2023 Otsego County Yearbook

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

WEEK 1

AllOTSEGO.life

2023

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 5: Bassett Healthcare Net-

work’s Birthing Center in Cooperstown welcomed the first baby of 2023 at 3:15 a.m. on January 2. Ezra Hardy is the son of Calvin and Sarah Hardy of Jordanville.

OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

F

rom bouncing baby boys to dogs with cheesy smiles to horror movie special effects, this pictorial account of 2023 is as diverse as our readership. We hope you enjoy these highlights of Otsego County happenings from the past year, and we look forward to bringing you the area’s news in 2024.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

Photo by Carol Mandigo

Photo by Tara Barnwell

EDITION OF JANUARY 5: Raelyn Sinstack of Oneonta spreads

EDITION OF JANUARY 12: Harry Singh converted the

her lighted wings during the Hill City Celebrations First Night New Year’s Eve party at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.

former Friendly’s restaurant in Oneonta to a convenience store.

The Singh family also owns Apple Food and Grocery and Apple Inn and Suites in Milford, and the Pit Stop in Index.

Souvenir Supplement to HOMETOWN ONEONTA, THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & www.AllOTSEGO.com LARGEST COMBINED NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION and NEWS WEBSITE IN OTSEGO COUNTY

Serving you for over 72 years!

Featuring BUFFET STYLE DINING

Served protein station, nightly carving station, hot and cold buffet stations including a salad bar. Soft Drinks, Iced Tea, Coffee, Hot Tea and more along with a Dessert station.

Online | Gift Shop Catering | Restaurant Curbside Delivery Looking for the perfect banquet hall near Oneonta? Brooks’ Roost Banquet Room, perfect for all special occassions!

Please stay safe and healthy going into 2024!

Happy Holidays! www.brooksbbq.com | 607-432-1782 | 5560 NY Rte 7 | Oneonta

B-2

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

=> " - % % 3 ? -

! " #$ % % & $ ' ( ' ) * + ,$ ( "$- ( . //' % $'' 0$ 1 & / % 2. ( 0' 3 % , ' ) $ / ' # # ( 4

&&

5' # ) ' ' $66 ) 5 ' 2 0 +

7 ! 8" #$ 2 0 $ # 7 9 ! 8 6 ' 6 :)' ; < 2 : ' $ ; 0' ##$ ' #$ ) / ) $'$ # 9 ! 8" #$ 2 0 $ #

7 7 8 " $ ' # 7 9 8 ' - , ( ' ) 9 8 $# # $# , & * @ * 5 $A % # $ % 3 $ % B0 $ % # GOLD: Five Star Subaru, Foundation, Dewar Foundation, O’Connor Foundation, ( $ 4 Anonymous $ % 0 # 3 Anonymous '' C$'' / % & % 0' $ 0( $ ' # % ( $ Cooperstown All-Star Village, LEAF, Cleinman Trust, the Tianaderrah Foundation.

Foundation, C& 2 # / % 0$ ) % # ' # Charitable 3 % $'' 0$ 0 ' $ # 2 " #% SILVER: Benson Agency, City of Oneonta, Gates Helms Hawn, Golub Foundation, Hill City Celebrations Board 4 .4 "$''3 - #% $ / -% 3 B# $ % ( # # 4 2 D& 2 ## ' ( 3 -% Members, R. J. Millworkers, Springbrook, Stewart’s Foundation, Thompson Trust. BRONZE: Bassett Healthcare 0 $ /% 4% 0' - $' $ ) '($% ) Future $ % 4% 2 2 - ) Network, Corning, Inc., Clark Family Foundation of Delhi, for Oneonta Foundation, Inc., NBT Bank % of

.4 " ' # 0( $ ' $ 4 DONATING: 2 -# Oneonta, # ( % ( " Oneonta Osteopathy, the/ < & Tom Morgan & Erna J. McReynolds Charitable Foundation.

0( $ ' $ % . < 2 $ Bank, % @ '' & - $ % # / 0 0( ) 0 % * ?

