Richards Avenue: One Year After December 9 Gas Explosion
By TERESA WINCHESTER and ROBERT BENSEN
ONEONTA
December 9, 2024 marked the one-year anniversary of the gas explosion at 18 Richards Avenue in the Town of Oneonta. The house was blown to smithereens and took the life of its sole resident, Desmond Moan. Other homes and lives were also shattered that December night.
Just after 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 10, via a media release, Otsego County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. announced that the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control, assisted by his own office, had determined that the cause of the explosion was accidental, resulting from human error. At a public meeting held Monday, December 18, at the Town of Oneonta’s town hall, Otsego County Undersheriff Cameron Allison shared the determination that Moan had discharged a firearm within the house, damaging a branch of the residential gas line and resulting in a gas leak. The ignition source was said to
be the furnace in Moan’s basement. Most Richards Avenue residents interviewed doubt that claim. No one heard a gunshot.
The investigation is now in the hands of the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Four pages of records released to Iron String Press in April revealed no substantive information. The requested $8.00 payment for a 32-page report was sent to DHSES on December 5 but, at this writing, the report has not been provided to representatives of this paper.
Between 15 and 25 people were displaced immediately after the explosion, according to Patricia Leonard, executive director of Family Services Association of Oneonta. Some took refuge at a motel for a few days; others were displaced longer, and some have still not returned to their homes. Insurance, contracting, and inspection issues have delayed repair and reconstruction for all impacted by the disaster.
According to Paul Neske, codes officer for the Town of Otsego, all
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Viewing Platform Scrapped; Funds Redirected to Fairy Spring Park
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
COOPERSTOWN
Following strong public opposition regarding the Village of Cooperstown’s proposed viewing platform at the northern terminus of Pioneer Street, and a call from residents for increased transparency from village leadership, village officials have decided not to proceed with the project. According to Cooperstown
Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, the proposed viewing platform—some eight years in the making—was conceptualized as a result of public input, including the village’s 2018 Parks Survey and numerous public charrettes for the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, which emphasized the need for greater ADA-compliant accessibility and access to Otsego Lake via Lakefront Park for non-boaters, including a
walking/fishing pier.
“It was from the [Comprehensive] Plan and the survey that the idea of an accessible, ADA-compliant viewing platform arose,” Tillapaugh said. “As a result, the village applied in 2018 for a planning grant for the development of the concept, which will provide better visual and pedestrian access to waterfront within the Village of Cooperstown for non‐boaters
of all ages and abilities.”
Discussion of the proposed Lakefront Park viewing platform project had been tabled temporarily following a November 25 public informational meeting led by Delta Engineer Director of Landscape Architecture Michael Haas. Haas reviewed plans for the platform, which was to be installed in Lakefront Park. The plans received push back from members of the public as well
Shopping at the Last Minute? Check Out
By SARAH ROBERTS COOPERSTOWN
►
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ain Street Cooperstown and the surrounding avenues are lined with small, local businesses that give the village its distinctive flavor and identity. While in the summer these shops bustle with visiting baseball teams, Hall of Fame goers, those drawn to Glimmerglass State Park and others, in the winter months their main clientele is locals from Cooperstown and other nearby communi-
ties. At no time is this local focus more prominent than at Christmas time—with special deals for shoppers, community decorating and visits from Santa Claus.
Alessandra Paul, operations and marketing coordinator for the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, listed some of the many retail businesses Cooperstown has to offer when it comes to shopping locally this holiday season, including J. Gorman Fine Jewelry, Mohican Flowers, and a variety of baseball,
as some village trustees.
On Tuesday, December 17, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh confirmed that the viewing platform is no longer under consideration.
“Accessibility for all users of the village’s six public parks is a desired goal of village leadership,” Tillapaugh said in an e-mail on Tuesday. “In light of the strong opposition to the Lakefront viewing platform,
Continued on page 11
Photo by Sarah Roberts
The window of LJ’s Sassy Boutique has been compared to those on New York City’s famous Fifth Avenue.
Photos by Teresa Winchester
Polly and Charles Bailey stand in front of their Christmas tree at 15 Richards Avenue on December 9—one year to the day after a gas explosion at 18 Richards Avenue had forced them to live elsewhere for 12 months (left). Father Paul Hamilton, Rector-in-Charge of St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta, performs a blessing of the Bailey home on Richards Avenue (right).
Oneonta Store Specializes in Vintage Clothing, Sustainability
By HALEY SAUNDERS
ONEONTA
The Underground
Attic is more than a vintage store in the heart of Oneonta. It is a small world of timeless fashion, sustainability, and a love for the past that brings life to the present. Founded by Elizabeth Raphaelson, a SUNY Oneonta alum who transformed her passion for vintage clothing into a business, the store is magical for those who appreciate classic styles.
One of The Underground Attic’s unique aspects is its commitment to sustainability. With fashion’s environmental impact in mind, The Underground Attic encourages customers to embrace secondhand shopping as an eco-friendly alternative.
From 1960s brooches and bangles to dreamy maxi dresses from the ‘70s and beyond, each piece tells its story, waiting to be rediscovered.
Customers entering the store are greeted by Raphaelson’s bright smile and upbeat personality. The shop’s festive window display is turning heads this holiday season, blending the magic of Christmas with the flair of an extravagant party. Raphaelson is the creative mastermind behind the design.
“It’s my 10th anniversary here at the shop, so I wanted to do something special,” she said.
The store’s brightly colored window display highlights some of the festive vintage pieces of clothing and jewelry. Raphaelson says she is passionate about showcasing fashion: “I love that part of it—bringing
the ideas to life and making something memorable.”
Amanda Katz, a SUNY Oneonta student and employee at The Underground Attic, focuses more on the sustainability aspects of the clothing and jewelry store. Katz describes fashion as “circular, not linear,” emphasizing the enduring value of vintage garments compared to cheaply made “fast fashion” pieces from retailers like Shein and Fashion Nova.
“People are starting to notice the poor quality of these fast fashion items,” Katz said. “Vintage clothing is not only better made but also more unique. It is in trend again and feels new, even though it is old.”
Rather than purchasing wholesale or in bulk, Raphaelson sources each piece individually and ensures its value is preserved.
“She uses thread from the ‘70s to mend items, and she believes in using everything to its fullest potential,” Katz shared. “Nothing is wasted.”
The store also supports independent creators and local businesses by sourcing modern pieces directly from small business sellers. Promoting sustainability, fostering a sense of community and keeping independent makers in business are among the goals of Underground Attic.
For more than a decade, the shelves and racks of Raphaelson’s shop have
Try our subs, sandwiches, ready
been filled with one-ofa-kind items carefully sourced through a mix of vintage hunting and modern discoveries.
“I’ve been collecting vintage clothing since I was in eighth grade,” Raphaelson said. “It’s been a really long time, and I’ve always loved it.”
When Raphaelson opened her store 10 years ago, sourcing involved lots of legwork.
“I would travel to estate sales, auctions and appointments to find items to bring back,” she explained. “Now that I’ve been here for a decade, I always get emails and phone calls. People reach out, saying, ‘Oh, I have this dress from my grandma,’ or, ‘I’ve been holding on to this piece for 50 years.’”
These personal connections result in rare items found in excellent condition.
“The stuff tends to be in a lot better shape when it comes directly from someone,” Raphaelson explained.
However, estate sales and auctions are still part of the mix. Once items are acquired, Raphaelson says she restores them with care: “Everything gets cleaned, mended— the whole nine yards.”
For Katz, the allure of vintage clothing extends beyond its environmental benefits.
“It is accessible, fairly priced and offers a fresh yet familiar style,” she says. “Vintage garments are enticing because they are well-made and often have a touch of the unexpected.”
Beyond its local presence at 273 Main Street, The Underground Attic has an online reach through its website and Instagram live sales, held every Sunday at 8 p.m. EST at @ theundergroundattic.
Haley Saunders is an advanced journalism student at SUNY Oneonta.
COOPERSTOWN
assett Healthcare Network welcomed six new healthcare practitioners during the month of October.
Stephen Dunham, DPM, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a surgical podiatrist with Oneonta Specialty Services (1 Associate Drive), Tri-Town Specialty Services (43 Pearl Street, Sidney), and O’Connor Hospital (460 Andes Road, Delhi). Dr. Dunham provides care to patients with a variety of foot care needs, including foot pain, foot deformities, foot fractures, diabetic wound manage-
Photo by Haley Saunders
The sign leading into The Underground Attic at 273 Main Street Oneonta reads, “Thank you for shopping small!”
Town Board Meetings Plagued by Infighting, Lack of Decorum
By DARLA M. YOUNGS HARTWICK
The Hartwick Town Board meeting on Monday, December 9 was much like an episode of “The Real Housewives.” Board members bickered amongst themselves, argued with the meeting chair, were disrupted by audience members and still managed to conduct some town business.
Over the last two months, Town of Hartwick residents have witnessed the resignations of Town Supervisor Robert O’Brien and attorney William C. Green, a call for the resignations of two board members, a deputy supervisor who cannot serve in that capacity due to a paperwork technicality and, most recently, the resignation of bookkeeper Raymond Holohan. Town Clerk Andrea Vazquez has stepped in to keep the town moving forward as numerous nominations for an interim supervisor
have ended in a stalemate. O’Brien’s term was to have ended on December 31, 2025.
