The Freeman's Journal 02-20-25

Fundraising Hits Halfway Mark for 53 Pioneer Project

By SARAH ROBERTS

COOPERSTOWN

The Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio have reached the halfway point for funding of their renovation project at 53 Pioneer Street.

The overall fundraising goal of $2 million supports the cost of construction, furnishings, equipment and additional staffing of the facility. To date, the project has raised $1 million in financial support from public and private sources, according to officials.

“This milestone not only represents the community’s enduring commitment to preserving history, but also shows its dedication to ensuring the bright future of our creative community,” said Janet Erway, executive director of CAA and The Smithy.

Altonview Architects has been retained to work on the renovation design, with particular attention being paid to making the building greener and more energy efficient, as well as preserving the historic nature of the property. Accessibility was also a desired focus, and the addition of an elevator addresses this need.

“An elevator wasn’t in the original plan, but if you’re going to have a community space, it needs to be accessible,” Erway said.

Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery were separate entities until 2014, at which time they merged—now sharing leadership, mission and members. The renovation of 53 Pioneer Street is intended to turn the building into a facility for artists and non-artists alike to enjoy. The current building dates back to 1826, and the updated space will provide “flexible three-story interior and garden space for broad community use,” according to the project materials.

“Aside from the studio, exhibition, retail and event rental space that the new facility will provide, this

Continued on page 9

Local Groups Join Nationwide Movement in Opposition to Trump Administration

COOPERSTOWN

embers of Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible, Cherry Valley We Are Worth Fighting For and the local Democratic Party rallied peacefully in front of the Cooperstown Post Office on Presidents Day despite the frigid temperatures and high winds. Their message? “Elon Musk has got to go” and “No kings in the USA.”

“All these people are out here today, on Presidents Day, to participate in the national day of rallies sponsored by a whole bunch of Democratic groups to fight for democracy,” Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible

spokesperson Virginia Kennedy said during the protest. The groups joined a national day of protests mobilized by 50501, Indivisible, Third Act and other pro-democracy organizations on Monday, February 17. According to a press release issued Tuesday, February 18, “the protests sought to raise awareness of the unconstitutional policies of the Trump Administration, specifically the radical dismemberment of federal agencies, budgets, and services by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and Trump’s threats to ignore federal judges that hold

Continued on page 9

Chickens, Roller Skate Take Top Festival Honors

ONEONTA

H ill City Celebrations has announced the winners of the 2024 Festival of Lights. The three organizations that claimed first, second, and third place in the festival—voted on by Hill City Celebrations board members—were recently recognized by board officials with prize earnings. Each winning organization was gifted with a monetary prize, and Hill City Celebrations matched an equal amount of money for winners to donate to a charity of their choice, officials said.

The Brooks’ House of BBQ’s holiday-themed arrangement of chickens in a barbeque pit earned first prize of $500.00,

with Helios Care as the designated charity. Second prize was awarded to the Hill City Rollers, Oneonta’s roller derby team, who constructed a large roller

skate lit in multi-colored lights along the beginning of the festival’s route. The Hill City Rollers contributed $300.00 to Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program. Third prize went to Chase Memorial Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Chenango County. A new participant in the Festival of Lights, their display featured a cozy Christmas village. Chase donated its $200.00 prize to the Unadilla Valley Food Pantry.

“We had a very successful 2024 Festival of Lights, and we would like to thank everyone for their amazing support and participation this past holiday

Continued on page 9

Photo by Larissa Ryan

Otsego County residents gather on Presidents Day to peacefully protest against the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency and the role of Elon Musk in the Trump Administration.

Photo provided

Connie Herzig, chair of Hill City Celebrations, presents the first place prize winnings to John Brooks at Brooks’ House of BBQ.

SAVE FOR THE SEASON

Ampong Has Arrived: CGP Welcomes Ghanaian Museum Guide

by WRILeY NeLSON COOPeRSTOWN

SUNY Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate Program recently welcomed a new class of museum studies students, including Ghanaian museum guide and historian enoch bright Ampong. Ampong, 29, hails from the Central Region of the vibrant West African nation and graduated with honors from Takoradi Technical University’s Tourism Management program.

He has significant experience leading tours at World Heritage Sites in Ghana and the neighboring nations of Togo and benin, including

more than half a decade at elmina Castle, the oldest european building south of the Sahara. elmina was built as a slave-trading depot in the 1480s and remains a stark reminder of the brutal transatlantic slave trade.

CGP Professor Peter Rutkoff attended one of Ampong’s castle tours in August 2022 and was struck by Ampong’s deep knowledge and inspiring teaching style. He gave Ampong his e-mail address and urged him to continue his education in museum studies. Although CGP accepted his application in 2023, Ampong had to defer his admission and seek financial aid. A GoFundMe

page coordinated by Rutkoff, CGP Professor Cynthia Falk, St. Mary’s episcopal Church in Springfield Center and the First baptist Church of Cooperstown raised more than $15,000.00 to support his education last year.

“I’m delighted that this all worked out,” Rutkoff reflected, emphasizing Ampong’s teaching abilities and the knowledge and practical experience he can bring to CGP classrooms.

“Generous local donors provided him with tuition for the two-year program, and [CGP Director and professor] Gretchen Sorin arranged housing. Then, he had to jump through a whole series of bureaucratic somersaults to get a visa to visit the U.S. from Ghana; it’s very difficult these days, and he only got permission in December,” Rutkoff said.

“It was a difficult journey, but I’m glad to finally be here chasing my dreams,” Ampong said. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped me get here and dive into my studies.”

In addition to Rutkoff

and other benefactors, Ampong is especially grateful to his current host, local musician and teacher Tim Iversen. Ampong arrived in Cooperstown on January 18 and said he is adapting to his new surroundings, although the change in weather was jarring.

“He flew from 87 degrees in Accra straight to one of the coldest weekends of this miserable winter,” Sorin said. “Fortunately, the local community and the churches have been very helpful in passing along warm clothing. He found our food a little bland at first, but Spurbeck’s Grocery set him up with some hot cherry peppers and he seems to enjoy American food once it has a kick to it… e noch is very enthusiastic about trying everything we have to offer and making it his own. I know we’re looking forward to his unique perspective as an experienced cultural educator in the classroom. The semester is off to a good start.”

“I look forward to

The annual meeting of the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery Lot Owners and Trustees will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Hartwick Fire House, Dept. 2, in Hartwick Seminary. The meeting will be held in the conference room, at 1:00 PM. COVID restrictions, such as a mask, is up to each individual.

advancing my studies in the most modern, effective museum techniques,” Ampong said.

In addition to a full slate of field research, material culture, oral history, science, American history and education classes at CGP, he will take a few courses at the main SUNY Oneonta campus. After completing the twoyear master’s program, Ampong intends to return to Ghana and offer educational tours on the slave trade along the West African coast. There is a growing international interest in the history and contemporary consequences of

the trade, and local West African museums and historians are the front lines of the struggle to research, understand, and avoid repeating this 400-year crime against humanity.

“elmina would be a fantastic place for Cooperstown Graduate Program interns,” Rutkoff concluded, “and I knew from my tour that enoch would be a great fit for the program.”

With the major hurdles of funding and State Department clearance behind him, Ampong and his supporters look forward to two years of study and cultural exchange.

Photo provided

Enoch Bright Ampong, who recently began studies in the Cooperstown Graduate Program, has led tours at Ghana’s Elmina Castle for more than half a decade.

