SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College students gathered for a start-up pitch competition, spotlighting emerging innovators and entrepreneurs. Held at the Otsego Grille in Morris Hall on the SUNY Oneonta campus on Tuesday, May 6, the event emphasized leadership, creativity, problemsolving and resilience.
Alexia Michitti, a business administration major at SUNY Oneonta, won the Grand 5-Star Pitch competition for her startup, EM13RACE, an adaptive clothing company for people with limb differences.
Michitti, of Vestal, said she will use the prize money for production and purchasing clothing this summer. In July, she plans to attend the Lucky Finn Project Weekend, the world’s largest gathering for individuals with upper-limb differences. There, she will sell youth and toddler apparel designed specifically for children, featuring the company’s trademark EM13RACE logo.
The company’s name incorporates Michitti’s favorite number, 13, stylized to resemble the letter “B” from afar—a nod to how limb differences can be less noticeable at first glance. She also designed the “M” in the logo to reflect her own right-side limb difference.
Born without a right hand, Michitti is a goalkeeper and co-captain of the first-ever U.S. National Women’s Amputee Soccer Team. In November 2024, she traveled to Colombia for an international tournament, where her team earned silver medals while she received the Golden Glove Award as the tournament’s top goalkeeper.
“It was very awesome!” Michitti said.
Hartwick College senior Runyararo Chaora, from Harare, Zimbabwe, won the Top Pitch prize for her school with Mentorlink, a career
services marketplace that connects students with mentorship and job opportunities. A biochemistry and mathematics major on the pre-med track, she plans to begin a graduate program in biotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.
“I hope I win—of course, everybody comes here to win, right?” Chaora said before the results were announced.
SUNY Oneonta senior Layla Driscoll-Webster of Shullsburg, Wisconsin won the Top SUNY Oneonta Pitch award for Brave Blossom— her business plan to establish a brick-and-mortar store offering bras for women recovering from mastectomy surgery.
Fashion and Textile Professor Sarah Portway worked with Michitti and Driscoll-Webster individually and said seeing them win was extremely rewarding.
“Independent studies are above and beyond the regular workload for faculty, and they are very difficult for students who are not independent learners,” Portway said. “So, seeing students be able to really do this on their own with only a few guardrails in place is probably the most rewarding of all! … Those two cannot be stopped! I basically just cleared a few things out of their way.”
Portway said she was
equally impressed by Chaora’s project, Mentorlink.
“She was truly incredible,” Portway said. “My students would benefit from what she’s building.”
“This was the first business pitch competition jointly executed by our two institutions, and it received strong support from the local business community,” said SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. “I am blown away by the passion, dedication and imagination brought to the competition by all our student entrepreneurs. This one night of business pitches was the culmination of weeks and months of hard work supported every step of the way by business professionals and academic mentors. We hope that this competition inspires all our students to follow their entrepreneurial instincts and tap into all the supports open to them to succeed here on campus and beyond.”
Caroline J. Williams, director of community and government relations at SUNY Oneonta, said 14 teams participated in Tuesday’s event.
Hartwick winner Runyararo Chaora received $500.00 through the Hartwick Fund. SUNY Oneonta winner Layla Driscoll-Webster earned $500.00 through the Al and Michelle Rubin Entrepreneurial
Fund. Grand 5-Star Pitch winner Alexia Michitti was awarded $2,000.00 through a donation from Ben Guenther at Five Star Subaru to the SUNY Oneonta Entrepreneurship Fund.
Other competitors included SUNY Oneonta students Analis Estevez, founder of Ana’s Curly Essentials, or ACE, and Brennan Karr, founder of WOW, both members of the Entrepreneurship Club.
Faculty support has played a key role in fostering student entrepreneurship at both institutions. Portway has guided students through business planning and fashion pitch contests, while professors Alsius David and Kai Chen incorporate entrepreneurship into their coursework and club advisement.
Williams noted that this was the first collaborative pitch competition between SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College but reflected on the long-standing tradition of faculty mentorship in business development.
The two colleges share entrepreneur-in-residence Adam Chaloeicheep, who works toward broadening student engagement across disciplines. Chaloeicheep said he was inspired watching judges from the area’s top businesses react to the students’ pitches.
“After the event, the CEO
of Subaru pulled me aside and said, ‘This is exactly what this town needs,’ and asked how we could bring even more students to the event next year,” Chaloeicheep said.
“That’s a strong signal,” he added. “We don’t talk about it enough, but this town and community need a fresh surge of energy and innovation. I hope this competition is the first step toward launching new ventures whose impact ripples back into town, because innovation is the cure for stagnation.”
Recent graduates know the importance of jump-starting their careers after college. Raynella Clarke, who graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2024 with a degree in anthropology and history, was hired as assistant to the chief of staff in the Office of the President through SUNY Oneonta’s Dragon Corps Program that offers full-time jobs to recent alumni. Clarke was helping the organizers of the event by meeting and greeting participants and guests.
“I think it is a pretty good opportunity for students who are interested in becoming business owners to learn all the practical skills that go into that and supports them to learn public speaking skills and all those different things, so I think it’s awesome!” Clarke said.
County: Additional Micro-enterprise Grant Money May Be Available
By MONICA CALZOLARI
OTSEGO COUNTY
Michelle Catan, chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, provided important updates at the monthly Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, May 7. Catan reported to her colleagues that Director of County Planning and Solid Waste Tammie Harris and Meaghan Remillard, director of finance and administra-
tion for Otsego Now, have approached the county to extend the Enterprise Grant and subrecipient agreement.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides grant money to New York State through Homes and Community Renewal. Otsego County applied for a grant to help small businesses and was awarded $300,000.00 in 2023.
Otsego Now provided $283,000.00 in grants to small businesses through the Community Development Block Grant. Otsego Now administers the microenterprise program on behalf of Otsego County.
According to Re-
millard, in 2023 Otsego Now received applications from local small businesses demonstrating a need for $1,000,000.00 in funding. Initially, 11 small businesses received awards of $17,500.00$35,000.00 each.
This grant is set to expire in June 2025. Remillard learned that the county and Otsego Now can do a simpler extension versus an extensive reapplica-
tion for approximately $300,000.00 more in grant money that can be awarded to some of the original applicants.
Remillard said that because this federal HUD money was already committed, President Trump’s new federal budget cuts should not affect the availability of these funds.
Both Otsego County and the City of Oneonta
Continued on page 8
Photo provided
Alexia Michitti working with a young soccer player at Dryden Elementary School.
Photo provided Alexia Michitti designs adaptive clothing for people with limb differences.
Photo by Gayane Torosyan Runyararo Chaora, creator of Mentorlink, a career services marketplace.
Climbing Aficionados Set Up Base Camp at Clark Sports Center
By SARAH ROBERTS COOPERSTOWN
The Clark Sports Center has provided a home base for nearly two dozen local climbers—many between the ages of 60 and 70— who want to live an active, healthy lifestyle.
In 2019, three such climbers, Donna Mackie, Jeannine Kazacos and Bonnie Ives, approached sports center staff to request a block of time at the climbing wall for women, separate from the open, family, and children climbing times.
“At first it was a small group of women, including a few cancer survivors, and the group just continued to grow over the years,” said Maureen Newman, group member. “Our climbing group now includes 15 women, and even a few men who have shown a lot of interest have joined us.”
After the COVID lockdowns were lifted, the climbing group expanded into a broader “women’s adventure group”—partaking in activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, whitewater rafting, yoga, pick-
leball, and more.
Recent adventures include a five-day trip to climb the White Mountains in Rumney, New Hampshire.
“We get together to develop a program of outings we’d like to explore, present our lists to staff, and discuss details and, if the outing is feasible, then set out planning the [activity],” Newman said. “Without the Clark Sports Center, none of this would be possible. To have such a world-class gym in such a rural area is unusual to say the least, and to have its own climbing wall, bowling alley, indoor pools and such a variety of physical fitness activities to participate in is remarkable.
