The Freeman's Journal 03-07-24

bassett welcomes leap year babies, page 12

Local Filmmaker Set To Speak at Film Industry Day Next Month

By EMILY HILBERT ONEONTA

What does it take to be invited to be a “Female Filmmakers Take Center Stage” panelist at this year’s Film Industry Day in Albany? Well, if you ask Lori Bailey, if takes handmade circus tickets, child-like flair, and a dream that began in her back yard.

Lori Bailey is a female filmmaker on the rise who channels local stories into her work. Originally from Oneonta, where she still lives today, her repertoire includes “Garrow,” about serial killer Robert Garrow, “A Roadhouse Coup,” covering the life and crimes of the infamous Eva Coo, and “Mineville,” which explores the American iron-ore industry

Continued on page 8

Cooperstown Village Board Reviewing Tree Regulations

By DANIEL CARRIG COOPERSTOWN

The Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees is currently reviewing the village’s existing environmental regulations zoning law, which limits removal of no more than 30 percent of trees from a property, with a trunk diameter of six inches or more, over a 10-year period. A village resident has proposed amendments to the zoning law that include eliminating the 30 percent tree removal limit, and improving zoning language and specifications, for clearer understanding of the law and its requirements. Trustees discussed the law and the proposed changes at a board meeting on Tuesday, February 26.

“The village chose to address this topic because the current law is hard to enforce given that a property owner can remove 30 percent of trees over a 10-year period,” said Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk in an email. “It was the 10-year period that prompted the need to address the procedure in place, not any specific project. The community feedback has addressed a need to differentiate a property that has a handful of trees from a heavily-wooded site in the way tree management takes place,” Falk explained. Cooperstown’s tree zoning law is designed to recognize the role trees play in the village ecosystem, specifically their contribution to maintaining air quality, reducing noise reduction and visual pollution, stabilizing soil, conserving

energy, and enhancing property values and general quality of life in the village. The current law aims to maintain adequate forest coverage in the village by preserving healthy, mature trees and limiting their removal to 30 percent annually. Under the current zoning law, a healthy, mature tree may not be removed unless a replacement tree, of at least 1.5 inches in diameter, is planted on the same parcel. Tree removal and replacement must be documented on a plan that shows the location of the trees, and must be reviewed and approved by the village zoning enforcement officer. The village may also permit residents to submit payment designated for a replacement fee, in lieu of planting a replacement tree, so that a public tree may be planted in the village.

The current law has been in place for a very long time, according to Falk.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides communities with tree ordinance framework for managing community forests. This framework recognizes the importance of community forests in providing shade, reducing air pollution, improving aesthetics, encouraging outdoor activities, and helping to reduce energy costs. It is then left to each community to establish their own specific ordinances. “There is no single ordinance that works for every community,” the DEC website

Continued on page 11

Restored Boat Competing for International Award

ILION

BBy DARLA M. YOUNGS

ruce Bennett and the Brooklin Boatyard in Brooklin, Maine spent three years restoring Bennett’s 1956 Shepherd mahogany runabout. Now all that hard work and elbow grease is paying off.

“Come From Away,” owned by Bruce and wife Jeanne, of Ilion, has been nominated for a 2024 Classic Boat award by “Classic Boat” magazine which is headquartered overseas in London. The 1956 Shepherd is in the “Powered Vessel Under 100ft” category, and folks here can help determine whether or not it wins by voting online now through Monday, March 11. The winners will be announced in April at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge, London.

The boat’s name has historical as well as personal significance. “Come From Away”

town of Gander, Newfoundland directly following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. American air space had been closed and 38 passenger planes heading west of the Atlantic—with more than 6,500 passengers and crew—were diverted to the airport there.

“Come From Away” is a Newfie expression, Jeanne said.

“Since Bruce’s father came from Newfoundland, and Shepherd boats were made in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, ‘Come From Away’ seemed to be a most appropriate and fitting name,” she explained.

The boat, which had rested under a tarp for 25 years before being discovered by Bruce, is stored at Sam Smith’s Boatyard, just north of the Village of Cooperstown.

Continued on page 6

Photo provided

Bruce and Jeanne Bennett’s restored 1956

Shepherd runabout is kept locally on Otsego Lake, at Sam Smith’s Boatyard.

is a Broadway musical written by Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It is based on real events from the

Photo provided Local filmmaker Lori Bailey welcomed actors Mark Valley and Bulent Gurcon to tour Oneonta’s Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center and attend a double feature screening of her independent feature films “A Roadhouse Coup” and “Garrow” last month. Pictured above are Valley, Bailey, Gurcon and Bailey’s son and partner in crime (films), Joel Plue.

The job scene

The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum

have openings for:

Visitor Services Clerk

Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum are seeking friendly outgoing Visitor Service Clerks for the 2024 season. This position includes greeting guests to our Museums, ticket sales and assisting customers in one of our 3 museum gift shops. Excellent communication skills, sales ability and cash register experience are just a few of the qualifications we require. A professional demeanor, working well with a team, and a flexible schedule, including working holidays and weekends are necessary.

Starting wage of $15/hr.

Food Service Workers

Food Service Worker, Part-time, Seasonal

The Farmers Museum and Fenimore Art Museum are seeking motivated food service workers. Ability to follow directions, prepare recipes and to work weekends, events and holidays are necessary. Point of sales knowledge is helpful. A background in food service is preferred, but not necessary. Pleasant attitude and a professional appearance are required. Reliable transportation a must. Starting wage of $15/hr.

Interpreter

The Farmers’ Museum Heritage Interpreter • Seasonal, Part-time (up to 1,000 hours/year) The Farmers’ Museum is seeking history-minded, outgoing individuals to work as a Heritage Interpreter in our mid-19th century farmhouse. This position involves demonstrating the methods used toprepare meals over an open hearth and discussing various aspects of farm life in a rural NYS village. The position is seasonal (April - October), with employment up to 5 days per week. Training will be provided. An interest in or aptitude for handcraft is helpful but not required. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills and be comfortable speaking in one-on-one and group settings. Being a team player and engaging enthusiastically with the public are essential qualities.

Starting wage of $15/hour.

Museum Teachers

The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum seek enthusiastic and engaging seasonal museum teachers to share their knowledge and expertise of the trades of the 19th century. If you enjoy speaking with students and visitors of all ages this is the job for you! Qualified candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills and be comfortable speaking in a one-on-one or group setting.

Starting wage of $15/hour.

2024 Farmers’ Museum Theatrical Directing Internship

Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum is seeking one Theatrical Directing Intern, interested in casting, directing, and running performances for a 2024 Templeton Players Production.

The selected applicant will work alongside the Manager of Performing Arts Programs, to cast, rehearse, and execute performances as described below. Following April auditions, the position is intended to run from late May-mid August 2024, and includes a stipend/honorarium of $2500.

2024 Glimmer Globe Theatre Stage Management Position

Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum seek a stage manager for their upcoming mainstage production of Twelfth Night. The position is intended to run from mid-May to mid-August 2024, and includes a stipend/honorarium of $1000.

For more information, or for an application, please go to: fenimoreartmuseum.org or farmersmuseum.org. Applications may be mailed to PO Box 800, Cooperstown, New York 13326. You may also contact Human Resources at 607-547-1462 or e-mail hr@fenimorerart.org. EOE

human resources recruiter

Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. (SSI) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Human Resources Recruiter to assist in all recruitment and onboarding tasks for its Delhi, NY location.

Responsibilities/Duties inclu D e but not limite D to:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of federal and state employment and compliance requirements.

• Support Fair Hiring Practices by reviewing and assessing hiring/ interviewing processes to ensure they are free of discrimination.

• Work closely with department managers to identify open staff positions and their key duties.

• Create and post job postings internally and externally to attract skilled qualified applicants.

• Build applicant sources by researching/contacting colleges, 3rd party recruiters, and external platforms.

• Coordinate and attend recruitment activities: job fairs, school campus events, community events, etc.

• Identify potential candidates to conduct interviews by phone and in person.

• Coordinate manager interviews with qualified candidates.

• Develop retention strategies by accessing data related to departing employees, market trends, etc.

• Screen resumes and record/maintain applicant logs.

• Maintain employee turnover and employment activity reports.

• Perform reference and background checks.

• Coordinate with local and out of state lab facilities to schedule pre-employment testing.

• Report new hires to NYS and E-Verify.

• Track, conduct, and complete employee benefit eligibility meetings/enrollments.

• Maintain the highest standards of accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Discuss any updates, changes, issues that may need addressing with supervisor.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requi R e D q ualifications:

s kills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ethics, and cultural awareness.

• Resourceful problem-solving aptitude and understanding of HR best practices and current regulations.

• Familiarity with online meeting platforms (Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc.).

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; HRIS systems helpful but not required.

• Active listening with discretion, confidentiality, and empathy always.

• Ability to collaborate professionally at all levels of organization.

• Must have thick skin and be able to communicate and/or process constructive criticism.

• Self-motivated with the ability to proactively make decisions.

e xpe R ience/eD ucation:

• Associate Degree in Human Resources or similar field with minimum 2 years exempt and non-exempt recruiting experience in relevant industry.

• Will consider PHR/SHRM certification and work experience in lieu of degree.

Salary range $50-60k/year DOE, great benefit package includes but not limited to; health, dental, vision, 401(k), Flexible Spending, life insurance and paid time off. To apply, submit application online at www.sportsfield.com, apply in person at 41155 St. Hwy 10, fax your resume to (607) 746-3107 or mail to Human Resources, P.O. Box 231, Delhi, NY 13753. Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. We do not sponsor employment visas.

Dunderberg Gallery Welcomes Composer, Pianist Friedman

Museum Seeks Stories of Woodstock,

1960s

By EMILY HILBERT ONEONTA

The Museum at Bethel Woods is searching for stories of those who worked, volunteered or otherwise participated in the Woodstock music festival in 1969. They are also looking to hear from anyone who participated in similar social events or activist groups that shaped the trajectory of the 1960s.

The Museum at Bethel Woods was founded in 2008 and served as the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Festival history is not the only thing on display, however; the museum also features exhibits related to the counterculture, fashion, and technology of the 1960s, and the multitude of events leading up to Woodstock.

A pop-up event in support of the museum’s mission will take place on the SUNY Oneonta campus from April 19-21. Rooms on campus will be set aside to conduct oral history interviews, which will last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. The interviews will be recorded both audibly and visually.

Julia Fell, curator of exhibits at the Museum at Bethel Woods, said, “I’m really excited to come to the area and bring this program to central New York. As a Cooperstown Graduate Program alum [Class of 2017], I’m still very connected to the community within Cooperstown, and also Oneonta.”

The goal of this event is to collect and preserve stories which will be archived by the museum for later use. The museum is currently digging into stories surrounding camping experiences at Woodstock, but officials are open to hearing anything related to the festival, as well as the experiences of those who participated in other major events during the 1960s.

