The Freeman's Journal 03-19-26

Watershed Supervisory Committee Advances Otsego Lake 9E Protection Initiatives

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

COOPERSTOWN

The Watershed Supervisory Committee, a joint effort of the Village of Cooperstown and the towns of Otsego, Middlefield, and Springfield, has completed drafts of the first three chapters of its Nine Element Watershed Management Plan. The intermunicipality group’s mission to protect the health of Otsego Lake and its watershed is aided by its recently hired watershed supervisor and grants.

“It’s comprehensive, and it develops best manage-

ment practices that will keep the lake healthy,” said Dr. Bertine McKenna, the chair of the committee. “Then from there, we have to seek grant funding to fix some of the issues that are identified.”

The WSC’s mission is to “protect and enhance the health of Otsego Lake and its watershed.” Members, who are not paid, also provide updates to a broader Watershed Advisory Committee composed of more representatives.

Dr. Jacob Gillette, who holds a PhD in limnology, the study of inland waters, was hired by the Village of

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Data Center Moratorium Public Hearing Set in Oneonta Town

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL ONEONTA

The Town of Oneonta board unanimously voted on March 11 to set a public hearing for a one year data center and commercial cryptomining moratorium at its regular meeting on April 8. The board is likely to pass the moratorium shortly thereafter.

“I just want to say thank you to the 700 community members who have shared and advocated for the community on this issue,” Town Supervisor Will Rivera (D) said just before the vote. “This is your government. We are here for you.”

If passed, the five-page moratorium would offer one year for town officials to develop a more permanent law regarding data centers and cryptomining. During that period, no proposal would be “accepted, processed, approved, approved conditionally, or issued” for a data center or commercial cryptocurrency operation in the town. The moratorium as provided for the meeting agenda offers exemptions for

certain medical uses, municipal education services and functions of government. There is also an exemption for

facilities utilizing less than a certain threshold of power, though there is a blank space where the amount should be. Violating the moratorium could lead to a fine of up to $250.00 or up to 15 days imprisonment.

Board member and former interim town supervisor Brett Holleran (R) argued for moving straight to a law.

“I don’t think there’s a person on this board, and I could speak for everyone without actually even asking based on the conversations we had, that are not for it,” Holleran said, referring to the potential law. “So what are we investigating in a moratorium?”

Rivera replied that the choice for a moratorium over an immediate law was on advice of the town attorney, which he confirmed. Chris McIlveen of Coughlin & Gerhart LLP said the moratorium would allow for the town to do a “thorough review” of potential impacts of data centers and commercial cryptomining.

“I’m going to follow the legal advice

Continued on page 7

SUNY Oneonta Professor Co-authors New Book

ONEONTA

O►

By BILL BELLEN

n February 5, Bloomsbury Publishing released its latest new book, “Silencing Journalism by Murder?: An Overview of Six Global Case Studies.”

Co-authored by SUNY Oneonta media studies professor Gayane Torosyan, this book examines various case studies of journalists who were assassinated for doing their jobs.

Soviet Union, initially coming to the United States to attend first a master’s and then a doctoral program at the University of Iowa. It is here that she met fellow co-author Amani Ismail, who is now an associate dean of the School of Humanities and Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire in Egypt, hosted by the Global Academic Foundation.

“Because of our shared professors, we stayed in touch after graduation,” Torosyan explained. “Amani’s interests are political conflict and terrorism. My interest was media history.”

Torosyan is well-seasoned in the world of media studies and journalism, being a frequent contributor to AllOtsego as well as the seventh edition of Roy L. Moore and Michael D. Murray’s textbook “Media Law and Ethics.” She was born and raised in Armenia during its time as a republic of the

Acknowledging a growing trend of violence against the press, “Silencing Journalism” aims to show readers the dangers of being the ones who cover controversy. Torosyan’s book critically examines the power of the local and global networks at play in the suppression of news media and the elimination of its journalists, peeling back the layers to reveal the ugly truths threatening freedom of information across the globe.

Torosyan noted their subjects of interest had natural overlap. Conversation between the two was sparked over the killing of Washington Post correspondent Jamal Khashoggi in late 2018, and from there the pair got to work trying to craft a new piece

Photo provided AMANI ISMAIL

Photo provided GAYANE TOROSYAN

Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

At their regular meeting on March 11, the Town of Oneonta Town Board unanimously voted to set an April 8 public hearing for a one-year moratorium on data centers and commercial cryptomining.

county Board Debates Legality of Sheriff’s IcE Agreement

By ERIc SANTOmAUROSTENZEL

cOOPERSTOWN

Members of the Otsego county Board of Representatives Public Safety and Legal Affairs committee debated and discussed the legality of the Sheriff’s Office’s recent agreement with U.S. Immigration and customs Enforcement on march 12. county officials did not make any final decisions but committed to further discussion, particularly regarding the county’s contracting policy.

Representatives of the Otsego county Attorney’s Office said they had sought guidance from the New York State Attorney General’s office, but it was not offered. The AG office told AllOtsego it was not aware of such conversations.

The 287(g) agreement allows the Sheriff’s Office to execute immigration warrants on individuals in its jail at the conclusion of criminal custody, including by transporting them to IcE custody.

Representative Leslie Berliant (D-cherry

Valley, middlefield, Roseboom) made the case that the agreement, signed by Sheriff Richard Devlin, counted as a contract under county policies, and therefore required involvement from the county attorney and county board which Devlin did not seek.

Devlin has previously asserted that he, as the independently-elected sheriff, maintains exclusive authority to sign the agreement.

“Any contract policy that we may have, the sheriff does not have to follow because he is constitutionally elected

and can do that—unless he’s spending money, OK?” said county Board chair Edwin Frazier Jr. (R-Unadilla).

“And that’s my point,” Berliant said.

“This is spending money,” said Representative Jill Basile (DOneonta city Wards 7 & 8).

The agreement says the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for “salaries and benefits, local transportation, and official issue material” and that IcE “may issue travel orders to selected personnel and reimburse travel, housing, and per diem expenses only.”

The agreement also says the county would be responsible for its employees’ “personal expenses incurred by reason of death, injury, or incidents giving rise to liability.”

Sheriff Devlin has claimed that the agreement’s cost has been and will be “$0.”

The county contracting policy, which was last updated in 2006, was obtained by AllOtsego. The policy requires county department

contract drafts to be sent to the county attorney for review and approval. After being signed by the contractor, the chair of the Board of Representatives must sign it.

Frazier responded to Berliant and Basile by reading a message from madison county’s chair of the Board of Supervisors, James cunningham. madison county Sheriff Todd Hood signed a 287(g) agreement last summer and faced similar questions.

According to a review by their county attorney, cunningham said in the July 2025 statement, “the Sheriff’s duties as conservator of the peace are both statutory and based on common law” and has a “great amount of discretion” in law enforcement methods. “Therefore, as an elected official he has the power and ability to enter into agreements with other law enforcement agencies without the approval of the Board of Supervisors,” cunningham wrote.

Frazier also said he had directed county Attorney Denise Hollis

to contact the New York State Attorney General’s Office for guidance, which they attempted several times. According to Deputy county Attorney monica carrascoso, also present at the meeting, they received no guidance despite eventually making contact. citing Attorney General Letitia James’ views critical of IcE, “I’m quite confident,” committee chair Daniel Wilber (R-Burlington, Edmeston, Exeter, Plainfield) said, “if there was an opportunity for her to say ‘you shouldn’t be doing this,’ we would’ve gotten that answer.” contacted by AllOtsego on march 17, the Office of the Attorney General said it was not aware of any conversations with Otsego county on 287(g) agreements and referred to the office’s online guidance on the matter. That guidance advises against signing 287(g) agreements but does not offer answers on the signature authority questions posed in Otsego county.

Continued on page 6

Bassett Participates in TrumpRx

By ERIc SANTOmAURO-STENZEL

assett Healthcare Network has shared it is participating in TrumpRx, President Donald Trump’s new program allowing customers to purchase prescription drugs from drugmakers at discounted prices.

“Bassett Healthcare Network’s outpatient pharmacies are participating in the TrumpRx program, so patients who wish to shop and qualify for discounted drugs on the TrumpRx online platform will be able to receive discounts on their prescriptions that can be honored at our pharmacies,” a Bassett spokesperson said in a statement to AllOtsego. “Pharmacy staff are also prepared to assist patients if they have questions regarding whether their prescriptions may be a part of the discounted TrumpRx drug list platform and/or other prescription discount platforms.

“Our healthcare network supports each patient’s right to choose where and how they fill their prescription. We encourage patients to thoroughly explore each of their options, including their medical insurance, to deter-

mine their best option for prescription savings,” the spokesperson said.

Trump touted the TrumpRx eponymous website in his recent State of the Union speech. His administration said they negotiated with drugmakers to include their products on the site.

“I’m also ending the wildly inflated cost of prescription drugs like has never happened before,” Trump said. “Other presidents tried to do it, but they never could. They tried.”

The platform allows customers to search for discounted prices on brandname medications, in most cases allowing them to print coupons to use at pharmacies. The drugs are priced at the “most-favored-nation” cost, the lowest amount they are sold for in other countries. many of these prices were already available, though harder to find, by searching for the medications directly on the manufacturers’ websites, according to KFF, a health policy organization.

The United States has long had some of the most expensive medication costs in the world. According to a RAND Health care study, drugs sold in the U.S. were nearly three times as costly as 33 comparable countries in 2022.

Oneonta Common Council Hears

Calls for Affordable Housing, Year-round Shelter Facilities

By NICOLLETTE HENRIQUEZ

SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA

At its meeting on Tuesday, February 17, the City of Oneonta Common Council discussed new community engagement efforts, advanced a housing partnership tied to downtown redevelopment, and heard public pleas for stronger coordination on homelessness services. Council members also reviewed traffic and parking code changes near local schools and confirmed a slate of board and commission appointments.

Oneonta Mayor Daniel Buttermann opened the meeting by announcing the launch of “Community Conversations,” a series of open forums intended to bring residents into earlier, more frequent dialogue with city leadership.

“The whole goal is to open up for feedback, comments and questions,” he said, describing a brief presentation followed by open discussion to “create stronger feedback loops between residents and city leadership.”

The first session was held on Sunday, February 22 at the Elks Lodge.

In public comment, residents pressed the city on public health and housing stability. Charles Gerard drew parallels between historic disease outbreaks and current community health concerns, urging leaders to weigh citywide well being in policy choices.

Angela Earle recounted recent efforts by a local church to shelter people during a snowstorm and described individuals seeking refuge in public spaces, including Huntington Memorial Library.

“There’s no continuity of care,” she said, calling for a stable, year round

facility operating seven days a week.

Economic development took center stage as the council received a letter of support from SUNY Oneonta regarding the city’s proposed partnership with Grow America to redevelop city-owned parcels located at 27 and 47 Market Street into roughly 90 to 100 mixed income apartments. Read into the record on behalf of SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle, the letter framed the project as a catalyst to ease housing shortages and help local businesses.

