Mayor Highlights Veterans, Student Successes, and Community Engagement at June Meeting
ONEONTA
By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
The June 2 meeting of the City of Oneonta Common Council opened with a broad set of updates from Mayor Daniel Buttermann, who used his comment period to spotlight the city’s veterans, celebrate student achievements, and reflect on growing civic participation. The meeting also featured emotional public comments and a detailed presentation on the city’s nationally recog nized VITA tax‑assistance program, underscoring a theme of community involvement and local pride.
Mayor Buttermann began by honoring Timothy O’Donnell, the Veterans Outreach Center’s June Veteran of the Month. O’Donnell served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971, including a tour in Vietnam. Buttermann noted O’Donnell’s extensive list of commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters (signi fying that the service member has received the medal three times), the Combat Infantry Badge and the New York State Medal for Valor.
“It was very nice to meet him today and talk about his
Lawyer: Town Rushed Proposal Without Adequate Public Input
By DEBRA MOFFITT
FLY CREEK
An attorney representing a Manhattan developer who wants to build 126 homes west of Otsego Lake says Otsego town officials attempted to change land use rules without following procedures for public notice and open meetings.
Among those proposed changes: limiting how large parcels are subdi vided into smaller lots. The town’s amended draft comprehensive plan says parcels of 40 acres or more could be subdivided into no more than three lots (approximately 13 acres). Existing land use laws in the Town of Otsego permit residential agricultural lots to be as small as three acres.
Landowner Fraydun Manocherian, whose family owns 34 buildings and 3,500 apartments mostly in New York City, launched plans last year to build a large development spanning the Towns of Otsego and Springfield. Area resi dents and elected officials have said they’re concerned about the devel opment’s impact on the community’s
environment, water supply, roadways and character.
But Manocherian’s attorney, Allyson Phillips, said public outcry alone doesn’t justify land use changes.
“New York courts have routinely reiterated that local land use deter minations may not be based upon generalized community objections to a proposed development,” she wrote in a four page letter with footnotes addressed to Otsego Town Supervisor Ted Feury.
Phillips and two engineers recently appeared before the Otsego and Springfield planning boards to give an update on Manocherian’s plans, which now include 50 single family homes in Otsego and 76 dwellings in Springfield, a combination of 30 single family homes and a 46 unit duplex community.
“While we are concerned the (comprehensive plan) amendment will have the effect of precluding the Manocherian landowners from produc tively using their property in Otsego, the larger implications for the future
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Welcome Home Cooperstown Wins Law Day Award
By ARYA PATEL
COOPERSTOWN
The theme was “The Rule of Law and the American Dream” on Friday, May 8 when the Otsego County Bar Association hosted its annual Law Day celebra tion at the Otsego County Courthouse in Cooperstown. The keynote speaker was the Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, chief administrative judge of the New York State Unified Court System. In the audience were community members, presiding judges, lawyers, and winners of the various awards, including the Ginsburg Scalia Award, the Liberty Bell Award, and the Martin Tillapaugh Distinguished Advocate Award.
The ceremony began with greetings and a welcome by Otsego County Family Court Attorney and Otsego County Bar Association President Sarah E. Cowen, followed by the invo cation by Pastor Paul Messner of the Otsego County Lutheran Parish. Local Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance, with Law Day comments by Aaron Marcus, New York State assis tant attorney general. The keynote speaker, Zayas, was intro
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Photo by Debra Moffitt
Inviting public comment, Town of Otsego Councilmember Deb Dalton discusses the Town of Otsego’s proposed changes to its comprehensive plan.
In attendance at the Otsego County Bar Association’s Law Day on behalf of Wel come Home Cooperstown were Dr. Anush Patel, Arya Patel, Ann Brown, Polly Messenger, Alan Kozak, Bob Birch, Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and Karen Katz.
Officials Reflect on Governance, Progress, Ongoing Challenges
By jOSHUA YOUnGQUIST
HARTWICK
As the Town of Hartwick nears the midpoint of 2026, town officials describe a government still working through internal divisions, long-term financial concerns, and the practical realities of rebuilding trust and stability after a contentious 2025 election.
Interviews with Town Supervisor Cody Moore and Councilman Bryan LoRusso reveal differing perspectives on how the town is functioning, but both acknowledge that Hartwick is in a period of transition, with significant work ahead.
LoRusso characterizes the current state of town governance as fractured.
“From my perspective, it is certainly not united,” he said, noting that even routine communication channels
have become strained.
He pointed to what he described as procedural and financial issues dating back several years, including the decision in 2021 to reduce the general tax levy to zero.
According to LoRusso, “This has had long-term impacts…we have been collecting approximately $200,000.00 less a year. For raw math purposes, we have collected approximately $1 million less in overall taxes.”
He believes this reduction has created “true financial stress on the town.”
LoRusso also raised concerns about past administrative practices, including retirement enrollment issues and what he described as “critical pieces and parts missing” in town operations. He emphasized that strengthening governance requires strict adherence to established procedures.
“every step we take as board members, there is a rule, a procedure and a policy. If we follow them step by step, we cannot make mistakes,” he said.
Despite his concerns, LoRusso highlighted areas of progress, including efforts to close deficit-producing programs, support for the two fire departments’ transition to independent operation, and early work on rehabilitating the old Hatchery building into a community center.
He credited colleagues joAnn Gardner and Andrea Vazquez as “the best hope for the future that our community has,” citing their willingness to “listen, read, and implement rules and policies.”
Supervisor Cody Moore, now six months into her first term, offered a different perspective— one focused on long-term planning and gradual improvement.
She acknowledged
the challenges of stepping into the role while the town is undergoing an audit, saying, “We can only fix things so fast. I forget that I have a full-time job… I’m one person and I can’t answer to everybody instantaneously all the time.”
Moore said she believes the 2025 election helped restore confidence among residents.
“A lot of the townspeople feel more secure that…the three people that they voted for were all elected,” she said.
She described election night as “a very intense emotional evening,” and said the outcome “gave a lot of people hope and stability and confidence back in the election process.”
Looking ahead, Moore said her priorities include restoring the youth program, developing a community center, supporting the fire departments’
growth as a 501c3, and working with the highway department on long- term planning. She also emphasized the need for sustainable financial practices and infrastructure improvements.
“We need to be able to have money and plans. You’re always thinking about the future,” Moore said.
Moore also spoke about the importance of community engagement, noting that she spends significant time at the town hall, meeting residents.
“I love that,” she said. “I really enjoy being a voice for the people who don’t have the voice.”
Moore acknowledged that she is still learning the role, saying, “Do I know everything? no. Do I have a lot to learn? Yeah…but I get up every day, I show up every day.”
Both officials acknowledged interpersonal
tensions within town government. Moore described “a divide,” saying, “I feel like there’s multiple different personalities. I’m trying very hard to…fly the plane…do what you need to do for the office and for the job.”
Moore said she is focused on avoiding distractions and continuing to work through the audit and other administrative responsibilities.
LoRusso, meanwhile, said he hopes the town can return to “proper governance and staffing to support it,” and believes that correcting past financial decisions will be essential to Hartwick’s long-term stability.
Despite their differing viewpoints, both officials expressed commitment to the town’s future and a desire to see Hartwick move toward greater unity, stronger procedures, and improved services for residents.
America250 Time Capsule to Be Buried july 7 for 2076 Opening
By jOSHUA YOUnGQUIST
COOPeRSTOWn
Village officials are adding a uniquely forward-looking element to the Tuesday, july 7 Welcome Home Cooperstown program: the burial of an America250 time capsule at 22 Main Street, designed to be opened 50 years from now on july 4, 2076—the tricentennial of the nation’s founding.
The project, officials say, is meant to capture a snapshot of Cooperstown in 2026 while inviting local organizations to share their hopes for the community’s future.
Mayor ellen Tilla-
paugh said the idea emerged during the planning meeting for this year’s Welcome Home Cooperstown events.
“We wanted to have a program to commemorate America250 in some manner,” she explained.
Tillapaugh had recently read about municipalities marking the anniversary by creating time capsules filled with letters from local organizations describing their present-day work and their aspirations for 2076. The concept resonated.
“I hope the contents of the capsule capture this moment in time and our hopes for the village in 2076,” she said.
Several organizations have already contributed materials. This
is Cooperstown has provided its 2026 travel guide, while the national Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum submitted a letter outlining its activities this year and offering best wishes to the Cooperstown community of 2076. Village officials will also include a proclamation honoring the Cooperstown Central School boys basketball team, new York State’s 2026 Class C champions.
Tillapaugh said she hopes many more groups will participate, noting that Cooperstown’s institutions “create the vision of our community 50 years hence.”
In keeping with the local spirit of the project, the village turned to
Cooperstown Men’s Shed members to fabricate the capsule itself.
“We did not want to just purchase a time capsule—we thought it would be more meaningful to incorporate the local Men’s Shed,” Tillapaugh said.
The capsule will be a polyethylene tube capped at both ends and placed inside a wooden box.
Local organizations are invited to submit a letter or newsletter describing their mission, membership and activi-
ties in 2026, along with their hopes for 2076. Materials may be delivered to the Village Office at 22 Main Street or emailed to jutter@cooperstownny.gov by Monday, july 6. Village officials will make final decisions about what is included in the time capsule.
The july 7 Welcome Home Cooperstown event will run from 5:30 to about 6:30 p.m., shortened for the summer season so attendees can head to Lakefront Park for the weekly Tuesday concert.
In addition to the burial of the America250 time capsule at 22 Main Street, The Glimmerglass Festival will preview its 2026 season with vocal performances on the lawn.
“Visitors often comment on how picturesque and charming they find our village,” Tillapaugh said. “Hearing opera and musical performances on the lawn of 22 Main Street just adds to the special charm of our community.”
Strike up the Community Band!
By MAY-BRITT jOYCe
COOPeRSTOWn
The Cooperstown Community Band opens its
165th year performing at Cooperstown’s Lakefront Park on Friday, july 3 at 6 p.m., preceding the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department’s annual community Fourth of
26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. The Annual Meeting of the FCVCA is for the purpose of electing nine directors and the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Each lot owner is entitled to one vote, either in person, or by proxy. The directors can be both lot owners and non-lot owners. The directors will serve a term of one year. If you would like to be placed on the ballot or would like to nominate a director to be placed on the ballot, please email flycreekcemetery@gmail.com.
july fireworks display. The CCB ranks as one of the oldest continuing community bands in the country. It originated in 1861 and in 1862, during the Civil War, 13 men left Cooperstown to serve as Doubleday’s Band in the new York 66th Regiment as part of the war effort.
This year, commemorating the nation’s 250th Day of Independence, the band has 40-50 volunteer members ranging from elementary, high school, and college students to a wide range of professionals and retirees—from first-year participants to veterans of several decades up to 50 years.
Originally, community bands were all brass. Cooperstown’s instrumentation is typical of most current concert bands, with woodwinds, brass and percussion, from piccolo to tuba. The group practices weekly at the Cooperstown Fire House.
