ore than 100 people attended a public information session on homelessness on Thursday, March 6 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center. Community leaders and service providers discussed challenges such as a lack of affordable housing, as well as current activities, including collaborative approaches to identifying and helping individuals.
“I was really impressed with the event’s turnout and how positive it was; so many showed up from the community to learn together about homelessness in Oneonta,” said Oneonta Ward 1 Councilor Elayne Mosher Campoli, who serves on the Common Council’s Community Wellness Committee and the Greater Oneonta Homelessness Coalition. “I think it’s especially important for the public to know how hard our local nonprofits and other organizations are working to address homelessness, with limited and sometimes shrinking resources, and at the same time they are also collaborating to find longterm solutions that will be effective.
The event was the third in a series of public forums organized by the City of Oneonta around topics related to the future of the city. The first focused on childcare and the second on downtown promotion and small-business collaboration.
Panelists at the homelessness forum included Police Chief Chris Witzenburg, Family Services Association Executive
Daffodil Brunch Set for April 19
n Saturday, April 19, Tom Morgan and Erna Morgan McReynolds will once again host Helios Care’s annual Daffodil Jazz Brunch Fundraiser at their Franklin home. The couple, longtime Helios Care supporters, “graciously host this extraordinary event every year at their private residence, where there are thousands of blooming daffodils to greet each guest,” officials said in a press release.
As a kick-off to the spring season, the Daffodil Brunch is a day of friends, food and flowers. Dee Smith Hazlett will cater the brunch, smooth jazz will be played by the Rob Hunt Trio, and Gerry Raymonda will take keepsake photos for each guest amidst the daffodils. There will also be a silent auction featuring unique items and adventures from local businesses. “Be sure to bid often and bid high,” organizers urge.
This community-wide and family-friendly event is one of Helios Care’s main fundraisers and raises unrestricted funds for hospice and palliative care patients in Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. The outdoor event will be held, rain or shine, and registration is now open on the Helios Care website, helioscare.org/all-events/daffodil. There are two seatings for the Daffodil Brunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or noon to 3 p.m. Single tickets are $70.00 and couple’s tickets are $130.00. Seating is limited.
Trustees Talk Fees, Possible Dog Park, Fairy Spring Plans
By SARAH ROBERTS COOPERSTOWN
The latest monthly meeting of the Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees was held on Monday, February 24. Over the course of the meeting, which began at 6 p.m. and ran for roughly two and a half hours, the six trustees and mayor discussed matters including upcoming special events in the village, changes to parking regulations, grants and project updates, plans for a potential new dog park, and the results of the Village Seal contest.
Among the special events discussed was the Lakefront Park Concert Series, as well as waiving fees for outside dining applications from restaurants, with the outdoor dining period beginning May 15. Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk noted that this is a bit earlier than normal.
“Some restaurants may want to start earlier if it’s nice out. Let’s hope so, after this winter,” joked Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh.
Ye Old Bubble Tea was approved for vending during the concert series and the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
A wedding ceremony was also approved for Lakefront Park. Falk suggested formalizing a fee structure for private events in the future.
Nelson Mondaca was appointed to the village Planning Board as second alternate, and there was a prolonged discussion regarding adjustment of the zoning fee schedule and caps.
There was discussion about prohibiting
Seed Swap Promotes Gardening, Community Spirit
By TERESA WINCHESTER
OTEGO
The weather outside was quite chilly on Saturday, March 8, never rising above the freezing point, but the atmosphere inside 354 Main—a longstanding commercial building renovated and transformed by owner Bill Hovard into a shop, gallery, and small events center—was warm and friendly. Some 30 people showed up for Hovard’s second annual “Seed Swap: Planting Seeds for Change!” event.
Hovard conceived of the swap as a way of promoting a more connected community.
“It’s really about sharing, another event to bring the community together and support each other, especially in these uncertain times,” Hovard said, noting that the event draws in a cross section of the community, bridging diverse factions that might not
otherwise be coming together.
Hovard also said that many gardeners who collect seeds in the fall for planting in the spring wind up with more seeds than they need and that the swap gives people a chance to try new seeds.
Besides providing an opportunity for exchanging seeds, the event also designated the Otego Community Food Pantry as the beneficiary of the donations placed in a large jar on the plenteous buffet table. Just over $300.00 was collected. The monies, Hovard said, will be specifically allocated to the food pantry’s birthday fund, which provides thoughtful gifts for the children and the elderly served by the food pantry. Food was provided by “Simply Jess,” an Otego bakery owned and operated by Jessie Wellman, and leftover food items were delivered immediately after the event to
Continued on page 8
ONEONTA
Photo by Gerry Raymonda
Guests enjoying the sea of daffodils at the 2024 Daffodil Jazz Brunch event.
Photo by Teresa Winchester
Tony Pinotti, who contributed “Kentucky Wonder” bean seeds to the March 8 seed swap, chats with Greg Watson, who labels a package of seeds to give to his gardener wife.
mayor Faces Opposition, Shares Vision for ‘New’ market Street
By mONIcA cALZOLARI
ONEONTA
he march 4
Tcommon council meeting was a reminder of the power citizens have over city government in action.
mayor mark Drnek opened the meeting specifically addressing a letter that 11 city of Oneonta residents and business owners sent to Rehabilitation Support Services Executive Director William DeVita asking him to withdraw the RSS proposal to develop 27 market Street.
Drnek ended the meeting with a presentation of his vision to create a new neighborhood on market Street. He asked council members and the public “to step outside the comfort zone of shared opinion and open your mind to alternate possibilities.”
The letter sent to RSS accuses the mayor and RSS of a lack of transparency. It states “Emails obtained through a FOIL [Freedom of Information Law] request between RSS and mayor Drnek reveal that you, [Bill DeVita] and others, have been directly involved in behind-the-scenes discussions. Over the past two to three years, you have privately met with mayor Drnek multiple times to lay the groundwork for the proposed RSS project at 27 market Street.”
mayor Drnek said in the open meeting, “This is particularly annoying to me….The insinuation is that our exploration of potential partners for
market Street, or any other development, is somehow inappropriate, and that I have been in some fashion duplicitous. This is just plain wrong. And ignorant.”
Bryan Shaughnessy, who owns and operates two apartment buildings at 20-22 market Street, was in the audience again on march 4. He frequently attends council meetings. He and the other 10 letter signatories are completely opposed to RSS building apartments on 27 market Street and have been for more than a year.
According to its website, Rehabilitation Support Services strives to enrich and empower the lives of individuals with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. mayor Drnek called the opposition to RSS housing some of its residents on a new development on market Street as “pure NImBYism.”
NImBY stands for “Not In my Back Yard.”
mayor Drnek directly addressed Shaughnessy in his remarks several times on march 4.
“We know that a lie repeated and repeated and repeated will sew doubt and maybe even convince people of things that aren’t true,” Drnek said.
“It is riddled with falsehoods and innuendo, and it presumes to speak for a larger percentage of the community than its sign-on numbers would support,” Drnek added.
The city of Oneonta has approximately 14,000 residents including the students from SUNY Oneonta
and Hartwick college.
The mayor invited a wider group of residents to “have watch parties. Have discussions. Talk to your council members about them.”
The letter to RSS states that, “mayor Drnek has worked persistently to appoint new council members who align with his unpopular agenda, despite significant public disapproval.”
mayor Drnek denied this claim.
“many residents feel that both RSS and the mayor have misrepresented key aspects of this initiative. Our goal is to hold RSS and mayor Drnek accountable, ensuring transparency and honesty in your dealings with the community,” the letter states.
“It’s hard not to be angered by the accusations,” Drnek said.
RSS Executive Director William DeVita said in an e-mail on Tuesday, march 11, “We appreciate and support mayor Drnek’s comments and join him in refuting a letter that is not only filled with innuendo
and inaccuracies, but is also divisive and counterproductive.”
“For more than a year, christine Nealon has earnestly and respectfully engaged with the Oneonta community, meeting with hundreds of residents, listening to and incorporating their thoughts in our planning process, presenting clear and factual information across numerous venues, and answering questions,” he continued.
“We stand behind her professionalism and outstanding work, particularly while navigating a campaign of falsehoods and fear-mongering that benefits no one. We remain encouraged by the strong leadership shown by mayor Drnek, and the support of a majority of residents who see the benefits of the 27 market Street development in addressing a significant need for increased density and workforce housing in downtown Oneonta.
