2020 Momentum by The Daily Star

Momentum

2020

Bringing Business to the Forefront in Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie & Chenango Counties

A publication of

OTSEGO | DELAWARE | SCHOHARIE | CHENANGO

Momentum

Starting a new business brings challenges and rewards BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

tarting a business and weathering the first year is never easy, but maintaining an upstart through a pandemic is, according to seven local entrepreneurs, especially difficult. Our interviewees, owners of businesses about a year old, named identifying inventory needs, continuing cash flow, learning clientele, establishing visibility and simply keeping the doors open at the top on their lists of entrepreneurial concerns. “Being new in a small community definitely has its pros and cons,” Mindy Chawgo, co-owner of Minty’s Candies & Treats with husband, Tracy, said. “Because we were so new, we hadn’t approached many holidays, so many people didn’t even know what we offered or what we’re capable of bringing to the table. In the first two months, we were bringing in all new products to see what sells, but then with a crisis like this, you have no clue what will sell.” Minty’s opened at 33 South Broad St. in Norwich in January. Daniel Weaver, owner of Weaver’s Market, an Amish-owned store opened last April at 1272 East Side Road in Morris, said he, too, has had to gauge customers’ preferences. “One of the bigger challenges for me is … learning the non-Amish culture,” he said. “Something our family is really enjoying, is finding items our Amish culture is not used to.” Allison King, owner of King’s Kakery at 254 Main St. in Oneonta, said the loss of foot traffic and inhouse purchases has slowed her business’ early momentum, though she remains optimistic. King opened the bakery in October. “Being a new business is a lot of work and money is a big issue,” she said. “I started this business with just what I had in my pocket — no loans, no grants, just what I had — so (having) money to hire employees is a big issue. What I make goes right back

It’s great that I’ve had customers that have been doing special orders, so I’ve been doing a little bit of business, but it’s definitely been hard, financially.” Ashley Cordner, owner of Donna’s Home Treats

into the business, buying supplies and paying the rent. We need money to hire employees, because it’s just me … but it is growing, faster than I thought it would’ve for being a new business.” Ashley Cordner, owner of Donna’s Home Treats at 187 Main St. in Unadilla, said the pandemic-induced closure placed a financial strain on her new business, opened in January. “It’s great that I’ve had customers that have been doing special orders,” she said, “so I’ve been doing a little bit of business, but it’s definitely been hard, financially.” Similarly, Lea Moscatello, owner of Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon at 82 Water St. in Oneonta, said, while the temporary shutdown brought her closer to her young family, she felt its financial impact. “Having to close down was hard financially,” she said, “and I still had to keep afloat the space without that income. (That was) our only real source of income for our family, so we had to make it work, and we did.” For Ed Mullen and Terri Speck, owners of Peace, Love & Yoga, a yoga and alternative healing center at 221 Hillcrest Drive in Roxbury, the pandemic halted plans drastically. The couple expected to open the center in late April but, because of pandemic-related construction delays, anticipate

launching in late June, instead. Once open, Speck said, they plan to progress slowly. “We’re going to focus on using our two outdoor spaces (for classes),” she said. “We’re both in our 60s, so it’s not a joke to us. We’re going to be very measured and go carefully; the indoor space is beautiful and we want to get indoors, but not until it’s safe.” Dan and Kirstie Feely, owners of Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe in Oneonta’s Clinton Plaza, said, before and during their temporary closure, they prioritized the business’ social media presence. “One of the biggest challenges … is having people come in and say, ‘I didn’t know you were here,’” Kirstie Feely said. “We’ve been in the paper and done so much on social media, but it’s hard getting the word out and letting people know we’re here.” Many business owners said that, while the pandemic threw them a curveball, they appreciate the opportunity to adapt and the support of community members. “I’m emotionally overwhelmed … with the support,” Weaver said. “They say bad news travels fast, but so does good,” Speck said. “Everybody we’ve bumped into seems excited, which is so nice. There’s a lot of local interest.” “I figured it would be a while before I could become established and for people to know who I was as a groomer,” Moscatello said, “but it took off a lot faster than expected and everyone’s been so amazing.” “As much as the pandemic has hurt, it’s opened our eyes to what were capable of,” Chawgo said. “It’s nice to see that we can handle the curbside and delivery and the shipping. If you can bend yourself to see what you’re capable of, you can make a terrible situation OK.”

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OTSEGO | DELAWARE | CHENANGO | SCHOHARIE

Advertising & Media (Publishers, Public Relations, Marketing)

Destination Oneonta 4 Dietz St., Oneonta.. . . . . . destinationoneonta.com | 607-432-2941

The Daily Star 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta. . . . . . . . . . . . . thedailystar.com | 607-432-1000

Autos, Motorcycles & Campers (Auto Dealers, Auto Body & Painting, Auto Glass, Auto Clubs, more...)

Construction & Building Services (General Contractors, Construction, Engineers, Architects)

Webster’s Paving 2 Keith St., Oneonta. . . . . . . . . . . . . websterspaving.com | 607-432-8550

Ace Glass 124 Oneida St., Oneonta. . . . . . . . . . . aceglasscony.com | 607-432-3588

Entertainment (Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Travel, Events, Museums)

3 Ace’s Auto Repair 20 South Main St., Milford.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 607-441-8044

Thetford’s Body Shop & Towing 3 Keith St., Oneonta .. . . . . . .................... thetfordbodyshoptowing.com | 607-433-0319

Butler Auto offers sales and rentals Butler Auto, family owned and operated at 304 State Route 7 in Sidney has offered automobile sales, service and rentals since 1998. With 25 employees, proprietor Michael Butler says his mission is “to provide clean, low-mileage vehicles at affordable prices.” He said, “We strive to fill everyone’s transportation needs.” The business offers rental cars and a full service department. “Satisfaction is our goal every day,” Butler said. Contact Butler Auto Sales at 607-563-1522.