The council’s legislative agenda included traffic and parking code updates affecting Huntington Avenue and Mitchell Street, with members referencing no parking zones, winter parking rules, and sign placement aimed at improving traffic flow and student safety near school facilities. Council members said they would continue discussions with the Oneonta City School District before finalizing any changes.

Members also confirmed appointments to several bodies, including the Board of Public Service (Mark Boshnack and Charles Hartley), Planning Commission (Sallie Han, Marcela Micucci, Alex Simon), Zoning and Housing Board of Appeals (Peter Arruda), and the Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights (Rousseau Beauvais, Bryce Wooden).

A contract with Otsego Media was approved for $45,000.00, employing the video production company to continue producing marketing and publicity materials through the remainder of 2026.

The council reaffirmed its two meeting a month schedule and standard procedures. No public

ORHA Now Accepting VRP Applications

MILFORD

Otsego Rural Housing Assistance Inc. is accepting applications from property owners for the Otsego County Vacant Rental Program from March 16 to April 27. The Otsego County VRP is funded by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s New York State Vacant Rental Program. ORHA has partnered with Opportunities for Otsego to collaborate on bringing this program to the county, officials said.

Through the Otsego County VRP, ORHA will provide assistance of up to $50,000.00 or $75,000.00 per rental unit to eligible property owners seeking to rehabilitate or repair vacant spaces in Otsego County. In return, property owners will be required to rent only to households below a certain income limit for 10 years, charge rent within an annual limit, offer 12-month leases, and maintain the units in good condition.

According to a press release, properties will be selected through a competitive application process. Interested property owners can access application materials and more information about the program at otsegoruralhousing.org/vrp. Property owners may also contact ORHA to request application materials.

“Our plan is to assist at least nine units, with room for more based on actual project costs,” said ORHA Executive Director Bridget Stith. “We received a strong response to our owner interest survey in the fall, so I’m expecting that we’ll see a lot of applica-

Continued on page 6

hearings were held at this session.

In other business, Mark Simonson, the Oneonta city historian, provided an update on “USA 250” festivities and previewed plans for a three day Fourth of July celebration, promising a community minded program intended to draw residents downtown. The weekend events will include a family-friendly celebration at SwartWilcox House on Friday, a parade on Saturday, and a concert at Huntington Park on Sunday. Details are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The meeting adjourned after routine approval of warrants and brief committee updates. City leaders said housing development, infrastructure upgrades and social service coordination will remain top priorities at future meetings. The Common Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays each month at City Hall.

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.

Springfield Set To Celebrate ‘America 250’ on July 4th

SPRINGFIELD CENTER

The Springfield Fourth of July Committee is gearing up for a special celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence on Saturday, July 4. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with the 112th annual Fourth of July Parade in Springfield Center, followed by a celebration with food, music and more at the Springfield Community Center, 129 County Rd 29A. According to a press release issued Saturday, March 15, an evening concert and fireworks display will be held at Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, from 7:30-10 p.m.

Local nonprofit groups are invited to participate in fundraising activities at the Springfield Community Center following the parade on July 4th, officials said.

Those interested in learning more

Join us for Easter Worship

PALM SUNDAY 10 am EASTER SUNDAY 10 am 130 Morris Hall, SUNY Oneonta Campus 607-376-7486

First United Methodist Church 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta 607-432-4102 A Reconciling Congregation Welcoming LGBTQIA Rev. Casey Bradley, Pastor

Palm Sunday, March 29 • Worship 8:15 am & 10:30 am

Maundy Thursday, April 2 • 5:30 pm Worship & Meal

Good Friday, April 3 • 12:10 (Ecumenical)

Easter Sunday, April 5 • Sunrise Service 7:00 pm (Courtyard) Egg Hunt 9:45 am • Worship 10:30 am • Brunch 11:45 am For online streaming options visit www.firstumc-oneonta.org phone! For info to join us online, go to: / To call in, see numbers below service times

can e-mail springfield.july4@gmail. com for details. Participation in the parade is free and open to individuals, families, groups, and businesses. An online parade registration form will be available April through June on the Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration Facebook page, and at springfieldny.org.

Parade prizes will be awarded to floats, fire departments, veterans’ organizations, school bands, junior marching organizations, musical performing groups, decorated bicycles, and “most unique entry,” with ribbons awarded to antique vehicles, horses, and equine units. Judging will be partly based on adherence to the theme, “America 250.”

The Glimmerglass Festival’s annual Springfield Appreciation Concert will take place on Sunday, June 28 at 3:30

Continued on page 11

Join us for Easter Sunday as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. May you find the answers you’ve been looking for!

PalmMarchSunday 29

9:30 am Procession with donkey 10 am Eucharist with Passion Reading “Champagne Brunch”

MaundyAprilThursday 2

6:30 pm Eucharist with foot washing Speaker Dr. Snodgrass

GoodAprilFriday 3

Noon-3 pm “Seven Last Words of Christ” with Seven Speakers

EasterAprilSunday 5

10 am Festival Eucharist with Brass Ensemble 305 Main Street, Oneonta

Photo provided

“Uncle Sam” (Dan Evans) leads the way in the 2025 Springfield 4th of July parade.

Perspectives

EDITORIaL

FInquiring Minds Want To Know

our weeks ago, we began posting weekly poll questions on our website, AllOtsego.com. As we report on the news of the day and follow current trends—local, statewide, and national—we are curious to find out where our fellow Otsego County citizens stand on various issues and whether they agree with broader populations. Results have been somewhat slow in the beginning, as is to be expected, but we hope as more people become aware of these polls they will take part in the exercise. A new poll question is posted each Wednesday on the website home page.

Our first question was, “Are you in favor of voter ID?” There were 61 respondents. Fifty-four percent (33) answered “yes,” while 46 percent (28) said “no.” CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten reported recently that 83 percent of Americans support photo ID requirements—95 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Democrats. Of those, about 85 percent of white respondents support photo ID requirements, along with 83 percent and 76 percent of Latino and Black respondents, respectively. Here in Otsego County, albeit with very low voting numbers on the poll, voter ID was only narrowly favored.

Our second question was, “Do you support building data centers in Otsego County?” Only 50 folks responded to this one, but the results were overwhelmingly against—10 voted in favor of data centers, while 40 said no thanks. According to an article posted by the Pew Research Center last week, “More Americans say data centers have a negative effect on the environment, home energy costs and people’s quality of life nearby than say they have a positive effect. Far more say data centers are mostly bad than good for the environment (39% vs. 4%), home energy costs (38% vs. 6%) and the quality of life for those nearby (30% vs. 6%).” That article

Bitcoin is perplexing, but this column tries to describe it in simple terms and expose its myths. The world’s pioneering digital currency, Bitcoin is a throwback to ancient times when money was not created by governments to be circulated through financial institutions. Bitcoin challenges our common sense because you can’t touch it, smell it or see it. Some folks think that means it can’t be money, but for most of human history items such as salt, cattle, shells and pelts have served as money. Remember the grade-school lesson where the Dutch

pointed out, however, that 25 percent of Americans say they have heard nothing at all about data centers, versus 25 percent who have “heard or read a lot” and 50 percent who have heard or read “a little.” Our ongoing coverage of this issue has put Otsego County residents ahead of the curve.

Next, we asked, “Do you support the proposed Rehabilitative Support Services Solstice Commons housing development in Oneonta?” Just 40 people voted in this one, with 19 in favor (48 percent) and 23 against (58 percent). This has been a topic of much discussion in the City of Oneonta, where one housing development proposed by Rehabilitative Support Services, at 27 Market Street, was voted down by the Common Council, and where citizens are still divided about the RSS proposal for Oneonta’s Sixth Ward, Solstice Commons. A 2025 National Alliance on Mental Illness poll found that 60 percent of Americans prioritize federal funding for stable, affordable, supportive housing, especially for those with mental illnesses but, in terms of supporting supportive housing, we don’t seem to be quite there yet. This is an ongoing story which we will continue to cover.

In our fourth week of polling, things are finally beginning to pick up. The question posed last week—“Are you in favor of solar farm installations in Otsego County?—has received 77 votes as of press time. There’s no contest: 78 percent (60) are not in favor; just 22 percent (17) voted “yes.” Interestingly, according to an article published by Politico on February 27, despite President Trump’s aversion to solar, “environmentalists and solar power companies have found a pair of surprise allies: Katie Miller and Kellyanne Conway.” A confidential strategy memo obtained by Politico shows the American Clean Power Association

Is Bitcoin Money?

buy Manhattan for $24.00 worth of wampum? That’s a myth, as some of our original American ancestors received 60 guilders ($24.00 worth) of goods in 1626 for their island. That trade came about because the Dutch and local Indians recognized that money could be guilders, wampum or goods.

Bitcoin arrived during the global financial crisis of 2008. A white paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer to Peer Electronic Cash System” was authored and circulated online in October 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto, a pseudonym for an individual

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

“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, or on topics of general local interest. 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. Maximum length is 300 words; however, the editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

Counsel Jill Ann Poulson

County

Village of Cooperstown

Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association

Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

launched the “American Energy First” campaign to engage Conway and conservative influencers like Miller “to amplify the benefits of solar energy” and “note the harm that could result from reckless trade policy.” And “Forbes” Senior Editor Alan Ohnsman wrote on February 23: “When it comes to solar power in particular, there’s not a lot of partisan divide, according to the findings of a study done by former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway for “American Energy First.” Some 73% of the 1,000 registered voters that Conway’s company interviewed in Florida, Ohio, Texas, Arizona and Indiana—states Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election—favor the use of solar power, including 62% of Trump voters.” We can’t seem to find a survey on the popularity of solar farms that does not originate from a solar or energy company, but Earthjustice reports that in her 2026 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul touted the Sun and Soil Program, which would allow farmers to pursue additional revenue through solar while maintaining farming activities. Regardless, Otsego County respondents don’t appear to be on board. We recognize these small poll samplings are simply that: small. And the “findings” of such small samplings can hardly be considered conclusive. However, now that folks know we are interested in their opinions on a wide range of topics, we hope those numbers will increase as time goes by. We post the question each week on our Facebook page, to guide voters to the AllOtsego.com home page— the comments on those posts are interesting, to say the least.

This week’s question is, “Do you support the Constitution Pipeline?” Inquiring minds want to know…

or group that has never revealed their identity. The paper proposed Bitcoin as a crypto currency that would circulate online, without central management, on a blockchain network.

The blockchain was Nakamoto’s true innovation—a fully secure digital ledger that records transactions without the need for a record keeper. And instead of relying on governments and banks, Bitcoin would be created, “mined” in Nakamoto’s words, by computers solving extremely difficult mathematical problems.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

In Response to Bruce Beckert

I planned on writing a long reply to Bruce Beckert’s letter telling everyone that if we do not vote the MAGA line, Satan will steal the show. I was going to make a list to refute each of his claims. But I can shorten my letter down to one basic fact. Satan will NOT steal the show if folks vote for Democratic candidates. Satan is already here. He lives in the White House.