Stories are not the only thing being collected. If experiences are better told through objects, organizers urged participants to feel free to bring them for a “show and tell,” or to donate them to the museum. Paperwork will be available on site.

To participate in this event, or to ask any ques-

Continued on page 7

GILBERTSVILLE

On Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m., Gilbertsville’s Dunderberg Gallery will present composer and pianist Jacob Friedman in a program titled “Improvising on the Elements.” Friedman will be responding to the theme of primal elements which his mother, artist Carla Hall, represented in her ceramic mural, “Pancikarana,” created at the Elizabeth Nields Clay Studio in Otego. A large-scale representation and full-scale studies of this work are now on view at the Dunderberg.

Friedman has performed with orchestra, jazz big band, percussion ensemble, and world music featuring sitar, table, and piano. His songwriting, film scoring and orchestral compositions reflect his drive to cross musical borders. World-renowned sitarist and composer Pradeep Ratnayake said of his work, “Jacob’s music goes right to the heart.” Friedman has performed at Columbia and Princeton universities, and Weill Recital Hall in New York City. He is organist and choir director at Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Goshen.

Carla Hall is a painter, sculptor, environmentalist and former brand designer. She now lives in the Butternut Valley on the land first settled by her family in 1789. In 1974, she graduated Middlebury College, studying painting for one year at the New York Studio School with Philip Guston. Moving to

New York City that year, she founded and led the Carla Hall Design Group, and with her late husband, Ben-Ami Friedman, raised their three children, Jacob, Ilana, and Matthew. Hall moved to Morris in 2017, where she serves on the board of the Butternut Valley Alliance and as president of the Otsego Land Trust, and continues her ceramics work with Nields.

Speaking of her son, Carla Hall observed, “Music has been the heart of Jacob’s soul since he was born. As a 5-year old, he showed me how to create the sound of an orchestra ‘in my mouth.’ For years, we have wanted to collaborate through our respective arts. With ‘Improvising on the Elements,’ the Dunderberg Gallery will bring our hopes to life, as Jacob improvises on the mural’s five elements—creation’s space, air, fire, water and earth,” she said.

Tickets for this performance will be available at the door on March 15 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Dunderberg Gallery, 118 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. For more information, call (607) 783-2010.

Friedman, at left, has scored four feature length documentaries for the “Mysterious China” series by Monarex Hollywood. To learn more about these films and Monarex Hollywood, follow the link: http://www. monarex.com.

The job scene

Chief Financial Officer

Shelter Associate: EHAP

Home Visitor

WIC Nutrition Educator

Classroom (Toddler) Teacher

FT Head Start Positions with school breaks and summers off: Assistant Teacher

Classroom Aide

Sub S titute S needed for the following S chool di S trictS:

Charlotte Valley CSD

Edmeston CSD

Laurens CSD

Milford CSD

Oneonta City SD

Schenevus

Stamford

Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD

Worcester CSD

ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & Milford)

Sub S titute Po S ition S: Teachers

LTAs

Aides & Monitors

Nurses

Cleaners

Bus & Van Drivers

Clerical & Office Support

Food Service Workers

Please visit www.oncboces.org/subs for application and information.

Photo provided

ITepees, Tupacs, Tipis and...Typos

n our present world, newspapers, it seems, bear the somewhat appalling reputation for the most typos—typographical errors, or misprints—in the world of print. This, no doubt, is due in part to the fact that as long as humans and speed are involved in producing journalism, mistakes will happen. But there are several other culprits, too, that impede our reading pleasure with oft inaccurate, at times badly punctuated and, in the end, totally incoherent words, phrases and, alas, facts.

Some typos are embarrassing, some are incorrect, some are simply hilarious and some can create havoc. Many typos are the result of the work of our modern-day journalists—writers, editors, typesetters, fact-checkers who are working in understaffed offices under undue pressure to get into print what is probably touted as “breaking news” but is, in fact, hastily thrown together and very often un-factchecked news, perhaps re-slanted. A reasonable number of typos are created as well by the common use of Spellcheck, the online tool that checks—and purportedly fixes—texts for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. Often considered a companionable and easy-touse proofreader, the program does not always come up with a correct fix. Hence another typo or two. Spellcheck can be used in school papers, too, but our younger writers should be aware of the mistakes that can result, making their work not as good as it could have been had they themselves taken charge of their grammar, punctuation and spelling. In fact, Spellcheck can be useful for highlighting issues, but it should be we ourselves who make the decisions.

Most journalism typos are harmless, if indeed annoying, and they are usually corrected quickly, printed in the subsequent newspaper’s corrections, or errata, column. Similiarly, typos in tweets and other social media, which are unusually numerous and vastly more trivial, as their writers are not particularly prone to proofing, are fixed by a simple follow-up message.

Some typos have created big problems. A costly mistake by our own NASA, in the summer of 1962, is a pretty good example. On July 22, the space agency launched Mariner 1, an American-made spacecraft designed for the country’s first planetary flyby of Venus to measure the planet’s temperature and magnetic fields. Five minutes after its Cape Canaveral lift-off, errors in communication between the rocket and its ground-based control systems caused the rocket to veer off course, threatening the North Atlantic Ocean shipping lanes. A range-safety officer ordered the rocket to self-destruct, which it did. Its mission lasted 294.5 seconds and cost $18.5 million. Worse, its failure was attributed to a typo, in this case a misplaced hyphen, in the computer program of its guidance system.

Elsewhere in our journalistic world, albeit “The Guardian” can lay claim to the most and the rudest typos, all of which the UK rag, although always swiftly apologizing for them, holds next to its heart, “The Freeman’s Journal” has a few as well. Notably, some years ago our lofty paper ran a curious headline on top of a story about the Oneonta Public Schools: they, it was stated, “needed more Tudors.” Hard to find these days.

Grammar and punctuation play a part, too. The occasional loss of a comma can speedily change a meaning (two classy books, Eats Shoots and Leaves / Eats, Shoots, and Leaves and Let’s Eat, Grandma / Let’s Eat Grandma come to mind), as can the universal misuse of the apostrophe, the semi-colon and the occasional dual spelling of some words, but these are different stories.

Newsprint is unforgiving. We at “The Freeman’s Journal” do not welcome typos; but they do happen. We continue to strive both to eliminate them and, when egregious, to right them as soon as we can.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

THE PARTIAL OBSERVER

RSS Working with City Toward a Strong, Balanced Community

As a representative of Rehabilitation Support Services and a believer in the power of community, I am inspired by the vision for Oneonta’s renaissance. My belief in the potential of this city stems from my family’s legacy of creating real and lasting community change. My grandparents transformed institutions into homes of hope and opportunity, and my parents defied expectations to create a better life for my uncle with Down syndrome. I come from a long line of pioneers who believe in joining together with neighbors to create positive change.

The City of Oneonta’s request to RSS to consider developing 27 Market Street is not the first time this organization has been called upon to step up. In the 1980s, Mayor Brenner sought our help in providing housing and support services for residents being deinstitutionalized. We have invested in this community for more than 30 years, utilizing our knowledge of the housing market and resources as a non-profit developer.

Now, the city has once again asked RSS to assist in addressing a significant community issue: the lack of affordable housing. Many people are leaving Oneonta in search of affordable housing and a sense of community elsewhere. The mayor outlined a vision for downtown Oneonta that aims to retain current residents and attract new ones during the Town Hall on Tuesday, February 27. He also outlined how, despite discussions with numerous developers, RSS is the only one willing to take on this project, which would increase density and contribute to the economic vitality of Main Street.

There are sound economic reasons why RSS is an appropriate choice for this project. We have a proven track record in real estate development and have already made significant financial investments in Oneonta, details of which have been published on our website RSS in Otsego County — 27 Market Street. The following facts have been presented to well over 100 individuals in council presentations, vision sessions and meetings over the past five months, as well as on our website.

RSS ensures that neighbors in

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … IN THEIR OPINION

Otsego County Loses Landmark

On February 28, Otsego

County’s Town of Hartwick lost one of its most important historic landmarks.

On March 14, 1780, Joshua Cook, son of Silas and Phebe Phetteplace, daughter of Jonathan, were married in Glocester, Rhode Island. A couple of decades later, they decided to head west to make themselves a new start in the Susquehanna Valley of New York State. Their location was just a few miles south of Cooperstown in what is now referred to as Hyde Park in the township of Hartwick.

There they chose to build a large, commodious home considered at that time, in the days of log homes, to be a mansion house. It was built as a tavern or small inn, with very spacious rooms. No corners were cut in the construction of this large, spacious structure either on the in or outside. It boasted three large chimneys, each containing two fireplaces.

It was decorated in the Georgian federal transition period, with a wonderful fluted

Oneonta and Otsego County have access to safe and stable housing with support and affordability. By “right-sizing” rents to no more than 30 percent of household income, individuals and families can afford other essential needs, such as food, clothing, transportation, and healthcare, while building toward their financial futures. The provision of 24/7 supportive activities and collaborative service providers further contribute to the wellbeing of residents.

The Oneonta Bagel Company not only offers delicious bagels but also serves as a community-based small business that provides employment opportunities for individuals re-entering the workforce. RSS has been instrumental in helping residents of Otsego County secure competitive employment that aligns with their abilities and preferences. The Wellness Warm Line is a peer training and employment program that offers a confidential phone service for individuals seeking support. RSS collaborates with Bassett Health Home to provide support to Otsego County residents navigating multiple healthcare choices while maintaining their mental health. The Mountain View Social Club, established in 1988, is a member-directed social club/wellness center that ensures consumer participants have equal opportunities to live, work, learn and thrive like their neighbors. RSS plays an important role in educating residents of Otsego County about mental wellness through the Community Guide to Mental Health Services in Otsego County. RSS maintains a public lending library of books, videos, training materials and other relevant information related to mental health.

These initiatives highlight the multifaceted approach taken by RSS to address the diverse needs of individuals and create a strong and balanced community in Oneonta and Otsego County. The commitment to providing housing, employment support, wellness services, social activities, and community education reflects RSS’s dedication to enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for residents.

Unfortunately, amid discussions on the 27 Market Street project, there are voices spreading misinformation and generating fear, creating a climate that hinders community cohesion. Our interest

Continued on page 7

door surround with fannedshaped transom. There were four quarter fans, two in each front peak on each side of the chimney stack. The formal end to the north had beautifully decorative mantels, the south end a little less ornate. The back chimney stack with the cooking hearth was removed, so our knowledge of that is bleak. We do know from ownership there was a simple mantel in an outbuilding that probably was upstairs in the back wing over the cooking hearth.

The house was built with carved chair rails in the hall and formal rooms upstairs and down. The central entry hall had a Georgian stairway with dentils and carving that turned

to the south two thirds the way up. The bannister of the formal stairway was of native cherry wood. The house had the unique quality in that each room had its own different, delicate-edge molding on the window and door surrounds, with the door panel moldings reflecting the same. In the dearly days, for the most part, the latches were ball end spring back plate latches, probably from Birmingham, England. There was also a unique back stairway by an exterior door with transom that turned at the bottom and again at the top. Originally, the front porch of Greek style was not there, but was probably added around 1850.