Jones Marine 2385 NY-28, Oneonta. . . . . . . www.jones-marine.com | 607-431-9978

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COVER STORY | PAID ADVERTORIAL

Weaver’s Market brings Amish service to Otsego County BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

aniel Weaver, 54, left his Amish community in Holmes County, Ohio – the biggest in the U.S. – to start a family-owned, farm-style market in upstate New York. Weaver’s Market, a 4,000-square-foot space at 1272 East Side Road in Morris, opened in April 2019. Weaver, who operates the business with his wife, their two sons, two daughters and other members of the Amish community, says he is committed to providing superior customer service and locally sourced goods. “I would like to think a lot of the reason for people coming here is that we try to put the emphasis on 100% customer satisfaction, with quality products at a fair price,” he said. “We believe in giving customers personal attention and personal service. We want this to be a place where people can come, relax, shop, feel refreshed and leave with a

Potatoes sit in one of the produce bins at Weaver’s Market in Morris.

good taste in their mouth. To me, that’s way more important than filling their carts and pushing sales. We want to give them a good experience.” Weaver said customers come primarily from a “50-mile radius” for the market’s distinct offerings. “Our No. 1 category is produce,” he said. “We have very good-quality produce … and, this summer, we’ll have a lot of local produce coming in and we do a lot of local dairy and baked goods. We’ve got a lot of gluten-free products and organic, grass-fed beef and free-range products. There are a lot of health items, but with that said, we also have a lot of good candy. “There’s a lot of people from (New York) city that have cottages … so there’s also a lot of (customers) from downstate,” he said. “But it’s mainly the Morris area, on out into Norwich, Oneonta and into Delaware and the surrounding counties.”

PHOTOS BY ALLISON COLLINS

COVER PHOTO SARAH EAMES THE DAILY STAR

Weaver’s Market features a selection of Amish-made jams and jellies.

The Weavers are focused on highlighting locally made goods, including this cider vinegar from Sharon Springs.

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COVER STORY | PAID ADVERTORIAL

Weaver’s Market, at 1272 East Side Road in Morris, opened in April 2019.

The store, Weaver said, grew out of his daughter, Ruth Ann’s, seasonal produce stand, operated in Morris for three years. In Ohio, Weaver headed Weaver’s Apparel, what he called the first supplier of ready-made Amish men’s Sunday suits. Weaver’s Apparel, he said, was founded in 1993. The family moved to New York in 2015, Weaver said, after prohibitively high Ohio land prices made maintaining the family farm difficult. CONTINUED

I would like to think a lot of the reason for people coming here is that we try to put the emphasis on 100% customer satisfaction, with quality products at a fair price. We believe in giving customers personal attention and personal service. We want this to be a place where people can come, relax, shop, feel refreshed and leave with a good taste in their mouth. To me, that’s way more important than filling their carts and pushing sales. We want to give them a good experience.” Daniel Weaver, co-owner of Weaver’s Market

SARAH EAMES | THE DAILY STAR

COVER STORY | PAID ADVERTORIAL

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The biggest challenge as a storeowner is to keep the store clean, safe and a place where our customers can sense that we truly do care.” Daniel Weaver, co-owner of Weaver’s Market

“The vision of our church is family farms and family-run businesses,” he said. “With the prices of farms (in Ohio), it was beyond what a young farmer could afford. So, for the Weavers to continue our type of lifestyle of small, family dairies and family-run businesses, especially family farms, we couldn’t see our way through.” Weaver said the community has embraced its new market. “I’m emotionally overwhelmed,” he said. “It’s way beyond our expectations. There are thousands of people that come through here and the Weavers are just overwhelmed with the support.” Providing for Amish and non-Amish customers, Weaver said, has proven rewarding. “One of the bigger challenges for me is, in the business we had before for 25-plus years, we dealt primarily with the Amish and Mennonite communities,” he said. “We’re fast learning the non-Amish culture … and something our family is really enjoying is finding items our Amish culture is not used to.” Weaver named broccoli rabe, turnips, artisanal pastas and “Old World” cheeses as examples. “There was a lot to learn in that, but we visited different stores toward the New York City area and in Vermont and Massachusetts,” he said. Weaver’s Market did not close during

the pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus. Rather, Weaver said, customers appreciate the store’s bulk offerings and relaxed, clean environment. “The biggest challenge as a storeowner is to keep the store clean, safe and a place where our customers can sense that we truly do care,” he said, noting that customers have thanked the Weavers for providing free masks, hand sanitizer and clear signage. Weaver said he hopes to make Weaver’s Market a generational store while continuing to refine its day-to-day operations. “Our long-term plans are simply that, as our children grow older, the ones who have an interest will, I’m hoping, buy into the business,” he said. “We’re not looking to expand the building; we’re adding new items and just doing better at what we’re already doing. Right now, we have around 50 local farms, bakers and other crafters and we’re (looking to) expand that. Our big focus is on local.” Weaver’s Market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 to 6 on Thursday and Friday and closed Sunday and Monday. The store does not have a website or social media, but can be reached at 607-263-2030. Weaver’s Market accepts only cash or check payments.