New Chief of Neurology Brings Local Roots, Fresh Perspective

COOPERSTOWN

Bassett Healthcare Network continues to welcome new healthcare practitioners, adding seven more during the month of January, including Dr. Ramesh Cherukuri, the new chief of neurology.

Dr. Cherukuri brings with him a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience in neurology—the area of medicine that deals with diseases affecting the brain, the spinal cord, the nerves and the muscles—officials said in an announcement on Tuesday, February 18.

Dr. Cherukuri completed his undergraduate studies at Siena College, located just outside of Albany. He attended medical school at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine in Antigua.

After graduation, he returned to New York, completing clinical rotations in Brooklyn and at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He remained at Upstate Medical for four years of residency training and a one-year clinical neurophysiology fellowship, after which he joined a private practice in New Hartford, where he provided care

for seven years.

“I finally came to Bassett because of my wife, who already worked for the network. She told me it was a great place to work,” said Dr. Cherukuri. “I always imagined coming home to practice and helping the people I grew up around.”

Dr. Cherukuri is looking forward to expanding Bassett Healthcare Network’s Neurology Division while maintaining quality care.

“The neurologists at Bassett Healthcare Network have been practicing for quite a while. Some have decades of experience,” he shared. “Right now, as my first goal, the division is working toward sched-

uling its first patients for ambulatory electroencephalography, which is a better and more sensitive means of testing for epilepsy.”

Electroencephalography is a test that records electrical activity in the brain. Routine EEGs are conducted at the hospital and typically last about 30 minutes, which provides only a small sample recording of brain activity. In an ambulatory EEG, the patient is instead fitted with an EEG at the hospital and sent home, where brain activity is recorded over the course of several days. This provides neurologists with much more data, allowing them to make more accurate diagnoses.

Dr. Cherukuri is accepting internal referrals from Bassett providers. He practices out of Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and Oneonta Specialty Services.

Also joining Bassett last month:

Paulina Kitcher, MD, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as an attending psychiatrist and medical director of inpatient psychiatry at Bassett Medical Center. Dr. Kitcher provides psychiatric care to adult

Voices of Cooperstown, Catskill Symphony Orchestra Team Up

By CHRIS KJOLHEDE

ONEONTA

The Voices of Cooperstown is reconvening after a successful Christmas concert in mid-December. A local choral group, VoC has been singing for the last 30 years. The chorus had performed at Christ Church Cooperstown every holiday season; often, the program has been Handel’s “Messiah.” The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this popular tradition, but the Voices of Cooperstown has been reborn. The roster now includes nearly 80 individuals. The 2024 holiday program included excerpts from Handel’s work along with other seasonal selections. The audience filled the church, and there was standing room only for the performance. The VoC is alive and singing!

To that end, there are plans for the chorus to sing with the Catskill Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta. The concert is titled “Poetry in Motion.” The first half will include pieces by Faure, Mozart and early 20th-century American composer Florence Price. More than 35 choristers and the orchestra will perform “Ave Verum Corpus” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a short and familiar piece. Additionally, the chorus will sing four songs by Price, with text by Langston Hughes. The second half of the program will feature the orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, known as the “Pastoral Symphony.” Tickets are $45.00 for adults. Admission for children is free when accompanied by an adult, who will be charged $10.00 for a ticket. Check catskillsymphonyorchestra.org for additional information and details.

Rotarians Sponsor Gardening Presentation

UNADILLA—On Wednesday, February 26 at 6 p.m., the Unadilla Rotary Club will host an informative program about the Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers. Carol Phelps, a lifelong gardener and Master Gardener Volunteer, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties Horticulture and Natural Resources Educator Marcie Foster will present ways the Master Gardeners are doing garden-based education in the community, and tips and resources for gardeners. Master Gardener Volunteers and staff at CCESO are trained to answer residents’ questions about home gardening on topics such as soil testing, growing vegetables, plant selection, pruning fruit trees, common plant diseases, insect identification, lawn care, and more. Master Gardener Volunteers are residents who have completed a horticulture training course and passed a final exam to become certified. They provide unbiased, research-based information to help people grow healthy gardens and landscapes, officials said. The program will be held at the William Bauer Community Center, formerly the Masonic Temple, at 246 Main Street, Unadilla. It is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. For more information about CCESO community programs and events in Otsego County, go to http:// cceschoharie-otsego.org or call (607) 547-2536, extension 235.

patients, as well as children and adolescents.

Dr. Kitcher earned her medical degree from Zaporozhye Medical University in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. She completed her residency in psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral medicine took place at the same institution. She is boardcertified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Charles Drucker, MD, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as an attending surgeon with vascular surgery. Dr. Drucker provides surgical care to patients at several locations throughout the network, specializing in vascular surgery. He is currently welcoming new patients.

Dr. Drucker earned his medical degree at the University of MarylandSchool of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, where his residency and fellowship also took place. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Rachel Boyles, PA, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a

physician assistant with neurosurgery at Bassett Medical Center.

Boyles earned her master’s degree as a physician assistant from Thomas Jefferson UniversityNew Jersey Campus in Voorhees, New Jersey. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Garret Anderson, PA, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a physician assistant with vascular surgery at various locations across the network.

Anderson earned his master’s degree as a physician assistant from St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, New York. He is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Danielle Francis, ANP, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as an adult nurse practitioner with hematology/ oncology at Bassett Medical Center. Francis provides comprehensive medical care to adult patients, including physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, specialty referrals, and more. She is currently welcoming new patients at Bassett Medical Center.

Francis earned her master’s degree as an adult nurse practitioner from State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine in Stony Brook, New York. She is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Janie Russell, FNPC, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a family nurse practitioner with family medicine at Bassett Health Center–Sharon Springs (591-1 State Route 20, Sharon Springs). Russell provides comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages, including physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, specialty referrals, and more. She is currently welcoming new patients at Bassett Health Center–Sharon Springs.

Russell earned her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. She is boardcertified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Information on each of Bassett’s practitioners can be found using the “Find a Doctor” tool, located at https://www. bassett.org/providers.

.dining&entertainment

Photo provided DR. RAMESH CHERUKURI

Perspectives

EDITORIaL

Ice—Out on the Lake

It’s happened at last. After weeks of gray, damp, sunless weather, the snows have arrived and the freezing temperatures have performed their task. Otsego Lake has closed in—for the first time in several years. It took a week or so of almost closing, and then melting, until it finally iced in. We have records of ice cover on Otsego Lake that go back to 1842, first recorded in “The Freemans Journal” and much later tracked by the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station.

Between 1842 and 2001, there was complete ice cover every winter; ice data for 1849-1850 shows a freeze (ice-in) date of February 1, 1850, though very often the ice-in would occur in December and January, and a thaw (iceout) date of April 24, 1850. After 2001, things began to change, owing most probably to climate change, and since that year we have had several zero ice-in seasons, including those of 2001-2002, 2011-2012, 2016-2017 and 2023-2024—four ice-less years in the past 20 and most likely zero in the roughly 10,000 years since the glaciers receded and the lake was formed.

As a result, not only was there no ice fishing those years, there also was increased evaporation, water temperature and sunlight penetration, and lower water levels, all affecting the life cycles and habitat of our plants and animals. With the once unusual HABs (harmful algal blooms) now occurring somewhat regularly, we humans and our pets are at risk as well.