Stephanie Bambina Maryland

Sempa Has the ‘Wrong’ View

In response to Mr. Francis Sempa’s letter in the issue of March 12, “Harry Levine Got It Wrong,” I don’t think Mr. Levine needs to defend Washington’s behavior during the Whiskey Rebellion to make his point.

Mr. Levine suggests that Washington was, without question, a better statesman than Mr. Trump and was formulating, within the context of his own experiences, a vision of nationhood that makes alliances based on

In January 2009, Nakamoto released the software that mined the first Bitcoin. Early users were mostly programmers experimenting with the blockchain technology. But a year and half later, in May 2020, a programmer used 10,000 bitcoins to pay for two pizzas, demonstrating that Bitcoin could be a form of money.

In his book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” (2015), Yuval Harari describes money as the most successful system of mutual trust ever devised by humans. He Continued on page 9

advancement of that vision.

George Washington did plenty of things wrong; his answer to the Whiskey Rebellion may have been one of them. He had slaves; he betrayed the Haudenosaunee. Even so, Washington’s concept of alliances supported his dedication to a vision of nationhood, young in its formulation with inconsistencies and hypocrisies that diverse groups of people have spent 250 years working to dispense or repair.

Washington was flawed, as we all are. But Washington was a statesman articulating a path forward for a young democracy for which he risked his life in battle and refused to rule as a king; Trump is a grifter who cares about nobody but Trump and publishes pictures of himself wearing crowns. Therein lies a difference that can’t be discounted.

Mr. Sempa is an historian and thus ostensibly knows how to do research. He should research what myriad conservative judges, including Trump-appointed judges, have to say about how “faithfully” the Trump administration is executing

immigration laws. For one example among many, check out Trump-appointed judge, John Totrud’s scathing ruling on Trump administration lawlessness.

I’d also suggest that any person, historian or not, who asserts that Mr. Trump— the man who pardoned the lawless, violent criminals who stormed our Capitol and attacked police officers protecting it because he had ginned them up with claims of a stolen election that wasn’t stole—knows what it means to “faithfully” execute laws is, well, dishonest. Virginia Kennedy Leader, CooperstownOneonta Indivisible

‘Right’ View Is Not Appreciated

The FJ has published several opinion pieces by the same author, Francis Sempa, ostensibly in an effort to provide a right-wing take on current affairs, even though none of these filler pieces has anything to do with local people, organizations, places or events. Apparently no local

Columnists and Contributing Writers

Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

THE mYTH buSTIng ECOnOmIST

LaRRY maLOnE

by

HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

160 YEARS AGO

Summary of Local News: Charter Election—At the election held on Tuesday last, the following village officers were chosen for the ensuing year—being the ticket nominated at the Democratic caucus the previous evening: Trustees—Samuel K. Thompson, G. Pomeroy Keese, Robert Quaif, Jr., William K. Bingham, Samuel A. Bowen, Dorr Russell. Clerk and Treasurer—Charles R. Burch. Assessors—Peter Becker, Rensselaer Waterman, Philip Roof. Constable and Collector—Oliver J. Walradt. Wood Inspector, Oliver J. Walradt. Pound Master—Zadock Fitch.

The Public Health—Within the past few days we have heard that the most exaggerated and ridiculous reports are in circulation in some parts of the county in regard to the general health of this place. The weather for some time past has been particularly unfavorable, and as a consequence, there has been more sickness than usual at this time of year. We are in hopes that more settled weather will soon witness a return to the usual good health of the place.

March 16, 1866

135 YEARS AGO

The musical entertainment given in Village Hall by the military band of Cooperstown on Friday evening last was truly a popular concert—the price of admission was low and the music excellent. The Band never played better and in one particular, never so well—for in the closing piece Mr. McKnight played the piccolo, an instrument much needed in a military band. His pieces on the flute were rendered in the most skillful manner, and drew out repeated applause. He is a resident of Brooklyn, temporarily employed in the village. The violin playing by Messrs. Derrick, Kraham and Bunn, and piano music by Mr. A. Babcock and Misses Van Nort and Potter, the accurate accompaniments by Misses Clarke and Bunn, and the instrumental solos by members of the Band, were all most creditable performances. The cabinet grand piano used on the occasion is one of the instruments sold by L. & A. Babcock of Norwich.

March 20, 1891

85 YEARS AGO

W.H. Caver of Albany, an F.B.I. Field Representative from Albany, spoke to the Cooperstown Rotary club on Tuesday at their regular luncheon meeting at the Cooper Inn. The F.B.I. is increasing its staff rapidly said Mr. Caver, as the result of the necessity of protecting the country against espionage and sabotage by fifth columnists. The fifth columnist he said can be compared to a snake in the grass. The snake you can get rid of in time, but when the fifth columnist bites you, you stay bit. Agent Caver emphasized that it is the duty of every citizen to report to the authorities all indications of fifth column activities that might come to their notice.

March 19, 1941

35 YEARS AGO

Maureen Kuhn, R.N., M.S., F.N.P., has been selected as a 1991 New York State Legislature “Nurse of Distinction” by Bassett Hospital. Ms. Kuhn, a Family Nurse Practitioner, has served at the Community Health Center in Cherry Valley since 1982. She is one of 407 nurses statewide to be chosen as a “Nurse of Distinction.” Ms. Kuhn received her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and her M.S. from Pace University.

March 20, 1991

20 YEARS AGO

Following an impressive breakthrough performance in Doha Qatar on March 4, World Cup triathlete and Cooperstown native Sarah Groff hopped a plane to Aquaba, Jordan to continue her quest to become one of the top U.S. women athletes of her generation. Groff jumped to an early lead after the 1.5K swim but fell back after the 40K bicycle leg. Groff then ran the final leg with a steady six-minute mile pace to place 15th overall.

March 17, 2006

Solution: “Final Ballot” (March 12)

Expanded Clinic Will Ensure Care Access

For more than a decade, Springbrook has been at the forefront of providing integrated, person-centered care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As CEO, I have had the privilege of witnessing what happens when healthcare is compassionate consistent, and designed around the person. It changes lives. It strengthens families. And it builds healthier communities.

In 2019, Bassett Healthcare Network opened a school-based health clinic in our residential and day school, creating a coordinated model of primary care supported by integrated electronic health records and trusted providers. Bassett has long been a leader in school-based healthcare across our region. Their commitment to bringing healthcare directly into schools has helped ensure that children can receive routine care, manage chronic conditions and address health concerns without leaving the school environment. This model has proven effective, improving access to care while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and disruptions to learning.

By MERL REAGLE

The Big Burnout…

For families in rural communities, access to healthcare can be challenging. Long travel times, limited providers and the difficulty of coordinating appointments can create real barriers. Bassett has continually adapted to meet these realities, demonstrating how thoughtful, communitycentered care can make a meaningful difference for families across the region.

Today, we are not introducing a new concept but expanding a model that has already proven successful. With transformational support from philanthropist Tom Golisano, The Scriven Foundation, and many generous donors, we have received final approval from the New York State

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Remembering a world-class fizzler of 1986

ACROSS

1 Arnold’s are awesome

5 Short and thick-set

11 Requested, in Dogpatch

14 William Abbott, familiarly

17 Site of a 1981 nuclear reactor bombing

18 Crescent-shaped wristbone

19 ___ Jima

20 Your things, rather than my things

22 COMET

25 Old palindrome, “Able was ___ saw Elba”

26 COMET

28 Spill the beans

29 Asian holiday

30 Keep secret

31 Frisbees and many UFOs

34 “And ___ of thousands”

38 Bird under glass

42 Peggy Lee’s comet query

46 Eminently draftable

47 Neither partner

48 Squared, it’s nove

49 “What am ___ do?”

50 Two-left-feet type

51 Bean of “Desperate Housewives”

52 Impute, as blame

54 Comet comment from a teen?

58 Scott of Happy Days

59 Merkel or O’Connor

60 Bradbury’s ___ for Space

61 Prizes for Perlman

65 Caesarean section?

66 Part of MGM

69 Medically, it’s a knockout 72 College in New Rochelle, N.Y.

73 Trade back 75 Sodium hydroxide 77 Docs’ org. 78 Craving 79 Chevy Chase comedy about the comet? 84 Pricey, bygone travel option 85 Big name in refrigerators 88 A fvll deck? 89 Mauna ___

Crumpet “chaser,” perhaps

Undivided, as attention

“Life is over there— Be

Graphic provided

A rendering of the wellness clinic’s waiting area depicts a calm, welcoming space designed to promote comfort and reduce stress for people awaiting care.

League of Women Voters Hosts ‘Dirt on Composting’ Program

COOPERSTOWN

The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area is launching the spring season with some “dirty work,” officials said in a press release issued earlier this week. On Monday, March 30 at 1 p.m., the league’s Natural Resources Committee, in conjunction with Connections at Clark Sports Center and the Cooperstown Food Pantry, will present “The Dirt on Composting.” The program will feature a presentation by Worms Waste Not of Oneonta, a compost pickup service founded in 2024 by Rachel Frick Cardelle.

In January 2022, New York passed the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law, which required businesses and institutions that generate an annual average of two tons of wasted food per week or more to donate excess edible food and recycle all remaining food scraps if they are within 25 miles of an organics recycler (composting facility, anaerobic digester, etc.). In January 2027, the law will expand, lowering that annual average to one ton; by 2029 that average will drop to 0.5 tons.

According to the press release, Americans discard nearly 60 million tons of food annually, which amounts to almost 40 percent of the total U.S. food supply. Food waste is the single largest component taking up space inside U.S. landfills. Meanwhile, it is estimated that nearly 35 million people

across America—including 10 million children—suffer from food insecurity. When laws such as New York’s go into effect, donations to local food pantries increase, thereby providing a two-fold solution to the environmental impact of food waste and the ongoing problem of food insecurity.

Households, of course, don’t generate anywhere near that much organic material. And many people who live in apartments or have close-by neighbors (both humans and bears!) can’t maintain compost facilities in their yards, LWVCA officials said. But people are interested in reducing waste. That’s where Worms Waste Not comes in.

Since 2024, Cardelle and her business partner, Meghan Cassidy, have diverted more than 30,000 pounds of food waste from local landfills through their company. The March 30 presentation will focus on different ways to reduce food waste—from carefully planning meals and buying groceries, to storing food to make it last longer, so it’s not going to waste, to diverting food scraps so they do not end up in the landfill. Participants will also learn about the different composting options that are available to them.

The program will be held at the Clark Sports Center Community Room, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. It is open to the public; there is no charge to attend. Visit www.lwvcooperstownarea.org for further information.

State Offers $1.7 Million for Beginning Farmers

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York Farm Viability Institute announced that $1.7 million in total funding is now available through the second round of the Beginning Farmer Grant Program. This initiative offers support with start-up expenses, operational costs and other essential investments for New York farmers with 10 years of experience or less. Awards range from $5,000.00-$50,000.00 and from $50,000.00-$200,000.00 based on project complexity and duration. All projects require a 5 percent match. Applications are open through June 14. For more information or to apply, visit nyfvi.org/grant-programs/producer-grants/beginning-farmer/2026-bf/.

