Hometown Oneonta 12-16-21

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Volume 14, No. 11

City of the Hills Pot vote 12/20 The Village of Cooperstown’s Board of Trustees meets Monday, December 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall on Main Street for an agenda that includes a vote on whether to opt in or out of the siting of retail marijuana dispensaries and/or in-house lounges.

For information or for video of the Board’s previously held informational session on the cannabis sale law, visit www. cooperstownny.org.

Farm OT on hold Press time for The Freeman’sJournal/Hometown Oneonta finds the New York State Department of Labor planning to postpone by one month a meeting to consider reducing the number of hours a farm worker would need before being eligible for overtime pay.

The Farm Workers’ Wage Board had originally planned to meet no later than December 15 to decide whether to reduce the overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours per week.

Farmers across the state have opposed the revision, labor advocacy groups continue to pressure the Department to adopt the change.

INSIDE ►FOX AMONG LIMITED LIST: State’s Department of Health imposes new standards.

PAGE 3 ►A CENTURY AND COUNTING; Cooperstown’s Main Street ‘Diner’ marks 100th birthday.

PAGE 10 ►THE MET IS BACK IN THE ARIA. Opera fans can ride out the winter doldrums with Hi-Def simulcasts at Oneonta’s Foothills PAC. PAGE 12.

Follow Breaking News On

AllOTSEGO.com ►COVID UPDATES: Daily updates as nation, state, county grapple with Omnicron and Delta upticks. ►HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS : Stay up to date on local holiday get-togethers (and maybe some new rules) as the season rolls on. ►fire in oneonta: Monser Brothers Tire Service loses second floor in December 3 blaze.

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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, December 16, 2021

Community Foundation taps former mayor as new exec director F o r m e r Cooperstown Mayor Jeff Katz returns to a life of serving his community when he takes the helm as the first executive director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County at the start of the new year.

“This is thrilling and an honor to have been chosen,” Mr. Katz told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta.

“I’m looking forward to the engagement and the change to get out and see people throughout Otsego County.”

The Foundation (CFOC) awarded more than $250,000 to Otsego County non-profits in 2020-21, focused initially on helping organizations operate safely through Covid-19. In 2021, CFOC opened its award programs to fulfill its broader mission to help innovative non-profits develop and expand capabilities. CFOC also this year completed a $2 million donor drive to establish the Founders Fund.

Mr. Katz served as Cooperstown’s mayor from 2012-2018 and as a Village Trustee from 2005-2012. He said he will bring his same focus on advocacy to his new role for the foundation.

“People who know me as the mayor know that we advocated every day for Cooperstown,” he said. “We would talk

with the community and find out the problems and then work to solve those problems.”

“I want to connect the dots,” he said.

“Connect non-profits with the resources they need to solve their problems.”

“A big part of this job for me will be getting out there and meeting people,” he said. “I’ve always believed that the basic attribute for the job as mayor is to never turn down an invitation. I’ll apply that same concept with the Community Foundation.”

“Jeff brings a wealth of solutionsoriented experience to the Community Foundation,” said CFOC Board President Harry Levine. “His extensive knowledge of Otsego County and commitment to service and building connections will enable CFOC to expand our ability to improve the quality of life and prosperity throughout Otsego County.”

Mr. Katz said he is excited to head into problem-solving mode.

“When I was mayor and my wife and I would go to an event, I’d usually get corralled at the front door by someone who wanted to talk to me about something going on in town,” he said. “That’s where I would stay for the rest of the night!”

The Community Foundation of Otsego County continues to invite non-profits working in the County to apply for new awards in 2022; there are no application deadlines. For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.cfotsego.org or e-mail contact@cfotsego.org.

Oneonta ‘Festival’ and county ‘trail’ light up the holiday season

By Kevin Limiti

told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta. “We saw there was no central light display resource.”

She said December is “3-D Awareness Month,” which stands for Drunk/Drugged/ Drowsy driving.

Otsego County residents who have decorated their homes submit their addresses to LEAF so people can hop around in their cars to different addresses, perhaps with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and admire the festive decorations.

“We thought this would be a good match for us to have people driving around,” Ms. Dostal said. “So many people on the roads are going to see family.

We’re putting some prevention information out there.”

The Christmas season is officially here, which means holiday music, gathering with family, opening gifts, and waiting for Santa Claus.

But there is nothing that screams holiday spirit more than what the Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation (LEAF) is doing to draw attention to the great light displays local residents proudly show off in Otsego County.

And it’s all for a good cause: LEAF created the ‘Great Otsego Holiday Light Trail” three years ago as a safe way to promote sober driving.

“We kept seeing people ask ‘where are the great light displays?’” said Julie Dostal, executive direc- This year’s Festival of Lights has over 40 tor of LEAF, displays for your enjoyment.

(Continued on page 8)

A century of giving Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ‘Angel Tree’ program, The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta’s Larissa Ryan (left) delivers a truckload of gifts from readers to needy area families. Picking up the generous donations are, from secondto-left, Salvation Army Captain Selah Bender, Kyanne Clark, and Kenny Clark. “We so appreciate every person who called and donated,” said Journal/Hometown publisher Tara Barnwell. “Despite all that goes on, we know that our readers want to give every year.”

Gov’s new mask rule confuses businesses Governor Kathy Hochul’s statewide mask mandate took effect December 13 but left Otsego County businesses and residents a little short on detail.

That same afternoon at Stewart’s on Chestnut Street in Cooperstown, where the store enforced the order from the State Health Department, Steve Schroeder of Unadilla was headed inside, masked.

“If it protects other people, it’s great,” he said of the mandate, noting the importance to everyone’s safety. He said he was unsure if the rule would actually help slow the spread of Covid-19.

“If it can save people, that’s the main thing,” he said. “I believe in science. I’m a boomer and I remember when we had polio shots. Nobody questioned that.”

At Sal’s Pizzeria on Main Street in Cooperstown, employee John Rundblad was less enthusiastic. He

is fully vaccinated and said the mask makes his job uncomfortable.

“It’s a pain,” he said.

“When you work in the kitchen all day next to the oven, it’s hot and the flour sticks to the mask. If you’re vaccinated, you shouldn’t have to wear a mask.”

Bar owners are in a predicament, too, unsure as to how to proceed.

Jim Seymour, owner of the Black Oak Tavern on Water Street in Oneonta, called the mandate “confusing.”

“I’ve been speaking to other bar owners to determine exactly what it means and how best to approach it,” he said. “We’re trying to find a balance between being safe and keeping our doors open.”

He said he had no direct word from the state on how to comply with the temporary order.

“It’s just been conjecture,” he said. “We want to (Continued on page 6)

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

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

New Habitat lumber comes from Rocky’s old habitat

Ravensbeard Wildlife Center

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Rocky, the saw-whet owl transported accidentally to midtown Manhattan in November 2020, then purposefully to a Saugerties wildlife refuge, which released the owl into the wild.

Perhaps no one knows Rocky’s exact location these days, but at least his tree has come home.

Of course you remember the little bird who last year at this time unwittingly hitched a ride from his home in a tree in West Oneonta all the way to Manhattan’s Rockefeller

Plaza, where that same tree stood to herald the holiday season in Midtown. Fans quickly dubbed the little guy “Rocky” as a result, and he attracted plenty of attention from visitors, media, and at least a dozen children’s book authors.

His temporary celebrity status affirmed, Rocky made it back into the wild through the good work of Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, New York. Ravensbeard did not attach a tracking device to the owl and, when they set Rocky free, Rocky was free forever.

Free but not forgotten, of course, and this year, Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County received lumber milled from that same tree, Rocky’s original home.

“Habitat for Humanity International reached out to us to ask if we wanted the lumber,” said Karyn Wendrow, Vice President and Publicity Chair for HFHOC.

“We were delighted to accept it for the projects we are working on.””

“We’ll use the lumber in our builds,” she said. “There’s certainly enough to do some trim work, at least, and each board is stamped and branded to show that it comes from the 2020 Rockefeller Center tree.”

Ms. Wendrow said HFCOC is currently evaluating the best use for the lumber, with plans for the branding to remain visible in any final construction projects.

“A portion of the tree is going to a build site in West Oneonta,” she said. “That’s full circle — West Oneonta is the tree’s original home.”

Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County seeks volunteers on a regular basis and also remains open to inquiry from families Contributed looking for housing options.

For more information, visit the organiza- Wood milled from the 2020 Rockefeller Tree has come back to Otsego County tion’s website at www.habitatotsego.org.

