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Volume 216, No. 4

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

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, January 25, 2024

Newsstand Price $1

Otsego Lake Steward Retires

Harman Reflects on 50+ Years as Head of SUNY Field Station

By ELIZABETH COOPER

I Photo provided

Representatives of Otsego County businesses, organizations and municipalities received New York State’s first delivery of the ONEbox™ on Friday, January 19 at a press conference.

Local Group Launches Life-saving Program To Address Growing Opioid Overdose Crisis

By DARLA M. YOUNGS

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ONEONTA ast Friday marked a historic moment in the City of Oneonta, as the first 60 ONEboxes™ were placed in New York State by the Oneonta Narcan Initiative Team. This all-volunteer group, led by Coordinator Kathy Varadi, has been active for nearly a year, providing trainings, a resource fair, and public education aimed at addressing the growing opioid overdose crisis. At a press conference at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center on Friday, January 19, the Oneonta Narcan Initiative Team introduced the ONEbox™ and explained how this new tool can help save lives in an emergency.

INSIDE ► student essays awarded, page 2 ► NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY PROJECT UNDERWAY, page 2 ► nominations sought for ccs hof, page 3 ► gov. must focus on open gov’t laws, page 4 ► EDITORIAL: One box to save many, page 4 ► SQSPCA Welcomes New Year, page 5 ► your neighbors in the news, page 6 Follow Breaking News On

AllOTSEGO.com

Geoff Doyle, Foothills executive director, welcomed those in attendance, followed by a project overview from LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Executive Director Julie Dostal.

Guest speakers included City of Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, Dr. Susan Bissett, president of the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (via Zoom), Town of Oneonta Supervisor Randy Mowers, SUNY Oneonta Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tracy Johnson, Hartwick College Wellness and Health Promotions Coordinator Gianna Boveri, and Bonita Gibb, Community Health Program manager for Bassett Healthcare Network.

The ONEbox™ was developed in West Virginia as a response

to the opioid overdose crisis. It contains Narcan (naloxone) and provides instant video instruction on how to administer the nasal spray in the event of an overdose.

This innovative, life-saving tool is currently distributed by the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute, a non-profit based in Charleston. According to a release, the boxes are designed to hold four doses of intranasal naloxone and provide emergency video and audio training on how to administer the drug, which can reverse an overdose and safe a life.

Dostal explained that the connection between West Virginia and New York came as agencies and organizations were sharing success stories through the Appalachian Continued on page 13

COOPERSTOWN t’s the end of an era. Dr. Willard “Bill” Harman, who has headed SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station on the shores of Otsego Lake for 56 years, is retiring.

He is 86 years old and has dedicated most of his life Photo provided to studying and protecting DR. BILL HARMAN Glimmerglass, and teaching students to do the same for freshwater ecosystems across America and even in Europe.

Glimmerglass is beloved by area residents for its natural beauty and cool waters. It is also a tourism magnet and economic driver for many businesses.

And it is the source of drinking water for the Village of Cooperstown. So, keeping the lake healthy is important on many levels and Harman and his team have earned the gratitude of many in the community for their tireless work.

“With support from his wonderful team at the Biological Field Station, Bill has been our community’s steadfast steward of Otsego Lake and the region’s watershed,” Jane Forbes Clark, president of the Clark Foundation, said in an e-mailed statement. “Whether working with fellow scientists, or engaging students, farmers, landowners, business persons, or government officials, he has established an ethos of collaboration that will be carried forward into the future by all who care about our environment and the vitality of our lakes, rivers, and streams.”

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh echoed Clark’s thoughts.

“Everyone who loves and uses Otsego Lake owes Continued on page 7

Elected Officials Report on State of Otsego County

By MONICA CALZOLARI

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ONEONTA he Otsego County Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the County breakfast on January 18. Roughly 200 people gathered at SUNY Oneonta’s Morris Hall to hear a panel comprised of Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, Assemblyman Brian Miller, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, Assemblyman Chris Tague, and County Board Chair Edwin Frazier address the current climate of Otsego County.

Former Senator Jim Seward was among the special guests.

Senator Peter Oberacker was

Photo by Katrina Van Zandt

More than 200 people attended the three-hour panel discussion and breakfast at the annual Otsego County Chamber’s State of the County event at SUNY Oneonta on January 18.

expected but unable to attend due to illness.

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen

Tillapaugh was the first panelist to speak. She provided a summary of the Village of

Cooperstown’s accomplishments for 2023 and a glimpse into plans for 2024. Tillapaugh oversees a $7 million annual budget, which supports 1,752 Cooperstown residents.

Cooperstown’s fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31, so the village was two-thirds of the way through its cycle when she spoke.

Tillapaugh acknowledged that tourism is both an “economic engine” as well as “a burden” for the village’s small budget.

Grants are the major way in which Cooperstown supports its improvements, she said.

The village was awarded a $4.5 million New York Forward Continued on page 13

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

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Youth Look To Engage Peers More Fully in Elections, Governance

By TERESA WINCHESTER ONEONTA oung people have the power to change the political landscape, as evidenced most dramatically in the 1960s with youth involvement in the civil rights movement and opposition to the U.S. military presence in Vietnam. In recent years, however, youth participation in politics, especially with regard to voting, appears to have dropped off.

Tufts University’s Tisch College Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement estimates turn-out from voters age 18-29 in the 2022 midterm elections to have been 20.7 percent in New York State. Simply put then, only one in five of the youth vote showed up at the polls in New York State for a high stakes midterm election.

Hartwick College’s Institute of Public Service’s website also cites these figures, surmising, “That means that more than two million eligible young people in New York did not vote, a total that would have easily

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changed the outcome in any of the statewide political races.”

Seeking ways to change downward trends in youth voting, Hartwick’s IPS invited high-school students from a nine-county area to submit essays or videos identifying reasons for dissatisfaction with the political process among young people and suggesting ways to more actively engage them in democracy.

On Tuesday, January 16, finalists from Oneonta and Unatego high schools and Delaware Academy (Delhi), presented their ideas at an event held at Hartwick’s Shineman Chapel.

Martha Dolan of Unatego High School suggested civics classes be based on community discussions emphasizing the importance of the individual’s vote. She also stated that teachers should facilitate voter registration for students, that college campuses do more to facilitate the voting process, and that politicians actively visit college campuses.

Chase Birdsall, also of Unatego High School, put forth the idea of declaring Election Day

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a national holiday, also suggesting that a “jury-duty-like” system be devised to ensure adequate personnel to oversee elections.

Oneonta High School student Victoria Heilveil proposed doing away with voter registration altogether, citing North Dakota as an example of a state that has done so.

“Eradicating the concept of voter registration would enable more people to vote, since not only would it become easier to actually go to vote the day Photo by Teresa Winchester of the election without Zachary McKenney, co-director of the Hartwick Institute of Public Service, is joined by being prepared months award winners Victoria Heilveil, Bastian Dudley, Grace Schultz, Elias House, Martha Dolan, in advance, it would Chase Birdsall, and Cooper Cohen, and Leslie Elder, co-director of the Hartwick IPS. also prevent people from High students, Grace participation among ally humanitarian terms losing the ability to vote Shultz and Bastian young voters. about the imperative of by being removed from Dudley, co-presented.

“In an episode of love in our society. voter registration lists,” Social media is “a great SpongeBob SquarePants, “Love gives you the Heilveil wrote in her way to reach out to young talk about going to the strength to push through summary remarks. voters,” they said, citing polls,” he said. adversity. It is your super Heilveil also thinks Taylor Swift’s September Cohen also advocated power. Don’t give up that voter participation 2023 Instagram tweet for more precise instruc- on your super power. would be increased by urging her 272 million tion on the “how to” of Understand that you both term limits and age followers to register to voter registration and have partners in governlimits and would like to vote. Her tweet resulted suggested greater use of ment who are here for see a greater emphasis on in more than 35,000 “iCivics,” a non-profit you,” he said. the importance of voting registrations, according organization which The competition was come from elected offito Vote.org., the orga- provides educational made possible by a grant cials themselves. nization to which she online games and lesson from the Community Oneonta High’s Elias directed her fans. plans promoting civics Foundation of Otsego House suggested rearShultz and Dudley education and encour- County. Awards of ranging the years that also thought that more aging students to become $400.00, $300.00, credit for government information about alter- active citizens. $150.00, $100.00, and classes are given. native candidates might Oneonta Mayor Mark $50.00 were given to “Make a governincrease voter partici- Drnek offered concrete first- through fifth-place ment credit a freshman pation among young opportunities for youth awardees, respectively. year credit. Sometimes voters because, they involvement, inviting Awardees were: seniors who are regissaid, young people are participation in city Cooper Cohen, first tered to vote haven’t not attracted to the main- task forces on “town- place; Chase Birdsall, taken the government stream candidates. gown” opportunities, second place; Martha credit course,” he said, Cooper Cohen, from diversity and inclusion, Dolan, third place; Grace adding that he would like Delaware Academy, and safe homes and Shultz, Bastian Dudley to see schools made into proposed “taking a page neighborhoods. and Victoria Heilveil in polling places so that out of Big Tobacco” and Via Zoom, Lieutenant a fourth-place tie, and teachers and students utilizing product place- Governor Antonio Elias House, fifth place. could vote more easily. ment to increase voter Delgado spoke in generTwo other Oneonta

NRI Project Springs from RIC Framework

By DAN SULLIVAN ONEONTA n 2021, newlyinaugurated SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle began a series of discussions with regional and university stakeholders to determine what SUNY Oneonta’s role in the community should be.

The result was the formation of the Regional

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Innovation Council in 2022. The RIC consists of a diverse group of some 100 academic and community leaders who seek to improve Otsego County’s economic and community development through innovative approaches in coordination, problem solving, and communication. Of the more than 20 initiatives the RIC has begun, the most recent has been the project to create a Natural Resources Inventory for Otsego County.

The Natural Resources Inventory was created by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the purpose of “assess(ing) conditions and trends of soil, water and related resources on

non-Federal rural lands.”

This broad definition encompasses much more than its brevity might suggest. The concept has been adopted by state agencies as well, such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which lists an NRI as a project that can lead to Climate Smart Certification.

Conservation of natural resources begins when the type and extent of these resources is known.

Hence, the importance of the NRI. The idea of an Otsego County NRI was resurrected at a breakout session the RIC and Community Foundation of Otsego County sponsored last spring.

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NRI’s are nothing new—the Otsego County Conservation Association created an NRI for the Town of Oneonta in 2012, as a template for other municipalities to follow.

This latest effort is spearheaded by the leadership of Danielle McMullen (SUNY) and Cherise Tolbert (Otsego Land Trust), and a county Natural Resources Council has been formed to take on the task of creating the inventory.

Several NRC meetings have been held, and a large and impressive group of stakeholders from local groups, conservation nonprofits and state agencies has coalesced around the project.