2026 Mini Grant Program

Each year, the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District sets aside monies for the purpose of encouraging private citizens, educational institutions, non-profits, and municipalities to undertake conservation-related projects and programs. For 2026, a total of $10,000 is available for the mini grant program. Each successful grant applicant may be reimbursed for up to $1,000.

Applicants should submit a brief (no more than two pages) description of the project or program for which they are seeking support including project or program goals, a budget, an explanation of how the program or project will achieve the goals, and a description of measurable outcomes. Mini-grant awards will be paid out as reimbursements for budgeted items of projects or programs completed within 18 months of award, after submission of a close-out report, itemized invoices, and proofs of payment. Sales tax will not be reimbursed for any reason.

Applications are due no later than May 8, 2026 and award decisions will be announced at the May Board of Directors meeting.

Otsego County’s most interesting and entertaining read and its most diverse news source, featuring award-winning reporting, local news, insightful commentary, and entertaining columns by beloved local writers. Subscribe to AllOtsego.com by the month or annually at https://www.allotsego.com/subscribe/

Sheriff

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The AG’s office did not answer AllOtsego’s questions to that effect.

Hollis did not respond to AllOtsego’s requests for comment.

At the meeting, Berliant asked Hollis if it was her understanding an agreement such as the 287(g) would have required county attorney review prior to signature under the current contracting policy. Hollis replied that in recent years the county has “tightened up” on contracting.

“We are in the process of making that even tighter. There are contracts, there are municipal agreements that I don’t see. Absolutely, that happens. So, we’re trying to limit that, but sometimes it occurs,” Hollis said.

Responding to another question, Hollis said that “the crux of it, a contract, yes, goes before the board. Your committee and the county, two different things. This is a unique situation because it’s the sheriff and this is a law enforcement contract.”

Hollis and other officials said they were working on a new contracting policy to clarify these kinds of questions. She said that policy would be presented to the board’s Administration Committee in the coming months.

“I’d rather see you safe than a liability that might cost a few dollars,” Wilber

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said toward the end of the meeting, voicing support for the agreement. “And I’ll stand on that hill ‘til I die.”

Parade

Continued from page 3

p.m. at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Route 80. Tickets for this event are $5.00 each, with all proceeds benefiting Springfield’s 4th of July events.

The next meeting of the Fourth of July Committee will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at the Springfield Community Center. For more information, follow Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration on Facebook, e-mail springfield.july4@gmail. com, or phone Committee Chair Debra Miller at (315) 858-0304.

ORHA

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tions for this program.

“I would strongly recommend applying during this first round. If we’re inundated with more applications for great projects than we could ever hope to fund, we’ll focus on those instead of opening to more applications down the line,” Stith said.

ORHA was one of 11 nonprofits and governments across the state to be given a VRP award in this latest round of funding.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Under Governor Hochul, we are using every tool we have to create and preserve affordable housing across New York. The Vacant Rental Program has provided more than $56 million to transform over 830 vacant and distressed units into safe, affordable homes. Thank you to Otsego Rural Housing Assistance Inc. for being our vital partner in giving

$44K Raised

individuals and families the chance to stay and thrive in their own communities.”

Proposed projects and the property owners themselves must meet certain eligibility requirements to be considered for an award. Eligible projects would rehabilitate or repair vacant spaces in Otsego County that either are already residential units or could be converted into residential units by the project.

Properties must have no more than five residential units to be eligible. Spaces must be unoccupied, and the vacancy must be because the unit is in uninhabitable or unmarketable condition. Mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible. Property owners must meet minimum responsibility requirements, such as being current on property taxes and having no history of fair housing violations. All eligibility requirements and application scoring criteria are available on the ORHA website, officials said. Assisted units would be subject to a 10-year regulatory period, during which owners would be required to rent only to tenants with a household income below 60 percent or 80 percent of the area median income ($54,720.00 or $72,950.00 for a family of four), charge rent within an annual maximum, offer 12-month leases, and maintain the unit in good condition. Rent limits would be calculated based on each unit’s size and utilities, and would change every year. As an example, a three-bedroom unit where all utilities would be included would currently have a maximum allowable rent of $1,897.00 (for a $50,000.00 award) or $1,422.00 (for a $75,000.00 award).

ORHA can be reached for questions about this program at (607) 2867244 or VRP@otsegoruralhousing.org.

for Special Olympics

SCHENECTADY—Market 32 and Price Chopper customers donated more than $34,000.00 to the Special Olympics through the companies’ charity drive in January. The companies contributed an extra $10,000.00 in matching funds. The donation will support athletes across the six states where the stores operate as they prepare for the 2026 USA Games.

Book

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together. Each made sure to include examples that fit their areas of expertise and were relevant to their own personal background, allowing Torosyan and Ismail to inform their writings both in fact and in feeling.

Chapters of “Silencing Journalism” cover the murder of journalists the world over, from the recent deliberate killings of members of the press in Jenin, West Bank to the assassination of a former journalist-turnedpresidential candidate in Ecuador. Torosyan particularly highlighted chapters two and seven, which cover the murder of journalists in postSoviet Russia and Turkey, respectively.

Chapter two examines the murder of Anna Politkovskaya for her criticism of Russia’s war in Chechnya and its at-the-time rapidlycementing dictatorship centered around Vladimir Putin. Chapter seven deals with the assassination of Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink, who preached values of reconciliation between Turks and Armenians before being killed by a member of a Turkish ultra-nationalist organization.

Torosyan said that Dink “was someone who wanted to broker collaboration between the Armenians and Turkish communities in Istanbul…Because he was saying that let’s forget about genocide, let’s put that aside, without disrespecting the victims. Let’s just move on. Let’s just live our lives…He got murdered for those words.”

Torosyan made it a point to delve into the implications of this murder, feeling a deeprooted connection to it given her own Armenian heritage.

“My Armenian background informed my work strongly,” Torosyan said. “I chose to come here and live in America, and that means I’m not carrying with myself all the feelings [of] the conflicts that exist back home. So in that sense, my background informs my current work.”

Beyond the implications of these acts on the field of journalism itself, Torosyan and Ismail sought to paint a picture of the role society has to play in this all. The pair examines the power that the public has in preserving journalists’ right to investigate and criticize, as well as maintaining their own right to unfiltered news about the institutions that hold power over them.

“Societies are responsible to not only allow the journalists to speak, but also not to fear for their lives if they said something inconvenient. I felt that very close to home as I watched some of my colleagues back in Armenia being murdered. One was murdered in front of his house,” Torosyan stated.

As the safety of journalists around the world seems to continually degrade year after year, works like those of Torosyan and Ismail are

important in revealing the scope of just how brutal this global network of systemic silence has become.

“On the one hand, you’re free to speak; on the other hand, you can be killed for doing your job,” said Torosyan. “And I think this is very unfair. There needs to be some protection. And it’s unrealistic to expect such protection, of course. But we can only dream.”

Those interested in learning more about these case studies and Torosyan and Ismail’s insights on them can purchase a copy of the book directly through Bloomsbury Publishing, via online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or locally at The Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta.

Oneonta

Continued from page 1 of the attorney on the proper steps to best protect the town,” said Deputy Supervisor Trish Riddell Kent (R), who has long advocated for a moratorium.

The proposed moratorium comes after nearly a year of public pressure in response to a proposal from Eco-Yotta Inc. at 357 County Highway 9, as well as opposition to inquiries about potential data center development at the Oneonta railyards.

In a barn already on the Eco-Yotta property zoned for residential agriculture, AI computers would manage and heat hydroponic crops, developers say. Computing power would be used to assist startups in collaboration with SUNY Oneonta. Their zoning application said the project could use up to three million kWh of electricity per year, the equivalent of nearly 300 homes, though Eco-Yotta has said that number is a maximum.

In a business plan the company presented to the board in December, EcoYotta officials described the project as a “hydroponic agriculture, applied research, and workforce development campus” that includes an “accessory AI/IT research hub.”

It is unclear how that description would fit with the proposed moratorium, which defines “data centers” as a facility

which is “primarily used” for digital data “storage, management, processing, and transmission,” including but not limited to “non-artificial intelligence workloads and artificial intelligence workload.”

When Eco-Yotta originally filed documents with the town and reached a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration with SUNY Oneonta, the company frequently described its project as a “data center” and sought an industrial rezoning. After facing opposition, the company reapplied and strenuously argued its project is distinct from a data center, seeking a Planned Development District rezone. The most recent application describes the project purpose as “agricultural hydroponics research & development hub (agri-business).”

At the start of the meeting, Rivera said the moratorium would apply to any “pending applications” or “new applications,” though did not specify any projects. He has previously been critical of the Eco-Yotta proposal.

Opponents of the project have called into question Eco-Yotta’s repeatedly shifting descriptions of what it hopes to do.

“They’re using other terms to hide it, that it’s not going to be a data center,” Jessie Simpauco said of Eco-Yotta during public comment, expressing support for the moratorium. “I think we need to slow down on considering AI in the town, especially [because] we don’t have any regulation, statewide, federal, and most of the AI companies that are trying to push it are lobbying for deregulation.”

Alongside its rezoning application, through its attorney Eco-Yotta has argued that much of their proposal qualifies as a “home occupation,” a designation in town code for uses that are “clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not change the character thereof.” If that were the case, EcoYotta would not need the rezoning approval to pursue significant portions of its project.

Neither town officials

The Village of Cooperstown is gearing up for summer and is looking for to join the team on the shores of beautiful

nor Eco-Yotta answered by press time whether the town has provided a determination to the “home occupation” question.

The Eco-Yotta property was listed for sale in February. Rivera told AllOtsego that Eco-Yotta has not notified the town of any requested changes to their application.

Lake

Continued from page 1

Cooperstown in September 2025 for the dual roles of watershed inspector and watershed supervisor. As supervisor, he coordinates the Watershed Management Plan and will support its implementation.

“The funding also allows us to work with some scientific advisors that are contracted” to develop a model of the lake, watershed, and how they interrelate, Gillette said of the Watershed Management Plan. “From that, we can start to make predictions.”

Those predictions will account for climate change and its impact on lake temperature and precipitation.

“The overall goal is for us to work with all the various stakeholders and the production of this model [for] different possible best management practices we can do that’ll help strengthen our efforts to protect the lake,” Gillette said.

Gillette estimated the plan will be finalized by late summer or early fall 2027, with milestones along the way.

In recent years, Otsego Lake has faced harmful algal blooms.

“We’ve had them every year since 2022, which is why this whole thing was developed,” McKenna said.

WSC members have also highlighted the impact of unencapsulated polystyrene foam, a material used in some docks and buoys. Pieces break off, which then often gather on the surface and which animals can consume. A recent newsletter from the WSC, published by

environmental group Otsego 2000, called attention to New York State Senate Bills 2025S1877 and 2025-S1129, proposed legislation that would ban the material. S1877 would ban it in floating docks and platforms, S1129 in all floating structures. The office of State Senator Peter Oberacker (R) did not respond to a request for comment on the bills.