“We will continue to work with the community to advance this important endeavor, and not be dissuaded by those who, unfortunately, have put their own agendas ahead
of the best interests of Oneonta,” DeVita said.
All common council meetings and all committee meetings are recorded and available for the public to hear on the city’s website. In addition to this transparency, mayor Drnek has asked Otsego media to videotape special public information sessions, speeches, and proposals to allow more members of the public to listen, be informed, and weigh in on future developments in the city of Oneonta.
The meeting ended with a presentation about the economic impact of creating a new neighborhood on market Street and a discussion by council members. The presentation included a recorded video from Jody Zakrevsky, executive director of the county’s Industrial Development Agency and Otsego Now.
Zakrevsky explained payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements. These agreements are the main way in which Otsego Now generates revenue.
Otsego county is home to more than 1,200 businesses. Expanding
and growing these businesses and attracting new businesses to our county is the mission of Otsego Now.
mayor Drnek referred to “an even more transformative plan for the exact same location [market Street]. We could have had a food and beverage hub with housing on its upper floors.”
Otsego Now was involved in this proposal. Some of the same residents and business owners who oppose the housing development by RSS also opposed this plan. It never materialized.
On Tuesday, April 1, there will be a detailed presentation of the proposal for the development of 27 market Street. On Tuesday, April 15, time is reserved to hear alternate proposals. A vote on the RSS proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, may 6.
Local Couple Establishes Recyling Fund
SPRINGFIELD
Hartwick residents martha and Paul clarvoe have joined with the community Foundation of Otsego county to establish a new fund that will support recycling efforts throughout Otsego county.
The martha and Paul clarvoe Recycling Initiatives Fund was created at cFOc to serve as a long-term resource for local organizations, officials said in an announcement on Tuesday, march 11.
The clarvoes, who have lived in Hartwick since 1980, are long-time advocates for environmental issues, including the importance of recycling. One of their largest recycling efforts was the restoration of a building in the hamlet of Hartwick,
Continued on page 9
Photos by monica calzolari
Mayor Mark Drnek, center left, addresses City of Oneonta Common Council members and the public regarding a letter signed by 11 people in opposition to the proposed Rehabilitation Support Services development at 27 Market Street. Per the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Drnek contends that his vision for the Market Street neighborhood is in keeping with the Common Council’s support for pursuit of increased density and workforce housing in Oneonta (right).
State Comptroller Office Representative Speaks to County Board
By MONICA CALZOLARI
COOPERSTOWN
If you have questions about your pension, unclaimed funds or contract issues, the Office of the State Comptroller wants to hear from you, Timothy Perfetti said on Wednesday, March 5 at the monthly meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
Perfetti is the Southern Tier regional representative for the New York State Comptroller’s Office. He traveled from his hometown of Homer, near Cortland, to reach the Otsego County board chambers in Cooperstown.
“We are sitting on $19 billion in unclaimed funds,” he said. “The State of New York Comptroller’s office wants you to have your money back with interest.”
Perfetti explained that somewhere along the way, people move and may have forgotten about a bank account in the state of New York. The bank can hold your money for three years, he said. Since banks make interest on your balances, they do not have much incentive to refund your money.
The Comptroller’s Office started automatic refunds for unclaimed funds of $250.00 or less.
“You don’t have to go to the website,” Perfetti said.
New York State has six elected statewide individuals: the governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, state comptroller and the two U.S. senators. Thomas DiNapoli is the New York State comptroller.
Perfetti works for DiNapoli. He represents 10 counties in the state as far west as Allegheny
and Tioga counties. He also represents Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties.
“I have a big territory. I try to stack meetings for the day,” he said.
Perfetti started this role on June 20, 2024. There are 15 people who are state representatives with the responsibility for intergovernmental and community affairs for certain assigned counties, he said.
He apologized for
not introducing himself sooner.
“There was some confusion over who your regional representative was going to be,” he explained.
The primary function of his office is detecting “waste, fraud and abuse,” Perfetti said. “Part of my job is to scour the news every day in 10 counties.”
He made it clear that “we are not auditors. We are not an arresting agency. We turn it over to the district police... and we answer to no one except the taxpayers.”
Perfetti gave the board members one example of fiscal abuse. He said that “the mayor of Tioga County had a debit card to the general fund and took $23,000.00.”
He emphasized that county officials should never have debit cards connected with their general fund.
“DiNapoli is the sole trustee of the corporate pension fund,” Perfetti said. “Tom watches your money like it is his own.”
“Your pension is fine. It’s healthy,” Perfetti
said. “Two years ago, we were fully funded at 102 percent. Now we are funded at 93.7 percent. You wanted reform in Tier 6. It cost you $900 million.”
Perfetti publishes a report he calls ICYMI, which stands for “In Case You Missed It.”
In terms of budget, policy and analysis, he said, “We try to find to more effective ways to operate.”
Perfetti invited board members and the public to ask questions and point out errors. He mentioned that there is a wealth of agricultural knowledge that exists in the field.
“Everyone wants smaller government until that day affects you,” Perfetti said. “There are 19,000 unfilled positions in state government. We
Continued on page 9
Photo by Monica Calzolari
TIMOTHY PERFETTI
Perspectives
Haw THORn HILL jOuRnaL RICHaRD DEROSa
EDITORIaL
Springing Forward
Last weekend daylight saving time, a somewhat controversial and almost national annual time shift that is overloaded with meaning, came upon us, lengthening our days and evenings, helping us use less electricity, tempting us with a hint of warmer days to come and putting these last few weeks of freezing, sun-starved weather somewhat at bay, all after a cruel loss of an hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday. But while daylight saving time is still under a serious challenge from on high, a more gruesome day, filled with ominous predictions and grisly results, is still to come.
The Ides of March, from the Latin Idus Martiae, which translates roughly to the midpoint (Idus) of the month of March, falls on the 15th—as well as on the 15th of May, July and October. (The Ides come on the 13th of the rest of the months in our calendar.) The Ides began happily enough, celebrating the great moon, but a singular incident in the years before Christ turned the Ides of March into an unfortunate day.
The Ides of March was originally determined in the Roman calendar by the onset of the full moon. As March was for many years the first month of the year in this calendar (hence September, the seventh month; October, the eighth; November, the ninth and December, the tenth), the Ides of March would have marked the time of the first full moon of the year. It was celebrated by a variety of religious observances, most consisting of festivals, ceremonies, animal sacrifices, feasts and, later, Holy Weeks. Curiously, the Ides of every month were also the very day debt payments and rents were due.
Then it all got worse. In 44 BC, on March 15, during a meeting of the Roman Senate at the Curia of Pompey in Rome, Julius Caesar, the notorious and very wealthy 54-year-old Roman general and statesman, was assassinated. He had recently been proclaimed dictator perpetuo (dictator for life). Caesar was stabbed 23 times by a clutch of more than 60 senators who had come to fear that his unprecedented concentration of power was building up to the threat of his becoming king of the Romans, thereby undermining the Roman Republic. Some of the senators, led by Marcus Brutus and his brother-in-law Cassius Longinus, were concerned with Caesar’s authoritarianism, while others in fact were jealous of his extraordinary fortune and still others, his officers and soldiers, were displeased with the amount of their rewards for following him into the many battles the armies fought. Caesar reputedly was warned of impending harm by a seer, but the well-known prophecy was in fact written centuries later by Shakespeare for his soothsayer in “Julius Caesar,” who twice told Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March,” which Caesar did not.
Tonight, and this weekend, the Ides of March returns to its entertainment mode with not only a full moon, which arrives right on schedule on March 14 at 2:15 a.m., but also a total lunar eclipse, which begins on March 13th at 11:57 p.m. and becomes total at 2:26 a.m. on March 14th. And in case that isn’t quite enough, it will be significantly warmer and a little bit sunnier. Look for some snowdrops popping up through the ice and snow.
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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
Winter Musings: Where Are We Headed?
Making sense of things these days has become very difficult. Up here on the hill, we go about our daily winter routines because we must and because not attending to things makes little sense. In fact, tending to chores helps keep the world out there at bay, if only for just a little while.