Continued on page 9

Photo by Tara Barnwell

This historic structure on State Route 28, just south of the Village of Cooperstown, is

CHRISTINE NEALON

185 YEARS AGO

Action is necessary, spirited action, on the part of all those opposed to any and all of the projects to divide the County (Otsego County). Some among many reasons which go to oppose a division are that in small counties, the burden of taxation is heavier than in large; and that proximity to the county courts is calculated to increase litigation. Remonstrances, we understand, are in circulation, or about to be, which all are requested to sign who are opposed to a division.

March 4, 1839

160 YEARS AGO

Summary of News—A new telegraph line has been established between this place and Herkimer. It is already completed to Springfield Centre, and the wires will be extended to Cooperstown as soon as the frost is out of the ground. For this new enterprise we are mainly indebted to certain go-ahead gentlemen at Richfield Springs.

Income Tax—Persons who have an income above $600 per annum, should make out a statement of last year’s receipts, and be prepared for the call made by the Assessor.

March 4, 1864

60 YEARS AGO

Double tragedy struck the home of a Toddsville family on Monday morning. Mrs. Priscilla Wright, a 44-year-old hospital nurses’ aide employed at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, and a mother of three, is believed to have shot to death her 19-year-old son Gordon and then taken her own life with the same .244 rifle. The double shooting took place in a second floor bedroom in the Wright home in Toddsville. Mrs. Wright’s husband Reginald had departed on a business trip to Brooklyn, and their youngest son Mark, age 16, had gone to school in Cooperstown.

March 11, 1964

35 YEARS AGO

Graham Jones of Boy Scout Troop 7 in Fly Creek, and Bob Cook, president of the Cook Foundation, recently discussed plans for a nature trail to be constructed this spring on Brookwood Point, part of the Brookwood Estate on Otsego Lake just north of Cooperstown. Jones is planning and organizing the project as part of his Eagle Scout Award. Brookwood was donated to a nonprofit foundation in 1985. The grounds, formal gardens, and garden house have been open to the public on a limited basis for the past three years.

March 8, 1989

20 YEARS AGO

Bassett Healthcare has established the Mithoefer Center for Rural Surgery to improve general surgery training and patient health in rural communities in the U.S. and abroad. In December of 2003, the Robert Keeler Foundation of Cincinnati committed $1 million over five years in memory of Dr. James Mithoefer, a general surgeon who practiced at Bassett in the 1950s and 1960s. Educated at Harvard Medical School, Mithoefer (1914-1963) was an experienced and skilled surgeon, an outstanding clinician and a stimulating teacher. Starting his career at Bassett in 1950 as a general surgeon, Mithoefer developed an Orthopedic and Plastic service, established a Tumor Registry, and was devoted to teaching and research investigation. At the peak of his career, Mithoefer died in 1963 in a tragic accident. The Center for Rural Surgery will address the shortage of general surgeons practicing in rural communities. Nationwide, just 10 percent of the practicing general surgeons serve 24 percent of the U.S. population who reside in rural areas. Rural areas also lack specialists and general surgeons are called upon to perform many different types of surgery.

March 5, 2004

Otsego 2000 Works To Ensure We Thrive

So what’s in a name, anyway? At the time Otsego 2000 chose its name, in 1983, the year 2000 seemed sufficiently in the future as to suggest a long-term, achievable goalpost— 17 years to ensure that our region, with Otsego Lake at its heart, was preserved and protected for current and future generations through intelligent planning. Well, here we are 24 years beyond that goalpost, and we continue to have our work cut out for us. What do you think of when you hear of Otsego 2000?

If you’re a very recent newcomer, you may know us best for our programs that add to the vitality of daily living in Otsego County. The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market (1991) was established to bring farmers and artisans to their customers and those customers back to Main Street at a time when even baseball writers were lamenting the takeover by baseball shops. Glimmerglass Film Days (2013) brings top-notch filmmakers and independent films on environmental themes to the heart of Cooperstown in November, attracting visitors from New England and the mid-Atlantic as well as a loyal and growing core of locals.

Otsego Outdoors (2017), a collaborative effort with the Otsego County Conservation Association, Butternut Valley Alliance, and the Otsego Land Trust (founded by Otsego 2000 in 1991) celebrates the year-round hiking trails and waterway access points that abound in Otsego County, with the seasonal Octet challenges launched in winter 2021, and in 2023, Otsego Outdoors Nature Backpacks for checkout in every public library in the county.

If you arrived in the area 14 years ago in 2010, you know Otsego 2000 for the strong stance it

took on protecting Home Rule when it came to the looming threat of fracking (now banned in New York), organizing grassroots efforts town by town to enact comprehensive plans and zoning that prohibited heavy industry in our rural towns and thereby protecting our community character, including the more than 35,000 acres listed or eligible on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you go back to 1999, you may remember the ice cream social held at Glimmerglass State Park to celebrate the establishment of the Glimmerglass National Historic District, the first-ever landscape (and one of the largest historic districts in New York) to be listed for its central role in James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales” and its subsequent development as a summer resort destination in the late 19th century. Thanks to this listing (and 14 other historic districts), hundreds of homeowners are eligible for the New York State Historic Tax Credits for which we provide assistance, and our region has an added layer of protection when large infrastructure projects are proposed.

In 2007, you may remember Otsego 2000’s work to protect the Glimmerglass Historic District and the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville from a massive wind project that would have surrounded the monastery and encroached on the peaceful landscape so central to the monastery’s reason for being in that location.

In 1995, Otsego 2000 spearheaded the Glimmerglass Coalition, an unprecedented partnership of local, state, and national environmental groups to protect Otsego Lake’s unique environmental and historic qualities; its first challenge was combating a state-proposed public

Continued on page 7

Calculating the Metaphysical and Physical Value of Work

This year in the “Citizen Science” column, we’re looking at what energy is…and isn’t. We’ll start by examining the most critical mechanism to give and get energy: work. Work is the way energy is transferred or transformed from one form to another, and we’ll be discussing those forms in the coming months. I find a great deal of value in contemplating both the physical and metaphysical—dare I say spiritual—forms of work, so we’ll have fun blending them here. However, we take great care in differentiating the two, particularly because the physics definition of work doesn’t always match our cultural idea of what it means to “do work.” My hope is that a close look at work will inspire you to do the thing you need to do, whether it be vacuuming or taxes or exercising or physics homework or extra patience with your loved ones, any form of work.

LiFe

A Good Man Is Hard To Find

O

While visiting family in Richfield Springs, New York, my sister-in-law and I wandered into a local thrift store. The owner had a wry sense of humor and called herself “the junk lady.” The thrift store was a place of old dishes and ancient keys, the type of place a child might stumble into and find a mystical object, like in one of Bruce Coville’s “Magic Shop” series. Among the trinkets, I did indeed find a mystical treasure: a 1903 book called “Work” by Hugh Black, from Cambridge University Press.

I picked up the tattered book from the low bookshelf, using my body to lift the decently dense mass of the old hardcover so I could better examine it in the light from the shop window. This is the physics definition of work, to exert a force on something over a distance. If I pick up a book from a low shelf and move it up and away from my body, holding it toward the light, that’s work, since I’m applying a force to the book over a physical distance, moving it up and out. However, if I continue holding the book with my outstretched arms—not moving it, just holding it—until I start to shake and sweat, then it’s not technically work, in the strict physics sense, because I haven’t physically moved the book from one place to another. No displacement, no work, even if my whiny, weak muscles say otherwise.

I opened the dark green, gold-lettered cover in the light and saw Hugh Black’s meticulously screenprinted interior images. Like many mortals, I grumble a bit…a lot...at the neverending list of chores and less-than-enjoyable parts of work. But my attitude toward work softened when I read the following chain of quotations about the value of work:

The ultimate ambition in our minds is to be freed from the necessity of work, as if work and not idleness were the evil. We do not value work for its own sake, but think of it as a disagreeable necessity. (Black, 10–11)

Society among us seems to be carefully graded in inverse proportion according to the amount of leisure enjoyed…This is not just the ignorant contempt of a select class; it has permeated all classes, so that to climb the social ladder means getting rid of work.” (11)

A further instance of the prevalence of the false ideal is seen in the way it even colors religious thought. Many treat the work and service of life as a painful necessity in order to qualify for the Rest that remaineth, and look forward to a millennium of ease. (17)

Intrigued, I decided to buy the book. I “did work” on the book “Work” by walking it over to the counter (again exerting a force on the book over a distance) and sliding the book across the counter—my arm at an angle as I pushed it—toward the thrift store lady, who accepted only cash. If you picture energy like money, performing work on a system in physics is like putting money into that system—in this case, the system of the thrift store. Conversely, when a system does work against external forces (like the IRS or a landlord), energy is “spent” or transferred out, reducing its stored energy.

The angle at which something is pushed or pulled over a distance also matters in the calculation of work. If I’m pushing the book across the counter at an angle, part

of the force I’m putting into pushing the book is directed down into the counter, which doesn’t actually make the book move across the counter. Some of my effort is lost, in other words, because the force I’m exerting isn’t in the direction of my goal. In my undergraduate copy of Serway and Jewett’s “Physics and Engineers with Modern Physics” (9th ed.), the section on work includes a delightful example called “Mr. Clean”: A man cleaning a floor pulls a vacuum cleaner with a force of magnitude F = 50.0 N [Newtons, the unit of force] at an angle of 30.0 degrees with the horizontal. Calculate the work done by the force on the vacuum cleaner as the vacuum cleaner is displaced 3.00 m [meters, the unit of distance] to the right. (143)

Let’s put our brains to work and solve this. (I asked ChatGPT to generate an image of this situation with hilariously incorrect results, so we’ll just have to picture it ourselves.) Because the man is holding the long nozzle of the vacuum hose at an upward angle and moving to the right with it, pulling the old-school, bucket-like vacuum behind him across the floor, we want to find how much of his force is actually acting horizontally to pull the vacuum along the floor, which is why we multiply the force by the cosine of the angle. So even though Mr. Clean is exerting 50.0 Newtons of force at an angle, only 43.3 Newtons of that force is actually working to drag the vacuum across the floor.

Finally, we calculate the value of work by multiplying 43.3 Newtons of force by the vacuum’s displacement, 3.00 meters, and the result will be in units of Newtonmeters, also known as Joules (physicists love to rename things, and they do it way too often). These are the units used for work and for energy, too. After all this brain work, we find that Mr. Clean is putting about 130 Joules of work into moving that old vacuum across the floor. If he reduced the angle of the vacuum hose to zero (since the cosine of zero degrees equals 1), he’d be a more efficient worker, getting 150 Joules of work done for the same amount of force.

This is only practical, of course, if Mr. Clean needs to vacuum under the couch on his hands and knees, but it shows that in physics, the angle with which we apply a force affects how much work we get done, an idea that has larger application for how efficiently (and with what attitude) we approach our daily tasks.

