Crankshaw Named Director of Clark Scholarship Program Kuch
Retires after 12 Years of Service
COOPERSTOWN
Earlier this week, Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation, announced the appointment of Dr. William Crankshaw as director of The Clark Foundation Scholarship Program. Crankshaw succeeds Gary Kuch, who is retiring after 12 years at the helm of the scholarship program.
“The Board of Directors of the foundation and I are delighted that Bill has agreed to be the director of The Clark Foundation Scholarship Program,” said Clark. “His extensive school administrative experience, at the highest of levels, and his knowledge of the region and its students, will be of tremendous benefit as he manages the work of one of our most important programs.
“We also want to thank Gary for his many years of service and dedication, not only to the scholarship program but to Cooperstown and Otsego County,” Clark said.
Kuch concludes his tenure at The Clark Foundation after a distinguished career as a school administrator. Immediately prior to joining The Clark Foundation, Kuch was superintendent of schools for the Worcester Central School District. He also served as principal of the Cooperstown Central School; supervisor, Innovative Programs and principal for the Otsego
Area Occupational Center; administrative assistant/building administrator for the Milford Central School; and school psychologist/director of student services for the Milford Central School.
His deep involvement in the community includes terms as acting village justice for the Village of Cooperstown and town justice for the Town of Otsego. He has also been fire chief of the Cooperstown Fire Department; a trustee for the Village of Cooperstown; and a supervisor for the Town of Otsego. Kuch has also served on the boards of several local nonprofits, including the Cooperstown Community Foundation, United Methodist Church of Cooperstown and Rotary International of Cooperstown.
“It has been a privilege to serve these past 12 years as a steward of The Clark Foundation Scholarship Program,” Kuch said in an e-mail. “The impact that Jane Clark and her family has had on the young people of northern Otsego County is truly remarkable. She and her family have made it possible for so many to pursue their dreams.
“I’m honored to have played a small part of this 64-year-old scholarship program.”
Crankshaw is currently the superintendent of the Greater Johnstown
Repair Café Adds New Dimension to Cooperstown Farmers’ Market
By TERESA WINCHESTER COOPERSTOWN
n
Main Street in Pioneer Alley is a happening place. Regular customers are familiar with its plenteous produce, high-quality artisanal fare and baked goods, while first-time shoppers are most likely pleasantly surprised by its offerings. In February, The Repair
Café, a collaborative effort of Otsego 2000, Otsego County Conservation Association and Otsego Land Trust, was introduced to the market.
“It’s a great way to help people and spread good will. It’s been successful because these good folks volunteer their time,” said Peg Odell, program and communications manager for Otsego 2000, at the March 15 market. The first Repair Café took place on
GMU Announces Second Plastic Recyclables Collection
GILBERTSVILLE
Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School will hold its second collection for Otsego County Conservation Association’s 2025 “Plastic Film Recycling Challenge!” on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students and community members may bring recyclable plastic film on this date. Acceptable items are restricted to the following: grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry-cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, Ziploc and other re-sealable bags, produce bags, salt bags, and cereal bags. All items delivered should be clean and dry. Forms of plastic not on the list are not acceptable. Plastics should not be sent with students on school days.
The goal of the GMU challenge is to educate the community on proper recycling of plastic grocery bags and other plastic film items, which cannot be recycled through regular curbside recycling programs.
Grades will be competing against one another to collect the most plastic film in order to earn a prize. GMU is also
Continued on page 9
Photo provided
Gilbertsville-Mount Upton middle-schoolers Logan Panek and Peyton Nelson hold bags of plastic recylables collected in February for the Otsego County Conservation Association’s 2025 “Plastic Film Recycling Challenge!” A second GMU collection will take place Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo provided DR. WILLIAM CRANKSHAW
Photo by Teresa Winchester
Repair Café coaches Neal Newman, Patrick Sherry, and Joel Morain apply their skills to fixing lamps and a CD player at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market on Saturday, March 15.
1099-R Direct File Available
NEW YORK STATE—New York’s Department of Taxation and Finance announced that NYS Direct File is now available to many eligible taxpayers who receive Form 1099-R. Taxpayers can qualify if they have contributions or distributions from employment-sponsored retirement plans, or direct rollovers from one plan to another or to an IRA. New Yorkers with 2024 wages up to $200,000.00, or $250,000.00 for joint filers, may be eligible. Visit https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/direct-file/directfile-eligibility.htm for more information.
Bassett To Host Blood Drive
cOOPERSTOWN—The American Red cross will hold a blood drive in the Bassett Hall auditorium, at the corner of Beaver and Pioneer streets, from 1-5:30 p.m. on monday, march 24. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments may be made by calling 1 (800) 733-2767, visiting redcrossblood.org or using the American Red cross Blood Donor app.
CAA Schedules Art Classes
cOOPERSTOWN—cooperstown Art Association will host a two-day throw quilt class for children ages 6-12 from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, march 29 and 30. Students should have a basic understanding of hand sewing, pinning, measuring, ironing and sewing machine use, although guidance and support will be available. Local artist Emily Falco will lead an intermediate watercolor class from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Students must have some previous experience and provide their own materials, including high-quality cold-press paper. There will also be a beginner cold wax painting class with Kristin Stevenson from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 29, may 6, 13 and 20. For more information or to register, contact gallery@ cooperstownart.com or (607) 547-9777.
Young Interpreters Sought
cOOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm’s Young Interpreter Apprenticeship Program is open for applications until Tuesday, may 20. Since 1993, the program has allowed young people to work alongside the museum’s master craftspeople at the Blacksmith Shop, Lippitt Farmhouse, middlefield Printing Office and other locations. Participants learn about America in the 1840s, develop lifelong trade skills and share their knowledge with museum
visitors. Young people ages 13-14 as of may 1 are eligible to apply and are expected to work one day each week for eight consecutive weeks from June to August. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.fenimorefarm.org/young-interpreters/.
SUNY Delhi Open House Set
DELHI—SUNY Delhi will host a spring Open House event for prospective students and families from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, march 29. Guests can explore the campus, learn about unique academic programs, and connect with faculty, staff, and students. To learn more or to register, visit delhi.edu/openhouse.
New Farm Funding Available
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and markets, in partnership with the Northeast Regional Food Business center and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, announced a new $10 million funding package to support small and mid-sized farm and food businesses, including aquaculture and fishing. The first round of awards, released in October, gave more than $2 million to 17 technical assistance organizations. The new round has three funding tracks: equipment acquisition, business development, and product and market expansion. Applications close on monday, April 7 and awardees will be announced in July. For more information or to apply, visit https:// www.nasda.org/northeast-regional-food-businesscenter/. To assist prospective applicants, NERFBc published a pre-recorded informational webinar and will hold a live version on Thursday, march 27.
STEAM Camps Offered
cOOPERSTOWN—Registration is now open for immersive, week-long summer science, technology, engineering, art, and math experiences at Fenimore Farm and Fenimore Art museum. STEAm 3.0: Revenge of the Arts Summer Experience is open to students entering grades 4-7 during three weeklong sections, July 7-11, July 14-18 and August 4-8. mini STEAm’rs Summer Experience, for ages 4-6, will run August 11-15. For more information or to register, visit FenimoreFarm.org/events.
NYSEG Issues Scam Alert
BINGHAmTON—New York State Electric & Gas and Rochester Gas & Electric have warned their
Member Spotlight: The Art Garage
The Art Garage, a beacon in the art community, has served the area and its artists for 15 years. Open year-round, its lively exhibition programs feature international artists like Adam Masava from Kenya, a two-week community artist-in-residence, and local contemporary and self-taught artists. The garage also hosts free programs such as artists’ talks.
