The Freeman's Journal 12-28-23

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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

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Volume 215, No. 52

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Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 28, 2023

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Horvath Summits 22,000-ft. Ama Dablam, Known as ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas’ was a great time and completely different from being in the Khumbu region and having support all the way up the mountain.”

Horvath summited Kanchenjunga, the world’s thirdhighest peak. He was last in Nepal in 2004 to climb the north side of Everest through Tibet, a much more challenging route than the standard southeast ridge route. He was about the 1,500th person to reach the highest point on earth.

Today, the list runs to more than 6,600, a testament to the commercialization and popularization of Himalayan mountaineering.

Henry has followed his father in extreme outdoor pursuits for much of his life. He went on his

By WRILEY NELSON

first Adirondack trip at the age of 3 and has spent a great deal of time working on rock and ice climbing skills. When Henry was 13, they attempted Aconcagua, the highest peak not only in South America but in the Western Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere, and the world outside of Asia. Henry did not reach the summit, but got to well over 20,000 feet of elevation. The pair climbed Denali, the highest mountain in North America, in June 2021, making Henry the youngest person to summit that year. They also have the fastest known time for completing the 140-mile Northville-Lake Placid Trail unsupported in winter, Continued on page 3

KOSHI PROVINCE, NEPAL enry Horvath, 18, of Cooperstown became the second-youngest American to summit the Himalayan mountain Ama Dablam on Friday, November 17. Horvath has spent much of his life climbing and trekking with his father, Tim Horvath, president of Cooperstown’s Redpoint Design/Build and an experienced mountaineer.

Tim Horvath visited Nepal for the first time in 1996 to climb Lhotse, an immediate neighbor of Mount Everest in the Khumbu region and the fourth-highest mountain on earth in its own right. The year 1996 on Everest is notorious in the mountaineering world; a major storm, the increasing commercialization and popularity of mountain climbing, and the inherent dangers of altitude led to a disaster that claimed eight lives. The storm is recounted in mountaineering journalist Jon Krakauer’s famous and bestselling book, “Into Thin Air.” Horvath was high on Lhotse during the storm and met Krakauer, but did not reach the summit.

“That was my introduction to Nepal and to Himalayan mountaineering,” Tim recalled. “I went back two years later to climb Photo by Emily Cheng Kanchenjunga with a very small Henry Horvath, 18, of Cooperstown, and guide Geljen Sherpa on their ascent of team and no Sherpa support. It the 22,000-foot Ama Dablam in Nepal.

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INSIDE ► HOF Recognizes service anniversaries, page 2 ► IBRAHIM BIDS BASSETT FAREWELL, page 4 ► open spaces must be protected, page 5 ► HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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BOCES To Unveil New Website

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NORWICH parents, students, component school elaware-Chenango-Madison- districts, and the general public—will Otsego BOCES will roll out its find it useful and informative,” said revamped website on the first DMCO BOCES Director of Services day of the new year.

Bob Avery. The new site will replace The site, under development for the current site and will be available at more than a year, was built on a new the same URL: www.dcmoboces.com. platform with improved features and expanded content. It will provide immersive news and events feeds, enhanced accessibility and navigation for a better user experience, and a standalone mobile app.

“We believe the layout, navigation and design of the new website is a significant improvement over the current site, and Photo provided hope that our customers— DMCO BOCES will roll out its new website on January 1.

Photo by Beth Accardi

Four-year-old Hank Beaney watches from Florida as the Village of Cooperstown is featured on the “TODAY Show.”

Cooperstown was the final stop on the show’s 2023 “Merriest Main Street” tour.

Small-town Living Takes Center Stage on National Show

By ARYA PATEL COOPERSTOWN esidents of our small Village of Cooperstown gathered this past Friday, December 22 to celebrate the holidays and to be on hand for a special visit from WKTV NEWSChannel 2’s Kristen Copeland on behalf of the “TODAY Show.” Despite the village having a population of only about 2,000 in an area of 1.6 square miles, there were numerous bright, happy faces—not just individuals from Cooperstown, but people from Morris, Oneonta, Milford, Ilion and other locales joined us to honor this special day.

The “TODAY Show” had given our town the title of one of the “Merriest Main Streets” in the country.

The “TODAY Show” has been running since January of 1952, and we were honored to be a part of their “Merriest Main Street” series tour in 2023. By six in the morning, people began to crowd Pioneer Park and, although it was early, they made memories filled with laughter and joy.

The forecast showed 12 degrees, but that didn’t stop anyone. People hustled in and out of Stagecoach, our local coffee shop, in order to find warmth as well as hot drinks and baked goods. The Cooperstown Children’s Choir sang carols to our local citizens and melted everyone’s hearts. The crowd gladly sang along to selections such as “Jingle Bells” with happiness, under layers and layers of warm clothing.

Local resident Lynne Mebust said, “It’s a great opportunity for people across America to see what Christmas is like in a small town.”

There were not only people on hand—many furry friends gathered as well, to celebrate the small town Continued on page 7

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

HVAC Incentives To Be Discussed

HARTWICK—Residents of the Town of Hartwick are invited to an informational session by the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District at 103 Town Road at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9. MVEDD will discuss the ways residents can take advantage of state incentives to upgrade or replace their heating and cooling systems. There are income-based programs that may allow residents to receive $1,000.00 to $20,000.00 in HVAC and energy efficiency upgrades. Electric heat pumps are 1.5 to 5 times more efficient than fossil fuelsourced heating and cooling systems, are quieter to operate, provide dehumidification, and greatly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information or to sign up, contact info@mvedd.org or (315) 866-4671. The event is co-hosted by the Hartwick Climate Smart Communities Task Force.

Henrici To Address Dems ONEONTA—The Oneonta Democratic Club will hold its first meeting of 2024 at Get Fresh on the Main café, 254 Main Street in Oneonta, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. The featured speaker will be Michael Henrici, a commissioner of elections for the Otsego County Board of Elections. Club members and guests will discuss the 2023 elections and plans for upcoming races. RSVP to garymaffei@gmail.com or via the club’s Facebook page.

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Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Happy Service Anniversary!

COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum recently recognized staff members who are celebrating milestone service anniversaries this year. Pictured from left are: Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark, Coordinator of Rights and Reproductions John Horne, Library Associate Dan Bennett, Manager of Exhibits and Special Projects Mike Fink, Manager of Digital and Outreach Learning Bruce Markusen, Director of Museum Education Stephanie Hazzard, Director of Communications Craig Muder, Fulfillment and Shipping Associate Tina Zayat and Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch.

Glimmerglass Festival Unveils 2024 Details

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its 2024 season, titled “Identity & Illusion,” on Wednesday, December 13. Highlights include a new production of the gothic thriller “Elizabeth Cree” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning team, Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell; the first glimpse of “The House on Mango Street,” a new opera by threetime Grammy nominee Derek Bermel and librettist Sandra Cisneros; an immersive new production of the classic thriller “Pagliacci” from newly appointed Artistic Director of Pacific Opera Victoria Brenna Corner, with pre-show outdoor concerts curated by the artists themselves; and a world premiere youth opera by 2022 winner of the San Francisco Conservatory’s Emerging Black Composers Project, Jens Ibsen, and Cecelia Raker.

2024 Artist-in-Residence Tara Erraught (Opera de Paris, Wigmore Hall, Metropolitan Opera) leads an international group of guest artists making their Glimmerglass debuts, including Craig Irvin (Wexford Festival Opera, Minnesota Opera), Christian Mark Gibbs (Metropolitan Opera/LCT, Washington National Opera, Camelot on Broadway), Taylor Raven (San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera), Elizabeth Sutphen (Glyndebourne, Spoleto Festival, Opera Frankfurt), and Robert Stahley (Lyric Opera of Chicago, LA Philharmonic) as well as the triumphant returns of Eve Gigliotti (Metropolitan Opera, Opera Philadelphia), Amber Monroe (Washington National Opera, Santa Fe Opera), Troy Cook (Hamburg State Opera, Covent Garden), and Schyler Vargas (Arizona Opera, Carnegie Hall), all alumni of the Glimmerglass Young Artists Program.

“The Glimmerglass family is created each season out of the special alchemy that arises when international artists at the peak of their profession work as peers along-

side America’s most exciting emerging artists and apprentices,” said Artistic and General Director Rob Ainsley.

“While introducing our audiences to new artists I have worked with and admired throughout my career, there will also be many familiar faces eager to make the most of their next big opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited for the excellent directors and conductors making their solo mainstage debuts with us this season.

