Closing Sunday June 29th for the season. Come get some great deals while you can! New Asbury Gardens 248 River Street Oneonta 607-432-8703 newasburygardens.com Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun. 11-2
Pentagon Reporter Speaks on the Importance of a Local Press at League’s Annual Meeting
COOPERSTOWN
J.J. Green, the national security correspondent for radio station WTOP in Washington, D.C., was the guest speaker at the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area’s annual meeting on Thursday, June 5.
Green, who focuses on the Pentagon and reports on international security, terrorism, and cyber developments, spoke via Zoom
to LWV members and guests. He outlined his concerns about the current state of our country, focusing on the importance of journalism to democracy.
“Because at the end of the day, journalism isn’t about journalists,” he said. “It’s about the people who practice it. It’s about creating the kind of informed public that democracy depends on, especially now, in America.”
He noted that the League of Women Voters is an important part of creating an informed public.
“That’s why I am here with you, tonight. Because the League of Women Voters is more than just a civic organization.” he said. “You are part of the solution, because you are part of the fabric of America. You are defenders of democracy not in theory, but in practice.”
Continued on page 10
First Historical Marker of the Season Unveiled at Center St. School
OBy BILL BELLEN
n the afternoon of Friday, June 13 at 2 p.m., generations of Oneontans gathered beside one another outside the city’s historic Center Street School building. This congregation was to celebrate the unveiling of the first of five New York State historical markers being placed in Oneonta throughout the coming summer months. The effort this day was spearheaded jointly by the Greater Oneonta Historical Society and the Oneonta City School District.
When asked what sparked interest in the placement of these new markers, Marcela Micucci, executive director of GOHS, said that it came down to “just realizing that there were actually so few in the town and city of Oneonta and wanting to bring some of that to Oneonta in order to preserve some of our local history. We had a few markers here in Oneonta prior to 2022 that were historical in nature, but they weren’t New York State [official markers].”
OCSD
Mayor Mark
Principal John Cook
Historical
tendent/District Clerk Reggie McGuinness.
Normal School—which would go on to become the State University of New York at Oneonta—between 1906 and 1933. The school would then be integrated into the city school district, where it saw usage in this manner up until its closing in 2012. Since then, it has been maintained and utilized as the district office building for the OCSD. With such a long and rich history surrounding the building, it was a no-brainer for GOHS to pursue the location as a premiere spot for a new historical marker. The Center Street School’s status as the oldest standing school building in all of Oneonta lent itself well to formulating an argument for the necessity of a historical marker at the site. Through the collective efforts of OCSD officials and GOHS historians, the organizations were able to piece together enough information on the building’s history to receive funding for the purchase of the historical marker. With regard to the process of
Continued on page 9
Summer Music Festival Will ‘Redefine’ a Night Out
COOPERSTOWN
This isn’t your typical summer concert series,” reads a press release announcing the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival’s 27th season.
“When jazz artists perform live soundtracks to animated films, matching every pratfall and punchline in real time, or when musicians uncover lost compositions from library archives, you know you’re in for something completely different.”
The five performances this July and August “will redefine what a night out can be,” organizers contend, “whether you’re a music aficionado or someone who simply stumbled upon an intriguing experience.”
The festival opens on Monday, July 21 with the American String Quartet, featuring flutist Linda Chesis and violist Daniel Avshalomov performing Brahms’ viola quintet, Mozart’s String Quartet No. 22 in B-flat major, K. 589, and “a colorful Mahler-esque suite inspired by Basque folk traditions.”
The Queen’s Cartoonists, a six-piece band that synchronizes their music perfectly with animated films projected on stage—recreating original soundtracks note-for-note while adding their own compositions to modern pieces—takes the stage on Wednesday, July 30.
“Think of it as a live concert, comedy
show, and movie night rolled into one experience that celebrates both jazz and animation as uniquely American art forms,” organizers said.
Baroque violinist Rachell Ellen Wong returns on Monday, August 4 with her ensemble, Twelfth Night, for a program that includes Tartini’s technically demanding “Devil’s Trill,” a piece so challenging it was once rumored to be inspired by a dream about the devil himself playing violin.
The Caroga Arts Ensemble returns to Cooperstown on Wednesday, August 13, featuring KASA Quartet, Chesis, and clarinetists Graeme Steele Johnson and Bixby Kennedy as they perform works by Debussy, Ravel, and the recently rediscovered Charles Martin Loeffler Octet, “a kaleidoscopic masterpiece nearly lost to history.”
The season concludes on Thursday,
Continued on page 11
ONEONTA
As Micucci noted, the Center Street School building first opened its doors on October 25, 1897. The facility was used to train teachers for the Oneonta
Photo by Bhanupratap Gaur
Celebrating installation of the Center Street School historical marker are, from left: Oneonta City School District School Board President Susan Kurkowski; City of Oneonta
Dmek;
Assistant Superintendent Coleen Moore; former Center Street
(1983-2010); OCSD Superintendent Tom Brindley; Greater Oneonta
Society Executive Director Marcela Micucci; and OCSD Secretary to the Superin-
A Salute to Oneonta’s Dollars for Scholars
Oneonta Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors honored scholarship winners recently. Ninety-eight scholarships to fifty-five students were presented. Over the last 32 years, more than $1,000,000 has been given to support local students. The Dollars for Scholars program seeks to financially assist local students with the increasing costs of higher education and lessen the amount of debt from their respective schools.
Sajjal Ahmad
Sixth Ward Athletic Club Association Inc.
Scholarship
Anastasia Allen-Marangio
Oneonta Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
Samuel Antrosio
John K. Miller Memorial Mathematics Scholarship
Abigal Babbitt
ODFS “Class of 1984” Scholarship
Mia Barbera
First Responders Scholarship
Lily Beers
Frank W. Getman Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Nathan Beitzel
The Zuretti Family Scholarship
Jordan Bellinger
Talevi Family College Scholarship
William & Carol Lee Memorial Scholarship
Cameron Bouton
The Daily Star Scholarship
Anonymous Donor
Caleb Christman
Douglas Parsons Memorial Scholarship
Janice “Denny” Lennox Memorial Scholarship
Ryan Crotts
Frederick A. Puritz Memorial Scholarship
Emily Eilenberger
Oneonta Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
Michael Ellwanger
Jared S. Trotti Memorial Scholarship
Jack Fauth
Michelle R. Goodhue Memorial Scholarship
Cailyn Ferreira-Reyes
Josiah and Mary Louise Lawson Memorial Scholarship
Colin Fletcher-Foster
Cobleskill Stone Environmental Scholarship
Jackson Forbes
Oneonta Rotary Community Service Scholarship
Jacob Fosmire
Oneonta Teachers Association Scholarship
Jackson Frazier
The Dewar Foundation Scholarship
Ian Fulkerson
Bruce Rowe Memorial Scholarship
Mackenzie Fuller
Forgiano Family Leadership Award
Skylar Gargash
Steven A. Lutz Memorial Scholarship
Maci Germain
Future for Oneonta Foundation Inc. Scholarship
Margaret Ghiorse
Pasquale & Mary Leone Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Gracey
David & Jane Wakin Memorial
Scholarship
Oneonta Rotary
Elwin W. Chase - G. Hal Chase Award
Anonymous Donor
Madison Griffith
The Dewar Foundation Scholarship
Isabel Griswold
James & Carol Baker Family Scholarship
Ethan Harrington
Dr. Rudolph & Gwen L. Schuster Scholarship
Fran and Jean N. Harris Family Scholarship
Lucy Hartill
William R. Pirone Scholarship
Zebb Henness
Alice S. Clark Memorial Scholarship
Mack Hernandez
Oneonta Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
Lauren Huber
Robert W. & Joan F. Moyer Scholarship
Susan Remillard Memorial Scholarship
Bryson Huber
Oneonta Rotary Breuninger/Forman Scholarship
Talevi Family College Scholarship
Aidan Hulbert
Edward and Florence Ostrowski Memorial Scholarship
Brett Jacobs
James & Carol Baker Family Scholarship
William & Esther Fink Memorial Scholarship
Van Jessup-Dascher
Nancy Weeks Memorial Scholarship
The Jim Konstanty Memorial “That’s a Good Start” Scholarship
Tucker Landry
Oneonta Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
Hayden Lefever
Brooks’ Bar-B-Q Charitable Foundation Scholarship
Donovan Lema
Thomas M. Hughson Scholarship
Kai Macias
Oneonta Dollars for Scholars Scholarship
Marshall Mahar
Samuel Bertuzzi Memorial Scholarship
Ian Manchester
Stan & Linda Syvertsen Family Scholarship
Samuel Meador
Alpine Ski Hut Scholarship in Honor of Ed & Ingrid Hofbauer
Tyr Melligan
Dolores O. And Daniel G. Noonan Family Scholarship
Jason Miller
Samuel Bertuzzi Memorial Scholarship
Eliana Miller
C. James & Lois S. Herrick Memorial Scholarship
Bruce Mistler
Brooks’ Bar-B-Q Charitable Foundation Scholarship
Bryan Moran
Robert R. Warner Memorial Scholarship
Harshini Naraparaju
Talevi Family College Scholarship
Jeremy O’Shea
Wayne & Janet Kniskern Family Scholarship
Alexandra Pentzien
Winifred Marcley Scholarship
Isabella Perry
The Dewar Foundation Scholarship
Gialina Ploutz
Robert Squires Memorial Scholarship
James C. & Mary Louise Austin Memorial Scholarship
Jaelyn Privitera
George A. & Isabelle L. Niles Scholarship
Khadhija Randall
Shane Robert Marmet Memorial Scholarship
Matthew Rigas
Walter J. & Anna H. Burchan Vocational/ Technical Scholarship
Gabriel Rissberger
Helen Stam Memorial Scholarship
Dez Robinson
Margaret W. Ouimette Memorial Scholarship
Anonymous Donor
Matthew Rubin
The Dewar Foundation Scholarship
Gavin Sawye
Walter J. & Anna H. Burchan Vocational/ Technical Scholarship
Josie Scanlon
Eugene Francis Murphy Memorial Scholarship
Jesse Schwabe
Clifford A. & Elizabeth P. Mcvinney Memorial Scholarship
Simmone Sega Angie Bertuzzi Memorial Scholarship
Claire Seguin
The Willies Family Foundation Scholarship
Madeleine Seguin
Frank G. & Ethel E. Becker Memorial Scholarship
The Patricia Pantaleoni Memorial Music Scholarship
Dylan Shaughnessy
Bruno and Vera Talevi Scholarship
Sasha Sloth Cobleskill Stone Environmental Scholarship
Parker Stanley
Charles T. & Doris B. Gallagher Memorial Scholarship
Brooksana Sterchak
Christine M. Schermerhorn Memorial Scholarship
John and Catherine Gallagher Memorial Scholarship
Anonymous Donor
Logan Temming
Bruno and Vera Talevi Scholarship
Shayla Truesdell
Daniel & Jean Rothermel Memorial Scholarship
Tanner Tubia
Lindsay Marie Harvey Memorial Scholarship
Kaylen Turley
Reverend Richard H. Frye Memorial Scholarship
Natalie Vanzandt
Margaret Getman Bagnardi and Margaret Lynch Getman Nursing Scholarship
The Terry D. Fox Memorial Scholarship
Reilly Waltz
Walter J. & Anna H. Burchan Scholarship
George H. Lambros Memorial Scholarship
Selene Wellman
Richard A. Murphy Memorial Scholarship
Anonymous Donor
Natalie Wilde
Steven A. Lutz Memorial Scholarship
Wyndam Withington
Oneonta Rotary Scholarship in Honor of Selean “Sam” Koury
Oneonta Rotary Matthew Maine Memorial Scholarship
Maia Woertendyke
Susan R. Hughson Scholarship
Keyon Ziaie
Anthony Victor Chicorelli Memorial Scholarship
Chestnut Street • Oneonta
Bassett Healthcare network Welcomes Six More Practitioners
Bassett Healthcare network welcomed six new healthcare practitioners during the months of April and May.