This year, we have ice cover. And last weekend there were scores of fishermen out all over the lake, braving the cold, snow, wind and dark skies in hope of a catch, preferably a lake trout, walleye or perch, the most sought-after fish out there (due to the depth of Otsego Lake, there is a wealth of cold-water fish lurking therein).

Ice fishing is a uniquely American occupation. Although probably older, its first mention was among the American indigenous people of the northern United States and Canada, about 2,000 years ago. These fishermen made a hole in the ice, put in a wooden fish decoy, found a fish, and speared it with a weapon made of wood, bone or ivory. Later, rods, lines, hooks and reels were introduced, turning the difficult task of ice fishing for winter survival into the popular winter sport it is today. Our ice fishermen use rods, lines and tip-ups, the last being a baited and flagged device that is set in an adjacent hole in the ice and tips up when a fish is on the line, alerting the nearby fisherman. The ice-fishing rods are shorter than normal to prevent the hooked fish from ranging too far from the eight-inch hole, making it difficult for the fisherman to haul it out.

In the 20th century, colorful one-person fishing shanties appeared, dragged out onto the ice and left there until the ice-out. Some of them were well equipped, with a variety of heat sources that warmed up the interior, kept the hole in the ice clear for longer, and provided a liquid source of heat for the fishermen. These brightly decorated shanties were visible both on the Otsego Lake ice and on the shoreline during the summers. Most, but not all, survived the weather challenges, but some were left out too long, and went down in the ice-outs. The more sober tarpaulin pop-ups that appear all over the lake today are a lighter, smaller, portable version of the old wooden shanties (ice house, fish house, fish coop, fish trap), designed to be easily transported, assembled, moved to another fishing location or taken back to shore at the end of the day.

Ice fishing, an exhilarating engagement with nature, is also fraught with danger. Cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles often sink, as do fishermen. A good rule of thumb is at least three and a half inches of ice for a person, six inches for sleds, snowmobiles and ATVs, 12 inches for cars and 14 inches for trucks. This is if the ice is relatively new. Newly-frozen ice, free of large lumps and cracks, is safer than old ice that has become brittle, but even new ice should be tapped often with a spud bar to test its strength and depth.

And finally, those ominous loud groans and booms we hear echoing across our lake are, happily, the sounds of the ice expanding, becoming thicker and stronger. Who would have known?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

Publisher / Advertising Director Tara Barnwell General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs

Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Interns: Arya Patel and Sarah Roberts

Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs

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‘Once-in-a-Generation

Across our nation, the mere mention of “Cooperstown” conjures visions of Americana and our National Pastime. Those of us who live here like to remind everyone else that there is so much more to this town than the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but to many, the two are synonymous. Whether you have lived in Otsego County for 50 years or 50 days, you have seen how intertwined this special village and our unique institution have become since 1939, and it is never more evident than during our annual Hall of Fame Weekend.

In late July, tens of thousands of baseball fans descend upon our village to celebrate the latest inductees, but this summer will be different. The Class of 2025—Dick Allen, Dave Parker, CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner—represent 18 different Major League teams, including numerous cities within driving distance of Central New York. Their fans will surely flock to Cooperstown to honor these legendary men.

Yet the election of Ichiro is likely to bring an entirely new tourist demographic to Otsego County. As the first Japanese player to be honored with a plaque in our hallowed gallery, the chance to showcase our area to a new international audience is a once-in-ageneration opportunity. The hospitality we show this summer will resonate like never before. Cooperstown will make memories that will be cherished on the other side of the world.

Ichiro himself knows all about Cooperstown. He cares so deeply about baseball history that last month’s visit to the Hall of Fame was his eighth. On the night he was elected, he was asked why this place so far from his hometown in Toyoyama, Japan matters to him. His answer spoke volumes.

“In this day and age, there’s so much stress, especially in the world we live in today,” he said. “But, wow. There’s a town just for baseball and you can go there, and you can just feel that peace.”

The talented staff at our museum has been planning for an influx of tourism for the last two years, with the goal of extending that glow well beyond 2025. Many members of our

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

A Lesson on ‘Tariffs 201’

The economic justification of tariffs is that they will enable domestic producers to compete with cheaper foreign products. That might work if the domestic cost of production is close to the foreign producer’s cost. If the foreign producer, such as China, can produce a product at substantially less than U.S. producers, then the tariff will only cause prices to rise without bringing any jobs back to the U.S.

For instance, if a T-shirt costs $10.00 to make in the U.S. and $4.00 to make in China, in order for the U.S. Tshirt to be competitive in price to the Chinese shirt, the tariff would have to be 150 percent so that the $4.00 Chinese shirt costs $10.00 with the tariff tacked on.

Trump’s 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods will not bring jobs back to the U.S. But they will raise prices at Dollar General to Dollar And A Dime General. If dimes still exist. In order for U.S. products to replace Chinese products, the tariff would result in Two Dollars And Fifty Cents

team have been learning Japanese customs and phrases to make sure that we are as welcoming as possible. We understand that many local community members are doing the same.

Over Hall of Fame Weekend, from July 25-28, we will formally open a groundbreaking new exhibit titled “Yakyu | Baseball: The Transpacific Exchange of the Game,” which explores the sport that has become beloved by both nations over the last 150 years. Located in the 1,800square-foot Guggenheim Gallery, the interactive exhibit will appeal to domestic and international audiences by exploring the wide-ranging exchange of baseball between the U.S. and Japan, from styles of play and fan experiences to equipment, a shared culture of the game and more.

And this is not our only exhibit opening this summer.

Over Memorial Day weekend, we will unveil “Getting the Nod,” an up-close look at the extensive collection of bobblehead dolls from former Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who donated more than 900 of these popular figurines, which have become a phenomenon among baseball fans, to our collection. This exhibit will undoubtedly become a highlight for visitors of all ages, as will our new Hall of Fame Film Series, which will take place that weekend, with numerous Hall of Famers and other baseball personalities expected to participate in a weekend of exciting events.

The Hall of Fame brings more than $150 million into Otsego County each year, and every visit benefits the businesses around us. Just 10 cents of every dollar comes to our nonprofit organization, with the rest being spent at the local hotels, restaurants, shops on Main Street and other important institutions that make up our amazing community.

We invite our entire community to join us at any of these wonderful events and we wish each of you a peaceful and prosperous year ahead— a year of sharing Cooperstown, and what makes baseball so special, with audiences from around the world.

Josh Rawitch is president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

General. The Trump tariffs are not about bringing jobs back. They are primarily a national sales tax hiding in plain sight— as called for in Project 2025.

The smart way to do tariffs is to focus on products that are competitively manufactured in the U.S. or that are made competitively in countries where we already have a favorable balance of payments.

That’s Tariffs 201.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

President as Developer

Donald Trump, at his core, is a real estate developer from Queens—always has been, always will be. His comments regarding Gaza are simply the most recent manifestations of that motivation and interest.

With a straight face, he has proposed that the Palestinians be removed from their homeland, so that their beachfront property can be developed as a vacation resort. He has said that the United States will remove the existing debris and those pesky Palestinians from the development area and deposit them in Jordan

and Egypt—all at no cost to Israel or its neighbors. From his developer’s perspective, it’s a win-win all around.

The sooner Democrats, the media, and sensible Americans understand that Trump’s proposals and actions emanate from his transactional developer’s mindset, the sooner they will be able to deal more effectively with what he comes up with on an almost daily basis.

