The Freeman's Journal 01-08-26

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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

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on allotsego.com: THE TRUMP-KENNEDY CENTER CONTROVERSY VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 2

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, January 8, 2026

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School Leaders, Students Say Bell-to-Bell Cellphone Ban Has Been a Massive Success By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

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OTSEGO COUNTY Local school leaders are saying the New York State school cellphone ban has been a huge success, increasing student engagement and decreasing behavioral issues. “Teachers are excited about it. Students are more engaged,” Oneonta High School Principal Kevin Stevens said in an interview. Students “like that they’re talking more with their friends and have less time being spent on their own personal devices.”

Some of those students, Oneonta High School seniors Anna Schultz and Hudson Pasternak, told AllOtsego they were surprised by how well the policy has played out. “My immediate reaction was that it wouldn’t be able to work, that there’s no way to put the cell phones away,” Schultz said. Pasternak said he was even annoyed. Now, “I think students are so much less distracted,” Pasternak said. Both recalled that in previous years, students would often be on their phones during class playing games or Continued on page 3

Former Sgt. Michael Stalter Announces Run for County Sheriff By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

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OTSEGO COUNTY recently retired 25-year veteran of the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office is challenging his old boss. Republican Michael J. Stalter, a firsttime candidate, announced this week he is running for Otsego County sheriff. In an interview with AllOtsego, Stalter said he is running to cut costs and change certain office policies, including what he sees as “fluffing” of incident numbers. He also told AllOtsego he wants to see fewer inmates at the county jail boarded out to other jails and less overtime assignments for corrections officers. He later said he would rescind the office’s recently-signed 287(g) Warrant Service Officer Agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “I have spent almost half my life now as a police officer and just serving people,” Stalter said, adding it was his “dream” to become a sheriff’s deputy. Stalter said he loved working in the county he grew up in. He also previously served in the Cooperstown and Fort Plain police departments, and as a corrections officer. Stalter said his only job before law enforcement was in his father’s Middlefield-based construction business. INSIDE ► venezuela and ny-19, page 2 ► Oneonta’s bipartisan supes, page 2 ► here comes the boom, page 3 ► buttermann takes the oath, page 3 ► Otsego’s shining stars, page 4 ► birds, birds, birds! page 5 ► LAUREN GLYNN CARES, page 6 ► CALENDAR, page 10 Follow Breaking News On

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MICHAEL J. STALTER

The current Otsego County sheriff is fellow Republican Richard J. Devlin Jr., who was first elected in 2006. He confirmed to AllOtsego he plans to run for re-election for another four-year term. “I decided to retire because I just didn’t want to

be part of it,” Stalter said of his June 2025 retirement. “The environment in the office had become negative.” He claimed he was not alone among colleagues in that feeling. “I truly felt that the person that I went to work for was a different person now, and that his priorities were not aligned with mine,” Stalter said. Stalter said there “wasn’t much common sense when it came to some of the spending.” He said the county’s practice of significant overtime work for corrections officers and boarding-out inmates, in other words sending them to other nearby jails at cost to the county, was an unnecessary expenditure of a “tremendous amount of money.” “I understand that the [jail] building itself, it’s not a new building. But then again, the building wasn’t built in the 60s,” Stalter said. The Otsego County Jail was built in 1991, and is the last in the state built with “linear design,” an old prison style with hallways with cells on either side. Sheriff Devlin has been advocating for a new jail for years. “If engineers want to come in and build a better, more modern facility using more modern techniques of housing inmates, of taking care of the jail popuContinued on page 7

Birthing Center Welcomes the First Baby of 2026

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COOPERSTOWN assett Healthcare Network’s Birthing Center at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown welcomed its first baby of 2026 on January 1, 2026 at 5:11 p.m. Charlotte Marie was born to Jaimie and Matthew. The family lives in Cobleskill. Both mom and baby are healthy and happy. At birth, Charlotte weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. She is the couple’s first child and she happens to share a birthday with her family’s two dogs, Patches and Poppy. Jaimie works for Bassett Healthcare Network as a perioperative business manager. Her office is only a short walk from the hospital room where she welcomed her daughter into the world. “We want to say thank you to everyone who cared for us from the birthing center and from anesthesia. Everyone was wonderful,” Photo provided said Matthew. More than 900 babies were born at Bassett Medical Center’s Matthew and Jaimie are the proud parents of Charlotte Marie, the first baby Birthing Center in 2025. to be born this year at Bassett’s Birthing Center.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Oberacker Supports, Riley Opposes U.S. Attack on Venezuela By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL OTSEGO COUNTY andidates seeking to become the next representative in the battleground NY-19 congressional district had different reactions to President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and seize the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, on January 3. Rep. Josh Riley, the incumbent Democrat for NY-19 and running for re-election, issued a statement in opposition to the snatch-and-grab Venezuela operation, referred to by U.S. officials as Operation Absolute Resolve. “Putting Upstate First means no more foreign regime-change wars. We are done paying the price in American tax dollars and American lives,” Riley said. “I voted to restore Congress’s constitutional authority over war because we can and must keep our communities safe from drug trafficking without taking over foreign countries and putting more American lives at risk.” State Senator Peter Oberacker, the Republican challenging Riley, was supportive of the operation and criticized Riley’s opposition. “For years, Americans have paid the price for illegal drugs pouring into our country,” Oberacker said in an online statement. “President Trump’s decisive move to secure our borders and take down dangerous dictator and terrorist Nicolás Maduro is the kind of firm action we’ve been needing. Today, America is safer, and the message is clear: those who are a threat to Americans will be held accountable.” President Maduro has been accused by numerous human rights organizations of violating Venezuelans’ human rights. Oberacker reacted to Riley’s comments on social media by calling him “phony” and said he was “once again caught pretending to stand with upstaters.” Oberacker’s post also questioned Riley’s loyalty to the United States, accusing him of “denigrating the bravery of U.S. service members” and asking “Who’s side is he on?” President Donald Trump’s administration claimed the goal of the attack was to stop narco-terrorism. Maduro is currently detained in New York City, where he will face trial on U.S. narco-terrorism charges he was indicted on in 2020. In comments since the operation, President Trump has said the U.S. plans to take Venezuelan oil and that the U.S. will “run” Venezuela. The Trump administration did not inform Congress prior to the attack. “We’re going to be taking out a tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground,” President Trump has told reporters.

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Quilt Registration Set for 1/24 COOPERSTOWN—The Fenimore Quilt Club 2026 Show will be held at the Cooperstown Art Association in Village Hall from February 7-22. Registration will be open for a single day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 24. Exhibitors are limited to two submissions each and must provide a six-inch sleeve or other suitable method for hanging. For more information, call (607) 547-9777.

Church to Hold MLK Service COOPERSTOWN—The First Baptist Church of Cooperstown, 21 Elm Street, will hold a service to honor the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 19. It will include songs, readings and a reception with food and fellowship after the service. To join an intergenerational choir that will perform at the event, attend a rehearsal in the lower level of the church at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, January 11. For more information, contact baptistcooperstown@gmail.com or (607) 547-9371.

Photo by Hailey Marx/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Thank You for Your Service COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated milestone anniversaries of several staff members on December 9. From left, Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch; Vice President, Retail Merchandising and Licensing Sean Gahagan (20 years); Senior Supervisor of Customer Service Kathy Moss (35 years); Finance Associate Connie Robinson (20 years); Assistant Warehouse Manager Jennifer Taylor (30 years); Vice President, People and Culture Ryan Selzner (10 years); and Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark.

County Property Auction Set for January 14 By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL OTSEGO COUNTY s of press time, 155 properties across Otsego County will go up for auction on Wednesday, January 14. The properties have not had their taxes paid for three consecutive years. Further tax auction details can be found at https:// aarauctions.com/servlet/Search. do?auctionId=5959. The properties include undeveloped parcels as well as residential

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and commercial land. Starting bid values range from the hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. County Treasurer Allen Ruffles, a Republican, told AllOtsego the large number of properties was due to a three-year halt on auctions due to a Supreme Court case. In Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023), the Supreme Court ruled that municipalities must allow tax auction sale surplus over the owed taxes to go to the former property owners rather than depositing it into their own municipal funds. In the interim, auctions could not occur.

“Back to when I started in 2018, we usually have around 50 parcels, sometimes more (70ish) sometimes less (40ish),” he wrote. “So because this is three years’ worth, if you divide the 155 by three, it’s about 50 parcels which would be about average.” Ruffles added that the final number could fluctuate slightly with further court review of the parcels. A Sixth Judicial District Court judge needed to sign off on the list of properties, and did so in recent weeks.

Oneonta Town Officials Sworn In on Jan. 1st By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL ONEONTA ew Town of Oneonta officials were sworn in on January 1 at Oneonta Town Hall. Officials included Democratic Town Supervisor Will Rivera, his appointed deputy town supervisor, Republican Trish Riddell Kent, and re-elected Town Clerk Ryan Pereira, a Democrat. Otsego County Supreme Court Judge Brian Burns conducted the ceremony. “Town Hall belongs to the people of Oneonta,” Rivera said. “This role isn’t something I own. It’s something I’m trusted to take care of.” With most municipalities recently moved to even-year elections by state law, the term will only be for one year. Rivera has said he plans to run for rePhoto provided election for a full two-year term. Democrat Will Rivera is the Town of Oneonta’s first Latino supervisor. Some issues expected to come before the Oneonta Town Board this year include the beginning of developing a new town comprehensive plan; short-term rentals; and the controversial AI research center proposal from Eco-Yotta Inc.