Berina Avdic, PAC, has joined Bassett Healthcare network as a physician assistant with emergency and Trauma Services at various network locations. Avdic provides care to patients of all ages, including diagnosis and treatment of very serious illness and injury, as part of the emergency Medicine
Team. Avdic earned her master’s degree as a physician assistant from D’Youville University in Buffalo. She is certified by the national Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Matthew Fairbank, PA, has joined Bassett Healthcare network as a physician assistant with Cardiovascular Services at various network locations. Fairbank will be providing cardiovascular care to patients, ages 18 years and older. Fairbank earned his degree as a physician assistant from Albany Medical College–Hudson Valley Community College in Albany. He is certified by the national Commission on Certification of
.dining&entertainment
Physician Assistants. natalie Hyde, PA, has joined Bassett Healthcare network as a physician assistant with Dermatology at Bassett
Continued on page 9
Photo
BERINA AVDIC, PA-C
Perspectives
EDITORIaL
What You Read Is What We Get
Acouple weeks ago, a subscriber called to cancel her AllOtsego subscription. When asked why, she responded, “Well, we like reading the news, and we like your website, but you’re just becoming too left-leaning.” Although at first surprising—as we work very hard to remain objective in our reporting—we understood.
While it is true that we strive to provide balanced, fact-based news coverage, our content has, indeed, been leaning to the left of late. Our motto since September 2022 has been, and continues to be, “putting the community back into the newspaper.” We encourage submissions from our readers of opinion pieces, letters to the editor, guest columns and the like. This is your newspaper when all is said and done, and we want your voices to be heard.
To that end, we are seeing our goal of community participation come to fruition. Take our “Letters to the Editor” section, for instance. From Election Day last November to the end of 2024, we published 35 letters. Four of those letters expressed negative opinions of president-elect Trump, while one was cautiously optimistic. The rest focused primarily on topics specifically of local concern. From January 1, 2025 through our issues of June 19, we published 109 letters. Of those, 58 were staunchly opposed to the current administration for various reasons. Twelve of the 109 letters, all written by the same individual, praised Trump’s leadership and trajectory for the nation.
So, it is understandable that the reader who called to cancel perceives our website, and our newspapers, to be left-leaning. After all, 54 percent of the letters to the editor published this year have been anti-Trump and largely antiRepublican. Add to this our coverage of the formation of several Indivisible groups throughout the county and their peaceful rallies in protest of the Trump administration over the last three months, and a number of anti-Trump opinion pieces, and it does, indeed, appear that our publications have taken a turn to the left. In fact, we were lambasted last week for a front page account of the “No Kings Day” rally in Oneonta, which one reader insisted was “not news.” We respectfully replied that any event drawing more than 1,200 people— whether you agree with it or not—is most definitely news.
We are publishing the views and opinions of the folks who take the time to write them. It’s as simple as that. Yes, we do state a position of our own from time to time—in our editorials, where our opinion belongs. And frankly, even our editorials are generally geared toward finding a middle ground both sides of the aisle can embrace. Which, by the way, seems only to inflame the left, if their response is any indication. Go figure.
So, no, we are not left-leaning. But the letter writers and op-ed contributors definitely are. This begs the question: Why are we hearing essentially nothing from the right? We welcome your thoughts as well, and would devote space to your opinions. But, as the saying goes, “you don’t write, you don’t call…” Why is that?
Is this in parallel to mid-term elections, during which voters from the party currently in power often don’t bother to show up? Because they’re happy with the way things are, and taking time out of their busy day to vote—or, in this case to write—seems like a waste of time? Maybe. Is it because they’re not happy with the way things are going and don’t want to talk about it? Could be. Or maybe it’s because, as one longtime Republican recently told us, he and his wife can’t even attend a cocktail party without being verbally attacked by their friends and neighbors. Hmm.
Whatever the reason, we recognize that there are voices and perspectives missing from our pages. We are, and will continue to be, bipartisan in our coverage of the news. That’s our job. We will continue to try to find common ground in our editorials. That’s our position. We’re not “leaning” in either direction. But our readers most certainly are—the ones we’re hearing from, anyway. So if there are those of you who disagree with what appears to be a rising tide, we invite you to make your voices heard. That’s what we’re here for.
Until then, what you read is what we get. By the way. That reader who was going to unsubscribe? She gets it, and she’s still with us. But she hasn’t submitted a letter. Yet.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Preferred length is no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
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Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District
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of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
Socialism: What the Heck Does It Even Mean?
Many Americans are quick to label the politics of former President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris as “socialist.” But I’d wager my 13th salary—the annual bonus Soviet workers received—that few of my college students could pass a quiz defining the term.
What most people think of as socialism is often more about the ideology or political movement that advocates for it, rather than the actual economic system. At its core, socialism involves public ownership of the means of production and the elimination of private property—concepts largely absent from American policy debates.
Yes, in the Soviet Union, people lived rent-free in government-provided apartments (unless they joined a housing co-op). Utilities and basic goods were dirt cheap. But so were salaries. And the value of free public healthcare? Often exactly what it cost: nothing. “Medicine for nothing is worth nothing,” Soviet Russians used to say. With few exceptions, free medicine did little good.
Medical students earned tuition-free degrees, but a system rife with scarcity and corruption bred ruthless competition—especially among children of the privileged elite, the so-called priviligentsia. The result? More opportunists and butchers than doctors and surgeons.
Yet education wasn’t the worst part of Soviet life. We all had access to it, and those who worked hard could make the most of it. The real misunderstanding about socialism lies in the myth that people fled the Soviet Union to escape it. That’s an oxymoron. You couldn’t leave the Soviet Union when socialism was in full force.
Just look at Andrei Sakharov—the renowned Soviet nuclear physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He became one of the regime’s most outspoken dissidents, while his wife, Yelena Bonner, longed to leave as pressure mounted on her family. But with his high-level security clearance, Sakharov was forbidden from traveling abroad. When he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 but was barred from attending the ceremony, Bonner accepted it on his behalf in Oslo, using the moment to amplify his voice against Soviet repression. She often served as his voice when he was silenced or under surveillance.
Bonner’s children from a previous marriage emigrated to the U.S. in the late 1970s under duress. She and Sakharov, however, were never allowed to leave. Instead, they became symbols of moral resistance, pushing for reform from within.
Born Lusik Georgiyevna Alikhanova in 1923 in what is now Turkmenistan, Bonner had a richly complex background. Her biological father, Levon Kacharyan, was Armenian. Her mother, Ruf “Ruth” Bonner, was a Jewish communist activist from Siberia. Her stepfather, Gevork Alikhanyan, was a key Armenian communist and the founding First Secretary of the Communist Party of Armenia. Deeply connected to her Armenian heritage, Bonner later became a vocal advocate for Armenian rights, particularly during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. She and other Moscow intellectuals played a role in igniting a separatist war—one that ended tragically for Armenia but proved beneficial for the Kremlin: Divide et impera—when you can’t save the empire, divide and rule. But that’s a topic for another column, ideally published in Armenia, where nobody knows how to find me and kick me to the curb for speaking treason.
The point of this detour into the Sakharov-Bonner family history is that not many of us were nuclear physicists. Our struggle for freedom was on a completely different scale. We were simply trying to survive.