Most of all, I think I appreciate seeing a man doing the vacuuming in a physics textbook (I’ll post the hilarious ChatGPT illustration attempts on Instagram, for the curious. My handle is @cosrayjamie).

I didn’t agree with everything Black had to say about work, but I’m glad I bought the book, and I appreciate the chance to reflect on how we approach work and the intriguing notion that doing work on a system transfers energy to or from that system. I leave you with the following additional quotes from great people who knew the value of work:

• All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.

—Martin Luther King Jr.

• Nothing will work unless you do.

—Maya Angelou

• Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. —Thomas A. Edison

• It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. —Albert Einstein Work hard but smart this month, and I’ll see you next time for our discussion of kinetic energy, when things really get going.

Jamie Zvirzdin researches cosmic rays with the Telescope Array Project, teaches science writing at Johns Hopkins University and is the author of “Subatomic Writing.”

ne fall day several years ago, two guys I’ll call Tiger Goodale and Rudy Marriott drove up to the farm to say that they had a great story for me to write. It seems this one-legged guy they knew was up in an oak, building a tree stand, when his new prosthesis, which he didn’t secure properly, fell to the ground and rolled into a ravine. The guy had a rather large dog with him—they thought it was a Rottweiler, but they weren’t sure. The dog thought the man was playing fetch and dashed down the ravine after the “big bone.” When he retrieved it, he didn’t bring it back and put it before his master. Instead, he kept it a playfully safe distance away, went to a prone position and began to gnaw at it.“Meanwhile,” Tiger continued, “the guy climbed out of the tree and was yelling and scrambling after the dog and his lost limb.”

Again, the big dog thought his master was playing, and left the bone to jump on the man and roll him around in the freshly fallen leaves.

“I got his phone number,” Tiger said as he dug into his pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper with some writing on it. “You’ll have to speak to him to get the facts straight.”

“Did he get the leg back?” I asked.

“We don’t know,” Rudy answered. “You’ll have to call him,” he said, pointing toward my phone.

I was definitely interested. Their story reminded me of a tale written by the celebrated writer Flannery O’Connor, where a traveling salesman romances a one-legged milkmaid in a haymow and when she falls asleep, he makes off with her artificial limb, never to be seen again.

So, I called the number and after it rang several times an answering machine came on.

“I’m a freelance writer,” I said. “I got Tiger and Rudy here. They told me about your leg falling out of the tree and I’d like to know the rest of the story.”

A couple of days passed, but the guy didn’t call back. I began to think that Tiger and

Rudy had told me a tall tale. Still, I was impressed with a story about a one-legged man who had the gumption to climb trees and I couldn’t get a picture of it out of my head. As a writer, I like to believe that the end product of existence is story, so I felt justified in tracking the guy down. A second message left on his answering machine yielded no response.

So, where do you find a man who knows Tiger and Rudy?

I checked the Vets Club and kicked every shin that was around the pool table or near the shuffle board, but didn’t get the hollow sound I was looking for. I didn’t kick hard, but still several of the guys were indignant, yelling “Ow! What’d you do that for?”

“I’m looking for a onelegged man,” I said. One guy kicked me back! Hard! Nevertheless, I continued my search. The next time I went in, everyone moved to the other side of the room to get away from me. I guess they thought I had gone nuts. Still, I needed to find my man, so, anyone who came in with a new face got a kick. By now I had learned to do it “accidentally,” especially after one guy said, “You kick my leg, I kick your…” I checked out several other places, but none of the shins I kicked would appeal to a termite. Predictably, I was getting the reputation of being a gadfly, but I still persisted.

One night, I heard that two guys resembling Tiger and Rudy—the characters who had sent me on what was now an obvious wild goose chase—had been seen putting a poster on the bulletin board in Spring Park on Main Street. I’m sure they had heard about my method of tracking down a one-legged man. The sign read, “GET

YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 20!”

Terry Berkson’s articles have appeared in “New York” magazine, “Automobile” magazine and many others. His memoir, “Corvette Odyssey,” has received many good reviews: “highly recommended with broad appeal,” says “Library Journal.”

Photo provided tiger and rudy are gone, but their sign, “Get Your Kicks On route 20,” may remind readers of actors martin milner and George maharis and the song that described their on-the-road travels, “Get Your Kicks on route 66.” the corvette above, reminiscent of their classic car, is driving along route 20.

Boat

“Come From Away” is a Utility Model and has a 6’ ½” beam with a 22” draft. She is powered by the original, rebuilt inline 6 Chrysler Crown engine.

“Classic Boat” is a British traditional boating magazine published by The Chelsea Magazine Company. According to the website, it was first published in 1987 and defines classic boats as “boats which endure.” The magazine has celebrated the world’s most beautiful boats for

more than 35 years.

To cast your vote for the Bennett’s “Come From Away,” visit https://awards.classicboat. co.uk/restored-%20poweredvessel/ To read the full story of the boat’s discovery and restoration at Brooklin Boatyard, visit https://www.brooklinboatyard. com/comefromaway-2023.

And for those interested in learning more about the events in Gander, Newfoundland directly following 9/11, “Come From Away” will be performed at the Stanley Theater in Utica on April 16 and 17, Jeanne pointed out.

ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS CAN BE FOUND EACH WEEK ONLINE AT ALLOTSEGO.COM

“Working with the people at the Brooklin Boatyard for three years and bringing an old boat back to life was a labor of love. It’s something I have always wanted to do. Otsego Lake is a perfect port for her,” Bruce said.

GOHS Receives Historical Marker Grant

ONEONTA

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society announced this week that it has been awarded a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for five New York State historical markers. The markers commemorate the Oneonta Armory, 4 Academy Street, built in 1905; Damaschke Field in Neahwa Park, 15 Georgeson Avenue, which opened in 1906; the D&H Train Station, built in 1892 at the former site of Stella Luna Ristorante, 58-60 Market Street; the Huntington Home, today the Huntington Memorial Library and Park at 62 Chestnut Street; and the Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, built in 1875 and now home to the Community Arts Network of Oneonta.

According to GOHS officials, each of these fullyfunded markers is a testament to Oneonta’s history of innovation, evolution, and enduring sense of community. The Oneonta Armory marker commemorates one of the city’s premier architectural structures and station for the New York State National Guard since 1905. The marker at Damaschke Field honors one of the oldest active ballparks in America, now the home to Oneonta’s minor league baseball teams. The D&H

O2K

Continued from page 5

boat launch at the north end that would have had significant adverse effects on the lake’s ecology.

And, if you are a long-time local, you’ll remember Otsego 2000 as the scrappy group of volunteers known as Friends of P.R.O.T.E.C.T., led by Henry S.F. Cooper Jr., that pulled together to ensure that the landscape of northern Otsego County, largely unchanged since Henry’s great-great grandfather immortalized it in his novels, was unmarred by a proposed major powerline.

All of these things may seem disparate, but they all represent ways in which Otsego 2000 works to ensure our community thrives now and into the future. We’ll continue to work hard to build up our programs that add to our community’s strength, well-being, and cohesion, and, when threatened, we will stand steadfast to protect our region’s singular environmental resources for future generations. Join us.

Ellen Pope is the executive director of Otsego 2000.

RSS

Continued from page 4

is to work side by side with the community, engaging in honest dialogue and problemsolving. We want to continue to address any concerns that may arise during the development, building, or lease-up phases.

While we have been transparent and collaborative in discussing the project over the past five months, we understand there are questions regarding the timeline. We are working against the deadline for

a competitive tax credit application this summer. While this opportunity may arise again in the future, it is not guaranteed. Additionally, the costs of materials and construction are subject to change, making it essential to act now.

If Oneonta decides to proceed with RSS as the developer of 27 Market Street, RSS can offer several benefits. We will purchase the site at its appraised value after demolition and build a beautiful, energy-efficient structure that fits the architectural style of the past. We will add at least 50 residents to the downtown community, enforce lease agreements, and integrate new tenants seamlessly, including providing supportive services. We

Train Station marker commemorates more than 70 years of passenger train service on the Delaware & Hudson train line. The marker at the Huntington Home memorializes railroad executive Henry Huntington’s donation of his family land to the city for a library and park in 1917, and the Wilber Mansion marker commemorates the erection of Wilber Bank President (1890-1922) George I. Wilber’s home in 1875.

The new markers will be installed early this summer, with unveiling ceremonies to be announced in the coming months.

“GOHS is thrilled to announce the funding of these five historical markers, commemorating what we consider to be five of Oneonta’s most prominent and treasured homes, buildings, and municipal landmarks in the city,” said GOHS Executive Director Dr. Marcela Micucci.

In a press release, GOHS thanked its partners, Mayor Mark Drnek and the City of Oneonta, for supporting the historical marker project; GOHS Collections Assistant Andrew Kendall for his work on the grant applications; and their friends and colleagues at Huntington Memorial Library, CANO, Stella Luna,

will also create commercial spaces that attract students, families, and youth, provide parking, negotiate a fair PILOT, and invest in water and sewer payments annually.

We believe in Oneonta, and as a longtime member of this community, RSS wants to be part of the solution. By working together, we can be on the side of history, where growth and progress define Oneonta once again. Thank you for considering this opportunity to collaborate and build a stronger, more balanced community.

Christine Nealon is the director of strategic partnerships for Rehabilitation Support Services.

Museum

Continued from page 3

tions, e-mail oralhistory@bethelwoodscenter.org. More information on session times and frequently asked questions will be available upon inquiry. Participants can be added to the interview list up to a day in advance, but it is recommended to sign up as early as possible to ensure all voices are heard. If participants cannot make it to Oneonta on the appointed days, a Zoom session can be set up for a later date via the e-mail listed above.

To learn more about the museum and its oral history initiative, visit www.bethelwoodscenter. org/oral-history-intiative.

and Damaschke Field “for helping to make this round of historical markers a success.”

All five markers are fully funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State historical marker grant program. The Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 2,300 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 48 states and Washington, D.C.

The Pomeroy Foundation’s New York State program provides fully-funded grants for historical markers commemorating historic people, places, things, and events in the Empire State. The program also fills a gap, GOHS officials pointed out, as New York State stopped funding their roadside markers in 1939. Information about the program is available on the Pomeroy Foundation’s website, wgpfoundation.org.

Bailey

Continued from page 1

in Mineville, New York, and for which there is a prequel film, “Switchback,” set to be released soon. But in order to truly understand the success Bailey has had in her career, it is important to start at the beginning.

Bailey describes herself has “a restless soul with a wild imagination” who was “born to create and entertain, and take people on a journey.”

Creating plays in her back yard and garage as a child, she once sold handmade circus tickets to her neighbors for five cents, letting them know there would be a carnival at her home. When the day finally arrived,

the whole block came together to “MacGyver” a neighborhood day of fun. It was there that Bailey claims “tall tales, back yard plays, [and] creative writing all just collided, and a filmmaker was born.”