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Schenevus and Worcester schools look ahead after merger vote fails

By Kevin Limiti

After community members voted down the SchenevusWorcester schools merger on December 2, disappointment and a feeling of missed opportunity permeated in those who supported the union of their respective districts.

The final tally showed 70 percent of Schenevus community members voting against the merger. Worcester voters, on the other hand, voted to approve by a 64 percent – 36 percent margin.

State Senator Peter Oberacker (R-Schenevus) told The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta that he would work in Albany to find more funding in next year’s state budget.

“Now that the vote has been registered, my job on the Education Committee is to see if I can champion more funding or see where that funding could go,” he said.

The Senator said tapping into the state’s education foundation aid, which seeks to create equitable distribution of funds to schools, is unnecessarily complicated.

Foundation aid is determined by the cost of educating a student, differing levels of student need, cost of living throughout the state, and district funding capacities.

Complex equations in the state aid handbook determine foundation aid outcome.

Senator Oberacker quipped they would need “a computer the size of NASA” to decipher school funding.

He acknowledged the tumultuous nature of the merger vote and its impact on the two communities.

“This was a highly emotional subject,” Senator Oberacker said. “So we’ll get back to our nuts and bolts.”

State education law allows the Schenevus Central School District has the opportunity to hold one re-vote on the question in a year’s time if voters so choose.

Schenevus Central School Superintendent Theresa Carlin said the community must file a petition in order for a re-vote.

Existing law would require supporters to gather approximately 30 signatures, allowing a new vote that would take place between December 2, 2022 and December 1, 2023.

School district officials await further guidance on the topic from the state but expect that any such petition could be filed beginning November 2, 2022.

Ms. Carlin said she does not anticipate additional state aid resulting from the merger’s defeat but would have no official notice until after the New York State Legislature approves the state’s spending plan in April 2022.

“They have some decisions to make,” she said, referring to the Schenevus Board of Education. “They could use some of the fund balance, they could use a tax increase.”

Schenevus Board of Education president Timothy Walke said the contentious vote created division in the community, but with the vote complete, “the community had spoken.”

“It isn’t like we’re going to close our doors tomorrow,”

he said, stating Schenevus possessed $2 million in its fund balance as of June 30, 2021. “We’re going to do the best we can for the kids and the community.”

Mr. Walke said he opposed the merger and that many in the community told him had it led to centralization rather than annexation, they may have voted differently.

Worcester Central School Superintendent Tim Gonzales said he was disappointed in the vote’s outcome but believed the Worcester Central School remained financially solid.

“Financially, we’re very set,” Mr. Gonzales said. “We’ll continue to offer programs to our students, but we’ll have to do it separately.”

Stacie Haynes, a resident of the Schenevus school district and former board of education member, called the defeat “incredibly disheartening and disappointing that the community chose not to support children.”

“We made this decision knowing we need a capital project,” Ms. Haynes said, citing mold issues and a leaking roof.

Ms. Haynes hoped they would bring the vote again up in a year “for the sake of the children.”

“But the school board is very much against merging,” she said. “They proved they’re excellent campaigners. I don’t see why in a year anything will be different. The only thing that can change the vote is if they see what happens during the budget season.”

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HOMETOWN A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

editorial

ted potrikus

Opt out, for now

Wassail, toddies, and, well, yes, politics

“Now. Before I begin the lesson, will those of you who are playing in the match this afternoon move your clothes down onto the lower peg immediately after lunch, before you write your letter home, if you’re not getting your hair cut, unless you’ve got a younger brother who is going out this weekend as the guest of another boy, in which case, collect his note before lunch, put it in your letter after you’ve had your hair cut, and make sure he moves your clothes down onto the lower peg for you.”

That’s a scene in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, another in the troupe’s pantheon of industrial-grade caustic observation on the absurdity of rule-making.

Welcome, then, to Albany’s convoluted “plan” for the legal sale of marijuana. We support the legal sale of the product; after all, the stuff has been available for decades on the sly and, as one thoughtful speaker said at the Cooperstown Board of Trustees’ recent public hearing on the December 20 vote, when you’re looking for pot on the downlow, chances are the seller is going to try to find some insidious way to introduce you to more dangerous things like cocaine, heroin, and/or fentanyl.

Dispensaries made legal in next-door Massachusetts operate with precision; clean with no direct access to product, entry to the building and purchase controlled strictly with identification checks. It’s a fine model that should allay the fears of those who think that a dispensary in town would lead to unfettered access to drugs.

Albany’s kick-the-can-down-the-road lawmaking leaves every municipality in the state facing a ridiculous choice, all in the name of “local control.” They don’t want to be the ones to make this decision, that’s all.

Here’s what they left us: Local jurisdictions must,

by December 31, 2021, affirmatively vote to opt OUT of being able to have dispensaries and/or pot lounges within their borders. If they don’t, they’re deemed to have opted IN with no chance of ever again reversing that decision. But if they opt OUT by December 31, 2021, those same localities can opt back IN through a permissive referendum or some other vehicle. And once they’re in, they’re in for good. Got that?

No one in the state yet knows exactly what it is they’d be opting IN to. The state’s Cannabis Control Board, created through meatball language crammed at the last minute into last year’s state budget, has yet to establish the regulations that municipalities, pot dispensaries, pot lounges, or anyone else involved with the business would be required to follow. No one knows exactly what Albany has in mind including, probably, Albany.

Historically, our state’s Legislature passes bills demanding deep disclosure of every term and condition that might come along with the sale of a product, a service, a meal, or anything else. Here, however, they’ve left the instruction manual blank. No disclosure. No terms and conditions. We’ll tell you about those later, they say, but you need to make up your mind now.

That’s all we need to know to support the opt out resolution facing Cooperstown’s Board of Trustees. When the state Legislature hands a blank check to something like a Cannabis Control Board, they cede massive authority that runs somewhat unchecked. They’ve done it for decades — pass a law with an overarching goal (i.e., “legalize pot”) and then utterly abrogate its obligation to explain what, exactly, they mean (i.e., “over to you, CCB!”). They leave it to increasingly powerful state agencies or panels they create out of thin air.

Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh is correct to take the opt out route at this time. It’s the only avenue the state has made available to allow for the public to decide — and, for Cooperstown anyway, a permissive referendum could be on the ballot in March 2022.

We do not oppose the legal sale of pot in carefully regulated dispensaries; depending on the shape the elusive rules and regs might take, we do not rule out support for dispensaries within Village limits. We do, however, oppose buying into something that could turn out to be different from that which they originally sold.

Ah, mid-December, when thoughts turn to the wrappings and trappings of the holiday season and joy-filled activities like wassailing and hot toddying and the Jenga stack that is New York State politics.

New York Attorney General Tish James last week announced the end of her brief run chasing Governor Kathy Hochul for the Democratic Party nomination for governor in 2022.

Surely that news brought seasonal joy to New York City Public Advocate Jumanne Williams, since — at least for now — he stands to gain a decent swath of the farther-left voters who probably were leaning toward the AG. And soon-to-be former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who keeps hinting that he’s going to get in the gubernatorial chase one of these days soon, is giddy dreaming that he’s in line for those left-leaners. He also ran for president in 2016.

Governor Hochul, of course, has to be pleased: General James was the candidate in the Democratic Party hunt with the most statewide name recognition and, importantly, the most reach into potential campaign donors.

Her departure means that Gov. Hochul might not have to tack as hard to the left to keep herself well in the lead while maintaining her strong upstate base. Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi, who wanted to go after Gov. Hochul by running right down the middle of the party’s political road,

HOMETOWN

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Tara Barnwell Publisher Ted Potrikus Editor

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

Kevin Limiti Staff Writer

Views

Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Historian

Editorial Board Elinor Vincent, Michael Moffat, Tara Barnwell, Ted Potrikus MEMBER OF National Newspaper Association, New York Press Association The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080.

E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

now may not have such a big platform from which to campaign.

The overarching lesson here is that anyone who underestimated the Governor’s political chops just got a pretty good reminder that she is no slouch in that department. Far, far from it. Would-be foes take note.

As for the Attorney General: she’s shifting her flag to run instead for a second full four-year term as the state’s top lawyer. That moved all kinds of political molehills; a powerful Westchester County state Senator who had planned to run as James’s successor announced immediately that she would run instead to keep her Senate post, which, in turn, let down a gaggle of local lawmakers who had their eye on taking her place in the state Legislature. Quadrennial also-ran Zephyr Teachout dropped out of the AG fray last weekend, smart enough to know she stood no chance in a head-to-head against Tish James.

