Hometown Oneonta 09-09-21

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Political candidate, Van De Water, dies unexpectedly at 41 Kyle Van De Water, the Army veteran and Millbrook lawyer who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Antonio Delgado in the 2020 election, died Tuesday, Sept. 7. Van De Water, a Republican, announced last week he would not challenge Delgado again. He lost by about 40,000 votes, or 11.5%, in New York’s 19th Congressional district. Delgado expressed his condolences Tuesday in a statement. He said he knew Van De Water had a deep love for his country and his family. Van De Water earned a Bronze Star for his courage in service, and spent eight years in Afghanistan. He had achieved the rank of major and continued to serve in the Army Reserves JAG Corps. Although no cause of death was listed, Delgado and several other politicians who paid their respects mentioned veteran services. “Kyle’s death is tragically felt not only on an individual level, but also nationally, as far too many veterans across our country are going without the support and care that their service to our great land undoubtedly necessitates,” Delgado said.

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By GREG KLEIN The fans came, the rain held off and the twice-postponed 2020 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Induction finally took place Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Clark Sports Center. New York Yankee fans dominated the day, in Cooperstown to see shortstop Derek Jeter, the former team captain. “We’re here for Derek Jeter,” said Noel Stazko of East Meadow, Long Island. “How could you not be here for this?” Joining Jeter in the class of 2020, and on the 2021 stage were outfield Larry Walker and catcher Ted Simmons. Former MLBPA Executive Director Marvin Miller was inducted posthumously, with his successor in the union, Don Fehr, giving a speech in his honor. An estimated 20,000 fans waited through about 90 minutes of the ceremony to hear the Yankee hero, and he did not disappoint them. The event drew legends from other sports, as basketball stars Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing were in the Greg Klein/The Freeman’s Journal crowd. See A7, A8 for more Derek Jeter jokes about the baseball writer who did not vote for his Hall of Fame Induction as Induction coverage. teammate Mariano Rivera looks on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at the Clark Sports Center.

Merchants thankful for something but Wednesday event lags normal day

►HonoR RUNS: Fly Creek Fire Department hosts run/walk to honor 9/11 first responders. Page A3. ►Fire FUNDS: Federal money will help departments in Milford, Richfield. Page A3. ►Man Down: Hawkeye boys win opener despite finishing with 10 players on pitch. Page A7. ►Harvest MONTH: The Farmers’ Museum replaces 2021 Harvest Festival with month-long autumn celebration. Page A2. ►DOUBLEDAY TRIBUTES: Cooperstown celebrates anniversary, memorializes field superintendent. Page A10.

COOPERSTOWN — As the crowd shifted from Main Street to Middlefield for the 2020/2021 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Induction, local merchants said business was solid, but not as good as a typical Induction Weekend.

►Sports UPDATES: With high school sports starting, get the latest scores online. ►Roasted BISON: A fire at the Rusty Bison restaurant is the cause of a 4 a.m. alarm Saturday, Sept. 4. ►COVID UPDATES: Otsego County continues to rise in coronavirus cases.

ONEONTA

Yankee fans pack Cooperstown for Induction of Jeter and company

By KEVIN LIMITI

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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, September 9, 2021

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Laura Tolbert from All About the Girls said that she was hoping for better. “It feels like what our normal day should have been like,” Tolbert said. “We’re not getting business like it’s an Induction.” Tolbert said this year felt different because there was no parade and the Induction was in the middle of

the week in September, as opposed to a weekend in July. She said since Cooperstown relies on the summer tourism season to make money, it’s disappointing it wasn’t as good as previous inductions. “Maybe some people couldn’t take off,” Tolbert said. “This is our last hurrah and it doesn’t feel like an Induction.”

The Baseball Hall of Fame Induction was moved from July to September because of the coronavirus pandemic. The choice to make the induction on a Wednesday in September confounded some business owners but quite a few were happy that they were even getting an induction at all. See BUSINESS, Page A2

Otsego hires county administrator, approves EMS positions By KEVIN LIMITI Joshua Beams, a 2005 SUNY Oneonta graduate, was appointed as Otsego County administrator, effective Oct. 4, at a special meeting of the county’s Board of Representatives Tuesday, Sept. 7. The position was originally approved in December 2019, but the hiring was delayed a year because of a 2020 hiring freeze at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The position was discussed in county government circles for decades, as Otsego County is governed by a group of 14 legislators and has no executive branch of government. The county’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee studied governmental forms and executive roles for a year before

approving the change in 2019. The position they settled on is an administrative one that answers to the legislature, but will serve as the county’s chief operating officer and chief budget officer. Several departments, such as the newly created county business officer, will be realigned to report to Beams. According to his LinkedIn page, Beams graduated from Syracuse’s Maxwell School with a master’s in public finance. He served in the Army for two years and has been an Empire State fellow since 2014. “I have followed several great leaders in my life, and the common thread that connected all of them is their ability to be innovative,” Beams wrote on LinkedIn. “They took a problem by the horns and with ingenuity and creativity came up

with a solution that the rest of the team, no matter if it were five or five-thousand, could rally around.” The Otsego County board also approved hiring 20 people to staff the county’s new emergency ambulance service in the county. Some board members were displeased by how little written information was being given to set a plan in motion. Another concern was Oneonta taxpayers might pay more in taxes for a service they won’t need or use as much as rural residents. Public Safety and Legal Affairs Chair Daniel Wilber, R-Burlington, Edmeston, Exeter, Plainfield, said he would like to give a more detailed plan but that the situation was “kind of blowing up in our face.” Wilber referenced the death of a

young boy in Worcester last week and said EMS services have been slow in the county for some time. “We had a situation last week where a seven-year-old boy needed CPR,” Wilber said. “His mother did CPR on him for 27 minutes before help arrived. … The writing is on the wall for that, for the seven-year -old.” Board Chair Dave Bliss, R-Cherry Valley, Middlefield, Roseboom, said the problem with volunteer workers aging out is not unique to Otsego. “Other counties are all facing the same thing,” Bliss said, who mentioned that the problem had been “really exacerbated in the last year and a half” because of COVID. Rep. Michele Farwell, DButternuts, Morris, Pittsfield, said See OTSEGO, Page A2

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Harvest Festival changes format to month-long ‘Celebration of Autumn’

The

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STAFF REPORT

The Farmers’ Museum announced Tuesday, Sept. 7, it will change its traditional Harvest Festival weekend into a monthlong event in order to reduce crowd sizes in light of the rise of variants of the coronavirus. The Farmers’ Museum’s “Celebration of Autumn,” will take the place of Harvest Festival this fall, with Harvest Festival returning in 2022. Celebration of Autumn incorporates many of the cherished elements of Harvest Festival and spreads it out over four-weeks, Sept. 18 to Oct. 11. Each day, visitors will find activities relating to the fall season with other lively happenings planned for each weekend. “Our goal is to minimize crowds by offering a Harvest Festival-type experience every day of the week–increasing safety for visitors and staff,” said Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, The Farmers’ Museum President and CEO. “Families can visit any day of the week and find similar activities without the crowds. It worked well last season and enhanced the museum experience for everyone who visited. We look forward to the return of our much loved and traditional Harvest Festival in 2022.” Visit FarmersMuseum.org for a complete schedule and details.

Merchants: Induction Wednesday was good, but it was no Sunday in July BUSINESS/from Page A1 Emily Pernat, who had a table of merchandise outside for Willis Monie Books, said there was a noticeable difference in attendance on Main Street compared to previous inductions. “I remember in 2019, you could barely walk down the street,” Pernat said, but she said she was still happy with the sales being made. “We didn’t bring out as much (merchandise) but we’re still selling what we have.” Frank Albertine of Seventh Inning Stretch had a positive view on how well the business did, and said it was “better than we expected.” Albertine said that he was happy Derek Jeter was finally able to get his day. Sal’s Pizza owner Mark Deso had a similar take. “The morning was busy,” Deso said. “Not anywhere near what we expect from a July Induction, but I was pleasantly surprised.” Deso said he thinks they would have done better had the induction occurred in July as opposed to September. “It would’ve brought more people in July. Families can take more time off in the summer,” Deso said. However, overall he said he was appreciative of the business he received and excited to share the day with baseball enthusiasts who frequent his pizzeria. “We’re happy to see Jeter fans and Yankee fans,” Deso said. Hotels in the area reported sellouts Monday and Tuesday and the village streets were filled with cars Wednesday. The crowd stayed on Main Street until early afternoon and filled about half the field at the Clark Sports Center. A rain plan to hold the event at nearby Glimmerglass Festival was unneeded as the rain waited until the end of the ceremony to fall.

Reponse times for rural EMS service grow nationwide; officials worry about costs, planning OTSEGO/from Page A1 the reality is the county is slowly replacing volunteer services with paid services and it will cost taxpayers money. However, the five representatives from the city and town of Oneonta were concerned their constituents would be paying more than their fair share. “We’re still sitting here talking in hypotheticals about it and ways that we can pay for it and ways we can figure this out,” Rep. Clark Oliver, D-Oneonta, said. “That is not okay. And I understand it’s the way it is and the way we’ve done things, and we’re trying to do better in that regard by bringing on a county administrator, and I really, really hope that we never have to do this again.” Oliver said he was “on the fence” about this about “bringing on 20 people when we don’t know if we’ll be able to pay to keep them in a couple years. That’s daunting.” Still, the urgency of the moment won over all of the representatives. “A few weeks ago, they waited 66 minutes for an ambulance in Otego,” Rick Brockway, R-Laurens, Otego. “It’s ridiculous. We need something now in these rural areas.”

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HEAVY MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (full-time)

The Village of Cooperstown has an opening for the position of

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator.