Each will bring fascinating new perspectives to their productions.”

Leading a thrilling roster of guest artists, Glimmerglass welcomes Irish star mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught as Artistin-Residence for the 2024 season. Acclaimed worldwide, Erraught has been lauded for her “beautifully formed mezzo-soprano voice” (“New York Times”) and heralded as the “New Bel Canto Queen” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung). Notable recent performances include her role debut of the title role in “Iphigénie en Tauride” at the Opéra de Paris and her role debut as Maria Stuarda at Irish National Opera, where she was described as having “a voice that inspired pity that would have moved even the stoniest of hearts’’ (Bachtrack).

Erraught has held concerts across the globe, including at the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall, and is a recipient of the prestigious Pro meritis scientiae et litterarum, awarded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art. For her debut with Glimmerglass, Erraught will star in the title role in “Elizabeth Cree” and provide mentorship for members of Glimmerglass’s highly competitive Young Artists Program.

Joining Erraught as Glimmerglass Festival 2024 guest artists are 2017 BBC Singer of the World finalist, baritone John Chest; baritone Troy Cook, who originated the role of Father Palmer with Minnesota Opera in

the world premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera “Silent Night”; multifaceted talent of stage and screen, tenor Christian Mark Gibbs, most recently seen in the Broadway revival of “Camelot” (2023) at the Lincoln Center Theatre; mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti, an innovative vocal artist who infuses her performances with “finely crafted characterizations” (NY Classical Review); baritone Craig Irvin, who brings a “dynamic range, a sturdy swagger, and a beautiful, smooth vocal quality” (Utah Arts Review) to his performances; 2023 winner of the George and Nora London Foundation Competition, soprano Amber Monroe; mezzosoprano Taylor Raven, praised as a “vocal sensation” (Washington Classical Review) with a “deep range” (OperaWire); tenor Robert Stahley, known for his “richly embodied, charismatic” (Arts National) performances; soprano Elizabeth Sutphen, praised for her “exquisite” (“The Guardian”) coloratura soprano and “crisp comedic instinct” (“Opera News”); and baritone Schyler Vargas, praised for his “powerful baritone” (“Washington Post”) and returning to Glimmerglass after his crowd-pleasing turn as Maximilian in the 2023 production of “Candide.”

The 2024 Glimmerglass Festival will run from July 22 through August 20, 2024, with mainstage productions including Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance,” Cavalli’s “La Calisto,” Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” and “Elizabeth Cree.”

Glimmerglass Festival will also offer a variety of free events throughout the season, including preview talks held before every mainstage performance, backstage tours exploring the Alice Busch Opera Theater, production and costume workshops, and changeover talks between Saturday matinee and evening performances. For more information, visit www. glimmerglass.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Horvath

Continued from page 1 carrying all their supplies out with them on their backs. Even with these accomplishments, the Himalaya called to them.

“I’ve had my eye on Ama Dablam since I saw it for the first time,” Tim recalled. “When you go to Everest Base Camp, you see it. They call it the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas’ for its steep, beautiful peak. As a climber you can’t help but think, ‘I want to come back and climb that.’”

Thanks to Henry’s gap year between Middlesex School and Harvard University, this autumn opened up a perfect opportunity.

Himalayan peaks generally have their safest climbing conditions in the spring and fall. The Horvaths spent five weeks in Nepal in total.

They landed at 9,000 feet at Tenzing-Hillary, or Lukla, Airport, long considered the world’s most dangerous. They did a great deal of acclimatization work in order to adjust to extreme altitude, including a month trekking around the Three Passes route.

“That route includes altitudes up to 17,000 feet,” Henry explained.

“A lot of people will land in the area and then go straight for the peak, just doing laps up and down the mountain to acclimatize. We thought it would be much more interesting to trek around and see more of the range.”

“On one of the passes we got a perfect, panoramic view of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse, and it was a perfectly clear day,” Tim said. “Trekking was a nice way to start the trip. It wasn’t easy, but it was relaxing and got us working upwards in terms of altitude and mileage. We also climbed Lobuche as a warm-up peak. It’s just shy of 20,000 feet.”

The two could see Ama Dablam for days as they hiked toward it. Although the mountain is far smaller than many Himalayan neighbors—reaching 6,812 meters, or 22,349 feet, well outside the realm of the 14 legendary 8,000meter peaks—it poses significant challenges.

“Ama Dablam is a very technical peak,

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

requiring extensive rock and ice climbing skills,” Tim explained.

“It’s more technical than most of the 8,000-meter mountains.”

“It’s not only technical,” Henry added. “It’s very ‘exposed,’ which in climbing means there are a lot of multi-thousand foot drops on either side of you. It’s steep and jagged. After Camp One, there is never really a point where you’re on flat ground.”

They planned a 3,000foot summit day, pushing directly from Camp Two to the top and bypassing the optional Camp Three. After waiting at Advance Base Camp for a day to acclimatize, they made their way up the ridge to Camp One, at about 19,000 feet.

They spent another day there adapting to the altitude. After this camp, the climb starts getting technical.

“The technical crux of the climb is the Yellow Tower, where you have to go straight up to Camp Two,” Henry said. “It’s a moderate rock climb with fixed lines, but it’s still at altitude, in the cold, with your full pack of supplies on your back.

There are also 3000-foot drops on every side. It’s about 50 feet of vertical climbing. Camp Two itself is about 10 tents precariously sitting on some rocks on a ridge.”

“That’s exactly how I like it,” Tim said. “I thought it looked fun.”

Their climbing companion and one of the group’s Sherpa guides stayed at Camp Two due to illness. The Horvaths and another guide planned to summit from there, but had to detour to Camp Three to rescue another climber who was near death from altitude complications.

They fed the man and got him safe in a tent with oxygen support, then stayed with him and the Sherpa accompanying him until a rescue helicopter arrived. To fit the rescue effort into their summit day, the three remaining climbers had to depart from Camp Two at 10 p.m. and work upward all night.

“My memory of most of that climb is pretty vague,” Henry admitted.

“We were in the dark, so there wasn’t much to see.

And, of course, I was focused, exhausted, and starting to really feel the

altitude.”

They arrived at Camp Three, a collection of three tents taking up the entirety of the only flat space between Camp Two and the summit, around 1:30 a.m. The sick climber was in a bad condition and immediately became their priority.

“The guy was purple, coughing and hacking,” Tim recalled. “We got him back on oxygen right away. The Sherpa had had to lower him back down from the top, so he was exhausted as well.

We got them set up with a stove and food, and gave the man a strong dose of lifesaving medication.

He seemed to be doing better, but people in that state can go quickly.”

After an hour at Camp Three, they left for their final summit push.

“This climb was steep, sustained snow,” Henry said. “Climbing through this deep snow was a full-body workout. With such low oxygen, you really feel every step.

There are no flat spots to rest for a snack or drink.

It was a real, physical slog, and we had to pace ourselves.”

An hour from the summit, Tim turned back. He was completely worn out from the climb and sleep deprivation, and suffering from the lingering effects of a chest infection. Henry and Geljen Sherpa, the remaining guide, pushed on and reached the summit around 6 a.m.

Tim returned to Camp Three to further assist the endangered climber, then got some muchneeded rest after nearly 30 hours on his feet.

“You go up one of the steepest sections of the whole climb and then… there you are,” Henry said. “It’s a nice flat summit. I’d been thinking about it for months and it was incredible to get there. It was hard to believe I was finally standing there. We were lucky on our summit day because there was, incredibly, no wind. In the complete down outfit, even five below doesn’t feel too bad if there isn’t wind. There were only two other teams near the summit that day.”

Back at Camp Three, the group assisted as a rescue helicopter evacuated the other mountaineer. Then, they turned to face the easier, but

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still challenging, return journey. The descent was steep, but much of it could be completed by rappel. They made good time on the way down, and celebrated with a “summit cake” at the teahouse at base camp.

With this chal-

lenging peak added to their already impressive records, both Horvaths seem poised to continue seeking out the world’s most difficult mountains.

“Every time we get a new peak under our belts,” Tim concluded, “Henry always winds up

sports snippets

asking, ‘All right, what’s next?’”

Henry plans to present a lecture on his experience at the Village Library of Cooperstown or another local venue in January. At press time, details on this event were not yet available.

Compiled by Wriley Nelson

High School Hoops Corner HARPURSVILLE—Unatego/Franklin boys defeated Harpursville 49-36 in a Midstate Athletic Conference road game on Thursday, December 14.

Xander Johnson led the way with 14 points, followed by Braeden Johnson with nine.