“The CSC staff is so helpful and encouraging,” Newman continued. “Staff accompany us on all our trips and are an integral part of our climbing team and adventure group. Without them, it would just not be possible.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those who exercise regularly, particularly at ages 65 and above, have
improved bone strength, lower risks of dementia and depression, lower risks of certain cancers, and improved balance and coordination. Blood pressure and sleep also improve in the short term.
The National Council on Aging agrees, citing exercise as one way to help relieve arthritis and to lower risks of heart disease and diabetes.
The NCOA does warn
that those over age 65 looking to start any new exercise routine should consult with a doctor first to find a safe level of activity for their age and physical condition.
“For many of us, joining the gym, getting involved with the climbing team and adventure group, has been lifechanging. The level of support and encouragement and actual cheerleading is an amazing
boost to our health and well-being. We are so grateful to have the CSC, the amazing staff, and all the varied programs to help us build our fitness,” Newman said.
Membership is open to all who are interested.
Equipment is provided and instructions are available for beginners or the unsure. The group climbs Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings, and members
can be found using the gym, pool, and other facilities throughout the rest of the week.
Members cited the good energy, community, supportive environment, and friendship as reasons to join their adventure group.
“We will take it from there. Show up and show an interest, and you will find the most supportive, encouraging group ever,” Newman said.
New Span Over Unadilla River Will Enhance Safety on Key Travel Route
OTSEGO COUNTY
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez
announced on Thursday, May 8 that work is underway on an $11.8 million project to replace the bridge carrying State Route 23 over the
Unadilla River between the hamlet of South New Berlin in Chenango County and the towns of Morris and Butternuts in Otsego County.
According to a press release, the project will replace a 76-year-old structure with a modern, two-span bridge that will enhance safety and
improve resiliency along an important travel route that connects the cities of Norwich and Oneonta, and provides access to popular recreational
destinations in the area, including the Wagner Farm and General Jacob Morris state forests. Additional improve-
Continued on page 9
Photo by Sarah Roberts
Local climbers who meet regularly at the Clark Sports Center are, standing from left: Deanna Palumbo, Mark Gardner, Karen Zimba, Karen Donnelly, Bonnie Ives, Maureen Newman, Ashleen Fredricksen, and Dee Crowell; kneeling: Deb Miller, Diane Ducey, and Marcie Schwartzman.
HOMETOWN Views
EDITORIaL
An American in Rome
Last week the world got a new pope. Although this doesn’t happen very often, it is an exciting moment for the Catholic Church, as it is as well for everyone. Our new pope’s predecessor, Francis, died last month, setting the stage for this particular conclave, which, it turned out, was a relatively easy one, lasting a mere two days (as had the conclave for Francis). Conclaves can go on and on; one such went on for two years, nine months and two days, ending on September 1, 1271, with the election of Gregory X, but it’s been nearly two centuries since a conclave has taken longer than a week. An election needs a two-thirds majority vote from the cardinals; in this case, with 133 cardinals eligible to vote, the magic number was 89.
Robert Francis Prevost, the new supercleric, has chosen to be called Pope Leo XIV, after Pope Leo XIII, whose papal service spanned the last quarter of the 19th century, and who is distinguished for writing, in 1891, “Rerum Novarum” (or, “Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor”), which addresses the needs and dignity of the working class and was influential in the establishment of the church’s tradition of social justice. This is a good start.
Leo XIV, born in 1955 just outside Chicago, and his two older brothers are the products of a French/Italian father who was a school superintendent and a Spanish/Creole mother who was a librarian. The new pope attended school near Chicago’s South Side and in Holland, Michigan, where he garnered a Letter of Commendation for academic excellence, served as the editor-inchief of the yearbook, and was a member of the honor roll, the student council, and the national honor society. He went on to Villanova to collect a BS in mathematics in 1977, then to the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago for a Master of Divinity, and on further to Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome for a doctorate in Canon Law, bestowed upon him in 1987. Villanova gave him an Honorary Degree in 2014. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French, and he reads Latin and German. Really good stuff.
Before he finished his doctorate, Leo XIV went to Peru, where he lived and worked as a missionary for nearly two decades, often tending his flock by horseback. He became naturalized in 2014 and the following year was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo by Pope Francis. He was called to Rome in 2023 as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where he selected and managed bishops globally, and in 2024 was created a cardinal. Although considered by many to be a dark horse for the papacy—being an American didn’t help— these latter roles as well as his close relationship with Francis and a propensity to take the middle of the road elevated his prominence and eligibility as a papal candidate. We are okay with all this, too.
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope. He is also the second pope, after Francis, to hail from the Americas, the first born in North America, the first to be a citizen of both the United States and Peru, the first from an English-speaking country since Adrian IV (1154-1159), the first born after World War II, the first to play Wordle, the first to text, and the first to root for the Chicago White Sox, the Villanova Wildcats, and the Alianza Lima soccer team. And there’s a tennis court for him in Vatican City. More good starting points.
He does have some important challenges: Not only does he face the task of shepherding the billion and a half Catholics of the world, he also must engage with the fractured American church (20 percent of Americans are Catholic), where the hierarchy, ordinary Catholics, an increasingly influential right-wing Catholic media ecosystem, and the reigning Catholic power in Washington (more than a third of the members of President Trump’s cabinet are Catholic, as are two-thirds of the Supreme Court) are at odds. In the last few months, Leo has disagreed with the militant vision of Christian power that the Trump administration has elevated, especially disagreeing with VicePresident Vance’s comments that Christian theology might justify turning away migrants and strangers in need. Perhaps the new pope will dig deep and dish out some hope.
Leo XIV is going to keep speaking out for justice, peace, refugees, the poor and the hungry. And perhaps he’ll come visit us. Which is all good. HOW
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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BIG IS THIS, REaLLY?
The Pull of Magnet at Bassett Medical Center
On April 23, Bassett Medical Center was notified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center that we achieved Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence, the highest national honor a hospital can attain for nurse satisfaction, patient outcomes and nursing quality.
This is a very big deal. It’s not just that Bassett Medical Center has received a national distinction (though we are ecstatic about this fact). This is tremendously meaningful for our patients and communities, too. Let me explain.
This distinction demonstrates the top-tier care patients receive at Bassett. Before applying for Magnet status, the hospital had to prove that we are performing above the average or median performance of hospitals across the country for eight consecutive quarters (or two years). We submitted more than 1,500 pages of material and engaged in more than 70 survey interviews with 100 employees and community members, among many other efforts. Bassett Medical Center didn’t just meet the threshold—we exceeded it. This includes our high scores in preventing injuries and hospital-acquired infections for patients in the hospital, our quickness in triaging and treating patients who come through our doors having heart attacks, and how satisfied our patients are overall with the care they receive at Bassett.
Why does Magnet matter so much for patients?
Magnet recognition is one of the gold standards in the healthcare field for excellence in nursing and hospital performance. The fact that Bassett Medical Center is outperforming hospitals across the state and nationally—by ANCC standards—in these key clinical areas means our patients and communities
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn
Gilded Age Not a Worthy Goal
can depend on us for best-in-class care close to home. When every second matters in our rural area during heart emergencies, Bassett Medical Center is seamless and swift with our care. And our patients in the hospital can be sure they are receiving the highest quality and safety when they are in our care and healing.
Why does Magnet matter so much to nursing staff and our communities?