The CCB participates in the annual Springfield Parade on Saturday, july 4, followed by a concert at the Old School. The season continues through August with area performances in Schuyler Lake, Richfield Springs, Cherry Valley, and Fort Plain, and returning to Cooperstown’s Lakefront Park and Glimmerglass State Park.
Concerts open with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and end with
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America250 Celebration Kicks Off Lakefront Concert Season with Two Bands, Food Vendors, Face Painting and Fireworks
The Village of Cooperstown, in partnership with Live Music Cooperstown, announced the 2026 Cooperstown Lakefront Concert Series schedule and lineup this week.
Concerts are held in Lakefront Park in downtown Cooperstown on Tuesday evenings throughout July and August and feature a diverse mix of local and regional bands, with a variety of food trucks and vendors on site, officials said.
Each Tuesday evening the public is invited to bring chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages and enjoy the free performances held on the Lakefront Park bandstand, with food vendors and face painting open at 5:30 p.m. and concerts beginning at 6:30 p.m.
This year the concert series kicks off on Friday, July 3 with the Village of Cooperstown’s America250 Celebration, including fireworks and a Lakefront Concert doubleheader.
“Featuring two bands, food trucks, face painting, free ice cream, and fireworks at dark, this signature event offers an entire evening of fun, wholesome entertainment for the entire family,” the press release reads.
“These concerts enrich our downtown and offer a great opportunity for both area residents and visitors to join together in celebration of our local community,” said Ellen Tillapaugh, mayor of the Village of Cooperstown.
“The location in Lakefront Park in the heart of the village offers the perfect natural setting for enjoying live, lakeside music, with a large lawn for chairs, blankets and room for children to play in a safe and welcoming environment. We’re especially excited this year to open the season by commemorating the founding of our great country with
a special America250 Celebration.”
For the America250 Celebration event, food vendors and face painting open at 5 p.m., with free Stewart’s ice cream being served at 6:30 p.m. by volunteers from Cooperstown Friends of the Parks, a local non-profit that supports the village’s public parks. At 6 p.m., the Cooperstown Community Band opens the night of music with concert band classics featuring patriotic songs for the Fourth of July Holiday and 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Then, at 8 p.m., local band Steel Rail performs covers of classic rock favorites spanning the decades, playing right up until the fireworks begin. Additionally, Village Historian Will Walker will be on site to provide infor-
Kelley’s Works To Be Discussed
MIDDLEFIELD
The Art Garage, 89 Beaver Meadow Road, will host a Lavern Kelley (19281998) discussion on Wednesday, June 24 at 4 p.m. This is the final program associated with the exhibition “Artists (Obsessed),” a fourperson show.
Art Garage founding director and curator Sydney Waller and established artist and longtime folk art collector Tom Nussbaum will discuss Kelley’s work. They will focus in particular on the dozens of twosided drawings featured in the current show. The gallery will open at 3:30. Reservations are recommended by texting or calling (315) 941-9607 or by e-mailing leartgarage@gmail.com. The Art Garage is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 pm. and daily by appointment.
“Artists (Obsessed)” has been extended through Tuesday, July 14. The exhibition features a number of Kelley’s less well-known pencil drawings: All reference various aspects of trucks and farm equipment, sometimes depicting
hard-working loggers and farmers for scale. Others are sparsely or fully colored with crayon, and exhibit a range of agricultural activities as done in the 1940s. Most are twosided to save paper and were created after chores on winter nights. Tom Nussbaum is an acclaimed American artist and sculptor who creates diverse art, including large-scale installations, animations, and children’s books.
His work was recently featured in a major solo exhibition at the Montclair Art Museum. His extensive art collection of self-taught artists includes a number of Lavern Kelley pieces.
The Art Garage represents Kelley’s estate of drawings, carvings, figures, and composed photographs, which it periodically shares with museums, galleries, and private collectors.
mation about the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the lasting legacies of the American Revolution, while the local chapter of the League of Women Voters will be promoting voter information, offering a fun game for kids, and giving out treats.
The season schedule is as follows:
• July 3: America250 Celebration Fireworks and Lakefront Concert. Live music by the Cooperstown Community Band and Steel Rail, food trucks, face painting and ice cream
• July 7: Woodshed Prophets. Power twang.
• July 14: Real Time Dixieland Band. Dixieland big band.
• July 21: Hilltown Ramblers. Northern bluegrass.
• July 28: Nate Gross Band. Blues, rock.
• August 4: Grateful Upstate Toodeloo. Grateful Dead tribute.
• August 11: Cooperstown Community Band. Concert band classics.
• August 18: Grit ‘n Grace. Country rock duo.
• August 25: The Currys. Indie folk rock.
According to the press release, there will a wide variety of food, drink and dessert offerings with multiple food trucks and food vendors on site this season, including Phat Backs Texas Style BBQ, Chef Dave Neil’s Mobile Kitchen, Busy Bee Mobile Cafe and Fireside Grill, Overboard Charcuterie, Rick’s Hot Dogs, Good Day Mobile Cafe’s Real Italian Ice, and Ye Olde Bubble Tea and More.
“We’re very excited for another season of live music in Lakefront Park, with all of our food vendors back again this year, plus a couple of new additions to the lineup, offering even greater variety to meet the needs of our growing audience” said Randy Smith with Live Music Cooperstown, the event’s producer.
“Once again this season we’ll be showcasing a mix of local and regional bands across a variety of musical genres, so there’s always something for everyone. Most exciting of all, the America250 Celebration that kicks off our season offers the perfect opportunity to bring people together to honor our country and celebrate our community, with an entire evening of fun for the whole family,” Smith said.
Follow the Cooperstown Lakefront Concert Series on social media for more information and updates at https://www. facebook.com/CooperstownLakefront/
Photo provided
The Lakefront Park Concert Series features a diverse mix of local and regional bands, with a variety of food trucks and vendors on site.
Perspectives
Will It Be the Old Guard or the Rising Newcomers?
As we prepare to send our pages to the printer on Tuesday evening, we can’t help but wonder how the primaries are going to shape up.
Some of our political representatives are playing musical chairs, so to speak. In the Republican primary, current Senator Peter Oberacker is running against Alexander Portelli for a crack at Representative Josh Riley, who currently holds the 19th Congressional District seat. New York State Assemblyman Christopher Tague is seeking to replace Oberacker in Senate District 51, but first must get past Terry Bernardo. And here in Otsego County, Mike Stalter, a retired Otsego County sheriff’s deputy, has made a strong push to unseat longtime Otsego County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr.
The Democratic primary is not nearly so interesting. Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle are challenging New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for his job, while Thomas Boomhower, Janet Tweed and Mary Finneran have all thrown their hats in the ring for Tague’s seat in the 102nd Assembly District.
Why do we write about this now, on the cusp of the election results? Well, frankly, it’s because we wonder about how effective some of these campaigns will be in the wake of recent scandals, and whether or not those scandals will impact Tuesday’s final numbers.
First, back in October, there was the New York State Young Republicans scandal. Two of the organization’s leaders found to be involved in a hate-filled online group chat were at Sen. Oberacker’s congressional campaign launch. This
AMERICA AT
Twas just eight days before Politico reported the results of its investigation of thousands of private Telegram messages between leading Young Republicans across the country over a sevenmonth period. Oberacker immediately distanced himself from Cooperstown native Bobby Walker who, at the time, was chair of the NYSYR and could potentially have gone on to play a role in Oberacker’s congressional election bid. At the time, a campaign spokesperson said the senator “cut ties with Mr. Walker once the horrific and disgusting text messages came to our attention.”
Then, just weeks ago, a veteran Otsego County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant was arrested on felony drug charges after a months long investigation by New York State Police and the Otsego County District Attorney’s Office—an arrest that quickly spilled into an already heated race for sheriff. Lt. Christopher Fellrath was taken into custody on May 29 following an undercover investigation into alleged drug distribution. State Police investigators claim that Fellrath used his position—and at times, county owned vehicles—while participating in the distribution of controlled substances. Days after Fellrath’s arrest another Sheriff’s Office employee, Sergeant Kristopher Solovitch, was arrested on charges of felony forgery and falsifying business records. Solovitch is accused of lying on evidence submission forms linked to an investigation into Fellrath for alleged overtime fraud.
So we wonder, is the turmoil sufficient enough to negatively impact Oberacker and Devlin? Or will their strong Republican base carry them through another election? Both Portelli and Stalter have
run high-profile public campaigns leading up to the primaries. In contrast, Oberacker and Devlin have been fairly quiet, the latter having declined to take part in a League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area-sponsored debate due to the county GOP’s “long standing position” against participating in debates the group sponsors, citing a negative debate experience in 2018 and LWVCA’s political views. Since voting results, including early voting, cannot be released until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, as of this writing we are not to know.
In our experience, even detailed pieces published by AllOtsego, in which various candidates over the last several years have answered the same set of questions as their opponents, were not enough to sway public opinion. We have watched as candidates performed badly in these Q&As—their responses being far outshined by those of their opponents— only to prevail in popularity in the end.
So yes, we are very curious about where things will stand as our papers hit newsstands and homes later this week. Will Oberacker and Devlin’s records speak for themselves? Or will they fall to more aggressive challengers, under the specter of last fall’s Young Republicans and the recent arrest of two Sheriff’s Office employees? Have Oberacker and Devlin sufficiently proven themselves to be strong representatives of Otsego County over the course of their careers, or is there a rising call now for change? Will the old guard continue on to the General Election in November, or will it be the rising newcomers?
By the time you read this, we will finally know. And Otsego County will move on accordingly.
General Washington Preserves the Republic
wo hundred fifty years ago, this great nation was forged in war, boldly declaring its independence from the world’s greatest empire. Thomas Jefferson placed before the world the reasons for our separation from Great Britain, and the most important reason was that Americans— indeed “all men”—had “inalienable rights” that came not from kings and parliaments but from God, their Creator. John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and others lit the torch of liberty with their words and actions. George Washington and the Continental Army waged war to attain that liberty and independence. And a decade later, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton created an institutional framework to preserve that liberty against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
At the end of the War of Independence, the Republic’s future was in doubt. The officers of
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
the army were owed back pay, and Congress had promised them pensions for their service to the new country. Gen. Washington in early 1783 received information that “dangerous combinations” within the army, then encamped at New Windsor, New York, a few miles from Washington’s headquarters at Newburgh, planned to march on Congress. There were rumors of a planned coup d’etat by frustrated officers. Other officers suggested that Washington assume monarchical or dictatorial powers to force Congress to pay the troops. Washington biographer James Thomas Flexner called these developments the American Revolution’s “moment of major political crisis.”
Would the American Revolution go the way of the French Revolution, which when it broke out six years later promised liberty, equality, fraternity,
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then descended into a reign of terror followed by Napoleon’s dictatorship and monarchy? At New Windsor in March 1783, that was a distinct possibility. On March 15, 1783, the officers at the New Windsor encampment gathered at the Temple Hill meeting hall to discuss their grievances against Congress. Flexner calls this meeting “probably the most important single gathering ever held in the United States.”