Open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., they gladly open daily by appointment. Their community show, “Made in Middlefield III,” is on display in a series that celebrates local diverse talents. The next three shows feature international political cartoonist Olivier Bonhomme (France), a two-person spring show, Normandy Allen and Mary Padgett, and a highsummer fine-arts look-at-baseball show to celebrate the induction of Japanese baseball hero Ichiro Suzuki. Art Garage owner Sydney Waller grew up in Connecticut and France. Waller majored in art history and has a graduate degree in education, and has taught in Cherry Valley and Cooperstown. She moved to Cooperstown to run the Pioneer Gallery in The Smithy for the Cooper family each summer. With Ann Gabler, she started Gallery 53 (at 53 Pioneer Street, where she lived) but soon outgrew the space and moved to Main Street. In the village, she was the third woman invited to join the Rotary and served on the Cooperstown Chamber Board of Directors. She benefited from a summer internship at the Whitney Museum along the way.
Their biggest show was a popular annual baseball exhibition, which led to Waller working on an international show, “Diamonds are Forever,” for the Smithsonian/New York State Museum (“Spitball Magazine” dubbed her “the first lady of baseball art”!). Waller has also led out-of-town arts organizations—the Lake Placid Institute for the Arts, the New York State Alliance for Arts Education in Albany, and an international artists’ residency in Utica.
With an invaluable team of supporters for graphics and installation, and great gallery assistants, The Art Garage produces six exhibitions annually, both local and international, and is more than just a gallery; it celebrates art, culture, and community. Experience the vibrant art world at The Art Garage—plan your visit today! (Sponsored Advertorial)
customers about an increase in scams. customers should remain vigilant and never give personal information to callers or individuals they cannot verify as company employees. As a reminder, authentic employees will never enter a personal residence to use electronic devices, take photos of a bill, visit customers to offer discounts or special services, or ask for a payment with cash, a prepaid debit card or other non-refundable method. Other common scam techniques include fraudulent phone numbers or e-mails and door-to-door impostors. call (800) 572-1111 to report suspicious activity.
Works Wanted for CAA Shows
cOOPERSTOWN—cooperstown Art Association’s 34th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition, on display from may 17 to June 24, will accept inperson submissions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, may 9 and 10. The 90th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition, running from July 12 to August 15, will accept online submissions through Thursday, may 15. For more information or to view a prospectus, visit cooperstownart.com.
‘Join or Die’ Screening Slated
cOOPERSTOWN—The First Baptist church of cooperstown’s Race, Equity and Justice Series will screen the film “Join or Die” in the Village Hall third floor ballroom from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 6. Free pizza and beverages will be available. The film explores America’s civic unraveling with social scientist Robert Putnam, author of the groundbreaking book “Bowling Alone,” and discusses why the country’s fate depends on mass re-engagement with clubs, teams, religious congregations, and other civil society organizations. The screening is free and open to the public.
SUNY Honors Hazel Dukes
ALBANY—The SUNY Board of Trustees and chancellor John B. King observed Women’s History month and honored the recently deceased civil rights leader by establishing the Dr. Hazel Dukes SUNY Fellowship for the Advancement of civil Rights. Each year, it will support one SUNY faculty member as they engage in research or scholarship on civil rights, social justice, civic education, civil discourse and community action.
Dr. Dukes, a former Board of Trustees member
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Photo by Christine Harris Sydney Waller, owner of The Art Garage.
Girls Basketball Wins Sectionals in Comeback, on to Semifinals
Cooperstown girls basketball overcame a five-point deficit after three quarters to beat Delaware Academy 55-48 in the Class C Central Region Championship on Saturday, March 15.
Senior Brenna Seamon recorded 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Seventh-grader Emma Johnson and senior Polly Kennedy
SUNY Oneonta Students Offer Free Local Tax Preparation
ONEONTA
Otsego County residents can once again get free, local tax filing assistance at SUNY Oneonta. SUNY
Oneonta accounting and business students are trained through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to offer free basic tax return preparation and filing services from March 1 through April 13.
SUNY Oneonta’s VITA program is part of a three-credit class taught by Assistant Professor of Accounting Charlene Foley-Deno. Completed returns are reviewed by student coordinators and, finally, by Foley-Deno
before clients return for an exit interview. At the exit interview, the team assigned to the client meets with them to review the details of their return.
SUNY Oneonta’s VITA Program helps students apply their studies with real-world experience and provides an in-demand need for free tax support in Otsego County, officials said in a press release.
“Helping people in my community with free tax preparation through VITA has been such a rewarding experience. It’s not only boosted my confidence in public speaking with classmates and clients, but also inspired me to pursue a
career as a tax consultant,” said accounting major and VITA Coordinator Cortney VanWormer. “One day, I hope to run my own business and continue making a positive impact.”
The service is open to local residents, with appointments offered on Wednesdays from 5:30-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. New this year, residents can make appointments at SUNY Oneonta’s ExCL Center located downtown on Dietz Street, or on campus at Alumni Hall. To schedule an appointment with SUNY Oneonta’s VITA team, email vita@oneonta.edu or call (607) 436-2171.
Bassett, OWL Team Up To Host PaintFest
ONEONTA—Bassett Healthcare Network and Oneonta World of Learning will host PaintFest at FoxCare Center, 1 FoxCare Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. The free family event for children of all ages will feature more than 10 artwork, crafting and activity workshops. Participants should dress for a mess. Tickets may be secured ahead of time through EventBrite. There is a suggested $15.00 donation to OWL.
added 10 points each, as well as six and seven rebounds, respectively.
The Hawkeyes stand at 20-4 for the season and will face Section II champion Stillwater (23-2) in the Class C semifinals at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20.
It is Coach Mike Niles’ fourth trip to the state Final Four, not counting the canceled 2020 playoffs.
Boys Undefeated Season Ends
BINGHAMTON
The Cooperstown boys basketball’s undefeated season came to a heartbreaking end with a 55-48 loss to defending Class C state champion Moravia in the Central Region Championship on Sunday, March 16.
Junior Jackson Crisman led the team with 14 points. Junior Miles Nelen, the leading Cooperstown scorer for much of the season, scored 13 points in the
second half despite playing much of the second quarter in foul trouble.\
The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 24-1 record and will lose Cooper Bradley, Charles Vinuya and Landon Collins to graduation later in the spring. Moravia (21-1) will face Section V victor Honeoye in the Class C semifinals in Binghamton on Saturday, March 22.
Photo provided
SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students trained through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program are offering free basic tax return preparation and filing services through April 13.
EDITORIaL
On Being Polite
Once upon a time, back in the old days when “please,” “thank you,” and “may I?” were fairly common expressions, passed down and enforced for many generations, our all-encompassing traditional devotion to good manners contributed greatly to the civilized polite society in which we then lived. People of all walks of life were nice to each other, considerate of each others’ feelings and inclinations, and caring about their well-being and development. Being polite was the high standard of etiquette and, although politeness often could be interpreted differently in differing countries and cultures—often what one culture regards as polite behavior may seem rude or eccentric to another—politeness was a necessary factor of getting along and being generally successful.
Politeness is the practical application of good manners, a manifestation of courtesy, tact, and consideration in an effort to not offend others and to put them at ease with one another. The word comes from the Latin politus, meaning polished. In 17th- and 18th-century Europe, during the Enlightenment, polite behavior became synonymous with the genteel upper class and upward mobility. The middle-class bourgeoisie, increasingly trying to identify themselves with the elite, adopted the latter’s standards of behavior, becoming preoccupied with the rules of etiquette at the time—elegant dress, graceful, non-threatening conversation and a courteous way of going—so the people with whom they were communicating would form a better opinion of them through their pleasing actions and demeanor. The concept of “civility” referred to a social action which valued sober and reasoned debate on matters of common interest.