At present, the work is being divided among three committees. The GIS Data Gathering Committee is charged with, well, data gathering, concentrating initially on soil, water and forest resources, then moving into areas such as land use. The Strategy and Initiatives Committee is charged with how to go about creating the inventory, and to plan for its various stages of development.

The third committee, Public Outreach, is to keep the public informed of the progress of the inventory, as well as to educate the public as to its use and importance.

The committees will work independently, and Continued on page 10

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Nominations Open for 2024 Class of CCS Athletic Hall of Fame COOPERSTOWN he Cooperstown Sports Booster Club and Cooperstown Central School will hold an induction weekend for the Class of 2024, over homecoming weekend, in late September or early October. A minimum of five individuals and two teams will be inducted.

Anyone may nominate a Cooperstown athlete for consideration. To be considered, an athlete must be a CCS graduate. Graduates from 2014 and earlier may be considered. Teams must be from spring 2014 or earlier.

Coaches, administrators and boosters may also be considered.

Coaches and administrators must be retired from CCS for at least two years to be eligible.

The deadline for nominations is March 11.

A Hall of Fame committee will consider all nominations and select and announce the Class of 2024 in the spring.

The committee includes school and booster club officials as well as current and retired CCS coaches, boosters, and administrators.

More details about the homecoming weekend events will be announced at a later date. In addition to the fall ceremony, a summer golf tournament is being planned.

Begun in 2008, the CCS Sports Hall of Fame has inducted eight previous

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classes of athletic Hall of Famers. After a fiveyear hiatus—in part because of the coronavirus pandemic—CCS inducted a Class of 2023: athletes Josh Edmonds, Phil Pohl, Alec Silvera and Jen Wehner, coach/ teacher Connie Herzig, the 2005 boys cross country team, the 20072008 girls basketball team, and the 2008-2009 volleyball team.

According to Booster Club President Greg Klein, the 2024 induction is being held to catch up on qualified applicants.

“We picked a lot of no-brainer Hall of Famers last year and did not need much debate to get our numbers,” Klein said. “However, we knew there were a lot of historic teams and qualified student-athletes still to consider. With the 2015 and 2019 state championship basketball teams looming and a lot of Olympic sport athletes in the past decade who excelled, I knew some people could get lost in the shuffle if we didn’t make up one of the inductions we lost to COVID.” Applications do not need to be resubmitted but Klein lamented what he called incomplete applications.

“Old stats are hard to come by, I know, but for some candidates we need more information,” he said. “Testimonials work, especially for defenders or goalies, or harder to

quantify candidates.

“Before my time on the committee, I witnessed one candidate get in after years of discussion in the community about their status. When I dug into the records, I saw a long letter had been submitted for this player by a teammate. It was persuasive writing, because the player got inducted that year.”

Klein suggests advocates for candidates who have previously been nominated reach out to him at JYDBook@gmail. com or speak with CCS Athletic Department officials Josh Wagner or Maria Field to see what applications are marked incomplete.

Nomination forms are available at https://www. cooperstowncs.org/ page/ccs-athletics-hallof-fame. E-mail CCS Athletic Director Josh Wagner at jwagner@ cooperstowncs.org for more information or to submit a nomination.

At right, above, Volleyball Coach Rich Jantzi and members of his 2008-09 volleyball team celebrate after their induction to the Cooperstown Central School Athletic Hall of Fame in the Class of 2023.

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Silent Auction of 30 amazing baskets!

More than a dozen Craft Vendors!

Refreshments by the Food Pantry!

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cooperstown. Proceeds benefit Youth Leadership Awards, Scholarships, International Youth Exchanges and various Community projects.

Members meet weekly on Tuesdays at 12:15.

See us on Facebook or email us at rotaryclubcooperstown@gmail.com

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL GUEST EDITORIAL

GEOFFREY DOYLE

One Box To Save Many Editor’s Note: On Friday, January 19, the Oneonta Narcan Initiative Team and LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions distributed the first opioid/naloxone emegency boxes in New York State. The purple ONEbox™ is an emergency opioid overdose reversal kit designed to save lives in what has become a growing epidemic. Geoffrey Doyle opened up the press conference with the following address. We are pleased to share his inspiring words with our readers.

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ood morning. My name is Geoffrey Doyle and I am the executive director here at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all here this morning for the announcement and unveiling of an innovative, lifesaving tool. One that will soon be recognizable and accessible to [Otsego County] residents. And through the continued, concerted efforts of the likeminded, community-conscious individuals and organizations represented here today, these unassuming, meticulously-arranged boxes will also become recognizable and accessible within innumerable communities throughout the country. Resulting in hundreds of thousands of lives being saved.

These unassuming, meticulously-arranged boxes you see before you are what are known as ONEboxes. And each of the 60 ONEboxes on this table has the power to save a life in 60 seconds. In fact, these particular boxes currently have the potential to save four lives each. That’s 240 human beings who could have a second chance; 240 human beings who could be given an opportunity to overcome misfortune and unfortunate circumstances; 240 human beings whose lives will be saved. Whose lives are WORTH saving.

The opioid epidemic has likely affected everyone here today in some way.

Some have overcome their own personal struggles, and in many cases, have had to witness the devastation of opioid addiction in those closest to us. Our friends. Our families. Our loved ones. And I can tell you from experience that when it’s your friend, your family member, your loved one, you are willing to do just about anything you can to save them. And every human being, every person who has fallen victim to opioid addiction, is someone’s friend, someone’s family member, someone’s loved one. And with that perspective, with that knowledge, and a little empathy, are we not explicitly called to do what we can to save the lives of those who are strangers to us? To help the loved ones of others? And that’s what these unassuming, meticulously-arranged ONEboxes provide us the chance to do.

Of course, the naloxone contained in these ONEboxes isn’t a cure for opioid addiction. If only it were that simple. But what these boxes contain is the potential for that second chance. That opportunity to have a rude awakening. A wakeup call. And subsequently, a desire to embrace the reclamation of life. To have that realization, that there can be LIFE after addiction. That there CAN be recovery.

The ONEbox™, in combination with public awareness and destigmatization, provides those opportunities for recovery. And I’m proud to be a part of this little city, this micropolitan—which is what the wonderful Julie Dostal tells me Oneonta is classified as. I’m proud to be a part of Oneonta, where there are people like Kathy Varadi, who has spearheaded this initiative since day one, where there are a number of supportive businesses, politicians, and individuals who see the value in second chances, in the opportunity for recovery, and in the reclamation of life. Thank you.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

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“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper.

They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own.

Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. The length must be no more than 250 words.

The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

founded in 1808

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc. Publisher / Advertising Director

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Columnists and Contributing Writers

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OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum

the partial observer

paul wolf

Transparency, Accountability a Must

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hen Governor Hochul first took office in 2021, she promised a new era of government transparency. She committed to restoring New Yorkers’ faith in their government by improving transparency and increasing government accountability.

The New York Coalition For Open Government has documented large scale non-compliance with the Open Meetings Law and the Freedom of Information Law at the local level. For example: • 72 percent of towns not posting meeting documents online • 25 percent of towns not posting meeting minutes or a recording • 39 percent of counties failed to acknowledge a FOIL request within five business days as required by law • 75 percent of planning boards not posting meeting documents online • Only 25 percent of villages posted meeting minutes online • 35 percent of villages did not even post a meeting agenda • Out of 158 school district executive session motions reviewed, 61 percent were not in compliance with the Open Meetings Law In her 2023 State of the State speech, the governor did not say or propose anything to address the open government crisis that exists in New York State. This lack of attention was disappointingly repeated in the 2024 State of the State last week.

The governor proposed addressing the backlog of liquor license applications but said nothing about the broken Freedom of Information Law system where members of the public are improperly denied FOIL requests or must wait many months to receive basic information.

Gov. Hochul proposed actions to strengthen consumer protections and to enhance the Attorney General’s ability to enforce consumer protections. Meanwhile, New York has some of the weakest open government laws in the nation and the Attorney General’s office actually fights against the public on Freedom of Information Law matters.

The New York Coalition For Open Government has several important bills introduced in Albany, which will improve government transparency and

accountability. We encourage Gov. Hochul to support these bills.

Constitutional Amendment (Assemblymember Steck A4429) Several states have the right to open government stated in their Constitution (California, Florida, Louisiana and Montana). New York does not. Assemblymember Phil Steck has introduced a bill to establish a right to open government in New York’s Constitution. Gov. Hochul supports amending New York’s Constitution so that more judges can be appointed.

It will be interesting to see whether Gov. Hochul supports a bill to amend the State Constitution to add a right to open government.

Mandatory Attorney Fees (Assemblymember Steck/Senator Liu A5357A/S5801A) Unlike other states, New York does not have an independent body with enforcement powers to address violations of the Open Meetings Law and Freedom of Information Law. Other states also impose fines or criminal charges for violations of open government laws; such penalties are not available in New York.

The only recourse available to the public in New York State is retaining an attorney to file an Article 78 proceeding and hope that the court will award attorney fees.

New York’s current attorney fee statute is weaker than many other states and it is more difficult to obtain attorney fees when litigation is successful.

Assemblymember Phil Steck and Senator John Liu have introduced a bill which reforms New York’s attorney fee statute for Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law litigation.

Create A Hearing Officer System To Address Freedom of Information Law Appeals And Open Meetings Law Complaints (Assemblymember Rosenthal A7933) In the 1980s, homeowners across New York State were angry about increasing property taxes. The only recourse homeowners had to challenge their property assessments was to hire Continued on page 13

Letters to the editor … In their opinion

Housing Crisis Plan Is Needed The 2024-25 Executive Budget fails to address both the affordability and availability of housing in the state and in rural communities.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s previous budget proposal at least included ambitious and farsighted initiatives to address the housing crisis.

This year the pendulum has swung all the way back, with a lackluster set of programs that mostly address vacant stateowned properties and New York City, while neglecting the rest of the state.

In November 2023, the Rural Housing Coalition commissioned a Marist Poll that showed 73 percent of New Yorkers believe addressing the housing crisis is a priority in their community, and 71 percent believe the state doesn’t provide enough funding to address the problem. Yet the governor’s proposed budget cuts funding for programs serving disabled and elderly homeowners, cuts funding for the rural preservation program, and cuts funding to build small afford-

able rental developments that bring housing relief to upstate communities.

How could the governor cut funding for these vital programs in the midst of a housing crisis and ignore New Yorkers from all over the state who believe housing should be a priority for policymakers?

We urge members of the New York State Senate and Assembly to reverse these cuts and to convene a Housing Task Force including stakeholders from across the state.

We need a comprehensive plan to address the housing crisis for all New Yorkers.

Michael J. Borges Executive Director Rural Housing Coalition of New York

Bill Harman an Inspiration to All Without Bill Harman’s leadership over the last 55 years (he took the job when he was 12 years old), there would be no Biological Field Station, no Thayer Farm research center, no Moe Pond research facility, no systematic research of Otsego Lake and its watershed, no water-

shed committee—nothing but an abused watershed and lake. Thanks to Bill’s tireless leadership, all of these things exist and will be used under new leadership to address the biggest challenge facing the area since the last glacier receded—the infestation of harmful algal blooms that can poison the lake water for fish, birds, pets, and people.