The mood among the soldiers in the hall was grim and defiant. Gen. Washington appeared unexpectedly and walked across a small stage. He appealed to the officers’ patriotism, lauded their bravery and told them he would urge Congress to keep its promises to the army. Do not open “the flood gates of civil discord,” he pleaded. Do not act in a manner that “will lessen the dignity and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn Natural
Laws, Not Vandalism
Something went terribly wrong with the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Shortly after the pool was refilled with water, a green scum spread rapidly over the surface. To kill the algae producing that scum, National Park Service employees dumped hydrogen peroxide solution into the pool. The scum stubbornly remained, but shortly after that, the pool’s new blue epoxy coating began bubbling up from the bottom.
President Trump blamed the damage on vandals, despite a total lack of evidence from the hundreds of security cameras that constantly monitor the pool. I believe the actual culprit was the hydrogen peroxide dumped into the pool in broad daylight.
Don’t mind me, I’m only a chemistry professor. Instead, try two searches on your smart device: “interaction of UV light with hydrogen peroxide” and “chemical compatibility of epoxy coatings with hydroxyl radicals.” See what there is to see, then look at recent images
of the Reflecting Pool again. What they “reflect” is nature’s reality—paid for with over $14 million tax dollars in a no-bid contract given to the president’s buddies.
That’s the thing about natural laws: policies that oppose them are doomed to fail. This administration, with its anti-science and anti-expert stance in multiple areas, will never achieve results for us. The evidence suggests that our national leaders’ talents (and possibly their intents) lead only to demolition and failure. Is that all we expect from our tax dollars?
Ron Bishop Cooperstown
Pet Owners Must Be Responsible
The purpose of this letter is to plead with pet owners to spay/neuter and vaccinate their pets and take responsibility for them.
Last week my (neutered, vaccinated) cat was attacked in our yard in the city of Oneonta by a feral cat. My cat received several injuries. We made an urgent visit to the vet, which included wound care, pain medication, antibiotics, and
Continued on page 10
an updated rabies shot. I called the City of Oneonta Animal Control number. The voice mailbox was full. I texted the number and got no reply. I called the city police, who directed me to Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement personnel informed me that Animal Control does not manage cats, only dogs. They gave me the number for Friends of the Feral, a volunteer group who helps trap strays and get them some basic care. I got a voice mail at that number and no one has returned my call. The sad takeaway here is that the burden of dealing with feral animals, by whatever means, is falling to the community. But it is rightfully up to YOU to care for your pets. And please, if you can’t care for your pet, don’t abandon it to suffer injury, sickness, or starvation. Do the right thing and take it to a shelter where it will get food and vet care, and the chance for a new home. I certainly am not equal to coping with this problem, and it shouldn’t be mine to deal with.
Ellen P. Falin Oneonta
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Columnists
Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Roberta McLain, Debra Moffitt, Trisha Muro, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester
FRAnCIS P. SEMPA
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
85 YEARS AGO
June 25, 1941
60 YEARS AGO
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller has arranged to speak here next Tuesday morning to the Fifth Annual Executive Conference of the New York State Broadcasters Association which opens Monday at the Otesaga Hotel. Tentative plans call for the Governor to arrive here by helicopter shortly before 11 a.m. to address the convention. The helicopter will probably land on the Cooperstown Country Club golf course. Community antenna television broadcasting will be the subject of a panel discussion at the conference. Approximately 75 people attended a public hearing Monday night at the Village Library Building at which two changes in the Village Zoning Code were discussed. The hearing was called by the Board of Trustees to get public reaction to proposals to change the zoning code to allow the erection of multi-family dwellings under special permits in areas classified as R-1, and give jurisdiction to the Zoning Board of Appeals to carry out responsibilities in these areas. Presidential Homes, Inc. wants to develop a largescale apartment complex on Estli Avenue in an area classified R-1. An informal poll of those attending showed 20 persons were in favor and 13 opposed to the project and a change in the law.
June 22, 1966
35 YEARS AGO
The village has hired 10 people, including six returning staff members, to work in its Lester G. “Red” Bursey summer playground program. New staff members are Assistant Directorjanette Lyons and counselors Patrick Shepard,jacinda Hall and Abigail Clark. Returnees are Director Rosemary Brodersen, Assistant Directorjean Harris and senior counselors Karen Wood, Amy Rank, Karli Olin, jeffrey Harrington and Patrick Murray. The program begins onjuly 1. Each day’s activities will begin with swimming lessons at 8:15 a.m. Children who won’t be taking swimming lessons will begin their day at 9:30 a.m. at the Cooperstown Elementary School playground.
June 26, 1991
How Helios Care Is Investing in Our Community
For more than 40 years, Helios Care has been committed to making life easier for individuals and families facing serious illness by providing choices, dignity and compassionate care. While many people know Helios Care for hospice services, our work extends far beyond the bedside. Today, we are investing in both clinical excellence and community outreach to ensure that more people have access to the support, education, and care they deserve.
Helios Care’s outcomes exceed state averages, demonstrating the impact of education, collaboration, and trusted community relationships.
One of the greatest challenges facing healthcare today is that many individuals and families learn about hospice care only during the final days of life. When that happens, patients often miss opportunities for symptom management, emotional support, caregiver education and advance care planning that could have improved quality of life much earlier.
To address this challenge, Helios Care has expanded its efforts to build stronger relationships with healthcare providers, nursing homes, hospitals, and community organizations throughout Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties. Through physician outreach, educational programs, and community partnerships, we are working to move conversations about serious illness and end-of-life care upstream, before a crisis occurs.
These efforts are already making a difference. Helios Care patients enter hospice earlier than the New York State average, allowing them and their families to benefit from a longer period of support and care. While New York continues to rank among the lowest states in hospice utilization,
By MERL REAGLE
Community engagement has become a central part of this work. New initiatives such as “Coffee and Conversation” provide welcoming opportunities for community members, caregivers, and families to learn about hospice and supportive care services in a comfortable, informal environment. These gatherings help answer questions, dispel misconceptions and connect people with resources long before they are facing a healthcare crisis. Check our Facebook page for events happening near you. https://www.facebook. com/helioscarehospice
We have also introduced programs designed specifically to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and referral partners. Our Continuum of Care Remembrance Program reaches out to physicians and healthcare professionals following the loss of a shared patient. Through personalized communication and expressions of appreciation, the program honors the partnership that exists between providers while also sharing information about the services and support Helios Care provided. In today’s healthcare environment, where providers often have limited time for face-to-face meetings, these meaningful
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Way Out of Africa Puns in
Brew-to-Brew 5K Planned
SIDNEY—The Wakeman Coffee Company and Muddy River Farm Brewery will host their second annual Sidney Brew-to-Brew 5K walk and run at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19. Participants will progress from the coffee house to the brewery and receive a token for a drink at each location. Postrace festivities include live music, cornhole, local vendors and a shirt tie-dye station. Registration is $35.00 per person through September 12, rising to $40.00 on September 13 and $45.00 on race day. All proceeds will benefit Uplift Collective, a Sidney-based nonprofit that supports children and families facing significant health issues. Register at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Sidney/ SidneyBrewToBrew5K. For more information or to volunteer, contact sidneyb2b5k@gmail.com.
Poetry Group To Meet Aug. 11
COOPERSTOWN—Village Verses, Cooperstown’s new multi-generational gathering of poetry enthusiasts, will meet in the Elementary School Library from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11. The August theme will be “Bridging Generations,” focusing on poems for adults and children to share. There will be tips on memorizing and reciting poetry. All are welcome.
HoF Traveling Exhibit Opens
GREENVILLE, SC—The Upcountry History Museum will host the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s traveling “Picturing America’s Pastime” baseball photography exhibit from June 27 through January 24. Fans can view 51 framed selections from the Hall of Fame’s collection of a quartermillion historic images. The display will travel to the Huntington, West Virginia Museum of Art from October 2027 to February 2028 and to the Louisville Slugger Museum from March to May of 2028.
Foothills Awarded State Grant
ONEONTA—The New York State Council on the Arts awarded Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center a $324,000.00 grant to complete soundproofing the venue and add four dressing rooms. The project will eliminate scheduling conflicts caused by sound bleeding and insufficient preparation space.
Fleming To Perform at FPACC
ONEONTA—Guggenheim dance artist Maureen Fleming will host an educational performance and call-to-action, “AXIS MUNDI: In the Pipeline Blast Zone,” at Pumpkin Hollow Arts Center, 1157 Frank Briggs Road in Oneonta, from 8-10 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. Fleming combines surreal movement, poetry, and visuals and will perform at a venue within the 800-foot “blast zone” of the proposed fracked gas Constitution Pipeline. Following the performance, Anne Marie Garti, founding member of Stop the Pipeline and of counsel at the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, will discuss how the pipeline will attract artificial intelligence data centers and polluting heavy industries to the area without improving local gas supply. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting Stop the Pipeline. Visit qrco.de/axismundi for more information.
Bass Tournament Returns
RICHFIELD SPRINGS—Richfield Springs Community Center’s annual Bass Tournament will return to the Canadarago Boat Launch at 135
Dennison Road on Saturday, July 18. Registration is from 5:30-7 a.m., with fishing from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a free lunch following the weigh-in. Cash prizes total $1,000.00. For more information or to register, contact (315) 749-3286 or bill@richfieldzone.org.
Museum To Dedicate Plaque
ONEONTA—The Swart-Wilcox House Museum, Oneonta Chapter DAR and Oneonta America 250 Committee will dedicate a Lawrence Swart DAR plaque at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 3. The ceremony will take place at the museum on Wilcox Avenue in Oneonta.
Tyler Clark Found Guilty
UNADILLA—An Otsego County Jury found Tyler J. Clark, 34, of Unadilla, guilty of rape in the second degree, criminal sexual act in the second degree, and course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree on June 18. The jury, consisting of nine men and three women, deliberated for two hours after a four-day trial before Hon. Michael F. Getman found Clark guilty of engaging in oral sexual conduct and sexual intercourse with a person less than 15 years old and of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old. Clark’s sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on August 10.
Elks To Host July Dinners
ONEONTA—The Oneonta Elks will host community dinners on Wednesday, July 8 and 22, offering roast beef dinners and spaghetti plates, respectively. The cost is $15.00 to eat in or $17.00 to take out, with no charge for veterans. Call (607) 432-1312 to make a reservation.
Next Contradance is July 3rd
MILFORD—Otsego Dance Society will hold its next contradance at Beaver Valley Campsites, 138 Towers Road, from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, July 3. The band will be Quicksilver and the caller will be Ted Crane. There will be a brief introductory session for beginners at 6:45. Suggested donation is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students 13 and up.
Lavender Season Underway
SHARON SPRINGS—Slate Hill Lavender Farm, 342 Slate Hill Road in Sharon Springs, is open for fresh lavender season through July 19. U-Pick lavender is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, for $10.00 per bunch. The season will also feature special events, including evening dinners, art classes and photography sessions. For more information or a complete calendar, visit slatehill-lavenderfarm. com/pages/visit.