While this served the Enlightenment well, reforming and perfecting English manners and morals, such civility— politeness—did not last. In the early days of our Republic, the Founding Fathers, whom we have always admired for their incisive forethought and exceptional accomplishments, quite regularly tossed impolite, rude words back and forth across their newly formed party lines; the Constitutional Convention was, in fact, an event of fierce, and often extremely disrespectful, partisanship. Unfortunately, what once was a polite world is no better now, especially with the onset of the Internet and the development of a global social media, which offers myriad platforms on which to speak anonymously, thereby intensifying one’s ability to harangue any (political) target with uncivil language and thought. Is it a wonder that there is little bipartisanship in our governments?
Today, politeness is practically anathema. No one, in this country or abroad, seems to feel the necessity to act toward others with any form of courtesy, tactfulness, respectful and deferential behavior, or consideration in order to get the job done. That job, by the way, is most probably a negative barrier to any form of intelligent and appropriate progress.
We do hope the purportedly upstanding and qualified elected members of our current legislatures do not in fact really believe they are being polite, because they are not. Nor are the citizens of this country who so inappropriately choose to vandalize random Teslas that belong to their fellow countrymen. There are better ways to coexist, communicate and agree to disagree.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn Advocates Urge Passage of Bills
As we celebrate Sunshine Week, a time dedicated to promoting government transparency and accountability, I urge New York legislators to take action to strengthen the state’s Freedom of Information Law. FOIL turned 50 last year and remains the most important tool for public access to government records. Yet, it has not kept pace with advancements in technology, journalism, and case law. Significant updates are long overdue.
Unfortunately, too often, government transparency is treated as an afterthought. But that is a mistake. Transparency is the foundation of our democracy. Without access to information and the ability to participate, meaningful civic engagement is simply not possible. The New York Coalition for Open Government represents members in 38 counties, which shows that New Yorkers deeply care about this issue.
For the past two years, the Senate and Assembly have marked Sunshine Week by passing different FOIL reform bills, yet none have become law. This year, transparency advocates urge both houses to unite behind a package of four key bills designed to modernize FOIL and enhance government accountability:
1) Report FOIL Activity (S452 / A2321)—Requires agencies to track and report FOIL compliance, ensuring transparency and accountability.
2) Reduce Agency FOIL Response Time (S2520 / A3425)—Establishes stricter deadlines to prevent excessive delays in public records requests.
3) Strengthen FOIL Attorneys’ Fees (A950-A / S1418A)—Makes it easier for those who successfully challenge FOIL denials to recover legal fees.
4) Limit Commercial FOIL Exemption (S5000 / A1410)— Prevents permanent secrecy by requiring businesses to reapply for confidentiality every three years.
These are common-sense reforms that legislators from both parties should support. Without real enforcement of transparency laws, the public is left in the dark. It’s time for Albany to act and ensure that FOIL remains an effective tool for accountability.
We urge lawmakers to seize this opportunity during Sunshine Week 2025 and pass these bills together—because a government that is open and accessible serves all New Yorkers better. Axel Ebermann President, New York Coalition for Open Government
O’Malley: ‘Start Saving Now’
Are you counting on Social Security for your current income or for your retirement years? If you are, you’re not alone. There are more than 70 million Americans receiving reliable monthly payments. They qualified by working and paying into the system for many years.
But now, Elon Musk has aimed his chainsaw at the Social Security Administration,
and things aren’t looking good. The Trump administration wants 12 percent of the workforce gone—so who is going to process claims and payments?
The agency is already at a 50-year low for staffing, despite the fact that the population of the country and the number of those eligible for social security (think Baby Boomers) is growing.
According to Martin O’Malley, former commissioner of the Social Security system, Social Security is already running lean, with overhead of 1.2 percent. Compare that to an insurance company like Liberty Mutual, with overhead of 23 percent.
Declaring a war on “waste and fraud” may make headlines, but for the Social Security Administration, which already operates with an error rate of just one percent, the impact of cutting staff is most likely to have the opposite effect. Errors are more likely as experienced staff members get pushed out the door with their knowledge of how to keep things running smoothly.
O’Malley has this warning: People should “start saving for what I believe is the inevitable cratering of this agency and the interruption, for some time anyway, of …benefits.”
Probably good advice.
It is also a good idea to let your elected officials know how you feel about disruptions to Social Security, a program people have paid into their entire working lives and do or will rely on for income in their later years. Musk calls it a Ponzi scheme. It’s not.
Jeanne Dewey Cooperstown
NYSEG/Avangrid
Victimizing NYers
According to national statistics, one in five Americans subsists on Social Security income. Here in Otsego County, an estimated 25-30 percent of the residents in the Butternut Valley towns of New Lisbon, Morris, and Butternuts are over retirement age and may be subsisting on Social Security or retirement income.
Many NYSEG/Avangrid utility consumers reported having received invoices for a four-week period that represent an estimated 400 percent increase in utility expenses when compared to previous years. In some cases, their monthly utility costs are well over $1,000.00! Here at the home we have occupied for 23 years, our monthly utility costs have jumped from an average of $250.00 to more than $850.00! NYSEG’s inflated utility costs to consumers are unacceptable and are impacting the economic stability of many Upstate New
York residents. According to the Federal Trade Commission, public utilities such as NYSEG are exempt from laws governing monopolies. During the past year, the New York State Public Service Commission held public hearings in order to gain insight into the nature of widespread consumer complaints. Despite our FOIL requests for minutes of these public hearings, as well as minutes of the closed-door meetings between the PSC and NYSEG, whereby double-digit increases in New York State utility costs were authorized, we have not yet received responses to these requests for electronic minutes of said meetings.
NYSEG’s parent company in Spain is Iberdrola. One of Iberdrola’s principal investors is the oil/gas-rich Saudi nation of Qatar. Qatar recently reported record profits on their investments in Iberdrola. How, then, does this translate to dramatic increases in supply and delivery charges being passed on to consumers here in New York State?
We are collecting reports from NYSEG/Avangrid consumers here in the Butternut Valley and intend to bring consumers’ evidence to the Otsego County Board of Representatives and our elected officials. The governing body of Otsego County should, as the governments of other counties across the state have done, address these complaints. Residents are now also giving consideration to filing a class action lawsuit.
Our government—whether county or state—must not allow the consumers of this NYSEG/Avangrid utility to be victimized!
Maureen Dill Town of Morris
Limerick Brings Levity to Issue
I have written this verse in hopes that it will bring some humor to our contentious debate about climate change. Enjoy.
It was once thought that swift global warming
Would send our scorched planet astorming.
But despite all the fear That we’d soon disappear Six feet of snow fell without warning.
Waldo Johnston Vero Beach, FL
DOGE or DOPE?
You Decide
The Department of Government Efficiency, “DOGE,” is ostensibly in charge of increasing the efficiency of the departments it audits. What it is actually
Continued on page 8
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Dan Sullivan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
135 YEARS AGO
The Fly Creek M.E. Church under the pastorate of Rev. J.S. Southworth has been enjoying a year of prosperity unsurpassed in its history. The church property has been greatly improved and beautified, and the spacious auditorium is filled from Sabbath to Sabbath with an intelligent and devout people whose aim is to worship God in the beauty of holiness. During the year there have been one hundred added to the church on probation, and some fifteen taken in full connection. The Sabbath School under the efficient management of Mr. J.S. Bayard as Superintendent was never in a more prosperous condition.