There are a couple of other relatively high-profile Democrats in the state Legislature whom we know had been eyeing an AG run quite fondly.

Don’t forget Andrew Cuomo, who was said to be thinking about spending down his $18 million campaign bank account to run for his old AG spot.

They’ve got to be annoyed as the field suddenly clears.

I laughed out loud at a Twitter post over the weekend from a guy

named Matt Mittenthal, who writes for BuzzFeed. “Once optimistic, NY Political Consultants Now Face Supply Chain Issues in 2022.” These image-shapers had to have been salivating at the potential for selling pricey advice to maybe a dozen candidates for two offices.

The AG’s decision, though, likely solidifies the Democrat ticket for next year — both she and Governor Hochul have strong support within a party that wants very much to be unified and strong as the 2022 Legislative Session and a fractious political year loom large on the horizon.

That doesn’t rule out any party infighting. A handful of well-placed and rather vocal downstate Democrats already have warned leaders that they aren’t having it with the go-alongto-get-along thing. They’re fueled heavily by an Alexandria OcasioCortez contingent of internet-savvy, well-funded, and highly opinionated activists who choose to not sit still while party leaders sift out challengers to what they had in mind.

We therefore expect Mssrs Williams, Suozzi, and de Blasio to give the race their level best to soak up that AOCstyle support.

But it’s beginning to look a lot like a ticket in the making. And a whole lot of people disappointed that they can’t now take their own shot at moving up the state’s rickety political ladder.

Enjoy your toddy!

richard Sternberg, M.D.

Omicron: good news, bad news, more news

Some good news about the Omicron and Delta variants of COVID-19.

Data from an Israeli study shows that people who received booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine were 90 percent less likely to die from a Delta infection than those who relied solely on the initial two-dose vaccination.

Those who received the initial twodose vaccine were 85 percent less likely to die than the unvaccinated.

Unfortunately, these are not multiplicative, but definitely represent a great risk reduction to fully vaccinated and boosted people. Now, as we see an increase and spiking of new cases overall, and especially hospitalizations and deaths in the unvaccinated, this is very good news.

Relying on the new oral mono-

clonal antibody pills to bail one out if he or she becomes sick is not an adequate game plan. The Merck oral medication — the only one approved to date — is not as effective as originally announced, and is only 20-30 percent effective in decreasing severe death and disease; this only if started within five days of the appearance of symptoms.

Other good news is that Omicron so far does not appear to be more virulent in the population than Delta — though that may be due to some level of immunity previously gained from other variants. The bad news is that Omicron very probably is significantly more infectious with each infected individual. Very early studies seem to show an infectivity

rate of from 3.0-4.0.

This is higher than the earlier variants, and we have seen how destructive those have been.

But the really bad news is how much of our society — including educated people, even some judges and politicians — continue to fail to recognize that “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one” (that’s from Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan). Utilitarianism also is valid here. The real problem is not that we don’t have enough vaccine doses or stronger ones but that we don’t have enough arms willing to get doses and enough noses and mouths willing to wear masks and socially distance.

Hall of Fame and by The Freeman’s Journal!

Nicholas Cunningham, M.D. Springfield Center

the effects of legal cannabis while congregating in those same places.

Because of the very high risk of possible long-term structural damage to the quality of life, the national and international reputation of the Village of Cooperstown as a historic and family-oriented place to visit and live, and to the existing deep and widespread mega-million-dollar economic core of the Village of Cooperstown, I am against the permitting of any cannabis dispensaries and/or lounges in the Village of Cooperstown.

This is far too much risk, in my view, for a relatively small amount of any financial gain.

James R Dean Cooperstown

LETTERS

Do better by Bud Fowler

To the Editor: Bud Fowler (aka John W. Jackson) deserves more than your brief announcement that he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame!

While statistics weren’t collected in his day (1858-1913), Fowler distinguished himself in several ways: 1. According to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, he was considered to be the best player on most of the many teams for which he played.

2. He was regularly attacked on racial grounds by teammates and opposing players but he never backed down.

3. A skilled second baseman, he played without a glove but with special shin guards against vicious high slides by opposing players.

4. In most years, his teams would yield to racial jibes and jettison him by mid-season, so he ended up playing for 12 different “white” teams.

5. He is thought to be the first Black professional player in history.

6. He could catch, play the infield, or pitch and did so at what was considered the highest level.

While Fowler was born in Fort Plain and died in Frankfort, he grew up in Cooperstown.

As a neighbor, pioneer and star, it is past time that he be recognized by the

A vote against dispensaries

To the Editor: I continue to be very concerned about the unknown unintended consequences if cannabis dispensaries and lounges were to be permitted in the Village of Cooperstown.

Whether it will help, hurt, or have no effect on the quality of life, tourism, the nation’s view of the Village of Cooperstown (will they still visit in family units?), the desire of the average person to want to live and work in the village, the view of professionals who would consider working at Bassett (or not), the effect on restaurants and other retail businesses, visitors to the Otesaga, visitors to the museums/Baseball Hall of Fame, vacationers in general, homeowners and home buyers in the village and around the lake, the effect on our schools and the students, paid parking space turnover, air quality in indoor and outdoor spaces, motor vehicle driver problems, and more, is a complete unknown to everyone.

While there may be no smoking in public places in the village, there are no prohibitions against being under

Another dispensary ‘no’

To the Editor: The most obvious, most sober course of action for the Village Board is to opt out of the state’s comically misguided and tragically misspelled “marihuana” law, and simultaneously schedule a referendum on the matter that, among other things, addresses zoning, etc.

That gives the Village more control of the process and gives the voters more say in the matter.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

Richard Derosa

Early winter musings Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 Years Ago

The new truck of the D.F. Wilber hook-and-ladder company arrived on Saturday. It is said to be the finest truck for hand service in the world. Rumsey & Co. of Seneca Falls are the builders. It is very handsomely decorated, and it is equipped with the latest appliances, including a Bangor extension ladder. On each side is a portrait in oil of D.F. Wilber. We congratulate the company, and the Oneonta Fire Department, upon the possession of so handsome a piece of furniture.

An important real estate sale was the transfer, on Thursday last, of the Wilber Mill property at Main and Front streets, to D.F. Wilber and Reuben Reynolds. The property has a Main street frontage of 92 feet. The consideration was $6,500. Mr. Wilber will continue to use the mill until spring, at which time it is not unlikely that a business block will be put up in its place.

December 1886

110 YEARS AGO

A light coating of snow now blankets our hillside, snow shovels at the ready. The new snow blower waits quietly for its first call to duty.

Life is now lived more inwardly, more reflectively. Books having piled up for some months now await their turn in line. Thoughts that have incubated for some time seem riper for reflection, perhaps a temporary resolution of what have been conflicting possibilities. Few would disagree that each of us has much to think about these days. There is the media’s penchant for over-covering stories and seeming willing and eager to give us things to worry about, even fear.

And then there are the exigencies of our daily lives to contend with. Finding a balance between the personal and the collective has become a somewhat disarming chore. But tensions have always characterized the relationship between individual and state.

On my mind quite a bit these past several months has been a sort of ostrich-like wish to wallow in the sands of indifference. I could be very happy dithering around up here on the hill with little concern for the world beyond. It has, of late, seemed a little too easy to disengage, to expunge myself of any feelings of guilt with respect to the discouraging state of incivility roiling about.

There are days when I find routine

maintenance chores around here far more compelling than giving any thought to the various inanities flooding the news day in and day out. I am not much of a cook, never have been, although I am quite capable of forestalling starvation, however inelegantly. But I have started to really enjoy salad-making.

Not sure where that came from, but it has become a near nightly activity.

Something I can get my hands into.

Something I can control that offers an infinite variety of possibilities.

Pleasantly un-partisan, no need for negotiation, the end product all of my own making.

There is also something very soothing about immersing oneself in mundane tasks. Perhaps there is no such thing. Perhaps what we consider mundane actually contributes more of substance to our intellectual lives than we are aware of.

There is the challenge of coming up with a salad mixture that is a bit different, that allows for some pleasing creativity.

I have wondered if things might be a different down there in that hell pit we call Congress if members were forced, as part of their job, to not only spend time with someone from the other party, but actually had to, for instance, clean a few hallways together once a week or so.

Everything that happens down there is aimed at distancing people

from one another. The whole system rests on its ability to widen ideological chasms, not bridge them.