Otsego Lake is the headwaters of the Susquehanna River. Efforts toward improving and ensuring the health of the lake have also received attention from

the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, an interstate coordinating body established in 1971.

“We’re working with them hand in hand, and I think it’s great,” Gillette said.

The scope of the WSC’s work is broad. Sometimes, Gillette said, it will include identifying grants for individual municipalities to pursue. At other times, it may involve public education on best practices for those living near the lake.

Gillette said the group’s “guiding philosophy” is “all carrot, no stick.”

NYPA Supports LOCAL Act

ALBANY—The New York Press Association announced its support for the LOCAL Act, legislation that would provide tax credits to small- and medium-size businesses that advertise in local media. According to a release, the bill would help subsidize struggling small newspapers and improve media coverage statewide. For more information, visit nynewspapers.com/nypa/.

Business Dinner Scheduled

ONEONTA—The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce issued a save-the-date for the 2026 Annual Business Dinner, which will be held at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. More information will be announced at otsegocc.com.

2026 Summer Employment Opportunities

The Village is seeking responsible caretakers for both parks during the summer months. Caretakers help oversee daily park operations and serve as a friendly point of contact for the public. In return, caretakers receive

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EOE. To apply, download an application from the Village website or stop by the Village Clerk’s Office. All lifeguards must be Red Cross certified in open water lifesaving and CPR. No experience? No problem! The Clark Sports Center is offering a certification course during spring school vacation (the week of April 6). Scholarships from the Friends of the Parks may be available to help offset course costs for those interested in working for the Village this summer. To register or learn about alternative dates, contact Matt at the Clark Sports Center at 607-547-2800.

Otsego Lake!

Cooperstown Makes Final Four

SYRACUSE—Cooperstown boys basketball edged out Notre Dame 60-57 in the Central Region Championship on Sunday, March 15, propelling the Hawkeyes to the Class C Final Four. Cooperstown trailed for the first half and took their first lead late in the third quarter. Miles Nelen made a steal on an inbound play and then made a layup with less than five seconds to play to secure the narrow victory. He scored a game-high 24 points. Jackson Crisman recorded another double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Brody Murdock added 13 points and Cooper Coleman had two points and seven rebounds. The Hawkeyes remain undefeated at 25-0 for the season and will face Section V and Western Regional champion Lyons in the semifinals at Visions Veterans Arena in Binghamton at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.

Schoeberl Earns Phi Kappa Phi

SYRACUSE—Elyza Schoeberl of Worcester was recently elected to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Syracuse University. She is among about 20,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni initiated each year nationwide. Membership is by invitation only and is available to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, top 7.5 percent of juniors, and faculty, staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. For more information, visit PhiKappaPhi.org.

Easter Service Scheduled

COOPERSTOWN—The churches of Cooperstown will hold a sunrise Easter service in Lakefront Park at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 5. For more information, contact baptistcooperstown@gmail.com.

DiPerna Talk Is This Sunday

COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown will hold their next Sunday Speaker program at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 in the upstairs ballroom of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street. Climate policy advisor and author Paula DiPerna will give a talk titled “What in the World? Climate Change Reality and Where We Go from Here,” offering a panoramic view of state, federal, and international climate policy. The presentation is free and open to the public. DiPerna was originally scheduled to speak in January but had to postpone due to weather. She was a founding board member of Otsego 2000 and Gallery 53.

Oberacker a MAGA Priority

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Republican Congressional Committee, the arm of congressional Republicans dedicated to electing Republican members of the House of Representatives, named state Senator Peter Oberacker as one of nine “MAGA Majority” candidates across the country. According to a NRCC press release, the “program focused on supporting and elevating the next wave of America First candidates who will help expand the Republican House majority in 2026” by highlighting “strong candidates running in key battleground districts across the country who embody the Trump agenda: securing the border, lowering costs, restoring energy dominance, and putting American workers first.” Oberacker is challenging first-term Representative Josh Riley, a Democrat, for the NY19 seat.

Festival Appoints Wertenbaker

SPRINGFIELD—The Glimmerglass Festival announced the appointment of Caleb Wertenbaker as its new managing director, effective March 16. He will work with Artistic and General Director Robert Ainsley to oversee the festival’s operations, finances, and administration. Wertenbaker holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management, an MA in scenography from Central Saint Martins and a BA from Oberlin College. He has overseen more than 85 productions in a career spanning 25 years and formerly worked as a stage operations intern at Glimmerglass. For more information, visit glimmerglass.org.

Delhi Releases Dean’s List

DELHI—SUNY Delhi released its fall 2025 Dean’s List, honoring students who maintained a grade point average of at least 3.5 while taking six or more classes. More than four dozen local students made the list, including: Kylie Graham, Ryan Jaquay, and Grayson Mollen of Cherry Valley; Dominick Abbate and Trevor Campagna of Cooperstown; Trevor Waid of Davenport; Rebecca Arnold of Edmeston; Ethan Herring of Garrattsville; Charlie Foster of Gilbertsville; Ashley Fallon of Hartwick; Dax Dayton and Jessica Dayton of Laurens; Olivia Streeter and Aiden Burgos of Maryland; Tyler White of Milford; Montana Pikul and Aaliyah Stewart of Mount Upton; Natalie Segina of Mount Vision; Lucy Bischoff, Hannah Calhoun, Tobias Carter, Jesse Castillo, Kaylea Cetnar, Taylor D’Angelo, Colleen Darby, Janine Marie Go, Arthur Hilton, Justin Hultman, Joshua Lawson, Larry Leal, Delaney Maison, Alina Miglietta, Shelby Mochrie, Connor Ouimet, Desiree Rosenbusch, Sara Rosenbusch, Lexi Rufrano, Steven Sobers, Tyler Sorensen, John

Usilton, Madison Utter, Douglas Webster, Joshua Wikoff, and Megan Yager of Oneonta; Gavin Bonczkowski and Hayley Willsey of Otego; Ian Sebastian of Richfield Springs; Vivian Thurber and Miya VanDewerker of Richmondville; Shane Stacy of Sidney; Matthew Munson of Springfield; Josephine Butler of Unadilla; Rheagan James of Wells Bridge; and Joshua Lawson of West Oneonta.

CCE Announces Workshops

OTSEGO COUNTY—Cornell Cooperative Extension and Heather Kase will hold a berry production basics workshop on Zoom on Thursday, March 19. Registration is available at reg.cce. cornell.edu/berrybasics_243. There will be a virtual certification course for USDA Good Agricultural Practices from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 30 at cvp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=2189. There will be a pest management workshop simultaneously at CCE Schoharie Extension Center, CCE Madison Ag Center and on Zoom from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9; register at reg.cce.cornell. edu/peststrategy_225. Jessica Waltemyer will lead a small ruminant FAMACHA pest control class at 30 County Route 59 in Buskirk from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14. A three-part Zoom class on farm supervision and management will run from 4-5:30 p.m. on April 14, 21 and 28. CCE Albany County will host a cut flower farming workshop at 24 Martin Road in Voorheesville from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. For more information, registration or a full calendar of events, visit cceschoharie-otsego.org/events.

Popular GOHS Show Returns

ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold its 19th annual Postcard, Book and Ephemera Show and Sale at Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. GOHS and more than a dozen other vendors will offer a wide variety of books, vintage postcards, sports cards, stamps, magazines, posters, and more. There will also be a silent auction and a one-day special exhibition of a railroad-themed quilt by Gilbertsville’s Alberta Hutchinson (1840-1921) and an original lithograph of Andersonville Prison by Thomas O’Dea, a Civil War prisoner of war who was imprisoned there. Coffee, tea and donuts will be available for sale. Admission and parking are free. For more information or to volunteer, contact Brzozowski@ OneontaHistory.org or (607) 431-9509.

Spears To Host Maple Event

COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm will host its annual Sugaring Off Sundays event each Sunday in March (15, 22 and 29). The Otsego County Maple Producers will serve a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, home fries, salsa and maple syrup from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum’s Historic Village is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can watch syrup production and the jack wax process, enjoy games and activities, and explore the museum. The March 15 event will be hosted by special guest Benji Spears, a celebrity bartender and influencer. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fenimorefarm.org.

Long-pose Session Offered

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association’s increasingly popular “Figure This!” openstudio nude model figure drawing program will hold a long-pose pop-up session for artists who would benefit from a longer pose. It will be held in the CAA classroom space from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Admission is $18.00 in cash. For more information, contact gallery@ cooperstownart.org or (607) 547-9777.

Youth Arts Show Opens

CHERRY VALLEY—25 Main Collective’s 5th Annual Youth Arts Show will be on view through Sunday, March 29. Attendees are encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice award. The next exhibition will be “Enlightenment,” featuring clay lamps from Smithy Gallery artists. It will open with a reception in conjunction with Cherry Valley’s First Friday from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 3 and will be on display through April 26. Maria DeAngelo will lead a mixed media fabric workshop from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at a cost of $50.00. Additionally, the Daily Bread Food Pantry seeks T-shirt designs for the 2026 Folk Fest for Food. Designs must include the words “Cherry Valley,” “Folk Fest for Food,” and “2026,” and should maximize negative space to work on a shirt. The deadline is Friday, May 15. For more information, to submit a design or to sign up for a class, contact 25maincollective@gmail.com.

SUNY O Wins NCAA Award

ONEONTA—SUNY Oneonta was selected from more than 430 NCAA Division III institutions nationwide to receive the NCAA Community Impact Award, a top honor that recognizes studentathletes who made extraordinary contributions to community service between September and December 2025. The Red Dragons led all Division III programs across the country with a 100 percent student-athlete participation rate and an average of 13 service-hours per capita, totaling more than 7,200

hours by more than 500 athletes across 21 teams. This translates into an estimated $253,000.00 in economic impact according to Independent Sector’s national value of volunteer time. For more information, visit suny.oneonta.edu/news/suny-oneontaearns-ncaa-community-impact-award.

Blood Drive Set for Monday

COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Medical Center will host an American Red Cross blood drive in the Bassett Hall Auditorium at the corner of Beaver and Fair streets from 12:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23. In light of a serious ongoing blood deficit, donors are strongly urged to give blood; walk-ins are welcome and pre-registration is available at redcrossblood.org, by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Guard Members Promoted

LATHAM—Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announced the promotion of several New York Army National Guard members. Dorothy Alber of Oneonta and Patrick Mayhood of New Berlin were each promoted to the rank of private first class. Nicholas Betschmann of Oneonta was promoted to the rank of specialist. For more information, visit dmna.ny.gov.

Summer Registration Begins

ONEONTA—Hartwick College’s Summer Online courses are open for registration. More than 65 classes will be offered online across three summer sessions from May 25 to August 14. Most are asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework while balancing work, internships or travel. Tuition is offered at a competitive rate of $325.00 per credit. Courses are open to college students, recent high school graduates, high school seniors on a case-by-case basis, and adult learners. For more information, visit hartwick.edu/summeronline.

