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OTSEGO COUNTY OFFERS EXPANDED mobile SERVICES, page 10 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 33
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, August 13, 2026
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Cooperstown Business Owners Report Mixed Results for Hall of Fame Induction Weekend This year’s induction class, featuring Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent, brought baseball fans from across the country. Despite the crowds throughout the village, several business owners said the spending patterns and overall traffic did not match what they had grown accustomed to during one of Cooperstown’s busiest weekends of the year. Vincent Russo, owner of Mickey’s Place, said he noticed a large number of Puerto Rican fans visiting Cooperstown to celebrate Beltrán’s induction. Those visitors helped drive sales of World Baseball Classic Continued on page 7
By PEYTON CARTER
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COOPERSTOWN s approximately 12,000 fans gathered in Cooperstown to celebrate the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 during Induction Weekend, local businesses experienced a weekend that was far from the typical “busiest weekend of the year.” While some restaurants and specialty shops enjoyed strong crowds and steady sales, many retailers reported business was noticeably slower than in previous induction weekends.
Board Debates Policy Violations, Hears Update on New Property By BILL BELLEN
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OTSEGO COUNTY he August meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives began with Representative Andrew Marietta’s recognition of the semiannual recipients of the county’s Outstanding Employee Award. According to Marietta, nominations were able to be submitted by any resident who wished to recognize a county employee who exhibited a “commitment to outstanding service [and] a high level of productivity.” Kyle King, waste management and recycling coordinator for the Solid Waste Department, was the first of two recipients to be recognized. INSIDE
► FIELD STATION REMAINS ADAPTABLE, page 2 ► MARKET TURNS 35 THIS WEEKEND, page 3 ► ARE WE tOO DIGITALLY DEPENDENT? page 4 ► gOOD nEWS ABOUT THE sw BARN, page 6 ► FUN AND FOOD AT THE FAIR, page 8 ► SERIES MEETs GREAT EXPECTATIONS, page 8 ► THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO, page 12 Follow Breaking News On
King has been with the county since March 2023. Marietta praised King’s work ethic and dedication to coordinating services that benefit the county at large. Laura Bryant was next to be recognized. A licensed practical nurse for the Department of Health who has been with the county since April 1998, Bryant worked for many years until 2014, when she was laid off following the sale of the Otsego Manor Nursing Home. She was later rehired by the Department of Health in 2017, where she has worked under a number of titles. Marietta praised Bryant’s initiative to continue providing services to the residents of Otsego County and the
Photo courtesy of Otsego County
Kyle King and Laura Bryant both received Otsego County’s Outstanding Employee Award at the August 5 Board of Representatives meeting. Above, King (right) is pictured with Board Chair Edwin Frazier Jr.
strength of her communication skills. Representatives Nora
Mendez and Jill Basile were both noted as absent, and no members
of the audience chose to speak during the privilege of the floor. Director of Building Services Tim Donahue and Otsego County GIS Coordinator Levi Anderson were invited to give a presentation on the newly-acquired property purchased by Otsego County. The land totals roughly 387 acres, largely encircling the county’s Meadows Complex. Donahue’s presentation included a detailed GIS map overlay of the property, which consists of 114 acres of open land, with an additional 162 acres of conservation easements and 194 acres of wetlands overlapping one another. Donahue began with a brief history of the prop-
erty, sharing that Otsego County originally bought the land 200 years ago in 1826 for the county courthouse. Upon the courthouse’s replacement, the property was sold in 1959, then repurchased earlier this year. Donahue ran through the structures on the property, including a house along County Highway 33 estimated to have been built in the 1820s. The grave of a Revolutionary War soldier was found nearby, though Donahue noted that it is unclear if there are other graves in the proximity. Closer to the Meadows Complex itself is the main farm, which has a number of older structures like the poor house slaughterhouse and newer ones Continued on page 9
Sybil’s Yarn Shop Receives State Phoenix Award By GAYANE TOROSYAN
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COOPERSTOWN rom the ashes of a devastating fire, Sybil’s Yarn Shop has found a new home in Cooperstown, its rebirth recognized August 4 with the New York Small Business Development Center’s Phoenix Award. The award, presented to owner Jeanetta Osterhoudt, honors businesses that overcome significant adversity and successfully rebuild. Less than a year after a fire destroyed Sybil’s Yarn Shop in Milford, state and local officials, NYSBDC representatives, customers, and community supporters gathered at the Pioneer Street shop to celebrate its recovery. Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh said the loss of the Milford business was felt throughout the region and praised
Photo by Gayane Torosyan
JEANETTA OSTERHOUDT
Osterhoudt’s determination to reopen. “Milford and Cooperstown, we are ... we work together on many things, and we were all so saddened about the terrible fire in Milford, and particularly about the loss of her shop, which was one that was really frequented and popular,” said Tillapaugh. “So, we are overjoyed that she is here as a female entrepreneur, on our Pioneer Street, right off our Main Street, so hopefully a lot of traffic. I know a lot of locals are super excited, and hopefully the business has been good.” “It’s been wonderful, absolutely!” Osterhoudt said. “I am very happy to be here. The fiber community came together to get me back in business. They threw a fundraiser for me, my neighbor Emilie Rigby founded that, and it quickly outgrew this space, which is where it was supposed to Continued on page 5