Perhaps a weekly salad-making workshop might help. Nothing else seems to work. The most preposterous notions sometimes make the most sense.

Writing and reading time aside, I find immeasurable contentment in doing things that on the surface seem both routine and devoid of what some might consider intellectually stimulating.

Ironically, it is while doing seemingly mindless things that I find myself most mindful. For instance, while cleaning out the woodshed the other day in order to make room for our lawn tractor, I found myself retracing the trajectories of what have been my basic political assumptions. It dawned on me that in some respects, positions I have staked over the years are not as tenable anymore. In fact, my views on some things are now diametrically opposed to long-held notions that have seemed immutable over time. Even some of the best-intentioned ideas about how things should be suffer from erosion over time.

It takes some serious salad-making and snow shoveling and compost pile moving to open one’s mind to the possibility of change.

(Continued on page 6)

BY Merl Reagle

Love Letters…Why say it when you can show it in a letter?

ACROSS December 1911

70 Years Ago

Maurice F. Taylor at Keyes airfield has just repaired $50 worth of damage to a Piper Cub airplane owned by Clyde Holbert, Jr., of Hancock. Mr. Holbert is but one of numerous victims of mice who find their way into airplanes. It’s almost as common for mice to go aboard planes as for rats to infest ships, Mr. Taylor said. This is particularly true where planes are stored on farms or near farm buildings, and are not flown regularly.

December 1951

50 Years Ago

A state appeals court has ruled that state aid cannot be denied for an educational institution solely on the basis of its religious affiliations. The controversial Blaine Amendment to the New York State Constitution prohibits the use of public funds to aid “any school or institution of learning wholly or in part under the control or direction of any religious denomination, or in which any denominational tenet or doctrine is taught.” The court said the prohibition could stand only when the educational program is designed primarily for religious purposes rather than secular education.

December 1971

40 Years Ago

Millicent M. Schneider, age 70, is still working at her first job as head librarian at Huntington Memorial Library.

This week she starts her 51st year. She prefers not to talk a lot about her career. Talking is not her business. “If you don’t talk too much, people will tell you something,” she says. “We don’t talk much.” Schneider came from Madison County and attended Syracuse University’s school for librarians. As a girl of 19, she took the $1,300a-year job at Huntington Library without looking elsewhere. Schneider still works six days a week and stays on the job into the evening hours. She has no regrets.

December 1981 Solution: ‘‘Home Sweet Homophone’ (Dec. 09)

1 “What a pity” 6 Best Actress of 1987 10 Jinx-breaking team, in 2004 headlines 13 NBA nickname 16 Feb. 14 figure?

18 Half a spy 19 Early flood insurance?

20 Pal of Pooh 21 Feb. 14 entreaty?

24 Flow’s partner 25 Keep ___ on 26 Be a bounder?

27 ___ dancer 28 Waited, perhaps 29 Call for assistance 30 “___ Day Now” 32 Feb. 14 plea to a rival?

37 Brave moguls 38 False belief 39 Hoboes may ride them 40 Sailor’s back 42 Ledger doc 44 ___ About You 45 Delhi dough 46 Gershwin classic?

50 Silas Marner author 53 One of its letters stands for “Olds” 54 Outfoxing 55 This isn’t working 57 Starting stakes 59 Visceral 60 A lice in Wonderland party drink 61 Ms. Moreno 62 Falling-in-love observation?

65 ___ Spumante 67 “No way, comrade” 69 RPM device 71 Indistinguishable mass 73 Feb. 14 greeting?

76 Related to circuitry: abbr.

78 Long-legged Australian 81 With Bee, a honey brand 82 Author Alexander 83 Board sticker 84 Sonora saloon 86 Hypo units 89 Certain Prot.

91 Frankie Valli hit?

93 Meg and Jo’s creator 95 U.N. VIP 97 Trav. heading 98 Balaam’s beast 99 Carefree walk 100 Stranded 104 Prom getup

106 Feb. 14 sentiment from twins in old ads?

108 Word with eared or sided 109 Fitting 112 Actor Barker 113 James who co-scripted The African Queen 114 Piece of “the San Francisco treat” 116 Former Houston player 118 Maude’s portrayer 119 End of a Feb. 14 refrain?

123 Capt.’s subordinates 124 “Cloud-hopper” 125 Harsh element 126 Unloved one’s sentiment?

127 Good place to go for a drive 128 For each 129 Connectable things 130 Night, in Naples

12 Classic Jaguar 13 More marvelous, to a teen 14 U.S. Grant foe 15 Assignment 16 The Flintstones pet 17 Certain salon bottle 21 Used to be 22 Singer Jerry 23 Up ___ good 28 Clothes closer 31 Council or Creed of 325 a.d.

33 Uproar 34 Letters on a stamp 35 Yahoos 36 Old oil co.

37 Town, to the Dutch 38 Little bit of goo 40 Red in the face 41 Tutti-___ 43 Violinist Niccolò 45 Goes bad DOWN 46 Byte or dose preceder 47 Footnote abbr., 1 Markdowns op. ___ 2 Part of SRO 48 Old Italian money 3 Need oiling 49 Cut for TV 4 P.D. alert 51 Secular 5 Vaguely 52 Done shooting, as a movie 6 Wedding setting 7 Shallow title role for Jack Black 56 Pizzeria, e.g.

58 Blubber 8 Afore 63 Cow namesakes 9 As close to the action as you can get 64 Old exclamation 10 It fell in 1975 66 Brain nos.

11 “Ready ___” 68 Some votes

70 Overture follower 72 Boyfriend 74 Rachel Carson’s ___ Around Us 75 Hemingway or Bear 77 Term for Jesus, the ___ God 79 ___-order (customized) 80 Noted número 85 Time ____ (old sci-fi series) 86 Talon 87 Total 88 Re-rent, in a way 90 Rushed wildly 92 Gary’s state: abbr.

94 Holly genus 96 Do the lawn 100 Overactor or robber 101 Vicinity 102 Kesey’s Ratched and others 103 Sufficient, old-style 105 “... Easter bonnet, with all the frills ___” 107 Béarnaise, for one 108 Use, as a chaise 109 “___ like ours could never die ...” (Beatles lyric) 110 Andean nation 111 Jay Presson Allen play 115 Bible bk.

117 “___ It Romantic” 118 A sandwich, for short 119 Fool 120 Marriage agreement?

121 York’s rank: abbr.

122 Honeymoon quorum

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA Letters

Terry berkson

Greenway and trails appreciation

A Matchmaker’s Ball

To the Editor: Thank you for highlighting the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway in your recent edition of “Bound Volumes.” It reminded me to give a public thanks for the work done by so many volunteers over twenty years ago (especially the initial plans by Leon Kalmus and the support of then-Mayor Kim Muller) to create this system of hiking trails.

During the early months of the pandemic, with so many indoor exercise facilities closed, my wife and I discovered this and many other local hiking trails, and we have continued to enjoy them and introduce family and friends to these special places.

Dr. Ben Friedell Oneonta

Up to ‘here’ with the headlines To the Editor: I don’t know about you, but I am up to “here” with daily news. Degraded natural systems, regional draught, forest fires, tornadoes, the virus uptick anticipating hospitals under stress, anti-vaxxers crying government overreach, old white guys telling women what they can and cannot do, school kids yelling racist and anti-Semitic insults at classmates, public shootings, those who think gays and women don’t deserve a voice, America’s Democracy rating degraded due to “authoritarian tendencies,” members of Congress exchanging hateful public insults, controlled voting rights — the list goes on and on.

Is there any relief in sight or just more power grabs by the autocrats?

No wonder 17% of young couples don’t want to bring kids into this world. What’s happening to our world?

We seem stuck in time.

P. Jay Fleisher Oneonta

richard Derosa

Musings (Continued from page 5) I remember sitting in the barn last summer tying up bundles of onions to hang up to dry. I use the same twine every summer, and untying last year’s knots so as to reuse the twine gives me an ineffable pleasure.

These are the moments when my more serious notions about what I believe seem to gel. I am most honest with myself when doing unthinking things. What I now know is this: I am neither a Conservative nor a Liberal. Rather, I value what is best about a liberal democracy as well as those principles of conservatism that have always wanted the best for all.

We need to come up with better solutions to common problems. Sort of like making a salad.

Try different combinations to see what works best.

Sometimes the strangest combos taste really great. Sort of like my friendship with Gabby.

life sketches

The other day I was driving on County Route 16 outside of Schuyler Lake when I noticed the ruins of an old barn. Upon closer inspection I realized it was the remains of a block building that had been built and used by a man I once knew.