Annual plants are seen in the greenhouse at Weaver’s Market in late May.

Alongside gourmet and organic foods, customers will find an array of old-fashioned candy at Weaver’s Market.

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Chamber is here to help small businesses during, after pandemic BY BARBARA ANN HEEGAN

he Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is a strong advocate for small businesses, authentic places and vibrant activity and has taken a very aggressive role during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist and support our existing businesses and new businesses navigate resources in a time of record job loss and forced closures. Small businesses have long been the backbone of our local economy. Our highest priority is to Heegan ensure that our community businesses retain relevancy in this ever-changing market so that we come back with a stronger economy and more resilient than ever before. The world is never going to be the same as it was before COVID-19. The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce has been helping our businesses think through scenarios and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, to develop a new view of their leverage points and strategize ways to improve operations and customer service experience. Steps to encourage business to move forward: During this pandemic I have worked diligently and collaboratively with the city of Oneonta and Otsego County government bringing forward businesses concerns, needs and collectively building out strategy, smart plans, guidelines, parameters and practices — to guide businesses work in the new reality. Some recommendations to businesses as we connect them to resources: • Speed Matters: To recover revenue and bounce back we are encouraging businesses to review their revenue profile and strategize what they could do differently. We can connect you to resources such as business mentors with the Small Business Development Center, SCORE and the NY Business Mentor program. We can also make you aware of funding opportunities such as grants, loans and other financial incentives available to businesses. • Start-Up Mindset: If you are an existing or new business we encourage you to keep a start-up mindset that includes daily check-ins that are 30 minutes with your team to review your action plans. The talents of bringing people together keeps the team spirit focused and encourages agility and accountability.

• Customer Service: Developing customer experiences The Otsego County focused on increased health Chamber of Commerce and safety is crucial to give stands ready to serve the your customers the confidence that you are looking business community and out for their well-being; and encourages you to reach to let them know they are valued. out to learn more about • Identifying new opportuour resources. nities. What’s important is to identify the primary sources Barbara Ann Heegan of revenue and new opportunities is connecting to The Otsego County Chamber to learn of these opportunities. We can assist with marketing to win back loyal customers and raise awareness, help explain best practices around health and safety. This may further include adjusting pricing and promotions based on new data; reallocating spending to proven growth sources; reskilling the sales force to support remote selling; creating flexible payment terms; digitizing sales channels; and automating processes to free up sales representatives to sell more. • Embracing the future of work and training needs. The Otsego County Chamber is interested in learning about the workforce needs operating under new guidelines that include the use of digital communication. We recognize that employees across all functions, for example, have learned how to complete tasks remotely, using digital communication and collaboration tools. As operations change we would like to offer our small business seminars to assist their staff grow and go further. Please reach out to us to let us know those needs so we can develop programming to deliver these trainings among our influential network of local talent. The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce stands ready to serve the business community and encourages you to reach out to learn more about our resources. To reach out to the Otsego County Chamber please call 607- 432-4500 email baheegan@otsegocc.com and visit our website otsegocc.com. Barbara Ann Heegan is president and chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce.

OTSEGO | DELAWARE | CHENANGO | SCHOHARIE

Momentum

New business honors owner’s family roots BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

shley Cordner, a 26-year-old Sidney native, honored her past while planning for her future with the January launch of Donna’s Home Treats, formerly The Meeting Place, at 187 Main St. in Unadilla. Cordner said she named the coffeehouse after her late grandmother, Donna Kay Leonard, with whom she spent her childhood baking. Donna’s Home Treats offers a drinks menu, baked goods such cookies, cakes, brownie, scones, muffins, pies and light fare. Cordner purchased the site from Meeting Place owner Dwight Mott in December 2019 after Mott announced his plans to close the coffeehouse in November. With just a few months under her apron belt, Cordner said, business ownership has brought unexpected hurdles. “I think one of biggest challenges is that I took over a business that was already established,” she said. “A lot of the old customers expected things to be exactly the same. Some were against too much change, and I changed the menu around and was not keeping everything the way it was, so I actually lost a few customers.” Reciprocally, Cordner said, she’s been buoyed by how the community embraced her. She called the “love and support that people have been showing” a highlight of small-town business ownership. “When I first opened, there were a lot of the old customers that came back and were very excited,” she said. “I got a lot of positive feedback about some of the changes I made, including the name change, and that was the biggest controversy. “It’s been nice to see that there are people who are so supportive of a new person coming in, especially someone with a family,” Cordner, whose children often join her at the shop, said. “So that’s been really great.” Donna’s Home Treats was forced to close on March 23 because of the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, Cordner said, but hosted a grand reopening event on June 13. Throughout the closure, Cordner said, she appreciated continuing customer support. “It’s great that I’ve had customers that have been doing special orders,” she said, “so I’ve been doing a little bit of business, but it’s definitely been hard, financially.”

ALLISON COLLINS

Donna’s Home Treats, pictured in late May, is at 187 Main St. in Unadilla.

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Cordner said she named the coffeehouse after her late grandmother, Donna Kay Leonard, with whom she spent her childhood baking. Donna’s Home Treats offers a drinks menu, baked goods such cookies, cakes, brownie, scones, muffins, pies and light fare.

Owner Ashley Cordner said she named the bakery and cafe after her late grandmother, Donna Kay Leonard.