Requirements include the possession of a valid New York State CDL Class A or B license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment and experience in the operation of heavy equipment. This is a full time position with a starting salary of $18.477 per hour and benefits that include paid leave time, health insurance and NYS Retirement System. Applicants must be a resident of Otsego County. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

For further information regarding the positions and to obtain an application, please contact the Village Clerk’s office at 607-547-2411 or send your resume and cover letter to: Jenna L. Utter, Village Clerk, Village of Cooperstown EOE PO Box 346, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

LABORER (FT) Village of Cooperstown Streets Department The Village of Cooperstown has an opening for the position of Laborer with the Village of Cooperstown Streets Department. This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $15 per hour and attractive benefits. Applicants must be a resident of Otsego County. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For further information regarding the position and to obtain an application, please contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 607-547-2411 or send your resume and cover letter to: Jenna L. Utter, Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown PO Box 346 • Cooperstown, NY 13326

The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum seek the following position:

Farmers’ Museum Maintenance and Ag Services Support Looking for a unique gem of a workplace with a warm family atmosphere and lifelong on the job learning opportunities? The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown is seeking an all-around support worker to perform a wide variety of outdoor duties which may include but are not limited to painting, repairs, field and crop management, farm chores, event set up and break down, cleaning and light carpentry work. The successful candidate will have a diverse and demonstrated manual skill set, a friendly, helpful and personable demeanor and a positive team attitude that will support and enhance the operation of The Farmers’ Museum. Experience with livestock and other farm animals is a plus. Museum employees are expected to interact with visitors in a helpful and friendly manner, and be cognizant of each season’s program and event offerings. To apply, contact Mary Myers at 607-547-1462 or download an application from our website and email to hr@fenimoreart.org. To apply visit fenimoreartmuseum.org for an application, or contact Human Resources at

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Otsego asks for emergency certification for EMS plan By GREG KLEIN The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday, Sept. 1, to ask the state to confirm its EMS emergency. The board asked the state to approve a declaration of need for emergency medical services under state Public Health Law Article 30 section 3008(7a). Once the state approves the declaration, staffing will take 30 to 45 days, Public Safety

Dave Weaver

and Legal Affairs Chair Dan Wilber, R-Burlington, Edmeston, Exeter, Plainfield, told the representatives. In July, the board approved the purchase of two ambulances at a cost of about $434,000 with money from the federal COVID plan. Wilber said the county would employ 18 to 20 EMS workers who would supplement local EMS countywide as needed. The new hires will report to the E-911 department, he said.

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From left, Frank Wilsey, Corlissa Card and Megan Rodriguez lead the runners Saturday, Sept. 4, at the start of the 5K at the Fly Creek Fire Department.

Fly Creek hosts races Saturday in honor of 9/11 first responders By KEVIN LIMITI FLY CREEK — With American flags flying all around, runners took off from the Fly Creek Fire Department for the annual run in honor of the 9/11 first responders on Saturday, Sept. 4. There were about 100 onlookers in Fly Creek, including State Sen. Peter Oberacker, R-Maryland, who greeted the runners and their families prior to the start of the race. Also on hand was Assemblyman John Salka, R-Brookfield, who said it

was an honor to be there in support of 9/11 first responders. “It’s an honor to dedicate this day to the heroes not only from Fly Creek but to all first responders,” Salka said. “They need to be remembered.” The 10K, which took place earlier in the day, honored the first responders who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center. A portion of the proceeds from registration for the run went to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves first

responders and veterans through programs such as the Gold Star Family Home Program, which provides mortgage-free housing to surviving spouses who have young children. The 9/11 20th anniversary is one week after the run, which made this year’s event special to many people. Louise Seaver, one of the attendees, said she knew a fireman from the FDNY who sold her a house in New Jersey. “(The run) made me think of him, and all the people who died,” Seaver said. London Kinley, 13, came

in first place for the men and said he felt “pretty good, honestly.” “I’ve been in 5Ks before but I’ve never won one,” Kinley said. Moe Garvey said she traveled all the way from North Boston for this event. “This is a great cause,” said Garvey, who also mentioned she was going to be biking from Boston to Ground Zero in honor of fallen police officers in an event called Tour de Force. “We’ve raised quite a bit of money for the families of fallen police officers.”

Art weekend

Kevin Limiti/The Freeman’s Journall

Shoppers look through the booths at the Cooperstown Artisan Festival on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 197 Main Street. It was a weekend of art in Cooperstown with Fine Arts on the Lawn at Village Hall on the other end of Main Street. Artisan Weekend is staged by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and Fine Arts is run by the Cooperstown Art Association.

Federal fire funds include money for Richfield, Milford By KEVIN LIMITI Two Otsego County fire departments are receiving money through the Assistance to Firefighters grant, a federal funding program that is awarding $11 million from FEMA to fire departments across the country. Milford Fire Department and Richfield Springs Fire Department are both receiving money that will go toward replacing old and outdated equipment. Milford FD is receiving over $40,000 dollars in grant money, which 2nd assistant chief Damon Weft said will be used for new battery-operated excavation equipment including the Jaws of Life®. He said the current set is over 32 years old. Weft said the purchase of the new equipment will “give us better flexibility” in how they can use it in certain situations. Milford FD is also receiving a separate grant from the Scriven Foundation which will replace and update old radio equipment. Richfield Springs FD will be getting over $48,000 which they plan to use to replace all

the fire hoses that they have. “It feels good that they were able to acquire the money to replace the hoses,” Mark Elderkin, chief of Richfield Springs FD, said. Elderkin said some of the hoses were over 30 years old. He said they are going to color coordinate the hoses in order to line up with the pump panel. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand made the announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and said the funding would be used to help firefighters in New York State be better able to serve their communities. “From the peak of the pandemic to now, our brave firefighters have always been on the front lines, risking their lives to protect their communities,” Schumer said. “These courageous first responders deserve all the federal support possible to help them do their jobs. I will always fight to bring more federal resources to support our heroic firefighters, and I’m proud to deliver this funding so New York’s fire departments have essential support they need as they keep New Yorkers safe in emergencies.”

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

HOMETOWN Views

THURSDAY, sEPTEMBER 9, 2021

editorial

Charles HYman, M.D.

Joy returns to Mudville

More joy came to Mudville this week, as the three talented baseball players — Derek Jeter, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker — who were elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020, journeyed to Cooperstown for their COVID-delayed, toned-down inductions. Marvin Miller, the first director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who died in 2012, was also inducted. Cooperstown is a unique place for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Unlike the sites of other athlete-based halls of fame, our village is tiny, with a four-block Main Street (sporting innumerable baseball shops), one stoplight (severely enhanced of late), a plethora of crosswalks begging to be trampled upon and a population in the range of 1,700 (save the summer influx). Although it does have a smattering of excellent cultural institutions — The Farmers’ Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, The Glimmerglass Festival, The Smithy, The Cooperstown Art Association, The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival — some sporting international attention — and outdoor attractions, baseball is the focus of the tourist trade; the Hall of Fame lures a solid 260,000 fans to the village each year. The first class of players was inducted into the thennon-existent Hall of Fame in 1936, and it wasn’t until June 12, 1939, that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opened in its present spot on Main Street. That year the 10 living inductees from 1936 to 1939 came to Cooperstown to take part in the celebration, making speeches, sitting for photographs, interacting with the crowd and hailing the beginning of the now well-established annual festivities. Induction Weekend, as it has been called since that day, was, until 2020, an event that brought in thousands of roaring fans to ogle and cheer as the inductees received their plaques, to beg for autographs, and to change, at times even burden, our quaint village with their four-day presence, throwing the national pastime into the national spotlight. It was good for business, good for baseball, good for the fans, and usually, but not always, good for Cooperstown. But last year, with COVID raging, Induction Weekend was cancelled, and the class of 2020 had to accept a postponement — for 409 days — of the big event. The 100th anniversary celebration of the opening of Doubleday Field, also scheduled for 2020, was postponed as well, and the Hall of Fame Classic has not been played in 2020 or 2021. It was a sad time in Mudville. But wait. This year, this week, over two midweek days, the 2020 class was inducted, under the tent as usual, at the Clark Sports Center. The sun shone, the temperature was perfect, and 31 of the 72 living Hall of Famers (there are 333 plaques in all) returned to our little village to witness the glory of it all, along with myriad media and, of course, a substantial, adoring crowd. As has been the case in the many past four-day Induction Weekends, Cooperstown was back to normal within hours of the end of this mere three-hour ceremony. The streets were clean, the traffic was back to local meandering through the village, the no parking signs were gone, the sidewalks nearly empty, the dogs finally asleep. We owe a monster debt of thanks to Cooperstown’s mayor, Ellen Tillapaugh, and to the village staff, the highway department, the police department, the fire department, the ambulance and emergency services, the Sheriff’s department, Otsego County and the State Troopers for their concern, care and hard work to persevere throughout the deluge and return to us our tiny village. We owe even more to Chair Jane Forbes Clark and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, whose masterful orchestration of this nationally important event has once again exceeded our expectations. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Freeman’s Journal welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

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Editorial Board Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell, Greg Klein MEMBER OF National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

Delta variant or not, vaccines are best option

There is a lot in the news about the Delta variant of COVID-19 that is now spreading across the United States, threatening to move us back to a time of lockdown, universal masking and social distancing. With all this buzz, I wanted to offer my friends and neighbors some helpful background information. Namely: What is this Delta variant and how did it occur? As a virus multiplies and grows in a host, it replicates billions of times before being released to infect the next susceptible person. During replication, errors in copying the virus’s genetic material occur randomly. Most of these errors are insignificant and vanish. But some of these errors can change the structure and function of the virus so as to give it an advantage in establishing an infection, avoiding the immune system, causing more severe disease, increasing resistance to available therapeutics, or evading detection by available diagnostics. Viruses that have such changes and persist are called “variants.” Each time the virus infects a person,

especially someone who has not been vaccinated, it has won the opportunity to recreate itself as a stronger and more deadly pathogen. This is how we ended up with the Delta variant, and this is why there is concern that an even more deadly variant of COVID-19 could emerge as the pandemic continues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization classify COVID-19 variants into three groups, each of which poses a greater potential threat than the prior: variants of interest, variants of concern, and variants of high consequence. These groups are listed in order of seriousness based on the threat they present to our current understanding and control of the pandemic. I think of the differences between these groups in this way: VOIs have the potential to change the rules of engagement in our battle with the virus; VOCs have already changed the rules of engagement; and VOHCs have already thrown away the proverbial rule book entirely. Fortunately, there have been no vari-

ants of high consequence identified yet. But several variants of concern have been identified, including the Delta variant. The Delta variant has been shown to be more infectious and possibly cause more severe disease than the earlier versions of COVID we saw earlier this year. The Delta variant is now the dominant virus circulating in the U.S. and many other areas in the world, threatening to take back the hard-won gains we have made in this ongoing battle with COVID. I started this year with hope — the availability of safe and effective vaccines are the road back to normality. I am still hopeful. The vaccines we have are very safe and continue to be effective in preventing serious disease and illness from COVID, including the Delta variant, but only if used. My recommendation to you, as it is to my family and friends, is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Charles Hyman, M.D., is an infectious diseases expert and practicing physician at Bassett Healthcare Network.

