The Freeman's Journal 05-22-25

Posthumous Reinstatement Resurrects Rose’s HoF Candidacy

By CHARLIE VASCELLARO

COOPERSTOWN

Even in death, controversy still swirls around Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king, Pete Rose. On May 13, the office of Major League Baseball announced that Rose and other deceased players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven of his teammates on the infamous 1919 Chicago “Black Sox” team, had been removed from its permanently ineligible list.

The Hall of Fame responded to MLB’s announcement with a statement from Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark on Tuesday, May 13 acknowledging that the “Hall of Fame

has always maintained that anyone removed from baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.”

The candidacy of Rose, Jackson and the others will be considered by the Hall of Fame’s Historical Overview Committee, which has been tasked with compiling the eight names to be included on the Classic Baseball Era Committee ballot. The committee votes on candidates who made their most significant contributions to the game before 1980 and meets again in December of 2027.

The campaigning, lobbying and debate on Rose’s candidacy will continue for at least two years.

MLB thought it had closed the book on Pete Rose when he was permanently banned from the game in 1989 for breaking Rule 21, prohibiting players and managers from betting on games.

Rose signed an agreement with the Commissioner of Baseball, A. Bartlett Giamatti, placing him on the ineligible list. At a press conference on August 24, 1989, Giamatti made the following statement:

“The banishment for life of Pete Rose from baseball is the sad end of a sorry episode. One of the game’s greatest players has engaged in a variety of acts which have stained the game, and he must now live with the consequences of those acts… The matter of Mr. Rose

is now closed. It will be debated and discussed. Let no one think that it did not hurt baseball. That hurt will pass, however, as the great glory of the game asserts itself and a resilient institution goes forward. Let it also be clear that no individual is superior to the game.” Over the ensuing decades, Rose made several attempts at applying for reinstatement, appealing to Commissioners Fay Vincent, Bud Selig and current Commissioner Rob Manfred, who denied Rose’s two previous applications in 2015 and 2022, but three weeks after meeting with President Trump at the White House on April 17, Manfred lifted the ban and reinstated Rose.

Continued on page 11

Food Now on Permanent Display at Hyde Hall

By TERESA WINCHESTER SPRINGFIELD

Might your palate be tempted by a hedgehog? For upper class diners of the early19th century, hedgehogs were common table fare, not as a meat dish, but as a dessert. Lifelike forms of the prickly erinaceid were made from almond paste, with almond slices stuck into the sides to resemble its spines.

The edible hedgehog, along with menu items for breakfast, a formal tea and a formal dinner have been created by artist Carrie Mae Smith in collaboration with

Hyde Hall personnel. The public will be able to see all of these settings when Hyde Hall opens for its 2025 season on Saturday, May 24.

The summer breakfast, displayed in the Hyde Hall family dining room, features fried sausages and apples, boiled eggs, fried ham, toast and butter, quince jelly, and fresh strawberries. The drawing room replicates a formal tea menu, serving up rich seed cake, fruit tarts, thinly sliced ham, orange chip

Photos courtesy of Andy Lavine, head of sales, Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley

Almond paste hedgehogs, such as the plaster of Paris replica on display at Hyde Hall as of May 24, were commonly served at tea during the early 19th century.

President Donald J. Trump (right) autographs a baseball for Pete Rose (shown at left). Rose was recently removed from Major League Baseball’s permanently ineligible list, making it possible for him to be inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously.

Vets Club Seeking Assistance with Cemetery Programming

By SARAH ROBERTS

COOPERSTOWN

Aservice pro-

vided by the Cooperstown Veterans Club of which many folks may not be aware is the annual installation of roughly a thousand flags at the burial sites of local veterans who have passed away.

Floyd Bourne, commander of the Veterans Club, spoke about the importance of the task and the pride club members take in performing this task.

“We do our best to make sure that any service member gets their due honors. It is our honor to do it, and our duty to do it,” Bourne said. “We’ve done it every year and we will continue to do it.”

According to the American Legion, the Cooperstown Veterans Club has more than a hundred official members. This does not include the membership of the auxiliary organizations attached to both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the Sons of the American Legion— which is made up of both sons and daughters of Legion members, all of which have a presence in Cooperstown as well.

According to Bourne, the Veterans Club is “just a place where servicemen can get together and talk.”

“I can assure you,

“It is a labor of love and a labor of due respect.”

—Floyd Bourne

they don’t just sit around and tell war stories,” he added.

“Every person who has served in the military understands that when their time comes they will be honored by those who are remaining,”

Bourne replied, when asked about the importance of placing flags on the gravesites of veterans. “Some of these cemeteries have not been visited by anyone other than us in decades, but those members are still there and we are still going to show that respect.”

Flags placed remain out from before Memorial Day to just before Veterans Day. After the flags are removed, they are burned in a ceremony in keeping with flag code, which states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Bourne pointed out that Westlake ACE Hardware in Cooperstown annually donates a box of flags to the effort, and collects retired flags from the community year-round. They then give those

flags to the Veterans Club to burn in a proper ceremony.

“We have such a quantity now, so we have multiple flag burns a year,” Bourne said.

More than 56 flags are placed each year in three cemeteries in the Village of Cooperstown. In addition, the Veterans Club installs more than 370 flags in the Town of Middlefield and more than 570 in the Town of Otsego.

In addition to the placing of the flags, the Veterans Club is seeking help from the community in caring for a number of old cemeteries in our local communities.

According to Bourne, there are a lot of little cemeteries that are no longer in active use and therefore get few to no visitors or upkeep other than that provided by the Veterans Club.

Bourne explained that some of these sites contain the bodies of Civil War and Revolutionary War veterans that have been largely forgotten, and the wear of nature on these sites threatens the integrity of the resting places of these soldiers.

He shared a personal story of a cemetery he and his wife “adopted,” and how a large tree fell and damaged some of the headstones. Bourne used his personal chainsaw,

Continued on page 7

Local Teenager Is Working to ‘Make America Healthy Again’

By MONICA CALZOLARI ONEONTA

Devin Sailer, a rising senior at Oneonta High School, has a busy summer ahead. He will be representing New York State from May 29 through June 1 as the recipient of the 2025 American Spirit Award.

Each year, one student from each state and the District of Columbia who embody the American spirit of leadership, teamwork, tolerance, creativity and perseverance is selected for the Billy Michal Student Leadership Award. Sailer will travel to New Orleans, all expenses paid, for this opportunity.

Billy Michal was a 6-year-old boy during World War II who helped contribute to the victory of the U.S. by collecting scrap metal. Sailer will receive behind-the-scenes access to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Dr. Vanessa Parisi, DO, an obstetrician gynecologist at Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown, nominated him for this award.

Sailer’s mother, Frances Sailer, is a nurse midwife at Bassett.

Early Political Success

After many trips to the emergency room with his mother by his side, Sailer fought for a price cap for the life-saving drug epinephrine, and won.

Sailer has 31 lifethreating allergies and has been a fierce advocate for better awareness and protection from the dangers of food allergies for many years. He is only 17 years old.

Sailer is also allergic to bees and other stinging insects and carries an EpiPen, which used to cost $300.00-$600.00, pending health insurance coverage.

Thanks in large part to Sailer, New York legislators have passed a bill capping the price of an epinephrine auto-injector two-pack at $100.00

beginning on January 1, 2026.

There is also a bill at the federal level— the EPIPEN Act (Epinephrine’s Pharma Inflated Price Ends Now Act), introduced by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Maxwell Frost (D-FL)— which aims to cap the out-of-pocket costs of epinephrine auto-injectors, like EpiPens, at $60.00 per two-pack for those with employer-based or individually purchased health insurance.

The EpiPen bill states that “ephinephrine is the only way to manage an anaphylactic attack.” By having a monopoly on this branded product, pharmaceutical companies have driven up the price “more than 400 percent since 2007,” according to www.foodallergy.org.

Making America Healthy Again

Because of his medical condition, Sailer became interested in politics. He

Member Spotlight: Fenimore Art Museum

The Fenimore Art Museum is hard at work preparing for the 2025 summer exhibitions. Whether you are a frequent visitor or a new friend, we warmly welcome you to visit with us as the upcoming season is one you won’t want to miss.

The Fenimore Art Museum has a long and rich history; it found its permanent home in 1939 when philanthropist Stephen Carlton Clark offered the Cooperstown estate of his late brother, Edward Severin Clark, to house the museum’s collections. This estate was originally part of the farmland owned by James Fenimore Cooper, the famed author of “The Last of the Mohicans,” and the museum’s name honors his legacy.

The Fenimore Art Museum features renowned collections of American fine and folk art, along with the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, now in its 30th year. Artists in the museum’s collection include Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, Grandma Moses, Ralph Fasanella, Dat So La Lee and Black Hawk. A large selection of these permanent collections is always on display.

This summer, Fenimore Art Museum presents a dynamic lineup of exhibitions that celebrate both historic and contemporary art. The season’s highlight is “Mary Cassatt/Berthe Morisot: Allies in Impressionism,” which delves into the artistic dialogue between these two pioneering women of the Impressionist movement. Running concurrently, “The Power of Photography: 19th–20th Century Original Master Prints” features 120 iconic images by as many photographers.

Newly-opened exhibits include “Emily Pettigrew: Painting in the Catskills 2021–2025,” which offers a contemporary perspective on the Catskills landscape, and “Snapshot: Highlights of the Plowline Collection,” that presents a curated selection of photographs documenting rural life and agricultural heritage.

The annual Art by the Lake event returns on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This juried art invitational showcases regional artists and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase exceptional works, enjoy artist demonstrations, and partake in local food and tastings.

The Fenimore Art Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer season, starting May 24. For more information on exhibitions and events, visit fenimoreartmuseum.org. (Sponsored Advertorial)

Steve McCurry (b. 1950),

“The Afghan Girl,” Sharbut Gula, Pakistan, 1984.

Photo by Monica Calzolari

During an interview in his back yard—walking distance from Oneonta High School, where he is about to be a rising senior—Devin Sailer said he likes “any excuse to dress up.”

Concert Will Raise Funds for CCS Garden Programming

By SARAH ROBERTS

COOPERSTOWN

On Sunday, June 8, a benefit concert by the duo “Cello, World” will be held at The Otesaga Resort Hotel to raise money in support of Cooperstown Central School’s Kid Garden. The following Monday, June 9, a free encore will be performed for students at the school.

The goals of the Kid Garden are:

• To design, implement and sustain a complete year-round garden-based curriculum for K-6 students to supplement classroom learning in all subject areas

• To provide each member of the Cooperstown School community access to an engaging, interactive and highly collaborative nature-based learning environment

• To implement the 12 guiding permaculture principles within CCSD, thereby building community resilience, establishing food security and expanding our collective knowledge of the land right underneath our feet.