Bill has lived the life and, fortuitously, looks the part of a naturalist, with his slouch hat and ready smile. We can honor Bill’s work by emulating his commitment to the lake and its ecosystem. He is truly an inspiration for all of us.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

Dems Willy-nilly For Too Long Governor Kathy Hochul used the State of the State as a photo op instead of informing New Yorkers about how she plans to fix our broken state.

She talked about how she intends to invest billions of dollars into welfare programs, but completely breezed over the fact that we have a $4 Continued on page 11

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

THURSDAY, January 25, 2024 news from the noteworthy

SUSQUEHANNA SPCA

SQSPCA Open to Public Again after Shut-down Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 YEARS AGO

Local—The wants of the excellent Fire Department of Cooperstown were the main cause of the erection of the handsome village public building on Chestnut Street, and in supplying this need a commodious Hall was also secured. It was first opened on Friday evening last, when upwards of 700 people gathered at the Concert and a majority remained at the dedication Ball—music by the Albany Lyceum Concert Co. and Gartland’s Tenth Regiment Orchestra—given under direction and management of the fire department. The Hall is of fine proportions, is well lighted by electricity, warmed by a furnace, and the acoustic properties are excellent. The expense incurred in its erection is now regretted by no one.

January 25, 1889

85 YEARS AGO

Plans are complete for the Ice Carnival to be held at the Cooper Inn rink on Wednesday night. The program of events will start at 8:15 o’clock with a revue by the Cooperstown Girls’ sextet composed of the Misses Nicci Sozzi, Mary McGown, Doris Blanchard, Mary Davidson, Barbara Hall and Connie Armitage. At 8:30 o’clock a grand parade will be held and prizes will be given for the most original costumes worn by men and women. The judging will be done by two disinterested people picked from the audience. After that a game of musical chairs for women will be played. At 9 o’clock Arthur Meechan of this village will give a demonstration of figure skating, to be followed by a musical game of chairs for men. Dancing will follow in the Inn from 10 o’clock until midnight.

January 25, 1939

60 YEARS AGO

Five men who recently joined the Cooperstown Rotary Club were formally inducted at the club’s regular weekly luncheon at the Hotel Otesaga on Tuesday of this week. They were Edward C. Smith, J. Edgar Badgley, Frank E. Demaree, Malcolm M. Brooks, and Frederick L. Reynolds. Frank C. Carpenter, a 40-year member of the club, spoke briefly on the aims and objects of Rotary, pointing his remarks especially at the new members. He emphasized the role the individual Rotarian must play if he is to live the spirit of the Rotary code. John A. Sill reviewed many of the projects in which the club has been involved in more than four decades of existence.

Mr. Sill said the club recently undertook development of a student exchange program.

January 22, 1964

35 YEARS AGO

The fate of the trolley transportation system in the village this summer will be determined in the next few weeks when the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce decides whether or not to endorse the project. Chamber representatives and members of the village parking committee, led by trustee Pamela Washburn, have been meeting to work out an agreement. The Chamber has been seeking “major support” from the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmers’ Museum and the Fenimore House, according to the Chamber’s spokesman, Irving “Peter” Day. January 25, 1989

20 YEARS AGO

Last Saturday, January 10, Otsego Lake was officially closed for the season. With temperatures falling well below zero, the lake was completely frozen with ice. Recent years have seen the lake close around the same date, if at all, including January 14 in 2003; December 29 in 2001; and December 19 in 2000. The lake did not close in 2002.

“Uncovered: The Whole Truth about Iraq” will be shown to the public at the Otsego County Courthouse on February 11 at 7:30 p.m. A discussion will be moderated by Paul Scheele, SUNY Oneonta political science professor emeritus.

January 23, 2004

Solution: “I Got a Call from the Y” (January 18)

T

he Susquehanna skilled and trained Society for the personnel, and the support Prevention of Cruelty of people in this region to Animals wishes you all who care—we got through the crisis without further a wonderful, happy New Year! We could not have spread of illness and with been more delighted to see the animals making a great the calendar switch over recovery. to 2024. With the dawning At the SQSPCA, we work of the new year, we were incredibly hard to stay up to successfully through our date on industry standards December shut-down. If you and best practices. We are didn’t see our announceso grateful when we see our ments at the time, we had hard work and protocols to close to the public for save lives. I want to note the first couple of weeks of that in this most recent case, December. Sadly, we had the hard work continued taken in several animals, through the holidays as well. all of which were suffering Kudos to my amazing staff. from infectious diseases and When folks support the needed immediate quaranSQSPCA, whether through Photo provided tine/isolation and staff attenadopting, fostering, volunSQSPCA staff worked through the holidays to tion in order to survive. teering, donating, or shopnurse sick animals back to health.

At our facility, we are so ping in our thrift shop, they, fortunate to have the design, the equipment and too, are saving and improving the lives of animals the personnel to be able to prioritize the animals in need. that are most in need. We are used to dealing with The shelter’s hours of operation are Tuesday one or two infectious diseases at a time, but in through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now that December it was one right after another. We saw our doors are once again open to the public—for no fewer than five different medical issues, in those who want to adopt and for those simply multiple animals, requiring isolation and quaranwishing to visit and socialize with our animals— tine to prevent the spread of disease and to give we hope to see you all soon. those animals the best chance to make it through.

Stacie Haynes is the executive director of the By the end of December—given our facility, Susquehanna SPCA.

By MERL REAGLE

‘2001’ Revisited…

A stroll down memory lane and beyond—way beyond ACROSS 1 Titanic director James 8 Silo setting 12 Heart part, the ___ valve 18 Ludicrous 19 On the Indian, for example 20 “Relax” 21 C reatures seen at the beginning of 2001 22 Black artifact that inspires one of the 21 Across to use a bone as a weapon 24 Nautical opening?

25 Bills’ home?

27 Juicy gossip 28 Ride the waves 30 T ransition from then to now in 2001 37 Certain Sooner 38 Tiss-hue?

39 Hollywood first name 40 Years 41 Had heroes?

42 Measurement system that includes the dyne and gauss 44 Let accumulate 106 Ms. Korbut 14 Application abbr.

47 Amounts 108 AA offshoot 15 Mrs. Gorbachev 49 W here a second black 110 With 119 and 124 Across, 16 Shrewd artifact is found Rock Hudson’s outburst 17 Newsman Jim as he stalked up the aisle 23 ___ arguments 51 Water outlet at 2001’s L.A. premiere 53 Upscale L.A. area in 1968 (as reported by 24 Mennen brand name 57 A duo’s dog, in films attendee Roger Ebert) 26 Tiny measures 60 George W. beat her in Texas 115 Spanish direction 29 Monk’s title 61 M*A*S*H setting 31 Speed unit 116 Poison 63 Mr. Gucci 32 T he Dark at the Top of the 117 Hope metaphor 64 Dave’s craft Stairs playwright 118 Left the bench 70 Harrison role 33 Algerian port 119 See 110 Across 71 Ugh’s cousin 34 Sister 124 See 110 Across 72 Mr. Geller 35 Type of insult 127 Fill with oxygen 73 Handkerchief matcher 128 “Alice’s Restaurant” guy 36 Gold ___ 74 Soup green 43 Hit 129 Makes ___ (doesn’t 75 D ave’s order after the 45 More creation figure) computer has quietly 46 Western pal 130 Acted brattily done in the other astro48 Pole, for one 131 Influence nauts 49 Profs’ aides 132 Cleanup hitter, usually 82 Allot (with “out”) 50 A Formula DOWN 83 Shabby 52 Architect I.M. 1 Emerged 84 Dinghy need 54 Hebrew letters 2 Nine times out of ten 85 Beliefs, slangily 55 Start of a ’60s sitcom 3 They may not be admitted 86 Failed Fords 56 Kansas City pros 4 Spanish queen 89 Slippery one 57 In 5 Boot Hill abbr.

90 D estination of Dave’s final 58 Sculpted 6 Fawcett’s ex (psychedelic) journey 59 Beliefs 7 Get comfy 93 Ruin 61 Bruno or Durward 8 Thick 95 ___ rum 62 Oregon city 9 Tree type 97 Flight stat: abbr.

65 Peach feature 10 Piping 98 Saver’s option 66 German cry 11 1950s First Lady 101 Hollywood first name 67 Discussion of a sort 12 Hindu prayers 104 Buttoned 68 AFL’s partner 13 Judge in the news, 1995

69 Above, to poets 76 Have to have 77 Pym’s creator 78 Outstanding 79 Outlaw Cole 80 Skip on water 81 Hitchcock’s title 87 Wall Street concern 88 London area 90 Shock 91 Streetcar 92 Della and Paul’s creator 94 Spoke sans clarity 96 Poker of note?

98 Here, in a way 99 Cooker 100 Stake of a sort 101 Reverence 102 Panoramas 103 Netter Gibson 105 Dark greenish blue 107 Delon and Prost 109 Right ___ (exact justice) 111 Rude looks 112 Available 113 Top Indian, once 114 Cleanser brand 120 Owns 121 French season 122 Woozy 123 Conceptual artist LeWitt 125 The Sun Devils’ sch.

126 Order to Fido

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

LOCALS: PEOPLE/BUSINESSES IN THE NEWS STUDENTS AWARDED: Trang Nguyen, Gabriella Ragozzine, and Graham Wooden of Oneonta and Camilla Tabor of Cooperstown were among the 60 SUNY Oneonta students receiving the Richard Siegfried Student Award in the fall 2023 semester for earning a total GPA of 3.9 or higher. To be eligible for the award, a student who meets the GPA requirement must either be a full-time firstyear or transfer student. Students received the award on December 5, following the annual Richard Siegfried Junior Faculty Prize for Academic Excellence Lecture. Dr. Matthew Unangst, assistant professor of history at SUNY Oneonta, was this year’s Junior Faculty Prize recipient. He delivered this year’s Richard Siegfried Lecture, titled “Then is Now: History as Politics in Germany, Tanzania, and Beyond,” in the Morris Conference Center on campus. The award is named in memory of Richard K. Siegfried, SUNY Oneonta professor of theatre from 1958 until 1995. Professor Siegfried (or Sieg, as generations of students fondly called him) epitomized excellence in his academic life, through imagination, meticulous scholarship and discipline, and through his expectation of the same pursuit of excellence in his students and colleagues.

MOUSSA EXCELS: Joseph James Moussa of Oneonta excelled during the fall 2023 semester at Hofstra University, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Joseph James’s major is undecided-liberal arts and sciences.

