Hometown Oneonta 10-16-25

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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, October 16, 2025

Volume 17, No. 51

Coop Area League of Women Voters To Host Candidates’ Forums in Hartwick and Milford Some Candidates Turn Down the Opportunity

COOPERSTOWN he League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will hold two Candidates’ Forums this fall in advance of Election Day, November 4. The forums will feature candidates for town officials in Hartwick and Milford.

The Hartwick Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Clark Sports Center Community Room, 1124 County Route 52, Cooperstown. All the candidates in the contested elections for town supervisor and town council were invited to participate. Both candidates running for Hartwick town supervisor, Cody Moore (REP) and Andrea Vazquez

(CON) were invited to the debate. Moore has accepted; Vazquez has not replied as of Sunday, October 12, officials said in a press release. All the candidates running for Hartwick Town Council were also invited to the debate. Joanne Gardner (REP, Hartwick United) and Caren G. Kelsey (Hartwick United), have agreed to attend. Kimberly Ann Continued on page 11

Democratic Candidates Address Housing, Data Centers, More By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

ONEONTA ith less than a month before the November 4 local elections, Oneonta county, city and town Democratic candidates, and one independent, held a forum addressing issues from affordable housing to data centers and more on Saturday. Candidates Dan Buttermann (mayor), Will Rivera (town supervisor), Jill Basile (incumbent county representative, 14th district), Michele Clapperton (county representative, 13th district), Eamonn Hinchey (county representative, 4th district), Teresa DeSantis (town board), and independent Mike Forster Rothbart (incumbent city council, 7th ward) spoke. Around 25 people attended the October 11 event at Wise Guys Sammy’s hosted by the Oneonta Democratic Club in downtown Oneonta. “I’m running because I am really concerned about proposed data centers,” Rivera, the Town of Oneonta super-

Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

Seven candidates for office in the Oneonta area shared their visions at a forum downtown. Seated, from left, are Michele Clapperton, Eamonn Hinchey, Mike Forster Rothbart, Jill Basile, Dan Buttermann, Teresa DeSantis and Will Rivera.

visor candidate, said in his opening statement. Rivera said the issue has come up repeatedly in conversations with voters.

► is it a data center or isn’t it? page 2

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

► COVERED BRIDGE TURNS 200, page 3

► THE SHUTDOWN: POLICY OR POLITICS? page 4 ► croft: wE HEAR FROM ONE OF OUR OWN, page 4 ► prepping for the smokeout, page 5 ► NO KINGS DAY RALLY 2.0, page 7 ► BUTTERNUTS UNVEILS PILOT PROJECT , page 12 ► CALENDAR, page 14

98715 21709

At a Town of Oneonta board meeting last week, representatives of Eco-Yotta Inc. billed their renewed proposal as Continued on page 10

Inaugural Pumpkin Carving Event Held...Underwater

INSIDE

“They’re worried because of the lack of information, and I believe government should be open, transparent, and work for the people,” Rivera said.

Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

COOPERSTOWN s the end of summer heat falls into October, some community members embodied the transition this past Saturday, October 4. On the west side of Otsego Lake at Three Mile Point, five scuba divers suited up to carve pumpkins—underwater. A collaboration of the Leatherstocking Dive Club and the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station, divers competed for a Fourth Seeker Element dive mask and Stream2Sea Explorer pack, which included small diving necessities. David Turner, chief dive officer for the Leatherstocking SCUBA local business, said he was working to build a dive community in the area. Families came to watch as the divers put on their gear, grabbed their pumpkins and entered the water on the 80 degree sunny

October day. Pumpkins already hollowed out, the divers brought them to the lake floor just off shore. In a dive brief, Turner told divers to be careful and not to panic if the pumpkin got away from them. Jeannette Kubis, a Professional Association of Diving Instructors-certified scuba instructor, said “We dove into the spirit of Halloween with a splash” in what the divers plan to be an annual event. “I was pleased with the turnout and excited for next year’s,” Kubis said. Alex Dixon took first prize in the carving contest. Future Leatherstocking Dive Club events can be found on the Facebook group by the same name. At left, local hairstylist and scuba instructor Jeannette Kubis checks her equipment as she prepares to dive into Otsego Lake to carve her pumpkin.

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THURSDAY, oCTOBER 16, 2025

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Residents Oppose Data Center Proposal in Heated Board Meeting By JULIA DELPOZZO Institute for Local News ONEONTA crowd of more than 60 people packed into the Oneonta Town Hall on Wednesday night, October 8, for the monthly town board meeting. Concerned citizens filled the room to hear the latest on a proposal from startup Eco-Yotta Inc. to build an AI data center in Oneonta’s West End. The item on the meeting agenda was a zoning amendment application for 357 County Highway 9. Eco-Yotta and its agent, Tirusha Pankaj Dave, seek to convert the land from residential-agricultural use to a planned development district (PDD), which can permit industrial use through flexibility in land use and design. This rezoning would give the company permission to develop a data center. The proposed rezoning was first announced in July, and it received significant public opposition during August’s town board meeting. Eco-Yotta previously requested to have its application removed from discussion at that August 13 meeting. This meeting marked its reintroduction to the town’s official docket. Eco-Yotta representatives gave a presentation at the meeting, saying the proposal was no longer a “data center”

Photo by Julia DelPozzo

Teresa DeSantis addresses the audience at the Wednesday, October 8 Oneonta Town Board meeting.

but instead a utility used for agriculture. Part of their proposal included using heat generated by computers in the property’s 10,000-square-foot barn for growing crops, also inside the building. T.J. Ruane, Eco-Yotta’s attorney, told board members the PDD will give them “the flexibility and the tools to put the limits on this, to make you guys comfortable that you’re doing what’s in the best interest of the community.” Oneonta town residents overwhelmingly requested that the EcoYotta application be denied. The board, led by Interim Supervisor Brett Holleran, invited all in attendance to express their concerns on the

issue during the meeting’s public comment section. A number of residents stood up to speak, many of whom delivered prepared remarks. The speakers voiced concerns over water use and pollution, abandonment of the facility, noise and light pollution, and higher electrical bills. One person in attendance shouted out, “We don’t want this here!” Numerous members of the public stated that a data center does not serve the greater good of Oneonta and that it only benefits the private interests of Eco-Yotta. Emily Smith, who lives near Cooperstown Junction, said to the board that data centers “have potential to be

incredibly profitable and those profits aren’t going to come to our town—it’s an extractive model.” Will Rivera, the Democratic candidate for Oneonta town supervisor in the upcoming November election, also spoke out on the possible development of a data center. Rivera said, “Data centers consume a substantial amount of energy. A medium sized open AI data center uses enough electricity to power 400 homes. And when that much power is drawn it doesn’t come without cost. Someone pays and it’s never the developer; it’s the people.” He went on to add, “People are anxious

because they watch this proposal shift and grow with limited public information. If you do a simple Google search, you’ll find investigative reports and research from across the country showing the environmental and financial harm data centers are causing. We’ve read quotes from neighbors and towns just like ours who are struggling to afford power, basic water shortages, and watching their quality of life erode with no way out.” During the more than two-and-a-half hour long meeting, the public commentators repeatedly expressed concerns over the potential negative impacts of a data center on the neighborhood and the environment. They

also conveyed uneasiness over how little information had been shared with the public so far, arguing that Eco-Yotta has not released much detail about its plans. Board member Patricia Riddell Kent said, “We’re finding there’s more questions than answers.” The town board voted to table the issue until board members are provided more detailed information by Eco-Yotta. In other business, the director of the Huntington Memorial Library, Alexander Benjamin, delivered a report. The library receives $50,000.00 a year from the Town of Oneonta. More than 1,200 town residents currently hold public library cards, which equates to roughly 25 percent of the town’s population. Benjamin went on to share the many things that the public library does for the community, including delivering literacy programs for children, providing community access to technology, and offering free tax services to the elderly. The library is also a place for information requests, such as how to find a lawyer, Benjamin pointed out. This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Service, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.

‘Data Center’ or ‘Agri-Business? Inside Eco-Yotta’s Zoning Application By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL ONEONTA am against a data center,” Oneonta Town Board member Kim Fierke said at the Wednesday, October 8 board meeting. “I am not exactly sure what the heck this is.” Fierke’s candor echoed the sentiments of many Oneontans who have come out to oppose Eco-Yotta Inc.’s zoning proposals over the last few months and called for more information. AllOtsego has obtained from the town clerk’s office both of Eco-Yotta’s zoning applica-

tions, offering new clarity. The company’s latest proposal is for a Planned Development District for an “agricultural hydroponics research & development hub,” according to its application. The first application, which was paused this summer after community pressure, was filed on May 1 for an Industrial Development District change covering 153.43 acres. On a form line for “Proposed use,” Eco-Yotta’s applicant, Tirusha Dave, wrote “Operation of a data center.” Prompted for additional information on an environmental review form, Dave

wrote that industrial use would “enable the development of a data center within an existing garage/residential structure.” Its purpose, Dave wrote, “is to support regional technology growth and leverage renewable energy infrastructure.” In the initial proposal documents obtained by AllOtsego, applicants did not write that the property would be used for agricultural purposes. The property, located at 357 County Road 9, currently has a house, garage and a barn. It is currently zoned for RA-40, Residential Agricultural District. In a copy of the first proposal, marginalia dated May 30 says

the zone change proposal was amended from IDD to a Planned Development District. Eco-Yotta’s representatives announced that the application had been paused at the August 13 town board meeting. Eco-Yotta’s new application, dated October 3, is for a PDD, and provides more specific detail. The proposal is still for the full 153.43 acres. “This is not a commercial data center,” Dave said during the board’s public comment session last week. “It is a research and development initiative that integrates AI technology with sustainable agriculture, using hydroponics and renewable

heat reuse to make farming more viable and economically responsible,” she said. The application describes the project purpose as “AI servers as a utility for hydroponics agri-business.” Company representatives have said their goal is to conduct research to lengthen the upstate growing season, and that the computers will be used to monitor and support crop growth. “As an accessory use,” T.J. Ruane, an attorney for EcoYotta, wrote in an October 3 letter to the town board, “and to ensure a consistent production of heat and power, the Continued on page 11

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Glimmerglass Park, Hyde Hall Site of Bicentennial Bridge Event By MARIA GRISWOLD COOPERSTOWN n Saturday, October 11, America’s oldest surviving covered bridge celebrated its 200th birthday. The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge was built in 1825 to provide access to George Clarke’s estate. According to officials, many notable figures have crossed the bridge, including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Samuel F.B. Morse, and Juliette Gordon Low. Most bridges built around this time have been removed or replaced, but the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge has exceptional features, including the Burr Arch Truss design, which distributes weight evenly. This innovative feature is the reason for the bridge’s long lifespan. Saturday’s bicentennial celebration for the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge took place at Glimmerglass State Park, beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. Admission to the park was free for visitors that day. The event began with music by Bog Hollow Band at the pavilion near the Lakeview Room. In the parking area, food trucks, face painting and a classic antique car show took place throughout the celebration. In the Woodshed, there was a continuously running

Photo by Maria Griswold

Representatives from six covered bridge societies gathered on Saturday, October 11 to celebrate the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge.