His name was Ziggie Pupecki, and I got to meet him through the efforts of my Aunt Ruta, who fancied herself as a kind of matchmaker. I was a kid from Brooklyn who liked farms and he was a farmer.

But that wasn’t the only match my aunt wanted to make.

Ziggie was an eligible bachelor who was at that time about forty years old.

One August Ziggie Pupecki afternoon, Aunt Ruta had Uncle William drive us out to the Pupecki place, where she intended to secure a photograph of the farmer that she would send to my Aunt Kay, who was living with her young son in a furnished room in New York City.

In Aunt Ruta’s mind, here was a man who needed a woman and a woman who needed a man. She thought they would make a great couple and, once she had come up with that idea, there was no stopping her.

I was about thirteen at the time and was not at all interested in my aunt’s plans. I had come along with my dog Pinky because I was told I’d get to see how a farm operates.

While Uncle William leaned against his Plymouth smoking a pipe, Aunt Ruta was in the house getting the photograph from Ziggie’s mother, who was scheming with my aunt to find a woman for her son. At the time, the farmer had no idea that they had plans for him.

He came out of the milk house and asked of my dog, “Does he chase cows?”

I didn’t know if this was something good or bad and answered, “He chases

cats!”

It was almost milking time and I followed the farmer out into the pasture to bring in some stragglers.

He told me to let Pinky l o o s e , and sure enough, my dog took out after some logy Holsteins making them trot in the right direction.

I had no idea that my little black and white mutt had any herding abilities. Ziggie was very pleased with this and invited me to stay on at the farm for a while. I guess Aunt Ruta had expected the invitation because she had stashed some clothes and my new BB gun in the trunk of the car.

So, for a time I stayed on at the “Pupetski” farm — -that’s what Aunt Ruta called it. I rose early to help with the milking and went to bed not long after sunset. There was no television in the house back then. I guess after a few days Ziggie sensed that the city kid was getting bored so one night we headed for a movie at the Capitol in Richfield Springs. It felt like a return to civilization. A horror movie starring Bela Lugosi was playing. The farmer fell asleep in the middle of the show.

Besides working hard at his dairy, Ziggie had another job at some kind of mill or factory. Before he’d leave for the day, he’d plan a couple of chores for me to do, but mostly I had a lot of time on my hands. One morning after I had finished cleaning the barn, I picked up my BB gun and crossed the road to sit in the garden next to the house. I shot at various targets, a fence post, a bird, an old wooden bucket. Then my eyes came to rest on this shiny metal sphere that was about

Come Worship with Us First United Methodist Church firstumc-oneonta.org

Mask mandate Continued from page 1 do the right thing, so another owner reached out to us for guidance. I’m waiting to hear what that brings.”

Governor Hochul’s order, currently scheduled to remain in effect until January 15, 2022, requires people to wear masks in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement for entry. The state’s Department of Health reports a statewide seven-day average case rate increase of 43 percent since Thanksgiving, with hospitalizations increasing by 29 percent. The Department says it will re-evaluate data on January 15 to determine whether the mandate remains in place.

The requirement applies to all non-private residences, including office spaces. Department of Health guidance says that bar and restaurant patrons “can remove their masks only while they are actively eating or drinking.”

The governor’s order leaves enforcement to businesses and local governments; at press time, several counties throughout the state announced early this week that they will not dedicate personnel or resources to carrying out the enforcement burden. Among them are population-heavy centers like Nassau, Dutchess, and Rockland counties.

At a December 14 briefing, Governor Hochul defended “For unto us a child is born...” the order.

Join us for “I’m not doing this to win any popularity contests,” Christmas Eve Service she said. “My objective with 7 pm this mask or vax mandate Please be safe. Because of the has been to keep businesses pandemic, we will only have one open.” service this year. Please join us!

Repeated telephone calls to the Otsego County DepartElm Park ment of Health went unanUnited Methodist swered December 13 and 14 Church as The Freeman’s Journal 401 Chestnut Street /Hometown Oneonta worked Oneonta to learn any County enforceelmparkumconeonta.org ment strategy in place.

No reservations required

the size of a basketball. I figured it would ring like a bell when my BB hit it. It was sitting on a cement pillar that was about three feet tall. I took aim and squeezed off a shot. Incredibly, the thing disappeared with a crashing noise that sounded like a window had been broken. The ball had been made of glass!

Mrs. Pupecki came running out to the yard to see what had happened.

“What you do?” she exclaimed.

“I didn’t know it was glass,” I said.

“That was an expensive thing!” she shouted.

I walked over to where the ball had been. Putting together the thousand pieces that lay on the ground was impossible. I knew I was in trouble and stayed clear of the house for the rest of the day.

Ziggie’s mother went out to talk to him as soon as he got home. I braced myself when he came over to me and told me to get the gun. I pictured it bent and broken in a garbage can. To my surprise, when I returned, Ziggie had several beer cans lined up on a fence. He took the gun and shot down a couple before handing it back to me. Then he told me to shoot. The message was clearly made without one cross word.

I intended to buy another ball for Mrs. Pupecki with money I didn’t yet have. I felt guilty for a long time, but unfortunately, I never got to replace her treasured ornament. I once read somewhere that in olden days people put the glass ornaments in their gardens to ward off evil spirits.

Aunt Ruta’s matchmaking plans seemed to have disintegrated like the ball. The photograph was sent to Aunt Kay but I guess she wasn’t cut out for the country and Ziggie never got to meet her. I heard he was married some years later — and that he had had a difficult life. He’s gone now.

All that remains is the block foundation of a barn, and the photograph that Aunt Ruta had once sent.

Join us for Christmas Eve Events

Family Service 5 pm Candlelight Communion Service at 8 pm Please call the church office to watch through Zoom 607-432-4102 A Reconciling Congregation ·

Rev. Marti Swords - Horrell, Pastor

St. Mary’s

“Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church Cooperstown We invite you to join us for Christmas Eve Mass at 4:30 and Christmas Day Mass at 9 am, 11:30 am 4:30 pm Mass for Mary, Mother of God Saturday Jan. 1 at 10 am

A Blessed Christmas to All! 31 Elm St. • Cooperstown

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

OBITUARIES Ryan Scott Bennett, 30

September 6, 1991 - December 8, 2021 HARTWICK – Ryan Scott Bennett, 30, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Hartwick on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

He was born September 6, 1991, at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, the son

of Deborah Lynn Ubner Bennett. After graduating from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 2010, he attended Herkimer County Community College.

Most recently he was employed as a cook at Stagecoach Coffee in

Cooperstown.

Ryan valued the time spent with his family, whether on holidays or ordinary days, whether at the beach, the park, or home on the couch playing video games. He enjoyed going places and outdoor activities with his Mom and daughter.

Ryan adored his daughter

Aubree, taking great pride in her achievements and supporting her goals.

Ryan was happiest when he had meaningful work to do. When not preparing food at Stagecoach Coffee, Ryan enjoyed riding his motorcycles or learning new things working on his car with his grandpa and Raymond. He

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

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special.

Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

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

Legal

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Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Notice of Formation of

BLC Keeping, LLC

Oneonta Yoga LLC

Article of Organization filed 12/03/21 with the Secretary of State Office Location: Otsego County SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 197 Main St Worcester NY 12197 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.20

Filed 10/28/21 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 253 Southside Dr, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.13

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Twin Mountain Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 10/30/2019.

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, 832 Winney Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820.

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

6LegalJan.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 312 Cornish Hill Road LLC Filed 10/15/20 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 87, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.13

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Rooted Space LLC Articles of Organization were filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 26 November, 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent for process and shall mail to: PO Box 132, Laurens, NY 13796.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: DRI 8, LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 November 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 393 Main Street Suite 104, Oneonta, New York, 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJan13 Legal nOtice NOTICE TO BIDDERS

LEGALS

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Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 06, 2022 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com.

A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid.

NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/W/MBEs.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/const-notices.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder.

Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification.

Contact Robert Kitchen (518)4572124.

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat.

252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL

BY THE LEGIS-

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LATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D264640, PIN 911134, FA Proj Z0E19111-343, Otsego Co., BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT, US Route 20 Over US Route 166, Town of Cherry Valley, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $125,000.00), Goals: DBE: 10.00% 2LegalDec.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: LIFE & LIBERTY FIREARMS LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 24 November 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 452 Gulf Road, Hartwick, NY 13348.