Parade Registration Is Open
ONEONTA—The Oneonta 4th of July Parade will kick off at noon on the 4th. Businesses, organizations, clubs and community groups are encouraged to participate. To register, visit form.jotform. com/241614612489156.
Book Sale Ends on Sunday
COOPERSTOWN—Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown will wrap up the organization’s annual Summer Book Sale with a bag sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28. Those interested can fill any size of bag
with books for only $5.00. The sale is on the Fair Street side of the Village Hall. All proceeds support library programming.
Fenimore Announces Exhibits
COOPERSTOWN—The Fenimore Art Museum’s Linda McCartney retrospective, “From the Light,” will display the celebrated photographer and musician’s work through September 7. “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting,” will run for the same dates. The Fenimore will host its first 21+ trivia night from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, June 26. The Food for Thought program, offering a buffet lunch and guided tour of exhibitions, will explore “In Nature’s Studio” from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. For a complete calendar or to register, visit fenimoreartmuseum.org/calendar-a-4.
Import Restrictions Imposed
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced new import restrictions for all domestic animals entering the state following the detection of New World screwworms in Texas and New Mexico. This parasite poses a serious threat to pets and livestock and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Livestock producers and pet owners are urged to watch for draining or expanding wounds and maggots or eggs, especially on the belly, nose, and ears, and practice careful biosecurity measures. Suspected NWS infections should be reported to (518) 457-3502. For more information, visit aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestockand-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm.
Jacob VanHouten Honored
COOPERSTOWN—Dr. Jacob VanHouten, MD, PhD, MPH, MS, associate chief medical information officer at Bassett Healthcare Network, was recently elected as a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine. The honor recognizes his service and skill in preventive medicine.
Gardening Workshop Slated
COOPERSTOWN—Cornell Cooperative
Extension Master Gardeners will lead a Square Foot Gardening workshop at the CCESO Grow Garden, 123 Lake Street in Cooperstown, at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29. The program is free but registration is required in advance; visit cceschoharieotsego.org for more information or to sign up.
Hawkeyes Track Season Ends
WEBSTER—Cooperstown track sprinter Jameson Gable finished his high-school career with sixth place in the Class C 100m dash at the state championships on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. He had a time of 11.21 seconds in the final. Gable will run for the University of Rochester next year. The 4x100m relay team of Theo Spinosa, Gable, Joey DeSanno and Sonam Gymnaso finished eighth in 43.85 seconds.
Sentz Places in Championships
CHURCHVILLE—Cooperstown junior Brayden Sentz tied for 12th place in the state golf championships on Sunday and Monday, June 7 and 8. He shot a minus-3 68 on the par-71 course on Sunday but suffered a plus-7 78 on Monday. This was his third straight year in the state tournament.
NEWS FROM COOPERSTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL
Created by Jacob Johnson, Claire Baldo and Annika Murray, assisted by CCS Librarian Michelle Hitchcock
Bridging Languages, Cultures through the NYS Seal of Biliteracy
TBy JACOB JOHNSON
he New York State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate high proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The yearlong process involves student research in both English and their chosen language on a topic of their choice.
The seal can validate language skills, which can be used by employers seeking multilingual candidates. In my case, I conducted a research project about the role of women and the philosophes during the French Revolution in French. Following my year abroad as a sophomore in France, Mrs. Michelle Hitchcock brought a unique opportunity to my attention: the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. Although I did not know what the seal entailed, I was immediately intrigued.
The whole process started in my junior year, when I opted to challenge the College Board’s Advanced Placement French Language and Culture Exam. Although Cooperstown hadn’t offered the course for years, I knew that with my exchange under my belt and continued study of French, I would be able to succeed on the exam. So, I began studying on my own and preparing for the written essays required by the exam throughout my junior year. In July of the summer before my senior year, I discovered I had passed the exam with flying colors and could put the credit toward my Seal of Biliteracy.
During my senior year, I met with
Mrs. Hitchcock, the school librarian, to begin researching and outlining the research project that I would present to a panel of judges in May. I figured since I was giving my culminating presentation in French, I should choose a topic that was uniquely French, the French Revolution. Through a series of organized meetings, I met with my two advisors—Mrs. Hitchcock for help with my research, and Mme. Schleining, the French teacher at Cooperstown. Through the sessions, I continued to develop my research and
express my thoughts in proper English and French.
One of the greatest challenges I encountered was finding reliable French sources. I had no trouble finding many English sources; however, when it came to looking for those in French, the process became more complex. Most of the French sources I used were primary sources and videos. I had trouble finding research databases and secondary sources because I had limited access to library media sources in France. However, the primary sources
and videos still helped me gain an understanding of the French perspective and to properly name key events. In the end, I found enough sources to support my arguments to the panel.
The day of the presentation, I presented my research project to Mme. Schleining’s French I class and a panel of six judges. The presentation consisted of both a French and an English part, so I was graded on my skills in both languages. Afterward, students and panelists had the opportunity to ask questions, allowing me to demonstrate not only my language abilities but also my understanding of the historical topics I researched.
Overall, completing the Seal of Biliteracy project was one of the most rewarding academic experiences of my high-school career. Not only did it strengthen my French speaking, writing, and research abilities, but it also taught me how to think critically and communicate complex ideas across languages. Presenting my research in both English and French pushed me outside of my comfort zone and demonstrated how much I had grown and learned since studying abroad in France. I could not have pursued the seal without my experiences abroad in France, and I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Cooperstown for sponsoring my year abroad. It was truly a life-changing opportunity that opened so many doors for me. Earning the Seal of Biliteracy represents more than proficiency in another language; it reflects curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world beyond Cooperstown.
Booster Club Honors Student Athletes with Annual Ceremony
By CLAIRE BALDO
On Wednesday, June 10, the Cooperstown Central School Sports Booster Club hosted the 67th annual Cooperstown Athletic Awards Ceremony. Celia Begin kicked off the ceremony with the singing of the national anthem and Cooperstown’s alma mater. The ceremony continued with the acknowledgement of special achievements, such as Center State Conference, regional, and sectional championships, student athlete recognitions, and new school records. Members of the varsity boys basketball team were also celebrated for their victory as state champions this past winter.
Scholar athletes were honored for maintaining high averages while balancing varsity sports. The individual names of the 79 scholar athletes were read by Principal Laurie LaMondie. Ninety-five percent of Cooperstown’s varsity sports teams are recognized as varsity scholar teams.
Athletic achievements included numerous record breakers. Katie Crippen set six new softball records. Brenin Dempsey set five football records, and Jameson Gable set three new records for boys track and field. The boys track and field 4x100 relay team celebrated a two-time record break, accomplished by Jameson Gable, Marco Spinosa, Sonam Gyamsto, Joey DeSanno, and alternate Dylan Craig.
Girls swimming set records in the 200M relay and the 400M freestyle relay with Jaeliana Chase, Emily Kane, Shelby Haberbush, and Caitlin O’Sullivan. In the 100 butterfly, Shelby Haberbusch has the new record. For the boys swimming, Thomas Hellenthal has the new 100 freestyle record, and the new 400 freestyle relay record was secured by Macon Aramini, London Kinley, Shepard Olsen, and Thomas Hellenthal.
Cooperstown’s Leadership Training for Athletes, represented by President Mia Pelcer and Vicepresident Jacob Johnson, shared the group’s annual accomplishments. LTA was involved in several fundraising activities and team service projects. They hosted their own conference welcoming athletes from three different sections to the Clark Sports Center this past March. The LTA program continued its annual Brooks’ BBQ fundraiser, and the money raised went to Cooperstown’s bus driver, Jason Stone, supporting him on his cancer journey.
Varsity coaches presented their Most Valuable Player awards. The awarded athletes include:
• Boys Soccer MVP: Henry Ayers and Gavin Grady
• Girls Soccer MVP: Mia Pelcer and Katie Crippen
• Football MVP: Cayden Laymon, Brenin Dempsey and Thomas Hellenthal
• Boys Cross Country MVP: Jacob Johnson
• Girls Cross Country MVP: Evelyn Rhodes
• Girls Swimming/Diving MVP: Emily Kane
• Boys Swimming/Diving MVP: Thomas Hellenthal
• Volleyball MVP: Mia Pelcer
• Bowling MVP: Joey Paterno and Wyatt Butts
• Boys Basketball MVP: Miles Nelen
• Girls Basketball MVP: Lanie Nelen and Emma Johnson
• Wrestling MVP: Matthew Perrino
• Golf MVP: Brayden Sentz
• Tennis MVP: Bianca Adam and Henry Ayers
• Baseball MVP: Braden Rawitch and Joey Paterno
•Softball MVP: Evelyn Baldo
• Girls Track and Field MVP: Ashley Nanyonjo and Emily Rawitch
• Boys Track and Field MVP: Jameson Gable
Varsity bowling coach Brady Sickler started the very first record plaques for bowling, on which Joey Paterno and Wyatt Butts were the first names to be engraved for their accomplishments. Athletic Director Josh Wagner acknowledged and thanked Rebecca Pokorny and Maria Field for their involvement as Cooperstown sports secretaries.
The Ken Kiser Good Sportsmanship Award, given every year by the Sports Booster Club, honors a community member for his/her impact on Cooperstown’s athletics. This year’s recipient was Michael Croft, varsity wrestling and varsity boys track and field coach, for his hard work and dedication to the athletes and his help with the Booster Club.
Elias MacLeish received the Robert D. Snyder Community Service Award for his consistent commitment to nature preservation in the school’s LaCava Nature Center.
The Athletic Director’s Award, chosen by Josh Wagner, was given to two athletes, one female and one male. The recipients recognized for this award were Evie Baldo and Brenin Dempsey.
The Robert James Welsh Award is given to respectful and undeterrable athletes. Sonam Gyamtso and Ryan Ford received this award. The Lester G. “Red” Bursey Award is given to an outstanding senior athlete, both male and female. The athletes honored for their dedication and athleticism were Jackson Crisman and Mia Pelcer.
The John Terry McGovern Sportsmanship Award and Ann I. Pink Memorial Award are presented to prominently sportsmanlike and stand-out athletes. These awards were given to seniors Jacob Johnson and Katie Crippen.
For the Student Choice Awards, students at CCS in grades 9-12 collectively chose Miles Nelen and Mia Pelcer to receive these special recognitions. Miles Nelen was named Player of the Year by the New York State Sportswriters Association. For this achievement, he will receive a banner in Cooperstown’s highschool gymnasium.
A video presentation created by sophomore photographer Cody Gaa showcased senior athlete highlights and remembrances. The ceremony concluded with appreciation for CCS Athletic Director Josh Wagner, who was recognized for his hard work and time devoted to his students and their sports performances.
The sports banquet is a time-honored tradition that acknowledges the accomplishments of the Cooperstown varsity athletes. The athletes benefit tremendously from the support of the Cooperstown Booster Club. Community members are asked to consider donating their time to serve in the organization, their money to support club projects, or their help with concessions throughout each sports season. Contact Booster Club President Alicia Chase at ccssportsboosterclub@gmail.com for more information.