Among the disruptive issues discussed by board members Chris Briggs, Bryan LoRusso, Bruce Markusen and Tom Murphy—in a meeting chaired by Vazquez— were failure of board members to respond to e-mails, board members working independently behind the scenes, who should or should not be allowed to sign checks, and conflicts between members of the board.
Also discussed was mediation as a result of a finding by Courtney E Heinel, Esq., of Romer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP—which specializes in public sector labor and employment law—that Briggs had violated the town’s Violence in the Workplace Policy. Briggs had been accused by several town employees of harassment and threatening behavior, including current Highway Department Supervisor Keith Bronson.
“It should be noted,” Heinel’s letter reads, “that Councilmember Briggs is a Town Board member which is an elected office and not subject to the same disciplinary proceedings as normal Town Employees. The Undersigned, therefore, recommends the following:
1. Mediation between Councilmember Briggs and [redacted] to discuss how best to communicate and work together;
2.Workplace Violence training for Councilmember Briggs;
3. The extent to which the Town wishes to counsel and/or take other corrective action against Councilmember Briggs, is left to their sound discretion.”
As an elected official, Briggs cannot be fired. Board discussion revealed that Murphy
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Perspectives
EDITORIaL
Officials, Public Need a Refresher on Meeting Decorum
First and foremost, hats off to Otsego County, the City of Oneonta, the Village of Cooperstown and the Town of Hartwick. From what we can glean, these are the only Otsego County municipal entities that currently livestream and record meetings and make them available to the public for viewing online. We encourage all of Otsego County’s villages and towns to follow their lead.
That being said, while sitting in on some of these meetings, or watching them online afterward, we have noticed that some folks—both municipal officials and members of the public—could use a refresher course on meeting etiquette.
According to Robert’s Rules of Order, “parliamentary procedure is a set of rules for conducting orderly meetings that accomplish goals fairly.” The benefits of parliamentary procedure include the following: justice and courtesy for all; maintenance of order; consideration of one item at a time; all sides get heard; ability for each [board] member to provide input; majority rule; and protection of the rights of all members, including the minority.
Among the basic principles of Robert’s Rules are that all [board members] have equal rights, privileges and obligations; no person should speak until recognized by the chair; personal remarks or side discussions during debate are out of order; and, full and free discussion of every main motion is a basic right.
The role of the presiding officer of such meetings is to introduce business in proper order per the agenda, to recognize speakers, to determine if a motion is in order, to keep discussion focused on the pending motion, to maintain order, and to put motions to a vote and announce results.
General rules of debate, according to Robert’s Rules, include: all discussion must be relevant to the immediately pending question; no [board] member should speak more than twice to each debatable motion—the second time takes place after everyone wishing to debate the motion has had an opportunity to speak once; all remarks should be addressed to
Ithe presiding officer—no cross debate is permitted; debate must address issues, not personalities; and members may not disrupt the assembly.
Sample rules of order provided by the Association of Towns of the State of New York echo Robert’s Rules, although the two are not always entirely in sync.
Regarding public hearings, the Association of Towns recommends: “It shall be the duty of the Supervisor to preside at all general or special business hearings to instruct all persons addressing the Board to state their names and addresses and to request those in favor of the proposal before the Board to speak first and those in opposition to speak last. At such hearings the Board may by special rules prescribe the time to be allotted to each speaker and the number of times each speaker may speak.” And, at the close of the public hearing, “…the Supervisor may grant any member of the general public in attendance at such meeting a reasonable opportunity to be heard on any question or subject in which the Town or its government is concerned.”
The Association of Towns also advises that “no motion or resolution may be brought to a vote except by the majority consent of those present, unless printed or typewritten copies thereof are presented to each member of the Board 48 hours prior to the opening of the meeting at which such motion or resolution is offered.”
And with regard to members of the public attending these municipal meetings, the Association of Towns is very clear: “No member of the public shall engage in any demonstration, booing, hand clapping or otherwise disrupt the formality of a town board meeting,” and, “Any persons speaking to the Board with the consent of the Supervisor shall address their remarks to the Board, not to other members of the audience in the form of a debate.”
These are just some of the basics with regard to parliamentary procedure and civility. It is our opinion that it is the civility aspect of some of these
meetings that really needs attention, and, as pointed out earlier, both municipal officials and the public are at fault here.
The Institute for Local Government has this to say: “In the context of democratic debate, civility is about how people treat each other. Civility involves the display of respect for those who have positions with which one disagrees. Even though disagreement plays a necessary role in governance and politics, the issue is how one expresses that disagreement. The key is to focus on the strengths and weakness of proposed solutions to community problems—not to engage in personal attacks against those who favor different solutions. An even more powerful leadership strategy is to listen for the concerns and values that underlie people’s diverse perspectives to try to identify points of agreement and common ground.”
The rules of order are intended to create an atmosphere in which members of the municipal body and members of the public can take care of business efficiently, fairly, and with full participation. At the same time, it is up to the chair and the members of the municipal body to maintain decorum and common courtesy.
Municipal officials have a difficult, often thankless, job and we respect that. Citizens are frustrated and worried about the future. We understand and respect this as well. However, the fact remains that neither municipal officials nor members of the public have any excuse for behaving badly during these meetings. In the Town of Hartwick, in particular, both town board members and those in the audience could benefit from this “refresher course.”
As we move into the new year, our hope is that more of Otsego County’s municipalities will begin to livestream their meetings and post them online for the benefit of their residents. It’s not all that expensive or difficult an undertaking. And we hope, when they do, courtesy and decorum are the order of the day.
Mismanaging Human Integrity
n his book “Enlightenment Now,” Stephen Pinker offers an optimistic prognosis for humankind. Having read it some time ago, and having revisited it lately, I find myself wondering if there aren’t some compelling reasons to feel a bit gloomy, even depressed, about our prospects as a civilization. Civil is indeed the key work. As I sit here looking out my window every day, and after reading through what are considered credible news resources most mornings, one cannot help
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
but be struck by the preponderance of incivility just about everywhere. Perhaps my thoughts at this moment are clouded by the dismal view from my study window. It would be nice to blame it on the weather, but that would be unfair to nature. Nature goes about its business each and every day despite the relentless harm we all too enthusiastically do to it—and, thereby, to ourselves. The refrain, “when will we ever learn, when will we ever learn,” comes to mind. Ironically, we have the formidable
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‘It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again’
As I read last week’s article about Jan McGrath and the Bassett retirees’ battle to stop last-minute changes to their health insurance benefits (“Bassett Halts Changes to Retiree Benefits,” issue of December 12, 2024), I couldn’t help but think of Yogi Berra’s memorable quote, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
Three years ago in October, just before open health insurance enrollment, Bassett administration informed us and other part-time employees that we would not have any employer sponsored health insurance for the following year. The fact that we had a family with three children and our cumulative 40 years of service to the institution meant nothing. Bassett administration clearly intended to leave our family uninsured with almost no advance notice.
We were also ultimately successful in fending off this abrupt termination of our health insurance, but it certainly changed our notion of our relationship with the institution.
I thought afterward that
capacity to learn a great deal and to create amazing technologies that have the capacity to do so much good for so many. Yet, each time we invent something with enormously positive potential, we turn it into something inhumanely destructive.
The drone is just one example. First a toy, then an amazingly promising research tool, and then it becomes a killing machine. And who knows what other ways in which it might be configured
Continued on page 10
there was genuine institutional recognition of the bad blood their approach had spawned, and a plan to treat Bassett employees with more thoughtfulness and respect in the future. Perhaps not.
Eric Bravin MD Hartwick
Mary-Margaret Had It Right
2016 Comprehensive Plan?
Geez, when did Cooperstown get annexed by New Jersey and now being told that a boardwalk viewing platform is to be included?
Great editorial commentary, Mary-Margaret E. Robbins, in “Letter to Trustees Re: Platform,” published on November 28. Your last bullet point sums it all up! Tom Dahulick Omaha NE
Applause for Bassett Decision
Kudos to Darla Youngs on her unbiased and fair article on proposed changes to Bassett’s supplemental medical benefits published in last week’s edition (“Bassett Halts Changes to Retiree
Benefits,” issue of December 12, 2024). I applaud Bassett’s decision to reinstate them for 2025 and hope they will honor their commitment well beyond then.
I, along with so many others, relied on Bassett’s promise to provide these benefits in our Golden Years as promised to us as guaranteed for life in recognition of our many years of service and fierce loyalty to the institution. I understand that in these difficult economic times that changes and cuts need to be made, but I am hopeful and confident that Bassett can find other ways to do that than at the expense of its retirees.