CLERK CERTIFICATION: The New York State Association of City and Village Clerks announced last month that Jenna L. Utter, Village of Cooperstown village clerk, has earned the certification of Registered Municipal Clerk. The RMC program is administered by the NYSACVC in conjunction with the New York State Town Clerks Association. The RMC was established in 1997 to recognize the educational and professional accomplishments in the profession of municipal clerk. The program serves to promote the continued education of municipal clerks to enable them to better serve their boards and community. The program’s standards have been developed to strike a balance that allows all clerks to attain certification while meeting standards that support the integrity and credibility of a statewide professional accreditation program. The overall goal of the RMC program is to aid municipal clerks in improving job performance, while recognizing the professionalism of the municipal clerk’s office. “The NYSACVC applauds Jenna Utter for demonstrating a commitment to public service and the pursuit of continuing education,” officials said in a press release.

DEAN’S DESIGNEES: Maura Buck of Richfield Springs and Maya Powers of Worcester were named to the Elmira College Dean’s List for Academic Achievement for the fall 2023 term. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who were registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and who earned a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher.

CV-S STANDOUT: Jaelyn Jaquay of Cherry Valley, a graduate of Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School majoring in communication sciences and disorders, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester at Baldwin Wallace University, according to Provost Stephen D. Stahl. The Dean’s List recognizes students who earn a grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded hours during the semester.

SEASONAL SONGSTERS:

Milford Central School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) members shared holiday cheer on December 22 by delivering singing telegrams to K12 students. Pictured at right are eleventh-grader Aidan McWaters, SADD vice-president, thirdgrader Cora Stringer and senior Jack Yorke, SADD president. “It’s a great way to…reconnect with an old tradition that shows people you care,” said Yorke. (Photo provided by MCS staff) COOPERSTOWN

KUDOS:

“Travel + Leisure” magazine recently featured Cooperstown in its “Trip Ideas” section, calling it an “Upstate New York gem” and “the perfect small-town getaway.” The article includes input from Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard owner Bill Michaels and former mayor Jeff Katz, and offers tips on hotels and resorts, things to do, restaurants, shopping, the best time to visit, and more. The full article can be found at https://www.travelandleisure.com/cooperstown-new-york-travel-guide-8422702.

PRESIDENTIAL PICK: Mikaila Marie Flavell of Otego, a senior majoring in software engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2023 semester at Clarkson University. Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

DEAN’S DISTINCTION: Matthew Michael Huestis of Fly Creek, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester at Clarkson University. Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

SNHU STARS: Amanda Plows of Hartwick and Wyatt Thurber of Richmondville have been named to the Southern New Hampshire University fall 2023 Dean’s List. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Photo provided by Pathfinder Village

Pamela Simmons, Bonnie Conrow LPN, and Theresa Scrivener of the Bassett Edmeston-Burlington Health Center accept the Community Heroes Award from Pathfinder Village’s President and CEO Paul C. Landers in recognition of the vital role of the health clinic to Pathfinder’s residents and the greater community.

Pathfinder Announces Community Heroes, Program Excellence Awards EDMESTON athfinder Village honored its Community Heroes and Programs of Excellence during its Family Day on October 7. The staff of the Bassett Health Center Edmeston-Burlington, Pathfinder School, and Pastor Douglas Burleigh were recognized before gathered families, board members, and other stakeholders.

The awards acknowledge how individuals and programs have improved the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sustained and relevant person-centered services. Pathfinder Village, a livable residential community and services provider founded in 1980, has been a leader in defining best practices in the Down syndrome field for decades.

In making the Community Heroes presentation, Pathfinder President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Landers recalled how Donald Pollock, MD, and Van Ness Robinson of New York Central Mutual Insurance worked to open Bassett Healthcare Network’s first-ever community clinic in Edmeston in 1973. When it outgrew its South Street facility, the community clinic relocated to Pathfinder’s Butler House in 1990. It moved again in 2015, after Pathfinder raised funds to build a larger, contemporary facility, the William F. Streck Community Health Center. This building is named for Bassett’s past president and chief executive officer, William F. Streck, MD, who also serves as chair of Pathfinder’s Board of Directors.

In presenting the award to Bassett staff members Theresa Scrivener, Pamela Simmons, and Bonnie Conrow LPN, Landers said, “It’s hard to describe how important it is to have the clinic here given the complex needs of our individuals. Healthcare is best administered when there is familiarity between the clinician and the patient.”

“Having this clinic here has given us a deep connection between the clinician and the patient,” he continued. “It’s the way medicine is meant to be delivered. Simply put, the health center is another tangible asset at Pathfinder that creates an environment where ‘each life may find meaning’.”

A Program Excellence award was given to the staff of Pathfinder School, a K-12 program that offers academic instruction, therapies, and other services to children with diverse physical and behavioral needs from 15 regional school districts. Landers said the school is Pathfinder’s “mostenduring program” and continues the affirming legacy of the Otsego School, an Edmeston-based home school founded in 1922 to educate children with Down syndrome by Florence Chesebrough, RN. Landers said the decades-long operation of the Otsego School set the inclusive tone for the entire community, and that long-standing acceptance encouraged the expansion of Pathfinder’s educational services in 2014 through its post-secondary program, Otsego Academy. He praised current Sr. Director of Education Maura Iorio for steering the educational program through some of its greatest changes and challenges.

“The children in our school are very different today; they have different needs than when Pathfinder opened,” he said. “With Maura’s leadership, and our dedicated faculty, therapists, and staff, Pathfinder School has redefined itself as a more diverse educational setting, delivering credible, creative services to a more-complex student population. But the story is still the same … today families can find a place where their loved one can grow, learn, and mature. Pathfinder School continues to be a place of hope, a reminder to all of us of the human potential.”

Landers also presented Pastor Douglas Burleigh a Program Excellence Award for his 14 years of providing spiritual and faith services to residents and families as part of Pathfinder Village’s Enrichment Program. The Rev. Burleigh, who also serves Community Hospice of Albany, retired from his position at the end of the year.

“Pastor Doug has served through some really challenging times,” said Continued on page 13

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FREEMAN’S JOURNAL/HO A-7

Harman

boast 15 buildings with several lab classrooms, conference areas and other academic services.

Over the years the Field Station has acquired many acres of land near the lake. Rum Hill and the Thayer Farm on the east side of the lake were among the first, but now the field station either owns or has access to 2,600 acres of land for the study of ecosystems of all kinds. Researchers can study woods, wetlands, fields, ponds and shorelines.

Harman chuckled as he told tales of his years spent on the lake and of the many times he has used his scientific data to protect it. He also had fond recollections of working alongside other local environmentalists and lovers of the lake, from those with deep enough pockets to help fund needed projects to others who brought their professional skills and dedication to the cause.

“No one person can do it all by themselves,” he said.

Continued from page 1 an incredible debt to Bill Harman and the decades of scientific data amassed at the Biological Field Station, which has contributed to the quality of our environment,” she said.

Local organizations, colleagues and former students from Harman’s Lake Management Program all had praise for him. They spoke of his passion for his work and inspiring commitment to lake science.

Donna Vogler, president of the board of the Otsego County Conservation Association, said she has known Harman for at least 20 years and that his ability to connect the larger community with scientific facts about the lake made him a very effective environmental leader.

“It would be disingenuous to call him larger than life,” she said. “But he does have a way of stepping in and being recognized. He has been such a long and determined force. When he talks about some of the things that have gone on with the lake, he has watched it and you can feel he has that personal passion for it.”

Hanging Up His Hat On a recent Monday, Harman sat in his office in the Field Station’s original building on the lake. Most of his books and photos were gone, but a bright orange jacket with HARMAN written across the back still hung just outside, alongside heavy waders and several pairs of galoshes.

He may be retiring, but he will still be a presence in the local environmental community.

“I am not going to forget about Otsego Lake,” he said with conviction.

Harman said he is looking forward to traveling and spending time with his wife, Barbara, but was glad to reminisce about how he and others built the field station and Lake Management graduate program into an internationally-known institute that has sent its students and researchers around the world. A part of SUNY Oneonta, the entities now

How It All Began Harman’s interest in water ecosystems began in childhood with a love of family and place.

He grew up in Geneva, on the shores of Seneca Lake. Both his parents were entomologists, and many of his extended family members were avid hunters and fishermen who also lived along the lake.

“I was interested in what was going on in the water,” he said. “I don’t even remember when I couldn’t swim.”

By age 8, Harman was selling snakes and other small creatures he caught near his home to a business that supplied specimens to schools for biology classes. He also began scuba diving in the late 1940s, so he knew every inch of his nearby lakeshore—both above and below the water.

Despite his deep interest in natural science, Harman did not do well in college at first. After just two semesters, he was asked to leave Hobart College “until I matured,” he recollected. He knew he loved diving, and the easiest and cheapest way to get experience was to join the Navy, so he did. There he was assigned to underwater explo-

Jane Forbes Clark and the

Board of Directors of

The Clark Foundation and

The Scriven Foundation wish to thank

Dr. Bill Harman for his deep commitment to our region’s watershed and environment and wish him a very happy and well deserved retirement!

Continued on page 8

Congratulations on your retirement Dr. Harman (Bill) Your SUNY Oneonta family appreciates your 55 years of teaching, researching and mentoring

Bill’s passion for protecting lakes has gifted future generations in academia and communities with the data and approaches needed to fuel our conservation efforts Thank you for showing us - through your work, words and daily actions - how to be environmental stewards of Otsego Lake Your vision and accomplishments – the creation of the lake management degree program, vision for the Biological Field Station and model of environmental stewardship – are just a few of the many gifts that SUNY Oneonta students, faculty and alumni will carry on in your legacy

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Harman

Continued from page 7 -sive ordnance disposal and risked his life in seas all over the world.

After five years he returned to visit his beloved Seneca Lake, but found it horribly changed. The invasive aquatic plant milfoil had taken over and the underwater ecosystem he loved so much had been obliterated.

“From my point of view I had lost my home,” he said. “There was nothing to come back to. That was one of the big reasons to get back to higher education.

To fix lakes.”

Starting the Biological Field Station Harman studied freshwater ecosystems first at Syracuse University’s forestry school and then at Cornell. Along the way he logged time at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Harvard, but his heart remained in Central New York.

“I had done [specimen] collecting in Otsego Lake and decided that, frankly, this was the best part of the country I wanted to live in because of the kinds of natural resources it has,” he said.

“Clean water, wooded hills and the biotas associated with that.”

When a job was advertised at SUNY Oneonta’s

Dear Bill: Very few people have dedicated as much time, and for so many years, to protecting the waters of the Village of Cooperstown, the waters of Otsego County and New York State, and the lakes of the United States. It has been a pleasure to work with you, to know you and to be able to celebrate your retirement with you.

— Paul and Martha Clarvoe

Photo courtesy of OCCA

Above, Bill Harman and Martha Clarvoe, former Otsego County Conservation Association board president, release walleye fingerlings into Otsego Lake, circa 2009.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

biology department he applied right away. When he didn’t immediately hear back he offered to teach a guest seminar in the hopes of dazzling the departmental leaders.

His talk on freshwater snails did just that, and though they had already hired someone else for the position he had applied for, they offered Harman the opportunity to head up the newlycreated entity that would become the field station.