March 21, 1890
110 YEARS AGO
In Our Town—Arthur P. Root, of Cooperstown has been picked for the second All-Fraternity basketball team as forward, according to George S. McMillan, director of intramural sports at Hamilton College. Root is a freshman there and has the reputation for speedy and fast work on the local floor. The season has just closed for intra-fraternity games. Hamilton does not play intercollegiate basketball.
J. Harry Cook is one of the exhibitors at the Automobile Show in Utica this week where he is displaying and demonstrating the Hupmobile and Hudson cars. An artistic electric sign advertising Cook’s Auto & Supply Store has been constructed and erected by L.A. Brainard.
March 17, 1915
60 YEARS AGO
Doubleday Field has been sold out for next July’s Hall of Fame Game between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. Howard C. Talbot, Jr., treasurer of the Hall of Fame, who handles the ticket sale for the Cooperstown Baseball Committee, said that the last of 9,791 game tickets which went on sale December 9, was sold on Thursday more than four months in advance of the game scheduled for July 26. During the sale, 744 grandstand seats, including 107 box seats, were disposed of. The sale also included 3,024 seats along the first base line and right field line, 4,205 seats along the third base line and left field line, and 1,818 seats in the outfield bleachers. Orders for 388 tickets came from 13 states outside of New York, plus a few from Canada.
March 17, 1965
35 YEARS AGO
Ballots in the recent village election had to be counted three times to decide who had won a second trustees’ seat according to Deputy Clerk Martha Sherwood. After three recounts, the four election inspectors determined that Republican James Woolson had garnered two more votes for trustee than Democrat Stuart Taugher. Democrat Harold Hollis, who was unopposed, retained the Mayor’s seat for the next two years with 317 votes. Village Justice Theodore Smith, who also ran unopposed, polled 352 votes. Newcomer Republican Wendell Tripp tallied 298 votes for the other trustee’s seat.
March 21, 1990
20 YEARS AGO
Well over 1,000 persons visited the Quilt Show sponsored by the Fenimore Quilt Club and the Cooperstown Art Association. Approximately 100 quilts were displayed including full size quilts, wall hangings, baby quilts, and quilted dolls. Visitors voted for their favorite quilt and the Viewer’s Choice Award went to “Cleopatra’s Fans” by Sheila Francesconi of Otego. She was the recipient of a gift certificate from Country Fabrics in Oneonta. “Cleopatra’s Fans” was made in 2004. It was machine pieced and hand quilted. Francesconi’s “Empire Beauty” quilt was the Viewer’s Choice in 2004. The 2005 runner-up for Viewer’s Choice is “Chickens Everywhere” by Ellie Keesler of Philadelphia, PA. The quilt is covered with chickens and roosters of varying colors and sizes. March 17, 2005
CANO Expands Summer Program for Kids, Teens
Founded 55 years ago, the Community Arts Network of Oneonta provides arts education, cultural presentations, and community events to residents and visitors in the region while supporting artists in the greater Oneonta area. The organization has undergone many transformations as it seeks to best meet the area’s current needs. The Summer Arts Program for Kids and Teens has grown each year since 2022 and, this summer, CANO will take the leap to full day arts education classes for kids and expand the range of teen workshops.
The Summer Arts Program offers a nurturing space for youths to explore, learn and create with peers. The program for kids 6-10 years runs for nine weeks during Oneonta School District’s summer break, with a visual art program that runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with themed weeks. Due to requests for full-day care and additional opportunities for children to take a broader range of arts classes, children will now be able to take arts workshops from 1-4 p.m. directly following the visual art program. The afternoon
By MERL REAGLE
Dial F for Football…
workshops provide a more eclectic arts experience, with instructors who have backgrounds in such areas as music, literature and visual art.
Offerings for “teens” 11-17 years old are also more diverse this year, with weeklong immersive workshops focusing on poetry, watercolor, ceramics, jewelry, modern embroidery and more.
“The expansion of the teens program is like a dream come true,” said CANO Executive Director Hope Von Stengel. “Imagine being able to take a fundamental guitar workshop one week and a fiction workshop the next. Photography I and II will explore using traditional and digital processes, including black and white photos. It is a thorough introduction to the arts.”
“We have a great team this summer, with over 10 artist instructors who plan to incorporate science, art history and nature into the kids’ projects. Megan Joubert and Sara Christoff are CANO’s summer art coordinators and will be teaching classes and workshops. Diana Cozzens
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Photo by Alysa Blasetti
Diana cozzens, center, is cAno’s new programming director.
The Recession of Reporting
My Senior Project on the
From the first day as a freshman at Milford Central School, students hear talk of one dreaded assignment: the Senior Interdisciplinary Project, or SIP for short. Research projects are scattered throughout class curriculums in the high school, preparing students for the culmination of their efforts. Toward the end of junior year, students are tasked with crafting a SIP proposal. This entails choosing three disciplines of focus for the project, identifying a new technology to learn the reins of, and an overarching topic to guide an eventual thesis. This task is monumental for many, and one can see where the students’ anxiety comes from.
However, I looked at this project differently. I saw SIP as an opportunity that had never really presented itself to me before: An opportunity to dig into a topic and let my passion for the subject of my choosing flourish. Now the only challenge was what to do my SIP on in the first place.
As someone who has been infatuated with history for a long time, I wanted to incorporate aspects of this field of study into my work. In addition, my employment as a photographer at Cooperstown Dreams Park since the summer of 2022 has instilled a powerful passion for photography in me that had to find its way into my project. Finally, the consideration of my incessant following of news coverage, both local and global, led me to my answer. I decided that my project’s focus would be on the evolution of journalism over the last century. With the disciplines of photography, psychology and social media defining my studies, I got to work right away at the start of this school year.
I began with an extensive multimonth-long period of research and data collection. This entailed delving into the characters and technologies that defined the evolution of journalism as a whole since roughly the Spanish American War. From yellow journalism, to the advent of television, to the breakdown of ethics as we approach today, I gained immense swaths of knowledge that I was previously unaware of.
As I continued my research, I began to realize the importance of highlighting the state of journalism today. The declining integrity and impact of photography, the dire state of collective American psychology with regard to confirmation and negativity biases, and the role of social media in incentivizing these downward trends has presented quite the conundrum for the field.
With this in mind, I began to experiment with social media; my new technology for the project. Unlike many in my generational cohort, I have never downloaded any of these apps and have actively sought to not engage with their divisiveness and attention-grabbing. This provided me with what I felt was a unique position to look into the role of social media in journalistic degradation.
My experiment consisted of analyzing the Instagram algorithm to see how quickly I could be sent down a rabbit hole of confirmation bias-affirming posts from one side
Evolution of Journalism
of the political spectrum. I began with following solely Fox News, and would engage with its content for five minutes a day, followed by scrolling through my exploratory feed for five minutes. If a new account was recommended to me three times in one session, I would follow it, and add it to my home feed.
In doing this, I saw how rapidly these echo chambers of ideas can form. Within two weeks, I had followed over half a dozen new accounts and was receiving only news that aligned with the beliefs of those I followed. This perfectly illustrated the point I was making, of how social media is incentivizing the political division seen in not only the news, but across our country today.
However, this is where I seemingly hit a brick wall. As I began to plan for the second phase of my experiment—seeing how quickly the feed would shift toward more liberal ideology if I chose to only engage in left-leaning content—Instagram stopped me in my tracks. Changes to the app and algorithm meant the home feed no longer solely consisted of accounts you follow, but would eventually merge with the exploratory feed after scrolling for roughly a minute.