“The garden offers hands-on skills for both students and teachers,” said

Shelby MacLeish, Kid Garden coordinator. “While some students have their own gardens at home, many do not. Most have never tasted raw spinach, lettuce or herbs before. Just last week, a student mentioned how surprising it was that he liked spinach and kept going back for more. He was the same student who fell in love with dill last year.

“Walking around the garden with me gives kids the opportunity to dig in the dirt, taste arugula, or pick up an insect,” MacLeish said.

In 2008, Antoinette “T’nette” Kuzminski, Dick deRosa, Lisa Lippitt and Kristen Griger came together to plant the seeds for the Kid Garden.

According to its mission statement, “The Kid Garden provides a place for our school community to experience the wonder and beauty of nature. By reintroducing the study of agriculture in our schools, students will gain an understanding of where food comes from, witness the delicate balance that nature creates within a garden, and provide access to hands-on-learning to enrich all areas of classroom study.

“Through work and exploration,

Continued on page 11

Planning Project Highlighted at MVEDD Brownfields Summit

By DAN SULLIVAN OTSEGO COUNTY

Most readers have heard of the term “brownfield.” It turns out that the Mohawk Valley, which at one time was one of the most heavily industrialized areas in the world, contains a large number of such sites.

Recognizing this, the MohawkValley Economic Development District has hosted a Brownfield Developer Summit for the past four years. Under the leadership of MVEDD Deputy Director Heather Devitt, the summit has grown into a regional event, attracting environmental and development companies from across the Northeast.

This year, more than 3,000 attendees and 40plus companies took part in the event, which was held at Herkimer County Community College on April 29 and 30. One of the most popular presentations was given on day one, a panel discussion on the creation of a brownfield inventory, in which Trevor Fuller, assistant director of the Otsego County Planning Department, participated.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines a brownfield as “a property where expansion, development or reuse may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance,

pollutant or contaminant.” Some months ago, Fuller conceived a plan to map Otsego County’s brownfield sites. He decided to focus first on a single community in order to create a working model for identification of brownfields, with possible remediation activities to follow using EPA or Department of Environmental Conservation funding. He chose the Town of Richfield and Village of Richfield Springs.

“Richfield was a logical place to start,” Fuller explained. “They are already engaged in revitalization, and there are some readily-identified sites of former industrial activity there.”

Two site visits were made. Accompanying Fuller were Karina Benninger, SUNY Cobleskill’s director of sustainability and compliance, Devitt, and a group of SUNY Cobleskill students. The team identified five brownfields in Richfield: a former gas station; a property once housing an auto scrap yard and garage, both of which are now pocket parks; the site of the former Richfield Springs train depot; and the ruins of a former fishing equipment factory.

In between visits, about a month apart, Fuller and Benninger conducted research into all five locations and created

a spreadsheet detailing the available information. One site, the former fishing equipment factory, Shurkatch Fishing Tackle Company, is on the State Superfund list. Superfund is the name given to the environmental program established to address abandoned hazardous waste sites. In 2001, 2,000 pounds of hazardous materials—asbestos and corrosive wastes—and 20 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from that property at 50 Elm Street. Three dilapidated brick buildings still sit there on a bend of the Ocquionis Creek as it flows toward Canadarago Lake.

“This place has great potential for recreation,” observed Devitt. “It sits near lots of archeological sites, and would make a great trailhead.”

Looking forward, the Otsego County Planning Department will be developing a strategic vision for continuing to identify and research brownfield sites countywide, using the model developed for Richfield. Fuller will also work on a framework for outreach to other interested communities in Otsego County.

Grant funding for brownfields is available through New York State and the EPA. And, as the recent summit demonstrated, there is keen interest in remediating and redeveloping such properties.

During this National EMS Week and beyond, Bassett Medical Center appreciates the partnership, you provide to our community and our neighbors.

Photo provided

A benefit concert for the Cooperstown Kid Garden on Sunday, June 8 will honor the late Antionette Kuzminski, who co-founded the school gardening program in 2008.

Perspectives

EDITORIaL

Is the Media Doing Our Thinking for Us?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Regardless of where you sit on the political spectrum—left, right or center—if you are getting all your news from one source, without doing some actual follow-up on your own, you might not be thinking for yourself. Don’t get us wrong. We’re all susceptible to being convinced, persuaded, influenced, “educated.” But, from time to time, it behooves us to take a step back and consider whether we might be being misled, or misinformed.

Pivoting away from politics for just a moment, let’s take a look at Luke Meagher, who critiques fashion shows and red carpet fashion on social media.

In a “Vogue” article published in 2023, Andre-Naquian Wheeler wrote: “At 25 years old, with no previous ties to a company or publication, Meagher has fashioned himself as a must-watch and authoritative fashion critic online under the moniker HauteLeMode.”

One of our staff members recently discovered Meagher and has been enjoying his videos on YouTube, not only because of all the stunning (and sometimes ridiculous, let’s be honest) fashion, but also because, along with his engaging critiques, Meagher provides interesting background and fashion history—“this dress is a nod to a similar gown worn by so-and-so in 1962,” “inspired by the art from the Dark Ages and Christian symbolism,” “a reference to fall 2009,” etc.

Meagher is so confident, convincing and compelling that, by the end of his critique, he has often changed the viewer’s mind about what they first considered to be an ugly ensemble or just plain crazy couture. Now, we think Meagher knows what he’s talking about. Our inclination is to believe that he does and that, by watching his videos, we are learning about fashion and better understanding what we are looking at. But without further research, and without giving equal time to other fashion critics and experts, how can we be sure?

Which brings us back to politics, pundits and the legacy media, and the purpose of this editorial. We think it’s time for a little self-reflection—for us, and for our readers. And to that end, here are the questions we have been asking ourselves that we ask you to consider as well:

Do you get your news from multiple sources with differing coverage perspectives, or do you avoid coverage which offers a viewpoint in opposition to your own?

Do you get your news only in soundbites, or do you seek more in-depth coverage of the news topics that are of interest to you?

Do you pay attention to what the opposing “side” is actually saying and doing, or are you just following the headlines?

Do you pay attention to what your own “side” is actually saying and doing, or are you just following the headlines?

Do you agree entirely with one side of the political spectrum, or are there viewpoints of the opposition with which you are also in agreement?

Do you disagree entirely with one side of the political spectrum, or are there viewpoints of your own party with which you also disagree?

Given the release of the Biden-Hur special counsel audio, and the books that have now been published regarding the cover up of former President Joe Biden’s mental decline by his administration and by the legacy media, will you be likely to turn to multiple news sources for information from all perspectives moving forward?

We’re not advocating here for any one political party or viewpoint. We are, however, emphasizing that—by accepting any legacy media reporting simply at face value in this day and age—we may be doing ourselves and our country a great disservice. We’re asking you to consider whether you are truly thinking for yourself or allowing the media—left, right or center—to do your thinking for you.

And are you comfortable with any of this? Because we are not.

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

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Send Address Changes to: Box 890, Cooperstown NY 13326 Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum

LPandora’s Echo Box

istening to music on Pandora makes long drives more manageable, offering a steady stream of tunes to ease the journey. Yet, the temptation to go ad-free is curbed by the cost of subscriptions across various services. As a result, listeners endure quirky, unforgettable advertisements—like one that encourages users to pay extra for an ad-free music streaming service to “Ahh” all day, rather than just after a bath. Despite its knack for inventing new verbs, Pandora succeeds in shaping informed choices for its users.

Now Pandora listeners know what media service to buy, who to vote for, and how to self-deport if they intend to do something naughty, following a message from the Secretary of Homeland Security. So do they know that executing companion animals would not prevent them from running for high office. In fact, it might signal the right “virtue” to the right people.

In an April 26, 2024 article for “The Guardian,” Martin Pengelly explored shifting ethical standards for politicians. He highlighted the scrutiny faced by Richard Nixon in 1952 for accepting a dog, Checkers, as a political gift during his vicepresidential campaign. Decades later, in 2012, Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, faced backlash for transporting his dog, Seamus, on the roof of his car.

Jump to 2024, when South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem admitted in her memoir, “No Going Back,” to leading her dog, Cricket, to a gravel pit and shooting her. She explained that Cricket had become unmanageable, killing chickens and attempting to bite her. Noem also mentioned shooting an unnamed billy goat in the same gravel pit, citing its aggressive behavior. Though both actions align with South Dakota law, one must ask—why resurrect events buried for a quarter of a century? What should have been condemned as cruelty in a compassionate society has, instead, been transformed into a stepping stone to political prominence.

While our high-ranking officials now boast the fleeting longevity

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

New York Fails Families Again

The National Parents Organization just released its 2025 Shared Parenting Report Card, and once again, New York has earned a failing grade; an indisputable “F.” That is not just a poor grade; it is a profound failure for families.

Let us be blunt. The NPOs Shared Parenting Report Card for New York cited no positives. Not a single one.

Per the report, “New York has no statutory preference for, or presumption of shared parenting (joint legal custody and shared physical custody) for temporary or final orders. New York has no explicit statutory recognition of shared parenting, joint legal custody, shared residential custody or similar concepts.”

This is not just a bureaucratic oversight; it is a deliberate choice to ignore decades of research, public opinion and common sense. This failure has real consequences that affect real families. The Institute of Family Studies published the results of 54 studies, all of which confirm that emotional, academic, and

of Betta splendens, there remains hope that the ever-dwindling reservoir of charlatans and television personalities—among them George Santos, former Republican U.S. Representative, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, former Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania —may, at last, dry up. Still, the message is nothing short of formidable, as it conveys a collective craving for eccentric, ruthless, and deceitful leaders who might shatter our longstanding trust in integrity, compassion, and wisdom.

In a world teetering on the edge of its own contradictions, the message rings out with a chilling resonance. It reflects a public so disenchanted with the status quo that we now seek upheaval over stability, sensation over sincerity.

Messages are what media deliver, but the choice is always ours to make. Take the example of political ads aimed at Antonio Delgado, current lieutenant governor of New York, who was then campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Congress.

Pandora, a member of the SiriusXM Media family, brands itself as a premium platform for engaging audiences and driving impact. In 2018, that impact took center stage when the music service aired an ad referencing Representative John Faso’s controversial remarks about his constituents in New York’s 19th Congressional District, as described in a “New York Times” editorial. Faso’s assessment proved flawed, as Antonio Delgado triumphed in the election. Despite the Pandora ad’s critique of Delgado’s lyrics as “offensive” and “inconsistent with the district’s values,” his victory highlighted his reputation as a distinguished scholar, politician, and family man.