‘Lessons

from 100’ Slated

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Lions Club will host a screening of “Lessons from 100: Reflections in my Centennial Year” at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The film stars Jack Weber, who turned 100 years old in 2024, in conversations with his filmmaker grandson, Matthew Floyd. Tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased via EventBrite. All proceeds benefit the Lions Club.

Sound Bath Set for Equinox

MARGARETVILLE—Marcel Smith will lead a Spring Equinox Sound Bath at the Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street in Margaretville, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The immersive soundscape is intended to promote healing and a fresh start as spring begins. Tickets are $20.00 and are available by contacting (845) 586-1660 or info@theopeneyetheater.org.

Author Alan Shapiro To Read ONEONTA—SUNY Oneonta’s Red Dragon Reading Series will present an evening with renowned poet, memoirist and author Alan Shapiro at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1 in the MartinMullen Gallery of the Fine Arts Building. Shapiro, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, has published 15 books of poetry and six of prose, and won numerous awards. Admission is free and open to the public. Books are available for purchase and signing at The Green Toad Bookstore. For more information, visit suny. oneonta.edu/english/public-events.

Dairy Experience Kicks Off

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Mobile Dairy Experience, a 53-foot expandable interactive exhibit celebrating the state’s world-class dairy industry, will begin its 2026 tour on Wednesday, March 18. It will visit more than 40 locations statewide, including schools, fairs and festivals. For more information or to view an itinerary, visit nyanimalag. org/mobile-dairy-experience/.

Gas Prices Surge Higher

UTICA—The average price of gasoline in New York State rose another 22 cents to $3.61 a gallon over the week ending Monday, March 16, AAA Northeast announced. The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran continues to block oil and gas shipments through the critical Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, and to threaten physical destruction of much of the world’s petroleum and fertilizer infrastructure if the conflict escalates. Brent crude oil rose to $103.00 per barrel by the close of trading on Friday and West Texas Intermediate hit $98.00, the highest closing price for both benchmarks since July 2022. Measures by the U.S. and other western countries to address the supply crunch have not eased market fears; the release of 400 million barrels from worldwide strategic reserves and the lifting of sanctions on about 20 million barrels of seaborne Russian oil represent about 20 days of average pre-conflict output from the Strait of Hormuz. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.

Malone

Continued from page 4

suggests that money is a shared fiction, since the only thing needed to make money function as money is our belief that money is money.

Why is this important? Because after the first transaction involving pizzas, millions of people and some banks, financial institutions, and governments came to believe that Bitcoin is money.

Cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase sprung up and allowed owners of Bitcoin to keep it in online wallets, where it could be stored safely and exchanged for global currencies. This led to two developments: volatility in its price, as expressed in other currencies, and an astounding increase in the value of a single Bitcoin. Those two pizzas purchased with 10,000 Bitcoins in 2011 would be valued at over $600 million today.

So why has the price of a single Bitcoin risen to almost $125,000.00 in recent years? Because a meaningful number of our friends, neighbors and global citizens believe that Bitcoin is money, and that a single Bitcoin is worth that many dollars. Since that high in 2025, Bitcoin’s dollar price has fallen more than $50,000.00, as shown in the chart from the Federal Reserve above.

Bitcoin was also devised to be scarce, with a fully mined supply of just 21 million Bitcoins. As of now, over 20 million Bitcoins have been mined, or about 95 percent of the total supply. It’s troubling that Nakamoto kept 5 percent of the total supply of Bitcoin, which means they have tremendous power over its market. Strangely, Nakamoto hasn’t been heard from since 2011. Nor has Nakamoto ever exchanged a single Bitcoin for another currency or purchased an item using Bitcoin. Bitcoin can only be accessed by owners online by using a key

consisting of a lengthy sequence of random numbers, letters and characters. These keys are easy to forget or lose, and if that happens there is no way to reset or recover the keys to access your Bitcoins.

That’s why upwards of 4 million Bitcoins (20 percent of the total supply) are inaccessible because their owners lost their keys!

In 2011, Stefan Thomas, a software developer, lost his password to an account that holds his key to 7,002 Bitcoins (~ $420 million). He gets just two more tries to open the account before it locks him out permanently.

James Howell accidentally threw away a hard drive with the key to his 8,000 Bitcoins (~ $480 million) and has spent over a decade trying to get permission to excavate the landfill in Wales where it was dumped.

While Bitcoin is acknowledged by many individuals and institutions as money, the extreme volatility in its price means that it is rarely used as money to facilitate transactions between individuals and groups. That means Bitcoin is basically equivalent to holding gold for the sake of owning an asset.

The idea of a true cryptocurrency remains intriguing, especially if it would facilitate transactions across borders and outside of the intervention of governments, banks and financial institutions. Because Bitcoin was the first of its kind, it’s possible other cryptocurrencies will emerge, be stable in value, and facilitate exchanges among interested parties who believe they are money.

Larry Malone is professor emeritus of economics at Hartwick College.

Clinic

Continued from page 5

Department of Health to improve our existing clinic into an Article 28 Diagnostic and Treatment Center on our centrally located Oneonta campus.

More than 500 people currently receiving services from Springbrook lack direct and efficient access to consistent primary care. The expanded clinic will help close that gap while increasing healthcare capacity across Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties. Annual visits are projected to grow from approximately 2,000 in year one to more than 7,200 visits by year five.

The expanded Springbrook Wellness Clinic will provide comprehensive, sensoryresponsive primary care for children and adults, integrated behavioral health services, extended appointment times, transportation coordination, and trauma-informed, disability-competent staff. For individuals with developmental disabilities when their healthcare is accessible and thoughtfully designed, emergency room visits decrease, missed appointments decline and people will spend more time fully engaged in their communities.

Families have already experienced the difference this approach can make. One parent described our schoolbased healthcare model as “a complete turnaround” for their family. Stories like these remind us why this work matters. This clinic expansion reflects our mission and belief that every person deserves healthcare that meets them where they are.

Construction has

just begun, with doors opening in the fall, and I truly believe this is a mission that can be accomplished together as a community. With the continued partnership of the Bassett Healthcare Network, this expansion reflects the very best of the region, people who believe in dignity, access, and opportunity for all, and every investment in this project strengthens that promise for generations to come.

Patricia Kennedy is the chief executive officer of Springbrook.

Letters

Continued from page 4 author has the motivation to step up to defend Trumpism, so the FJ has recruited an outsider to do so. Since these syndicated pieces are now a regular feature of the paper, we are literally paying to get imported political propaganda with our subscriptions and ad dollars. There may be readers that applaud this divisive nonsense, but they can get it free from cable news.

For example, one piece made the false-equivalency of Trump’s highseas murder of drug mules with Obama’s authorization of strikes on the leadership of Al Qaeda conducted under the post 9/11 Authorization of the Use of Force Act. Readers of the FJ are led to believe that fishermen recruited to smuggle cocaine are the legal equivalent of the terrorist group that carried out the 9/11

attack in New York City. Local people, including ones that lost friends and loved ones on 9/11, are likely offended by that misleading comparison.

Another syndicated piece of propaganda justified Trump’s renaming the Kennedy Center, invoking revisionist fact that the building was originally referred to as the National Cultural Center. Congress passed a law to name the proposed building the Kennedy Center five years before it opened. The National Cultural Center was never built, the Kennedy Center was. Sempa didn’t make that clear, because clarity wasn’t his intention. The Kennedy Center will someday revert to the name it was assigned at birth.

The most recent piece of partisan filler quotes Washington’s farewell address to be wary of “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men” who will seek to “subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.” No one fits that description better than Trump and his cabinet. But in an inverted piece of projection, Sempa identifies the “‘cunning, ambi-

tious, and unprincipled men” as the “the local officials in Minneapolis, Minnesota”—the political targets of Trump’s vendetta against that city. The weasels that Washington warned us about are more obviously Kristi Noem, Kash Patel, Stephen Miller and Pam Bondi. Not the mayor of Minneapolis, where our daughter lives more peacefully with her husband and our granddaughters now that ICE has left town.

The FJ is demeaned and devalued by publishing syndicated political filler. Kindly find someone more credible to represent the right wing. At least Waldo Johnston’s right-wing limericks were amusing.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

Editor’s Note: Mr. Sempa’s column, “The ‘Right’ View,” is not syndicated. It is exclusive to AllOtsego. As is the case with all our opinion pieces, the views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the view of AllOtsego and its affiliates. The debate continues with comments and additional letters on AllOtsego.com.

too! info@allotsego.com

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Notice of formatioN of BOHEMIAN NODES, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 12/15/2025. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 1355 Co. Hwy. 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMar.19

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Notice of formatioN of SOS MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 01/30/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 87 CHESTNUT ST., ONEONTA, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any Lawful.

6LegalMar.19

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Notice of formatioN of Michelle’s Dream Farm LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 1.24.2026. Office location, county of Otsego. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o The LLC, Box 20, New Berlin, NY 13411 Purpose: Any and all lawful activities.

6LegalMar.19

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Notice of formatioN of Oneonta Pet Lodge, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on January 28, 2026. 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 process served upon him/her to: Oneonta Pet Lodge, LLC, 697 Winney Hill Rd, Oneonta, NY 13820.

General Purposes.

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

BROOK WILLOW PROPERTIES LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 3 February 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 192 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.19

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

WHITETAIL LODGE PROPERTIES LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 3 February 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 117 Ball St., Northborough, MA 01532. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMar.19

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Notice of orGaNiZatioN of Fordview Estates LLC

Under Section 203 of the Limited Liabilitiy Company Law.

1. The name of the limited liability company is Fordview Estates LLC.

2. Articles of Organization of Fordview Estates LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on November 6, 2025.

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be

located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is 551 Salt Springville Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

5. The Secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Fordview Estates LLC, 551 Salt Springville Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalMar.26

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Notice of formatioN of YRS DAYS CLASSICAL MUSIC, LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February 16, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 27 Fair Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMar.26

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Notice of formatioN of LEATHERSTOCKING SCUBA LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 02/06/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 2963 STATE HIGHWAY 166, ROSEBOOM, NY 13450. Purpose: Any Lawful.

6LegalMar.26\

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Notice of formatioN of Butler Auto Rental, LLC

Art. of Org. filed with New York Sec’y of State (SSNY) on February 6, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 268 State Highway 7,

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Riverside, Sidney, NY 13838. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalMar.26

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Notice of formatioN of CTLO REAL ESTATE, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 2/4/2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: The LLC, 38 Sylvan St., PO Box 103, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMar.26

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Notice of orGaNiZatioN of

10 Youngman Ave, LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.

1. The name of the limited liability company is 10 Youngman Ave, LLC.

2. Articles of Organization of 10 Youngman Ave, LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on December 1, 2025.

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 1027 South Gilboa Road, Gilboa, NY 12076.