CCS Envirothon Team Places in Top 20 at State Competition
By ANNIKA MURRAY
May 27 and 28, Cooperstown Central School students competed in the annual New York State Envirothon at SUNY Cortland. The competing team consisted of Owen Capozza, Xavier Wilcox, Annika Murray, and siblings Ada and Elias MacLeish. They were coached by Amy Parr, an Envirothon veteran who has mentored CCS teams for years. She teaches life science at CCS. The yearly contest allows students to compete in various areas of study, such as forestry, soils, wildlife, aquatics, and current issues, and to share an oral presentation about a selected topic. This year, the oral presentation focused on non-point source pollution, or NPS, in an imaginary New York county. The Cooperstown team was successful, placing 17th out of 58 teams from all across New York State. As three of the team’s members had not been to the state competition before, spirits were high and all were excited to take part. During the competition, CCS students also had the opportunity to participate in a college/career fair featuring New York State colleges and job opportunities in the environmental and natural resources fields.
Photo provided
Jacob Johnson (center) is flanked by Cooperstown Central School Librarian Michelle Hitchcock and French teacher Marjorie Schleining, who were instrumental in Johnson’s Seal of Biliteracy achievement.
Photo provided
The Cooperstown Sports Booster Club continues to sponsor a senior plaque with an engraved listing of each senior’s involvement in Cooperstown’s athletic program.
Mayor
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service,” Buttermann said, adding that O’Donnell’s family attended the ceremony.
The mayor praised the Veterans Outreach Center’s monthly luncheons, which he said have grown steadily in popularity since launching last November: “Each month there’s more people there. It’s really great to see this as a community-building event.”
Buttermann said the gatherings have drawn notable visitors, including Congressman josh Riley, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, and New York State Commissioner of Veteran Services Viviana M. DeCohen, who recently presented certificates in recognition of the work of center staff members Gary Flaherty and Kerri Lincoln.
Shifting to student achievements, Buttermann highlighted Oneonta’s recognition as one of the Best Communities for Music Education (2026) by the
Jean Fieg
1929-2026
GREENSBORO, NC—jean Elaine Davie Fieg, 97, died of natural causes on june 22, 2026 in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was born in Greensboro on February 9, 1929, a date her father always referred to as 2-92-9. jean was the eldest child and only daughter of Raymon G. and Mary “Marion” Elizebeth (Morris) Davie.
After the Great Depression struck in October of 1929, jean’s family moved to the Oneonta, New York area, where they lived for a while on the farm of her Uncle Henry. jean studied art at Syracuse University until her mother died unexpectedly at the age of 46 in 1948. jean returned home to take on the household duties, looking after her father and two younger brothers.
jean married her best friend’s brother, Victor Philip Fieg, on September 2, 1950 in Oneonta. They bravely took three toddlers camping, arranged summer road trips across the northeast, and made sure they kept up connections with their far-flung fami-
Funeral Home
NAMM Foundation.
“It speaks very highly of the music program and the number of students our teachers are able to reach,” he said, praising the district’s educators and the positive experiences they create for students.
Buttermann also celebrated a series of athletic accomplishments. Oneonta High School sophomore pitcher jenevie Gallusser was named Student Athlete of the Week by “The Daily Star” after recording her 200th strikeout.
“They couldn’t keep her off base, nor did she let anyone on base,” Buttermann said.
The following week, sprinter Cassidy Howard earned the same honor after setting two meet records at the Doug Quinney Invitational.
Buttermann also recognized Nolan Stark, who pitched a perfect game for the Yellowjackets, striking out nine batters in five innings.
Public comment brought a mix of infrastructure concerns and heartfelt advocacy. josephine Becker, a recent Hartwick College
lies. After Philip died in 1989, jean continued to care for their home in Greensboro, including the flower-filled wooded lot they dubbed the Fiegenhoff Gardens in a nod to the vibrantly colored tulip fields they saw on a European trip.
jean was an amateur artist and filled their home with her original paintings, and with classical music and books. She encouraged her children to appreciate the arts and always made sure those school lunches were made each night.
Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, and brothers Norman, Raymon jr., and his wife, Sonja Davie. jean is survived by her daughters, judy (joe) Kestner of Corpus Christi, Texas, Diana (Bill)
Dignity, Respect, Tradition
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graduate, urged the city to address deteriorating pavement on East Street.
“The roads are still pretty gnarly…it’s kind of wearing down my tires,” she said, noting that while part of the roadway has been repaired, a significant stretch remains in poor condition.
Becker also spoke about Pridefest 2026 and the Trans Memorial she and her roommate are creating. She emphasized the local impact of anti-trans violence and instability.
“Our struggle is not just a national crisis. It’s here in Oneonta as well,” she said.
The memorial will include a dedicated section honoring trans New Yorkers who have died in recent years due to homicide or suicide.
The meeting’s most detailed presentation came from Assistant Professor Li Luo of Hartwick College, director of the IRS-supported VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. Luo reported that the program has served 7,853 families over seven
years, returning more than $6.83 million to the community through refunds and credits.
“Yes, it’s free—free of charge and free of errors,” she said, noting the program’s zero-error record and 100 percent acceptance rate.
Luo emphasized the program’s community impact, including service to veterans, seniors, low-income families, people with disabilities and refugees. She also highlighted Oneonta’s national visibility through IRS symposiums and VITA conferences.
“People from at least 44 states have already learned about a small city called Oneonta,” she said, adding that the city’s support has been essential to the program’s success.
Presenting the city with an IRS certification and a Department of Treasury letter, she said, “We cannot thank you enough. As I keep saying, it’s not just one year, one mayor and one people. It’s the whole community’s support. Thank you so much.”
Committee reports covered sidewalk-repair
OBITUARIES
Doyle of Madison, New Hampshire, and Phyllis Fieg of the home, and granddaughter Emilie Kestner of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her sisterin-law, Donna Davie, of Camillus, New York and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of AuthoraCare Collective for helping to make jean’s transition to be natural and comfortable.
A celebration of life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her memory to Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, or to the charity of your choice.
Gary Robert Koutnik 1950-2026
ONEONTA—Gary
Robert Koutnik was born july 19, 1950 in Berlin, Germany, on a U.S. military base. He was adopted at 11 months by Frances and George Koutnik.
He grew up in Wantagh, Long Island, where he was in his first play as an elementary schooler, inspiring his lifelong love of theater. In high school, he spent his summers working at Onteora, where he was an Eagle Scout counselor and learned the many backroads of upstate New York, allowing him to attend Woodstock without getting stuck in traffic. It was here that he developed a drive to empower those under his tutelage, as well as his love for the Catskill Mountains, a place he would return to throughout his life.
Gary’s passion for education permeated throughout his life, spending his life educating himself and
prioritization, downtown parking discussions, and approval of Water Street closures for SUNY Oneonta’s Bites, Beats and Blocks event. The council also approved a license to publicly stream U.S. Men’s National Team soccer matches on Water Street, aiming to create a new community
gathering opportunity. The june Common Council meeting came to a close with a sense of momentum, from veterans and students to civic engagement and financial literacy, reflecting a community with plenty to celebrate and plenty still to discuss during the summer months.
Leaders Warn of SNAP Cost Shift to Taxpayers
ALBANY
The New York State County Executives Association and New York State Association of Counties released a joint “SNAP under H.R. 1” report detailing the significant fiscal and administrative burdens that federal changes to food aid will shift to county governments across the state.
New York is one of only 10 states in which counties administer SNAP, making it especially vulnerable to the major cuts in federal support taking effect on October 1.
The report found that about 3 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP each month, adding $7.6 billion in demand for local food economies. The new policy will shift about $168 million in annual costs to the state’s counties, including $57 million outside New York City.
In addition to the report, NYSAC officially called on New York’s Congressional delegation to propose a two-year delay in the cuts, allowing time for administrative changes across the state. To view the full report, visit nysac.org/news/posts/new-snap-reportdetails-costs-risks-and-challenges-for-counties/.
others, and his career fighting to make sure every student got the education they deserved. He earned a bachelor’s degree (and most of a master’s) in education and special education at Bucknell University, while participating in theater, radio, and protests in Washington. He pursued a PhD at the University of Texas, ultimately choosing instead to start his career as a school psychologist in upstate New York, where he met his future wife, Abbey Steere.
As a school psychologist, Gary helped generations of students (and their families) better understand who they were and how to best access the educational resources available to them. When the opportunity arose, he taught at SUNY Oneonta as an adjunct lecturer, finally earning his master’s degree in school administration in the process.
He was chosen as the next director of special education for Oneonta, where he continued his work of ensuring equitable access to education for everyone for another six years before retiring for the first time. After retiring, he continued helping to cover for temporary gaps, helping local school districts when needed, and giving historical tours at Hyde Hall. He was known to do everything he could to help the students and
families he served.
Gary was always looking for new ways to contribute to the community he settled in. While he was working tirelessly as a school psychologist, he also was an integral member of the First Presbyterian Church in Worcester, where he contributed to charity, outreach, ministry and music. While at the church, he led the development of their food bank and The Storehouse, a thrift store staffed with volunteers trained in helping people navigate bureaucracy to find the assistance they deserved.
In fact, after his first retirement, he went on to be a county representative for Oneonta City, where he served on the county board for eight years and worked tirelessly to ensure that the decisions made benefitted the people in the county, regardless of political affiliation. He would often say that whenever he was interacting with someone, he would see jesus in them.
To those who knew him, this encapsulated his approach—engaging with him was refreshingly genuine. When he spoke to you, he was engaging with you.
With his beloved wife, Abbey Koutnik, he raised two children, Randall Koutnik and Whitsun Koutnik. He lived to see Randall marry Lily, and loved to spend time playing with their daughter, Gwen.
His childhood love of theater only grew, and was shared by his wife and children, all of whom performed in plays together. He performed, directed, and at times wrote stage plays and more. He worked with the Catskill Community Players, Bigger Dreams Productions, Glimmerglass Theater, Templeton Players and
others. His latest performance was in “12 Angry Men” in 2026, including the family’s traditional post-performance milkshakes.
He instilled in his family his boundless curiosity. He always searched to understand who the people around him truly were, and to keep learning and understanding the world around him. He has left his love of music, reading, baseball, stories, science fiction, and the joy of learning with his family and friends. His most fundamental belief was that by working together, we could make the world a better place.
Gary leaves behind a loving family, incredible friends and uncountable lives touched by his dedication to service. And of course, true to himself, his last wish was not to inconvenience anyone. His wishes expressly state that “no one should be forced to dress up or sit in uncomfortable pews for my sake,” so please, know that Gary served the community as it was, and not just when the people were wearing ties.
Oneonta Assembly of God will host a lowkey, no-suits-required Celebration of Life on Monday, june 22, 2026. There will be a visiting hour at 3 p.m., followed by a sharing and celebration of life at 4 p.m. and a communal meal at 5 p.m. It will be streamed on the Oneonta Assembly of God Facebook page. If you would like to honor Gary’s legacy, the family suggests a donation to the Future for Oneonta Foundation or the Hunger Coalition of Otsego County. Gary himself would say to get involved in supporting your community.