Ahead of its intended impact on politics, Pandora’s “Music Genome Project” stands out as a tool for tailoring song recommendations. By analyzing tracks with musicologist-approved methods across 450 musical attributes, the service claims to craft a unique “DNA” for each song. This data fuels its algorithm to

Continued on page 10

social outcomes are better for those children whose parents are both actively and consistently involved after separation or divorce.

Despite the statistics, New York courts continue to ignore the benefits of shared parenting, often reducing one parent to nothing more than a visitor. This is not just wrong; it is detrimental to the success and well-being of our children and families.

Polling across the country consistently shows overwhelming support for shared parenting. New Yorkers are not the exception. In fact, in the NPOs 2021 Shared Parenting Poll it was found that 92 percent of those who were polled in New York believe it is in the child’s best interest to have as much time as possible with each parent in cases of separation or divorce. New Yorkers believe in keeping both parents in the lives of their children. We believe that children deserve support and guidance from their entire family. Why doesn’t our legislation support our beliefs?

New York needs change and change requires action.

The solution is straightforward. It is time for New York to enact a rebuttable presumption of shared parenting. When both parents are fit and there is no abuse, equal parenting time should be the legal default. Our children are not pawns. They are not prizes to be awarded. Our children deserve to finally be treated with their best interests in mind, and that starts with the presence of both parents. Call your legislator to support bill A06151 | 2025-2026 to bring us out of the dark ages. Jon Bevilacqua New York Families for Tomorrow Making Light of Trashing Title IX

Some muscular blokes said it was fine

To alter their sex by design. So, they strapped on fake frontal protrusions

And spoiled girls’ sports with unwanted intrusions, Unfazed that they’d trashed Title IX.

Waldo Johnston Vero Beach, Florida and Cooperstown

Continued on page 10

Columnists and Contributing Writers

Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Karolina Hopper, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

THE PaRTIaL ObSERvER gaYanE TOROSYan

by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

135 YEARS AGO

Local—The new Election Law provides that “on or before the first day of September 1890, and in each year thereafter, the officers now charged by law with the division or alteration of election districts shall alter or divide the existing election districts whenever necessary in such manner that each election district shall not contain more than 300 voters. This will make alterations necessary in 19 districts in this county, just one-half; and, in several cases the excess over 300 is only a few voters. This entails a large additional and wholly unnecessary expense.

W.C. Rogers, Jr., of Rogers & Sherwood, New York City publishers, is here again to make arrangements for issuing a new illustrated edition of “Cooperstown on Otsego Lake.” It will have in it a very useful map, showing the principal drives around the Lake.

Arrested—Three young fellows, whose parents are hard-working people, were last week arrested on a charge of breaking into “Italian Dan’s” fruit stand. One was let off on a fine of $9. The others are held for the action of the Grand Jury. They have made their parents no little trouble.

May 23, 1890

85 YEARS AGO

One of the most useful activities instituted by the Roosevelt administration is the Writers’ Project of the Works Progress Administration. Not only has this undertaking provided employment for thousands during difficult times, but it has released and developed talents which otherwise would have had no opportunity for expression and produced a body of literature that will be a valuable source of interest and instruction for all time to come. The grand total of all publications prepared under the program now stands at 402. The subjects treated range through folklore, ethnic studies, and regional almanacs to state guides and tour books. Much of the material gathered will not be published but will be deposited in manuscript form in the libraries and archives of the communities in which it originates.

May 22, 1940

60 YEARS AGO

Some 106 young people were confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cooperstown last Friday afternoon by the Rt. Rev. Edward Maginn, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Albany Diocese. Among members of the class are: Margaret Aufmuth, Jane Adsit, Patricia Bliss, Jo Ann Bliss, Jane Bachanas, Nancy Cannon, Ann Clark, Mary Millea, Peggy Phillips, Kathy Potrikus, Jean Powers, Susan Powers, Barbara Swatling, Margaret Staffin, Marcia Taugher, Susan Walrath, Andrew Armstrong, Timothy Bliss, Richard Croft, Carter Coleman, Clifford Coleman, Patrick Guiney, David Hribar, Michael Kraham, Owen Kraham, Andrew Kozlowski, David LaDuke, Michael LaDuke, William Parsons, Brian Phillips, James Potrikus, Ralph Pugliese, Gary Smith, Henry Thering, and Thomas Zigon.

May 26, 1965

35 YEARS AGO

Almost 30 years ago, 40 canoes splashed off Otsego Lake into the mouth of the Susquehanna River on a then uncharted endurance trip from Cooperstown to Bainbridge on the first ever General Clinton Canoe Regatta. The year was 1963 and only the first 12 times were recorded with the winning time coming in at 11-plus hours.

May 23, 1990

20 YEARS AGO

The Cooperstown Methodist Church on Chestnut Street will have box lunches for sale on Monday, May 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to eat in or take out. “Food on the Fly” will feature a choice of a turkey wrap with mango salsa, a ham and Swiss cheese wrap with honey mustard, or a Greek salad wrap, with chips and a choice of fruit for $5.

May 20, 2005

news from the noteworthy otsego

Making Community Connections in Conservation

The Otsego County Conservation Association was established in 1968 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to protect the natural resources in our community.

Over the years, we have been nimble in our work and tried to stay on top of the conversation concern of the hour. In this new and constantly changing landscape for environmental conservation, we have doubled down on strengthening our sense of community with community science and stewardship opportunities. Over the past year, we have developed new community science teams who perform water quality testing, culvert assessments and invasive species management. We also have stewardship teams who work on local trails and “adopt” water bodies and highways in order to maintain them.

One of the teams that we would love to engage more people in is our Community Advocacy Team. This is a group of concerned, conservation-minded community members who are interested in connecting with local news outlets, communicating with our legislators, and helping spread the word about policy and law changes that affect us locally and impact our daily lives. We provide information, scripts and background; you provide your voice to the cause.

Right now, we are encountering large numbers of community members who feel alone. With the whirlwind of changes happening in federal policy, nonprofit funding and human rights, many people don’t know what action they can take to

By MERL REAGLE

Crosswordville…

help. This overwhelming feeling of disconnection is natural in the situation, but the way to combat that is through community. Coming together with people who have a shared understanding and sense of responsibility to do something is the first step in making real change and progress. Once you take the first step—even if you are not sure what comes next—being around other passionate, motivated people who want to see our community thrive is the key to emotional resilience. Not only does it fortify our sense of well-being; it also leads to real, on-the-ground projects and activities to

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Graphic provided

the otsego county conservation association oversees community stewardship teams that help maintain local trails, water bodies and highways.

Heartworks Quilt Donation Inspires Act of Reciprocity

By CASPAR EWIG FLY CREEK

It is rare that one sees the act of “paying it forward” and “completing the circle” all in the same transaction. And yet, that is exactly the scenario that recently played out at Margaret Wolff’s Heartworks Quilts and Fabrics.

Many will remember Jim Wolff, the former Otsego town justice and member of the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and some may remember that in 1991, Jim first received diagnosis of the cancer that eventually took his life in 2020. What many do not know is that when Margaret, better known as Bunny, first brought Jim to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts for treatment, she would encounter The Jimmy Fund, a cancer charity founded in 1948 to support patients and families faced with pediatric cancer.

Bunny knew that one of the side effects of chemotherapy is that the patients get very cold during treatment, and so it occurred to her that quilts might not only dispel the gloom but also alleviate the discomfort. She approached a group of her regular quilters, who agreed to donate their time to stitch and sew and, with material provided by Heartworks, the first group of quilts was ready to be delivered to fund officials.

The end result was that every time Jim went for treatment, Bunny would accompany him with an armful of quilts, sometimes 25-30 per trip.

“Considering the number of trips we made in those 28 years, especially at the beginning, I estimate Heartworks’ quilters must have donated over 400 quilts,” Bunny recalled. “I started out delivering them to the people running the fund, but soon I found myself giving them out in the Dana-Farber’s head and

neck clinic as well as its colon cancer clinic.

People were really so appreciative.”

Then, out of nowhere, Bunny received a call from Wende O’Brien, letting her know that Wende’s son, Schuyler, was a recipient of one of those quilts.

“Schuyler was diagnosed with cancer while in grade school in 2003 and went to the DanaFarber clinic for treatment,” Wende said.

She went on to describe how Schuyler fought the disease all through his undergraduate time at SUNY Albany until he died in 2019, just a few weeks short of receiving a doctorate degree in nuclear oncology from the University of Utah.

“In the process of clearing out the many keepsakes Schuyler left behind when he went off to college, my husband Kevin and I came across a bag with an absolutely adorable quilt he had gotten while at the clinic, and in that bag was a business card from Heartworks Quilts and Fabrics,” Wende recounted.

There the story could have ended. But as luck would have it, Wende and Kevin had operated a business selling comforters at country fairs and trade shows, and—when they decided to call it quits—they

found themselves with many bolts of unused fabric stored in their cellar. They could think of no better idea than to contact Bunny, to see whether Heartworks might have an interest.

Upon hearing from Wende and Kevin, Bunny immediately contacted Heartworks devotees and asked whether anyone would be interested in the materials, with the caveat that they be used to make quilts and other items for charitable purposes.

The response was an emphatic “yes.”

On Friday, May 16, members of the Ilion Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Sewl Sisters of the Schoharie County Home of Ongoing Learning, the Mayfield Quilt Gang, and Fenimore Quilt Club, among others quilting groups, arrived at Heartworks to gather their bolts of fabric for “use in the creation of quilts and walker bags and other items to be donated to those who need them,” as stated by Maureen Webster of Piecemakers.

The gift of a quilt gave rise to the donation of fabrics that will now be used to make additional quilts for those in need of comfort in trying times. This circle is now complete, but it remains to be seen where the ripple effect may lead.

Event Is an Opportunity to Help Animals through Fashion

COOPERSTOWN

Tickets are currently on sale for the “Helping Paws Fashion Show and Benefit,” to be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel. This event, hosted annually by the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will feature a mix and mingle with wine and hors d’oeuvres before the models hit the catwalk.

Clark Oliver will emcee the fashion show as local models strut their stuff, showing off fashions from Bridgette & Main, J. Gorman Fine Jewelry, Karen Katz Studios, Kate’s Upstate, Leatherstocking Pro Golf, LJ’s Sassy Boutique, Purple Star Boutique and the SQSPCA’s own New Leash on Life Thrift Shop.

Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase at the door, for a chance to win a diamond baguette tennis bracelet compliments of J. Gorman Fine Jewelry. Proceeds from this event support the SQSPCA’s mission to alleviate animal suffering, promote the humane treatment of animals, and prevent cruelty, while providing pathways to loving homes for adoptable companion and farm animals.