While I initially thought this put a stop to my experiment, I later came to realize this proved my point even more so. Instagram’s shift in content recommendation here aligned exactly with the engagement-driven business model that my SIP had been detailing. By filling users’ home pages full of ads and recommendations of new content sharing their views, the platform is able to reinforce these feedback loops of ideas like never before, encapsulating many of the practices of these profit hungry tech companies in full view.
Though my SIP has a much broader focus than solely the role of social media’s impact on journalism, this factor of my presentation is certainly what I believe is most important to analyze moving forward. As I begin to finalize my project ahead of its presentation on March 27, I am increasingly inclined to hone in on the rapid speed of journalism’s evolution since the turn of the 21st century.
From the days of the Murrow Boys covering conflict across Europe, to the modern era of the daily blogger, journalism has been an ever-changing field, jumping from medium to medium of distribution. As we look ahead to the future, I argue that it is important to look back to the past to see the pitfalls of the strategies that have done more harm than good. If we can move forward with good, moral intent, and have journalists in the field who intend to be the distributors of information, rather than predators of emotion, then the future of the fourth estate may not be as bleak as some predict.
If any readers are curious about the contents of my SIP—whether it be the depths of the historical study, or the psychological curiosities of today—feel free to reach out at williamrbellen@gmail.com for a copy of the script and sources for my presentation.
Bill Bellen is a senior at Milford Central School.
SWCD Announces Conservation Mini-Grants
COOPERSTOWN— The Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District is currently accepting applications for conservation mini-grants for conservationrelated projects and programs conducted by educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities. A wide range of projects will be considered, officials said, but they must be directed to conservation of natural resources in Otsego County. Examples include, among others: trail installation or improvement; trailhead kiosks; educational signage or brochures; native wildflower plantings; agricultural projects; habitat improvement; renewable energy planning or installation; greenhouse gas reduction; recycling centers; and educational outreach. Applicants should submit a description of two pages or less of the project or program for which they are seeking support, including project or program goals, a budget, an explanation of how the program or project will achieve the goals, and a description of measurable outcomes. Mini-grant awards will be paid out as reimbursements for budgeted items of projects or programs completed within 18 months of award, after submission of a close-out report including itemized invoices and proofs of payment. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 7. A total of $10,000.00 is available, with each successful applicant receiving up to $1,000.00. Award decisions will be made on Monday, May 12. For more information, contact District Manager Christos Galanopoulos at (607) 5478337, extension 4, or e-mail galanopoulosc@otsegosoilandwater.com.
LEAF to the Rescue as Oneonta Teen Center Gets Reprieve
By DARLA M. YOUNGS
ONEONTA
In late January, it was announced that FOR-DO (Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others) would no longer be funding the Oneonta Teen Center, which provides free programming for youths ages 12-18. This week, LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Executive Director Tessa Davidson confirmed that her organization will assume administration of the Teen Center moving forward.
“Right now, we are in a transition until the end of April 2025,” Davidson said. “We are ‘coparenting’ the Oneonta Teen Center with FOR-DO until county funding is approved. LEAF and FOR-DO are working closely to provide a smooth transition with limited service disruption.”
“In addition to county funding, we will look for other opportunities to support the Teen Center through LEAF’s leadership,” she added.
When asked in January about the possible closing of the Teen Center, FORDO Executive Director Debra H. Berrios said,
“FOR-DO is realigning its efforts to abide by the mission of the organization, which is recoveryrelated services and evidence-based practices. It was a difficult decision to make.”
According to the FORDO website, “since 2006 the Oneonta Teen Center has been providing the youth of the greater Oneonta area with a space to have fun, enjoy creative youth-driven events, find mentorship and support, in a safe space where they can feel accepted, included and valued…The OTC promotes responsible, healthy, and substancefree lifestyles through programming that urges good decisions, mental support, and rewarding alternatives to using drugs or alcohol.
“We strive to not
only provide a youth hang-out, but to create a community of youth who support each other and help drive the direction of our programming and take ownership and pride in the center itself,” the website continues.
LEAF, founded in 1982 by Otsego County residents, believes that alcoholism and other substance addictions are treatable diseases.
“We value education and awareness around these sensitive situations, as well as respect for individuals battling these diseases,” the website reads. “We want the tools to fight addiction to be accessible and approachable for people of all backgrounds. LEAF values safety and quality of life. Addictions harm both the individual and those around them. We support treatment, recovery, and ongoing support for each person’s journey.”
Davidson emphasized that LEAF is dedicated to providing prevention education and healthy alternatives to the area’s youth.
“The Teen Center and LEAF have shared goals and will continue to work with our area teens to ensure a healthy tomorrow,” she said.
Club ‘Boosts’ CCS Athletics
By THOMAS HELLENTHAL COOPERSTOWN
The Cooperstown
Sports Booster Club is a community-based organization founded in 1991.The club is directly affiliated with the Cooperstown School District and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
The Sports Booster Club provides financial support to help cover the cost of numerous events, such as organizing the Dick White Holiday Basketball Tournament and the Don Howard Invitational track meet. They also support projects, like the permanent concession stand at the football field. Additionally, they host the annual athletics awards banquet at the end of each academic year and pay for the senior plaques and awards.
President Alicia Chase explained, “The Sports Booster Club plays a crucial role in enhancing the athletes’ experiences, helping to bridge gaps in the athletics budget and fostering a sense of community. Volunteering also sets a positive example for children, teaching them the value of teamwork, supporting peers and building a culture of service to others.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve struggled with volunteer numbers,” Chase said, “but we’re hopeful about rebuilding our volunteer base.”
For students, the Sports Booster Club plays a vital role in supporting the athletics at Cooperstown Central School. The organization has instituted the thoughtful tradition of buying flowers
for Senior Night for all sports. On Senior Night, both the Cooperstown seniors and the visiting team’s seniors receive flowers to be recognized and acknowledged for their contributions to their sports.
The Sports Booster Club also covers concessions for varsity athletics that occur on school grounds. Concessions help fund the costs for various athletic events.
Parents, community members, and students support the Booster Club, which is in the process of adding two ADAcompliant bathrooms and storage space at the snack shack on Lambert Field.
Athletic Director Josh Wagner commented, “We are looking for more involvement from parents and guardians in the community… if we can get close to 810 people, including the people who come all the time, the club would benefit tremendously.”
For example, if every parent of an athlete volunteered for one event, the Sports Booster Club would have enough volunteers to run all concessions which are offered as a courtesy to
the home and visiting teams, officials said. Those interested in dedicating time to the community of Cooperstown and volunteering in the Sports Booster Club are welcome to attend one of the meetings or to reach out to the officers: President Alicia Chase, Vice-president Mike Croft, Treasurer Helen Shurmer, and Secretary Jennifer Victory. Additionally, Shurmer and Victory are looking for people to take over for 2025-2026. The Cooperstown Sports Booster Club meets the third Monday of each month (with the exception of holidays) at 6 p.m. in the Cooperstown JuniorSenior High School main office conference room. Donations can also be made to Cooperstown Sports Booster Club, PO Box 141, Cooperstown, NY 13326. To learn more, visit https://www. ccssportsbooster.com/ or e-mail ccssportsboosterclub@gmail.com. Thomas Hellenthal is a junior at Cooperstown Central School.
Helios Grief Camp Returns
RICHMONDVILLE
Helios Care’s Camp Forget-Me-Not, a free day camp open to children and teens ages 6-18 who have experienced the loss of a loved one, will be held at Radez Elementary School in Richmondville at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3.
