The Freeman&#39;s Journal 07-31-25

Ichiro’s Induction, Yakyu Exhibit Opening Highlight Weekend of Japanese Culture

By CHARLIE VASCELLARO COOPERSTOWN

he highly anticipated induction of the first Japaneseborn Hall of Famer, Ichiro Suzuki, brought an Orix Blue Wave of Japanese culture to Cooperstown during Induction Weekend, July 2528. Ichiro hit .356 for the 1996 Japan Series champion Orix Blue Wave of the Japan Pacific League five years

before becoming the first position player from Nippon Professional Baseball to join the major leagues in 2001.

In the ensuing decades, Ichiro looked more like a Hall of Famer every day.

In his first major league season, Ichiro won the Rookie of the Year Award and the American League Most Valuable Player Award, leading the league with 242 hits, 56 stolen

bases and a .353 batting average, and lifting the Seattle Mariners to a major league record 116 wins in a season.

In 2001, Ichiro was named to the first of 10 straight All-Star teams. It was also the first of 10 straight seasons in which he had more than 200 hits, and the first of 10 straight Gold Glove Awards.

For many years it has been a

Continued on page 6

Skies Clear Over Cooperstown for NBHoF Induction Ceremony

By CHARLIE VASCELLARO COOPERSTOWN

The 2025 National Baseball Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremony was delayed by one hour because of rain, but with an assist from the baseball gods the skies cleared up and the ceremony took place under intermittent clouds and sunshine. The estimated attendance of 30,000 was nowhere near the 55,000 that had been speculated.

In the unusual position of leading off was closer Billy Wagner, eighth on the all-time saves list with 422, behind Hall of Famers including Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, and Dennis Eckersley, and ahead of such luminaries as Rollie Fingers and Rich Gossage.

In a humble and subdued

speech, Wagner revisited the start of his 16-year career: “Who could have imagined, when I debuted in 1995, I would take the field with two future Hall of Famers, and now I’m joining them,” said Wagner, glancing back from the podium at former Houston Astros teammates Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.

Speaking on behalf of his father, feared slugger and famed outfielder Dave Parker—who died just one month before the Induction Ceremony—Dave Parker II delivered a rhythmic, beat-poet style speech, moving in and out of his voice and his father’s voice in a spontaneous and improvisational style.

Speaking in his father’s voice, he said, “I know what my stats looked like at every stop, and what the experts would say, what ancient YouTube videos show me in

New Owners To Revive Historic Oneonta Hotel Property

By MONICA CALZOLARI

ONEONTA

Cyril and Gail

O’Reilly are the new owners of 55,000 square feet of property from 193 to 203 Main Street in Oneonta. They plan to convert former hotel rooms that have stood vacant for an extended period of time into market-rate apartments for recent college graduates and young professionals.

At a gathering on Saturday, July 25, City of Oneonta Mayor Mark

Drnek said, “This afternoon, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce Cyril and Gail O’Reilly to the Oneonta community.

They are the new owners of our historic Oneonta Hotel, which, with its nextdoor building, they’ve christened, ‘The Oney on Main.’”

The O’Reillys live in Nassau County, Long Island and own an electrical contracting business there. They are no strangers to Oneonta. Cyril insisted that his wife is the best spokesperson

10:00am - 5:00pm

Photo by Monica Calzolari

Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, Eighth Ward Council Member Don Mathisen, new tenant

Bobby Sharp, new owners Cyril and Gail O’Reilly (with scissors), and their two daughters, Caroline O’Reilly and Megan O’Reilly, and Joshua Jackson, Caroline’s partner, celebrate the beginning of a new chapter

all the faded living color.”

And in his own voice, “Well, I just want you to know,

to all my Pittsburghers and all my Queen City brothers and sisters, Pops’ journey up and down to California, to his one year in Milwaukee, every fran-

Photo by Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Ten Hall of Famers, including Class of 2025 inductee Ichiro Suzuki, were on hand to view the museum’s new exhibit documenting the transpacific baseball exchange. Pictured above, from left, are: Ted Simmons, Harold Baines, former Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley, NBHoF Board Chair Jane Forbes Clark, Jim Kaat, Jim Thome, Ichiro Suzuki, Cal Ripken Jr., George Brett, Fred McGriff, NBHoF President Josh Rawitch, John Smoltz, Hideo Nomo and Jack Morris.

Continued on page 11

Samurai Baseball Exhibit Features Works by 15 local Artists

By CHARlIE VASCEllARO

COOPERSTOWN

The cross-cultural exchange here in Cooperstown served as the impetus for the “Samurai Baseball and More—A-Fine-Arts look at Baseball” exhibit running through Saturday, September 13 at The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road. Opening receptions were held on Friday and Saturday, july 25 and 26.

The exhibit features a variety of multi-media and multi-disciplinary contributions of 15 local artists. Some of their works were previously included in Cooperstown exhibitions on Main Street and Pioneer Street in the 1990s, and in the international touring exhibition, “Diamonds Are Forever: Artists and Writers on Baseball,” co-curated by Art Garage proprietor Sydney Waller. Cooperstown artist Robert Seward created a collection of japanese woodcuts and Manga-inspired posters assembled in a collage in one of Waller’s three galleries.

Seward previously taught at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo, where he introduced the work of Robert Whiting, an American authority on japanese baseball and author of “Ya Gotta Have Wa” and “The Samurai Way of Baseball.” Whiting’s thesis is that baseball, as played in japan, draws on

This collage of Cooperstown artist Robert Seward’s Manga-inspired posters is currently on display at The Art Garage as part of the exhibit “Samurai, Baseball and More—A-FineArts-Look-at-Baseball.”

the samurai spirit (bushidō), the way of the warrior, is deeply intertwined with japanese culture and societal values, and prizes harmony of the group.

Other artists in the show include:

Marcie Schwartzman of Cooperstown, who created a stitched, bead-embellished textile banner containing an image of Ichiro and his signature upheld bat; and David Wilson of South New

Berlin, who contributed two sculptures, one with an action figure atop a baseball monument embossed with samurai tenets and the other, a Samurai baseball trophy, with a baseball impaled on a samurai sword that inspired the title of the show. Ada Yonenaka, of Chelsea/Bowerstown, created prints on paper with configurations repeated in japanese-evocative patterns that have also been converted to greeting cards available for purchase.

“It was collaborative kismet inspired by the imminent induction of Ichiro Suzuki into the Hall of Fame,” said Waller. “With japan-centric artist/ scholar Robert Seward, we launched the concept of a ‘samurai baseball’ exhibition as a tribute that unites all citizens of the world in our shared values—often best expressed via art,” said Waller. “It’s especially timely at this time of crazy anti-humanity, hostilities and cruelty. The love of baseball and the pursuit of excellence unites us.”

“I’ve curated annual fine-arts-lookat-baseball exhibitions on Main Street, from Umpires of Art to Bases loaded, etc.—all contemporary art with a baseball theme,” Waller continued. “I contacted 15 artists, some veterans of those shows. We look forward to a series of artist talks in August and early September to delve into the ideas.”

EXPlORE CHERRY VAllEY cherryvalley.com

Folk Fest for Food Concerts To Benefit Daily Bread Food Pantry

CHERRY VAllEY

Proceeds from concessions sold at three free August concerts will benefit the Daily Bread Food Pantry, located at 2 Genesee Street. Folk Fest for Food concertgoers are also asked to bring non-perishable food donations; monetary donations will be collected as well.

About 20 years ago, Phil Zenir and his son, luke, built a crude stage on top of a hay wagon

frame for the purpose of holding benefit concerts on behalf of the newly formed Daily Bread Food Pantry. The concerts soon became an organized music festival. For the first few years, it was just Phil and a handful of local enthusiasts playing on the stage three different Thursday evenings every August. As the years passed, the list of local talent began to grow, and Phil, along with Cooperstown native jeff Phillips, formed a

band called Field Stone Pickers, the name of which was later was changed to Gravel Yard. Gravel Yard was, and still is, the anchor band of the festival, according to organizers. Sadly, Phil passed away in 2019 but the festival has carried on in his honor. Today, bands from as far as Florida come to play at the festival to help raise funds for the food pantry. According to a press release, the festival is a family-friendly event with food vendors donating their time and profits to the pantry as well. The concerts are always the second, third and fourth Thursday

evenings in August. This year’s line-up starts on August 14 with Sam Whedon, opening for The Currys. Sam is a singer/songwriter, musician, and music and video producer who was born in and now lives in Cobleskill. Sam will also join The Currys during their set. Coming from Florida again this year, The Currys have been staking their claim within the indie music scene since 2013, when vocalist/guitarist Tommy Curry quit his teaching job and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to join the harmony-based folk-rock outfit newly formed by his brother

Valley

jimmy Curry (vocals, guitar) and cousin Galen Curry (vocals, bass).

Gravel Yard, playing on August 21, has been together for eight years, playing a mix of old-time bluegrass and folk. Band members leslie Kubica, Bob Milner, james leinhart, jeff Phillips, Sue Bladek, Eric House and Dan Birnbaum will be joined by an array of guest performers.

Fan favorite Scattered Flurries will once again play the Folk Fest stage during the third and final performance on August 28. Band members leon Gibson, David lubell, Mike Cerra and Kevin Yerdon play rock covers and original tunes.

Those interested in helping out with the food pantry’s work can make non-perishable food item and monetary donations

at the Folk Fest for Food festival on August 8, 15 and 22, or drop donations at the Daily Bread Food Pantry, located in the back of the Old School, during open hours. Food will be available for purchase at the concerts, the proceeds of which will go directly to the food pantry, and T-shirts will also be available for purchase. Those unable to make it to any of the events or to Cherry Valley, who would still like to help, can mail checks to Daily Bread Food Pantry Inc., 2 Genesee Street, PO Box 328, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

“Please come out and enjoy the music and food, and help to mitigate hunger in our community,” organizers invited.

25 Main Announces Events

CHERRY VAllEY—25 Main Collective’s next art exhibition, “Resplendent,” will open with a reception during Cherry Valley’s First Fridays event from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, August 1. Featuring work by jasmine Crow, Adriena Masi, Anna Sea and Melissa Tevere, it will be on display through August 31, with an artist talk at 5 p.m. on the final day. The gallery and shop are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with availability on Monday and Tuesday by appointment or chance. The 2025 Cherry Valley Sculpture Trail will be on view through October 10, with maps available at businesses throughout the village. Marissa Perkins will lead a gemstone stacking rings workshop and class from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27. The $82.00 fee includes all materials. Space is limited; contact 25maincollective@gmail.com to register.