5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 10 Youngman Ave, LLC, 1027 South Gilboa Road, Gilboa, NY 12076.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalApr.2

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Notice of formatioN of NYNH LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on: 2/18/2026.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC: 507 Moody Rd., Pike, NH 03780. Purpose: any lawful act under New York LLC law.

6LegalApr.2

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Notice of formatioN of

FAMILY MEETING, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/05/2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 26500 W. Agoura Rd., Ste. 211, Calabasas, CA 91302. Purpose: any lawful activities. 6LegalApr.2

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Notice of formatioN of

CF Satriano Excavating LLC

Art. of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 2/16/2026.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 148 Fred Field Road, Hartwick, NY 13348. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.2

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Notice of formatioN of

Moonlight Manor Enterprises LLC.

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/28/2026.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Moonlight Manor Enterprises LLC: 21 Country Club Road, Oneonta,

NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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LegaL nOtice request for proposaLs

This announcement is intended for any person or business interested in providing painting services at Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), with offices located at 967 County Highway 33 in Cooperstown, NY. Specifically, the Otsego County SWCD requests proposals to paint all interior walls, trim, and doors in the building.

The District requires two different but complementary paint colors, one for the walls and the other for the trim and interior doors. All surfaces shall be primed then painted with two (2) coats of high-quality paint approved by the District Manager. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be provided to the District Manager before paint selection is finalized. The successful proposal shall include all paint material as well as costs for materials needed to repair all noticeable wall damage. The District will identify areas needing repair as well as move furniture and office equipment to facilitate the painting job.

Successful proposals will include a “Not to Exceed” cost (SWCD is exempt from NYS sales tax.); a timeline for project completion; and Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage naming the following entity as additional insured: Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District 967 Co. Hwy. 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326

Attendance by the contractors or their representatives at the site showing at 9 a.m. on 03/26/2026 will be MANDATORY and by registration only, and failure to do so will result in an automatic rejection.

The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in compliance with District Procurement Policy. Submissions will be accepted until the close of business on 04/09/2026, and must be delivered by USPS, commercial carrier, or in person in a sealed envelope titled “Otsego County SWCD Interior Paint Project”, and

addressed to Christos Galanopoulos, District Manager Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District 967 County Highway 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Emailed submissions will NOT be accepted. The bid reveal date will be announced at the district office at 9 a.m. at 4/10/2026.

Requests for additional information necessary for the preparation of the proposal should be directed to Christos Galanopoulos, christos@otsegosoilandwater. com. no later than 03/24/2026 at 4:30 p.m.

compliance with Labor Laws

The successful contractor will be required to comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to, Labor Laws, Prevailing Wage Rates, and Workers Compensation. 4LegalMar.19

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Notice of formatioN of Lady Mystery and Quantum Key, LLC filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on February 23, 2026. Office location is Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 1348, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.9

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Notice of formatioN of BUTTERNUT HANDYMAN SERVICE LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 2/16/2026. Otsego Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to 41 STATE ST., # 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207. General Purpose. 6LegalApr.9

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state of NeW YorK supreme court couNtY of otseGo

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

Any unknown heirs to the Estate of CURTNER B. AKIN A/K/A CURTNER AKIN next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grant-

ees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; EDWARD S. AKIN if living, and if he be dead, his respective heirsat-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises; CURTNER B AKIN III; ROBBIN AKIN HAYES; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; and “JOHN DOE” and “MARY DOE,” (Said names being fictitious, it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein.) Defendants.

Filed: 12/18/2025 Index No.: EF2025-404

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 2388 County Highway 11 Mount Vision, (Town of Hartwick) NY 13810

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service

hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Notice of Nature of actioN aNd reLief souGHt

THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of July 20, 2004, executed by Jacqueline Jones, Curtner Akin to Fleet National Bank, principally located in Rhode Island to secure the sum of $69,000.00, and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Otsego County on September 9, 2004 in Book: 1364 Page: 18. Bank of America N.A. is successor by merger to Fleet National Bank. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

Plaintiff designates Otsego County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated.

Section: 176.00 Block: 1 Lot: 44.00

DATED: December 2, 2025 Rochester, New York

Notice You are iN daNGer of LosiNG Your Home

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the Mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your Mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

BY: Kathryn E. Assini, Esq.

Parade

Continued from page 3

p.m. at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Route 80. Tickets for this event are $5.00 each, with all proceeds

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from pg. 10 DAVIDSON FINK

LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd., Ste. 200 Rochester, New York 14618 Tel: (585) 7608218

WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION

All that tract, piece or parcel of land situate in the Town of Hartwick, County of Otsego and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: Commencing in the center of the intersection of the South Hartwick Crossing Highway with Otsego County Highway #11, opposite pole #91 1/2 and proceeding thence northerly along the center of said Otsego County Highway #11 a distance of 190 feet to a point; thence easterly through an iron pipe driven in the ground a distance of 95 feet to lands of Robert Derr, thence southerly along lands of Derr to the center of the South Hartwick Crossing Highway, or Otsego County Highway #11R; thence westerly along the center of said South Hartwick Crossing Highway a distance of 85 feet to the point or place of beginning. 4LegalMar.26

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NOTICE OF QUALIFICATION OF Poznyak & Co. LLC.

Authority filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 01/12/2026. Office location: Otsego County. LLC formed in Texas (TX) on 05/23/2025. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 167 County Highway 53, Richfield Springs, NY 13439, USA. TX address of LLC: 616 Cameron Way, Azle, TX 76020, USA. Certificate of Formation filed with TX Secy of State, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.9

benefiting Springfield’s 4th of July events. The next meeting of the Fourth of July Committee will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at the Springfield Community Center. For more

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Creating Lasting Memories, LLC

filed with New York Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 02/25/2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 145 Cty. Hwy. 35A, Maryland, NY 12116.

Purpose: To engage in any and all business activities and business activities permitted under NYS Law.

6LegalApr.9

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) requests qualified contractors with proposals for the replacement of one (1) overhead garage door for pole barn at the rear of the property.

The successful bidder will provide all necessary materials as required by the project specifications as well as remove and dispose of project debris.

The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in compliance with District Procurement Policy. Submissions are open until the close of business on 4/10/2026 and addressed to Christos Galanopoulos, District Manager Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District 967 County Highway 33, Cooperstown NY 13326.

Requests for additional information necessary for the preparation of the proposal should be directed to Christos Galanopoulos, christos@otsegosoilandwater. com. no later than 4/07/2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Compliance with Labor Laws

The successful contractor will be required to comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to, Labor Laws, Prevailing Wage Rates, and Workers Compensation. 2LegalMar.19

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REQUESTS FOR BIDS

Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), pursuant to New York General Municipal Law 103 and on behalf of the project Landowner, will receive sealed bids for Irrigation Pipeline (430) and Irrigation Reservoir (436) regarding Project #08-37-1 funded through NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Climate Resilient Farming Grant. The successful bidder must have technical knowledge and experience with the Irrigation System Microirrigation BMPs to be installed. Said BMPs pertinent to this bid include

• Irrigation Pipeline o 1 – ¼’’ HDPE, 500 ft. o 1’’ Header Pipe, 473 ft. o 0.260 GPH Drip tape, 18,911 ft.

• 120 Mesh Cleanable Filter matching manufacturer’s drip tape specifications, 1 unit

Attendance by interested contractors or their representatives at the site showing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 3/31/2026, will be MANDATORY and by registration only, and failure to do so will result in an automatic disqualification. Contact Christos Galanopoulos (see below) by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 3/27/2026 to register for the site showing.

The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in compliance with District Procurement Policy. Bid packets will be distributed at the site showing. Bids shall be returned sealed and labeled “Irrigation System Microirrigation CRF Project 08-37-1” and delivered in person, by USPS, or by commercial carrier to the Landowner in care of Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District, 967 County Highway 33, Cooperstown NY 13326. Email or electronic bid submissions will NOT be accepted.

The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, with both the engineer and the landowner reserving the right

information, follow Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration on Facebook, e-mail springfield.july4@ gmail.com, or phone Committee Chair Debra Miller at (315) 858-0304.

cRH Reaches 15-Year accreditation Milestone

COBLESKILL—Cobleskill Regional Hospital announced that it has maintained its accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for 15 consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to high quality care for patients with sleep problems. To earn this accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all AASM professional healthcare standards. For more information, visit bassett. org/services/sleep-disorders-center.

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to reject any or all bids. Bids will be received until 4 p.m. Tuesday, 4/21/2026. Bids will be opened at the SWCD offices (967 County Hwy 33 Cooperstown NY 13326) on Tuesday, 4/22/2026 at 10 a.m.

Additional information may be obtained from District Manager, Christos Galanopoulos, at Christos@otsegosoilandwater.com or requested by phone at 607-5478337 ext. 4. 3LegalMar.26

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REQUESTS FOR BIDS

Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), pursuant to New York General Municipal Law 103 and on behalf of the project Landowner, will receive sealed bids for a Pumping Plant (533) regarding Project #08-37-1 funded through NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Climate Resilient Farming Grant. The successful bidder must have technical knowledge and experience with the installation of pumping systems into water wells. Said BMPs pertinent to this bid include

• Solar Pumping System 5 gpm@ 482ft TDH with enough solar to run the maximum solar hours per day

Attendance by interested contractors or their representatives at the site showing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 3/31/2026, will be MANDATORY and by registration only, and failure to do so will result in an automatic disqualification. Contact Christos Galanopoulos (see below) by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 3/27/2026 to register for the site showing.

The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in compliance with District Procurement Policy. Bid packets will be distributed at the site showing. Bids shall be returned sealed and labeled “Solar Pumping System CRF Project 08-371” and delivered in person, by USPS, or by commercial carrier to the Landowner in care of Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District, 967 County Highway

33, Cooperstown NY 13326. Email or electronic bid submissions will NOT be accepted. The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, with both the engineer and the landowner reserving the right to reject any or all bids. Bids will be received until 4 p.m. Tuesday, 4/21/2026. Bids will be opened at the SWCD offices (967 County Hwy 33 Cooperstown NY 13326) on Tuesday, 4/22/2026 at 10 a.m.

Additional information may be obtained from District Manager, Christos Galanopoulos, at Christos@otsegosoilandwater.com or requested by phone at 607-5478337 ext. 4.

3LegalMar.26

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REQUESTS FOR BIDS

Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), pursuant to New York General Municipal Law 103 and on behalf of the project Landowner, will receive sealed bids for a Roof Runoff Structure BMP (558) regarding Project #08-37-1 funded through NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Climate Resilient Farming Grant. The successful bidder must have technical knowledge and experience with the Roof Runoff Structure BMP to be installed. Said BMPs pertinent to this bid must comply to both State and Federal Standards and include • Roof Runoff Structure (558)

Attendance by interested contractors or their representatives at the site showing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 3/31/2026, will be MANDATORY and by registration only, and failure to do so will result in an automatic disqualification. Contact Christos Galanopoulos (see below) by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 3/27/2026 to register for the site showing.