The general public probably doesn’t realize this—but the reason this designation is called Magnet is because it quite literally draws nurses to an institution to grow their careers. The Magnet seal is an internationally understood symbol among nurses that signifies a hospital has proven its commitment to empowering nurses by giving them a voice, prioritizing their education and growth, and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes. In short, nurses LOOK for Magnet hospitals as a criterion for how to choose where they land. This designation just opened an amazing amount of doors for Bassett in the recruitment realm—and you better believe we are already shouting our distinction from the rooftops as nursing graduation season kicks off. Moreover, after hospitals achieve Magnet, research shows it leads to higher job satisfaction among nurses and a lower number of nurses leaving their positions when compared with other healthcare organizations. We hope this trend proves true for Bassett Medical Center and we can welcome many new nurses to our already-strong units. We are so thankful for the commitment to care, tireless spirit, and medical expertise displayed by Bassett Medical Center’s nurses day in and day out. None of this would be possible without the long hours
Continued on page 7
HOMETOWN ONEONTA
H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2025 17th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.
Publisher / Advertising Manager Tara Barnwell
General Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs
Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Office Manager: Larissa Ryan
Interns: Bill Bellen, Arya Patel and Sarah Roberts
Columnists and Contributing Writers Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
Web Architect Xander Moffat Historian Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart
Editorial Board
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Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs
MEMBER OF:
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The Otsego County Chamber
Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326
In 1913, Woodrow Wilson became president and improved working conditions across the nation, ushering in a progressive era. The new income tax paid for increasing worker protections. It also helped stabilize the country through the Great Depression. As a result, our economy became more stable, fair and efficient. It marked the end of the notorious Gilded Age. Unfortunately, Trump views that period as America’s “glorious past.”
What does Trump mean by “Make America Great Again?”
Thinking about our nation a century ago, colorful costumes and shows might come to mind. But for the working class, life was terrible.
We must keep progressing toward more fairness, not less, and push back against Trump’s vision of a new Gilded Age!
Maureen Broeking
Cherry Valley
So It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again
“If at first you don’t succeed, try again…and again…and again….”
There was a brash judge from Dubuque Whose disdain for Donald Trump made him puke.
So, he made up a reason To blame him for treason And issued a judicial rebuke.
Waldo Johnston
Vero Beach, FL and Cooperstown
Board of Reps
Called To Action
Editor’s Note: The following letter was read to the Otsego County Board of Representatives during privilege of the floor at a recent meeting.
I’m Adrian Kuzminski, a long-time resident of Otsego County. Let me get straight to the point.
The United States is in a constitutional crisis. The president has declared a series of national emergencies not authorized under the Constitution. These allow him to rule by decree through executive order, bypassing Congress and the federal courts. We can no longer rely on due process and the rule of law. Instead we have autocratic rule by one person. Autocratic rule is uncertain and capricious. You can get an enlightened monarch, or a tyrant. Administrative law replaces actual law. Executive orders, which can change without warning, ignore existing legislation and court rulings. Already, approved funding has suddenly and arbitrarily been withheld from state and local governments, social programs, educational institutions, and civic organizations. Tariffs have been arbitrarily imposed and adjusted. Government agencies and workers have been abruptly eliminated. Foreign nationals have been arrested for their opinions. The surveillance powers of the government have been turned against its citizens. Critics of the government have been subject to punishment, and may soon be labeled traitors. In a remarkable speech on the Senate floor the other day, on the 30th of April and available on YouTube, Republican Senator Rand Paul went further than any prominent Democrat I know in pointing out that the Continued on page 7
Photo provided an GEL a BEL m O n T
Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
110 YEARs AGo
Mayor Joseph Lunn and 46 former oneonta boys gathered last Friday evening in New York City and sat down to a tempting dinner, smoked some fine Doyle & smith cigars from the old home town and then proceeded to have a rousingly good time talking over the old days spent on their native heath. Four hours of chumship and friendship reigned as of old and everybody had a real enjoyable time. The occasion was the second annual reunion of native oneonta boys who are now engaged in pursuits business and professional walks of life in Greater New York and vicinity. There are known to be upwards of a hundred former oneonta men now doing business and living in the great Metropolis. The fact that 46 of them could assemble for a reunion speaks volumes of the spirit of mutual interest in which these former oneontans hold each other. The event was chaired by T.D. Tallmadge.
May 1915
50 YEARs AGo
The proposed New York state Equal Rights Amendment cleared an important hurdle on Tuesday when the senate Judiciary Committee voted 14-1 to report the measure to the full senate. The Equal Rights Amendment would ban discrimination against women in New York state laws. opponents have expressed fears, however, that the ERA would mean an end to separate restrooms, a loss of financial support for married women and a downgrading of job safety for women. John Calandra, Bronx Republican, described the ERA as a “ballyhoo type of proposition,” and said it was not needed. Calandra cast the only “no” vote in the senate Committee. He accused some of the other members of the committee of not having enough courage to vote the way they felt. “We don’t know what the impact of this legislation will be – but we’re passing the buck because we don’t want to stand up and be counted.” Another member of the committee, Joseph Pisani, Republican, Westchester, said he voted “yes” simply to get it out of the committee. “If it was kept in committee, it would have been branded a Republican move.”
May 1975
40 YEARs AGo
The head of a coalition of New York state gun groups said Tuesday that Governor Mario Cuomo would likely be hit with a $30 million libel suit for uncomplimentary remarks about National Rifle Association members. “We’re shooting for March of 1986,” said Jerry Preiser, Chairman of the Coalition of New York state sportsmen. What had gun club members so upset is a remark by Cuomo, published last month by the Los Angeles Times, in which the Democratic Governor said the strongest complaints against New York’s new mandatory seat belt law had come from “NRA hunters who drink beer, don’t vote, and lie to their wives about where they were all weekend.”
May 1985
20 YEARs AGo
Eleanor Kilmer, 83, a Hamden woman will celebrate 50 years as a 4-H leader next week. over that time, more than 200 children have been members of the Country Cousins 4-H Club since it began in 1955, and many of those 4-H’s are related to one another. Kilmer credits Bill Ives, a neighbor, with the suggestion to start the Country Cousins 4-H Club. The original members included Kilmer’s five children and two of the Ives’ children. “We named it Country Cousins because most of them were cousins, no matter which way we went,” Kilmer said. Kilmer’s own family grew and three more of her own children became Country Cousins members along with 29 foster children whom Kilmer and her family took in over the years. Now there are three generations of Kilmer-kin with Country Cousins experience.
May 2005
news from the noteworthy
seed starters Have Been Planning, Planting
The plants sold at Cornell Cooperative Extension schoharie and otsego’s annual otsego Master Gardener Plant sale are produced through the careful work of the otsego Master Gardener Volunteer seed starters, who raise the plants. The seed starters have set a goal to raise 2,000 plants for the 2025 otsego Master Gardener Plant sale, which will be held this saturday, May 17, rain or shine, at CCEso’s otsego Education Center, 123 Lake street, Cooperstown. Come meet some of the seed starters at the sale, to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They will be delighted to tell you about the plants they raised! seed starter Committee Chair Carol Phelps explains how the work of the seed starters will get your garden off to a good start.
We also choose varieties not commonly found in garden centers. over the years, we’ve learned that there is a demand for our herbs, native plants, and blight-resistant and heirloom tomatoes. Then, we buy the seeds from companies with whom we’ve had success in the past.
How does the Seed Starter Committee decide what to grow?
The committee meets in the fall to plan for the plants that will be grown for the spring sale. We choose plant varieties that will do well in upstate New York’s climate and match our growing season. For example, we look for pepper varieties that bear fruit in about 60 days. For basil and cilantro, we select varieties that are slower to flower and bolt.