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

6LegalJan.6 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability

was always quick loving family and to offer help to friends. someone in need.

Ryan’s family In 2018, Ryan will receive was part of his friends beginning church’s mission at 4 p.m. Saturday, team that travDecember 18, elled to the 2021, at the Fly Puerto Rican Creek United Ryan S. island of Vieques, MethodistChurch, Bennett where he helped 852 County repair houses damaged by Highway 26, Fly Creek. The Hurricane Maria. The expe- visitation will be followed rience moved him deeply, by a Memorial Service at 5 and her vowed he would p.m. at the church with the return if given the chance.

Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd, Ryan is survived by his pastor officiating. loving mother, Deborah In lieu of flowers, Ryan’s Bennett and her partner, family would greatly appreRaymond R. Bennett, Jr. ciate that memorial donaof Fly Creek; his beloved tions be directed to Deborah daughter, Aubree Bennett of Bennett for the benefit of Ilion; his maternal grandpar- Aubree Bennett via the ents, Robert & Marcia Ubner Leatherstocking Credit of Fly Creek; his aunts and Union, 24 Glen Avenue, uncles Scott (Teresa) Ubner Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326.

Arrangements are under and cousins Christopher & Adam Ubner of Fly Creek, the care and guidance Mark (Melissa) Ubner and of the Connell, Dow & cousins Todd, Shania, & Deysenroth Funeral Home Jenna Ubner of Burlington in Cooperstown.

Flats; and several other

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Company

served. SSNY shall mail process to: 128 Zephyr Knoll, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalDec.30

11/05/2021.

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: 1545 County Highway 25, Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.16

6LegalDec.16

Legal nOtice

Art. of Org. filed NY Sec. Of state (SSNY) 11/3/21.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. Agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail Process to Ari Tobi-Aiyemo, 67 Maple St.,Oneonta NY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose 6LegalDec.16

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 14 October 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 149 Hade Hollow Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalDec.16

Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

Name: 79 BEAVER STREET LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 17 November 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 15 South Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalDec.30

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 29 Pioneer Street LLC Filed 11/1/21 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 1290, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalDec.23 Legal nOtice

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of

CONY ASSOCIATES LLC

IVERSON HERITAGE FARMS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/06/2021.

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

SSNY shall mail process to 1193 County Highway 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of PALMS AND PINES PROPERTIES LLC. Arts of Org. filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 4/7/21.

Office location: Otsego County.

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

filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/3/2021.

Office loc.: Otsego County.

The principal business address is 4758 NY-28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to 303 W. Lancaster Ave., #290, Wayne, PA 19087.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalDec.23 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company, (LLC) Name: Boss Heating and Cooling LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on

Notice of Formation of ATSocio-Judicial Consulting, LLC

Hartwick Supply, LLC Articles of Organization filing date with the Department of State (SSNY) October 28, 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 3522 County Highway 11, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: to engage in any and all business activities and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: HADE HOLLOW CONSTRUCTION LLC.

Name: TAUZEL FARMS LLC. Certificate of Conversion filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 25 October 2021.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 117 White House Crossing, Worcester, NY 12197.

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

►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders?

Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or LarissaR@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Ethics panel wants Cuomo cash

As this edition of The Freeman’s Journal/ Hometown Oneonta goes to press, New York State’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) ordered

former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to turn over to the state the $5.1 million he received for his 2020 memoir, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from

the Covid-19 Pandemic.

JCOPE previously authorized the book but voted 121 on December 14 to reverse.

Mr. Cuomo’s attorneys vow to fight the ruling.

One of the many stops on the Great Otsego Holiday Light Trail thanks the county’s essential workers.

Holiday lights abound in county (Continued from page 1) Ms. Dostal called the messaging behind sober driving during the holidays “somewhat jarring.”

“You don’t want to ever think about that, especially not over the holidays,” she said.

“We thought, ‘What if we put a positive spin on it?’”

A Google Maps database marks participating houses throughout Otsego County — in Cooperstown, Oneonta, Richfield Springs, Unadilla, and more. Find the trail at facebook.com/greatotsegolighttrail.

If the Great Otsego Holiday Light Trail is not enough to satisfy the itch for holiday light displays, the second annual Festival of Lights in Oneonta begins Thursday, December 16, and runs all the way through Saturday, January 1, at Neahwa Park. The festival features light displays throughout the park from community groups and organizations.

“First Night Oneonta and Five Star Subaru present the drive-through Oneonta Festival of Lights, and we have some great

things planned for the community,” Carol Mandigo, chair, First Night Oneonta said.

“On Saturday, December 18, from 5 pm to 8 pm, we will have a special pedestrian area with Santa Claus and live entertainment

by Cosmic Karma Fire, Mike the Juggler, DrumQuest, and the Hill City Ice Queen and Friends,” Ms. Mandigo said. “We want the community to come out and enjoy.”

Similar to LEAF, all First Night events are alcohol-free, family-friendly, and free of charge.

“We’re able to offer this as a free event because of our wonderful community sponsors,” she said.

Visit firstnightoneonta.com for more information on the Festival of Lights; for more on the light trail head to Facebook or contact LEAF at leafinc.org.

The Otsego County Fair also presents another weekend for its third annual ‘Drive Thru Holiday of Lights’ from 6 - 9 p.m.

December 17 and 18 at the Morris fairgrounds. Admission is $10 per carload.

Otsego Auto Mall Find the BEST New and Used Cars in the Region!

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* Extension of factory warranties * Free maintenance * Reconditioned to GM CPO standard 172-point inspection From all of us at Country Club Motors

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THURSDAY, DEcember 16, 2021

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Gift shop Mingo Market’s debut defies pandemic pessimism Why not add a fullline, local-focus gift shop to an already bustling restaurant and boutique in the midst of a pandemic when even the most seasoned merchants can’t be sure of the next set of rules that might change the whole way they have to do business?

That’s indeed what Cory Moffat did in May of this year, when she opened the doors of The Mingo Market, on the grounds of Sam Smith’s Boatyard on Route 80, just outside of Cooperstown’s village limits. It’s the same Otsego Lake location that features the Blue Mingo Grill.

“This building has been a few things,” Mrs. Moffat said as she toured the shop, a structure that once housed the boat shop for her father, Sam Smith. “Cooperstown Christmas, then an antique shop, and a junk shop. When we decided to clear it out for The Mingo Market, we had three dumpsters full of things to throw out.”

“This is where Dad had his sail loft,” she said. “I wanted to keep a lot of the original feel in place. We’ve kept a lot of the original fixtures and flooring to make it authentic and a real reflection of Cooperstown and its history.”

Keeping it local, Mrs. Moffat has filled the shop with Carrie Carney and her fine and festive Christmas hat products from local vendors and gift items specific to ready to greet shoppers and visitors to Cooperstown’s Mingo Market.

Cooperstown and Otsego Lake.

“Our store focuses heavily on sustainable and fair-trade and wellness items,” she said, commenting, too, about goods, one-of-a-kind items from women-owned compa- adding specialty food products to the mix. nies,” she said. “I wanted to create a local-feeling store that A lifetime spent in retail and working with the public gave appeals to all ages and features work from local artists.” her on-the-spot training for having the right mix of merchan“I love it when people come in and tell us we have so dise on hand. She grew up working in another family busimuch to look at — everything from woodsy décor to baby ness — Cooperstown’s Church Mouse Boutique.

“I can’t pinpoint how I know what to have on hand and what to order for the new seasons,” she said. “I guess it’s just in my DNA.” The Mingo Market, she said, collects all of her personal and professional interests in one location.

“I love cooking, I love offering products that influence the way people dress or decorate,” she said. “The Mingo Market brings it full-circle, right down to the place we’ve put the store.”

“We had a strong first year despite the pandemic,” she noted. “We’re looking forward to when Cooperstown is filled again. We have a lot of good products to show.”

News Briefs DR. STERNBERG UP FOR RE-ELECTION

Cooperstown Board of Trustees member Dr. Richard Sternberg this week announced his plan to run for another term of office when the village votes on March 15, 2022.

“There’s still much to do in the Village, especially with the new state laws legalizing cannabis,” Dr. Sternberg said.

“I intend to continue my prac- Dr. Richard tice of independent analysis of Sternberg problems that come before us and act accordingly,” he said. “I will continue to work toward the need to stabilize our population and bring in more active local businesses. As always, I will support the right of all citizens to equal treatment and freedom from discrimination.”