I used to think that the older I got the easier it would be to figure things out. That has not been the case. I understand that evil exists in the world. I understand that greed and avarice cause even some basically good people to do horrible things. Nothing has ever surprised me, be it a physical altercation between two people or fraudulent behavior by someone trusted to act otherwise. I am not naive. But for most of my time on the planet, individuals and governments have been able to keep our darkest angels at bay. For most of the time, despite explosions of various kinds here and there, we have been able to live in the light, to know that we are safe. That does not seem to be the case anymore.
Make sense of this, if you will. How can one individual of clearly dubious character freeze so many into total submission? I know it is not the first time. And it will not be the last. No tyrant ever goes it alone. But what does it say about human nature? What enables so many to thwart their own humanity so willingly? Down there in D.C., the extent to which sycophancy reigns is downright disgusting. But then again, if one is a willing sycophant, it most likely comes all too easily and is but another indication of a very flawed character. No one person is deserving of such worship, such shedding of any vestige of self-esteem. And yet, here we are. I should come clean. I find such worshipful adulation of any being or idea unacceptable. It demeans the soul. Worshiping a deity is one thing. Deifying a mere human serves no constructive purpose at all. It merely fuels the deified’s false, delusional sense of significance. And we know where that leads—to where we are now.
Curious that over 20 nations met around a table in Europe a few days ago to agree to a way of securing Ukraine’s defense and long-term security. Why should that even be necessary? It makes practical sense, since Russia is blasting the hell out of the place every day. It makes sense given the abrupt turn-around of U.S. policy. What boggles the mind is that there was no defensible need for the war in the first place. In fact, with some exceptions, there is never a need for any war at all. Sadly, there have always been wars and I suspect there always will be. Chalk it up to human nature, I guess. A sad commentary.
With respect to the climate, it does not matter whether one sees the planet’s warming as a self-inflicted act of nature or a response to human behavior. The climate is changing and we need to do something about it. In our new administration’s infinite wisdom it has chosen, among other agencies, to eviscerate the EPA and other offices responsible for keeping our environment, e.g. our planet, healthy. Not to mention keeping we mere humanoids healthy while alive. One could go on and on regarding this strangely configured animal known as DOGE, one instigated and pretty much led by an individual of dubious character. High IQ. Big deal. No right-minded person disagrees with the obvious fact that waste and fraud exist in government, as well as in the highly touted private sphere. A hatchet job is not only reckless, it is both stupid and very harmful to individuals and the nation. A scalpel is a more effective tool. In reality, neither side of the aisle has ever wielded a hatchet or a scalpel. So I guess this is what one gets. A favorite refrain: When will they ever learn?
There is a lot more going on that makes no rational sense. Perhaps a longing for thoughtfulness and rationality is misplaced. The extent to which incivility has characterized our relations with one another augurs badly for us all. I watch birds a lot, and among the varied species that I observe at our feeders the infrequency of incivility is startling. Yes, a blue jay might alight on the suet and scare away a woodpecker. But rather than shoot or launch a drone against the blue jay, the woodpecker goes elsewhere and returns when the coast is clear.
I envy the avian world. Theirs is a stable, ages-old world. They need not worry about being harassed on social media or agonize over the potential evil and ill effects of this monstrosity known as AI. Actually, I feel more comfortable thinking of AI as artificial insemination… Who knows where we are headed. Perhaps not trying to make sense of it all makes the most sense. I think Jane Kenyon’s poem, “The Clothes Pin,” offers some sound advice when the world is too much for one: “How much better it is/ to carry wood to the fire/ than to moan about your life. How much better/ to throw the garbage/ onto the compost, or to pin the clean/ sheet on the line/ With a gray-brown wooden clothes pin”!
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.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn Policies Must Uplift Everyone
Recent proposals to slash Medicaid funding while simultaneously advancing tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations raise serious concerns about our nation’s priorities. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of lowincome families, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, providing access to essential healthcare services that many would otherwise go without. Here in Otsego County more than one in every five of our friends and neighbors receives vital Medicaid services. Curtailing these services to fund tax breaks for those who need them least is not only morally reprehensible but also economically shortsighted. Medicaid plays a critical role in ensuring that vulnerable populations can lead healthy, productive lives. Severe cuts to the program would force states to reduce coverage, limit services, or impose stricter eligibility requirements, leaving countless Americans without access to care. The ripple effects would be devastating: untreated illnesses,
increased emergency room visits and a heavier burden on already financially strained healthcare systems.
Meanwhile, the proposed tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations are unlikely to deliver the promised economic benefits. History has shown that such policies disproportionately favor the already affluent, exacerbating income inequality without significantly boosting economic growth or job creation. Instead of investing in the well-being of all Americans, these tax cuts prioritize the interests of a privileged few.
If we are to build a stronger, more equitable society, we must prioritize policies that uplift everyone—not just those at the top. Cutting Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the wealthy is a misguided approach that undermines the health and stability of our communities. I urge our leaders to reconsider these proposals and focus on solutions that ensure access to healthcare for all while promoting fair and responsible fiscal policies.
Virginia Kennedy Leader/ CooperstownOneonta Indivisible
Too Little; Maybe Not Too Late
I wanted to share some thoughts about the public information meeting I attended on the future of Oneonta’s downtown.
I call myself a recent “returnee” to this wonderful city. I left it in 1974, seeking a life with more opportunities than my 20-year-old self could imagine happening in Oneonta. Fast forward 50 years and newly widowed, I felt the pull of this place I knew was not perfect, but perfect for me at this time in my life. I bought a more affordable home, even with higher taxes, and see a different but still beautiful community through these 70year-old eyes. But I also see the struggle of people dealing with poverty, drug addiction, homelessness and mental illness. I was disappointed that none of these issues were discussed, particularly security and safety. For the record, the mayor stated that a separate meeting will address this. I hope so. Without addressing this, merchants will be forced to leave, just as Tina Marie’s Continued on page 9
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
Compiled by Tom
HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art museum Research Library
110 YEARS AGO
It has been rumored about the village for several days that Allen Gallup was running for Village President. It was a mistake—he was galloping. When the votes were counted on Tuesday, it was found that Mr. Gallup has been elected by a majority of 142 over W. Dean Burditt, who was running for the third time. In 1913, Mr. Burditt’s majority was 202 and in 1914 it was 114. This tremendous turning of the tide is proof of the futility of a third term campaign for Village President, although the record of the candidate is first-class. The total vote cast was 606, the largest since 1908, when the vote was 618.
March 10, 1915
85 YEARS AGO
Dr. Marjorie F. Murray spoke at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital lecture clinic on Friday. Her topic was “Infant Feeding.” The young infant spends most of his time sleeping, eating and crying, she said. When his food does not satisfy his needs he cries more than he should and sleeps less. Breast feeding of the infant is undoubtedly the ideal method, but inadequate breast feeding on which the baby does not thrive should not be persisted in without a supplementary formula. Artificial feeding has become increasingly successful with the practice of using sterilized or pasteurized milk and formulas of such concentrations that they equal breast milk in caloric value. The early addition of the vitamins contained in cod liver oil and orange juice is now almost universal.
March 13, 1940
60 YEARS AGO
Boys participating in the Sixth Grade Basketball League include Rich White, Bill VanBuren, Gary Wedderspoon, Steve Pugliese, Bill Mook, John Morris, Tom Barns, Bill Thomas, John Staffin, Bruce Buffet, Walter Bennett, John Foutch, Wayne Clinton, Dave Elliott, Dan Field, Dick Eckler, Bruce Hall, Dave Tillapaugh, Rick Winterhalter, Bill Lindsay, Fred Zoeller, and Paul Brown. Members of the Fifth Grade Basketball League include: Bruce Holden, Peter Callahan, Pat Guiney, Jim Robinson, Jeff Gill, Gordon Clark, Archie St. John, Charles Jennings, John Bowers, Dick Weiland, Charles Brooks, Dan Smith, Jeff Curtis, Don Turner, Joe Reynolds, John Cook, Peter Bradley, Mark Wilber, Dan Coons, Stanley Ashley, Les Dieterle, Dan DeSena, and David Karl.
March 10, 1965
35 YEARS AGO
The State University College at Oneonta’s Biological Field Station on Otsego Lake will offer a summer course for high school students in the ecology and natural history of our local freshwater and terrestrial habitats. A typical day will include a lecture, a two hour outdoor study period within the 360-acre reserve or aboard the research vessel Anodontoides, and three to four hours in the laboratory studying plant and animal specimens. Habitats studied will include forests, bogs, marshes, swamps, ponds, streams as well as Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River. Applicants must have completed NYS Regents Biology or its equivalent.