Forty years later, this is still the profession Bailey loves. She also recreated her ticket success, raising $10,000.00 for the production of “Mineville” by selling raffle tickets she made for $5.00 apiece to everyone in town. Not a bad way to secure funding, and it got everyone involved.

When asked what the process is like coming up with new movie ideas, Bailey retorts that “the harder question would be how to stop the madness of so many ideas.” These ideas swim

in her head constantly, she said, almost like a bowl filled with too many fish. However, she seems to have an affinity for period pieces and stories that hit close to home. Literally. Her father was a neighbor of Robert Garrow. This can elicit a lot of emotions for Bailey, both fear and joy, but she attributes her years as a nurse to helping her stay calm and think on her feet.

Period pieces can present themselves with a whole other set of challenges surrounding research. Bailey recounts her experience diving into stories like these through her long hours holed up in court rooms reading document after document, transcript after transcript, and pouring over slews of crime scene photos. She claims the research process is not her favorite, especially when it comes

to true crime. Such was the case for “Garrow” and “A Roadhouse Coup,” which also required uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, interviews with families of victims, as well as families of the murderer, in the case of Robert Garrow. Films like “Mineville” and “Switchback” were a bit easier on the heart, she said, as she took her time getting to know the mining industry around Moriah, New York and the families who immigrated to America in search of a better life.

Bailey’s strong vision and determination is clearly depicted in her work, as well as in her answer to a question about what sets her apart from other directors, male or otherwise. Without missing a beat, she asserts that it comes from “using [her] five-foot, tenacious, Irish, innocent, girly balls

to compete in an industry run by men.” Bailey said she does everything she can to ensure her characters go through a range of human emotions and perspectives, covering everything from love and loss, to triumphs and tragedies, to abuse and sadness. This range is required, she said, because her films are almost always about real people with real lives, ergo her characters must reflect that. Bailey does, however, admit that bar fight scenes are much easier, and more fun to write, than long, peaceful conversations.

Movie making, as many people know, is not a one-man show, and for Bailey, it is not just a team effort, but a family business. Her father and son have served as actors in multiple scenes. Bailey said her father, Richard Kelly, was her biggest fan, and she enjoyed every scene they got to do together. While Kelly is no longer around to lend a hand, having passed away more than 10 years ago, her son, Joel Plue, has become a great help to her productions.

“[It] just came naturally,” said Bailey. “I often think we function from one creative brain. We’ve been storytelling and collaborating since he was very young.”

Bailey describes Plue’s experience in stand-up comedy, and how it eventually led to screenplays and books.

When asked what it is like to work with one’s child, Bailey answers in a classically cinephile way

with, “It’s like the box of chocolates on the lap of Forrest Gump. You never know what you’re gonna get when we work on a new project together.”

She claims working with Plue is “fun and wildly abstract,” and reminds her of the “good old carnival in the back yard mentality that we share.” She also adds how he is indispensable when it comes to his tech savviness.

A final question to Bailey about what she hopes audiences take away from her films was met with a concise response: “A brief hour or two of entertainment, memories of a time gone by, and a different view/perspective on whatever topic the film represents.”

Lori Bailey will be a part of the “Female Filmmakers Take Center Stage” panel at the Capital Region and Adirondack Film Alliance Industry Day, which will take place on Thursday, May 23 at the Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany. Deborah Goedeke, coordinator for the event, promises audiences will “experience the brilliance of female filmmakers firsthand as they command the spotlight,” and join them “as [they] celebrate their creativity, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions to the world of cinema.” Other panelists include Tracy Nichole Cring, Michalina Scorzelli, and Arielle Steele. For more information on the event, visit https://www.albany. org/film-albany/.

Letters

Continued from page 4

The ownership of the house changed several times upon the death of Joshua in 1823. Cornelius Teachout, whose son ran a carriage and wagon shop up the road, torn down in 2023, lived in the Cook house until 1866, when his daughter married a Winsor. Then from Winsor it went to the Jarvis family. Around 1929, it was bought by a Kilts family whose daughter married a Collier. The last 20 or so years, it has been owned by the Hickey family.

I had high hopes that this historic home would someday be restored. After all, it is located in almost the exact center of Otsego County and has been a historic landmark on State Route 28, the main artery to Cooperstown, for more than 200 years.

It was located in such a spot on the curve that you saw it going north or south. All the exterior clapboard and trim on the front was original and totally correct. The interior of all the front rooms, other than some added closets, was original, true and correct. The 12 over 12 window sash was replaced sometime after 1866 with a large glass sash of the same size as the originals. Usually, in most cases today, you have a good interior or exterior—rarely both.

This house was much more original in all its fabric than the More house or the Lippitt house at The Farmers’ Museum. It was truly of museum quality and without doubt the best formal interior and exterior of the 1800-1810 period in the township of Hartwick.

Dave Petri Hartwick

Judythe Dim 1940-2024

ONEONTA—Judythe

Dim, a recent resident of Oneonta, New York and formerly of New York City (Manhattan), died on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the age of 83.

Born on August 25, 1940 to parents Ann and Nathan, she had one sister, Barbara Lee. Most of her early years were spent in Brooklyn, New York, where she graduated from James Madison High School and was captain of the Twirlers.

Judythe went on to graduate from college, married, had two children, and later obtained a Master of Social Work degree and a Doctorate of Social Welfare from Columbia University. She spent her social

NATO.

Fundraiser Underway

Since 2007, Cycle for Survival—the official rare cancer fundraising program of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City—has raised more than $367 million dollars to fund life-changing cancer research. One hundred percent of every dollar raised supports breakthroughs resulting in clinical trials at MSK that impact cancer patients worldwide.

A Cooperstown resident, professional visual artist and professor of art at Hartwick College, I am one of many fundraising for Memorial Sloan Kettering to help fund tomorrow’s breakthroughs. I am writing now to invite people to fight cancer and donate to this worthy cause. No donation is too small!

Here is a link to my secure dashboard for individuals who would like to help support the fight against cancer: https://secure2. convio.net/mskcc/site/ TR?pg=personal&fr_ id=3952&px=5205621

Jonathan Pincus Cooperstown

Just Say No to Trump

Yes, I agree with Bruce Beckert’s sentiment at the end of his diatribe against the national media. I also pray that God blesses our country to protect us from a second Trump presidency. Let’s all vote and say no to:

• Someone who has failed at every business he has laid his hands on.

• Tax cuts that benefit the upper 1 percent of wage earners.

• Border policies that separate families and put children in cages.

• Someone who threatens to pull the U.S. out of

• Becoming a Russianlike autocracy.

• Someone who lied more than 30,000 times during his time in office.

• Someone who was inept at handling the COVID-19 response that left one million dead.

• Someone who calls dead veterans suckers and losers.

• Someone who had less jobs at the end of his term than at the beginning.

• Someone who could not tolerate when the American people told him “You’re fired!” after the last election.

Would we really want to rehire someone like that?

John Rankin Middlefield

Enough Is

Enough

The Oneonta community is speaking loud and clear. We, the concerned citizens of greater Oneonta, are frustrated by the apparent lack of transparency in the administration of our City Hall government. Dear Mayor Drnek and city staff, your behaviors of ignoring us are clear and your unwillingness to listen and act accordingly is causing this divide in our city.

Enough is enough. We, the Citizens That Care, ask for our Common Council to represent your ward constituents, and for you to uphold the duty under oath which you have taken.

On March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, Fourth Ward resident Luisa Montanti and Eighth Ward resident and event moderator Dan Buttermann collaborated and hosted a true town hall gathering. Those in attendance were offered time to speak. Although

work career working in foster care and Early Head Start.

She loved, and was dedicated, to her work with children and families. An avid knitter, Judythe could often be found at her local Upper West Side yarn store. She also enjoyed reading, classical music, opera, and movies, and was a loving and devoted grandmother.

She is survived by her son, Adam Cooperstein, and his wife, Fernanda; her daughter, Emily Cooperstein; and her three grandchildren, Jason, William, and Abigail.

Claude Robert Holbrook 1938-2024

OTEGO—Claude

Robert Holbrook, “Bob”, “Eli”, “Mortimer”, passed away peacefully at his home and went to join his Lord and Savior Jesus on February 29, 2024.

Bob was born to Robert and Alta (Springett) Holbrook on December 17, 1938. He grew up in West Oneonta, New York. He operated a farm on the Baker Hill Family Homestead for many years. He loved

there were moments of heightened emotion, overall concerns were voiced in a civil manner.

The most pressing issue discussed was the proposed sale of 27 Market Street, a cityowned parcel. The fact that the community was not made aware that this parcel is for sale, and seemingly has been only offered to Rehabilitation Support Services, is not in the best interest of city residents. Mayor Mark Drnek acknowledged at the February 6 Common Council meeting that he was the one who reached out to RSS when he was asked how this happened.

On Sunday, we heard from former Mayor Gary Herzig, who emphasized that during his six years’ tenure as Oneonta mayor, overseeing three large projects—Hillside Commons, Housing Visions, and Dietz Street Lofts—the process consistently included a thorough review of site plans, financing details, and all operational considerations.

He stated, “I never asked Common Council to weigh in or approve a large project or take any steps toward one until they had all the information: cost, financing, etc.” Herzig said, “We have been very clear that the plan for downtown was to build all levels of income housing. I am very proud of the fact that we have stayed clear of having wealthy neighborhoods and lowincome neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods are very well integrated. Of all different levels.”

Herzig went on to say, “I have concerns of bringing a third low-income project into downtown. This will…create low-income neighborhoods. It’s not

OBITUARIES

the outdoors and was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He started his own excavation business and gravel bank, and operated it with his sons. He was a strong supporter of Trump and a leader of the Laurens Property Rights group. He was a long-time member of Spirit and Truth Christian Assembly. He will be dearly missed.

Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret Joan Holbrook; his father, Robert Holbrook; his mother, Alta Springett Holbrook; and brother Gene Holbrook.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda Holbrook;

good planning for any neighborhoods, it not good for Oneonta, and it’s not good for downtown…Whoever is driving this train above the speed limit [should] slow it down. Let’s do it the right way.”

The support for RSS and the low-income housing project is understandable. We do need housing, we need services for those in recovery, and we have an obligation to help our neighbors who are in need. However, every government support agency and the healthcare sector are burdened. The increased numbers and lack of resources are overwhelming our churches, food pantries and support agencies, including the city Police Department, which faces increasing challenges. Taking care of others is a social responsibility and an act of kindness. It is unconscionable and irresponsible to invite more vulnerable individuals into harm’s way.

As every airplane passenger is directed, “in case of an emergency, and the oxygen mask drops, activate your own mask first.” Not because you are selfish, but because you are able to help others if you prioritize your own needs first.

We all must work together to clean up Oneonta and address the major issues that are being ignored by our city officials. Our streets are dirty; garbage cans are overflowing, neighborhoods are falling apart.