Lori Higgins Richfield Springs Bassett Needs To Rebuild Trust
I am writing to address a concerning situation at Bassett Healthcare that has recently taken a new turn. Initially, Bassett had decided not to honor a written contract promising supplemental insurance coverage to employees with 30 years of service. However, they have now announced a
Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle,
Cooper, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
Haw THORn HILL jOuRnaL RICHaRD DEROSa
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
185 YEARS AGO
What is a Loco Foco? A democrat, a benevolent, kind-hearted, honest man—a lover of the human race —one who is happy where others are happy—who despises all aristocracy, all tyranny over the minds of men—one who respects the industrious poor man as much as he does the rich man, (and more, if he be more honest)—one in favor of having the workman paid when he has earned his money—against such shaving banks as favor the rich and withhold favors from the poor—in favor of men being honest; enterprising in taking a wife if one chooses, and rearing the children in the way they should go, in the path of honor and duty. Such is a genuine loco foco.
December 23, 1839
110 YEARS AGO
In Our Town—A basketball team representing Alpha Sigma fraternity of Colgate University defeated the Cooperstown High School team in an interesting contest at the Village Hall Saturday evening by the score of 68 to 37.
December 16, 1914
85 YEARS AGO
Letter from S. Klaus to R.D. Spraker, Mayor of Cooperstown dated Labrador, December 16, 1939: “Dear Sprake: Glad to be in your town again this year. Just hopped over here from Labrador; natives all peaceful and quiet. Beats all, the more that folks get civilized, the less they know about governing themselves; all the time inventin’ things to blow up one another with. Anan. Came to Rum Hill and camped out in Uncle Phil’s shack. My reindeer Blitzen had a romance up there last year with a wild one and some of the team got skeered at the ski jumpers over thother side of the hill and the autymobiles. Hear that Romano is trying to get somebody to dress up in some red pants and whiskers and imitate me. I do not approve of them phony Santa Clauses. Tell the kids to be good chillun and I’ll be seein’ ‘em. Yrs. Trooly, S.Klaus. Postscript: Glasses broke, so can’t spell very good. Hafta C. Kay while I am here.”
60
YEARS AGO
December 20, 1939
Douglas K. Walrath, 32, of Cooperstown, was named Monday night by the Board of Trustees to succeed Newton E.D. Gilmore as Village Clerk and Treasurer when the latter retires after 23 years on the job. Mr. Walrath will join the village staff on February 1 to undergo a four-month training program under Mr. Gilmore’s direction. Mr. Walrath, a village native, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas O. Walrath of this village. He graduated from Cooperstown Central School and Ithaca College. He is a combat veteran of the Korean War and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
December 16, 1964
35 YEARS AGO
Eight months after plans were presented for a Pizza Hut for 53 Walnut Street, the Village Planning Board unanimously rejected the development plans. Village Planning Board member Michael Jerome moved for the rejection of the plans, offered by Fugate Enterprises of Wichita, Kansas, based on a number of elements under the village zoning ordinance. “The proposed use, a high-volume restaurant, will adversely affect the safety and welfare of the general public,” Jerome’s motion read in part, “and is not in the best interest of the neighborhood which is residential.”
December 20, 1989
20 YEARS AGO
Jeffrey Idelson, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s vice-president of communications and education, was named the 2004 winner of the Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence by Major League Baseball at the Anaheim Marriott during professional baseball’s annual winter meetings. “At first, I was in disbelief,” Idelson said. Idelson joined the Hall of Fame staff in 1994.
December 17, 2004
A Thank You and Healthy Wishes for the New Year
There are very few occasions that compel us to stop and ponder our place in this world. Those moments are often things like the birth of a baby, the loss of a loved one, a defining achievement, a sought-after milestone and, for me, a retirement.
I have been a part of this community since August of 1992 when the Student Affairs Department of Hartwick College was brave enough to take a chance on me; fresh out of grad school and a whopping four months sober. I was anything but proven and still had so much to learn, but they made the offer and I took it! I have them to thank for bringing me here, to do exactly what I was meant to do. Otsego County became my home.
Otsego County is a wonderful place; full of hope and potential along with truly amazing people who want to make our little rural home a great place to live. My time at LEAF has been defined by working side by side with hundreds of people over the years who want to do just that. Thinking back through all of the fantastic people that crossed my path is excellent exercise for keeping me humble. None of this work we do is solo work. It is all about the team. It is all about the people who are willing to walk shoulder to shoulder down
By MERL REAGLE
sometimes difficult paths. Otsego County is rich indeed. Thank you, all of you.
LEAF’s mission continues to be prevention of harms associated with substance use and addiction. In our wildest dreams we would love to work ourselves out of job so that no one is ever
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A Pronounced Difference…
Photo by Christine Rolko
Julie Dostal (second from left) is joined by LeAf Board members tara Barnwell, Doug Brenner, marcia Damico and susan Lettis during her retirement celebration held on friday, December 13.
Remembering Rich McCaffery
Ilikely knew Rich McCaffery the least amount of time of anyone in the Cooperstown region, but also likely knew him the longest. When our family first moved to the area in 2003, one of the first things we did was to reach out to our local organizations that were involved with environmental work to introduce ourselves and learn about the activities that our local groups were focused on. The Cooperative Extension office was one of our first stops. When I met Rich at that time, I was surprised to learn that we were not only both Long Island transplants, but we were born in the same hospital, grew up in the same home town and graduated from the same high school (although certainly not the same year).
We had a good laugh at this unusual coincidence at the time, but never dreamed of the mutual connection that we shared, that goes back to those Long Island days.
A few years later, I was working on a project in partnership with CCE and Rich had paperwork for me to pick up. He had accidentally left the papers in his office, so we went up to the second floor together to get them. When I entered the office, I stopped in my tracks in surprise, as behind Rich’s desk was a framed photo of my next door neighbor from Riverhead.
I blurted out, “Why do you have a picture of Mary Louise Fisher behind your desk?”
There are many words that can describe Rich; speechless is not one of them. He literally had no words…for about 30 seconds.
This is when I learned that THIS Rich McCaffery was the OTHER person who had the alarm code to the Fishers’ home when they were away, THAT “Richie” who helped mow their lawn on occasion, THAT “Mr. McCaffery” with the beige car in their driveway that was often a dinner guest at the house next door. Mary Louise was a leader in the 4-H community in New York State and it turns out was a significant person in Rich’s history.
This unknown, shared history cemented the friendship we had formed in the few years prior and strengthened it over the next 20+ years.
There are people in our world who are glue. They are constantly bringing people together and helping to make connections both personal and professional. In Otsego County, Rich was ubiquitous. Rich was glue.
I worked with Rich on committees and projects such as Earth Festival, Otsego Lake Festival, the
Otsego County Fair Recycling Initiative, PumpkinFest, Hall of Fame Classic Weekend Parade, Cooperstown Youth Scholarship Program, Lakefront Concerts. Those are just a smidgen of the groups/ projects that Rich worked with throughout his life, only some of the ones we overlapped on. You can read a more complete list at http://www.cooperstownfuneralhome. com/2024/12/richard-mmccaffery.html.
Armed with a strong commitment to make a difference and a morethan-healthy dose of sarcastic wit, Rich never shied away from doing the work, keeping to the schedule and inspiring others to greatness in all his endeavors. He was the first one to call you out on a not-fully-fleshed-out idea and make you think it through until you landed on the changes that made it make sense. He was there for the big picture concepts as well as the grunt work like hauling tables to set up a site for an event. He helped make things run smoothly and then followed up with things that could be done better next time. I don’t think I have ever met anyone who was so fully engaged in community betterment. On top of that, he was a good friend: Someone you could call if your car broke down to come and pick you up or help you get to the repair shop or to an appointment if your options ran short. Thoughtful, kind and generous, Rich would share articles that he thought you would be interested in or produce a flyer from a program from a decade ago that he thought you might like to have. He would take time to listen patiently when you needed to talk things out.
And then there are the “Rich”-isms …those things you can hear in your head in his voice. When I write my thank-you notes and start out with “I want to thank you for…”, I immediately hear “Then just do it!” You all have at least one of these, I know you do. If you want to share yours, you can e-mail it to me. When it’s your birthday, do you immedi-
ately hear Rich’s “birth anniversary” in your head? Classic “Rich”-ism right there.
Thank you, Rich, for being our glue. For all those who met at his daily morning “office” at Doubleday Cafe (and the wait staff who always came back with a quick retort to his incessant smart-aleck remarks), for those who worked with him at Cooperative Extension, or Bassett, or Lions Club, or Friends of the Parks, or the Village Library or any of the other community programs he was involved with, I share your grief. We have lost some of the glue in our lives that keeps us connected.
We miss you, Rich, and will remember you always. It was an honor to be your friend.
I send my deepest condolences to Rich’s family and friends, and encourage readers to pick any one of our local organizations that Rich was involved with and make a donation in his memory. My own gift will be sent to the Otsego County Conservation Association, where Rich volunteered for many initiatives including Household Hazardous Waste Day and Earth Festival and was recognized in 2013 as Conservationist of the Year. Susan O’Handley is president and owner of Central NY Mobile Marketing. She is former co-president and current education chair for Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society serving on the Board of Directors for the Audubon Council of NY & CT and the Advisory Board for the NY/CT Regional Office of National Audubon Society.
Cousin Chickie’s Greatest Gift—A Christmas Story
When I was 8 years old, the hero in my life was my cousin, Chickie, who drove a fuel oil truck and often took me with him on deliveries. The job led him all over Brooklyn and, being somewhat of a scavenger, he often came home with a bike or a wagon or some other discarded contraption he thought would be useful.
