.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:

meeting to be held in the board Room of the Village Hall, 22 main Street, cooperstown, New York.

10 Glen Avenue - Applicant seeks to renew special permit to operate a shortterm rental.

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, January 3, 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

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Smol Fish Digital LLc

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 10/17/22, Otsego co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207 General Purpose 6LegalJan.19

LegaL

cReeKSIDe FARmS LLc

Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/05/2022. 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 LeGALcORP SOLUTIONS 1060 broadway Suite 100 ALbANY, NY 12204

Purpose: Any lawful purpose 6LegalJan.19

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF brooks’ Roost, LLc

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/28/22.

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

may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 10 Davis Dr Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 6LegalJan.12

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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.

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

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF A NY LImITED LIABILITY COmPANY.

Name: 19 GLeN LLc

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

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

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF A NY LImITED LIABILITY COmPANY

Name: AKUmeL, LLc

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

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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

6LegalDec.22

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF 49 Susquehanna LLc

Filed 8/10/22 Office: Otsego co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 46 elm Street, cooperstown, NY 13326

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.22

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF Vintage Giraffe LLc

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NOTICE OF FORmATION OF cutting the cheese LLc

Filed 11/4/22 Office: Otsego co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 155 Dorr edson Rd, Oneonta NY 13280 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.19

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORmATION OF ZROWKA’S

The Secretary of State has been designated 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

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 Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 10/30/2022

Office: Otsego county SSNY has been des-

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 Organization 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

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

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 11/09/2022.

Office location: Otsego county. SSNY has designated 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.

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 Organization 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 designated 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

adaptable music. Think of a sponge that soaks up many musical traditions and movements and uses them as platforms. We are a jazz trio, but we are also influenced in that same manner by all types of music—hiphop, punk, rock, classical, free improvised music, Latin, West African… and a lot of this comes from our own personal experiences and worldview.”

For Green, his inspiration is driven by equal parts creative and personal.

“I’ve played and performed with other experimental and improvisational groups, and Wyatt and evan’s rigorous compositions and masterful playing set a unique pace requiring a highly disciplined approach to performing in this vernacular, and it truly is distinct from any other group I’ve played with.”

Killdeer unifies the collective experiences of Ambrose, Green and Jagels not only through their years of participation in the region’s music scene, but through endeavors in the United States and abroad.

Ambrose, who together with Jagels, are teaching colleagues in the music Department at Hartwick college, credits much of his growth as a musician to those he studied alongside and collegiate peers—including Grammynominated jazz vocalist Samara Joy, eric Finland and Jason clotter.

Ambrose added, an important takeaway from his studies is that the deep studies aren’t always requisite. “One emphasis I’ve tried is more direct melodies that you don’t need a PhD in jazz composition to understand and remember. I strive to write music that provokes a distinct feeling or vibe that anyone can connect to.”

Green underscored the influence of family in his progression as a musician.

“my parents, both musically-minded, raised me and my siblings in a way that encouraged curiosity and exploration, two facets that are vital in my approach to improvising with evan and Wyatt,” Green said. Outside of the family, Green credited conor murphy, “a local master craftsman and keyboard genius on the sly. I was introduced by him to the world of improvised music at the age of 14, and without his generosity, patience, and tutelage I would certainly not be here today and Killdeer would not exist.”

Reflecting, Green noted the impact and influence of close friend Hagan Knauth, who prior to passing away in the spring, left a lasting impression on the understanding that instinct and humility are central to improvisational music.

“I strive to honor his legacy,” Green noted.

For Jagels, Killdeer is a further extension of an already deep history in music. In addition to his role at Hartwick college, Jagels is part of Duo extempore in a collaboration with New York city-based pianist Nicole brancato, working together on a european tour and recently producing a concert video on the history of Roosevelt Island in New York. At

Hartwick, Jagels integrates music across disciplines, including a recent partnership with an astrophysicist and students to produce a video on exploring the cosmos. Jagels’ additional collaborations include joining together with acclaimed filmmaker bill morrison on one of his films at Glimmerglass Film Days, being a member of Shatter on Impact with blake Fleming and Amar Sastry, serving as music director of Origins cafe in cooperstown and working together with the American Federation of musicians (AFm Local 443).