There wasn’t money in their budget, so they used funds from an equipment Photo provided line, Harman said. wife is the one who has kept me moving,” Harman said of wife Barbara, pictured above The year before, “My in a boat on Otsego Lake back in the day.

Stephen C. Clark had donated 365 acres lems, however, and the would work best for could attract as many as of land adjacent to situation needed to be the environment and 7,000 visitors, Harman Leatherstocking Golf addressed at a higher the community. The said. Unfortunately, the Course to SUNY so that level, Harman said. data and ideas were park’s sewage system students and faculty The state needed to step presented to the Village used a sand filtration could research the local in, but the two agencies of Cooperstown, which system that emptied environment. A section of that might have jurisdic- needed to manage its into Shadow Brook, the that property near the lake tion—the Department of water and sewage needs largest tributary into the became the first base of Environmental Conser- using lake water and the lake. Though harmful operations for the BFS. vation and the Office level they agreed upon bacteria was filtered out, of General Services— remains in place today. everything else made its First Project refused to take responsi- Dr. Ted Peters, another way into the lake and Before the 1970s, bility, Harman said.

Navy veteran who also was rapidly drawn south lake levels were not “The DEC was ran Bassett Hospital’s toward the Susquehanna. controlled as they are responsible for every- research institute and Soon there was massive today. The dam at Mill thing above mean high served on Cooperstown’s algae overgrowth, which Street was there, but it water level and OGS Water and Sewer Board, had a severe impact was rare that the wooden had authority below it,” was also very involved in on the lake’s delicate boards that managed flow he said, but no one had the project, Harman said. ecosystem. were tinkered with. That ever determined what With lake levels stabi“We could have lost meant snow melts and that level was. “They lized and the high water all the cold water fish heavy rains could raise just threw things back mark determined, the out of the lake,” Harman lake levels by several and forth at each other state agencies could said, pointing to fishfeet, submerging docks, and nothing was getting start doing their share, erman favorites, trout flooding lakeside proper- done.”

Harman said. and Otsego bass. ties, and causing erosion.

Harman decided the Field station staff Lakeside residents were field station would start Glimmerglass immediately began taking matters into their recording lake level data State Park collecting data, which own hands, devising and he and the late Sam Also in the 1970s, they showed to the state their own methods to Smith, of Sam Smith’s Glimmerglass State Parks and Recreation stabilize the shorelines. Boatyard, combed the Park was growing in Department and the Those attempts were shoreline to try to deter- popularity and on a problem was fixed, causing their own prob- mine what water level hot summer weekend Harman said.

The Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to thank Dr. Harman for his years of service and dedication toward the improvement of Otsego Lake and its various tributaries, and it wishes him a happy retirement!

Though stepping out of his professional career, his aid and contributions to furthering the mission of the Otsego County SWCD will be felt for many years.

www.otsegosoilandwater.com

It’s been great working with you over the years, Bill!

With appreciation for all you have done for the lake and the community– Your pals at Sam Smith’s Boatyard and The Blue Mingo Grill

Funding Conundrum Those successful endeavors raised the field station’s profile in the community. People with an interest in the lake knew harmful runoff from septic systems and farms was still damaging the ecosystem and they wanted more to be done.

Harman was happy to oblige, but such projects cost money.

A chance meeting on the lake brought the first significant donation.

Harman and other staff had been diving at the north end of the lake to track algae growth when a storm forced them to quit for the day. On their way back to the station, they spotted an older gentleman standing on a point of land on the east side of Otsego and Continued on page 9

Thanks from the rowers and swimmers, Bill!

Without Bill Harman’s leadership over the last 55 years (he took the job when he was 12 years old), there would be no Biological Field Station, no Thayer Farm research center, no Moe Pond research facility, no systematic research of Otsego Lake and its watershed, no watershed committee nothing but an abused watershed and lake. Thanks to his tireless leadership, all of these things exist and will be used under new leadership to address the biggest challenge facing the area since the last glacier receded - the infestation of harmful algal blooms that can poison the lake water for fish, birds, pets and people.

Bill has lived the life and, fortuitously, looks the part of a naturalist, with his slouch hat and ready smile. We can honor Bill’s work by emulating his commitment to the lake and its ecosystem. He is truly an inspiration for all of us.

THANK YOU, BILL, ENJOY RETIREMENT! Chip & Nancy Northrup

Congratulations, Bill, on a long and impressive career. Thank you for your dedicated years of service to SUNY Oneonta and the students.

We wish you all the best on your retirement and hope you enjoy your next adventure.

Your neighbors at the Cooperstown Graduate Program

cgpmuseumstudies.org

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Harman

of plans for a healthy future and said Harman’s relationship with the local community was just as important.

“When Bill says what he is going to do, the community trusts that he is going to do just that,” Allen added.

In 2001, Harman was designated a Distinguished Professor of Service, the highest professional rank achievable in the SUNY system.

Continued from page 8 looking concerned. It was Willis Hadley, who owned the little manmade promontory. State laws had changed and he recognized that he would have to address some issues. Harman took some time that day to dive in and look over the situation underwater.

The information he gathered was then given to the state and Hadley was able to maintain the property as it was.

Hadley was so grateful that he gave the BFS a large donation. It was their first and others, including the Clark Foundation, soon followed suit. Larger grants and donations were used not only to fund programs, but to assist farmers and other landowners to address harmful runoff issues on private property.

As the years went by, the Clark Foundation began giving to the field station annually.

“We basically owe everything to them,” Harman said.

Photo provided

Bill Harman has always loved to see the natural wonders of the world. Next stop—Nicaragua.

A Brick through the Window Harman’s projects weren’t popular with everyone. When the state proposed a large boat launch at Glimmerglass State Park, local environmental groups and others protested. Boaters and fishermen who didn’t have ready access to the lake, however, supported the plan.

Public meetings became contentious and Harman, who opposed the boat launch, was accused of being in the pocket of wealthy local residents who wanted the lake for themselves.

One night a brick was thrown through the window of Harman’s car as it was parked outside his home. Still, he pressed forward and brought his data to the state, which ultimately agreed that the lake would be unduly harmed by the launch.

Local attorney Robert Poulson and preservation group Otsego 2000 then worked with Harman to ensure that there wouldn’t be any new launch site proposals.

field station knows right away and is able to develop a response.

So it was when milfoil, the same species that threatened Harman’s beloved Seneca Lake years ago, was spotted in Otsego Lake. It turned out there were insect species that grazed on the weed and found their quarry on their own. That time the response was simply to watch and wait.

But when a small fish called an alewife arrived, it posed a greater threat. Alewives voraciously eat zooplankton, but zooplankton helps control algae overgrowth.

As the algae grew out of control, it affected the cold water trout and bass in a repeat of the impact of the Glimmerglass sewage decades before.

Harman and others at the field station knew of another fish that ate alewives, so they got funding—much of it from Lou Hager Jr.—to bring in as many as 80,000 walleyes a year for several years and the problem was solved. As luck would have it, walleyes are popular among fishermen, and had been native to Otsego Lake until they died out years ago, so it was a win-win.

“In the last five years we haven’t seen an alewife,” Harman said.

“Because of that the Otsego bass are coming back strong and so are ciscos and a whole lot of minnows.”

Invasive Threats Public battles aside, BFS students and staff are always collecting data about the lake.

Everything from water levels to ice cover patterns to species populations and even microplastics is being studied and recorded.

This means that when a new threat to the local ecosystem arises, the

A New Threat Now the lake faces a triple threat.

In recent years invasive zebra and quagga mussels have found their way in, coating anything solid beneath the lake’s surface with their sharp shells. In addition, their consumption of certain types of algae has opened the way for a harmful species of algae,

Congratulations, Dr. Bill Harman!

The contributions you have made to our communities are endless. We all appreciate your 56 years of service to keep us safe in our environment!

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AllOTSEGO.com

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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

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cyanobacteria.

Harman and his team have been at the forefront of the drive to prevent these harmful algae blooms, or HABS, from taking over. The fight is likely to be a hard one, however.

“There is no known way to get rid of mussels and cyanobacteria in a lake this size,” Harman said.

The fight isn’t over, though. Otsego Lake’s Watershed Supervisory Committee is working with the community to develop a Lake Management Plan to find ways to mitigate the problem. The field station is a partner in the endeavor.

Lake Management Program One of the most important ways to protect freshwater resources into the future is more research.

Alongside the field station’s efforts to protect the lake has been its mission to educate

students who want to do the same in other places.

“One reason I have not retired until now is that I have been trying to get students out there to manage lakes,” Harman said. “Getting them out there, hopefully doing what I have been trying to do.”

The Lake Management Program is the only one of its kind in the world.

It admits nine students a year. Over the decades it has been operating, its graduates have obtained jobs across the nation and even in Europe.

One former student, Dave Andrews, called the program “unique.”

“You are immersed not only in the research but also interacting with the public,” he said.

“That’s a part that is kind of missing from a lot of grad programs.”

But Harman himself was also part of the draw.

“Bill has that wisdom of age,” he said. “He exudes the confidence of

someone who has been doing this a long time and the kind of person I wanted to learn from.”

Harman’s connections and reputation helped Andrews get his current job at the Upstate Freshwater Institute at Syracuse University, he said.

SUNY Oneonta’s Dean of Sciences Tracy Allen said the BFS would not be what it is without Harman’s continued leadership.

“We have somebody who literally has his life thread sewn through the Biological Field Station,” Allen said.

He pointed to Harman’s methodical collection of data about the lake as the foundation and the best source

Next Stop, Nicaragua Though Otsego County will always be home, Bill and Barbara Harman have always loved to see the natural wonders of the world. They have been to the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Hawaii and New Zealand. They will soon head to Nicaragua.

“My wife is the one who has kept me moving,” he said.

Barbara Harman has had an interesting career of her own, working for non-governmental organizations creating schools for girls around the world.

Wherever they are, they will not be forgotten here at home.

Joe Homburger, a fellow environmentalist who has worked with Harman on many projects, wished him well.

“He is completely dedicated to the health and wellbeing of Otsego Lake…I didn’t think he would ever retire,” Homburger said. “More that he would just drift into the moss.”

Congratulations to Dr. Bill Harman on your well-deserved retirement after 56 years! Thank you for all do for our community!

www.occainfo.org

Congratulations, Dr. Harman!

The Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) would like to congratulate Dr. Harman on his retirement and thank him for all of his years of work in invasive species research and management! www.catskillinvasives.com CRISP’s Mission is to promote education, prevention, early detection and control of invasive species, to limit their impact on the ecosystems and economies of the Catskills.

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, January 25, 2024

Town Talk

Town of Otsego

Photo by Milo Stewart Jr.