Assorted tea cups sit ready at Donna’s Home Treats in Unadilla.

The interior of Donna’s Home Treats, at 187 Main St. in Unadilla, is shown in this undated photo. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Cordner said she hopes to use her reopening as an opportunity to finetune her menu and plan for growth. “Short term, I’d like to change it more to the bakery side of things, instead of the regular food side,” she said. “When I was originally looking to open, I was looking to open a bakery. When I found the coffee shop, that was perfect, that’s the environment that I wanted. But I want to do more of the things that I love, and I love to bake and always have, so that’s where I want to bring things.

“Long term, I’d love to get into a bigger storefront,” she said, “and expand to get more people in there and have more selection.” Donna’s Home Treats is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Monday, and from 7 to 3 on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, find “Donna’s Home Treats” on Facebook, visit donnashometreats.cafe, follow @donnashometreats on Instagram or call 607-643-8428.

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607.432.1000 | thedailystar.com

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Look for upcoming issues in September & October!

Batter Up Anchors Aweigh Old-World Charms

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Finance & Insurance (Banks, Financial Advisors, Insurance)

Bank Of Cooperstown 34 Main St., Oneonta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-432-7000

Cooperstown Financial 99 Chestnut St., Cooperstown .. . . . . . ...................... . . . . www.cooperstownfinacial | 607-322-4032

Health & Fitness (Medical Centers & Clinics, Dentists, Fitness Centers, more...)

Cooperstown Optical 5370 NY-28, Cooperstown .. . . . . . ................... www.cooperstownoptical.com | 607-547-8080

Helios Care 297 River St. S Service Rd. Suite #1, Oneonta .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .helioscare.org | 607-432-5525

Helios Care serves families at difficult time Helios Care, at 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, in Oneonta, offers palliative and hospice care to residents of Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties. The business also offers programs for special populations including the “We Honor Veterans” program, Camp Forget-Me-Not for children and teens who have lost a loved one, and monthly grief support groups. Formerly Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Helios has served families in the region for more than 35 years. Officials of the organization say, “Helios Care provides the very best care for patients and families dealing with a serious illness by offering choices, dignity and compassionate care.” Contact Helios Care at 607-432-5525 or visit www.helioscare.org.

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Feel Good Smoothie Bar offers different sorts of fare BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

hen Dan and Kirstie Feely launched Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe in Oneonta’s Clinton Plaza in late November, they hoped to bring a better kind of fast food to Oneonta-area eaters. Though Dan, a 32-year-old former chef, and Kirstie, a 28-yearold Downsville native, were forced to close the restaurant temporarily because of the pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus on May 19, Feel Good reopened for curbside takeout and delivery via Doordash from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Feel Good offers smoothies and smoothie bowls, customizable buddha bowls, acai bowls, salads, wraps and paninis, soups and more, with many menu items vegan or vegetarian and gluten-free. “It’s just been so much slower and (there are) fewer people,” Dan said in late March. “I’ve been talking to other chefs that I’m friends with in New York and other places, and there are a lot of layoff scenarios happening. There’s just not going to be a ton of customers for a little while.” “The business was pretty down from where it usually is … so we closed for a little while,” Kirstie said, also in late March. “Plus, we wanted to do our part to help it stop from spreading.”

CONTRIBUTED

Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe is in the upper level of Oneonta’s Clinton Plaza.

We just tried to stay up on social media and offer healthy food tips … and show people how to eat healthy and do immune-boosting things on a budget.” Dan Feely, co-owner of Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe

Throughout the restaurant’s temporary closure, Kirstie and Dan said, they focused on remaining visible and connected. “We just tried to stay up on social media and offer healthy food tips … and show people how to eat healthy and do immune-boosting things on a budget,” Dan said. Before the pandemic, the Feelys said, they were focused on growth and hope to “bounce back.” “Prior to this, we already … had made a lot of changes and got new equipment in the kitchen to make ourselves bigger,” Kirstie said. “And we were just about to hire people, but we had to tell them that we can’t. “We were really growing pretty quickly,” she said. “Six months from now, we were going to have a full staff and be open more hours. That was the plan. Now the plan is just try to get through the next couple of months. We do have plans to add more seating once we can have dine-in (customers) again. We’ve missed seeing everyone and hope all the small businesses in town get back on their feet fast.” Kirstie, who handles Feel Good’s social media, said establishing and maintaining visibility has proven a hurdle of new business ownership.

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Dan Feely, of Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe in Oneonta, prepares a fruit medley smoothie in the Clinton Plaza restaurant.

“One of the biggest challenges … is having people come in and say, ‘I didn’t know you were here,’” she said. “We’ve been in the paper and done so much on social media, but it’s hard getting the word out and letting people know we’re here.” Though Kirstie said losing the college-aged clientele through spring was “a pretty big hit,” she praised local patrons’ loyalty. “We have built up a really nice customer base,” she said, “and we’ve built up a lot of regulars.” For more information or to see daily specials, find “Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe” on Facebook, follow @feelgoodsmoothie on Instagram or call 3864079. To view the full menu, visit feelgoodsmoothiebarandcafe.com.

ALLISON COLLINS

CONTRIBUTED CONTRIBUTED

Many-colored smoothies sit ready at Feel Good Smoothie Bar and Cafe in Oneonta.

Owners Kirstie and Dan Feely show Oneonta pride with their city-inspired smoothie bowl, pictured in late May.

