Hometown Oneonta 11-02-23

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Candidates and polling places, page 8

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AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE COMPLIMENTARY

Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, November 2, 2023

Volume 16, No. 2

Satellite DMV Space: Progress or Just a Ploy?

LPC Finalizes NY Forward Priority List

By DARLA M. YOUNGS

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OTSEGO COUNTY n Wednesday, October 25, Otsego County clerk candidate Jennifer Basile (REP, CON) issued a press release announcing she had secured a shared space for Department of Motor Vehicle satellite services. She wrote in the release, “When I announced my candidacy for county clerk back in January, I made a promise to the great people of Otsego County to develop and implement a mobile DMV program. After a year in the making and dedicated efforts from myself and multiple department heads and county board members, I am so very proud and excited to announce Otsego County’s DMV Satellite Services!”

A photograph of Basile with a sign announcing the future home of these satellite services—in the Otsego County-owned building at 242 Main Street, Oneonta— reads, “Currently in process and pending budget approval and NYS DMV security approval.” The fact that state approval can take anywhere from six to 12 months is made clear in the disclaimer.

In interviews printed in “The Freeman’s Journal,” “Hometown Oneonta” and AllOtsego.com, both clerk candidates— Basile and opponent MacGuire Benton (DEM, CSE)—have discussed their desire to increase DMV services within the county to replace services lost when the Oneonta DMV office was closed in 2020.

“Reopening Oneonta DMV is not an option. That office no longer exists,” Continued on page 6 INSIDE ► cOMMUNITY UPSET BY MORRIS bank CLOSURE IN MORRIS, page 2 ► Tick-borne diseases cause for concern, page 4 ► letters from our readers ON ELECTIONS, OTHER TOPICS, page 4 ► CAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES, page 5 ► suny oneonta stages theatrical smorgasbord, page 10 ► paula mORRELL HONORED, page 12 Follow Breaking News On

AllOTSEGO.com

By DARLA M. YOUNGS COOPERSTOWN t the fifth meeting of the Village of Cooperstown’s Local Planning Committee for the $4.5 million New York Forward grant awarded in March, committee members signed off on the 12 potential projects to be submitted for consideration, including a Small Projects Fund of $300,000.00. Aside from LPC members, there were very few members of the public in attendance.

Photo by Tara Barnwell The final Priority Project Slate includes the Small Projects Fund, six public improveWhere Everybody Knows Your Name ment initiatives and five private developCOOPERSTOWN—Kelsey Grammer, best known for his character ment/rehabilitation projects. Representatives roles in the television series “Cheers” and “Frasier,” was guest bartender from project lead Laberge Group guided at Upstate Bar and Grill on Friday, October 27. “Mr. Grammer was LPC members through a final overview of here promoting his beer line, Faith American Brewing Company. He the proposals under consideration, following graciously greeted over 200 people at Upstate. It was great having which those proposals were identified as him here,” said Joe Vezza, owner of the establishment. A revival of either “priority projects” or “pipeline projthe “Frasier” series premiered on October 12 on Paramount+. New ects”—those with potential but not quite shows will air weekly. Above, Grammer and Sydney Vezza enjoy a ready yet—to be considered later in accornice conversation as they belly up to the bar. dance with the NY Forward guidelines.

Public feedback from two public workshops and survey results as to the transformative value of each project was also provided.

As outlined during the meeting, priority COOPERSTOWN—Otsego 2000 and Glimmerglass Film Days have projects lead to transformative impact and released the lineup for the 11th film festival. Glimmerglass Film Days 2023 the state can choose to fund all or some will be held from 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 9 through 9:30 p.m. of those. Not all projects will receive on Monday, November 13. The long weekend will include 25 feature films, funding through the NY Forward program; two shorts, parties, filmmaker talks, a companion art exhibit, food, walks, however, all projects in the village’s free films and more. Screenings and events will be located in multiple Strategic Investment Plan—including Cooperstown locations, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and pipeline projects—will be considered for Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers’ Museum, the Village Hall, funding through other programs.

All projects were vetted by LPC Templeton Hall and The Smithy. A full schedule and film lineup can be found at https://www.glimmerglassfilmdays.org/.

Continued on page 7

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Film Days Lineup Released

St. James Residents Tickled Pink To See Barbie Collection one place. It is a nice thing for Joan to share them with us and for others to know we have such activities here.”

DAVENPORT Pete Tompkins, Ruth’s husband oan Camp, a resident of St. and another one of the 55 residents James Retirement Community at St. James Retirement Community, in Davenport, has been was instrumental in transporting the collecting Barbie dolls for more than collection to St. James for the day.

30 years. She started collecting the Holiday Barbies are exquisitely Special Edition Holiday Barbie as an dressed like princesses in full-length adult every Christmas. ballgowns with extravagant jewelry, Camp owns 30 Collector Edition elaborate hairstyles and make-up.

Barbies. They look brand new and Many are dressed in festive holiday are still in their original boxes. colors—red, green, winter white, She said, “Because it is the year gold and silver. of the Barbie, I thought the ladies in Photo by Monica Calzolari Resident Shirley Hurtubise said, “I my knitting and crocheting club at St. Joan Camp wore pink the day she showed off her Barbie collec- think they are beautiful.”

James might like to see them.” tion to other residents of St. James Retirement Community.

One Barbie looked like Mrs. Claus Camp suggested the idea to Dawn in a red velvet ballgown.

Williams, activities director for St. seen the 2023 Barbie film yet. Nevertheless, At least two of Camp’s collector Barbies James Manor. The event on October 11 was Camp wore a pink shirt for the occasion. are dressed in garments by Bob Mackie, the a big hit.

Resident Ruth Tompkins of Chenango Camp and her knitting friends have not said, “I have never seen so many Barbies in Continued on page 6

By MONICA CALZOLARI

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER EDDM PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ONEONTA PERMIT NO. 890

THURSDAY, november 2 2023

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Community Bank in Morris To Close

By TERESA WINCHESTER

CUSTOMER SERVICE LOGISTICS COORDINATOR SSI is seeking a Customer Service Logistics Coordinator to support the Customer Service department as the customer point of contact for all outgoing New Construction Division shipments.

Responsibilities/Duties incluDe but not limiteD to: • Collaborate with New Construction Division Sales team to review backlog and shipping and delivery. requirements for outstanding orders.

• Collaborate with Production Scheduling to verify ship dates.

• Update orders as necessary with correct address and site contact information.

• Gather details for product returns and obtain order approval from Finance when necessary.

• Collaborate with Customer Service if customer contact is required due to a Finance Hold.

• Prior to shipment, verify and follow up with customer for written order approval and tax exemption status if not already received.

• Collaborate with Sales and Shipping to determine best shipment method of orders scheduled to ship.

• Release orders to ship to the Shipping Department.

• Produce and file RMA’s with Shipping and Finance.

• Gather relevant documentation and information from customers for freight claims, submit to Finance for claim filing and set up re-shipment of goods.

• Other duties as assigned.

RequiReD qualifications: skills: • Strong communication, organizational, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively/respectfully at all levels.

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, etc.).

• Flexible schedule when required.

• Ability to accept feedback and/or constructive criticism.

MORRIS he Village of Morris has enjoyed having an operating bank at 132 Main Street since 1856.

However, 167 years of local banking services will soon come to an end. A letter dated October 13 announced Community Bank, N.A.’s intention to close its Morris branch effective January 19. CBNA will, the letter said, “consolidate our service capacity into our nearby branch located at 434 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY.” The Oneonta location is 14 miles from the Morris branch.

The letter went on to say that the bank remains highly committed to its communities, seeing the changes as “the best way to efficiently provide service to our customers.” This statement was followed by six bullet points providing information about the change in services. It assured customers that they “don’t have to do a thing” with regard to their current accounts and that any of the bank’s more than 200 other facilities “will be happy to help you with your banking needs.”

For those with safe deposit boxes, CBNA is offering a box at another location, free of charge for the first year providing bankers contact a customer service representative at the Morris branch before January 5. Those utilizing the night depository are advised

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Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals Emergency Housing Coordinator Weatherization/Energy Svcs.

Home Energy Auditor Classroom (Toddler) Teacher Head Start Recruiting & Outreach Coordinator Home Visitor FT Weatherization/Energy Svcs.

Positions working 4 days, 10-hr. shifts: Crew Laborer Crew Leader FT Head Start Positions with school breaks and summers off: Assistant Teacher Family Partner OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competitive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For details on our current openings, our benefit package summary, and TO APPLY, EOE visit www.ofoinc.org/jobs The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities since 1966.

to “make arrangements for access at another nearby branch.” The final bullet point encouraged customers to enroll in online or mobile banking, affirming “our digital tools and telephone options allow you to bank from anywhere.”

The letter was signed by Hal Wentworth, senior vice president for retail banking, who may be reached at (315) 445-7338.

Despite CBNA’s assertion that customers would be “happy to know” about the changes outlined in the letter, neither local residents nor business owners appear happy about the news. Across the board, they have expressed concerns about the elderly of the community who do not drive, those who are not computer-savvy enough to do online banking or who simply prefer not to bank online, the thriving local Amish population (none of whom drive), treacherous winter road conditions, and the fate of the bank’s current employees with whom, many say, the community has enjoyed cordial relations over the years.

Businesses in Morris banking at Community Bank include, but are not limited to, Dollar General, The Gatehouse Coffee Shop and Mercantile, Mirabito’s, Shear Expression, Gates-Cole Insurance, Morris Insurance Agency, Sunburst Reflections, Weaver’s Farm Market, and Colonial Ridge Golf Course.

“Up and down the whole Butternut Valley, it will have a significant impact, not only on the businesses but also on the residents. It’s not only about the banking part but also the travel. The bank is not exactly a meeting place, but it’s a foundation of the whole town,” said Peter Martin who, with his parents Arlene and George Martin, owns Sunburst Reflections at 128 Main Street.

“They tout that they are a community bank but best-ranked banks don’t leave people high and dry.

There should be some obligation of them working for us,” said Arlene.

“I have appreciated Community Bank. If it moves, I hope another local bank will give good service to the local residents, which depended on the Morris branch,” said Daniel Weaver, owner of Weaver’s Farm Market on East Side Road.

Businesses in locations other than Morris will also be affected.

“It’s annoying to have to go somewhere else to do our deposits,” said Cole Covington, co-owner with his wife, Heather, of Five Kids Bakehouse in Gilbertsville.

Jason Cianciotto, who moved to Morris in 2022, is particularly disappointed about the bank’s decision to move.

“When my family and I had an opportunity to create a trust for my son, who had won a law suit, we wanted to support a local bank and be able to walk in and talk to the local employees. Now I feel I’ll have to take my business elsewhere,” he said, adding that much of what brings a community together is having local businesses.

Facebook’s “Morris Announcement Page” was full of concern about the closing.

Directing her comments to Community Bank, Danielle Fusco posted, “As a community member of Morris, NY and a customer of Community Bank, it saddens me deeply that you will close our neighborhood’s bank. You are hurting the individuals of our small community. Not only is the staff there wonderful and helpful to our community, some of them will be losing their jobs! Our small businesses and elderly will be the ones hurt for your ‘business transaction,’ yet you post things like, ‘we are deeply invested in the communities we work (for)’ and ‘Going the extra mile for our neighbors.’ Tell me how this will help

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Salary DOE, great benefit package includes but not limited to: health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, life insurance, flexible spending and paid time off. To apply, submit application online, apply in person at 41155 State Highway 10, fax resume to (607) 746-3107 or send resume to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Continued on page 3

$17/hour starting wage $1500* sign-on bonus *DETAILS UPON HIRE*

COOPERSTOWN— Cooperstown Art Association will hold its annual Holiday Show and Sale from Friday, November 10 through Thursday, December 23. There will be an opening reception at the galleries in the Village Hall from 57 p.m. on November 10.

The show is open during gallery hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Artists should deliver their work to CAA during regular gallery hours on Friday or Saturday, November 3 or 4. To participate in the show, artists must be CAA members; a one-year membership costs $25.

CAA will retain a 30% commission on all sales.

For more information, call (607) 547-9777 or visit the CAA Facebook page or www.cooperstownart.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Bank

Continued from page 2 our small community!”

“They call themselves ‘Community’ Bank and are pulling out of all the small communities, and in the letter I received as a customer they stated that it was to more efficiently serve. Neither makes sense to me,” wrote Jill Foerster.

“I have a friend with no transportation, who is scared about how she will be able to do her banking.

I’m not a customer, but even I have been glad to have a notary available, a place to make change when I’m paid with bills too big for small stores to handle. They say that online banking is cutting down their business, but it is often the case that online banking has been done because a local bank has closed its doors— rather circular thinking on their part, and not the wish of local customers at all. I can’t imagine small businesses, or large ones for that matter, would easily consider Morris as a place to establish themselves without a bank here,” wrote Carol Nealis.

Customers were also quick to express appreciation and concern for the bank staff.

“I want to personally thank all the wonderful employees for the incredible service they provided, both personally to me and for my business. I will miss all your smiling faces. My hope is that Community Bank will find other locations for you to provide the great service you have provided me,” Michael D’Amico stated.

“I think of how the employees make such a significant addition to our lives, their support of events like the angel trees at Christmas and other charitable ventures,” Carol Nealis also wrote in her Facebook comment.