John A. Rudy Cooperstown

Administration Is Missing the Point

The total value estimate of gold stored in Fort Knox is around $287.24 billion, based on current gold prices. The United States national debt is over $36 trillion and going up rapidly. The U.S. trade deficit is nearly $1 trillion. This does not include credit card debt, home owner debt and promises to sustain our failing healthcare system. The overhaul the Trump administration is missing: Start with the most egregious and work down!

Gerry Welch Cooperstown

Columnists and Contributing Writers

Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

HOW BIG IS THIS, REaLLY?

JOSH RaWITCH

by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

210 YEARS AGO

20 Dollars Reward, will be given to any person who will return a HORSE, which was stolen from the stable of the subscriber, on the 19th inst. and marked as follows: two white hind feet—mare headed—has been nicked, but carries a bad tail—a little lame in one of his fore feet—good trotter—lively good eye— about fifteen hands high—bright bay color—has been hogged, but his mane now half grown. There was taken at the same time a common saddle and bridle, the latter having a piece of untanned skin, with the hair out, upon the head-stall. James Cooper.

February 16, 1815

160 YEARS AGO

Excerpts from an editorial in the Mobile (Alabama) Advertiser & Register: “We do not attempt to disguise the fact that the Confederate cause is at this moment passing through its most dangerous crisis. Large numbers of the people are heartsick of the war, and willing to end it upon terms which would have been deemed treasonable two years, or even one year, ago. We have not a doubt that the slave proprietors large and small, would compromise today for peace and independence on the basis of a gradual and universal emancipation of the blacks. We may say that large numbers would be willing to give up all their cherished thoughts of independence in exchange for naked peace upon terms of reconstruction.”

February 24, 1865

110 YEARS AGO

William Coleman, an aged man of more than 70 years, was arrested in New York City on February 6, and charged with the robbery of a Wells-Fargo Express wagon. Coleman is the same man who robbed Mrs. F. Ambrose Clark of $30,000 worth of jewelry in 1903, and who was later apprehended while digging up the jewels where he had hidden them in Van Cortlandt Park. Coleman’s record shows thirteen arrests and 28 years spent in various prisons dating back to 1869.

February 17, 1915

85 YEARS AGO

The Old School Court, Cooperstown’s largest housing project in years, was announced on Monday by W.T. Samson Smith, the owner, as ninety percent complete. Designed to provide the community with a group of modern dwellings suitable for small families at moderate expense, Mr. Smith states that all of the eight units are ready for occupancy and have been rented on yearly contracts.

February 21, 1940

60 YEARS AGO

The New York State Historical Association this week announced plans for a new library building to be erected on the Fenimore House campus north of Cooperstown. The new building will be designed by the New York City architectural firm of Moore & Hutchins with Dr. Keyes D. Metcalf, retired director of the Harvard University library as consultant. The new structure will provide space for the association’s growing library which now numbers some 40,000. No exact site has been selected, but Dr. Louis C. Jones, NYSHA director, said it would be somewhere in the vicinity of Fenimore House.

February 17, 1965

20 YEARS AGO

Three months ago, residents and staff left the Meadows, which had been Otsego County’s nursing home for half a century, and moved to the county’s new nursing home, Otsego Manor. This week, the county began to reoccupy the Meadows. About 50 Department of Social Services employees will move into their new quarters, which have been renovated by the county’s Building Services Department. The DSS sections that will move were formerly housed in leased space in the Greystone Building on State Route 28, south of Cooperstown.

February 16, 2005

FDA Rule Could End Smoking, Save Millions

Millions of lives could be saved if one rule by the Food and Drug Administration is enacted: reducing nicotine content in cigarettes and cigars to nonaddictive or minimally addictive levels. The FDA submitted that rule to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in mid-December. [https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-202501-16/pdf/2025-00397.pdf ] If OMB approves it, the rule becomes law.

Most of us know it is the smoke in cigarettes and other tobacco combustibles that cause more than 16 million Americans to get tobacco-related diseases and about 480,000 Americans to die of them annually, 10 percent of whom did not smoke.

But it is the nicotine that hooks people and keeps them hooked for most or all of their life spans. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on earth—more addictive than cocaine or heroin. Two important factors have made it even harder for tobacco users, especially smokers, to quit. One is that about 90 percent of adult smokers began smoking by age 18, with 13 still the average starting age. When adolescents initiate tobacco use, they become addicted more quickly and have a harder time quitting than adults over age 18 or even 24.

The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars annually on marketing and advertising to hook kids because once they start using tobacco or nicotine products, they will often be lifelong customers. The industry profits in hundreds of billions of dollars annually because of it. Tobacco

By MERL REAGLE

industry documents even refer to youth who start smoking as “the replacement generation”—the new, long-term smokers who will replace the ones who have died.

Lowering the amount of nicotine to non-addictive levels in cigarettes, cigars and other combustibles would upend it. The FDA estimates its rule will:

• prevent 48 million youth and young adults from becoming smokers this century;

• prompt 19.5 million smokers to quit within five years of the rule going into effect;

• save 4.3 million lives by the end of this century;

• drop the smoking rate from 11.6 percent in 2022, the Centers for Disease Control’s most current figure, to as low as 1.4 percent by 2100.

“The benefits of the FDA’s proposed rule are unprecedented,” Kristen Richardson, director of Tobacco Free Communities: Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie says. “Once the nicotine level of cigarettes and other tobacco products drops to a level low enough to no longer create or sustain addiction, they would lose their ability to hook most people into dependence.”

“The research suggests that very low nicotine content cigarettes will be even less addictive for adolescents than adults,” she adds, “although studies have also shown both adult and adolescent smokers have reduced cravings and cigarette consumption.”

Richardson estimates the rule would reduce

Continued on page 6

The Latest Vacation Tours…

On the Path to Civic Readiness

New York State’s “Portrait of a Graduate in Practice” initiative provides separate pathways for students to receive recognition for their participation in civics and involvement within the community. One of these pathways is the Seal of Civic Readiness, which is a form of recognition correlated with a work-based learning experience. I have been given the opportunity to obtain this seal. My work-based learning experience is an internship with the local newspaper, “The Freeman’s Journal,” and its parent company, Iron String Press.

Our history is ever changing and evolving, but freedom of the press has remained constant. By writing for the paper, I am able to experience the importance of a free press in our society in general, as well as within our own community. In its coverage of local news, the press advocates for ongoing events and is a crucial part of bringing a community together.

I have had an internship at Iron String Press for a little over a year now. As part of my coursework for the Seal of Civic Readiness and my internship, I will continue my communication with the community by writing a weekly article about Cooperstown High School’s affiliated organizations: Cooperstown Funding for Excellence in Education, the Parent Teacher Association, the Friends of Music Association, the Sports Booster Club, the Angel Network, and the Alumni

Association. These organizations contribute greatly to the Cooperstown school community, and we value their hard work and dedication.

As a student who has benefited from the efforts of these organizations, I can think of no better way to express my gratitude than to share information about them. For the benefit of the school community, and our community at large, I will publish an article each week outlining the work these organizations have done, as well as future events and ways to help these establishments continue to thrive. All of these groups impact many students, from those on the theater stage to those on the sports field.

These school-affiliated organizations help individuals grow as students, peers and citizens. Through the weekly publication of these articles—each focusing on a specific organization—I will highlight the incredible hard work and dedication that goes into making them a success.