We lived in Bensonhurst, in a 12-room Victorian that had been divided into apartments. I occupied the second floor with my dad, while Chickie and his wife and two babies lived on the first floor and my Aunt Edna and Uncle Dave and their sons Leo and Charlie lived on the attic floor. There was also Mr. Bilideau, the boarder, who was a leftover from the time when my grandmother had rented rooms. There had once been a Mr. Yumtov as well, a man who liked to store smoked whitefish in his dresser. Mr. Bilideau was from Canada. He had a room on the second floor and shared the bath with my father and me. Just about everyone in the house owned something that Chickie had brought home and thrown on the front porch. “I thought you could use one of these,” he’d say.
In spite of the partitions, it was difficult for so many people to be housed under one roof without having feuds over hot water and noise and things disappearing from refrigerators. Half the time somebody upstairs wasn’t talking to somebody downstairs. Chickie, with his various street finds, was often instrumental in getting them back on speaking terms.
One year, about a week before Christmas, arguments were running high when Chickie came home with a live turkey in a crate.
“It’s a 27-pounder,” he announced to several of us who had gathered on the front porch.
I had never seen a turkey alive and up close like this.
“Where’d you get it?” I asked, cautiously poking a finger through the bars. “Did it fall off a truck?”
“Never mind,” Chickie said. “There’s enough here for all of us.”
I was placed in charge of watering and feeding the bird, which to me looked like some kind of prehistoric monster. I had to lower the water pan through an opened hatch in the top of the cage.
“Don’t worry,” Chickie reassured me when he saw the concern on my face. “That big bird’ll never get through that little hole.”
I figured they must have put the turkey in the crate when he was small and kept feeding him.
So any hard feelings were put aside and prepa-
rations for a Christmas dinner at one table were divided between Aunt Edna and Chickie’s wife, Ann. Aunt Edna would bake the pies—mince, blueberry and apple—while Ann would roast the turkey, make stuffing and gravy, and prepare candied sweet potatoes, plum pudding, and the rest. Dad, who was working nights on a taxi, would supply the wine and cider and Mr. Bilideau would buy some fruit—and chestnuts, I hoped.
Meanwhile, Chickie had taken to calling the turkey Sylvester and would spend time with it out on the porch when he came home from work. He’d stick a calloused index finger through the bars and let the bird peck at it.
“You’re gonna be a good turkey,” he’d say affectionately.
I was still afraid of the thing and hadn’t warmed up to it that much, but all the talk about how this bird was going to taste sent uneasy twinges through my wishbone.
Three days before Christmas, Chickie came home with bad news. The butcher around the corner didn’t want to slaughter Sylvester. Chickie tried other butchers and they, too, refused. It suddenly looked like we weren’t going to have turkey for dinner.
We were all gathered in the kitchen trying to come up with a solution. Chickie had carried the crate into the house and put it on top of the stove.
“I hear you just chop off his head,” he was musing.
Uncle Dave mentioned that Mr. Bilideau had grown up on a farm in Canada: Surely he’d know how to butcher the bird.
“But what about cleaning it and plucking the feathers?” Aunt Edna protested. “That’s a real mess!”
All this talk about butchering must have been too much for Sylvester, too, because suddenly, impossibly, he was out of his crate, flapping his tremendous wings and scratching at anything in sight with his clawed feet. Everyone scrambled out of the kitchen. Leo and I ran for the bathroom while the others headed for the hall. The last thing I saw was Chickie struggling to keep Sylvester from becoming airborne. I worried that the bird would take my cousin’s eyes out. How was he going to squeeze Sylvester back through that small trap door? I could hear both of them swearing.
After what seemed like a very long time, Chickie announced that the coast was clear. We all crept into the kitchen and found that Sylvester was back in his box. He didn’t look much worse for wear.
“I was careful not to hurt him,” Chickie said. Mr. Bilideau came downstairs and entered the kitchen to find out what all the commotion was about. When asked he said, “Yes, I’ll butcher the turkey if you have an axe.” He explained that the way to get the feathers out easily was to scald the freshly-killed bird in a vat of boiling water. He would use the stump in the back yard for the first part of the operation and a lobster pot from the cellar for the second. The procedure would take place the next day after work. We were going to have turkey after all. Chickie stood there in the kitchen with his hand on the hatch door as Sylvester tried to bite through the bars.
The next morning when I left for school, the bird wasn’t on the porch. He wasn’t in the cellar or out in the garage, either. Chickie’s Nash was gone from the parking place next to the house. Maybe he had come up with a brainstorm on how to get Sylvester butchered and avoid all the mess. I was glad that Mr. Bilideau had been relieved of the job. With him doing it, I pictured us all sitting around chewing on feathers. After school, I ran home and eagerly waited for Chickie to return with Sylvester. I felt a little guilty about it, but I was kind of looking forward to seeing the bird stripped of his claws and feathers and head. I sat on the stoop as big wet snowflakes floated toward the ground. Chickie pulled in the driveway right on schedule. He got out of the car with a large brown paper bag and walked up to where I was sitting.
“Is that Sylvester?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he said.
I looked in the bag. There was a bald thing with pockmarks all over it.
That Christmas was one of the most festive I can remember. The table was so long we had to set it up in the hall. I noticed that Chickie, sitting at the head, was in especially good spirits. In my mind, the feast with a golden-brown bird at the center seemed to exude a joyous radiance. Somehow I understood that it was our turkey, Sylvester, who had brought us all together.
Years later, on a cold December day, as we were on our way to make an oil delivery, I asked Chickie if it had really been Sylvester in the bag that afternoon. He chuckled as he shifted the Mack down to a lower gear. Then he looked over at me and said, “Nah.”
Terry Berkson’s articles have appeared in “New York” magazine, “Automobile” magazine and many others. His memoir, “Corvette Odyssey,” has received many good reviews: “highly recommended with broad appeal,” says “Library Journal.”
Photo provided
Rich mccaffery, enjoying his community-sponsored retirement party in 2007.
deRosa
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to commit vile acts against humanity. A newspaper several days ago reported on the hundreds of drones that are being used by both Russia and Ukraine. These are flying killing machines. Our ingenuity has made drones possible, but as is the case with so many of our inventions, the ease with which they can be manipulated into forces of evil is more than merely disconcerting. It is both deeply distressing and a catalyst for a gnawing sense of despair. I am not the despairing type, but as I age and as I think about the world my grandchildren will inherit, no argument in defense of optimism holds the sway it once did.
I do not know much about AI; nor do I really care much about it. I am aware of its enormous potential for good in so many fields, especially in medicine. Yet, a day does not go by without reports either of its misuse or its potential for misuse in the wrong hands, e.g., those without any sort of moral compass. Social media is another example. I have chosen to steer clear from it. Yet, at its inception it appeared to be a wonderful tool for people to keep in touch with one another, especially where distance separated them. What has it become now? A source of disinformation, disgustingly incendiary conspiracy theories, a platform for all manner of cowardice, and a place where the invisible can spew their venom and hobby horse fantasies to millions of people, too many of whom are far too easily manipulated. An example is the extent to which disgruntled individuals took to social media to turn the killer of the head of UnitedHealthcare into some sort of folk hero.
We discovered some years ago that plastic could be made from petroleum. Great. Now it clogs landfills, threatens the lives of fish in the sea and the birds that inadvertently swallow it thinking it a tasty morsel, tons of plastic wash upon our shores littering beaches…the beat goes on. Why we cannot box stuff in biodegradable containers escapes me. Well, I guess I am naïve. Those who argue for something to be done about this are countered by a plastics industry that argues not for a diminution of production, but rather a better way of recycling. In other words, we want to keep rolling the stuff out, you worry about how to hide it somewhere when it piles up.
We always seem to find a way to turn something potentially good for the welfare of humankind into something destructive. It’s as if we do not have the inclination or capacity to save ourselves from ourselves. The examples are too numerous here to go on about. I have just
picked a few. Frankly, I could start with the wheel, and methodically work my way through to so many inventions that contributed so positively to our lives. Some might argue the thing created is not inherently evil and that is true. But the uses to which an invention is put, or a technology taken advantage of, needs to function according to a moral code that ensures that its uses and functions are for good and not evil. The question is, are we capable of self-control, of self-regulation? Just about anything can be utilized for nefarious purposes. Thus far we have proven ourselves, in far too many cases, to fall prey to the dark side of our incredible ingenuity. I have no idea how or when the tide will turn. I believe that our better angels will eventually prevail. But at what cost?
Dick deRosa’s Hawthorn Hill essays have appeared in “The Freeman’s Journal” since 1998. A collection, “Hawthorn Hill Journal: Selected Essays,” was published in 2012. He is a retired English teacher.
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“pause” on this decision until 2025. While this pause provides temporary relief, it raises more questions than it answers. Why the delay? What will happen in 2025? This uncertainty leaves long-serving employees in limbo and casts a shadow over Bassett’s commitment to its workforce. As a major employer in our region, Bassett’s actions have far-reaching implications. This “pause” may temporarily mitigate immediate concerns, but it doesn’t resolve the underlying issue of contract integrity. How can current and potential employees trust in long-term promises when they might be subject to future “pauses” or reversals?