This covered bridge model was unveiled during the birthday celebration of America’s oldest surviving covered bridge.

informational presentation about New York covered bridges. Clydesdale wagon rides were traversing the park from the parking area to the covered bridge. Near the covered bridge, a large tent was set up with different organizations tabling inside. These organizations included the Timber Framers Guild, Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, New York State Park Police, NYPENN Girl Scouts, Cooperstown Graduate Program with children’s activities, and more. From nationwide covered bridge information to souvenir books and special post office cancellation on souvenir postcards, there was something for everyone at the event. Also under the white tent were the six notable covered bridge societies, hailing from

specializing in restoration and traditional building. The final lecture of the morning featured Rebman, who spoke on “New York’s Three Great Turnpikes—the Early Roads around Cooperstown.” More lectures were scheduled for later in the day, taking place in the Hyde Hall mansion and the Woodshed. The official ceremony took place from 1-2 p.m. at the covered bridge. John Kucko, master of ceremonies, introduced the event, after which the Cooperstown High School band performed its rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner. Up next were notable speakers including State Senator Peter Oberacker, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Hyde Hall Board Chairman Gib Vincent, and National Society for the Preservation

Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont and, of course, New York. Andy Rebman, president of the Indiana Covered Bridge Society, shared that this occasion marked the first time in 20 years that all six presidents of each covered bridge society were present at the same place. In the Lakeview Room, there was a series of lectures throughout the morning. The first of the three lectures presented was “Theodore Burr” by Ron Knapp, who has “authored or co-authored numerous books on covered bridges and Chinese architecture,” according to the event overview. The following lecture, “Construction Features of the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge,” was presented by Jan Lewandoski, a timber framer

Event Will Highlight New Veterans Book COOPERSTOWN n Sunday, October 19, Joanie Parrillo will unveil her new book honoring local veterans in a public event at Sherman’s Tavern in The Hotel Pratt, 50 Pioneer Street. “A sincere expression of gratitude is extended to CJ Dimick for generously donating his historic bar and restaurant space to facilitate this momentous occasion of local history,” Parrillo said. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 1:30-5:30 p.m. It will include book signings and music by DJ Brian Keller. Release of the book coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and, Parrillo said, “honors the selfless bravery that has afforded us our freedom.” “Attendees can enjoy munchies and a cash bar while dressed in era-inspired attire (or not), ensuring an unforgettable experience,” she added. All book profits will be donated to the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford to help offset residents’ personal expenditures, including haircuts and clothing.

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of Covered Bridges President Bill Caswell. Following the speakers, Mike Holt performed a song and the CHS band played 1825 concert music. The afternoon festivities at Hyde Hall mansion and the Woodshed included two more presentations: “Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, Its History and George Clarke’s Overall Plan for the Estate,” by Gib Vincent, and “Construction of the Covered Bridge Model,” by Mike Musante. Once the lectures concluded, the covered bridge model was presented at Hyde Hall. Holt played more live music at the Woodshed during this time. The event drew hundreds of visitors from all over the country, all sharing the same interest in America’s oldest surviving covered bridge.

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HOMETOWN Views

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, october 16, 2025

Editorial

THE PARTIAL OBSERVER

Is It Policy or Politics?

he last time portions of the U.S. government screeched to a halt was in December of 2018. The partial shutdown lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018 until January 25, 2019, and was the result of a budget disagreement between Congressional Democrats and then-President Donald Trump over funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Nine federal departments and a number of independent agencies were forced to shut down some or all of their operations when Congress was unable to reach agreement. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the 2018/2019 government shutdown cost the U.S. around $3 billion in permanent gross domestic product losses over two quarters. According to Congress.gov, “The program activities of most federal agencies are generally funded on an annual basis through the enactment of regular appropriations acts. When those annual appropriations acts are not enacted by the beginning of the fiscal year (October 1), one or more continuing appropriations acts (commonly known as continuing resolutions or CRs) may be enacted to provide temporary funding to continue certain programs and activities until action on the regular appropriations acts is completed.” Since 2021, Congress has passed 19 CRs into law without necessitating a shutdown: • H.R.8337 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act • H.R.8900 - Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, and Other Extensions Act • H.J.Res.107 - Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 • H.J.Res.110 - Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 • H.R.1520 - Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 • H.R.5305 - Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act • H.R.6119 - Further Extending Government Funding Act • H.R.6617 - Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act • H.J.Res.75 - Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 • H.R.6833 - Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 • H.R.1437 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023 • H.R.4373 - Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023 • H.R.5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act • H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 • H.R.2872 - Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes. • H.R.7463 - Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024 • H.R.9747 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 • H.R.10545 - American Relief Act, 2025 • H.R.1968 - Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 In 2018, parts of the government shut down because a consensus could not be reached about President Trump’s proposed border wall. This time around, despite the July 4, 2025 passage of Public Law No: 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and passage of the current CR by the House of Representatives, final budget approval for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is currently stalled in the Senate after nine—count them, nine—roll call votes. Considering that 19 CRs under President Joe Biden were successfully passed, allowing funding to continue, is this responsible governance? The clock is ticking with regard to health insurance rates and coverage, and every day that goes by represents a further loss of services. Federal workers continue to go unpaid. Is the current shutdown really a smart move or is it irresponsible? And is it based on policy differences, or on partisan politics? You be the judge.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY “Hometown Oneonta” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, email and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Preferred length is no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

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DWAYNE CROFT

From Glimmerglass to the Met

arlier this summer, I returned to Cooperstown to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Glimmerglass Festival, a place that, quite simply, changed the course of my life. Standing once again on their majestic campus, I was inspired to reflect on my own journey as a performer and as a person, as well as the impact the festival has had on the world of opera. That journey began when I was 14 years old and living in Cooperstown. I never could have imagined I would end up on the stages of New York City’s Metropolitan Opera and London’s Royal Albert Hall, singing duets with Luciano Pavarotti. At that time, I was just a kid playing in the high-school band, and I heard about something called “Glimmerglass.” In the summer of 1975, Glimmerglass was still what founder Peter Macris called a “fledgling effort.” Performances were staged in the highschool auditorium, often with only 30 people in the audience. They needed a marching band to cross the stage in Act II of “La bohème,” and I was recruited to join. At first, like most teenagers, I found the whole thing a bit silly. But then I began to really watch the rehearsals. The thrilling music, intricate staging, the passion of the singers who threw themselves into every phrase, and the feeling of community that arose as every element joined together—I was hooked. Before long, I was more than a band kid. I was running errands, often fetching coffee for Music Director Chuck Schneider and the principals in the cast, while quietly observing every detail. In many ways, I was Glimmerglass’ first apprentice, though certainly not the last. Today, the festival trains an average 55 apprentices each season. By the next summer, I was singing in the chorus of “La traviata.” (Ironically, I would later perform Germont at The Met.) At first, I thought I would only do one production, but I joined the chorus of “Cavalleria rusticana” and stayed the rest of the summer. And then I came back for the next 12 summers, taking on small roles here and there, though never anything big. I didn’t fully grasp it at the time, but The Glimmerglass Festival was a turning point in my life. In 1989, I joined the Metropolitan Opera’s Young Artist Program. At 28, I was older than most, but that allowed me to step into productions right away. By my second year, I was singing Schaunard in “La bohème” with Plácido Domingo and Mirella Freni. That same year, Glimmerglass invited me back to sing Marcello, a role that helped launch my professional career. Today, the festival continues to launch careers through its Resident Artist program, which trains nearly 50 artists annually and has served more than 550 artists in the last two decades. For 50 years, Glimmerglass has inspired audiences, strengthened our theatrical community and nurtured young artists, no matter how humble their beginnings. That’s why I’m championing the organization and the movement to support the future of The Glimmerglass Festival, its artists, and the art form we all love. I’m amazed by the tremendous generosity of our Cooperstown and greater opera community already, and hope you’ll join me in supporting this vital institution in the years ahead, a place where dreams can sing. Dwayne Croft, winner of the 1996 Richard Tucker Foundation Award, has earned international acclaim as one of America’s leading baritones. A favorite at the Metropolitan Opera, he has sung more than 600 performances in 30 roles, including title roles in “Billy Budd,” “Don Giovanni” and “Eugene Onegin.” Croft is from Cooperstown.

When was the last time you watched a Congressional hearing?

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Letters to the editor … In their opinION

Local Election Turnout Is Vital Congratulations to AllOtsego for taking steps to improve voter turnout in local elections. You correctly opine that these elections have the most immediate impact on our communities. Your efforts to improve coverage, profile candidates, and inform voters of their stands on various issues can and should be effective. On the contrary, a new law passed in Albany to move all elections to only evennumbered years will not produce the same result. In a presidential or gubernatorial year, the focus is always on the larger statewide, congressional and state legislative races. Local elections will be drowned out by the din of large-scale campaign spending. Since statewide, congressional and legislative races are listed first on the ballot, local offices will be relegated to the very end. While there may be more people voting, historical data confirms there is always some fall off as the voter moves from left to right on the ballot. As a result, local

elections will suffer. If efforts to overturn this illadvised new law in the courts are not successful, New York voters should demand it be repealed. In the interim, AllOtsego and other media outlets should ramp up efforts to promote turnout for local elections. Anthony J Casale Cooperstown

Oneonta ‘Wants’ Versus ‘Needs’ As someone who had attended the most recent Common Council meeting, I admire Mayor Mark Drnek’s tenacity about having money allocated to improving Damaschke Field and paid parking. However, I would consider these two entities to be under the category of “wants.” If we had a grocery store like Grand Union where 27 Market Street is located, that could possibly give revenue to the city versus paid parking. I would also suggest that we have a paid parking spot where the Town House motel is located (since nothing is going on there), if it were to be torn

down and used for parking space instead so the City of Oneonta could be a walkable city but also a disabilityfriendly city as well. Andrew (AJ) Hamill Oneonta

Moratorium for Manocherian? I live in the Town of Otsego and am on an advisory panel to the town’s comprehensive land-use plan revision. Michael Stuart’s letter to the editor regarding the proposed Manocherian subdivision [“On Subdivision,” issue of Thursday, October 2, 2025] expresses some misapprehensions about the proposal and does not address the impact it would have on the towns and the environment. 1. Scale. The proposal is 10 times larger than any subdivision in the towns. Since it consists of several disjointed tracts in both towns, the town boards must address each one separately. 2. Environmental impacts. The plan encompasses over 40 wetlands and almost 40 streams. We now know what Continued on page 13

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5 news from the noteworthy

Tobacco Free communities: DOS

Yes, There Is Hope, and Help, for Quitting

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

70 Years Ago

Clifford D. Beach, 69, of 398 Main Street, a noted postage stamp enthusiast, died in his sleep. He had lived in Oneonta all his life. Mr. Beach was born January 10, 1886, in Oneonta, the son of Orrin G. and Adelee (Champlin) Beach. He married Grace Stone, September 27, 1913, in their home on Main Street. He was a salesman at Gardner’s Shoe Store, and for 40 years was a stamp collector. His collection took the Miscellaneous First Prize award in 1946 and the Canadian Collection Awards in 1951, 1952 and 1953. He was a member of the First Baptist Church for 40 years, treasurer of that church for 22 years, served on the Board of Trustees, was treasurer of the Sunday School for several years, and was a church usher for most of his membership. October 1955

50 Years Ago

Oneonta’s second refugee family arrived last night from Indiantown Gap. Nguyen Van Duc, his wife, three daughters and two sons were driven to Oneonta from Pennsylvania by representatives of their sponsors, the First United Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church. Nguyen Van Duc, the father, was a tailor in the Vietnamese military and will be a tailor for Winan’s clothing store. They will stay temporarily in a cottage at Knott’s Motel on Goodyear Lake. A joint committee from the two churches is working on more permanent housing for the family. They know very little English. Volunteers from the churches will be their language teachers. A SUCO student, Tran Thi Hoang Anh, acting as interpreter, helped the family through the initial period with their new friends in Oneonta. The family began their trek in a boat they owned in Vietnam, two days before the Communist takeover of Saigon by the U.S. government. They have been in Indian Gap for two months. October 1975

40 Years Ago

The richest of the rich in America is worth $2.8 billion, while the poorest of the rich checks in at a mere $150 million. Forbes magazine’s list of the 400 richest people is topped by Sam Moore Walton of Bentonville, Arkansas, who has made $2.8 billion through his Walmart discount stores. Walton replaces Gordon Getty the front-runner for the past two years. Getty dropped all the way to 15th. Second place went to Henry Ross Perot of Dallas, founder of Electronic Data Systems, who was a billion dollars behind Walton. October 1985