Museum Staff Members Recognized COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum acknowledged the contributions of eight staff members at its annual recognition event held on Friday, December 8. Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Board of Directors of The Farmers’ Museum, presented the awards and Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, president and chief executive officer of the two institutions, presided. A 35year award was presented to Garry Aney. Fifteen-year awards were presented to Harold Gardner and Matt Gregory. Ten-year awards were presented to Marielle Ainsworth, Patti Bliss, Barbara Lokos, Pete Mateunas and Ambrose Santiago. Picture above, from left, are Jane Forbes Clark; Ambrose Santiago, human resources and accounting file coordinator; Garry Aney, interpreter; Harold Gardner, interpreter; Matt Gregory, interpreter; Pete Mateunas, chief of safety and security; and Paul D’Ambrosio. Not in attendance: Marielle Ainsworth, school programs community liaison; Barbara Lokos, visitor service associate; and Patti Bliss, visitor service associate.

NRI

Continued from page 2 come together periodically to report progress.

One may ask, what is the purpose of such an exercise? There are benefits to having an NRI on a few different levels. As mentioned earlier, protecting natural resources is only made possible when the type and extent of these resources is known. In addition, the chance of obtaining funding is made possible when the resources are quantified. Perhaps most important is the fact that a Natural Resources Inventory serves as a solid basis for land-use policy,

Legal

Legal nOtice NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY Docket No. FM-02-1392-23 To: ROBERT KIRCHHOEFER By order of the Superior Court of New Jersey, in a cause of action for divorce seeking dissolution of the marriage pending before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, Bergen County, wherein a complaint has been filed where Emely Kirchhoefer is the Plaintiff and you are the Defendant, you are hereby notified that a Proposed Final Judgment setting forth the relief sought by the Plaintiff has been filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court,

so critical as we take on the challenges of climate change.

The Natural Resources Council meets monthly to continue its work.

To learn more about the council and the NRI process, contact the Otsego Land Trust at (607) 547-2366.

is deeply connected to this place. If you spend time with him, you understand that he cares about you, he cares about our community members, and he cares about Pathfinder’s mission,” concluded Landers.

DENTAL Insurance

Awards

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Continued from page 6 Landers, referencing Rev. Burleigh’s counseling during the pandemic and in helping residents who have experienced the passing of friends through aging and dementia.

“Doug is always available in times of need and

Legal

Family Part, Bergen County Courthouse, 10 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.

The Default Hearing is scheduled for February 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. A copy of the Notice can be examined at the Family Division Manager’s office at the Bergen County Courthouse.

LATERRA & HODGE, LLC 45 Essex Street Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 419-6070 Attorneys for Plaintiff Ms. Emely Kirchhoefer Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Roaming Roots Farm LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/14/2024.

Cty: Otsego.

Legal

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 174 Main St Otego, NY 13825.

General Purpose 6LegalFeb.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Quicksilverkeys LLC filed w/ SSNY 1/18/24.

Off. in Otsego Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the LLC, PO Box 386, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Terraforge Motorsports LLC

The awards were announced during October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, to underscore the roles and contributions that people with Trisomy 21 make in their communities.

Call 1-855-225-1434 Dental50Plus.com/Nypress Product/features not available in all states. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. To find a network provider, go to physiciansmutual.com/find-dentist. This specific offer not available in CO, NV, NY, VA – call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for a similar offer in your state. Certificate C254/B465, C250A/B438 (ID: C254ID; PA: C254PA); Insurance Policy P154/B469, P150/B439 (GA: P154GA; OK: P154OK; TN: P154TN).

6347

Legal

LEGALS Legal

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State Of New York (SSNY) on 01/14/2023.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alfred W. Quick: 7553 NY-80 Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.29

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 114 Main St, Cooperstown, New York 13326.

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

6LegalFeb.22

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Name: TIN BIN ALLEY LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 11 January 2024.

Legal nOtice

BARREL SEE LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/27/23, Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Aidan Sawyer 211 County Rd 52 Cooperstown, NY 13326 General Purpose 6LegalFeb.22

Legal

Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FILING: APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY (FOREIGN LLC).

ADESACOLE LLC Application for authority filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/29/23.

Office Location: Otsego County.

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

SSNY shall mail copy of process to DOYINSOLA HALIMAT OGBEIFUN : 14 Tilton Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.22 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

If you’ve driven through the charming hamlet of Fly Creek recently, you may have noticed a new structure being built at the Town of Otsego’s highway garage. We are very happy that our much-needed Salt Shed Project is nearing completion. One look at the former salt storage structure—if one could even call it that—makes it clear that something needed to change.

Thanks to support from a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Watershed Quality Improvement grant, grant funds from Otsego County’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation, and our own locally saved Building Reserve funds, this transformation is close to becoming a reality. Beyond the obvious benefit of curbing salt runoff into the ground and nearby Oaks Creek, the new engineered building will enhance our emergency preparedness with expanded storage for reserve materials.

I want to give many thanks to our hardworking highway crew and highway superintendent, who do an excellent job keeping our roads safe in the winter. I also want to thank the foresight of past town boards, particularly those who got this project off the ground with the initial grant application. This has been an improvement that has been long discussed, and I am very glad we are finally making it a reality.

Ben Bauer Town of Otsego Supervisor

Comm. Ball Delivers Address SYRACUSE ew York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball delivered his 2024 State of Agriculture Address at the 192nd New York State Agricultural Society Annual Forum on January 11. In keeping with this year’s theme of “Harnessing Regenerative Business,” Ball outlined the state’s goals in boosting the agricultural industry and increasing production while also fighting climate change. Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State plan, announced the same week, features a number of new programs and initiatives that aim to build a more resilient agriculture sector. Among other programs, the state will provide $34 million for on-farm milk storage and processing infrastructure, $21 million for alternative waste management and enhanced precision feed programs, and key investments in the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition of Soil and Water Conservation districts. There will also be increased support for agricultural education and workforce development. “We are all working through a number of concerns and uncertainties, from disruptions in the marketplace and skyrocketing inflation impacting our farmers and the people we serve, to labor and immigration challenges, the ever-increasing threat of climate change, and everything in between,” Ball said. “But I believe we were designed for such purposes and no problem is too big for us if we work together. Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities for us to become stronger, more resilient.” A recording of the speech will be available on the NYS Agricultural Society’s YouTube channel. A transcript may be found at https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/2024-state-agriculture-address.

N

Legal

Friends of the Feral TNR – Otsego LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/27/2023.

Cty: Otsego.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served and shall mail process to Gina M. Colone: 17 River Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

General Purpose 6LegalFeb.15 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of TRAVELING TOOLS HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/30/23, Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St #112 Albany, NY 12207 General Purpose

Legal

6LegalFeb.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Golden Swan Trading LLC. Articles of Organization filed with SSNY on 11/28/2023.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated agent with service of process address: PO Box 1469, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of NMBR 9 HOLDINGS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/7/23.

Office in Otsego Co.

Legal

SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.25 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of CHASE ORGAN COMPANY LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/11/23.

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

SSNY shall mail process to 1529 Co Hwy 39, Worcester, NY 12197, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.25

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Letters

Continued from page 4 billion budget deficit.

She failed to present a solution to the migrant crisis and instead thinks throwing money at it will solve the problem. Her “common-sense” policies still allow violent criminals to have their slates wiped clean while

our public safety crisis remains untouched.

She won’t make New York safer, but don’t worry, she will cough up the money to build floating pools in the city.

Now she’s threatening your children’s education funding.

Gov. Hochul briefly touched on multiple problems we face, but her solutions are just

fantasies. We won’t be able to do anything if we can’t get something as simple as our finances in order. Our population is struggling. People don’t want to live in New York, a state plagued by rampant crime, illegal migrants, a housing crisis and record inflation. You can’t blame people for wanting to start a family elsewhere,

Gov. Hochul has made it impossible to start a life in the Empire State.

Through her ranting and raving about the “big plans” she has for New York, Gov. Hochul forgot to mention that this year Albany Democrats must be taught accountability and responsibility while we are on the brink of an economic collapse. We have let them run willy-

nilly in Albany for too long with their radical policies, and now we are paying the price.

My colleagues and I will take this year to stand up against radical Democrat policies. We will fight for change and fight for you.

Assemblyman Chris Tague 102nd Assembly District

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, milestones, grand openings, sports results, anniversaries and more.

Photos welcome, too! info@allotsego.com

OBITUARIES

Photo provided

CHRISTOPHER cAMPBELL

Christopher D. Campbell 1949-2024

CHERRY VALLEY— Christopher Dudley Campbell, of Cherry Valley, died peacefully at home on January 6, with his family by his side. He was 74.

Chris was known for his easy smile, a remarkable inventory of stories told with dry humor and his boundless love for Cherry Valley. He was an avid history buff and collector, coauthoring a book about the history of Sharon Springs that featured his historical postcard collection.

A proud husband and father, Chris married Helen Eloise Bell in 1987.

His previous marriage to Barbara Sepp had ended in divorce. He had three sons: Dakin Matthew, from his first marriage, and Samuel Dakin and Benjamin Hale, from his second.

When asked several years ago, Chris said what made him happy was “knowing that my family is healthy, happy and loved by many.”

Chris was born on July 30, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York, the second child and only son of Dudley Dakin Campbell Jr. and Rosalind Wickham Hale Campbell. He had three sisters: Heather, Caroline and Jennifer.

The family lived in Brooklyn Heights for a time, and Chris attended Packer Collegiate Institute and Poly Prep Country Day School. The family later left Brooklyn for the Pleasantville, New York suburbs, in Westchester County.

After graduating from high school, with the Vietnam War underway, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During basic training, he volunteered for Submarine Service, one of the Navy’s most select and challenging assignments.

After rigorous physical, mental and psychological tests, Chris was admitted to submarine school in New London, Connecticut. He graduated at the top of his class.

After additional training in sonar school, he was assigned to the USS James Monroe, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

While aboard as a sonar specialist, he achieved the rank of petty officer and received a top-secret security clearance. In 1969, after proudly serving his country, Chris received an honorable discharge.

After his tour of duty and college courses at Dutchess College and New York University, Chris returned to his ancestral home at Oakwood in Cherry Valley, New York.

Chris was a passionate genealogist, a direct descendant of James Campbell, who helped settle Cherry Valley in 1740. Chris was the greatgreat-great grandson of Colonel Samuel Campbell, who fought heroically during the French and Indian wars in the 1750s and, as a member of the Tryon County Committee on Safety during the American Revolution, in the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 1777.

A favorite book of Chris’ was the “Annals of Tryon County,” written

by William W. Campbell in 1831, which, he said several years ago, “gave me a sense of where I was from and the times and trials that our family endured.”

Like his ancestors, Chris gave back to the Upstate New York and Cherry Valley communities throughout his life.

In the 1970s, Chris worked with many local professional land surveyors. He helped measure out several sections for the construction of the new Interstate 88 as the Chief of Survey Parties.

In the early 1980s, in his position with the Otsego County Mapping Division, Chris was responsible for accurately determining and plotting the property lines of 15,000 parcels of land on the eastern side of Otsego County. The project took five years and required extensive research, interpreting aerial photography, orthophotography, and fieldwork.