By MERL REAGLE
What is each seed starter asked to do? once the seed starters Committee decides the varieties of plants we will start, individual seed starters choose which of these seeds he or she wishes to start. some become specialists in one variety, like Lemon Gem marigolds or heirloom tomatoes. Not all varieties are planted at the same time. Each seed starter plans so each variety they are growing will be ready for the plant sale—some begin in February and some later, depending on the seed. Before planting their seeds, each seed starter sets up shelving and lights where the plants are grown. After planting the seeds, plant germination must be monitored daily and, as the plants grow, they need to be carefully watered, transferred to bigger pots, lightly fertilized, and rearranged so all the plants get the right amount of light, since not
Continued on page 7
Crossword Crossword…
Photo provided
otsego master Gardener volunteers Carol phelps (left) and susan Jones “potting up” seedlings. as the plants grow, they need to be transplanted into bigger pots. omGvs often meet as a group to pot up and transplant.
Trans History Lecture Slated
ONEONTA—The Oneonta Commission for Community Relations and Human Rights will host Dr. Carolyn Wolf-Gould for a presentation on the history of transgender medicine in the United States at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 at Oneonta City Hall. Wolf-Gould, who retired last month, is a nationallyrecognized leader in the field and founded Bassett’s Transgender Wellness Center in Oneonta. Among other books and articles, she is the author and editor of “A History of Transgender Medicine in the United States: From Margins to Mainstream,” published by the SUNY Press, Albany, in 2025. The talk is free and open to the public.
Notre-Dame
Subject of Talk
HARTWICK—The Otsego County Historical Association will host a talk by local contractor and Timber Framers Guild Director Jackson DuBois at Kinney Memorial Library in Hartwick at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. He will discuss his experience restoring the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after the 2019 fire. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Lane Closures Announced
ONEONTA—The New York State Department of Transportation announced upcoming lane closures on Lettis Highway (State Route 23) northbound in Oneonta between Fair Street and Main Street. Drainage installation work will begin on Monday, May 19 and continue for about two weeks. Motorists are urged to slow down and move over for highway workers. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.
Gas Prices Holding Steady
UTICA—A slight dip in demand and surging inventories across the northeast drove the average price of gas in New York State down a penny to $3.09 a gallon in the week ending Monday, May 12, AAA Northeast announced. Crude oil prices remain near a five-year low due to increased production by the OPEC+ nations, and the return of the Phillips 66 refinery in Linden, New Jersey to full capacity after seasonal maintenance helped pad regional gasoline supply. New York’s average price is two cents lower than last month and 63 cents lower than this time last year. To view the full weekly report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.
Rogers To Read May 22nd
TREADWELL—Bright Hill Press and Literary Center of the Catskills will host poet, translator and artist Bertha Rogers for its Word Thursdays poetry night at 7 p.m. on May 22. Rogers will read from her new collection, “What Want Brings: New and Selected Poems,” and will be joined by nine friends with their own work during the open mic portion of the evening. The event will be held in person at 94 Church Street in Treadwell and via Zoom at https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/81577446746. Light refreshments will be served. There is a suggested donation of $5.00. To be considered for an open mic slot, e-mail info@brighthillpress.org.
MGVs Discuss Space Saving
COOPERSTOWN—Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers will kick off the summer gardening series with a program on space saving techniques at 123 Lake Street at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21. The demonstration garden will be open for self-guided tours at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.cceschoharie-otsego.org.
‘Talking Opera’ Dates Released
COOPERSTOWN—The Guild of Glimmerglass Festival’s popular “Talking Opera” presentation program will return for its 23rd year this summer, in conjunction with the festival’s 50th season. Each program features background and history on a production and its creators, as well as excerpts from its music and analysis of the upcoming production at Glimmerglass. All five programs begin promptly at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Festival Music Director Joseph Colaneri will present on “Tosca” and “The Rake’s Progress” at Fenimore Art Museum on Friday, May 30 and Friday, June 13, respectively. The remaining three “Talking Opera” programs will take place at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, 21 Elm Street. Conductor and noted Sondheim scholar Michael Ellis Ingram will speak on “Sunday in the Park with George” on Friday, June 20, followed by Director Chia Patino’s presentation on “The House on Mango Street” on Monday, June 30. Librettist Kelley Rourke will discuss the restaging of her youth opera, “Odyssey,” on Monday, July 7. All programs will be recorded and posted on glimmerglassguild.org.
Water Trail Opening Scheduled
COOPERSTOWN—New York State’s newest outdoor tourism destination, the Susquehanna Basin Water Trail, will have its grand opening at Council Rock in Cooperstown at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. Elected officials, business leaders and other stakeholders from across the Southern Tier will gather to celebrate the official launch of Paddle607. com, connecting 190 miles of waterways from
Cooperstown to Corning. Paddlers in canoes and kayaks will break through a ribbon across the river at its source.
EOH Awards $67K in Grants
EARLVILLE—The Earlville Opera House announced $67,500.00 in cultural funding for 49 nonprofit organizations and artists through New York State’s 2025 Arts in the Community Grants Program. The Opera House considered applications totaling $147,000.00, demonstrating the vitality of cultural expression and organization across the Southern Tier. Nearly half of the recipients are based in Otsego County, including: Community Arts Network of Oneonta; Orpheus Theatre; Fenimore Chamber Orchestra; Cherry Valley Artworks; Otsego Dance Society; Samye Heritage New York; The Telegraph School; and several local libraries, municipalities, and community organizations. For more information or to view the full list, visit earlvilleoperahouse.com.
Fishing, Heritage Day Planned
SOUTH OTSELIC—The Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association’s popular Fishing and Heritage Day will return for its 16th year from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. There will be two fishing clinics and demonstrations of aquaculture techniques at the state fish hatchery, as well as displays by a wide variety of environmental, conservation, public safety, and artistic organizations. Doris Wilkins-Wilt of the Oneida Nation Cultural Center will conduct two workshops for crafting beaded strawberry picture frames. Ron Patterson, also of the Oneida Nation, will present on the history of maple sugaring and hunting and fishing techniques, and there will be an exhibit of Haudenosaunee artifacts and history. The Town Park will host art and craft vendors, food trucks, antiques, children’s activities, raffles and live music, as well as more historic industrial demonstrations. There will be a parade of vintage tractors at 1:30 p.m. For a complete schedule of this free family event, visit ovfish.org.
Historical Society To Meet
SCHENEVUS—The Town of Maryland Historical Society will hold its next meeting at the AmVets Building, 25 Main Street, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18. In addition to the business meeting on plans and programs for the upcoming year, there will be a presentation on the history of the society’s new building at 99 Main Street. The public is welcome.
Ecstatic Dance Returns
ONEONTA—Ecstatic Dance Oneonta will return for a first anniversary celebration at the Unitarian Universalist Society building, 12 Ford Avenue, from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. This judgmentfree space for authentic expression through movement will feature “abunDANCE,” a 90-minute movement meditation created by local artist Isha Justyna Kostek. Doors open at 5:45. The event is free, but an RSVP through EventBrite is required due to space constraints. All are welcome, with no experience needed.
Exhibit Submissions Closing
COOPERSTOWN—Submissions for Cooperstown Art Association’s 90th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition are due via cooperstownart. com by the close of business on Thursday, May 15. The show will run from July 12 to August 15. The Regional Juried Art Show, now closed for submissions, will open on Saturday, May 17 and run through June 25.
FCO Hosts Composer Talk
COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Chamber Orchestra will present a talk on the groundbreaking contributions of women composers by Artistic Director Maciej Żółtowski at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. The free event will be held at the Fenimore Art Museum, and will cover important historical figures such as Louise Farrenc, Amy Beach, Florence Price, Joan Trimble and Graźyna Bacewicz. It will serve as a prelude to FCO’s June 7 concert, featuring work by Trimble and Bacewicz. For more information, visit fenimore-orchestra.org.
Parade Participants Sought
ONEONTA—The Oneonta Memorial Day Parade will return at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26. It will line up on Market Street at 9 a.m. Marching bands, schools, businesses, community groups and other organizations are invited to participate by contacting info@destinationoneonta.com.