[Editor’s note: Dr. Sternberg is a regular and volunteer contributor to The Freeman’s Journal/ Hometown Oneonta.]

In a religion that was born in a barn, an open door goes without saying.

Our church invites you to join us in the worship and fellowship of Jesus Christ. The door is always open.

Our Schedule for Christmas is:

Christmas Eve

& D 8 ) ľ m

December 24, 2021

Family Eucharist - 5 pm Service of Carols - 10:30 pm Festival Choral Eucharist - 11 pm

Christmas Day December 25, 2021

Holy Eucharist - 10 am

SAVE MONEY ALL YEAR LONG FOR HOLIDAY SPENDING!

Join us here at St. James’ Church as we celebrate the Coming of the Christ Child

St. James Episcopal Church

305 Main Street, Oneonta • 607-432-1458 www.stjamesoneonta.org • Like us on facebook

SHOP ‘TIL THE BIG BALL DROPS!!

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_________ Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

►Thursday, Dec. 16 CLOTHING DRIVE – Bring clean gently used winter clothing to help families in need. Looking for boots, hats, gloves, scarves, winter coats, snowsuits, & snowpants. Collecting through 12/22. Bins located inside the front doors at the Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. 607-547-2800 ext. 120.

LEADERSHIP OTSEGO – 8:30 a.m. Online information about 6-month program to broaden knowledge of community organizations and sharpen leadership skills.

Learn how to participate with the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce. 607-432-4500.

ARTFUL JOURNAL – 1 p.m.

Record feelings and experiences through sketch, collage, calligraphy, more with supportive group. Bring your own supplies. Springfield Library, 129 County Rd. 29A, Springfield. 315-858-5802.

SANTA – 4 - 6 p.m. Visit with Santa and get some adorable holiday pictures with your kids and pets. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown.

CHRISTMAS CAROL – 7 - 9 p.m. Annual performance of Christmas classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ following Ebenezer Scrooge while he discovers the meaning of Christmas. Masks, proof of vaccination required.

Cost, $15/adult. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. 607547-1450.

►Friday, December 17 BLOOD DRIVE – Noon - 5 p.m. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. 800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org HOLIDAY SHOW – 1 - 7 p.m.

View works of pottery and sculpture by local artists Marcus Villagran, and Elizabeth Nields. Dunderberg Gallery, 118 Marion Ave., Gilbertsville.

607-783-2010.

The

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

HOLIDAY TOUR – 3 - 8 p.m.

Tour the historic village by lantern. Learn about winter celebrations and how they were celebrated in Upstate New York in years past. Cost, $20/ adult. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. 607-547-1450.

SANTA – 4 - 6 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS – 6 - 9 p.m. The Otsego County Fair presents their 3rd annual drive thru holiday lights event.

Cost, $10/car. Otsego County Fair Grounds, 469 Mill St,, Morris. 607-263-5289.

VIRTUAL VISIT – 6 - 7:30 p.m. Hop online with the kids for a virtual visit with Santa Claus. Registration required.

Presented by Destination Oneonta. 607-432-2941.

CHRISTMAS CAROL – 7 - 9 p.m. ‘A Christmas Carol.’

At The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

NERF NIGHT – 7 - 10 p.m.

Everyone ages 12 - 25 are invited to battle it out for glory with nerf guns. Bring your friends and have a fun evening at the Oneonta Teen Center, 4 Academy St., Oneonta.

607-441-3999.

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►Saturday, Dec. 18

To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103

Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals Building Healthy Families Resource Specialist VIP Shelter Supervisor Transitional Housing Navigator Residential Shelter Associates WIC Nutritionist/ Breastfeeding Coordinator FT Head Start Positions with school breaks and summers off: Bus Driver Family Partner Assistant Teacher Classroom Aide OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competitive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, benefit package summary and descriptions of all employment openings, visit www.ofoinc.org/jobs EOE The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities since 1966.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT – Join the Otsego-Delaware Audubon Society to count how many birds are in our area and what kinds. Oneonta area.

607-397-3815.

SANTA – 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Bring the kids to visit with Santa on Main to make their Christmas wishes. Santa’s Cottage, Muller Plaza, Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-2941.

MICE ON MAIN – 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m. The mice from this year’s Nutcracker have run away. Bring the kids to Main Street and follow the clues to find them so the show can go on. Presented by the Decker School of Ballet. Main Street, Oneonta. 607-432-6290 or facebook.com/deckerballet/ HOLIDAY SHOW – 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m. Local artists. Dunderberg Gallery, Gilbertsville. See Friday listing.

SANTA – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bring the kids to visit with Santa and make their holiday wishes. Holiday pictures for $10. Southside Mall, Oneonta.

CRAFTS & RAFFLES – 1 - 4 p.m. Kids make a holiday craft and enter the raffle to win a unique Nutcraker-themed gift basket. Presented by the Decker School of Ballet. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-432-6290 or facebook.com/deckerballet/ SANTA – 1 - 4 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

THE NUTCRACKER – 1:30 & 3 p.m. Enjoy a narrated performance of excerpts from the classic holiday ballet. Presented by the Decker School of Ballet at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta.

607-432-6290.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – 2 p.m. Enjoy Christmas music from the handbell choirs of First UMC and Pathfinder Vil-

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________

lage with guest artists Liza DiSavino and A.J. Bodnar.

Admission is by free-will donation to support the music programs. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-432-4102.

CHRISTMAS CAROL – 3 & 7 p.m. ‘A Christmas Carol.’

At The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

HOLIDAY TOUR – 3 - 8 p.m.

Tour the historic village by lantern. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. See Friday listing.

LIFESKILLS – 4 - 6 p.m.

Teens are invited to learn to cook with Lynn. Menu posted to FB. Seating limited, reservations required. Presented

by The Oneonta Teen Center.

50 Dietz St., Oneonta. 607 441 3999.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through a winter wonderland featuring light displays created by local businesses, individuals, and organizations. Admission is free.

Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Visit facebook.com/FNOneonta FIRE TRUCK PARADE – 5:30 - 8 p.m. Fly Creek Christmas Parade with Santa and his elves, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. The elves will be delivering Christmas goodies to children. To get your name on Santa’s list, call 607547-5469.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS – 6 - 9 p.m. The Otsego County Fair presents 3rd annual event.

See Friday listing.

COMEDY NIGHT – 8 p.m.

Stop in for night of laughter with headliner Tom Anzalone, opened by Gomez Adams.

Admission, $20/person.

Includes adult beverage.

Community Cultural Center, 1 Bridge St., Sidney. 607604-4584.

displays. See Saturday listing.

NATIVITY SCENE – 6 - 8 p.m. Drive through a nativity scene with live animals and actors. Narration can be played over your car speakers.

Guests are askedCOunty to remain in in OtsegO their cars at all times. Parking lot, Gilbertsville Presbyterian Church, 19 Marion Ave., Gilbertsville. 607-783-2867.

_______ what’s fun

►Sunday, Dec. 19 SANTA – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Southside Mall, Oneonta. See Saturday listing.

HOLIDAY SHOW – 11 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Local artists. Dunderberg Gallery, Gilbertsville. See Friday listing.

SANTA – 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Santa’s Cottage, Muller Plaza, Main St., Oneonta. See Saturday listing.

SANTA – 1 - 4 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – 2 p.m. Holiday tunes will be performed by the Sidney Community Band. Free admission. Community Cultural Center, 1 Bridge St., Sidney.

607-604-4584.

CHRISTMAS CAROL – 3 p.m. ‘A Christmas Carol.’ At The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown. See Thursday Listing.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light

►Monday, Dec. 20 SANTA – 4 - 6 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

►Tuesday, Dec. 21 SANTA – 4 - 6 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

►Wednesday, Dec. 22 CLOTHING DRIVE – Bring clean winter clothing to help local families. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

BLOOD DRIVE – 1 - 6 p.m.

Fellowship Hall, Federated Church of West Winfield, 452 East Main St., West Winfield.

1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org HOLIDAY PARTY – 4 - 8 p.m. Teens are invited to fun holiday party with goodies for all. Free ages 12-18. Oneonta Teen Center, 4 Academy St., Oneonta. 607-441-3999 or visit facebook.com/oneonta. teencenter FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

SANTA – 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Santa’s Cottage, Muller Plaza, Main St., Oneonta. See Saturday listing.

►Thursday, Dec. 23 SANTA – 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Southside Mall, Oneonta. See Saturday listing.

SENIOR LUNCH – Noon.