30 Years Ago

Black men converging on the nation’s capital for the Million Man March describe it as a “unifying, uplifting event that transcends its controversial originator, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.” “It’s not about a march, a man or his words. It’s about a movement,” the Rev. Vernor Clay said after a Sunday sermon urging the men of Congregational Temple in Washington to attend. Supporters describe it as “a call for black men to take responsibility for their own lives and families, and to dedicate themselves to fighting the scourges of drugs, violence and unemployment.” October 1995

20 Years Ago

Railing against the delayed relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan said Saturday the federal government should be charged with “criminal neglect of the people of New Orleans. For five days, the government did not act. Lives were lost,” Farrakhan charged at the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March. “A crowd of thousands cheered and sang songs while speakers recited poetry and delivered speeches during a 12-hour program on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. “A new day is dawning in America,” Farrakhan said. October 2005

Solution: “Anagram Antics” (October 8)

he first anniversary of my mother’s death from Alzheimer’s disease at age 86 will be on November 14 this year. On November 20, six days later, comes the Great American Smokeout, an annual event since 1977 that encourages smokers nationwide to quit at least for that day. My mom smoked for 40+ years, up to two to three packs a day before she finally quit at age 61, in 1999. Since beginning my position at Tobacco Free Communities: Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie in December 2019, I have learned smoking affects every organ of one’s body, and increases the risk of contracting many harmful and lethal diseases, including Alzheimer’s. I understand much better now why my mom struggled to quit, why it is so important to keep trying to quit, and to not feel ashamed if you relapse. I also hope if you smoke, you use GASO as an opportunity to try to quit. My dad, two brothers and I didn’t think my mom would ever be able to quit. She had tried several times before, but they didn’t take. My mom had also inherited her dad’s, my grandpa’s, strong physical health, which seemed to immune her from respiratory or heart diseases or cancer. But she wasn’t fully immune, especially as she

aged. In the years before quitting permanently, my mom was getting bronchitis annually, sometimes several times a year. She was diagnosed with sleep apnea in her mid-70s, but had suffered from it for probably a decade before. My mom also had depression and anxiety for decades before being diagnosed and treated for it in her early 50s. I now know that the nicotine in tobacco often worsens them. Nicotine gives smokers and vapers pleasure and relaxation initially that only lasts a few minutes, followed by the need for more. Their anxiety increases because of the need for more. Like 70 percent of American smokers, my mom wanted to quit long before she finally did. As with my mom, most smokers try multiple times to quit—an average of seven attempts—before it takes hold. Two events pushed her to the finish line. One was her doctor telling her, after a checkup about age 59, that she was on the brink of developing serious emphysema and dying from it. Doctors talking to their patients about tobacco use and cessation, especially combined with nicotine replacement therapy, has the biggest impact on tobacco users making efforts to quit. Continued on page 11

By MERL REAGLE

A Little This-a, A Little That-a… No theme, but a lot of dat-a

NOTE: In this themeless challenger, all question marks, which usually indicate the trickier clues, have been omitted in the spirit of who-knowswhy. ACROSS 1 Comment from someone you thought was out of earshot 11 Impassive 17 Pointy tool 20 Stevenson’s monster 21 City N of San Francisco 22 Calling 4 23 Tax 24 Upper cruster 26 Mad emperor 27 Body of eau 28 Historian Will or Ariel 30 Converge 31 Path, to Pablo 33 Jazz guitarist Farlow 34 River shocker 36 Demond’s co-star 38 Fitzgerald’s Last Tycoon, Monroe ___ 41 Neglected 93 Chase’s coffee partner 44 “Ours is but to ___” 95 The eyes have it 46 Dangerfield comedy 98 Part of ICBM 48 Pop 99 “Human alphabet” artist 50 Cirri and cumuli 100 Court figs. 51 Parisian pen pal 102 Frito-___ 52 N ashville actress Blakley 103 Words after a knock (anagram of ENERO) 54 “These jests ___ of season” 105 Turner et al. (Shak.) 107 Certain uncapitalized letter 56 English poet laureate, 1790 109 Library org. 57 Keep (from) 110 Winter Olympics city 60 Bears witness 114 Comment about a koala 62 Platte River tribe 116 Just for show 63 Everly Brothers hit 119 Castling notation 66 Place to surf 120 Valuable violins 67 Not tacitly 121 Is dependable, as a train 68 Magoo’s problem 69 ___ Set (construction toy) 122 Short Hitchcock film 123 Author Fannie and others 71 Fears greatly 72 ___ for the common cold 124 Cinema Camille DOWN 73 Lose firmness 1 “___ your side” 74 Finish first, in a dash 2 Bee home 76 Wiped-out bird 3 Danish weights 77 Inner space 4 Weaken slowly 79 Venezuelan river 5 Vicksburg victim 81 Fmr. record label 6 Krupa purchases 82 “___ to grow on” 7 Triune, or a kind of oil 83 Director Jonathan 8 About 90 per cent of the 86 “And ___ my cap ...” universe 87 News flash, sometimes 9 Tart quaff 89 Filbert, for one 10 Treat 90 Karate kin

11 Went “grrr” to 67 B eginning drawing class, perhaps 12 One-third of a war movie 68 Took advantage (of) 13 Of a grazer 70 Requiring overtime 14 Endured 71 Actor Jacobi 15 Addams Family cousin 73 Greenstreet, briefly 16 Fatalist’s forecast 75 Remark after a long trip 17 Sympathized somewhat 77 Dummy Mortimer 18 Q uery from a waiting waiter 78 L acking certain parts, as a flower 19 On 80 ___ about (approximately) 25 Hermosillo hill 82 From ___ Z 29 G.A. Nasser’s nation 84 Greek letter 32 Fortify 85 Poet Moore 35 Math set 88 Red as ___ 37 What a cotton gin does 91 Director Wenders 38 Cauterize 92 City S of Utica, N.Y. 39 Relatively unexciting 94 Stock car assn. 40 Disbelieving rejoinder 96 Actor Mineo 42 Loony Louis 43 1 941 drama, They ___ Love 97 The Terminator, for one 101 F ormer South African P.M. 45 Transylvania river Jan, or plant diseases 47 East Indian language 104 Never-satisfied island 49 Xerophyte’s home 106 He ran Iran 53 Roof overhang 108 “Up and ___!” 55 Small name, big hitter 111 Recipe order 58 Copy of a sort 112 English essayist Charles 59 Rose’s guy 113 “Cooter pie” ingredient 61 MIT et al. 114 Charged particle 62 C ity on the Allegheny 115 Five-foot-tall nonflyer (anagram of ALONE) 117 Rossum’s co. 64 Use as a crutch 118 Historic twin 65 Early type of harmony

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

READERS WRITE “The Partial Observer” is a column title used frequently in our publications to clearly identify an opinion piece, and/or that the author has some sort of personal or professional interest in the topic about which they are writing. These commentaries reflect on myriad current political, economic, and social situations in this county, this country, and abroad. The content of such submissions should not be construed to be representative of the views of “The Freeman’s Journal,” “Hometown Oneonta,” or AllOtsego.com. In the interests of our readers and with the right and privilege of free speech in mind, we continue to print “partial observer” pieces as we deem relevant. THE PARTIAL OBSERVER

marie loper

Rehabilitation Support Services Model is ‘Flawed, Unsafe’

hristine Nealon’s October 2nd piece [“Solstice Commons—a Thoughtful Step Forward for Oneonta”] painted a lovely picture of the proposed Rehabilition Support Services development in Oneonta’s 6th Ward named “Solstice Commons.” Of course, that’s her job—to make sure these facilities get built. But beneath that polished presentation lie some uncomfortable truths. I want to focus on what Ms. Nealon glosses over: safety. I have never lived anywhere as safe as Oneonta. I grew up in low-income housing, and have spent the majority of my life in neighborhoods where women couldn’t run alone at night or early morning. Where walking your dogs in the dark—no matter what their size—was dangerous. Here, it’s different. Moms push strollers at all hours without fear. Kids ride bikes and walk to school or to each other’s homes for sleepovers, day or night. Just the other evening, I sat on my porch after midnight and watched a group of teenage girls in pajamas walk from one house to another. The sense of security here is real and rare. It’s a cornerstone of why we live here. Ms. Nealon mentions the values of “dignity, community, and mutual care.” These are the very values that Oneonta and the 6th Ward already embody. Here, neighbors wave as they walk their dogs, stop to compliment new siding or holiday decorations, or simply ask how you’re doing. My neighbor told me about the generations who’ve lived in my house, across the street, and around the corner. Another recently said how nice it is to see more young families moving in—more children playing outside than in years past. This is the community we’ve chosen to call home. Unfortunately, this is also what RSS risks destroying—not through low-income housing for families or seniors, which we would welcome, but through their “supportive housing” model, which has a troubling track record in communities like ours.

Particularly a community where there is an elementary school, three daycares, and the Boys and Girls Club all within walking distance of the proposed site. In her piece, Ms. Nealon asked readers to imagine having everything going for you, then losing a loved one and spiraling into depression. But let’s imagine something else. It’s 2016. You’re a 23-year-old woman leaving an elementary school in Albany. You’re kidnapped at knifepoint, tied to a table in your attacker’s RSS apartment, and brutalized. Your attacker, Jose Marlett, is sentenced to 110 years to life for eight counts of predatory sexual assault, five counts of rape and other charges. You later sue RSS after learning he lived in their “supportive housing” and was supposed to be under their direct care. According to court records and [reflecting upon] Ms. Nealon’s own words from her October 2nd piece: • RSS knew Marlett was dangerous before housing him, yet deemed him “eligible through rigorous screening consistent with state and federal Fair Housing Regulations.” • His application listed, for “serious mental illness” was not “major depression,” but bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, as well as both suicidal and homicidal ideations. RSS identified his risks as “suicide and violence,” noting a history of altercations, threats, and harm to others. • Despite being “staffed 24/7” like Solstice Commons is supposed to be, RSS could not restrict his movements within the facility or community. • The director confirmed in court documents that residents are not required to take medication or attend counseling. At an April 1st meeting with downtown business and property owners, Ms. Nealon herself said, “Taking advantage of support services is voluntary, not mandatory.” When sued, RSS argued “the nonprofit corporation had no duty to control and supervise Marlett,

the partial observer

a prior felon” and that “legally, defendants—a stranger to the plaintiff—do not owe her a duty of care.” In plain English, RSS claimed it bears no responsibility to keep the public safe. So when Ms. Nealon states that RSS as a company stands for “dignity, community, and mutual care,” we must ask—where were those values then? Because when something goes wrong, they vanish behind legal disclaimers and public relations spin. That’s not safety. That’s not community care. And it’s certainly not transparency. I spent nearly 20 years working in mental health and substance abuse treatment. I know firsthand how vital those services are—and I believe in supporting people who need help. But what RSS offers is not that. Their “supportive housing” model is flawed and unsafe. I cannot promise the worst-case scenario will happen here. But Ms. Nealon and RSS cannot promise it won’t. And I, for one, am not willing to take those odds. Are you? Marie Loper, PhD, is a resident of the Town of Oneonta. Editor’s note: We reached out to Christine Nealon with due diligence regarding the incident described here. This is Nealon’s response: “Confidentiality laws restrict us from discussing this specific matter as related to any clients that may or may not have been served by Rehabilitation Support Services. However, we can say the proposed Solstice Commons development is a very different model of housing than what is being referenced. It is designed as a safe and community-responsive apartment complex with on-site and real-time support provided by RSS to help residents thrive within their community. Prospective tenants will undergo screening for eligibility consistent with Fair Housing regulations and applicable state and federal guidelines. Our focus is on collaboration, transparency, and ensuring this development is a positive and safe addition to our community.”