Arrangements are with Delker and Terry Funeral Home.
Photo provided JEAN FIEG
Photo provided G A ry r. Kout NIK
Law Day
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duced by Sixth Judicial District Administrative Judge Hon. Eugene D. Faughnan.
In keeping with this year’s Law Day theme, Zayas recounted his dream to become a successful judge while growing up, despite coming from humble beginnings.
He spoke about Otsego County being the birthplace for the Rural Pathways Program, an initiative designed to attract lawyers to rural areas, and the importance the Otsego County Bar Association holds in carrying out the rule of law.
Zayas referred to the American Dream as being both spiritual and emotional and, in the current social climate, he stressed the importance of making the American Dream available to all. He also referred to the political climate, saying he believes systems such as checks and balances are in danger if the country stays its current course.
Zayas reiterated that an essential part of following the law and maintaining the American Dream is coming together to create a unified front. His keynote address was in remembrance of Joseph T. Pondolfino, a distinguished member of the Otsego County and New York State bar associations who had been practicing law for almost 60 years upon his passing in August 2025.
Each year during the Law Day ceremony, numerous accolades are bestowed. In honor of Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia, the Ginsburg-Scalia Award is given to those who bring people together, despite their differences. Ginsburg and Scalia disagreed on many topics, but respected each other and brought civil discourse to the court.
The 2026 winner of the Ginsburg-Scalia Award was “Welcome Home Cooperstown,” a group which holds themed monthly meet and greets at the Cooperstown Village Hall intended to bring together both longtime and new members of the Cooperstown community. The award was presented by Robert W. Birch, who described the honor as “bringing people
from different backgrounds together civilly,” in the spirit of Ginsburg and Scalia. Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh accepted the award on behalf of Welcome Home Cooperstown, which meets next on Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. Tillapaugh, along with Karen Katz, Lynne Mebust and Dr. Anush Patel, shared a vital role in launching the Welcome Home Cooperstown program.
Attorney Alex Chiles presented the Liberty Bell Award, given to a graduating high-school senior, which includes a scholarship. A number of Otsego County schools participate each year, selecting one senior to take part in the competition. Participating seniors must then undergo an interview process and write an essay. Winners are announced at the Law Day celebration. From 11 schools, three students were chosen—third place, runner-up and first place. This year, the thirdplace winner was Alena Hahn from Worcester Central School. Runnerup Ryleigh Williams is from Laurens Central School, and the winner of the 2026 Liberty Bell Award was Ethan All, from Cherry ValleySpringfield Central School.
The final award of the day, The Martin Tillapaugh Distinguished Advocate Award—meant to honor an individual who will bridge the gap to help others—was presented by Attorney Lauren Glynn in honor of lawyer Martin Tillapaugh, a Cooperstown resident and long-standing member of the Otsego County Bar Association. CV-S senior Ethan All was the winner of this award as well.
Speaking to Martin Tillapaugh, All said, “I am absolutely honored to have this award dedicated to me at this longstanding celebration. The individuals in this room have created an incredible environment and I am honored.”
Although the award in his name came as a surprise to Tillapaugh, those in attendance agreed that it was well deserved.
Following the Law Day celebration, attendees moved from the courthouse to a luncheon at The Otesaga Resort
Hotel, where individuals were treated to a meal and mingled with each other. In a conversation with AllOtsego, Madison County Judge Michael St. Leger said, “This is the best Law Day in the state,” attesting to the hard work and dedication required by Otsego County organizers to make the event possible each year.
Leger acknowledged that many jurists aspire to be fair judges and often come from humble beginnings. He further echoed the importance of the Zayas speech, saying, “Judge Zayas summed it up by talking about how important Law Day and the legal system is in achieving the American Dream.”
Lawyer
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development of the town are also troubling,” Phillips wrote.
She asked the town to “rectify the situation,” and requested the Town of Otsego keep the public hearing open. On June 10, the same day the Phillips letter is dated, the town council heard public comments on the comprehensive plan, though most spoke about a proposed limit on shortterm rentals.
Otsego has extended the comprehensive plan public hearing until July, according to its website. Comments can be emailed or mailed.
The land-use restriction on large parcels would impact more than just Manocherian, Phillips said in the letter. She estimated 259 parcels totaling approximately 24,727 acres or 65.4 percent of the town’s land would be affected by the limits on subdividing lots.
“This lack of transparency surrounding the development of the plan amendment raises questions concerning compliance with the procedural requirements included in town law 272-a,” Phillips wrote. “It also raises questions concerning the town’s compliance with the Open Meetings Law, which generally requires minutes to be available within two weeks of any meeting where a public body is conducting official business.”
Town officials provided the letter to AllOtsego, but did not immediately respond to
a request for comment.
Phillips challenged how Town of Otsego officials made the determination that the comprehensive plan changes would not require an Environmental Impact Statement. Her letter detailed steps in the timeline and alleged that documents that should have been on the town’s website were not posted there. Accessed this week, the town’s website includes 10 documents related to the comprehensive plan, including meeting minutes.
At the June 10 Town Council meeting, Fly Creek Fire Chief Adam Kantor questioned whether local services would be stretched thin by so many new homes.
“I’m more concerned with infrastructure and can it support the growth?” he said.
Also at the June 10 meeting, Town Councilmember Deb Dalton addressed the large crowd and explained the complexities of the comprehensive plan process.
“The comprehensive plan is not a law. It’s a vision with goals,” she said. “It’s not a law. It’s a work in progress.”
She and other town officials encouraged the public to submit comments in writing.
According to New York’s Department of State, local comprehensive plans go hand-inhand with zoning.
“The comprehensive plan should provide the backbone for the local zoning law,” a technical document on the Department of State’s website says.
The Town of Otsego’s Planning Board will meet next on Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. The town also recently formed a Land Use Committee.
Band
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the country’s official march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” featuring the band’s popular piccolo solo. Within the one- to twohour performance, some 35 current show tunes,
marches, and medleys are played, this year to include a song by Bruce Springsteen. “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is a rousing favorite, along with the theme from “New York, New York.”
Michelle Fritts of Springfield Center begins her third season conducting CCB after playing a variety of instruments with the group. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of St. Rose and was high-school band director at Edmeston from 2011-2023. She has participated in the Pasadena Rose Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and has been seen practicing her instruments on the treadmill at the Clark Sports Center.
With her introduction of the band’s repertoire at each concert, Fritts includes an emphasis on the importance of music education in public schools, that being the source of most all band members’ introduction to band and a lifetime of music.
The Cooperstown Community Band’s schedule is as follows:
• Friday, July 3: 6 p.m., Lakefront Park, Cooperstown. Concert prior to fireworks.
• Saturday, July 4: Old School, Springfield. Concert following the Fourth of July parade.
• Tuesday, July 7: 7 p.m., Food Pantry, Schuyler Lake.
• Wednesday, July 15: 7-8:30 p.m., Spring Park Pavilion, Richfield Springs.
• Tuesday, July 21: 7 p.m., Glimmerglass State Park.
• Friday, July 24: 7 p.m. Hall of Fame Concert, Cooper Park, Main Street Cooperstown.
• Tuesday, July 28: 7 p.m. Alden Field, Cherry Valley.
• Tuesday, August 4: 7 p.m., Food Pantry, Schuyler Lake.
• Tuesday, August 11: 6:30-8 p.m. Lakefront Park, Cooperstown.
• Thursday, August 13: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Haslett Park, Fort Plain.
• Tuesday, August 18: 7 p.m., Glimmerglass State Park.
Updates, rehearsal schedules and more can be found on the CCB Facebook page.
Helios
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touchpoints help strengthen communication and collaboration across the continuum of care.
Supporting this growth requires investment. Helios Care has expanded its leadership team by establishing a chief clinical officer position to strengthen clinical oversight, quality initiatives, staff development and patient outcomes. We have also increased investments in educational materials, community outreach resources, and in-house design and printing capabilities. These tools help us reach more individuals, families, and healthcare professionals with accurate information about hospice, palliative care, caregiver support, and advance care planning.
At the heart of every initiative is a simple goal: ensuring that no one faces serious illness alone. Whether through compassionate bedside care, caregiver support, educational programs, community events, or partnerships with healthcare providers, Helios Care is working every day to improve access to care and strengthen the health of our communities.
The impact of this work can be seen not only in statistics, but in the experiences of the patients and families we serve. Their stories remind us that exceptional care is about more than medical services, it is about kindness, dignity, comfort, and human connection.
As we look to the future, Helios Care remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every individual and family can receive compassionate care when it matters most.
Joan MacDonald is the president and chief executive officer of Helios Care.
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sully the glory you have hitherto maintained,” he implored them. Washington sensed, however, that the officers were not listening to him. They remained defiant. Washington brought with him a letter from a congressman that he intended to read—a letter he hoped would reassure the officers that all would be well. He reached into his pocket for his eyeglasses,
which he seldom wore in public. The hall was quiet—almost solemn— as the officers watched their commander fumble to place the glasses on his face while holding the letter in one hand. Washington then said: “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
Some of the officers started weeping. Washington’s words, wrote historian Bruce Chadwick, “touched the
LEGALS
LegaL nOtice
Notice of formatioN of The Answer Consulting and Bookkeeping LLC
Art. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 3/4/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 6 Beech Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJun.25
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Notice of formatioN of River Valley Campground LLC, a NY limited liability company (LLC).
Arts. of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (NYSS) on 01/20/2026. Office: Otsego County. NYSS designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail process to: LLC, County Highway 18, South New Berlin, NY 13843, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJun.25
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Notice of formatioN of LLc
Martin Salvage, LLC,
filed Articles of Organization with the New York Secretary of State on May 20, 2026. Its office is located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail a copy of any process served on him or her to, Martin Salvage, LLC, PO Box 336, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Its business is
to engage in any lawful activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under Section 203 of the New York Limited Liability Company Act.
6LegalJul.2
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Notice of formatioN of
DJ’s Cards & Creations LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on May 7, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. Secretary of State of NY is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to 228 Park Ave S #953117, New York, NY 10003. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.2
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Notice of formatioN of
Triple M Hunt Farm LLC
Articles of organization filed with the SSNY on 3/23/26. Office: Otsego County.
SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Attilio Somma, 40 Red Creek Road, Hampton Bays, NY 11946. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.9
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Notice of formatioN of Common Gardens LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on May 28, 2026. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary
of State shall mail process to 103 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalJul.9
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Notice of formatioN of Cooperstown Bed & Breakfast LLC
Articles of Organization filed with SSNY on 2/1/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:4485 Culver Rd., Rochester NY, 14622. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalJul.9
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Notice of formatioN of
192 B101 ST LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 02/03/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 234 CR 52, COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326. Purpose: Any Lawful. 6LegalJul.9
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Notice of formatioN of MORE SOCIA HUB LLC
Arts of Org. filed SSNY 4/29/2026 Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to 41 STATE ST., # 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207 . General Purpose. 6LegalJul.9
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Notice of formatioN of CALLBACK AUDIO, LLC.