According to SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes, fashion show sponsorships are now available, with just 60 VIP seats available.

“Your donation of $1,500.00 at the ‘Top Dog’ level includes membership in our Helping Paws Society, recognition on signage and in the event program, the naming of a VIP section after your pet, up to four VIP seats in your pet’s section for you and your guests, and 12 raffle tickets,” Haynes explained.

A donation at the “Helping Paws” level of $1,250.00 includes Helping Paws Society membership, signage and program recognition, VIP seats for up

to two attendees and six raffle tickets.

“Caring for animals is always in fashion,” continued Haynes. “We have two Adoption Level Donation options as well—‘Adopt’ an Animal at $500.00, including recognition and general admission seating for up to three people, and ‘Foster an Animal’ at $300.00, with recognition and seating for two.”

Adoption Level Donations support the care of all animals and the services provided by the SQSPCA, such as intake, medical treatment, kennel care and adoption counseling, Haynes added.

VIP admission to the fashion show is $100.00, with front-row seating, three raffle tickets and an exclusive tour of the SQSPCA’s state-of-the-art shelter facility led by Haynes. General admission tickets are $50.00 each, with seating on a first come, first served basis.

“This is one of our most important fundraisers of the year,” Haynes said. “Many thanks to our Fashion Show Committee Members—Elaine Bresee, Mercedes Gotwald, Meg Kiernan, Nick Preston and Van Broughton Ramsey— for helping to make this event a success year after year.”

Those wishing to attend the Helping Paws Fashion Show and Benefit can purchase tickets or register for sponsorship at www.sqspca.org/events/. Contact Ashley Underwood, development assistant, at (607) 547-8111 or aunderwood@sqspca.org with questions or to learn more.

“This show is the combined effort of local business owners and the SQSPCA, where your friends and neighbors are the models and monies raised support animals in need. What better way to unleash your inner fashionista?” Haynes said.

Koonce Joins Fenimore Chamber Orchestra as Executive Director

COOPERSTOWN

Fenimore Chamber Orchestra has announced the engagement of Lee Edward Koonce as executive director.

From 2016-2024, Koonce served as president and artistic director, and later as senior advisor, of the Gateways Music Festival in Rochester. He also chaired the festival’s Artistic Programs Committee. Koonce has been a member of the festival’s Board of Directors since 1997, a testament to his longstanding commitment to its mission and growth, FCO officials said in a press release.

From 2004-2015, Koonce held executive leadership roles at three of New York City’s most respected cultural institutions: Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, Third

Street Music School Settlement—the nation’s oldest and largest community music school—and Ballet Hispánico. Across these organizations, he led transformative initiatives to strengthen board governance, expand and elevate programming, grow endowments, implement long-term strategic plans, boost enrollment, and develop high- performing management teams. Before relocating to New York City, Koonce served as executive director of Sherwood Conservatory of Music and as director of community relations for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At the Chicago

Symphony, he led the development and implementation of programs designed to expand the orchestra’s reach within diverse communities. Under his leadership, the Chicago Symphony launched “A Time to Engage”—a comprehensive, organization-wide community engagement plan. In addition to overseeing external initiatives, Koonce also guided internal efforts to increase diversity across the Chicago Symphony’s entire ecosystem, including musicians, trustees, staff, volunteers, audiences, and artistic programming.

He earned a bachelor

of music in piano performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, a bachelor of arts in Spanish literature from Oberlin College and a master of music in piano performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music.

Musical America named Koonce one of the nation’s Top 30 Professionals in 2023 and he received the League of American Orchestras’ prestigious Gold Baton Award in 2024. His additional honors include the Legacy Award from the William Warfield Scholarship Fund (2025) and the Award for Outstanding

Achievement from the National Association of Negro Musicians (2024). In 2025, he will receive the University of Rochester’s esteemed Frederick Douglass Medal.

“This was a huge search for the position of executive director and we’re startled and delighted at the number of applicants we had. We are very fortunate to have Lee join us; it’s a huge step forward. We have all of these ideas of what we want to accomplish and now that Lee is on board, we can move forward,” said Thomas Wolf, chair FCO Board of Directors.

Photo provided

Proceeds from the SQSPCA’s “Helping Paws Fashion Show and Benefit” on June 4 will be used to care for animals in need.

Photo provided

This quilt, created and donated through Heartworks Quilts and Fabrics to cancer patient Schuyler O’Brien, has an amazing story to tell.

Photo provided LEE EDWARD KOONCE

Sailer

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sees it as a way to change laws to protect others who suffer from allergies. He is a supporter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of health and human services, and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

Sailer said “RFK Jr. is more vaccine skeptical than I am. One of his cousins suffers from food allergies like me. He is a firm supporter of people with allergies.”

Being allergic to many different kinds of nuts, including peanuts, Sailer avoids eating out much. The food industry in the U.S. uses a lot of peanut oil and unhealthy additives that may send Sailer to the hospital.

American Legion Boys State

A one-week-long program that immerses rising high-school seniors in citizenship and leadership training is called American Legion Boys State.

Sailer applied, interviewed and was accepted into this prestigious program. Gary Coopman and a few other veterans from American Legion Post 259 interviewed Sailer. They selected him and several others to attend Boys State this summer.

Post 259 sponsors these young men so they can learn how local, county and state government operates. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses, and recreational programs.

Sailer will live on the campus of SUNY Morrisville for one week starting June 29 along with other participants.

“I think Boys State will be a difficult experience.

A good kind of difficult,” Sailer said.

Boys State also includes some bootcamplike physical activity mixed with traditional learning.

Because of his severe allergies, Sailer is ineligible for military service.

Visiting Northwestern University

Sailer is an ambassador to the Consortium for Food Allergy Research. He has been invited to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He’ll be in Chicago from July 27 through August 2 for hands-on training about food allergies and as a participant in leadership training. CoFAR was established in 2005 to support clinical research on food allergies.

“Some people compare my food allergies with being lactose intolerant. If I eat a food I am allergic to, I can die,” Sailer said.

“I remember as a child there were no labels on food and no ingredients listed on restaurant menus. In the last 10 years, there is much more awareness about allergies.”

Each year, 150-200 people die from allergic reactions to food. Food allergies send 30,000 people to emergency rooms every year and cause 2,000 hospitalizations, according to an article dated 2004 on foodallergy.org.

Many vegans and vegetarians substitute nuts for meat protein. Sailer is extremely allergic to all nuts, peanut sauces and peanut oils.

Exposure to peppermint, shellfish, several environmental allergies, multiple medications and stinging insects can be fatal to Sailer.

“Europeans are ahead

of the curve when it comes to regulating against the sale of hyper-processed foods,” Sailer said. “In the U.S., chickens have doubled in size over the last 100 years. We eat chlorinated chicken!”

“We have a strong meat lobby in the U.S and a strong farmer lobby and a strong pharmaceutical lobby,” he continued. “We need to be very careful.”

Sailer admires RF Kennedy Jr.’s focus on public health to “Make America Healthy Again.” He shares RFK’s concerns about the many additives like artificial dyes that American manufacturers are permitted to use in their production of highly-processed foods.

Sailer likes to quote his uncle, Carl Falotico, who is a city judge in Schenectady, New York.

“You have to have everything in moderation, including moderation,” his uncle says often.

Vets

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laboring to clear out the tree and putting things back in order as best he could.

Bourne said that if anyone would like to know where any of these cemeteries are—in order to visit or to assist with upkeep—they can contact the Veterans Club for further information.

“It is a labor of love and a labor of due respect,” he said.

The Cooperstown Veterans Club can be reached via telephone at (607) 547-8282. While their efforts to place the flags does not hinge upon donations from the public in any immediate sense, monetary support for their mission would be greatly appreciated and helpful, according to Bourne.

Food

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the formal dining room, replicates a Christmas dinner, offering turkey, oysters and puddings. These items were on display for the Victorian Candlelight Christmas tours. A fourth menu, which would include asparagus, carrots, celery and apple, and apricot or pear pudding, has also been devised and will be mounted when the necessary funding is secured.

The menus were all devised for the family of George Clarke, who oversaw the building of the neo-classical mansion between 1817 and 1834. Having passed through five generations, the estate faced demolition until the Friends of Hyde Hall, formed in 1964, created a partnership with the state to preserve and interpret the mansion, outbuildings, and grounds. Hyde Hall is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a National Historic Landmark, serving as a museum and offering tours and events for public enjoyment and historical exploration.

The initial meeting to determine the make-up of the menus included food historian Pamela Cooley, Hyde Hall Board of Trustees Chair Gib Vincent, Hyde Hall Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Maney and Hyde Hall Media Manager Dominique Doktor.

Most of Smith’s faux food creations—butter, eggs, cake and others— were made from plaster of Paris. Other items, such as the quince jelly and thinly sliced ham, called for more translucency, which required experimentation on Smith’s part. She discov-

ered a urethane resin to cast the jelly in and found that paraffin wax tinted with crayons made life-like ham facsimiles. For most items, Smith made molds and then cast positives out of plaster or other materials.

A few items, such as the butter with the Clarke family emblem and the orange sweetmeats, were sculpted. All the food items were finished with acrylic paints and glazes.

Executive Director Maney said he was grateful to have Smith’s “extremely realistic” faux foods at Hyde

Hall.

Photo provided

Fried ham and sausage, toast, quince jelly and butter—all faux food creations by artist Carrie Smith—made up part of the breakfast menu at Hyde Hall in the early century. Smith’s food creations are on display beginning May 24.

Transfer Station Up, Running

ONEONTA—Otsego County Waste Management and Recycling Coordinator Kyle King announced on Friday, May 16 that the Southern Transfer Station in Oneonta will resume normal operations on Monday, May 19, which includes acceptance of all scaled municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris. The Southern Transfer Station is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The Northern Transfer Station in Cooperstown will resume normal operating hours on Monday, May 19 as well, which are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

OCCA Announces

Events

OTSEGO COUNTY—The Otsego County Conservation Association released its schedule of public events for the early summer. There will be a Homeschool Nature Walk at Basswood Pond at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10. OCCA and Mohican Farm, 7206 State Route 80, request volunteers for a Japanese knotweed removal effort at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11. The next invasive species removal day will be held at the Weaver Lake launch in the Town of Warren on Thursday, June 12. Participants should meet at the Mohican Farm site for transportation. Two shifts are available, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The next Get the Kids Out event will be held at Mohican Farm at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, as will a composting workshop at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 21. Local farmer and herbalist A.C. Stauble will lead a summer foraging walk at 2 p.m. the same day at 415 County Road 41 in West Edmeston. Foraging expert Shane Gardener will run a similar program for mushroom foraging at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. There will be a Summer Bog Walk at 800 Zachow Road in Hartwick at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. OCCA will partner with the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station for a program on freshwater ecosystems at the BFS Main Laboratory, 5838 State Route 80, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. To register for any program or view a full calendar, visit occainfo.org/calendar.