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Boomhower Throws Hat in Ring as Tague Vacates Assembly Seat Association of New York, a membership network for private equity investors. He was previously an economic development specialist for Greene County, a legislative assistant in the State Senate, and a researcher for State Assembly Democrats. Boomhower holds a bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College in law and society and a master’s degree in American history from SUNY Albany. “Smart economic development is critical for ensuring our communities and small businesses remain viable and competitive,” said Boomhower. “When you take a holistic approach to the issues facing our region, with a commitment to centering local voices, we can work together to ensure our friends and neighbors are kept in busi-

By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL CATSKILL illage of Catskill Trustee Thomas Boomhower has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 102nd New York State Assembly District. He is the third Democrat running to fill the seat being vacated by Republican Assemblyman Chris Tague, who is now running for the 51st State Senate District. “The fact of the matter is we’re facing a cost of living crisis. Life has become unaffordable for too many of us. It costs too much for people to provide for their families, to put food on their tables, or heat their homes,” Boomhower said in a press release, “and

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THOMAS BOOMHOWER

people are being priced out of their homes, out of their communities.” Boomhower was elected to be a Village of Catskill trustee in a September 2025 special election to fill a vacant seat. Professionally, he is the senior director of program management for Upstate Capital

ness, and not priced out of the places they call home.” Boomhower’s announcement said he would prioritize the cost of living crisis, addressing healthcare and childcare scarcity in the district, and local housing development. His website lists endorsements from Natasha Law, the president of Catskill’s village board, and Christopher Hanse, a Village of Coxsackie trustee. Also seeking the Democratic nomination are Janet Tweed, a physical therapist and Delhi village board member, and Mary Finneran, a Cairo Democratic Party leader, activist, and former art teacher. Both previously ran for the seat. Finneran told AllOtsego, “I was thrilled when my former student Thomas won the

village trustee seat in Catskill. I do wonder his seeking another elected seat so soon.” In a statement to AllOtsego, Tweed welcomed Boomhower to the race and said she looks forward “to hearing from him on the campaign trail.” “The fact that three of us have stepped forward to challenge this seat is an indication of how long the 102nd district has gone without effective representation. We deserve a representative who will put in the work to actually pass legislation, and who will be responsive to constituents.” The 102nd District includes Schoharie and Greene counties and parts of Delaware, Otsego, and Albany counties. The district includes northeastern parts of Otsego County, including Cooperstown.

Oneonta Mayor Vows To Be ‘Unremitting’ in Swearing-in Speech By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL ONEONTA ew Oneonta Mayor Daniel Buttermann, a Democrat, was sworn in at City Hall on January 1. Fellow Democrat Carolyn Marks was also sworn in as councilmember for the 7th Ward by Oneonta City Court Judge Robert Gouldin. Buttermann’s brief speech reflected on two quotes from President Abraham Lincoln. “I hope in doing so, you can see a little bit of how I think, and how I feel about the position that I now hold,” Buttermann said. Saying he shared what Lincoln described as his “peculiar ambition” to “have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow-men, Photo by Monica Calzolari by rendering myself worthy of their Oneonta Mayor Daniel Buttermann takes the oath of office with Judge Robert Gouldin as esteem,” Buttermann said that that Buttermann’s wife, Ana Laura Gonzalez, looks on. esteem did not come from his election

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night win. “It started when someone said to me that they thought I might be able to do this job.” He added that his confidence comes from his wife, Ana Laura Gonzalez, who has supported his journey. The second Lincoln quote referenced by Buttermann, from Lincoln’s 1832 Illinois legislature race, was that “if elected, they [the voters] will have conferred a favor upon me, for which I shall be unremitting in my labors to compensate.” Buttermann said, “I, too, will be unremitting in my labors to compensate the favors you have all conferred upon me. “In doing so, I hope that the condition of Oneonta will be such that the qualities of this community we all hold dear will be evermore evident for future generations to enjoy.”

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largely been supportive but I am used to it now and of the policy. don’t miss it. I find myself “We were actually having more conversaContinued from page 1 surprised,” said Unatego OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020tions at lunch especially.” messaging others. High School Principal She added that her The 2025-2026 school Abby Costello. friends felt similarly, and year is the first where Costello said that in that it helped with other students in public, charter a recent student survey, phone-related issues. and BOCES schools students shared that they “Nobody can hide across New York cannot “felt more present, that behind a screen now at their cellphones from they were able to pay atten- school,” Avery said. use “bell-to-bell” byOCTOBER state tion better, and that some For the Worcester 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 law. Governor Kathy of them even remarked Central School District, Hochul (D) pushed for their grades were better.” this is the second year of the policy in the state “Across the board, the restrictions. budget last May. we are seeing a lot less “We wanted to do it “New York was the first discipline due to online on our own terms. So state to target addictive or social media or just we started it last year, social media feeds—and cellphone-based things,” and it went pretty well,” now we’re the largest state Costello said. Superintendent Tim to restrict smartphones in Avery, a student athlete Gonzalez told AllOtsego. schools throughout the and vice president of the “We really haven’t had entire school day,” Gov. student council at Unatego too much resistance. The ? Kelly Edge All-Season WeatherReady Hochul ? WinterCommand All-Season ? Kelly Edge HT saidUltraat the time. ? Assurance High School, shared kids are, think, enjoying CT Touring Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROF & SCT) ? 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Some 155 ERIE BLVD districts phonesABOUT THE CANAJOHARIE ASK AN require ASSOCIATE GOODYEAR 30-DAY PLEDGE † , NY 13317 to be dropped off with administrators or OFFERS put in AVAILABLE a AT THE FOLLOWING518-673-5399 LOCATIONS: THETIRESHOP.BIZ sealable pouch, whereas others simply require students not to use them r mail-in rebate on a qualifying purchase of a set of 4 select Goodyear tires with any form of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $75 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Get a $75 Prepaid Card with purchase or $150 Prepaid , Assurance ComforTred Touring, Assurance MaxLife , Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar , Wrangler DuraTrac , Wrangler Fortitude HT (excluding C-Type), Wrangler TrailRunner AT , Eagle Exhilarate , WinterCommand , WinterCommand year Credit Card of: Assurance WeatherReadythe during school day. Get a $50 Prepaid Card with purchase or $100 Prepaid Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance All-Season, Eagle Sport All-Season Family (including ROF & SCT), Winter Maxx 2 and Winter Maxx SJ8. Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Prepaid Card with and Kelly Winter Access . t Card of: Kelly Edge HT, Kelly Edge AT , Kelly Edge MT , Kelly Safari TSR, Kelly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly Edge All-Season Performance 155 ERIE BLVD c 'MDLA &AF= (=O .AJ= =9D=J c &G? -CA<<=J .AJ=K Several months into d Mastercard , then the following applies: Rebates paid in the form of a Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard . This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles c .AJ= ,=H9AJ c ?JA;MDLMJ9D card International Incorporated. This card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid.AJ=K Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash access and will the CANAJOHARIE, NY 13317 of issuance - other terms, conditions,school and fees may apply. year, every c &9OF 9F< !9J<=F .AJ=K c .AJ= @9AFK epaid Card, then the following applies: Visa Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank , N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit local educator and c .0 /.0 .AJ=K518-673-5399 c ,M::=J .J9;CK erms and conditions apply. MetaBank does not endorse or sponsor the Goodyear Credit Card offer. ating U.S. Goodyear retailers and websites. Offers valid only forspoke U.S. residents whowith are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and.J9AD=J U.S. territories. Commercial fleets are not eligiblecfor ? these 9?K rebates. Not 9D= valid on previous c -=EA .J9;LGJ purchases. Cannot be combined with other Goodyear student who must be postmarked no later than 1/31/21. Base portion of rebate offered by Goodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. Goodyear is not affiliated with Mastercard. Additional terms, conditions, and fees apply. See participating retailer for complete details and rebate forms. c GEHML=J 1@==D 9D9F;AF? (=L 1J9H THETIRESHOP.BIZ by Citibank, N.A. AllOtsego heralded marks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company used under license by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and affiliates. c .AJ= -=JNA;= ,=;9HHAF? c )AD @9F?=K e store associate for details, information, visitas https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tire-warranty/30-day-pledge. theor for more policy a success. c !GG<Q=9J (9LAGF9D ;;GMFLK c MKLGE 1@==DK bber Company. 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Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Prepaid Card with .AJ=K c #FL=JKL9L= 9LL=JA=K Edge All-Season Performance and Kelly Winter Access . Card of: Kelly Edge HT, Kelly Edge AT , Kelly Edge MT , Kelly Safari TSR, Kelly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly&G9<=J attention spans, Mastercard , then the following applies: Rebates paid in the form of a Goodyearmore Prepaid Mastercard . This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles ard International Incorporated. This card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash access and will socializing, f issuance - other terms,face-to-face conditions, and fees may apply. paid Card, then the following applies: Visa Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank , N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit behavioral ms and conditions apply.fewer MetaBank does not endorse or sponsor the Goodyearissues, Credit Card offer. ting U.S. Goodyear retailers and websites. Offers valid only for U.S. residents who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Commercial fleets are not eligible for these rebates. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other Goodyear • 877.642.7328 • INSURED BY NCUA less cyberbullying, and ON THE retailer for complete detailsSFCUONLINE.ORG 4(%4)2%3(/0 "): must be postmarked no later than 1/31/21. Base portion of rebate offered by Goodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. Goodyear is not affiliated with Mastercard. Additional terms, conditions, and fees apply. See participating and rebate forms. Financing Citibank, N.A. FARM TIRE more. Additionally, they OPEN MON. SAT. 8-6 *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs and term accurate as of 11/03/2025. Offer subject to change Available arks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company used under license by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and affiliates. SERVICES without notice. A penalty will be imposed if a withdrawal is made prior to the maturity date. Fees store associate for details, or for more information, visit https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tire-warranty/30-day-pledge. 155 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY reported that school er Company. All rights reserved. may reduce earnings on account. Exclusions may apply. Membership eligibility required. communities have