Distinctive

Photo by Charlie Vascellaro

Sense of Community Spirit Pervades Grand Opening in Morris

By TERESA WINCHESTER

MORRIS

There were many smiles on many faces at the grand opening of Sidney Federal Credit Union in Morris on Wednesday, July 23. Community members were smiling. Bank officials and employees were smiling, and members of Butternut Valley Alliance, whose “Save Our Bank” task force spearheaded the effort to bring financial services back to Morris, were also smiling.

BVA Vice Chair Maggie Brenner of Morris was the lead for “Save Our Bank.” Other members included Ed Lentz, Tom Washbon, Jason Cianciotto, Bob Thomas, Jim Tremlett, John DiStefano and Andrea Hull, all of Morris, as well as Peter Martin and Arlene Martin of New Lisbon.

The grand opening provided a feel-good ending to what wound up being a feel-good story.

In a world where banks are closing with great frequency, especially in more remote areas, BVA reversed this trend and brought a financial institution back to Morris a year and a half after Community Bank NA had pulled out, offering its customers “nearby” banking services 14 miles away in Oneonta.

In what was originally considered by some to be an unlikely transaction, SFCU even managed to purchase the building out of which Community Bank had

Well and Do Good,’” Reynolds said, explaining that by doing well financially the credit union is more able to do good in the community.

operated. Located at 132 Main Street, the handsome 130-year-old stone edifice at the corner of state highways 51 and 23 is on the National Register of Historic Places and has operated as a bank since 1856.

“I think SFCU’s purchase of the building demonstrates its commitment to the community,” said Brenner.

“I’m home again. I’ve been waiting for this moment. It’s surreal,” said Morris SFCU Branch Manager Emily Boss, who had managed Community Bank’s Morris branch for 10 years before its January 2024 closure. Boss was smiling broadly.

As part of the festivities, white, green, blue and teal balloons reflecting the colors in SFCU’s logo hovered over a reception table on which were placed beer

mugs and feed bags, each item having a historical significance.

According to SFCU Vice President of Member Experience Anna Banks, a saloon once occupied the current SFCU space and, at another time, it was part bank and part hardware store. Historical pictures of the bank were hung on the walls. A cake created by Ayrica Zimmer, proprietor of The Mix in Sidney, was modeled from a vintage photo to replicate the 195-year-old building.

Jim Reynolds, president and CEO of SFCU—headquartered in Sidney and counting 74,000 members—stated that establishing financial services in Morris is a good example of the credit union’s purpose. The Morris branch of SFCU is its 13th branch bank.

“Our motto is ‘Do

According to its website, SFCU demonstrates its community mindedness by sending team members to speak at schools about financial education, sponsoring youth sports groups, offering “shred days” and supporting more than 100 nonprofit organizations. In partnership with the National Forest Service, SFCU also plants a tree for every new member or business joining the credit union. To the delight of many, freezers bearing the SFCU logo and containing ice cream are in the lobby, proclaiming “It’s our treat to serve you.” BVA events sponsored by SFCU include “On the Trail of Art,” “Butternut Valley Gravel Grinder” and “Summer Harvest Festival.”

As opposed to a bank, which has shareholders and is publicly traded, a credit union is a notfor-profit money cooperative whose members can borrow from pooled deposits at low interest rates.

“We’re excited to return financial services to the Village of Morris and the surrounding community. I give credit to BVA and the grassroots effort that made it possible. It took patience and persistence,” Reynolds added.

Besides being committed to brickand-mortar services, Reynolds said that SFCU has purchased a recreational vehicle containing an ATM, an office and a teller window to circu-

late in underserved communities.

Community members attending the opening shared the excitement of bank officials and BVA representatives.

“It’s a good thing for the town, much more convenient than running to Oneonta,” said Grace Worden of New Lisbon. Daniel Weaver, a member of the Amish community and owner of Weaver’s Farm Market, was also happy about the

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.dining&entertainment

KID’S ART CAMP With Nicholas Stein WHEN: August 11 - 15, 1-3pm WHO: Ages 6-14

CAA-Members: Non-Members: $30/day or $145 for the week $35/day or $170 for the week

Monday, August 11 - Multi-Media Abstract Self Portraits

Campers will dive into self-expression by creating abstract self-portraits using paint, collage, writing, and more. Emphasizing emotions and symbols over physical appearance, kids will explore who they are through a variety of fun and creative materials.

Tuesday, August 12 - Tape-Resist City Skylines

Using painter’s tape and bold colors, kids will design and reveal their own vibrant city skylines. This exciting project teaches planning, contrast, and how to create with positive and negative space in a playful and imaginative way.

Wednesday, August 13 - Nature Printmaking

Campers will gather natural materials like leaves and flowers to create beautiful prints. They’ll explore texture, shape, and pattern while learning the basics of printmaking and gaining a deeper appreciation for nature through hands-on creativity.

Thursday, August 14 - Color Emotion Wheels

Kids will express their feelings through color and form, creating vibrant emotion wheels or abstract compositions. Through thoughtful color choices and discussion, campers will learn how art can be a powerful tool for emotional expression.

Friday, August 15 - Collaborative Mural on Paper

Campers will work together to create a large-scale mural on paper. Each child will contribute their own artistic voice while connecting their work to others, encouraging teamwork,

Photo by Teresa Winchester

SFCU Board of Directors Chair Scott McLean, Village of Morris Mayor Mike Newell, and SFCU President and CEO Jim Reynolds look on as Maggie Brenner, vice chair of Butternut Valley Alliance and lead in BVA’s “Save Our Bank” task force, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Morris branch of SFCU.

Perspectives

EDITORIaL

Sunday in the Park

It’s over. Another milestone is in our collective pocket. Last weekend, here in Cooperstown, we, and a healthy number of visitors, once again celebrated a handful of very accomplished athletes as they were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, an event that—along with all the trimmings that have evolved and developed and been perfected as the years have crept by—is able each year to grab the attention of a multitude of baseball fans as well as, of course, those particular fans who spend a good part of their lives cheering for, and probably these days betting on, the specific teams of the inductees.

The Class of 2025, which consists of a substantial handful of great baseball athletes, was duly honored last Sunday, in between occasional drizzles and a fiercely hot sun. Three singular stars— CC Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki and Billy Wagner—stepped up to plate before an immense national television audience, beside 52 returning Hall of Famers and in front of thousands of baseball fans (the crowd was estimated at 30,000) in a ceremony that honored their lifetime achievements and exemplary devotion to the sport. Two other champions, now deceased, also entered the hall: first baseman Dave Allen, representing the Philadelphia Phillies, and Dave Parker, who played right field, went in for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Their five plaques will join those of their many talented fellow players in the well-visited Plaque Gallery at the Hall of Fame. Their wide-ranging and intriguing acceptance speeches, well-conceived and delivered with care, sensitivity, and emotion, were received with gusto equal to the cacaphony that emanates in the outfields of many a major league game. Sabathia, who pitched for the Yankees, and Suzuki, a right fielder for the Mariners, were both elected on the first ballot of the Baseball Writers Association of America; for Wagner, a reliever for the Astros, it was on his tenth (and final) ballot. The vote for Suzuki, the first Hall of Famer who was born in Japan, fell one short of unanimous. Allan and Parker were elected by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.

The sun broke its bright head through the clouds to close the Induction ceremony, now in its 90th year (the first induction, of Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb, was in 1936), with close to 10 hiatuses for the likes of wars, failures to garner the necessary 75 percent of the votes, and pandemics), and the multitude departed our little village, leaving once more its 1,794 residents—the fewest since before the 1880s— and their quiet streets, unlittered sidewalks, shops, restaurants, newly rutted parking lawns, serene golf course and signature lake.

Congratulations to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, now 11 years short of a century old, from “The Freeman’s Journal,” around now for 217 years, including all those illustrious ceremonies. We hope that the shops and restaurants benefitted from our visitors; we know the parking lawns did; the old $10.00 and $20.00 rates for a day’s parking have given way to $60.00. How very quickly our village cleans itself up—thank you village people, thank you State Troopers, thank you security, thank you fire department, thank you police.

Just as what happened this month in France, where millions of fans lined the narrow roadways of the 21 stages of the Tour de France to cheer on the riders as they careened through the mountains and scenic villages, the many baseball fans who dropped in to Cooperstown for the weekend represent all sides of our political, moral, social, economic and academic spectrum. They come together here to celebrate not their differences, but their common ground. They are one voice, neither red nor blue, from near and far away, and they and their enthusiasm, and we and our tiny village, all worked together to give the Hall of Famers a near-perfect weekend. It happened in France, too, as the four-time winner of the Tour, Tadej Pogačar, cruised to victory on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the same day as the great Induction. How extremely lucky are we?

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Johnston: No More Limericks

Some of you will be pleased and others may be disappointed that I will not be submitting any more limericks to “The Freeman’s Journal.” Those of you who read my first entries will recall that my goals were to raise critical issues in a readable way in hopes of encouraging each of us to question our understanding of contentious issues in our national debates, to put our own convictions on hold even for a moment, and to consider other points of view in respectful discussions with those holding alternate opinions to reduce our damaging national divide.

I anticipated that some readers would be uncomfortable with the questions I raised, would think I was promoting my own agenda, and would call my limericks “harsh, prejudicial, and disruptive” and I was right. But I also realized that these sentiments, hurtful as they were, allowed people with all views to come out of the shadows and share them.

My own experience demonstrated this yesterday when I realized my neighbors, like several of you, found my limericks offensive and said so. As those of you who know me well, I don’t harbor ill will toward anyone, so I immediately visited them to acknowledge that expressing complex issues in five lines invites misunderstanding, to explain my real views, and to seek a revival of our friendship.

To my delight, for the first time in the five years we have been neighbors, we expressed our respective opinions on topics long considered taboo with honesty and intensity. Sometimes we were uncomfortable and sometimes we laughed. Often, we disagreed but sometimes we found common ground. We ended up surprised that we had broached these volatile topics and not only survived, but with our friendship now more honest and stronger, and our minds expanded. If such exchanges could happen to us, they could, and must, happen to everyone.

This matter is urgent. Those of you familiar with Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” will recall that central to his 13 rules is to divide the populace to allow those in power to effect social change. As I see it, we are carrying out his instructions to the letter, and we are being manipulated by stealthy individuals and entities such as the media, our politicians, our enemies, and even our Hobbesian natures. It is critical that we counter this insidious movement by “binding up the nation’s wounds,” which can only be achieved by voluntarily abandoning our respective echo chambers, even for a moment, and listening to each other.