Fire Department Elects Officers
COOPERSTOWN—Members of the Cooperstown Fire Department selected their officers for the upcoming year in an election on Monday, May 12. They will take their seats at the next regular meeting on May 28. The new department organization is as follows: Chief, William Smith (first term); First Assistant Chief, Victor Jones (first term); Second Assistant Chief, Chris Satriano (fourth term); Captains, Joel Bostwick (third term),
Joel Roach (fourth term) and Steven Clancy; Fire Police Captain, Jim Leslie (eighth term); Fire Police Lieutenant, Jim Tallman (third term); President, Monica Carrascoso (first term); Vice President, Anthony Ferrara (second term); Secretary, Thomas Redding (10th term); and Treasurer, Frank King (10th term).
‘Some Bodies’ Exhibit Opens
ROXBURY—”Some Bodies,” a group exhibition exploring identity and intimacy through depictions of the human figure, will open at the Roxbury Arts Center, 5025 Vega Mountain Road, with an artists’ reception from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. This exhibit, featuring work by more than 30 artists from Delaware County and across the Northeast, will be on display through July 26. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit roxburyartsgroup.org.
CAA Holds Classes for Kids
COOPERSTOWN—Artist and educator Claire Jensen will host pop-up after school art classes for children ages 6-14 at Cooperstown Art Association from 3:15-5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13 and Friday, June 20. The first session will focus on acrylic still life painting, while the latter will cover drawing. Lexi LeRoux will run a kids’ art camp from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18. The daily sessions will focus, respectively, on rock photo holders, painting with unusual items, ribbon wall hangings, decoupage, and sidewalk painting and mindfulness jars. Daily and weekly rates are available. For more information or to register, visit cooperstownart.com or contact (607) 547-9777 or gallery@cooperstownart.com.
NAACP To Screen Film
ONEONTA—The Oneonta NAACP will host a screening and discussion of the film “Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP,” on the oftforgotten civil rights leader who led the organization from 1929 to 1955, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. Held at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, the event seeks to trace White’s life and explain his disappearance from the popular conception of history. Like all Oneonta NAACP Third Thursday Series Films, the event is free and open to the public.
Tennis Wins Two, Loses One
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Tennis defeated Herkimer 5-0 on the road on Wednesday, May 7 during a brief break in the rain. Owen Marling, Alfred Hom and Hayden Spencer won the singles matches 10-3, 10-0 and 10-0, respectively.
The team narrowly defeated Sauquoit Valley 32 at home on Thursday, May 8. Henry Ayers won the first singles match 6-2, 6-2. Marling and Hom won second and third singles 6-0, 6-0 and 6-1, 60, respectively. The doubles teams, consisting of Bianca Adam and Alexis Wolfe and Micah Raffo and Rigzin Gazan, were each defeated. The Hawkeyes received the second seed in team sectionals for the Class C Tournament.
Cooperstown fell 4-1 to seventh seed Cazenovia in the Section III Class C quarterfinals at home on Monday, May 12. Ayers took their only victory of the day with a 7-5, 7-5 win at first singles. The Hawkeyes fell to 8-1 for the season and will compete in the individual sectionals at Watertown on Monday, May 19.
Sofball Up, Baseball Down
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown softball rolled past Laurens/Milford for a 12-3 win on the road on Thursday, May 8. Junior Katie Crippen had an outstanding afternoon, going four-for-four with a home run, four stolen bases, four runs and four RBI. Senior Grace Sperry hit two triples, scored, and batted in three more runs. Senior Emmy Lippitt earned the win with two strikeouts, allowing four hits, two earned runs and walking seven.
Lippitt struck out 10 more batters over seven innings in a 9-4 road victory over Oriskany on Monday, May 12. She allowed only two hits and two walks. Junior Evie Baldo went three-for-four, scored a run, and stole two bases. Sperry recorded another run and two more RBI. The Hawkeyes rose to 6-1 for the season and 3-0 in their division, and will host Waterville after press time on Tuesday, May 13.
Cooperstown baseball fell 4-1 to Oriskany on Monday, May 12. Brody Murdock, Joey Paterno and Elijah McCaffrey held Oriskany scoreless in all but one inning, but their four-run third inning made all the difference. Murdock took the loss, giving up five hits and two walks in three innings. Braden Rawitch reached base on an error in the top of the seventh, and Wyatt Butts and Aaron Katz walked to load the bases. Murdock grounded into a fielder’s choice double play to bring Rawitch home for the lone Cooperstown run of the evening. The Hawkeyes fell to 2-3 for the season and 1-1 in their division.
Check out our website, AllOtsego.com, for additional news stories, columns and briefs each week. Access to AllOtsego.com is free with a hard-copy newspaper subscription. Those who prefer to read their news online can subscribe at allotsego.com.
Leo Club Provides Opportunity To Help Community Members
By BENJAMIN LEWIS COOPERSTOWN
The Cooperstown
Leo Club is a student-run nonprofit organization affiliated with the international Lions Club. The Lions Club was established in Chicago in 1917 with an original focus on helping business clubs become more involved in their communities. After World War I, the club expanded to include philanthropy. The Leo Club was established in 1957, centered around youth service. Both the Lions and Leo clubs expanded across the country and the world, forming an international service network that spans 200 countries, with 49,000 local chapters and close to 1.4 million active members.
The Cooperstown Leo Club was established in 2004. The service club has been a long-standing organization, with thriving student participation. Currently, the club has 39 student members. The Leo Club’s teacher adviser is John Brotherton, and the Lions Club adviser is Dr. Paul Weber.
The Cooperstown Leo Club is a charitable organization that consistently organizes events for the community. For example, the Cooperstown Food Pantry and the Leo Club partner on the Cooperstown BackPack Program, which allows participating students at both the elementary and high schools to anonymously pick up a back-
pack full of food for the weekend.
The annual pancake breakfast at the Cooperstown Veterans Club is another popular fundraiser for the Leo Club. Tickets to the breakfast are given to Leo Club members to sell. At the event, students in the club wait tables and serve all types of breakfast items. All proceeds go to the Cooperstown Lions Club to be used in support of various causes.
While the Leo Club hosts charitable events, requests for volunteer service around the community are just as important to its mission.
Dr. Paul Weber perfectly illustrates the organization’s philosophy: “We’re here. We want to help. What do you need?”
Raking leaves, gardening, shoveling snow and other tasks that may be arduous for senior citizens are the types of activities the club is willing to perform. The club encourages people to reach out if they need assistance, because community service is the backbone of the club, and its members strive to help.
Leo Club members are also given unique educational opportunities in addition to their community service, the most popular of which is a trip to the United Nations. The Lions Club International assisted in the formation of the United Nations charter. Each year, a Lions Day with the United Nations is held at the U.N. in New
York City. The opportunity to visit the U.N. and meet students from other Leo Clubs builds enthusiasm and involvement for the group.
The Leo Club is an excellent opportunity for students to become involved in their community. The constant activities run and participated in by the Leo and Lions clubs provide students plenty of exposure to different service projects and an opportunity to contribute, and Lions Day at the U.N. is another interesting experience offered exclusively for Leo Club members.
New members are always welcome and can join starting in the seventh grade, as young students are encouraged to become involved early in their high-school career. Those interested in learning more about the Leo Club and its activities can contact John Brotherton at jbrotherton@cooperstowncs.org.
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Otsego County is home to more than 1,200 businesses. Expanding and growing these businesses and attracting new businesses to the county is the mission of Otsego Now.
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direct conflict with what Congress has already enacted by law.
Trump’s first 100 days have been among the most damaging in U.S. history. Far from resurrecting some imagined version of past American greatness, they have unleashed destructive forces that have weakened what makes this country great.