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
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A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Field Station a Regional Engine for Research, Education, Stewardship By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST COOPERSTOWN or more than half a century, SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station has stood as one of the region’s most influential centers for freshwater research, applied environmental science and hands‑on learning. Situated on more than 1,000 acres of protected land and anchored on the shores of Otsego Lake, the BFS has grown into a hub where scientific discovery, community partnerships, and environmental stewardship converge. Its mission has remained remarkably consistent since its founding: to advance research, educate future scientists and serve community needs. Yet the work itself has evolved with changing environmental pressures, new scientific questions and the shifting needs of the region. Professor Florian Reyda, director of the BFS, describes the organization as both an educational resource and a steward of Otsego Lake and surrounding waters. He said the BFS is widely recognized as an entity that collects scientific information vital to municipalities, conservation groups and watershed organizations. At the same time, it serves as a place where young people can be introduced to field sciences and
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Photo by Joshua Youngquist
SUNY Oneonta graduate student Rowan Mentley‑Peters exhibited the results of his re‑ search on freshwater mussel populations in the Unadilla River and Otego Creek at the BFS open house on July 30.
begin nurturing a relationship with the natural world. Through decades of pre‑college field trips and a robust internship program, students learn by doing—conducting fieldwork, analyzing samples, writing reports, and presenting findings to community groups. Many interns use the BFS as a springboard to successful careers, supported by a network of partners that includes the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, SUNY Cobleskill, Cornell, and numerous regional environmental organizations. Hands‑on learning is central to the BFS philosophy. Students participate in year‑round research, from water‑quality monitoring to ecological surveys, often contributing directly to ongoing projects that support
community needs. Reyda emphasized that students “go through the whole process from soup to nuts,” gaining experience that becomes foundational for graduate school and professional opportunities. Many discover new interests as they work alongside faculty, shifting from one research area to another as curiosity deepens. Reyda’s own research in fish parasitology has led students to help describe new species of fish parasites discovered in Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River, evidence that even familiar waters hold scientific mysteries waiting to be uncovered. While the BFS mission has remained steady, its priorities have shifted with environmental conditions. Harmful algal blooms now dominate much
of the station’s applied research, with multiple scientists studying bloom dynamics, toxins and related lake parameters. In earlier decades, the focus centered on fish‑population issues, including the ecological impacts of alewife and the successful stocking of walleye to restore balance. Reyda said the needs vary with the times, and the BFS must remain adaptable. BFS reach extends far beyond Otsego Lake. Through its Master’s in Lake Management program, graduate students conduct intensive studies on lakes across New York State, producing “state of the lake” reports used by local associations and municipalities. These reports provide actionable data for watershed management, conservation planning and environmental restoration. BFS staff also conduct long‑term monitoring on Canadarago Lake, Goodyear Lake and sections of the Susquehanna River.
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Annual technical reports—publicly available online—give communities access to data that would otherwise be difficult or costly to obtain. The station’s conservation impact is further strengthened by more than 1,000 acres of land protected through conservation easements. Dr. Tracy Allen, dean of SUNY Oneonta’s School of Sciences, said the BFS represents “the very best of higher education,” combining rigorous science, experiential learning and public service. Students gain professional‑level experience operating field instruments, interpreting environmental data and producing lake‑assessment reports used by real clients. He emphasized that students leave not only with knowledge but with the confidence that comes from conducting authentic scientific work. Allen’s own academic career has focused on freshwater systems, and he teaches an international field course in Guatemala built on the same experiential model. He said the BFS prepares future environmental leaders who understand both the science and the responsibility of stewardship. Graduate student Rowan Mentley‑Peters echoed that sentiment, crediting BFS faculty and staff for fostering a community where “iron sharpens iron.” Access to equipment, mentorship from faculty such as Dr. Alex Sotola and Lt. Col. Paul Lord, and opportunities to collaborate on ongoing projects have shaped his development as a young scientist. He
