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THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2017
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IN MEMORIAM
Lady Ostapeck, Simply Unique By NICK ARGYROS
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ith profound sadness I write that Lady Ostapeck entered eternal rest at 1 a.m. Feb. 2, 2017, just 20 days before her 99th birthday. She had stoically endured failing health for the past few months while
in Valley Health Services nursing home in Herkimer. The care and attention she received was outstanding. By way of recent anecdote, I can relate her fervent wish, for years, to reach 100 so that she could receive the president’s traditional centenarian congratulations. When I told her the election’s outcome, she asked “so the Please See LADY, B3
ADY’S ART REMAINS
Lady Ostapeck’s portrait shows Vera Talevi of Cooperstown as a peasant girl, but her image in the mirror is of a countess. Vera and her husband, retired Oneonta accountant Bruno Talevi, had their portraits done by Lady Ostapeck, and convinced her to photograph their two sons, Steven and Robert, as well.
Beloved Photographer Sought To Capture Subjects’ Secrets By LIBBY CUDMORE
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Spanish lord. A countess. The Count of Monte Cristo, gypsies, Victorian women in their parlors. All right here in Otsego County. “Lady Ostapeck was a legend,” said Helen Rees, Oneonta. “When you sat for her, she would have you bring objects that were precious to you, ask you all about them, and then set up the portrait.” The famed portrait artist passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, just 20 days short of her 99th birthday, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer, where she had lived for the past three
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Lady Ostapeck admires a photo of her favorite historical character, the fiery Eleanor Aquitaine, commander of the Second Crusade.
Cooperstown’s John Ramsey, as the Count of Monte Cristo, is depicted in one of Lady’s favorite images.
years. She left her beloved Fly Creek Valley home a half-dozen years ago for Nader Towers. “She was an exceptional women,” said Corrine Pol-
lak. “When you went in for a portrait, she had everything laid out on chairs, and by the end, you wouldn’t even know who you are!”
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As she told it, Lady Ostapeck bought her Korona 4 x 5 studio view camera at the Salvation Army in Utica without knowing how to use it. “She was very spiritual,” said Vera Talevi, Cooperstown. “She always said that when she put her hands on the camera, she knew how to work it.” And that spirituality rubbed off. “I was sitting for my portrait, talking to her, and I heard myself saying, ‘I would like to be a peasant girl looking forward to the day I become a countess,” said Vera. “I don’t know where that came from!” But the idea stuck, and the final portrait shows the peasant girl in the foreground, and her image as a countess reflected in Please See PORTRAITS, B3
HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO
BEST BETS
“Best of Philly” headliner Mike Stankiewicz headlines a night of comedy Friday, Feb. 10, at Foothills.
Laugh Away Winter Blahs At Foothills
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njoy an evening of “Not Too Far From Home” comedy, featuring Mike Stankiewicz, singled out for a “Best of Philly” Award from Philadelphia magazine. It’s part of an evening emceed by Aaron David Ward and featuring Erin Harkes. All the comedians have Upstate ties. 8 p.m. at the Foothills Performing Arts Center. Friday Feb. 10. FIGHT THE FEVER: Cabin Fever party Featuring “Random Act” and guest artist Eric Hait from “Off the Record.” Admission is $5. 8 p.m. Oneonta Veterans Club. Friday Feb. 10. MANY COLORS: Come see the patterns and colors used by area quilters for this year’s Fenimore Quilt Club show. Gallery is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cooperstown Art Association. Saturday Feb. 11 thru Sunday Feb. 26. VISIT VALLEY FORGE: Doug Brenner presents about the Washington Chapel at Valley Forge for the Oneonta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at 1 p.m. Masonic Temple, 322 Main St., Oneonta. Saturday Feb. 11 COOPERSTOWN’S STORY: “Lords of the Wilderness:” Presenting the story of the founding of Cooperstown as told by local playwright Ron Nash. Based on the book by Alan Taylor, “William Cooper’s Town.” 6:30 p.m. The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. Saturday Feb. 11 LOVE STORY: Theater: In the spirit of the holiday, listen as actors perform “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Following the relationship of two childhood friends whose letters track their lives through, school, war, marriages, careers, and the end of their lives. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Foothills 24 Market St., Oneonta. Saturday Feb. 11, and also at 2 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 12. SUPPORT THE SHELTER: Have an evening of fun to support the Susquehanna Animal Shelter. Chance to win door prizes and trophies. Food and beverages are available. 4 p.m. Cooperstown Beverage Exchange. Sunday Feb. 12.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA
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