RICHARD STERNBERG

Nelson Opinion Piece Is Objectionable, Not Based in Fact

or three days, I’ve been trying to write a response to Wriley Nelson’s “Israel Grip on the U.S. Is the End of International Law” from “The Freeman’s Journal” of Thursday, October 2. I have no problem with Mr. Nelson’s rights to state his opinions. Some of his opinions are not far from mine. But what I find disgusting and nauseating is the total lack of reality of some of his statements of fact, and the failure of AllOtsego to fact check what he wrote. I’m not suggesting they should’ve changed anything that the author wrote, but I think it should’ve put appropriately documented numbers and facts alongside his. I also object to his characterizations of Israel and Israelis. There has been a lot wrong happening in and around Gaza since September 7, 2023. This includes a vicious act of total war, and the forcing of innocent civilians to act as human shields while the brave Hamas soldiers hid underground. Any country would have a responsibility to respond to what happened to try and neutralize what is an invading, terrorizing, torturing army in their country. I find it so upsetting to deal with Mr. Nelson’s piece that I’m going to follow it line by line and highlight the author’s flagrant disregard for recognized facts and unsubstantiated statements to try and prove his point. The situation speaks for itself. It cannot continue, but neither can the failure to release the bodies of the hostages and what few hostages who might still be alive. Starting with the first sentence of the first paragraph, the characterization of Israel as an apartheid state is unsubstantiated. I agree there are plenty of people in Israel that are bigots and racists, but that is not the entire population. Nor is apartheid supported anywhere in the constitution. Neither has there been any attempt to murder 2 million people. I don’t disagree that the United States is supporting this action, but I do not know of any evidence that says it is supporting the entire war effort financially or otherwise. Second sentence, first paragraph. Israel is not a race-based society, but it does have an official religion, as does the majority of countries in North Africa, the Middle East and large parts of Asia. Judaism is not a race, but a religion, and there are Jews of all “races” in the world. Israel does not ban

interfaith marriages. It very clearly tolerates this, and this has been upheld by the Israeli Supreme Court. The United States does not pay for universal healthcare and free college in Israel. Finally, ironically Mr. Nelson even gets the number of civilians killed wrong, on the low side. Based on the statements of the Ministry of Health in Gaza last week, it is 69,000 deaths. Fourth sentence, first paragraph. There are no reliable sources for Mr. Nelson’s comment putting the number of deaths “well north of 200,000.” He can make up whatever fanciful figures he wants on the back of an envelope; that is not documentation. Second paragraph. Again, where is the documentation for all the statements made? What does he mean by “another Israeli illegal American settler.” What does he mean by “another Israeli war criminal puts a gun in his mouth?” Where is he getting the stuff? I’m told Mr. Nelson is a journalist. Where is support for his statements? Third paragraph. The comment that “approximately 80 to 90% of Jewish Israelis” support what is going on completely ignores polls as recent as last month that show over half of all Jewish Israeli citizens want to see an end to the war if the hostages are released, which is not an unreasonable desire from a grieving populace. The rest of this paragraph is a just a rant which should properly be stated as the author’s opinion. Fourth paragraph. He starts out saying, “I doubt any Zionist will read this far” but does not seem to understand what the term means. The Hebrew liturgy for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and the Passover service state, “Next year in Jerusalem” indicating a longing for a Jewish homeland, a land where a Jew cannot be persecuted for being a Jew. Modern Zionists felt the time had come to have a homeland. There are a few Jews who are not Zionists, though many still live in Israel in large numbers, who are mostly members of some Ultra-Orthodox sects that believe that there can only be a reconstitution of the biblical kingdom of Judah and Israel after the Messiah returns, which by our tradition, hasn’t happened yet. They still believe in a Jewish homeland. In any event, I read further in his piece so he is wrong again, and sadly we must listen to our enemies to help to keep them from destroying us just for being

Jewish. He has no evidence to support his statement that “a significant majority of the world’s Jews outside Israel are either ambivalent about Zionism or leading the fight against it.” What fight against it? Where? Certainly not in New York State and the New York City metropolitan area, which has a majority of the non-Israeli Jews in the world. Paragraph five. What does it matter that military personnel were a significant part of the tortured and murdered. He says, “Perhaps half were killed by indiscriminate, overwhelming friendly fire by the panicked IDF.” There is no evidence for that and what news articles from reputable journals showed was that IDF troops did not begin to arrive until most of the terrorists had returned to Gaza. His use of the word “perhaps” seems to be his justification for putting out such a canard. Paragraph six. We have a little agreement of the statement, “after the air strike killed six civilians, none of whom were targets.” The primary targets were not the killed, but five of the six that were killed were other members of the Hamas political leadership. Very brave of these Hamas political leaders to be off being relatively safe in Qatar. That makes it easier for them to refuse to negotiate. They’re not at risk. Mr. Nelson then diverges to an attack on President Trump, Britain and other regional powers. He makes the most self-incriminating statement of all, “This does not include the Trump and Biden administrations’ superhuman efforts to unite all of Eurasia against us (emphasis mine). He clearly states he is a fully committed mouthpiece for Hamas. I’d like to end this response but, again, there are further very fanciful, insulting statements. He says that “every single member of the United States Congress has a designated handler from the unregistered, high-dollar foreign influence peddling agency AIPAC.” I think our entire Congress, Republican and Democrats, would take offense with this and of course there is nothing to support this statement. (AIPAC is a lobbying organization that does lobby on behalf of the interests of the State of Israel, but it is very properly registered, and it does not have handlers of our Congress members.) Finally, the comments about Charlie Kirk are very insulting to a clearly beloved and respected Continued on page 11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

Local Foods Local Spirits Celebrates the Region’s Bounty, Chefs COOPERSTOWN tsego 2000 will showcase the bounty of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and the talent of area chefs at the Local Foods Local Spirits party on Sunday, October 19 from 5-7 p.m. According to a press release, this fundraiser for the market showcases 14 local restaurants and chefs who will be creating savory and sweet tapas-style tasting bites made with local produce, meat, cheese, honey, and maple syrup from CFM vendors. The event will be held in the market building at 101 Main Street, in Pioneer Alley. “This year will be bigger and better than ever before, with three new restaurants participating,” said Alex Webster, CFM manager. “Local Foods Local Spirits is a chance to experience all the wonderful flavors of the market.” Participating for the first time are Tim Atticus and Chris Riffle of The Gatehouse in Morris, Allison King of The Sugar Beat in Oneonta, Kat Wisnosky of The Elm Inn in Milford, and Aaron Wratten of The Horned Dorset Inn. Cooperstown restaurants and chefs are: Ryan Cross, the new executive pastry chef at The Otesaga Resort Hotel; Dasang Gurung from Norbu; Brian Wrubleski from Mel’s at 22; Tim Searles from Doubleday Café; and Kristen Leonard and Dana Leonard Saunders of Origins Café. Returning chefs also include Anthony Leberto

Photo provided

Local Foods Local Spirits participants enjoying the cheese, charcuterie and fruit display.

from Brimstone Bakery in Sharon Springs and Q Khashaei from the Empire House in Gilbertsville. Three of the chefs are also market vendors: Chloe Ford of Chloe’s Bakeshop, Jesse Pascale from Rock Hill Farm and Alex Webster of Alex’s World Picnic. Chefs will create their dishes using ingredients from CFM vendors, including Arabeth Farm, Bison Island Ranch, Black Willow Pond Farm, Byebrook Farm, Chloe’s Bakeshop,

Local Groups Answer Call for Second No Kings Day Rally ONEONTA n Saturday, October 18 from 1-2:30 p.m., on the green between Stella Luna Restaurant and the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, CooperstownOneonta Indivisible, Butternut Valley Indivisible, Cherry Valley Indivisible, Indivisible for Schoharie County, and the Otsego County Democratic Committee will hold a local rally to answer the national call for No Kings Day 2.0 rallies across the country. According to a press release issued on Friday, October 10, to date 2,500 No Kings Day 2.0 rallies are planned nationwide—surpassing the number of rallies held

on June 14, the first No Kings Day. Participants are asked to bring one non-perishable food item for a rally day food drive for “Your Safe Haven” Food Bank and Soup Kitchen in Oneonta. “No Kings is a national day of peaceful action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from President Trump and his allies,” the press release reads. “We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, deployed the American military against American citizens, threatened and harassed immigrants trying to do the right thing the right way, passed a budget law

that will decimate healthcare access for millions of Americans and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies. The rally will include speakers, music, colorful signage and a march around the block to deliver the message, “No kings in the U.S.A.” “On October 18, we will join millions of people across the country to say America’s governance is of the people, by the people, and for the people. We will stand in peaceful resistance to a president who wants to be king and the enablers who support him for their own power and gain,” organizers said.

Mohawk Valley Gives Raises Record $355,000 SPRINGFIELD—Mohawk Valley Gives, a regional online-giving day supported by the Community Foundation of Otsego County, announced it had a banner year in 2025. More than $355,000.00 was raised during the week of September 15, surpassing last year’s results by nearly 18 percent, officials said in a press release. Giving culminated on September 19. Over 920 donors made 1,670 contributions in support of the 85 participating Otsego County nonprofits. “CFOC is proud to have again partnered with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and the UpMobility Foundation to participate in Mohawk Valley Gives 2025,” the release reads. “The partnership played a pivotal role in the success of the fundraising efforts, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening and supporting Otsego County’s nonprofits and the community they serve.” For further details and a complete list of nonprofits that received donations, visit givemv.org/info/Otsego? “CFOC would also like to thank all our many donors and our sponsors,” said Executive Director Jeff Katz. Lead sponsors included The Robert and Esther Black Family Foundation, The Robert and Esther Black Family Foundation at The Richland County Foundation, and New York Central Mutual Insurance. Additional sponsors included Eva Davy, Social Eats Café, Steve Zerby Design/Build, SUNY Oneonta and Wayne Bank of Cooperstown.

Gaia’s Breath Farm, Heller’s Farm, Middlefield Orchard, Mill Hollow Maple, Mountain View Dairy, Nectar Hills Farm, Painted Goat Farm, Rock Hill Farm and Straight from the Hive. Local musicians Fast Friends will perform and there will be a raffle of artisan-made crafts, home goods, skincare, art, and other items you can find at the market, officials said. “Local Foods Local Spirits is a festive opportunity for attendees to mingle with

local chefs, who get to share their culinary creativity using ingredients grown and produced by our market vendors,” said Ellen Pope, Otsego 2000 executive director. “Tasting what our local chefs create will inspire folks to try new restaurants and new recipes at home.” Pope recommends purchasing tickets soon, as the event consistently sells out. Tickets are $50.00 each and available at www.otsego2000.org, by calling (607) 547-8881, or at the market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the yearround Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and its food access initiatives. The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, a program of Otsego 2000, is open year-round on Saturdays and features farmers, makers, growers, and artisans located within 50 miles of Cooperstown. SNAP is welcome at every market, and through two matching programs, a $20.00 SNAP spend results in $60.00 worth of local food.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Hartwick College ‘I Voted’ Design Competition Winners Named ONEONTA n Wednesday, October 8, the Hartwick College Institute of Public Service and the college’s chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, announced the winners of the 2025 “I Voted” Sticker Design Competition.