Waldo Johnston Vero Beach, Florida and Cooperstown

We All Wanted To Be Willie

We live a block away from the Baseball Hall of Fame. We strolled over last night to see the Hall of Famers arrive in the back of pickup trucks with their families. Some of these players started out life riding

in the back of pickup trucks to work or school or church.

Shown here (above right) is Pedro Martinez, Class of 2015, who grew up with five siblings in a one-room shack in the slums of the Dominican Republic.

When George Bush was asked if he wanted to be president when he was growing up, he replied, “Heck no, I wanted to be Willie Mays.” Me, too.

When I was a kid in Texas, my father took me to see Willie Mays play in a minor league exhibition game with the Fort Worth Cats. It was a night game and we drove across the Trinity River Bridge in the mist. The stadium lights lit up the rainy sky like sunshine. Then the mighty Fort Worth Cats took the field. And there he was, my boyhood hero, the “Say Hey Kid,” Willie Mays!

The only cult I want to belong to is the cult of baseball. Wear any hat that suits you. Or no hat at all.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

185 YEARS AGO

Otsego County Medical Society—At the annual meeting of the Otsego County Medical Society, held at the Eagle Tavern, in Cooperstown, on the 20th July, 1840, the following officers were duly elected for the ensuing year—Dr. Drake of Westford, President; Dr. Hannay of Cooperstown, Vice-President; Dr. Gorton of Gilbertsville, Secretary; Dr. Curtiss of Cooperstown, Treasurer and Librarian; Marks, Harper, Boyce, Secor, Metcalf, Censors; Curtiss, Spafard, Peake, Trustees of the Library. July 27, 1840

110 YEARS AGO

August Busch has purchased several of the Vanderbilt horses which are prize winners. Both Mr. Busch and his son Adolph are very much interested in highbred horses and the sport of driving them. Among the horses purchased are the four-in-hand coach horses and the single carriage horses. These horses were purchased at the Durland Company sale who had charge of the disposal of the horses belonging to Alfred G. Vanderbilt who died in the Lusitania disaster. The leaders of the four-in-hand or trotting road four are “Old Stager” and “General Grant.” The wheel horses are “General Sheridan” and Chief Uncas.” These four draw the large green road coach which made its first appearance on Main Street last Saturday. The other horses purchased are “Lady Warley,” “Melbourne Lady,” “Ursula,” and “Stanford Lily.” There is also “Silver Fox,” a sixteen-hand, four-year-old grey gelding. The horses are at Uncas Farm under the care of Manager Edward Rabart who is the bugler on the road coach.

July 28, 1915

60 YEARS AGO

A quartet of Cooperstown youths took off in two canoes early Monday morning for a month-long trip down the 444-mile-long Susquehanna River from its source at Otsego Lake to Havre de Grace, Maryland where it flows into Chesapeake Bay. The four are Alton G. Dunn, III, Kent St. John, Jim Peters and David Rath. They expect to complete the trip by the last week in August.

July 28, 1965

35 YEARS AGO

Ron Schofield walked into the Bold Dragoon bar and restaurant on Pioneer Street on July 23rd and handed bartender Robert Beebe a note which read: “Cooperstown, Blue Dragoon (sic) Carter the Apache, from Jim in Richmondville. Take care of this man for me.” Schofield was trying to get ahold of Carter Morris, who like Schofield is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Schofield, however, is homeless. Schofield’s is walking from Vergennes, Vermont to San Francisco, talking to as many vets and newspapers as he can to call attention to the plight of homeless vets. When he arrives in California, the 39-year-old veteran will check himself into a treatment center for PTSD victims at Menlo Park.

August 1, 1990

20 YEARS AGO

Several thousand Little Leaguers will pass through the gates of the Cooperstown Dreams Park this summer, but only one of them can call Cooperstown home. Winner of the 2005 Beanie Ainslie Award, 12-year-old Greg Brodersen is back playing with the Central New York Pioneers – a team based out of Ilion, featuring players from all over Central New York. Brodersen has been a contributing factor in the Pioneers’ success. “I’ve been having a lot of fun playing with these guys,” Brodersen said. “So far, I’ve gone 1 for 3 at the plate in every game we’ve played,” Brodersen reported before Tuesday morning’s contest, a game in which he made a spectacular diving catch in left field on the first play. Greg is the son of Greg and Rosemary Brodersen of Cooperstown.

July 29, 2005

OFO Releases Otsego Co. Needs Assessment

Iam excited to announce that the Opportunities for Otsego “2025 Community Needs Assessment for Otsego County” is complete and ready to share!

A community action agency established under President Johnson’s “War on Poverty” initiatives, OFO is a recipient of Community Services Block Grant funding and, as such, is required to complete a comprehensive community needs assessment every three years. The report is a compilation of quantitative data gathered from the most recent census, program data, demographics, and other statistical sources and qualitative information gathered from surveys and community forums to give a clear picture of Otsego County.

In early 2025, our agency sent surveys out to our clients, partners, board of directors, staff and the community at large to weigh in on factors such as transportation,

According to the recently updated “Community needs Assessment for otsego County,” only four townships—Decatur, edmeston, Plainfield and Cherry Valley— have experienced population growth since the 2010 Census.

childcare, housing, etc. From the data gathered, OFO held a community forum at the Foothills

Continued on page 9

By MERL REAGLE

Opera for Dogs… Roll over, Beethoven

Ichiro

Continued from page 1

foregone conclusion that Ichiro would be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Since the day he officially retired—wearing a Seattle Mariners uniform in a specially scheduled final curtain-call game at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on March 21, 2019— fans have been counting the days until Ichiro’s induction to the National Baseball Hall of Fame this past weekend on July 27, 2025.

With 2,199 days to plan, Cooperstown, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and fans from around the world had plenty of time to prepare for the weekend.

In conjunction with Ichiro’s impending induction, the “Yakyu | Baseball: The Transpacific Exchange of the Game” exhibit made its official debut in a series of events last week at the Hall of Fame. A panel discussion on U.S./ Japan baseball relations on Thursday, July 24 included Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch, former MLB player and manager Bobby Valentine, who also managed in Japan for seven years, and Hall of Famers Jack Morris, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith, each of whom participated in exhibition series in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s.

During the discussion, Valentine was asked about the factual accuracy of the 1992 film “Mr. Baseball,” starring Tom Selleck as a former U.S. major leaguer who signs with a Japanese major league team to resurrect his fading

career, encountering a world of cultural differences along the way.

“At the time, it was correct,” said Valentine, adding that the game in Japan has evolved in many ways since then.

Jack Morris then raised his hand and asked if the assembled media remembered Paul Harvey.

“I have the rest of the story,” said Morris. “I was in that movie. Tom Selleck was a big Tigers fan. He called and asked if I would be in a scene with him at Yankee Stadium. I had to join the [Screen Actors] Guild. He wanted me to play the pitcher who strikes him out while his major league career is fading. He asked me not to hold back. So, I gave him everything I had. There were about a thousand people there, but the camera angles made it look like it was a full house,” said Morris.

Months later, during the off-season, Morris received a call from the film director asking him to come back to Los Angeles to re-shoot the scene. On vacation with his family in Yosemite, Morris said he couldn’t make the trip on such short notice. The scene was reconfigured with another actor’s face superimposed over that of Morris, but it was still Morris’ body striking out Selleck.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion, our group was given access to the new Yakyu exhibit, where we were joined by Valentine and representatives of the Hall of Fame.

More than two years in the making, the Yakyu exhibit is the first of its kind dedicated to telling the story of the cultural exchange between Japan

and the United States and the countries’ shared national pastime. Visitors to the exhibit are greeted by a Samurai suit of armor gifted by Yomiuri Giants owner Toru Shoriki to Los Angeles Dodgers President Peter O’Malley in 1988.

The exhibit occupies an approximately 1,800square-foot space on the museum’s third floor, with a dramatic entrance at the top of the stairs (the third floor is also accessible by elevator).

The narrative content of the story is presented in both Japanese and English, divided into four chronological subject quadrants:

1. Japanese university teams touring America in the early 1900s.

2. American AllStar exhibition squads touring Japan and stories of ambassadors of the game like major leaguer “Lefty” O’Doul, who made more than a dozen trips to Japan as a player, coach, and manager in the 1930s and 1940s. O’Doul was the first American without Japanese heritage to be inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

3. Players born in the United States playing in Japan, including Wally Yonamine, brothers Leron and Leon Lee, Warren Cromartie, Tuffy Rhodes and Randy Bass. The collective experiences of American “gaijin” players formed the basis of the movie “Mr. Baseball.”

4. Japanese-born players in the United States, beginning with “The Dean of the Diamond” Kenichi Zenimura, a.k.a. “The Father of Japanese Baseball,” who arranged exhibition games

between Nikkei teams and barnstorming major league squads led by the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. While Japanese Americans were incarcerated at Gila River, Arizona during World War II, Zenimura constructed his own “Zenimura Field” and was a founder of the 32team incarceration camp league. The story of Zenimura and “Barbed Wire Baseball” is also featured on the Nikkei Baseball panel.

The recovered wooden home plate from Zenimura Field is prominently displayed in the Yakyu exhibit and was part of the inspiration to create the entire installation in conjunction with Ichiro’s induction. The Zenimura Field home plate is an archeological artifact with a complicated and lengthy back story:

The plate was donated to the Arizona chapter of the Japanese American Citizen’s League in 1996.

Dedicated to preserve the history of Japanese American baseball and educating the public about WWII incarceration through the prism of baseball, the Nisei Baseball Research Project was founded by Kerry Yo Nakagawa in 1996, where the Zenimura plate was incorporated into the NBRP exhibit “Diamonds in the Rough” in Fresno, California, and in museum exhibits across the country and world, including stops at the NBHoF and the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. From 2002-

2005, it was part of the Hall of Fame’s “Baseball as America” national touring exhibit. It returned to Cooperstown in 2006 and remained in the hall’s possession, occasionally on display until 2022.

It was included in the NBRP “Rebuilding Home Plate” exhibit at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for the Japanese American Heritage night and the 2022 All-Star Game. More recently, the home plate moved to the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe, Arizona, and

Continued on page 12

LRHS To Dedicate Marker

COOPERSTOWN JUNCTION—The Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society will install a historical marker funded by the Pomeroy Foundation at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 27. Located at the Chase House, 6379 State Route 7 in Cooperstown Junction, the marker will pay tribute to the 16-mile short line that connected the Village of Cooperstown with the rest of the northeastern railroad system and laid the groundwork for its economic prosperity.

Golf Fundraiser Set for Sept.