Brooks Charitable Foundation, Community Joe & Lucy Bernier, Kelley Eckmair, Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Oneonta, Police Benevolent 2 Association, Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream, Scholet Furniture. % 5 '$ 2 A ' ## $ $ % 5 ' 0 % ( ' $ % 0 $ 2 -4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

AllOTSEGO.life B-3

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

Photo by Terry Seamon

EDITION OF JANUARY 19: The 2023 Cooperstown Winter

Carnival Committee included, from left: Keith Gulla, Nancy Angerer, Larissa Ryan, Marcy Birch, Cay Franck and Carina Franck. Committee members not present: Caspar Ewig, Tom Farkas and Claire Kepner. According to organizers, one of the central ideals in the formation of this committee was that no chairperson(s) be appointed, promoting a level ground for members to share ideas and information as well as provide an equal sense of responsibility in the production of the event. The 2023 Winter Carnival was held February 2-5.

WEEK 5

Photo by August Heminway

EDITION OF JANUARY 26: August Heminway, a SUNY Oneonta senior currently pursuing a degree in political

science and criminal justice, introduced an individual photojournalism project documenting the West Oneonta Fire Department. In addition to his extracurricular activities as president of the college’s Taekwondo Club, Heminway serves as president of the Photo Society. The scope of his project, Heminway noted, combined his academic and personal interests to display an aspect of local life he found to be underrepresented. Nate Johnson, Nate Tessitore and Dylan Babcock (above) are among the subjects of Heminway’s WOFD photojournal.

WEEK 6

Photo by Jonathan Maney

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 2: Multiple fire and emergency

squads responded to a fully involved structure fire in Peggs Bay on January 30. The seasonal residence, located at 144 Valenza Lane, is owned by Joseph Duffy. No one was injured in the blaze.

WEEK 7

Photo by Joel J. Plue

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 9: “A Roadhouse Coup,” a movie

about the notorious Eva Coo featuring local dignitaries, was screened at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in a return performance on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26. Pictured above are Ben Guenther, owner of Five Star Subaru and a star of the production, and Lori Kelly-Bailey, writer, producer, director of the production, and owner of Tandem Cage Productions.

Photo provided

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 16: The long-

awaited Freight Wheel Café opened to the public on January 23 at 3097 County Road 11 in the hamlet of Hartwick. The restaurant, owned by Paul and Martha Clarvoe, offers free wi-fi and printer access, with space to eat, work, and socialize. My Neighbor’s Closet, an all-volunteer thrift shop, is located upstairs.

Peter ArmAo

| tom ArmAo

“We thank our past, present and future customers for their support!

We pride ourselves on being Otsego County’s General Motors and Nissan Dealerships providing the best service, quality and everything in-between.

We’d also like to thank our loyal employees

for their commitment and professionalism in helping us maintain the #1 dealerships in our region!”

--Peter & Tom

Country Club motors and nissan 55 & 70 oneida street, oneonta · www.CountryClubautogroup.Com join us on: facebook and twitter

B-4

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 8

WEEK 9

WEEK 11

Photo provided

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 23: On January 24, the community

lost a beloved figure. Zeb, a Percheron at The Farmer’s Museum since 1997, passed away at age 29. He was 83 in human years.

Zeb was born on August 10, 1994. He arrived at The Farmers’ Museum from Vermont as a three-year-old and was immediately put to work on the Lippitt farm. Zeb’s duties included field work—plowing, harrowing, cultivating and discing—and pulling the wagon for horse-drawn wagon rides. Zeb weighed in around 1,500 pounds and was 16.1 hands tall, or 5.3 feet from the highest point of the withers, where the neck meets the back, down to the ground. Zeb was retired from physical labor about nine years ago, since which time it has been his job to meet and greet visitors to the museum grounds. Zeb departed for that big pasture in the sky on January 24. He will be much missed.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Photo provided

EDITION OF MARCH 16: “Spray paint for

me is just a medium. It’s fast and you can get a nice airbrushed look when blending,” said artist EDITION OF MARCH 2: Scott Rolen visited the National James McIlroy of his mural work throughout Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Tuesday, February 28 the City of Oneonta. for his orientation tour. Rolen was inducted into the 2023 Hall of Fame class during Induction Weekend, July 21-24. He is a seventime All-Star who won eight Gold Glove Awards for fielding at third base during a 17-season career in the major leagues. This is Rolen’s sixth year on the ballot. From left: Niki Rolen (Scott’s wife), Finn Rolen (son), Raine Rolen (daughter) and Scott Rolen.