The U/F boys fell 56-42 to West Canada Valley at home on Saturday, December 16. Xander Johnson scored 20 more points.

WATERVILLE—Cooperstown boys lost a Center State Conference nondivision road game to Waterville 77-46 on Thursday, December 14. The Hawkeyes led after one quarter but were outscored thereafter. Charlie Lambert scored 18 points and made eight assists in the loss.

COOPERSTOWN—The Hawkeyes went on to defeat New York Mills 67-41 in a Division IV road game on Monday, December 18. Senior Charlie Lambert led Cooperstown with 24 points, five assists and four steals. Cooper Coleman scored 15 points, eight of which came in the first quarter. Cooper Bradley added eight points and 11 rebounds. Brody Murdock made 14 points and four assists.

Lambert continued to dominate in the Hawkeyes’ 82-55 blowout win against Unatego/Franklin on Wednesday, December 20. He set a personal record of 38 points, as well as eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks.

Coleman tied his own PR with 16 points. Xander Johnson scored 15 points for U/F in the loss.

In their final game before the holidays, Cooperstown defeated SherburneEarlville 67-53 at home on Friday, December 22. Lambert put away 23 more points, four assists and four steals. Murdock added 16 more points.

The Cooperstown girls’ team rolled to a crushing 68-18 victory over Morrisville-Eaton at home on Tuesday, December 19. Mia Kaltenbach scored a personal record of 22 points in the contest, followed by Rory Nelen with 19. The Hawkeyes moved to 5-2 for the season and 2-0 in their division, with five consecutive wins.

Unfortunately, they went on to lose 54-48 against Division II rivals Mount Markham on Thursday, December 21. Nelen scored 15 points in the loss and contributed six rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Brenna Seamon had 13 points and Kaltenbach had 10.

VAN HORNESVILLE—Richfield Springs/Owen D. Young boys crushed Gilbertsville-Mount Upton 72-38 in a Tri-Valley League game on Friday, December 15. Dylan Hosford and Bradyn Dunckel scored 27 and 26 points, respectively.

The RS/ODY boys defeated Canastota 59-45 in a non-league game on Thursday, December 21. Dunckel scored 25 points, including five threepointers, in the win. Hosford put away 12 more.

For more high school hoops recaps, visit allotsego.com.

Perspectives

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

BASSETT AT 100

EDITORIAL

Greetings, Friends

T

he time has come, for we and you, To bid this frightful year adieu.

It hasn’t been a year to remember, And we’re ever so glad we’ve got to December.

The whole world is at war, so it seems, every day, With hostages, gunfire, people running away.

With our climate and energy both creating a mess, And all the new Covids, they’re anyone’s guess.

But here in Otsego, we’re crawling along, Our towns and our county try not to do wrong.

Our mayors, so quick to take care of us all, And our village officials keeping right on the ball.

Tillipaugh and Drnek, our supervisors too, Take the bull by the horns, keep us all in their view.

So we thank them profusely, for their hours of work, And hope they don’t fly off to Caicos and Turk.

Our firemen jump at the sound of a horn, They put fires out by the light of the morn.

And they work with the highway to make the roads clear, So we can run errands and stop hitting those deer.

And let’s not forget the police in our towns, The sheriffs and deputies, they make many rounds.

They occasionally stop us for going too fast, And we have to pay up and get points that might last.

To our merchants and bakers and baseball-bat makers, We wish you a good year selling stuff by the acres.

To our lawyers and judges, may you solve every suit, And get back on that golf course, some low scores to shoot.

To Country Club, Subaru, we wish you good fare, Let’s go big on electrics, let’s charge everywhere.

They’re good for our climate, an energy tool, And they’re saving us money, we’re not eating up fuel.

Here’s to Becky, our go-to when we’re at the Price Chop, And to Rob, Dave, and Ellen and their healthy food shop.

To Danny’s, Brooks and Annutto’s, Mel’s, Hawkeye, Sal’s too, Fly Creek General Store, Toscana, Norbu.

Doubleday and Stagecoach, the Diner, Bocca and Cooley’s, Blue Mingo, Origins, Ommegang and The Buzz, Fly Creek’s newbie.

Season’s greetings you farmers who till, milk and mow, And come to the market with fresh foods in tow.

Good cheer, healthcare friends of the medical world, Thank you Tommy, and Bassett, keep your sails always unfurled.

We love our non-profits, they work hard and they care, O2K, OCCA, OLT—always there.

Saving our lakes and our farms, bringing hope with good hearts, And cheering us up with their operas and arts.

Twenty twenty-four is upon us, a new year for us all, Let’s all work together, let’s heed the high call.

We will make our world better, spread good will and joy, And we’ll all get along, we’ll try not to annoy.

Here’s to Otsego, our heaven, where we best belong, May we bury our hatchets, make peace and be strong.

Here’s a splendid new chance, a new year is arriving, Let’s be kind, get along, show the world that we’re thriving.

With apologies to “The New Yorker”

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dr. tommy ibrahim

Bidding Bassett a Fond Farewell

D

ear Friends, Neighbors and Colleagues, The New Year is traditionally a time to reflect on where we have been, set new goals, embark on new adventures, and is a perfect time for fresh starts.

Over the next few days, I will be wrapping up my tenure as president and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network, and a dynamic, deeply dedicated new interim CEO, Staci Thompson, will take the helm.

Before I introduce you to Staci, I want to say thank you to every member of the communities we serve, and to all our colleagues for entrusting the leadership of this amazing institution to me for the past three and a half years.

I continue to be honored and humbled for the opportunity.

Bassett is remarkable for many reasons, but most notably for its caregivers and for the outstanding support of the community it serves. In the time I have been with Bassett, I have been awed by the devotion of every caregiver to our patients, and to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement that guides us in everything we do.

As I think about my last three and a half years with Bassett Healthcare Network, my time here has been the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling of my career. I am especially proud of the work our health system and caregivers did to guide and protect our community through the COVID-19 pandemic with compassion, courage, and selflessness. I have immense gratitude for everything we have accomplished together for our patients and our communities.

These achievements are the direct result of every member of the Bassett team working together.

I’m proud to say that, today, Bassett Healthcare Network is stronger and more integrated as an organization than ever before.

My decision to step down as president and CEO was incredibly difficult. After several months of reflection, this was

purely a personal decision driven by the need and desire to be more present with my family as a husband and father. As proud as I am of the work that Bassett Healthcare Network is doing in rural health—nothing is more important to me than my son, daughter, and wife.

At the same time, Bassett Healthcare Network is embarking on a new year with optimism and profound commitment to the mission of improving the health of our patients and the wellbeing of our communities. I am confident that our communities will continue to benefit from the amazing energy and resources that are in motion.

We have worked to build strategic and meaningful partnerships that will bolster Bassett’s vitality not only locally, but also as a leader in rural health excellence. Bassett has strong relationships with industry leaders like Optum, which is greatly improving Bassett’s resources related to information technology, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle management; growing access to advanced digital technology with Andreessen Horowitz Bio + Health (a16z); and, coming in 2024, exciting plans to open a specialty pharmacy with Geisinger. Additionally, Bassett has expanded advanced virtual heart care with Columbia University; added clinical trials and new treatments for cancer, launched a new program with SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College to retain new graduates in the region, opened a 22nd school-based health center at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, is significantly growing access to care with new virtual care options, and increasing surgical capabilities at A.O. Fox Hospital, among so many other initiatives. I am so proud of this important work that will benefit our patients and communities for many decades to come.

Bassett is well-poised for success with capable and expert Continued on page 7

Letters to the editor … In their opinion

Glimmer Nights Well Worth a Visit Last night, I visited The Farmers’ Museum and experienced Glimmer Nights, their new holiday light show. I loved strolling around the country village and seeing it all lit up with thousands of lights. It definitely put me in the spirit of the holidays. I celebrate Christmas. There was music playing, but it was not traditional Christmas music.

I was lucky to have Todd Kenyon—the director of marketing for Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum—give me a private tour. He explained that the museum wants to appeal to visitors from every holiday tradition and background.

Admissions cost $15.00, about the price of going to the movies. I understand the museum invested a great deal to decorate the village. It is well worth seeing.

The design was very modern looking. The trees in the middle of the commons were wrapped in hot pink, purple, blue and green brightcolored lights. There were two geodesic domes that I bet children would love to run around

in, below the iridescent green and multicolored lights.

The café is open and sells hot chocolate, hot cider, hot dogs and pretzels. It was cold when I visited, so my hat and gloves came in handy.