DELHI—Helios Care will hold its annual “Chip in Fore Hospice” golf tournament fundraiser at Delhi’s College Golf Course on Wednesday, September 17. Breakfast and registration will open at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start on the course at 10 a.m. Participants will receive a bagged lunch and two drink tickets, and the tournament will end with an awards reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary gift for each player. The tournament is one of Helios Care’s biggest annual fundraisers and provides key support to local hospice patients and their families. Registration may be completed for individuals or teams of four at HeliosCare. org/Events. Inquiries about sponsorships may be directed to Kathryn Dailey at (607) 432-6773.

Picnic, Officers Announced

ONEONTA—The Oneonta Area NAACP will hold its annual community picnic from noon to 4 p.m. at Neahwa Park on Saturday, August 16. The public is invited to enjoy music, refreshments, games and community discussions. The chapter also recently resumed in-person meetings at the Yoga Center at 50 Dietz Street, under new leadership elected last November. Poletta Louis is now branch president, assisted by Vice President Erin Wagner, Treasurer Dan Maskin, Secretary Marilyn Simurro and Assistant Secretary Paul Conway. General membership meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. The chapter continues to respond to local allegations of discrimination against people of color and promote overall respect for human rights.

Acclaimed Violinist Returns

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival will present a baroque concert by Twelfth Night: The Grand Tour at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 4 at Christ Episcopal Church. Acclaimed violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, joined by harpsichordist David Belkovski and cellist Clara Abel, will perform a carefully curated baroque program featuring works by Biber, Bach, Veracini and Leclair. Tickets are $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and children. They may be purchased at cooperstownmusicfest.org or over the phone via Purplepass Tickets, (800) 316-8559.

Audition

Dates Scheduled

ONEONTA—The Catskill Community Players will hold open auditions for Noah Haidle’s comedy “Birthday Candles” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on September 3 and 5. They will be held at the Institute for Spiritual Development, 297 River Street Service Road, between Corning Inc. and the Hampton Inn. Youth auditions will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on September 16 and 18, location to be announced. The show will be performed at Worcester’s Wieting Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, November 14-15 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November

16. Contact Director Rosemary Summers at rosemaryfsummers@gmail.com to sign up. More information may be found at catskillplayers.org.

Gas Drops By Another Penny

UTICA—The average price of gas in New York State dropped one cent to $3.16 per gallon over the week ending Monday, July 28, AAA Northeast announced. Northeast regional gasoline inventories dropped by a hefty 3.3 million barrels, largely due to thunderstorm damage at Phillips 66’s Bayway refinery in Linden, New Jersey. Demand rose by more than half a million barrels to 8.97 million per day, more in line with typical seasonal trends than this year’s generally lackluster demand. However, strong inventories and market uncertainty about the global economy depressed demand and weighed down prices at the pump. New York’s average price is five cents lower than a month ago and 44 cents lower than this date last year. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.

Connections To Hold Events

COOPERSTOWN—Connections at Clark Sports Center has released its August calendar. Highlighted events include a canoe and kayak outing to Brookwood Gardens from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12. Registration is available at the Connections table. There will be a mindful outdoor walk from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, meeting in the front lobby. Helios Care will host a grief support meeting in the small meeting room from 1-2:30 p.m. the same day. An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group will meet in the small meeting room from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, August 18, and flower garden bouquets will be available in the front lobby from noon to 2 p.m. A diabetes prevention meeting will be held in the community room from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, August 21. Connections also hosts a full calendar of athletic groups for seniors every Monday and Thursday; visit their Facebook page or contact connectionsatcsc@gmail.com for more information or the full schedule.

Pathfinder Breaks Ground

EDMESTON—Pathfinder Village started construction recently on its $5.5 million Farmstead Market and Community Center Project, expected to finish in fall 2026. By repurposing a historic farmstead at the village, the market will increase healthy food access in the Northern Unadilla River Valley, create job training opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, and serve as a new venue for community events. It will be the new home of Pathfinder’s Adult Day Services pre-vocational programs and Pathfinder Produce, allowing the latter to expand its store hours to five days a week. The market will include a culinary arts training kitchen that will serve grab-and-go items while providing a 12-week vocational training program. The project received $1.8 million in funding from the Empire State Development Corporation and will feature state-of-the-art energy saving technologies. For more information on the project or Pathfinder’s services for people with intellectual disabilities, visit pathfindervillage.org.

Schuermann Named Wayne VP

HONESDALE, P.A.—Wayne Bank announced that it hired Cooperstown resident Matt Schuermann as a vice president mortgage loan initiator on Thursday, July 17. In his new role, he will work out

Special Guest Visits Library

MARIA GRISWOLD ONEONTA

On the morning of Tuesday, July 22, the Huntington Memorial library was buzzing with excitement in the children’s section. Kids gathered eagerly in the story circle, awaiting a special guest. As the clock struck 9:30, Santa Claus meandered down the stairs in his large fur coat, fluffy hat and big boots. The children watched in awe as Claus entered the story circle; many asked how he could stand to be there in the heat with his suit.

Santa Claus visits the Huntington Memorial Library twice each year. He ventures down from the North Pole in July and December for these special days. During the event on Tuesday, Claus read two books to the kids.

“Santa Duck,” written by David Milgrim, is a book about kindness and giving, and helps young children to understand the value of putting others first. “Santa’s Island,” by Steve Breen, features a young boy stowing away on Santa’s sleigh and discovering his vacation island. Both books received great feedback from the audience, with numerous children raving about the

possibility of Santa being a duck. Once story time was over, everyone gathered to take a turn sitting on the jolly old elf’s lap.

There was a crowd of about a dozen kids and their families, all thrilled to see “the big man” five months before Christmas. A multitude of children swarmed around Claus, all eager to share their holiday wish lists. One child asked for a Jeep with four doors. In response, Claus stated that real Jeeps only have two doors. When those festivities ended, the children made their way to other sections of the library

of the Cooperstown and Oneonta offices to evaluate loan applications and ensure a smooth and transparent lending process. Schuermann has more than 30 years’ experience in business and mortgage lending and is a founder of Leatherstocking Group Inc.

Dance Troupe To Perform

FRANKLIN—Franklin Stage Company will present a dance concert by internationally-known New York-based dance company Bridgman|Packer Dance at Chapel Hall, 25 Institute Street in Franklin, on August 1-3. Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $25.00 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, visit franklinstagecompany.org.

O’Connor Names ER Head

DELHI—O’Connor Hospital named Aaron Wilson DNP, FNP-C its new medical director of the Emergency Department. He has worked within Bassett Healthcare Network for more than 15 years, including a stint as an emergency department nurse at O’Connor. Wilson earned his doctor of nursing practice degree from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 2020.

‘Turn Two’ Event a Success

COOPERSTOWN—Thirty-eight National Baseball Hall of Fame supporters participated in Ozzie Smith’s “Turn Two” fundraiser at Doubleday Field on Friday, July 25. Joined by Joe Mauer, Tony LaRussa, Tony Oliva and Jim Thome, Smith shared stories and game secrets on the Doubleday infield to kick off Hall of Fame Weekend. The annual event has raised more than $310,000.00 over 22 years, providing critical support to the hall’s educational programming and diversity scholarships for its internship program. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

FCAHS Plans Ostapeck Show

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will present a portrait show by the late local photographer Lady Ostapeck at its facilities at 207 Cemetery Road. The exhibition will be on view from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, August 7-8 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 to support the historical society’s work.

OASAS To Bolster Workforce

ALBANY—The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports announced that it will allocate more than $2 million from the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund to the Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program. Established in 2023, the program helps community-based organizations address addiction workforce shortages through training, credential and degree programs for addiction professionals. Community organizations and SUNY and CUNY schools have assisted more than 1,300 individuals with scholarship funding since the program began. For more information or to view available programs, visit https://oasas. ny.gov/addiction-professionals-scholarship-program.

Ag Dept. To Support Gardens

ALBANY—New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that $2.5 million will be made available for the third round of Continued on page 13

Photo by Maria Griswold

Lukas DelRegno sits on Santa’s lap at the Huntington Memorial Library’s recent Christmas in July event.

Continued from page 3

development.

“It’s easier to get here. We won’t have to pay for transportation to Oneonta anymore,” said Weaver, who does not drive motorized vehicles and arrived at the opening on his bicycle.

“It’s good for my business but, most of all, it’s good for the community,” he said.

“This is the best thing to happen. The village will be doing all its business with SFCU,” said Mike Newell, mayor of the Village of Morris.

Newell and the village will have to wait a bit to begin doing business with SFCU, as the credit union is still in the draft phase of getting designation as a Banking Development District, an initiative fostered by the New York State Department of Financial Services and designed to encourage the establishment of branch banks in underserved areas. SFCU has gone through one round of commentary and has provided revisions to the DFS for further review.

Absent a BDD designation, municipal governments are not able to bank at credit unions. With the BDD in place, the towns of Butternuts and Morris and the villages of Gilbertsville and Morris, as well as other municipalities in the Butternut Valley, will be able to bank at a more convenient location.

Also, banks and credit unions successfully applying for BDD designation are eligible to receive below-marketrate deposits from New York State. These provisions are intended to diminish potential financial risks subsequent to opening.

“Things seem to be progressing well,” said Andrew Smith, SFCU’s chief retail officer, regarding the BDD.

Speaking at the ribboncutting ceremony, Smith said that opening the SFCU branch in Morris had been a “passion project” for him. He thanked the SFCU Board of Directors “who live

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and work in the area and understand the challenges of losing financial services.” He also thanked the BVA “Save Our Bank” task force.

“It was inspiring to work with a core group so passionate about the community,” he said.

“SFCU has demonstrated its commitment to our community from the initial discussions. To keep financial services for the [Butternut] Valley in the same building that has functioned as a bank for nearly 150 years not only preserves our heritage but ensures a sustainable future as well. BVA looks forward to years of a successful partnership with SFCU,” Brenner said.

Before Brenner cut the ribbon to officially open SFCU in Morris, Lentz gave a quick review of the search process for replacing the former bank, concluding, “These guys [SFCU] shot to the top. These guys are the real community bank.”

Oneonta Artist’s Work To Be Featured at the Gatehouse

MORRIS

On Friday, August 1 from 46 p.m., the Gatehouse Coffee Shop and Mercantile, 129 Main Street, will present “Welcome to the Open,” a solo exhibition of work by artist Richard Barlow. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine and light snacks while meeting the artist and experiencing the work in person. The exhibition will be on view through the month of August.

At the heart of the show is “Net Worth,” a 22-by-30-inch iron oxide drawing that anchors Barlow’s ongoing critique of landscape imagery in consumer culture. Created using iron filings and water, the piece—like others in the series—is composed of rust stains, a haunting metaphor for industrial decay and environmental loss.