Karen Mihan Cooperstown
The Cardinals Got It Right
You don’t have to be a Catholic to love the Pope. But it sure seems to help. It is a case of massive psychological transference, as confirmed by his
name in Latin: “Father.” I met Pope John XXIII when I was 12. We talked about bicycles. I had a three-speed Schwinn. He had a 12-speed Bianchi. But he didn’t try to lord that over on me bikewise. He looked a bit like my hero, Yogi Berra. My mother arranged the audience and we flew over from Idlewild Airport in a four engine prop plane that stopped at Gander, Newfoundland to refuel, then Shannon, Ireland to refuel, then at a dusty little airport outside of Rome. Good times. I was a big fan of Pope Francis, who, as a Jesuit, was savvy enough to pave the way for an American to succeed him, a Christian American, an increasingly rare breed. Pope Leo spent most of his career in Latin America,
helping the poor. So the cardinals sent the world a message: Here is the American Pope you’ve been waiting for, and, surprise, this one actually understands what Christianity is all about. This guy is as woke as Jesus. Other religious movements have been hijacked by charismatic grifters that preach the gospel of prosperity, who would make a virtue of avarice, a sacrament of gluttony. Growing up in Texas, most parish churches had Mexicans and Black folks, including Creoles, like Pope Leo’s grandparents. So, from childhood, my impression of other religions— Baptists, Methodist, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Jewish—was that they were not integrated, reflecting the apartheid of the South. But not our parish, Holy Trinity. Not the Cathedral of Guadalupe downtown. We looked like the UN General Assembly. Or the College of Cardinals. But don’t get me wrong, the Catholic Church has a long, sordid history of getting Christianity wrong. Their acquiescence to fascism in Germany and Italy was monstrously wrong. And pederasty is not exactly scriptural. But, god bless ‘em, the cardinals didn’t miscue this time. Not with this fellow. Good choice. Maybe a great choice. Christianity is a great model of how to live. All avowed Christians should give it a try some time. Chip Northrup Cooperstown
Photo provided
Pope John XXIII, with Chip Northrup’s younger self, his beaming mother and the pope’s interpreter.
Painted Screens Depict Baltimore’s Rowhouse Art, History
By SARAH ROBERTS COOPERSTOWN
Elaine Eff began her career as a professional folklorist in Cooperstown at the Cooperstown Graduate Program. She learned how to conduct oral histories. She learned how to document communities. She learned how to dig out the hidden stories of the past. She saw 19th-century painted screens in the collection of the then New York State Historical Association and she compared them to the vibrant painted screens of her native Baltimore.
Eff’s study of painted screens began in 1975. She and the late screen artist Dee Herget founded the Painted Screen Society of Baltimore and, in 1988, a documentary film was produced about Baltimore’s screens, documenting the screens, the artists and bringing to national attention this little-known art form, unique to working class Baltimore neighborhoods.
On Friday, April 11, Eff’s research came full circle when she donated three Baltimore screens to the Fenimore Art Museum as the current graduate students from CGP looked on.
“These screens and Elaine’s meticulous scholarship are so much in keeping with the origins of CGP, celebrating American folk culture and the traditions of ordinary people and everyday life. We are all very proud to see Elaine’s years of scholarship culminate in this donation to the Fenimore Art Museum,” said CGP Director Gretchen Sorin.
The donated painted screens show the work of three different master artists over 40-50 years. Eff said that she chose these pieces to show the evolution the art style has undergone, while still retaining its original purpose.
“This is a very practical art form,” she affirmed.
The first painted screens are believed to have originated in London, and some examples have been found at various locations throughout the United States, including in upstate New York. But, it is in Baltimore that the form came into its own. Baltimore’s sidewalks extend right up to the windows of its row houses, providing little privacy for the occupants. Painting the window screens protected privacy by permitting air and light to enter the houses, but keeping insects and peering eyes out. Painted screens are functional as well as beautiful artworks. The earliest Baltimore screens offered domestic scenes that included houses, usually a red-roofed bungalow surrounded by trees,
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ments will also facilitate access to the Unadilla River for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
“In projects big and small, NewYork continues to make historic investments in infrastructure
John J. Posh Sr. 1945-2025
BURLINGTON FLATS—John J. Posh
Sr., 80, of Burlington Flats, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin, New York.
Born on March 18, 1945 in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, New York, John was the son of the late Walter and Claire Anne (Mortimer) Posh. After graduating from Edmeston Central School in 1963, he proudly served in the United States Army from
that connect communities and improve quality of life all across the Empire State,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “This bridge replacement project will…help ensure continued, efficient travel along one of the region’s most important corridors for the movement of people and goods, while
1963-1969, showing unwavering dedication to his country as a Vietnam War veteran.
On May 4, 1968, John married Rosa Jimenez in Flushing, New York. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership, spanning over five decades.
John dedicated the majority of his professional life to New York Telephone, later known as Verizon, where he worked diligently as a telephone service technician. His commitment to his work was matched only by his devotion to his community. He was an active member of several organizations, including the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, Butternut Valley Cemetery Association (where he served as a trustee), Burlington Flats Fish and Game Club, and the National Rifle Association.
Known for his generous spirit, John was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His caring nature and warm heart left a lasting impres-
white swans in a placid lake, and colorful flowers. As the number of artists grew, so too did the scenes that they painted.
“[At the time of the formation of the Painted Screen Society], dozens of artists were still active, but worked independently, unaware that each was a part of a community of traditional artists,” according to the Painted Screen Society of Baltimore’s website.
“Over the years the popularity of painted screens ebbed and flowed. First the world wars dealt a blow, then air conditioners, then changing demographics and changing definitions of modernity. Today renovation, replacement windows and the rising costs of custom artwork add to the toll. At the same time, a revolution in crafting and entrepreneurship has found
its wider shoulders and improved river access will also make it easier for residents and visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty by foot, bike, canoe or kayak.”
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026 and will replace the existing three-span, 200-foot-
long bridge—originally built in 1949—with a two-span bridge that will allow for improved river flow and reduce longterm maintenance costs.
The new structure will also be wider, featuring 11-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders that will better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists,
OBITUARIES
sion on all who knew him. When he wasn’t assisting others, he found joy in various projects. A compassionate soul, he often rescued animals in need. John cherished the company of his family and friends, especially the moments spent with his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Gramp.”
He took immense pride and joy in being their grandfather.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Rosa;
his children, John Posh Jr. (Kim Firenze) and Christina Strain (Scott); his cherished grandchildren, Scott J. and Jason J. Strain; and several beloved family pets and close friends who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Claire Anne Posh.
Family and friends are invited to his calling hours on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home, 60 Broad Street, Morris,
an eager audience of artists and admirers to take the art form into the 21st century as its popularity spreads far beyond Baltimore,” the website reads.
The Painted Screen Society’s mission is to “preserve screen painting and rowhouse arts throughout Baltimore’s neighborhoods” and is responsible for countless works of this type of folk art being in numerous museums and organizations—now including the Fenimore Art Museum.
The specific pieces to join the Fenimore Art Museum’s collection were selected by Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm and Country Village President and Chief Executive Officer Paul D’Ambrosio and Eff.
“I said, ‘Paul, tell me what you like and what works with your collection,’” Eff explained. “He picked a bunch and, of the ones he picked, I chose the ones that told the most varied story and covered the biggest timeframe.”
Eff added that of the hundred or so pieces being offered to a number of institutions, Fenimore Art Museum got the first pick.
“I wanted them to have something that said ‘Baltimore,’” she said.
“We are deeply honored to accept this collection of painted window screens—iconic symbols of Baltimore’s rowhouse culture and vibrant community creativity—gifted to us by Elaine Eff, a pioneering folklorist and tireless advocate for this unique art form,” said D’Ambrosio.
“This gift is especially meaningful because it is the culmination of Elaine’s graduate thesis, written here at the Cooperstown Graduate Program,” D’Ambrosio continued. “That early research was sparked by none other than the historical painted screens housed in the Fenimore’s own collection—a moment of discovery that lit a spark and grew into a lifelong mission.”