My favorite display was the herb garden. Huge pink, blue, red and yellow lighted flowers appeared over the white picket fence. They were fanciful and unexpected. As I came around the bend past the café, I also noticed a patch of mushrooms all lit up sprouting between two buildings. These were not typical Christmas scenes of Santa and elves and reindeer.

Glimmer Nights is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-8 until Dec. 30. So if you have not treated yourself to a stroll, I recommend it.

The museum gift shop is open, too, and is full of many other gift ideas and some traditional Christmas tree ornaments.

Monica Calzolari Oneonta

Re: City Planner, Growth, Dialogue Regarding the city planner’s recent, Facebook-friends-only, statement expressing both

relief and frustration regarding the Stagecoach Coffee project.

While I understand the sentiments, I take issue with the characterization of community concerns as “stifling dialogue” and suggest a different perspective on the role of city planners.

First, let’s be clear: Expressing concerns about a project affecting one’s community is not opposition, it’s civic engagement. Citizens have a right to voice their opinions on proposed developments, especially those directly impacting their neighborhoods. To label this engagement as “stifling” undermines the crucial role public discourse plays in a healthy democracy.

Second, while open dialogue is essential, it shouldn’t be framed as a “give and take” where developers unilaterally propose projects and residents simply acquiesce or resist.

Planning processes should be truly collaborative, with a genuine exchange of ideas, concerns and potential solutions.

The goal is not simply to push projects through, but to arrive at the best possible outcome for the community as a whole.

In this case, while the Grady brothers may be “communityContinued on page 7

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 news from the noteworthy

SUSTAINABLE OTSEGo

Protecting Our County’s Vulnerable Open Places Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 YEARS AGO

The new Village Hall is to be formally opened with a Grand Ball given by the Fire Department on Friday evening, January 18. Gartland’s Tenth Regiment orchestra has been engaged to furnish the music. Previous to the Ball a concert will be given.

A first-class lady singer, Mr. Gartland, cornet, and Mr. Prussian, piccolo, will be soloists, and will be supported by the orchestra, which all Cooperstown people know to be first class. As the proceeds will be used to aid in fitting up proper quarters for the different fire companies, our citizens will take pleasure in attending these opening entertainments.

December 28, 1888

110 YEARS AGO

The body of a new-born baby girl weighing about ten pounds was found in the Susquehanna River just below the Main Street Bridge on Sunday around noon by some youths who were throwing stones into the water. Jesse St. John, Harry LaDuke, William Betterly and Herman Smith were throwing stones into the river from the bridge when their attention was called to an object in the water below near the Middlefield bank.

A bath towel was wrapped around it and this with a woman’s skirt, which was found on the river bank furnish the only clues in the case. An autopsy was held on Sunday afternoon by Coroner Parish, assisted

by Doctors Burton and Atwell, but the findings have not been made public. The condition of the child showed that it must have lived several hours after it was born, and then died of neglect. The body was buried in Lakewood cemetery Monday afternoon.

December 24, 1913

85 YEARS AGO

Al Stoughton, Secretary of the National Baseball Centennial Commission, will be the principal speaker at the annual dinner of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, at the Cooper Inn on Thursday evening, January 5, 1939. The tickets will be limited to 135, the capacity of the dining room. The speaker, whose office is at 247 Park Avenue, New York City, is in close touch with the plans of organized baseball for the 1939 Centennial Celebration. Mr. Stoughton graduated from Bucknell University, the alma mater of his uncle, the immortal Christy Mathewson, in 1924.

He is a principal in the Steve Hannagan Promotion organization, which among other projects, has been engaged by organized baseball to publicize the Baseball Centennial throughout the United States.

December 28, 1938

35 YEARS AGO

Excerpts from a Poem titled “Hark the Hordes of Tourists Come”—“Three hundred thousand tourists came just to see the Hall of Fame. But they found no place to park and nothing to do after dark. As they walked about the street, litter fell beneath their feet.

Trash may come, but trash won’t go, ‘cause there’s no landfill as you know. Recycle, recycle is all that’s heard, spoken as a magic word. But will tourists recycle their junk, or toss it out with quite a clunk?

Living here for peace and quiet, finds the summer more like a riot. Fighting crowds throughout the town, turns that smile into a frown. Take advice from a friendly seer—Get out of town before next year.”

December 28, 1988

20 YEARS AGO

Tyler Harris, a 2003 graduate of CCS, is competing, for the Winged Beavers basketball team at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Avon Old Farms is a small private college preparatory school with 369 students. Its athletic teams compete against other prep schools such as Hotchkiss, Berkshire, Taft, Choate, Westminster, Kent and Worcester Academy. Harris was an All-Star member of the Cooperstown Redskins basketball team that won 25 straight games before a loss to Buffalo Honors in the Class C State Final at Glens Falls in March of 2003.

Harris is the son of Steve and M.J. Harris of Hartwick.

January 2, 2004 Solution: “Swapping Spree (4)” (December 21)

F

or decades, until quite recently, dairy was the mainstay of the local economy, and a primary determinant of land use. With the contraction of dairy, our beloved landscape of pastures and hay fields interspersed with woods and wetlands is at risk. From an ecological or agricultural point of view, what is the best use for abandoned or neglected farmland? 1 For return on the dollar, and minimal labor requirement, planting corn is clearly the most popular choice, and many local farmers opt for a corn/soy rotation. In fact, of the remaining farmland in our area, the ratio of grass production to concentrates, such as corn, has reversed—previously 4:1, now 1:4.

Corn is notoriously hungry for nutrients and minerals. Annual application of manure, generated by dairy farms, previously allowed the necessary replenishment. The synthetic fertilizers now used cannot replace the missing organic material and teeming microbiome in manure. Corn can provide a satisfactory “leader” crop, allowing deep cultivation to break up the “weed cycle” caused by long dormant weed seeds. Rotation of corn with soy, small grains or vegetables could take advantage of corn’s “leader” status. However, the ubiquitous use of herbicides instead of cultivation negates this potential benefit. Nonetheless, rotation with other, less demanding crops, particularly those with complementary needs, goes a long way toward helping the soil heal itself from the losses incurred with corn.

How about the least costly approach: just let nature take over? Although this has appeal, it’s not a good choice if you desire to conserve farmland for future agricultural use. Invasive, non-native and difficult to eradicate species quickly take over. Our ash trees, formerly a rapidly growing “nurse tree” which shaded out invasives, are now decimated by ash blight. You might just end up with a forever field of a new invasive, such as Japanese knotweed.

A better option is to keep your field in perennial grass and herbaceous species, as hayfield or pasture. Grasses perform many ecological services, replenishing nutrients in their growth cycle. Their deep root systems prevent erosion and flooding. Grasses sequester as much carbon as trees, if compared on a vegetative volume basis.

And they put the carbon underground, where it is not released into the atmosphere in case of fire.

After years of corn, even in rotation with less demanding row crops, a few years in grass can be transformative for soil health.

Pasture, with rotational or mob grazing, is an excellent choice for building soil health, recycles local nutrients into food for us, and, if properly managed, should be carbon neutral. 2 Despite climate change, our area remains well suited to agriculture. Let’s keep it that way.

1 There are compelling arguments, which this column will not address, both for and against using our farmlands for large scale “renewable” Continued on page 9

By MERL REAGLE

Accent on New Yawk… What is it bout that last R sound?

ACROSS 1 Zodiac Zoo member 5 Work well together 9 Roadie’s load 13 It lured away Letterman 16 Cupboard Feature 17 Funny Johnson 18 Like a rock 20 At lunch, e.g.

21 What a team hopes its front line is against the Buccaneers 23 Fish prized for its scales and found mainly in the Keys 25 Some TVs 26 Speech problem 27 Fluctuate 28 ___room 30 Menu fish 31 Outlaw 32 Author of The Deep Pockets?

34 Gets lucky in the Irish Sweepstakes?

38 Trans-Siberian Railroad city 39 Compass pt.

97 Trail mix 10 Shearer of The Red Shoes 40 Carol addition 41 Theater magnate Marcus 99 Why Mrs. Zebra’skids won’t 11 Bunny empire play with the kid next door? 12 Sloth, e.g.

42 Funny Louis 104 Ready to dance?

13 Tussive topic 43 Part of 55 Down 108 Curtain support 14 Inept one 44 Early industrialist who sniffed at his competition? 109 Big name in news 15 Least original 110 Week, to Juan 49 Mr. Sedaka 16 Barn bedding 111 Twist 52 Bridge bid 19 This half of the clues 112 Manipulative one 53 Amazement 22 With 96 Across, play rou114 It has its functions lette, for example 54 Comic Sykes isn’t performing tonight?