The bank’s lobby currently displays more than eight trophies and several certificates of achievement awarded to the Morris branch over the years. These include

Photo by Teresa Winchester

Community Bank at 132 Main Street in Morris will close on January 19, 2024. An operating bank has occupied the corner building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, since 1856.

“Top Performer” awards in several categories and being named a “District Champion” in 2021 for “Best Overall Year-overYear Growth.”

The fate of the bank building itself is concern for some residents.

“In addition to being concerned about the lack of a bank in Morris, Gary and I are very concerned about the future use of this beautiful stone building at the four corners of our Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Stacia Norman, who, with husband Gary, is a trustee of the Morris Historical Society.

The edifice was built around 1830 and used variously as a general store, a hat store, shoe store, harness shop, and post office before Moore’s Banking House began occupancy in

1856, Norman said.

A petition to keep the bank open was left at several businesses on Main Street, including The Gatehouse Coffee Shop, Sunburst Reflections and the Post Office. To date 104, people have signed the petition.

A yard sign on a property adjacent to the bank reads “Save Community Bank” and gives CORPCOM@CBNA. com as a contact.

Jennifer Wynn emailed CORPCOM. “It seems the decision to close the Morris NY branch was made on paper, not actually coming to the location to see how the bank is the cornerstone of this very small and very rural community,” Wynn wrote. She went on to enumerate concerns similar to those expressed by others, closing her appeal by

asking, “If you still want to go through with the closure, put the building up for sale so another local bank can purchase the building to help the Morris community, do not be greedy and just let the building rot. This small, but very active community depends on a bank, make the right decision and keep the branch open, or be community minded, like in your name and descriptions on your website, and offer another local bank to come in.”

The response she received from “Amanda M” echoed Wentworth’s letter, characterizing the move as “the best way to efficiently provide services to our customers,” recommending its “over 200 facilities as ready to assist with banking needs, and promoting online banking.”

The Butternut Valley Alliance, whose mission is “to encourage the Butternut Creek watershed to become a better place to live, work, and play,” issued a statement through its chair Edward Lentz, who is also the supervisor of the Town of New Lisbon.

“In our view,” the statement said, “the closing of the bank is going to make things harder for residents, not better.

This closing not only affects the individuals and businesses up and down the valley, but also the towns and villages (New Lisbon, Morris, and Butternuts) who do their business there. As an alliance, BVA will be working with those community leaders and others to organize efforts to change the bank’s decision. We support the grass-roots petition signings and letter-writing campaigns.”

The statement also said that the BVA would “identify other ways business and community leaders might make an impact, such as exploring alternative banking options.”

The closing of the Morris branch follows a national trend. Writing for a September 26 issue of “The Kiplinger Letter,” Rodrigo Sormeno states, “U.S. banks continue to shut down branches in numbers not seen since the initial wave of bank closures in 2008, while allocating funds for new online technology. Banks are closing branches faster than they’re

opening new ones.”

The trend will likely continue as banks face staunch competition for deposits and younger customers from online banks, fintech firms and Big Tech.”

However, in a May 8 edition of the same publication, Erin Bendig wrote, “According to a new study released

by UserTesting, 83% of respondents prefer traditional banks over online banks, largely due to a preference for speaking to a bank teller face-to-face.”

Curiously, the study found that “consumers— especially in younger generations—crave the in-person benefits traditional banks provide.”

Within the past two years, Community Bank has also closed branches in Otego, Milford, Schenevus, Downsville and Fleischmanns.

Community Bank touts itself as being the “6th most trusted bank in the nation.” In 2023, the bank received recognition from both “Newsweek” and “Forbes,” being named one of “America’s Most Trusted Companies” by “Newsweek” and Statista Inc., with Community Bank ranking among the top 50 banks in the nation. Community Bank was also recognized by Forbes in two categories, being named among “America’s Best Banks” for the 14th consecutive year and also one of Forbes “World’s Best Banks.”

Watershed Teaching Workshop Announced SHERBURNE— The Otsego County Conservation Association announced a free full-day professional development workshop for teachers that will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rogers Environmental Center in Sherburne on Saturday, November 4.

Participants will learn how to incorporate local watershed studies in their classroom using the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences framework. The workshop will include handson activities to develop teachers’ environmental literacy and stewardship, planning time, and networking opportunities. Lunch will be provided and CTLE credits are available.

MWEE programs are spearheaded by OCCA through a grant by NOAA’s Bay Watershed Education and Training program. For more information or to register, visit www.occainfo.org.

MacGuire Benton for Otsego County Clerk

HOMETOWN Views

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

THE PARTIAL OBSERVER

EDITORIAL

maureen dill

Tick-borne Diseases on the Rise Here

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ccording to Cornell University’s “Tick Talk” Community Education Program, tick-borne diseases have become a significant public health issue in New York State, with numerous tick species and diseases currently spreading within the region.

This year, a Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Summit was held on September 28 and 29 under the auspices of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and the Central New York Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance. The Central New York Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance is a collaborative of providers, scientists, and community members who support research, drive education, and promote awareness to combat tick-borne illnesses. The summit was co-sponsored by the SUNY Upstate Medical University Office of Continuing Medical Education for a target audience of healthcare practitioners in Central New York. The goals were to (a) increase awareness of medical providers regarding risk factors and epidemiological patterns of tickborne diseases in our region, (b) increase the competence of medical providers to recognize and diagnose Lyme and tick-borne diseases, and (c) increase the competence of medical providers to treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

The summit called for disclosures by each of the presenters—whether MDs, PhDs, etc.

—of any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies, e.g., Pfizer, Merck, AstraZeneca, etc. There were several such disclosures by some of the presenters, with any and all relevant financial relationships mitigated.

The Thangamani Laboratory in the SUNY Upstate Medical University is investigating geographic expansion of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York. Tick-borne diseases in New York include: Lyme (Borellia burgdorferi), anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi, Powassan virus, ehrlichiosis, tularemia (rabbit fever) and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. A 2021 estimate based on insurance records suggests that each year approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated

Tuesday, November 7

for Lyme disease. The annual number of tickborne disease cases has more than doubled in the U.S. in the past two decades—whether bacterial (as in Lyme, anaplasma, ehrlichia, babesia) or viral (as in Powassan). There are several possible reasons for this, including growing tick populations, rising heat and humidity (climate change) that help ticks thrive in more places for longer periods, and improved tracking of these diseases.

Due to the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data only represents confirmed cases, the actual quantity of Lyme disease cases may be far greater, with an estimate of 1,013,000 true cases of Lyme disease. (Tick-Check Website. E. Stroudsburg University.) All Lyme disease prevalence surveillance data is sourced from the CDC. It is discomforting to note that New York State reportedly has the highest rate of tick-borne illnesses in the United States.

Physicians may often fail to recognize Lyme disease, for example, as the symptoms don’t clearly point to one particular disease but are broad enough to be any of several medical conditions. Ticks can transmit not only Lyme but also other bacterial or viral infections simultaneously. Co-infected patients are more likely to have fatigue, exaggerated changes in mood, nausea, headaches, sweats and chills, and an enlarged spleen more frequently than those infected solely with Lyme disease.

Recent studies report babesia is now found in 10 percent of the ticks in New England and more than 15 percent in New York. Babesiosis is an emerging infectious disease about which many clinicians have had little or no training.

Unrecognized cases of babesiosis in blood donors have also produced blood transfusion-transmitted cases—as had been the case with the AIDS virus in the early years of that epidemic—which carry a significant mortality risk. Delays in test results can often contribute to delays in timely treatment. It would seem that, these days, local veterinarians are more readily able to identify a tick-borne illness in dogs than are physicians in people.

Patients must be properly diagnosed first, Continued on page 11

Letters to the editor … In their opinion

Benton: ‘I Want To Work for You’

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY “Hometown Oneonta” 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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Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

The race for Otsego County Clerk is coming to a close.

The general election is this Tuesday, November 7th. It’s the honor and privilege of my life to be on your ballot and to have the opportunity to serve as our next county clerk. I’ve spent my life here in Otsego County. I’m a product of our communities and a proud graduate of our public schools.

I made the decision early in my life to stay here, build a career and dedicate my life to public service. I grew up in a home where service to others was prioritized. You stay in your community. You contribute and help build on the generations that came before you. I know I share those values with the people of Otsego County.

My experience in the public and private sector informs my candidacy and has prepared me to serve as our next county clerk. I’ve served as a village board member, I’ve worked in county government as deputy Otsego County elections commissioner, a vital clerical role with no room for error, and have spent the last 10 years working for a phenomenal local business. I’ve worked successfully with Republicans and Democrats to get things done many times in my career and will bring that same spirit with me to the Clerk’s Office.

Our next county clerk will face a number of pressing issues, from access to important government services to

restoring lost revenue streams and keeping dollars local to better serve residents and taxpayers. I think we need people-centric leadership now more than ever. I want to work for you. I have the credentials, the vision and the energy to get the job done. I humbly ask for your vote.

MacGuire Benton Candidate, Otsego County Clerk

Basile the Only One Qualified I am a native of Otsego County and have been a businessman and an attorney in this and the surrounding counties for over 46 years. I have, by my count, used nearly half of the 62 County Clerk’s offices which exist in this state. While the tenor of every clerk’s office differs, I can without hesitation state that the Otsego County Clerk’s Office is, thanks in large part to its staff, one of the easiest to work in.

I have rarely felt the need to publicly state my reasons for supporting a particular candidate in an election, and I apologize for the length of this letter, but I sincerely believe that the importance of electing the best candidate for the position of Otsego County Clerk requires me to detail my thoughts.

In each county, the County Clerk’s Office is the depository for its residents’ critical and important governmental records. The staff is responsible for the accurate indexing, filing, and secure maintenance

and retrieval of them. Some of those records are the deeds to our homes and real property, mortgages (and satisfactions thereof), pertinent estate proceedings, easements, contracts, leases, assignments, powers of attorney (and revocations thereof), rights-of-way, maps, tax liens, judgments, our various business records, our public and confidential court files and records, military records, and county government records. The office is also charged with overseeing the operation of the state’s local DMV office, including the titling, transfer and registration of our vehicles, and the issuance of our driver’s licenses and maintenance of our driving records. In addition, the staff is responsible for collecting and recording the numerous state-mandated recording and filing fees and taxes (mortgage, transfer, sales) and the preparation of the required accounting documents required to forward the state’s share of each to the appropriate state office each day.

In a small county such as ours, the position of county clerk is a “working position,” not a “management position.”

It is not, and should not be, a political position, but rather a position that is occupied by an individual who possesses the requisite service skills and knowledge. Everyone who works in the office must contribute to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the office. For all that it does, the Continued on page 12

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5 news from the noteworthy

SUSQUEHANNA SPCA

SQSPCA Working Beyond Shelter Walls Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

70 Years Ago

November 1953

50 Years Ago

Four Oneonta natives who are making a name for themselves in music circles throughout the northeast will begin a two-week engagement at the Oasis Motor Inn this week. It’s the first local stand for the quartet known as “The 69th Amendment” although the four members have performed as individuals in Oneonta on many occasions before. The group is composed of Ed Michelson, 24, on piano; Brian Kreger, 28, on drums; and brothers Ray Cameron, 26, and Dave Cameron, 25, who play lead guitar and bass. Since forming their band in 1971, the quartet has toured New England. They were once hired for a two-day stand at The Berkshire Motor Inn in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and ended up spending four months there as the featured band.

They have also played the Penthouse Lounge at the Colonial Hilton in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Living Room in Boston, Bounty Tavern at the New Sheraton Bangor in Bangor, Maine and the Chateau DeVille in Framingham, Massachusetts. “The 69th Amendment’s repertoire stretches from ballads to the Jitterbug, to 50s medleys and the music of the 60s.

All four young men grew up together as students at St. Mary’s School and Oneonta High School.

November 1973

30 Years Ago

Esther Effenbein, who began her work at SUCO in 1950 as a costume researcher, received the Esther Hubbard Whitaker Award, in recognition of her her outstanding service to the college in the performing arts. Effenbein has designed costumes for more than 1909 productions at the college and for the Glimmerglass Opera Company. She continues to serve as a visiting assistant professor in the Speech Communication and Theatre Department. She also developed a program at Bassett Hospital using stage make-up in occupational therapy for patients.

November 1993

20 Years Ago

A study says the number of foreign students attending U.S. colleges increased by less than one percent in 2002-2003—the lowest growth rate in seven years. It’s just the latest piece of evidence that international students are shying away from the United States because of tough immigration rules. The Institute of International Education (IIE) said tightened visa procedures enacted after the 2001 terrorist attacks, which have delayed the entry of many foreigners into the U.S., contributed to the low growth rate. In each of the previous two academic years, foreign student enrollment has increased by 6.4 percent. U.S. schools want foreign students both for the revenue they bring in, about $12 billion annually, and for their research contributions.

November 2003

Solution: “The Hollywood Shuffle #4” (October 26)

A

t the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, we pride ourselves on the work we are doing to extend our reach beyond the shelter walls. We are your animal resource center, with both a sheltering facility and a medical clinic. These last two weeks, our ability to reach beyond our brick-andmortar shelter has really been on display.