Youth Ensemble To Perform

ONEONTA—TLittle Delaware Youth Ensemble will celebrate its 25th season with a spring concert at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. In addition to performances by the beginning violin group, preparatory orchestra, main orchestra, and visiting alumni, there will be ceremonies in honor of LDYE founder Julie Signitzer and major sponsors. For more information, visit ldye.net.

Broadband Kickoff Event Set

COOPERSTOWN—The Otsego County Broadband Technical Assistance Initiative and Vernonburg Group, overseeing the county’s USDAfunded effort to improve broadband Internet access for all individuals and organizations, will hold a public kickoff event at The Meadows Office Complex from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. The meeting will introduce team members, outline the project’s goals and timeline, and offer an opportunity for resident input. It will be held in a hybrid format, with a Microsoft Teams link for remote viewing to be posted on the project website soon. For more information, visit otsegocountyny.gov/ broadband.php.

CCE Schedules Workshops

NEW YORK STATE—Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties will hold a livestock fencing basics workshop at 182 County Road 11 in Oneonta from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Registration is required by May 26. There will be a fiber quality workshop at Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Old Schuylerville Road in Greenwich, from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, June 9. For more information or to register, visit https:// cceschoharie-otsego.org/.

Kasterine Shows at Hyde Hall

SPRINGFIELD—Famed photographer Dmitri Kasterine will hold an exhibition of his work in the reception rooms of Hyde Hall in June, the first photography exhibit to be held in the mansion itself. Over more than 70 years of work, Kasterine has captured many of the most famous people of the 20th century and countless everyday candid shots on film. There will be an opening reception and talk featuring wine and live music by the Musicians of Ma’alwyck from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.

Clean Sweep Is May 31st

HARTWICK—The Town of Hartwick’s popular Clean Sweep event will return for its 17th year on Saturday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Town residents may dispose of old furniture, yard trash, scrap metal, tires, mattresses and box springs at the Town Hall, 103 Town Drive. Electronics, green waste, hazardous materials and household trash will not be accepted. Mattresses and box springs may be discarded for a fee of $40.00, and there is a $20.00 fee for appliances containing refrigerants, such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers. There is also a

variable fee for each tire discarded after the first four. For the first time, there will be a collection of old sneakers and athletic shoes. Residents who wish to arrange home refuse pickup should contact Martha Clarvoe at (607) 434-2946. To volunteer for Clean Sweep, contact Town Clerk Andrea Vasquez at clerk@hartwickny.gov or (607) 3869769. Donations for the Clean Sweep yard sale, which helps offset the day’s operating costs, may be directed to Bruce Markusen at (607) 547-8070.

SUNY Preps for Free Program

ALBANY—SUNY Chancellor John B. King announced that the university system is prepared to launch Governor Kathy Hochul’s “SUNY Reconnect” free community college program this fall. Passed under the enacted FY 2025-26 state budget, the program will provide free tuition, fees, books and supplies for students ages 25-55 in high-demand fields who do not already have college degrees. Many community campuses will hold information sessions for prospective program participants over the summer. For more information, visit suny.edu/freeCC.

Ensemble Returns to Roxbury

ROXBURY—Grammy award-winning family band the Villalobos Brothers will once again perform at Roxbury Arts Center, 5025 Vega Mountain Road in Roxbury, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. Internationally recognized as a leading contemporary Mexican music ensemble, the group blends classical, jazz and Mexican folk music traditions deeply rooted in the Veracruz cultural scene. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit roxburyartsgroup.org.

Rivera Enters Supervisor Race

ONEONTA—Public policy advocate and nonprofit leader Will Rivera announced his candidacy for Town of Oneonta Supervisor on Wednesday, May 14. A first-generation SUNY Oneonta graduate, 9/11-related cancer survivor, and proud Latino husband and father, Rivera has more than 15 years of experience in advocacy for state policy reform on housing and violence survivor justice initiatives. His key platform planks include expanded affordable housing, home energy upgrades to fight utility costs, updates to the town’s comprehensive plan and initiatives for government transparency. For more information, contact willriverafornewyork@gmail.com.

SSA Reveals Top Baby Names

NEW YORK STATE—The Social Security Administration announced the most popular baby names in New York State for 2024 on Thursday, May 15. Liam was the most common name for newborn boys, followed by Noah, Lucas, Ethan and Joseph. The top five names for girls were Mia, Emma, Sophia, Olivia and Isabella. Olivia and Liam also topped the nationwide rankings. To view the full report, visit ssa.gov/oact/babynames.

Final Spring Exhibits To Open

ONEONTA—The SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery’s final exhibitions of the spring semester will be on display through June 8. “The Capstone: 2025,” in the Martin-Mullen Gallery, presents work by upperlevel SUNY Oneonta art students. The gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to noon on June 8, and by appointment until June 5. The photography exhibit “Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water” is open in the Project Space Gallery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, until June 8. There will be a reception for this exhibit from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, June 6.

Virtual Job Fair Scheduled

UTICA—The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties’ Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness grant project will sponsor a free virtual job fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. Employers and job seekers from Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego counties may register at https://pvapi.premiervirtual. com/s/8JNgP8.

Art in Bloom Is Next Month

ONEONTA—Community Arts Network of Oneonta will hold its annual Art in Bloom event at 11 Ford Avenue on June 13-15. The Oneonta Garden Club will create extensive flower arrangements to interpret and complement the artwork displayed during CANO’s Members Show. There will be an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 13, and the gallery will be open from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15.

Falk To Share Homes History

COOPERSTOWN—Otsego 2000 will offer a free “Know Your Home’s Story” drop-in program at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 24. Dr. Cindy Falk, professor of material culture at the Cooperstown Graduate Program and SUNY Oneonta assistant dean of graduate studies, will answer questions and offer resources to help uncover a home’s history.

Otsego 2000 Executive Director Ellen Pope will also provide information on tax credits for homeowners in historic districts. For more information or to view other upcoming events, visit otsego2000.org.

Canoe Regatta Begins Friday

BAINBRIDGE—The General Clinton Canoe Regatta, three full days of races and festivities, will be held in Bainbridge’s Clinton Park Friday through Sunday, May 23-25. The new Paddle with a Pro tandem race and Pacman Generation Gap race will be held Friday, at 3 and 6 p.m., respectively. The popular Taste of the Regatta sampling event will take place at 6 on Friday. Saturday opens with wrestling and volleyball tournaments, and the day’s attractions will include a flea market, tractor pull, hot air balloon rides, and fireworks. The main races, beginning at the Susquehanna’s source in Cooperstown, will begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday. Carnival rides will be open from 5:30-10 p.m. on Friday and from 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free all weekend, but there is a $10.00 parking fee on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to view a complete list of events, visit https://www. canoeregatta.org/events.php.

Baseball, Softball Wrapped

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown softball cruised to a five-inning 16-0 senior night shutout against Waterville on Tuesday, May 13. Senior Emmy Lippitt earned the win with five strikeouts, allowing two hits and two walks. She scored twice and batted in another run. Junior Katie Crippen went four-for-four with a triple, three doubles, three runs and three RBI. Senior Grace Sperry scored twice, hit a double and batted in two runs. Sperry, Lippitt and Bella Reich were honored for Senior Night.

Lippitt allowed only two hits and a walk in seven innings as Cooperstown beat Morrisville-Eaton 4-1 on Thursday, May 15. Crippen hit two solo home runs and a double. Reich had a double.

The Hawkeyes defeated West Canada Valley 125 on Friday, May 16. Reich scored a run and drove in two more. Lippitt struck out seven, walked two, and allowed four hits and an earned run to earn the win. Sperry drew three walks, stole two bases, scored three runs and had an RBI. Crippen also scored three times.

Cooperstown fell 5-4 to Herkimer’s seventhinning comeback for their second loss of the season on Saturday, May 17. Lippitt was saddled with the loss, but recorded eight strikeouts and only one walk while giving up seven hits. Crippen stole three bases and scored two runs. Sperry had another RBI. Cooperstown fell to 10-2 for the season and remains undefeated at 6-0 in their division.

Cooperstown baseball defeated Waterville 93 in a Division II game at Doubleday Field on Wednesday, May 14. Sophomore Elijah McCaffrey struck out 10 in six innings, allowing four hits and one earned run. Junior Joey Paterno held Waterville scoreless in the seventh inning, striking out two and allowing one hit. He also hit a double and an RBI. Senior Aaron Katz hit a double and scored twice, and senior Adam Ubner batted in two runs.

Despite a four-run comeback attempt in the fifth inning, Cooperstown fell 6-5 to Morrisville-Eaton on Thursday, May 15. Sophomore Brody Murdock took the loss after giving up four earned runs in three innings. Senior Ben Katz drove in two runs. The Hawkeyes fell 11-1 in five innings to West Canada Valley on Friday, May 16. Junior Wyatt Butts was stuck with the loss, giving up seven hits and seven runs in three innings. Katz scored the lone Cooperstown run of the night.

Butts scored twice and went four-for-four in Cooperstown’s 12-5 comeback Senior Night victory against Herkimer on Monday, May 20. Junior Jonathan Torres batted in three runs. Paterno and Ubner had two RBI each. McCaffrey struck out two and gave up three hits and five walks in two innings. Paterno earned the win in relief with one run, a walk and three strikeouts over three innings. Murdock rounded out the game with two shutout innings. Katz, Ubner, Paul Crowell and Owen Tedesco were honored for Senior Night. The Hawkeyes moved to 4-5 for the season and 2-3 in their division.

Tennis Competes at Sectionals

WATERTOWN—Cooperstown tennis competed at the Individual Sectional Tournament in Watertown on Monday, May 19. Third singles player Owen Marling defeated Sauquoit Valley’s Owen LoGalbo 6-7, 6-4, 6-0 in the first round and lost the quarterfinal round to top-seeded Jaasim Zaman of Manlius Pebble Hill 6-0, 6-1. Second singles Alfred Hom lost 6-3, 6-2 to Sauquoit’s Bryce Petteys in the first round. Second-seed first singles player Henry Ayers had a bye in the first round, defeated MorrisvilleEaton’s Wyatt Hitchcock 6-3, 6-2, and lost the semifinal match to MPH’s Savir Ghambhir. He qualified for the State Qualifying Tournament, which will be held at Hamilton College on Monday, May 26. Second doubles teammates Micah Raffo and Hayden Spencer had a bye in the first round and lost in the quarterfinals to Waterville’s Edmond and Oscar Yang, 0-6, 7-5, 6-7. The first doubles team of Alexis Wolfe and Bianca Adam fell 6-4, 6-3 in the first round to Elijah Meyers and Tyler Kowalski of Hamilton.