The camp provides a safe space for children to make new friends and learn to process grief in the company of peers and Helios Care grief counseling professionals. It is free, but registration is required at helioscare.org/all-events/camp-forget-me-not/ or by calling (607) 432-5525.
Camp Forget-Me-Not will be held again at Townsend Elementary School in Walton on Thursday, July 24, and at Beaver Valley Campground in Cooperstown on Saturday, September 27.
Photo provided tessa Davi D son
Hard-copy subscriptions to “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” include free access to AllOtsego.com. Subscribe today at https://www.allotsego.com/subscribe/.
Bassett Network Welcomes Practitioners
COOPERSTOWN
Bassett Healthcare Network welcomed four new healthcare practitioners during the month of February.
Vanessa Ting, OD, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as an optometrist at Bassett Medical Center (1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown) and Bassett Herkimer Specialty Services (321 East Albany Street, Herkimer). Dr. Ting provides optometric care to patients of all ages, including eye exams and more. She is currently welcoming new patients.
Dr. Ting earned her degree from New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts. She is board-certified by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
Sarah Vaithilingam,
MD, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as an attending psychiatrist at Bassett Medical Center (1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown). Dr. Vaithilingam provides psychiatric care, specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents.
Dr. Vaithilingam earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. Her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry took place at DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She is boardcertified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology.
Brinn Ostrander,
LEGALS
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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
LegaL nOtice
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
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
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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
PA-C, has joined the Orthopedics Department at Bassett Healthcare Network as a physician assistant. Ostrander provides orthopedic care to patients of all ages, except for chronic pain patients ages 10 and younger. She is currently welcoming new patients at TriTown Specialty Clinic (43 Pearl Street, Sidney) and FoxCare Orthopedic Clinic (1 FoxCare Drive, Oneonta).
Ostrander earned her master’s degree as a physician assistant from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Ryan Cobane, PA, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a physician assistant with Emergency and Trauma Services at
various network locations. Cobane provides care to patients of all ages, including diagnosis and treatment of very serious illness and injury, as part of the Emergency Medicine Team. Cobane earned his master’s degree as a physician assistant from SUNY Upstate College of Health Professions at Syracuse. He is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
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LegaL nOtice
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 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 PUbLIc HEARINg
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: • Meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York.
36 grove Street - Application for an area variance to build five feet into the front yard setback. The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at zoning@cooperstownny.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)5472411 Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1LegalMar.20
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NOTIcE OF FORmATION OF HAWKEYE AVIATION LLC
Articles of org. filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/17/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.24
Family Farm Day Registration Opens
NEW YORK STATE
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s highly anticipated 13th Annual Family Farm Day will be held across Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie counties on Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24.
Farmers can educate visitors, connect the public to the agriculture sector and show off their high-quality products. Registration is now open and will be available through Wednesday, April 30.
Past participants may register online at familyfarmday.org, which also features complete event information. New participants should contact their county coordinator to confirm eligibility.
Schoharie and Otsego County farms can reach Kelley Doolin at (518) 234-4303, extension 119, or kmd322@cornell.edu; those in Delaware County may contact Desiree Keever at (607) 865-6531 or dnk2@cornell.edu.
Repair
Continued from page 1
February 15, focusing on small appliance repair.
On March 1, the public was invited to bring textiles and jewelry for repair, and repair coaches also welcomed kids hoping their stuffed animals could be made “all better.” March 8 was for computer and cellphone repair
On March 15, from 10:30 to 1 p.m., a steady stream of hopeful participants brought their lamps and small appliances for repair by Neal Newman of Middlefield, Joel Morain of Cherry Valley, and Patrick Sherry of Laurens.
Morain’s first order of business was a Bose CD player.
“The radio works but the CD player is intermittent. Sometimes it just needs a good cleanse. Everything with moving parts has pieces to wear out,” he said while evaluating the problem. Morain was able to successfully repair the CD player.
During the summer months, Morain is the audio/video coordinator for Glimmerglass Opera. In the off-season, he runs a small freelance shop in Springfield Center, taking miscellaneous “odd projects” while also doing fabrication for the opera’s lighting and scenery departments.
Reached by telephone after The Repair Café had closed for the day, Sherry offered that “things went well. We fixed about a dozen lamps—both freestanding and table lamps. We took care of everybody who came to the table today.”
Sherry worked as a Sears appliance repairman for more than 40 years before retiring. He now owns and operates Appliance Maintenance Services LLC, which may be reached at appliance820@gmail.com or (607) 353-2305.
Visitors to The Repair Café fill out a form noting, among other things, the time they arrived, the time the work was done, and whether the item was in fact fixed. The back of the sign-in form lays out “house rules” to be signed by customers, stating that they offer broken items at their own risk, with no guarantees for the repairs carried out. Coaches may refuse items at their discretion. If things are especially busy, a maximum of one broken item per person will be evaluated.
The work carried out in The Repair Café is performed free of charge by the repair coaches. Although repairs are free, any use of new materials may result in a small fee. Donations are also accepted.
At the four Repair Cafés held thus far, 50 people brought in more than 50 items, the vast majority of which were repaired on site, Odell related in an e-mail communication, adding that at The Repair Café dealing with computers and cellphones, the coaches answered many technological questions, which was another means of helping people.
Odell also said that Otsego 2000 hopes to offer more Repair Café opportunities at the farmers’ market in the future and also noted that a more comprehensive Repair Café will be offered at the 2025 Earth Festival to be held at Milford Central School on Saturday, April 26.
The Repair Café originated in Amsterdam in 2009, the brainchild of Dutch woman Martine Postma, a journalist turned environmentalist with a focus on sustainability. Currently, there are some 4,300 community-run Repair Cafés in countries such as Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Japan and others.
According to the website repaircafe.org, repairing rather than throwing away items “reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products. It cuts CO2 emissions…because manufacturing new products and recycling old ones causes CO2 to be released.”
Postma went on to establish The Repair Café International Foundation to enable local communities to set up their own projects. She also wrote a manual and produced a starter kit. Repaircafe. org offers many how-to guides for fixing things.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promotes The Repair Café in the section of its website titled “The Case for Repair: Environmental, Economic and Community Engagement Benefits.”
Information is also available at www. otsego2000.org/repair.
from page 4
doing is crippling or eliminating those agencies—the VA, FAA, DoE, USAID, National Parks Service, Post Office, FEMA, etc. for the purpose of monetizing their assets and privatizing their services. DOGE is just the cover name for the Department of Private Equity—DOPE.
Ironically, most of the net beneficiaries of these programs, indeed, of federal funding in general, are Republican states (https://jasonsisney.substack.com/ p/california-biggestdonor-state-to). Meaning they get more from Washington than they pay in taxes. On a per capita basis, West Virginia residents get more in federal funds than they pay in taxes. Statewide, Texas gets $71B more in fed funds than it pays in taxes. North Carolina gets $43B more. Meaning the voters that are negatively impacted by DOPE are disproportionately Republicans. Thus far, all of the DOPE cuts have been in discretionary non-defense spending that make up less than 15 percent of the federal budget. So we all lose our government weather forecasting, our government funded cancer research centers and our park rangers for no significant reduction in overall spending.
DOPE is crippling the very programs that Republicans have long wanted to privatize, to monetize. President George Bush 2.0 tried to privatize Social Security. President Musk may succeed in doing so, as may he succeed in monetizing the national parks and privatizing the Post
Georgianna Meeker
1957-2025
COOPERSTOWN—
Georgianna Meeker passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2025, 11 years and 11 days after the passing of her mother, Mary Ann Rivers.