With a range of experience and reach, Killdeer had plenty of options on how and where to proceed as a band. As Jagels noted, there was no debate on where to start.

“between all three of us, we’ve performed across the United States, europe and Japan. This is our home and we have chosen to make this area Killdeer’s home – and it certainly has an influence on the music,” Jagels said.

The embrace of the region is reciprocated through audiences’ embrace of Killdeer, Ambrose noted.

“I’ve been thrilled, surprised and reassured by our reception so far—we’ve played the full gambit of venues, bars, restaurants, concert halls, galleries and outdoors—every audience has been compelled to listen and seems to connect with what we are doing.”

Green agreed: “The audi-

ences are receptive. Jazz can often feel like a private conversation between the performers and listeners can feel left out. What I have with evan and Wyatt can be complex, but I believe

our performances lack that pretentious quality and it is a wider dialogue, a shared experience.

“To have one attentive and appreciative audience member is a gift and we

have been lucky to perform for any and everyone who has made it to one of our shows,” Green added.

Looking ahead, Killdeer is focused on recording. The band noted their intention of beginning with a short eP that within one day resulted in an entire album being recorded—nearly unheard of in today’s music industry. Jagels noted the album is currently being mixed and mastered and will eventually debut on digital release across all major platforms.

Killdeer plans to main-

tain a packed performance schedule in the months ahead, with a focus on regional jazz festivals and creative music venues. At Killdeer’s core, Ambrose recalled the energy driving the band’s inspiration and growth: “We have something really special going on here and I feel lucky to be here during what feels like a transitional era in music.”

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP: Saturday, Dec. 24th, 3 pm and 7 pm Candlelit service. Sunday, Dec. 25th, 9:15 am Worship service.

CHURCH OF CHRIST UNITING 22 Church St., Richfield Springs For more information call the church office 315-858-1553 rschurchofchristuniting.com

Is Christmas a struggle?

First United Methodist Church firstumc-oneonta.org

Join us for Christmas Eve Events

Intergenerational Christmas Event 4:30 pm (Fellowship Hall) Candleight Communion Service 7:00 pm Please call the church office for Zoom info

607-432-4102

A Reconciling Congregation · Rev. Marti Swords - Horrell, Pastor

The “Red Door” Church

(First United Presbyterian)

7:00 pm - , December 24th In person Main Street and Walling Avenue Oneonta Or join us online: Link: meet.google.com/viu-hpxa-mjg Phone: 1 301-857-2390 // PIN: 931769968 Church Office: 607-432-7520 reddoorchurch@stny.rr.com The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt

St. Mary’s

Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church Cooperstown

We invite you to join us for Christmas Eve 4:30 pm Christmas Day 8 am and Noon

Mass for Mary, Mother of God Saturday Dec. 31, 4:30 pm Sunday Jan. 1, 8 am and noon

A Blessed Christmas to All!

31 Elm St. • Cooperstown Our Schedule

December 24, 2022

Family Eucharist - 5 pm Service of Carols - 10:30 pm

Festival Choral Eucharist - 11 pm Christmas Day December 25, 2022

9:30 pm - Choral Prelude and Carol Sing 10 pm - Festal Holy Communion

Christmas Day – sunday, December 25 The Feast of the Nativity 9 am - Festal Holy Communion

Holy Eucharist - 10 am St.

“Between all three of us, we’ve performed across the United States, Europe and Japan. This is our home and we have chosen to make this area Killdeer’s home—and it certainly has an influence on the music.”

– evan Jagels

Election

Continued from page 1

that converted the position of fire district treasurer from an elected to an appointed post.