Moreover, this situation prompts us to consider:
1. The impact on employee morale and trust during this period of uncertainty.
2. Bassett’s ability to attract and retain top talent in a competitive healthcare market.
3. The broader effects on our community, given Bassett’s significant role in our local economy.
I urge Bassett’s leadership to use this pause as an opportunity for transparent communication with employees and the community. Rather than delaying a difficult decision, they should take this time to reaffirm their commitment to honoring contracts and valuing long-term employees.
Our community deserves a healthcare provider that stands firmly by its promises. It’s my hope that by 2025, we’ll see Bassett not just honoring these contracts, but also rebuilding the trust that has been shaken by this episode.
Robert McCann Schenevus
Health System Is Flawed
After Bassett’s latest round of layoffs, it’s time we address the elephant in the room: America’s uniquely flawed healthcare system manages to make victims of us all, including Bassett.
Exhibit A is, of course, UnitedHealthcare, who, like other private insurance companies, makes money as a toll booth between patient and physician—by aggressively selling relatively inexpensive policies, then works overtime to deny or delay the payment of claims—despite the best efforts and advocacy of healthcare providers, such as the good people at Bassett.
Exhibit B is the pharmaceutical companies that sell the exact same drug in Canada or the UK for half as much as it sells for in the U.S. Again, we all are victimized by this,
Bassett included.
When Congress moved to enable the direct sale of pharmaceutical products from Canada and the UK, the pharmaceutical lobby blocked it. The net result is that the U.S. spends, on average, twice as much per capita on health care for worse results. Any other industrialized country has a better way to address healthcare more costeffectively and achieve better outcomes than we do. Copy one. Soon. Or we will all remain victims of our flawed healthcare system.
Chip Northrup Cooperstown
Confidence Undermined
Thank you for printing Jan McGrath’s letter, which perfectly summarizes the problems with the letter that all senior Bassett retirees received regarding increasing the costs of our supplemental medical coverage (“Bassett Halts Changes to Retiree Benefits,” issue of December 12, 2024).
Those of us over the age of 60 and with 20 years of Bassett employment had, at retirement, received a written pledge that there would be no increase in costs to us going forward. We were therefore dismayed to receive notification of increased charges. However, one might conclude from your article that Bassett has permanently reconsidered that step. In fact, Bassett has merely apologized for premature notification and very probably intends to increase the cost in the future.
As stated by McGrath, upon retirement after 20 years as a full-time staff member we had a signed statement (as did she, and many others) stating that there would be no increase in fees for our retirement benefit of supplemental medical insurance. To override that constitutes a breach
of contract. It also undermines any confidence one might have in Bassett statements going forward.
Mary Anne Whelan PhD, MD Cooperstown
Tourney Coming Up
COOPERSTOWN
The Cooperstown Central School Sports Booster Club will host the 41st Annual Dick White Holiday Basketball Tournament on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27. This year’s tournament will include Cooperstown junior varsity and varsity teams as well as boys and girls varsity and JV basketball teams from Hamilton, Unatego, Delaware Academy, Herkimer, and Oxford.
Tournament games will begin on Thursday, December 26 at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day with JV teams competing earlier in the day and varsity teams competing in the later games. Consolation games and championship games for all divisions will be played on Friday, December 27, with specific game times and teams posted in the foyer of the CCS school gymnasium. Game schedules will also be updated as often as possible via the Cooperstown Sports Booster Club Facebook page. All games will be played in the Red Bursey Gymnasium of the Cooperstown Central High School. Admission tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults cost $5.00 per day; students/seniors (age 60+) $3.00 per day.
There are still open volunteer slots. Those able to give a short amount of their time are asked to check out the signup links below to help with a shift in concessions or tickets or to just donate some food items to concessions:
Donation of food: https://tinyurl.com/food4tourny Shift sign up: https://tinyurl.com/CCSSnackShack
All proceeds from the Annual Dick White Holiday Basketball Tournament will benefit the programs supported by the CCS Sports Booster Club.
Front row: Emily Tooley, Harley, Jennifer Bishop; back row: Melissa Manikas, Jake
Cooperstown Sports Wrapped
COOPERSTOWN
Cooperstown boys basketball rolled to a 67-47 victory over Morrisville-Eaton in their division opener on
Tuesday, December 10. Junior Miles Nelen led the team with 21 points.
The Hawkeyes continued their undefeated run with a 90-38 drubbing of Sauquoit Valley on Thursday, December 12. Five team members had point totals in the double digits, led by sophomore Brody Murdock’s 17. Senior Cooper Bradley achieved a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Cooperstown moved to 3-0 for the season.
The Cooperstown girls team defeated M-E 7326 in a Division II game on Thursday, December
12. Seventh grader Emma Johnson scored 17 points, beating her personal varsity record of 15 set earlier in the week.
Seniors Brenna Seamon and Mia Kaltenbach
scored 10 points each. Cooperstown volleyball defeated West-moreland 25-18, 25-23, 22-25 and 25-19 in a division road match on Wednesday, December 11. Senior
Josie Furnari recorded 15 digs, three aces and a kill, while senior Alexis Wolfe put away seven aces, six kills, 15 assists and eight digs. Wolfe had another
big night on Friday, December 13, leading the Hawkeyes to a 258, 25-8, 25-15 sweep of Clinton with 26 assists, seven aces and two kills.
Senior Sophia Badgley
made seven kills and three digs. Furnari recorded another 25 digs. The team stands at 4-0 for the season and 2-0 in their division.
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Notice of f ormatio N of CRAFTED CUTS LLC.
Filed 10/29/24. Office: Otsego Co.
SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Brian Federico, P. O. Box 369, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: General.
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Notice of formatio N of SOTO SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/10/2024.
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 it to: The LLC, 366 Larchwood Lane, Laurens, NY 13796. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.
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Notice of formatio N of MILLER LOVERS LANE LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/4/2024. 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, 1277 Co. Hwy. 14, Mt. Vision, NY 13810. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.
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N otice of formatio N of L imite D L ia B i L it Y com Pa NY
Articles of organization of Bajocchi, LLC (“LLC”) filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on October 9, 2024, effective on the date of filing.
Office Location: Otsego County. 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 at 31 Main Street, Suite #3, Oneonta, New York 13820, which shall be the principal business location.
The purpose for which the LLC is formed is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the NYS Limited Liability Company Law.
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Notice of formatio N of Oneonta Main Street, LLC, Arts of Org. Filed 11/12/2024. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for
Dostal
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harmed by substance use again. We have a long way to go, but we’re okay with that. Preventionists are energetically optimistic by nature. We have to be optimists in order to even attempt to change the systems and norms that tend to keep people sick. As daunting as that hill can be to climb, we have faith in getting there.
As for me, after 32 years of living and working in this community, it is time for a new adventure. Who knows what God has in store for me and my husband as we retire to warmer places to be near family. I learned an unexpected life lesson from LEAF’s previous director, Betty
process & shall mail to: 16 N. 8th St., Fulton NY 13069. Purpose: Any Legal Purpose
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Notice of f ormatio N of Tophoven Welding & Fabrication LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2024.
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 470 Stevens Road, Edmeston, NY 13335. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.26
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Notice of f ormatio N of Next Chapter Mental Health Counseling, PLLC.
Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/24. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against PLLC to 22 Watkins Ave., Ste. 107, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful act.
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Notice of f ormatio N of
Van’s Machine Shop, LLC a NY Limited Liability Company.
Articles of
Currier. After her tenure at LEAF, she always said, “I’m not retired, I’m rewired.” She has lived that motto with gusto! I am definitely going to borrow that from her.
For those of you I have worked with over the years in healthcare, law enforcement, local government, state government, nonprofits, coalitions, media, businesses, education, and the arts: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The work of supporting healthy communities is not easy work, but it is certainly good work. And it has been very good working with you. Be assured, LEAF stands ready to continue this work with a bright, enthusiastic staff of young professionals who are true
LEGALS
Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 11, 2024.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to Van’s Machine Shop, LLC at 455 Axtell Road, Maryland, NY 12116. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
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Notice of orga N izatio N of Salt Springville LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
1. The name of the limited liability company is Salt Springville LLC.
2. Articles of Organization of Salt Springville LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on November 1, 2024.
3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County. 4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 551 Salt Springville Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability com-
believers in prevention, and an amazing Board of Directors supporting their efforts.
If you’re ever in Alabama, look me up. I’ll be beside a lake somewhere near the Talladega National Forest with an extra fishing pole or kayak
pany served upon him or her is: Salt Springville LLC, 551 Salt Springville Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.
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Notice of orga N izatio N of The Jungle Lounge LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.
1. The name of the limited liability company is The Jungle Lounge LLC.
2. Articles of Organization of The Jungle Lounge LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on November 1, 2024.
3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.
4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 106 Brooker Hollow Road, East Worcester, NY 12064.
5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: The Jungle Lounge LLC, 106 Brooker Hollow Road, East Worcester, NY 12064.
6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.
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N otice of orga N izatio N of SBH Executive Management, LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/22/2024.