The second of four children raised by Mary Ann and George Rivers, Georgianna was born on November 28, 1957 in Arlington, Virginia. She graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia in 1976, and four years later completed the
Office—by first cutting staff and programs to the bone. After crippling the programs, privatization and monetization will be offered as the solution, the cure, courtesy of the Department of Private Equity. The Cooperstown Post Office on Main Street will be shut down, and the building sold for a cannabis dispensary. Some essential services can only be done collectively by the government. If that were not the case, then countries with the least amount of functioning government— Eritrea and Haiti—would have the best public services, and countries with the strongest government agencies—Denmark and Norway—would have the worst. Some services do not lend themselves to privatization, even in the reddest of states. Absent state-funded property insurance, most coastal properties in Florida, aka “Floodida,” would become uninsurable. No private insurance company would take the risk without a government subsidy. FEMA provides those subsidized rates in Florida and elsewhere. No FEMA, no insurance. Environmental safeguards from the EPA and medical safeguards from the FDA do not lend themselves to monetization. They must be done collectively. They must be done on behalf of the governed, by duly-elected representatives that oversee responsible government agencies. Not by Musk’s DOPE hackers. Chip Northrup Cooperstown
News Briefs
Continued from page 2
and president of the NYS NAACP Conference, passed away earlier this month at the age of 92. This is the second SUNY fellowship in her name, following Governor Hochul’s 2024 announcement of a fellowship for the Black Leadership Institute.
“Throughout our history, New York State has benefitted from visionary women leaders in government, civil rights, and public education—everyone from Susan B. Anthony to Shirley Chisholm to Dr. Dukes and today with the first woman to hold the office of New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul,” King said. “Dr. Dukes was one of the staunchest supporters of public education and civil rights in our state, and we are proud to celebrate her life through the Dr. Hazel Dukes SUNY Fellowship for the Advancement of Civil Rights.”
Gas Prices Continue To Slide
UTICA—Despite nationwide demand reaching a 2025 high, Northeast AAA found that New York State gas prices continued to buck seasonal trends and decline during the week ending on Monday, March 17. The average price per gallon fell two cents to $3.11, six cents lower than last month and 25 cents lower than last year. AAA speculated that high domestic inventories and spillover effects from declining stock and commodity prices contributed to the decrease. Visit https://gasprices.aaa.com/ for complete nationwide statistics.
Otsego250 Book Club Formed
ONEONTA—In preparation for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Otsego County Historian Deb Mackenzie will host a book club focusing on the roles of local indigenous peoples.
Over the course of six weeks, the club will review Alan Taylor’s books “The Divided Ground” and “William Cooper’s Town.” There will be two weeks of discussion on each book, followed by a keynote speaker on the topic on the third week of each.
The club will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday from April 9 to May 14 at the Frances Rowe House, 31 Maple Street in Oneonta. There is limited parking available in the back.
Contact Mackenzie at (607) 293-6635 or mackenzied@otsegocountyny.gov by Friday, April 4 to register. The first 10 members will receive free copies of both books.
Soccer Players Make List
ONEONTA—Ninety-one Hartwick College student-athletes were named to the fall 2024 Empire 8 Conference President’s List, including nine from women’s soccer: Alexis Barreiro, Grace Byrne, Millicent Caldon, Stella Giustino, Kayla Grassi, Morgan Perry, Mikayla Piersa, Nelle Slavitsky and Kellie Sullivan. Perry, a sophomore, hails from Otego. To qualify, athletes must maintain a 3.75 grade point average or better in full-time academic work and display positive conduct both on and off campus.
OBITUARIES
nursing program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
In 1984, after training in the D.C. area, she took a full-time position at the Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She married Philip Meeker in 1995.
Anna and Phil enjoyed many happy years in Cooperstown with their
Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
three cats, Lenny, Leah, and Raji. Anna was a very dedicated and caring nurse working for more than 20 years at Bassett Hospital.
She later worked for a number of years as a travel nurse, caring for patients at several major hospitals throughout upstate New York.
In 2014, while attending her mother’s funeral in Nashville, she experienced a disabling fall that left her unable to continue her nursing career. She spent most of her later years in the Rochester area, where she ultimately succumbed to ongoing medical complications. Anna is survived by her brothers, George and Dave Rivers; her sister, Jennifer Miller; and former husband Phil Meeker.
To post memories and thoughts of Anna, visit her Legacy Memorial page at https://www. legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/ georgianna-meekerobituary?id=57859825.
Photo by Milo Stewart Jr. GEORGIANNA MEEKER
Director
Continued from page 1
School District and will be retiring from that position at the end of the current school year. He will assume the new role with The Clark Foundation in mid-August.
“I’m really excited and glad to come back to Cooperstown,” Crankshaw said in a phone conversation on Tuesday, March 18.
“I am honored to have been chosen to steward the resources of The Clark Foundation Scholarship Program, which serves the needs of so many students so
positively,” he said.
Crankshaw said he and his husband are entertaining moving back to the area later on down the line, having sold their house here not long ago.
A graduate of Johnstown High School, Crankshaw began his education career teaching music for a year in the Fort Plain Central School District. After serving in Fort Plain, he taught 7th-12th grade music in Johnstown for 14 years and was the music department’s co-chair, followed by three years as a music educator in the Canajoharie Central School District. He started his administrative career as principal of the
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package summary, and TO APPLY, visit www.ofoinc.org/jobs EOE
Glebe Street Elementary School in Johnstown, where he served for four years before being named elementary principal, director of elementary curriculum and instruction, and Committee on Special Education chairperson in the Northville Central School District.
In 2013, he was named superintendent of the Remsen Central School District and served as superintendent in Cooperstown from 2016-2020. In 2020, he was selected by the Greater Johnstown School District Board of Education to be superintendent. Crankshaw received a bachelor’s degree in music educa-
tion from Ithaca College and a master’s in music education from The College of Saint Rose. He earned his school administrative credentials at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a doctorate in educational leadership from the Sage Graduate School.
Crankshaw is the executive committee chairperson for the CapitalArea School Development Association and serves as a board member of the Rural Schools Association of New York State and of the Lexington-ARC’s Transitions program. He is also an advisor for the Caroga Arts Collective.
The Clark Foundation
Are you passionate about shaping the future of nursing? We’re looking for dedicated Practical Nursing Instructors to join our team and make a lasting impact on the next generation of nurses in our region. Requirements include an active NYS RN license with 2 years of experience. Full time and hourly positions available.
Please visit www.oncboces.org/subs for application and information.
Attention
CANO
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is our new programming director and will offer ceramics and cooperative art projects. The program has really evolved and it is an honor to bring something this amazing that is affordable to the greater Oneonta community. We are so grateful to the New York State Council of the Arts and the Community Foundation of Otsego County for their support in this program and their investment in the education of our local youths.”
There is $5,000.00 in scholarship funding available for local children 6-10 years thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of Otsego County as part of their Fall 2024 Awards Cycle focusing on enrichment programming and basic needs for children. CANO also provides some teen scholarships in an effort to make arts education equitable and accessible to all. To learn more about the Summer Arts
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independently and as part of a team. Experience preferred but not necessary; will train the right candidate.
Program, go to CANO’s website, https://www. canoneonta.org/, and e-mail admin@ canoneonta.org with any questions.
Hope Von Stengel is the executive director of the Community Arts Network of Oneonta and festival director of the City of the Hills Festival.