They are sitting on a bench in the museum in front of a photo of the 1939 Hall of Fame Induction Class.

Photo by Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

WEEK 14

WEEK 10

WEEK 12

Photo provided

EDITION OF MARCH 9: Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh didn’t know the Photo by Cindy Korb

EDITION OF MARCH 23: The local chapter of the Philanthropic

Educational Organization has been a strong force behind the mission of women helping women achieve academic success in Otsego County since 1963. Above, the Otsego County PEO is gathered at the New York State Convention in Binghamton: “Time of Remembrance.” The photo was snapped by Cindy Korb, president of the Oneonta-based PEO chapter.

Village of Cooperstown was to receive $4.5 million until Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez announced the award right in front of her during a press conference on Thursday, March 2 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where it was revealed that the Village of Cooperstown will receive $4.5 million, and the villages of Sharon Springs and Dolgeville will each receive $2.25 million in funding, as the Mohawk Valley winners of the first round of NY Forward. Above, Tillapaugh proudly displays the village’s giant check, joined by, from left, Assemblymember Chris Tague, Village of Sharon Springs Mayor Douglas Plummer and Senator Peter Oberacker.

EDITION

Photo provided

OF APRIL

Savings that Keep Sparkling!

Share Certificates

5.40

% APY*

$100,000 MIN. BAL.

5.15

% APY*

6:

Delilah Ozark of Unadilla was featured on the front page of the April 6 issue. Delilah’s mom, Sage, says her smile lights up a room, and we agree! Delilah has lived in New York State for two years and loves the snow, Sage says of her canine companion.

Pick Your Term 9-Months

12-Months 15-Months

$500 MIN. BAL.

Visit us at 7545 Morgan Rd, Liverpool & Coming Soon to Cicero Open Yours Today • 877.642.7328 • sfcuonline.org APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY and terms accurate as of 11/24/23. Rates are subject to change without notice. A penalty will be imposed if a withdrawal is made prior to the maturity date. Fees may reduce earnings on account. Membership eligibility required.

INSURED BY NCUA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK WEEK 15

WEEK 13

AllOTSEGO.life B-5

WEEK 16

Photo provided

Photo by Joseph C. Stillman

Photo by Wriley Nelson

graduate Taylor Colone-Microni, playing for the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs, earned Most Valuable Player distinction as Morrisville defeated Penn State Harrisburg to win the United East Championship on February 25. Taylor is the daughter of Frank and Jeanine Microni.

an award-winning documentary about finding common ground among Americans, premiered on April 21 and 22 at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.

Above, filmmakers Joseph C. Stillman (left), and Jeri Wachter (right), are shown with Betsy Scanlin, owner of The Roman Theatre, Red Lodge, Montana in 2021.

WEEK 17

WEEK 18

he will be serving Nepalese and Indian food at his new restaurant, Norbu, when it opens in the former World Bistro space on Main Street in Cooperstown. Gurung said he hopes Norbu will also be a place where people can learn about Himalayan culture, art and religion.

Editor’s Note: Norbu is now open and has been well received by the community.

EDITION OF MARCH 30: Oneonta High School 2020 EDITION OF APRIL 13: “Something in the Water,” EDITION OF APRIL 20: Nawang Gurung announced

EDITION OF MAY 4: The conceptual rendering

at left shows possibilities for the new Children’s Discovery Zone as Phase 2 of the Huntington Memorial Library’s Huntington Park Project got underway with a survey inviting public input.

As a result of two prior surveys, the areas that will be improved in “the new Huntington Park” are the library entry and gardens, the Crossroads Art Plaza and the Children’s Discovery Zone.

(Graphic courtesy of Huntington Memorial Library)

WEEK 19

Photo Heather Henderson

EDITION OF APRIL 27: Scotch on the Rocks, shown here

with proud owner Paula Kolka-Wart, was an unhandled stud colt purchased at auction for just $40.00 in 2013.

Scotch recently competed at Oriskany Creek Farm in Clinton, bringing home the championship in the Green division. This is Scotch’s first show of the year and his third show ever. “I’m looking forward to what this auction pony can accomplish,” Kolka-Wart said.

EDITION OF MAY 11: The Secretary

of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, speaks during the Commissioning Ceremony of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) in New York City. The week-long festivities opened up after the arrival of the vessel in New York on May 1, when the crew was hosted at a New York Yankees game against the Cleveland Guardians.