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL

Stars Shine in Otsego County

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olling on into the new year, tensions nationwide remain high. Democrats and Republicans continue to argue against each other and amongst themselves. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the running mate of Kamala Harris in her unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2024 who is currently under fire for widespread welfare fraud uncovered in his state, announced on Monday that he would not seek re-election. And last Friday, the U.S. military performed a successful yet highly controversial snatch-and-grab of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, a reported narco-terrorist. The right has praised President Donald Trump for the capture of Maduro and for bringing him to the U.S., where he will now stand trial. The left condemns the action as illegal and says it sets a bad precedent for other world leaders. So yes, as a country we continue to be divided. Here in Otsego County, though—setting our political differences aside—we have much and many of which to be proud. As the world turns, our friends and neighbors are illuminating the dark with their light and, if you are as tired of politicking, filibustering, grandstanding and prevaricating as we are, you will welcome the chance to celebrate these shining Otsego County stars. First on our list is Milford Central School Elementary Counselor Nicole Lippitt. The school district recently announced that Lippitt has been selected as a New York State Master Counselor, one of the most distinguished recognitions awarded to K-12 school counselors across the state, officials said. “This honor places Mrs. Lippitt among an elite network of counseling professionals who demonstrate exceptional expertise in supporting students’ career, academic, and social emotional development,” the press release reads. “New York State Master Counselors are chosen for their deep understanding of the students, families, and communities they serve, as well as their commitment to contin-

uous professional growth. As a master counselor, Lippitt will join a statewide cohort of educational leaders dedicated to sharing best practices and fostering engaging, inspiring learning environments for all K–12 students. The program also supports the advancement of teacher and counselor preparation programs, strengthening the profession’s future. MCS Superintendent Kristen Shearer said of Lippitt: “For 23 years, she has been a steadfast advocate and compassionate supporter for our students. She brings tremendous knowledge, heart and dedication to Milford every day. This acknowledgment is a wonderful reflection of her impact on our students, families, and school community.” Next up is Jo-Ann Vass, stroke coordinator at Bassett Medical Center, who recently celebrated 55 years at Bassett. “Actually, I’ve been here more than 55 years,” Vass said in a press release. “The first two don’t count as regular employment. I started in 1968, while I was in high school, in a volunteer candy-striper program. The staff called us ‘yellow birds’ because our uniforms were yellow with white stripes. Then I came here during my senior year of high school for a BOCES Licensed Practical Nurse program, followed by the post-graduate work. Then, a few years later, I participated in an LPN to RN program through SUNY Delhi.” After working on Bassett Medical Center’s surgical floor and in the clinic, Vass moved to the Emergency Department in the mid-70s. After some initial trepidation, Vass came to love the work. Bassett Healthcare Network developed a Stroke Center in the 2000s to keep treatment close to home and, after a few years, Vass was named stroke program coordinator. She says she felt unsure about this professional transition at first, but in time, the Stroke Program became her new love. As coordinator, Vass’ job includes working closely with the Joint Commission and training Emergency

Medical Services, but perhaps her favorite duty is educating patients. “When I go on rounds, I meet stroke patients and determine how to talk to them on their own level,” Vass said in the press release. “Some people are confused by terms and jargon, while others already know more than I do. But there are stroke symptoms that are a little odd—vision issues, or acute dizziness. Very few people know all those, but all stroke patients should learn them in case they experience any of them.” Vass describes her work as exciting and dynamic and, even with more than five decades of service under her belt, retirement is not yet an option. “I may have 55 years behind me, but my brain is still healthy,” Vass said. “I’ve got to see this through a little more. This is just too exciting.” Rounding out today’s constellation of Otsego County stars is Cooperstown Central School boys basketball phenom Miles Nelen. Nelen, a senior guard, scored his 1,000 varsity point in a Center State Conference Division III game against Morrisville-Eaton Central School on Monday, January 5. He racked up 31 points in Monday’s game, making program history on a threepointer in the second quarter. Nelen is the 11th CCS player to reach the 1,000-point milestone. This talented trio represents just a few of the best of us. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Nicole, Jo-Ann and Miles. Otsego County is full of shining stars deserving of recognition and appreciation and, moving forward, we would like to regularly shine a light on more such individuals. We feel strongly that local news is just as important as national news; perhaps more so in these divisive times. Our motto is “putting the community back into the newspaper,” and to this end we invite you to send your “Shining Star” suggestions to darlay@ allotsego.com. In the meantime, we have lots to feel good about. So keep shining, Otsego!

HAWTHORN HILL JOURNAL

RICHARD DEROSA

Reflections at Year’s End

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itting here looking out on our hillside with the incomparable Art Tatum fingering those magical black and white keys in the background, my thoughts turn to, well lots of things, some pleasant others not so much. But then that is the music that life always plays, day in and day out. Handling disappointment and sadness go hand in hand with moments of pure joy as well as those moments when one realizes the value and comfort of contentment. I remember many years ago sending in my first essay and feeling quite deflated when I had heard

nothing one way or the other from the editor. So I plucked up what little courage I had and called, ostensibly to ask if it had been received. I expected rejection. The editor, after hearing my lame query, asked me if I had checked out the latest Freeman’s Journal issue. No, I said, I had not. Well, you should, she said. And there it was, my first published writing. The column in those days was titled “The Timely Writer” (1998) and eventually morphed into “Hawthorn Hill Journal,” which then became the title of my collected essays published in 2012.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

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

It has been quite a journey, but not one without periods of frustration and some anxiety which, I now know, are not foreign to those who choose to share their thoughts with others. For instance, before getting this far in this essay I rejected quite a few starts, stared at a blank screen for what seemed like an eternity, questioned by what right I should be doing this foolish thing anyway because, after all, it is a lot easier and safer to talk to myself. Then somehow the sensations of joy and contentment came to mind (I thank Marcus Continued on page 7

Letters to the editor … In their opinION

When Up Is Down and Down Is Up Your issue of January 1, 2026 displayed a striking contrast. A news article reports that our economic region just received a $55 million grant from New York State for tourism and infrastructure (https://www. allotsego.com/region-awarded55-million-for-tourism-infrastructure/), while a letter to the editor from Chip Northrup points out that losses by Bassett Hospital increased from $39 million in 2023 to $45 million in 2024 (https://www.allotsego. com/northrup-can-bassettsurvive-maga/). New York State throws around a lot of grant money, here and elsewhere, while the area’s only health provider, according to Chip, is gasping for life. In terms of basic priorities and local outcomes, this looks totally upside down. Is anyone paying attention? Adrian Kuzminski Fly Creek

Volunteers Make Homes Happen It is a wonderful thing to help people become homeowners. For the past three

years, I have had the privilege of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Otsego County. Just over a year ago, I attended the dedication service of one of the completed houses. I first saw the house when there was a roof and outside walls but not much more. I had been sent on a mission to find a particular piece of hardware. I entered the cellar and was overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. Boxes of tools and hardware were scattered. I never did find what I was looking for. Fast forward to the dedication in October of last year. The homeowners had finished the basement in between the purchase and the dedication. It was both useful and beautiful. They had made the house their own. It was a high point in my volunteer career. Habitat for Humanity depends on volunteers, from construction work to helping families along their journey to become homeowners. That is what I currently do. I started work on the job site but transitioned to the Family Support Committee. We are a small but hard working group. The camaraderie is special. We are currently in need of spon-

sors for the partner families. Sponsorship does not entail money. The sponsor acts as a liaison between the family and the Board of Directors. Sponsors answers questions and help the family keep track of the hours they spend on the job site. Please consider helping a family obtain a home. Habitat for Humanity does not give houses away. A family (or single person) is required to demonstrate a need for better housing. They also have to have a credit rating good enough to obtain a mortgage. And they are required to work at the job site if they are physically able. Accommodations are made for disabilities. We work with the families to help them achieve their goal. We welcome anyone who would appreciate the opportunity to provide such a wonderful benefit for the community. Celia Oxley Cooperstown

An Opportunity Not To Be Wasted Chip Northrup’s informative and sobering analysis of the financial plight of the Continued on page 9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 news from the noteworthy