Fly creek Fire District elections historically do not elicit a large crowd, and some past elections have drawn less than 10 voters, sources said. However, due to the emotions surrounding this election and issues raised by the propositions, the board anticipated a high turnout and had prepared 1,800 ballots. In the end, a total of 176 voters arrived at the polls, still representing an unusually high interest.

According to community members, over the past few years an increasingly contentious atmosphere has pervaded the board, including the exchange of personal accusations and aspersions, resulting in what one voter described as an unprecedented number of resignations.

These vacant spots were filled by appointment, and the terms of those commissioners could only last until the next annual election. Thus, Hoskins and Kukenberger were elected to fill the unexpired terms of those appointed commissioners.

The dispute underlying this election was the nature of the fire department’s administration.

“We governed according to the guidelines established in the Handbook of the Association of Fire Districts,” said outgoing chairman Joan Kegelman.

However, the slate of challenging commissioners campaigned on the theme that the existing board had created an unnecessarily rigid and formalistic structure, requiring needless expenditures of thousands of dollars.

“In the past the board was always able to get things done within those guidelines on a more congenial and informal basis,” said a spokesman for the challengers. “And this election was a referendum by the community that it wanted to return to that kind of governance.”

A group opposing the proposals issued a circular prior to the election, titled “Save The Date,” pointing out that the creation of reserve funds would seriously interfere with the flexibility of using monies as needed. conversely, the board considered the establishment of such escrow accounts to be consistent with New York State guidelines for Fire District commissions. Neither side disputed the need to create reserves to replace or repair equipment, but again disagreed on the structure required to achieve that result.

The first organizational meeting of the newlyconstituted board of Fire commissioners will take place on January 12, 2023.

Continued from page 1

as a “next play guy” by conover, Wooden’s presence has helped the Red Dragons take eight out of 10 games so far this season.

His rebounding and defensive efforts, conover says, prove he’s always moving the game forward. Though it’s early on in the season, the team’s defensive statistics have seen notable improvements when compared to the last three seasons (excluding the canceled 2020-21 campaign).

During their 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons, the Red Dragons’ opponents averaged 70.7 points per game. So far this year, they’re averaging 60.7. Average opponent turnovers per game during the earlier time period were 13.7. This year, 17.0.

Oneonta has increased their average steals per game from 7.2 to 8.2 this year as well. They’ve capitalized on increased turnovers, raising their average points off turnovers from 15.6 the last three seasons to 18.2 this year. Oh, and opponents’ field goals per game numbers have also

Woodendropped this year, from 25.6 to 21.8. While the sample sizes are not quite comparable, the numbers indicate a marked shift should they hold throughout the season. When asked about his presence in games, Wooden described himself as a “glue guy,” prioritizing defense and recognizing its impact on the team’s ability to win games.

“Defense leads to good offense, but mostly I try to be a leader on the court. being enthusiastic and promoting team cohesion will be the key to success at the end of the season,” Wooden said, giving a nod to his experience beyond the sport itself.

“I love playing basketball, but, ultimately, it’s about the relationships we get to make as a team,” he said.

The Red Dragons face tough competition in the State University of New York Athletic conference this year, Wooden noted, with their games against cortland and Oswego being competitions for which the team will prepare especially hard.

They play next against Wheaton college, currently ranked 15th in the Division III men’s basketball by D3hoops.com, at a tournament hosted at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersy on December 29.

Continued from page 4

Starting with the Revolutionary War all the way through 9/11, this country has persevered and succeeded. currently we are in the midst of another crisis to protect our freedom and way of life. God has been with us since the beginning and with our commitment will be with us going forward. This isn’t only important to us and the generations that follow us, but the whole world.

For a long time now we have been misled by big tech, most of the media and much of our government leadership as well as other countries (china, for example) relating to what is correct and good for us and our country. This has led to elections that have had outcomes that have taken this country backward rather than forward. This has picked away at our freedoms and incentives that built our country to be the leader of the world.