In his wonderfully complex literary short story “From, To,” published in the print edition of “The New Yorker” magazine on April 6, author David Bezmozgis captures this tension through the reflections of a Soviet Jewish protagonist mourning his mother’s death while his daughter protests against Continued on page 10
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … IN THEIR OPINION
In Defense of the President
Why are these vicious attempts to destroy Trump failing? And how will removing him save our democracy?
Many folks detest Donald J. Trump
They call him a tyrant, a Nazi, a chump.
Then they loot, hurl bottles, and smash
While torching cars and dumpsters of trash…
As his approvals continue to jump.
Waldo Johnston Vero Beach, Florida and Cooperstown
President Trump
‘Doesn’t Care’
I heard him say first thing today that he “couldn’t care less” anyway. What a wonderful thing to say by a president! Which explains a lot—in fact, everything! When is this torture by a traitor and a con going to be over? Sooner rather than later, I hope and pray.
C. Rogers Roos Cherry Valley
Trump Stance Not Good Policy
Donald Trump’s recent, belated “realization” that mass deportations and incarceration of hardworking immigrants would devastate industries like restaurants, hotels, and agriculture isn’t just hypocritical—it’s a glaring example of the inherent racism and ignorance underlying his immigration policies.
For years, Trump and his loyal consiglieri Stephen Miller have demonized immigrants, portraying them as criminals and invaders while simultaneously relying on their labor to sustain key sectors of the economy, including Trump’s numerous holdings in the hospitality industry. Now, faced with the economic consequences of his own rhetoric, he feigns concern for businesses that depend on these very workers.
This isn’t a change of heart; it’s an admission that his antiimmigrant agenda was never about security or fairness—it was about exploiting cheap labor while scapegoating vulnerable people, mainly people of color.
The truth is clear: Trump’s immigration stance has always been rooted in racial animus, not sound policy. If he truly cared about these industries, he would have championed fair, humane immigration reform long ago, perhaps when a bipartisan bill was put before Congress in 2024, and not waited until his political calculations demanded it. It’s time to call this what it is: a cynical, hypocritical racist ploy that harms both immigrants and the economy. America deserves better than leaders who only value people for their labor when it’s politically convenient.
Michael Stein Cooperstown CooperstownOneonta Indivisible Member
‘No Kings’ Event Draws 200 in CV
A crowd of 200, most holding signs, many waving American flags, and a few standing near veterans in wheelchairs, met at the four corners of the Cherry Valley traffic light on Saturday morning, June 14, for a “No
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Joel J. Plue, Sarah Roberts, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
THE PaRTIaL ObSERvER
GaYaNE TOROSYaN
by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
185 YEARS AGO
newspapers—The man who takes no newspaper cannot reasonably expect to occupy a very high station in society. How can he expect to know what is passing in the world, what mankind is about, and what he ought to occupy himself about, unless he has access to those chronicles of the times, which disseminate intelligence, and herald in due form all earthly Monarchs, to the birth of Mrs. John Smith’s twins – from the conquest of empires to the capture of a hummingbird? How can a man expect to rank equal with the best, unless he takes a newspaper?
June 29, 1840
160 YEARS AGO
Escaped jail—James Peterson, sentenced to State Prison at the present term of the Court for horse stealing, escaped from jail on Monday morning. The evening before he made up an image and placed it in the bed in his cell, and at the same time concealing himself in a passage-way to which prisoners have access during the day. The jailer was deceived into believing that Peterson was safely locked in his cell; instead of which he was in a position quietly to walk out the next morning, when the jailer went his rounds. The Sheriff offers a reward of $200 for his capture.
June 30, 1865
110 YEARS AGO
Odds & Ends of news—Because a cow swallowed her diamond ring, Miss Worden of Copake had the animal killed. The ring is valued at $250.
John Mitchell, fourteen years old, of Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, built a pair of wings and then jumped from the roof of the barn, expecting to fly away. He will carry both arms in splints for some time.
June 23, 1915
85
YEARS AGO
Carl Sandburg, winner of this year’s Pulitzer Prize in history, will give an address July 4th in Cooperstown at the Dedication of the Hall of Life Mask in the Museum of the new York State Historical Association. The dedication of the Hall of Life Masks will have patriotic significance as the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, is represented in the collection by a remarkable mask for which he sat at the age of 82.
June 26, 1940
60 YEARS AGO
A print of a 30-minute television film titled, “The Last Out,” produced by Dave von Sothen of WRCTV, the national Broadcasting Company station in Washington, D.C. was presented to the national Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Thursday by Mr. von Sothen who was accompanied to Cooperstown for the ceremony and viewing by Sam Rice, a member of the Hall of Fame and an all-time Washington Senators outfield great. The film is the story of fabled Griffith Stadium which until three years ago was the home of the Senators and of the Washington Redskins of the national Football League. Mr. von Sothen put together film clips of famous events which took place at the stadium, and added some new footage shot last summer in the weed-grown ballpark. Rice added some commentary during an interview in the park with Jim Simpson, the film’s narrator. Ken Smith, Hall of Fame Director, accepted the film.
June 23, 1965
20 YEARS AGO
The provisions of a new dress code for students at Cooperstown Central School include the following: “Shirts may not be off the shoulder, sheer, nor lowcut; shirts worn outside the waistband must be of sufficient length that no flesh is exposed when the student fully extends one arm above the head.” Longslung pants “exposing underwear” are outlawed as are “holes, rips or tears” in “inappropriate places.”
June 24, 2005
Solution: “Hoochie Coochie!” (June 19)
news from the noteworthy
City’s Downtown Is Continuing To Evolve
After a string of gloomy, rainy Saturdays, the sun shone warm and bright as Muller Plaza filled with people on Saturday, June 21. They were there to celebrate a new chapter in the history of Oneonta’s downtown (https:// www.allotsego.com/ gallodoro-stage-inoneonta-pays-homageto-woodwind-legend).
The embrace of our performing and visual arts is driving Oneonta’s renaissance, and the Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage is striking evidence of this new era we’ve entered. The stage is a work of art that provides a continuous connection to the audience, and a unique integration to the space around it. The pergola roof is in constant shadow-play with performers and the audience.
This wonderful new stage will complement our “Thursdays in the Park” programming with downtown performances every Friday and Saturday.
Geoff Doyle, the executive director of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, has put together a stellar collection of talents for those Friday evening and Saturday afternoon
By MERL REAGLE
Fireworks Display…
performances. You can find the complete listings for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at www. exploreoneonta.com.
But wait…There’s more. Water Street will soon be caressed by the twinkling of string lights overhead and, on Saturday evenings, will fill with tables and chairs to support outdoor dining and live entertainment. Watch for announcements on that.
Back to the plaza. Every day this summer, Tuesday through Saturday, the folks at Club Odyssey are setting up umbrella-shaded tables, each offering QR-coded “menus” of every local restaurant, so that visitors can sample the many
Continued on page 8
Photo provided
the new stage in muller Plaza is named after Al Gallodoro, a renowned jazz clarinetist and saxophonist best known for playing lead alto sax with the Paul whiteman orchestra for four decades and bass clarinet in the nBC symphony orchestra under Arturo toscanini.
Show Features Regional Artists
BInGHAMTOn—The Roberson Museum’s 2025 Regional Art exhibition, featuring more than 80 works by 75 artists across Central new York and the Twin Tiers, will be on display at 30 Front Street in Binghamton through September 7. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with additional evening hours through 9 p.m. on Fridays. Area artists featured in the exhibition include Marilla Currey of Otego, Linda Cook DeVona and Scott Higby of Afton, Ty Steinbacher of Walton, and Richard G. Ramsdell of Oneonta. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit roberson.org/.
SBA Onshoring Portal Launched
WASHInGTOn,D.C.—AdministratorKellyLoeffler of United States Small Business Administration announced the launch of the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal on May 20. The free online database records more than one million American suppliers and is intended to help businesses support U.S. job growth, shorten supply chains and improve the nation’s manufacturing capacity. For more information, visit https:// www.sba.gov/priorities/american-manufacturers/ make-onshoring-great-again-portal.
Scholarship Winners Named
SCHeneVUS—The Otsego-Schoharie and Delaware Masonic Charities Corporation awarded $750.00 scholarship grants to five outstanding local high-school seniors at their annual Awards night on May 3. Recipients were chosen for academic achievement, character, community engagement, personal aspirations and financial need. The winners were Jordan Bender and William Kulaski of Delaware Academy, Dorothy Bull of Downsville Central School, Libby Cox of Laurens Central School and Josie Scanlon of Oneonta City School. For more information, visit https://osdmasons.org/Scholarships.
Mixed Media Workshop Set
STAMFORD—Artist Jamie Banes will lead a mixed media assemblage workshop at Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street in Stamford, from 14 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Participants will gain essential skills in material selection, construction methods, adhesive and hardware use, and formal design elements. The workshop costs $15.00-$35.00 on a tiered equity pricing plan scale. For more information or to register, visit roxburyartsgroup.org.
Alden To Address Art Garage
COOPeRSTOWn—Prominent local ceramics artist normandy Alden will present a free lecture on her work at The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. The gallery will open for viewing at 4 p.m. Alden’s work will be on display as part of the “Splendor in the everyday” exhibition through July 9. She and Mary Padgett will present an artists’ panel discussion at 4 p.m. on the last day of the exhibit. Light refreshments will be served, and reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For more information, contact leartgarage@gmail.com or (315) 941-9607.
Merit Program Announced
OneOnTA—The Future for Oneonta Foundation’s long-standing Properties of Merit Program will return with significant changes in July. For more than 30 years, this program has celebrated property owners who demonstrate pride in their homes and businesses through upkeep, improvement and beautification. This year, the program has been moved from October to summer, and community members can cast one vote per day rather than once overall. Visit futureforoneonta.org to vote for a property. Additionally, there will be a reception for all nominated property owners at SUnY Oneonta’s Craven Lounge at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. To nominate a property for consideration, contact wkbaskin@gmail.com or message the Future for Oneonta Foundation Facebook page.