On Friday, October 20, a cat was brought into our facility exhibiting symptoms of rabies. The kitty was sick and suffering and was humanely euthanized. Because it showed signs of rabies and had bitten someone, the cat was tested immediately for rabies. To our shock, on Tuesday, October 24, we received word that the cat was, indeed, positive for rabies. I have been with the SQSPCA since October 2015, and this is the first rabid animal we have seen come through our doors in all that time. This positive report is terrifying news, as the “rabies virus infection, regardless of the variant or animal reservoir, is fatal in over 99% of cases, making it one of the world’s most deadly diseases. There is no treatment once signs or symptoms of the disease begin, and the disease is fatal in humans and animals within 1–2 weeks of symptom onset.” This is according to a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “Vital Signs: Trends in Human Rabies Deaths and Exposures” from June 2014 found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

The full report can be read here: http://dx.doi. org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6823e1.

Because rabies is a public health issue, the Otsego County Department of Health has been the lead in

controlling a potential outbreak of the disease. The cat that tested positive came from a very well-known feral cat colony in Cherry Valley, with as many as 70 cats. This means there could be up to 70 cats—plus an unknown number of various types of wildlife that come to the same colony center for food—who have been exposed to rabies. The day we found out the cat was positive, we mobilized to conduct a free rabies clinic at the Cherry Valley Fire Department. The Department of Health provided the vaccines—the SQSPCA organized and publicized the event on short notice, and vaccinated 48 animals. We are holding the next free rabies clinic for cats, dogs and ferrets this Thursday, November 2 at the Cherry Valley Fire Department from 3-6 p.m. Ensuring pets are vaccinated is one effective way in which we can assist in the prevention of a rabies spread. Folks who are concerned or have questions, should look to our county health department for details as to how to protect themselves and their loved ones—both twolegged and four-legged.

Despite exposing ourselves to dangerous diseases such as rabies, the SQSPCA staff is proud to do this work and can only continue to provide such services with the support of people in this region who care about animals and about keeping our communities safe. The SQSPCA is a private, nonprofit organization. We receive no county support for our operations. Please consider a meaningful contribution as you think about your holiday giving. A gift to the SQSPCA is a gift to help your community.

Stacie Haynes is the executive director of the Susquehanna SPCA.

By MERL REAGLE

Take A Number… Not for the digitally challenged ACROSS 1 Celebrations 6 ’77 Kenny Baker role 10 Like some booms 15 Pre-sunrise time 18 Three-time Wimbledon winner 19 Black, in verse 20 Entree with a croissant 22 Watering hole?

23 Snacks 24 Set for Goren 25 Says 26 Friends co-star 27 “Limit, ___ customer” 28 Square dancer, perhaps 29 Bumbler 30 Facto opener 32 Pastry filling 38 Beginning Drawing 41 Tricky 42 Goat’s peak 43 “Nothin’ ___” 44 Green side dish 45 Fever temperature 48 Ursa minor?

52 Air conditioner, e.g.

54 One of Them!

55 Talking tests 57 Do an assignment 58 Sicilian volcano 60 Sweetie 62 ___ colada 63 Atomizer output 64 Gats 65 Outer limits 67 Racing event 69 Lockheed jetliner 71 Disco era 73 Chan’s kid 74 Number of dollars John Carpenter won on a TV game show in 1999 76 Soviet space station 77 Soprano Renata 78 48-inch 79 Surfeit 80 Nueve preceder 81 Bus. course 82 General’s first name 84 Temperature wd.

85 Night, to poets 86 Loaf 87 Dirty Harry’s employer: abbr.

88 Comic intro 89 Relations 91 Prelude to nuit 93 City on Tokyo Bay 96 Lifelong ID 97 Like the first bottle of beer

on the wall 11 Costume or company 99 Quint in Jaws 12 Little louse 101 Theresa, partly?

13 Hotel-machine offering 102 They get turned on in bars 14 Corpus ___ 104 Blah 15 Part of an address 105 Solve this puzzle 16 Part of an address 112 Region: abbr.

17 Upper limit 114 To return?

21 Mental manipulation 115 Living qtrs.

28 Noted etcher 116 Architect Saarinen 29 Cajun staple 117 When network evening 31 Drain news comes on in D.C. 33 32 oz.

119 Bentley fill-up 34 Up 122 Ear-related 35 Majorette, perhaps 124 Spider trait 36 End of a bout, sometimes 125 Esposito teammate 37 Merrill et al.

126 Indian city 39 Surfer’s shade 127 Eugene’s daughter 40 Gold’s place 128 Port from which Columbus 45 Form of bowling departed in 1492 46 Venezuela’s divider 129 Praising poem 47 Gewgaw parlor 130 Appears 49 Vatican vigor 131 Philly player 50 “Natch!”

132 Hostess Perle 51 Transplant DOWN 53 Pass ___ (seek donations) 1 Day for OOO and XXX 56 _ __ groundwork (pre2 1979-80 Tony winner pares) 3 N.J. college, ___ Hall 59 Count ___ 4 Radial surfaces 61 Start of an old soap title 5 1-way ways: abbr.

63 Kissing disease, commonly 6 Clinic’s work, at times 66 “The ___ avenged!” (John 7 Solid-blue rack item Wilkes Booth) 8 Adams of Get Smart 68 100,000 pounds 69 S horts with Bugs in them, 9 Silver’s place ___ Tunes 10 Baby pigeon

70 Perfect score 71 Moscow VIP, once 72 Sophie’s Choice author 74 Like some diamonds 75 The Wizard ___ 79 Actress Thompson 81 Mr. Yale 82 Stat after striking out twice 83 Speed letters 87 Agenda, for short 88 Ad verb 89 Wartime dogs 90 Seattle-to-Boston hwy.

92 Certain hawks 94 “Yikes!”

95 115 Across payment 98 Dandelion yanker 100 Tax-info sheet 103 Inscribed stones 106 Van Gogh painted there 107 This was yours once 108 Paltrow’s prize 109 Cads 110 Rye disease 111 Red, in Rome 113 Abbr. after 45 117 “Into the valley of Death rode the ___” 118 Bronze’s place 120 Half a fly 121 Some eggs 122 Moore’s number, once 123 “Open 9 ___” 124 S tart of prime time, usually

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Satellite

Continued from page 1 Basile said in a September 7 questionand-answer-style interview, with regard to her goals for office. “The best and only solution I have is the mobile DMV program.”

Benton, for whom the mobile DMV program has been a main talking point throughout his campaign, said in an interview printed the same week, “Creating a mobile DMV program to close rural service gaps… is my top priority.”

In a letter to the editor from Basile published on October 5, she wrote, “I have secured a shared office space in Oneonta from which to operate a mobile DMV program.”

During interviews conducted in person on Saturday, October 14, both candidates spoke further about DMV services and Basile elaborated on the shared space referred to in her letter. “[I am planning to set up] a satellite location, which is something I’ve been working hard on and I have already gotten approval with some of the other department heads to use a shared space to operate a satellite DMV office at 242 Main Street, Oneonta,” Basile explained. “I had my first budget talk Thursday, and it has a couple more rounds to go through budget. As long as [the county board] approves the budget, I can go ahead and start the process with the state. Then, of course, we have to have the state come out and approve the space and so on. The goal is to help as many customers as we can.

Expenses would just be the state equipment. The bare minimum. No rent, because it’s a county building.”

Benton spoke that same day about his intention to reopen a DMV office in Oneonta: “I hope to partner with the City of Oneonta on their transit hub project. The city has a $6.5 million dollar federal DOT grant.

I would like to lean on the city as they proceed with that transit hub project, hopefully for it to be built with the intention of housing a DMV in it.”

Fair or Foul?

Early voting began Saturday, October 28 and Election Day itself is just five days away from this paper’s publication date. Benton and his supporters are crying foul after Basile’s announcement, contending this is just a last-minute campaign ploy—that she has not gone through the proper channels to make such a claim, nor have costs associated with the satellite office been included in the county’s 2024 budget.

“It is a ploy. It’s a stunt. It’s a flip flop two weeks before the general election. My opponent has said on record that Oneonta DMV is not an option. The fact of the matter is these ‘satellite services’ have not received final 2024 budget approval. The New York State DMV has not given authorization to proceed. Absent

those things, it’s premature at best to make an announcement like this and blatantly misleading at worst,” Benton said in an e-mail last week.

However, according to county officials, Basile has jumped through the appropriate hoops and her announcement was not unexpected.

“It should not have been a surprise,” said Dan Wilber, chair of the county Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee, which provides oversight for the Otsego County Clerk’s Office but has no actual jurisdiction there.

The PSLA Committee heard Basile’s budget proposal for 2024— including satellite and mobile DMV services and a digital DMV billboard—at its meeting on Thursday, October 12.

There did not appear to be any objections to plans presented by Basile, and the costs associated with the satellite DMV space is on the administrator’s tentative budget, Wilber said. He also explained that Basile has been consulting with himself and PSLA Committee member Edward Frazier throughout the process with regard to such things as security issues and equipment costs.

“You have spent months telling everyone Mrs. Basile is a bureaucrat and has no plan,” Wilber replied recently on Facebook in response to a post from Benton.

“Fact is, she has had this plan for about a year.”

Basile is going through the proper channels, Wilber also wrote, further explaining in a telephone interview last Friday that she has negotiated use of the space herself with affected department heads.

“As far as her plan can be approved, it has been,” Wilber said.

In an e-mail last week, Basile further explained her efforts.

“I presented the proposal [and 2024 budget] at my October PSLA committee meeting and received verbal acknowledgment pending budget approval, which is very clear on the sign. I first began planning and talking with the state at the end of September 2022,” Basile wrote. “I created [the sign] and it was finalized with additional wording disclosure that was advised to be added from [PSLA] committee members. I printed it from home, as that’s where the file was stored.

“The satellite services is my mobile DMV program,” Basile continued. “I opted to call it satellite services because the mobile part was confusing people.

They would hear mobile and think of a vehicle.

It’s a mobile setup with completely portable equipment [that] can be easily transported to different locations. It is not limited to just one.”

Outgoing County Clerk Kathy Sinnott Gardner confirmed on Friday that the county board and its committees have no authority over the countywide elected officials, e.g. the sheriff, district attorney and county clerk.

“As for going to your

parent committee, it’s just the process. And for me, I just always thought it was the polite thing to do. The board has one thing over the countywide elected—they hold your purse strings. If I need to spend money, I need to go to my parent committee. Once they approve my spending, then have a resolution done, that goes to the full board at the monthly meeting.

Again, to clarify, the county board has no authority over the countywide elected, just control over their money.

It’s in the Budget “Jennifer did, indeed, get approval from her parent committee to have a satellite office and had it added to the 2024 budget. A budget line was even created for the satellite office. It is, indeed, in the tentative budget for 2024,” Gardner said.

County Administrator Steven Wilson further confirmed this in an email on Friday: “The county Clerk’s Office did propose equipment purchases for a “mobile DMV” for the 2024 budget. The proposal has not yet been adopted by the board. I expect final action on or around the end of November.”

Benton has also been taken to task by Wilber for comments indicating he would have a mobile DMV program up and running in 100 days if he is elected, contending this would not be possible.

“I said I’d get something up and running in 100 days in terms of mobile DMV,” Benton clarified. “The clerk has the authority to determine what exactly that looks like. My plan for the first 100 days is to deploy my deputy county clerk into towns to be available for questions, assistance with paperwork and navigating the process which, for some, is often very challenging.

We will scale up from there with document processing, licenses and renewals, etc. There is no reason the administration shouldn’t be present in strategic places across Otsego County right away. I’ve committed to bring people-centric leadership to the county Clerk’s Office, and this assists in doing that.”

When asked how his campaign plans to rebound after Basile’s announcement, Benton remains self-assured.

“My opponent has an advantage in her current role. Voters need to ask themselves after 14 years in the department, three years with the Oneonta DMV closed on her watch, why this announcement came two weeks before the general election. I don’t need to rebound because I trust the voters of Otsego County to see through this. I have been consistent on Oneonta DMV the entire time I’ve been running to serve as our next county clerk,” Benton said.

Why Did It Close?

Let’s backtrack a little.

According to Sinnott Gardner, there has always been a misconception regarding the closing of the Oneonta DMV.

“The county board laid off county workers due to COVID. I was told to lay off three DMV clerks. I was left with four DMV clerks…only enough employees to run one office,” Sinnott Gardner recalled. The decision was made to close the Oneonta office.

The board [also] wanted to use the Oneonta DMV space for county departments that were, at that time, paying rent at other locations. The county was trying to save money.

“COVID forced the closure of the [Oneonta] DMV. It was the main reason,” Sinnott Gardner reiterated.

Otsego County Board of Representatives Chair David Bliss, in a phone call, confirmed that the closing of the Oneonta DMV was prompted primarily by COVID19 but also as a result of county layoffs and personnel who retired.

Bliss said he has every confidence the Oneonta satellite space will be approved and said plans have been underway for well over a year.

Board Representative Jill Basile said in an email on Monday she was under the impression that the Oneonta DMV closed because the Cooperstown office was making more money. She said she did not know the satellite space was in the works.

“I do not sit on the PSLA Committee, but I do not recall this being discussed at our monthly board meetings,” Representative Basile wrote.

A Benefit Regardless Moving forward, Wilber stands behind Basile’s satellite services plan—which he views as a restoration of services knocked out during the pandemic—and is confident it will be approved through the budget process and by the Board of Representatives, as use of the satellite space would benefit county residents regardless of who wins the election.

Benton could not have implemented mobile DMV in 100 days or even in the first year, he contends, without Basile.

“If elected, Mr. Benton could not have done it [in 2024] if she didn’t put it into the budget,” Wilber said.