March 14, 1990
20 YEARS AGO
Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, formerly of the Cleveland Indians, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Otsego County Republican Party dinner. Feller, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, is a dedicated Republican, said Charlotte Koniuto, chairman of the Otsego County party organization. The event, now in its 56th year, will be held April 5 at the Otesaga Hotel. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Salmon and roast beef will be on the menu. The dinner is a fund-raiser for Republican office seekers. Tickets for the dinner are $50.
March 13, 2005
Solution: “Q & A, Sort Of” (March 6)
OFO Navigating Transitions, Executive Orders
The political transition over the past several weeks has been a challenge for many nonprofit agencies that rely on federal funds to deliver essential services to the residents of Otsego County.
In January, there was a government pause which froze many local nonprofits’ ability to access federal monies that are essential to their ongoing operations. Those funds are used to pay staff salaries for those dedicated to service delivery, pay for direct client services such as rents and food supports, and agency operational expenses such as electric, supplies, and vehicle operation, among many other daily expenses that are necessary to run our organizations. While it was short lived, with temporary injunctions, it certainly sent a ripple through our agency and concerned many staff, clients, and residents in Otsego County.
While a knee jerk reaction would have been to temporarily stop services to clients and lay off staff, with no guidance on how long the pause would be nor what grants it would impact, Opportunities for Otsego Inc. did not follow suit as many agencies across the state shut down. We, in essence, took a pause ourselves and a deep breath and watched the day unfold after the announcement. Within 24 hours, access to the funds was restored, our clients continued to receive vital resources and support, and our staff remained in place to deliver quality services across the county. We continue to monitor the new legislation as released, educate ourselves on its impact, and pivot to meet the new requirements enacted.
By MERL REAGLE
Our core purpose remains the same. We will embrace all communities within Otsego County with compassion, professionalism, and expertise to directly benefit the children and families we serve. Our staff will remain diligent in our core values of acceptance and support as we uphold the heart of community action in our service delivery. That will not change. It is with impactful programs, practical solutions, and measurable results that community action and nonprofit agencies demonstrate the effectiveness and accountability of funds spent.
That Executive Order was the first of many to be signed, and I surmise that there will be many more to come. We will continue to adjust and evolve to be compliant with ever-changing regulations and stand ready to advocate, empower, and support our community in the changing tides. We are dedicated to helping Otsego County families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency and stability through innovative solutions. This is the core of OFO’s mission from its inception in 1966 and still holds true.
Opportunities for Otsego Inc. has been through some major transitions in the last few months. Our Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Maskin, after decades at the helm of the agency, retired as our leader. In addition, our former CEO, Cheri Albrecht, sadly passed away in September. Their legacies truly made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate across Otsego County and left very large shoes for me to fill as the new CEO.
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Back and Forth… This will have you coming and going
HOW TO PLAY: In each “word addition” problem, the answer to the first clue must be reversed before being entered into the grid. Thus, “One more time (rev.) + Sun god” translates as AGAIN spelled backward, plus RA, which forms NIAGARA. Every theme answer is a common word or phrase. As they say, sometimes you have to back up to go forward.
ACROSS
1 Enabling eavesdropping, perhaps
5 Some punches
9 ___ the question
12 “Be glad to”
16 Broke a promise (rev.) + Dined
19 Chopper (rev.) + Gold digger
21 Ex-President (rev.) + Pool need 22 Skiing mecca (rev.) + Less bold 24 Boating term 25 Small-town boy
FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will hold its monthly meeting at the Fly Creek Methodist Church, 852 County Route 26, at 6:30 on Wednesday, March 26. Town of Otsego Historian and Iron String Press Contributor Tom Heitz will give a lecture titled “The Fly in Fly Creek,” followed by refreshments and the business meeting. All are welcome.
Job Fair Seeking Employers
HERKIMER—Herkimer College’s Career Services Center will hold its annual Career Fair from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. Each year, the event attracts hundreds of college students, graduates, and community members interested in jobs and internships. Employers who wish to participate may register for free on Handshake. For more information, contact careerservices@herkimer.edu.
SSA Announces Recent Steps
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Social Security Administration announced that it has disbursed more than $7.5 billion in retroactive payments to more than 1.1 million people through Tuesday, March 4. It is the result of the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which reduced or eliminated benefits for about 3.2 million people with non-covered pensions who did not pay Social Security taxes.
SSA also announced a major effort to identify and correct beneficiary records of people 100 years old or older. While they may not receive benefits, the agency stressed that it values accurate and complete records.
“President Trump made it very clear he wanted the Social Security Fairness Act to be implemented as quickly as possible,” said Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek. “We met that challenge head on and are proudly delivering for the American people.”
Reggae Group To Perform
COOPERSTOWN—The high-energy sevenpiece reggae and Jamaican pop band The Big Takeover will perform at Cooperstown Concerts’ 2024-25 season finale at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2. It will be held in the Fenimore Farm and Country Village’s Louis C. Jones Center, 5775 NY-80, which boasts a large dance floor space. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org.
Rotary Allocations Open Soon
COOPERSTOWN—Rotary Club of Cooperstown will accept applications for financial allocations from April 15-25. Cooperstown-area organizations that meet at least one of the following Rotary missions are eligible: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, or protecting the environment. Nonprofits are preferred, but for-profit applications will receive full consideration. To view the full criteria or to apply, visit Rotary’s website at https://portal. clubrunner.ca/3556.
Helios ‘Dine Out’ Returns
ONEONTA—Helios Care’s Dine Out for a Cause fundraiser will return for its third season this month. It allows community members to support local restaurants, enjoy a delicious meal, and raise
money for palliative care services across Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. Toscana of Oneonta will hold one of the events on Wednesday, March 19, followed by The Autumn Café on Monday, March 23. The B Side Ballroom and Supper Club will host on Thursday, April 3, and Sloan’s New York Grill will participate on Thursday, April 24. Bella Michael’s has two such events scheduled for Wednesdays, May 7 and 21. For more information, or to see more upcoming Dine Out dates as they are announced, visit Helios Care’s Facebook page.
Rotary Will Host SWMC Talk
FRANKLIN—Franklin Rotary will host a special presentation by Delaware County Solid Waste Management Center Coordinator Tyson Robb at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. Robb will address the many services SWMC provides and answer community questions. The event will be held at Open Doors United Methodist Church, on the corner of Main and Water streets. For more information, contact franklinrotary7170@gmail.com.
NY Expensive for New Biz
SHERIDAN, WY—Simplify LLC released a study on the most and least expensive states to start a business, based on recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve of St. Louis, and others. New York was the second most expensive state, behind only California. High wages, robust regulation, and soaring rent and electricity fees drove up the cost considerably. View the full study at https://www.simplifyllc.com/most-and-leastexpensive-states-to-start-a-business-2025/.
Fairy Spring Meeting Slated
COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Parks will hold a public information meeting on proposed changes to Fairy Spring Park at the Village Meeting Room, 22 Main Street, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. The project includes accessibility work, ADA-compliant restrooms, road renovations and restoration of the caretaker’s cabin. The public is encouraged to attend.
Foundation Hits $1M Mark
JOHNSON CITY—The Community Foundation of South Central New York announced that its Library Fund endowment reached $1 million, allowing them to grant nearly $30,000.00 to libraries and historical societies in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties this year. The Broome Library Foundation was established in 1999 to oversee the development of the new Broome County Public Library and Reading Garden, and merged with CFSCNY in 2008. Since then, they have provided more than $115,000.00 in grants to 34 regional organizations. For more information, visit donorswhocare.org.
Contaminated Milk Found
BALLSTON SPA—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets issued a consumer warning on unpasteurized raw milk from Willow Marsh Farm in Ballston Spa due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination on Tuesday, March 4. Listeria caused listeriosis, which may be fatal in children, cancer patients, the elderly and other immunocompromised populations. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. To date, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers who have purchased raw milk from
Willow Marsh should dispose of it immediately and contact the farm at (518) 288-3347.
Arc Offering VR Job Training
ONEONTA—The Arc Otsego, one of the county’s leading service providers for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, announced a new virtual reality-based career exploration and training program in partnership with Transfr, Inc. Supported by an anonymous donor, this innovative program will provide immersive, hands-on vocational training in a variety of fields from manufacturing to hospitality and health care.