Community Foundation Establishes Fund To Benefit Otsego Lake

SPRINGFIELD

The Community Foundation of Otsego County has established a fund of $500,000.00 to support projects to maintain and improve the health of Otsego Lake.

The Otsego Lake Watershed Sustainability Fund provides a coordinated approach to caring for Otsego Lake, which serves as the water supply for the Village of Cooperstown and is the Susquehanna River headwaters. The Otsego

Mary Lou Friedlander 1933-2025

SLINGERLANDS—

Mary Louisa (Cloon) Friedlander passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025 at Little Falls (New York) Hospital Comfort Care, following a brief illness. Mary Lou was born on May 15, 1933 in Ironwood, Michigan to the late Mary Louisa (King) and William Gabriel Cloon, and was very proud of her childhood in the UP.

After graduating from Northwestern University and Chicago Wesley Memorial School of Nursing in 1955, Mary Lou worked as a clinical nurse at Chicago Lying-in Hospital, where she met her future husband, the late Robert L. Friedlander, MD. While in college, Mary Lou pledged Alpha Chi Omega and remained a very proud supporter throughout her life. She was also fiercely devoted to the Northwestern University Wildcats football team.

Mary Lou and Bob were married in Ironwood, Michigan on November 27, 1960 and settled immediately in Norfolk, Virginia, where Mary Lou worked as a nurse while Bob, a naval medical officer serving with the 6th Fleet, rejoined his ship, the USS James C. Owens, then touring the Mediterranean.

After two years’ active service, Mary Lou and Bob moved to Albany, New York, when a former mentor asked Bob to join him at Albany Medical Center Hospital as an instructor and chief resident in obstetrics and gynecology (a noted OB-GYN, Bob would eventually serve as dean and president of Albany Medical College). Except for a brief stay in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Bob completed postdoctoral work in steroid biochemistry, Mary Lou and Bob remained lifelong residents of Delmar

Lake Fund is planned to be a reliable financial resource for organizations seeking support for lake-related projects, officials said in a press release issued on Saturday, May 17.

The Lake Fund was launched in anticipation of a new Otsego Lake management plan, expected to be completed in 2026, and is based on similar funds that exist for Lake George and Skaneateles Lake. CFOC envisions the Otsego Lake Fund serving as

a model for support of other lakes throughout Otsego County.

“The creation of the Otsego Lake Watershed Sustainability Fund shows CFOC responsiveness to residents’ requests and our ability to creatively address Otsego County issues. We hope to apply the success of the Otsego Lake Fund to assist all Otsego County lakes,” said Jeff Katz, CFOC executive director.

The Otsego Lake Fund idea grew from conversa-

tions with Cooperstown residents Doug and Rhonda Willies, who have a strong personal commitment to Otsego Lake. The Willies, along with neighbors Lou Allstadt and Melinda Hardin and Nancy and Chip Northrup, committed $200,000.00 to match other gifts to establish the fund.

Generous donations from area individuals met and exceeded the match.

According to Katz, the Otsego Lake fund provides centralized

OBITUARIES

funding and helps coordinate the efforts of various organizations to best manage Otsego Lake. A committee of representatives from CFOC, the Otsego Lake Association, the Watershed Supervisory Committee (Village of Cooperstown, Towns of Otsego, Middlefield, and Springfield), and the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station will annually review grant applications. Thus far, $25,000.00 in grants has been awarded to

applicant projects aligned with the fund’s criteria, officials said.

Those who would like to contribute to the fund, or organizations interested in receiving funding should contact Katz at contact@cfotsego.org. CFOC was founded in 2019 to lead and inspire community-wide efforts to improve the quality of life and the prosperity of Otsego County. For more information, visit www.cfotsego.org.

and then Slingerlands, New York.

Mary Lou’s early years in Upstate New York were spent supporting her husband’s busy, on-call obstetrics and gynecology practice and raising their two daughters (Suzan, Cooperstown, New York; Rebecca, Reno, Nevada). Mary Lou also invested her energy and time ensuring that future generations of girls and women had more opportunities. Her impressive volunteer work included supporting the Delmar Dolfins Swim Club, fundraising with the PanHellenic Council to help provide young women with college scholarships, and ensuring that the local high school was Title IX-compliant by helping establish a girls’ varsity swim team.

Some of Mary Lou’s favorite things included reading (particularly British history), receiving travel-related refrigerator magnets from friends and family, licorice, watching collegiate football and basketball, and cats. In fact, she often quipped that her obit could simply say “she loved cats” and that would be enough. Her Wildcats football faith was ultimately rewarded when her husband paid out a bet he never thought he’d lose—a dream trip to watch her beloved Wildcats play in the 1996 Rose Bowl. In her final years, her greatest delights were following Suzan’s career as a museum professional and being Rebecca’s number one competitive swim fan.

Mary Lou was predeceased by her husband; brother William G. Cloon Jr.; and brotherand sister-in-law Joe and Margaret (Friedlander) Cohen. She is survived by her daughters, Suzan and Rebecca; sister-inlaw Leonora “Nony” Cloon; nephews William

Gregory Cloon (Melissa, William G., and Robert G.), Daniel Cohen (Wendy Wallace), David Cohen (Michelle Kaplan, Joshua, Samuel, and Olivia); and niece Alicia (Cohen) Lynn (Phillip, Griffin). Mary Lou was especially proud of her grand-nephews, grandniece, and grand-canine Addie. She loved their visits and phone calls, and hearing about everything they were accomplishing!

Suzan and Rebecca would like to thank the staffs at St. Peter’s Hospital (Emergency; Surgical; McAuley) and Little Falls Hospital (Emergency; 3 East) for their exceptional care; and “The Debbies” for their bi-monthly visits, often with Wyatt, Mary Lou’s special canine friend. No services will be held. Donations to honor Mary Lou and her commitment to education, the arts, and animals can be made to Northwestern University, Alpha Chi Omega, Glimmerglass Opera, or the SPCA of your choosing.

Doris Marie Howard 1936-2025

MYRTLE BEACH— It is with great sadness that we announce that Doris Marie Howard, 88, died on December 3, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Doris was the daughter of the late August and Lillian Osterhoudt Eitzen. Doris was raised in Hyde Park, New York and was a graduate of F.D. Roosevelt High School, where she was active in the New York “Yorker Club,” Glee Club, school band and was a pianist for both clubs. She was a graduate of Hartwick College with a bachelor of science in nursing and attended graduate studies at Syracuse University for public health nursing.

Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com

While attending Bassett Medical Center training in Cooperstown, Doris met and married Leslie John Crain in 1960, with whom she bore three children. With Leslie and two children, she moved to Orlando, Florida in 1967, where their third child was born and where Leslie died in 1972 due to complications from leukemia. After Leslie’s passing, Doris returned with her three children to Leslie’s hometown of Cooperstown, New York. There she eventually met the new love of her life, Donald E. Howard Jr., and they were married in June 1981. On June 9, 2024, Donald died in Gloversville, New York.

Doris’ extensive nursing practice included Syracuse Memorial Hospital, Dutchess County Public Health, Albany Gardens Nursing Home, The Women’s Christian Association Hospital, Visiting Nurse Association of Jamestown, New York and St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.

She established herself in the nursing community in Cooperstown, teaching health services at BOCES as well as being a staff and supervisory nurse for more than 20 years for Otsego County. During this time, she initiated and ran the Long-Term Home Health Care Program (a model for future programs) until her retirement in 1999.

In Cooperstown,

Doris was a member of the Fly Creek Methodist Church, where she and Don were married. There she shared being organist with Paula Schaeffer for many years. She was a member of the Little League Board, taught both Girl and Boy Scouts first aid, served on the Junior High Ballroom Dance Committee, and was a longtime member of the Cooperstown Concert Series, serving as their historian.

In 1999, Doris successfully underwent a stem cell transplant for nonHodgkin lymphoma. This allowed her to know and enjoy her children and grandchildren as well as a happy retirement with Don for many years.

In 2013, she and Don moved from Cooperstown to Mayfield, New York to their home on Great Sacandaga Lake. Most of their retirement summers were spent there, where they enjoyed many hours kayaking. During this time, Don and Doris found themselves wintering in Myrtle Beach on a regular basis and purchased a home there. Time in Myrtle Beach was spent enjoying her many

interests and hobbies, including gardening, reading, music, bicycling, and various needlework crafts.

Doris is survived by her children, Scott T. Crain of Portsmouth, Rhode Island (wife Hope), Susan L. Crain of Boise, Idaho, Marcia E. Crain Prasch of Boise, Idaho (husband Richard), Kelly L. Howard Kerner of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (husband Christopher), and Todd M. Howard of Cooperstown, New York (wife Jennifer). Grandchildren include Brianna Crain, Andrew Ready, Alexandra Ready, Jack Howard, Gavin Prasch, Ian Prasch, Jane Prasch, Clark Kerner and Anastasia Kerner. Great-grandchildren include Reagan Kerner, Jack LaMarca and Thomas LaMarca. She is also survived by her sister, JoAnn Eitzen D’Agostino, and brother F. Jay Eitzen, two nieces, and a nephew.

The celebration of life will be held on May 31, 2025 at 3 p.m. at the Fly Creek United Methodist Church. Burial will be held privately on that day.

Photo provided

MARY LOU FRIEDLANDER

Photo provided

DORIS MARIE HOWARD

Letters

Continued from page 4

We Will Do What We can

All of the proposed cuts in federal spending are for programs that directly benefit people: Social Security, Medicare, the VA, FDA, EPA, FEMA, NPR, PBS, NIH, IRS, NEA, National Park Service, etc. The Military Industrial Superiority Complex, aka the Department of Defense (DoD), gets a proposed budget increase of more than $150 Billion—by eliminating most other departments—to over $1 trillion a year (Pentagon waste is costing taxpayers billions. But DOGE’s cuts are way off base | Katerina Canyon | The Guardian). Instead of cancer research, We the People get one new bomber. Instead of Medicare for all, we get

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of Portfolio Recovery, LLC.

Filed 3/20/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to 1015 Haynes St, Birmingham, MI 48009. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalMay22

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Notice of formatioN of 643 Double Play LLC.