PSLA Committee member Clark Oliver confirmed in a telephone interview last Saturday that the Board of Representatives’ primary means of control over the Otsego County Clerk’s Office is budgetary.

“It’s one of those weird areas,” Oliver commented, saying the committee’s relationship with the Clerk’s Office differs from other departments in that the clerk has more unilateral control than typical county department heads.

Oliver said while he is happy that a satellite space has been secured and hopes DMV services in Oneonta are, indeed, restored, the timing of the announcement is “very convenient.”

Regarding whether she believes Deputy Clerk Basile’s public announcement was just an election stunt or was held until the deputy

clerk had all her ducks in a row, Representative Basile wrote, “Hopefully it is a bit of both. I applaud anyone who is willing to do what it takes to serve the residents of Otsego County well, and that includes re-opening the Oneonta DMV, if that’s what the people want.

When asked if she thought Basile’s announcement was misleading or ill-timed, Sinnott Gardner was adamant.

“No, I do not think Jennifer’s announcement is misleading. She needed to go through all the proper procedures, secure the space, and get the approval and funding in place,” Sinnott Gardner said.

“It’s a shame that so much focus is on the DMV office,” Sinnott Gardner added. “The important office is the County Clerk office.”

Early voting is now underway through Sunday, November 5 at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta and at the Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33, Cooperstown.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.

The complete October 14 interviews with Basile and Benton can be found at AllOtsego.com.

Barbies

Continued from page 1 American fashion designer best known for dressing such celebrities as Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Cher, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner and Barbra Streisand.

One of Mackie’s designs was a black velvet ballgown with a multicolored embroidered skirt and a whitefeathered boa. Another wore a silver tiara, jewels, and a white and silver tulle gown with a festive burgundy ribbon.

The collection brought back good memories for resident Peggy Falco.

“My daughter had Barbies and we made clothes for them. I remember making a wedding dress (for one of the dolls),” Falco recalled.

Camp said, “I have not seen these dolls in five

years! I had fun seeing them again. I am fascinated by all the clothes.”

Camp’s daughter, Denise Herrick, is storing the Collector Barbies for her mother, who does not intend to sell them.

Camp has promised her collection to two of her granddaughters, who live in Boston and New Hampshire.

Camp said, “I lived in a 12-room home in Otego and had plenty of space and a lot of shelves to have my Barbies on display. When my husband died five years ago, the house was too big for me to take care of by myself. I moved to St. James four years ago.”

Camp explained, “I bought one Barbie doll every year from a catalogue for $39.99 each. I cannot believe that I paid more than $1,000.00 for my collection. That’s a lot of money, but it was a gradual process.”

She said, “My sonin-law, who owns Lettis Auction House, did some research and told me that one of my Barbies is worth $300.00.”

The Barbie doll was launched in 1959. She was created by Ruth Handler, named for Ruth’s own daughter, Barbara, and manufactured by Mattel.

According to the “Wall Street Journal,” “Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls, making it the company’s largest and most profitable line.”

One of Camp’s boxes still has a price tag visible that says $39.99. She explained that if the dolls were not still in their original boxes, in mint condition, they would not be as valuable.

Camp and her husband raised four children in Otego, three sons and one daughter. Her sons live in California, North Carolina and Texas and she only gets to see them once a year. Her daughter Denise and her son-inlaw live in Oneonta.

Altogether, Camp has nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Executive Director Kathy Falco said, “St. James Retirement Community was founded in 1999. In February, we’ll be celebrating our 25th anniversary. We take pride in how clean and well-maintained our facility is.”

Falco has worked at St. James for 23 years.

Advisory Council To Meet NEW YORK STATE— An open meeting of the Home Energy Assistance Program Block Grant Advisory Council will be hosted online using WebEx software on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 1 p.m.

The New York State HEAP Block Grant Advisory Council is consulted in the development of the HEAP State Plan and in the coordination of energy-related programs.

The HEAP Block Grant Advisory Council is composed of representatives from state and local government, energy suppliers, and low-income advocates. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will provide a webcast of this meeting in real time on October 2, 2023, at: https://vimeo. com/event/2656267.

Mall Hosts Cancer Screenings ONEONTA—Bassett Healthcare Network and the Cancer Services Program of the Central Region will offer no-cost cancer screenings at Southside Mall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8.

Free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams, Pap tests, and HPV tests are available to eligible uninsured and underinsured individuals 40 and older. Insurance is billed for those with insurance. Free colon cancer screening take-home kits are available for eligible uninsured and underinsured individuals age 45+ and can be sent by mail. Call 1-888-345-0225 to schedule an appointment and check eligibility.

THURSDAY, November 2, 2023

LPC

Continued from page 1 members in attendance at meetings four and five using evaluation worksheets created by Laberge Group staff.

Public improvement projects on Cooperstown’s Priority Project Slate are: • Re-grading of Doubleday Field, improving the drainage system, investing in new irrigation, installing new base anchors and replacing the netting at the historic grandstand.

(29 percent transformative) • Creation of a pedestrian- and vehicle-safe pathway along Fowler Way to Doubleday Field, with safe ADAcompliant access to the ramp and seating at the first-base bleachers. (42 percent transformative) • Installation of sidewalks on Grove Street, creating connectivity between Main Street, upper Main Street, Glen Avenue and the Red Lot. (38 percent transformative) • Transformation of Hoffman Lane, with improved pedestrian design and stormwater management. (51 percent transformative) • Improved pedestrian conditions on Pioneer Alley, including stormwater filtration infrastructure, repaving of the surface and added lighting. (92 percent transformative) • Installation of wayfinding signage from the Red Lot to the Otsego County campus. (39 percent transformative) Priority Project Slate private projects are: • Development of Willow Brook residential housing, 22 Glen Avenue—apartments and townhouses. (26 percent transformative) • Rehabilitation of 134 Main Street for residential apartments—four two-bedroom apartments.

(52 percent transformative) • Construction of residential units at the Railroad Inn, 28 Railroad Avenue—three longterm rental units. (25 percent transformative) • Renovation of 103 Main Street for residential apartments— 21 units. (60 percent transformative) • Creation of a community art space at 53 Pioneer Street—full

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

restoration of the interior, including heating and cooling and restoration of the building facade. (69 percent transformative) Projects moved to the pipeline are: • Construction of a Lakefront Park viewing platform for fishing and scenic enjoyment, to provide greater access to Otsego Lake. (35 percent transformative) • Metro Cleaners apartment at 115 Main Street.

• Development of the Pioneer Valley Microbrewery off Pioneer Alley.

(73 percent transformative) • Expansion of the Wood Bat Factory Entertainment Center at 33 Chestnut Street. (19 percent transformative) Among other points of discussion, LPC members stressed the importance of housing and clarified the symbiotic nature of the Grove Street sidewalks, upper Main Street wayfinding signage and Willow Brook and Railroad Avenue housing ventures. LPC member Josh Edmonds recused himself from discussion of the Willow Brook proposal, as he is involved with the project.

At the close of the meeting, LPC Co-chair Ken Meifert praised the Lebarge Group team, saying, “Lebarge has done a great job with due diligence.”

New York State will review the Village of Cooperstown’s proposals and choose which projects to fund based on their alignment with the NY Forward goals: 1) enhances downtown quality of life; 2) increases energy efficiency; 3) contributes to growth of the tax base; 4) creates an active downtown and sense of place; 5) attracts businesses/

job opportunities; 6) enhances public spaces for arts and culture; and 7) diversifies population. The Village of Cooperstown’s goals, by which the projects were also assessed, are to diversify housing, diversify the economy, improve connectivity and sustainability.

According to Laberge Group’sAdriana Beltrani, the goal is to submit $6-8 million in potential projects from which the state will then choose. Higher level projects that are more transformational are most attractive to the state, she said. In addition to the projects to be submitted, there are 19 potential small projects under consideration as well, for the Small Project Fund.

“Nineteen projects were submitted that demonstrate a need for the Small Project Fund, which is why the Small Project Fund was considered a priority project,” explained Beltrani. “Any eligible project can apply for the Small Project Fund once it is established, regardless of whether or not they responded to the open call.”

The total dollar amount for the 12 proposed projects is $7.8 million.

On March 2, the Village of Cooperstown was awarded a $4.5 million NY Forward grant, one of three Mohawk Valley winners of the first round of the new state grant program created to invigorate and enliven downtowns in New York’s smaller and rural communities. Building on the momentum of New York State’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the NY Forward program adopts the same “Planthen-Act” strategy as the DRI to support a

Are there Harmful Algal Blooms (“HABs”) in Otsego Lake?

Use the QR code below for up-to-date results from the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station: For context: the New York State Department of Health opens swimming areas at regulated beaches when testing results in a total microcystin level below 4 µg/L and there are no HABs visible for at least a day

Testing will now continue year-round, thanks to the support of the Clark Foundation and many generous Cooperstonians, which will allow *citizens to make rational decisions about when and how to use the lake *and scientists to gather the high-quality, long-term data necessary for any future HAB remediation efforts

But more help is needed so if you’re able please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to this effort

https://suny.oneontaalumni.com/g/give/ scroll to "Couldn’t find the fund you’re looking for?” and type "BFS Account” into the “Enter Fund Name” field

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more equitable downtown recovery for New York’s smaller and rural communities.

As per NY Forward grant requirements, committee members and Laberge Group staff must now work with the LPC to finalize the village’s Strategic Investment Plan and all project profiles.

According to the Village of Cooperstown website, “The SIP will examine local assets and opportunities to identify proj-

ects that align with each york-forward-2/. Final community’s vision and proposals are due to the that are poised for imple- state by November 15. mentation. Funding will be awarded for selected WE WANT TO projects from the SIP that have the greatest poten- CELEBRATE YOU tial to jumpstart revitalPromotions, births, ization and generate new meetings, new hires, opportunities for longevents, milestones, term growth.” grand openings, More information sports results, about the Village of anniversaries Cooperstown’s New and more.

York Forward award and Photos welcome, too! process can be found at info@allotsego.com cooperstownny.org/new-

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR VETERANS!

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Legal

Legal nOtice NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF OTSEGO COUNTY Candidates and Polling Places for the: November 7, 2023 General Election Polls open 6am-9pm Copies of each of the two New York State Proposals are available from the Board of Elections SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT State Supreme Court Justice Deirdre Hay (DEM) Cheryl Insinga (REP) OTSEGO COUNTY County Clerk MacGuire Benton (DEM, CSE) Jennifer Basile (REP, CON) District Attorney John M. Muehl (REP, CON) Coroner (Vote for up to two) Edward M. Stanimer (REP, CON) Michael Fox, Jr. (REP, CON) County Representative, District 1 Edwin Frazier, Jr. (REP) County Representative, District 2 Jerry Madsen (REP) County Representative, District 3 Rick Brockway (REP) County Representative, District 4 Michelle Catan (REP) County Representative, District 5 Margaret M. Kennedy (REP, CON) County Representative, District 6 Jennifer Mickle (REP, CON) County Representative, District 7 David Bliss (REP) County Representative, District 8 Andrew Marietta (DEM, ILO) County Representative, District 9 Keith O. McCarty (REP, CON) County Representative, District 10 Daniel G. Wilber (REP, CON) County Representative, District 11 Nora Mendez (DEM) Paul Ahearn (REP) County Representative, District 12 Adrienne Martini (DEM) County Representative, District 13 Donald Scanlon, Jr. (REP) County Representative, District 14 Jillian Basile (DEM) CITY OF ONEONTA Council Member, Ward 1 Luke Murphy (DEM) Council Member, Ward 2 Cecelia WalshRusso (OFA) Council Member, Ward 3 Shannon McHugh (DEM)

LEGALS

Legal

Legal

Legal

Daniel Rorick (REP) Council Member, Ward 4 Kaytee Lipari Shue (DEM) Council Member, Ward 5 Leonard E. Carson, Jr. (REP, BGO) Donald Garrison, Jr. (LTN) Council Member, Ward 6 Scott Harrington (REP) Council Member, Ward 7 Bryce Wooden (DEM) Sean Dwight (REP) Council Member, Ward 8 James Peter DeAndrea (REP) Emily Falco (OUP)

Supervisor Doreé M. VanTassel (HAV) Clerk/Collector no candidates Council Member (Vote for up to two) David A. Arkema (REP) Superintendent of Highways Steven A. Baker (REP) Randy S. Brooker (CON, BRK)

Bruce J. Page, Jr. (BPA) Clerk/Collector Charlene R. Wells (DEM) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Laura Curtis (DEM) Scott Fickbohm (DEM) Superintendent of Highways Donald B. Smith (REP)

HARTWICK Supervisor Robert J. O’Brien (REP) Dylan Arnot (VPO) Clerk/Collector Andrea Vazquez (REP, TCI) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Jason Blaske (REP) Bryan F. LoRusso (CON) Pat Ryan (PRY) Thomas J. Murphy (REP)

ONEONTA Supervisor Randal Mowers (REP) Clerk/Collector Ryan F. Pereira (OEQ) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Patricia Riddell Kent (REP, CCI) Brett Holleran (REP) Superintendent of Highways James Hurtubise (DEM)