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 1174 Kelly Corners Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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Notice of f ormatio N of a NY Limite D Lia B i L it Y c om Pa NY
Name:
EZ HOME SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES LLC
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 November, 2024. 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 113 County Highway 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
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Notice of f ormatio N of a NY Limite D Lia B i L it Y c om Pa NY
Name:
to share. A happy and healthy holiday to you all. And may God bless each of you in whatever your journey holds. Julie Dostal is the outgoing executive director of LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions.
United Way needs More Help OTSEGO COUNTY—As of mid-December, the United Way of Mid Rural New York campaign has only reached 11 percent, or $10,779.00, of its $97,500.00 goal for Otsego County.
The campaign has been running since midSeptember and donations have been coming into the United Way through employee payroll pledges and through individual mail solicitations. The campaign will close its annual fundraising campaign on December 31, 2024.
The United Way of Mid Rural New York’s campaign will conclude on December 31. For more information about the annual campaign, call the United Way office at (607) 334-8815. To learn more about the organization, or to make a contribution, visit www. uwmrny.org.
Co.
ABM FIRE PROTECTION LLC
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 November, 2024. 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 4857 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
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N otice of formatio N of KENYON CONCRETE AND EXCAVATION, LLC,
Arts. of org. filed with the SSNY on 11/21/24. Office loc: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Jeffrey Kenyon, 1405 Kelly Corners Road, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 6LegalJan.2
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Notice of f ormatio N of Howling Tree LLC.
Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/26/2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom
process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 226 Holl Rd, New Berlin NY 13411. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.9
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Notice of f ormatio N of
Red Barn Farm Brewery & Kountry Kitchen LLC. Filed with SSNY on 12/02/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: Josh Long, 3883 State Highway 7, Otego, NY, 13825. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJan.16
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Notice of formatio N of Hinman Hollow Restoration LLC
Article of organizations filed with the SSNY on 12/3/2024. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to The Company, 242 Lippitt Road, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.16
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Notice of formatio N of
FIELD OF DREAMS RV CAMPING RESORT & EVENT CENTER LLC
Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/22/24. Office in Otsego
SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business loc: 181 Schidzick Rd., Hartwick, NY 13348.
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Notice of formatio N of
LIFESTYLES UNLIMITED OUTDOOR RESORTS LLC
Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/21/24. 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. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business loc: 181 Schidzick Rd., Hartwick, NY 13348.
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Notice of formatio N of SPARROWHAWK LAKE CABIN, LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/22/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8-12 Dietz St., Ste. 202, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.23
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the village has successfully worked with the office of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to ensure that the 2023 awarded grant funds ($224,477.00) will not be lost. In early January, a revised project scope will be submitted proposing that the funds be utilized for ADA-compliant bathrooms and other improvements in Fairy Spring Park.”
Cooperstown Resident
Edward Gozigian 1931-2024
Edward Gozigian, of Cooperstown, New York, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024 with his beloved wife by his side. He was born in Syracuse, New York on November 9, 1931, the son of Katchperooni and Shooshanig Gozigian.
Edward attended Syracuse University undergraduate school, where he was a letterman on the diving team. After graduating in 1954, he joined the United States Army and, as luck would have it, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. He enjoyed the array of diving board options on the barracks and weekend passes body surfing at Waikiki.
After being honorably discharged, he returned to Syracuse and attended Syracuse University School of Law. Upon graduating in 1959, he found his first true love: Cooperstown, New York. Shortly thereafter, he was sanguine to meet the love of his life, Diana Gozigian (née Griffith). Married for 60 years, they had three children, Gwen Gozigian (David), Glynis Gozigian (John) and Garo Gozigian (Kathleen).
In addition to his three children, he is survived by his older brother, George Gozigian, grandchildren Reid Snyder (Emily), Quinn Snyder, Pierce Snyder, Graham Gozigian, Ellie Gozigian, Caroline Gozigian, Jane Verhoest (Ryan), and great-grandchildren Liam Snyder and Elizabeth Snyder.
Edward was the epitome of a family man. Nothing brought more joy to Edward than being surrounded by his issue. He was a proud fixture at every sporting event, graduation and meaningful occasion in which his children and grandchildren participated.
As was his wont (WONT) at family gath-
Ellen Pope, a member of the village Planning Board and one of those most opposed to the project, said, “It is gratifying that the village trustees, having heard the serious concerns from residents about the viewing platform’s design and placement, have agreed to drop the Lakefront platform plan and work with OPRHP to redirect the grant funds to Fairy Spring, where phase one of a much needed and fully supported improvement plan is already underway.”
Local attorney Doug Zamelis spoke against the viewing platform at the November 25 informational meeting on behalf of his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Wayne Hymers, who live at 2 Pioneer Street, which is adjacent to the proposed platform location.
Upon learning that the project has been halted, Zamelis said on Tuesday, “This demonstrates that local government listens when members of the public get involved and express their considered thoughts and opinions.”
Wendy Smith, also dead set against installation of a viewing platform, said she is grateful to Cooperstown Village Board members for listening and quickly addressing the concerns of many village residents by tabling the project for good.
“It is exciting that the village has expressed a desire to put the state money into other public parks projects already underway and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds,” Smith said.
OBITUARIES
Hartwick
Continued from page 3
was willing to serve as the mediator between Briggs and Bronson moving forward. Murphy said he would meet with them before the end of the year to develop a plan of action. Briggs has already undergone the training and provided the certificate. A motion to approve Murphy as mediator failed.
“As a result of you all voting against each other, you are accomplishing nothing,” board
members were cautioned by Vazquez. LoRusso, who has been calling for Briggs’ resignation for some time, said, “This isn’t the first time we’ve had an issue and certainly not the only complaint.”
LoRusso asked repeatedly that the board move into executive session, to no avail.
The full meeting, including the public comment period, can be viewed at hartwickny. gov.
erings, he would say his cup runneth over. Behind his family, his second passion was law. After several years working as an associate, Edward was ecstatic to be made a partner at Van Horne, Feury & Gozigian, which eventually became Gozigian, Washburn & Clinton. He cherished the practice of law, trying cases, which he did until 89, and the camaraderie of fellow lawyers. Most important to him was his clients. He truly cared about them and worked tirelessly to achieve superior results on their behalf. His greatest professional honor was being nominated to, and admitted into, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the most exclusive and prestigious national trial lawyer organization of which one can be a member.
Those who knew Edward, no doubt were on the receiving end of his political views. He thoroughly enjoyed following and debating politics. His highlight was arranging for Ruth Bader Ginsburg to speak to the Otsego County Bar Association at the Cooperstown Country Club in 2011. He pridefully boasted about being the longest running board member at New York Central Mutual Insurance Company, having served nearly 50 years. He also was a board member of The Scriven Foundation for 48 years.
Edward was not one to be idle, unless he was reading “The New York Times,” which he did daily. He was an avid skier, golfer, tennis and squash player. He last skied at 89, played tennis until 91 and squash into his late 80s. He is arguably, albeit unofficially, the most prolific swimmer in the history of Otsego Lake (surpassing Wally Stokes). He would typically go for his first swim
in early May and swim daily into October. It would not be uncommon on a hot, muggy summer day for him to leave his office during his lunch break and go for a quick dip and return to work.
His family can unequivocally say that our cup runneth over having Edward as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be sorely missed, but the dignity, honesty, exuberance and caring in which he lived his life will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helios Care in honor of the wonderful people who made his last days comfortable or Susquehanna SPCA, from which he got his buddy, AJ.
1928-2024
ALBANY—Betty
Sabella Low, 96, of Albany and formerly of Milford, Oneonta, and Cooperstown, New York, died peacefully on December 9, 2024 with her family by her side. She was born in Queens, New York on February 15, 1928 to Anthony Sabella and Diana (Curreri) Sabella. She was the youngest daughter among seven children. She was a 1946 graduate of Richmond Hill High School and, in 1949, she graduated at the top of her class at Mary Immaculate Hospital
Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com
School of Nursing. Betty then started a lifelong career in healthcare as a registered nurse. Even once retired, she would often say, “Once a nurse, always a nurse.”
Betty met and married Stephen Low of Milford, New York in 1956 and moved to the Low family’s River Valley Farm in Milford. While married to Stephen, she became very knowledgeable of aviation, as she traveled throughout North America and the Caribbean in his aircraft.
Upon becoming a single parent in 1969, Betty independently raised her three children (and greatest joys), Gregory, Maryanne, and Cathy. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education while working full time. Betty created the health occupations program at the Otsego Area Occupational Center in Milford and taught and refined the program for more than 20 years, while simultaneously working extra jobs as evening/ weekend/summer head nurse at both the Upstate Home for Children and The Meadows. In addition to teaching health occupations, Betty was a school nurse teacher, student organization advisor, and wrote health occupations curriculum for the New York State Department of Education (NYSED).
She is still remembered for starting the first chapter of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) in Central New York and her pioneering health occupations curriculum remains in use today.
In retirement, Betty continued to enjoy attending HOSA events across the United States and curriculum writing for NYSED. A lifelong learner, Betty took courses on various subjects such as medical law and computers, and earned her New York State Real Estate Salesperson license.