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 17, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 20 Gardner Pl., Apt. 98, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.16
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Notice of formatioN of JEM NY PROPERTIES LLC.
Filed 5/6/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Emily Ponte, P.O. Box 452, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: General.
6LegalJul.16
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Notice of formatioN of MARKSMAN PUBLISHING LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/24/26. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8-12 Dietz St., Ste. 202, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.16
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Notice of formatioN of THE STONE APARTMENTS, LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 04/20/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail
hearts of every man in the hall.” When Thomas Jefferson learned of this incident he wrote: “The moderation and virtue of a single character probably prevented this Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish.”
The New Windsor encampment is a New York State historic site, which features a reconstructed meeting hall on the site where Gen. Washington preserved the Republic. When Britain’s
to: 99 WASHINGTON AVE., STE. 700, ALBANY, NY 12260. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJul.16
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Notice of formatioN of Lena’s Talents LLC.
Articles of Organization were filed with the SSNY on May 6, 2026. Location: Otsego County. SSNY is the Designated Agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 1085 Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalJul.16
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Notice of formatioN of
ANCHOR CREST LLC
Arts of Org. filed with SSNY on 5/26/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & shall mail to: Anchor Crest LLC, P.O. Box 420, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.23
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Notice of formatioN of
The Ordinariest Company, LLC.
Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on May 26, 2026. The office of the LLC is located in Otsego County, New York. The Secretary of State of the State of New York 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 to: The Ordinariest Company, LLC 438 YMCA Rd., West Oneonta, NY 13861
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of New York.
6LegalJul.23
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Notice of PUBLic SaLe
Public Notice is hereby given Under Sec. 182 NYS Lien Law, that property described as contents of storage unit, will be sold at public auction at 6:00 p.m. on June 26th, 2026 at Rt. 23 Self Storage of Oneonta, 8745 St. Hwy. 23, Oneonta NY. The sale of such property is to satisfy the lien of Rt. 23 Self Storage of Oneonta on property stored for the accounts of:
Unit # 214
Chris Erickson Unit # 514
Debra Dougherty Unit # 716
Thomas Carman Unit # 722
Grace Forgit Unit # 1002
Matthew Maxim Unit # 1071
Stephen Maine
2LegalJun.25
LegaL nOtice moNUmeNt reStoratioN Project
To: The last known owner or owners of the following burial lots located in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery Association, town of Otsego, in Otsego County, New York, and all persons having or claiming to have an interest in said burial lots: fly creek Valley cemetery monument repair List By Section, Lot, Grave and Name. 1. C-376-4W Graves, George W. 2. C-390-2W
King George III learned that Washington planned to retire to Mount Vernon after the war instead of ruling America as a dictator or monarch, he said, “If he does that he will be the greatest man in the world.”
Francis P. Sempa is the author of the books “Geopolitics: From the Cold War to the 21st Century” and “America’s Global Role.” He is a contributing editor to “The American Spectator” and writes a regular column for “Real Clear Defense.”
DeWitt, Sally Ann (AKA Sarah) 3. B-349-4E Jones, Delevan LeRoy 4. B-349-5E Jones, Linda D. 5. B-349-3E Hooker, Josie E. 6. B-349-2E Foote, Jane S. (AKA Foot) 7. B-347-3E Clarke, Jennie V. 8. B-323-1E and 2E, Hunter, Samuel and Clara H. 9. C-311-2W Ballard, Sarah (Nee: Murray) 10. C-329-4W Phillips, Ella, 5W Phillips, William 11. C-286-5W Best, Mrs. Anna, 6W Mr. Peter Best 12. B-254-3E Stephens(AKA Stevens), Nellie L. 13. B-237-3W Davidson, Permilia L. (AKA Parmelia) 14. B-224-1E Harvey, Austin H. (Jr.) 15. B-209-6E Bowman, Anna Marie 16. B-212-1E Bowmaker, James 17. 18. 19. B-139-1W Shepherd, Adaline B. “Addie” 20. C-142-6E Carpenter, Daniel 21. C-144-2W Jones, Mary P. 22. C-144-1W Jones, Edgar J. Jones
23. B-123-1E Hecox, Francis 24. B-122-6W Rexford, Georgie A. 25. B-92-3W Spurbeck, Marinda 26. B-120-3W House, Harvey B. 27. B-166-6E Kendall(AKA Kendell) Cap. (Capt.) Uriah B. Kendall
28. B-166-5E Kendall, Vashti M. Butts Kendall 29. B-166-6E Kendall, Emily Bryant Kendall
30. B-179-2E Wiltse, H. Del Wiltse (AKA Hiram Delbert and H. Del)
31. C-61-5E and 6E Skubitz, William and Audrey 32. C-38-1W Rodd, Susan
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: That (1) the monuments or markers are so badly out of repair or dilapidated as to create a dangerous condition, (2) the persons to whom this notice is addressed must
repair or remove said monuments or markers by monday, august 31, and, (3) if the persons to whom this notice is addressed fail to repair or remove said monuments or markers by the previously stated deadline, the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery Association may remove or repair said monuments without further notice to the persons to whom this notice is addressed.
Contact the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery Association (Sherlee Rathbone) by phone at 607-5479334 or by email at flycreeksherl@ gmail.com by the deadline above.
3LegalJul.2
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Notice of formatioN of
Wild Wash N’ Wiggle LLC
Arts. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/15/2026.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 910 County Highway 34, Schenevus, NY 12155.
Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.30
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Notice of PUBLic HeariNG
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard:
• Meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York.
9 eagle St. - application to build addition and deck in the side yard setback.
The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at Zoning@ cooperstownny. gov or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Nick Fornario Zoning Enforcement Officer Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
607-547-2411 Zoning@cooperstownny.gov 1LegalJun.25
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Notice of formatioN of LimiteD LiaBiLitY comPaNY
ODESSA ESTATE HOLDINGS & CO LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State on 04/08/2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.
The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 525 COUNTY HIGHWAY 7, OTEGO, NY, 13825. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the law. 6LegalJul.30 ►Need
started.
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Can Otsego and Springfield Afford the Manocherians?
The proposed Manocherian development in the Towns of Otsego and Springfield may shift unsustainable costs to the towns. The proposal calls for building 80 new homes on lots ranging from three to 13 acres, plus a 46-unit duplex development, in the Towns of Otsego and Springfield. The lots are spread over 1,525 acres of currently undeveloped land, not near any hamlet, which the town comprehensive plans prioritize. The development raises concerns regarding the availability of adequate groundwater for the new homes, how it will impact water supply to existing homes, and effects of increased runoff into Otsego Lake, already stressed by algae blooms and invasive species, among other complex issues.
Another crucial question that must be answered is what the cost of providing required services to each house as it is built will be to the towns. While the new roads will be installed by the developer, road maintenance, snow plowing, and run-off
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No to Pipeline, Data Centers
The Williams pipeline company has recently revived its proposal to build the 124-mile Constitution Pipeline to bring fracked natural gas from Pennsylvania into Schoharie County in New York. This project would have enormous effects on our region, far beyond anything to date. Not only would the pipeline itself disrupt the natural ecology of a beautiful, unspoiled area, it would open the door to a series of huge data centers along its corridor, including the Oneonta area. These centers, as everyone is now learning, are designed to support the enormous computing needs of AI, and they consume vast amounts of electricity and water in the process. The electricity demands threaten to overwhelm available renewable resources, and will greatly increase demand for more fossil fuel energy. Greenhouse gas pollution will rise along with our electricity bills and local utility ratepayers will be on the hook for the costs. Outside companies will likely do the construction work and, once set up, only a handful of employees will be needed to maintain the centers.
It gets worse. Data centers generate tremendous heat and demand many millions of gallons of cooling water, far
beyond the levels of current water use. The water is likely to be injected with corrosion inhibitors, with biocides to kill organic growth, and infused with concentrations of heavy metals. Direct immersion cooling is likely to use “forever chemicals,” magnifying disposal problems. Much of our greatest resource, abundant clean water, may be lost. Enormous buildings are also required, covering hundreds and even thousands of acres, potentially in multiple locations along the 124-mile route. If that happens, our once rural area will be turned into an extended industrial landscape, with little or no local benefit.
To preserve our natural resources and prevent our economic exploitation, the Constitution Pipeline and the data centers it would enable cannot be allowed to proceed as planned. This is a federal issue, since the permitting body is a federal agency: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The one person immediately responsible to defend the interests of our community on the federal level is our Congressman, Josh Riley. Congressman Riley should immediately call for public hearings on the Williams company proposal to revive the Constitution Pipeline and on its potential impact on his district. He has taken on foreign owned local utilities, like NYSEG, which are relatively easy targets. Now it’s time to call to account powerful
controls will need to be provided by the towns as the roads are put in. Unless development proceeds one subdivision at a time, emergency services and school bus services will also need to be provided by the towns to a spread-out list of addresses, before the tax income from the residences can begin to cover the costs.
To pay for these services, the towns will be required to raise taxes on their current residents, who will see their taxes increase. It is precisely to reduce such costs that Otsego and Springfield’s comprehensive plans encourage new housing development to be placed in hamlets, close to the town center, to protect open space and make provision of required services less costly.
At a recent Springfield Town Board meeting, the board lamented that the cost of snowplows is draining the town budget. New plows, which can wear out in under five years’ time, now cost more than $500,000.00. Ongoing repairs and the
domestic energy companies who are posing a much greater threat. Whether the project goes through or not, he will share the responsibility.
Adrian Kuzminski Fly Creek
Don’t Fall for the Snow Job
It’s lazy to critique the Manocherian development from afar.
By actually being present in the community and attending the various town meeting presentations by the developer’s engineers and attorney, one would be aware that the developer does NOT intend to require the two towns to take ownership of the roads.
One would have learned the developer proposes to OFFER the new roads to the towns, and if not accepted, a homeowners association will be created to maintain the roads. The HOA would then be responsible for the maintenance/snowplowing costs (and, until each of the lots is sold, the developer would pay for its HOA fees).
One would have learned that the Town of Springfield has indicated it would WANT to take over the roads in its town.
Taxes were also discussed at these meetings and again, anyone who took time to attend would be aware the Manocherian company has been paying taxes on 1,575 acres, EVERY, SINGLE, YEAR for the past 60+ years. All while requiring NO services
staff to operate the plows is also expensive. The board chair commented that the town residents may not realize that their taxes are spent primarily on snow removal. This is telling. How will the towns fund the additional plowing services for the Manocherian development, which will commence when the roads are put in at the beginning of development, long before even one house is built?
A full accounting of the estimated additional costs which will be imposed on the Towns of Otsego and Springfield, and by extension their residents, must be addressed before the Manocherian plans are approved. As now presented, the plans threaten to burden our towns with extra costs that cannot be recovered.
Nicole A. Dillingham is a resident of the Town of Springfield, a member of the Otsego 2000 Board of Directors, and a former board president of Otsego 2000.
from either of the towns, nor from the county.
Such a deal!