BURLINGTON Supervisor Russell McCall (REP) Clerk/Collector Deborah J. Wengert (REP) Town Justice (Vote for up to two) Craig Slattery (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Mark Bolton (REP) Denyse Ruffles (REP) Superintendent of Highways Jason Rous (REP) BUTTERNUTS Supervisor Bruce Giuda (REP) Town Clerk Lucy J. Richards (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) John Hill (REP) Keith M. Lilley (REP) Superintendent of Highways David Haynes (REP, SHI) Tax Collector Doris Moennich (REP) CHERRY VALLEY Supervisor Tom Garretson (REP) Town Clerk Mary Beth Flint (REP, CFI) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Edward D. Vanderwerker (REP) Mark D. Cornwell (UNI) Superintendent of Highways Martin V. Field, Jr. (REP) DECATUR Supervisor no candidates Town Clerk Fred Kersman (DEM) Council Member (Vote for up two) no candidates Superintendent of Highways Richard Sawyer (BSA) Jason Hornbeck (BRA) Tax Collector Brenda Hunt (HUN) EDMESTON Supervisor Arthur R. Klingler, Jr. (DEM) Clerk/Collector Linda Eriksen (DEM) Town Justice no candidates Council Member (Vote for up to two) Russell Carpenter (REP) Russell Dutcher (REP) Superintendent of Highways Johnathn Button (REP) Joseph Chesebro (BRO) Trustee of School Funds Gordon R. Terry (REP) EXETER

LAURENS Supervisor Dean Buccheri (REP) Town Clerk Deborah Lawyer (REP) Town Justice Kim Loftus (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Carl Schidzick (REP) Rowland Dutcher (REP) Superintendent of Highways Wayne Shulgay (REP) Tax Collector Patricia Brockway (REP) MARYLAND Supervisor Ronald Wheeler (REP, CON) Town Justice Michael Carroll (REP, CON) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Brian Bookhout (REP, CON) Harold Palmer (REP, CON) Superintendent of Highways Timothy S. Walke (REP) MIDDLEFIELD Supervisor David Karl (DEM) Clerk/Collector Jean Schifano (DEM) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Kelly Branigan (DEM) Jeffrey Woeppel (DEM) Superintendent of Highways Brendan Kraham (DEM) MILFORD Supervisor Casey Eckler (REP, PUR) Town Clerk Rosemary Aborn (DEM) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Harold Couse (REP) Superintendent of Highways Billy Sutphin (REP) Tax Collector Jon Coffin (DEM) MORRIS Supervisor Jeffrey B. Porter (REP) Clerk/Collector Linda Ewing (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) David L. Johnson (REP) Jeffrey A. Webster (REP) Superintendent of Highways Kyle E. Utter (REP, UTT) NEW LISBON Supervisor Edward T. Lentz (DEM, FRE)

OTEGO Supervisor Joseph S. Hurlburt (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Terry E. Brown (DEM) Barbara W. Stanton (REP) Superintendent of Highways John Hurlburt III (REP) OTSEGO Supervisor Benjamin Bauer (DEM, ILO) Town Justice (Vote for up to two) Lauren Cady Glynn (DEM, ILO) Jesse Torruella (REP) Gary Kuch (DEM, ILO) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Deb Dalton (DEM, ILO) M. Patricia Kennedy (DEM, ILO) PITTSFIELD Supervisor Shelby Wing (REP) Clerk/Collector (Unexpired Term) no candidates Town Justice Gary L. Carson (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Lisa Jackson (REP) Kaylee Weidman (WEI) Clifford Carl Tice (REP) Justin Weidman (WEI) Superintendent of Highways James Wing (REP) PLAINFIELD Supervisor Todd Lewis (RUR) Town Clerk Jon Cockett (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Connie L. Peeters (DEM) Mark E. Stillwell (REP) Superintendent of Highways Rod Jennison (REP) Tax Collector Debra A. Wheelock (DEM) RICHFIELD Supervisor Larry Frigault (REP, RRI) Paul Palumbo (CON) Clerk/Collector Maggie Patrick (DEM, UNT) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Frederick Eckler (REP, CON) Dan Sullivan (RRI) Edward T. Bello, Jr. (REP, CON) Penny SimondsTibbits (RRI)

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Superintendent of Highways Tim Proctor (REP, FAP) ROSEBOOM Supervisor Patti Gustafson (FTP) Clerk/Collector Erin Van Dewerker Seeley (WTP) Town Justice Steven Mosenson (RJU) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Jack Barrett (BAR) Steven Gridley (GRI) Superintendent of Highways Daniel R. Gage (SUS) SPRINGFIELD Supervisor Galen Criqui (REP) Town Clerk Jeannette Armstrong (REP, INT) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Dale Schultz (REP) Martha Oakley (OAK) Superintendent of Highways Jeff Brown (REP) Tax Collector Ann Magruder (REP) UNADILLA Town Justice (Vote for up to two) Ronald Reed (REP) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Donald Cole (REP) Allen Anderson (REP) WESTFORD Supervisor Walter Heinrich (REP) Clerk/Collector Samantha Brown (REP) Town Justice no candidates Council Member (Vote for up to two) Steven Zerby (DEM) James Feil (REP) Superintendent of Highways Jason Ritton (DEM) WORCESTER Supervisor Jeffery E. Wilcox (REP) Clerk/Collector Jo-Ann Beverland (DEM) Council Member (Vote for up to two) Martin Brendon Ralph (REP) Harold J. Ridgeway, Jr. (REP) Superintendent of Highways Richard E. Evans (REP) POLLING PLACES CITY OF ONEONTA Foothills Performing Arts Center, 24 Market St BURLINGTON Municipal Building, 6011 St Hwy 51 BUTTERNUTS Municipal Building, 1234 St Hwy 51 CHERRY VALLEY Community Center, 2 Genesee St DECATUR Town Barn, 104 Co Hwy 37 EDMESTON Municipal Building, 2 West St EXETER Highway Garage, 7411 St Hwy 28 HARTWICK Town Office Building, 103

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Town Dr LAURENS Town Building, 37 Brook St MARYLAND AMVET Post 2752, 25 Main St MIDDLEFIELD Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Hwy 52 MILFORD Town Hall, 2859 St Hwy 28 MORRIS Engine & Townhouse, 118 Main St NEW LISBON Town Hall, 908 Co Hwy 16 TOWN OF ONEONTA DISTRICTS 1,3,4 Town Hall, 3966 St Hwy 23 TOWN OF ONEONTA DISTRICT 2 FoxCare Center, 1 FoxCare Dr OTEGO Municipal Building, 3526 St Hwy 7 OTSEGO (ALL DISTRICTS) St Mary’s Parish Center, 31 Elm St or Town Building, 811 Co Hwy 26 PITTSFIELD Town Hall, 175 St Hwy 80 PLAINFIELD Courthouse, 133 Co Hwy 18A RICHFIELD Town Hall, 18 E James St ROSEBOOM Town Building, 126 Co Hwy 50 SPRINGFIELD Community Center, 129 Co Hwy 29A UNADILLA Town Hall, 1648 St Hwy 7 WESTFORD Town Hall, 1812 Co Hwy 34 WORCESTER Town Hall, 19 Katie Ln Otsego County Board of Elections 140 Co Hwy 33W, Ste 2 Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-4247 www.voteotsego. com Legal nOtice NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 23rd day of October, 2023, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of $13,000 from Village Equipment Reserve A-230A00, a capital reserve fund, to A-5132-480Street Garage Repairs for a boiler replacement.

BY ORDER OF

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THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOW N, NEW YORK Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) Legal nOtice NOTICE OF SPECIAL CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM City School District of the City of Oneonta, Otsego County, New York PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special City School District Referendum of the City School District of the City of Oneonta, Otsego County, New York, will be held on December 18, 2023, at which the polls will be kept open between the hours of 11:00 o’clock A.M. and 8:00 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of voting upon the following proposition: PROPOSITION Shall the bond resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Oneonta, Otsego County, New York, on October 25, 2023, authorizing the reconstruction of and construction of improvements to School District buildings, including site improvement, original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and other improvements and costs incidental thereto, at a maximum estimated cost of $30,450,000; authorizing the issuance of not exceeding $30,450,000 bonds of said School District to pay the cost thereof to mature over a period not exceeding thirty years; providing that such bonds shall be payable from amounts to be levied in annual installments on taxable real property of said School District; pledging the faith and credit of said School District for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds; delegating powers to the chief fiscal officer with respect to the issuance and sale of bond anticipation notes and such bonds; containing an estoppel clause and providing for the publication of an estoppel notice, be approved?

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the aforesaid proposition will appear on the ballot used at such Special City School District Referendum in the following abbreviated form:

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PROPOSITION Shall the October 25, 2023 bond resolution authorizing the reconstruction of and construction of improvements to School District buildings at a maximum cost of $30,450,000; authorizing the issuance of $30,450,000 bonds (30 year maximum maturity); providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments; pledging the District’s faith and credit for debt service; delegating powers with respect to bonds and notes; and providing for an estoppel procedure, be approved?

A copy of the bond resolution referred to in said proposition is on file in the office of the School District Clerk, located at the District Office, 31 Center Street, in Oneonta, New York, where the same is available for inspection by any interested person during regular business hours.

The capital project described in the above proposition has been determined to be a Type II action pursuant to the regulations promulgated under the STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT. NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the School District Clerk.

Any such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the date of the aforesaid Special City School District Referendum if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before such Referendum, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. A list of all persons to whom absentee voter’s ballots shall have been issued shall be available for public inspection in the office of the School District Clerk not less than five days prior to the date of the Special City School District Referendum (excluding Saturday and Sunday) during regular office hours until the date of the aforesaid Special City School District Referendum. In addition, such list shall also be posted conspicuously at the place of voting during the hours of such Special City School District Referendum.

NOTICE, is also given that any person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election, pursuant to Section 352 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote without further registration pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law. Military voters

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who are qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 pm on December 11, 2023. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

The School District will transmit military ballots to military voters on December 11, 2023. Completed military ballots must be received by the School District by 5:00 p.m. on December 18, 2023 in order to be counted.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District has fixed December 12, 2023 as the date on which the Board of Registration of said school district will meet at 31 Center Street, in Oneonta, New York, in said school district, for the purpose of preparing a register for each school election district for the Special City School District Referendum to be held on December 18, 2023. Said Board of Registration will meet for said purposes on December 12, 2023 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

At such hours and place, any person who has not permanently registered by December 12, 2023 or who did not register for the general election held on November 3, 2023 or who is permanently registered, but at the time of such registration resided in a school election district other than the one in which he or she presently resides or has not voted in an intervening election, must in order to be entitled to vote at said election, present himself or herself personally for registration.

The register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District at the Board of Education Offices at 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the district beginning December 13, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and each day, except Saturday or Sunday, prior to the day continued Pg. 9

THURSDAY, November 2, 2023

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

OBITUARIES Rita M. Olson 1932-2023

PIERRE, SD—Rita Marie (Shipp) Olson, 91, of Pierre, South Dakota passed away October 19, 2023 with family by her side.

Rita was born in Paola, Kansas in 1932, the daughter of Glenn and Flossie DeMoss Shipp, joining an older sister Barbara. Fond childhood memories she shared included times spent with cousins at her grandparents’ farm near Paola. Stories of her teenage years often involved cruising town with her girlfriends in a Ford Model A rumble seat car, or helping prepare dinner when her parents were busy at the drugstore/soda shop where her father was a pharmacist. Rita graduated from Paola High School in 1950 and went on to the University of Kansas at Lawrence, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy in 1954.

While at KU, Rita met her future husband and lifelong companion, John E. Olson, a medical student. The couple were married on March 7, 1954, a beautiful early-spring day in Lawrence, Kansas.

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from Pg. 8 set for the election, December 18, 2023 and at the polling place on the day of the vote.

Dated: Oneonta, New York, October 30, 2023.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. By: Regina Ranieri McGuinness, School District Clerk 4LegalNov.23 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of MORRIS LEGACY CONTRACTING LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/27/23.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 49 Main St., Schenevus, NY 12155, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalNov.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Kelley LLC of Oneonta New York.

Filed 9/6/23.

Cty: Otsego.

SSNY desig. for

Photo provided

RITA M. OLSON

They skipped two days of classes to honeymoon in the Ozarks. While Rita worked as a physical therapist, John attended medical school and graduated in 1956. The next several years took the couple and their young sons to: Cooperstown, New York; Pensacola, Florida; Sunnyvale, California and Boston, Massachusetts as John completed his service in the U.S. Navy and medical education.

In 1965, after six household moves in nine years, John and Rita were grateful for the opportunity to make Cooperstown, New York their home when John accepted an appointment as an attending general surgeon at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. Rita enjoyed a fulfilling, part-time career as a physical ther-

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process & shall mail 12957 St Hwy 30, Downsville, NY 13755.

Purp: any lawful.

6LegalDec.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Chaco and Butler LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/23.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: the Company, c/o GordonLaw LLP, Attn: Michael Gordon, Esq., 51 Bedford Road, Suite 10, Katonah, NY 10536.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalDec.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 100 SPRUCE ST LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/25/23.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 100 Spruce St. Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.7 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION

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OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY UNDER NEW YORK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY LAW 1. The name of the limited liability company (“LLC”) is 4109 Route 7 LLC. 2. The date of filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State is October 24, 2023.

3. The County within the State of New York in which the principal office of the LLC is located is Otsego.

4. The Secretary of State of the State of New York is hereby designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him or her is: 4109 State Route 7, Oneonta, NY 13820.