In “Welcome to the Open,” Barlow appropri-

ates romantic, sublime landscapes lifted from sports utility vehicle advertisements—imagery that promises transcendence and freedom through consumption, while in reality fueling environmental degradation.

“These eerily beautiful compositions ask us to reckon with how the natural world is manipulated to sell products that may ultimately destroy it,” organizers said.

“The implication, of

course, is that these products will somehow bring you the experience of these spaces...yet their emissions also ensure the slow destruction of the beauty used to sell them,” Barlow explained.

Barlow holds a master of fine arts degree in painting and drawing from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor in fine arts from Rhode Island School of Design. He is a two-time recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in drawing and has participated in numerous international residencies, including The Arctic Circle Artist and Scientist Residency Program, NES Iceland, and Sail Britain. His work has been featured in solo exhibitions at the Bellevue Arts Museum, The Philbrook Museum of Art and Landskrona Foto.

Originally from Essex, England, Barlow now lives in Oneonta, where he teaches drawing and painting at Hartwick

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Photo provided

Richard Barlow, acclaimed artist and art teacher at Hartwick College.

Continued from page 5

Performing Arts and Civic Center in late April 2025 to discuss the top issues identified from the initial survey.

More than 100 people gathered at that event, including nonprofits, businesses, private citizens, consumers of OFO services, faith-based organizations, education professionals, healthcare providers and elected officials. At the forum, OFO facilitated healthy discussion on several key areas identified and focused on solutions to address the challenges and to move the needle to improve our community in ways that were

Gary B. Goodwin 1941-2025

FLY CREEK—Gary B. Goodwin died peacefully at home on July 19, 2025. Born on June 21, 1941 in Maine, he grew up roaming the woods and fishing. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from West Paris High School in 1959. He earned a bachelor of arts in history from the University of Maine in 1963 and a master’s in psychology from The New School in 1971. Gary served in the Army National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge in July 1970.

Gary’s career began with the U.S. Public Health Service in New York, New York. He then worked for The Conference Board as personnel director until he joined the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in 1972. He was proud of his contributions to the growth of the Bassett Network and treasured the people from his time there. He retired from Bassett Healthcare as vice president of human resources in 2001.

Gary was an avid reader and had a great appreciation for movies. He was a founding member and projectionist for Wednesday’s Winterfilms, the film series which began in Cooperstown in 1974. He was quick with a joke, silly puns, and wordplay, and his warm sense of humor brought smiles to those around him. He played tennis and basketball enthusiastically and enjoyed his fellow players as much as the game, making meaningful connections through sports. He was an ardent fan of the New York Yankees and the Boston Celtics.

Gary loved being

feasible. It was through those conversations that we were able to come up with possible action steps to tackle those challenges.

One of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein is “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” With the latest available data and input in the report, we now have an opportunity to assess and change to address the current needs of our community. While OFO’s next step is to take the 2025 CNA and use it to develop our agency’s strategic plan for the next three years, that report has many other powerful uses. We also plan and encourage

others to use the information to leverage funding through grant opportunities by resourcing the report for statistical data. The good news is that all of that information is now in one place and can be accessed by all. We can address priorities, mobilize resources and maximize partnerships for optimal outcomes. This collective report is also a resource to demonstrate and educate the masses and engage us civically, as we are all stakeholders in our county’s success. The information establishes baseline information, a current snapshot of our community, and enables us to see the trends, develop strategies, and support

continued growth and improvement.

Megan Martin, our planning and research director, is instrumental in this recurring assessment and I would be remiss in not thanking her for the time and dedication to its success. It is no small task gathering data from a multitude of sources, building and tracking survey results, planning a large community event, and compiling all the information into one comprehensive report that is clear and concise. We are all benefiting from the fruits of Megan’s labor.

The full OFO “2025 Community Needs Assessment” is available in print version by

OBITUARIES

request and electronically at https://ofoinc. org/application/ files/2117/5372/9455/ OFO_CNA_2025_ FINAL.pdf. While I know it is a large document, the information it contains is invaluable and is broken up into several sections to make it more manageable. The needs assessment highlights our county’s trends, strengths

and challenges, demographics, and much more. I know we are all invested in the success of our communities and I hope to have tapped into your curiosity and encourage you to take a peek when you have time!

Tanya Shalor is the chief executive officer of Opportunities for Otsego.

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outdoors kayaking, canoeing, biking, fishing, birding, chopping wood or tending his property. He camped with his sons in the Adirondacks and shared many wonderful camping, fishing and travel adventures with his friend Ron. He was passionate about fly fishing and began tying his own flies in the 1980s. He fished the local lakes and trout streams with his son and took fishing pilgrimages to Pennsylvania and Montana with his friend Jerry and to Canada with his friend Web. In retirement, Gary and Sally spent happy winters along the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Marks Goodwin; his son, Thomas; his sister, Sharon Cresci; family members Betsy Gunn and Don Kash, Harrison and Suzie Marks, and Richard Gunn; a niece, two nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his son, Geoffrey, and his mother, Martha Merkle Goodwin.

Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025 in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown.

Those who wish could make a contribution in Gary’s memory to Helios Care or to the Friends of the Village Library of Cooperstown.

“Unable

are the Loved to die/ For Love is Immortality.”

— Emily Dickinson, Poem 809

Lonnie Zoeller 1977-2025

COOPERSTOWN—

Lonnie Zoeller, beloved son, brother, husband, father and award-winning executive chef, passed away Monday July 21, 2025 in Washington D.C. at the age of 47. He was surrounded by his family and friends.

Born on September 27, 1977 in Hollywood, Florida to Valerie Buckley and Alonzo Willoughby Morgan, Lonnie would later move to Cooperstown, New York with his mother, who married Alfred “Fred” Zoeller.

As a child, Lonnie loved adventure and was a true “80s kid.” When he wasn’t playing with his brothers, he would be in the woods building tree forts, riding around the village on his bike with friends or hanging out near The Lake Front.

Lonnie was also an avid skateboarder and enjoyed playing soccer and hockey.

Lonnie’s professional passion started in his teen years, when he fell in love with food and began cooking at his family’s business. This led him to the Culinary Institute of America, from which he graduated in 2002.

Over the course of his two-decade career in Washington D.C., he worked at many fine-

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

dining establishments including Zaytinya, Hook, Vinoteca, The Royal, Policy, Supra, Tabla and Limani. As executive chef, Lonnie’s culinary creations and professional contributions helped win many awards, including most recently Best Mediterranean Restaurant in Washington D.C. Lonnie was in constant pursuit of knowledge to improve his craft. He traveled the world and studied under renowned chefs in Colombia, Spain, Germany, and Georgia to learn new techniques and traditions. Lonnie always shared his expertise, mentoring countless others and helping them start or improve their careers. Although he didn’t like to be on camera, Lonnie made several television appearances and was featured in numerous publications.

Lonnie fell in love with Jennifer Herrera, whom he married during a beautiful ceremony in Bogotá, Colombia on May 21, 2010. The couple later welcomed daughters Sophia and Aaliyah. Lonnie was a family man who cherished his wife and girls. He could always make Jennifer laugh. They shared a passion for travel and bonded over having new experiences. He empowered his daughters to be confident and true to themselves. Lonnie found fulfillment in nurturing and guiding his family, always aiming to be a source of stability and encouragement.

He was a devoted and loving son to his mother, and as the firstborn, Lonnie inspired his siblings to achieve their goals. Lonnie was a very proud big brother and enjoyed telling others about their successes.

His sense of humor

was unmatched. Quickwitted and always smiling, Lonnie loved to crack jokes. While self-deprecating, he also poked fun at others—if he teased you, that meant he liked you. An excellent storyteller, conversations with Lonnie could last for hours. He would often reminisce with friends and family about good times.

Lonnie loved music, movies and art. Loud hip-hop songs could be heard emanating from his car. He found enjoyment in cinema and frequently quoted memorable lines. Lonnie was also a talented artist who liked to draw and paint.

As a diehard New York Knicks fan, Lonnie never missed a game and proudly wore team apparel around Washington D.C. He was a collector of hats and Jordan basketball sneakers.

Always one to entertain, Lonnie used food to bring people together. He enjoyed hosting

parties and cooking. On holidays, he opened his home to those who couldn’t be with family. In the summer, he could be found near his prized backyard barbeque making delicious meals. Lonnie was authentically cool and had a unique style. He was generous, selfless, welcoming, and accepting to everyone, and treated others with respect and fairness. He had no tolerance for bullies and always stood up for the underdog.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jennifer, their daughters, Sophia and Aaliyah; his parents, Valerie Pineo and Alfred “Fred” Zoeller; his siblings, Alexander Zoeller and wife Suzana, Brett Zoeller and wife Lauren, Christian Zoeller and wife Marissa, and Isabella Pineo; his nieces and nephews, Wesley, Caroline, Miles, Bradley, Bennett, and Sierra; and his uncle Bruce Buckley and wife Amy.

Photo provided GARY B. GOODWIN

Photo provided LONNIE ZOELLER

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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 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.

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY (LLc).

Name: Clover Field Landscapes, LLC

Articles of organization of Clover Field Landscapes, LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on May 14, 2025. The office location is Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 809 Co. Hwy. 22, Burlington Flats, N.Y. 13318. The LLC purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalAug.7

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Filed with SSNY on 06/11/2025. Office: Otsego

County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 42 MEDALLION DR, OTEGO, NY 13825. Purpose: Any Lawful.

6LegalAug.7

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Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/23/25. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 8200 W. Lake Dr., W. Palm Beach, FL 33406. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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Notice of formatioN of Caleb Backus Farrier Service LLC

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Notice of formatioN of

GLEASON HOLDINGS LLC

Articles of org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 6/30/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5445 Rt. 67, East Durham, NY 12423. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business loc: 9 Elm St., Worcester, NY 12197. 6LegalAug.14

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: TIM ELLIS & SON GENERAL CONTRACTING LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 July 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 341 Morton Road, Cherry Valley, New York 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalAug.14

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: TITCHENERS LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 July 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 15 South Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalAug.14

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Notice of formatioN of The Bremo Group LLC filed Arts of org. on 07/03/2025 . Office: Otsego Co.

LEGALS

SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 418 Broadway STE N, Albany, NY 12207 USA Purpose: Any Legal Purpose.

6LegalAug.21

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY.