To earn the Seal of Civic Readiness, I must show civic knowledge as well as civic engagement and participation in the community. This seal is an enrichment to high-school history courses, such as Global and American history. The Seal of Civic Readiness is a badge which is given with honor and respect, and I hope to continue my journey even after this semester is over.

Arya Patel is a junior at Cooperstown Central School.

Beekeepers To Hold Class for Beginners

COOPERSTOWN

The Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association will conduct its annual “Introduction to Beekeeping Class” for beginners from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52. Local beekeepers will discuss the origins and history of beekeeping, honeybee biology, siting an apiary, necessary equipment and costs, tools, clothing, seasonal management, how to work the bees, diseases, pests, and hive products. The $49.87 course fee includes a beekeeping book, lunch and snacks. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to decide if managing bees is a craft they wish to pursue. Registration is required through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/intro-to-beekeeping-course-tickets-1101031447699?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

Democracy, Mars and Line Dancing

ONEONTA—Columnist Rachel Frick Cardelle sat down with playwright Dan O’Neil recently to discuss the upcoming SUNY Oneonta production of “The Alleged Children of Darkness.” O’Neil’s play, directed by Andrew Kahl, examines the uncertain future of community and American democracy 30 years hence. You can read Cardelle’s interview with O’Neil on AllOtsego. com. “The Alleged Children of Darkness” kicks off on Friday, February 28 and tickets are on sale now. Pictured above are the cast and crew: back row, from left, Kira Herbert, Dan O’Neil, Rita Musiimenta, Victoriana Alfonso, Everett Pondolfino, Sean McGrane, and Shane Ess; middle row, Steph Lynne, Lucas DeSalvo, Emily Shuffle, and Allison Behnken; and, front row, Leah Fridman, Sophia Milton, Lazaro Mahar, and Sam Keefe.

Why Cooperstown? (cont’d)

Afew weeks ago, we noted in this column some of the reasons why we value life in Cooperstown.

Here are some more of the whys:

—Because pedestrians are apt to give a nod of thanks when drivers stop at crosswalks. That’s why.

—Because of the singularly fine school system here. That’s why.

--Because of the annual celebratory community dinner on Main Street, between Fair and River streets, in September. That’s why.

—Because of three spots on the radio dial broadcasting National Public Radio, providing news and music. That’s why.

—Because of the magnificent Clark Sports Center, providing multiple opportunities for the health of body and mind. That’s why.

—Because of the Cooperstown Food Pantry at the Presbyterian Church, serving those in need. That’s why.

—Because of the magic vapors rising from enchanted Lake Otsego. That’s why.

—Because of the Annual Winter

Smoking

Continued from page 5

nicotine in nearly all combustible tobacco products, including cigarettes, most cigars and pipe tobacco, by 95 percent. The average amount of nicotine would drop from 10-12 milligrams per cigarette to 0.7 mg per cigarette.

Richardson says the research also shows that smokers do not smoke more to compensate for a minimal nicotine level.

“A smoker who typically consumes 10 cigarettes per day, half a pack, would need to consume at least 100 reduced nicotine content cigarettes per day to compensate—five packs—which is unlikely. This is especially when the nicotine reduction is immediate rather than gradual,” she explains.

But Richardson cautions that reducing the nicotine will not render cigarettes harmless because smoking them will still produce 7,000 chemicals and 69 cancer-causing agents.

The FDA rule also does not ban other tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes/

Carnival, which we have just experienced and enjoyed. That’s why.

—Because of Write Out Loud, a literary evening at Fenimore Art Museum featuring the work of the poets and essayists among us. That’s why.

—Because Otsego 2000 is committed to the health and wellbeing of the land and the people and the resources of our region. That’s why.

—Because of the enticing aromas of roasting coffee and baking donuts and lunches and dinners in the making, filling the senses up and down Main Street. That’s why.

—Because spring here is spring, summer is summer, autumn is autumn and winter is winter. (And we don’t mean maybe.) That’s why.

Sam Goodyear was born in Cooperstown and, because of his father’s profession in the Foreign Service, grew up all over the world and continued that pattern throughout his adult life until two years ago, when he returned to where he was born. It took him only 80 years to do so.

vapes or other products containing nicotine, like Zyn. While using these products does not expose users to the host of known toxic chemicals in the smoke of combustible products, it is still not safe. The aerosols inhaled from vapes often contain carcinogens, metals and other toxins. Nicotine has been found to harm the adolescent brain, affecting learning, memory, and mood, among other cognitive issues. Other health risks for anyone using nicotine include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased heart attack risk and a narrowing of the arteries.

Youth continue to vape at high rates, with New York high-school students vaping at 18.7 percent.

If or until OMB approves the FDA rule, quitting smoking and other high-nicotine products will continue to be hard, but not impossible. Richardson encourages smokers to:

• Discuss quitting with their doctors or healthcare provider. When smokers team up

with their healthcare provider, long-term quit rates more than double.

• Healthcare providers can also help tobacco users reduce and manage symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as cravings, restlessness, and moodiness, by prescribing and/or recommending medications to assist in quitting.

• Contact the New York State Quitline at 1 (866) NY-QUITS or www.nysmokefree. com. It provides free and confidential quit coaching and free starter kits of nicotine replacement therapy to eligible New Yorkers.

“Smoking is an addiction,” Richardson says. “Get support. And don’t give up.”

Jennifer Hill is the community engagement coordinator for Tobacco Free Communities: Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie.

Photo provided

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Notice of formatioN of

M Studios NY LLC.

Arts. of org. filed with the Secy. of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/27/2024.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 28 Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.20

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Notice of formatioN of ZIGGY’S WELDING, LLC

Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 01/08/2025. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Ziggy’s Welding LLC, 238 Gately Rd, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose: Any Lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.20

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Notice of orGaNiZatioN of GRACI FARM LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/02/25.

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 Gokhan Yazici, 200 Baker Rd., Gilbertsville, NY 13776. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.20

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Notice of formatioN of Jorgensen Construction LLC

Articles of org. filed with the NY Sec.of State (SSNY) 01/13/2025. Office in Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served, SSNY shall mail copy of process to Jorgensen Construction LLC, 118 Darling Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any

Lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of Brown Family Beef, LLC

filed Arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: any lawful act.

6LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of Skinner Road, LLC

filed arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful act.

6LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of 452 Stone Road, LLC

6LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of

Daniel J. Brown Excavating, LLC

filed arts. of org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/20/2024. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against

it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 1917 U.S. Highway 20, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful act.

6LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of PHILTHYS, LLC.

Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 01/08/2025. 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, 3 Tilley Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of

Name of LLC: JUSTGRAZIN’ LLC

Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State: August 7, 2023. Office of the LLC: Otsego County. The New York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: JUSTGRAZIN’ LLC at P.O. Box 207, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose of the LLC: Any Lawful Purpose

6LegalMar.6

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Notice of formatioN of AZ International Trading LLC, dba Viet Tot. Articles of organization filed with SSNY on 12/15/2024. Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: PO Box 1469, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.6

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

CANADARAGO LAKESIDE ESTATES LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 27 January, 2025. 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 132 Lakeside Estates, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.6

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Notice of formatioN of 78 FORD AVENUE LLC.

Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 1/24/25. 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, 12 S. Bay Ave., Amityville, NY 11701. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMar.13

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SUppLemeNtaL SUmmoNS aNd Notice SUpreme coUrt of tHe State of NeW YorK, coUNtY of otSeGo COMMUNITY BANK, NA, Plaintiff, -against-

RONALD ZUBA

AKA RONALD H. ZUBA, if he/she be living and if he/she be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who

may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, lien or otherwise any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the complaint, Defendants

Index No.