Filed 2/5/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail POB 955, Aledo, TX 76008. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalMay22

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Notice of formatioN of LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY

(1) Name: Ingalls Blueberry Hill LLC (the “LLC”).

(2) Articles of Organization of the LLC were filed with the Secretary of State NY (“SSNY”) on April 3, 2025

(3) Its office location is to be in Otsego County, State of New York.

(4) The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC is: 132 Ingalls Pond Road, Mil-

one new aircraft carrier. Musk’s DOGE hackers could only find .00008 of the DoD budget to cut, all for “woke” programs. No efficiency cuts for wasteful spending, no elimination of cost overruns, no cuts of obsolete programs. Just more DOGE Thought Police censorship. A year ago, the Marines awarded a contract for $225 million in robotic moving targets, basically dummies on a Segway. Catch is, they didn’t have a training simulator to teach riflemen how to hit a robotic target—and they discovered that Marines couldn’t hit the dummies very well. At $2.65 a bullet (you read that right) missing a dummy at the range can get expensive. So the Marines invited us to demonstrate our company’s virtual reality marksmanship training simulator—which teaches riflemen how

ford, NY 13807 (5) Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMay.29

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Notice of formatioN of

WC Peak Property Maintenance LLC.

Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/11/2025.

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 Peak Property: 175 Louie Dickinson Road, Edmeston, NY, 13335, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMay.29

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Notice of formatioN of

CNY Hay Hauling LLC.

Articles of organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/11/2025. 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 CNY Hay Hauling LLC: 175 Louie Dickinson Road, Edmeston, NY, 13335, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

6LegalMay.29

to hit moving targets. Now the Marines have a simulator that can teach trainees how to hit a virtual dummy before they blast away at an expensive real dummy at $2.65 a pop. So here’s to the Marines. Meanwhile, we will do what we can. Until the next protest, boycott and election.

chip Northrup Cooperstown

OCCA

Continued from page 5

help the community from all angles to create a place we want to live in.

We are currently raising funds to leverage a state program to hire a full-time fellow to head up this work and build our internal capacity to get back to our grassroots community advocacy work of the past. Our goal is to raise $20,000.00 to leverage

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Notice of formatioN of

226 MAIN STREET OF WORCESTER, LLC A Limited Liability Company.

Articles of organization were filed with the New York Secretary of State on April 22, 2025. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to: Janet Muller, 154 Spur Road, West Fulton, NY 12194. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJun.5

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Notice of formatioN of Cleaning By Deb LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 19, 2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 2986 County Highway 11, Hartwick, NY 13348. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.5

the NYSERDA program for an additional $40,000.00.

Our other new community science effort involves Lake Shore Monitoring Teams, scheduled to launch on Otsego and Canadarago lakes this summer. These teams will be on the lookout for harmful algal blooms, invasive species and any other threats to the lakes they may encounter.

This data will be used to determine potential blooms in different sectors of the lakes. We are also launching a notification system for HABs. Once information is collected, it will be e-mailed out to the community. Please visit our website or the Otsego County HAB Safety site to sign up for the notification list to be informed throughout the summer.

All are welcome, and you can sign up

LEGALS

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Notice of formatioN of LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY

Grace on Grove LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 27, 2025. Office Location: Otsego County, NY.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 422, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalJun.12

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Notice of formatioN of COOPER’S HAVEN 28, LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 03/28/2025. Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 61 EAST RAMAPO AVE., MAHWAH, NJ 07430.

Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJun.12

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Notice of formatioN of All Season Handyman Services LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/14/25.

for HABs notifications and any other community science group via our website at www. occainfo.org

Amy Wyant is the executive director of the Otsego County Conservation Association.

Pandora

Continued from page 4 suggest similar tracks based on user preferences. The results, however, can be hitor-miss—sometimes underwhelming or

even disappointing, sometimes downright frustrating, and nearly always straying far from the initial pursuit of an artist station. Now, imagine Pandora applying this approach to its paid advertisements. What would the auditory equivalent of cruelty and prejudice sound like? Surely not “Ahh.”

Dr. Gayane Torosyan is a professor of media studies in the Department of Communication and Media at SUNY Oneonta.

DENTAL Insurance

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 525 St. Hwy. 51, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.12

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Notice of formatioN of VHL Properties LLC.

Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 3/13/2025. 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/her to: The LLC, 81 Ransom Ave., Sea Cliff, NY 11579. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJun.19

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Notice of formatioN of Pioneer Energy Solutions LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 24, 2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 172 Burdick Road, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.19

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Notice of formatioN of Miller’s Co. Rt 17, LLC

Filed arts of org. April 24, 2025. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 1277 Co. Hwy. 14, Mt. Vision, NY 13810. Purpose: Any Legal Purpose. 6LegalJun.19

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Notice of formatioN of a NY LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY

Name: Burren Properties, LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) was May 6, 2025. 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 The LLC, 115 Eggleston Hill Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJun.26

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Notice of formatioN of

Kingfisher Financial Planning LLC

Art. of org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 04/07/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 37 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJun.26

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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, June 26, 2025 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd., 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/constnotices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via

e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www. dot.ny.gov/doing-business/ opportunities/ 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 non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518) 457-2124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby

notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

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

Please call

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

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265389, PIN 9LC101, FA Proj , Broome, Otsego Cos., CULVERT REHABILITATION - Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $375,000.00), Goals: DBE: 6.00% 2LegalMay.29

On February 28, six weeks prior to meeting with Manfred, Trump issued a statement saying that he would soon be “pardoning” Rose for his past federal tax crimes and criticized MLB for Rose’s absence from the Hall of Fame.

Manfred’s decision was announced in a letter to the Rose family’s attorney, Jeffrey Lenkov:

“A determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others. In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

Concert

Continued from page 3

participants will acquire important skills and an appreciation for the environment that will spark an interest in making healthy choices and living sustainably,” the mission statement reads.

For MacLeish, the program is a year-round project. During school months, teachers at CCS can sign up for lessons inside the classroom or out in the garden with MacLeish, who hosts three to five gardening classes a week. An afterschool Garden Club meets twice weekly—on Mondays for kindergarteners through thirdgraders, and Wednesday for fourth- through sixthgraders. Food grown is used for cooking projects at the school or donated to the Cooperstown Food Pantry.

The garden “provides produce for the students, school and community, according to MacLeish.

“Students in the after-school program often take a carrot or radish home, and if we have lots of lettuce we send it in for the school cafeteria. Students are always encouraged to taste during lessons,” MacLeish explained.

During the summer break, students participating in the Clark Sports Center’s day camps and the Red Bursey summer program help out with the garden as well.

“Students spend a lot of time seated and looking at screens. Time spent in the garden provides a perfect break from this routine,” according to MacLeish.

While remaining in exile from Major League Baseball fields and venues for more than 30 years, Pete Rose maintained an enduring presence on Main Street in Cooperstown during the Hall of Fame’s Induction Weekends.

Year after year, fans could find Rose signing autographs, posing for pictures and chatting with his loyal fans in the back of proprietor Andrew Vilacky’s Safe at Home Ballpark Collectibles on Main Street. The shop was known as Pete Rose Ballpark Collectibles from 2001-2005.

Regarding Manfred’s statement, Vilacky said, “Pete was never a threat to baseball. He only spoke positively about the game. He knew and loved the game. He was a genius when it came to baseball. He was a savant…It was baseball’s loss when he was missing from the game.”

Rose began making regular appearances at the local memorabilia shop during Induction Weekend of 1996, and continued to show up and make his presence known through last year’s ceremony, two months before died at the age of 83 on September 30, 2024.

The concerts on June 8 and 9 are in memory of T’nette Kuzminski, a longtime Bassett Healthcare physician, lifelong grower and gardener who passed away in August 2024. Kuzminski was also a director of Sustainable Otsego, an organization created to encourage “sustainability, economic independence and home rule.” A tree dedicated to Kuzminski’s memory stands next to the garden, “protect[ing] the space,” according to a Facebook post by the Kid Garden team.

“The Cooperstown Kid Garden is a true asset to the community,” concluded MacLeish.

“Having a space where our children can connect with the origins of their food is invaluable. We are working diligently

While Rose was barred from attending Induction Weekend events and activities at the Hall of Fame, The Otesaga Resort Hotel and other official venues, his former Cincinnati “Big Red Machine” teammates, rivals, and members of the Hall of Fame would often stop to visit and say hello.

On many occasions, Rose would share an autograph table at the Safe at Home shop with such luminaries as Reggie Jackson, Tony Perez and Mike Schmidt.

Vilacky remembers, “We had a lot of fun. I don’t know and I can’t tell you what he might have been thinking, but maybe, in the back of his mind, he was showing up so that everyone would see him, and that

to integrate the garden into the curriculum in Cooperstown and hope that, in the future, more students from all grade levels will participate in this space.”

The concert at The Otesaga on June 8 will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 per person and include admission to the performance and a reception afterward.

The concert features Susanna Mendlow, Kuzminski’s niece, and her partner, Devree Lewis, who perform under the name “Cello, World.” Proceeds will go toward the creation of a year-round garden structure. MacLeish is currently working with a school-based committee to decide what the structure will look like and how it will be integrated

Memorial Day

his situation might be reconsidered.”

“He liked to sit on the bench out in front of the shop after dinner and talk with the fans and let them take pictures,” Vilacky added.

Former teammates, adversaries, fans, and writers are as divided in their opinions on Rose as they are on politics and Trump.

Longtime baseball beat reporter and current columnist for Sportico. com, Barry Bloom, said, “I’m absolutely in favor of it. When Pete died, the first thing I said is that they should reinstate him. He’s dead now, there’s no purpose in having him excluded from MLB anymore.”

“Knowing full well how the Hall of Fame works, by reinstating him

into the curriculum.

Adrian Kuzminski, husband of T’nette, praised the Cooperstown Kid Garden, saying, “It’s kind of a wonderful local program—it’s a nice supplement. A handson things for kids at the school. Instead of looking at their screens so much, it gets them outside.

“It’s a nice tribute to my wife, who was very instrumental in keeping it alive,” he reflected.

The free encore concert for CCS students will kick off a school-wide Garden Day celebration on Monday, June 8.

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

in Major League Baseball it would force their hand to vote on him, which is exactly what happened,” Bloom added.

“New York Post” columnist Joel Sherman posted a five-minute video of his analysis of the situation, saying, “The only reason there’s a Commissioner’s Office to make this decision today is because the Commissioner’s Office was created in the aftermath of the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal… so the Commissioner’s Office was formed and Rule 21 was created. It’s posted in every clubhouse in minor league and Major League Baseball. It’s about not being able to gamble in baseball if you’re a player, coach or manager. Pete Rose played in more Major

League Baseball games than anyone else,” said Sherman…” And I don’t know what the right thing to do is because I do think that gambling on the game if you’re involved in the game should be a third rail banishment and forever punishment. But our relationship with gambling and with time healing all wounds has changed over the years, but I think the answer for the committee is that Pete Rose is going to be in the Hall of Fame.