RICHARD DEROSA U p on H A W T H O R N H I L L

While popping beans from the vine, thoughts come to mind Thoreau was determined to know beans well. Over the past several days I, too, have come to know beans well, black beans that is. We harvested our first black bean crop last week, hung the plants in the barn to finish up the drying process (too much rain to leave them in the ground), and are now popping the hard black beans out of their pods and into glass jars for storage. It is a lengthy process, so we do a few batches at a time. To some it would seem rather monotonous. Not to me. Gives me free rein to think. Having something to do that requires little thought actually gives birth to a great deal of thought. As I pop out beans or, as I did yesterday afternoon, pull apples down with my very long metal apple picker, thoughts, invited and uninvited, swim into consciousness. In retrospect, I suspect it is the brain’s way of suggesting further cogitation. There was one recurring thought, both while picking apples and while working the beans yesterday morning. And that is the way we have come to see this nation not as one country sharing a belief in common principles that unite us, but as a divide characterized by two colors: red and blue. The language that we use to speak about ourselves matters. It has bothered me for some time that we spend more time cultivating our differences than we do finding the common ground that binds us, our ideological and political inclinations aside. One of these days we might just cut the crap

and accept that there will always be differences among us. There is no practical or moral reason for nurturing the toxic warfare that is as debilitatingly infectious to our body politics as the pandemic has been to our bodies. Although our bodies would be less in jeopardy if more people would accept that getting those shots is part and parcel of what it takes to be a citizen concerned with the general health and well-being of us all. History teaches us there has always been ample selfishness and greed and ignorance to go around. At any rate, while doing the beans yesterday, I recalled Thoreau’s description of what has become known as “the battle of the ants.” In Walden, he writes that, “It was the only battle which I have ever witnessed, the only battle-field I ever trod while the battle was raging; internecine warfare; the red republicans on the one hand, and the black imperialists on the other. On every side they were engaged in deadly combat, yet without any noise that I could hear, and human soldiers never fought so resolutely. … Neither manifested the least disposition to retreat.” Sound familiar? Later on, Thoreau writes he “never learned which party was victorious, not the cause of the war; but I felt for the rest of the day as if I had my feelings excited and harrowed by witnessing the struggle; the ferocity and carnage of a human battle beyond my door.” Not terribly daunting to think back to the carnage

of Jan. 6 to see the connection. There seems to be no let up to the internecine warfare we are embroiled in. It even appears some relish the battle. The savagery exhibited by both sides gets a bit scary at times. If my aging memory is serving me well as I write, we would all be served well by taking to hear what the philosopher Seneca said: Savagery is the last recourse of the weak and cowardly. Thoreau wonders what principles might have precipitated such ferocity. Good question. Certainly not a ferocity aimed at finding common ground or shedding one’s ideological blinders, if only for a moment. It would behoove us to stop identifying ourselves according to our differences. Why not take some time to reflect on what principles we share. There are quite a few we have in common. Starting with our common humanity might be a good place. The trouble is too many people think freedom allows one an unfettered ride through life. It is a view of freedom that ignores the realities and obligations of communal life. We may be 50 states. Red and blue are only colors. Given what we have in common, we should all be color blind. A democracy requires give and take, honest dissent, and respect for the other. We had best get going before our inner rot, of the type that felled Rome, spells doom for us all. Were Gabby with me she would look at me with those fathomless sable eyes and say, “back to the beans, boy.”

LETTERS

Town of Lisbon garage project becomes subject of rumors

Rumors and misstatements are rampant in New Lisbon about the proposed new highway garage. We don’t need a new garage! We can fix the old garage! Taxes will go up by 20%, 30% (pick a number)! There are conflicts of interest! Professional fees are exorbitant! The proposed garage is too large and too lavish! Plans are being rushed! No one is considering alternatives! And more. Nonsense. The facts are that a new garage is needed, it would cause a slight increase in taxes (about $2.50/mo for a parcel assessed at $200,000), there are no conflicts of interest, lawyers, engineers, and contractors will be compensated at appropriate rates, the proposed garage will be right-sized and functional but far from lavish, and an

enormous amount of time has gone into studying the need for a new garage and design needs. The existing garage is old, dilapidated, and inadequate. Repairing it would be pouring money down a rat hole and would cost the town far more in the long run. The new garage would be sized to meet the town’s needs now and for fifty or more years and would give our highway workers a safe, clean, and efficient building to house and maintain our trucks and equipment so they can provide the services that residents expect. The USDA approved plans for the garage and agreed to give the town a $700,000 grant and to loan the town $2 million on very favorable terms. The loan is affordable and will result in

modest tax increases of one to maybe two percent per year for three years and no more increases after that. During the past year or more, the town board, the town supervisor, the highway superintendent, a committee of knowledgeable town residents, and others have studied this matter (in consultation with experienced engineers and highway experts). Based on these efforts, the town board unanimously approved a resolution to proceed with the USDA grant and loan and to build the new garage. A proposition to approve the town board resolution will be on the ballot this fall. Voters should get the facts and not be misled by rumors and fear-mongering. If voters get the facts, the proposition will pass easily and the town will have the

highway garage it needs. There is a slide presentation at townofnewlisbon. com. Additional information is available from Supervisor Ed Lentz, Highway Superintendent Don Smith and Town Board members Flo Loomis, Brian Ryther, Nancy MartinMathewson, and former Highway Superintendent Bill Whitaker. Interested persons are also invited to attend a fourth public meeting Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the community room in the town hall at 908 County Route 16 in Garrattsville. √ Vaccinated. Edward T. Lentz Edward Lentz is the New Lisbon Town Supervisor. For more letters to the Editor, see Page A5

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5 TERRY BERKSON L if e s k e tch e s

A silo salesman striking with a sledgehammer Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 Years Ago

The dance at the Pond Lily Hotel Friday evening was attended by about 150 men and exactly 11 women. From all accounts it must have been a fragrant affair, although, strange as it may seem, when Perk Fritts, the leader of the orchestra, finally boxed up his fiddle, there had been but five fights. A portion of the gang came up to the Susquehanna House in this village toward morning and resumed fighting, but no arrests were made. The climax was capped at the Susquehanna House late last week when a drunken horde made day and night hideous and put to shame even old-time habitués of the hotel. How long is the present disgraceful state of things to continue in this place? Are the authorities powerless to suppress such outbreaks? How is it that not an arrest has been made? The licenses of Ballard & Stevens ought to be revoked forthwith. September 1886

110 Years Ago

By winning both games in Oneonta on Labor Day Oneonta closed the regular baseball season as champions of Otsego County. The season was a long and hard one, with games practically every day. As a result there were cases of illness not a few, and in the last two weeks the management often had difficulty in putting a presentable nine in the field. Despite the discouragements and occasional defeats, the result is satisfactory to everybody who lives south of the county seat. Both games on Monday were well attended. Oneonta won the first game 6 to 2. The afternoon game drew the largest crowd ever seen at a ball game in this city. For seven straight innings, nobody scored on either side. However, Oneonta scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and, after giving up a run in the ninth, got the third out to win the game as Flaherty was out trying to steal home. September 1911

90 Years Ago

James T. Costigan, 18 years old, of 41 Convent Avenue, New York City, was critically injured at 5:30 o’clock Friday afternoon, at the private airport of H.H. Linn in Morris, when a glider he was piloting failed to release from a tow rope fastened to an automobile, and crashed to the ground. Costigan, a Stevens Institute of Technology junior, was rushed in the Oneonta police ambulance to the Fox Memorial Hospital, suffering from four fractures of the jaw, a fractured skull, broken right leg, possible fracture of all ribs, and probable internal injuries. Late last night, a corps of Oneonta physicians and nurses were battling to save his life. His condition was considered very critical. The youth had been visiting at the home of James Thorp, 19 years old of Gilbertsville and Flushing, Long Island. September 1931