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Home & Garden

(Home & Garden, Remodeling - Bath & Kitchen)

A&J Windows 4189 NY-28, Milford. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-286-7856

Melinda’s Garden Barn 8442 NY-28, Richfield Springs.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-858-0955

Mt . Vision Garden Center 125 Co. Rd. 46. Mt. Vision.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-431-1100

Munson’s Building Supplies NY-7, Oneonta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-432-8756

Legal Services (Legal Services, Divorce/Family Law)

Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey 48 Dietz St. Suite C, Oneonta .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . personalinjurylawyersoneonta.com | 607-432-9341

Serving the Communities of Central New York State Since 1890

130 June 19, 1890 ~ June 19, 2020

In Print & Online Music, Art & Entertainment

607-432-1000 | 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta | 800-721-1000

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Pampering pets becomes woman’s full-time business BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

ALLISON COLLINS

Lea Moscatello, owner of Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon in Oneonta, works on a canine client in this January photo.

I’m a new business owner to begin with.This is my first time doing anything like this, so managing everything and doing all the things that I’m used to other people doing in different jobs I’ve had has been hard, but interesting.” Lea Moscatello, owner of Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon

ea Moscatello’s business has gone to the dogs. The 28-year-old, previously of Long Island, launched Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon at 82 Water St., Oneonta in November. Before opening the salon, Moscatello attended SUNY Oneonta for psychology, with a focus on animal behavior, and worked as a veterinary technician assistant. She earned her grooming certification online. Though being a business owner before and during the pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus has presented challenges, Moscatello said, Hair of the Dog represents the realization of a lifelong dream. “I’m a new business owner to begin with,” she said. “This is my first time doing anything like this, so managing everything and doing all the things that I’m used to other people doing in different jobs I’ve had has been hard, but interesting.” Moscatello said Hair of the Dog closed on March 21, but reopened in mid-May. “Having to close down was hard financially, and I still had to keep afloat the space without that income,” she said. “(That was) our only real source of income for our family, so we had to make it work and we did. Now, coming back, I’m just super backlogged and trying to get everybody in and I don’t want to disappoint anyone. It’s not the dogs’ fault, or anybody’s fault, that this pandemic happened or that it happened in the summertime, so I just want all the doggies to be comfortable. They’re having to suffer from a lot of this.”

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CONTRIBUTED

A dog sits under a towel after a bath.

CONTRIBUTED

A canine client pauses for a post-grooming photo, taken at Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon in Oneonta.

My clients are just like my best friends. They’v e been so good and so understanding and everyone’s recommendations have meant the world. Being a new business just starting up and then having to shut right down was scary, but it’s all working out. I have clients coming from as far as Latham, Syracuse and Binghamton and, right now, I have people coming from all over, because there aren’t very many places that are even open.” Lea Moscatello, owner of Hair of the Dog Grooming Salon

Early interest, paired with increased inquiries following the closure, Moscatello said, has been affirming. “I figured it would be a while before I could become established and for people to know who I was as a groomer,” she said, “but it took off a lot faster than expected and everyone’s been so amazing. “My clients are just like my best friends,” Moscatello said. “They’ve been so good and so understanding and everyone’s recommendations have meant the world. Being a new business just starting up and then having to shut right down was scary, but it’s all working out. I have clients coming from as far as Latham, Syracuse and Binghamton and, right now, I have people coming from all over, because there aren’t very

many places that are even open.” Moscatello offers bathing, grooming, de-shedding and de-skunking services, as well as all-natural, dog-safe hair-dyeing and manicure services. And, in late May, Moscatello’s salon landline number was transferred to a cell phone, so appointments can be made via text, phone call or Facebook message. “That’s been a big thing for the salon,” she said, “and I can get back to messages faster.” For more information, find “Hair of the Dog” on Facebook or call 607431-1925.

GREENER DAYS AHEAD Great golf happens on great courses. And courses donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get better than the ones on Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. With 11 locations, 26 courses and more than 400 championship holes, the toughest challenge may be deciding which one to play first. Our golf courses and staff are ready to welcome you back to the legendary RTJ Golf Trail. Summer and fall golf packages available. We are open and will be here waiting for you. Visit rtjgolf.com.

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Personal Services & Care

Real Estate, Moving & Storage

(Salons & Spas, Funeral Homes, Driver Training, more...)

(Residential, Commercial, Moving, Storage)

Benson Agency Real Estate 1 Grand St., Oneonta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bensonre.com | 607-432-4391

Restaurants & Caterers (Full Service, Casual Dining, Fast Food, Catering)

Brooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; House of BBQ 5560 NY-7, Oneonta.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . brooksbbq.com | 607-432-1782

Institute For Spiritual Development 41-45 Dietz St.,Oneonta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . isdoneonta.org | 607-433-2089

Tuning In Tuning Up 41-45 Dietz St., Oneonta.. . . . . . . . . . . dianafriedell.com | 607-433-2089

Faithful Friends 1977 NY-23, Morris.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-263-2363

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King’s Kakery is a dream for immigrant BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

ALLISON COLLINS

Allison King, owner of King’s Kakery, stands with daughters Anesh Doyle, left, and Ajare Malcolm in their 254 Main St. bakery, within Wise Guys Scoops. Also pictured is Mike Joubert, owner of Wise Guys Scoops.