To those who enjoy rhetoric and feel compelled to name-bash city residents with words such as “elitist” and labels like NIMBY—we ask all of you to stop. Using the “us” against “them” tactic is speaking volumes, saying that you

children Sherry Imbasciano, Ceylon (Carleen) Holbrook, Yvonne Kenik and Mark (Kaite) Holbrook; a brother, Ernie Holbrook; sisters Corinne Kelly and PeggyLu Fay-Bond; sisters-in-laws Rosemary Holbrook and Annette Holbrook; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews; stepchildren Marcia Allmendinger and Kelvin (Sandi) Preston, along with two step-grandchildren and four step-greatgrandchildren. He also leaves his beloved dog, Hannah.

A Celebration of

simply don’t care for anyone that doesn’t fit “your” agenda.

Mayor Drnek, many are saying you are a “true salesman,” gifted with the power of persuasion. Some Oneonta residents question the value of your newest renaissance program and ask you to stop spending money. You are not the leader who will bring Oneonta back from this fast-paced downward spiral.

The four unelected city employees need to stop spending money that we don’t have.

The Citizens That Care will continue to challenge Greg Mattice, city administrator, Steve Yearly, code enforcement officer and deputy community development director, Judy Pangman, community development director, and Virginia Lee, director of finance. We ask you stop and slow down. There should be no plans moving forward until we fix the current disaster that we are in. Period.

Your agenda is not realistic. The presentation of a 15-minute walking city and the renaissance program are unrealistic and do not fit the current living conditions. We ask you to pause any and all new development until the city is fiscally stable.

Mayor Drnek, please stop and listen. Common Council, please engage with us, your constituents. There is no “I” in team. Together we will help you drive this city into a business district and provide housing for all levels of society. But development takes time—you need to be given the time to do the research and then make a decision.

Luisa Montanti Oneonta

His Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Spirit and Truth Christian Assembly on School Street in West Oneonta, New York at 2 p.m., with Pastor Mitchell and Rose Spring, officiating.

To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.JohnstonFH. com.

His burial will be in the spring in the Laurens Village Cemetery in Laurens, New York.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Edd Stanimer of the Johnson

& Stanimer Funeral Home in Morris, New York.

“Nothing can ever take away a love the heart holds dear.”

Photo provided CLAUDE R. HOLBROOK

Photo provided JUDYTHE DIM

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VILLAGE ELECTION

NOTICE 2024

March 19, 2024

1. The Village of Cooperstown constitutes one election district and the polling place for such district shall be at the Village Fire Hall, 24 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, New York.

2. The hours during which the polls shall be open for voting are 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

3. The names of all those who have been duly nominated in accordance with the provisions of the New York State Election Law for the Village Office whose certificates of nomination have been duly filed with the Village Clerk, and that the office for which they have been nominated are as follows:

Mayor: One position- Two (2)

year term:

Democratic Party: Ellen Tillapaugh, 80 Beaver Street, Cooperstown

Many Voices, One Village Party: Ellen Tillapaugh, 80 Beaver Street, Cooperstown

Trustee: Two positions – Three (3)

year term:

Democratic Party: Cynthia Falk, 4 Grove Street, Cooperstown

Hanna Bergene, 205 Main Street, Cooperstown

Many Voices, One Village Party: Cynthia Falk, 4 Grove Street, Cooperstown

Hanna Bergene, 205 Main Street, Cooperstown

Dated: February 26, 2024

JENNA L. UTTER, RMC VILLAGE CLERK VILLAGE OF C OOPERSTOWN 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

Phone: (607-5472411

Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org LegaL nOtice

PUBLIC NOTICE

Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc. (ORHA) will be CLOSING the waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program in Otsego County effective March

25, 2024, until further notice.

All applications received or postmarked before March 25 will be processed according to ORHA policies and procedures in the order they are received. No application for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will be accepted on or after the effective date.

This closure does not affect applicants who are currently on the waiting list. The waiting list for the Project-Based Voucher Program in Oneonta Heights will remain open.

Public notice will be provided before ORHA reopens the waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. For more information, contact the ORHA Section 8 office at 140 County Hwy 33W Box 4 Cooperstown NY 13326, email hcv@ otsegoruralhousing.org, or call 607-547-8839.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless is proposing to collocate antennas on an existing 129-ft tall building located at 193 Main St, Cooperstown, Otsego Co, NY 13326 (42° 42’ 3.56” N, 74° 55’ 44.42” W).

Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to:

K. Eisele, Terracon, 844 N Lenola Rd, Ste 1, Moorestown, NJ 08057, 856-813-3267 or Kathy.eisele@ terracon.com.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS

HEREBY

GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, March 25th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following:

Public Hearing for changes to the

law authorizing the Watershed Supervisory Committee

Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said proposed law changes at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance.

Dated: March 5, 2024

By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown

Jenna L. Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email)

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 28, 2024

at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx. com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constnotices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constplanholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can

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only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124.

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

The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

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

Region 09: New York State

Department of Transportation

44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901

D265086, PIN 916643, FA Proj , Otsego Co., BRIDGE - REPLACEMENT, Rt 80 Over Hayden Creek, Town of Springfield., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $125,000.00), Goals: DBE: 6.00% 2LegalMar.14 LegaL nOtice

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBjECT OF ACTION

Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Otsego Action to Foreclose a Mortgage

Index #: EF2023-383

Keybank, N.A. Plaintiff, vs Jude B Lynch As Heir To The Estate Of Barbara A. Campbell, Michael J Lynch As Heir To The Estate Of Barbara A. Campbell, Unknown Heirs Of Barbara A. Campbell If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons

Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This

heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s).

Mortgaged Premises: 109 East Main Street Milford, NY 13807

To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Otsego. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises.

TO Unknown Heirs of Barbara A. Campbell Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Brian D. Burns of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Sixteenth day of February, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Otsego, in the City of Cooperstown.

The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated October 4, 2007, executed by Barbara A. Campbell (who died on July 25, 2022, a resident of the county of Otsego, State of New York) to secure the sum of $42,000.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 1536, Page 925 in the Office of the Otsego County Clerk on October 18, 2007; The property in question is described as follows: 109 East

Main Street, Milford, NY 13807

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

DATED: February 22, 2024

Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221

The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose.

79822

4LegalMar.21

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DASHING NETWORK LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/31/2024.

Office location: Otsego County, Claire Howlett designated as a registered agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Mail process to 110 Fair Street Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.11

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Wolf Print Press, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/12/2023.

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 PO Box 403, Otego, NY 13825

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.11

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WOODEN HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 2/27/2024

Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC, 41 STATE ST #112 ALBANY, NY 12207

General Purpose 6LegalApr.11

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BARRA LOGGING, LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/19/2024. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Barra Logging, LLC, 3310 Co Hwy 33, Cherry Valley, NY 13320

Purpose: Any Lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.11

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BOBNICK’S AUTO, LLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/27/2023.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Bobnick’s Auto, LLC, 194 Co Hwy 25A, Richfield Springs, NY 13439

Purpose: Any Lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.11

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Olivia The Creative LLC

Articles of organization filed

with SSNY on June 28, 2023.

Location: Otsego County SSNY is designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 25 Woodside Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalApr.11

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Kelmarra LLC.

Filed 2/13/24.

Cty: Otsego.

SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 162 Sonata Dr, Jupiter, FL 33478.

Purp: any lawful.

6LegalApr.4

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

The Turk’s Plantation, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 3, 2023

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 810 Mooney Road, Worcester, NY 12197

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.4

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Hardstone Hauling, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 02/05/24.

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

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 1113 River Road, South New Berlin, NY 13843.

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

6LegalApr.4

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF IIIB, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New continued Pg. 9

Tree Law

Continued from page 1

states. “Each community should determine its unique needs and how its tree ordinance will fulfill those needs,” DEC advises.

The DEC has legal authority for conducting forestry programs, defining municipal responsibility for public and private trees, and passing regulations and setting minimum standards for forest management. The state-wide tree ordinances and framework are meant to establish and maintain successful management of healthy community forests.

The proposed amendments to the current village law include eliminating the 30 percent annual tree removal limit, citing that zoning oversight would be difficult for the village to document and enforce. Also proposed is improvement of the zoning law language, specifying tree placement with regard to sidewalks and streets, clearer definitions of mature and diseased trees, and including a list of prohibited and recommended trees for village residents.

The current village tree zoning law will remain in place until the Board of Trustees decide on the proposed amendments.

“There were several suggestions from the public and the Village Board members. Any action will be subject to another public hearing. There is no conclusion at this time, but the idea of a permit and removed tree

database are among the options being discussed,” Falk said.

In other business, the Board of Trustees also addressed the following:

Election: The 2024 Cooperstown Mayoral and Village Trustee Election will take place at the Village Fire Hall on March 19 from noon to 9 p.m. The mayoral position is a two-year term, and trustees serve threeyear terms. Two village trustee positions will be up for election this year.

Lakefront Overlook:

The Village of Cooperstown has received $224,428.00 in grant funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to add a viewing platform at the end of Pioneer Street, as well as new informational signs. The project is designed to provide a fishing and overlook platform that improves access from Pioneer Street to the existing structure. Plans for the site were developed over a two-year period with input from community forums and the Village Parks Board.

EV Chargers: The Village of Cooperstown has approved a licensing agreement with Zero6 EV Charging to install four electric vehicle fast chargers in Fowler Lot. A timetable for installing the EV chargers has yet to be determined.

Fire Department:

The Cooperstown Fire Department is in the process of bidding on the purchase of a 1996 aerial firetruck from Adirondack Fire Equipment. The aerial firetruck will improve

Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 361 Bush Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Registered Agent: Usacorp Inc, 325 Division Ave, Ste 201, Bklyn, NY 11211.

Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.21

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ELITE SANITATION ENTERPRISES LLC A Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization were filed with the New York Secretary of State on February 5, 2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to: Gabriele Travis, 854 County Highway 39, Worcester, NY

the department’s ability to battle fires that are difficult to access.

Sewer Plant: The Village of Cooperstown has received a $50,000.00 New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Engineering Planning Grant that will fund an engineering report to evaluate and recommend improvements to the village’s waste water collection system.

Averill Road Yield

Sign: The Village of Cooperstown will be replacing the stop sign on the southeast corner of Main Street and Averill Road with a yield sign. The decision was made after concerns were expressed from community members regarding difficulty coming to a complete stop during inclement weather, and not being able to continue up the hill. The new yield sign will allow vehicles to maintain momentum through the intersection during difficult road conditions.

Trash Picker Volunteers: Village officials are currently seeking volunteer trash pickers to help keep the community clean. To learn more, call (607) 547-2411.

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

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12197. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMar.21

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Dublin Consulting NY LLC filed w/ SSNY 1/31/24. Off. in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agt. of LLC upon whom process may be served & shall mail process to c/o James C. Raneri, 644 Keys Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Craft Woodworking LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 21, 2023.

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 PO Box 1431, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SG JUNIOR, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 01/26/24.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, PO Box 1373, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

LOTUS GLASS STUDIO, LLC

Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/2/24. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 1091 County Hwy 46, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Doubleday Court LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 2/1/2024.

Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Molly Hernandez, 17 Walnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

General Purpose 6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION

OF Butternut Valley Ventures LLC filed 1/18/24 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 4021 State Highway 51, Garrattsville, NY 13342

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF GLIMMERGLAS S MEDICAL & WELLNESS LLC

Arts of Org. filed w/ SSNY 1/19/24. Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Zenbusiness Inc. 41 State St, #112, Albany, NY 12207

General Purpose 6LegalMar.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF The Cleaning Club, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State

on 01/23/2024. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to The LLC, 93 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

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

6LegalMar.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Articles of Organization of Schweitzer CS LLC (the “LLC”) were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on January 5, 2024, effective upon the date of filing.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC

at 21 Frederick Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702.

Purpose: General.

6LegalMar.7

LEgAL NOTiCE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Articles of Organization of Schweitzer GC LLC (the “LLC”) were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on May 15, 2023, effective upon the date of filing.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 21 Frederick Avenue, Babylon, New York 11702.

Purpose: General.

6LegalMar.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Randylayne And Sons Consulting LLC.

Filed 1/7/24.

Office: Otsego

Co.

SSNY desig. as

agent for process & shall mail to: 23 Watson St., Unadilla, NY 13849. Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Ste 202, Bklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

6LegalMar.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Serowski LLC.

Filed 11/08/23.

Office: Otsego Co.

SSNY desig. as agent for process&shall mail to: 131 Clintonville rd, Milford, NY 13807.

Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.7

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NOTICE OF

FORMATION OF Gun Club Rd LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 1/22/2024.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 4305 61st St, Apt. C2, Woodside NY 11377.

Purpose: any lawful 6LegalMar.7

New Dreams, Dreams Within Reach and Dreams Coming True

From time to time, we like to touch base to see how various projects and stories are progressing. This week, we “circle back” to catch up with a Ghanaian student’s dream of attending the Cooperstown Graduate Program this fall, Crumhorn Mountain and the Swart-Wilcox House barn.

Enoch’s Journey

Throughout its history, “The Freeman’s Journal” has encouraged, promoted and championed myriad community philanthropic initiatives, from the development of the “Great Western Turnpike”—now U.S. Route 20—in the early 19th century to the support of families in need throughout Otsego County.

At present, we strive to assist Enoch Bright Ampong, a 28-year-old museum docent born and raised in the Central Region of Ghana, who dreams of being able to come to Otsego County to study at SUNY Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate Program.

A graduate degree from the program that is one of the most prestigious museum studies programs in the United States would allow Enoch to return to Ghana and his ongoing work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elmina Castle, the oldest European building south of the Sahara and one of the primary depots where West and Central African captives were imprisoned and tortured before transshipment to the New World.

Parishioners at St. Mary’s Episcopal in Springfield and at Cooperstown Baptist Church have generously pledged initial funds to support Enoch’s CGP education, but further financial resources are still needed. In addition to direct contributions to St. Mary’s or Cooperstown Baptist, a GoFundMe page has been developed to enable further taxdeductible donations from the community at large at this link https://www.gofundme. com/f/enoch-ampong-study-in-cooperstown.

Otsego Land Trust has for reuse of the former Boy Scouts of America Camp Henderson property on Crumhorn Mountain in Milford.

been concerned about the property’s future.

“The Crumhorn property would be a superb outdoor education center,” according to Gregory Farmer, executive director at Otsego Land Trust. “It would create recreational opportunities in an underserved region and provide direct economic benefits.”

“Public interest is the key to conserving the site,” said Farmer. “The state will require a full title abstract, a detailed property survey, and an environmental assessment before they can move forward with acquisition. We are calling on local residents and former scouts to visit our website (www.otsegolandtrust.org) to voice their support and contribute to the project.”

Otsego Land Trust is a community-based nonprofit organization that works with landowners and partners to conserve farmland, forests, and wetlands in the Upper Susquehanna region. The Land Trust manages 300 acres of land for public access, including the Brookwood Point Conservation Area on Otsego Lake and Deowongo Island on Canadarago Lake. Otsego Land Trust protects more than 12,000 acres of private land through conservation easements in perpetuity.

Submitted by the Otsego Land Trust.

Barnstorming

We urge you to join “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” and many other individual contributors to support Enoch’s educational fund to whatever extent possible. Enoch’s enrollment at CGP will not only support his own professional goals, but will enrich the entire student body as Enoch shares his expertise and experience with peers in a collaborative learning environment.

An accomplished yet humble museum interpreter, Enoch has repeatedly expressed his gratitude to CGP and to anyone able to help him achieve his goal. We express our gratitude to any of you who are able to support this unique initiative.

To date, just over $8,200.00 has been raised via the GoFundMe page from 71 donors.

Crumhorn Conservation

Imagine an outdoor education center with miles of forested trails, lakefront access for canoes and kayaks, and programs for families and children throughout the year. That’s the vision that

Otsego Land Trust has been the lead advocate for protecting the undeveloped property and promoting its conservation as a community resource. Last year, a group of Crumhorn neighbors alerted Senator Peter Oberacker and Senator Peter Harckham that the camp was for sale. A postcard campaign launched by Otsego Land Trust called on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to utilize a portion of the state’s Environmental Bond Act to protect the property in perpetuity.

The Crumhorn property is one of the largest undeveloped tracts of land in Otsego County, bordered by the Susquehanna State Forest on one side and Crumhorn Lake on the other. The two state agencies have expressed strong interest in acquiring the former camp as a state forest and a state park, if an agreement can be reached with the Leatherstocking Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Area residents have fond memories of summers spent at Camp Henderson when it was managed by the old Otschodela Council of the Boy Scouts of America. A general decline in camp enrollment has led the Boy Scouts to close and sell many of the former camps. Since the Leatherstocking Council of Boy Scouts of America placed the 666-acre property up for sale with an asking price of $6.9 million, people throughout the Otsego region have

The Swart-Wilcox House Museum has been busily preparing for the exciting addition of the historic early-1800s Wightman Barn to the Swart-Wilcox Property. This building will provide a large area for displays and meetings, as well as a climate-controlled storage area for the SW collection. The barn will enhance the story that the Swart-Wilcox House Museum was designed to tell of the early settlers and their farmsteads, such as Lawrence Swart and Henry Wilcox.

Currently, floor plans are being refined, bids are being prepared for dismantling, moving and reassembling the barn, and the SW grounds are being readied for the foundation.

Students from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in Mehna Reach’s Collection Class will be developing plans for the climate-controlled storage area. Fundraising projects are being created, and grants are being formulated while awaiting approval of 501c3 nonprofit status. Fundraising efforts have included matching gift offers, donation of authors’ books, and items created specifically for SW.

A very special fundraiser has been created by Debby Clough, one of the four original founders of SW in 1988. She has crafted a beautiful barn quilt, a 30”x40” wall hanging, which will be on display during the July and August Summer Sunday programs, and will find its final home on August 25.

This has been a busy winter for the Friends of SW, and we are looking forward to watching the progress with the barn as the year progresses.

Submitted by Helen Rees, president of Friends of Swart-Wilcox.

Bassett Healthcare Center Welcomes Four Leap Day Babies

COOPERSTOWN

Bassett Healthcare Network’s Birthing Center in Cooperstown welcomed four Leap Day babies on February 29. Caregivers and families celebrated at Bassett Medical Center during the special occasion—the chances of being born on Leap Day are just one in 1,461.

The first baby, Savvy, a little girl, was born at 10:55 a.m. Savvy was born 10 days late to parents Garrett and Mallory Coffman of Clinton. Their little girl weighs 7 pounds, 1 ounce and is 19-3/4 inches long. Savvy has three siblings at home.

“Good things come to those who wait,” Mallory said. “Savvy took her time, but we are so blessed and beyond ecstatic to welcome her to our family.”

Mallory says Savvy will celebrate her birthday on March 1 between Leap Year dates.

The second baby girl, Raegan Chapman, was born at 1:53 pm. Raegan was born one day late to parents Ashley Chapman and Cody Burkle of St. Johnsville.

Their little girl weighed in at six pounds,13 ounces and is 19 inches long. Raegan will celebrate her birthday on February 28 between Leap Year dates.

The third baby, a girl, Blake Elise Merritt, was born at 10:40 p.m. Blake was born more than 2.5 weeks early to parents Samantha and Benjamin Merritt of Mohawk.

Their little girl weighs seven pounds, 7.9 ounces and is 19.5 inches long. Blake has three siblings.

Blake’s parents say she will celebrate her birthday on March 1 or whatever date is closest to a weekend between Leap Year dates—with a big party every Leap Day.

A fourth baby, a boy, was born as well. Though his photo and details

are not available at this time, his parents were also excited to welcome a son into the world. Having been born a couple of weeks earlier than expected, they were pleasantly suprised to have the distinction of a Leap Day birthday.

Congratulations to all four families on the arrival of their Leap Day babies at Bassett’s Birthing Center!

Photo provided

This quilt by Debby Clough will help raise funds for the Swart-Wilcox barn installation.

Pictured clockwise from top right: Garrett and Mallory Coffman with baby Savvy; Ashley Chapman and Cody Burkle with baby Raegan; and Samantha Merritt with baby Blake. (Photos provided)

Learning To Identify Misinformation and Disinformation

Avery successful pop star meets a goodlooking football player. They date. It’s big news. By January 2024, the player’s team is on its way to Super Bowl LVIII, and the Internet is on fire with stories about the singer and the football player. The story making headlines is that the two of them are in cahoots to influence voters in the presidential election.

Sounds bizarre, right? And unbelievable! But it did happen, and you probably know who the two people at the center of this falsehood are. We aren’t revealing their names for good reasons. Read on to find out why.

Important elections are coming up in 2024 and, unfortunately, stories like this one may very well affect the outcome. The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area strives to help citizens be informed about issues and candidates. In this installment of “A Voter’s Guide to Elections,” we are focusing on misinformation and disinformation. We want voters to ignore the rumormongering, concentrate on the facts, and learn to spot misinformation and disinformation and stop its spread.

Let’s start with definitions. Misinformation is inadvertently sharing false information. Most of us have had the experience of reading or hearing something, believing it, telling someone else about it, and then later learning that our original source was mistaken. Although we had no intent to do harm, by repeating misinformation, we’ve contributed to the spread of misinformation. Suppose you read a post like this on Facebook: “I didn’t know they lowered the voting age. My son is only 17 and he just registered to vote at school.” You and others share it and soon, Facebook is buzzing with the information that 17-year-olds can vote. Finally, someone comments:

“In New York State a person who is at least sixteen years of age may preregister to vote and is automatically registered upon reaching the age of 18. Check it out on the Otsego County Board of Elections page.” No one meant any harm, but no one checked the facts before making the original post.