70 YEARS AGO

Over the years, Paul Sarafin had come to believe that silos were like barometers. “When the economic weather for farming was good they went up” he says. “And when it was bad, they often came down, sold secondhand to someone looking for a buy.” Sarafin, 78, lives near Richfield Springs, and had been in the silo business for almost 50 years. At first, he built them for the now terminated Harder Silo Company out of Glens Falls, but after several years of wrestling with the heavy hoops and staves, he was promoted to salesman. In past years, because of hard times, it had become more and more difficult for Sarafin Contributed to make a sale. He said a The silo falls just as Paul Sarafin has intended. farmer who already had the bill collectors on his direct but patient approach. out-of-pocket expenses back was more than reluc- “Sometimes I’d visit a to purchase dynamite or tant to go into hock for an farm six or seven times to rent a bulldozer, but to average $25,000 concrete thinking I was softening cut costs, Sarafin used a stave silo. a farmer up only to find a unique approach which But back then a silo was competitor’s silo standing required one simple tool, a the only solution for a rainy against the barn the next sledgehammer. summer when a farmer time I’d show,” Sarafin “I knew how to build couldn’t string a couple of said. To make matters them strong and I knew sunny days together to dry worse, the handsome cylin- how to make them weak,” out hay to be stored in the drical structures were now he says. But silos don’t mow. Bailed and stored too being replaced by bunkers fall like trees and even wet, hay can heat up from covered with tarps and old though the salesman had evaporation, resulting in tires or silage bags laid done this job several times spontaneous combustion upon the land in aesthetic before, the outcome was and a barn fire. Similar to compromise. still unpredictable and a canning jar, a silo would Years ago, with one dangerous. The many tons preserve grass or corn son in college and the of concrete could fall back even when they were not other about to be married, onto the barn, or worse, pre-dried, thus enabling a Sarafin was under extra catch and crush him as farmer to deal with a wet financial pressure. Often, he scrambled to get clear. summer like the one we to ensure a sale, he’d “Unlike trees that creak are experiencing this year. offer perks like free hard- and groan before they For several years, the ware or repairs to another fall,” Sarafin says, “silos sales competition had been existing silo. It was late in let loose all at once.” so fierce Sarafin consid- the season and he thought So, with his sons’ tuition ered it a near miracle when he was going to lose a sale and wedding bells in the he sold one of his silos, outside of Sharon Springs, back of his mind and a which could be distin- so he offered to demolish flimsy cable anchoring the guished from other brands John Burr’s old, worn-out top of the silo to a tractor, by the alternating red to 50-foot silo for free. That Sarafin went to work loosplain blocks at the top. His sealed the deal. ening the bottom support sales pitch was that he had Normally the demoli- hoops. Then he began to no pitch, just a homespun, tion would incur some break out the concrete

staves with the sledgehammer as Burr and his family looked on. When Sarafin had broken out more than an 8-foot hole in the silo wall, it didn’t even quiver. He was banking on the whole thing falling towards the section he was demolishing. After several minutes of hammering he stopped to look up at the top. He seemed a little nervous. There was no sign of movement. Sarafin began hammering again, the heavy blows echoing inside the silo. He broke out several more feet of staves and then suddenly threw the hammer to the side. The immense structure leaned towards the cut, pulverizing concrete and making it explode under the shifting weight. Sarafin bolted as the silo let loose and fell in a thunderous heap. When the dust cleared, it revealed a benign pile of rubble. “How’d you know it was going to fall just then?” Burr asked. “Tuition,” Sarafin said as sweat ran down his face. “You mean intuition,” Burr replied. “Yeah, that, too.” Later, the silo slayer said this was the last silo he would demolish with a sledgehammer, but then he had said the same thing two silos before and new expenses were bound to be coming soon. After Harder went out of business, Sarafin worked at a foam packing plant in Fort Plain and freelanced at silo repair and supply during off-time and on weekends. When asked if he saw himself as some kind of modern day hero, Sarafin, now retired and wintering in Florida, smiled and said simply, “I put bread on the table.”

TRIBUTE

George Goetz loved Springfield summers, books, art

September 1951

30 Years Ago

Joe knows what it’s like to be homeless. It’s happened to him twice in the past year. “It’s chaotic. There’s no home base. Sometimes I think of ways to get out of the hole. I keep hoping for something better.” Joe is a member of Otsego County’s homeless population. Joe does not aimlessly walk the streets asking strangers for change or sleep on park benches. Homelessness in Otsego County has a different cast. Unable to hold a steady job as a carpenter, Joe has slept overnight in a car wondering where he will get his next meal. September 1991

20 Years Ago

The Hartwick College wall will get closer monitoring in the future according to Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller. The wall, located on West Street near the entrance to Hartwick College has raised concerns for safety, appearance and the appropriateness of messages painted on the stone surface from time to time. According to a joint statement issued by Muller’s office, Hartwick College, the city of Oneonta, and NYSEG, all owners of property close to the wall, have agreed to work together to improve safety in the area and make sure those who paint the wall keep the area clean. September 2001

He looked, with his shock of snow-white hair, like Boris Yeltsin. His bearing was ambassadorial, with all that the word implies: courteous, cordial, tactful, informed, balanced, refined. George Goetz, longtime summer resident of Springfield, died in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, on July 25 at 90, in the gentle loving presence of his family. I first met George and his wife, Carolyn, in 1989. Lucky me. It was impossible not to be instantly charmed by the two of them and when they invited me to participate in the creation of Leatherstocking Theatre Company in 1991, I accepted with pleasure. Carolyn spearheaded the artistic side of things; George was the mastermind of all things business. Under their indefatigable leadership, audiences were treated to Inherit the Wind in the Cooperstown courthouse, Jefferson & Adams at Hyde Hall, and A Couple of Blaggards (sic)

with Malachy and Frank McCourt, among many other memorable productions. George was a man of learning and a man of books. He imparted his learning as a teacher of history at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, where he also served as assistant principal. If I were to paint his portrait, I would place him in his armchair, his focus a book on his lap, a highlighter in his hand at the ready. The book could deal with any one of his myriad interests: American history, French history, Russian history, German history, English history, the Austro-Hungarian empire, world’s fairs, philosophy, philosophy, philosophy, the Mayan culture, George Washington, philosophy, existentialism, post-modern literature ... In a basket by his chair there would be all the publications he subscribed to, maybe two baskets there were so many. On the table next to him there would be photographs of Carolyn,

of their three daughters, Susanne, Jeanne, Linda, and of their four grandchildren, Max, Henry, Maya, and Ian. The music he would be listening to on the CD player nearby might be Mozart (he owned a set of the complete works), or maybe Big Band classics, or maybe Portuguese fado ... On the windowsill his cat Sweets would laze curled up in the sun. He was a man of unslakable intellectual curiosity. The bookshelves in his study, and living room, and bedroom, and hallway, and basement, groaned with volumes treating of every discipline imaginable. And he was a dear friend. Predeceased by his wife, Carolyn, in 2017 and daughter, Susanne, in 2011, George is survived by his daughters, Jeanne and Linda, their spouses, their children, untold numbers of enlightened students, and myriad enriched friends. Sam Goodyear

LETTERS

Cooperstown should modify dam to allow drainage

Because experts are saying we must prepare for the new reality of flood events, I suggest the Cooperstown dam be modified to allow large drainage. Any early signs of potential catastrophic rain events approaching release as much water

as possible to reduce backup. Best way to accomplish this task is to build floodgates. This project would also be used to cushion the overflow downstream when releasing water as early as possible. Floodgates will protect

properties on the lake and properties downstream. Three, five, nine inches of water all at once is extremely dangerous. Preparation is key. Gerry Welch Cooperstown

In the Sept. 2, edition, you wrote: “There should be no shame in being unemployed because you don’t want to take a job you don’t want. If you have the ability to hold out, God bless you.” Wow. And by “ability to hold out,”

you mean stay at home and let the federal government and state give you free money while you don’t pay your rent under a moratorium. And to suggest that we leave those jobs to immigrants reinforces your ignorance, i.e. that immigrants are

only capable of entry-level, menial labor. God bless THEM. Shame on you. Kevin Rooney Cooperstown

Editorial shows elitist view of jobs, immigrants

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

OBITUARIES Maia Leonardo, 28

Jane Phillips Bushby, 94

Devoted to improving lives of the marginalized COOPERSTOWN – Maia Leonardo died unexpectedly on August 30, 2021 at age 28. Born in Philadelphia, Pa. to Kathleen and James Leonardo, she grew up in Cooperstown, N.Y., before relocating to New Haven, Conn. A tireless activist, Maia devoted her life to improving the lives of marginalized communities, especially in her beloved New Haven. She was involved in countless organizing efforts and offered help wherever she saw a need. Maia was particularly proud of her work with

February 27, 1927 – August 17, 2021

Trans Lifeline, a and in IT at Central nonprofit serving Connecticut State the transgender and University. She is g e n d e r- n o n c o n survived by her forming commuparents, her sister nity, where she Anne, her beloved most recently cat Leon, and a served as co-chair host of family and of the Board of friends. In lieu of Directors. flowers, please send Maia Maia was also donations to Trans Leonardo an avid musiLifeline at translifecian, creating and line.org. performing music under the A virtual remembrance for name Juno Hawke. Interested Maia’s family and friends in computer science and was Sunday, September 5 at graphic design, Maia loved 4 p.m. Arrangements are with her work in Development at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth the New Haven Pride Center Funeral Home

COOPERSTOWN – Loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, cousin, and child of God, Jane Bushby was called home early on the morning of August 17, so very much loved and admired. She will be greatly missed. Born and raised in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., to the late Edwin and Kathleen Phillips, she was the greatgranddaughter of the renowned (Ford’s Theater) Shakespearean actor Edwin (Varrey) Phillips and wife of fifty years to the late Walter Sparkman “Bush” Bushby. She was predeceased by her brother Hubert “Bud” Phillips, her brother-in-law

Gerald “Jerry” Daniel Bushby of Clark, both of Chestertown, Md.; Cooperstown, N.Y., her grandchildren as well as several Kathleen, Timothy beloved cousins. and Christopher She is survived Bushby; Michelle by her sister Joan Bushby-Nishikawa Clark and her Ichisugi; Kristin sister-in-law Amy Bushby Morano, Phillips, both of Lauren Bushby Jane P. Cooperstown, N.Y.; Oakes, and Davis Bushby Judith Krumpus of Patrick Bushby; Kinderhook, N.Y.; five great-grandJack and Beverly Myers of children; twenty foster chilN.H.; dear friend Marcie dren; and numerous friends Cross of Middletown, she kept close throughout her Del.; and Ginger Gifford long and caring life. of Cooperstown, N.Y. Her parting phrase was Additionally, she is survived always the same, “Love ya a by her sons and daugh- bunch.” Final arrangements ters-in-law Michael and were made by Pillsbury Susan Bushby of Littleton, Phaneuf Funeral Homes. A N.H.; Patrick and Catherine Catholic mass and celebraBushby of Chestertown, Md.; tion of life will be held at an Kelly “Bush” and Toshie announced later date. Bushby of Yokohama, Japan;