It should also be correctly stated that once the new lots have been created, regardless if sold to a new owner or retained by the developer, each and every one of the lots will be taxed on a far HIGHER valuation, generating even more revenue for the towns, to be paid for by the owners of the lots, even during the years (or possibly forever) while no homes are constructed and NO services are required.
Again, such a deal.
Educate yourselves with FACTS and always be prepared to shovel through the piles of hyperbole often dumped by individuals with their own agendas.
Bill Miller Cooperstown
On Empathy, Toxic Wealth
I’ve been seeing videos lately on the rise of the call to “repeal the 19th” on the grounds that women are “too empathetic” to such “toxic” ends as voting to protect immigrants. Why are we so afraid of empathy? Because it might compromise us to share “too many” of our resources?
Doesn’t our nation have more than enough to go around? There are buildings that stand empty while the homeless die of exposure, and foods that expire on shelves while children go hungry. Elon Musk is a trillionaire. What’s actually toxic is hoarding wealth.
Empathy leads us to covering someone’s bill, watching out for a kid that’s wandered off, paying taxes that fund free school lunches, food stamps, and programs across the globe that provide free HIV/AIDS testing and treatments. Empathy helps us take care of each other. As for the fear that someone might take advantage of that, if we focus on
getting everyone’s needs met through more fairly distributing wealth, it creates less reason for people to try to do so, and also softens the blow in the instance that they do. Why are our politicians some of the wealthiest in the nation? It kind of seems like they’re the ones taking advantage. According to Forbes, Donald Trump’s net worth has increased from $2.3 to $6.5 billion between 2024 and 2026. Vote to tax the rich! They’ll probably still be billionaires after. And don’t be so willing to give up your chance to share your perspective.
Katherine Marie O’Handley Oneonta
Gas Prices Continue To Slide
UTICA—The average price of gas in New York State fell a further 13 cents per gallon over the week ending Monday, June 22, AAA Northeast announced. Petroleum and gas prices have declined steadily for over a month as prospects for a peace deal between the United States and Iran solidified. Last week’s announcement of a preliminary arrangement drove crude prices to the $75.00-80.00 range by Friday, the lowest level since early March and nearly $30.00 below the midApril peak. U.S. crude inventories fell by 17.2 million barrels last week to their lowest point since 1985 due to higher exports to nations more directly impacted by the blockade. Domestic gasoline inventories are also six percent below the five-year average despite refineries reaching their highest output in nearly a year. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.
►Fri., June 26
BOOK CLUB Read
“Roses in the Mouth of a Lion” by Bushra Rehman and discuss with the group at 4 p.m. on 7/23. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
DEADLINE Last day to register for a bus trip to the beautiful Hudson, New York area. Featuring an artistic and inspirational tour of Frederick Church’s Olana and the Thomas Cole Historic Site. Held 7/16. Tickets required. Presented by the Center for Continuing Adult Learning, 31 Maple Street, Oneonta. (607) 435-7836.
BOOK SALE 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown Summer Book Sale. Runs June 20-28 on the sidewalks of the Fair Street side of Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
LAVENDER 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. “U-Pick Lavender Days.” Fees apply. Held Wednesday-Sunday through July 19. Slate Hill Lavender Farm, 342 Slate Hill Road, Sharon Springs. (518) 424-3668.
BLOOD DRIVE Noon to 5 p.m. Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.
org
HISTORY 3 p.m.
“The Boxcar Settlement: Oneonta’s Lost Neighborhood.” Presented by local rail historian Jim Loudon. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
QUILTING 5 p.m.
“Friday Night Delights: Cut It Out.” Make a carry case with magnetic closure for scissors. Series held the last Friday of each month. Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 441-3111.
LIVE MUSIC
5:30 p.m. The Jimi Hendrix Jazz Trio. The Al Gallodoro Memorial
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 434-8458.
LIVE MUSIC
6-10 p.m. 90s Noise. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com.
TRIVIA NIGHT
7-9 p.m. 21+ trivia night on everything from art and museum favorites to pop culture surprises. Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
PARTY 8 p.m. Strawberry Moon Full Moon Party. Donations suggested. Origins Café, 558 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 4372862.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT 8 p.m. “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Free. The Glimmerglass Festival, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.
►Sat., June 27
FISHING All Day. Free Fishing Days. All aged 16+ are welcome to fish without a freshwater fishing license. All other fishing regulations apply. Continues 6/28. otsegooutdoors.org/event/freefishing-days-3/ CONSERVATION
8-10 a.m. Susquehanna River Cleanup. Remove debris from the river and improve the water quality/ habitat. Start at Compton Bridge, County Road 11 C, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488.
FUNDRAISER 8 a.m. and noon. Annual Golf Tournament to support the Cooperstown Central School Sports Booster Club. Fees apply; registration required. Otsego Golf Club, 144 Pro Shop Drive, Springfield Center. ccssportsboosterclub@ gmail.com
BOOK SALE 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Friends of the Village Library
Time OuT OTsegO
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
of Cooperstown Summer Book Sale. Final Weekend Bag Sale. On the sidewalks of the Fair Street side of Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
OUTDOORS 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Free Fishing Clinic.” Department of Environmental Conservation staff will teach fishing tips and tricks for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Fees apply. Briggs Pavilion, Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.
TECH HELP 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Digital Device Help Drop In.” The Study, 2nd Floor, Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
FAMILY HIKE 10 a.m.
Moms and Little Pathfinders Hike. Tree identification on a shaded loop with gentle terrain. Bring proper footwear, water, snacks, weather-appropriate layers, a change of clothes for puddlejumpers, tick prevention and sunscreen. Tree Identification Trail, Robert V. Riddell State Park, 1916 State Highway 28, Oneonta.
ANTIQUARIAN BOOK
FAIR 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “30th Annual Cooperstown Antiquarian Book Fair.” Antique and vintage books, ephemera and maps. Entrance fee goes to support the Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education. Presented by Willis Monie Books at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5478363.
PLANETARIUM Family-friendly show open to the public. Fees apply.
SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.
• 10:30 a.m. “Max Goes to the Moon.”
• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”
CRAFT 11 a.m. “Diamond Art Craft.” Make a diamond art Iron Stake Garden Decor butterfly. Free; registration required. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.
TRACTOR SHOW 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. View antique tractors and farm equipment from the local area. Continues 6/28. Presented by Tired Iron of Butternut Valley at Copes Corners Park, 620 State Highway 51, Gilbertsville.
PRIDE FEST 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cooperstown Pride Block Party. Pioneer Park at the corner of Pioneer and Main streets, Cooperstown. cooperstownpride.com
EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Obsessed (Artists).” Quirky assemblages, Kelley drawings and spalted bowls. On view 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through 7/4. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 9419607.
WORKSHOP 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Cinnamon Rolls with Jenn.” Fees apply; registration required. Main View Gallery and Studios, 77 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4321890.
AUTHOR TALK Noon. New memoir release of “Beneath Her Smile: A Story of Resilience, Truth, and the Courage to Forgive and Heal” by Yvonne F. Conte. Includes Q&A and book signing. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208.
OUTDOORS 1-3 p.m.
“Summer Mushroom Walk.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Free; registration required. Wear long pants and
sturdy footwear, weatherappropriate clothing, etc. Meet at the highest point of Vibbard Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488.
BINGO 1-4 p.m. “Fifty Cent Bingo.” Play to win gift certificates to local businesses and support the Pet Food Pantry. Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 2878066.
SEWING CLASS
1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held each Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234.
POTTERY 1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.
LEGO CLUB 2 p.m. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
AMERICA250
2-4 p.m. Susan B. Anthony returns to Cooperstown to advocate for women’s suffrage, education and legal reforms. Presented by the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area at the First Presbyterian Church, 67 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. lwvcooperstownarea@ gmail.com.
LIVE MUSIC 4 p.m.
Jaqueline Marsh. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 434-8458.
LIBRARY 5 p.m.
Friends Trivia. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
OPEN MIC 5-8 p.m.
Live music, poetry, comedy and more. Hosted by Khalil Jade. Sign-up required to perform. The Gatehouse, 130 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
PICNIC 5-9:30 p.m.
“Great American Backyard Picnic.” Burgers, dogs, sides, drinks and games. Free kids picnic and movie. RSVP required. The Major’s Inn lawn, 104 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville. (607) 7832967.
OUTDOORS
6:30-8:30 p.m. “Bingo, Bonfire and S’mores.”
Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114.
LIVE MUSIC
7-10 p.m. The Lake House Summer Concert Series: Steal Your Face. Lakeside Stage, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377. PRIDE 7 p.m. “Pride Prom 2026: Big Top Pride.” Flashy, freaky, eccentric circus. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
LIVE MUSIC 7 p.m.
“Steal Your Face at The Lake House!” Dinner followed by a show on the shores of Canadarago Lake. Tickets required. The Lake House 1843, 10 Gould Avenue, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377.
OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m.
“Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians, and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to the public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 8582523.
►Sun., June 28
BOOK SALE 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Friends
of the Village Library of Cooperstown Summer Book Sale. Final Weekend Bag Sale. On the sidewalks of the Fair Street side of Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown.
MILFORD FARMERS’ MARKET 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held each Sunday, Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekends. Curry Park, State Highway 28, Milford.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Antique Appraisal and Museum Day. Featuring Kevin Bolton. Fly Creek Area Historical Society, 208 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek.
LIVE MUSIC 1-3 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with Liam Herbert.” The Gatehouse, 130 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 p.m. History Show and Tell. All are invited to bring an item (photo, object, tool, document, clothing, toy, yearbook or anything else) with a town or family history connection to share with the group. Town of Maryland Historical Society at the AmVets building, Main Street, Schenevus.
BIKE NIGHT 4-6 p.m. Food, drinks, raffle and prizes for the top three bikes. All bikes welcome. American Legion Riders Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.
CONCERT 4 p.m.
“Glimmerglass Festival Annual Springfield Appreciation Concert.” Proceeds benefit the Springfield 4th of July Parade and celebration. Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. springfield. july4@gmail.com.
DRUM CIRCLE
5 p.m. “Cherry Valley Drum Circle.” Held 4th Sunday of the month. Presented by The Telegraph School at the Cherry Valley Gazebo. (607) 2643785.
►Mon., June 29
CHANGEOVER DAY
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Avoid heavy traffic and pedestrians on State Route 205. Cooperstown All Star Village, Oneonta. wegootsego.com/changeover RELIGION 9 a.m. to noon. “Vacation Bible School: Snowball Mountain Challenge.” Free; registration required. Continues through 7/3. West Oneonta Baptist Church, 2845 County Route 8, West Oneonta. dfournierrdh@gmail.com
ART PROGRAM
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CANO Summer Art Program. For kids ages 6-11. Wide variety of themed weekly experiences. Held Monday through Friday, 6/29 through 9/4. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. jenny@ canoneonta.org.
SENIOR MEALS Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of tuna cold plate, corn salad, Amish macaroni salad and no-bake cookies. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS 12:15 p.m. “Learning Tai Chi: Basic 6 and More.” Held each Monday and Thursday. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com