Disinformation is intentionally sharing false information with the goal of doing harm. The lives of pop stars and football players are not the League’s normal purview, but what happened to this couple is a great example of disinformation. What was said about them was meant to do harm

Cudmore To Address CANO

ONEONTA—Community Arts Network of Oneonta will host Oneonta neo-noir mystery writer and former Iron String Press Managing Editor Libby Cudmore for the March iteration of their writers salon event. Cudmore will read from her award-winning novella “Alibi in Ice.” Her second novel, “Negative Girl,” will be released by Datura Books in September. Writers Salon is free and open to the public. The event will take place at the Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue in Oneonta, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.

CAA Announces New Exhibits

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association’s next exhibits will be on display in the Village Hall galleries from Friday, March 8 through Wednesday, March 27. “Adjectives, Verbs, and Nouns…Oh My!” is a collaborative project between elementary and high-school students at Milford Central School. “On a Roll” features steam roller printmaking work by Milford high-schoolers. There will be an opening reception for both exhibits on Friday, March 8 from 5-7 p.m. The CAA galleries are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Additionally, the popular Killdeer Trio will perform a special concert honoring Carla Bley in the upstairs CAA ballroom at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27.

Series Continues on Sunday

COOPERSTOWN—Dr. Tara White of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington will present a lecture, “African American History: Completing America’s Story,” in the upstairs ballroom of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10. It is the latest event in the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown’s Race, Equity and Justice series. Pizza and drinks will be available.

Matson To Interview Artists

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Art Museum curator James Matson will interview “Made in Middlefield: Part I” artists Christine Heller and Allison A. HillEdgar, among others, in a free panel discussion at The Art Garage at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 8. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Visitors are reminded to park on the gallery grounds. “Made in Middlefield” features a wide range of paintings, textiles and other work by 12 Middlefield-based artists. It is on view through Saturday, March 30. The Art Garage is open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, or daily by appointment, which can be scheduled by calling (315) 941-9607. Artist Megan Adams Irving will moderate another discussion with artists Dianne Kull and Roy Kortick at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 22. “Made in Middlefield: Part II” will open in April. The Art Garage is located at 689 Beaver Meadow Road.

“We want voters to ignore the rumormongering, concentrate on the facts, and learn to spot misinformation and disinformation and stop its spread.”

by discouraging people from participating in the election.

Disinformation also happens in political speech. Candidates knowingly share false or not-exactlytrue information about their opponents. With the expanding influence of the Internet in our lives, spreading of disinformation becomes easier and the consequences are more significant.

To use our voices—our votes—wisely, we need to be able to weed out the fiction from the facts. How can we tell if information we read or hear is true? Here are some techniques that can help spot misinformation and disinformation:

First, research the source. If the information is on a website, question its reliability. Does the site have political affiliations? Who funds it? Is it written by an individual person who has qualifications in the area being discussed? If the source is a friend, family member, or acquaintance, is the person someone who frequently exaggerates or someone who is level-headed and knowledgeable about the subject?

Next, cross check the source. Are multiple, reliable news sources saying the same thing? If not, that’s a red flag that you might have received misinformation or disinformation.

Check the publication date as well. Articles are passed around and around for years on social media. As time passes, things change, and an article that may have been accurate when it was published years ago might be irrelevant or misleading today. Photographs that claim to be contemporary may be from years ago.

“Juicy” headlines (“Senator’s Ex Reveals Marriage Secrets”) bring lots of clicks, and clicks bring money; writers have figured out how to get more clicks on mundane stories by writing outrageous headlines. Read past the headline, especially online, and most especially when the headline looks scandalous.

“Listen” to the tone of the article. When content is written in an emotionally charged manner,

that’s a sign that the information is exaggerated or completely false. Reliable news sources don’t use emotional language. They use facts.

Even as we become experts at spotting misinformation and disinformation, how can we stop it from spreading? We have some tips.

First and foremost—don’t engage. This tip takes us back to our opening paragraph. Why did we not print the names of the pop star and the football player? Printing their names along with the story that is being told about them would mean that this story might be picked up elsewhere online and be the source of the disinformation. (“League of Women Voters Spreads Disinformation” might be that juicy headline.)

One thing you can do to stop the spread is create a new dialogue on something you know is true, something that you do want people to think about and discuss—like the example above about misinformation concerning voting age.

Finally, report disinformation if you feel it’s needed. Concerns regarding most social media posts can be made to the media platforms themselves. Other disinformation online can be reported to ReportDisinfo.org. If you see something about our local elections that doesn’t sound right, contact the Otsego County Board of Elections.

Don’t be misled by misinformation or malicious disinformation. Check with trusted sources and be a well-informed voter. Contact the Otsego County Board of Elections at boe@otsegocounty.com or (607) 547-4247 if you have questions about something you read about local elections.

The LWV will be posting more information on these and other election-related topics at LWVCooperstownArea.org.

The information for this article came from several League of Women Voters websites. Go to the LWVUS page, https://www.lwv.org/blog/ your-guide-mis-and-disinformation, for further information on the subject. The LWV Pittsburgh has a wealth of information on its site https:// lwvpgh.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_ id=554754&module_id=610621#social, including other sources of information on misinformation and disinformation.

Aviva Schneider and Patty MacLeish are members of the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area.

NEwS BRIEfS

►Fri., March 8

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $3.50 for seniors, $10 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of vegetable omelet, hash browns, muffin and fruit cup. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.

POTTERY

1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters are invited to work on personal projects. No instruction provided. $30/session. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

CRAFT FRIDAYS

3:30 p.m. Make a papiermâché mask with the Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.

ARTIST PANEL 4 p.m. “Made in Middlefield.”

Exhibiting artists discuss their work. Moderated by James Matson. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown (607) 5475327.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-7 p.m. “Adjective, Verbs, and Nouns… Oh My!” and “On a Roll: Steam Roller Printmaking.” Creative works by Milford Central School students. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main

Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.

DANCE 6-7 p.m.

“Latin Nights with Veronica.” Registration required. $20/non-member/class. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Route 52, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800.

OUTDOORS 7-9 p.m.

“Naked Eye Astronomy.” Find the constellations, planets and even a galaxy visible without a telescope. Bring folding chairs and dress warmly. Followed by hot chocolate. Registration required. Rain date 3/9. Presented by Otsego County Conservation Association. (607) 547-4488.

COMEDY 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. “Stand Up Comedy with North Country Comedy Tour.” Headliner Jaye McBride with Mikael Gregg and Dee Watson. $25 general admission. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►Sat., March 9

MOTORCYCLE COURSE 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “A CRASH Course for the Motorcyclist.” Learn what to do at the scene of a motorcycle accident until help arrives. Cost, $40/student. Richfield Springs Fire Department, 34 East James Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0850.

CRAFT 10-11:30 a.m.

“Crochet with Marki.” Learn basic stitches of

crochet, how to read a pattern and get questions answered. $20/class. Also held 3/16. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234.

ART 10 a.m. to noon. “Spring Snack and Paint.” Create a springtime landscape using acrylic paints. $30, supplies included. Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, 597 County Highway 54, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3265 ext. 518.

MAKERS MARKET

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Easter Market.” Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.

TAX PREP

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Free Tax Preparation” with IRS-certified volunteers. Held Saturdays through 4/15. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

ASTRONOMY

10:30 a.m. “Max Goes to the Moon Planetarium Show.” Immersive, multimedia experience. $3/person, open to the public. Best for ages 3-12. Reservations required. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, West Dormitory Road, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

GARDEN 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seed Swap. Exchange seeds, discuss gardening and share tales from past seasons. Complimentary coffee, tea, snacks. 354 Main, Otego.

OPERA 12 p.m. The Met presents “La Forza del Destino.” Tickets, $22/adult. Lunch available. Arrive at 11:30 a.m. for discussion with the Glimmerglass Guild. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

LUNCH 1-4 p.m. Free soup and sandwich lunch. Laurens Presbyterian Church, 3 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 2653354.

CONSERVATION

1 p.m. “Earth and Me: Birds and Climate Change.” Presentation by Susan O’Handley of the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society on the challenges bird populations face. Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. (607) 547-4488.

ASTRONOMY

1:30 p.m. “Out There: Quest for Exoplanets Planetarium Show.” Immersive, multimedia experience hosted by SUNY Oneonta students and staff. $3/person, open to the public. Reservations required. Please arrive 15 minutes early. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, West Dormitory Road, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

WRITERS GROUP

ner. Spaghetti with marinara sauce, meatballs, bread, salad, dessert and a drink. Support the Milford Fire Department and Emergency Squad. Use the back entrance at the Milford Fire Department, 64 South Main Street, Milford. (607) 286-9492.

CONCERT 5-8 p.m. Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with the Scattered Flurries. Free, open to all. Bring your own snacks and be ready to dance. Gym, Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377.

MUSIC 6-9 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with The Stoutmen, an Irish folk quartet. $20/ person. Open to the public. American Legion, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

POTLUCK 6:30 p.m. Good food, fellowship, typically some games, and this time a guest speaker! Bring a dish to share; everyone is welcome. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, Fly Creek.

►Sun., March 10

DaY LiGht S aVinGS

tiME S tart S

HISTORY 6 p.m.

“African American History: Completing America’s Story.” Presented by Dr. Tara White of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Part of the Race, Equity, and Justice Series. Free pizza and beverages. Village Ballroom, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9371.

OSCARS 6-10 p.m. “A Night at the Oscars.” Get dressed up to walk the red carpet, place bets for the night’s winners, win prizes and party with the stars. Tickets, $10. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►Mon., March 11

CONNECTIONS

12:30 p.m. Bluegrass Circle Jam Session. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail. com.

GARDEN CLUB 1 p.m.

“Container Gardening Presentation” by Tony Antes, master gardener of the Binghamton Garden Club. Hosted by the Oneonta Federated Garden Club. All welcome. St. James Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta.

TAX PREP 6-8 p.m.

ASTRONOMY

11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show.” Immersive, multimedia experience. $3/person. Reservations required. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, West Dormitory Road, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

1:30-3:30 p.m. Supportive group to practice writing exercises and receive feedback. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

DRUM CIRCLE

2 p.m. Drum and Dance on National Get Over It Day. Day of self-reflection and moving on from life’s burdens. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta.

FUNDRAISER 4 p.m. until gone. Spaghetti Din-

SUGARING 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Sugaring Off Sundays.” Pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with contemporary and historical maple sugaring demonstrations, activities for kids, and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission, $15/adult. Held Sundays through March 24. The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.

THEATRE 2-4 p.m.

“Next! Readings of New Works by Regional Playwrights.” Free reading of “The Wind Farmer” by Dan O’Neil. Auditorium, Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

“Free Tax Preparation.” Get help with taxes from IRS-certified volunteers. Held Mondays and Tuesdays through 4/15. 2nd floor, Golisano Hall, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4338.

►tuES., March 12

COMMUNITY HIKE

9:45 a.m. Hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Woodland Walk, Jefferson. Contact hike leader Betsy Cunningham, (607) 437-3758.

LIBRARY CRAFT 10 a.m. Make a cute bunny wreath for spring. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.