“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare

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

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

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Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: TENACITY VALLEY FARMS LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 August 2021. 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 365 Morton Rd, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: WOODLAND CYCLES LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 August 2021. 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 24 So Main St, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose is to engage in any and all

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business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: SKY DOG FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 3 September 2021. 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 324 Armstrong Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of T$T Beauty Lounge LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/31/21 Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 306 Chestnut Street Oneonta NY 13820 General Purpose 6LegalOct.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Red Community

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LLC.

served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 310 Dimmock Hollow Rd, Morris, NY 13808. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.23

Filed with SSNY on 7/15/2021. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 110 Sidney Court Yorktown Heights NY 10598. Purpose: any lawful 6LegalSept.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Application for Authority of Together Agency LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of Wyoming on 8/16/21. 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 1580 N. Northwest Hwy, STE 120, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Incorporation Name: The Sweet Life Animal Rescue Inc. a non-Profit Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 15, 2021. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of Inc. upon whom process against it may be

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: LB & TM ROSEBOOM FARM LLC. Certificate of Conversion filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 21 July 2021. 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 114 Roseboom Road, Westford, NY 13488. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: C & R LAND HOLDINGS LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 6 August 2021. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been

MeMories to Cherish

every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation.

Be sure to remind your funeral director to provide obituary information to our newspapers, along with your favorite photo of your loved one. Submit the information yourself, directly to info@AllotSego.com, or by filling out a special form at www.AllotSego.com/loved-ones/

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designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 365 Morton Rd, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.16

Purpose: any lawful 6LegalSept.16

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.16

service of process to 15 Main Street, East Worcester, NY 12064. Purpose: any lawful activity, 6LegalSept.9

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 1515 County Highway 12, Mount Vision, NY 13810 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalSept.9

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: RDT OTSEGO ENTERPRISE LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 6 August 2021. 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 125 Filor Hill. Rd, Morris, New York 13808. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of The Dayton Family Honey Farm LLC. Filed with SSNY on 3/5/2021. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 577 Naylor Corner Rd Laurens NY 13796.

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: 4 E’s & AN S LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 August 2021. 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 192 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: TRUE DILIGENCE MANAGEMENT LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 August 2021. 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 192 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: HAWES@SUMMIT LAKE, LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 August 2021. 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 LLC 211 County Highway 18C, West Edmeston, NY 13485. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 364 Main Street Otego NY LLC 364 Main Street Otego NY LLC (the “LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 7/29/2021. Office location: Otsego County. The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Allen Lake Rentals LLC

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of DY NEURO MEDICINE LLC,

Articles of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/14/2021. Office: Otsego County, SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon who process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at 1006 Co. HWY 27 Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalSept.9

Articles of Org. filed with Sec of State of NY 4/21/2021. Cty. Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 1 Carson Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 6LegalSept.9

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Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC)

RELIANCE WELD SERVICES, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/27/21. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 106 Brooker Hollow Road, East Worcester, NY 12064. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.9 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Knarich Family Farm LLC Filed 5/5/21

Name: TBUTLER HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 06/28/2021 Office location: County of Otsego Purpose: Any and all lawful activities Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC 722 County Rd. 2 Unadilla, NY 13849 6LegalSept.9

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OTSEGO.sports

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

Jeter headlines new group of baseball Hall of Famers

After two delays because of coronavirus, the 2020 Induction finally takes place on a Wednesday in September 2021 By CHARLIE VASCELLARO The class of 2020 finally got its moment. The unique and long-anticipated Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 8, was dominated by those who were absent as much as by those who were there, began with a video presentation honoring the 10 Hall of Famers who died since the last induction ceremony in 2019. Narrated by Johnny Bench, who cancelled his trip to Cooperstown at the last minute after testing positive for the coronavirus, the Hall of Fame catcher reminded us that “even baseball can’t keep you eternally young.” The first of four inductees carrying over from the COVIDcanceled 2020 induction, Ted Simmons, a native of Highland Park, Michigan, near Detroit, spoke of his boyhood hero Al Kaline, of the Detroit Tigers, who died in April 2020. “I was a Tigers fan, my first hero was Al Kaline; as a man, he remains my hero today,” said Simmons. Simmons also mentioned fellow inductee Marvin Miller, former executive director of the MLB Player’s Association, who was inducted posthumously by the same Modern Era Committee. At the epicenter of multiple rounds of often contentious negotiations with Major League Baseball’s ownership, Miller’s election provided a watershed moment for the Hall of Fame, which has never honored anyone else in his position. “I could not be more proud to enter this great hall with this great man. I can’t think of another person I would rather be linked with in this way,” said Simmons. Speaking on behalf of Miller, who died in 2012 at age 95, was Donald Fehr, his successor from 1984 to 2009 and the current executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association. Speaking in an even-mannered tone, Fehr sounded liked he was delivering a legal brief while explaining Miller’s historic role.

Greg Klein/The Freeman’s Journal

From left are National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Inductees, Derek Jeter, Don Fehr representing Marvin Miller, Larry Walker and Ted Simmons after the Induction Ceremony

“I’m here to try and convey the essence of this extraordinary man … What was he like? He was quiet and soft-spoken. He never raised his voice. He was polite, thoughtful, deliberate, fiercely intelligent, well prepared and patient; which is an extraordinary set of characteristics for any person to have. If he were here he would initially thank the players of his era, recognize those that are gone, congratulate the inductees and have a special word for Ted Simmons (who led by example when he refused to sign his contract in 1972). It’s been 55 years since he took over in 1966 and 39 years after he retired, but his name is still in the forefront” Fehr said. The first member of the Colorado Rockies to be elected to the Hall of Fame and just the second Canadianborn player in the Hall, slugging outfielder Larry Walker spoke of

coming to the game relatively late in life. “We didn’t have high school baseball. I played fast-pitch softball with my brothers, Gary, Barry and Cary. I learned the game in the minor leagues,” Walker said. A former Utica Blue Sox player, Walker paid tribute to Fergie Jenkins, the first Canadian in the Baseball Hall. Since Jenkins was a pitcher, Walker is the first Canadian position player in the Hall, another point of pride, he said. Walker also expressed an appreciation for being initially signed by the Montreal Expos and advocated for the city’s return to the major leagues. The headliner was, of course, New York Yankees 20-year shortstop Derek Jeter, who had plenty of time to work on his speech. Identified as “one of the quintessential Yankees” by his teammate Bernie Williams, performed

the Star Spangled Banner on guitar before the ceremony. The text on Jeter’s Hall of Fame plaque reads in part that he was, “The heart beat of the Yankees dynasty,” referencing the team’s run of incredible success during his time with the team. Jeter began by saying: “Thanks to the baseball writers...all but one of you,” referencing that he was one vote short of getting 100% of the vote, a fete his teammate Mariano Riveria achieved in 2019. At just about that time, the first drops of rain briefly spritzed from the sky and that’s all there was of what was forecast to be a wet day that held off until the ceremony concluded. A backup plan to move the ceremony the The Glimmerglass Festival in Springfield Center was, thankfully, not necessary. Jeter also noted the departed members of the Hall of Fame, talking about meeting Hank Aaron

and Jackie Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson. “We lost way too many Hall of Famers in the past two years. The nerves I feel up here are because of these guys behind me, and those that aren’t here now. He said he met with Rachel Robinson at a New York Baseball Writers dinner early in his career and was surprised after being approached by Hank Aaron. “You want to meet me?” Jeter recalled incredulously. “During my career, I wanted to make Mrs. Robinson and Hank Aaron proud; not for my numbers but how I played the game.” The crowd, which was filled with fans wearing Jeter’s No. 2 jersies, roared its approval for Jeter and all of the Yankees on stage, saving its biggest cheer for manager Joe Torre and Mr. October, Reggie Jackson, who also wore a No. 2 jersey.