The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in compliance with District Procurement Policy. Bid packets will be distributed at the site showing. Bids shall be returned sealed

and labeled “Roof Runoff Structure CRF Project 08-371” and delivered in person, by USPS, or by commercial carrier to the Landowner in care of Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District, 967 County Highway 33, Cooperstown NY 13326. Email or electronic bid submissions will NOT be accepted. The project will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, with both the engineer and the landowner reserving the right to reject any or all bids. Bids will be received until 4 p.m. Tuesday, 4/21/2026. Bids will be opened at the SWCD offices (967 County Hwy 33 Cooperstown NY 13326) on Tuesday, 4/22/2026 at 10 a.m.

Additional information may be obtained from District Manager, Christos Galanopoulos, at Christos@otsegosoilandwater.com or requested by phone at 607-5478337 ext. 4. 3LegalMar.26

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Hemlock Hill Homestead LLC filed 2/26/2026. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 706 County Highway 17, New Berlin, NY 13411. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

NAME: 853 HOOSE RD. LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on JANUARY 30, 2026. Office location: OTSEGO County SSNY has been designated as agent of 853 HOOSE RD. LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 853 HOOSE RD. LLC, 853 Hoose Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. For any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Pasquale Enterprises LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/25/26.

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: 568 Co. Hwy. 25 Richfield Springs, NY. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalApr.23

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NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION TO FINANCE FIRE TRUCK Village of Milford, New York

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a regular meeting held on February 25, 2026, the Village Board of Trustees of the Village of Milford, New York (the “Village”) duly adopted a resolution, a copy of which follows, which resolution is subject to permissive referendum. If a permissive referendum is sought, the petition requesting a permissive referendum must be filed with the Village Clerk within 30 days from adoption of the resolution. The purpose of the resolution is to authorize the Village to finance the purchase of a fire truck with a Statutory Installment Bond with Community Bank, N.A. (“Note”). The Note shall not exceed the principal amount of $250,000.00 and shall be financed for a period not to exceed seven (7) years. A copy of the resolution and the Note commitment are on file with the Village Clerk. The Village Board of Trustees found that based on the financing alternatives available to it, entering into the Note and financing the acquisition of the fire truck is in the best interest of the Village. The Village Board of Trustees considered the State Environmental Quality Review Act and found that financing the fire truck is a Type 2 action and will not have a negative impact on the

environment. All documents relating to the proposed financing are on file with the Village Clerk.

Dated: March 12, 2026 Milford, NY

By Order of Village Board of Trustees Village of Milford, New York 1LegalMar.19

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 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 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.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with nondesignated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518) 457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present

direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs.

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

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

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

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265765, PIN 9CWS01, FA Proj , Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga Cos., HIGHWAY SIGN INSTALLATIONVarious Locations, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $200,000.00), Goals: DBE: 0.00% 2LegalMar.26

►Fri., March 20

APPLICATIONS

OPEN Otsego Rural Housing Assistance is accepting applications from property owners for the Otsego County Vacant Rental Program through April 27. Interested property owners can learn more at otsegoruralhousing.org/vrp

BOOK CLUB Read

“Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid, then discuss it with the group at 5 p.m. on 4/2, followed by a themed craft. RSVP required. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

SALE 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. End of Season Sale. Half off everything except furniture through 3/21. Helios Care Thrift Shop and Boutique. Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 4325335.

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 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

PRESENTATION

2 p.m. “The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad.” Local historian Jim Loudon presents the complete history of the railroad from 1869 to present, including the “Cooperstown Railroad War.” Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

EASTER 3-5 p.m. A visit with the Easter Bunny. Free, take your own pictures. West Winfield Library, 179 South Street, West Winfield. (315) 8226394.

BALLET CLASS

3:30 p.m. Registration required. Open to ages 2-

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

7. Continues 3/27, 4/10, 4/11, 4/17 5/1 and 5/2 (recital). WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

DINNER 5-7 p.m.

Fried Fish Dinner. Fees apply. Open to the public. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

FUNDRAISER

5-7 p.m. International Trivia and Pizza Night Fundraiser. Presented by Edmeston Central School Spanish Club. Fees apply; registration required for trivia. Proceeds support the club’s spring 2027 trip to Costa Rica. Cafeteria, Edmeston Central School, 11 North Street, Edmeston. sknight@ edmeston.net.

LIBRARY 6 p.m.

“Movie and Pizza Night.” What film is playing? The clues are a fox, a rabbit and a sloth. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

STARGAZING 7 p.m.

“Naked Eye Astronomy.”

Tour the early spring skies with the Otsego County Conservation Association. Cooperstown Beaver Valley Cabins and Campsites, 138 Towers Road, Milford. (607) 547-4488.

DANCE 7 p.m.

Contradance. Featuring Contrasonics, with Rob Poullette calling. Free and open to the public. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 7690 State Highway 80, Springfield Center.

FILM 7 p.m. Cabin Fever Film Series: “One Battle After Another.” Presented by Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

BIRDING 7:30 p.m.

“Birds, Climate and Conservation: Stories from Montezuma.” Presented online via Zoom by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. (607) 3973815.

COMEDY 8-10 p.m.

“Stand-Up Comedy Night

Time OuT OTsegO

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

with North Country Comedy Tour.” Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. ►Sat., March 21

BIRDING 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Wetlands Trip 2026.” Registration required. Rain date 3/28. Bring a bag lunch, snacks, water, etc. Presented by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. Meet at Dietz Street Parking Lot, Oneonta. (607) 244-5496 or doas.us

COURSE 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Boating Safety.” 8-hour introduction to basic principles of safe and responsible boating to earn a safe boating certificate. Open to ages 10+. Fees apply; registration required. SUNY Oneonta ExCL Center, 4 Dietz Street, Oneonta. (607) 436-2831.

TAXES 9 a.m. “VITA Free Tax Preparation and Filing.” Get taxes prepared and filed free of charge by IRS-certified volunteers. By appointment only. Held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. First Floor Lobby, Alumni Hall, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2171.

FUN 10 a.m. “Dog Sled Rides.” Free. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

OREOS 10 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Oreo Tasting Party to celebrate International Oreo Day. Learn about the dark history of Oreos. Free; registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

WRITERS 10 a.m.

“Writers Salon: Only I-Love-Yous!” Free children’s storytime and

optional book signing with author Raye Pietruszka. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.

CARNIVAL 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “PTA Crayon Carnival.” Activities, games, face painting and more. Red Bursey Gymnasium, Cooperstown Junior-Senior High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. (607) 5478181.

CONVENTION

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Big Geek Energy Park II.” Celebrate sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes and more. Presented by Steamstress & Co. at the Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. steamstressandco@gmail.com.

YOGA 10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” All levels welcome. Suggested donation applies. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga.

GAME DAYS 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friends, fun and laughter for the whole family. Free; registration required. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.

OPERA Noon; discussion starts 45 minutes prior. “Tristan und Isolde.” Live HD broadcast from The Metropolitan Opera. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

WORKSHOP Noon to 3 p.m. “Spiritus Animalis: Spring Equinox.” Fees apply; registration required. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 2877278.

LATTES AND LITERATURE 1 p.m. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

LECTURE 1 p.m.

“Welcome to the Russian Nursery: Toys and Games in Nineteenth-Century Russian.” Presented online by Liliya Dashevski. Russian History Museum, Jordanville. (315) 8582468.

MOMS AND KIDS

1 p.m. “First Hike of the Season!” Presented by the Moms and Little Pathfinders Hiking Group. Relaxed, come and go, explore at your own pace hike. Clark Tower Trail, Beaver Meadow Road between County Route 52 and Apple Creek Road, Cooperstown. (607) 4375125.

CONCERT 1 p.m. Empire Sax Quartet Concert. Presented by the Otsego Music Trail. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 9658377 ext. 147.

CONCERT 1 p.m.

“Empire Saxophone Quartet.” Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Free and open to the public. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377.

SEWING CLASS

1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held every Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234.

SOCIAL 2-4 p.m.

“Springtime Ice Cream Social.” Egg hunt, story, craft and meeting with the Easter Bunny. Presented by Opportunities for Otsego Head Start at the Village Library of Morris, 152 Main Street, Morris. (607) 433-8055.

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.

ORCHESTRA 3 p.m.

“Maestro Series Concert #3: Bach in Bengal.” Presented by Fenimore Chamber Orchestra.

Featuring internationally renowned sitarist Arjun Verma. Tickets required. Free to students, children and adults accompanying children. Christ Church, 46 River Street, Cooperstown. fenimoreorchestra.org/events

DINNER

4-6:30 p.m. Baked Haddock or Baked Ham Dinner. Eat in or take out. Fees apply. Handicap accessible. Unadilla First Presbyterian Church, 156 Main Street, Unadilla.

OPEN MIC 5-8 p.m. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

FUNDRAISER

5-8 p.m. “Super Heroes and Princess Prom.”

Family-friendly dance featuring music, games, prizes and more. Tickets required. Presented by the Super Heroes Humane Society at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 441-3227.

DANCE 6-8 p.m. Daddy, Daughter Dance. Fees apply. Richfield Springs Central School, 93 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0610.

FILM SCREENING

6 p.m. Free screening of “Sheepdog.” A drama about a military veteran and first responder struggling to adjust to civilian life (rated R). Followed by Q&A and panel discussion with actor/writer of the film and first responders and support agencies. All welcome. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320001.

CONCERT 6-9 p.m. “Kick Winter Out the Door and Welcome Spring!” Live music with the Scattered Flurries. BYOB

and snacks. Free. Cherry Valley Community Center, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley.

MOVIE NIGHT 7 p.m. “Dog Man.” Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208.

►SUN., March 22

SUGARING OFF SUNDAYS 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring a pancake breakfast, activities, demonstrations of maple syrup making and more. Fees apply. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

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.

DART TOURNEY 1:30 p.m.; registration at 12:30 p.m. Soft Tip Darts Tournament. All welcome. Fees apply. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

SUNDAY SPEAKER

3 p.m. “What in the World? Climate Change Reality and Where We Go from Here.” Presented by climate policy advisor Paula DiPerna. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Friends of the Village Library. Upstairs Ballroom, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.(607) 5478344.

BENEFIT 3-5 p.m. Chili Cook-Off. Eat and judge. Prizes for the best chili. Proceeds benefit local food banks. Schenevus Amvets Post 2752, 16 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 638-1924.

►MON., March 23

BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD 8-9 a.m. Casual meet and greet with Village of Cooperstown trustees to discuss local projects, agenda items, more. Includes coffee and donuts. All welcome. Held fourth Monday of each month. Village Board Room, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. 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.

CONNECTIONS

10:15 a.m. to noon. Chess with Pete Mateunas. Learn the game in a one-on-one setting. Held at 10:15 a.m. each Monday. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.

LIBRARY 10:30 a.m. “Headstart Storytime.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

CONNECTIONS 11 a.m. “Senior Walk/ Cornhole.” Held Mondays and Thursdays. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.

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 sweet sausage on a roll, three-bean salad, coleslaw and pineapple. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley.

►

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