In 1982, he cofounded PROTECT, an environmental group, to stop the exploitation of Otsego County’s natural resources. He would become its president, campaigning against the construction of Marcy South, a high-voltage power line planned to dissect the county.

Though PROTECT was founded in Cooperstown, it developed into a ninecounty coalition, eventually getting the line rerouted.

Chris was also the founder and former chairman of the Cherry Valley Planning Board, the sole assessor for the

Town of Cherry Valley for many years, and a former Cherry Valley Fire Department member.

In 1985, Chris started the Campbell Agency, a successful real estate brokerage in Cherry Valley, and a related abstract and appraisal company. He would be a real estate broker for the remainder of his working life.

In later years, Chris got into amateur radio, feeding a childhood love of science and electronics. He held an Extra Class radio license, call sign W2CDC, and was a former president of the Otsego County Amateur Radio Association.

During those experiences, Chris made lifelong connections. He was always happy to greet someone he hadn’t seen in years, often remembering them by their first name.

Chris is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eloise, and his sons Dakin, Samuel, and Benjamin; his grandchildren, Willa, Malcolm, Ada, and Kai; his mother, Rosalind, and his sisters Heather, Caroline, and Jennifer.

He is also survived by his former wife, Barbara.

He is predeceased by his father, Dudley.

At Chris’ request, there will be no calling hours or memorial service.

Interment of his cremains will be at the Campbell family plot in the Cherry Valley Cemetery.

Donations in Chris’ memory may be made to the Cherry Valley Health Center, 2 Main Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

Roger Colton Smith 1936-2024

COOPERSTOWN— Roger Colton Smith, 87, of Cooperstown, died peacefully at home the morning of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Roger was born at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown on April 28, 1936, the son of LeRoy F. Smith and Gertrude E. (Spurbeck)

Photo provided

ROGER COLTON SMITH

Smith. After graduating from Cooperstown Central School, Class of 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed four years of active duty as a radar man on the USS Fremont, remaining in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1962.

With help from the G.I. Bill, he enrolled at Georgia Tech in 1959, where he met Dorothy Marie Vidosic. Rog and Dot, as they affectionately came to be known, were married on June 16, 1961 in Cooperstown.

In 1963, they moved to Toddsville to the home that they would call Beaver Brook, where they raised four children and lived for the remainder of their lives.

They were married for 57 years until Dot passed away at their home on September 29, 2018.

Rog began working at the United States Post Office in 1964 as a mail carrier who rose through the ranks to become postmaster in 1981, serving in that role until his retirement in May of 1991. He was especially proud to have presided over the ceremonial issuing of the first postage stamps to both Jackie Robinson in 1982 and Lou Gehrig in 1989. Shortly after retirement, he soon began managing Spurbeck’s Grocery and in 2000, Rog and Dot acquired ownership from his mother, Gertrude. Together they operated the iconic local landmark until selling it in December 2017 after more than 76 years of family ownership.

While not a man of many words—though he did possess a mastery of mixed metaphors—Rog was always willing to

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

lend a hand, serving the Cooperstown community for decades as a member of the Veteran’s Club and the Rotary Club, where he was an officer and president, and as a Little League baseball coach for many years. Often seen sporting one of his many bucket hats, Rog enjoyed playing softball, bowling, hunting with his Photo provided dogs, playing pitch at the amanda mary swatling Vet’s Club with a beer, having breakfast with and friend.

Amanda is survived his friends at the diner, by her mother, Deborah, and mowing his lawn. step-mother Wendy But most of all, he loved Fink-Onyan, and siblings to spend time with Dot, (Charysse), whether working together Joshua Michael (Carrie), at Spurbeck’s, dining at Rachael (Martin), Kala local restaurants, travel(John), Nicole (Corey), ling the U.S. and Europe, Tristin, and or just sitting at home Colin, Bryden (Taylor).

She in his chair by the fire together. While he will was predeceased by her be missed immensely, it two dads, Terry Onyan is comforting to know and Michael Swatling; that he is now at peace grandmothers Elizabeth Swatling, Joan Hopkins with Dot once again.

Roger is pre-deceased (Welch), and Norma by his wife, Dorothy Onyan; and grandfaMarie (Vidosic) Smith, thers Roy Swatling and and his sister, Joan Sandra Robert Burns. She is also Smith. He is survived survived by many nieces by his brother, Walter and nephews whom she Rogers Smith; children loved dearly, as well as Laura Marie (Smith) many aunts, uncles, and Flint, Steven Colton cousins.

Amanda was a free Smith, Randall Charles spirit.

She loved all Smith, and Martin Paul things animals and her Smith; grandchildren family.

Always one to Danette, Ariel, Donovan, worry about everyone Stacey, Sidney, Colton, Amiya, and Rowan; else, all the while putting and great-grandchildren herself on the back Kasen, Liam, Finnley, burner. A beautiful soul who is gone too soon.

Arwen, and Heughan.

“But if you could...

The family invites the do you think you would community to join them trade in all the pain and for a Celebration of Life suffering?

Ah, but then in memory of Roger at the you’d miss the beauty Cooperstown Veteran’s of the light upon this Club on Saturday, earth.

Calling all angels, February 10 at 3 p.m. calling all angels, walk In lieu of flowers, the me through this one, family asks that donations don’t leave me alone.” be made to the Rotary At her request, it will Club of Cooperstown be a small gathering of or the Cooperstown family and close friends Veteran’s Club. in her honor at a later Amanda Mary date.

In lieu of flowers Swatling or cards, if you feel so inclined, please donate to 1979-2024 COOPERSTOWN— the ASPCA in her name.

It is with great sadness that we had to say goodbye to our loving daughter, sister, niece

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A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, January 25, 2024

WHEN THE UTILITIES GO OUT, MY PLAN WILL KICK IN.

BEFORE A DISASTER STRIKES, TAKE CONTROL. ASSESS YOUR NEEDS

MAKE A PLAN

ENGAGE YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK

When it comes to disasters and emergencies, it’s not a matter of if, but when. Let’s prepare so we all have a better story to tell.

Get started at Ready.gov/OlderAdults

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024

Crisis

Continued from page 1 Appalachian Regional Commission’s INSPIRE program—Otsego County is the northern most county in the Appalachian Region.

ONEbox™ was one of those shared successes.

This WV-NY connection has made the inclusion of the ONEbox in the Oneonta Narcan Initiative Team project possible, organizers said.

“The seeds of this project began during a chance meeting of staff from the LEAF Council and staff from the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute,” Dostal recalled. “Our organizations were at a gathering of grantees of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

At this meeting, each organization had the opportunity to share successes. When our new West Virginia friends shared the ONEBox™, we were overcome with the ingenuity and the sheer potential to save lives. This had to find a place in our community,” Dostal said.

The ONEbox™, placed in businesses and organizations throughout Otsego County, will enable anyone at those locations to administer Narcan quickly and safely to a person overdosing.

“Any one of us can be the right person at the right place at the right time,” said Mayor Drnek.

“There is no doubt this is a life-saving initiative,” added Town of Oneonta Supervisor Randy Mower. “This is definitely the right thing to do.”

Literature provided at the press conference reveals startling information, stating that there are more than 175 overdose deaths every day.

According to a pamphlet written by Nancy Calhoun, drug overdoses are now killing more Americans under the age of 50 than any other cause.

“As for me, this is very personal,” Dostal shared in her remarks.

“I am a woman in longterm recovery. July 4th marked 31 years. I am grateful that I survived active addiction long enough to be able to take that step into recovery.

There were too many instances that could have very easily gone the other way for me.

“Because of how desperately deadly the current addiction crisis is, having Narcan, along with instant video training, can help more people stay alive and provide another opportunity for them to continue the journey of their own lives,” Dostal said.

Funding for this community project— which delivers immediate, on-demand Narcan as well as training for companies and organizations that serve the public—was made possible through Otsego County Opioid Settlement Funds awarded to LEAF, which manages the funding while the Narcan Initiative Team serves as the lead organization. The initial phase

of the project includes ONEbox™ installation, maintenance, and supply replenishment for local businesses and organizations. The group has purchased 100 boxes for distribution here.

Among the entities initially participating in the project by accepting a ONEbox™ at their locations are: the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, The Black Oak Tavern, “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta,” Huntington Memorial Library, DOSHA, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, Southside Mall, New York State Senator Peter Oberacker’s Oneonta office, the City of Oneonta, the Town of Oneonta, SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, LEAF Council, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, Brew U, Roots, Otsego County Community Services, Temple Beth El, Bassett Healthcare, NAGS, Green Earth, Chabad of Oneonta, and the 6th Ward.

Bonita Gibb, Community Health Program manager for Bassett Healthcare Network, extended thanks to the Narcan team, Julie Dostal and LEAF for the critical role this project plays in reversing overdose.

“It’s another tool in our first aid kit,” Gibb said.

Dr. Tracy Johnson, SUNY Oneonta vice president of student affairs, said of the ONEbox™ initiative, “A crisis of this magnitude requires a comprehensive plan. This is real hope combined with real action.”

Those interested in securing a ONEbox™, or who would like more information, can contact Dostal at (607) 432-0090 or julie@leafinc.org.

Chamber

Continued from page 1 grant last year and is awaiting the final determination as to what projects will be funded.

The village also generates $400,000.00 in paid parking revenue annually, according to Tillapaugh.

The need for more housing at affordable prices was mentioned by most of the panelists.

Tillapaugh discussed three proposed housing initiatives that would benefit Cooperstown with apartment-style housing. The development at 10 Chestnut Street is expected to be completed by late spring.

A housing development on Averill Road initiated by the Templeton Foundation on behalf of Bassett Healthcare Network has experienced some delays. Another 50 units are planned for Main Street.

Oneonta Mayor Drnek reported that “in these past nine months, excluding college students, more than 300 new residents have joined us as neighbors in the city.”

This success corresponds to what Drnek referred to as a “twin strategy of increasing the density of our population and capturing and expanding local and visitor engagement. In

short…we need to put feet on the street,” he said.

In addressing the need for more housing in Oneonta, Drnek announced a “reengagement with RSS, Rehabilitation Support Services, for the development of 50-60 apartments, three-quarters of which will be priced for the workforce: people making $18,000.00$60,000.00 a year.”

Drnek called for a renaissance in Oneonta.

He said, “The growth of the city and the town is not a binary, ‘one-or-theother’ choice. As the town becomes an ever-greater magnet for development, and the city transforms into the area’s center of attraction, entertainment, niche shopping, and eclectic dining, all of Oneonta wins.”

Drnek emphasized the need for “holistic and collaborative solutions.” On February 6, Drnek will be unveiling a “Downtown Renaissance Program” that includes a state-of-the-art transit hub, enhancements to Market and Dietz streets, a community “maker space,” expanded activities on Muller Plaza, growing engagement in the visual arts, and new opportunities to embrace the 6,000 students in what he referred to as “our college town.”