Delaware-Otsego AudUbon Society

A Call for Community Conservation

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

210 YEARS AGO

There are five notices of applications in the legislature of this state affecting the interests of this county, all of which, should they be granted, would in a great measure, go to annihilate the County of Otsego from the proud and respectable stand she has hitherto held in the state. The first is an application for a new county, comprising the towns of Cherry Valley, Springfield, Middlefield, Decatur, Westford, Worcester and Maryland, from Otsego County; Sharon from Schoharie, and Minden and Canajoharie from Montgomery County. The second is an application from Unadilla to erect a new county from a part of the counties of Otsego, Chenango and Delaware. The third is an application from Chenango County to separate the Town of Unadilla and a part of the Town of Butternuts, and annex them to Chenango County. The fourth is an application to form a new county, including Plainfield, Edmeston and a part of Richfield, from Otsego County; Bridgewater and Sangerfield from Oneida County; Brookfield from Madison County, and a part of Litchfield from Madison County. The fifth proposes to separate the parts of the towns of Edmeston and Pittsfield from Otsego County to annex them to Chenango County. January 11, 1816

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n Sunday, January 4, Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society wrapped up our 57th consecutive year of participation in the National Audubon Annual Christmas Bird Count. This marks the nation’s oldest and longest-running citizen science effort dedicated to bird conservation. DOAS began this vital work in 1969, just a year after its founding, and has since expanded to include a total of four county regions, thanks to the dedication of our coordinators: Sandy Bright for the Oneonta Region; Charlie Schiem for the Fort Plain Region; Pam Peters for the Northern Delaware County Region; and Samuel Weaver for the Butternut Valley Region. You can view our Photo by Landa Palmer comprehensive compilation of data Northern cardinal (female), January 4 Christmas Bird Count. for the Oneonta Region, covering Climate Watch (January/February), the Great 1969 to 2025, at https://tinyurl. Backyard Bird Count (early February), World com/CBC-DOAS-Oneonta. Migratory Bird Day (May) and more localThe Christmas Bird Count has generated more ized efforts like the DOAS Franklin Mountain than 125 years of data, compiled by the National Hawkwatch, which also recently wrapped up its Audubon Society, which is crucial for identifying 37th year. Hawkwatch data (1989 to 2025) can be population trends for winter bird species across found at https://tinyurl.com/FMHW-Annual. the U.S. and, now, hemispherically—including Data from citizen science initiatives are Canada, Central and South America. The CBC is combined with research throughout the hemijust one of many essential ways our communities sphere to better understand the challenges facing can directly participate in local bird conservaContinued on page 9 tion. Other important bird-related efforts include

By MERL REAGLE

New England-Style Chatter 2… Or Kennedy 101

60 YEARS AGO

January 12, 1866

The New York Telephone Company will place an underwater cable under Otsego Lake from Cooperstown to provide telephone service at the new Glimmerglass State Park at the head of the lake. The project is one of several scheduled by the company to expand and improve service. In the Oneonta area, work scheduled for completion includes a new Centrex communications system for the State University College at Oneonta. The new system, scheduled to go into operation on January 16 will permit direct inward and outward dialing of calls to and from the college. January 12, 1966

35 YEARS AGO

The 1990 Henry Allen Moe Prize for Excellence in Nursing was presented to Kathy Standish, R.N., at the annual Bassett Holiday Tea by Barbara Curran, vice president of nursing. This the fourteenth year the prize has been awarded to an outstanding nurse at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. The award was established by the late Dr. Henry Allen Moe, former president of the hospital’s board of trustees, to honor a nurse, Pearl F. Day, who cared for him after a serious accident during his naval service in World War I. January 9, 1991

20 YEARS AGO

Not being the type to shy away from physical challenges, former Cooperstown resident Sarah Groff will head to Australia on Saturday, January 7 to train and compete as a professional triathlete. “Triathlons are something I’ve always been interested in,” said Groff. “Growing up, I was a swimmer. While at college I decided that if triathlons were something I was going to get into, I’d have to start running, and eventually get on a bike. January 6, 2006

Solution: “We Interrupts This Program” (January 1)

ACROSS 1 Precarious perch 5 Coffee coast 9 Made crow sounds 14 Heart problem? 18 Where the ounce can pounce 19 A No. 2, on the green 20 Veteran 21 Old mother Hubbard’s son 22 Huck Finn parodies? 24 Bordello special? 26 Filch a la Poe 27 Science org. 29 R-V center? 30 William who wed Mary 31 Verb in “I Am Woman” 32 Perennial phone problem at Goats R Us? 37 Your, in Tours 39 Fly catcher of a sort 40 ___ double take 41 “___ a date!” 42 Actress who felt empty inside? 46 Rival whisky of Old 105 Meadow Argyle? 107 Corn-eater’s leftover 51 Guy’s name or French word 108 Lover Come Back star 52 Have a rough night 109 What a nail feels? 53 Deck a Dolphin 115 Car-collecting comedian 55 Rex Reed rejection 118 Pal, to Pascal 56 Family of fancy birds 119 Cinco de mayo, e.g. 58 Written twice, a dance 120 Inning enders 59 Distaff reference 121 Go along with Marie 62 Language ending Antoinette 63 Idaho staple 124 With 128 Across, good advice at the Medicine 64 Moon jumper Man Ball? 66 Battled Cochise? 128 See 124 Across 69 “___ drunkard” (Rick, in 130 African Nobelist Casablanca) 131 U.K. hotspot 71 Shortened, as a dict. 132 Who-knows-how-long 73 Capt. of industry 133 Bank take-back 74 Butt heads 134 African antelope 75 Sun-roof safeguard on some U.S. cars? 135 European steel center 80 V anity Fair author’s mono- 136 Others gram 137 Goddess of discord 82 Iliad suicide DOWN 86 Old undercover org. 1 Reading aid 87 Bristol break 2 “Peace ___ profession” (Dr. 88 Actor Tognazzi Strangelove sign) 89 1987 Coppola film, Gardens 3 Film or phone preceder ___ 4 Turkish treat 91 Place with good circula5 New Zealander tion? 6 Shaggy ape, briefly 92 Uses, as a futon 7 The best, briefly 95 Lovable eccentric 8 Poe’s Lee 96 Sit or shut endings 9 Store sign 97 Rollers in barracks? 10 Commotion 101 One-time Miracle Gro 11 Typist’s stat: abbr. pitchman? 12 Edit, sometimes 104 Certain pol: abbr.

13 “___ under the apple tree 76 Stamp ctr. ...” 77 _ __ large (hasn’t been 14 Tirana’s land: abbr. caught) 15 Stevens or T. Nelson 78 Cabbage or moolah 16 Mandel or Morris 79 Not too receptive 17 “The ___ near ...” 81 Early keyboard synthesizer 20 Spoken 83 Enlist in 23 1992 World Series champs 84 Dustin’s Graduate costar 25 Singer Springfield 85 Illiterate John Hancocks 28 Chief monk 90 Black bomber 33 Rice U. team 93 Winnie ___ Pu 34 Penalized amount 94 Sleep time, in Stuttgart 35 Paw 95 M arket-watching cable channel 36 Animal you can sit on 38 Display to good advantage 98 O f Human Bondage author’s initials 42 Cherokee, for one 99 Takes to heart 43 Son of Rebecca 100 Henry, in Hermosillo 44 Capital on a fjord 102 Ohio college town 45 Baylor University’s city 103 Vision supervision 47 Binet-Simon, for one 106 12 48 Crude org. 49 E xpress-lane requirement, 109 “It ___ Be You” 110 Love in Paris often 111 Like a julep 50 Bended part 112 Bank-job scores 51 Previous records? 113 Litigant 54 Cut of beef 57 Nest-egg guarantor: abbr. 114 Sharpens 116 Title giver 60 Insurance city 117 Giraffe’s cousin 61 Ecol.-minded entity 122 Della, to Perry: abbr. 65 Route 123 E arly grandson, in the 66 Pre-osculated princes Bible 67 Start of many questions 125 Rented outfit 68 Latin verb 126 Man of Steel emblem 70 Grocery store: abbr. 72 “... devil and the deep ___” 127 Summer, in Lyon 129 Mortar mixer 75 Pear variety

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA SOUND ADVICE

LAUREN GLYNN

The Gift of Clarity: How To Start ‘The Conversation’ This New Year

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or many of us, the holiday season is a time of joy and reunion. But for others, sitting around the family dinner table this past month may have revealed a sobering reality: Things are changing. Perhaps a parent seemed more forgetful, a grandparent more frail, or the house a little less managed than years prior. These moments are often the first signals that big life shifts are on the horizon. Yet, knowing a conversation needs to happen and actually starting it are two very different things. When it comes to estate planning and future care, the transition from “Pass the gravy” to “Who is your power of attorney?” can feel impossible. If you’re realizing it’s time to talk, here is how to navigate those waters with grace and effectiveness. Speak Their Language The biggest hurdle is often the “death language” itself. Many people feel discarded or “pushed out” when children bring up estate planning. To lower the stakes, mirror the language your parents use. If they prefer humor and talk about “kicking the bucket,” meet them there. If they use softer terms like “when I’m gone” or “taking a long nap,” follow their lead. Using the words they find comfort in prevents the conversation from feeling like a clinical or cold confrontation.