115 See how Paul’s diet is 24 Little bloodsucker going 58 Apocalypse Now setting, 27 Opinions briefly 117 Type of bird that can talk 29 Tuber buds and sing, but only in one 31 Guitar cousins 59 Lush key?

61 Glass-of-water request 32 “Not guilty,” e.g.

119 Dance Miller 63 Printer buys 33 Make scholarly corrections 120 Slippery as ___ 65 1980s apple-crop spray 35 Ireland’s ___Féin 121 “Check it out!”

67 Orville Redenbacher 36 Like a snail 122 Copycats 71 Xeno’s home 37 Soliloquy start 123 D-Day craft 72 Bluster 42 Rights grp. since 1909 124 Does a no-no 74 Greek letters 43 By itself 125 Robert Culp series 75 “Yada, yada, yada ...”

44 Guy with a great fish story 126 Chromosome choice 77 Moon lander 45 Like a bump ___ DOWN 78 Ethel Merman’s motto?

46 Blood prefix 1 Baio on Happy Days 80 Monsters, ___ 47 Roman orator 2 Are left 82 A hard ___ follow 48 Minnesota ballplayers 84 Headline-reading headliner 3 Brenner Pass site 50 Patronize, as a bistro 4 Writer’s deg., perhaps 85 Song about not wanting 51 Equal prefix 5 Boat basin eggs for breakfast?

55 Orch. funder, often 6 Winged youth 89 Approximately 56 The Man Who ___ Earth 7 With 86 Down, a Kwik-E92 Abbr. on ships 57 Motel come-on Mart rival 94 Drinks gingerly 8 11 Down founder, to friends 60 First name in daytime talk 95 Len Deighton thriller 61 “What’s ___ like?”

9 Have ___(quarrel) 96 See 22 Down 62 “... good witch ___bad

witch?”

64 Pago Pago’s place 66 Joe Buck’s pal 68 Thanksgiving dessert 69 Winter ailments 70 Quick kiss 73 Give ___ whirl 76 Roughed it 79 Book-jacket hype 80 Playful ones 81 Shuffle acronym 83 Surrender 86 See 7 Down 87 Knotted 88 Urge 89 Sapporo sashes 90 Policy decision?

91 Flower parts 93 Salmon, at times 97 Crew 98 Insurance city 100 Decrepit 101 CNN founder 102 Buzzing location?

103 Temperature extremes 105 Francis was one 106 Creator 107 Some tests 112 Strange sightings 113 Pig chow 114 Misprint 116 Hex ending 117 She’s Jenny in Love Story 118 Limit, briefly

THURSday, DECEMBER 28, 2023

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

OBITUARIES

Photo provided

OLIN L. BENEDICT JR.

Olin L. Benedict Jr. 1952-2023

WEST ONEONTA— Olin L. Benedict Jr. of West Oneonta passed away after a short illness at his home, with his loving wife by his side, on December 11, 2023.

Olin was born March 16, 1952 to Elnora (Griggs) Benedict and Olin L. Benedict Sr. of Middletown.

He worked at the “Times Herald Record” before relocating to work at “The Daily Star” and retiring there in 2011.

He continued to work for Covidian, Bassett Hospital and Fox Hospital until he fully retired.

He was an avid hunter and golfer and a member of The Colonial Ridge Golf Course and was a past member of Monhagen Hose Company of Middletown.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Marie (Ploutz) Benedict, and daughter, Alli Benedict, at home; his son, Olin L. Benedict III (Nicole Toia), of Schenectady, his daughter, Jennifer Benedict (Alan Greiwe), of Texas and his daughter, Amy Vertanen, and husband Joel and their children, the light of his life, Colette, Brooks and Brady, all of Ohio. He also had a strong love for his niece, Terry Cudney, and nephew, Robert “Moose” Kinsella; his in-laws, Pamela (Bruce) Amadon, Frederick (Shari) Ploutz, Dean Craven, Patricia Ploutz and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Olin is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Gail Kinsella, father-inlaw Frederick Ploutz Sr., and sister-in-law Angela Craven.

There will be a celebration of his life in the spring and notification will be updated.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Olin’s memory can be made to A.O. Fox Hospital, 1 Norton Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820 to support the hospital’s infusion program.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com, the website of Oneonta’s only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.

2, 1969 in Oneonta, the daughter of John and Frances (Beams) Mattice.

Melissa graduated from Oneonta High School, Class of 1987, and SUNY Delhi in 1989 with a degree in nursing. She worked on the maternity ward for 26 years at A.O. Fox Hospital, Oneonta, until the unit closed; at that time, she became a Women’s Health triage nurse at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.

She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Oneonta.

Melissa was a people person.

She loved spending time with her family and had a special relationship with her nieces and nephews.

She was a collector of snowmen and adored all things Disney.

She is survived by her husband, Christopher Carvin; her son, Christopher Ryan Carvin (Madeleigh Place); her siblings, Deborah (Robert) Archer, John (Pam) Mattice, Jr.; sisterin-law Connie Mattice; nieces and nephews Carol Anne Pierce (DJ Wooden), Daniel Mattice (Kimberly), Samantha Tetor (Nicholas), Makenzie Pierce, Andrew Pierce, Kylie Mattice, Kinsleigh Tetor, Kara Mattice, and Eric Mattice; an aunt, Joyce Stone (Louie); mother-in-law Nadine Stenson; brother-in-law Cuyle Carvin; aunts and uncles Martin Northrup (Fran), Sharon Shaver, and Harold Stenson; and many cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother David Mattice, nephew Adam Pierce, and fatherin-law William Carvin.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to the start of the memorial service at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 at the First United Presbyterian Church, 2 Walling Avenue, Oneonta, with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia WaltonLeavitt officiating. Also participating will be the Otsego, Delaware & Schoharie Nurses Honor Guard, with a Nurses Tribute Service.

Interment at Oneonta Plains Cemetery will be at a later date.

Please consider donations in loving memory of Melissa to: Ronald McDonald House, www. rmdh.org; Toys for Tots, www.toysfortots.org; or the Oneonta Dollars for Scholars, www.oneonta. dollarsforscholars.org Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com, the website of Oneonta’s only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.

Melissa A. Carvin 1969-2023

ONEONTA—Melissa A. Carvin, 54, passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2023 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.

She was born April

Photo provided

MELISSA A. CARVIN

Photo provided

ALBERT HUGHES

Albert Hughes 1932-2023

ONEONTA—Albert J. Hughes, 91, passed away at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown on December 18, 2023.

He was born August 6, 1932 in the Town of Butternuts, the son of Adelbert M. and Elizabeth (Whitney) Hughes.

He married Cegret Turnbull in 1960.

Albert was a United States Army veteran serving in the Korean War. He was a chef at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, retiring in 1994, then was a self-employed carpenter for 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Cegret Hughes; children Joyce (Dave) Schoemaker, Barb (Dave) MacIntyre, Albert (Janet) Hughes; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Linda Louden; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Art Hughes, Jean Laterra, his twin, Delbert Hughes, Charles Hughes, Phyllis Strobeck, Betty Card, and Bobby Hughes.

The family will have a small memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 30 at the Emmons Methodist Church, 5702 State Highway 7, Oneonta, NY; for family and church members only.

The Rev. Al Bullard will be officiating.

Donations may be made to the Emmons Methodist Church, 5702 State Highway 7, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com, the website of Oneonta’s only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.

Wardy ‘Edward’ McDaniel 1938-2023

R I C H F I E L D S P R I N G S — Wa r d y “Edward” McDaniel, 85, passed peacefully away at home on December

24, 2023.

Ed was born on August 24, 1938 in Troy, New York to Wardy McDaniel and Dorothy (Solton) McDaniel. He was raised in Johnstown, New York and graduated from Johnstown High School.

He was employed by AT&T and Verizon, until his retirement. He later worked as the manager at the Radisson Health Club in Utica, a job he loved.