Name:

KD RISING LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 11 July 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 12 Commons Dr, Apt 201, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalAug.21

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Notice of formatioN of Mountainside Farm LLC

Office Location: Otsego County N.Y. articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on July 3, 2025. SSNY is designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and SSNY shall mail process to Mountainside Farm LLC located at 135 Chestnut Ridge Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Any lawful purpose.

6LegalAug.21

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Notice of formatioN of

MBHHL, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on July 10, 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 MBHHL, LLC, 295 Emmons Hill Rd, Oneonta, NY 13820. General Purposes.

6LegalAug.28

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

CHERRY VALLEY ORCHARD LLC

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 22 June 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 410 Oneill Rd., Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalAug.28

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SuppLemeNtaL SummoNS aNd Notice of object of actioN

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE

INDEX #: EF2024-916

MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, vs AARON THOMAS LAPE AKA AARON T. LAPE IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL

PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CYNTHIA LYNNE MONCRIEF-LAPE AKA CYNTHIA L. MONCRIEFLAPE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CAPITAL ONE, N.A., PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s).

MORTGAGED PREMISES: 14 High Street Morris, NY 13808

To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Otsego.

The basis of the venue desig-

nated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises.

TO Aaron Thomas Lape AKA Aaron T. Lape Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Brian D. Burns of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Eighteenth day of July, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Otsego, in the City of Cooperstown. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Aaron Thomas Lape AKA Aaron T. Lape and Cynthia Lynne Moncrief-Lape AKA Cynthia L. Moncrief-Lape dated the October 31, 2017, to secure the sum of $78,339.00 and recorded at Instrument No. 2017-5328 in the Office of the Otsego County Clerk on November 1, 2017. The mortgage was subsequently modified on January 6, 2021. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed October 13, 2021 and recorded on October 13, 2021, in the Office of the Otsego County Clerk at Instrument Number 2021-5666. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed January 18, 2022 and recorded on January 19, 2022, in the Office of the Otsego County Clerk at Instrument Number 2022-361. The mortgage was subsequently modified on April 18, 2024. The property in question is described as follows: 14 High Street, Morris, NY 13808

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.

SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU

MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS. NY.GOV.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any sugges-

tions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

DATED: July 21, 2025

Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 86689 4LegalAug.21

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Notice of pubLic SaLe

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell at Online Public Auction pursuant to New York State Lien Law, Article 8, Section 182, per order of North Street Storage, 14 North Street Oneonta, NY at www.bid13.com.

The personal property de-

scribed as household goods

Induction

Continued from page 1

chise cap that Dave Parker ever wore kept him warm and touched his soul,” said Parker II.

He closed by reading a poem written by his father:

“My father, Dave Parker, passed away last month at the age of 74. Working on this speech during his final weeks, Pops wanted me to leave everyone with this poem that he wrote, that he gave me a long time ago. And he said if he ever made it here, to read it. So that’s what I’m about to do:”

Here I am. 39. About damn time.

I know I had to wait a little, but that’s what you do with fine aged wine.

I’m a Pirate for life, wouldn’t have it no other way.

That was my family, even though I didn’t go on parade day.

I love y’all. The Bucs own my heart.

Because those two championships I got, y’all played in the first part.

I’m in the Hall now, you can’t take that away.

That statue better look good, you know I got a pretty face.

Top tier athlete. Fashion icon. Sex symbol.

No reason to list the rest of my credentials.

I’m him. Period. The Cobra.

Known for my rocket arm, and I will run any catcher over.

To my friends, families, I love y’all. Thanks for staying by my side.

I told y’all Cooperstown would be my last ride.

So the star of David will be in the sky tonight. Watch it glow.

But I didn’t lie. On my documentary, I told y’all I wouldn’t show.

Like Parker, former Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox slugging first baseman Dick Allen did not live to see his Induction. Speaking on his behalf was his widow, Willa Allen.

“We called him Dick,” said Willa, referencing Allen’s expressed desire not to be addressed as

“Richie,” continuing, “And although he is not physically here to accept the honor, I assure you he is with us. He is with the 350 family members and friends here today who have come to honor his life, his legacy, and the love of the game. And I know he is smiling right now, knowing that his story is finally being recognized in this very special way.”

Although Allen’s time in Philadelphia was ripe with controversy, Willa explained that it still felt like home to the native of Wampum, Pennsylvania. And she expressed her gratitude toward the Phillies franchise.

“And the Phillies made sure he knew how much he meant to them, in a way that most players never experience unless they are already in the Hall of Fame. In 2020, under the leadership of John Middleton, the Philadelphia Phillies did something extraordinary: They retired Dick’s number 15, a gesture typically reserved for those already in Cooperstown. But they knew, as we did, that Dick’s legacy transcended technicalities,” said Willa and, perhaps taking a backhanded swipe at the Hall of Fame, added, “That day in Philadelphia meant everything to him. And to our family, it was a moment we’ll

never forget. To see Dick recognized in that way while he was still alive, to feel the love from Philadelphia, the organization and the fans—that was a gift.”

In a heart-felt and joyful speech, longtime New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians hurler CC Sabathia addressed the important roles that the women in his life played in helping him realize his potential in a heart-felt and joyful speech.

“No one has more fun hanging out with the fellas than me, but I have been blessed to have so many wise and caring women in my life…You’d be lucky to have even one of those women in your life, and I’ve had them all, a village of women who raised me, guided me, made me laugh, fed me, protected me, and a few times literally saved me,” said Sabathia.

He also addressed his role as a Black player and leading voice among Black players.

“Baseball has always been a great game for Black athletes, but baseball culture has not always been great for Black people. Through the Players Alliance and our work with the Commissioner’s Office and the CAP program, I hope we’re starting to turn that around. I don’t want to be the final member of

the Black Aces, a Black pitcher to win 20 games in the big leagues. And I don’t want to be the final Black pitcher standing here giving a Hall of Fame speech.”

The headliner was baseball sage and philosopher Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese born position player to play Major League Baseball and the first Japanese-born Hall of Famer. Ichiro imparted his wisdom in a thoughtful, Zen-like manner, peppered with amusing anecdotes and observations.

“As a kid, my dream was always to be a professional baseball player. I even wrote an essay about it when I was in grade six. If I could rewrite that essay today with what I know now, I would use the word goal instead of dream,” said Ichiro, “Dreams are not always realistic, but goals can be possible if you think deeply about how to reach them. Dreaming is fun, but goals are difficult and challenging. It’s not enough to say, “I want to do something.” If you are serious about it, you must think critically about what is necessary to achieve it.”

Ichiro continued his theme: “As I continued to set my goals, I also came to understand that consistency would be the foundation to achievement. I encourage young players to dream, and dream big, but also to understand the difference between a dream and a goal. In order to make your dream your goal, you must be honest in thinking about what is important to achieve it.”

While it was a foregone conclusion that Ichiro would be a first ballot Hall of Famer, the only question was if he would be the second unanimous selection; Mariano Rivera was the first. His name was left off one anonymous BBWAA ballot, and he tried to find the writer that did not vote for him, inviting the writer to join him for dinner. The writer never came forward.

Ichiro addressed the anonymous writer in his speech and used the occasion to rescind his offer.

LEGALS

“Baseball is so much more than just hitting, throwing and running. Baseball taught me to make value decisions about what is important, said Ichiro. “Baseball taught me what it means to be a professional, and I believe that is the main reason I am here today, not because my skills are better than others. Three

thousand hits or 262 hits in one season are achievements recognized by the writers—well, all but one of you. And by the way, the offer for that writer to have dinner at my home has now expired.”

Editor’s Note: Check out AllOtsego.com for additional Charlie Vascellaro photos from Hall of Fame weekend.

Ed May Jr. Receives Foundation Award

ONEONTA

the Future for Oneonta Foundation announced recently that Ed May Jr. is the 2025 recipient of the FOF Community Engagement Award. This recognition celebrates May’s decades-long commitment to advancing the vitality, prosperity, and spirit of both the City and Town of Oneonta.

According to a press release, May’s contributions span civic, cultural, and economic realms, reflecting a visionary leadership style rooted in service and stewardship. Over the years, he has played an instrumental role in shaping Oneonta’s future while preserving the integrity of its past—making a lasting difference in the lives of countless community members.

May first arrived in Oneonta in 1968 to work alongside Derwood Lifgren, founder of Astrocom Electronics. More than 57 years later, his affiliation with the company continues—a testament to the enduring mentorship, friendship, and opportunity he found through Lifgren’s leadership.

In addition to his work with Astrocom, May has been involved with several local businesses, including The Village Printer, American Storage Systems, and CommInnovations, Inc. Alongside his wife, Terri, he also operates May Enterprises, a real estate development and management company that focuses on providing clean, safe, and affordable housing in the Oneonta area.

Among May’s many achievements are:

• The transformation of 189 Main Street from a deteriorated portion of the former Oneonta Hotel into a premier downtown office building.

• Founding development of the Oneonta Business Park (formerly Pony Farm Park).

• The revival of Nick’s Diner—restoring the longabandoned space and facilitating ownership by a local restaurant worker with a young family.

• Redevelopment of multiple neglected properties into quality housing for Oneonta families.

• The creation of the Roundhouse Road site, now home to innovative businesses such as Noah’s World and Vesucre.

• A strategic partnership with Housing Visions, the City of Oneonta and Opportunities for Otsego to develop 60 units of high-quality affordable housing for seniors and families.

May has also served in numerous civic leadership roles, including chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, chair of the Board of Assessment and Review, chair of the Airport Commission, and as a member of both the Zoning and Housing Task Forces. Through these positions, he has helped guide the city’s growth, infrastructure, and housing strategy. Currently, he is a driving force behind the revitalization of the historic Oneonta Theatre, serving as a leader with the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre

The FOF Community Engagement Award honors individuals whose efforts significantly enrich the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the Oneonta community. Ed May, Jr.’s life’s work exemplifies the very essence of this award, officials said.

heretofore stored with the undersigned by Dan Baxter, Unit 16 beginning on 08/11/25

All sales are subject to prior claim, postponement and/or cancellation. 2LegalAug.7

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name:

Gothicville Enterprises LLC.

Articles of organization filing date

with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 April 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 988 County Highway 38 Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalSept.4

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Notice of formatioN of

KEEZ Real Estate Group LLC. Filed with SSNY on 07/21/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: PO Box 104 Laurens, NY 13796. Purpose: Any Lawful

6LegalSept.4

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Notice of formatioN of a Limited LiabiLitY compaNY:

The name of the limited liability company is:

Nick’s BBQ & Creamery, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was July 24, 2025. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to Nick’s BBQ &

Creamery, LLC, 1761 Covered Bridge Road, Unadilla, NY 13849. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose.