I believe there are currently efforts from many organizations and individuals that see what has happened and are rising to feed corrective action, including accurate information. Going forward, it’s our responsibility to research our information sources so our decisions at election time will be the

absolute best. We also need to demand from our elected officials that we can 100 percent trust the outcome of our elections. Our current computer tabulation of elections opens the door for manipulation of the election outcomes.

We have some changes in Washington, D.c. coming in January, plus a change in Twitter ownership that may help our direction going forward. With God’s will and our commitment to our country, let’s have hope and prayer going forward.

Bruce Beckert South New berlin

Letters To The Editor Policy

The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta welcome letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other information appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/ mobile number and 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.

O Aut O M A ll

VISIT WITH SANTA 35 p.m. Visit with Santa in Cooperstown to tell him all about your Christmas wish list. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. Or visit 3-5 p.m. on 12/23.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS Dusk to 10 p.m. Bring the whole family for a trip around Otsego County to visit the large or unique holiday displays on the 2022 Great Otsego Holiday Light Trail. Visit www. facebook.com/GreatOtsegoLightTrail/ to get started.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Drive through beautifully decorated Neahwa Park, featuring more than 40 displays from local businesses, individuals and organizations celebrating the holidays. Open evenings 12/18 through 1/1. Neahwa Park, 1 Neahwa Place, Oneonta. (607) 376-7599 or visit www. destinationoneonta.com/calendar

ROLEPLAY GAME 6:3010 p.m. Join ongoing game of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. All welcome, from experienced players to complete beginners. Held online by the Roxbury Arts Group, Roxbury.

►Friday, dec. 23

FESTIVE SPIN 8:30-9:20 a.m. Get into your festive clothing and enjoy a holiday themed spinning ride. Enjoy a morning with friends and get ready for the holiday season. Registration required. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800.

BLOOD DRIVE 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Save up to three lives with the American Red Cross. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. Register at redcrossblood.org

WALKING CLUB 10:30 -11:30 a.m. All are invited to walk on the gym floor and track with friends old and new while listening to music from the 60s and 70s. Free to those aged 62+. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800. Or walk on 12/26, 12/30, 1/2,

SANTA VISIT 5-7 p.m. Bring the kids to visit Santa and tell his what they want most this Christmas. Santa’s Cottage, Muller Plaza, Oneonta. (607) 376-7599.

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Gymnasium, Cooperstown High School. (607) 547-8181.

►Wednesday, dec. 28

STORYTIME 10 a.m. Bring the kids to enjoy a morning of holiday break fun featuring a story time, crafting a snowman button and a chance to build a snowman outdoors (weather dependent). Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

SENIOR SOCIAL 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Seniors are invited for a fun time with the Oneonta Family YMCA featuring bingo, chair yoga, lunch, a mall walk and much more. Free to seniors, register by 12/23. Held in the Community Room at the Southside Mall, Oneonta. (607) 4320010 ext. 9.

SENIOR MEALS Noon. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today enjoy pineapple pepper pork, rice, Japanese blend vegetables and peanut butter cookies. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 547-6454.

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Trust Fund at The Dunderberg Gallery, 18 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2010.

►Friday, dec. 30

MUSIC 7:30 p.m. Musicians Celebrating Music presents a performance of original folk songs and ballads, written and performed by John O’Connor. Presented by The Music Performance Trust Fund at The Franklin Railroad Community Museum, 572 Main Street, Franklin. (607) 829-2692.

►s aTurday, dec. 31

FROSTBITE 5K Noon. Get out on the last day of 2022 for this fun run, walk or stroll through frost-biting temperatures. This year will be held in honor of John Haven, who was the area ugly sweater

fashionista and a fixture at the Oneonta YMCA. Race will begin from the Foothills and finish in front of the Oneonta YMCA at 20-26 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010 ext. 207.