“This technology represents a transformative approach to job skills training and career exploration,” said Arc Otsego Chief Marketing Officer Faith Tiemann. “Transfr’s solution allows our individuals to practice and master job skills repeatedly without pressure, building both competence and confidence that will serve them well in real-world employment settings.”
To learn more about the program or how to partner with The Arc Otsego on employment opportunities at a local business, contact pr@arcotsego.org.
Art Show Ends Saturday
COOPERSTOWN—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals opened an animal-themed art show with work by Cooperstown Central School students on Friday, March 7. “Pawsitive Vibes” will remain on display during regular business hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, until Saturday, March 15. Members of the public are encouraged to view the exhibit and socialize with adoptable animals. The shelter is located at 5082-5088 State Route 28, just south of the Village of Cooperstown.
Hellenthal Breaks Records
ITHACA—Cooperstown junior Thomas Hellenthal broke two school records in his second appearance at the state swimming championships on Saturday, March 8. He placed sixth in the 100m backstroke in a time of 51.15 seconds, beating Ted Mebust’s 2018 Cooperstown school record by 0.23 seconds. His 47.16 time in the 100m freestyle placed him 10th in the state and broke Sean Mebust’s 2015 record of 47.39.
CCS Hoops Sweep Sectionals
SYRACUSE—Cooperstown girls basketball beat top-seeded division rival Hamilton 44-34 in the Section III Class C playoffs in Syracuse on Sunday, March 9. Senior Brenna Seamon scored 14 points and made nine rebounds, earning her the tournament MVP title. Her sisters Piper and Danielle won the same award in 2020 and 2023, respectively. Seventh-grader Emma Johnson put away another 14 points, followed by eighth-grader Lanie Nelen with nine. Senior Polly Kennedy scored four points and made eight rebounds. The Hawkeyes hold a 20-4 season record and will face Section IV Class C victor Delaware Academy (Delhi) at Tompkins Cortland Community College at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15.
The boys team slipped past Waterville 76-67 to win their own sectional championship in Syracuse on Saturday, March 8. Junior phenom Miles Nelen scored 35 points, nearly half of the team’s total, to win tournament MVP honors. Senior Cooper Bradley and junior Christian Lawson each scored 17 points, and Bradley recorded a double-double
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Starstruck Players Raise Funds for Production with Car Washes
By SARAH ROBERTS
ONEONTA
Orpheus Theatre’s Starstruck Players youth troupe is holding a fundraiser to support their upcoming production of “Hadestown: Teen Addition.” Car washes can be purchased for Hoffman Car Wash for $14.00 from a cast or production member, or ordered online.
“Let the Storm Pass Over! Just like the characters of “Hadestown: Teen Edition” face storms and challenges, your car can overcome its own messes with a sparkling wash—all while supporting local youth in the arts!” said an informational post about the event.
“In a production that feels like it was meant just for us here at Orpheus Theatre, we are so grateful to bring the story of Orpheus to life on our stage! This powerful tale will challenge our talented young
actors in ways they’ve never experienced before,” reads the Orpheus Theatre website,
“‘Hadestown: Teen Edition” invites us to ‘see how the world could be in spite of the way that it is.’”
“Twenty of the students are in the cast and we have six students who make up the production crew, assisting behind the scenes on aspects such as prop and set creation, painting, photography, social media, and fundraisers,” said Jill A. Lehmann, director.
“The cast students meet for five hours pretty much every weekend for rehearsals and currently the production students are learning and helping for three hours each weekend, but that will likely increase as we rely on them more as we get closer to production,” Lehmann continued.
“The cast also spends time on their own during the week reviewing their music, acting directives and choreography.”
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” is a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice by Anaïs Mitchell, and a version of the award winning Broadway
production adapted to be better suited for young singing voices, expand the ensemble cast size, and remove some elements not suitable for all audiences.
“This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and definitely hopeful theatrical expe-
rience. Following two intertwining love stories—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone… invite[ing] audiences on a hellraising journey to the underworld and back,” reads the synopsis of the production.
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” is a sung-through production, with music inspired by American folk and vintage New Orleans jazz.
“This will also be our first Starstruck Players production featuring live musicians for the actors to perform with, so we are very excited about that,” Lehmann added.
The synopsis adds that the show “pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.”
The Starstruck Players is a tuition-based youth theatre education troupe. Orpheus Theatre normally puts on shows in the spring, summer and fall. Usually the performances at the end of the semester are at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta “to give the students a fully immersive theatre learning experience,” according to Lehmann.
“The cast and production students learn to work together, learning theater skills and processes, while they develop incredibly important life skills as well as their self-confidence,” she said.
Spring and fall semesters are open to those ages eight to 18 and involve an audition process. The summer session is open to those ages six to 18 on a first come, first served registration basis. Additional upcoming fundraisers for the production are an art auction featuring works
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Graphic courtesy of Orpheus Theatre
Starstruck
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from members of the troupe and a partnership with Panera Bread
LegaL
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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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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
in Oneonta, by which a portion of proceeds will go to the program. All fundraiser proceeds go directly to supporting the shows through funding “set design, costumes,
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.
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 383 State Highway 7, Sidney, NY 13838. 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: ANDREW MANN INN 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 383 State Highway 7, Sidney, NY 13838. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
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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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 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 organization 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
props, as well as the live musicians,” according to Lehmann. Visit www. orpheustheatre.org for more information.
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” will be performed
by the Starstruck Players youth troupe June 6-8 at the Foothills PAC. The shows on June 6 and 7 begin at 7:30 p.m. and the show on June 8 will begin at 3 p.m.
LEGALS
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 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
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
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
T & J Duncan LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/18/24. 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: The LLC, 7 Hill Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalApr.3
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Notice of formatioN of D&R LIQUOR HOLDINGS LLC.
Filed 2/10/25. Office: Otsego Co.
SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 4850 State Rte 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: General. 6LegalApr.3
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY (LLc).
Name:
Oneonta Resident Rentals, LLC. Articles of organization
filing date with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) was 18 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 393 Main Street, Suite 104, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.3
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Notice of formatioN of Sleeping Lion Lodge LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on February 19, 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. 6LegalApr.3
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Notice of formatioN of Popmuz, LLC, Art. of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 2/2/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 802 S. Fairway Road, Glenside, PA 19038. Principal place of business is 6680 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.3
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY: Casa Nostra Creations LLC.
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/02/2024. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” by Anaïs Mitchell is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp., www.concordtheatricals.com.
additioNaL NeWS itemS caN be foUNd eacH WeeK oNLiNe at aLLotSeGo com
process to: 26 Suncrest Ter, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.10
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Notice of formatioN of Tafel Farm, LLC.
Articles of organization filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on 02/27/2025. Official Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1342 County Highway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
6LegalApr.10
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Notice of formatioN of TheWashWizards LLC
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) was 6 March, 2025. Office location: Otsego county SSNY designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 834 South Side Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalApr.17
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Notice of formatioN of:
C.M.C.E., L.L.C.
Articles of organization filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on 03/19/2018. Official Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1345 County Highway 10, Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
6LegalApr.17
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Notice of formatioN of
Lockstep Digital LLC
dba Lockstep
Articles of organization filed with SSNY on 02/25/2025. Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as an agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: PO Box 92, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalApr.17
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Notice of adoptioN of reSoLUtioN SUbJect to permiSSiVe refereNdUm
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 5th day of March, 2025, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of $5,000 from Building Reserves to line A3410-481 for the replacement of a heat pump at the Fire Department.
BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN NEW YORK
Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) 1LegalMar.13
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Notice of adoptioN of reSoLUtioN SUbJect to permiSSiVe refereNdUm
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a
meeting thereof held on the 5th day of March, 2025, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of $5,000 from Office Technology Reserves for the purchase of computers/computer equipment.
BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK
Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) 1LegalMar.13
LegaL nOtice
Notice of adoptioN of reSoLUtioN SUbJect to permiSSiVe refereNdUm
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 5th day of March, 2025, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of $75,000 from Vehicle Equipment Reserves to line A5110-490 for the repair of Village vehicles.
BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK
Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) 1LegalMar.13
Homeless
Continued from page 1
Director Patricia Leonard, County Administrator Steve Wilson, Utica Center for Development and Oneonta Veterans Resource Center Chief Administrator Gary Flaherty, Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Warming Station Program Director Jennifer Reynolds, Opportunities for Otsego Emergency Housing Assistance Program Manager Toya Lane, and Catholic Charities of Chenango County/SOS Director of Operations Jeff Chesebro.
Several panelists said one of the biggest challenges facing the Oneonta community is the lack of affordable housing. According to data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the 2025 fair market rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Otsego County is $957.00 per month. For many working residents, that cost is out of reach, contributing to housing instability.
“The Oneonta area tends to be the hardest to find affordable housing,” said Chesebro of Catholic Charities of Chenango County, which is a partner in a multi-county “Safe Options Support” grant with Otsego and Broome counties to fill the gaps of traditional homeless services.
This grant allows the three counties to work together to offer a longterm intensive level of case management and provide social work and clinical services “that wrap around that person so they have a complete spectrum of services around them,” Chesebro said.
Several panelists explained that the majority of homeless individuals in the area are people who are going through hard times and not necessarily suffering from drug addiction or mental health issues.
“Homeless people do have jobs; they just don’t make enough money,” said Lane of Opportunities for Otsego. “Prices are high, and people cannot find a place to live, and people are staying over 90 days [at the homeless shelter].”
Lane shared services that OFO offers in the community, including running the homeless shelter at 10-20 Depew Street, Head Start, the Weatherization Assistance Program, Rape Crisis Services, Aid to Battered Women, the Violence Intervention Program, a Food Bank, a Children’s Drop-In Daycare Center, and the Wheels to Work program.
“I think we paint people with a broad brush. You see someone who’s down on Main Street and you assume they’re homeless and an addict and you’re going to paint everyone with a broad brush,” said Reynolds, who oversees the warming station in Oneonta. “There are people at the warming station who are teaching your children, sitting next to you in church, and who have jobs.”
The warming station on Chestnut Street,
which can provide a meal and a bed for 10 individuals each night, is one of several options for temporary shelter and basic amenities such as laundry and showers. The Family Services Association is two doors down from the warming station and offers a community clothing room and showers for those in need.
The homeless shelter in the Sixth Ward has 18 beds to house families. Otsego County has constructed six tiny homes, with four being added this year outside of Cooperstown, and last year invested $800,000.00 in supporting homeless individuals, according to County Administrator Steve Wilson.
“If we can’t find housing for folks who are eligible, we’ll send them anywhere we can get them, and that’s mostly hotels,” Wilson said, adding that Motel 88, Crossroads Inn, Jeannie’s Dream Motel in West Winfield, and the Budget Inn in Herkimer are regular options for housing individuals.
A new resource for the community is the veterans’ outreach center at the armory, which had a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 11. Veterans will be able to access a range of services, including a food bank, justice services, and support for homelessness, PTSD and mental health issues, and family relations. The Utica Center for Development and Oneonta Veterans Resource Center has rented space in the armory and will administer those services.
Oneonta Police Chief Chris Witzenburg said service providers and faith leaders have been meeting regularly to address homelessness and combine services on the Community Solutions Panel, which was formed in 2021 as a “result of many years of the police department looking at problems that we can’t arrest our way out of.”
Several panelists said that the collaboration between service providers and community leaders has been especially strong over the past few years.
“We’ve developed really good relationships across the community,” Witzenburg said. “Having the resources available to use every two weeks [from the Community Solutions Panel] and having officers have the ability to send officers to people who we might have hope for helping has been a big win for the community.”
Panelists emphasized a hopeful future for addressing homelessness in the area with support
from the community.
“We truly, truly, truly depend on one another and the kindness of all of you,” Reynolds said.
All organizations are accepting donations, especially laundry supplies. For more information, Mayor Mark Drnek promised to share a list of resources on the city’s website and social media platforms. A full recording of the forum will soon be available from Otsego Media.
Trustees
Continued from page 1 parking on Brooklyn Avenue. While it was readily accepted that at least one side of the street had to be marked with “no parking” signage to allow for ambulances to get through, the idea of prohibiting street parking on the west side was met with some resistance due to the limited driveway parking available to the houses on the street.
A public hearing has been set for the next village trustees meeting on Monday, March 24 to allow those most affected by any proposed change to “offer their two cents.”
As the discussion turned to grants and projects, most of the talk revolved around Fairy Spring Park, including the addition of Americans with Disabilities Actcompliant bathrooms and ramps.
“The public is going to want to know what we commit ourselves to,” said Trustee Joseph Membrino. “Every meeting that we’ve had about this, the same stumbling has seemed to occur…we aren’t tight on what we actually [intend].”
A public information meeting on the Fairy Spring Park Project has been set for Wednesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. in the Village Meeting Room at 22 Main Street.
The next major item under discussion was the Parks Board Report, primarily concerning the possible creation of a dog park in the village. The proposed location of the new park would be off of Linden Avenue. This proposed location consists of two acres of green space. The village holds a permanent easement, and does not own the land itself, officials said.
Mayor Tillapaugh pointed out to trustees that the 2019 survey in which local residents voiced support for the dog park project listed the proposed location as Badger Park; however, that location could cause complications, as it is residential. Nearby homeowners and their dogs may be bothered by
the activity and noise. Trustees said that if people are against the idea of the proposed dog park, or have any concerns, they hope these could be brought forward.
The winning submission for the Village Seal Contest was announced; however, both its image and the name of the person who designed the seal were withheld until the trustees have determined the process for retrieving total rights over said image in order to use it freely. The new Village Seal features a sailboat on Otsego Lake.
The Cooperstown Board of Trustees meets again on Monday, March 24. Village officials can be contacted at (607) 547-2411 or—if necessary—by going to www.cooperstownny.org and clicking the “Report a Problem” button in the upper right corner of the screen.
Seeds
Continued from page 1
Crossroads of Otego, which provides transitional housing.
In a lounge area positioned just off the shop space, attendees gathered around a long table filled with numerous types of seeds and cuttings, all of which had been donated by the attendees themselves. The selection included rhubarb, larkspur, calendula, zinnia, dill, coriander, cleome, scented jasmine, Kentucky wonder beans, frilly pin poppy seeds and more.
Basket weaver Brendan Gaffney of Otego contributed packages containing a dozen or so foot-long willow cuttings. Because his home in the Village of Otego does not offer enough space, Gaffney grows his willow trees on the property of friends who live in Franklin.
“I knew there was only so much longer I could get ash to make my baskets, so I started growing the willows,” he said, referring to the widespread infestation of the emerald ash borer.
Marissa Joseph of Milford, who attended last year’s seed swap, was going home with rudbeckia, dill, larkspur and Japanese bottle gourd seeds. Her selections, she said, were mainly for her parents, who live in Westford and have more land for growing.
“It’s a welcoming atmosphere and for a good cause. I’m looking forward to coming back next year,” she said.
Greg Watson of Gilbertsville was also getting seeds for someone else—his wife, artist Carrie Mae Smith.
“She will know what to do with them,” he joked, adding, “It’s great
to connect with neighbors and meet new people. It’s a great time of year to come together and start working in the garden.”
Like others in attendance, Lynn Gould, who volunteers at Otego’s Community Food Pantry, came “to talk to people and to get information.”
“I wanted to find out more about the germination process. It’s interesting to talk to the people here. It’s a great community opportunity,” she said.
Hovard, who relocated from Andes to Otego in 2016, acquired the woodframe building in 2020, and opened it as “354 Main” in October 2022. Besides featuring an array of soaps and other body care products developed by Hovard himself and marketed under the trademark “Hudson Made,” 354 Main also carries artisanal items made locally, such as beeswax candles and pottery. Current shop hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, 354 Main will be open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OFO
Continued from page 5
Some of you may remember me from my tenure at “The Daily Star,” but for roughly the last 15 years, I have been part of the management team here at Opportunities for Otsego, handling the fiscal responsibilities for the agency. While not in direct service, the chief financial officer can only truly be supportive to clients, program staff, and senior management by understanding the programs administered, goals and deliverables for clients, and regulations behind the money. With predominantly state and federal funding,
each with its unique requirements, narratives, and systems, there was never a dull moment to ensure compliance in safeguarding those funds for the success of those we support and serve. In this supportive role, collaborative efforts are the backbone to ensure that funding is in the right bucket to support program objectives and client outcomes. So the question is, now what? How do I effectively make the transition from CFO to CEO? Well, the first focus for me is to get out in the community and make those personal contacts with leaders, other providers, and established partners, so everyone can put a face with my name. While I am not shy in outreach, I am quite humbled by the things I need to learn. I am surprised that after 58 years in the community, OFO and its programs are not widely known, so we have work to do there! In the coming months, I hope to connect with many of you and absorb and leverage your thoughts, suggestions, criticisms, and experiences with our agency. That insight will be invaluable to our organization as we start our new chapter.