Identify Their Priorities (Not Yours) It is easy to enter these talks with our own anxieties—avoiding probate court, managing taxes, or dealing with a messy house. However, for the conversation to be successful, you must identify their priorities. Ask yourself—and then ask them—what they value most: • Is it their personal security and staying in their home? • Is it the fear of becoming a “burden” to the family? • Is it the desire to ensure their children don’t fight over heirlooms? • Is it the protection of assets from potential healthcare costs? When you center the plan on their goals, you aren’t taking control away; you are helping them secure their legacy. Focus on Roles, Not Dollars A common mistake is asking, “How much is in your savings account?” This can immediately trigger defensiveness. Instead, keep the focus on roles. Everyone, regardless of wealth, needs a team. Frame the discussion around support. • Medical Decisions: “If you couldn’t speak for yourself, who do you trust to make health decisions?” • Financial Power of Attorney: “Who should help

keep the bills paid if you’re under the weather? What can we do today—like organizing passwords or automating bill pay—to make that person’s job easier?” • The Executor: “Who is responsible for winding things down later, and do they know where the insurance policies are kept?” Choosing the Right Tool The “why” determines the “how.” If the goal is simply to have a plan on paper and the family is comfortable with a bit of court work later, a will combined with a Transfer on Death Deed may suffice. It’s often the simpler, more affordable route upfront. However, if the goal is to avoid the expense, time, and public nature of probate court entirely, a trust might be the better option. You don’t have to have all the answers. You can let a qualified attorney help identify which legal tools fit the situation. But an attorney can only build the bridge; you and your family have to decide where it’s going. This New Year, give your family the gift of clarity. Keep the tone light, weave in happy memories, and remember: This isn’t a conversation about dying. It’s a conversation about how we take care of each other while we’re living. Lauren Glynn is a local attorney and town justice, dedicated to helping neighbors. She can be reached at (607) 303-6554. THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL

NEWS BRIEFS

MLK Celebration Scheduled ONEONTA—The Oneonta area chapter of the NAACP will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 18. The keynote speaker will be Alicia Richardson, Hartwick College’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging administrator. After introductions by the Rev. Kenneth Simurro and NAACP Branch President Poletta Lewis, there will be brief remarks by Oneonta Mayor Daniel Buttermann and Oneonta Town Supervisor Will Rivera. Andy Puritz will perform Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Live music will be performed by Tim Iversen and the Cooperstown High School choir, Yolanda Bush, Tim Horne, Ajare Malcolm, Ric Chrislip, and Jeff Wilcox. Local merchants will have refreshments available for sale.

tion of medical care to the outpatient setting and necessitating new approaches. Little Falls Hospital is one of 450 institutions nationwide to earn the honor. To view a full list, visit womenschoiceaward. com/best-outpatient-experience.

Church Potluck Planned FLY CREEK—Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, will hold its next potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10. All are welcome and strongly encouraged to bring a dish to share.

Gas Prices Keep Falling

ROCHESTER—New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard A. Ball will deliver his State of Agriculture address at the 194th New York State Agricultural Society Annual Forum at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 8. Held at the Wegmans Conference Center, 200 Wegmans Market Street in Rochester, the forum will bring together stakeholders from all sectors of agriculture to discuss the industry’s future in New York. Ball will outline the state’s actions in 2025 and discuss plans for the coming year.

UTICA—The average price of gas in New York State slid two more cents to $3.04 per gallon over the week ending Monday, January 5, AAA Northeast announced. Demand dropped by nearly 380,000 barrels to 8.56 million per day after the holiday peak, although it remained nearly 400,000 barrels per day higher than the comparable weeks in 2024 and 2023. Domestic inventories rose for the seventh straight week in a significant buildup that has put downward pressure on consumer prices. Oil markets are jittery over the U.S. attack on Venezuela, which boasts the world’s largest proven reserves, but prices remained relatively stable as the long-term outcome remains unclear. New York’s gas price is 10 cents lower than last month and 10 cents lower than this time last year. For a full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.

Auditions Are This Weekend

Boys Win Dick White Tourney

ONEONTA—The Catskill Community Players will hold auditions for Cat Delaney’s awardwinning comedy “Welfarewell” at 297 River Street Service Road in Oneonta from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 10 and 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, January 11. Roles are available for seven women and a man. Performances will be held at the Worcester Wieting Theatre on April 17-19. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact NancybCouch@yahoo.com.

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown boys basketball team secured first place in its home Dick White Holiday Tournament with an 80-67 victory over Cato-Meridian in the final on Tuesday, December 30. Miles Nelen earned the MVP nod with a game-leading 35 points, including seven three-point baskets and a 6-for-6 record at the foul line. Cooper Coleman and Jackson Crisman contributed 14 points each, earning them places on the All-Tournament team. The Hawkeyes cruised to an 80-42 win at Morrisville-Eaton on Monday, January 5. Nelen scored 31 more points, including the 1000th of his career on a three-pointer in the second quarter. He is the 11th athlete in program history to reach this mark. Crisman added 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals. Cooperstown remains undefeated with a 9-0 record for the season and 3-0 in their division. They will host Sauquoit Valley on Thursday, January 8. The girls team fell to West Canada Valley 71-53 at home on Saturday, January 3. Eighth grader Emma

State of Ag Address Is Thurs.

Hospital Earns National Honor LITTLE FALLS—Bassett Healthcare Network’s Little Falls Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals for the Outpatient Experience Category in the 2026 Women’s Choice Awards. This nationally recognized credential incorporates rigorous criteria, including the nation’s only use of women’s specific preferences in hospital rating methodology. Technological advancements have expanded the use of minimally invasive procedures, shifting an increasing propor-

Johnson led with 26 points, followed by Lanie Nelen’s 19. Cooperstown fell to 1-7 for the season and 1-1 in their division, and will travel to Sherburne-Earlville after press time on Tuesday, January 6.

Volleyball Sweeps Dolgeville COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown volleyball swept Dolgeville 25-16, 25-13 and 25-18 in a nondivision match on Saturday, January 3. Hayden Merwin made 31 assists, five digs and four aces. Jensen Merwin made 13 digs. Mia Pelcer and Chloe Jubar each had 10 kills. The Hawkeyes rose to 4-1 for the season and 2-1 in their division. They will host Clinton in a Division II match after press time on Tuesday, January 6.

Winter Sowing Workshop Set COOPERSTOWN—The Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers will hold a Winter Sowing Workshop on Saturday, January 10 at the Southside Mall Community Room, 5006 State Highway 23 in Oneonta. The session will run from 1-3 p.m. Winter sowing is a method of starting seeds outdoors in winter popularized by Trudi Davidoff and is now practiced around the world, officials explained in a press release. It is recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture as, “A propagation method used throughout the winter where temperate climate seeds are sown into protective vented containers and placed outdoors to foster a naturally timed, high percentage germination of climate tolerant seedlings.” Workshop presenters Chris Burrington and Celia Oxley, both Otsego Master Gardener volunteers, will cover the techniques for winter sowing—including the materials needed and the various kinds of seeds that can be used, as well as the benefits of this lowcost method of germinating seeds and some of the advantages it has over indoor seed-starting requiring grow lights and the hardening-off of seedlings. In addition, participants will make a mini greenhouse in a container and sow seeds to take home. The workshop will also cover how to handle the seedlings once they germinate. Participants are asked to bring a one-gallon translucent container (milk or water jug) and scissors. Some seeds will be available, but participants are free to bring their own. No previous gardening experience is needed. The program fee is $5.00 to cover materials. Space is limited and registration is required by Wednesday, January 7 at www.cceschoharie-otsego.org. For more information, call (607) 547-2536, extension 228 or extension 235. Ample free parking is available.

Be prepared before the next power outage.

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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7 speak directly to the sheriff,” Stalter said of his campaign.

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, milestones, grand openings, sports results, anniversaries and more. Photos welcome, too! info@allotsego.com

Drivers wanteD to deliver newspapers to high-traffic spots in the Oneonta area every Wednesday afternoon. Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, registration and insurance. Approximately 4 hours per week. Rate of pay $16.00 plus mileage. Email General Manager Darla at Darlay@allotsego.com.