I came to America in 1988 as a teenager. In my country, I always liked baking with my mother and when I came to America, I became fascinated with cake decorating, so … I took Wilton cake-decorating classes. I knew how to bake them, but I wanted to know the decorating, and that was in 2009.” Allison King, owner of King’s Kakery

llison King, 47, has been baking since her childhood in Georgetown, Guyana, but launched King’s Kakery in Oneonta last October. King operates the bakery at 254 Main St., from within Wise Guys Scoops. “I came to America in 1988 as a teenager,” she said. “In my country, I always liked baking with my mother and when I came to America, I became fascinated with cake decorating, so … I took Wilton cake-decorating classes. I knew how to bake them, but I wanted to know the decorating, and that was in 2009.” King also attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in the mid-2000s, where she focused on pastry and baking. Though King said the pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus has forced her to modify her business model, she anticipates her business, and menu, growing. “Since opening, it’s been pretty good, up until now,” King said in late March. “The beginning of the year was a bit slow, but it was good enough to keep us open, and now we have to close, because of what’s going on. So, we’re going to try to go online and do deliveries. “We were planning on starting brunch on Sundays,” she said, “so when we reopen, that’s something we have in mind. It will be mostly using (menu items) we have already and trying a few specials, (such as) Latin dishes, different kinds of pancakes, waffles, quiches, bacon, eggs, shrimp and grits and one hot cereal.”

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There’s so much more I want to do, but without an employee, it’s hard. I would like to have an employee where I can ask them to make things, while I can make the bigger cakes that will wow Oneonta, because I have so much up my sleeves that people don’t even know about.” Allison King, owner of King’s Kakery

CONTRIBUTED

King made this custom candy-themed cake for a May birthday party.

Brunch, she said, will likely take place two Sundays a month, with the possibility of offering it weekly. “It depends on the response we get,” King said. King said she hopes to hire regular help, though she named fiscal concerns related to hiring as chief among the challenges of running a new business. “Being a new business is a lot of work and money is a big issue,” King said. “I started this business with just what I had in my pocket — no loans, no grants, just what I had — so (having) money to hire employees is a big issue. What I make goes right back into the business, buying supplies and paying the rent. “So, we need money to hire employees, because it’s just me,” she said. “But it is growing, faster than I thought it would’ve for being a new business, so I do need at least one or two (employees), even if it’s just part-time staff.”

Added help, King said, would allow her the freedom to further flex her culinary muscle. “There’s so much more I want to do, but without an employee, it’s hard,” she said. “I would like to have an employee where I can ask them to make things, while I can make the bigger cakes that will wow Oneonta, because I have so much up my sleeves that people don’t even know about. A lot of people are asking about bread, croissants, Danish, and that’s stuff I can make, but I’m not able to, because I’m alone, so I’m limited now.” King said she welcomes custom orders, including wedding cakes, but is “getting a lot of little orders from offices for little cakes and bridal showers.” King said her mini cannolis and scones, offered in flavors such as lemon-blueberry, cheddar and dill, cranberry-orange, cinnamon-sugar and feta and spinach, have also proven “big sellers.” CONTINUED

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In addition to traditional confections, King said, she plans to incorporate baked goods that highlight her Guyanese upbringing and introduce vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly treats. As she offers delivery services during her brick-and-mortar closure, King said, she plans to focus on Oneonta-area clientele, but is happy to deliver farther afield, depending “on the complexity and amount of the order.” For more information, to view King’s confections or to place an order, find “King’s Kakery Pastry Shop” on Facebook, visit kingskakery.com or follow @kingskakery on Instagram. King said there is a gofundme link in her Instagram bio, through which she hopes to generate funding for “better equipment for the shop.” Also, call 607-386-4551 or email kingskakery@gmail.com.

CONTRIBUTED

Allison King, center, and daughter, Ajare Malcolm, deliver baked goods to an Oneonta Fire Department member in this undated photo.

Restaurants & Caterers

Shopping & Retail

(Full Service, Casual Dining, Fast Food, Catering)

(Appliances, Clothing Apparel, Accessories, more...)

Wise Guys serves sandwiches and more Wise Guys Sammys, at 261 Main St. in Oneonta, offers fresh cooking, house-made bread, handcrafted sandwiches and craft beer. Owners Mike and Sheryl Joubert say, “We are a family-run business, priding ourselves with fresh, quality food and friendly service.” What sets the business apart, they say, is that it is “a true ma and Pop establishment” with the owners working alongside the staff at all times.” Contact the business at 607-267-4347 or visit www. wiseguyssammys.com.

Weaver’s Market 1273 East Side Rd., Morris... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-263-2030

The Quilt Zoo 88 Main St., PO Box 234, Worcester .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thequiltzoo.com | 607-397-9047

Rose Is A Rose 17 Main St., Cherry Valley. .. . . aroseisaroseflorist.net | 607-264-3100

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Momentum

Bring Peace, Love and Yoga to the hills of Roxbury BY ALLISON COLLINS

Contributing Writer

usband-and-wife yogis and Roxbury residents Ed Mullen and Terri Speck planned to launch Peace, Love & Yoga, a yoga and alternative healing center, at 221 Hillcrest Drive in Roxbury earlier this year. Their plans, though, were delayed by the pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“The challenge right now is that, any business plan you put together did not have ‘pandemic’ in the bylines,” Speck said. “So, we haven’t been able to open because the construction got delayed and we could only have one person on the site.” Construction of the 2,400-square-foot facility, which includes 1,200

CONTRIBUTED

Use of interior spaces at Peace, Love and Yoga in Roxbury will likely wait until after the pandemic caused by the spread of the new coronavirus, owner Terri Speck said.