UWUA in Support of Nuclear
WASHInGTOn, D.C.—Utility Workers Union of America President James Slevin announced his full support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s directive to bring advanced nuclear power to new York State by 2040. In a release, Slevin said, “We’re glad the state recognizes the need for growing grid capacity and understands that nuclear is the right choice. This zero-emission energy source will deliver grid stability and help meet the needs of businesses and consumers as demands on the power grid continue to add up. Advanced nuclear energy technology has come a long way. It is without a doubt the right choice to power new York’s future in a way that will create family and community-supporting union jobs and benefit the economy.” Chartered in 1945, UWUA represents 45,000 workers in the American utility sector, including electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. For more information, visit uwua.net.
Hall To Host Dodgers Weekend
COOPeRSTOWn—The national Baseball Hall of Fame will celebrate the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory with a Dodgers Weekend
on July 18 and 19. The World Series trophy will be on display from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. A World Series ring and memorabilia from several participating players will also be part of the exhibit, and the weekend will include Dodgers-themed trivia contests, family art activities, and other special opportunities. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.
Train
Wreck To Be Discussed
SCHeneVUS—The Town of Maryland Historical Society will hold its next monthly meeting at the AmVets building, 16 Main Street in Schenevus, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. There will be a panel discussion by seven local firefighters who responded to the 1974 Colliersville Delaware and Hudson Railroad wreck and propane explosion. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Program Chairman Bob Parmeter at (607) 638-9343.
‘Reflections’ To Open at Smithy
COOPeRSTOWn—The Smithy Gallery and Otsego 2000 will present “Reflections on Glimmerglass,” an exhibition of work by local artists and photographers celebrating Otsego Lake and commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Glimmerglass national Register Historic District. It will be displayed on the third floor from July 2 to August 30, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. The Smithy is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit smithyarts.org.
Fox Blood Drive Scheduled
OneOnTA—Bassett Healthcare network’s FoxCare Center will host an American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30. It will be held in Conference Room 1 at 1 FoxCare Drive in Oneonta. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-7332767, visiting redcrossblood.org or by using the American Red Cross Blood Donor app. Donors can receive a $15.00 gift card and will be entered for a chance to win a $7,000.00 prize. The Red Cross noted that blood is in especially high demand at this time of year. Donors of all types are urgently needed, particularly those with type O blood.
Vets Outdoor Summit is Friday
BLUe MOUnTAIn LAKe—The new York State Department of Veterans’ Services will hold its inaugural Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Summit at Adirondack experience, 9097 State Route 30 in Blue Mountain Lake, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 27. The daylong event will bring together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss the expanding role of outdoor recreation in veterans’ health. In addition to expert panels and peer discussions, participants will take part in immersive demonstrations of adaptive outdoor activities designed for veterans with diverse physical and emotional needs. For more information, visit veterans.ny.gov.
GOHS Opens Music Exhibit
OneOnTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s summer 2025 special exhibition will be “Schools of Rock: Music at Oneonta’s Colleges in the Age of Woodstock,” on display from July 12 to november. There will be an opening reception with light hors d’oeuvres and beverages at the History Center, 183 Main Street, from 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Prior to the reception, Hartwick alumni band Mad Heed will perform across the street in Muller Plaza from 4-5:30 p.m. For more information, visit oneontahistory.org or call (607) 432-0960.
Boat Parade Set for July 5th
COOPeRSTOWn—Otsego Lake Association’s annual “We Love Our Lake” decorated boat parade will return at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. This year’s theme, “Safe Boating on Otsego Lake,” will draw attention to Brianna’s Law, a new requirement that all new York State motorized boat operators must hold a current safe boating certificate. The parade will form off Three Mile Point at 2:45, and participants are urged to arrive early so judges can record their contest entries. Judges from OLA and SUnY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station will award prizes for the top three entries and give out candy to all boaters. There are no fees, registration forms or rules except travel slowly, stay in line and behave courteously. The 2024 parade was one of the largest on record, with about 40 participating vessels. Photos from past years may be viewed at OtsegoLakeAssociation.org. Shore-based spectators can view the event from Three Mile Point, Brookwood Point, Fenimore Art Museum, the Cooperstown Country Club, the Otesaga Resort Hotel, Lakefront Park and Council Rock. For more information, contact Parade Chairman Wayne Bunn at bunnwayne@gmail.com or (518) 542-6630.
RFS Community Events Slated
RICHFIeLD SPRInGS—The Richfield Springs Community Center will hold its annual bass fishing tournament from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, with registration opening at 5:30 a.m. It
will be held rain or shine at the Canadarago Lake Boat Launch, 135 Dennison Road. Cash prizes total $1,000.00 and there will be a free lunch for all participants. Registration is $30.00 per person, or $20.00 for anglers 12 and under. For more information, contact tournament coordinator Bill Kosina at (315) 749-3286 or bill@richfieldzone.org. The Community Center’s 23rd annual Sundae Walk and Run will begin at the Veterans Club Pavilion, 13 Lake Street, at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 20. Categories include 5K and 10K races and a twomile walk. Pre-registration is available at runsignup. com/rscc until midnight on July 17. Day-of registration will be open from 7-8 a.m. Free Stewart’s make-your-own sundaes will be offered to all in attendance. For more information, visit richfieldspringscommunitycenter.org.
Hartwick College Poet Honored
OneOnTA—Meer Singh ’28 of Oneonta was honored with Hartwick College’s Anna Sonder Prize at Honors Convocation on April 30. established in 1978 by the late professor emeritus of sociology Otto Sonder in memory of his mother, the prize recognizes the best poem by a Hartwick student each year. It is administered by the Academy of American Poets in new York. Brynn Illies ’25 of Watertown, Minnesota received Honorable Mention.
Guild Hosting Area Events
COOPeRSTOWn—The Guild of Glimmerglass Festival’s next Talking Opera lecture will take place at the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 30. Director Chia Patino will discuss her work preparing for Glimmerglass’ world premiere of “The House on Mango Street,” a new opera based on the award-winning book of the same title by Sandra Cisneros. Patino has been heavily involved in the show’s development alongside composer Derek Bermel and author/librettist Cisneros. All Talking Opera programs are recorded and posted on glimmerglassguild.org/. Community members are encouraged to attend in person to enjoy refreshments and mingle with artists after the program. The guild will celebrate a book launch party for its new cookbook, “Recipes from the Lawn,” from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. The book collects picnic-ready recipes and stunning photographs of Glimmerglass through the decades. The party will be held at Mohican Flowers, 207 Main Street in Cooperstown, and feature light refreshments and time to socialize with opera lovers and guild members.
Aphasia Support Group Meets
OneOnTA—The Bassett Healthcare network Speech Department will launch a monthly support group for aphasia patients and caregivers from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. Held on the third Thursday of every month, the group is open to anyone dealing with the challenges of aphasia. It will be held in Classroom 1 at 1 FoxCare Drive in Oneonta. Visit https://www.bassett.org/eventssearch for more information or to register.
County Seeks Survey Input
OTSeGO COUnTY—Otsego County’s Broadband Technical Assistance Project, funded by the USDA and contracted to the Vernonburg Group, has launched a survey to collect data on the community’s Internet availability, affordability and quality. The feedback will directly impact broadband planning and infrastructure investments across the county, and the public is urged to share the survey widely. It may be accessed at shorturl.at/bk79q or otsegocountyny.gov/broadband.php, with a PDF version available for those without internet access. For more information, contact the county Planning Department at broadband@otsegocountyny.gov or (607) 547-4225.
Two-day Concert Planned
COOPeRSTOWn—Samye Hermitage, 412 Glimmerglen Road in Cooperstown, will hold a two-day Dharma of Sound concert from 7:309 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5. The evening music series will feature classical music from northern India and chanting from the Oneonta Kirtan ensemble. Steve Gorn will play the bansuri, an Indian flute, on Friday. Mukund Rao (bansuri) and Sam Aldridge (sitar) will perform on Saturday, followed by the Kirtan ensemble. There is a suggested donation of $15.00.
Inn Launches Cabaret Series
LeOnARDSVILLe—The Horned Dorset Inn will launch its new Friday Jazz Cabaret nights Series on Friday, June 27. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert and buffet will run from 6:30-9 p.m. The cost is $40.00 per person for the music and all-evening buffet, not including beverages, tax or gratuity. The inaugural performance will be Alone Together: The Mollin-Clay Jazz Duo, featuring Carleton Clay (trumpet) and Rich Mollin (bass). The program will highlight the work of Miles Davis. A full schedule and list of featured artists will be posted at HornedDorsetInn.com in the near future. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (315) 855-7898.
Ag and Markets Farmers’ Market Checks Available July 1st
OTSeGO COUnTY
The Otsego County Office for the Aging announced on Monday, June 16 that farmers’ market checks will soon be available for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older. The checks are made available through the new York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and provide a booklet of (5) $5.00 checks worth $25.00 that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. To be eligible, seniors must have a monthly income at or below $2,413.00 for a one-person household or $3,261.00 for a two-person household.
Checks will be available beginning July 1 and throughout the summer. each older adult in a household is eligible to receive a booklet if they meet the requirements. While checks are good throughout new York State, consumers are reminded that not all farmers at farmers’ markets accept them. Office for the Aging will provide
IN MEMORIAM
a list of participating farmers’ markets when checks are distributed, officials said.