EF2024-340

Plaintiff Designates Otsego County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Otsego County.

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated November 8, 2024.

Notice YoU are iN daNGer of LoSiNG YoUr Home

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (COMMUNITY BANK, NA) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

The forego-

ing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Brian D. Burns, J.S.C.

Dated: November 8, 2024

Filed: November 8, 2024.

The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 292 Ivan Mereness Road, Worcester, NY 12197

Dated: January 10, 2025

Filed: January 16, 2025

Greenspoon Marder LLP., Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Eileen Martinez, Esq., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105

P: (212) 5245000 F: (212) 5245050 (No Service by fax)

Please respond to Cypress Creek Office: Trade Centre South, 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

P: (888) 4911120 F: (954) 3436982

4LegalFeb.27

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Notice of formatioN of CNY Trimlight LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/31/2025.

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 12 Ravine Park N., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.13

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: 216 MAIN STREET LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 3 February, 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 130 Chestnut

St., Apt 1R, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.13

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: RIEGEL RESTORATION AND CONSULTING LLC.

6LegalMar.13

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: ANDREW MANN INN LLC.

6LegalMar.13

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Notice of formatioN of Carson Maple Works and Greenhouse LLC

Article of organization filed with SSNY on 12/5/24.

Office Location: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to Lawrence Carson, 374 Co. Hwy. 32, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

Purpose: any lawful. 6LegalMar.20

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Notice to bidderS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd., 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidex. com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constnotices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constplanholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518) 457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs.

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49,

Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

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

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265449, PIN 9PM025, FA Proj , Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga Cos., PAVEMENT MARKING - Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $375,000.00), Goals: DBE: 0.00% 2LegalFeb.20

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ddiaZ coNSerVatioN coNSULtiNG, LLc.

NOTICE is given of the formation of DDIAZ CONSERVATION CONSULTING, LLC, a limited liability company, by the filing of Articles of Organization with continued Pg. 8

eugene ‘John’ chicorelli

1932-2025

ONEONTA—Eugene

“John” Chicorelli, 92, died at home surrounded by his family on February 11, 2025. He was born June 9, 1932 in Oneonta, the son of Eugenio and Alessandra (Pallotiolo) Chicorelli.

John proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955. Both prior to his enlistment and following, he was a member of the Army National Guard. He received three honorable discharges for his service, which he was extremely proud of. He was employed for 38 years with Amphenol in Sidney as a tool and die maker. He helped solve several D&H Railroad problems with his ideas and manufacturing of certain tools.

John enjoyed bowling and softball and was one of the original members of the 6th Ward Athletic Club. He was an active member and served as president several times.

He cherished spending family time at the summer home on Goodyear Lake with his wife, Nancy, and family. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his dogs, Blackberry, Max, and the one that got away.

He is survived by his children, Lisa Barnes (Bill) of Stamford, Loraine Iampietro (Nick) of Warrington,

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from Pg. 7 the Secretary of State of the State of New York on February 2, 2025. The office of the LLC is located in Otsego County, New York. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon her / him to David Diaz, PO Box 701, Cooperstown, NY 13326. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMar.20

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: TAMMANY HALL OF HARTWICK LLC.

Articles of organi-

Pennsylvania, and Paul Chicorelli (Deborah), Lizabeth Fink and Linda Gilmore (Michael), all of Oneonta; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, William Stanton (MaryAnn), Alice Stanton and Scott Stanton; grandchildren Courtney Sanik (Nic Bohringer), Jared Iampietro (Laura), Jacob Iampietro, Mitchell Sanik, John Paul Chicorelli, Arlynn Bauer (Matt), Joshua Chicorelli, William Fink (Mackenzie), Kara Chicorelli, Audrey Gilmore, and Sophie Gilmore; greatgrandchildren Xavier, Lucas, Maverick, Vivian, Isaac, Averie, Lilian, Evelyn, and Owen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife Nancy in 2014; grandson Bradley Fink in 2021 and his siblings.

Calling hours will be from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 15 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta. The burial with military honors will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 11 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Oneonta. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the 6th Ward Athletic Club, 22 W. Broadway, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

constance Wood 1931-2025

ONEONTA—Constance Wood passed away on February 12, 2025 at Fox Nursing Home. She was born May 16, 1931 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Bettie (Newman) and Thomas Kavanaugh. She grew up in

zation filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 4 February, 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 179, Hartwick, NY 13348. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalMar.20

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY Mitchell’s Lumber Sales LLC

Articles of organization filing date with the NY Secretary of State (SSNY) was January 27, 2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom

OBITUARIES

Buffalo, where she met the light and love of her life, Robert H. Wood, in high school. They were married at the Church of the Good Shephard on August 21, 1953 after they graduated from the State University College at Buffalo. He predeceased her in 2018 after 65 years of marriage.

They moved to Oneonta after the wedding, where Bob had a job as a teacher. Connie also began her teaching career in Sidney. After one year, Bob was drafted and they spent two years moving around while he served. During this time, Bobby and Lindy were born. Their third child, Chris, came along after returning to Oneonta. Connie spent her time as a loving mother

and was actively engaged in many local activities. After the kids had grown, she returned to teaching at Valleyview Elementary for several years.

She enjoyed being an active member of the Oneonta community, participating in DAR, CCAL, Newcomers Club, Jayncees, Republican committees both city and county, Garden Club, Hospital Guild, AAUW, Executive Service Corp, and St. James Church, and was a founding member of the St James Retirement Community, where she and Bob lived for several years.

Connie was predeceased by many of her family and friends. Her brother, Larry, his wife Gail, and special cousin Jimmy Morey are of special note.

She is survived by son Robert (Carol), daughter Melinda (Carl) Reed, son Christopher (Elaine) Wood and special adopted son Joe (Holly) Poon; and grandchildren Nicholas (Crystal) Wood, Benjamin (Penny) Wood, Eric (Beth) Reed, Rebecca (Wesley) Levins, Amanda (Ryan) Schafer, Jeremiah Wood, and Joshua (Cathy) Wood. In addition, there are 10 great-grand-

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

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

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

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process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 422 Bentley Road, New Berlin, NY 13411.

Purpose: to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: SPRINGFIELD ART CENTER LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 February, 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 422, Springfield Center, NY 13468.

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

6LegalMar.27

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: BLISSFUL BEGINNINGS DAYCARE LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 February, 2025.

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 45 Genesee St., Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

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

6LegalMar.27

children. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Rick (Arlene) Wood, Kurt Kuhn and his sister Melissa, Tom Kavanaugh and Kelly Mawby and their spouses; special cousins Nancy (Bob) Sellar, Jeanne Morey, and Paul (Emily) Culley, and many others.

Connie’s family was most important to her. She was always helping others in any way she could— watching the grandchildren whenever needed and welcoming newcomers to the city or her church. Her long list of volunteering shows her varied interests and social connections. Her warm smile and infectious laugh were always treasured by those who knew her.

She especially cherished her time spent at Silver Lake, a family stomping ground. Connie and Bob and the whole family spent summers at the “cottage.” In 2019, she returned to attend the Silver Lake Experience at the age of 88, where she began writing her obituary. In it she talked about how lucky she had been to have

Funeral Home

her husband for 65 years, her wonderful children and their spouses, her seven dear grandchildren and (at the time) nine and a half great-grandchildren.