“It was a thrill of a lifetime to see it come full circle, a project that started in Cooperstown 50 years ago…It was one of those moments you see your life working toward come together,” Eff said. “It was a very exciting moment to see the painted screens look so at home.”
“That Elaine’s life’s work has resulted in today’s gift to the Fenimore Art Museum ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to discover this incredible art form,” Sorin said.
Cooperstown Graduate Program Director Gretchen Sorin contributed to this article.
and farm equipment. Improvements will also be made to an adjacent river access point, reducing the drop off between land and water and making it easier to fish and launch canoes and kayaks.
To reduce traffic impacts and negate the need for a lengthy detour during construction,
NY 13808 from 4-7 p.m.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 96 Main St, Morris, NY 13808 at 10 a.m. His burial and service of committal with Military Honors will follow at Butternut Cemetery in Burlington.
In honor of John’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be
a temporary, one-lane bridge will be erected at the site. Travel along State Route 23 in the area will be reduced to a single lane with alternating flows of traffic controlled by temporary signals. The river access site adjacent to the bridge will remain open for anglers, kayakers and canoes.
made to the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 5082 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
John’s family has entrusted his care to Edd Stanimer of the Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris. To leave an online condolence to his family, visit www.JohnstonFH.com.
Photo provided JOHN J. POSH SR.
Photo by Sarah Roberts
Cooperstown Graduate Program students look on as CGP alumna Elaine Eff donates part of her painted screen collection to the Fenimore Art Museum. The earliest Baltimore screens offered domestic scenes that included houses, usually a red-roofed bungalow surrounded by trees, white swans in a placid lake, and colorful flowers.
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Notice of pUbLic HeariNG, bUdGet Vote aNd eLectioN City School District City of Oneonta, New York
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Oneonta City School District, Otsego County, New York, will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in at the Oneonta Senior High School
LEGALS
Cafeteria, 130 East St., Oneonta, NY 13820, pursuant to Section 2017 (4) (5) of the Education Law of the State of New York, for the presentation of the budget document.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and a vote, by voting machine, will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at The Foothills Performing Arts Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta, at which time the polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., EST, for voting on the following items:
To adopt the annual budget of the Oneonta City School District for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable real property of the District,
To elect three (3) members of the Board of Education, each to serve three (3) year terms, commencing on July 1, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2028, to succeed Maureen Artale, Ryan Swan, and Eamonn Hinchey, whose terms expire on June 30, 2025.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York.
Voting at said Annual Election will be by use of voting machines.
aLL VotiNG WiLL taKe pLace at: tHe footHiLLS 24 MARKET STREET, ONEONTA, NEW YORK
Petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education to fill three (3) expired terms of three (3) years shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at the District Office, no later than April 30, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District and state the residence of each signer; the name and residence of the candidates.
NOTICE, is also given that any person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election, pursuant to
Section 5-100 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote without further registration pursuant to Sections 2014 and 2606 of the Education Law.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN THAT military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District by requesting to be registered by the District Clerk at 607-433-8230 rmcguinness@ oneontacsd.org.
Military voters who are registered and qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk at the phone number or email address listed above. 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 p.m. on May 5, 2025. 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 May 5, 2025. Completed military ballots must be received by the School District by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025, in order to be counted.
PLEASE TAKE
NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District has fixed May 5, 2025 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 Annual City School District Election to be held on May 20, 2025. Said Board of Registration will meet for said purposes on May 5, 2025 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 May 5, 2025 or who did not register for the general election held on November 5, 2025, 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 Sections 2014 and 2606 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 May 5, 2025, 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 set for the election, May 20, 2025, and at the polling place on the day of the vote.
Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained by any resident of the Oneonta City School District each day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, during the period of seven days immediately preceding the date of the public hearing to be held on May 7, 2025.
Copies of the proposed budget will be available on said days at the Board of Education Office, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained by any resident of the Oneonta City School District at each schoolhouse in the district between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday during the period of fourteen days immediately preceding the date of the annual meeting and election, and on the date of the election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District shall provide for early voting and absentee ballots for the election of Board of Education member, the school budget and any other referenda stated in this notice. Applications for early voting and absentee ballots for said annual election are available at the Board of Education Offices, 31
Center Street, Oneonta, New York. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Education at said address no later than May 13, 2025 if mailed, and May 19, 2025 if personally delivered. Early voting and absentee ballots are to be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025 the day of said election, to the address of the Clerk of the Board of Education.
A list of all persons to whom early voting and absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Sundays, and on the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/her challenge and reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election on election day.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that any other proposition not requiring official notice in the call of the Annual Meeting may be voted upon at said election, subject to the provisions of Section 2035 of the Education Law, provided a proposition is filed with the District Clerk on or before April 21, 2025 prevailing time; said proposition must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District: must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District; and must state the name of each signer. The School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, or any proposition that fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition. The District reserves the right to alter the language of a proposition in order to ensure compliance and conformity with the law.
PROPOSITION 1 – PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUSES
Shall the bond resolution
adopted by the Board of Education on March 19, 2025, authorizing the purchase of school buses including minivans, at a maximum estimated cost of $625,000, and the issuance of $625,000 bonds of said School District to pay the cost thereof, to mature over a period not exceeding five 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 District’s faith and credit for the payment of such 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?
Dated: March 19, 2025 Oneonta, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE ONEONTA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Regina Ranieri McGuinness Regina Ranieri McGuinness, District Clerk 2LegalMay.15
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of COOPER’S HAVEN 28, LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 03/28/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 61 EAST RAMAPO AVE., MAHWAH, NJ 07430. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJun.12
LegaL nOtice
Notice of coLLectioN of ViLLaGe taXeS ViLLaGe of cooperStoWN
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Village of Cooperstown, New York, has received the tax roll and warrant for the collection of the General Village Tax of the Village of Cooperstown for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2026. Taxes will be collected in two equal installments by mailing to the Village Treasurer’s Office, Village of Cooperstown,
22 Main Street, Cooperstown, N. Y. or may be paid online at www. cooperstownny. org under the payment tab at the top of the page from June 1, 2025 and by November 1, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The first installment to be collected from June 1, 2025 to Sunday, June 30, 2025 without additional charges.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that on the first installment of all such taxes remaining unpaid on July 1, 2025 (5%) five percent will be added for the first month and an additional (1%) one percent for each month and fraction thereafter, until paid or returned to Otsego County Treasurer.
VILLAGE TREASURER VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN 22 MAIN STREET, PO BOX 346 VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, N. Y. 2LegalMay.15
LegaL nOtice Notice to bidderS
Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 05, 2025 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 https://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. Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constnotices. 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 beencontinued pg. 11
►Fri.y, May 16
7:30 a.m. “2nd
David S. Svahn Humanities in Medicine Memorial Lecture: Embracing the Art of Medicine in Uncertain Times.” Presented by guest lecturer Dr. Lisa Wong. Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5473456.
SENIOR COFFEE
HOUR 10 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11 Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
YOGA 10 a.m. Held each Friday. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.
STORY TIME
10:30 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Morris. (607) 9886661.
NON-PROFITS 1 p.m.
“Otsego County Executive Director Convening: The Follow Up.” Review of initial convenings and discussion of next steps regarding the federal landscape and impacts on the regional nonprofit community. Presented by the Community Foundation for South Central New York and others. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 772-6773.
“Leatherstocking Brush & Palette Club Fine Arts Show.” On view through 6/25. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.
HUNTINGTON PARK
5:30 p.m. “Celebrate the Park.” Festive celebration featuring live music, refreshments, a community art project and a rock painting station. Huntington Park, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
FIRE PIT FRIDAYS
6-10 p.m. Live music, food and more. Featuring high energy and good vibes from 90’s Noise. The Tap House, Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (067) 5441800.