Among those representing the Village of Cooperstown were Jane Forbes Clark, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Deputy Mayor Cynthia Falk, and trustees Richard Sternberg and Joseph Membrino.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kevin C. Leitner)

Serving you locally for over years

33

Ben Novellano, Owner

We’re here when you really need us— Real people who truly care about you and our community The Bieritz Agency team, here, in your neighborhood, for you today, tomorrow and the future…

Celebrating our

33 year!

1990-2023 rd

The BieriTz insurance agency 209 Main Street, Cooperstown (across from Bruce Hall) · 607-547-2951 Morris Insurance · Morris · 607-263-5170

Call for a FREE quote!

We represent over 20 companies We are YOUR Independent Insurance Agency For quotes or inquiries online check out: www.bieritzinsurance.com

B-6

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 20

WEEK 21

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

WEEK 22

Photos provided

EDITION OF MAY 18: Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, presi-

dent and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network, announced the appointment of Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and Jeffrey Morgan, MBA, CPA, FACHE, FHFMA, as senior vice president, chief financial officer of Bassett Healthcare Network. Morgan began his tenure on May 8. Thompson’s position was effective May 22.

Photo by Joseph Membrino

EDITION OF MAY 25: The Commissioning

Ceremony of the USS Cooperstown in New York City on Saturday, May 6 brought together many people, including Bill Waller, husband to former Cooperstown Mayor Carol Waller. Waller is pictured above during an interview that later aired on NBC.

WEEK 23

Photo by Joel J. Plue

EDITION OF JUNE 1: Oneonta Police Officer Officer Sara Lottridge

seen marching alongside a riderless horse during the Oneonta Memorial Day parade, in honor of Christopher Robert Eramo. Eramo, who was from Oneonta, died on April 27 of this year when two U.S. Army helicopters collided in Alaska, killing him and two other soldiers. Eramo had served his country honorably for more than 18 years and was honored with a six-rifle salute on Memorial Day. He was 39.

WEEK 24

Photo by Lexi Tucker

EDITION OF JUNE 8: Angelica Palmer, who grew up in Cherry

Valley, received $10,000.00 from the New York State Council on the Arts to expand her work on the Cherry Valley Water Project. The aim of the project was to foster a closer relationship between artists, community members and Cherry Valley waterways.

WEEK 26

WEEK 25

Photo by Todd Kenyon

EDITION OF JUNE 15: Seventeen years

ago, master carver Gerry Holzman donated the Empire State Carousel to The Farmers’ Museum and on June 3, he returned to celebrate his 90th birthday—surrounded by family, friends, as well as his masterpiece. Above, Holzman is shown with museum President and Chief Executive Officer Paul D’Ambrosio while his wife, Arlene, looks on. Editor’s note: Holzman passed away on December 8.

WEEK 27

Photo by Tara Barnwell

EDITION OF JUNE 22: The Fenimore Chamber

Orchestra delighted audience members with selections from Wirén, Respighi and Tchaikovsky in its final concert of the 2022-2023 season, titled “Souvenir De Florence.” Christ Church was the venue for the performance, described as “a summer journey to Europe in vivid musical pictures.”

FCO Artistic Director and Conductor Maciej Żółtowski is headed to Hungary for his next assignment, but will return for the 2023-2024 season.

WEEK 28

Photo by Joel J. Plue

EDITION OF JUNE 29: Liquor Depot employees Maria Favaron,

Cecelia Countryman and Evan Isgar (with “Hooch,” the store mascot) join retired Army Sergeant Major Vince Makela as he introduces his Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey.

WEEK 29

Photo provided

EDITION OF JULY 6: Susquehanna Society

for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals staff member Noah Mickels cradles a pug during a rescue in New Berlin. More than 35 dogs were assessed, treated and rehomed.

EDITION OF JULY 20: RJ Young (left, fore-

ground) has been hard at work on special effects for the upcoming horror film “Flapjax,” with help from Deana Maria, Jackie Midles, Lorian Gish and Brooks Houser. Young is a graduate of Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School and the owner of Mountain Side Contracting.

He is the son of Ron and Doreen Young of East Springfield. (Photo provided)

Photo by Chip Northrup

EDITION OF JULY 13: Cooperstown resident Chip

Northrup enjoyed one of the best seats in the house for the July 4th fireworks over Glimmerglass State Park.