Ed served in the U.S. Army in Germany, and while traveling in Europe discovered a passion for art. Once home, he used the GI Bill to pursue his art training. He exhibited and won prizes in many local, regional, and national shows.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia (Patty) Hughes McDaniel, of Richfield Springs; his son, Michael McDaniel, of Ladson, South Carolina and Caroga Lake; stepdaughter Kate (Reardon) Moxham, whom he loved as if she were his very own, special sonin-law Mike Moxham, granddaughter Harper Moxham (West Winfield) and step-granddaughters Hannah, Ava, and Leah Moxham; grandson Jordan McDaniel and his partner, Katrina Caringi, of St. Johnsville; grandson Jared McDaniel of Gloversville; sisterin-law Cindy (Hughes) Gilbert and her husband, Jon Gilbert; brother-inlaw Brian Hughes and his wife, Sue (Finlayson) Hughes; nieces Jennifer Gilbert, Laura (Gilbert) Rhoades, and Sarah (Gilbert) Ultsch and their families; brother-in-Law Dick Knowles, nieces Richelle (Knowles) Carter, Jennifer (Knowles) Quigley, and nephew Joshua Knowles and their families, all of Georgia. He was predeceased by his sister, Linda McDaniel Knowles.

Ed leaves many friends, all of whom were special to him, but especially two “brothers,” Bud and Butch Hamm, and his Army buddy, Pat Kern. Special gratitude also goes to friends who shared their special gifts over many visits during his illness: Mark Ambrosi, for taking Ed on scenic drives; Bruce Schwabach, for all the conversations about art and life; and Jonathan Crespi, for talks about Buddhism and helping him on walks down to the lake. As Clarence wrote to George Bailey: “No man is a failure who has friends.”

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

James A. McGrath 1938-2023

Photo provided

WARDY MCDANIEL

Gratitude is also given for the teachers that guided Ed in his Buddhist practice, Phakchok Rinpoche, Matthew Zalichin, and Michael Friedman; to Dr. Anush Patel and the caring staff at Bassett Cancer Center in Cooperstown; and to all the amazing staff and volunteers at Helios Hospice Care in Oneonta.

Sometimes death is sudden and comes without warning, but sometimes it is a long process. In the latter case, the months prior become a memorial of sorts. Thank you to the many friends and relatives who called, who visited, who reminisced, who laughed, cried, and said goodbye while Ed was still here to hear it all. It meant so much to him.

Ed’s wishes were that he be cremated and his ashes scattered. There will be no calling hours, service or burial. These cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the locallyowned Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, (315) 5085131. The family will have their own private remembrances of Ed, and we ask that you do the same. Think of him when you view a beautiful piece of art, listen to jazz, watch football or hockey, travel the world, scuba or snorkel, swim in a lake, or spend time at the ocean.

If you wish to make a special remembrance in memory of Ed, please consider Samye Hermitage in Cooperstown, New York; the American Cancer Society; or Helios Care (Hospice) in Oneonta, New York. Please visit www.mohawkvalleyfunerals.com to add to Ed’s online tribute.

“If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.”

-Robert Burns

COOPERSTOWN— James Anthony McGrath, a long-time resident of Cooperstown and dedicated member of the Cooperstown Veterans Club, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta. He was 85 years old.

Born May 21, 1938 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Jim was one of eight children of John Thomas McGrath and Sophie R. (Maciag) McGrath.

When he was 10 years old, Jim’s father passed away unexpectedly, and soon after the family moved to Hartwick. Jim attended school there and graduated with the Class of 1957, which was the last class to graduate from Hartwick High School.

On February 13, 1958, Jim was inducted into the United States Air Force, and proudly served his country with the 4616th Air Base Squadron.

Initially assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he eventually went overseas. He served as an aerospace control and warning systems operator (AC&W) and throughout his tour of duty often passed between East and West Berlin. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military on May 31, 1962, and returned home to Hartwick, after work experience in Germany and marriage to Christa Rietzne in 1961.

The marriage ended in divorce in 1967.

On January 15, 1978, Jim married Janet Lee Hurlburt (whom he met on a blind date on January 15, 1971) in a ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, and they settled into their home on Elm Street.

Throughout his life, Jim was employed as Continued on page 9

Photo provided

JAMES A. MCGRATH

Funeral Home

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Ibrahim

Continued from page 4 leaders at the helm. I am so excited to introduce Staci Thompson as interim CEO. Since arriving at Bassett Healthcare Network in May 2023, she has done incredible work across the organization, established her credibility, and earned the respect of everyone she has worked with. Staci came to Bassett from The Guthrie Clinic, where she held several executive leadership positions, including executive vice president and chief operating officer for Guthrie Medical Group.

Staci spent more than 30 years at Guthrie. She has a thorough understanding of rural healthcare, is committed to the patients and communities we serve, and has a deep respect for Bassett’s history and its place in the community.

Staci and I have been working very closely together to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to provide our patients with the best care possible. I am confident that her expertise—coupled with that of the entire leadership team and all of Bassett’s caregivers—will lead to many positive developments.

Saying goodbye to the wonderful people at Bassett, and to the friends and community we have found here, is tremendously difficult for me. I am humbled by the support and kindness I have received since my first day here.

I am grateful to have

been part of this organization and have no doubt that great things will continue to come to Bassett. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you have done for my family and me. I will always consider myself part of the Bassett Healthcare Network family.

With gratitude, Tommy Dr. Tommy Ibrahim President & CEO Bassett Healthcare Network

Letters

Continued from page 4

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7 together to ensure progress takes us where we truly want to be.

Todd Collins Oneonta

Re: Scanlon No-show In 2017, I ran for the Otsego County Board of Representatives District 13 (Oneonta Wards 5 and 6) seat. At the time, I had a full-time job, family and other volunteer obligations. Running for office is the beginning of undertaking a public contract with the constituents you represent.

By becoming elected, a county representative must strive to represent the public interest irrespective of party, background or belief. My predecessors in District 13 and I firmly shared this belief. However, it is clear that our current District 13 representative does not share the same sentiment.

In 2023, Mr. Scanlon was assigned posts on Otsego County’s Health and Education and Human Services committees. As we have seen from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing opioid crisis, and efforts to serve those in need, these committees do yeoman’s work helping Otsego County’s most vulnerable residents.

However, Mr. Scanlon has demonstrated that he is not interested in doing such valuable work through his actions. As of December 2023, he has missed a staggering 21 committee meetings.

minded,” their initial proposal might not have been the right fit for Walnut Street. Open dialogue, including the concerns raised by residents, could have led to modifications or adjustments, potentially even resulting in a more successful project in a different location.

I understand the frustration of a city planner caught in the middle.

However, instead of seeing community engagement as an obstacle, view it as an opportunity to refine and improve project proposals. Remember, the role isn’t just to facilitate development, but to ensure it aligns with the needs and aspirations of the very community a city planner serves.

Let’s embrace genuine dialogue, not label legitimate concerns as “stifling.” As Mark Twain rightly observed, “Progress is a pleasant experience until you look As a former represenwhere you’re going.”

In Oneonta, let’s work tative, I can attest to the

The

job scene To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103 or email Tarab@allotsego.com

importance of committee meetings. It is here that legislation is drafted, initiatives are proposed, and issues facing the county are addressed.

To use an example from District 13, Human Services Committee meetings could represent an ideal place to identify ways in which to provide services to our unhoused population that are sheltering at Motel 88. Health and Education Committee meetings would be an ideal place to brainstorm new services to provide to District 13’s seniors. Suffice to say, a lot can be done in committee meetings. It can be easily argued that Mr. Scanlon is perfectly content letting others decide what should be done in District 13.

Don Scanlon’s disregard for his position does not just affect District 13, it affects the entire county. His ongoing truancy can leave key committees without a quorum and thus bring key projects to a grinding halt. It is one thing to deny the constituents of District 13 a voice at the table, however—it is inexcusable to imperil county business simply because one cannot be bothered to participate in meetings.

A foundational credo in our country is that there should be no taxation without representation.

Mr. Scanlon has been collecting his $13,000.00 taxpayer-funded salary while hardly representing our district’s interests.

District 13 continues to

be taxed, but one must ask: When will we be represented?

Danny Lapin Oneonta Former Otsego County Representative, District 13

in money, but we’re rich in community.”

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh delivered a speech saying, “It’s the local spirit that is so important,” which is true for Christmas, but also for any other holiday or season in our gorgeous village.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and a few of their elves also joined us on this day, travelling far from the North Pole to share this special moment and brightening the days of many children and adults.

Our town has a love for all things: Christmas, baseball—but above all, we have a love for the spirit of community and happiness.

Iron String Press intern Arya Patel is a student at Cooperstown Central School.

Show

Continued from page 1 we call home. To everyone’s delight, dogs were dressed up with reindeer ears and jackets, as was a goat. Children jumped and cheered with signs, some yelling things like, “We Love TODAY!” and other good-will phrases.