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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viduals in the country illegally who are in Sheriff’s Office custody. After researching the issue, Stalter told AllOtsego he would rescind the agreement if elected. “I have an issue with federal direction,” Stalter said. “Our deputies should be focused on crimes occurring in this county and time and resources should not be spent training them to do someone else’s job.” “My goal is to bring common sense policies and an open door policy which allows people to come in and

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corrections officers being forced to work 16-hour shifts, go home for eight hours, and then work another 16-hour shift?” he asked. Stalter was also bothered by recent changes to incident reporting requirements for deputies, calling it “numbers driven” and “fluffing.” “Something as simple as I get out of the car and I remove a tree branch from the road, that’s an incident report,” Stalter said. “I drive [by] a business which is closed and look at the doors to make sure that the doors or windows aren’t broken. That’s a report.” “I will be running to continue serving the people of Otsego County,” Devlin replied to AllOtsego’s inquiries. “The time for politics will come, but in the meantime I won’t lend credibility to a disgruntled former employee. My focus remains on doing the job and keeping Otsego County one of the safest in the state.” In October, the Sheriff’s Office signed a 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Devlin previously said ICE would train five jail supervisors to execute immigration administrative warrants on indi-

nta eo

foxholes, which never I once contacted many ever leads to any good years ago described for the commonwealth. as “thoughtful rural Continued from page 4 My hope in writing essays.” Not much of Aurelius for introducing these essays has always a market for that sort me to the profound been to focus on our of stuff, she said. I’ve significance of contentcommon humanity, always cherished, and ment) and I cranked out rather than those things been tickled by, my the first few sentences about which there will son’s characterization that have led me this far always be differences. of me as an “inteleven though I am not But that should never lectual woodchuck.” I at all sure where I am preclude a collective hope in 2026 I might be headed. insistence on arriving at able to dissuade some But as I write, common sense solutions for whom animosity finally getting a bit of of benefit to all. and unkindness are the rhythm going, a sense I am not much of attitudes of choice that of contentment has a conversationalist. there are more producreplaced the initial anxi- Listening has always tive alternatives. A eties that I felt. Writing been my preference. character in a film we is that way. When it is As has solitude. And watched several days going well the world writing. It is through ago, a veteran, standing seems such a good and writing that I discover amidst a sea of graves at kind place. When it is how I actually feel Normandy, said “what a not it feels as if the fates about things. There waste.” Amen. are working overtime are always surprises. Dick deRosa’s against one. Just imagine Writing these essays Hawthorn Hill essays what it is like for writers has been a way for have appeared in “The sitting at desks for me to contribute to Freeman’s Journal” hours at a time every our ongoing discourse since 1998. A collection, day pecking out novels without, frankly, fearing “Hawthorn Hill Journal: or plays or poems. My that something I might Selected Essays,” was despairs as an occasay out loud would not published in 2012. He is sional writer pale in come across as particu- a retired English teacher. comparison. I have been larly insightful. Even described as a writer and though I have been do write almost every writing for quite some day, with exceptions for time, every time I hit Continued from page 1 travel, procrastination, ‘send” on my laptop it is and sloth. But, unlike not without some hesita- lation, I’m all about that,” full-timers, I lead a tion, despite my wife Stalter said. “But why do comparably stress free Sandy’s assurance that we have to throw money writing life. no, you are not making away in the interim?” a fool of yourself. Stalter also said signifWhy write in the first So, I will keep at it icant overtime work place? Good question. as long as I can, and as for corrections officers Well, my mother wanted long as the FJ is willing harmed both them and me to be a writer. A poet, to print what an agent the inmates. “Why are actually. I cannot speak for all mothers, only my own. She was not a Tiger Mom, but did display some of those characteristics. In my late teens I pounded out poems at a ridiculous rate, wound up being dubbed Dylan by classmates, edited the school literary magazine, and made the mistake of sharing my scribblings NOW HIRING with my mother, who SUBSTITUTE STAFF promptly contacted an Make a Difference in Your Local School! editor friend at a prestigious publishing house School districts in our region are that ended with our actively seeking dedicated substitute having lunch together staff to support students and school when home on vacation. communities. Whether you’re looking I feel the pre-lunch fear for a flexible job or a foot in the door now as I write. As it turned out, he was a nice to a school career, we have guy, had actually read opportunities for you! my stuff and advised that •Flexible Hours I keep at it and get back •Rewarding Work to him at some point •Be Part of Your Local Schools when I had honed the craft a bit. My recollecSubstitute Positions Available tion is that he invited me Teachers back when I had “more mature work” to offer. LTAs (Teaching Assistants) From that day forward Aides & Monitors I never wrote another School Nurses poem. Leave that one for Cleaners a shrink to suss out. The Bus & Van Drivers essay form is much more in synch with my talents Clerical & Office Support and personality. Food Service Workers Over the years I’ve School Districts written on a very wide Charlotte Valley • Edmeston • Laurens variety of topics, from • Milford • Oneonta City the mesmerizing experience of locking eyes Schenevus • Stamford • Windhamwith a butterfly, to Ashland-Jewett • Worcester sharing thoughts on the ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & state and condition of Milford Centers) political discourse. With respect to the latter, Visit www.oncboces.org for details and to there seems to be less submit your application. discourse and more EOE digging into ideological

DG

deRosa

JU

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

OBITUARIES Kathryn Mary Ahearne 1937-2025

COOPERSTOWN— Kathryn “Kay” Mary Ahearne, born July 5, 1937, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. She lived a life of grace, creativity, good humor and profound resilience. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Kathryn was the eldest of four siblings raised by the indomitable duo of Paul and Catherine Martin. She was 7 years old when the Martins moved to Greenwood Lake, New York. They settled into a summer cottage near the top of the steep, winding roads of the Lakelands neighborhood. The hillside made for exhilarating sledding, but also hard work, as there was no running water in winter, which meant hauling buckets of water to the house from the bottom of the hill.

Photo provided

KATHRYN mARY AHEARNE

The blizzard of ‘48 was enough. The Martins moved into an apartment over the post office while her parents built the family home in Windemere Park. In Greenwood Lake, along its steep slopes, amongst the tight-knit community, and behind the busy counter of Paul’s Lake Diner, Kathyrn came into her own. After graduating from St. John’s High School in Goshen, where she excelled in the classroom and on the basketball court, Kathryn

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Legal

Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Coffee & Crumb CV, LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 11/25/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJan.8 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Tallickson, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on November 25, 2025. NY Office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any

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process served upon him/her to: Tallickson, LLC, 1133 County Hwy. 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. General Purposes. 6LegalJan.8 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY: The name of the limited liability company is: GFVC Holding Company, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was October 3, 2025. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Thomas A. Conlon, Jr., Esq., 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, NY 13905.

Legal

The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose. 6LegalJan.8 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 10-14 HIGH ST LLC. Filed 11/26/25. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 224 N Queens Ave, Massapequa, NY 11758. Purpose: General. 6LegalJan.15 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of RUIZ TRANSPORT LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 12/4/2025 Otsego Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to 1967 WEHRLE DR., STE. 1 #086, BUFFALO, NY, 14221 General Purpose 6LegalJan.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

moved back to Brooklyn to attend Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School and soon thereafter found work as an executive assistant with an engineering firm. At age 18, while living in Brooklyn, Kathryn experienced the unfathomable loss of her fiancé, Dick Neubeck, who died suddenly of an aneurysm the day after she accepted his marriage proposal. Two summers later, Kathryn was invited to a friend’s house, where she met John Connolly, a dashing New York City policeman. At age 21, Kathryn married John, and they moved to Long Island, where they welcomed their first child, Kathleen. Less than two years later, John Connolly was tragically killed in a car accident. Widowed at age 23 while pregnant with their second child, Kathryn returned home to Greenwood Lake and welcomed her son John into the world. At age 27, Kathryn married Dr. Allan J. Ahearne, a young veterinarian from Jersey City, New Jersey, who made his way to Greenwood Lake to court Kathryn after meeting her through a family friend and Catholic priest, Father Curtin. Kathryn and Allan moved to Long Island, where Allan had founded the Oceanside Animal Hospital, and settled in Garden City where the family lived for 33 years. It was

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here that Kathleen and John were joined by siblings James, Allan Jr., and Maura. The photo albums of these years capture classic hairdos and plaids of the suburban 70s and 80s, summers in Greenwood Lake, and comical outings with high-spirited family and friends. When Kathryn’s youngest, Maura, was old enough to go off to school, she did the same, commuting to the New York School of Interior Design in Manhattan. Her children recall Mom taking over the dining room table with her homework and often working late into the night on school assignments. Upon graduation, she and a classmate, Gertrude Reed, launched an acclaimed and successful interior design business with clients throughout Long Island and Manhattan that, along with Allan’s veterinary practice, provided for her bustling family. Over the years, clients’ and family homes and businesses were a canvas for Kathryn’s impeccable sense of form, color, and design. She had a natural skill for arrangement and sense for beauty that transformed any room. But her embrace of the beauty of life went deeper than the material, and possessing disarming poise, compassionate empathy, and a vision for a better outcome, she

LEGALS

MJM Quality Services LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on December 05, 2025. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 185 Honey Joe Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalJan.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Michael Figliomeni LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/13/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 210 Burdick Rd,, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.12

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Legal nOtice Notice to Bidders Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 05, 2026 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 https://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/const-notices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of

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Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

always sought to bring out the best in others. In 1997, Kathryn and Allan embraced a new adventure and moved to Cooperstown, New York, where they found a welcoming community, made wonderful friends and enjoyed country life and the village along the glimmering Otsego Lake. At their home, they enjoyed regular visits from their growing family, as children were joined by spouses, and then children of their own, who played in the yard surrounded by Kathryn’s artistically composed gardens and Allan’s vibrant vegetable patch. Sadly, in 2013, Kathryn and Allan received the devastating news that cast a lasting shadow; their son John had died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism. And coming full circle, after 23 years in Cooperstown, they returned to Greenwood Lake in the spring of 2020 where they could often be found sitting and talking together on the front lawn and enjoying the view down the lake. Before winter’s arrival, they settled in nearby Warwick Grove, and it was here where Kathryn lost her beloved husband Allan after 57 years of marriage. Kathryn was blessed to have her daughter Kathleen, son Allan Jr., and daughter-in-law Amber living nearby. She savored visits from family, and neighbors

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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.

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.