Sports Roundup: Jacket girls, Coop, OHS boys start strong STAFF REPORT Liam Spencer scored the game winner with 25 minutes left in the second half as Cooperstown beat visiting Waterville, 32, in a Center State Conference boys soccer game Wednesday, Sept. 1. Spencer scored on a double assist from Colby Diamond and then Ollie Wasson. Diamond put the ball into the box to Wasson, who tapped it back to Spencer, who connected from just outside the box. Cooperstown had to play the final 20 minutes a man down after Diamond got his second yellow card of the game, for what the linesman deemed an aggressive foul on defense. “That was a bad call,” Cooperstown Coach Frank Miosek told his team after the game. “That was not a foul.” Wasson got the first goal about 12 minutes into the game off a rebound and then Diamond scored the second goal for Cooperstown, on a breakaway about 15 minutes later. Alex Williams and Gabe Williams scored for Waterville, each getting an equalizer in the first half. Although Cooperstown controlled much of the second half, Waterville took advantage of the numbers disadvantage and looked close to scoring a game-tying goal a couple of times late. Waterville had two corner kicks in the final two minutes. Cooperstown defender Max Porto headed one away and the second got whistled dead when a Waterville played obstructed goalie Finn Holohan, who had four saves in the game. “That was a good team,” Miosek said. Assistant coach Lucas Spencer told the team they had just Cheryl Clough won a game that will be a lot like section-tournament play at the end of the year. Morris goalie Maddie Coleman falls on the ball in front of the foot of Schenevus’s Angie Competiello “Welcome to sectionals,” he said. “It is going to be just like during the first half of Thursday’s T-V League opener for both teams. The Dragons defeated the this, tough, cold, nasty weather and a hard-fought game.” Mustangs 8-0 as Competiello netted the games’ first goal and finished with an assist, too. GIRLS SOCCER Dani Seamon scored Cooperstown’s goal, on an assist Johnson scored twice and had an assist to lead Roxbury, Tuesday, Sept. 7 from Claire Jensen. Brenna Seamon had nine saves in goal which plays Franklin in the finals Saturday, Sept. 11. Schenevus 11, South Kortright 0 Friday, Sept. 3 Angie Competiello scored five goals and Lily Competiello for Cooperstown. Lilyanna Barnes also had an assist for Unatego. Milford 7, Downsville 0 had two goals and two assists as host Schenevus roughed up Franklin 5, Delhi 0 In Downsville, ninth-grader Kara Mertz got the Wildcats South Kortright, 11-0, in a non-league game. In Stamford, Kayla Campbell had a hat trick and seventh on the board early. The Wildcats led 5-0 at halftime. Taylor Knapp scored two goals and had an assist and Mertz finished with three goals, while teammate Alexis Shawna Whiteman and Sam Barrett scored the other goals grader Shannon Kingsbury scored the other two goals as the Purple Devils advanced to next week’s finals. Patricia- Sutphin netted three goals and junior defender Taylor for Schenevus (2-0, 1-0). Rodriguez-Matias had an assist for Franklin, which will play Beckley scored one. Assists went to Mertz, Sutphin, Mariah Saturday, Sept. 4 Roxbury in the finals Saturday, Sept. 11. Saggese, Laney Price and Lilly Cohn. Unatego 4, Cooperstown 1 Roxbury 6, Laurens 0 See ROUNDUP, Page A9 Tatum Codington scored two goals and Anabel Rommer In Stamford, the Rockets continued to stifle opposing Richfield Springs 3, Brookfield 1 scored two goals and had an assist as Unatego beat visiting In Richfield, the freshman class netting all the goals for Cooperstown in a non-league season opener for both teams. offenses, blanking the Leopards in the semifinal game. Myah

THURSDAY, September 9, 2021

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

2020-2021 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Induction

The 2020-2021 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Induction took place Wednesday, Sept. 8, after being delayed twice because of the coronavirus. Left: The event had a certain theme this year, with Derek Jeter’s No. 2 New York Yankees jersey being seen all over the place. Top: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Interim President Jeff Idelson, Inductee Ted Simmons and Hall of Fame Chair Jane Forbes Clark celebrate Simmons’ Induction. Middle left: Noel Stazko of East Meadow, Long Island, shows off her signed Derek Jeter cardboard model. Middle right: Jeter’s former teammate Bernie Williams, on guitar, played the National Anthem before the Induction. Bottom left: Pitcher ‘Spaceman’ Bill Lee, left, chats in front of the Hall of Fame with baseball writer Bill Shannon. Bottom right: Jeter’s Induction brought out other sports legends, including Patrick Ewing and Michael Jordan.

Photos by Greg Klein/The Freeman’s Journal

Shifts available Tuesday through Saturday Noon - 2:30 p.m. and/or 2:30 - 5 p.m. Greet and assist visitors, answer phones/transfer to staff, and more. Rewarding volunteer position because you get to welcome happy and excited people, and you get to see first hand when matches are made that change lives forever.

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►for more induction photos, go to www.allotsego.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

Sports Roundup: Jackets get first golf win in more than a decade ROUNDUP/from Page A7 Bella Saggese and Leanna West each played a half in the goal, earning the Wildcats a clean sheet on defense. Oneonta 5, Windsor 1 Veronika Madej scored a hat trick as the Yellowjackets improved to 2-0 at Windsor. Julie Joyner and Emma Peeters scored the other goals for Oneonta. Richfield Springs 3, Brookfield 1 In Richfield, the freshman class netting all the goals for the home team. Cam Marshall had a brace and Danica Farley scored the other goal as RS won a non-league opener. Thursday, Sept. 2 Schenevus 8, Morris 0 In Morris, Shawna Whiteman had two goals and an assist to lead the Dragons. Angie Competiello, Lily Competiello and Cady Ritton each had a goal and an assist and Sam Osborne, Sam Barrett and Hannah Sulas scored the other goals. Franklin 11, Gilboa 0 The Purple Devils routed Gilboa in Stamford, with seventh grader Shannon Kingsbury scoring five goals and Kayla Campbell scoring three goals. Zoe Warren, Tamara Wright and Patricia RodriguezMatias also scored for Franklin. CV-S 2, Edmeston 1 In Edmeston, Ari Bosc scored twice, including one on an assist from Beth Heinrich, to give the Patriots the TVL win over Edmeston. Avery Bolton scored for the Panthers. Schenevus, Franklin, CV-S and Edmeston are all likely to be TVL contenders in girls soccer this year, and the opening-game action seems to confirm that prediction. Wednesday, Sept. 1 Oneonta 1, CF 0 Oneonta won on the road, beating Chenango Forks, 1-0.

Cheryl Clough

Oneonta’s Tanner Jennings dribbles towards goal as Chenango Forks defender Eli Slocum chases him. Jennings scored two goals in Oneonta’s 4-1 win.

Grace Slesinsky got the goal for the Jackets. BOYS SOCCER Saturday, Sept. 4 Delhi 3, Franklin/Unatego 3, Delhi advances on PKs In Stamford, Chase Birdsall tied the game early in the second half on a pass from Matthew Serrao, and Franklin/Unatego and Delhi played to a standstill for the rest

of the game in the Mayor’s Cup semifinals. Finally, the Bulldogs advanced on penalty kicks, 3-1. They will play South Kortright in the finals Saturday, Sept. 11. David Clapper made his kick for Franklin/Unatego. Serrao scored two goals early in the game. Marco Shaw scored twice for Delhi. Milford/Laurens 3, Gilboa 0 In Stamford, Brock Mann scored

two goals as Milford/Laurens won a consolation game over Gilboa. Justin LaPilusa scored the other goal while Martin Thorsland and Riley Stevens each had an assist. Gilboa goalie Joe Willie made 16 saves. Friday, Sept. 3 CV-S 2, Fort Plain 0 In Fort Plain, Max Horvath and Kris Cade scored the goals for the Patriots and Oskar Webster had

an assist in a non-league season opener. Edmeston 4, Sharon Springs 3 In Sharon, Kyle Ough and Izek Richards scored twice each as the Panthers won a Tri-Valley League opener on the road. Luke Enyart scored twice and Brady Law had the other goal for the Spartans. Thursday, Sept. 2 Franklin/Unatego 10, Jefferson 2 In Stamford, Matt Serrao had three goals and four assists for Franklin/Unatego, while Chase Birdsall scored four goals and had one assist. Jacob Kingsbury scored a goal and had two assists and Aiden Nolan also scored in the win. South Kortright 5, Schenevus 1 In South Kortright, the Rams beat visiting Schenevus in a non-league game. Daniel Gallagher scored the lone goal for the Dragons. Connor Quarino scored twice for SK and Darren Dengler, Trent Cole and Eoin Byrne scored the other goals. Wednesday, Sept. 1 Oneonta 4, CF 0 Tanner Jennings scored two goals and Finlay Oliver had a goal and an assist as host Oneonta beat Chenango Forks in a Southern Tier Athletic conference boys soccer game. Dakota Buzzy scored the other goal for Oneonta and Owen Schultz got an assist. BOYS GOLF Oneonta 247, SV 280 Aidan Gelbsman won medalist honors with a 40 as Oneonta defeated Susquehanna Valley, 247-280, at Conklin Players Club. Seamus Catella shot a 49 to help the Yellowjackets, who had not won a golf match in more than a decade, according to school officials. Email your sports results to sports@allotsego.com.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Dedication made, anniversary celebrated Monday at Doubleday Field By GREG KLEIN COOPERSTOWN — More than 100 people celebrated baseball and paid tribute to the longtime caretaker of Doubleday Field on Monday, Sept. 6, in a special 101st anniversary celebration and memorial dedication. Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh made note of the “Doubleday myth,” which claimed the first game of baseball was played on a cow pasture in Cooperstown. “We now know that is a myth created by the Mills Commission,” she said, “but what we’re here to celebrate today is the creation of Doubleday Field and there is no myth about that.” Doubleday was turned into a baseball field in 1920. The first game was played Sept. 6, 1920, between Cooperstown and Milford. The village acquired the field three years later. The village also dedicated a bench outside the stadium to Joe Harris, the former Doubleday Field supervisor and town of Middlefield supervisor, who died May 25. Harris worked for the village from 1979 to 2021, taking care of Doubleday for most of that time. “He took great pride in his work, not just in the appearance and main-

told them they had gotten a glimpse into the legislative process, since they are entering 10th grade this week. “The wheels of government do turn slowly at times, but you can’t keep a good idea down forever,” he said. Incoming Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch spoke about the history of the field. Rawitch mentioned the baseball legends who had played at Doubleday, including Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle, as well as more recent legends, such as Frank Thomas and Dave Winfield. “This is a very, very, very special day here in the community and to be a part of history, 101 years, it is hard to put into words,” Rawitch said. “Under normal circumstances, I’d say we’d probably have a whole Greg Klein/The Freeman’s Journal lineup of people here from the Hall of Fame, but we have a little thing Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh speaks about former Doubleday Field caretaker Joe going on Wednesday that has been Harris as his family looks on. From left, Kristie Wellman, Jean Harris and Chad Harris. taking up some of our time.” tenance of this field, but also in his teacher Anne Reis. In 2015, Reis’s “You are all now part of New Although the Hall of Fame professional interaction with teams then fourth-grade class success- York state history, believe it or Classic game Memorial Day and the Hall of Fame,” Tillapaugh fully petitioned Oberacker’s prede- not,” he said. Weekend and the Induction Awards said. cessor, James Seward, to sponsor It was the first bill Oberacker at Doubleday in July were canceled State Sen. Peter Oberacker, a bill to make baseball the official sponsored as a Senator and the or moved the past two years R-Schenevus, gave the village a sport of New York. It took six years first he sponsored to be passed, so because of COVID, Rawitch said proclamation from the Senate and and a new state Senator, but the law he brought individual proclama- he expects to see Hall activities also made a special presentation finally passed this year and was tions for Reis, her 17 students and return to Doubleday in 2022. to Cooperstown Central School signed into law a month ago. then librarian Sita Fey. Oberacker