Committed to Excellence for over 35 years WE ARE IT, THE ORIGINAL SINCE 1988 With over 35 years in business and going strong, we truly appreciate all of our customers, from those that we visit in their homes all the way to the largest businesses with the most complex systems... we appreciate each and every one of you.

Managed Service Provider • Security Compliance Specialists • Network Management Tech Support

Let’s see what the future holds for us...together!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

AllOTSEGO.life B-7

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 30

WEEK 31

Photo provided

EDITION OF JULY 27: Madisyn Reyome of Cherry

WEEK 32

Photo provided by Michael Jester

EDITION OF AUGUST 3: The 2023 Oneonta Green Wave finished

Valley has been having her photo taken with baseball great Ozzie Smith since 2010. This year was no different, as Reyome and Smith smile for the camera during the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Induction

their regular season 10-10-1 overall and 7-3-1 in American Legion District 6 league play, earning the number one seed in the District 6 tournament. “We had a great season and a young team,” said Green Wave Head Coach Michael Jester.

WEEK 33

WEEK 34

Photo by Cooper Hodgdon

EDITION OF AUGUST 10: Former NFL

quarterback Peyton Manning made an appearance at Cooper’s Barn on Route 28 just south of the Village of Cooperstown in the days prior to Induction Weekend not once, but twice. Finn Holohan, Cooperstown Central School Class of 2022, met Manning while he was dining on barbecue and ice cream.

WEEK 35

Photo by williamjaymiller

EDITION OF AUGUST 17: Many thanks to Bill Miller

Photo provided

for this bucolic view of the fields on Route 28 just south of EDITION OF AUGUST 24: Edyn Aiyemo holds a signed copy of the Village of Cooperstown. It’s vistas like this that remind her book, “The Tale of the World with Four Colors,” while celebrating us why we live in Otsego County. with her mother, her brother Ethan, to whom the book is dedicated, and Ron and Pam Zerbe. Edyn is a student at Oneonta Middle School.

WEEK 36

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 7: Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek presented

members of the Oneonta Federated Garden Club with the Spirit of the City Award at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, August 15 (left). The club was organized 90 years ago and provides scholarships in addition to its work to beautify the city. Drnek cited the club’s community engagement, including an annual wreath-making workshop, plant sales and horticultural education programs. From left are: Laurie Trelease, Wendy Miller-Willis, Mayor Drnek, Kathy Grygiel, Sophie Richardson and Susan Lettis. (Photo provided)

Photo provided

EDITION OF AUGUST 31: Musicians of

Ma’alwyck returned to Hyde Hall on September 10 for a presentation highlighting the history of the Zoellner String Quartet.

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FOR A LIFETIME.

B-8

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 37

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

WEEK 38

Photo provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 14: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield awarded Edmeston’s Pathfinder Village a $1,500.00 Health and Wellness Award to support Pathfinder Produce Kitchen To Go Presentations. Layla Hazlett, director and clinical coordinator of adult

services at Pathfinder; Todd Wratten, Pathfinder Produce Team member; Shayna Keller, Excellus Community Investments and Partnerships manager; and Monica Photo by Wriley Nelson Clark, Pathfinder’s manager of fund development and people engagement, were on EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 21: The Savannah Bananas, a barnstorming team that plays by its own hand for the check presentation. rules and has been called baseball’s answer to the Harlem Globetrotters, played their traveling rivals, the

WEEK 39

Party Animals, at Doubleday Field on September 16. Above, Alex Payne, a 13-year-old from Boston, meets Bananas player Danny Hosley during a “VIB” event before the game.

WEEK 40

Rendering provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 28: Following two lawsuits and 90 minutes of oral argument in Madison County Supreme Court in April, Templeton Foundation has resubmitted plans for its proposed multi-residential project on Averill Road and is once again seeking the issuance of a Special Use Permit by the Cooperstown Board of Trustees. Trustees met Monday night, September 25 to, among other actions, review materials submitted for the Averill Road project. Templeton Foundation attorney Matt Hamlin was accompanied by project team members, who gave a presentation to the board which included review of the project site plan, an overview of the housing units, and the result of work to date with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Gas and Electric and other entities.