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

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can 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)4572124.

warmly greeted her on regular walks in the neighborhood where she often picked up sticks so that others might not trip. She never lost her hearty laugh, sense for design, taste for ice cream born in the Lake Diner, and her capacity to love and care for others. Kathryn lived an inspiring life of beauty, strength, grace and kindness. Kathryn was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Allan J. Ahearne; her first husband, John J. Connolly; her parents, Paul and Catherine Martin; her sister, Mariah Martin; her brother-inlaw, Jerry Spivack; and her son, John J. Ahearne. She is survived by her sister, Dr. Carolyn Martin Spivack; brother Paul E. Martin and wife Mi Puyang, and their daughter, Catherine Martin; her daughter Kathleen Quain; her daughter-in-law Betsy Horne Ahearne and her daughters Marion and Caroline Ahearne; her son James Martin Ahearne and wife Lucy Birkett, and their daughters Fiona and Louise Ahearne; her son Allan Joseph Ahearne Jr. and wife Amber Ahearne; her daughter Maura Kathryn Ahearne and husband John Bregar, and their sons Tobias and Jameson Bregar; and many friends. If of interest, tribute donations would be welcomed at https:// www.alz.org.

Legal

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 D265567, PIN 901876, FA Proj , Otsego Co., PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE - NY Route 28, Village of Cooperstown & Town of Otsego., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $200,000.00), Goals: DBE: 0.00% D265667, PIN 980770, Chenango, Otsego Cos., JOC HIGHWAY/DRAINGE MAINTENANCE - Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $40,000.00), Goals: MBE: 5.00%, WBE: 10.00%, SDVOB: 0.00% 2LegalJan.15

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Democratic Party Caucus Village of Cooperstown A caucus of the enrolled members of the Democratic Party in the Village of Cooperstown will be held in the Board Room on the ground floor of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 8p.m. The purpose of the caucus is to nominate candidates for the following offices (or any offices that may become vacant) to be voted upon at the General Village Election on Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Mayor: 2-year term Trustee: 3-year term Trustee: 3-year term Trustee: 1-year term Lynne Mebust Chair, Cooperstown Democratic Committee 1LegalJan.8

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

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

DOAS

Continued from page 5 bird species and to implement targeted conservation actions to increase survivability. What the data tell us is startling: we have lost over 3 billion birds between 1970 and 2020. Furthermore, 389 out of 604 North American species are expected to face multiple threats due to a changing climate, such as false springs, drought, severe storms, heat waves, urbanization and habitat loss. Our eastern forest birds, waterfowl and grassland birds are all significantly impacted. The data needs to urgently direct our actions. This requires a multi-level response, spanning from policy to personal change: from implementing conserva-

tion policy at the state and federal levels to protect habitat and fund environmental initiatives, to enacting local municipal ordinances on lighting and promoting bird-friendly landscapes, to requiring concrete action from our businesses and individual households to reduce our carbon footprint, install window protections to prevent collisions, and keep domestic cats indoors. Reducing bird mortality is our clearest avenue to increase survivability, and citizen science combined with community action can help us get there. For more information or to get involved, please contact DOAS at info@ doas.us. Susan O’Handley is the board chair for the Audubon Council of NY & CT (32 chapters), and serves as the NY

Chapter representative and interim policy committee chair on the National Audubon Regional Advisory Board for NY/CT. She has served on the DelawareOtsego Audubon Society Board since 2010. O’Handley is based in Hartwick, New York, where she operates a digital marketing agency for area businesses and non-profit organizations.

Letters

MAGA-led Republicans in Congress. However, all is not lost—yet. Two years may be enough time for Americans to reverse the catastrophic loss that will be incurred by those of us in Central New York and in other rural areas if we are deprived of the services of hospitals, like Bassett, that are dependent upon federally subsidized payments for an overwhelming

percentage of their revenue. (Mr. Northrup notes that for Bassett that amounts to 70 percent.) In November of this year, Americans will have the opportunity to turn out of office those Republicans who voted for the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” and supported the acrossthe-board cuts to hospitals like Bassett. Then, in January of next year, 2027, a new Congress—

devoid or at least depleted of MAGA and fellowtraveler Republicans— can regain its sanity and work to improve the U.S. healthcare system without eviscerating it. Failing this, we in Central New York may be forced to look farther afield for our healthcare needs. John A. Rudy Cooperstown

Continued from page 4 Bassett Healthcare Network in the issue of January 1 was welltimed (https://www. allotsego.com/northrupcan-bassett-survivemaga/). His analysis states that Bassett Healthcare may go bankrupt in two years’ time, thanks to the actions and non-actions of the

When was the last time you watched a Congressional hearing? Visit https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/ chrg for an eye-opening experience.

OBITUARIES

Photo provided

MINNIE B. HUNGERFORD

Minnie B. Hungerford 1938-2025

PALM BAY, FL— Minnie B. Hungerford, age 87, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on December 26, 2025. Minnie was born in New Lisbon, New York on December 2, 1938, the daughter of John and Grace (Mabey) Ballard. She also was blessed to call Vivian and Marion Card mom and dad as her foster parents. She graduated from Milford Central School District and set forth on her journey of success. That Saturday after graduation, she started work at the Milford branch of Wilber National Bank as a teller. On June 1, 1958, she was united in marriage with Clyde E. Hungerford from Oneonta, New York. From their first date at the Milford Bowling Alley, they bonded and remained a devoted union until Clyde’s passing on December 7, 2009. Clyde and Minnie, maintaining all their dear friend relationships, raised a family of four children and she worked as a U.S. postal clerk starting part time in Colliersville, New York. Many may remember her from her time working at the West Davenport Post Office, the Morris Post Office, and ultimately in the Oneonta Post Office, where she was a window clerk and ran the Philatelic Center. She loved serving the community with a smile! She was a compassionate, creative, strong and steadfast woman, who overcame much adversity in her life, including being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 53 years old. It never stopped her

from being a great mom, friend, grandparent, social butterfly and avid BINGO player! She embraced fellowship at the Milford United Methodist Church and later at the Sebastian United Methodist Church in Florida. She made many friends when she and Clyde frequented Florida during the winter months in retirement, living at Whispering Palms RV Resort initially. Eventually they moved permanently there, then moved to Vero Beach, and much later she resided in Palm Bay. Minnie is survived by her siblings, sister Flora Ballard of Stamford, New York, brother Elisher J. (Linda B.) Ballard of Queensbury, New York, and sister Mary Josephine Barton of Sebastian, Florida, and her foster sister Julie Thomson, as well as her four children: Debra (Tim) Shirt of Dumfries, Virginia, their children, Megan (Scott) McEntee, Travis Shirt, Johnathan Shirt; Tom Hungerford of Manassas, Virginia; Teresa Glavin of Oneonta, New York, her children, Sienna-Morgan (Nathan) VanderWoude, and Shane-Isabella Glavin; Randy (Meg) Hungerford of East Meredith, New York, and their children, Morgan (Maxwell) Hughes, their daughter, Marick (great-grandchild), Jillian Hungerford, and Jesse Hungerford. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews and special friends. Besides her beloved husband Clyde, she was predeceased by her parents, John and Grace, her brother, George Ballard, her sister, Rosetta Jones, her foster sister, Pat Krebs, and her grandson, Joshua Shirt. To celebrate Minnie, gatherings for family and friends will be held at two locations: Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:45 p.m. at the LifeCare of Palm Bay, 175 Villa Nueva Ave. NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907. In the spring at a date to be determined, there will be a Celebration of Life and burial service, where she

will be laid to rest in the Milford Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Minnie’s memory to the Sebastian United Methodist Church, Milford Methodist Church, your local SPCA, or local service and therapy dog site. We appreciate the crematory services of the Strunk Funeral Home Photo provided in Florida. Fond memoLOIS SCHOENLEIN ries and messages of sympathy may be shared She was active in her at https://www.strunkfu- church, acting as financial secretary for many years. neralhome.com/obits. She was active in the Garden Club and particiLois pated in several bridge Schoenlein clubs. She always asked, “What can I do for you?” 1932-2025 COOPERSTOWN— always wanting to keep Lois Schoenlein, age busy and be helpful. In her 93, passed away on last days, this phrase was December 31, 2025 a common one. She loved at Basset Hospital in to sing and loved music in Cooperstown, New general, passing this gift on York. She was born on to her daughter. She was a small family farm in Charlie’s weeder while Lisbon, New York. She he planted the gardens. left there to go to college They had many beautiful at Houghton University gardens at their home in for two years, then went Richfield Springs and then on to finish her degree at their retirement house in nursing at Columbia on Canadarago Lake. Lois is survived by Presbyterian University her children, Chuck in New York City. While Schoenlein of Richfield working at that hospital Springs, New York and she met and married Carol Gravelding and Charles Schoenlein, who her husband, Mark, of was finishing a residency Gulfport. Florida, and in dentistry. They then started a dentistry prac- by two grandchildren, tice in Richfield Springs, Hannah Gravelding of New York and ran it Greenfield, Indiana and together for more than 30 Jacob Gravelding of Atlanta, Georgia. Her years until retirement. She enjoyed working husband preceded her in in her husband’s practice. 2013 and she lost a son, She also supported him in Eric, in 2010. Funeral services will all of his endeavors outside be held at the Church of work. The two worked of Christ Uniting in hard for the job, their chilRichfield Springs at 11 dren and the community.

a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Donations in memory of Lois can be given to the Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs or Woodside Hall, Cooperstown.