Here in Cooperstown, Rose’s friend Vilacky says the decision to reinstate Rose came a little too late. “He didn’t want to be inducted after he was dead and not here to give a speech. How do you have a celebration without the celebrant?”

Photo by Andrew Vilacky

Pete Rose autographs baseballs at Safe at Home Ballpark Collectibles.

Photo by Andrew Vilacky

Reggie Jackson shares an autograph table with Rose at Andrew Vilacky’s Safe at Home Ballpark Collectibles on Main Street, Cooperstown.

►Friday, May 23

CANCER SURVIVORS

Last day to register for “National Cancer Survivors Day Luncheon.” Free to cancer survivors and a “plus one.” Held June 1, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. 1-800BASSETT.

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of frittata, hash browns, muffin and a fruit cup. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454.

FILM 2 p.m. “Hall of Fame Film Series: Just a Bit Outside—The Story of the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers.” Followed by Q&A with Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers and filmmakers Sean Hanish and Kelly Kahl. Tickets and museum admission required. Grandstand Theater, Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7200.

REGATTA 3-6 p.m.

“63rd Annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta.” Paddle with a Pro, Opening, The Pacman Generation Gap Race and Taste of the Regatta. Festival continues 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through 5/23. Race kicks off at 6 a.m. from Otsego Lake on 5/23. General Clinton Park, 2507 Hinkley Lane, Bainbridge. (607) 967-8700.

DEADLINE 4-8 p.m.

Last day to drop off items

to mail overseas to deployed soldiers. Laurens American Legion Auxiliary, 11 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 287-9213.

FILM 5:30 p.m. “Hall of Fame Film Series: Joy in Wrigleyville.” Followed by Q&A with Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins. Tickets and museum admission required. Grandstand Theater, Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5477200.

FIRE PIT FRIDAYS

6-10 p.m. Live music, food and more. Featuring The Council Rock Band. The Tap House, Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 5441800.

THEATER 7:30 p.m.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Also showing 5/24 and at 2 p.m. on 5/25. Production Center, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-5407.

►Saturday, May 24

FESTIVAL All day.

“Cherry Valley Spring Into Summer Festival.” Vendors, food trucks, music, garage sales and more. Continues 5/25 and 5/26. Cherry Valley.

FUNDRAISER 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Memorial Weekend Fundraising Rummage Sale.” Also held Noon to 3 p.m. on 5/25 and on 5/26 after the parade to 3 p.m. American Legion Post 1339, Legion Hall, 116 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 859-2717.

HISTORY 10 a.m. to noon. “Learn Your Home’s Story.” Presented by Otsego 2000. Get questions answered on a home’s age, style, and context, and learn about resources to find out more about a home’s history. Information on tax credits available to homeowners in historic districts will also be available. Held at Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Pioneer Alley, 101 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8881.

EXHIBIT OPENINGS

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot: Allies in Impressionism” and “The Power of Photography: 19th-20th Century Original Master Prints.” On view through 9/1. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

GARDEN 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Heritage Plant Sale.” Organic heirloom seedlings. Continues 5/25. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1450.

FILM 1 p.m. “Hall of Fame Film Series: The Sandlot.” Tickets and museum admission required. Grandstand Theater, Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7200.

EXHIBIT OPENING

1-4 p.m. “Getting the Nod: A Tribute to the Beloved Bobblehead Doll.” Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5477200.

DISCUSSION 1 p.m.

“Lattes and Literature.” Presented by the Morris Village Library. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

WORKSHOP 1-3 p.m. “Power of Plants Workshop.” Presented by Jessica Capeci of Windswept Farm and Apothecary. Fees apply; registration required. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2644025.

OPEN HOUSE

2-4 p.m. “Cooperstown

Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Squad—EMS Week Open House.” Tour the new ambulances, firehouse, EMS UTV and Command Trailer, new equipment, and learn about EMS and volunteer opportunities. Cooperstown Fire Department, 24 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. Michael. simons@cooperstownfd. org.

DINNER 4-6 p.m. “Free Community Dinner.” Held 4th Saturday of each month. Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1553.

FILM 6:15 p.m. “Hall of Fame Film Series: Birds of a Different Game—The ‘80s Cardinals.” Followed by Q&A with Vince Coleman and Hall of Famers Jim Kaat and Ozzie Smith. Free; tickets required. Grandstand Theater, Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5477200.

►Sunday, May 25

FILM 10 a.m.; reception at 9:30 a.m. “Hall of Fame Film Series: The Battered Bastards of Baseball.” Tickets required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-7200.

►Monday, May 26 MEMoriaL day

PARADE 9 a.m.

Gilbertsville Memorial Day Observance. Kicks off on Grove Street with the GMU Marching Band, Gilbertsville Fire Company and community organization. Proceeds to Brookside Cemetery for a memorial ceremony with gun salute, speeches and keynote speaker Cmdr. Bill Whitaker, USN (Ret.), presenting “A Tribute to Fallen Americans, 1775 to the Present.” Finishes with ceremony at the Overlook and marching on Commercial and Spring streets, Gilbertsville. (607) 859-2717.

PARADE 9 a.m. Hartwick Memorial Day Parade. Starts at Weeks Road and proceeds down County Route 11 to Wells Avenue and then on to the Veterans Memorial, where a ceremony will be held. Hartwick. (607) 386-9769.

PARADE 10 a.m., line up at 9 a.m. on Market Street. “Memorial Day Parade.” Main Street, Oneonta. info@destinationoneonta.com

PARADE 10 a.m. Cherry Valley Memorial Day Parade. Followed by a memorial service in the Cherry Valley Cemetery. Then chicken barbecue at 11 a.m. at the Tryon Inn and Backdoor Bar. Cherry Valley.

those soldiers who are no longer with us. Parade includes the local fire departments, Cooperstown High School Band, Boy/Girl Scouts and more. Starts at the Cooperstown Vets Club, 60 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478282.

BARBECUE 11 a.m. “Boy Scout Chicken Barbecue.” Gilbertsville Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Squad, 114 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2520.

PARADE 11 a.m.; line up at 10:30 a.m. Otego Memorial Day Parade.Legion services and dedication of new sign to follow. Includes bounce houses, food/drinks, cornhole and more. Newland Street, Otego.

BARBECUE

11:30 a.m. “Morris Fire Department Memorial Day Barbecue.” Fees apply. Morris Fire Department, 117 Main Street, Morris. (607) 263-5500.

BARBECUE Noon until sold out. “Memorial Day Chicken Barbecue.” Fees apply. American Legion Post 616, Richfield Springs Vets Club, 13 Lake Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-9924.

CHICKEN BBQ—Noon until sold out. “Vet’s Club Memorial Day Chicken BBQ.” Fees apply, takeout only. First come, first served, no pre-orders. Drive through for pickup. Enter the back alley on County Route 11, exit onto Route 205. Hartwick American Legion Post 1567, 3099 County Route 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-7511.

HISTORY 1 p.m.

6 Globe lights; 10-Perimeter lights; 4 wrought iron chandeliers; 4 Plastic 4 Globe chandeliers; Twinkle lights; 5-Comm. light strings; 10-High bay lights;4-Center pole light brackets; Dance Floor (5) 3x4 sec.20’x30’ max; LB White Propane 17,000BTU Tent heater; LB White Propane 17,000BTU Tent heater; 100 lb. Propane tank; Sandblaster; CompressorVertical 1.5hp, 200 lbs.; Band saw; 45º metal notcher; Heavy welding table; Electronics-receivers, speakers, etc.; Comma air conditioner; 8-4’x8’ Stucco panels; 4-Michelin Tires; 25+/- Storage/Concrete tubes 12"x12’4; box of Ratchet straps; Light Box; Van Roof racks; 3-Boxes of Carrabiners; 3 Ph. Motors; Used awning welded frame 2’sdx4’3x6’10w; Used awning retractable frame; Sewing Machines: Singer Single needle-rev w/table-211G156; Single Single needle-rev-211G156; Consew Single needle-rev w/table-Mod D-19; Consew Single needle-rev w/table-Mod. 230; Juki Overcast/Serger w/ table Mod 2504; Singer Twin needle (3/4") Mod 7-42; Singer Single needle w/table Mod 7-34; Singer Single needle-needs parts Mod 7-34; Singer Single needle rev w/table Mod 11-29 set up to sew ½” rope; Misc.: RF Welder Callanan 12kw-4’ bar; RF Welder Cosmos 6kw; Welder runout tables-30’; Grommet setter-foot operated; Rotary fabric cutter-Easton; Knife cutter; Pipe bender-Pneumatic; Hand trucks-heavy duty; Floor sander-Porter Cable; Tent/ Cpt scrubber; Floor polisher-battery op.-walk behind; Carpet pile brush machine; Steam cleaner machine; Clothes steamer; Roll of Tent Vinyl-yellow; Roll of ball stop netting; 600’

PARADE 10 a.m.; line up at 9:30 a.m. at the Laurens Town Hall on Brook Street. Laurens Memorial Day Parade. Featuring LCS Band, Scouts of Laurens, speeches, a Memorial Day address by Gary Flaherty, U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major (Ret.), salute to the Armed Forces by the LCS Band and much more. Parade marches to Laurens Village Cemetery, Gilbert Lake Road, Laurens.

PARADE 10:30 a.m. Annual Richfield Springs Memorial Day Parade. Steps off at Johnston Street and ends with a ceremony at Memorial Park, Richfield Springs. (Rain location: Richfield Springs High School, 93 Main Street, Richfield Springs.) (315) 858-9924.

PARADE 11 a.m. kickoff; gather at 10 a.m. Local veteran units march up Main Street to the county building, where they will hold a ceremony with the mayor to pay homage to

“Native American History Talk: Turtle Houses of NY and the Peoples Before the Iroquois.” Presented by Dancing Wind from The Tribes Hill Heritage Center Museum. The Tepee, 7632 State Highway 20, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3987.

PARADE 1:30 p.m.; line up at 1 p.m. Celebrate Memorial Day. Featuring local clubs, businesses, organizations and more. Line up on Route 51 north of town and proceed south to Memorial Park for the memorial ceremony. Town of Burlington.

►tuESday, May 27

COMMUNITY HIKE 9:45 a.m. Hike Windswept Acres, Delancy, with the Susquehanna Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. Contact hike leader Roberta Austin, (607) 435-1319.