Plastics
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Scholarship Program is one of the largest of its kind in the country. During 2024, 193 new students received $751,900.00 in scholarships to attend postsecondary educational institutions throughout the country, and there are currently 699 students in the program. Since its inception in 1961, more than 12,000 students have received over $132 million in scholarship assistance from The Clark Foundation. competing against other schools in Otsego County to collect the most plastic film per capita.
Led by middle school Student Council members Logan Panek and Peyton Nelson, the previous February 1 collection brought in 300 pounds of acceptable recyclables, with 190 pounds credited to the elementary school and 110 to the middle/ high school.
Volunteers Lindsey Stone, Lori Peck and Alicia Cummings hauled plastic to the Otsego ReUse Center in Oneonta on February 1 after weighing collections at GMU.
More information is available by contacting Ashley Hughes at ahughes@gmucsd.org.
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
Please send cover letter and resume to info@allotsego.com, with “Sales Position” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. $16--$18/hr + plus commission
►Fri., March 21
THRIFTING
to 4 p.m.
Continues through 3/22. Helios Care Thrift Shop & Boutique, Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335.
MEMORIAL 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Open viewing of the Aids Memorial Quilt and the Gilbert Baker Foundation’s “Flag in the Map” exhibit. Continues
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on 3/22 an 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 3/23. Presented by the Otsego Pride Alliance and the Women’s and Gender Studies at SUNY Oneonta. Hunt Union Ballroom, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 386-1508.
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.
CRAFT 10 a.m. “Pom Pom Bunny.” Registration required. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
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 cheese and vegetable omelet, hash browns, muffins, and a fruit cup. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.
POTTERY
1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects
and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.
SKATING 3-7 p.m., mixed use. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Badger Park, 87 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2411.
THEATRE 3:30-5
p.m. “Free Theatre & Public Speaking Classes.”
Open to kids aged 7-12. Presented by the Future for Oneonta Foundation at Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
DINNER 5-7 p.m.
“Fried Fish Dinner.” Fees apply. Open to the public. Take-out available. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.
PLANETARIUM 7 p.m.
“Solar and Lunar Eclipses.” Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.
MUSICAL 7 p.m.
“Mean Girls Jr.” Fees apply. Also showing 3/22 and at 2 p.m. on 3/23. Presented by the Drama Club at the Cherry-Valley Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3265.
BIRDING 7:30 p.m.
“The Complete Language of Birds.” Presented online by author Randi Minetor. Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. (607) 397-3815.
►Sat., March 22
CARNIVAL—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “2025 PTA Crayon
Carnival.” Bounce house, games, prizes, food, musical cakes, community tables and more. Admission fees apply or donate your old crayons. Red Bursey Gymnasium, Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8181.
ART FEST 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “PaintFest 2025.” Painting activities, workshops, demonstrations and more. Admission by donation. Presented by the Oneonta World of Learning at FoxCare Center, 1 Foxcare Drive, Oneonta. (607) 4318543.
AGING 10 a.m.
“Understanding Estate & Elder Law Planning Class.” Presented by the Cherry Valley-Springfield CS Spring 2025 Continuing ED Program. Free; registration required. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry valley. (607) 264-3265.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Support Cherry Valley Cadette Troop 20070. Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, 31 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.
COMIC-CON REVIVAL
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “BIG Geek Energy.” Celebrate all things fictional. Come in costume and explore the comic artists and authors, enter the cosplay contest, enjoy the youth art show, explore the vendors and more. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. Steamstressandco@gmail.com.
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. PLANETARIUM Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 4362011.
• 10:30 a.m. “Max Goes to the Moon.”
• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”
LIBRARY 11 a.m.
“Greeting Card Workshop.” Make four custom greeting cards with Linda Shea. Free; registration required. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.
EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Made in Middlefield III.” Textiles, lighting, fine and rustic wood objects, and more by local artists/artisans. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 9419607.
LUNCH 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Soup and Sandwich Luncheon.” Eat in or take out. New Life Fellowship Hall, Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2993.
CORNHOLE Noon; registration at 11 a.m. “Arc Otsego Cornhole Tournament.” Fees apply. The Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4328595.
SPRING 1 p.m.
“Spring Equinox Workshop: Planting Seeds & Finding Balance.” Standing yoga, reflective writing exercises and more. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
QUILTING 1-4 p.m.
“Introduction to Foundation Paper Piecing.” Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta.
OPEN STUDIO
1-4 p.m. Work on art projects in the company of other artists. Held each Thursday and Saturday. Free-will donations to defray heating costs. Butternut Valley Arts & Crafts Center. 124 Main Street, Morris.
DRUM & DANCE
2 p.m. All welcome. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600.
DANCE 3-5 p.m.
“Barn Dance.” Featuring Paul Rosenberg calling, with live music by Tamarack. Free, all welcome. Presented by the Friends of the Library. Strawberry Hall, across from the Worcester-Schenevus
Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.
OPEN MIC 6-8 p.m.
An evening of live music, poetry, comedy and more, hosted by Khalil Jade. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m.
“Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians, and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 8582523.
►Sun., March 23
SPRING 8:30-2 p.m.
“Sugaring Off Sundays.” Admission fees apply. Sundays through 3/30. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.
FIBER 1-3 p.m. “The Gatehouse Fiber Guild.”
New knitters 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.
CONCERT 4 p.m.
“SUNY Oneonta RnB & Hip-Hop Collective Concert.” Fees apply. The Loft, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
►Mon., March 24
BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD 8-9 a.m. Casual meet and greet with members of the Cooperstown Board of Trustees to discuss local projects, agenda items, more. Includes coffee and donuts. All welcome. Held fourth Monday of each month. Village Board Room, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
BLOOD DRIVE 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Richfield Springs High School, 93 East Main Street, Richfield Springs. RedCrossBlood. org
LIBRARY 9 a.m. “Exercise Class.” Presented by instructor Carol Thompson. Free, open to all ages. Held each Monday and Thursday. Strawberry Hall next door to Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
FUNDRAISER
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. “Dine Out for a Cause.” Eat out and have a percentage of the proceeds go to benefit the hospice and palliative care patients of Helios
Care. Autumn Café, 244 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6845.
CONNECTIONS Noon.
“Painting with Marjorie.” Paint vibrant spring scenes on canvas. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail. com.
LIBRARY 1-3 p.m.
“Technology Help.” Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
BLOOD DRIVE
1-5:30 p.m. Bassett Hall, 31 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org
DISCUSSION 3-5 p.m.
“Current Events Discussion Group.” Held each Monday. Village Library of Cooperstown. 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. AGING 4 p.m. “Planning for Successful Aging: Funeral Pre-Planning.” Presented by the Leatherstocking Chapter of the NYS Funeral Directors Association with the Otsego County Office for the Aging. Classroom A at the Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4232.
TAX SEASON
6-8 p.m. “Free Tax Prep.” Provided by Hartwick College via the IRS VITA program. Hartwick College, Golisano Hall, 2nd floor, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338.
GARDEN 6:30 p.m.
“Make and Take: Indoor Herb Garden.” Fees apply; registration required. Presented by the Oneonta Federated Garden Club at St. James Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. SUPPORT GROUP
6:30 p.m. “Divorce Care Support Group.” Presented by the Community Bible Chapel at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Road 52, Cooperstown. ►tueS., March 25
KNITTING CIRCLE
9 a.m. Beginners welcome. Held each Tuesday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
DISCUSSION 9 a.m. “Coffee with Coop: Paul S. D’Ambrosio, PhD, of the Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm and Country Village.” Registration required. Presented by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. (607) 547-9983.
STORYTIME—9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 .