She loved the motto “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Fox Nursing Home for the wonderful care they provided for Connie during her stay there. Arrangements are being made by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Connie’s ashes will be interred in the columbarium at St. James Church in Oneonta sometime in the future. Husband Bob designed and built the columbarium for them and many others to repose in. An announcement will be made later for a gathering to celebrate her life. Connie and Bob will be together again for eternity.

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings. Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

LegaL nOtice

Notice to bidderS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd., 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidex. com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www. dot.ny.gov/doingbusiness/opportunities/const-notices. The Contractor

is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/ opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present

direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs.

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertise-

ment, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Please call

(518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Howell’s Sunny Days LLC, Filed with the Secretary of State on January 28, 2025. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to P.O. Box 12, Springfield Center, New York 13468. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalMar.27

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265473, PIN 980766, FA Proj , Chenango, Delaware, Otsego Cos., BRIDGE PAINITING - Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $75,000.00), Goals: DBE: 6.00% 2LegalFeb.27

►Need to publish a Notice of formatioN, public Notice, supplemeNtal summoNs, or Notice to bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

Photo provided EUGENE CHICORELLI

Photo provided CONSTANCE WOOD

Festival

Continued from page 1

season,” said Connie Herzig, chair of Hill City Celebrations. “It’s truly beautiful that, even after the holiday season has ended, we still celebrate a theme of giving. Prizes from the festival will continue to benefit local causes that are

essential to our community. Congratulations and thank you to all our winners. We are so appreciative of your generosity.”

This year’s prizes were sponsored by Cleinman Charitable Trust. On the heels of another successful Festival of Lights, Hill City Celebrations has put out a call for board

The job scene

members and volunteers. Formerly known as First Night Oneonta, Hill City Celebrations is run by a group of volunteer board members whose mission is to promote and celebrate arts and culture in a family-friendly, alcoholfree atmosphere. E-mail firstnightoneonta@ gmail.com for more information.

Pioneer

Continued from page 1

project emphasizes a slate of innovative educational initiatives. Through internal programming as well as outside partnerships, the 53 Pioneer Project will offer classes, workshops, and special events for school-aged children, as well as artist lectures and demonstrations, and cooking classes for members of the general public,” officials said.

According to Erway, the Cooperstown Art Association and the Smithy Gallery are seeking project pledges over a five-year period and have already received a number of commitments. These funds will be restricted and put toward the renovation project.

“We’ve never done a capital campaign, so it’s a little daunting,” Erway admitted.

The estate of Michael J. Naso Jr. has offered a gift of $100,000.00, and $640,000.00 was awarded to the project via a NY Forward grant through the Village of Cooperstown.

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh said of

the NY Forward funding, “Our village is incredibly excited to move forward with all these wonderful projects selected by Governor Hochul! The mix of public, private, and arts-oriented projects will be truly transformative to our small community, which welcomes thousands of visitors each year.

“In particular, renovation of historic 53 Pioneer and its development as an arts center will add important yearround vibrancy to our downtown,” Tillapaugh said in May 2024 when the project awards were announced.

Once completed, the first floor of the renovated building will include exhibition space for the presentation of works by local and regional artists and a retail space offering artist supplies and provisions. On the second floor will be a functioning studio and flexible-use classroom space to accommodate painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry design, and more. A teach-and-learn commissary kitchen for cooking classes and workshops will be located on the bottom floor, opening out into the garden, an event and gathering space anchoring and connecting The Smithy Gallery, 53 Pioneer Street, and the Clay Studio.

In addition to fundraising the capital campaign, the Cooperstown Art Association is currently preparing for its annual “Spring Cleaning” fundraiser. Artwork can be donated Tuesday through Friday from February 18-28. Interested donors are asked to call (607) 5479777 or e-mail gallery@ cooperstownart.com beforehand, to arrange a time.

“This fun event is designed to make artwork affordable to everyone, from homeowners and designers to

antique dealers and business owners. There is bound to be something for everyone—ceramics, paintings, etchings, pastels, antiques, frames and textiles—all at reasonable prices,” organizers said.

“If you’re looking to start, grow or just refresh a quality art collection, this is the perfect, budgetfriendly way to do it. For artists, this is a great opportunity to grab a deal on a variety of supplies and tools,” Erway added.

The Spring Cleaning event will begin in Gallery A of the CAA on Friday, March 7 with an Opening Reception from 5-7 p.m. It will remain open Tuesday-Saturday through Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those interested in supporting the 53 Pioneer Project can reach out to Erway at (607) 5479777 or gallery@cooperstownart.com to learn more.

Protest

Continued from page 1

him to account for unconstitutional actions.”

“Elon Musk was not elected president of anything,” said Kennedy. “He is a billionaire, the recipient of almost 20 billion dollars of our tax money in federal grants, who is invading every part of government, cutting services, firing thousands of public servants, and gutting the government’s ability to serve its citizens. President Trump and Musk have usurped constitutionally mandated congressional checks and balances while Republicans stay mute.”

“Trump and Musk are cutting services, deleting important scientific and health information from government websites, and firing the public service workers who keep us informed and safe, all in the name of more tax cuts for billionaires,” said Cooperstown/Oneonta

Indivisible member Betsy Foster. “They are doing incredible damage; and if people aren’t noticing yet, they are going to when more planes crash or they lose their Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security.” According to Kennedy, local pro-democracy groups like Cooperstown/ Oneonta Indivisible will continue to join the growing nationwide movement to speak out against what they believe are the unconstitutional policies of the current administration through peaceful protest and educational community events. For more information, contact Kennedy at virginiakennedy67@ gmail.com or visit Indivisble.com.

Historians Join Forces to Locate Soldiers

SPRINGFIELD

Historians, members of local historical societies and other interested parties gathered for an online meeting recently to offer their assistance to Melinda McTaggart, who is in the process of compiling a list of Revolutionary War soldiers buried here in Otsego County. The project is being supported financially by a donor through Hyde Hall, McTaggart’s employer.

Deb Mackenzie, Otsego County historian, is assisting McTaggart in assembling the local historians and capturing some of the existing lists. Several groups have already provided the information, including historians from Hartwick, Laurens, New Lisbon and Springfield.

“This project dovetails nicely with the activities being planned for America250,” said Mackenzie. “America250 is the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.” McTaggart noted that while a number of lists already exist, a single definitive accounting needs to be created. She noted that many of these lists do not include private or family cemeteries.

McTaggart is also seeking certified drone operators for assistance in identifying isolated cemeteries. Once complete, the final compilation will be given to local historians, historical societies, libraries, and other entities. To contribute information, or to learn more, e-mail MelindaMcTaggart@ hydehall.org.

9:30-11

ideas and ask questions. Led by OCCA Executive Director Amy Wyant. Roseboom Café, 3220 State Highway 166, Roseboom. (607) 547-4488.

QUILTS 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “The 2025 Quilt Show.” Presented by The Susquehanna Valley Quilters. On view through 2/23. Raffle drawing held 2/23 at 3 p.m. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests. Today, enjoy a lunch of ham and scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, and frosted birthday cake. (607) 547-6454.

LECTURE 6 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.

“Rural and Small-Town America: Myths and Misunderstandings.” 2025 Hardy Chair Lecture featuring Tim Slack, professor of sociology at Louisiana State University. Shineman Chapel House, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4951.