OFO’s mission is to be the leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families and caring communities. I can only strive to continue the efforts of my predecessors through collaborative partnerships and support of the staff for the ultimate success of our clients. While it will be no small task, it is my privilege to lead the OFO team as we strive to foster economic stability and social just for all!
Tanya Shalor is the chief executive officer of Opportunities for Otsego Inc.
Salon did. Her patrons also bought food, books and artwork after getting their hair done. Her business now thrives at the Southside Mall because customers feel safe and have easier access to minimize their mobility issues. Oh, and she doesn’t have to deal with people sleeping, or worse, in her entryway.
I want to applaud the accomplishments already made and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, but unless there is a more cohesive plan, all of it will do little to distract from the reality of what I observed last week when I walked downtown for coffee at 9 a.m.: a poor soul staggering in shoes with no laces. Mary Tingley Oneonta
Trump Recession Is On Its Way
To paraphrase Tolstoy, “All happy economies look the same, all unhappy economies are different.” Trump Recession 2.0 will be, unlike Trump Recession 1.0, entirely self-inflicted. The Trump Tariff Taxes are both recessionary and inflationary, e.g. “stagfla-
County
Continued from page 3
have fewer people in the call center in Albany.”
Perfetti said if you are not getting through to the call center, “we can help you get answers. The answer may not always be yes. Our website says to expect 12-14 business days for a reply,” he said. “Work through us. We can help.”
Referring to the State Comptroller’s Office, Perfetti said, “We are the approver of all contracts in the state of New York….We are the final approval of payment.”
“I give this to you as my promise. If you call me, I will answer my phone. Fill my dance card up. We are a division that does not work 9-5. You can call me on the weekend,” he said.
Perfetti’s office is in Binghamton.
“I have been there five times. It is not fair to ask you to see me….There is nothing convenient about coming to see me,” he said.
Perfetti graduated from Siena College with a degree in political science. He also studied at SUNY Cortland. He spent most of his career in the asphalt industry.
Other Business
County Administrator
Steve Wilson gave board members a 2025 budget update. He said that the county’s “revised budget now stands at $158 million.”
Through February 28, the county has spent 16.2 percent of the budgeted expenses, Wilson said.
“Actual spending stands at $16.1 million, but you should also add to that $10.4 million in planned spending,” he added.
Wilson handed out a printed report to those board members who wanted a hard copy.
“We hired 15 people to fill vacant positions since January 1, even though 11 people have left,” he said.
The county administrator’s report says the
tion,” in that they will increase manufacturing and retail costs across the board, which leads to decreased consumption and economic stagnation. The DOGE cuts in government employment and government programs will lead to higher unemployment rates—which is the hallmark of a recession.
All of this was anticipated in Project 2025, and is now reflected by revised economic forecasts. No pandemic necessary for this recession. It’s all self-inflicted by the Republican Party.
Musk’s cost-cutting is projected by the OMB to reduce the deficit by $2 trillion over 10 years. But the Trump tax cuts are projected to reduce revenue by $2.5 trillion, for an
county meets regularly with City of Oneonta Administrator Greg Mattice. Wilson attended a City of Oneonta Airport Commission meeting recently.
“It may lead to the county being involved with the airport,” he said.
The City of Oneonta currently owns and manages the airport.
Other Guests
Caroline Williams, director of community affairs and government relations at SUNY Oneonta, announced that the college offers free tax preparation services to the public. She said this free service is available on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings on the SUNY Oneonta campus. Hartwick College offers free tax preparation on other days of the week, she said.
Several county residents complained about the increase in the cost of electricity.
Russell Ahrens said, “I had a shocker in my bill from NYSEG. The spike was incredible,” he said, his bill having doubled.
John Hamill IV announced that he has decided to run as a Republican for mayor of the City of Oneonta.
“We do need a DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) program in the City of Oneonta. We cannot have another Democratic mayor. I do not have a problem with RSS. I do not support the proposed location….We need fewer regulations,” Hamill emphasized.
Solar There seems to be some misunderstanding about the letter Otsego County residents recently received about a solar program that could save them money. The county received phone calls about it because the letter was signed by County Board Chair Edwin Frazier Jr. and it listed a county phone number.
Frazier said he signed the letter because there was “no cost to the
increase in the deficit of $500 billion. The net result is that the top 2 percent of tax payers will get lower taxes, and the other 98 percent will pay more in Trump Tariff Taxes for a reduction in government services, Medicare, Social Security benefits, etc.
Breaking a government department leads to privatization. Breaking an economy is a buying opportunity.
Chip Northrup Cooperstown
NY Must Rectify ACT Mandate
New York’s trucking industry is a shining example of how smart investment and public-private collaboration
county. The benefit to the county is checking a box with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for future grant opportunities.”
There are many solar developers. It was explained that this program is by PowerMarket. Their solar farms are outside of Otsego County. One is in Lansing, north of Ithaca. The program promises participants a percentage discount off their energy costs. Energy rates change month to month and so do the savings, PowerMarket officials said.
Clarvoes
Continued from page 2
reusing many of the materials in the building and employing construction methods to ensure energy conservation. They now operate the Freight Wheel Café in the restored structure. Their building also houses My Neighbor’s Closet, which provides free clothing and other items to area residents.
According to a press release, Martha served on the board of the Otsego County Conservation Association for 15 years and was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2015 for her commitment.
“Recycling is important to us,” said Martha. “We have grandchildren, and we want to do all that we can to ensure that they inherit a healthy planet. The fund we established at the Community Foundation is designed to support local efforts to make our world a better place.”
The fund, which was established in February, has already made its first grant to support the expanded-polystyrene recycling program at the Otsego ReUse Center in Oneonta, which is run by the ARC Otsego.
“This generous donation will help sustain our polystyrene recycling operations, ensuring we can continue diverting foam waste from local landfills,” said Faith Tienmann, chief marketing officer for the
can significantly reduce transportation emissions. Since the implementation of clean diesel technology in 1974, the industry has reduced pollutants by 99 percent, and the output of one truck in 1988 is now equivalent to that of 60 trucks on the road today.
This progress toward a greener and more sustainable future is in jeopardy due to the state’s implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations. With the introduction of S.5931/A.6359 by Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, we are encouraged that lawmakers are finally acknowledging the devastating impact this rule has on New York’s trucking industry and our statewide economy.
We are asking lawmakers in Albany to pass this crucial legislation and adhere to what they promised when ACT was passed—develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure and reinforce the grid capabilities.
The regulatory framework was more understandable in 2021, when the state guaranteed investment in electric infrastructure to create the network that would power electric trucks statewide. That
simply has not happened. No publicly available medium- or heavy-duty truck chargers exist in the entire state, making it impossible for trucking fleets to transition to battery-electric vehicles.
Without a delay, Albany’s intent to force a mandate on the industry before the support for that mandate exists is a recipe for disaster with far-reaching consequences that will impact consumers and businesses alike. New Yorkers are already grappling with an affordability crisis. Implementing ACT would only make a bad situation worse.
To be clear, we are fully supportive of shifting the industry to cleaner vehicles, but it must be done in a commonsense way—which includes building out our electric charging infrastructure, which simply does not exist.
The state must take immediate action to delay this unsupported mandate to protect consumers, businesses, and our economic viability. The trucking industry stands ready to work with the state to find a realistic pathway to reducing emissions.
Kendra Hems is the executive director of The Trucking Association of New York.
ARC Otsego.
“The funding provides critical operational support that enables us to maintain our environmental stewardship efforts and continue offering this valuable service to our community. The Otsego ReUse Center has recycled more than 50,000 pounds of polystyrene since 2019,” Tienmann said.” Individuals who would like to contribute to the fund or organizations interested in receiving funding should contact CFOC Executive Director Jeff Katz at contact@ cfotsego.org.