Common Council debates ‘best practices’ for police as post-review continues By KEVIN LIMITI ONEONTA — The discussion of the Community Advisory Board Review Committee’s recommendations of “best practices” for the Oneonta Police Department, as per a mandate by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, led to some heated debates and questions concerning the language in the proposed document Tuesday, Sept. 7. The document, which was supposed to be open to a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 21, will likely be postponed as council members agreed to hold a special session, tentatively Tuesday, Sept. 14, in order to resolve some of the issues councilmembers were having. Mayor Gary Herzig said the role of police in the community is not easy to define because the original Community Advisory Board met to address the needs of a minority who didn’t necessarily trust the police or had different experiences to the

white majority in Oneonta. “We have heard clearly that some minority members don’t have the same trust level of the police,” Herzig said. “Just because they’re in the minority doesn’t mean their views are not important.” Councilmember Luke Murphy, D-First Ward, said he was “impressed” with the process of developing the CAB document and thanked Councilmember and mayoral candidate Mark Drnek, D-Eighth Ward, for leading in CABRC. “It’s definitely been a labor of love,” Murphy said. “I think the folks involved really care about the community.” However, Councilmember Scott Harrington, R-Sixth Ward, had questions about language in the document, specifically as it related to a portion of the document on “removing threatening language” around false reporting on filing a police report online. Drnek responded people may not report

a crime because of fear of retribution. However, Councilmember Kaytee Lipari Shue, D-Fourth Ward, said that the document “doesn’t address the real issue which is the fear of retribution.” “I felt the language was a little soft,” Lipari Shue said. Murphy said the recommendations came from people of color who feared retribution for reporting a crime committed by a police officer. Herzig confirmed that this was a part of the original discussion by CAB. Multiple councilmembers acknowledged this changed the meaning behind the recommendation. Councilmember John Rafter, D-Seventh Ward, said the document’s language was often unclear. “I will not approve things that I have so many questions about,” Rafter said. The CAB document has recommendations for the OPD website, which include making legally releasable crime and arrest statistics

available as well as a search feature. Murphy said that it was important “not to lose sight of the purpose of this report which is to listen to the community.” “It would be a tragedy if something were to happen where this report will be tossed away,” Murphy said. Herzig clarified if the CABRC document wasn’t approved, then the council would either have to work on it again or accept the original CAB document as is and it would have to be implemented by OPD to the best of its abilities. Drnek pushed back on the criticisms of language. “There’s not a whole lot of lazy language here,” Drnek said. The CABRC had worked on the document for six months and, during that time, the language in every section of the document was scrutinized from various different perspectives including legal and accounting for the views of CAB and its subcommittees.

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►

celebrate fall in oneonta and the greater cooperstown region

AUTUMN s m a e r D Thursday, September 9, 2021 • FREE

► An Amazing MAZE in FLY CREEK

InsiDE: FUN FALL ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE, Page B5 Home

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326 • 607-547-6103 • info@allotsego.com

B-2 autumn Dreams

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Larissa RYAN B e st B E T S

Remembering Sept. 11, Butternut Creek float tour

16 BeeRS on Tap! 4 miles from Cooperstown 20 minutes from Oneonta! 607-286-9330

110 River Street | Milford

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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, ride your motorcycle with the Legion and the Red Knights, Chapter 44. All proceeds go to scholarships for the children of veterans since the 9/11 attacks. Cost is $20/participant. At the American Legion, Post 259, 279 Chestnut St. in Oneonta. Registration is from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., with kickstands up at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. For info: 607-547-0494 or visit https:// www.alrpost259.org/legacy. • Bring the family for a morning of fun at the Springfield Library. For the kids, there will be a scavenger hunt through the library’s historical society collection, and the LEGO Club will have LEGOs available to build buildings from New York City. For the adults, there will be a taped interview with local author/historian Noel Dries who helped establish Hyde Hall. There will also be a discussion of 9/11 as a memorial and everyone will be asked ‘Where were you Sept. 11, 2001?’ At the Springfield Library, 129 County Route 129A in Springfield Center. From 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 11. For info: 315-858-5802 or visit http:// libraries.4cls.org/springfield/. • Hop on Zoom for this “Voices of the Game” session with Brooklyn native Hall of Famer Joe Torre. He will be discussing his career as a baseball player and the team manager for the New York Yankees, especially his experience on Sept. 11, 2001. Presented by The Baseball Hall of Fame. At 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. For info: 607-547-7200 or visit https://baseballhall.org/events/ virtual-legends-of-the-game-joetorre-remembers-9-11. • Bring out your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard for a guided float down the Butternut Creek with the Otsego County Conservation Association and the Friends of

Butternut Creek. Learn about the natural and human history of our area on this relaxing four-mile float. All ages welcome. There will be OCCA watercraft available. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring food/water/sunscreen. Free, registration required. Begins at Bailey Rd. in Gilbertsville. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11. For info: 607-547-4488 or visit https://occainfo.org/. • Adults age 21 and older are invited for a tour of the lighting at Hyde Hall. Explore the decades of how people lit their homes, from candles to gas to electric. There will also be samples of historic cocktails paired with each lighting device. Cost, $30/person. At Hyde Hall, 1527 County Route 31 in Springfield. At 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11. For info: 607-547-5098 or visit hydehall.org/. • The Fly Creek Methodist Quilters present annual show ‘Draping the Pews’ with the quilts they’ve been working on all year. There are 80+ lap quilts on show. The show is free, there will be a basket to donate to the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Donors will be entered to win a lap quilt of their choice. Fly Creek Methodist Church, 852 County Rd 26, Fly Creek. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. •

The Fly Creek Area Historical Society presents a tribute to Patsy Cline featuring a 5-piece band performing American classics. Tickets are $20/person. At the FCAHS, 210 Cemetery Rd. in Fly Creek at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15. For info: 607-547-9334 or e-mail flycreeksherl@gmail.com

►ON THE COVER Fly Creek Corn Maze Contributed photo

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Autumn dreams B-3

Contributed

Cultivating the corn at the Fly Creek Corn Maze is a family affair for the Pernat family, with multi-generational help.

A maze runs through it

Fly Creek Corn Maze opens for the season, promises spooky nights, weekend events By PATRICK DEWEY The Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch recently opened for its fourth season and will remain open through October. The Fly Creek Valley Farm, where the maze is situated, has been in the Pernat family for more than 100 years, but the maze opened in 2018. Ellen Pernat said thinking about how fun a maze would be for her kids and their friends was an inspiration to make use of the family land. She said it was a difficult time economically in the dairy farm industry, so the maze, along with the success of growing pumpkins and selling them roadside, were motivators. Pernat said multiple family members work together to run the maze. “We all have different strengths,” Pernat said. She said it wouldn’t be the same if any of the family members involved tried to run the business alone. Pernat said the experience of raising children on family land and being able to let them run and play on the

expanse without fear for their safety contributed to the decision to open the corn maze. “Those (people) from cities or bigger towns may not be able to sit under a tent and watch their children run and play. That experience is something I wanted to give to more parents,” she said. Pernat said she loves seeing people have fun on her family’s land. She remembers one family who, when they first arrived, seemed frustrated and reluctant to enter the maze. “By the end, they were all smiling and the husband and wife were holding hands,” she said. Since its opening, neighbor Megan Hribar has visited Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze two to three times each year. Hribar said one of her favorite memories of the maze is when a birthday party for her daughter was held there. Each child received a pumpkin and got to go through the maze. She said the Pernat family regularly updates the atmosphere of the See MAZE, Page B4

B-4 Autumn Dreams

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Fly Creek Corn Maze, Montezuma Winery will team up for special adult event MAZE/Continued from Page B3 maze through haunted mazes, pet dress-up events and other activities. Hribar said the changes make a visit to the maze fresh and exciting even for repeat customers. She said her daughter looks forward to fall every year in large part because of the maze. Heather Kovatchitch said she first found out about the opening of the maze through Facebook and since the first year, she and her family have visited at least once a season. Kovatchitch said she appreciates that, unlike some mazes, Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze is not always focused on haunted houses and Halloween. She also appreciates its friendly atmosphere which, she said, makes it welcoming to all. Pernat said from 6 until 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, the maze will host a “wine walk” night. The event, in partnership with Montezuma Winery, will allow visitors to go to food trucks scheduled to be on site for the event, and those 21 and over can get a glass of wine and sip it as they go through the maze. Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze is open on weekends and federal holidays in September and October between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. On select evenings, night mazes and haunted mazes are offered. The Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is at 1316 County Route 26 in Fly Creek. Go to Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch on Facebook or www. Contributed flycreekvalleycornmaze.com for more information. The Fly Creek Corn Maze has children’s activities but also stages nighttime events for adults.

Porch music

TOMMYJOY Music from the Great American Songbook

LIVE!

Photo credit: Jaye Shelby

Cooperstown’s Rigby family celebrated Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day with a concert at their Elm Street house Saturday, Aug. 28.

Fri & Sat, Sept. 17 & 18 5 pm until 8 pm Roma’s Ristorante 25 Union Street • Sidney

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Autumn Dreams B-5

Staff Picks

Our best bets for local activities Kathleen Peters Graphics Designer Otsego Land Trust The Husband and I are blessed with a beautiful property in Schuyler Lake. We decided several years ago it was worth preserving, and opted to get a conservation easement on our 22 acres through the Otsego Land Trust (OLT). We have our own land to explore and enjoy, but the Land Trust has open spaces available for everyone. Several OLT properties in the county have public access from dawn to dusk, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, paddling, garden walks, bird watching and more. The Land Trust sponsors occasional activities at these sites, like a guided tour of the Parslow Road site at sundown in search of the American Woodcock, and a Storybook Trail Hike.