Checks can be picked up at the Office for the Aging, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, or at the following locations during distribution times on the following dates:
July 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bassett Hospital, Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown
July 8: 10-11:30 a.m., Salvation Army, 25 River Street, Oneonta
July 8: 2-4 p.m., Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center
July 9: 10-11:30 a.m., nader Towers, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta
July 9: 1-2 p.m., Community Cupboard, 9 West Street, edmeston
July 10: 11 a.m. to noon, Mobile Food Pantry, Southside Mall
July 10: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., FoxCare Center, 1 FoxCare Drive, Oneonta
July 11: 10-11:30 a.m., Oneonta Heights, 1 Silver Avenue, Oneonta
July 11: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mobile Food Pantry, Schuyler Lake
July 11: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Southside Mall, TJ Max end
July 15: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs
July 16: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cherry Valley Community Center Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley
July 16: 10-11:30 a.m., Academy Arms, 33 Academy Street, Oneonta
July 18: 10-11 a.m., Mobile Food Pantry, 40 Main Street, Schenevus
July 18: 1-2 p.m., Mobile Food Pantry, Catskill Shed Co., 141 State Route 7, Sidney
July 19: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Milford Food Pantry, 113 north Main Street, Milford
July 19: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday’s Bread, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta
July 21: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bassett Hospital, 1 Atwell Street, Cooperstown
July 23: 10-11:30 a.m., Worcester/
Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester
July 29: 10-11:30 a.m., Huntington Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta
July 31: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bassett Hospital, Fieldstone Lobby, 1 Atwell Drive, Cooperstown Questions can be directed to Office for the Aging by calling (607) 547-4232.
NY Gas Prices Jump UTICA—The average price of a gallon of gas in new York State jumped nine cents to $3.20 during the week ending Monday, June 23, AAA northeast announced. This price is seven cents higher than a month ago and 38 cents lower than this week last year. Oil prices have risen more than $10.00 per barrel in June, largely as a result of the Israeli and subsequent U.S. surprise offensive against Iran and fears of a broader regional war. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.
A Force for Good: The enduring Legacy of Polly Renckens
Aforce of nature,” “a force for good,” and “a force to reckon with”—when I forwarded the news of Polly Renckens’ passing to the Otsego 2000 Board of Directors and her former colleagues, those were the first responses returned. Polly was indeed those things, in spades, and the Otsego and Canadarago lake communities are all the better for it.
Polly Renckens was the first executive director of Otsego 2000, an organization that was founded as Friends of P.R.O.T.e.C.T. to challenge the proposed location of the Marcy South powerline along the eastern ridge of Otsego Lake. After that success, the organization—renamed Otsego 2000—sought to take a proactive and thoughtful approach to protecting Otsego Lake by guiding development and growth along intelligent pathways that prioritize the health of our environment, natural and built, over other considerations.
The indefatigable Polly organized conferences and workshops, working groups, and coalitions on topics ranging from Main Street revitalization to protecting Otsego Lake’s ecology from too many power boats. She worked with board members to plan and launch the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market in the heart of Main Street to both bring shoppers back downtown and to help farmers succeed in business, thereby preserving farmland, and was the heart and soul of the market for its first 20 years.
And recognizing that development threats to Otsego Lake and its surrounding communities—whether energy infrastructure or overdevelopment on its steep slopes—were not going away, Polly joined with Henry Cooper (board chair), attorney Bob Poulson, historian Jessie Ravage, Martha Frey (as Otsego 2000’s successor executive director), local municipal officials, new York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette
Castro and new York State national Register Coordinator Kath LaFrank, and many others to pursue the nomination of Otsego Lake and its surrounding hillsides and historic buildings to the State and national Registers of Historic Places as the Glimmerglass national Historic District.
Listed on the registers in 1999, the Glimmerglass n ational Historic District was one of the first historic districts in which the natural setting holds historic significance in its own right—affording an extra level of protection to Otsego Lake, the Susquehanna headwaters, from state and federal undertakings, including transportation and energy infrastructure projects and environmentally adverse development on its shores.
When Polly stepped down as Otsego 2000’s executive director in 1998 to take on leadership of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, her devotion to Otsego 2000 and the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market continued, serving on the Otsego 2000 Board of Directors, for a time as treasurer. She was unfailingly at the market each week, cheering on vendors, occasionally dressing herself and her always game husband Jim (and whoever else she could wrangle) in vegetable costumes to parade Main Street on market days to encourage shoppers to try out the market. As a board member, Polly spearheaded the establishment of the Otsego and Schoharie Counties Historic Preservation Awards. She knew that those who worked hard to preserve our history should receive praise and recognition for a job well done.
An infectious smile and a “we can do anything if we try hard enough” mindset made Polly Renckens Cooperstown’s greatest asset. A force of nature, for good, indeed. Her memory lives on in so many ways. Her legacy—a remarkable example of civic and community engagement— should inspire current and future generations to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Written by Ellen Pope, executive director, Otsego 2000, with much-appreciated assistance from Martha Frey, former executive director, Otsego 2000.
Thank you, Polly, for your hard work and dedication. You are missed.
EllEN pOpE
Photo provided
polly Renckens and husband Jim were Cooperstown fixtures, and never far apart. Jim passed away on July 13, 2024. polly joined him on June 2, 2025.
June 14: the Resistance Against Tyranny Continues Today
June 14 was “no Kings”—a day designated to protest the ever more authoritarian policies and actions of the Trump administration. The two main organizers of “no Kings” at the national level were Indivisible and 50501. They were supported by a coalition of more than 200 other groups.
“no Kings” specifically sought to counter President Trump’s own contention that he is a “king.” The date was chosen by this would-be king to observe both the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and his own 79th birthday. Trump’s celebration took the form of a military parade—something for which Trump has long salivated, admiring, as he does, strongmen such as north Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, Russia’s warmongering President Vladimir Putin, and Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban.
Trump’s parade featured armored tanks, helicopters and historical military equipment at a cost estimated to be somewhere between $25 to $45 million. Upwards of 6,000 uniformed troops, 34 horses, two mules and one dog marched down Constitution Avenue to the national Mall. estimates of crowd size varied greatly, from 20,000 (Occupy Democrats), to 80-120,000 (Doug Blandry, political campaign event manager), to the White House’s claim of 250,000. According to the fact-checking website Snopes, “estimates from outside the White House in the form of media reports … generally reported that fewer than the expected 200,000 people were in attendance.”
By contrast, organizers of “no Kings” reported that attendance had “shattered expectations.”
The general consensus from newspapers across the nation is that more than 5 million protesters showed up at more than 2,000 events across the U.S. I found it exhilarating to play video after video clip of the rallies around the nation. The official count for the local “no Kings” rally, starting on Market Street in Oneonta, was 1,300 according the rally’s main organizer, Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible—more than twice the attendance of the previous May Day rally.
At every rally, the low youth participation is
bemoaned by some attendees. Indeed, it does seem that the baby-boomers, now mostly grayhaired, heftier than in their younger days, and not as agile as before, are leading the charge. nonetheless, I was impressed by the elderly and the mobility-impaired who did not let their physical challenges keep them from attending— people reliant on walkers, in wheelchairs, on oxygen, some with canes to help them along; others relying on one another for support. And there did seem to be a noticeable increase in the under-50 crowd at “no Kings.”
The mood of the day was overall peaceful, even joyful. It just felt good to be among kindred spirits—good to be showing up and speaking out for justice, equality, democracy and the overall well-being of “we the people.”
As part of the rally, in response to the Trump administration’s slashes to food programs for the needy, Linda and ed Spencer of Oneonta organized a collection earmarked for the Oneonta Veteran Outreach Center. First aid items were also part of the effort, which brought in a combined total of 35 liquor-store-size boxes and grocery-store-size bags of food, plus three grocery-store-size bags of first aid items. Those who forgot to bring a donation or who were unaware of the collection contributed cash to the cause.
news of the day did not escape us. even as some held signs saying “Abolish ICe,” we learned that ICe had arrested a man on Watkins Avenue in Oneonta, calling him “an illegally present Venezuelan.” A member of the Otsego Refugee Resettlement Coalition, as well as a member of the Oneonta Common Council, disputed this claim. At the rally, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, speaking loudly into a microphone, decried, “These arrests, not by uniformed, badge-wearing officers of the law, but by unknown, untrained, mask-wearing, camouflaged, GI Joe-wannabes,” and addressed ICe directly, proclaiming, “ICe… We see you. We recognize you for what you are. And we understand and we reject your vile purpose.”
In addition, we were shaken to learn, as the rally was getting underway, that a member of
Oneonta
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specialties in our little “foodie” city.
At the tables, you’ll find card games and other distractions to help you while away the time, as kids—young and young at heart— play at cornhole, or with an oversized chess game, or go bounding around on pogo sticks, or cool off in one of our
the Minnesota State legislature and her husband had been brutally murdered, and another, along with his wife, had been shot multiple times by an assassin who had a hit list naming Minnesota Democrats.
“We’re all targets now,” was the reaction of one protester.
After talks by representatives for various entities at risk under the Trump administration, attendees lined up two-by-two and walked up Market Street, proceeding along Main Street through downtown Oneonta, and circling back to the starting point via South Main. But for a necessary pause for pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Market and Main, there would have been a seamless line encircling the entire march route. As with other rallies, many cars driving by honked in support. A pick-up or two revved their engines, seemingly in opposition. Some occupants of second-story apartments on Main yelled continually, “Get a job!”
As the rally was ending, Virginia Kennedy, leader of Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible and emcee for the event, was approached by an elderly man with tears in his eyes and an unsteady voice. He presented her with four green banners, each bearing a white rose—one for each of the organizing Indivisibles.