The contest, held in celebration of Constitution Day, invited students from elementary school through college to create their own version of the iconic “I Voted” sticker. According to officials, dozens of creative entries poured in from across the region, ranging from children as young

Legal

Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of

Notice of Formation of

Stepping Stones Behavioral Solutions, LLC

Shove Enterprises LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 8/4/2025. 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 1511 County Rt. 39, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.16 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of TLC ENGINEERING, PLLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/3/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8-12 Dietz St., Ste. 202, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: To practice Engineering. 6LegalOct.16 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of JDG CONTRACTING LLC, Articles of org. filed with the SSNY on 8/22/2025. Office: Otsego County. US Corporation Agents Inc designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to US Corporation Agents Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Suite 202, Brooklyn NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.16

Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/4/2020. Office Location: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process: Robert A. Gouldin, Esq., 93 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful activities. 6LegalOct.16 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Starview Storage LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 2, 2025. 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 271 Texas Road Springfield Center, NY 13468 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.23 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Bless Your Heart LLC Articles of organization filed with SSNY on 8/5/2025 Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as an agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 8 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown, NY 13326. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.30 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED

as 4 to college seniors. Taking first place in the elementary school category was Maya Patton of Charlotte Valley Central School. Jiya Sugandhi Mangalmurti of Iroquois Middle School won the middle-school category and a Hartwick College student, Jeaicha Sylvain, placed first in the college

LEGALS

Legal

LIABILITY COMPANY:

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 PO Box 1184, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalNov.6

The name of the limited liability company is: Thorp Brook Farm, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was September 17, 2025. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to Thorp Brook Farm, LLC, 662 Rimmon Hill Road, Beacon Falls, CT 06403. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose. 6LegalOct.30 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: MOMMAS MARKET LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 September 2025. 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 216 Bentley Oaks Blvd., Auburndale, FL 33823. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalNov.6 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: SACRED MEN SING LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 29 August 2025.

category. Fifth-grader Maya Patton’s design, featuring a patriotic cat and a mouse casting their ballots for “dog,” captured the hearts of the four judges, which included three Hartwick College students and an Oneonta High School student. One of the organizers

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: STERLING BUR LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 23 September 2025. 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 58 Chestnut St. Apt. B, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalNov.6 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of DISCO MUFFIN LLC Arts of Org. filed with SSNY 8/26/2025 Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to 41 STATE ST, # 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207 General Purpose 6LegalNov.6 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

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upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Charming Familiar Studio LLC, P.O. Box 213, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.13 Legal nOtice SUMMONS WITH NOTICE: SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: COUNTY OF OTSEGO; Index No. EF2025-349: SIDNEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, -vsBERNARD J. MCCANN, Defendant. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear in this action by serving a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney within thirty (30) days after service of this summons is complete and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Brian D. Burns, J.S.C., signed and filed in the Otsego County Clerk’s office on September 30, 2025 under the Index Number EF2025-349. The object of this action is for breach of contract for non-payment of monies due and owing under a Loan and Security Agreements and Disclosure dated May 26, 2022, and a Consumer Credit Card Agreement and Disclosure dated June 22, 2022.

Charming Familiar Studio LLC

Dated: September 30, 2025,

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/02/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC

Amanda C Shaw, Esq., Riehlman, Shafer & Shaw, LLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 7693 Route 281, P.O. Box 544, Tully, NY 131590544, (315) 696-6347

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4LegalOct.30 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of W&M Unlimited, LLC. Filed 7/23/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to 499 St. Rt. 51, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalNov.13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of SLUGGERS LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/26/25. 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 NORTHWEST REGISTERED AGENT LLC, 418 Broadway, Ste. N, Albany, NY 12207 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.13 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearings in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, October 27th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following: Proposed Local Law No. 10 of 2025 - Amend the Village’s Zoning Map - 15 Chestnut Streetfor a portion of the parcel to be changed from R3 Residential to B Business Special Use Permit to construct a 4-unit apartment building at 26 Walnut Street Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to

of the design contest, Laurel Elder, professor of political science at Hartwick, said, “Our goal for this competition was to provide a way for the young people of our region to participate in our democracy and get a sense that political participation can be fun.”

Graphic by Maya Patton, Charlotte Valley Central School.

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be heard upon said Special Use permit application and Local Law at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearings, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. A copy of the proposed application is available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

est Move LLC. 2. Articles of Organization of Boldest Move LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on September 12, 2025. 3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County. 4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 87 Jomar Lane, Olivebridge, NY 12461. 5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Boldest Move LLC, 87 Jomar Lane, Olivebridge, NY 12461. 6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities. 6LegalNov.20

of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted 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 ensure 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.

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Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901

Dated: October 8, 2025 By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) 1LegalOct.16 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Fireflies Teaching Roundtable Articles of Organization filed with the New York Secretary of State on May 26, 2025. Office location: Otsego County. The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward service of process to 19 Woodside Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 6LegalNov.20 Legal nOtice Notice of organization of Boldest Move LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. 1. The name of the limited liability company is Bold-

Notice to Bidders Sealed bids will be received as set forth in Instructions to Bidders (https://www.dot. ny.gov/bids-andlettings/construction-contractors/ important-info) until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 06, 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. Maps, Plans and Specifications may be seen at Electronic documents and Amendments which are posted to www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-notices. 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

Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

D265607, PIN 9WW025, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga Cos., HIGHWAY STAND BY WHERE & WHEN SFY 26/27 - Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $375,000.00), Goals: MBE: 5.00%, WBE: 10.00%, SDVOB: 0.00% D265608, PIN 9WWS25, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga Cos., BRIDGE REPAIR, STANDBY WHERE AND WHEN - Various Routes, Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $40,000.00), Goals: MBE: 5.00%, WBE: 10.00%, SDVOB: 0.00% 2LegalOct.23

►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16,18, 2025 SEPTEMBER 2025

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9 A-7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Forum

Continued from page 1 “agribusiness,” requesting a Planned Development District as opposed to the previous request of expanding an industrial district. Eco-Yotta representatives told board members they hope to conduct artificial intelligence research linked to farming, using the computers’ heat to grow hydroponic crops. See the article on page 2 for further project proposal details. DeSantis, who was present at that meeting, called the proposal a confusing “hodgepodge” of ideas with “no clarity.” She told the audience that the “underlying problem is the zoning codes,” with PDDs “used contin-

ually for spot zoning.” “It’s like hitting a whack a mole that keeps popping up again and again. There should be a moratorium on PDDs,” DeSantis said. Mayoral candidate Dan Buttermann said he was running because “we’re at a critical point in our communities, the town and the city do these things together.” Calling for cooperation between the two, Buttermann said he’d hope to bring people together if elected. Asked about the Oneonta municipal airport, Basile, a current Otsego County board representative running for re-election, said, “Our budget is so bad right now that I cannot support the county trying to take over an airport.” Hinchey, the 4th district

county representative candidate, said it was similar to other issues like the Eco-Yotta proposal and potential “c-store.” “These are land developers that have a lot of money” that “don’t have our town in their mind,” Hinchey said, instead “catering to a group of people that aren’t addressing any of the problems that we have in this area right now.” The candidates discussed housing issues. Buttermann said “RSS is one part of the solution, and also rehabbing homes is another part of the solution.” He said he sees homes in disrepair around town, adding that he wants to see “partnership with local, responsible developers working to rehab those properties.” Buttermann

said he’ll reserve final judgement on the RSS proposal until it is further along, but that he hopes it will succeed. Rothbart said, “I’m a strong supporter of RSS, and I strongly support this project.” He added that it cannot be the only solution, calling for use of blended properties, fixing vacant ones, or encouraging affordable housing development by giving vacant lots to developers who commit to keeping prices below a certain threshold. DeSantis was apprehensive about the RSS project. “I’m worried about the fit of that project in that spot to the community. It does also concentrate one use into that area,” she said. DeSantis preferred singleor two-family homes, or

a “Cooperstown model,” “workforce housing” of 10 to 20 units that are “very low key.” Clapperton expressed support for the RSS project. “What I discovered” at a recent meeting, Clapperton said, “was people like to complain about the homeless… what they don’t want to look at is solutions.” Asked about immigration enforcement, Rivera told the crowd he was proudly Latino and “what is happening to our community is inhumane and without due process, and I do not stand for that. Period.” Buttermann answered by sharing that the one of best days of his life was when his wife took the oath of citizenship. “It makes my children first generation. And

the asshole in the White House wants to take that away from them. And I say: f*ck you.” If elected mayor, Buttermann said, “There’s no way I will ever cooperate with ICE in any capacity, unless there’s an arrest warrant.” Throughout the event, several candidates called for updated comprehensive plans for local municipalities. After taking additional questions from the audience, candidates spoke with residents. Gary Maffei, a steering committee member of the Oneonta Democratic Club who co-moderated the event, told AllOtsego it went well. “The candidates were very engaged, and the public seemed interested.”

OBITUARIES John Dunlap 1940-2025

COOPERSTOWN— John Dunlap, a local contractor known for his passionate concerns for truth and social justice, peacefully entered into eternal life Wednesday afternoon, October 1, 2025, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford with his family attending him in his last days. He was 85. Born August 12, 1940 in New Rochelle, he was given the name “Harold Jay Dunlap, Jr.” by his parents, Harold Jay Dunlap, MD and Rae Marguerite née Scranton Dunlap. A self-described “willful kid,” he wanted to go by a first name of his own choosing, and picked the name “John” after his grandfather’s first name (John Jay Dunlap was named after John Jay, the first chief justice of the United States.) John was raised in Westchester County, first living in Larchmont and then Scarsdale. During his high school years, he attended The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. After graduating from there, he attended and earned a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was a humanities major with a concentration in English. In boarding school, college, and his 5-1/2 years in the United States Air Force, he enjoyed and excelled in playing football. During his years

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JOHN DUNLAP

in the military, John lived abroad in Asia. On his return to the United States in 1969 he joined International Voluntary Services, a precursor to the Peace Corps. He served as a college-level teacher in Laos for two years, then returned to the States and attended graduate school in northern Arizona. He then moved to Indonesia, where he served as a teacher under a Fulbright Scholarship. It was during his years in Asia that the experiences and lifestyles he encountered shaped the simple lifestyle he led throughout the rest of his life. In 1976, John once again returned to the States. With his friend, Leonard, he visited Cooperstown and wound up liking it so much that he decided to settle down in this area. He made a home for himself out of an old garage near The Hickory Grove Inn on State Highway 80. Shortly thereafter he began renovating a camp on Red House Hill Road, which became his home. At his sugges-

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tion, the Presbyterian Church sponsored a Hmong family from Laos, bringing them from a refugee camp in Thailand to the U.S. The Lee family, a mother and five children, lived with him for nine months. At that time, he was teaching school in Cherry Valley, but became disillusioned with the America educational system, quit teaching, and started his restoration contracting business in 1981. About the same time, John met Karen Muehl, and they were married and had two children, Sarah Elizabeth and Timothy Andrew. It was John and Karen’s desire that their children should experience a different culture, so in December of 1992, they all moved to Monterrey, Mexico. John taught English at the Instituto Technológico de Monterrey. The family returned to Cooperstown in June of 1994. During his years in the Cooperstown area, John was an active, devoted and faithful member of The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, where he sang with The Chancel Choir and served on various boards and committees. His commitment to peace and justice led him to travel to Nicaragua with Witness for Peace in 1985. Locally, he invested in rental properties, in part to improve low-income housing options in the area. John is survived by his wife, Karen Dunlap; their children, Sarah Dunlap and Tim Dunlap; two grandsons, Chase Dunlap and Jude Dunlap; sister Betsy (Jack) Erhard and

brother George (Ann) Dunlap; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his niece, Jennifer Robin Stinnett. A Memorial Service to the Glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the Life of John Dunlap will be held at 2 p.m. n Sunday, November 9, 2025, at The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, 67 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Jessica Lambert, pastor, officiating. Immediately following the service there will be a time for refreshment and fellowship in The Chapel. To honor John’s memory, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association (www. alz.org) and The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, to the attention of the Social Action Mission Team, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Gail Reed Freehafer 1940-2025

COOPERSTOWN— Gail Reid Freehafer died on Thursday, October 2 at home in Cooperstown, New York. We’ve lost our beautiful mother, nana and wonderful friend. Gail Lynne Reid was born on July 25, 1940 to parents Evelyn and Herbert Reid. She grew up in the New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York City areas, moving numerous times due to her father’s career as an

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

Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings.

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.