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An indoor yoga instruction space at Peace, Love and Yoga in Roxbury is pictured in late May.

square feet of yoga instruction space and a multi-use rental space, was expected to finish in early June, she said. After canceling their planned April 25 grand opening workshop, Speck, 61, said, she and Mullen began focusing on what to offer in a post-pandemic world, drawing on their medical backgrounds. Speck is a medical physicist boarded in radiation oncology and Mullen, 66, is a physician. “It was very sad, because the team that was coming (to the April open-

CONTRIBUTED

ing) – an artist and rapper yogi – didn’t come. We lost the whole thing,” she said. “But we’re lucky because we’re employed elsewhere … and, because Ed is a physician, he’ll really drill down on safe practices. “We’re in the Southern Tier, which opened on (May) 15, so we got the construction back on and we’re going to rent (the rental space),” she said. “There are a lot of downstaters looking for a place to go to get out, so we’re CONTINUED

OTSEGO | DELAWARE | CHENANGO | SCHOHARIE

optimistic about that. And then Ed is going to do pain management and start his practice here, so that will be a help. He’s going to do medical marijuana for people with PTSD and pain, because the state is pushing in that direction. He’ll be our in-house medical director.” The vinyasa-style yoga instruction at the heart of Peace, Love & Yoga, Speck said, will start slow, ensuring attendees’ safety. “We’re going to focus on using our two outdoor spaces (for classes),” she said. “When it’s OK to bring people indoors to health clubs again … we’ve ordered special filters for our system that help filter out virus. It’s a step in the right direction toward bringing people indoors. We’re both in our 60s, so it’s not a joke to us. We’re going to be very measured and go carefully; the indoor space is beautiful and we want to get indoors, but not until it’s safe.” One of the first classes offered, Speck said, will be donation-based community yoga, offered weekly at 5 p.m. on Sundays. First responders and other “frontline” workers, she said, are invited to attend the class at no charge. The community classes, Speck said, will be right for “beginner, intermediate and expert” yogis. Though the pandemic halted progress, Speck said, it has also highlighted community members’ anticipation. “They say bad news travels fast, but so does good,” she said. “Everybody we’ve bumped into seems excited, which is so nice. We didn’t know how that was going to go … and we’re getting nervous as we get

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We’r e going to focus on using our two outdoor spaces (for classes). When it’s OK to bring people indoors to health clubs again … we’v e ordered special filters for our system that help filter out virus. It’s a step in the right direction toward bringing people indoors. We’r e both in our 60s, so it’s not a joke to us. We’r e going to be very measured and go carefully; the indoor space is beautiful and we want to get indoors, but not until it’s safe.” Terri Speck, co-owner of Peace, Love & Yoga

closer, but there’s a lot of local interest, which is great.” For more information and upcoming class and event schedules, visit playcatskills.com. Also, follow @playcatskills on Instagram.

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Finance & Insurance

Sports & Recreation

(Banks, Financial Advisors, Insurance)

(Golf Courses & Country Clubs, Sports Facilities, Sports Teams)

Cooperstown Financial

The College Golf Course at Delhi

99 Chestnut St., Cooperstown .. . . . . . . . ..................... . . . www.cooperstownfinacial | 607-322-4032

85 Scotch Mountain Rd., Delhi. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-746-4653

Nonprofit Organizations

Transportation

(Family, Community & Civic Organizations)

(Automobile & Truck Rental, Airport Parking)

Airport offers flight services in Sidney area The Village of Sidney Municipal Airport, at 199 River St. in Sidney, offers aviation fuel, tie-downs and hangars for aircraft. Operators say the staff at the airport is friendly, providing courteous service for businesspeople flying into the area. The airport is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, including weekends. Contact the airport at 607-561-2234.

The Franklin Railroad and Community Museum 572 Main St., Franklin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-829-2692

Sports & Recreation (Golf Courses & Country Clubs, Sports Facilities, Sports Teams)

Catskill Seasons brings sporting goods to Margaretville Catskill Seasons LTD offers sporting goods and apparel at its store at 768 Main St. in Margaretville. The business, founded in 2017, says variety is what sets it apart. “Work to play, we’ve got you covered,” the owners say. Contact Catskill Seasons LTD at 845-586-6044 or visit www. catskillseasonsltd.wordpress.com.

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Norwich business brings sweet treats BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

ust when Norwich natives and husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Tracy and Mindy Chawgo started something sweet, the pandemic related to the spread of the novel coronavirus soured their plans. The pair fulfilled a longtime dream with the opening of Minty’s Candies & Treats at 33 South Broad St., Norwich in January. But two months after launching, Mindy Chawgo, 43, said, the shop was shuttered. “Because it’s a small space and everyone touches everything, it wasn’t comfortable for us and our family,” she said, noting that the space is just 12 feet wide. The Chawgos, she said, plan to re-open, likely in mid-June. Though being a new business in a pandemic has been challenging, Chawgo said, it has also created uniquely customer-centric communication. “Being new in a small community definitely has its pros and cons,” she said. “And because we were so new, we hadn’t approached many holidays, so many people didn’t even know what we offered or what we’re capable of bringing to the table. In the first two months, we were bringing in all-new products to see what sells, but then with a crisis like this, you have no clue what will sell. “We would normally dictate that by people coming in our door, and we didn’t have a website (immediately after opening), because we wanted to get our feet wet,” she said. “But after the pandemic hit, we got into high gear. We needed to plug ourselves on social media, do polls and make our website and make it fun. Our store is fun and bubbly and happy, and if you go online and there’s