Betty was also a family woman at heart. She encouraged her children to pursue all areas of interest, from hobbies to high-school athletics to high-level equestrian competition. Betty did everything in her power to create a beautiful life for her family, including performing manual labor around the farm that she built for her children. While living on “the farm,” Betty had an open-door policy for all her friends and family, hosting countless family reunions. She became another mother to many of her children’s friends and welcomed in many strays, both humans and pets.
Betty loved being a Nona to her three grandchildren, Sarah, Will and Allie. She was happiest when her home was filled with her family and enjoyed cooking for them and laughing for hours with her grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her children, Catherine Clayton (Ted) of Rexford, New York, Maryanne Low-Haviland (Charles) of Guilderland, New York, Gregory Low of North Syracuse, New York; grandchildren Sarah Haviland, William
Haviland, and Alexandra Low; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Costello and the caregivers who enabled them to keep Betty in her own home.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 20 Sumter Avenue, Guilderland. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Betty’s family on Thursday morning from 10-11 a.m. at Christ the King Church. Burial will be private at Burlington Green Cemetery, Burlington Flats, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory can be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/ Donation2?2374. donation=form1&df_ id=2374&mfc_pref=T, or by mail to Breakthrough T1D Upstate NY, PO Box 5053, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5053. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www. CannonFuneral.com.
Photo provided EDWARD GOZIGIAN
Photo provided b E tty s A b E ll A lOW Betty Sabella Low
homes have now been reoccupied except for 10 and 17 Richards Avenue. Neske was not sure about the status of 19 Richards Avenue.
The 16 Richards Avenue home of Barbara Doyle, as well as Clare Anderson’s home at 20 Richards Avenue, were so heavily damaged that they had to be razed. This took place on March 25 and 26.
Moan’s home was razed on September 3. Moan’s property— along with Doyle’s and Anderson’s—have been purchased by Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County. According to Jerry Blechman, president of the organization’s Board of Directors, building at any of those properties will most likely take place in 2026.
Leonard expressed appreciation both to those who had offered support after the explosion and to those who were affected by it.
“Oneonta is such a great community to work in. In response to the explosion, we received
donations from businesses, food cards, gas cards, checks…It was absolutely wonderful.”
In all, approximately $20,000.00 was raised for the relief effort, Leonard said, also praising the victims of the explosion.
“Those individuals that have been impacted are some of the most resilient and strongest people. They have endured something nobody should have to go through yet they remained the kindest, most modest people. They did not want to take things they did not need. It was a pleasure to help them and aid in their recovery,” she said.
Polly Bailey was among those impacted by the explosion. When interviewed in March at her temporary residence on Ceperley Avenue, Bailey, having been evacuated from her home at 15 Richards Avenue, was still dealing with the effects of a double trauma. Not only did the December 9 explosion force her, her husband Charles and grandson Tyler Coffin out of their home indefinitely, her daughter Leia died of cancer three days later. Bailey expressed
frustration in dealing with insurance companies, code and building regulations, and work permits, stating at that time, “Nobody seems to know the process. I wish there was a guidebook.”
Much of Bailey’s worry was relieved when she was put in touch with the Nolan Group of Syracuse. The company navigated the insurance process for her. In particular, it was able to get costs for asbestos removal covered—a $40,000.00 expense Bailey had initially thought would have to be paid from her own pocket.
“There was a cost involved [to procure this service], but it was well worth the extra money,” Bailey said.
In March, Bailey was discouraged about finding a contractor.
“Contractors are booked out until the end of the year. Out of five contractors, only two have returned our calls,” she said.
Nevertheless, Bailey eventually managed to find a contractor with whom she was very pleased, John Perry of Oneonta.
“He worked hard and stayed on extra,” Bailey said.
In March, Bailey had stated, “There was no Christmas [2023].” Things will be different this year. By Sunday, December 8, Bailey and her family were fully moved back into 15 Richards Avenue.
“Everything is completed. Everything
has passed inspection,” Bailey said.
Bailey’s two dogs, Princess and Bella, both Havanese, had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the explosion. Lately they have been visiting the house.
“They recognize it,” Bailey said, adding that the dogs next door were excited about the return of their playmates.
Before moving back in, Bailey had an unpacking party. Friends and neighbors helped her put away items from 250 boxes that had been in storage. On Monday, December 9—one year to the day after the explosion—Father Paul Hamilton of Oneonta’s St. James Episcopal Church presided over a house blessing attended by approximately 35 friends and neighbors.
Bailey is also planning a housewarming party after the holidays.
Despite these positive developments, Bailey says that she and Tyler, who will begin studies at SUNY Oneonta in the spring, are still experiencing PTSD.
“I get upset when I see NYSEG trucks,” Bailey said.
Bailey also feels a change in her neighborhood.
“It’s unsettled. We lost some good neighbors. 14 [Richards Avenue] is for sale and two houses are boarded up. I don’t know what’s going on, where they went,” she said.
Bailey is particularly grateful to Cathy Carrington Greenblatt,
who offered her house to Bailey and her family until they were able to return to Richards Avenue. She also expressed gratitude to the community, which “really stepped up.”
“Patricia Leonard and her staff were right there for us every minute—and Catholic Charities, as well. To this day, people are still asking what they can do for us,” she said.
Months earlier, Bailey, who had served as an Episcopal pastor at St. Matthew’s Church in Unadilla, admitted that the incident had shaken her faith. As time went by, however, her faith was restored by “the Christian family and the community.”
“I can’t imagine not having a Christian community. There were prayer chains. People don’t speak enough about the power of prayer,” she said.
Bailey’s next-door neighbor, Melanie Castine, also had to vacate her home, located at 17 Richards Avenue. Since the explosion, she has been living in a tiny walk-up apartment on Parish Avenue, which she shares with her dog, Frodo, and cat Samwise. She hopes to be back in her refurbished house in March.
Castine was first a victim of the explosion, then of her insurance company’s dithering for eight months on the first step toward rebuilding— asbestos removal. Four different Liberty Mutual adjusters “bungled” that
initial claim, Castine said. Plus the company was five months behind in reimbursing her for the rent that she paid her landlord out of a $15,000.00 personal loan she had to take out for expenses. Much remains to be done before she can move back in. The house still needs new drywall. Floors need to be refinished or vinyl plank flooring installed. Plumbing and fixtures in the kitchen and bath also must be redone. The entire water system may need an overhaul, as the house was improperly winterized. She has located a contractor and the insurance company has finally approved the rebuild.
However, the front yard is still full of glass shards from the gas explosion that first blew in and then sucked out the windows. On a sunny day, the yard dazzles with thousands of shards. The topsoil needs to be scraped and removed, and new topsoil and grass installed. Castine’s adjuster told her that the homeowner’s policy does not cover the land. And she has yet to locate anyone who can do the work.
The explosion has caused Castine both physical and emotional harm. Still, she says, “I look at each day as a gift. I try to live more intentionally and surround myself with good people. I have less tolerance for nonsense. And I realize I have to take care of myself and protect myself.”
As a Veteran, when someone raises their hand for help, you’re often one of the first ones to respond. But it’s also okay to get help for yourself. Maybe you want or need assistance with employment, stress, finances, mental health or finding the right resources. No matter what it is, you earned it. And there’s no better time than right now to ask for it. Don’t wait. Reach out.
and
He earned his medical degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida. His residency took place at Health Alliance Hospital—Mary’s Ave Campus in Kingston, New York. He is an associate member of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Amanda Avery, PNP, has joined the Bassett network as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Oneonta Fox Pediatrics (1 FoxCare Drive Suite 213). Avery provides a wide range of health care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, including physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, specialty referrals, and more. She earned her master’s degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner from the University of Rochester—School of Nursing in Rochester. She is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Alexandria Cunningham, FNP-BC, has joined BHN as a family nurse practitioner with Pediatrics at Bassett Medical Center (1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown). Cunningham provides care to pediatric patients admitted to Bassett Medical Center in pediatrics and the Birthing Center, including diagnosis and treatment of illness, prescriptions, specialist referrals following a patient’s
hospital stay, and more. She earned her MS as a family nurse practitioner from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica. She is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Matthew Lukovsky, FNP-C, has joined the network as a family nurse practitioner with Dermatology at Hartwick Seminary Specialty Services (4580 State Highway 28, Milford). Lukovsky earned his master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine in Syracuse. He is boardcertified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Madeleine Slifka, FNP, has joined BHN as a family nurse practitioner with Family Medicine at Bassett Health Center HamiltonMadison (1055 Madison Marketplace, Hamilton).
Slifka provides comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages, including physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, specialty referrals, and more. She earned her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from SUNY Binghamton. She is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Caroline Westbrook, FNP, has joined the network as a family nurse practitioner with Family Medicine at Bassett Health Center Norwich (55 Calvary Drive, Norwich). Westbrook provides
comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages, including physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, specialty referrals, and more. She earned her master’s degree in family practice nursing from The Decker School of Nursing at SUNY Binghamton. She is also a recent graduate of the Bassett PostGraduate Family Nurse Practitioner Residency Program.
Information on all of Bassett’s current practitioners can be found using the online “Find a Doctor” tool at https://www.bassett. org/providers.
Shopping
Continued from page 1
clothing, artisan, and gift shops.