DINNER 6-7 p.m. “Ziti & Meatball Dinner.” Fees apply. Open to the public. Takeout available. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

PLANETARIUM 7 p.m.

“Solar and Lunar Eclipses.” Fees apply. SUNY

Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

THEATER 7 p.m.

“Green Day’s American Idiot: The Musical.” Tickets required. Also showing 2/22 and at 3 p.m. on 2/23. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

CONSERVATION

7:30 p.m. “Reducing Your Household Carbon Impact.” Presented online by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. Registration required. doas.us

CONCERT 7:30 p.m.

“Jimkata: Electro-Rock Dance Party.” Presented by Cooperstown Concerts. The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown. ►Sat., Feb. 22

BEEKEEPING

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. “To Bee or Not To Bee: Introduction to Beekeeping Short Course.” Presented by the Leatherstocking Beekeepers’ Association. Fees apply. Clark Sports Center, 124, County Highway 52, Cooperstown.

HUNTER SAFETY

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “NYS DEC Hunter Education Safety Course.” Open to all aged 11+. Free; registration required. Oneonta Sportsmen’s Club, 251 Rod & Gun Club Road, Oneonta. (607) 4330515.

LIBRARY 9:15 a.m. “Coffee Group.” Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

YOGA 10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” Weekly classes open to all levels. Suggested donation applies. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga.

PLANETARIUM Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 4362011.

• 10:30 a.m. “Betelgeuse’s Galactic Vacation: An Alien’s Search for Planets.”

• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”

REPAIRS 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Repair Café.” Learn to repair common household items, from small appliances to textiles. Presented by the Otsego ReUse Center. Mainview Pottery and More, 77 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4328595.

CAFÉ 1-3 p.m.

“Lattes & Literature.” Presented by the Morris Village Library. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

OPEN STUDIO

1-4 p.m. Work on art projects in the company of other artists. Held each Thursday and Saturday. Free-will donations to

defray heating costs. Butternut Valley Arts & Crafts Center. 124 Main Street, Morris.

WORKSHOP 1-3 p.m.

“Beeswax Wrap Workshop.” Led by Jessica Capeci of Windswept Farm & Apothecary. Fees apply. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-4025.

PARTY 1-4 p.m.

“Family Disco Party.” Presented by Otsego Pride Alliance. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

FUNDRAISER

4 p.m. “Laurens Contrast of Colors Show & Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser.” Laurens Central School, 55 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-2050.

DINNER 4-6 p.m.

“Free Community Dinner.” Spaghetti, sauce, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread and desserts. Donations welcome. RSVP appreciated. Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1553.

PARTY 7-11 p.m.

“Adult Prom 2025.”

Tacos, charcuteries, full-service bar, dancing, prom photo booth and more. Tickets required. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 5441800.

OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m.

“Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians, and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 8582523.

►Sun., Feb. 23

FUNDRAISER

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Cabin Fever Breakfast.” Eggs, sausage, pancakes, real maple syrup, biscuits, sausage gravy and more. Suggested donations apply. Raffle baskets available. Laurens Fire Department, 34 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 441-3045.

FIBER 1-3 p.m. “The Gatehouse Fiber Guild.” New knitters welcome. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

VIDEO GAME 2-7 p.m. “Super Smash Bros Tournament.” Entry fee applies. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

SUNDAY SPEAKER

SERIES 3 p.m. “Rental

Housing in the Village: Too Much? Too Little?” Panel discussion with Cooperstown Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk, Community Foundation of Otsego County Executive Director Jeff Katz and others. Free and open to the public. Village Library of Cooperstown 3rd Floor Ballroom, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. ►Mon., Feb. 24

BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD 8-9 a.m. Casual meet and greet with Cooperstown Village Board to discuss local projects, agenda items, more. Includes coffee and donuts. All welcome. Held fourth Monday of each month. Village Board Room, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

LIBRARY CRAFT

11 a.m. “Paper Towel Flowers Craft.” Registration required. Also held 6 p.m. on 2/26. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

HEART HEALTH

11:15 a.m. Learn about heart health with a registered dietitian. Presented by the Otsego County Office for the Aging. Admission by donation. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta.

SENIOR MEALS Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken and wild rice casserole, green beans, mixed vegetables and mandarin oranges. (607) 547-6454.

• 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley.

CONNECTIONS

12:30-2 p.m. “Card Making” with Gloria. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. SKATING 3-7 p.m. mixed use. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Badger Park, 87 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2411.

DISCUSSION 3-5 p.m.

“Current Events Discussion Group.” Held each Monday. Village Library of Cooperstown. 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

EDUCATION 6 p.m. “POUND: Rockout Workout.” Presented by

the 2025 Continuing Ed Classes. Fees apply. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3265 ext. 518.

TAX SEASON

6-8 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick College via the IRS VITA program. Also held Tuesdays. Hartwick College, Golisano Hall, 2nd floor, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338.

►tueS., Feb. 25

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Wilber Park, Oneonta. Contact hike leader Diane Aaronson, (607) 432-9391.

EMPLOYMENT

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Free Seven-County Virtual Job Fair.” Registration required. Presented online by the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties. workingsolutions.org/news/freevirtual-job-fair-tuesdayfebruary-25-2025

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of beef stew with vegetables, biscuits and chef’s choice pie. (607) 547-6454.

• Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta.

• Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs SKATING 3-6 p.m., mixed use; 6:30-9 p.m., hockey. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Badger Park, 87 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5472411.

POTTERY

3:15-5:15 p.m. “Youth Clay Part 1: Throwing for Grades 7-12.” Class held Tuesdays through 3/18. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

THEATER 6 p.m.

“Zuzu African Acrobats.” Slade Theater, Yager Hall, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4000.

►Wed., Feb. 26

HISTORY 5-7 p.m.

“Why Frederick Douglass Visited Oneonta—A Talk by Historian Harry Matthews.” Free, open to the public. Yager Museum of

Art & Culture, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick College, Oneonta. (607) 431-4480.

FIRST AID

5:30-8:30 p.m. “CPR/AED First Aid Certification.” Presented by the American Red Cross. Continues 2/27. Must attend both nights. Fees apply; registration required. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800.

GARDEN—6 p.m. Master Gardener presentation sponsored by The Rotary Club of Unadilla. Learn about garden-based education in the community and get tips/resources for your garden. Free and open to the public. William Bauer Community Center, 246 Main Street, Unadilla. 607-547-2536 ext. 235.

EDUCATION 6 p.m. “Ukulele for the Fun of It.” Presented by the 2025 Continuing Ed Classes. Fees apply. Held each Wednesday. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3265 ext. 518.

POLITICS 6 p.m. “Run for Office: A ‘How To’ for Prospective Candidates.” Presented by the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area. Featuring speakers Jeff Katz, former mayor of Cooperstown, Meg Kiernan, former supervisor of the Town of Otsego, Cody Moore, Cooperstown school board member, and more. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown. hudi. podolsky@gmail.com.

POTTERY 6-9 p.m. “Advanced Throwing on the Wheel with Adam Jennett.” Class held Wednesdays through 4/16. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

ART CLASS—6-9 p.m. “Figure This! Open Studio Life Drawing.” Hosted by a Cooperstown Art Association member, who will be present to field questions. $18/session, cash. Cancellations will be communicated prior to session. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.

ENCORE 8 p.m. “The Shark is Broken.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Tickets required. Also showing on 2/28. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4325407.