FIRST NIGHT 5-8 p.m. Don’t miss the return of First Night Oneonta. Celebrate the coming new year with an evening of fun for the whole family, featuring a talent show with $1,000+ in prize money. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. Visit hillcitycelebrations.org for the full schedule of events.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Join the Super Heroes Humane Society to ring in the new year with an evening of dancing, music from the Roundhouse Rockers, raffles, door prizes, appetizers, and a champagne

toast at midnight. Music begins at 8:30. Tickets are $25/person. Party held at the 6th Ward Athletic Club, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta. (607) 441-3227.

2023

►sunday, Jan. 1

FIRST DAY HIKE 9 a.m. to noon. Start the new year right with a guided hike around a beautiful lake, then warm up by the fire at Briggs Pavilion.

Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.

FIRST DAY HIKE 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First day of 2023, enjoy a self-guided hike through the woods and on the shoreline of Otsego Lake. First 100 hikers will receive a First Day Hike giveaway. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for trail conditions this winter.

Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547 8662.

►Tuesday, Jan. 3

BLOOD DRIVE 1-6 p.m.

Give blood to save a life with the American Red Cross. Laurens Fire Department, 34 Main Street, Laurens. Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4

FIGURE THIS 6-9 p.m. Practice drawing from life in the studio with nude models and professional artist Jonathan Pincus on hand to answer questions. $15/session. Cooperstown Art Association. (607) 547-9777.

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Thursday, Jan. 5

ART CLUB—10 a.m. Bring art to share and the materials to make your art with the group. Springfield Library, 129 Co. Rd. 29A, Springfield. (315) 858-5802.

SENIOR MEALS—11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $8.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today enjoy hamburger cabbage casserole, corn, beets and sugar cookies. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs.

s aTurday, dec. 24

ART EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come view the exhibit, “Kelley’s Carved Quiet Convoy,” featuring a visual surround of crude or refined painted trucks carved 1940s1990s by acclaimed Oneonta farmer folk artist Lavern Kelley. Also, find hand-painted Kenyan keychain ornaments for sale to support the Mukuru Art Collective. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY 6-7:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends for a fun community celebration of Christmas Eve. Includes candlelight Christmas songs with the New Life Band, a message of Christmas, an HD depiction of an account of the birth of Jesus, as well as Christmas cookies/coffee/cocoa, and photos with your family and friends. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►sunday, dec. 25

CHRISTMAS DINNER Noon to 3 p.m. The St. Mary’s Friends of Christmas, in partnership with the Bandera Family and Community Alliance, have teamed up to provide free Christmas dinners to those in need. Home delivery is available with a sit-down dinner being held at the American Legion, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 226-1785.

►Tuesday, dec. 27

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 9 a.m. Cooperstown Central School Sports Booster Club presents the 37th Dick White Basketball Tournament. The tournament will include JV and varsity boys and girls basketball teams competing against Hamilton, Unatego, Whitesboro, Notre Dame (Utica), Oxford, and Richfield Springs. Come support the home teams. Consolation and championship games will be played Wednesday. Admission is $3/adult/game. Games will be played in the Red Bursey

Thursday, dec. 29

CHRISTMAS SCIENCE 1 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy a morning of holiday break fun featuring a workshop to make Santa’s Magic Milk and Exploding Cookie Cutters. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

MUSIC 7 p.m. Musicians Celebrating Music presents an evening of unique musical arrangements of popular classics, art songs, folk music, and contemporary standards as well as selections from film, opera, Broadway, and music of the season. Presented by The Music Performance

TEAM LEADER, LABORATORY

The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital seeks Team Leader, Laboratory for Cooperstown, NY. Bachelor or equivalent degree in Chem, Bio, or Medical Technology. 6 yrs laboratory exp. License from NYSED as Clinical Laboratory Technologist, or licensure eligible w/ limited permit or limited license as Clinical Laboratory Technologist. 1st, 2nd, 3rd shifts and weekends as business needs require. Resume to https:// jobs.bassett.org/jobs/5807?lang=en-us