Peter A. Deysenroth

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925

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

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GAIL REED FREEHAFER

executive at US Rubber. One constant was their beach house on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, which she loved dearly. Their street ended at the ocean, which was problematic for the boys cruising by to catch a glimpse of Gail. She graduated from Greenwich High School, attended Boston University and then Columbia School of Nursing, where, in addition to making lifelong friends, she met her first husband, James Elting, who was attending Columbia Medical School. They married and, after spending time in Cooperstown for his medical internship at Bassett, lived in Winter Park, Florida and Guilford, Connecticut before finally moving back to Cooperstown, the town they had fallen in love with, in 1973. They purchased Riverbrink and, in addition to assisting with her husband’s medical practice, Gail set to work transforming the home with her inimitable style while maintaining its architectural integrity. Gail went on to establish Gail Reid Elting Interiors, designing many client and personal investment projects over the years. She was the ultimate tastemaker, seeing beauty in contemporary, traditional and antique styles, combining them exquisitely. She also found beauty in a diverse and broad group of cherished friends, who described her as generous, beautiful, outrageous, funny, and strong. Gail entertained frequently and seemingly effortlessly, usually cooking from her dog-eared and stained Julia Child cookbook. She was a knowledgeable and creative gardener, a

longtime member of the Lake and Valley Garden Club, and was proud to showcase her gardens for the National Garden Club tour when they came to Cooperstown. Her decoration of Santa’s House every year, and her friendship with Santa himself, gained her much admiration and respect from her young granddaughters. She married John Freehafer in 1985, after a many-year courtship. Together they travelled frequently, enjoyed exploring varied cuisines, and read probably a thousand books collectively. Gail was an unapologetic feminist, and an inspiration to her daughters and granddaughters. She was a fierce defender of reproductive rights, and one of her prouder moments was marching on Washington, D.C. in 2005, joining her daughter Kim and the Texas contingent of Ann Richards and Molly Ivans in the March for Women’s Lives. She loved Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones (attending concerts in her Ferragamos). Her parties always resulted in everyone dancing with the volume UP. Her joie de vivre was genetic, with deep roots that continue to spread. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and survived by her daughters, Kimberley Elting and her husband Stewart Cohen and Laird Elting and her husband, Jean Robert; granddaughters Teal and Reid Cohen and India and Petra Robert; her stepchildren, Peter Freehafer and his wife, Michelle, Susie Freehafer Frazier and her husband, Matt, and Lisa Freehafer. We will celebrate Gail when the peonies bloom. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gail’s memory to Planned Parenthood of Greater New York at https:// www.weareplannedparenthood.org/cOJVhOyrzkq4uBcxVekXFA2 As the scent of L’Air du Temps fades… to her dear friends, of which she had so many, and her family who loved her, if you are feeling sad, you know what Gail would say. Buck up.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

LWV

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Continued from page 1

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a federal statistics agency, in 2022 the average U.S. residential utility power purchase was 10,791 kWh per year. Eco-Yotta Inc was founded in January 2025 and does not appear to have a strong online presence.

cially to a normalized, legal substance, doesn’t work like that. If it did, almost all tobacco users would quit. And shaming tobacco users often makes it harder to quit. I am positive my mom lived much longer than she would have had she not quit at age 61. But she might not have had sleep apnea or Alzheimer’s had she not smoked, or quit earlier. In 2023, Alzheimer’s was ravaging my mom’s memory, but she could still recognize me. I told her during one visit, “One of the bravest, hardest things you ever did was to quit smoking, Mom.” “Oh really?” she replied, smiling. She didn’t fully understand, but I think she knew she had done well. To learn more about the Great American Smokeout, visit www. cancer.org/cancer/riskprevention/tobacco/ great-americansmokeout. For help quitting tobacco, go to www. nysmokefree.com. Jennifer Hill is the community engagement coordinator for TobaccoFree Communities: Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie.

them. His assassination was indeed a loss for members of both sides of the political spectrum. Again, I am shocked by this screed. How someone who calls himself a journalist could write like this is beyond me. It calls into question the possibility of bias in anything he writes. Dr. Richard Sternberg is a retired Bassett Hospital orthopedic

surgeon. Editor’s note: Regarding paragraph two, the following footnote was inadvertently omitted from Mr. Nelson’s opinion piece: “May I strongly recommend ‘On Killing,’ by U.S. Army Historian Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.” In response to the question of fact checking, we have examined numerous sources provided by Mr. Nelson.

Henderson (CON), has not responded to the league’s invitation as of October 12. Sarah McGuire (Common Sense) has declined to participate. “The league only conducts a debate when there are at least two Continued from page 2 candidates from opposing parties for each race. computers will also be Since only one candi- utilized to provide state date for town supervisor of the art advanced Continued from page 5 NYCAMH, Northeast Center agreed to attend the computing power for The other event was Receive $650,000 Grant debate, there will be no students and other exactly what I do in my debate for town super- users.” work—creating tobaccoCOOPERSTOWN—Dr. Erika Scott and her visor unless Ms. Vasquez In a presentation at the free spaces that can help colleagues at the New York Center for Agricultural agrees to participate,” October board meeting, smokers who want to Medicine and Health and the Northeast Center noted Anna Gaeta, voter Eco-Yotta represen- quit to do it. In 1998, for Occupational Health and Safety, part of the services chair of the tatives showed a site my mom came out to Bassett Healthcare Network, have been awarded a LWV of the Cooperstown map from the applica- San Diego, where I lived $665,378.00 grant from the National Institutes of Area. “We do, however, tion that included the with my husband-to-be Health’s National Library of Medicine. have commitments existing house and barn at the time, to help plan The three-year grant will support the developfrom two candidates on the property. The our wedding. Since we ment of a groundbreaking digital resource aimed for town council who 10,000-square-foot barn, didn’t have room in our at improving health outcomes for workers in the are running—Joanne currently used for indoor small graduate school AgFF—agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries— Gardner and Caren soccer, would be used apartment, she stayed at according to a press release issued late last month. Kelsey, so Hartwick for hydroponic farming a friend’s condo, who “Workers in farming, logging and commercial citizens will hear from leveraging the heat of did not allow smoking fishing are among the most underserved populations them.” computers. Prashanth inside. With her recent in terms of occupational health,” said Dr. Scott, deputy The Milford Forum will Gorantala, another agent grim diagnosis, my mom director of NYCAMH and the Northeast Center. take place on Thursday, of the company and decided to use that situa“This resource will help bridge the gap between rural October 23 from 7-9 p.m. Dave’s husband, said tion to stop smoking. workers and the clinicians who care for them, offering at the Milford Town Hall, the project will cost $1 It took her about a tailored information and tools that reflect the realities 2859 State Highway million to $2 million year, with the nicotine of their work and communities.” 28, Portlandville. All in its first phase, which patch, gum and therapy. The initiative, titled AgFF EMPOWER (Engaging the candidates in the will focus on the house’s I was surprised when Medical Staff and Patients in Occupational Health contested election for 1 , 3 0 0 - s q u a r e - f o o t my mom told me nicoand Wellness with Electronic Resources), builds upon town council—Russel garage. tine was more addictive the existing Farmworker Clinical Care Resource for Langford (REP, Milford’s Ruane, an attorney than heroin. My mom Occupational Health, also known as the Farmworker Choice), Peter Paffenroth with Whiteman Osterman also educated me on the Clinicians Manual website. The updated and expanded (REP), Jesse Charlotte & Hanna, wrote a hardest part of cessation: Continued from page 6 platform will provide customized, accessible tools to Thorsland (DEM), September 30 letter having to quit all the help clinicians better recognize and treat occupational Kristen Velasco (DEM) to Code Enforcement daily activities she did political figure and his injuries and illnesses, officials said. and Kevin Yerdon Officer Clinton Rearick while smoking—reading, followers. He was not (Community Vision)— making legal arguments writing letters, watching threatened by Israeli According to the press release, this digital resource have agreed to attend. agents. Why would he? will serve clinicians and AgFF workers across a 12-state that the proposed “Agri- TV, socializing with The league also Business” qualifies as other smokers. He supported Israel. And region in the northeastern U.S., from Maine to West proposed a forum for an agricultural use of the if he had been threatened Virginia. It will be developed by a multidisciplinary Sadly, I still didn’t October 20 for candi- property. Ruane argued really get it. When my by anyone, I believe he team with expertise in occupational medicine, health dates for supervisor in that such use qualifies as mom told me a year after would have stood up to literacy, web development, and information science. Otsego County’s District a “home occupation,” and she had quit that she 7 (Towns of Cherry therefore that “agricul- missed it, I was stunned Valley, Middlefield, tural pursuits and home and angry. How could and Roseboom). Leslie occupations are permitted that be, when it cleared Berliant (DEM) agreed as of right within the RA- her lungs, stopped the to attend; and James 40 zoning district.” bronchitis, improved OCTOBER – DECEMBER 31, 2020her dental cleanings McCartney (REP) is 1 Ruane requested unable to attend because confirmation from and exams improved, of a work commitment. Rearick that his interand prevented her from David Bliss (CON) had pretation of the law dying? not responded to the was correct. AllOtsego I now know that league’s invitation as of received these documents while the anti-smoking October 10. shortly before press time campaign of the 1980s The league’s candi- and was unable to follow 1990s helped millions OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 dates’ forums enable up by publication. of smokers quit, it also voters to hear the candiAt the October shamed smokers if they Ruane told didn’t, and even for dates and question them meeting, about important issues board members NYSEG starting it in the first in their towns. League had informed Eco-Yotta place. I didn’t know policy, however, requires in writing that power that 90 percent of adult that at least two candi- lines would not need to smokers began before dates for each race from be upgraded to accom- age 18, when you are opposing parties must be modate the project. The likely to get addicted present or that portion initial proposal docu- quickly and have a hard of the program will be ments said the electricity time quitting. That is run the why the tobacco industry ? Kelly Edge All-Season WeatherReady cancelled. ? WinterCommand Ultra Candidate ? necessary Assurance All-Season to ? Kelly Edge HT CT Touring Family ROF & SCT) Kelly Edge All-Season ? Wrangler DuraTrac Eagle Sport All-Season forums are open to all ? facility would be(inc.150,000 targets? youth in its Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT ? Wrangler AT Adventure w/Kevlar ? Kelly Winter Access MaxLife Winter Maxx 2 ? Kelly Edge AT members of the public ?? kilowatt hours (kWh) per advertising; will ? Kelly Safari TSR rate ? Kelly Edgethey HP ? Wrangler Fortitude HT , excludes C-Type Winter Maxx SJ8 APY* and the TrailRunner media.AT year, operating 24/7 once have lifelong customers mand ? Wrangler $100,000 MINIMUM start as teenagers. “The league is a live. 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A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

NEWS BRIEFS

Remembrance Service Slated COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network will hold its annual remembrance service for parents, families and caregivers that have lost children or pregnancies from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 6. It is open to all community members who are grieving these profound losses. Bassett’s Spiritual Care Team and Women’s Health Team will bring together people with similar struggles. The service will be held in Clark Auditorium at Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Road. RSVP to gerald. paciello@bassett.org. There will be a virtual attendance option on Zoom at bassett.org/memorial. All attendees are invited to submit names ahead of time for the candle-lighting ceremony.

Halloween Party Scheduled RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, will hold its Halloween Party and Community Fun Day from 14 p.m. on Sunday, October 19. It will feature escape rooms, crafts, pumpkin carving, door prizes and food. Attendees who donate a costume will receive extra tickets for the door prizes. The party is free and open to the public.