There is significant history behind this gesture. The White Rose was a non-violent resistance group in n azi Germany, primarily composed of students from the University of Munich. Between 1942 and 1943, they distributed six leaflets condemning n azi persecution of Jews and the war’s impact on Germany. They encouraged resistance and action against injustices of the Third Reich. White Rose leaders, Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie, along with Christoph Probst, were tried for their actions and executed by guillotine on February 22, 1943. So it is that the white rose represents a symbol of courage and moral resistance against tyranny. It is a sobering legacy for us to live up to as we continue to resist.
Teresa Winchester is a freelance journalist living in the Town of Butternuts.
water features. Increasingly, the City of Oneonta’s downtown is becoming a destination for fun and entertainment, for relaxation and socialization, and Muller Plaza is the epicenter. But all of downtown is joining the act. Countless locals and visitors are already filling their photo libraries with pictures taken at one of our dozens of “face in the hole” illustrated boards.
You’ll find those on the sidewalks in front of our shops and restaurants. My personal favorite: “Take your picture with Pee-wee Herman!” Art and performance are everywhere, and there’s more coming!
Our Public Arts Commission is working with area artists to adorn our blank walls with murals, and our Main Street windows are becoming a gallery for displays of art and history.
Oneonta’s renaissance hasn’t escaped the notice of developers. Several long-vacant buildings are subjects of discussion or imminent news. Watch for that.
There’s so much happening right now in Oneonta. If you haven’t visited in a bit, there is no time like the present! We’ll save a spot for you. Mark Drnek is the mayor of the City of Oneonta.
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financing such an endeavor, Micucci said, “Some of [the markers] are funded. There are funding opportunities for them. For instance, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation—which funded our Center Street School marker that we unveiled today— they do New York State historical marker funding throughout the state … But they do have some strict criteria. You need to pull a lot of primary source documentation—sources that can corroborate the history of the building or person, place, event, whatever you’re trying to get your marker for.”
With funding secured and excitement building, the day of the unveiling ceremony arrived. A sizable crowd gathered as Micucci gave some short remarks of gratitude to the numerous groups and people involved in the process of placing the marker at the Center Street School. A number of public officials attended, from Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, to John Cook, the nearly 30-year principal of Center Street School from 1983 to 2010.
OCSD Superintendent Tom Brindley was invited to give a few words on the marker’s unveiling.
“We recognize the historical significance of this great building. They don’t build them like this anymore … It’s really stood at the heart of education in our community for a long time. And although its purpose has changed over the
years from once a school, shaping young minds, to now our district office building, the work continues, and that is of supporting learning and growth in our community,”
Brindley said. “I want to thank all of you for not only preserving our shared history, but also celebrating it. So this is not just a tribute to this building, it’s a tribute to the generations of students and educators and community members that have passed through these doors with great hope, with great purpose, and with great Yellow Jacket pride.”
Though the ceremony itself lasted less than a half-hour, the impact of historical markers like this one will be felt by community members and visitors alike for years to come.
“There’s so many people that come to these unveilings, and they have stories to bring about what brought them there and why we’re
Squirel, Rabbit, Deer, Rat, Mice, Mole, Opossum, Fox, Coyote, Woodchuck & more John & Marie Armstrong 131 Wiltse Hill Rd., Jordanville 607-242-5478 • 315-858-5852
all celebrating these markers and why we’re celebrating these iconic places or these iconic things that we have here in Oneonta,” said GOHS Visitor Services Supervisor Bhanupratap Gaur. “I think it’s great that we’re highlighting pieces of Oneonta history that sometimes go off the radar.”
With one marker down, that leaves four more to be unveiled throughout Oneonta in the coming weeks. Following the positive turnout and feedback regarding the Center Street School marker unveiling, GOHS representatives are looking forward to these upcoming events now more than ever. If the array of people that attended this first unveiling is anything to go by, Oneonta has a population proud of its history.
The next historical marker will be unveiled on Tuesday, July 1 at 1 p.m. at the Red Caboose in Neahwa Park.
Bassett
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Hartwick Seminary Specialty Services, 4580 State Highway 28, Milford, and Bassett Oneonta Specialty Services, 1 Associate Drive, Oneonta. Hyde earned her master’s degree as a physician assistant from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Cassandra Moffatt, FNP, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a family nurse practitioner with Emergency and Trauma Services at various network locations. Moffatt provides care to patients of all ages, including diagnosis and treatment of very serious illness and injury, as part of the Emergency Medicine Team.
Moffatt earned her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Janine Velardi, PA, has joined Bassett
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Healthcare Network as a physician assistant with Orthopedics at Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown.
Velardi earned her master’s degree as a physician assistant from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Manchester, New Hampshire. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Alexys Viscomi, PNP, has joined Bassett Healthcare Network as a nurse practitioner with Pediatrics at Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown. Viscomi provides care to pediatric patients admitted to Bassett Medical Center in Pediatrics and the Birthing Center, including diagnosis and treatment of illness, prescriptions, specialist referrals following a patient’s hospital stay, and more.
Viscomi earned her master’s degree as a pediatric nurse practitioner from SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine in Syracuse. She is boardcertified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Photo by Bhanupratap Gaur
Once a training facility for Oneonta Normal School teachers, the Center Street School building is now district headquarters for the Oneonta city schools.
Israel at her elite university:
“His family escaped a totalitarian regime that persecuted them and now complain about opportunistic and culturally incompatible immigrants who seek to transform their adoptive country into a version of their regressive, Jew-hating, theocratic homelands. In short, his family are essentially fascists, comfortable with totalitarianism if it suits them. Not just his family. He is convinced that this is true of most people. Democracy is a discipline, like diet and exercise, strenuous and irksome. Sooner take a pill or eat cake.”
As a former Soviet citizen, I agree with Bezmozgis—while also taking pride in the profound contributions of Jewish intellectuals to Soviet science, culture and the arts. Figures like physicists Andrei Sakharov, Zhores Alferov, Lev Artsimovich, and Boris Podolsky; mathematicians such as Grigori Perelman, Naum Akhiezer, Grigory Margulis, Israel Gelfand, Vladimir Arnold, and Boris Delone; and cultural icons like Vladimir Vysotsky, Isaac Babel, Marc Chagall, and psychologist Lev Vygotsky all left an indelible mark on Soviet intellectual life.
Their achievements are undeniable, even as they—and many others—faced discrimi-
Tonja Knapp Curry 1939-2025 CELEBRATION, FL—Tonja Knapp Curry, 85, of Celebration, Florida, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at home, surrounded by her family.
nation. But it is important to remember that in the Soviet Union, marginalization was not limited to one group. It was a system that oppressed broadly and indiscriminately. People from the Caucasus were mocked for their fiery tempers and dark features; Central Asians were stereotyped as indolent; and the Indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic—collectively and reductively labeled “Chukchi”—endured relentless ridicule while bearing the brunt of resource extraction, settler colonialism, and the devastating spread of European diseases.
The Soviet regime didn’t just target Jews—it suppressed the dignity and identity of all its people. On a personal level, my younger self had my dignity crushed daily: denied an appointment with a semi-literate hair stylist who only served the well-connected elite; my father unable to buy a factory-fresh lemon on four wheels without the right connections; my mother unable to find proper clothing or shoes that fit me—let alone blue jeans or Beatles records.
We survived all that. But when the system collapsed, our bleak yet predictable socialist future dissolved into a big, fat question mark. Huddled in tight-knit circles of friends and family, we searched for ways to escape.
The largest wave of emigration came during and after Perestroika,
when Gorbachev dismantled the Communist Party’s grip on power. Families like mine did not leave our ancestral homes because of socialism itself—we left because of war, economic collapse and despair. We did not flee socialism. We fled its ruins.
Dr. Gayane Torosyan is a professor of media studies in the Department of Communication and Media at SUNY Oneonta.
Letters
Continued from page 4
Kings” rally. One of the 2,000+ “No Kings” rallies and protests held nationwide, the gathering was part of Indivisible Cherry Valley’s efforts to preserve democracy and stand up against an increasingly authoritarian administration.
Maureen IsemanBroeking of Roseboom explained her decision to attend by saying, “The Constitution is the law of the land, not a suggestion.”
Fifteen-year-old Bella Crowe of Cherry Valley carried a sign saying “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-damental Rights”; her mother, Jasmine Crowe, said her daughter has “lived most of her life in the shadow of Trump” and does not want to be afraid.
Leslie Berliant, candidate for District 7 of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, pointed out “peaceful protest is an American tradition and its legality under the First Amendment is a defining aspect of our
freedom and rights.”
Rachel Root, of Roseboom, said her grandfather had fought in WWII and that the living memory of fascism is not as strong as it once was, and that “even my Republican family members are horrified and angry.”
The peaceful event included drumming and chanting, ending shortly after 11 a.m. with the crowd singing “This Land Is Your Land.” Attendees came from Cherry Valley, Roseboom, Sharon Springs, and Sprout Brook, with many of the participants saying they were moving on to continue their protests at Canajoharie, Oneonta or Cobleskill.
Signs included “The Only King We Recognize Lived at Graceland,” “Red or Blue, Fascism Should Scare You,” “Due Process for Everyone,” “Families and Communities, Not Billionaires,” “Gonna Miss Democracy When It’s Gone” and “We Shall Overcome.”
Kathleen Taylor Cherry Valley
Trump Should Be Deported
Many people misunderstand the good points of rounding up various people and deporting them. I am all in favor of it, as long as they are truly criminals. For example, I know of a man with recent multiple convictions, by judge and jury trials, of income tax evasion, fraud, and sexual abuse of women. Among other things, he ran a fake university, and he released a gang of insurrectionists who
OBITUARIES
tried to overthrow the government and invaded the Capitol on January 6, 2021 They injured many police and caused four deaths among them. Yet he has gone untouched. His address is easy to find—he lives in a white house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. I am certainly in favor of deporting him to any prison abroad, the worse the better. Oh, wait—I forgot. That’s the president.
Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown
LWV
Continued from page 1
Green also highlighted the vital role of local newspapers. He emphasized that protecting journalism is not something that happens far away from small communities, noting that, “The real collapse of democracy begins quietly in your county, in your schools. Local governments make decisions that affect daily life. When the local paper disappears, no one knows how public money is spent. When meetings go unattended, officials are emboldened. When we stop asking questions, power goes unchecked. Defending democracy starts at home.”
Green outlined five action steps for LWV and community members to assure that democracy: track press freedom locally; engage with journalists; use the league’s influence by writing opeds, speaking up for transparency and truth; protect public records and open
meetings; and partner with educators.
“J.J. emphasized the crucial role of a free press in the preservation of our democracy,” said Christina Bourgeois, copresident of the LWV of Cooperstown. “He reminded us that our democracy begins with each one of us, in our own communities and through our individual civic responsibility. Our league tries to do just that. We have an active government Observer Corps and we regularly write letters to the editor and op-ed pieces for local papers.”
Following Green’s presentation, league members elected Hudi Polodsky to serve as copresident and Kristin Pullyblank as treasurer. Roe DiBona, Martha Membrino, Tracy Roberts, Gretchen Sorin and Laura Tansey Wetzel were also elected to the board. Sorin and DiBona will be heading up the league’s youth program, which will include civic education.
J.J. Green hosts the weekly podcast “Target USA” (https://targetusapodcast.com/episode/) which examines the threats facing the U.S., and the weekly broadcast program, “The Hunt,” which tracks emerging terror threats. His latest articles are available on the WTOP website (https://wtop. com/author/j-j-green/).
ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS CAN BE FOUND EACH WEEK ONLINE AT ALLOTSEGO.COM
Born August 16, 1939 in Cooperstown, New York, Tonja was the daughter of Ernest and Jean Turner Knapp and was married to her loving husband, Dr. Stephen L. Curry, on June 25, 1966 in Cooperstown.
Tonja had been a longtime resident of Litchfield, Connecticut and enjoyed playing mahjong and bridge. She was an avid gardener and had a passion for arranging flowers. Her talent led to many awards.
Tonja joined the Litchfield Garden Club in 1989 and was an active member. Over the years, she chaired almost every committee. She was the chair of the Horticulture and Floral Design committees, as
Dignity, Respect, Tradition
Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings. Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com
well as chairing flower shows over the years. She was president from 1999-2001.
Tonja was an active participant in all aspects of the garden club and won many awards for her horticulture specimens and her floral designs. She was particularly passionate about the pollinator garden and wanted it to continue. She received the Medal of Merit in 2014. The citation reads, “For her many years of exceptional dedication to the Litchfield Garden Club, furthering its goals in education, horticulture, and civic beautification.”
Tonja is survived by her husband, Stephen, of Celebration; her daughter, Ellen, of Celebration; her son, Stephen J. Curry, and his wife, Sharon, of Morris, Connecticut;
sisters Bonnie Bryans of Cazenovia, Roxanne Kelly of San Diego, California, and Sara Gault and husband Jerry of Litchfield, Connecticut; three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.
Elizabeth
Hribar
1936-2025
COOPERSTOWN—
Elizabeth “Betty” Hribar, a longtime resident of Fork Shop, passed away Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
She was 89.
Born June 3, 1936 at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, she was the daughter of Raymond N. and Minnie (Schallert) Bachanas. In her youth she attended a one-room schoolhouse in Cat Town and later Cooperstown Central School.
On October 28, 1952, Betty married David M. Hribar in a ceremony at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. Betty and Dave then moved to Ilion, where Dave worked at Remington Arms assembling fire arms.
Following a layoff in 1955, Betty and Dave returned to the Cooperstown area and settled into their home in Fork Shop in June of that year. For 13 years, Betty worked at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, first in the research department and then in the OBGYN clinic. She then went to work for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and was with them for 21 years, selling tickets.
Betty is survived by her and Dave’s four children, David M. Hribar Jr. and Diane M. Hribar of Fork Shop, and Keith Hribar and Melissa Madaras and husband Andy of Richfield Springs; a son-in-law, Victor Smith of Pierstown; seven grandchildren, Heather
Bancroft and husband Jason, Jason Smith, Cady Schoonover and husband Derek, Rebecca Brooks and husband Douglas Brooks Jr., Kody Bruce and husband Brian, Kimberly Rojo and husband Jario, and Jamie Madaras and husband Justin Matthews; 15 greatgrandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Dave, who died April, 6, 2012; a daughter, Terri Ann Smith, who died August 23, 2016; and a grandson, Matthew Hribar, who died February 11, 1994.
A graveside service will be offered at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025 in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery, 140 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, with the Rev. Jessica D. Lambert, chaplain at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, officiating. As an alternative to flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
“Nothing can ever take away a love the heart holds dear.”
Funeral Home
Photo provided
TONJA KNAPP CURRY
Festival
Continued from page 1
August 21 with Trinidadborn trumpeter Etienne Charles, whose “Creole
Soul” performance draws musical connections across the African diaspora with fiery original compositions rooted in Caribbean rhythms. “This season repre-
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name: Burren Properties, LLC.
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) was May 6, 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 115 Eggleston Hill Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
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Notice of formatioN of
Kingfisher Financial Planning LLC
Art. of org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 04/07/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 37 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJun.26
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Notice of formatioN of 119 BADGER LANE LLC
Articles of org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 05/20/2025. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY designated Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 119 Badger Lane LLC, 6718 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any Lawful purpose.
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Notice of formatioN of APPLEFIELDS 257, LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 04/21/2025. Office: Otsego County.
SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 30 HENRY ST., BAYPORT, NY 11705. Purpose: Any Lawful, 6LegalJul.3
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Notice of formatioN of 278 COOPERSTOWN, LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 04/21/2025. Office: Otsego County.
SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 30 HENRY ST., BAYPORT, NY 11705. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJul.3
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Notice of formatioN of SWEETSPOT 354, LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 04/21/2025. Office: Otsego County.
SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 30 HENRY ST, BAYPORT, NY 11705. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalJul.3
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Notice of formatioN of CCVA Legacy Development, LLC
Arts. of org. were filed with the SSNY on 5/27/2025. The office of the LLC is located in Otsego County. The SSNY is desig. as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served upon him/her to: CCVA Legacy Development, LLC, 5676 State Highway 80, Norwich, NY 13815. The purpose of the LLC is any lawful purpose. 6LegalJul.10
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Notice of formatioN of
5009 South Side Realty LLC.
Filed 5/27/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail POB 1238, Oneonta, NY
13820. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalJul.10
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Notice of formatioN of Isabelle & Rich Homes, LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/05/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Cherise and Aaron Tolbert, Cooperstown Hills Retreat, 186 Burdick Rd., Milford, NY 13807-1167. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.10
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Notice of formatioN of SAVI AUTOCARE LLC.
Articles of organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 5/19/20255. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: The LLC, 675 Evening Inn Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.
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Notice of formatioN of
JENNIFER L. GRIGOLI, NURSE PRACTITIONER IN PSYCHIATRY, PLLC.
Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/15/2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 55 Maple St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: to practice the pro-
sents the heart of what the festival always strives to create—extraordinary music in intimate settings that brings our community together in shared moments of musical
discovery,” said Chesis, the festival’s founder and artistic director. “We’re proud to offer experiences that might otherwise only be found in major metropolitan centers.”
LEGALS
fession of Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. 6LegalJul.17
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Notice of formatioN of
Two Cheeky Lads, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on June 5, 2025. NY office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served upon him/ her to: C/O Two Cheeky Lads, LLC, 13 Coryelle St, Lambertville, NJ 08530. General Purposes. 6LegalJul.17
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Notice of formatioN of
Oneonta House LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on June 4, 2025. NY office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served upon him/her to: C/O Oneonta House LLC, 81 W. Main St., Milford, NY 13807. General Purposes.
6LegalJul.17
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Notice of formatioN of
212 PLR LLC. Filed with SSNY on 05/09/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 6956 STATE HWY 80, COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326. Purpose: Any Lawful. 6LegalJul.17
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Notice of formatioN of Zuill Landscaping, LLC.
Arts of org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 5/23/2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 165 Zuill Lane, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose is any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.17
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Notice of formatioN of Fly N66 LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/13/25. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 391 Airport Rd., Oneonta NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJul.24
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Notice of formatioN of
4JAS, LLC
Articles of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 6/9/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as 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.
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iNVitatioN to bid 2025 roof
GUtter SYStem repLacemeNt
This announcement is intended for any person or business interested in providing roof gutter replacement services to Otsego County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), located at 967 County Highway 33 in Cooperstown, NY.
project Scope The project will encompass two buildings and consist of removal and disposal of existing
gutter systems and replacement with new on each building and its redirection away from the building structures into the adjacent wetland. proposal requirements Successful proposals will include the following • “Not to Exceed” itemizations of all labor and materials for each building formatted as follows: quantity x unit cost = extended cost for each item of labor and materials (SWCD is exempt from NYS sales tax), followed by the total building cost, with a total project cost at the end • a timeline for project start and completion • Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage naming the District as additional insured as follows: Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District 967 Co. Hwy. 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
There will be no mandatory walkthrough, but prospective bidders are encouraged to visit the site for measurements and building configurations and to direct questions to the District Manager. Requests for additional information necessary for the preparation of a proposal should be directed to Christos Galanopoulos, galanopoulosc@ otsegosoilandwater.com no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Submission deadline
Submittals by USPS, commercial carrier, or email are received when they are inside the SWCD office building. Submittals will be received until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 11 July 2025. Submittals shall be made to the following address: Christos Galanopoulos, District Manager Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District 967 Co. Hwy. 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
compliance with Labor Laws
The successful contractor will be required to comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to, Labor Laws, Prevailing Wage Rates, and Workers Com-
All performances begin at 7 p.m. and take place in historic venues across Cooperstown, including the Fenimore Farm and Country Village and Christ
Episcopal Church. Tickets are $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and children, available at cooperstownmusicfest.org or by calling (800) 316-8559.
pensation. NYSTATE PREVAILING WAGES information may be found at http:// www.labor.state. ny.us
Robin Moshier, District Secretary 10 June 2025 moshierr@otsegosoilandwater. com
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Notice of formatioN of Pierce Creations LLC
Articles of organization for Pierce Creations LLC were filed with the New York Department of State on June 13, 2025. The office of the LLC is in Otsego County, NY. 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:7014 13th Ave., Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. The LLC is formed to engage in any lawful activity under the New York LLC Law.