5. The character or purpose of the business of the LLC is any purpose allowed by law.

6LegalDec.7 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: Strata-East Records, LLC Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 08/30/2023 Office location: County of Otsego Purpose: Any and

apist, both at the hospital and for private patients, while supporting John in his 30-year medical career. For many years, Rita volunteered at the hospital as a “pink lady,” assuring patients received flowers, reading material and other necessities.

She also worked the visitor’s reception desk, assisting folks in finding the rooms of patients they came to see.

The Olsons raised their three sons—Stephen, Thomas and Timothy— on rural Christian Hill near Cooperstown. Rita was a dedicated mother and primarily a stay-athome mom while her boys were of school

age. She was a “soccermom” before there was such a thing, as the boys participated in many sports, including swimming, tennis, football, cross-country, alpine and cross-country ski racing, and track. The family enjoyed participating in many outdoor activities, such as alpine skiing and hiking with John, and her sons all being hunters and anglers. Years later, Rita admitted that she didn’t particularly care for having trout cleaned or squirrels skinned on the side kitchen counter, but said, “I never wanted to discourage you boys from hunting and fishing.” Perhaps out

Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

of necessity, Rita was an excellent wild game cook, with holiday meals often including game birds from local hunts and annual bird-hunting trips with family and friends to Kansas, Arizona, and South Dakota. She taught all of her sons the finer points of roasting mallard ducks to a proper medium rare. John and Rita also loved to spend time at their cabin in the Adirondacks, relaxing, hiking, and trolling traditional streamer flies for trout behind a rowboat on nearby lakes.

Rita loved to read, visit

museums and historic places when travelling, was handy at her sewing machine, and loved a good auction now and then, where she acquired many unique items for her home. She and John always enjoyed attending local social and fundraising events held by many Cooperstown area organizations. Shopping trips to Albany or New York City were always special for her and she was adept at hosting dinner and cocktail parties at their country home.

John and Rita were Continued on page 13

Funeral Home

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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.

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home

Peter A. Deysenroth

14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

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LEGALS

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 P.O. Box 36 New York, NY 10163 6LegalNov.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: BAW PROPERTIES LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 September 2023.

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 4978 US Hwy 20, Springfield Center, NY 13468.

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

6LegalNov.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: WEBSTER FAMILY RENTALS LLC. Articles of

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Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere.

Suitable for large or small gatherings.

82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

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Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 8 September 2023.

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 4978 US Hwy 20, Springfield Center, NY 13468.

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

6LegalNov.30

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 145 Cliffside Cir., Maryland, NY 12116.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalNov.23

process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 1033 County Highway 18, South New Berlin, NY 13843.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalNov.9

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Notice of Formation of

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Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 9/5/23.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 4 Overlook Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalNov.9

Notice of Formation of Ashley Hatzidakis, Family Health Nurse Practitioner PLLC. Filed 10/11/23.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 36 Kilkenny St, Unadilla, NY 13849.

Purpose: NP in Family Health.

6LegalNov.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of ISGAR ENTERPRISES, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/10/23.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

Notice of Formation of CITY OF THE HILLS AIRCRAFT, LLC

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of CUTTING EDGE PAINTING & FINISHING LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/7/23.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom

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MAPLE ISLAND TREES, LLC.

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designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of Process to the LLC at 7345 State Highway 51, West Winfield, NY 13491 PURPOSE: For any lawful Purpose 6LegalNov.9 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 9/25/23.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: The LLC, 438 Mansfield Ave., Levittown, NY 11756.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalNov.9

LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 2, 2023.

Office Location Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of Process to the LLC at 7345 State Highway 51, West Winfield, NY 13491.

PURPOSE: For any lawful Purpose 6LegalNov.9

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Notice of Formation of LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of

NAME: MONKEY MAN TREE SERVICE, LLC LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 2, 2023.

Office location Otsego County.

SSNY has been

NAME: HIBBARD FARMS, LLC

185-187 MAIN STREET WORCESTER, NY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/31/23.

Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2123.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

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SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Anthony Gaudio, 7 Polonia Court, Monroe Twp, NJ 08831.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalNov.2 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 177 LIPPITT DEVELOPMENT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/14/23.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 177 Lippitt Development Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalNov.2 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Gatehouse Coffee LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/21/23.

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 203 County Highway 8, Morris, NY 13808 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalNov.2

THURSday, november 2, 2023

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA ON STAGE: PERFORMING ARTS AT OUR ONEONTA CAMPUSES

rachel frick cardelle

‘All in the Timing’ Will Bend Your Mind, Get You Thinking

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that confusion. Achim, the only rom November 8-12, you have the opportunity to non-student actor in the show, see two very engaging, explained that there are three very different theatrical producmain characters in this act and it could be one or three stories at the tions, one at SUNY Oneonta and the other at Hartwick College. same time, none of which contradicts each other.

No wonder Oneonta was just named #10 in the country for “We don’t know if he (points the most arts-vibrant communito Alexander, who plays Gus) is ties of 2023 in the small-sized me or not and we aren’t sure if she (points to Lindsey, who plays community category. Do yourself a favor and find time in your Laura, who introduces herself as Ruth) is even Ruth… it is the best schedule to attend each. SUNY of post-modern, you don’t even O’s “All in the Timing (reviewed here) because it will bend your know if these three people are mind and get you thinking while connected to each other!” Now, making you laugh. Hartwick if you are confused by Achim’s Photo by Rachel Frick Cardell College’s “Keely and Du” Back row (l to r): Jason O’Bourke, Kara Durkin, Sara Izzo, Oskar Isaksson-Stahler, Kiara Pipino. quote and having fun trying to because it suggests that the wrap your mind around it, you’re Middle row (l to r): Jessy Gardner, Seamus Daly, Marissa Marinick, Tatum Sasser, Matthew Manna. Front row (l to r): Stephanie Lynne, Ethan Graham, Ava Cancredi, Alexander Dinardi, Lindsey deep, hostile divisions we in just the right mood to see this McCreadie, Emily Shufelt, Achim Ködderman, Brody Stockman. Not pictured: Victoriana Alfonso, currently seem to be experiact. Did I mention Achim is a Sean McGrane. encing in our world could be philosophy faculty member? overcome if we work to see the “Words, Words, Words” takes actor in the script) and then relearning their lines humanity in those with whom we don’t agree. In the cake as the most adorable act. There are three in Unamunda with the same intonations. So, for this column, I will talk about the SUNY O show, monkeys, all named for famous men (Milton, example, early in the scene when Don tells Dawn and next week I’ll cover the Hartwick production.

Swift and Kafka), who are part of an experiment “Squeegie la mezza” you know he’s apologizing So let’s get down to it. to see if you really do leave a monkey alone with a for the mess in the room.

“To be serious about serious subjects is reduntypewriter will the monkey eventually get around Other acts include “Mere Mortals,” where you dant… If I don’t laugh or see somebody fall in will learn what it is construction workers are really to producing Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as posited by love, I’ve wasted my money.” These were two the Infinite Monkey Theorem? I won’t ruin it by discussing as they sit high up on the beams of the telling you the outcome, except to say that I’m a of the comments made by David Ives in a 1994 high-rise building eating lunch. As Brody (Frank interview on “The Charlie Rose Show” about his little concerned that all the hours of my life I have in this act) told me, Ives called this act “Mere spent writing have never even approached the level débuting show, “All in the Timing,” which is the Mortals” as none of the construction workers of Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline,” which routinely next theatrical production at SUNY O. Ives wrote believe they are mere mortals. Frankly, I’ll never makes the “least liked/worst” lists of his works. look at construction workers the same. a smorgasbord of 14 one-act plays for “All in the And yet these three monkeys… well, never mind.

In “Sure Thing,” Betty and Bill, who meet in a Timing,” and SUNY O’s production offers eight of them. (The original show had six, four of which café, get to fix all those awkward mistakes so often The monkey’s act is followed by a wonderful are part of SUNY O’s show.) The acts are at times made as two people get to know one another. Each solo act (and the only one without Oskar) in which funny, silly, confusing, thought-provoking, and Mitch (played by Jason) shares their alternative time one of them sticks their foot in their mouth*, always engaging, as was the cast and crew when I identity with the audience. Jason reflected on a bell dings and they start over again in an instant got to interview them as a group. how long ago this play was written, and yet so redo. (I WANT this feature in my life!) Seamus There are two items that show up in every single (Betty) felt it spoke to the need to go beyond much of it takes on important meaning in today’s context. The same thing had occurred to me when act: a rose and Oskar. When I asked Oskar which superficiality and get to the deeper meaning, as I watched the show, although 1994 seems more act he found most intriguing, [Note: I acknowledge by the end of the act Betty and Bill (played by that this was an obnoxious question given that all Marissa) fall in love and live happily ever after. Or, recent to me than it does to Jason, who was probhis fellow actors were sitting right there waiting to at the very least, go to the movies together. ably born in the 2000s, rather than the 1960s. hear if he chose an act they were in, so I officially There is one more act, “Philadelphia,” but we “English Made Simple” echoes “Sure Thing” apologize to him here.] he talked about “Universal with Oskar (who is the bell ringer in the latter) didn’t have time to talk about it, I don’t have space Language,” as he thinks the concept and executo write about it, and given how it reflects on that explaining the use of language between two people tion are really fun. Plus he said he’s a sucker for city I think I’ll leave it alone other than to say this (Jack and Jill), who are potentially romantically a cute love story. “Universal Language” covers interested in one another. In this act, a puppet master act is hilarious. Unless you’re from Philadelphia, in which case I will try to wipe the grin off my the story of Don and Dawn, in which Don offers (Oskar) tries to control and manipulate human face and stand with you in finding the image of to teach Dawn Unamunda, a universal language. emotions. Ethan (Jack) talked about how Ives uses Throughout the act, Don speaks Unamunda and this set-up to illustrate how complex English is, and Philly portrayed unfair. the incredible part is that sitting in the audiIn watching rehearsal and talking to the cast and how deep language can be between two people. crew, I was struck again by how much of the fun of ence, I understood 80 percent of what Don said.

“Long Ago and Far Away” confused the bejesus theater is that the script is only the starting line. As Victoriana, who plays Don, told me they learned out of me if I’m being honest. I felt much better the part by first learning all of their lines and intoSarah (Jill, “English Made Simple”) put it, acting after discussing this with the actors, who seemed Continued on page 11 nations in English (Ives wrote a translation for the equally confused but far more comfortable with

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Ticks

Continued from page 4 of course, and that doesn’t always happen when many medical providers are unfamiliar with relatively uncommon diseases like anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan, etc.

According to Upstate Medical University’s Dr. Saravanan Thangamani, New York State now has one of the highest incidences of Powassan virus in the U.S. There have been reports of Powassan-related deaths in Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with three deaths reported in Maine during the past 18 months. Ten percent of the neuroinvasive Powassan viral infections can result in death, while 50 percent of infected persons will have long-term neurological complications. While Lyme might be transmitted in a 24-48 hour period, the Powassan virus is transmitted immediately, disseminating the virus into the human body where it is only detectable in the blood for a short time. The virus quickly moves from the blood to the spinal column and then to the brain. Sadly, at this time it is reported there are no medications or vaccines to treat Powassan. It may mimic other diseases, making a physician’s diagnosis difficult.

Eighty percent of ticks that carry Powassan can also carry Lyme, anaplasma, ehrlichia or babesia. Deer ticks and groundhog ticks reportedly transmit this virus.

Prevention is best in avoiding tick-borne diseases. It is recommended to avoid tick hotspots, use tick repellent on skin and clothes, and, when hiking, stay in the middle of the trail.

Ticks must be removed immediately and sent to a lab for testing in order to identify the risk factor. (There are “tick kits” available through Amazon that contain very effective “tick pullers”.) According to

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

Cornell University, the head, shoulders, knees and toes are where one should check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

This fall, Cornell’s researchers are choosing areas in Central New York where they will do “tick drags” in hopes of potentially reducing diseases in ticks. Tick drags are the means by which ticks are captured for testing. In order to conduct a tick drag on one’s property to see how many ticks are present, all that is needed is PVC pipe, a rope and some white fabric. Cornell’s researchers are seeking access to properties in Central New York with around one to two acres, a wooded back yard and evidence of frequent deer. Anyone interested in participating may e-mail hn343@cornell. edu. In addition, there is a five-year research project through a CDC federal grant to study whether a vaccinated bait fed to wild rodents will decrease Lyme.

During this past year or two, several friends and former colleagues

had been hospitalized—here in New York, in New Jersey and in Florida--having been diagnosed as having an “autoimmune disease.”

Agencies report that the prevalence of autoimmune disease is now common and rising, but experts say the evidence is insufficient to explain the rise in autoimmunity. There are so many possible triggers for autoimmune disease, including stress, diet, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep and smoking.

Anything that causes chronic inflammation in the body can eventually lead to the development of an autoimmune disease, which could be one reason they are becoming increasingly common.

Over the years, environmental exposures— including pollutants, medications, dietary components, viral infections, and stress—have also been linked to autoimmunity. Current research, however, indicates that Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses may trigger an autoimmune response with symptoms that

The Oneonta Community Concert Band

Andrew D. Pease, Conducting

mimic an autoimmune disease. People infected with Lyme bacteria, for example, have antibodies in their blood against their own tissue, which is a sign of autoimmunity. It is said that the reason why Lyme disease can be mistaken for an autoimmune disorder is because the body’s immune system recognizes the cell that the tick-borne bacteria infects and hides in as foreign, and attacks it, which can cause damage to healthy tissue. At the present time, there is much research being conducted to help the scientific and medical communities better understand whether there is a relationship between Lyme disease and autoimmune diseases.