The community had gathered in force as soon as we heard the news, and, as a local teacher said, standing in the crowd with her student, “We’re not rich

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law establishing the salaries of the County Administrator, County Treasurer, Director of Real Property Tax Service II, Personnel Officer, Commissioner of Elections (REP), Sheriff, Emergency Services Coordinator, Director of Public Health, County Superintendent of Highway, and Commissioner of Social Services Group I, for the year 2024.

NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 9:50 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard.

The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment.

The public hearing will be streamed via Facebook Live on the official Otsego County Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/otsegocountynewyork A copy of this Local Law is available on the Otsego County website.

Dated: December 28, 2023 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law to amend Local Law No. 2 of 1990 Ethics Law as amended by Local Law 4 of 2017 Ethics Law. NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing

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on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard.

The location of the public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment.

The public hearing will be streamed via Facebook Live on the official Otsego County Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/otsegocountynewyork A copy of this Local Law is available on the Otsego County website.

Dated: December 28, 2023 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York Legal nOtice NOTICE OF A 30 DAY PERIOD FOR INCLUSION OF LAND INTO CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS NOTICE is hereby given that Otsego County has established an annual 30 day period during which landowners can submit proposals to include viable agricultural land within certified agricultural districts outside of the eight year review period.

NOTICE is further given that said annual 30 day period in Otsego County begins January 1 of each year and closes 30 days thereafter.

NOTICE is further given that during this 30 day review period any landowner may submit proposals of viable agricultural land to be included into a certified agricultural district by filing requests with the Clerk of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, said requests to include the agricultural district into which the land is proposed to be included, a description of the land and the tax map identification number(s).

NOTICE is further given that at the termination of the 30 day period all proposals will be submitted to the Otsego County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board for its review, and that thereafter a public hearing

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will be held on the proposals and recommendations of said board.

Dated: December 28, 2023 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York Legal nOtice MEETING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego will hold its regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

However, when the date fixed for a regular meeting of the County Board falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the day following. The meetings will be held in the Board Chambers on the second floor of the County Office Building in Cooperstown, New York.

THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to Article 7 of the Open Meetings Law. Dated: December 22, 2023 D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC PRESENTATION COUNTY OF OTSEGO Notice is hereby given that the County of Otsego will hold a public presentation on the 2024 Otsego County Shared Services Plan that was adopted by the Shared Services Panel on December 20, 2023. New York State’s CountyWide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI) generates property tax savings by enabling collaboration between local governments across the state. The CWSSI expands on Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to reduce property taxes and modernize local government services by fostering new shared services and enhancing the existing collaborations already in place.

Otsego County has identified projects that will save taxpayers money through shared, coordinated, and efficient services between the county and local governments. Plans

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that demonstrate actual savings in taxpayer dollars may be eligible for a one-time reimbursement match on the savings amount.

The presentation will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the County Board Room at the County Office Building, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown New York.

Dated: December 21, 2023 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York Legal nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO INDEX # EF2018-532 FILED: 11/16/2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AND SUMMONS Plaintiff designates Otsego County as the Place of Trial.

Designation of Venue is based upon situs of the Subject Property.

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2006-E, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES INABS 2006-E, Plaintiff, against ERNEST O. BENNETT, CITIBANK, N.A., NY STATE DEP’T OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendant(s).

Upon the Attorney’s Affirmation of Susan A. West, Esq. of the law offices of Aldridge Pite, LLP, the attorneys for the Plaintiff, dated November 13, 2023; and upon all the exhibits annexed hereto and in support hereof; and upon all the prior papers and proceedings heretofore had herein; LET, YVONNE BURNS A/K/A YVONNE L ALLEN AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT; ERIC E BENNETT AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT; CARLEEN M BENNETT SIMPSON A/K/A LISA SIMP-

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SON AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT; CLAUDIA BENNETT AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ERNEST O. BENNETT, if living, and if they be dead, any and all other persons, who may claim as devises, distributees, legal representatives and successors in interest of said defendant, all of whom and whose places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquire be ascertained; and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, show cause before this Court as IAS Part BDB, to be held at the OTSEGO County Courthouse, 32 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, on the 16th day of February, 2024, at 4:30 o’clock, of that day or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, WHY, an Order should not be entered granting the following relief: a) amending the caption by striking defendant ERNEST O. BENNETT, as said defendant is deceased and no longer has an interest in the subject premises, and substituting in place thereof YVONNE BURNS A/K/A YVONNE L. ALLEN AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNET; ERIC E BENNETT AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT; CARLEEN M BENNETT SIMPSON A/K/A LISA SIMPSON AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT; CLAUDIA BENNETT AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O.

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BENNETT, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributess, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having of claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint (hereinafter “Claudia Bennett as Heir at Law and Next of Kin of Ernest O. Bennett”) and UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ERNEST O. BENNETT, if living, and if they be dead, any and all other persons, who may claim as devises, distributees, legal representatives and successors in interest of said defendant, all of whom and whose places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquire be ascertained (hereinafter “Unknown Heirs and Distributees of Ernest O. Bennett”), pursuant to CPLR §1015 and 1021; and, b) amending the caption by adding as a necessary party defendant UNITED STATE OF AMERICAINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; and c) that the Court appoint a Guardian Ad Litem and Military Attorney for defendant(s) “Claudia Bennett as Heir at Law and Next of Kin of Ernest O. Bennett” and “Unknown Heirs and Distributees of Ernest O. Bennett” of said defendants who may be infants, absentees or incompetents, or unknown successor in interest of defendant(s), “Claudia Bennett as Heir at Law and Next of Kin of Ernest O. Bennett” and “Unknown Heirs and Distributees of Ernest O. Bennett”, who may be deceased and to protect and defend the interests of “Claudia Bennett as Heir at Law and Next of Kin of Ernest O. Bennett” and “Unknown Heirs and Distributees of Ernest O. Bennett” in this action; and d) for such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.

SUFFICIENT CAUSE APPEARING THEREFORE, ORDERED, that service of the instant

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Order to Show Cause, together with the papers upon which it was granted, be served upon YVONNE BURNS A/K/A YVONNE L ALLEN AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT, ERIC E BENNETT AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT, CARLEEN M BENNETT SIMPSON A/K/A LISA SIMPSON AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF ERNEST O. BENNETT, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE pursuant to CPLR Article 3 on or before December 8, 2023, be deemed good and sufficient service; and it is further ORDERED, that service of the instant signed Order to Show Cause, together with the summons in the above-entitled action upon the defendants for “Claudia Bennett as Heir at Law and Next of Kin of Ernest O. Bennett and Unknown Heirs and Distributees of Ernest O. Bennett”, by publication thereof, together with a brief notice and brief statement of the object of the action and brief description of the property, in two (2) newspapers in the English language, The Daily Star (Oneonta), and The Freemans Journal (Cooperstown ) once a week for four (4) consecutive weeks, the first of such publication to be made within thirty (30) days after entry of this order, which time to effectuate the first publication is hereby extended to forty five (45) days after the entered date of this order; and it is further ORDERED, that service of the instant Order to Show Cause, together with the papers upon which it was granted, be served upon CITIBANK, N.A., NY STATE DEP`T OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, LOUIS M. SPIZZIRO, ESQ. (Attorney for Defendant, Ernest O. Bennett, deceased), and THOMAS HEGEMAN, ESQ., the Court Appointed Referee, by first class mail on or before December 8, 2023, be deemed good and sufficient service; and is further ORDERED, that any defendant serve and file any answering papers seven (7) days prior to the return date of this

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motion.

Date: November 16, 2023.

Brian D. Burns, J.S.C. TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until sixty (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. WE ARE A DEBT COLLECTOR AND ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. The Object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the

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premises known as 1457 Butternut Road, Unadilla, NY 13849, bearing tax map designation Section: 304.00, Block 2, Lot 3.00, which is more fully described in the Schedule “A” attached to the Complaint. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being near Butternuts, County of OTSEGO and State of New York.

Aldridge Pite, LLP. Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747. Our File 1221-46679B 4LegalJan.11 Legal nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO Index No. EF2022-470 Date filed: August 5, 2022 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Premises being foreclosed: 2420 State Hwy 23 and State Hwy 23, Morris, NY 13808 ACTION TO FORECLOSE MORTGAGE ON PROPERTY SITUATED IN OTSEGO COUNTY Santander Bank, N.A. f/k/a Sovereign Bank, N.A. f/k/a Sovereign Bank, Plaintiff, -againstThe Unknown Heirs of Louis B. DeArmas, Edward DeVilliers, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance-Tax Compliance Division-C.O.ATC and Internal Revenue ServiceUnited States of America “JOHN DOE #1” through and including “JOHN DOE#25”, the defendants last named in quotation marks being intended to designate tenants or occupants in possession of the herein described premises or portions thereof, if any there be, said names being fictitious, their true name being unknown to plaintiff, Defendant(s).