6LegalJul.24
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY.
Name: GAUGHAN TRUCKING LLC.
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 16 May 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 189 Hinds Road, Springfield Center, NY 13468. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJul.24
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY: The Center of ME LLC,
Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State
(SSNY) was 04/11/2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to P.O. Box 381, Oneonta NY 13820. Purpose: to engage in any lawful purpose.
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Notice of pUbLic HeariNG
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historical Preservations and Review Board (HPARB) for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 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.
1 beaver Street – demolition of residential office building.
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.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tele: (607)5472411 Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1LegalJun.26
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Notice of pUbLic HeariNG
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historical Preservations and Review Board (HPARB) for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday,
July 8th, 2025 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.
147 main Street – demolition of second floor porch on rear of building.
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.org or by regular mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Jenna Utter Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
Tele: (607)5472411
Email: jutter@ cooperstownny. org 1LegalJun.26
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Notice of formatioN of White Pine Acres LLC
Art. of org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 05/22/2025. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 37 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJul.31
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Notice of aNNUaL meetiNG
The Annual meeting of the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery Association for all lot owners will be held on July 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fly Creek Town Hall. This will be followed by the regular cemetery meeting. All lot owners are welcome to attend. 1LegalJun.26
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►Fri., June 27
BOOK
to
Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. SENIOR COFFEE
HOUR 10 a.m. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
BLOOD DRIVE
11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oneonta Elks Lodge 1312, 86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org
KICK-OFF
5:30 p.m. “Summer Reading Program Kick-off Event.” Presented by the Huntington Memorial Library. Register, then have fun at the bounce house, get balloon animals and more. Lower Level of Huntington Park, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
FIRE PIT FRIDAYS
6-10 p.m. Live music, food and more. Featuring music from Gooseberry. The Tap House, Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 5441800.
FINALE
6-9 p.m.
“Friday Nights in the Park.” Historic carousel rides, ice cream, local vendors and more. Borst
Field, Schenevus. (607) 638-1924.
BASEBALL 7 p.m.
Oneonta Outlaws vs. Amsterdam Mohawks. Damaschke Field, Neahwa Park, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 433-0545.
PERFORMANCE
8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. “Paula Cole: Tour 2025.” Fees apply. Bettiol Theater, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
►Sat., June 28
BUBBLE PALOOZA
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kick off summer with a bubble party for the whole family. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8280.
QUILTING 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Level 2 EPP Class—English Paper Piecing Bag.” Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta.
YOGA 10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” Weekly classes open to all levels. Suggested donation applies. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga.
FIELD TRIP 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “The Flora of Deowongo Island.” The Leatherstocking Botanical Society will be surveying the plants of the island.
Bring lunch, water, bug spray, gloves and long pants. Registration required. Departs from the boat launch, State Highway 28, Richfield Springs. ctedesco1026@ gmail.com.
HERBAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Herbal Remedies Weekend.” Demonstrations of how plants were used as medicine in the mid-19th century. Included with admission. Continues 6/29. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.
PLANETARIUM Family-friendly show open to the public. Fees apply.
SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, Oneonta. (607) 4362011.
• 10:30 a.m. “Worlds of Curiosity.”
• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”
ART EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Splendor in the Everyday.” All welcome. On view Saturdays or by appointment through July 9. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 9419607.
WORKSHOP 11 a.m.
“Decoupaged Flowers Swirled Glass Effect on 8×10 Picture Frame.” Presented by Glistening Water. Registration required. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.
FUNDRAISER Noon to 4 p.m. “RSCS Dance Fundraiser.” Spaghetti, music and dance for the whole community. Fees apply. Held rain or shine. The Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs.
OPENING 1-7 p.m.
Wilber Pool opens for the season. Free to City of Oneonta residents; fees apply for non-residents. Pool passes required. 1 Wilber Park Drive, Oneonta. (607) 4320010.
COOKING 1-3 p.m.
“Pizza Making Workshop.” Tickets required. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
MEMORIAL 1 p.m.
Monument dedication and memorial service honoring Medal of Honor recipient 2nd Lt. Terry Graves. Ceremony will also be honoring Brian Cady, Allen Miller and Andy Rose, who died while serving in Vietnam. Edmeston Town Center, Edmeston.
MUSIC 1-3 p.m.
“Music on Main: Small Town Big Band.” Present-
ed by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. Pioneer Park, corner of Pioneer and Main streets, Cooperstown. (607) 5479983.
WORKSHOP 1-3 p.m.
“Wire Wrapped Bracelet Workshop.” Presented by Amanda Trumbull of Soul Crystal Creations. Fees apply; registration required. No experience needed. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2644025.
CANDLEMAKING
1:30-4:30 p.m. “Candle Pouring in Ceramic Vessels.” Presented by Toni Hacker of Beacon Mercantile. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671.
LEGO CLUB 2 p.m. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
ART 2 p.m.
“Japonisme: Cassatt, Morisot, and the 19thcentury Japanese Art Craze in the West.”
Presented by Manager of Arts Education Kevin Gray. Tickets required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.
DINNER 4-6 p.m.
Free Community Dinner. Dine-in only; reservations welcomed. Spaghetti dinner with salad, bread and desserts. Held 4th Saturday of each month. Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1553.
OPEN MIC 5-8 p.m.
Evening of music, poetry, comedy and more hosted by Khalil Jade. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
DANCE 6-8 p.m.; doors open at 5:45 p.m.
“Ecstatic Dance Oneonta: Unleash and Move.” Tickets required. Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. islavaa@gmail. com.
OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m.
“Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians and more are invited to share works. Light refreshments available. Free, open to public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (609) 2347769.
PRIDE 7-10:30 p.m.
“Pride Prom 2025: Til Death Do Us Part.” 18+ only. Cash bar available for 21+. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic
Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
COMEDY 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Stand-up Comedy. Featuring Jimmy McCartney. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
►Sun., June 29
FIRST AID 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Heartsaver CPR & First Aid Class.” Presented by the American Heart Association and the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services. Fees apply. Laurens Fire District Emergency Squad, 34 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 433- 2906.
MEDITATION
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Sundays at Samye: The Practical Bodhisattva—How To Be a Spiritual Hero in Everyday Life.” Meditation, study and discussion. Held Sundays through 12/21. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475051.
MUSIC 1-3 p.m. “Sunday Session with Blue Stone.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
FIBER GUILD 1-3 p.m. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
HISTORICAL SOCI-
ETY 2 p.m. Panel Discussion. Featuring local firefighters who survived the February 1974 D&H Railroad wreck and explosion. They will recount where they were, what they saw and heard, and the personal aftermath. Presented by the Town of Maryland Historical Society at the AmVets Building, 16 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 6389343.
OUTDOORS 2-4 p.m. “Summer Mushroom Walk with Shane Gardner.” Understanding of edible and medicinal fungi in their natural habitat. Bring comfortable walking shoes, weatherappropriate clothing, a notebook or field guide and basket or bag for collecting. Location will be provided upon registration. Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. (607) 547-4488.
EXHIBIT 5 p.m. Artist talk with the artists behind the “Phantasm/ Chimera” exhibit. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-4025.
DRUM CIRCLE 5 p.m. “Cherry Valley Drum Circle and Potluck.” Presented by The Telegraph School. All ages/skill levels welcome. Free-will donations appreciated. Cherry Valley Gazebo, 3 Main Street,
Cherry Valley. (607) 2643785.
►Mon., June 30
WALKING CLUB
8 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
BUDDHIST 10:30 to noon and 2:30-4 p.m.
“Buddhist Arts & Sciences Summer Immersion: Artisanry & Craftsmanship— Evoking the Environment of Awakening.” Continues through 7/4. Fees apply; registration required. Lunch includedSamye Institute, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5051.
SENIOR MEALS Seniors enjoy a meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of roast pork, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and cupcakes. (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. BLOOD DRIVE Noon to 5 p.m. Fox Care Center, 1 Fox Care Drive, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood. org
BENEFIT CONCERT
2 p.m. Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York presents a concert to benefit the Unadilla Food Pantry. First Presbyterian Church, 156 Main Street, Unadilla.
OPERA 7 p.m. “Talking Opera.” Director Chia Patino discusses “The House on Mango Street.” Presented by The Glimmerglass Festival at the First Baptist Church, 21 Elm Street, Cooperstown. guild. of.glimmerglass.festival@ gmail.com.
BASEBALL 7 p.m. Oneonta Outlaws vs. Saugerties Stallions. Damaschke Field, Neahwa Park, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 433-0545.
►tueS., July 1
VOLUNTEER 7 a.m. Beautify Main Street with other volunteers. Clean the rain gardens, care for the trees, collect trash, weed and more. Supplies provided. Meet at the entrance to Doubleday Field, Main Street, Cooperstown.
KNITTING CIRCLE 9 a.m. Beginners welcome. Held each Tuesday. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.