25 Main Releases Calendar CHERRY VALLEY—25 Main Collective will display its fall exhibition, “Highlight,” through Sunday, November 2. It features extra work by artists who participated in the Cherry Valley Art Trail on October 4-5. Upcoming classes with open spaces include a stamped charm bracelet workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22 and a wire-wrapped moon pendant workshop from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. The latter class coincides with Falltoberfest, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature vendors, ghost tours, music, a beer garden, Oktoberfest games, cookie decorating, dance performances by the Happy Haggs, pumpkin carving, and more. The November exhibition, “Inspired by a Book,” will open with a reception featuring food and music from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, November 7 and remain open until November 30. There will be an artists’ talk at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 23. Jessica Capeci will lead a fire cider workshop from 1-3 p.m. on November 9 and Marissa Perkins will demonstrate making sterling silver spinner rings from 14 p.m. on Sunday, November 16. Cherry Valley’s Farm Toy Show will be held at the Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 8. An American Legion 5K will begin at the Old School at noon the same day, with registration open at 10 a.m. For more information or to inquire about a class, contact 25maincollective@gmail.com.

CAA To Host Fall Classes COOPERSTOWN—Local artist Kristin Stevenson will lead a cold wax painting workshop at Cooperstown Art Association from 5:30-7:30 on Tuesdays from November 4 through December 2. The class is $135.00, with a $5.00 discount for CAA members and all materials included. Cynthia Marsh will teach a class titled “Creating Portals and Painting Light” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. It is $130.00 with a $5.00 discount for members. Paul Marcellino will teach a figure drawing class for beginners through advanced students from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from November 4 through December 16. Registration is $230.00, with a $5.00 member discount. Materials are not provided. For more information or to register, visit cooperstownart.com or contact (607) 547-9777 or gallery@cooperstownart.com. CAA’s fall exhibitions will be on display through Friday, October 31 during gallery hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. “Lasting Impressions,” a juried show of waxworks exploring themes of memory and connection, is displayed in Gallery A. “Water’s Edge,” in Gallery B, features Cooperstown-area landscapes by local folk painter Kara Mattice. The Central New York Watercolor Society showcases its Signature Members Exhibition in Gallery C.

GOHS Auction Coming Up ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold its 19th annual GOHS Live and Online Benefit Auctions in November. The Live Auction will begin in the newly renovated thirdfloor ballroom at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 14, with doors opening at 5. Admission is free and there will be refreshments available for sale. In addition, there will be an online auction open at 32auctions. com/GOHSAuction2025 from 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 13. Featured items include sports ephemera, Oneonta collectibles, antiques, furniture, toys, framed artwork, tours and experiences, jewelry, apparel, overnight stays, local gift certificates and more. Some items will be available for early viewing at the History Center in October. To make an item donation or inquire about sponsorships or volunteering, contact (607) 432-0960 or directormm@oneontahistory.org.

Museum Hosts Conference COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum hosted about 100 American and Canadian guests for the International Sports

Heritage Association’s Annual Conference on October 7-9. Established in 1971 as the Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fame, ISHA includes more than 130 member institutions. Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark received this year’s Legacy Award. The Hall of Fame also earned awards for its social media campaign for School Resource Kits, its Black Baseball Initiative outreach program, the video presentation in the “Souls of the Game” exhibit and the 2024 East-West Classic game program magazine. For more information, visit baseballhall.org/education.

DuBois To Discuss Restoration LEONARDSVILLE—Cooperstown-based craftsman Jackson DuBois, executive director of the Timber Framers Guild, will present an account of his work restoring the spire of Notre-Dame de Paris after its 2019 roof fire on Friday, November 7. Held at the Horned Dorset Inn, 2000 Main Street in Leonardsville, the talk will be the highlight of the Upper Unadilla Valley Association’s annual banquet, which begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $64.00, including a prix fixe dinner, tax and tip. A cash bar will be available. Note any dietary restrictions when making reservations. To RSVP, send a check to Larraine McNulty, 156 Pritchard Road, West Winfield, NY 13491 by Wednesday, October 29.

Artists Talk About Botanicals STAMFORD—Artists Andie Hope, Tracy Qiu, Ali Shockey, Kathleen Sweeney and Carol Woodin will discuss their creative process and botanical influences at Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street in Stamford, at noon on Saturday, November 1. It accompanies the final day of the “Botanical Impressions” exhibition. For more information, visit roxburyartsgroup.org/botanical-impressions.

Website Improvements Made ALBANY—New York State Homes and Community Renewal announced major improvements to the New York Housing Search website. It consolidates listings of housing lotteries and waitlists for all HCR-financed projects. By giving New Yorkers the opportunity to apply for affordable housing online, it makes the home search process easier for all. For more information, visit HousingSearch.ny.gov.

Speakers To Present on AI COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown will open the 2025-26 Sunday Speaker Series from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 19. Renowned artificial intelligence experts Dr. Izabella Lokshina and Dr. Cees J.M. Lanting will discuss the origins and implications of AI. The talk is free and open to the public.

Pumpkin Glow Set for Oct. 26 COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association’s annual Pumpkin Glow will return on the steps of the Village Hall from 6-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 26. All community members are invited to submit their decorated pumpkins for display. Bruce Markusen will present ghost stories starting at 6:30 p.m. The Pumpkin Glow is free and open to the public, although donations are welcome. For more information, visit cooperstownart.org.

Fire Dept. Seeking Donations RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Richfield Springs Fire Department and Village of Richfield Springs seek public donations to bring their firehouse up to NFPA standards. More resources are needed to supplement a $1.5 million grant through Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Checks may be sent to PO Box 1456, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Members of the public are invited to visit the firehouse and ask questions during weekly training from 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday.

Pilot Project Announced OTSEGO COUNTY—The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Otsego County and the Vernonburg Group announced the Butternuts Neutral Host Mobile Tower Pilot Project, a groundbreaking rural wireless infrastructure initiative backed by Governor Kathy Hochul’s Connectivity Innovation Mobile Service Grant Program. This pilot project will expand mobile service and broadband access in the Town of Butternuts. It was awarded more than $843,000.00 through Gov. Hochul’s program and will deliver shared, multi-operator mobile coverage from a new county-owned E-911 public safety tower. Using a neutral-host architecture, the tower will allow multiple mobile operators to share a single set of radio infrastructure and the associated costs. Up to 200 households and businesses will become accessible to mobile and fixed wireless service, and the project will serve as a model for the Otsego County Broadband Expansion Initiative and future expansions statewide. Deployment is scheduled for next year. For more information, visit otsegocounty. ny.gov/broadband.php.

Lachance To Sing at Museum CANAJOHARIE—Renowned mezzo soprano Joelle Lachance and piano accompanist William

Shi will perform her original “Guys or Dolls” piece in the Original Gallery of the Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Boulevard, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. Attendees may visit the galleries and enjoy Prosecco before the show. Tickets are $40.00 or $75.00 for pairs. For more information or to register, visit arkellmuseum.org/content/joelle-lachance-guys-or-dolls.

Otesaga Receives Recognition COOPERSTOWN—The Otesaga Resort Hotel was named fourth on Condé Nast Traveler’s 38th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards list of the top 10 resorts in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. More than 757,000 readers submitted survey responses. This was the sixth time The Otesaga has been recognized in one of the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious recognition programs.

HartLand Promise Expanded ONEONTA—Hartwick College announced the expansion of its HartLand Promise Scholarship to include students from Albany, Broome and Schenectady counties. Launched in 2022, the program guarantees Hartwick’s top scholarship award of $10,000.00 annually for eligible students from across the region. More than 18,000 highschool seniors at nearly 600 schools in the new counties will join those already eligible in Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties. Since its inception. HartLand Promise has supported nearly 250 students. For more information, visit hartwick.edu/hartland.

Rotary Road Rally Returns ONEONTA—The 4th Annual Oneonta Rotary Road Rally Scavenger Hunt will take place at Damaschke Field from 1-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 19. The family-friendly event will lead teams around a 30-mile loop through Otsego County to follow clues, answer riddles and take photos. Teams are judged on a combination of mileage, time, clue answers and group photos. The top three teams will have a grant of $1,000.00, $750.00 or $500.00, respectively, donated in their honor to the food bank or program of their choice in Otsego, Delaware or Schoharie counties. All proceeds support the service work of the Oneonta Rotary Club. Registration is $25.00, $10.00 for ages 1218 and free for children under 12. Payment may be made on race day by cash or check. All teams must have at least two responsible adults to serve as driver and navigator. Pre-registration is available at oneontarotary.org.

Clerk To Host Passport Fair UNADILLA—Otsego County Clerk Jennifer Basile will host a passport fair at Unadilla Town Hall, 1648 State Route 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. Photo services will be available. Attendees should bring a check or money order to accompany the application, a completed DS11 application in black ink, a certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate and a copy of the front and back of their drivers license. Cash or card are accepted for county clerk fees. To view a complete list of required documents, visit travel.state.gov. Call (607) 547-4276 for more information.

CV ‘No Kings’ Event Planned CHERRY VALLEY—Cherry Valley Indivisible will co-sponsor a local iteration of the “No Kings” Day of Peaceful Action on Saturday, October 18. According to a release, No Kings is a nationwide mobilization uniting millions of Americans against what they view as the Trump administration’s corrupt ends and authoritarian means. More than 2,500 peaceful demonstrations are expected to attract about five million participants nationwide on Saturday. The Cherry Valley event will take place at the traffic light from 10-11 a.m. About 200 people attended Cherry Valley’s first No Kings protest on June 14. Participants are encouraged to bring a friend. Associated events will take place in Canajoharie at 11 a.m., Cobleskill at noon and Oneonta at 1 p.m. For more information, contact indivisible cv@proton.me.

Coop Soccer Suffers Setbacks COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown girls soccer dropped an overtime match to Hamilton 3-2 on Tuesday, October 7. Freshman Lanie Nelen and junior Sophia Johnson scored on a corner kick from senior Mia Pelcer and a pass by junior Ruby Stevenson, respectively. Eighth-grader Emma Johnson made 25 saves. Nelen and Pelcer again scored in the first half to lift the Hawkeyes to a 2-1 upset victory over Sauquoit Valley on Thursday, October 9. Stevenson and sophomore Claire Baldo made assists and Johnson recorded 17 more saves. Cooperstown moved to 6-8 for the season and 5-3 in their division. They will host Waterville after press time on Tuesday, October 14. Cooperstown boys soccer fell 2-0 to Westmoreland in a Center State Conference match at home on Monday, October 6. Cooperstown outshot Westmoreland 9-6 and senior Cooper Coleman made a save in the net. The Hawkeyes fell to 7-4-2 for the season and 4-2 in their division.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-13

Letters

Continued from page 4 drives harmful algae blooms (HABs): runoff from roads and building sites, and septic tank discharge of nutrients. New York State standards do not address the discharge of nutrients from septic systems. The proposed development could turn the wetlands into toxic pea soup bogs. 3. Land use plan out of date. The Town of Otsego had already embarked on a revision to its comprehensive land-use plan before the subdivision plans were submitted. Both towns are participating in a revision to the watershed plan in conjunction with a Nine Element Watershed Plan to address the mitigation of HABs in area ponds and Lake Otsego. 4. Moratorium. Under these circumstances, it would be irresponsible for the towns not to impose a moratorium on development plans within the watershed. When a town is undergoing an update to its comprehensive plan, it is standard operating procedure to have a limited moratorium on new permits, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. 5. No rush. The Manocherians have owned the land for decades. It will take over three miles of public road paving and ROW clear-cutting to access the property and more miles of interior roads. The absorption rate for wooded lots without views or lake access is likely to be very slow. 6. Residential development. Both town plans emphasize the need to encourage residen-

Photo courtesy of Cherry Valley Artworks

Bella Crowe, Chris Shearer and Maureen Iseman Broeking on stage during the recent performance of “What the Constitution Means to Me.”

tial development where public utilities—water and sewer— are available. The proposed development is entirely rural. It does not address the regional need for affordable housing. 7. Entitlements and the environment. The number of lots that may be allowed is subject to an environmental SEQR review that must take the combined impact of the 1,500 acres on the watershed and the wetlands. Given the risks, both towns should proceed with caution. The far better option is for the owner to negotiate the sale or donation of a conservation easement on the environmentally sensitive areas. The Manocherian State Natural Area has a nice ring to it. Chip Northrup Cooperstown