6LegalSept.4

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Notice of pUbLic HeariNG

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, August 5th, 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.

217 main Street - area Variance for relief of 18 parking spaces from 50 parking space requirement.

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, August 5th, 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 1LegalJul.31

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Notice of adoptioN of reSoLUtioN SUbJect to permiSSiVe refereNdUm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 28th day of July, 2025, duly adopted pursuant to section 6C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of

$415,000 from Sewer System Reserves to line G8120-440 for the Pioneer Street Sewer Main Replacement project. BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK

Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.org (email) 1LegalJul.31

►Need to publish a Notice of formatioN, public Notice, supplemeNtal summoNs, or Notice to bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

Photo by Charlie Vascellaro

Ichiro Suzuki enjoys the Induction Weekend Parade of Legends on Saturday, July 26 with wife Yumiko Fukishima.

Ichiro

Continued from page 6

was on display at the All-Star Game Fanfests in Seattle, Washington, and Arlington, Texas. It returned to Cooperstown in time to be included in the Yakyu exhibit this year.

“The wooden the plate from Zenimura Field, revered as ‘sacred,’ serves as a powerful touchstone for Pima Indians, Japanese Americans and all Americans. It’s a stark reminder of a time when the U.S. government unjustly imprisoned its own citizens based solely on their race,” said NBRP founder Kerry Yo Nakagawa. “In the camps, baseball was their lifeline, providing hope, inspiration and a sense of normalcy amidst the trauma.”

Other exhibit highlights include stand-alone displays focusing on the three most successful players crossing the

Pacific from the Nippon Professional League to Major League Baseball.

Pitcher Hideo Nomo was not the first Japanese born major leaguer, but he was MLB’s first Japanese star, making his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995. Nomo Mania soon ensued.

A life-size uniformed mannequin of Ichiro Suzuki also occupies a piece of prime real estate in the exhibit and contains an array of significant milestone artifacts from his career.

The Shohei Ohtani “Sho-Time” display depicts Ohtani, baseball’s only current twoway player, in a series of revolving images, showing highlights of his career as a member of the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers and the Japanese WBC national team. It is perhaps the biggest display for an active player created at the Hall of Fame.

Hotel

Continued from page 1 for this joint project.

“My parents have a house on Goodyear Lake. I spent my summers here,” said Gail. “I did my back-to-school shopping at Bresee’s [Department Store]. My sister and our daughter went to SUNY Oneonta.”

Caroline O’Reilly, a graduate of SUNY Oneonta, attended the ribbon-cutting with her partner, Joshua Jackson. Caroline majored in criminal justice and will be joining the Oneonta Police Department.

“She completed the Police Academy [at SUNY Oneonta] and was already hired by Schoharie County before she graduated,” said Gail. “The college did a great job.”

Caroline lives in Oneonta and remembers frequenting the Red Jug Pub as a SUNY student.

in real estate and rent to students.”

Soon after Gail had that idea, her husband, Cyril, saw the Oneonta Hotel property for sale. Caroline mentioned that the property was condemned.

“On some floors, you can see pigeons walking around,” Gail said.

As an electrical contractor, Cyril saw the potential to rehabilitate the property. Gail commented on the beauty she saw, with “sunlight coming through the windows overlooking Main Street.”

“We are empty nesters,” Gail said. “Our intention is to provide safe housing to others…. getting things back up to snuff.”

The project is estimated to take one to two years to complete, depending on permit approvals.

“We are excited to have three long-term tenants nearby,” Gail said.

between the past and the present.”

Bobby Sharp, owner of a glassblowing business, will be the newest tenant at 205 Main Street, the site of a former computer store that vacated a few years ago.

Sharp plans to offer glassblowing workshops.

“I happen to be good at art and business,” he said. “I recently patented a baseball glass…and I provided Beekman 1802 with a product for facials.”

“Bobby and I have worked together for more than a year to find the perfect downtown location for his business, and with Cyril and Gail, he’s not just found the ideal location, but also that rarity of supportive and invested landlords whose commitment will ensure his success,”

Mayor Drnek said.

than art collectors.

“This [store at 205 Main Street] used to be Woolworth’s,” said Liz Morley, who grew up on Dietz Street and knows the history of department stores like Bresee’s and F. W. Woolworth Company.

Morley also pointed out the place where the “The Oneonta Hotel” logo used to hang at 193 Main Street, pointing to the expanse of windows above the storefronts which will become apartments.

The reaction to the announcement was positive.

“I am thrilled. This is really good news. The apartments will help retain our students and recruit young professionals,” said Carolyn Marks, resident of the Seventh Ward and chair of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Check out

“When my daughter was a student here, she and her roommates rented a house. I really appreciated the landlord for keeping an eye on the students,” Gail said.

“I wanted to do the same for future students,” she explained. “My original idea was to invest

The tenants who occupy the property bought by the O’Reillys are Oculo Visitant Gallery, a tattoo parlor, Tiger Sushi and Red Jug Pub from 193 to 195 Main Street.

Gail called the project “the perfect marriage

Sharp expressed his goal for the space: “Get people to come in and teach them to create art and make money doing something they love doing.”

“Art that hangs on walls is a luxury,” Sharp said.

He intends to teach people about creating art that becomes a product with a wider audience

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU

Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, milestones, grand openings, sports results, anniversaries and more.

Photos welcome, too! info@allotsego.com

The job scene

Please send cover letter and

parent. This proposal fails every one of those tests. It threatens our environment, our water, and our way of life—and it offers little in return.

I’m running for town supervisor because we need leadership that listens before it signs off. That asks the tough questions. That puts people before politics. And right now that’s not happening. We should not be rushed or pressured into a decision that carries such lasting consequences. We owe it to ourselves to protect what makes our town special. Let’s show them what local action looks like, grounded in care, fueled by trust, and led by the people who call Oneonta home.

I urge all concerned residents to join me at the Oneonta Town Board meeting on Wednesday, August 13 and speak out against this proposal. Let’s make it clear: The future of the West End should be shaped by the people who live here, not by an out-of-town developer with more questions than answers.

Will Rivera Oneonta

To Festival Officials

My wife and I attended the performance of “Tosca” yesterday. It was beautifully performed and staged.

However, I take great exception to, and am angered by, your brazen effort at forcing the audience to suffer through the political propaganda blasted on the screen during the intermission. We came for the artistic performance, as written by Puccini, and not to suffer through your personal political outlook.

The left wing diatribe forced on the audience consisted of quotations from the 2017 radical pamphlet by the Trump hater Timothy Snyder, which just happens to be prominently featured for sale in the Glimmerglass gift shop.

While the claim may be made that the quotations—including dire warnings of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, tyranny, and tyrants, and its “call to arms and guide to resistance,”—apply to all political persuasions, the text selected, and its key words of warning and resistance, are clearly aimed to turn the audience against the activities of the current administration.

Please don’t insult my intelligence by claiming this was solely a part of the opera. These words were not written by Puccini. He did not direct they be foisted on his audience during the performance of his opera.

Challenges to tyrants are a key theme in “Tosca.” That is perfectly appropriate. That is how Puccini addresses the subject, and seeks to motivate the audience. But that is for Puccini, not for you.

You are entitled to your personal political opinions. Mr. Snyder may or may not be correct in his writings. But you have no right to try to force

feed those writings to the audience which came to see Puccini’s opera, and not be bombarded with your personal views. Your conduct insults your audience and besmirches the artistic image of Glimmerglass.

Keith J. Roland Albany

EU Defense for Ukraine?

European countries should send in unmarked volunteer soldiers like Russia did in Crimea to set up a defensive perimeter to protect Ukrainian civilians. Know nothing when questioned by Russian authorities. The equipment deployed should display a “Y” instead of a “Z.” “Y” meaning, why did you invade a peaceful sovereign neighbor?

Gerry Welch Cooperstown

Attention

Alexa Users

Recently I was able to successfully correct Alexa on the subject of Trump’s felony convictions (34 counts, New York State Court, May 2024) and, in civil court, liable for sexual abuse against a woman (E. Jean Carroll. Federal Court, New York, May 2023). Previously, Alexa had denied that Trump had ever been found guilty of a felony, or of sexual abuse. Alexa should have been ashamed of him/herself to begin with, but at least he/she accepts corrections based on facts when they are cited. Which is more than Trump does.

Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown

Briefs

Continued from page 7

the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program. Intended to support urban growing spaces, such as farms, school gardens, and community gardens, and bolster their contribution to food resiliency and security, the program awarded more than $1 million to 22 project recipients in the last round. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipal governments and Indian tribal organizations. For more information or to apply, visit agriculture. ny.gov/rfa-0344-urbanfarms-and-communitygardens-grant-program.

Library

Continued from page 7 to continue playing.

The story circle with Santa took place in the children’s section of the Huntington Memorial Library and was repeated on Wednesday, July 23. Donna Foote, the library’s children’s coordinator, was present to facilitate these festive events.

“It’s like our regular December program,” Foote stated. “It’s just a little warmer.”

Santa Claus will return on two as yet to be determined dates in December for the regularly scheduled Christmastime fun.

For more information about this and other library events, visit https://hmloneonta.org/.

Meet, Greet Features Info on Otsego Outdoors

COOPERSTOWN

Otsego Outdoors will be the theme of the next “Welcome Home Cooperstown” monthly meet and greet on Tuesday, August 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event, held at Village Hall, 22 Main Street, is intended to welcome newcomers, share information, and help make connections with established residents. All members of the community are welcome to attend.

The August 5 event will include information about Otsego

Outdoors, a collaborative effort of four area environmental organizations—Otsego 2000, Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego Land Trust and Butternut Valley Alliance. The meet and greet will also include general information about the Cooperstown area and its institutions. Local musician Rich Brown will perform, and refreshments will be provided by Destination Marketing Corporation.

The Welcome Home Cooperstown committee includes inter-

ested citizens and representatives from the Village of Cooperstown, Friends of the Village Library, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown Central School, and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation and The Birch Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Otsego County. All are welcome to attend and participate in the work of building a stronger, more diverse, and welcoming community.

►Fri., August 1

LIVE MUSIC

by an adult. Held at 5 p.m. on 8/16. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. Maddy71795@ yahoo.com.

BOOK CLUB “Summer Reading Program: Hartwick Literary and Zucchini Soup Society Book Club.” Read “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by Anna Johnston and discuss with the group on 8/20 at 1:30 p.m. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600.

OTSEGO COUNTY

FAIR

8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Featuring the Antique and Out of Field Tractor Pulls at 10 a.m., NYTPA Tractor Pulls at 7 p.m. live music, shows and more. Midway opens at 2 p.m. Held through 8/3. 48 Lake Street, Morris. (607) 263-5289.