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO “THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL” INCLUDE UNLIMITED ACCESS TO ALLOTSEGO.COM. Visit allotsego.com/subscribe/

Photo by Kristen Leonard

EDITION OF OCTOBER 5: You’ve heard the saying, “Many hands make light work.” Last Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Growing Community Harvest Potluck Supper was made possible by many hands, including (but by no means limited to), clockwise from left: Kristen Leonard, Kristen Griger, Rebecca Weil, Anna Meyerhoff, Ellen Pope, Maureen Murray, Karen Katz and MJ Harris (in the middle). This year’s supper was well attended and plans are already underway for 2024.

Where the Community Comes Together!

The YMCA connects the community in so many ways. Join us for programs all throughout the year!

The YMCA—Where discoveries are turned into memories!

Check out our programs at

www.Oneontaymca.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

Our Mission

AllOTSEGO.life B-9

LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions is dedicated to helping create a community where children and adults can live in healthy environments that are free from the effects of alcoholism and other addictive diseases. We accomplish this through provision or support of education, prevention, referral, treatment, collaboration, and advocacy.

leafinc.org 607-432-0090

B-10

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 41

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

WEEK 42

Photo by Emily Ackerman

EDITION OF OCTOBER 19: Lifelong Cooperstown resident, teacher and coach David Peplinski was welcomed into honored company at The Otesaga on Thursday, October 12. The long-serving and beloved modified boys soccer coach, golf coach and sixth-grade teacher received the Clark Sports Center’s Patrick C. Fetterman Award for outstanding dedication to local youth athletics. David Peplinski, this year’s winner of the Fetterman Award, is joined by (front row) Jane Forbes Clark and previous winners Brenda Jaeger (2012), Val Paige (2022), Ted Kantorowski (1995), Frank Miosek (2003), John Lambert (2018), Jack Vineyard (1994), Brenda Wedderspoon-Gray (2009) and Pat Hazzard (2001). In the Photo provided back row are Terry Bliss (2005), Don Howard (1998/1999), Harold “Bud” Lippitt (2017), Stephen “Sharky” Nagelschmidt EDITION OF OCTOBER 12: It took just over 24 hours to completely (2002), Ted Spencer (2004), Mark Rathbun (2014), and Ed Hazzard (2001). raze Bocca Osteria on State Route 28 this week. “We realized we needed to demolish and renovate the current building. We didn’t realize we needed to take it all the way down, but it was the right decision,” said Joe Vezza, owner. The building will look different on the inside and outside, Vezza said. “I don’t want to take the charm and warm cozy feel we had away, but I want to brighten it up.

One of the big changes will be the outdoor seating with a covered timber frame patio. It will be great,” he said. Look for the reopening in the spring of 2024.

WEEK 45

WEEK 44

WEEK 43

Photo by Tara Barnwell

Rendering of the Bank Lofts, Richfield Springs, New York © River Architects, PLLC

EDITION OF OCTOBER 26: Energy efficiency and carbon neutrality are hallmarks of the Bank Lofts project currently underway at 118 Main Street in Richfield Springs.

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 2: Kelsey Grammer, best known for his character roles in the television series “Cheers” and “Frasier,” was guest bartender at Upstate Bar and Grill on Friday, October 27. “Mr. Grammer was here promoting his beer line, Faith American Brewing Company. He graciously greeted over 200 people at Upstate. It was great having him here,” said Joe Vezza, owner of the establishment. A revival of the “Frasier” series premiered on October 12 on Paramount+.

New shows will air weekly. Above, Grammer and Sydney Vezza enjoy a nice conversation as they belly up to the bar.

Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 9: The Gatehouse Café and Mercantile at 129 Main Street, Morris, is owned by Chris Riffle (left) and Timothy Atticus. They are aiming to combine something of New York City’s artistic and cultural vibe and Seattle’s well-known coffee culture with local products and talent. The Gatehouse opened on September 21, with a formal grand opening on November 11.

We are proud to be such a big part of our community.

We live and work with some of the most incredible people in our region, those that give of themselves to our community unconditionally.

Here’s to a great 2024!

Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land 99 Main Street, Oneonta 607.441.7312 www.oneontarealty.com Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker | Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner

166 Main Street, Suite 1, Oneonta 607.433.2873 | oneontarealty.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

AllOTSEGO.life B-11

B-12

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 46

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

WEEK 47

Photo by Anthony Chamberas

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 16: Bridget Chamberas, a special education professional and daughter of long-serving former Otesaga Hotel General Manager Frank Maloney and wife Elizabeth, published a children’s book inspired by her childhood experiences on Tuesday, September 5. “Bridget Finds a Home,” illustrated by Ethan Roffler, tells the story of a major upheaval in Chamberas’ childhood. Above, Chamberas, center, is joined by Meadow Spencer, Allison Nagelschmidt, Eleanor Spencer and Madison Nagelschmidt at a recent literacy program author talk.

WEEK 48

Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 23: Morris area residents gather at the Morris firehouse on November 20 to discuss actions to be taken regarding the closing of the Morris branch of Community Bank NA, scheduled for January 19, 2024.

WEEK 49

Photo by Monica Calzolari

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 30: Jeff Katz, Community Foundation of Otsego County executive director, presents the team from Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School with a trophy and $5,000.00 to fund their hygiene poverty initiative, part of the CFOC “Student Voices, Student Choices” challenge to local schools. Student, from left, are Lexi Dygert, Liam Rockwell, Carly Spaulding and Charlise Canary. A total of $16,000.00 was awarded to seven schools.

WEEK 50

Photo by Tara Barnwell

EDITION OF DECEMBER 7: Iron String Press received its first Angel Tree Program delivery on Monday, December 4 as a generous donor dropped off gifts for a 4-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy. The annual collection is in conjunction with The Salvation Army.

Photo provided

EDITION OF DECEMBER 14: The Town of New Lisbon’s new garage is 9,800 square feet and has five bays, with areas for parking and servicing the town’s trucks and equipment, work space, and an office area. Construction was made possible with $2.7 million in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, with additional funds provided by the town and

by Otsego County. “The town has needed a new garage for a long time,” said Town Highway Superintendent Don Smith.

WEEK 52

WEEK 51

EDITION OF DECEMBER 28: The Village of Cooperstown enjoyed national coverage on Friday, December 22 as WKTV’s Kristen Copeland was on hand to wrap up the “TODAY Show” 2023 “Merriest Main Street” tour right here in Otsego County. Folks from throughout the region joined Cooperstownians as they celebrated their selection by the “TODAY Show” and displayed their holiday spirit. At left, 4-yearold Hank Beaney watches the live broadcast from his home in Florida.

(Photo by Beth Accardi)

Photo by Wriley Nelson

EDITION OF DECEMBER 21: The Cooperstown Fire Department hosted its annual Children’s Holiday Party in Pioneer Park on Saturday, December 16. The day was sunny and warm, and Main Street was packed with visitors and holiday shoppers. Dozens of local families congregated in the park to meet Santa and a variety of Paw Patrol and other public-safety related children’s characters, for games and activities, and to enjoy socializing on a beautiful winter day. The party is a longstanding tradition and a major yearly event for the fire department.

Much Happiness & Prosperity In The New Year!

From Your Friends At Iron String Press Inc. The Freeman’s Journal, Hometown Oneonta & AllOtsego.com 29 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-6103

Happy Holidays!

About Us...

We’re your full service brokerage. For more than 20 years, we have been bringing both buyers and sellers together. John Mitchell Real Estate not only lists homes for sale in the Cooperstown area, but also multi-family homes, rentals, commercial lots and land throughout the entire region. Our sales staff has lived the better part of their lives around the Cooperstown area, in Upstate New York. Whether you are looking for a cottage on the lake, a farm in the hills, or that perfect piece of land to build your dream home, we have the knowledge and expertise to find the property that is right for you.

We can help you browse and find properties that are listed anywhere in the region, our goal being to provide you with all the information you need to find exactly what you are looking for. Our listings include rentals, commercial lots, land, and residential homes throughout Upstate New York. From Cooperstown to Oneonta, to Sidney, to Norwich, and all of the surrounding regions, let John Mitchell Real Estate help you find the perfect property. Feel free to browse all of our listings at www.johnmitchellre.com 216 MAin StREEt, CoopERStown, nY 13326 tel: 607-547-8551 / Fax: 607-547-1029

Hughson& Benson Associates Insurance www.hughsonbenson.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

AllOTSEGO.life B-13

B-14

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023