TO THE ABOVE DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, continued Pg. 9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

McGrath

Continued from page 6 a carpenter, first working with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and later on his own in the Cooperstown area.

Raised in the Roman Catholic faith, he enjoyed occasionally attending the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown with Jan. Proud to be a military veteran, Jim was a faithful and dedicated member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 and the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 in Cooperstown, and active in the Otsego/ Delaware Counties VFW organization. He often served with the VFW honor guard for special events and funerals, and most especially enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow veterans at the Cooperstown Veterans Club; the place will not

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

be the same without Jim’s presence.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jan, of Cooperstown; a son, Patrick J. McGrath of Medina and spouse Julianne; a daughter, Sabina Stegmuller, and spouse Martin of Leipzig, Germany; and grandchildren Fabian and Vincent Stegmuller of Germany and Makenzie, Jackson, Charlotte, and Emmalynn McGrath of Medina.

He is further survived by a brother, Frank McGrath (Ann) of Lyman, South Carolina; three sisters, Mary Margaret McGrath (David Kane) of Annapolis, Maryland, Helen Senmartin (George) of Belleville, New Jersey, and Ann Kane of Lititz, Pennsylvania; a sisterin-law, Grace McGrath of Florham Park, New Jersey; and their families.

He is also survived by brothers-in-law John Jr. (Iva), James (Roxana) and Joseph (Donna) Hurlburt, all of Otego, and their families. Jim’s first wife,

Christa, also survives.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by three brothers: Joseph, who died in infancy; John T. McGrath Jr., who died November 16, 2008; and Thomas S. McGrath, who died November 23, 2019. He is also predeceased by sister-in-law Janet McGrath (spouse of John) of Oneonta, brother-in-law Jack Kane (spouse of Ann) of Pennsylvania, and parents-in-law Jed and Jean Hurlburt of Otego.

Friends are invited to pay their respects to Jim’s family from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023 in the Fellowship Hall at The First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, 21 Elm Street, Cooperstown.

At 4 p.m., a memorial service will take place in the Fellowship Hall at the church, with Pastor Mike Coles officiating.

Military Honors will be rendered at the start of the service by members

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from Pg. 8 to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of the Summons exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. In case of your failure to appear, or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in this Complaint.

HOME

SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207 General Purpose 6LegalFeb.1

whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 1529 Co Hwy 39, Worcester, NY 12197, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.25

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Brian D. Burns, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Otsego County, entered Oct. 4, 2023 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office on Feb. 17, 2006 in Book 1477, mortgage page 143, Document #2006-00042849, covering premises k/a 2420 State Hwy 23, Morris, NY 13808 a/k/a Section 222.00, Block 1. Lot 44.00 And State Hwy 23, Morris NY 13808 a/k/a Section 222.00, Block 1, Lot 45.00.

Plaintiff designates OTSEGO County as the place for trial.

Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: October 30, 2023 Westbury, New York Edward Wiener, Esq. Stein, Wiener & Roth, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590 (516)-742-1212 79276/DOVEN #101022 4LegalJan.11 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of TRAVELING TOOLS HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/30/23, Otsego Co.

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Golden Swan Trading LLC. Articles of Organization filed with SSNY on 11/28/2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated agent with service of process address: PO Box 1469, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of NMBR 9 HOLDINGS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/7/23.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.25 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of CHASE ORGAN COMPANY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/11/23.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC

Spaces

Continued from page 5 utilities or for housing.

2 The July 2022 column of “Life of the Land” is devoted to the virtues of rotational grazing.

Authored by Sustainable Otsego.

Since 2007, we have promoted ecologically sound practices – locally, regionally, and

LEGALS

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If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579, the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 and the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Elite Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be directed to Wounded Warriors Project (woundedwarriorsproject.org) or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: Bailey’s Plumbing and Heating LLC

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of

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/17/23.

Office location: Otsego County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 959 County Rd 7, Otego, NY 13825.

Purpose: Any lawful act under NY LLC Law. 6LegalJan.18

copy of process to 59 Woody Hill Rd., Hope Valley, RI 02832 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.11

tivities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJan.4

Notice of Formation of

11/13/23.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 1455, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.4

Aaron Fisher Enterprises LLC

Legal nOtice

POSTOAK LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State (SSNY) on November 1st, 2023 Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 20 Harrison Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.11

Notice of Formation of

Segina & Associates, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 11/10/12.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 1390 County Highway 11, Mount Vision, NY 13810.

Purpose: any lawful.

6LegalJan.18 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of The Turk’s Plantation LLC

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 3, 2023.

Office Location: Otsego County SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 810 Mooney Road, Worcester, NY 12197 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.18

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of

Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on 6/29/2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: RSD Enterprises LLC, c/o Robert Dunbar 235 Flax Island Rd, Otego, NY 13825.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.11

D&L RV RENTAL, LLC

Ceasar Dante LLC.

Legal nOtice

Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 12/1/2023.

Off. Loc. : Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 170 Hughes Road, West Winfield, NY 13491, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJan.18

Filed with SSNY on 1/29/2014.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 1950 E. Main Street S. 205a Mohegan Lake NY 10547.

Purpose: any lawful 6LegalJan.18

Notice of Formation of Foreign LLC

Notice of Formation

home rule. Please visit us at sustainableotsego.net or facebook. com/SustainableOtsego.

Legal

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State Of New York (SSNY) on 11/06/2023.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served. SSNY should mail process to Zachary Bailey: 231 Harris Hill Rd. Morris, NY 13808.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.18

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nationally. Our platform calls for sustainable living, economic independence, and

Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Firefly Meadow Farm, LLC.

RSD Enterprises, LLC

Wanderlust Properties, LLC (DBA Wanderlust Rental Properties, LLC) Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/15/23.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of GIAMBRONE SELF PUBLISHERS LLC. Filed 9/18/23.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 12 Parish Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave , Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

6LegalJan.4 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY)

Water Rock, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on November 15, 2023.

NY office Location: OTSEGO County.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 2570 County Hwy 39, Worcester, New York 12197.

General Purposes.

6LegalJan.4 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: OLD HOMESTEAD FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 15 August 2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 185 Gunset Ski Bowl Rd, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business ac-

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name:

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 November 2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 15 South St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalJan.4 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: EPIC LANDSCAPES SUPPLY LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 November 2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 908, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalJan.4

THURSday, DECEMBER 28, 2023

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.

homes

BUY • SELL • RENT Also specializing in Property Management

Rob Lee

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

607-434-5177 roblee1943@gmail.com

Happy New Year!

New Purchases and Refinances Debt Consolidation Free Pre-Qualification Fast Approvals • Low Rates

from Our Home to Yours!

Do it all right here in the REGION’S LARGEST REAL ESTATE SECTION! Call 607-547-6103

Matt Schuermann

Registered Mortgage Broker E

•F

OUNDED

M C

IA

DG

E WIL

L

Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

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20 Chestnut Street • Suite 1 • Cooperstown 607-547-5007 www.leatherstockingmortgage.com

1808 BY

OOP

R

IN

NYS Banking Dept.

Benson Agency Real Estate, LLC

founded in 1808

AllOTSEGO.com

Happy Holidays!

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holiday 166 Main Street, Ste 1, Oneonta office 607.433.2873 Season! www.oneontarealty.com

SELLING OR BUYING?

From all of us here at Oneonta Realty

Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land

99 Main Street, Oneonta office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580 www.oneontarealty.com

Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant

l a u ann

new Year’s Celebration sale!

JanuarY 1 through JanuarY 14

ALL Karastan carpet 10% off!

ALL daltile tile 10% off!

ALL Karndean vinyl plank 10% off!

remnant blowout!

Tim Smith Charlene Donnell Stephen Huffman

We give special thanks to the business & residential people in our region for making us the best flooring store in the area!

Check out our awesome selection of customized blinds and so muCh more!

a truCKloaD of remnants is on the way into the store for this sale!

25 off % 35 off %

Family Owned and Operated

61 South Main Street, Oneonta 607-353-7433

ALL in-stock carpet rolls ALL remnants already marked

BRING THIS COUPON IN AND GET A JUMP START ON OUR JANUARY SALES!