FUNDRAISER

12:30 p.m. “Robert B. Schlather Susquehanna SPCA Golf Tournament Fundraiser 2025.” Registration required. Oneonta Country Club, 9 Country Club Drive, Oneonta. (607) 547-8111.

BLOOD DRIVE

12:30-5:30 p.m. Bassett Hall, 31 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org

YARN CLUB

2-3:30 p.m. First Friday each month. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

PRESENTATION

3 p.m. “The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad” by local historian Jim Loudon. Registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

ART EXHIBIT 4-6 p.m. Richard Barlow’s “Welcome to the Open.” Meet the artist, refreshments available. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-8 p.m. “Resplendent.” First Friday event. Show runs through 8/31. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340.

5:30-7 p.m. Jimmy Wolf. Free. Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. OPEN MIC 6 p.m. Poems, songs, comedy and dance. Register at the door to perform. Donations appreciated. Held first Friday of each month. Presented by The Telegraph School at the Limestone Mansion, 33 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3785.

FIRE PIT FRIDAYS

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

CONTRADANCE

7 p.m. A community dance featuring live music by Bernd Neumann and Carol Mandigo, with Robby Poulette calling the dances. Presented by the Otsego Dance Society. The Wood Barn, Hyde Hall, Glimmerglass State Park, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. (607) 4336613.

OPERA 7:30 p.m.

“Tosca.” Music by Giacomo Puccini; libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. Follows the heroine as she saves her lover from a corrupt chief of police, but at what price? Presented by The Glimmerglass Festival at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255. PERFORMANCE

7:30 p.m.

Bridgeman|Packer Dance. Includes works titled “Ghost Factory” and “Under the Skin.” Also performing 8/2 and at 5 p.m. on 8/3. Presented by the Franklin Stage Company at Chapel Hall, 25 Institute Street, Franklin.

THEATER 7:30 p.m.

“The Gazebo.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Tickets required. Also showing at 7:30 p.m. on 8/2 and at 2 p.m. on 8/3. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►sAt., August 2

OTSEGO COUNTY

FAIR 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring Kids Giveaway,

Truck Pulls and ending the day with fireworks. Midway opens at 2 p.m. Held through 8/3. 48 Lake Street, Morris. (607) 263-5289.

BASKETBALL 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “4th Annual Blend-A-Rama 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament.” Continues 8/3. Fees apply; registration required. Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 287-8444.

YOGA 8:30 a.m.

“Yoga for Flexibility and Strength.” Held each Saturday by certified instructor Mira Wind. Fees apply. Butternut Valley Grange, 7 Bloom Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 287-5699.

WORCESTER COOK -

BOOK 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Nonpareil Cook Book Workshop.” Make lunch with recipes published in 1897 by the Ladies of Worcester. Registration required. Presented by the Worcester-Schenevus Library in Strawberry Hall, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

LIVE MUSIC 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Music at the Market: Ana Laura Gonzalez and Dan Buttermann. Huntington Park, Wall Street, Oneonta.

MEMORIAL 10 a.m.

“2nd Annual Memorial Ride in Honor of Kiera.” Fees apply; registration required. Buds Place, 9556 State Highway 7, Worcester.

PLANETARIUM Family-friendly shows open to the public. Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011. • 10:30 a.m. “Worlds of Curiosity.” • 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”

EXHIBIT 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Samurai, Baseball and More: A Fine-ArtsLook-at-Baseball.” Open Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment through 9/13. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

TOURNAMENT Noon. “Oneonta Suicide Awareness Cornhole Tournament.” Fees apply; registration required. Red Barn Brewery and Kountry Kitchen, 3883 State Highway 7, Otego. (607)

1 p.m.

“Geology of East Meredith and the Catskills Guided Walk.” Fees apply; registration required. Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Highway 12, East Meredith. (607) 278-5744.

COOKING 1-3 p.m. “Mediterranean Spreads

Workshop.” Fees apply; registration required. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

OPERA 1 p.m. “The House on Mango Street.” Music by Derek Bermel; libretto by Sandra Cisneros and Derek Bermel. A coming of age tale following Esperanza, a young girl who discovers that storytelling is the medicine she can offer her community. Tickets required. Presented by The Glimmerglass Festival at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

POTTERY

1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

CONCERT

4-5:30 p.m. “Aria and Juliet Dirig.” Concert moved indoors due to the Blendos Basketball Tournament. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

THEATRE 7:30 p.m. “Beetlejuice Jr.” Musical based on the blockbuster motion picture. Tickets required. Presented by Tritown Theatre’s Teen Summer Intensive. 95 West Main Street, Sidney. Communications@tritowntheatreinc.org.

OPERA 7:30 p.m.

“Sunday in the Park with George.” Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; book by James Lapine. A dazzling exploration of life, love and the relentless drive to create. Tickets required. Presented by The Glimmerglass Festival at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5472255.

►sun., August 3

FUNDRAISER 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “VFW Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast.” Cost by donation. VFW Club, 60 Main Street, Cooperstown.

OTSEGO COUNTY

FAIR 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last day features two demolition derbies at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Midway opens at 2 p.m. 48 Lake Street, Morris. (607) 263-5289.

SHOOT 9 a.m. “3rd Annual Smitty Trap Shoot.” Unadilla Rod and Gun Club, 566 Butternut

Road, Unadilla. (607) 316-5997.

MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Middlefield Farm and Flea Market. 973 Whiteman Road, Middlefield.

MEDITATION 11 a.m. “Sundays at Samye: The Practical Bodhisattva—How to Be a Spiritual Hero in Everyday Life.” Held Sundays through 12/21. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5051.

BENEFIT 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Benefit Dinner for Tyler Rose.” Help the family of a local mom who recently passed away. Laurens Fire Department, 34 Main Street, Laurens.

SUMMER 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Mess-Fest: Harris Memorial Library Annual Picnic.” Hot dogs, ice cream sundaes, art and more to celebrate the Summer Reading Program. Dress for a mess. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

FUNDRAISER Noon.

Ox Roast. Featuring clam chowder from noon to 1 p.m., then the ox roast at 2:30 p.m. Includes live music by The Jason Wicks Band. Tickets required. Wells Bridge Fire Department, 114 County Highway 4, Wells Bridge. (607) 988-2542.

LIVE MUSIC 1-3 p.m.

“Sunday Session with Home Visitor.” Music each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

FIBER GUILD

1-3 p.m. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

PRESENTATION

1-3 p.m. “Movie Making in Otsego County.” Presented by Lori Bailey and Joel Plue. Part of the Swart-Wilcox House Museum Summer Sunday Series. Free and open to the public; accessible facilities. Bring own folding lawn chair. Front lawn of the Swart-Wilcox House Museum, Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta.

DEDICATION 2 p.m. “Pomeroy Historic Marker Dedication.” Commemorate the early settlers, Revolutionary War veterans and a formerly enslaved man interred at the cemetery. West Burlington Cemetery Grounds, State Route 80, West Burlington. (607) 965-8649.

CONCERT 4 p.m.

Honest Brook Music Festival presents Trio Brillante. Fees apply; registration required. The Barn, 1885 Honest Brook Road, Delhi. (607) 746-3770.

MUSIC 7 p.m. “Oneonta Kirtan: Interfaith Devotional Music Meditation.” Held each first Sunday. Unitarian

Universalist Society of Oneonta, 12 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.

CONCERT 7 p.m.

“Ensembles Large and Small.” Presented by Cherry Valley Artworks.

A classical variety show with members of The Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra playing their favorites. The Star Theater, 44 Main Street, Cherry Valley.

OPERA 7:30 p.m.

“Odyssey.” Music by Ben More; libretto by Kelley Rourke. Homer’s epic tale featuring the Young Artists Program and The Glimmerglass Youth Ensemble. Tickets required. Also showing at 7:30 p.m. on 8/5 and at 1 p.m. on 8/8. Presented by The Glimmerglass Festival at the Alice Busch Opera Theater, 7300 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2255.

►Mon., August 4

WALKING CLUB

8 a.m. Held each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through 9/3. All welcome. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

STEAM 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “STEAM 3.0: Revenge of the Arts Summer Experience.” Immersive week-long experience open to students in grades 4-7. Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

SENIOR MEALS Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken and wild rice casserole, beets, cauliflower, and fruit cocktail. (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

1-6 p.m. Worcester United Methodist Church, 111 Main Street, Worcester. RedCrossBlood.org

HEALTHY SNACKS

1 p.m. “Summer Reading Program: Color Me Healthy Class.” Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Kids learn to make fun, healthy snacks. Held each Monday through 8/25. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

The Freeman's Journal 07-31-25

Ichiro’s Induction, Yakyu Exhibit Opening Highlight Weekend of Japanese Culture

Skies Clear Over Cooperstown for NBHoF Induction Ceremony

New Owners To Revive Historic Oneonta Hotel Property

Samurai Baseball Exhibit Features Works by 15 local Artists

EXPlORE CHERRY VAllEY cherryvalley.com

Folk Fest for Food Concerts To Benefit Daily Bread Food Pantry

25 Main Announces Events

Sense of Community Spirit Pervades Grand Opening in Morris

.dining&entertainment

Perspectives

Sunday in the Park

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Johnston: No More Limericks

We All Wanted To Be Willie

More Questions Than Answers

185 YEARS AGO

110 YEARS AGO

60 YEARS AGO

35 YEARS AGO

20 YEARS AGO

OFO Releases Otsego Co. Needs Assessment

Opera for Dogs… Roll over, Beethoven

Ichiro

Golf Fundraiser Set for Sept.

Picnic, Officers Announced

Acclaimed Violinist Returns

Dates Scheduled

Gas Drops By Another Penny

Connections To Hold Events

Pathfinder Breaks Ground

Schuermann Named Wayne VP

Special Guest Visits Library

Dance Troupe To Perform

O’Connor Names ER Head

‘Turn Two’ Event a Success

FCAHS Plans Ostapeck Show

OASAS To Bolster Workforce

Ag Dept. To Support Gardens

J & M Nuisance Wildlife Control

Oneonta Artist’s Work To Be Featured at the Gatehouse

OBITUARIES

ESTATE SALE

Lonnie Zoeller 1977-2025

LEGALS

Induction

LEGALS

Ed May Jr. Receives Foundation Award

ONEONTA

Ichiro

Hotel

The job scene

To Festival Officials

EU Defense for Ukraine?

Alexa Users

Briefs

Library

Meet, Greet Features Info on Otsego Outdoors

COOPERSTOWN

LIVE MUSIC