County Board Chair Edwin Frazier summarized 2023’s major accomplishments in three buckets: 1) the opening of Oneonta’s The Gathering Place, which serves all local seniors; 2) the one-year anniversary of the county ambulance service, which has reduced response times and saved lives; and, 3) completion of the county’s Building Assessment Study, which resulted in a 4-inch-thick report detailing the inspection of every building in Otsego County.

Frazier said the county is in “good fiscal and financial” shape, with $25 million in fund balances “all earning interest in Otsego County banks.”

Assemblyman Brian Miller, representing the 122nd Assembly District, kept his remarks short in order to attend a doctor’s appointment with his pulmonary specialist.

Miller shared that back in 2020, he contracted COVID-19 and spent two weeks on a ventilator and 35 days in an intensive care unit. He acknowledged that thenSenator Seward had also suffered from COVID and spent a week on a ventilator as well.

Miller addressed the newly proposed $233 billion state budget and accused Governor Kathy Hochul and the State of New York as being “on a crash course of unsustainable spending.” He explained the ripple effect of the governor’s promise for “no new income tax.” He said, the “trickle-down effect” is for the state to “increase fees at the county, town and city level.”

Assemblyman Chris Tague, representing the 102nd Assembly District, also criticized the governor for her rosy portrayal of the State of the State, agreeing with Miller. Tague said that when he took office, the state budget was $168 billion and the proposed

$233 billion budget for 2024 was proof that state spending is out of control.

Tague said, “New York has the eighth highest gas taxes in the nation and tens of thousands of regulations.”

This creates a climate that is unfavorable for businesses, Tague contended.

Tague said New York received the grade of “F” on a list of best and worst states for doing business.

He said “manufacturing jobs increased by 12 percent in the U.S., while New York lost 6 percent of its manufacturing jobs.”

“We have a workforce development and housing problem,” Tague added.

Assemblyman Joe Angelino recalled that when he was police chief and also fire chief in Norwich, he was “responsible for about one half of the city’s entire budget.”

Angelino educated the crowd, saying there are only 150 state assemblymen and that approximately 100 of those represent New York City while only 48-50 represent rural upstate New York. The challenge is that New York City gets the lion’s share of the attention, he said.

Angelino emphasized that “one size does not fit all.”

New York City has a subway stop every six blocks, while a resident of upstate New York may have to travel 40 miles by car to reach a hospital, he said.

One assemblyman pointed out that there are

11,000 bills proposed by the state Assembly each year and only about 1,000 bills get passed annually.

Oneonta Town Supervisor Randy Mowers ended things on a positive note. He reminded the crowd that “there is enough for everyone. We’ve got to embrace tourism.”

Mower encouraged the audience to visit the racetrack in Davenport.

Angelino also made a plug for the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich.

All six panelists agreed that we should be promoting upstate New York so that downstaters who visit our region say, “I think I want to move there.”

Observer

Continued from page 4 an attorney to file a lawsuit in Supreme Court, which was not easy or affordable. To assist homeowners, the New York State legislature in 1982 passed legislation creating a hearing officer system to hear property tax assessment cases.

Through this system, homeowners complete a simple application, pay a filing fee and the New York State Office of Court Administration appoints a hearing officer to decide the complaint. Hearing officers are attorneys, realtors and others with experience in dealing with real property valuations.

In 2020, 102,000 assessment complaints were handled across the state through this hearing officer system.

Applicants paid a $30.00 filing fee and the Court Administration paid hearing officers $75.00 per case.

The same system can and should be replicated to handle Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law appeals.

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal has introduced a bill to create an independent hearing officer system to address open government law complaints.

Paul Wolf is the president of the New York Coalition For Open Government.

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

A-14 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Fri., Jan. 26 HANDCRAFT— 9:30 a.m. to noon.

“Handcraft Circle.” Bring knit, crochet, macramé or other handicraft to work with the group. Beginners welcome. Held every Friday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661 or visit https://www.facebook.com/harrislibrary LIBRARY—Noon to 1 p.m. “Cyber Security Basics.” Registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 or visit https:// hmloneonta.org/adultprograms/ YOUTH—1 p.m. “Home School Story Time.” Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 or visit https://hmloneonta.org/youth-programs/ POTTERY—1:304:30 p.m. Open Studio.

Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects and hone their skills. No instruction provided. $30/session.

Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org or visit https://www.smithyarts. org/ CONCERT—5 p.m.

“Cabaret Night 2024.”

Student performances, silent auction, more.

Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8181 or visit https:// www.facebook.com/coo-

perstowncsd CONCERT—7 p.m.

“Mike Powell and the Echosound.” High energy Americana rock band. Presented by the Cooperstown Concert Series. $20/adult. The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown.

Visit https://cooperstownconcertseries.org/ PARTY—7-10 p.m.

“Speakeasy: Party Like It’s 1924.” Performances

by The Luna Chix and Priscilla Bow with DJ Phil Stockton, more. Tickets, $28/non-member. Must be 21+. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. Visit https://www.canoneonta. org/ SCREENING— 7-10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30. “Cabin Fever Film Series: Oppenheimer.”

Free with suggested donation. Light concessions available.

Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400 or visit https://fenimoreartmuseum.org/

►Sat., Jan. 27 GARDEN—9 a.m. to noon. “National Seed Swap Day 2024.” Master Gardeners are giving away free seeds donated by local businesses. Seeds for swapping encouraged, not required. Oneonta Farmers’ Market, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-2536 ext. 235 or visit https://

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what’s haPPENIN’ in OtsegO COunty _________

cceschoharie-otsego.

Brewery Ommegang, org/events/2024/01/27/ 656 County Highway what’s haPPENIN’ national-seed-swap-day33, Cooperstown. in OtsegO COunty 2024 (607) 544-1800 or visit OPERA—12:55 p.m. https://www.ommegang.

The Met presents “Carcom/events/cook-offmen.” Tickets, $22/ ommegang-tap-house-resadult. Lunch available taurant/ for purchase. Foothills ►Mon., Jan. 29 Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, MLK CELEBRATION— Oneonta. (607) 431-2080 8-10 a.m. “Reflections or visit https://www.footon the Legacy of Rev. hillspac.org/ Dr. Martin Luther King SEWING CLASS— Jr.” Breakfast, keynote 1:30-3 p.m. “Threads and panel discussion Past to Present.” Learn featuring Dr. Jelani Cobb, to sew each Saturday author/writer/dean of with Linda Hovey. Hand the Columbia Journalsewing or learning a new ism School. Free, open machine. Held each Satto the public. Registraurday. The Green Giraffe, tion required. Bring 179 Main Street, Unadildonation items for the la. (607) 369-3234. university Food Pantry.

FITNESS—4 p.m. Line SUNY Oneonta Center Dancing Class. By donafor Racial Justice and tion, to benefit the Polar Inclusive Excellence, Lee Bear Jump at Goodyear Hall, 108 Ravine Parkway, Lake. No experience needed. Empower Fitnezz Oneonta. Visit https:// www.hartwick.edu/camwith Dorothy at Rise Up pus-life/you-belong-here/ Studio at the Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway mlk-jr-day-black-historymonth/ 23, Oneonta. EmpowerfitPLAY & LEARN— nezzwithdorothy@gmail.

10 a.m. Guided sencom or visit https://www. sory learning for chilfacebook.com/Empowerdren aged 5 and under.

FitnezzwithDorothy Cooperstown Village OPEN MIC—7-9 p.m.

Library, 22 Main Street, “Coffee House.” Singers, Cooperstown. (607) writers, musicians and 547-8344 or visit https:// more are invited to share www.facebook.com/Vilworks. 10-20 minute lageLibraryOfCooperslots. Light refreshments stown/ available. Free, open to SENIOR WALK— public. Held each 4th 10-11 a.m. Seniors Saturday. Schuyler Lake walk the track and gym United Methodist Church, floor with Connections 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 858- at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, 2523.

Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com or visit ►Sun., Jan. 28 https://www.facebook.

COOK-OFF—3-6 p.m. com/otsegocountyOFA/ “Souper-Bowl Cook Off!” CONNECTIONS— Local chefs compete 10:30-11:15 a.m. Open to make the best soup.

Tai Chi. Connections Public chooses the winat Clark Sports Center, ner. Tickets, $10. The 124 County Highway 52, Tap House Restaurant, Cooperstown. connection-

_______

AllOTSEGO.

THURSDAY, January 25, 2024 satcsc@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook. com/otsegocountyOFA/ SENIOR MEALS— Noon. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal each Monday and Wednesday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $10 for guests accompanying a senior.

Today, enjoy a lunch of ziti with meatballs, tossed salad, garlic bread and peanut butter cookies.

Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley.

(607) 547-6454 or visit https://www.facebook. com/otsegocountyOFA/ CONNECTIONS— 12:30-1:30 p.m. $1 Bowling with Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook. com/otsegocountyOFA/

►Tues., Jan. 30 YOUTH—9:30 a.m.

“Baby & Toddler Story Time.” Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 or visit https:// hmloneonta.org/youthprograms/ COMMUNITY HIKE— 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment and water, and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Goodyear Lake, Milford. Contact hike leader Linda Pearce, (607) 432-8969, or visit https://susqadk.org/ FLY CREEK QUILTERS—10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

VIRTUAL JOB FAIR— 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free Seven-County Virtual Job Fair. Open to all. Presented by the Workforce

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Development Board.

(315) 207-6951. Ext.104 or visit https://statistics. labor.ny.gov/career-zone/ career-calendar.shtml VIRTUAL TOUR— 2 p.m. “American Artists Abroad.” Associate Curator of American Art Ann Cannon presents a tour of works done in the 19th and early 20th centuries by artists studying abroad. Followed by Q&A session. Free, $10 suggested donation.

Registration required.

Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400 or visit https://fenimoreartmuseum.org/ MENTAL HEALTH— 7:30-8:30 p.m. “Competition and Burnout: How parents can help with academic stress, competition and burnout.”

Webinar presented online

by Northwell Health with the Oneonta Middle School, Oneonta. Visit https://www.facebook. com/OneontaMS

►Wed., Jan. 31 YOUTH—9:30 a.m.

“Preschool Story Time.”

Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980 or visit https://hmloneonta.org/youth-programs/ STORYTIME—10 a.m.

Bring the children down each Wednesday for an entertaining story read aloud by library staff.

Cooperstown Village Library, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344 or visit https:// www.facebook.com/VillageLibraryOfCooperstown / ART WORKSHOP— 3:30-4:30 p.m. “Winter Watercolor Tree Painting for Kids.” Free, open to children and tweens.

Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie.

(518) 673-2314 ext. 106 or visit http://www.arkellmuseum.org/events-calendar CROCHET CIRCLE— 3 p.m. Bring a crochet project and work with friends, learn to crochet, more. Supplies available.

Held each Wednesday.

Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309 or visit https:// www.facebook.com/ WorcesterSchenevus DINNER—5-8 p.m.

International Night featuring 3-course meal of Korean origin. $30/person. The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9931 or visit https://

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

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