Maureen Dill is a retired social worker and former disaster preparedness and response planner, having served as human services and emergency services director for two international nonprofit charitable organizations.

Subscribe to AllOtsego.com for additional news content each week.

On Stage

Continued from page 10 isn’t memorizing the lines—it’s all the things you do after that. The crew, too, gets in on this.

Kara (assistant stage manager) shared how cool they think it is that in this production everyone has come together with their creativity to make the show work. Since at one rehearsal I had watched them discussing which piece of music would work for an act and the next thing I knew Tatum (also assistant stage manager) was tapped to provide one of their special talents to the scene—beat boxing—I had to agree with Kara.

They are cool coming together with their creativity.

Not surprising given they are a group of

artists being trained in one of the most artsvibrant communities in the nation. *On a side note, Kiara, the director of this show, is Italian. In a conversation we had, they shared that the saying in Italian isn’t “I stuck my foot in my mouth”—it is something along the lines of “I pooped outside the toilet.” Another reason learning other languages is so much fun.

You can watch “All in the Timing” in the Fine Arts Center’s Goodrich Theater on SUNY O’s campus November 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. or November 12 at 2 p.m. for $5.00 general admission, or free with a SUNY O student ID. UP NEXT: “Keely and Du,” performed

by Hartwick College students November 8-11.

CCP Announces Production WORCESTER—The Catskill Community Players will present “The Savannah Sipping Society,” by Jones, Hope and Wooten, at the historic Wieting Theatre in Worcester at 8 p.m. on November 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m. on November 5. The heartwarming comedy is directed

by Lissa Sidoli and boasts five local actresses: Emily Begin, Diane Stammel, Maria Johnson, Mary Fralick and a surprise fifth actor. According to a release, the play features four unique women who are brought together by fate at a yoga class and help one another handle a series of unexpected and challenging life events. Tickets are $20.00 or $15.00 for seniors and students. They are available at the door or at www.catskillplayers.org.

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A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Letters

Continued from page 4 office has just nine employees (three in the Clerk’s Office and six in the DMV office) who are overseen by the county clerk and deputy clerk.

It is an “all-hands-on-deck” office—the clerk and deputy are as likely to assist you as anyone. The county clerk’s position requires a detailed and intimate knowledge of the workings of the offices. It is the responsibility of the clerk and deputy clerk to ensure that everything is promptly and accurately indexed and filed.

The complex operation of the office is not something that can quickly be learned on the job, nor should it be trusted to someone who has virtually no experience in, or knowledge of, its operation.

The only person running for the office of Otsego County Clerk who is qualified, experienced and ready to assume the role is Jennifer Basile. Jennifer is a licensed, certified, New York State paralegal. She understands the legal significance and importance of every aspect of the office. She has worked in the office for over 14 years. Her knowledge of the processes and procedures of the office and her leadership skills were recognized by our current County Clerk, Kathy Sinnott Gardner, when she appointed her as the deputy county clerk eight years ago.

Jennifer Basile has earned our trust and deserves our support as she has proven her ability.

One final point. I recognize the impact that the closure of the DMV office in Oneonta had on the residents in and around Oneonta but, the reduced funding during COVID, for which she has been maligned, was a state decision not a local one. To Jennifer’s credit, and as the “public servant” that she has always been, she has been working quietly but diligently for well over a year to procure funding for a mobile DMV and a location in Oneonta. I understand that she has been successful and intends to include the re-establishment of DMV services to the Oneonta area in her budget proposal.

If you don’t know me, I invite each of you to ask your attorney, a staff member in the clerk’s offices, or anyone familiar with all that the clerk’s office does, if I am correct.

I am certain that most, if not all, of those who are familiar with the workings of the office will agree that Jennifer Basile possesses the attributes, knowledge, management and customer service skills necessary to ensure the continued smooth operation of the Otsego County Clerk’s Office.

Please join me on November 7 and vote for Jennifer Basile as our next Otsego County clerk.

Martin H. Tillapaugh, Esq. Cooperstown

Benton Is Right for Clerk Role Otsego County has an excellent prepared candidate for county clerk in MacGuire Benton, who has served as a village board member, was appointed deputy Otsego County elections commissioner and has been consistently employed by the same fantastic local business for a decade, with operations and distribution management at the core of his responsibilities.

The existing and future circumstances and quandaries (known and unseen) require an elected official to possess the ability to delicately balance both the wisdom and willingness to employ rational reasoning, creativity and solid decision-making skills.

MacGuire’s professional experience, vision, willingness to listen, learn and lean into issues needing attention are among his many attributes that demonstrate his preparedness for accomplishing the goals and responsibilities of this office.

Benton astutely plans to reopen the Oneonta DMV. The decision to close it has resulted in a grave disservice to the citizens of Otsego County. It stripped services away from thousands of residents with the only remaining office in Cooperstown, a village of 1,800 people. A county of 58,000 residents necessitates more than a single office that so many use so often.

In addition, the many other businesses in Oneonta and surrounding towns have been negatively impacted by this misguided and damaging decision. Visits often included stops for local shopping—coffee, gas, groceries and neighborhood specialties. MacGuire Benton is the right candidate for Otsego County clerk.

Bernadette Winters Bell Oneonta

Your Votes Are Vitally Important How fortunate we are to live in a country that is a democracy. Next week, on Election Day, be sure to exercise your right to vote. Do it for yourself, do it for your community, or do it for whatever reason that is important to you. Just vote!

Specifically, in Otsego County, next week we will be voting to fill the position of Otsego County clerk.

This position is the keeper of records for land transactions and court proceedings in Otsego County, as well as managing the Department of Motor Vehicles on behalf of New York State. If you have ever bought or sold a house or real property or participated in any real property transaction in Otsego County—and because it may have included in the chain of title, a mortgage lien, a judgment lien or been the subject of a foreclosure, or were involved with any of a myriad of other types of land transactions— this position is relevant to you.

If you ever had any sort of communication or transaction with DMV, then this position is relevant to you.

The candidates for this position are MacGuire Benton and Jennifer Basile. I believe they are both qualified for this position. Mr. Benton brings to the table about a decade’s worth of experience in various public and private positions in and near Cooperstown. I spoke with Mr. Benton recently and found him to be smart, knowledgeable, energetic and accomplished.

Ms. Basile is the current deputy county clerk. I am in the County Clerk’s Office frequently and have found Ms. Basile to be knowledgeable, courteous and helpful.

So, whoever is your preference, be sure to vote on Election Day! Steven Z. Feuer Attorney-at-Law Oneonta

What Became of the Democrats?

They have become the Globalist Party, but have neglected to change their title.

A Democrat vote today is a vote against our country, our freedoms and our grandchildren.

The money of the Global Elites (e.g., Soros and many more) have taken control of the party.

This has been very well thought out and in process for decades.

In 2016, Trump and the American people caught them off guard, which has propelled them into emergency mode.

No other reason why they

constantly have been after Trump and overlooking the real corruption of the Bidens, Clintons and other Democrats.

They have also crippled the integrity of our election system so what Trump started won’t progress.

As a conservative, I have never been in full agreement with Democrats, but I previously respected the fact that they cared about our country.

They just had different views of how the country should be led. Today, there is no meeting ground whatsoever and they will resort to all extremes, legal or not, to come out on top. If they can’t be stopped they will achieve a one-party system and freedom will be gone for good.

I believe many Democrat politicians don’t see where this is headed and are under a lot of pressure to play ball with the team. I see a small number of voters and politicians that don’t believe in this country and want to see something different. They know where we are headed. However, I believe most voters and politicians value this country and, if accurately informed and with election integrity, are going to vote to preserve the values of this great country we have been so privileged to live in.

Going forward we must pray, follow honest news and support election integrity efforts which are underway in all 50 states.

Bruce Beckert South New Berlin

Sign Ill-advised, History Flawed The new plaque at Council Rock Park notes that the local Native Americans described George Washington as “the burner of villages.” While I have no doubt that these people did, in fact, characterize George Washington that way, it does not make it an accurate assessment of the man, nor does it offer any historical context.

In Russia today there is a nostalgic revival of Stalin, and he is often revered as a great leader and father figure for Russia. But that opinion does not align with the facts of his rule or history’s judgement. Likewise, the Native Americans’ assessment of Washington is not correct in the broader context of the history of this country.

The Sullivan Campaign of 1779 was a military operation of the Revolutionary War and was under the command of George Washington. The campaign was a direct result of years of raids and massacres by the British and their loyalist and Iroquois allies.

Locally, these forces perpetrated the Cherry Valley massacre. Cherry Valley was burned and many of its inhabitants killed. This was not an isolated incident. Native Americans and their British leaders burned and terrorized settlements throughout central New York. This is well documented in the excellent book, “Bloody Mohawk” by Richard Berleth. Sadly, these Native Americans were cynically used by the British, who had no better fate in mind for them than did the local settlers. Both sides in the war committed atrocities.

George Washington did command the troops of the new nation at war—but this is a small part of his legacy.

That legacy is—by force of arms—implementing the most progressive and truly revolutionary government ever envisioned to that point. In a time when the world was ruled by kings, tribal chiefs, and war lords—and “rights” were unheard of—Washington put in place a vision that even

Photo provided

Paula Morrell with CEO Dan Ayres on stage at intermission.

Helios Care Honors Aide at Opry Helios Care’s Grand Oneonta Opry, on Saturday, October 21 at Foothills PAC, was a major success! The performing artists rocked the house and gave the crowd an amazing show. The night would not have been possible without Country Club Auto Group, the Foothills PAC staff, and the very talented artists: The Driftwoods, Jason Wicks, Ken Wilber, Krystal Poole, Beth Patella, Nate Gross, Linda Thompson, special guest Eric Haight, Doug Decker, and the Stoddard Hollow String Band.

At intermission, Helios Care honored Paula Morrell, one of our home health aides, who is retiring after 33 years of service to the organization. Helios Care held a private reception in celebration of Paula’s retirement for her family and friends. Paula Morrell has long been known as “the face” of hospice, as she has touched the lives of so many.

Helios Care graciously thanks Paula for her dedication and commitment to all of her patients and their families.

Both the performers and Paula left the crowd on their feet; thanks to all for an amazing night!

Dan Ayres President and CEO of Helios Care today has not been realized by most of the world.

The application of the nation’s vision and the man himself were indeed flawed.

But I would rather people remember George Washington as “the father of his country” instead of “the burner of villages.” Sadly, many will leave Council Rock Park with a description of the man that does not do justice to his legacy.

Jim Howarth Cooperstown

Impressed by MacGuire Benton I write in support of the candidacy of MacGuire Benton for Otsego County clerk. I like his stated intention to re-open the DMV office in Oneonta, where it will serve the largest number of Otsego County residents. The decision to close that office in May of 2020 meant that most of our neighbors, if they wanted to have a face-to-face transaction with the DMV— even for something as simple as turning in license plates, or to ask a question that couldn’t be readily answered online— had to travel to Cooperstown.

Benton will make re-opening an Oneonta DMV office a priority; his opponent will not. He has the skill set and past experience to hit the ground running if elected to this important position, and I’m impressed by his wellexpressed and public-spirited desire to do well by the residents of Otsego County.

Please give him your vote on Election Day. Andy Puritz Oneonta

Vote Glynn for Otsego Justice I met Laura Glynn recently at a Rotary meeting and got to know her better over coffee.

To say I was impressed is an understatement. She is a selfmade woman who survived

challenges in her youth, became a lawyer and is setting up her own law practice. In addition, she has two hearingchallenged children. Add to this that she is passionate about being a justice and chose to run for this office.

Lauren says, “It’s Important to “show up” as a justice and be available to your public.”

The world is run by those who “show up”—a quote from Ben Franklin—a phrase I have often quoted during my career. Lauren is youthful and wise, passionate and practical, patient and driven. I have never written a letter about a candidate, but I do this now because of her impact on me.

I see in her honesty, Integrity, strength, commitment and a super-human ability to handle whatever comes her way.

We are lucky she has come home to Cooperstown and I sure hope she stays. Lauren contributes to her community in every way she can and we will be better for it.

Bertine McKenna Cooperstown

Choose Hay for Supreme Court I am writing to urge all voters to cast their vote for Deirdre Hay for New York State Supreme Court, Sixth Judicial District.

Deirdre Hay is by far the most qualified candidate, with extensive courtroom experience in the areas of marriage and family law, which are particularly relevant to Supreme Court work.

A past president of New York State Women’s Bar, Ms. Hay has served on the board of the respected nonprofit LawNY, and has worked with the Chief Justice to improve the state’s judicial system.

The Central New York communities served by the Sixth Judicial District will benefit not only from Ms. Hay’s legal scholarship, judicial temperament, and courtContinued on page 13

THURSDAY, november 2, 2023

Letters

Continued from page 12 room expertise, but also from her commitment to justice, which she continues to demonstrate through her community service as an active volunteer, Special Olympics parent, and family farmer. Ms. Hay also teaches business law at Cornell School of Law. Ms. Hay will work to get politics out of our courts.

She will serve on the court with honor and integrity. I am proud to support her and respectfully request that my friends and neighbors go to the polls on November 7 and vote for Deirdre Hay for New York State Supreme Court.