DANCE LESSONS
6:30-7:15 p.m. Basic Tango Lesson. Led by Joanne Callahan and Linda Leverock. Free with purchase of $25.00 ticket to the May 16 Pedro Giraudo Quartet concert. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.
THEATER 7:30 p.m. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia
Woolf?” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Also showing 5/17 and at 2 p.m. on 5/18.
Production Center, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-5407.
CONCERT 7:30 p.m.
“Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet.” Presented by the Oneonta Concert Association. Fees apply. Wright/Wilber Bank Atrium, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
►Sat. May 17
HIKE All day. “Saturday Hike: Landis Arboretum.” Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring your own lunch. Registration required. Hike leader Laurie Pike, (609) 713-9338. Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance.
BIRDING 7-9 a.m.
“Birding with Becky.” Presented by DelawareOtsego Audubon Society Co-president Becky Gretton. Free; pre-registration required. Otsego County Conservation Association, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488.
FUNDRAISER
7:30-11:30 a.m. “Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department Fly-In Pancake Breakfast.” All-you-caneat pancakes, real maple syrup, more. Fees apply. Cooperstown/Westville Airport, 866 State Highway 166, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9007.
YARD SALE 8 a.m.
“Otego Days @ Red Barn.” Red Barn Farm Brewery and Kountry Kitchen, 3883 State Highway 7, Otego. (607) 267-4353.
GRADUATION
9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dewar Arena, Alumni Field House, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-3500.
OUTDOORS
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “2025 Glimmerglass Triathlon.” Presented by the Clark Sports Center. Fees apply. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800.
TOURNAMENT
9 a.m. “Asst. Chief Adam C. Burgess Memorial Golf Tournament.” Presented by the Mount Vision Fire Department. Fees apply. Colonial Ridge Golf, 203 Bateman Road, Laurens. (607) 263-5291.
FESTIVAL 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “12th Annual Splash Path 5K & Fun Walk.” Vendors, food trucks and live music. Admission fees apply. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377.
SPRING 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Otsego Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale.” Cornell Cooperative Extension, 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2536 ext. 228.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southside Mall/Oneonta YMCA, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.
org
FUNDRAISER 11 a.m. until sold out. “Otego Fire Department 60+ Years BBQ Chicken.” Part of Otego Days events. Fees apply. Otego Fire Department, 5 River Street, Otego. (607) 988-7911.
FINALE 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “French Connection: The Political Art of Olivier Bonhomme.” The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 9419607.
PREMIER 11 a.m.
World premier of “Silver the Brave.” Stop animation movie by local kids. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.
MEDITATION 11 a.m.
“Sangha Saturdays.” Start with meditation session for all, followed by potluck lunch, then “Exploring the Dharma” study group on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition at 3 p.m. Held Saturdays through June 7. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475051.
BENEFIT 1-6:30 p.m.
“Feral Fest 2025.” Benefit for Friends of the Feral TNR Otsego. Tastings, local entertainment, fingerfood, cash bar, raffles and more. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta.
WORKSHOP 1-3 p.m.
“Discover the Art of Needle Felting.” All welcome. Fees apply; registration required. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
OPERA 1 p.m. “Salome.” Livesteam from the Metropolitan Opera House. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
POTTERY
1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.
LIBRARY 2 p.m.
“Places to Explore In Otsego County.” Presented by Peg Odell of Otsego 2000. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600.
THEATER 6:30 p.m. “Dance Nation” by Clare Barron. Tickets required. Performed at The Carriage House, 76 Main Street, Stamford. ►Sun., May 18
CAR SHOW Noon to 4 p.m. Food truck, outdoor bar, trophies, prizes and more. Ommegang Tap House, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com.
LIBRARY 1-4 p.m.
“Cooperstown Writers Group.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
HISTORICAL SOCI-
ETY 2 p.m. The Town of Maryland Historical Society presents a program on the history of their newly-acquired building at 99 Main Street, Schenevus. They will be discussing plans and programs for the coming year, including a building project. Held at the AmVets building, 25 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 638-9343.
CONCERT 4 p.m.
“Cooperstown Summer Music Festival: Attacca Quartet’s Playlist.” Christ Episcopal Church, 46 River Street, Cooperstown. (800) 316-8559.
FUNDRAISER 6 p.m.
“Be Kind to Animals Month Bingo.” Presented by Super Heroes Humane Society. Minimum food/beverage purchase applies. Roots Public Social Club, 175 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 349-3842.
►Mon., May 19
BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD 8-9 a.m. Casual meet and greet with Cooperstown village trustees to discuss local projects, agenda items, more. Includes coffee and donuts. All welcome. Held fourth Monday of each month. Village Board Room, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
ARBOR DAY
9:30 a.m. Tree planting in honor of Rich McCaffery. Delaware Street (near the intersection with Beaver Street), Cooperstown.
(607) 547-2411.
CONNECTIONS
11 a.m. to noon.
“Alzheimer’s Support Group.” Presented by Ann Thayer. Safe space for people living with dementia and their care partners to develop a support system. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.
BLOOD DRIVE Noon to 5 p.m. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. RedCrossBlood.org
CONNECTIONS
12:30 p.m. “The Art of Card Making: Spring Theme.” Presented by Gloria Waro. Free; registration required. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.
LIBRARY 6:30 p.m.
“Harris Library Board Meeting.” General business and more. Public welcome to attend/provide input during public comment portion of the agenda. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 7 p.m. “Oneonta Normal School to SUNY Oneonta.” Presented by Mark Simonson with the Otego Historical Society. Otego Town Hall, 3526 State Route 7, Otego. (607) 287-4095.
►tueS., May 20
KNITTING CIRCLE
9 a.m. Bring a knit project and work with the group. Beginners welcome. Held each Tuesday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
COMMUNITY HIKE
9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be on the Twin Fawns Trail at Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. Contact hike leaders Jenny Grimes and Tam Rutenber, (607) 434-4766.
CRAFT 10 a.m. “SVG Paper Flower Wreath Craft.” Registration required. Also held at 6 p.m. on 5/21. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 10-11:30 a.m. Free drop-in group open to all aged 18+. Facilitated by staff trained in grief and loss. Held third Tuesday of each month. St. James Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-5525 to register.
SENIOR MEALS 11:30 a.m. Seniors are
invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of coconut pineapple curry on chicken noodles, Sonoma-blend vegetables and pudding parfait. (607) 547-6454.
• Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta.
• Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs.
GARDEN 3-5 p.m. “Growing Green Thumbs.” Afterschool club open to grades K-2 at 3 p.m. and grades 3-6 at 4 p.m. Fees apply; registration required. Held Tuesdays through 6/17. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800 ext. 124.
OUTDOORS
3:30-5 p.m. “Afterschool Fishing Club.” Open to children in fifth and sixth grades. Fees apply. Registration required. Held each Tuesday. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800 ext. 107.
ONEONTA HISTORY
4 p.m. “Electric Lake: Oneonta’s Forgotten Gem.” Presented by local historian Jim Loudon. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
ART SHOW
5:30-7 p.m. “Cherry Valley-Springfield School Art Show.” Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3265.
MEDITATION
5:30 p.m. “Let’s Meditate: Sahaja Meditation DropIn Classes.” Presented by Sahaja Meditation. Held each Tuesday through 6/24. Cooperstown Coworks, 6 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (518) 428-4692. TRANSIT 6-10 p.m. OPT offers a night bus each Tuesday through Saturday at the top of each hour. Oneonta.
►Wed., May 21
MOVE OUT 9 a.m. until gone. “SUNY Move Out: Everything Under the Tent is Free.” Donated by SUNY Oneonta students on move-out day. Otsego ReUse Center, 23 Duane Street, Oneonta. (607) 353-7831.