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

Funeral Home

Harmon V. Swart II 1947-2026

COOPERSTOWN— Harmon V. Swart II, 78, of Cooperstown, New York, formerly of Westfield, New Jersey, passed away January 1, 2026. He was born August 5, 1947 in Orange, New Jersey, to John and Ruth Louise (Martini) Swart. He graduated in 1966 from Westfield High School and received a degree in computer science from SUNY Cobleskill. After proudly serving in the United States Army, 1967-1970, he worked as a business executive in New Jersey. In 1967, he married his childhood sweetheart, Janice Ann Jungermann. Together they settled in Westfield, New Jersey and raised three boys. In the early 90s, they moved to Cooperstown, a place he cherished having spent many summers with his brother and sister at Camps Chenango and Otsego along the shores of beautiful Lake Otsego. He enjoyed horseback riding, golf, skiing, reading and trips to Hilton Head Island. He was a devoted

Photo provided

HARMON V. SWART II

husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was proud to have been a cancer survivor. Harmon is dearly missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Janice; sons Jonathan, Eric (Liz), and Harmon V. III “Tripp” (Melissa); grandchildren William, Ava, Allison, Alex, and Lucy; his sister, Peggy Swart; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog, Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth, and his brother, Peter. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of his love for animals, please feel free to make donations to the Susquehanna SPCA. A memorial service will be held on a future date at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, New Jersey. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc. Funeral Home for their exceptional care, empathy and guidance during this difficult time.

Dignity, Respect, Tradition

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home

Peter A. Deysenroth

14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings. 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Fri., Jan. 9 BOOK CLUB—Read “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer and discuss with the Oneonta Federated Garden Club. Held at 6:30 p.m. on 1/22. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. BOOK CLUB—Read “Letters from Skye” by Jessica Brockmole and discuss with the group at 6 p.m. on 2/14. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. BOOK CLUB—Read “The Amalfi Curse” and discuss with the group at 4 p.m. on 1/22. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344. BOOK CLUB—Read “A Fatal Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum” and discuss with the Hall of Fame Book Group at 5:30 p.m. on 1/27. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. BOOK CLUB—Read “The Grapes of Wrath” and discuss with the Banned and Challenged Book Group at 4 p.m. on 1/29. Followed by film screening at 5 p.m. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. BLOOD DRIVE— 1-6 p.m. Otego Community, 5 River Street, Otego. RedCrossBlood.org CONTINUING EDUCATION—1 p.m. “Movie—Play it Again.” Watch a movie and then its remake. Continues 1/16, 1/23 and 1/30. Fees apply; registration required. Presented by the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, 31 Maple Street, Oneonta. (607) 441-7370. OUTDOORS—1-3 p.m. “Homeschool Nature Walk.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Registration required.

Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Hartwick. (607) 547-4488. POTTERY— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org. BOOK CLUB— 5:30 p.m. “Book Club: A Curious Witch’s Year.” Take a year-long journey through the book “A Spell in the Wild: A Year (and Six Centuries) of Magic” by Alice Tarbuck. Free. Group meets second Friday of each month. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 2877278.

►Sat., Jan. 10 COFFEE GROUP— 9:15 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 9886661. THEATER— 10-11 a.m. Audition for a role in “Welfarewell,” a comedy by Cat Delaney. Presented by the Catskill Community Players. Also held 1-3 p.m. on 1/11. Showing on 4/17, 4/18 and 4/19. All welcome. Auditions held at The Institute for Spiritual Development, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 3, Oneonta. info@catskillplayers.org. AGRICULTURE— 10 a.m. to noon. “Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding—Understanding Your Farm’s Market Channels.” Fees apply; registration required. Presented online or in person at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties Education Center, 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5472536 ext. 226. YOGA—10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” All levels welcome. Suggested dona-

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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

tion applies. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga. QUILTING—10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “Jelly Roll Book Club.” Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 4413111. CRAFT—11 a.m. “Sitn-Stitch.” Bring a knit or crochet project to work on or learn the craft. Held second Saturday of each month. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131. GARDENING—1-3 p.m. “Winter Sowing Workshop.” Presented by the Otsego Master Gardener Volunteers. Fees apply; registration required. Southside Mall, Community Room, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 547-2536 ext. 235. BOOK DISCUSSION— 1-3 p.m. “Lattes and Literature.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. OPERA—1 p.m.; discussion starts 45 minutes prior. “I Puritani.” Live HD broadcast from The Metropolitan Opera. Tickets required Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080. DANCE—2-4 p.m. “Body and Soul Dance.” Weekly gathering exploring the possibilities of dance. Includes warm-up, improv and group choreography to be performed with monthly drum circle. Admission by donation to support food programs. Held each Saturday. First Presbyterian Church of Oneonta, 296 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 287-3888. DRUM CIRCLE— 2-5 p.m. “Oneonta Drum Circle.” Admission by

donation to support local food banks. Held each second Saturday. First Presbyterian Church, 296 Main Street, Oneonta. (303) 406-1738.

►Sun., Jan. 11 MEDITATION—11 a.m. “Sundays at Samye: A Morning of Practice and Study.” Meditation, study and discussion. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5051. CASUAL TEA HOUR— 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held Sundays. The Sugar Beat, 281 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 2674374. MUSIC—1-3 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with Mike Herman.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

►Mon., Jan. 12 CONTINUING EDUCATION—10-11:30 a.m. “The Essence of Essential Oils.” Explore the chemistry of plant compounds and the roles they have played in human cultures. Fees apply; registration required. Presented by the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, 31 Maple Street, Oneonta. (607) 441-7370. CHILDREN— 10:30 a.m. “Headstart Storytime.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600. SENIOR MEALS—Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of breaded fish on a bun, O’Brien potatoes, spinach and pineapple. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS— 12:45 p.m. Bluegrass Circle Jam Session. Meets 2nd Monday of each month in the Community Room with Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. TECH HELP—2-3 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. CONTINUING EDUCATION—2:30-4 p.m. “Listening at the Luncheonette.” View this documentary series visiting cafes, where locals discuss their lives and concerns. Continues 1/14, 1/19, 1/21, 1/26 and 1/28. Fees apply; registration required. Presented by the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, 31 Maple Street, Oneonta. (607) 441-7370. VETERANS—5-7 p.m. Women’s Veteran Night. Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228.

►Tues., Jan. 13 COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS—8-9 a.m. Local community members gather to chat about what’s happening around Oneonta. Held each Tuesday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. WORKFORCE—9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Diversity in the Workforce Mini-Series: Creating a Diverse Work Environment.” Fees apply; registration required. ExCL Center, 4 Dietz Street, Oneonta. (607) 436-2831. STORY TIME— 9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Mondays through Thursdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. COMMUNITY HIKE— 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at the SUNY Delhi Education Center, 19692 State Highway 28, Delhi. (607) 431-8010. BLOOD DRIVE— 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken with gravy, stuffing, peas and peanut butter cookies. (607) 547-6454. • Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. ART TOUR—2 p.m. “Virtual Zoom Tour: Fenimore’s Masterworks.” Free; suggested donation requested. Presented by Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400. SERVICES—2-4 p.m. Q&A with the Otsego County Office for the Aging on programs, services, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, and more. Held 2nd Tuesday of each month. Springfield Library, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. (607) 547-4232. SLOW FLOW YOGA— 5 p.m. Presented by the SUNY Oneonta ExCL Center. Held Tuesdays through 2/24. Fees apply; registration required. SUNY Oneonta Campus,

108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 4362831. NEW YEAR—5 p.m. “Vision Boards for 2026.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

►Wed., Jan. 14 CHILDREN— 10:15 a.m. “Story Time: Hot Cocoa.” Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344. CONTINUING EDUCATION—10:30 a.m. to noon. “Rather be Reading.” Relaxed opportunity for book lovers to meet and chat about “The Women of Platform Two,” a book by Laura Anthony. Fees apply; registration required. Presented by the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, 31 Maple Street, Oneonta. (607) 441-7370. STORYTIME— 10:30 a.m. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600. TECH HELP—2-3 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. LIBRARY—2 p.m. “Bring Your Own Book Club.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600. FREE DINNER— 5-7 p.m. All welcome. Held 2nd Wednesday of each month. Unatego Community Church, 290 Main Street, Otego. (607) 369-7425. VETERANS—6-7 p.m. Free Pasta Dinner for Veterans. Presented by the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center at the Elks Lodge, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228. ART CLASS— 6-9 p.m. “Figure This! Open Studio Life Drawing.” Non-instructional workshop with nude models for sketching. Fees apply, cash. Held each Wednesday. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777. YOGA—6:15 p.m. “Gentle Yoga.” Held each Wednesday by certified instructor Mira Wind. Fees apply. Dunderberg Gallery, 118 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 287-5699. CONSERVATION— 7 p.m. “Culverts: Invisible Infrastructure.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Registration required. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488.

►Thurs., Jan.15 STORY TIME— 9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Mondays through Thursdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. RECOVERY—10 a.m. “Vets Helping Vets—Open AA Meeting.” Held each Thursday. Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228. CRAFT—10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Open Sew.” Work with fellow crafters on current projects. Demos held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fees apply. Message/call to reserve a spot. Held each Thursday. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 4413111. SEWING—10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Stitch and Bitch.” Held every other Thursday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 3532944.

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