OLT also frequently asks for volunteers to help with gardening duties at Brookwood Point in Cooperstown. I consider myself a fairly accomplished gardener, but I learn so much more every time I go from people who are more knowledgeable than me. Brookwood Point, Compton Bridge, and Greenough Road are all in Cooperstown. Deowongo Island is in the middle of Canadarago Lake, and Fetterley Forest to the east of the lake has the best sunset views if you hike up Panther Mountain. Lordsland Preserve is in Roseboom. Parslow Road in Oaksville is the only one open through the winter. I highly recommend getting out there and taking in some of the autumn scenery. You can go leaf peeping when the leaves are green, too. Go for a hike in any of

these beautiful spots, or kayaking, fishing, even dog walking is allowed in some areas. Just please remember to respect Mother Nature and “Leave No Trace.” No one should ever know that you were there ... until you tell them. Larissa Ryan Office Manager Cooperstown Artisan Festival A big part of autumn in Otsego County is the craft festivals that permeate the crisp Autumn air making for some great shopping. TheCooperstown Chamber of Commerce recently held the Artisan Festival on the lawn at the Otsego County Courthouse. It was a two-day festival with a huge amount of vendors, live music and food. There were artisans from all over the state selling soaps, quilts, artwork, jewelry and so much more. It

was a great spot to spend an afternoon browsing, making an impulse purchase, and chatting with the vendors. Probably the best thing I found was my new purse. It’s quilted and the pattern is gray with golden brown leaves. It has one outside pocket and the inside is divided into three spaces. It’s rather understated, but I like the fabric and the warm color palette. Kate’s Kreations also had wallets, cosmetic cases, clutches and big bags. The person was super friendly. Once I was done with the artisans, I walked down Main Street to the library where Fine Arts on the Lawn was being held. It is an art exhibit on the porch of the library, with of paintings from the members of the Cooperstown Art Association. You can also go inside to see the current exhibit in the gallery. Happy shopping!

Kevin Limiti Reporter Green Toad Bookstore I don’t consider myself a very outdoorsy person, but even someone like me needs to get out and about once in a while. That’s why it’s luck that the Green Toad Bookstore, on Main Street in Oneonta, is a perfect way to get out of the house while doing one of the least strenuous activities possible: reading. This independent bookstore is perfect, especially if you want to support local businesses. Not only does it have a great selection of classics, non-fiction, and modern novels, but it also has the Latte Lounge coffee shop connected. It’s perfect for grabbing a coffee and a book and sitting on the patio reading. Their sandwiches are great also if you want to feed your stomach as well as your mind.

Candlelight Ghost Tours

October 8 & 9,

15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29, 30 & 31! 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 PM Mask Required

Purchase Tickets at HydeHall.org or Eventbrite.com

B-6 Autumn Dreams Thursday, September 9, 2021

It’s time! Chenango County has what you’ve been waiting for.

Tom SHELBY

BACK & BETTER THAN EVER!

The DOG CHARMER

How to help an anxious new puppy stay home by itself Dear Tom, She came to us at 12 weeks at the start of pandemic lockdown. Well, I know it’s my fault for taking her everywhere with me, for putting her in her crate at night and staying until she settles, etc. With three adults in the household, she focuses on me ALL the time. If I go out without her, she’s a mess till I return. How can I help her to stay alone for a few hours without losing her mind? Sadie is an 18-monthold Havanese. Marty DeLaney Dear Marty, You’re so right in referring to Sadie as a pandemic puppy! You’re not alone. I was writing and telling people at the beginning of the pandemic, “Get out and get the puppy used to being alone.” My guess is that 40 to 50% of the (hopefully) post-pandemic questions I’ve been getting have to do with separation anxiety. The first thing I’d suggest is that you start making Sadie less dependent on you by asking the two other adults in the house to help. If they feed her for a couple of weeks instead of you, and take her out for occasional walks it will broaden her worldly view. You’ll always be her sun amongst many stars, but decreasing her neediness for you will make her more confident,

which is exactly what you want, and a good start. It would be great if the other two adults in the house called her from time to time and when she arrived, she got a treat. Sadie will appreciate it, too. Henceforth, when you leave the house, deemotionalize leaving and coming! If you appear sorry to go or overly excited to return you’re emphasizing the separation. Your goal is to make Sadie happy to see you go because that’s the only time she gets fantastic treats, like a hollow marrow bone with chicken or ham wedged in the middle of the bone. Remove it when you get home! The best toys only happen when you’re not home. Then there’s exercise. I’ve been saying it for many years, “A tired dog is a well behaved dog.” In my book, “Dog Training Diaries,” aside from my crazy experiences and stories, the dos and don’ts of separation anxiety and aggression are given a great deal of attention. Good luck, The Dog Charmer Cooperstown author Tom Shelby will be answering pet owners’ questions on training their dogs. E-mail your questions to dogsrshelby@msn.com.

SATURDAY 9/11/21 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM SUNDAY 9/12/21 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Colorscape Chenango is a free juried exhibition of art and fine crafts in an interactive atmosphere featuring artist demonstrations, literary, dance, music and arts activities for all ages; student art exhibit; and creative food vending. Entertainment on three stages.

2021 P E R F O R M E R S • N BT M A I N S TAG E

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

10:00......LJ Gates 10:45.......Opening Ceremony 11:00 .......Mustard’s Retreat 12:00 ......The Kennedys 1:00.........Vance Gilbert 2:15 .........Shanelle Gabrielle, Actor, Poet & Educator 2:30 ........Prof. Louie & the Crowmatix with the Woodstock Horns 4:00........The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

11:00 .......Answer the Muse 12:00 ......Alisa Amador 12:45 .......Shanelle Gabrielle, Actor, Poet & Educator 1:00.........The Kennedys 2:00........Bob Malone 3:30 ........The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

PLUS entertainment all weeked long on Peggy’s Stage & the Art Zone Stage!

Times are approximate. Subject to change without notice.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

info@colorscape.org • www.colorscape.org PO Box 624, Norwich, NY 13815 • 607-336-FEST Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is made possible in part by the Broome, Chenango & Otsego Decentralization Program, administered by the Earlville Opera House and made possible by the NewYork State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.

Moving CHENANGO Forward facebook.com/ChenangoTourism

@CmrceChenango

www.visitchenango.com/events/ or call 607-334-1400

AUTUMN Dreams

®NYSDED

Advertise what you’ve got going on in Autumn Dreams! Call 607-547-6103 for details!

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Thursday, September 9, 2021

Autumn Dreams B-7

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty

go to: www.allotsego.com/otsego-county-events-calendar/

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY GARLIC FESTIVAL Saturday, Sept. 18 • 10 am - 5 pm GARLIC FESTIVAL

RAFFLE!

MUSIC ALL DAY

20th Anniversary! Free eventDonations welcome! The BEST local garlic you can buy! Learn how to grow, store & use garlic. Braids, dried, pickled & fermented garlic.

LOTS OF GARLIC FOOD!

NYS Covid-19 rules in place

WOODBULL ANTIQUES Route 28, Milford

MUSIC • GARLIC FOODS

svgarlicfestival.com or call 607-638-9016 or find us on facebook

FRIENDS OF ONEONTA THEATRE GOLF TOURNAMENT Join us for our golf tournament fundraiser Sunday, September 19 • 1:00 pm Oneonta Country Club to benefit the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre. Help us reopen the historic theater as a performance venue. $75 per player! Includes BBQ!

Sponsors starting at $100!

Shotgun Start • Chipping Contest Closest Pin & Closest Line Prizes Mulligans for Purchase • 50/50 Raffle Silent Auction • Cash Bar • BBQ at 19th Hole For more information, contact Elaine Bresee (607)434-1930

Serving you for over 70 years! Online Restaurant Curbside Delivery Catering Gift Shop Sauce Production

Thank you for your patronage!

www.brooksbbq.com 607-432-1782 5560 NY Rte 7 Oneonta

Thursday, September 9, 2021

B-8 Autumn Dreams

A Perfect Day on Otsego Lake The Blue Mingo Grill Lake Otsego’s only open-air lakeside dining spot offers creative grill cuisine on its Adirondack porches at the water’s edge. Inspired by a multitude of international cuisines, the Blue Mingo Offers an eclectic menu that The New York Times has calleD “the area’s most interesting dishes.” dinner reservations recommended (607) 547-7496

Sam Smith’s Boat Rentals

Spend some quality time on the lake in a rental boat at Sam Smith’s. .ZWU SIaIS[ KIVWM[ IVL Å[PQVO JWI\[ \W TIZOM IVL [UITT XWV\WWV JWI\[ ZMV\IT[ IZM available by the hour to a full day. Call for reservations (607) 547- 2581

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On your way to the dining porches of The Blue Mingo Grill, you will pass through the LMTQOP\N]T IVL M^MZ XWX]TIZ 4ISM +TI[[QK 7]\Å\\MZ[ I JW]\QY]M ÅTTML _Q\P IV MKTMK\QK collection of clothing, gifts and accessories inspired by the classic casual elegance of Adirondack Great Camp style

The Mingo Market a contemporary take on the classic country store, with a unique and wide-ranging offering of authentic products and provisions from around the world and around the corner. From gourmet foods, take-out lunches and locally-sourced grocery items and produce to kitchen and entertaining essentials, pet and garden supplies, treats for \PM SQL[ ]VQY]M KTW\PQVO TWIL[ WN PIZL \W ÅVL Q\MU[ IVL U]KP U]KP UWZM

All at one lakeside location 2 1/2 miles north of cooperstown on west lake road, 6098 state highway 80 general information: 607-547-2543 www.bluemingogrill.com