Melinda Hardin Cooperstown

School Needs To Do Better On October 26, 2023, I received messages from multiple friends of a screenshot of a letter that was posted on the Schenevus Central School Facebook page. It was posted around 12:15 p.m. and stated, “This morning, it was determined that there was a potential threat in our school building. The matter was dealt with and turned over to the NYS police….” I called the school immediately to question why they did not utilize the e-mail, text or robocall system that the school has. I was only told, it was posted on Facebook and the website.

School Superintendent Jeff Bennett has me blocked from the Facebook page, so if I were on Facebook, I wouldn’t have known. And who checks the school’s website to see if something like this is happening?

And it’s not even the first

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-13

thing you see when you go to the website. You have to scroll to find it. This school never utilizes the systems it has to communicate any information to parents. Bennett believes he is transparent, but clearly doesn’t understand the definition. I’m then sent a link from a friend—regarding a news article from WKTV—that states the child had a firearm at school!!! Yet here it is, October 26 at 11:15 p.m., and the school has still not reached out to parents. They state in the letter that children’s safety is important, and they have zero tolerance for anyone who threatens. Well, myself and other parents have experienced the complete opposite of what this letter signed by Jeff Bennett states.

Nicole Miskell Schenevus

Concerns About Lack of Debate I am writing this letter because of deep concerns about how Jennifer Basile views her role if she is to be elected as our next County Clerk. These views are my own.

MacGuire Benton and Jennifer Basile were both invited to speak at my congregation’s breakfast meeting that took place in Oneonta over the weekend. Mr. Benton responded right away that he would come. Ms. Basile never responded at all, despite being offered a choice of formats, one of which would have had no contact with her opponent.

She has turned down multiple options by the League of Women Voters to debate.

A requirement of an elected official is to be able to talk and educate your constituency in a public forum and debate the menu of ideas that your

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opponent offers. Without this, how can the people of Otsego County make an informed decision about her candidacy.

I can only surmise that Ms. Basile thinks talking to and answering questions from citizens and her potential constituents is unimportant. We are a diverse group who would like to hear about both sides of the issues.

What does that say about someone running for an elected office? It says that she has no wish to listen to our concerns. It also says that she was completely dismissive of us, that we don’t count and don’t deserve to be treated with respect. Not responding to our invitation speaks volumes about the way she will treat people going forward. It’s without a doubt that MacGuire Benton should be elected our next Otsego County clerk.

Phyllis Sherman Oneonta

Support Is for MacGuire Benton It is my great pleasure to support MacGuire Benton for Otsego County clerk! I have known him for the past 10 years. He has always shown a true passion for public service and concern for the wellbeing of his fellow community members. He is the right candidate for this position.

MacGuire has a proven track record in public service.

He was elected to two terms as village trustee in Cooperstown and has worked tirelessly in this role. He served as deputy Otsego County elections commissioner, where his primary responsibility as deputy was to administer the absentee ballot system. He has the clerical experience necessary to serve as county clerk.

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I immediately supported MacGuire when he told me he was going to run for this job.

Since day one, he has shown the dedication, determination, and drive needed for this position. He has been actively talking with people throughout the county. He has knowledge and passion to be successful in this position. I wholeheartedly endorse MacGuire Benton for Otsego County Clerk.

He has my vote!

Jennifer Pindar Van Kampen Middlefield Town Board Member

Olson

Continued from page 9 classic romantics who loved to travel, explore new places, meet new people, and learn about their cultural traditions, foods, and art. They were privileged to travel extensively world-wide. It was common for the couple to combine medical outreach efforts with these travel adventures. Rita once told her sons, “I couldn’t wait to get out of Paola,” and that started her love of traveling. Her travels led her to develop a fascination with China and she said, “I am so glad I was able to go there, it’s been a good life—interesting, exciting, lucky.” Following the loss of her husband in 2010, Rita moved to Pierre, South Dakota, near her youngest son, Timothy, his wife Paige, and their son, John, where she resided until her passing.

She much appreciated being welcomed into the Pierre community by new friends at the First United Methodist Church, the YMCA and her PEO chapter.

Rita will be deeply missed by family and friends and will

be remembered as an everloving wife and mother and for her undying loyalty and passion for the KU Jayhawks men’s basketball team. “Rock Chalk Jayhawks.” Rita is survived by her three sons: Stephen E. Olson, MD, of Princeton, Oregon; Thomas G. Olson, of Walla Walla, Washington, and Timothy J. Olson (Paige), of Pierre, South Dakota; one grandson, John E. Olson, of Pierre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Barbara Shipp Dunlap, and her husband of 56 years, Dr. John E. Olson.

Rita’s family extends their sincere appreciation to all of the caregivers for the kind, considerate, and understanding care they gave Rita in her last years at Edgewood Assisted Living and Memory Care in Pierre, South Dakota.

A family gathering will be held in Kansas at a later date.

Arrangements are with Isburg Funeral Chapels, Pierre, South Dakota.

Children’s Choir To Perform COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Children’s Choir, featuring local singers aged 7-12, will perform its first concert of the season as part of the Village Library’s Day of the Dead celebrations at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 4. The show will take place in the upstairs ballroom and will feature pop and rock classics, solo singers, dance moves and holiday selections. The Library’s celebrations will include a full day of games, stories, crafts and familyfriendly fun from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be hosted in part by the Cooperstown Graduate Program.

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what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________ Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com

THURSday, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

A-14 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Friday, Nov. 3 FUNDRAISER—Noon.

“Dine Out For A Cause.”

Enjoy a meal and support Helios Care programs.

Also, 11/4, 11/5. The Empire House Hotel, 136 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 432-6773.

HAUDENOSAUNEE— 1 p.m. “Stories from the People of the Longhouse with Perry Ground.” Hear traditional legends that teach about the beliefs, customs and history of the Haudenosaunee people. Tickets, $12/ non-member (adult). The Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

POTTERY—1:304:30 p.m. Open Studio.

Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects. No instruction provided. $30/session. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

YARN CLUB—2-3:30 p.m. First Friday each month. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.

(607) 432-1980.

SUPPER—4:30-7:30 p.m. “Chili Supper.” Pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 2372930 or (607) 437-4656.

OPENING RECEPTION—5–8 p.m. Celebrate opening of exhibit “TEACH,” featuring fine art of local teachers, during the First Friday events.

25 Main Collective, 25 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340.

CONTRADANCE—7:3010:30 p.m. Fun social dance with the Otsego Dance Society, featuring music by Eileen Kalfass and Harvey Nusbaum.

Suggested donation, $8/adult. First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown.

Visit otsegodancesociety. weebly.com

COMEDY—8 p.m.

Doors open at 7. “North Country Stand-Up Comedy” with headliner Dummy Magnet Mike Gaffney and featuring Lauren Turczak of the Broadway Comedy Club. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.

(607) 431-2080.

THEATRE—8 p.m. “The Savannah Sipping Society” by Jones, Hope and Wooten, presented by the Catskill Community Players. A comedy about 4 unique women longing to escape the daily routine who meet at yoga and have an impromptu happy hour. Tickets $20. Also on 11/4 and 2 p.m. on 11/5, The Wieting Theatre, 168 Main Street, Worcester. info@catskillplayers.org

►Saturday, Nov. 4 POP-UP SHOP—All day. Shop to support the Super Heroes Humane Society. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.

OPEN HOUSE—8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pancake Breakfast & Open House. Pancakes, French toast and more available by donation. Celebrate the 100th birthday of the 1923 Stewart, the department’s 1st motorized apparatus.

Milford Fire Department and Emergency Squad, 64 State Highway 28, Milford. (607) 286-9492.

CRAFT FAIR—9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Greene Central School After Prom Holiday Extravaganza Craft Fair.”

Find gifts of all kinds from 70 crafters, artisans, vendors, more. Greene Central High School, 40 South Canal Street, Greene. (607) 226-4344.

FALL FAIR—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Annual Craft & Vendor Fair.” Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.

RIBBON CUTTING— 10 a.m. Celebrate grand

what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________

opening of Sweet CaroGround,” performing line’s Boutique & Beauty, swing to Latin to blues what’s haPPENIN’ Southside Mall, Oneonta. and the waltz. Cost, $10 in OtsegO COunty DAY OF THE DEAD— for the workshop, $10 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Día music cover. Foothills de los Muertos CelebraPerforming Arts and Civic tion.” Family-friendly Center, 24 Market Street, celebration of the Day of Oneonta. (607) 431the Dead, with games, 2080. stories, crafts, and the STAR GAZING— Cooperstown Children’s 7-8:30 p.m. “Naked Choir at 1. Village Library Eye Astronomy.” Learn of Cooperstown, 22 Main about the night sky, spot Street, Cooperstown.

Jupiter and Saturn, find (607) 547-8344. the constellations, more.

OPEN MIC—Noon to 2 Bring comfortable folding p.m. “Uplifting Storytellchairs and dress warmly. ing, Poetry, Singer/SongFollowed by hot chocowriter.” Family-friendly late. Rain date is 11/11. opportunity to share Free. Presented by stories, humor, poetry, OCCA at Mohican Farm, original songs, and more.

7207 State Highway 80, Emceed by Swami Tirtha.

Cooperstown. (607) 547Free. The Green Earth 4488.

Natural Foods and Café, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. ►Sunday, Nov. 5 Connect@orangecowboy.

HOT COCOA RUN— com.

9:30 a.m. The Arc Otsego WRITERS GROUP— “Hot Cocoa 5K Run & 1K 1:30-3:30 p.m. Join Walk” to make life a little online group to work on sweeter for people with writing prompts, share intellectual and/or decurrent work, and get velopmental disabilities. some feedback. PresentProceeds benefit The Arc ed by the Huntington MeOtsego’s Helping Hands morial Library, Oneonta. fund. $25 for the 5K; $15 Register at hmlwriters@ for the 1K. Neahwa Park, gmail.com Oneonta. (607) 432ANNIVERSARY— 4-6 p.m. Dazzo’s Kitchen, 8595.

42 River Street, Oneonta. ►Monday, Nov. 6 EXHIBITION— 6-8 p.m. “2nd Annual PLAY & LEARN—10 Postcard Exhibition Bena.m.

Supervised play efit.” Purchase original session for children under postcard-sized works 8. Cooperstown Village of art for just $50 and Library, 22 Main Street, support the 2024 exhibit Cooperstown. (607) 547season. Community Arts 8344.

Network of Oneonta, EXHIBIT—10 a.m.

Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford to 5 p.m. “Portraits by Avenue, Oneonta. Visit Lady Ostapeck.” On view canoneonta.org through 12/6. Village Hall SWING DANCE— Gallery, 187 Main Street, 6:30-7:15 p.m. “East Sharon Springs.

Coast Swing Dance CONNECTIONS— Event.” Learn to swing 1 p.m. Will Kleffner, direcwith professional dance instructor Linda Leverock. tor of the Cooperstown Food Bank, explains what Followed by dancing and the food bank offers and live music with “Solid how to receive/give/vol-

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AllOTSEGO.

unteer. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. Visit facebook.com/otsegocountyOFA CONCERT—6:30-9:30 p.m. “Mixed Genres.” A concert with something for everyone. $10 at the door. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.

(607) 431-2080.

►Tuesday, Nov. 7 COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS—8-9 a.m. Networking group discusses Oneonta’s past, present and future. No agenda, just informal, nonpartisan conversation. All welcome. Held each Tuesday at Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta.

COMMUNITY HIKE— 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment and water, and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be to Andes Rail Trail & Spur, 266 Depot Street, Andes. Contact hike leader Tom Austin, (607) 435-8107.

FLY CREEK QUILTERS—10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fly Creek Area Quilters meet to cut, sew, tie, bind and have a good time working on quilts. Fly Creek Methodist Church, County Route 26, Fly Creek.

SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Tuesday & Thursday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $10 for guests accompanying a senior.

Today, enjoy a lunch of BBQ chicken breast, baked beans, mixed vegetables and a peanut butter cookie. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (607) 547-6454.

ELECTION DINNER— 5-6:30 p.m. “Election Day Lasagna Dinner.” Salad,

homes

lasagna, bread and cake. Donations appreciated. Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Commercial Street, Gilbertsville.

FIGURE DRAWING— 5-7 p.m. Adults aged 18+ are invited to draw from life in fun drop in sessions. Newspaper and charcoal are provided.

No instruction. Cost, $10.

Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford.

607-214-6040.

MONTHLY MEET & GREET—5:30 p.m.

“Welcome Home Cooperstown.” Welcome new residents to the area and help them make connections with established residents and institutions.

Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.

POTTERY CLASS— 6-9 p.m. “Centering the Potter and the Clay.”

6-week pottery course to learn the basics of wheel throwing, with attention to body alignment to increase safety. Tuition, $210. Held Tuesday evenings through December 12. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

SPEAKER SERIES— 6:30-7:30 p.m. “The Otsego Trolley Line, An Audio-Visual Documentary.”

Jim Loudon, author and rail historian, presents on the history of the Otsego County Trolley. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center.

(315) 858-5802.

►Wed., Nov. 8 HEALTH SCREENING—9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free cancer screenings from the cancer screening coach. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (888) 3450225.

PUBLIC SAFETY— 10 a.m. “Fire Safety.”

Members of the Springfield Fire Department will present on what to do in a fire. Free, open to all. Auditorium, Springfield Community Center, 129 County Route 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

►Visit allotsego.com/ otsego-county-events-calendar/ for the full calendar

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