“Cooperstown is a great place to shop local—there are so many local artisans and locallyowned shops to choose from,” Paul said.
Some of these stores, such as Baseballism, at 131 Main Street, sell unique Cooperstown merchandise, while others, like Tin Bin Alley, 114 Main Street, feature Polish Pottery, novelty socks, stuffed animals and candy, among myriad other items from which to choose.
“We strive to create a fun and welcoming shopping experience, and we also love to feature hundreds of items that are under $5.00,” said Tin Bin Alley owner Lori Fink.
Rigby Handcraft, 43
Pioneer Street, makes recreations of 1880s ornaments which are in high demand. The selfproclaimed “schemer” behind the store, Emilie Rigby, stepped away from soldering ornaments to answer a couple questions.
Their pieces are unique to Cooperstown, Rigby said, and have been made in Cooperstown since the 1990s. She produces a new collection every year, as well as a limited edition “Ornament of the Year,” past iterations of which are available to view at the Cooperstown retail location.
“This store is about encouraging craft and buying handmade,” Rigby said, adding that she loves when Santa comes to town.
“Our ornaments are in his window,” she said, gesturing in the direction of Santa’s Cottage on Main Street.
Rigby Handcraft also features greeting cards, ceramic goods, jewelry, and more, as well as offering classes and workshops.
The Local Bird, at 139 Main Street, has a plethora of gifts, live plants, and fresh-brewed tea, coffee, and baked goods. Gifts come from a variety of small U.S.based creators, and plants are potted for free with the purchase of a plant and a pot. Upstate New York and Cooperstown clothing are printed and embroidered in-house and feature designs inspired by baseball, Otsego Lake, and other local landmarks and locations. Candles, cards and
other stocking stuffers can be found here as well.
FR Woods House of Pro Sports, 61 Main Street, offers a variety of goods, from baseball gifts, Cooperstown sweatshirts and clothing, books, and even novelty nutcrackers.
Across the street at 62 Main Street, Kate’s Upstate sells locallymade jewelry, as well as candles and sweaters and a variety of other madein-Cooperstown items.
Kate’s Upstate is currently hosting a “Twelve Days of Christmas” sale event from now until December 23. Deals include BuyOne-Get-One 50 percent off leather goods on Thursday, December 19, and 15 percent off five or more stocking stuffers on Friday, December 20.
LJ’s Sassy Boutique, at 164 Main Street, is a one-stop shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry and other gifts. Women’s clothing and accessories make up the bulk of their offerings, but they also feature men’s shoes, novelty socks, and patterned umbrellas. As an additional piece of fun for those wandering Main Street, boutique owners LJ and Wayne Alexander take pride in their winter wonderland-themed store window.
“Strangers pop in off the street and say our windows look like Fifth Avenue,” said LJ. “It’s our own Christmas tradition.”
There are also a variety of eateries and restaurants from which to choose this holiday
season, ranging from sitdown dining experiences at Mel’s 22 and Toscana, to bakeries and coffee shops such as Schneider’s Bakery and Stagecoach Coffee, to casual dining at New York Pizzeria and Cooley’s Stone House Tavern.
Rudy’s Wine and Liquor and the Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange are also located on Main Street, convenient for those looking to purchase holiday spirits, and “experience” stops such as the All Star Arcade and Cooperstown Escape Rooms offer interesting and fun ways to spend an afternoon.
When store owners were asked about their favorite Main Street Christmas traditions, the most common responses were Santa visiting the village, and the community decorating of Main Street.
Kate Lanza of Kate’s Upstate said that taking her kids to see Santa is her favorite Christmas Main Street tradition, while team members at Baseballism and FR Woods House of Pro Sports both said community decorating is a favored annual event. The Tin Bin Alley team agreed:
“Our community transforms the Village of Cooperstown into a magical hometown snow globe. Tin Bin Alley is proud to provide complimentary hot cocoa to all who volunteer on Decorating Day. It’s a tradition we look forward to each year,” said Fink.
Please send cover
►Friday, dec. 20
HOLIDAYS—9 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m. “Annual Christmas Shopping Day.” Reservations required. Presented by the Family Service Association, 277 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-2870.
LIBRARY—10 a.m.
“Coffee & Puzzles.” Each Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
SENIOR COFFEE
HOUR—10 a.m. “Chilling, Chatting & Coffee.” Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11 Hartwick. (607) 293-6600.
YOGA—10 a.m. Gentle class presented by instructor Kris Anne Eignor. All welcome. Suggested donation, $10. Held each Friday. Strawberry Hall next to Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
BLOOD DRIVE—10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown.
YOUTH—11 a.m. “Pre-K Storytime with Mary.” Free program to engage children with songs, stories, activities, more. Held each Friday. The Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie. (518) 6732314 ext. 106.
SENIOR MEALS—11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $10.60 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of omelet, hash browns, sausage, muffin and fruit cups. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.
LIBRARY—Noon. “Stories Come Alive.” Reading for children aged pre-K through 3rd grade. Must be accompanied by a caregiver. Themed craft available after the story. Homeschoolers welcome. Held each Friday. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 West Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.
LIBRARY—1 p.m. “Homeschool Hangout.”
Read holiday stories and make ornaments. Recommended for ages 5-18. Held each Friday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
BLOOD DRIVE—1-6 p.m. Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.
POTTERY—1:304:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS—3-5 p.m. Visit with Santa. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS—4:30-7 p.m.
“Glimmer Nights Holiday Light Show.” Tickets required. Held Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through 12/29. Fenimore Farm & Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.
HOLIDAYS—5-8 p.m.
“The Gatehouse Holiday Party.” Live jazz music, Ugly Sweater Contest, delicious drinks, cozy vibes and holiday magic. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
SANTA’S COTTAGE
5-7 p.m. Muller Plaza, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS—6-8 p.m.
“Holiday of Lights.” Walk through Santa’s village, featuring Santa’s hut, kissing bridge, hot cocoa bar, village bakery and candy shop, make your own ornament store, and more. Otsego County Fair, 48 Lake Street, Morris. (607) 263-5289. Also held 12/21-12/23.
HOLIDAYS—7-9 p.m. “The Nutcracker.” Presented by the Fokine Ballet Company. Tickets required. Goodrich Theater, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 432-6290.
Saturday, dec. 21 WiNter SOLS tice
ONEONTA FARMERS’ MARKET—9 a.m. to noon. Produce, arts, crafts and more from area producers. Atrium, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.
COOPERSTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881.
LIBRARY—9:15 a.m.
“Coffee Group.” Held each Saturday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
SANTA’S COTTAGE—10
a.m. to noon. Muller Plaza, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS—10 a.m.
“Holiday Gift Wrapping Party.” Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
BLOOD DRIVE—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southside Mall-Oneonta YMCA, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS—11 a.m.
“Christmas Trivia.”
Worcester-Schenevus Library, (607) 397-7309.
EXHIBIT—11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Multiples.” Featuring never-before-seen works in ceramics, painting, stained glass and more. On view Saturdays through 1/25/25 or by appointment. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5327.
HOLIDAYS—Noon to 2 p.m. “Homemade for the Holidays.” Create handmade gifts. Supplies provided. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 214-6040.
HOLIDAYS—1 p.m.
“Interskate 88 Christmas Party.” Santa visit, skate, gifts and more. Admission fees apply. Interskate 88, 5185 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 432-0366.
HOLIDAYS—1-3 p.m.
“Holiday Cookie Decorating.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
SOLSTICE—1-5 p.m.
HOLIDAYS—
2-4 p.m. Visit with Santa. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. HOLIDAYS—5 p.m. “Christmas Together.” Begins with cookies and cocoa starting at 5 p.m. at the Laurens Presbyterian and Lutheran churches. Walk while caroling down to Knapp Park, or ride in Donny Decker’s farm wagon if needed. Stop by the Village Library for a Christmas story and a treat, followed by the lighting of the tree. Gifts for children up to the sixth grade. Village of Laurens. HOLIDAYS—6 p.m. “A Hometown Christmas Concert.” Original Christmas music and traditional carols, featuring guest vocalist Arianne Ajakh of Cooperstown Central School and the Catskill Brass. Free, donations gratefully accepted. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 307 Main Street, Franklin. (607) 434-5762.
SuNday, dec. 22
HOLIDAYS—11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “First Presbyterian Church Alternative Market.” First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8401.
“Winter Solstice Gathering.” Celebration and workshop to make Celtic prayer beads that honor the Wheel of the Year, walk the evergreen spiral, potluck dinner and more. Fees apply; registration required. Hawk Circle, 219 Hawk Circle Lane, Cherry Valley.
HOLIDAYS—1 & 7 p.m. “The Nutcracker.” Presented by the Fokine Ballet Company. Tickets required. Goodrich Theater, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 432-6290.
HOLIDAYS—1-4 p.m. Santa visits the house of BBQ. Brooks’ House of BBQ, 5560 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 4321782.
FIBER—1-4 p.m. “The Gatehouse Fiber Guild.” New knitters welcome. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
HOLIDAYS 2-4 p.m. Visit with Santa. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS—4:30-7 p.m. “Glimmer Nights Holiday Light Show.” Tickets required. Held Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through 12/29. Fenimore Farm & Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.