The Otsego County Office for the Aging invites residents aged 60+ for a delicious lunch. Must call 24+ hours in advance. Suggested donation $3.50. Milford United Methodist Church, 113 N. Main St., Milford. 607-547-6454.

SANTA – 4 - 6 p.m. Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Cooperstown. See Thursday listing.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

HOLIDAY STORIES – 7 p.m.

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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – 3 & 7 p.m. Join congregation for candlelight service to celebrate the night before Christmas. All health department guidelines will be followed. 7 p.m. service will be streamed to Facebook.

Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church St., Richfield Springs.

315-858-1552.

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS – 4:30 p.m. Worship this Christmas Eve with St. Mary’s ‘Our Lady of the Lake’ Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. 607-547-2213 or visit https://www.facebook. com/stmaryscoopny/ CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP – 5 p.m. Get ready for Christmas with a family service at 5 & Communion at 8 with reconciling congregation. Call to watch through Zoom. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607432-4102.

WORSHIP – 5 p.m. Celebrate Christmas Eve with a family Eucharist at 5, Service of Carols at 10:30, and Festival Choral Eucharist at 11. Followed by Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. Christmas Day. St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-1458.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP – 5:45 & 7:30 p.m. All are invited to worship on the night before Christmas. refreshments will be served between services. Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-5712.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – 7 p.m. Christmas Eve worship, walk-ins welcome. All health department guidlines will be followed. There will only be one service this year due to the pandemic. Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-432-6552.

► Saturday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day CHRISTMAS MASS – 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 4:30 p.m. Celebrate Christmas Day with mass at St. Mary’s ‘Our Lady of the Lake’ Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown. 607547-2213.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

►Sunday, Dec. 26 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

►Monday, Dec. 27 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

►Tuesday, Dec. 28 BLOOD DRIVE – Noon - 5 p.m. Quality Inn, 5206 St. Hwy. 23, Oneonta. 1-800733-2767.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

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FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – 5 10 p.m. Drive through light displays. See Saturday listing.

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BLOOD DRIVE – Noon - 5 p.m. Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, 140 Co. Hwy. 33W, Cooperstown. 1800-733-2767.

THURSDAY, December 16, 2021

A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Keep it local with unique shopping ideas across Otsego County

By Patrick Dewey

Shoppers are up against the hard deadline for getting their gifts from internet stores, so what better reason to visit Otsego County’s vast array of local and unique shops?

Aside from supporting neighbors and your community, local shoppers drive the sales tax dollars necessary to support Otsego County services.

“For every dollar we spend locally there are about 10 more local transactions from those business owners,” said Otsego County Treasurer Alan Ruffles. He said sales tax revenue goes in part toward safety and emergency preparedness such as 911 and ambulance services. Sales tax revenue also supports public services such as the Office for the Aging, addiction recovery services, and more.

Mr. Ruffles said Otsego County collected a total of $36.9 million in sales tax in 2020; in 2021, the County has already collected a total of $37.4 million. He said the state is typically about a month behind in allocating sales tax revenue to the County so this total, already higher than all of last year, does not account for December and holiday shopping.

“There was an 8.5% reduction in sales tax revenue in 2020 due to the pandemic,” he said. “All indications are that sales tax revenue is bouncing back for us.”

Tara Burke is director of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. She said particularly in Otsego County, money spent at local businesses gets invested back into the community.

“Many local business owners donate to our community’s nonprofits regularly,” Ms. Burke said. “When you shop local, you’re supporting your neighbor, someone with a dream of owning a small business.”

Here is just a small sample of the locally owned and operated businesses in Otsego County.

The Family Tree Gallery

171 Main Street, Cooperstown A collective of artists display and sell their work at the Family Tree Gallery, first opened by Marjorie Landers in October 2020. The Family Tree offers a wide variety of art from folk art depicting local scenes to portrait and landscape styles, sculptures, and pottery. Local artist Judy Steiner-Grin displays the newest piece at Family Tree; titled “Leaving the Hanger,” it celebrates female aviators and represents the challenges females in aviation and other professions had to overcome historically.

Symbolizing these barriers, it is constructed from a variety of common household items.

Ms. Landers said all the art is locally made and artists work together to operate the gallery. “I love having the ability to share art with tourists and locals alike. Many locals know we are here and the response has been very supportive,” she said. The Family Tree Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

puzzles for adults. “We The Eighth Note are known for our selec10 S Main St, Oneonta tion of games and people Ruth Cleveland and her husband Fred can come in and try out founded The Eighth Note in 1971 and, with a game or two,” he said. help from son Chris, still run the store today.

His father, Rick, opened The Eighth Note carries guitars, pianos and Riverwood in 1998. Todd electronic keyboards, along with band and took over in 2014. “When orchestra instruments.

Mrs. Cleveland said I took the helm, I asked customers can browse new or used invenmy dad what motivated tory, with used inventory resold only if him every day and he high quality. The Eighth Note employs said it came down to the five teachers, helping students of all ages customers,” Mr. Gibbons master anything from drums to violin. Mrs. said, noting the selection Cleveland said gift certificates can be used of items is inspired by for merchandise or lessons and a student customer input. Riverwood can take as many lessons as they need. The is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., opening at 9 a.m. on Instruments abound at Oneonta’s ‘The Eighth Note’ music store also employs a luthier, a professional trained in the building and repair of Saturdays, with expanded stringed instruments — one of the most holiday hours of 9 a.m. – 8 and it is great to be able to serve the local unique aspects of the store. “My husband p.m. until Christmas. community and meet those visiting from and I were born and raised in Oneonta, so other communities as well,” he said. Green it’s great to have such a supportive commuTin Bin Alley Toad Bookstore is open Monday through nity and customer base,” she said. “Today, 114 Main Street, Cooperstown Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays 10 the grandchildren of some of our first music Tin Bin Alley owner Lori Fink calls her a.m. – 5 p.m. students come into the store.” She said shop “a nostalgic candy store” that features offering lessons is one of the greatest joys many other items. The candy selection at Tin The Bearded Dragon of owning a music store. “To offer music Bin includes homemade fudge, chocolates, 19 Ford Avenue, Suite B, Oneonta lessons in this area was always our biggest and Victorian-style sugarplums. Beyond the Run by founder Buron Doyon along dream.” The Eighth Note is open Monday sweets, Tin Bin currently features locally with Anthony Roefs, the Bearded Dragon through Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and made mittens crafted from repurposed is focused on hobby-based card games and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. sweaters. Other highlights include moon- board games. Mr. Roefs said these include Otsego County’s downtowns and side glow necklaces and greeting cards. “I pay Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, roads alike offer many locally owned shops special attention to finding inventory I don’t and more. Bearded Dragon also carries the beyond those highlighted here. You will find see anywhere else,” Ms. Fink said. Tin Bin game Catan, and a full selection of Star Wars men’s and women’s fashion, shoes, plants Alley is open Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. game products, and non-digital versions and flowers, gift shops, and so much more.

– 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. of Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. If you want to take a quick break from shopThe Dragon also sells games based on the ping there are a variety of eateries, as well.

The Green Toad Marvel franchise and has a selection of “The small businesses are a large part of 198 Main Street, Oneonta comic books. “I love demonstrating how what makes Otsego County a wonderful The Green Toad in Oneonta is among board gaming can unlock creativity and place to live, work, and visit,” said Ms. the few independent bookstores in the area. understanding, especially for young kids,” Burke of the Cooperstown Chamber of Owner Jim Havener said the store carries all Mr. Roefs said. The store runs Dungeons & Commerce. book genres from fiction and fantasy to life- Dragons groups for schools and other gathstyle, cookbooks, and more. “It’s wonderful erings as well. The Bearded to be able to watch customers explore a Dragon was founded by variety of topics and ideas through our Doyon in 2003 because he book selection,” he said. “We sell stories grew up near a game store and it’s a joy to see customers immersed in and wanted to bring that type them.” Mr. Havener said The Green Toad of experience to Oneonta also offers a variety of gift items, including community members. The jewelry, handbags, woven items, and more. Bearded Dragon is open Whenever possible, he said, The Green Tuesday through Saturday, 1 Timothy McGraw 607-432-2022 Toad carries locally made gift items. “Main p.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays 1 22-26 Watkins Avenue, Oneonta Street Oneonta is a vital part of our area, p.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm

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Riverwood

88 Main Street, Cooperstown Riverwood owner Todd Gibbons offers a variety of items from toys and games to jewelry, handbags, men’s fashion items, and more.

Mr. Gibbons said the selection of games ranges from those geared toward children to more complex games and

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