Artist Reflects on Illustrious Career

By DANIEL FRANCIS RICHFIELD SPRINGS

Isat at a large sketching desk in a sundrenched studio, flipping through an endless pile of sketches and illustrations.

Across the desk from me was Jules Feiffer, the man who had put these figures to paper. As I marveled at his creations, moving from one page to the next, Jules explained the idea, the meaning, behind each of the works laid out on the desk. Not because he had to; it was because he wanted to. I quickly came to learn that Jules puts careful thought into everything he works on, however long that list may be, and every stroke of his pen, pencil, and marker carries with it a story, an idea, that he wishes the audience to understand. This framework, applied to all aspects of his career, was adopted at the very beginning.

“The cultural and political story was to force a change of societal norms which, in the

50s, the years of Eisenhower, and early years of the cold war, was a time when nothing changed. You felt that, people were afraid to stay politically or socially out of a place because it might endanger them. It was our business to make trouble and point out what was going on. I saw my role from the beginning as one of those who was going to try to overthrow the government by using humor, satire and creating insights in the reader.”

Jules understood that doing so would put him in the crosshairs of critics during a chapter of American history where criticizing mainstream society and the federal government could be detrimental to his career. Going against the wishes of his mother, he persisted to voice his opinions through his work, as it was fundamental to who he was, going so far as to publish the first cartoon attacking white liberals.

“I made the choice not to make as much money as I could have. I chose to be happy. I

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By JOEL J. PLUE MORRISVILLE

Taylor Colone-Microni of Oneonta was instrumental in the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs’ recent trip to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The Mustangs earned a berth in the tourney after defeating two seed Penn State Harrisburg to win the United East Championship on February 25, a game for which Colone-Microni received Most Valuable Player honors. Many young people aspire to follow their dreams. Colone-Microni chased hers.

“As far back as I can remember, even as a young child, I wanted to play basketball,” she recalled.

A 2020 graduate of Oneonta High School, Colone-Microni knew she would someday be a basketball champion, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. As with anyone who strives to be at the top of their game, Taylor first had to overcome her fears.

“I was nervous about trying out for the varsity team in 8th grade. A conversation with my dad gave me inspiration to move forward when he said, ‘If you’re going to succeed at what you love, you will need to step out of your comfort zone.’ He has always been there for me, and that advice has kept me going,” she said.

Colone-Microni, 21, has lived in Oneonta her entire life. It is where, with support from friends and family, she learned the love of the sport. Matt Miller, former coach of the Oneonta High School women’s basketball varsity team, was one of many role models who set her up for success in her sports career.

“Taylor was a great basketball player because she was completely dedicated to the game, and because she worked significantly harder than the average player. There’s a very short list of players, in my time at OHS, that I can say worked as hard or had as genuine a desire to be great like Taylor did,” Miller recalled.

Colone-Microni, a five year varsity player at OHS, was named the United East Tournament MVP after leading the Mustangs to their second straight title with 16 points in the final game, a 4742 nail-biter. Unfortunately, the Mustangs’ winning streak ended on March 3 with a 50100 loss to Smith College in NCAA tournament play. Morrisvillemustangs.com sums up Colone-Microni’s 2022-23 season as follows:

“...started in 27 games for the Mustangs at guard… recorded 217 points across the season…average 8.04 per game…hit 48 from long range while shooting .320 from behind the arc…added 76 rebounds, 62 assists and 26 steals to her totals across the year…team were United East Regular Season and Tournament Champions,

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Recruiting Event set for April

OTSEGO COUNTY—Volunteer fire departments across the state will host the 14th annual RecruitNY weekend on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23. RecruitNY is a volunteer drive organized by the Firefighters Association of New York. “This year’s annual RecruitNY campaign comes at a time when we are in need of volunteer firefighters the most,” FASNY President Edward Tase Jr. said. The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services estimates there are 20,000 fewer volunteer firefighters in New York than there were 20 years ago. New Yorkers are invited to visit their local firehouses for facility tours and equipment demonstrations, and to learn the requirements and benefits of volunteering. For more information, contact a local fire department at its non-emergency number.

Parking Garage Level Closed

ONEONTA—The upper level of Oneonta’s parking garage was closed monday, march 20 due to structural concerns. According to the city Department of Public Works, several steel beams need to be replaced. The upper level of the parking garage, located on the Chestnut Street Extension, will be closed until further notice.

Jews in Baseball Topic of Event

COOPERSTOWN—Former Cooperstown mayor Jeff Katz and SUNY professor emeritus Bill Simons will speak at an event highlighting Jewish involvement in baseball. “The Diamond District–Jews in Baseball” presentation, free and open to all, will be held in the Cooperstown Village Hall, 22 main Street, at 11 a.m. on April 2. Katz will spotlight the game-changing career of union executive marvin miller in his talk, “marvin miller: From Brooklyn to Cooperstown.” Katz is the author of “Split Season 1981,” a critically-acclaimed account of the historic baseball strike led by miller. Simons’ presentation, “The Jews, Dodgers, and Brooklyn: The Jackie Robinson Decade,” will examine the relationship between Brooklyn’s Jewish communities and the Dodgers. The event is sponsored by Temple Beth El. Rabbi meir Rubashkin of Chabad of Oneonta will provide kosher hot dogs with all the trimmings. Seating is limited—RSVP with name, number in your party and contact information to tbeoneonta@gmail. com or (607) 432-5522.

Career Night Series Continues

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Richfield Springs Community Center’s Career Night Series will continue on select Fridays in march and April from 7-10 p.m. Students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to attend and learn about different career path options. Parents and guardians are also welcome and light refreshments will be served. The remaining schedule is: Friday, march 31, agriculture and livestock; Friday, April 14, professional laborer; Friday, April 28, food service and hospitality The Community Center is located at 6 Ann Street in Richfield Springs. For more information, contact The Zone Youth Program directors at tonya@richfieldzone.org or rick@richfieldzone.org

Gardner Pl. Construction Begins

ONEONTA—The City of Oneonta’s Gardner Place reconstruction began on Wednesday, march 22. The project includes storm and sanitary sewer replacements, new sewer laterals, and full street reconstruction. Gardner Place will be closed to through traffic and parking until further notice. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and obey all signs and temporary traffic devices. Work will occur between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. The project is expected to continue through the end of June. For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us or (607) 432-2100.