Mindy Chawgo, co-owner of Minty’s Candies & Treats, is pictured in their Norwich store in this undated photo.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

not that same feel, we’re not going to get any customers. We’re older, so figuring out modern technology was definitely tricky. We’re not tech-savvy, but we still wanted to have Venmo and Paypal, but we didn’t know anything about it. Venmo has been my best friend for the past two months … and thank God for social media.” Working through the pandemic, Chawgo said, has also offered opportunities for growth within the Minty’s business model. “We’ve been doing curbside pickup and a ton of delivery and shipping,” she said, “so we’ve really extended ourselves.” Deliveries, she said, have been from “Bainbridge to Hamilton, to everywhere.” “As much as the pandemic has hurt, it’s opened our eyes to what were capable of,” Chawgo said. “It’s nice to see that we can handle the curbside and delivery and the shipping. Easter was great for us; our doors were closed, but people couldn’t go out to stores and get what they wanted, so people were texting me and we were able to deliver to their front porches and that was super-cool. If you can bend yourself to see what you’re capable of, you can make a terrible situation OK, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We had lots of hits against us in the beginning, but now we’ve figured it out a little bit.” Alongside that adaptability, Chawgo credited community support with keeping Minty’s afloat. “We’ve not applied for any grants; the community has completely rallied around us, buying gift cards and sending thank-you packages … and we didn’t expect the gen-

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We’r e in candy, so there’s nothing but good here. It brings people together, makes them happy, it’s how we celebrate and it’s a comfort food for all of us. We’v e seen people gather together, even when they can’t be together.” Mindy Chawgo, co-owner of Minty’s Candies & Treats

uine thankfulness of everyone and the appreciation of us being here,” she said. “We’ve noticed a huge amount of caring and giving, and that was even before (the pandemic). You see the people who appreciate who they work with or their neighbor or bosses thanking their workers or the teacher thanking the babysitter. “We’re in candy, so there’s nothing but good here,” she said. “It brings people to-

gether, makes them happy, it’s how we celebrate and it’s a comfort food for all of us. We’ve seen people gather together, even when they can’t be together.” A grand opening, Chawgo said, will likely follow Minty’s mid-June reopening. For more information or to place an order, visit mintyscandies.com, find “Minty’s Candies & Treats” on Facebook or call 607-226-2211.

Minty’s Candies & Treats is at 38 South Broad St. in Norwich.

Finance & Insurance

Restaurants & Caterers

(Banks, Financial Advisors, Insurance)

(Full Service, Casual Dining, Fast Food, Catering)

Cooperstown Financial 99 Chestnut St., Cooperstown .. . . . ...................... . . . . . . www.cooperstownfinacial | 607-322-4032

Personal Services & Care (Salons & Spas, Funeral Homes, Driver Training, more...)

Musica Humana Massage 193 Main St., Afton .. . . . .... musicahumanamassage.amtamembers.com | 607-383-0553

Bob’s Diner 26 North Main St., Bainbridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607-967-3111

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Finance & Insurance

Sports & Recreation

(Banks, Financial Advisors, Insurance)

(Golf Courses & Country Clubs, Sports Facilities, Sports Teams)

Cobleskill Outdoor Sports

Cooperstown Financial 99 Chestnut St., Cooperstown .. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cooperstownfinacial | 607-322-4032

116 France Lane, Cobleskil.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518- 234-2400

The Schoharie County Sunshine Fair Postponed To: Tuesday, August 10th - Sunday, August 15th, 2021 2020 SEASON PASS TICKET HOLDERS 2020 Season Tickets will be honored at the 2021 Fair. CONCESSIONAIRES Deposits will be applied to 2021. For further information, please call the Fair office at 518-234-2123 or e-mail info@sunshinefair.org

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| INDEX |

OTSEGO COUNTY

Starting a new business brings challenges and rewards

Restaurants & Caterers

Advertising & Media

Brooks’ House of BBQ

Autos, Motorcycles & Campers

King’s Kakery is a dream for immigrant

Ace Glass Co.

Shopping & Retail

Thetford’s Body Shop & Towing

Weaver’s Market

Construction & Building Services

The Daily Star

20, 21, 22

10, 15, 23

Entertainment 3 Jones Marine

Weaver’s Market brings Amish service to Otsego County 4, 5, 6 Why marketing matters to Otsego County

New business honors owner’s family roots

8, 9

Finance & Insurance

Health & Fitness

Helios Care

Feel Good Smoothie Bar offers different sorts of fare

12, 13

DELAWARE COUNTY Bring Peace, Love and Yoga to the hills of Roxbury

24, 25, 26

Finance & Insurance

Nonprofit Organizations

The Franklin Railroad and Community Museum

Sports & Recreation

Transportation 27

Home & Garden

Melinda’s Garden Barn & Landscaping

Mt. Vision Garden Center and Farm Stand

Norwich business brings sweet treats

Legal Services

Finance & Insurance

Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC

Personal Services & Care

Restaurants & Caterers

Pampering pets becomes woman’s full-time business

16, 17

CHENANGO COUNTY 28, 29

Personal Services & Care

Institute For Spiritual Development

SCHOHARIE COUNTY

Tuning In Tuning Out

Finance & Insurance

Real Estate, Moving & Storage

Sports & Recreation

Momentum A publication of The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 © 2020 - All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

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