Play’s Message Still Rings True In these times, it’s wonderful to experience something meaningful and affirming. Last weekend, Cherry Valley Artworks gave three audiences just that, with its performances of “What the Constitution Means to Me,” a 2019 Broadway hit whose message lands with everyone. Playwright Heidi Schreck structured a tale of four generations of women that invited audience participation, included a mini-debate, and ended with attendees contemplating what it truly means to be American. The play was alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, and it was deeply patriotic… perhaps in unexpected ways. The setting is an American Legion hall, and all three actors (Maureen Iseman Broeking,

Chris Shearer, and 15-yearold newcomer Bella Crowe) earned their standing ovations. While the nonprofit Cherry Valley Artworks produced the play, the local American Legion post, which shares space with the arts organization, contributed props (and applause). The experience was heartwarming, and I urge Artworks (cvartworks.org) to put on more plays in the future. I encourage everyone to attend. If you can’t swing the tickets, dress rehearsals are free! Kathleen Taylor Cherry Valley

Where’s the Beef? How Much Is It? Over the past week—and prior to that—I have repeatedly noticed that the Price Chopper puts up signs in their meat section that advertise “weekly

specials!” with an alleged reduction in per-pound prices—for example, “80 percent ground beef,” and stacked immediately next to or against the sign will be that product, but with a significantly higher price per pound. People naturally pick up those packages, and rarely check the price per pound, but they will be priced at the regular price and that is what the register reads. If it should happen to be noticed, the person at the register cannot reverse it. Customer service must be called, that person then finds the newspaper ad and sign, verifies that that is the case, and must reverse it herself on the register while the line backs up. I have called attention to this three times this past week. The first time, the customer service person came back to the meat counter, found a butcher (the “Ring Bell” is no longer there), then had to change the price at the register herself. The explanation was that the store gets butchers from several different other stores and they put on the stickers that their home store has for price per pound. The second time, the explanation was that “they have to put on what the corporation says.” The third time was—no explanation. A register person said that he had also frequently complained, without avail. Another person noticed the same phenomenon at the Price Chopper Norwich store. This is not a benign mistake. Buyers beware! And think about complaining to a higher level of corporation (the number is on the back of the “Advantage” card, if you have one). Or, if feasible, shopping elsewhere. Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown

It’s always been easier for me to help others than to help myself

As a Veteran, when someone raises their hand for help, you’re often one of the first ones to respond. But it’s also okay to get help for yourself. Maybe you want or need assistance with employment, stress, finances, mental health or finding the right resources. No matter what it is, you earned it. And there’s no better time than right now to ask for it. Don’t wait. Reach out.

Find resources at VA.GOV/REACH

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________

A-14 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Fri., October 17 BOOK SALE—8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 10/18 and 9 a.m. to noon on 10/19. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. COOPERSTOWN— 8:30 a.m. Meeting of the Streets Committee. 1st floor boardroom, Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2411. GOVERNMENT— 9 a.m. Otsego County Parent Committee Budget Workshops: Administration Committee, chaired by Margaret Kennedy. Budget Lab (basement), County Office Building, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown. BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 5 p.m. Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org BLOOD DRIVE— 1-6 p.m. Otego Community Center, 5 River Street, Otego. RedCrossBlood.org FARMERS’ MARKET— 3-6 p.m. Held Fridays at the Four Corners, Hartwick. (607) 2937530. DINNER—5:30 p.m. “57th Annual Charter Dinner.” Presented by Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. Featuring keynote speaker Julie Brown of the Hawk Migration Association. 6th Ward Athletic Club Banquet Room, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta. (607) 397-3815. HALLOWEEN— 5:30-8 p.m. “Things that Go BUMP in the Night Ghost Tours.” Fees apply. Tour departs each half hour. Continues 10/18. Fenimore Farm and County Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. HALLOWEEN—6 p.m. “Hyde & Shriek! Candlelight Ghost Tours.” Tickets required. Continues 10/18. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098.

FILM FRIDAY—6 p.m. “Pride and Prejudice.” RSVP required. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344. FIRE PIT FRIDAYS— 6-10 p.m. Live music, food and more. Featuring music by Tony Semo. The Tap House, Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 5441800. OUTDOORS— 7:30-9 p.m. “Naked Eye Astronomy.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Free; all welcome. Rain date is 10/18. Meet at the OCCA office, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488. MUSIC—7:30 p.m. “Solo Faculty Recital.” Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. THEATER—8 p.m. “Wait Until Dark” by Frederick Knott. Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Also showing at 8 p.m. on 10/18 and at 2 p.m. on 10/19; then at 8 p.m. on 10/24, 10/25 and at 2 p.m. on 10/26. Tickets required. Production Center, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

►Sat., October 18 HIKE—All Day. “Saturday Hike: Bramley Mountain Fire Tower.” Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring your own lunch. Registration required with hike leader Don Thomases, (607) 287-9690. Bloomville. PASSPORT FAIR— 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presented by the Otsego County Clerk. Unadilla Town Hall, 1648 State Highway 7, Unadilla. (607) 547-4276. AUTUMN—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Touch a Truck and Pumpkin Chunkin.” Featuring the Richfield Springs Fire Department. Cullen Pumpkin

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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

Farm, 587 Cullen Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 867-3878. OKTOBERFEST— 10 a.m. Trivia, Germanthemed foods and more. Admission fees apply. Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 1316 County Highway 26, Fly Creek. (607) 358-5748. HALLOWEEN—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Schenevus Spooktacular.” Trick ‘r treating, costume contests, vendors and more. Presented by the Eastern Otsego Farmers’ Market, 130 Borst Way, Schenevus. RAILROAD—11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. “Pumpkin Patch Express.” Tickets required. Also held 10/19. Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, 136 East Main Street, Milford. (607) 432-2429. WORKSHOP—11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Equine Assisted Personal Development Workshop: Release and Receive.” Mend your heart, awaken your strength. The horses will guide you home. Fees apply. Taylortown Equine, 434 Bedbug Hill Road, Fly Creek. CEMETERY CLEANUP—Noon. Led by the Richfield Springs Historical Association and Museum. Bring water, a bucket and gentle scrub brushes. Richfield Hill Cemetery, Richfield Springs. QUILTING—1 p.m. “Block of the Month” class session. Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 4413111. OPPORTUNITIES— 1-5 p.m. “Head Start Open House.” Presented by Opportunities for Otsego. Village Library of Morris, 152 Main Street, Morris. (607) 433-8000. MUSIC—1-2:30 p.m. “Graphic Scoring and

Musical Improvisation Workshop with Evan Jagels.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. OPENING RECEPTION—1-4 p.m. Members Show presented by the Leatherstocking Brush and Palette Club. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208. ART—1-5 p.m. “HipHop and Art Hootenanny.” Art, music, food and fun. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. SEWING CLASS— 1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held every Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234. AGING—2 p.m. “Free Seminar: Medicare.” Learn seven common mistakes seniors make when enrolling in Medicare. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Route 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600. ART—2 p.m. “Exploring Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes with Curator Jenny Robb.” Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, (607) 5471400. HALLOWEEN— 2 p.m. Pumpkin Painting with the Cooperstown PBA. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. RAILROAD—4 p.m. “Afternoon Train Ride.” Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, 167 McKoons Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 717-5969. POTTERY— 4:30-6:30 p.m. “Saturday Night Out: A Pottery Immersion Workshop.” Groups or individuals learn/expand wheelthrowing skills. Tickets re-

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

quired. Azure Arts, 1149 Allen Lake Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-8899. FILM FEST—7 p.m. “Event Horizon.” Shown in Scare-o-vision with live actors. Presented by the 2025 Worcester Wieting Theatre Fall Film Festival. Free; donations appreciated. Worcester Wieting Theatre, 168 Main Street, Worcester.

►Sun., October 19 MEDITATION— 11 a.m. “Sundays at Samye: The Practical Bodhisattva—How to Be a Spiritual Hero in Everyday Life.” Meditation, study and discussion. Held Sundays through 12/21. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475051. BINGO—Noon; brunch at 11 a.m. “Black Cat Awareness Month Bingo!” Benefit for Super Heroes Humane Society. Minimum food/beverage purchase applies. Brew U, 99 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 435-0035. CHILDREN—Noon to 2 p.m. “Utica Children’s Museum—Mobile Museum.” Cullen Pumpkin Farm, 587 Cullen Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 867-3878. MUSIC—1-3 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with Brodie Coleman and Yana King.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111. HALLOWEEN— 1-4 p.m. “Richfield Springs Community Center’s 6th Annual Halloween Party and Community Fun Day.” Pumpkin carving, food, crafts, photo ops and more. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-3200. OPERA—1 p.m. “Grounded.” Live HD broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House. Tickets required. Lunch available for purchase. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. ART WORKSHOP— 1-4 p.m. Comic Strip Workshop for Kids ages 9-12. Tickets required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400. SCAVENGER HUNT— 1-4:30 p.m. “Oneonta Rotary Road Rally Scavenger Hunt.” Fees apply; registration required. Damaschke Field, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. oneontarotary. org CELEBRATION— 1:30-5:30 p.m. 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII and the Cooperstown Veterans book unveiling. Includes music, food, dress for the era, and a chance to support local veterans. Proceeds benefit local veteran charities. The Pratt Hotel, 50 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. CONCERT—3 p.m. Balourdet Quartet with pianist Asiya Korepanova. Presented by the Friends of Music of Stamford. Suggested donation applies. First Presbyterian Church, 96 Main Street, Stamford. friendsmusic. org SUNDAY SPEAKER— 3 p.m. “AI: What It Is and How It’s Changing Our World.” Presented by the Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown. Free and open to the public. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. FOOD—5 p.m. “Local Foods Local Spirits.” Tapas-style tasting bites by area chefs with local ingredients, local cider, beer and wine. Featuring music by Fast Friends. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown.

DOCUMENTARY— 6-7:30 p.m. “Healthdemic: Preparing for Disease Next.” Presented by the Oneonta Seventh Day Adventist Church. Free. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-8354. RELIGION—6-8 p.m. “A Better Hope Gospel Seminar.” Presented by the Oneonta Seventh Day Adventist Church. Free. Continues each night through 10/25. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4328354.

►Mon., October 20 GOVERNMENT—9 a.m. Otsego County Parent Committee Budget Workshops: Human Services Committee, chaired by Adrienne Martini. Budget Lab (basement), County Office Building, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown. CRAFT—11 a.m. “Pom Pom Pumpkin Coaster.” Suggested donation applies; registration appreciated. Also held at 6 p.m. on 10/22. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. SENIOR MEALS—Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests. Today, enjoy a lunch of pizza burgers, O’Brien potatoes, carrot coins and brownies. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS—Noon. Tech Support with Eric. Solve tech dilemmas. Reservations encouraged. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. CONNECTIONS—1 p.m. “The Power of Whole Food Plant Based Eating.” Led by Karen Palmer. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. LIBRARY—1 p.m. “Home School Hangout.” Stories, activities, crafts and learning for home school families. Held each Monday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. 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. FIRST AID—5:30 p.m. “CPR/AED First Aid Certification: Recertification Course.” Presented by the American Red Cross. Fees apply; registration required. Community Room, Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800 ext. 130. COOKBOOK CLUB— 6 p.m. Make delicious food from the pages of “Taste of Home Winning Recipes.” Or just bring your own recipe to share. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208. HISTORICAL SOCIETY—7 p.m. Meeting of the Otego Historical Society featuring a program on the Civil War prisons of the North and South presented by Mark Dye. Otego Town Hall, 3526 State Highway 7, Otego. (607) 287-4095. ►Visit allotsego.com/ otsego-county-events-calendar/ for the full calendar