The Community Foundation of Otsego County was founded in 2019. For more information, visit www.cfotsego. org.
Briefs
Continued from page 6
with 12 rebounds. The Hawkeyes maintained their undefeated 24-0 season record and will face Section IV champion Moravia at Vision Veterans Arena in Binghamton at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.
Job Openings Hard To Fill
ALBANY—The National Federation of Independent Business released its monthly jobs report, finding that 38 percent (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in February. This represents an increase of three percent over
January and the highest reading since August. Openings were highest in retail, manufacturing and construction. Nineteen percent of small business operators reported labor quality as their top concern, followed by 12 percent blaming labor costs. To view the lobbying group’s full report, visit nfib.com.
WE
WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU
Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, milestones, grand openings, sports results, anniversaries and more.
Photos welcome, too! info@allotsego.com
The job scene
►Fri., March 14
TOTAL LUNAR
ECLIPSE 2:26-3:31 a.m.
BOOK CLUB Read
“How to Age Disgracefully” by Clare Pooley, then discuss with the group at 1 p.m. on 3/28. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.
YOGA 9 a.m. “Yoga with Vanessa.” Suggested donation applies. Held each Friday. The Gatehouse, 129 West Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
SENIOR COFFEE
HOUR 10 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11 Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
CONSERVATION
10-11:30 a.m. “State of Conservation: Coffee Talk.” Led by OCCA Executive Director Amy Wyant. The Gatehouse, 129 West Main Street, Morris. (607) 547-4488.
SENIOR MEALS
11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a meal
Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of vegetable lasagna, Italian-blend vegetables, garlic bread and frosted birthday cake. (607) 547-6454.
BLOOD DRIVE
1-6 p.m. Otego Community Center, 5 River Street, Otego. RedCrossBlood.org
KIDS HIKE 1-3 p.m.
“Get the Kids Out: Brookwood Point.” Short hike for the kids to explore, discover as many shades of green as they can. Registration required. Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Brookwood Point, 6000 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488.
BLOOD DRIVE
1-6 p.m. In memory of Laura Emmett. Presented by the Otego Fire Department and Emergency Squad, 5 River Street, Otego. RedCrossBlood.org HIKE 2-8 p.m.
“Lantern-Light Full Moon Hike.” Hot beverages available. Bring donations for the local food bank to enter the raffle for a Gilbert Lake goodie basket. Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.
SKATING 3-7 p.m., mixed use. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Badger Park, 87 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2411.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
4-7 p.m. “Corned Beef or Ham and Cabbage Dinner.’ Fees apply. Hartwick Fire Department, Company #2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8091.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
4:30-6 p.m. “Corned Beef & Cabbage.” Fees apply. Eat in or take out. Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-6314.
OPENING RECEPTION 5-7 p.m. “CANO Annual Members Show.” Free; open to the public. Live music by Chris Riffle. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.
►Sat., March 15
OPEN HOUSE 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Annual Maple Open House.” Pancakes, vendors, shed tours and more. Continues, 3/16, 3/22 and 3/23. Winchester’s Sugar Shack, 248 Sisson Hill Road, Unadilla. (607) 226-7982.
SCAVENGER HUNT
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt.” Visit five shops of Unadilla to win. Presented by the Shop House of Consignment NY, 214 Main Street, Unadilla.
(607) 369-2827.
LIBRARY 10:30 a.m. “Creative Writing Class.” Presented by 20-year newspaper columnist Chris Keefer. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
• 10:30 a.m. Finale of “Betelgeuse’s Galactic Vacation: An Alien’s Search for Planets.”
•11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”
DEMONSTRATION
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Made in Middlefield III.” Textiles, lighting and more by local artists/artisans. Informal meeting with quilter Harriet Brown, plus demonstrations. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.
LIBRARY 11 a.m. Beginner Crochet Class. Continues 2nd Saturday of each month. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.
FUNDRAISER Noon. “Benefit Corned Beef Dinner and Benefit Auction.” Support local resident, Percy Wart Jr., through recent cancer diagnosis. Hartwick American Legion Auxiliary, 3099 County Route 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-7511.
OPEN STUDIO
1-4 p.m. Work on art projects with of other artists. Free-will donations accepted. Butternut Valley Arts & Crafts Center. 124 Main Street, Morris.
WORKSHOP 1-3 p.m. “Air Dry Clay Planter.” Fees apply; registration required. Main View Gallery, 73 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4321890.
OPERA 1 p.m. “Fi-
delio.” Livesteam from the Metropolitan Opera House. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
POTTERY
1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction. Fees apply. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.
CONCERT 3 p.m. “Young Person’s Concerto Competition Winner.” Competition winner Isabel Chen performs works by Bologne and Mozart. Fees apply. Presented by the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra at Christ Episcopal Church, 46 River Street, Cooperstown.
DANCE 6 p.m. “Ecstatic Dance.” Fees apply. Yoga People of Oneonta, 50 Dietz Street, Suite L, Oneonta.
EXHIBIT 7 p.m.
“Echoes of Otsego: A Cabaret of Community Portraits in Song and Oils by Keith Torgan.” Portrait showing; concert rescheduled to April 5. The Dunderberg Gallery, 118 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2010.
CONCERT
7:30 p.m. “Poetry in Motion: Featuring the Voices of Cooperstown.” Presented by the Catskill Symphony Orchestra. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 269-7501.
►Sun., March 16
YOGA 8 a.m. “Hatha Yoga Class with Mira.” Suggested donation applies. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 West Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
SPRING 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Sugaring Off Sundays.” Admission fees apply. Sundays through 3/30. Fenimore Farm & Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.
WORSHIP 10 a.m.
“First Church Service.” Christ Presbyterian Church gathers for the first time to worship. Held at Otsego Christian Academy (enter through the back doors), 353 Main Street, Otego. (607) 376-7486.
CHAMPIONSHIP
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. “NYS Indoor 900 State Championship Pistol Match.” All welcome; registration required. Oneonta Sportsmen’s Club, 251 Rod and Gun Club Road, Oneonta. (607) 433-0515.
FIBER 1-3 p.m. “The Gatehouse Fiber Guild.” New fiber artists welcome. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
LIBRARY 1-4 p.m. “Cooperstown Writers Group.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
MUSIC 3-5:30 p.m. “The Union Dues Tour.”
Live music performed by Kristoffer Andrew Ross with Celtic Craic dancers. Red Shed Ale House, 10 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5303.
►Mon., March 17
S t. PatricK’S DaY
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. “St. Patrick’s Day Dinner.” Eat in or take out. Fees apply. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.
CONNECTIONS
11 a.m. “Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group.” Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown.
CONNECTIONS
11:45 a.m. Tech Support with Eric. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.
ST PATRICK’S DAY
12:30 p.m. “Celtic Craic Irish Dancers.” Irish step dance performance with members of the Iona Troupe. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.
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.
MUSIC 6-10 p.m.
“The Union Dues Tour.”
Live music performed by Kristoffer Andrew Ross. The Elm Inn, 104 East Main Street, Milford. SUPPORT GROUP 6:30 p.m. “Divorce Care
Support Group.” Presented by the Community Bible Chapel. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown.
►tueS., March 18
KNITTING CIRCLE
9 a.m. Bring a knit project and work with the group. Beginners welcome. Held each Tuesday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
COMMUNITY HIKE
9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club. This week’s hike will be at the Susquehanna Greenway, Oneonta. Contact hike leaders Bill and Kathy Holmstrom, (607) 988-7180.
CHILDREN 10 a.m.
“Toddler Craft Activity.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
CONSERVATION
10-11 a.m. “State of Conservation: Coffee Talk.” Led by OCCA Executive Director Amy Wyant. Social Eats Café, 546 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-4488.
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 meatloaf, mashed potatoes, dill carrots and Mandarin oranges. (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.
GARDEN CLUB
3-4:30 p.m. “Growing Green Thumbs.” Children grades K-6 meet to plan a garden, eat healthy, sow seeds, learn about plant care, more. Fees apply. Held Tuesdays through 4/22. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800 ext. 124.
LIBRARY 5-6:30 p.m. “Live Music: Lucia and Levi.” Rock, blues, reggae and country. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230.
CONCERT 7 p.m. “The Magic and Fantasy of Music.” Instrumental showcase featuring the elementary, junior-high and senior-high bands. Auditorium, Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8181.