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said the BFS provides a place for students to find a sense of purpose, often inspiring them to volunteer on weekends and immerse themselves in research. SUNY Oneonta instructors and staff hosted an open house on Thursday, July 30 which showcased the breadth of student research made possible by BFS resources, including a population genetics project led by MentleyPeters, with coauthors Sotola and Lord. A junior population geneticist in the Sotola Evolutionary Genetics Lab, MentleyPeters is investigating the genetic divergence of the eastern elliptio, a freshwater mussel whose once dense populations in the Susquehanna River Watershed have collapsed due to habitat disruption and the loss of their host fish, the American eel. His team surveyed remnant mussel populations in the Unadilla River and Otego Creek, documenting isolated, aging individuals with no evidence of recruitment—a sign of long term reproductive failure. After extracting and analyzing DNA from mussels in both the Susquehanna and Delaware river watersheds, preliminary results suggest the two populations have begun to diverge genetically, underscoring the ecological risks of translocating mussels between watersheds and providing critical insight for future conservation planning. The project was one of many on display— from underwater drone demonstrations to lake monitoring technology—that illustrated how BFS students use field access, equipment and faculty mentorship to tackle real environmental challenges. Looking ahead, Reyda said he hopes to see greater participation from regional schools in the BFS field‑trip program, which includes lake excursions, woods walks and pond studies. With climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss affecting ecosystems across the region, he believes environmental education is more important than ever. “The best place to start is with young people,” Reyda said, noting that early exposure to the natural world can foster lifelong commitments to conservation. For SUNY Oneonta, the Biological Field Station remains a cornerstone of applied science, community partnership, and environmental stewardship—an institution where rigorous research and transformative student experiences continue to shape the future of freshwater science in Otsego County and beyond. Prefer to read your news online? Subscribe to AllOtsego.com at our special rate. See page 12 for more information. Access to AllOtsego.com is free with your hard-copy subscription.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
Cooperstown Farmers’ Market Celebrates 35 Years This Saturday NYS Ag and Markets Head Richard Ball To Attend COOPERSTOWN n Saturday, August 15, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market will recognize a significant milestone in its history as it celebrates the market’s 35th year of operation. During the market day, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be 33 local farmers and vendors, two sets of live music, kids’ activities to celebrate Honeybee Day, and a Market Bingo raffle. At 11 a.m., there will be a brief program featuring New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball; Meg Kennedy, owner of ARK Floral, which was a founding vendor of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market; and Jim Dalton and Ellen Pope of Otsego 2000, which founded the market in 1991. Kennedy also serves as vice chair of the Otsego County Board of Representatives. Following the speeches, there will be complimentary sweets made by market vendors, including Biscuitwood
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Farm, a new Summer Tuesday Market vendor, and Nectar Hills Farm, a yearround Saturday vendor. “Come hang out with your friends and neighbors to celebrate 35 years of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market,” said Madeleine Zenir, farmers’ market manager at Otsego 2000. “It’s August and your local farmers have been working all year for harvest season.” Otsego 2000 founded the market in 1991 to offer local growers and producers a direct outlet to residents and visitors, to make local produce readily available, and to bring local customers to Main Street. All market products are grown or made by the vendors within 50 miles of Cooperstown. Thanks to the generosity of The Scriven Foundation, which owns the 101 Main Street building, the market enjoys an indoor space, which is heated in the winter, right in the middle of downtown. “We are proud of the market’s history and its growth over the years, and look forward to a bright future as more and more people learn and appreciate the value of sourcing their food locally,”
said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000. “We are delighted to have Commissioner Richard Ball here to help us celebrate 35 years of supporting local farmers and makers, and the market’s role in the community.” Pope added that Otsego 2000 and the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market have benefited from a Farmers’ Market Resiliency grant from New York State. Upgrades to the market facility made possible by the grant include a 100-foot indoor mural, customer seating, and lighting, as well as enhanced outreach and advertising. “Of note is our outreach to customers who shop with SNAP,” said Pope. “A $20.00 SNAP spend results in $60.00 worth of local food, thanks to matches from the Cooperstown Lions Club and Field and Fork Network’s Double Up Food Bucks. This helps our neighbors get access to fresh local food, and helps local farmers get more business, a win-win.” The Cooperstown Lions Club will have a table at the market with information on the SNAP Match program, and how people can support it.
Miss Jen, also known as Jennifer Armstrong, Otsego 2000’s manager of finance and operations, will have activities to celebrate National Honeybee Day. Kids can make honeybee headbands, learn about the life cycle of bees, taste honey and plant a pollinator friendly flower to take home. “I love coming up with the ideas for kids’ crafts at the market, all inspired by my own daughter. It is wonderful to watch kids discover the market through a simple craft or activity,” said Armstrong. “It gives them the opportunity to learn where their food comes from, meet the farmers who grow it, and understand the importance of supporting local farms and eating fresh healthy food.” Customers can complete a Market Bingo card and be entered to win a $100.00 Farmers’ Market gift certificate. Located at 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays throughout the year and on Tuesdays during July, August and September. To learn more, visit https://www.otsego2000. org/cooperstown-farmers-market.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic Concert on Sunday To Feature a Mystery ONEONTA he Oneonta Community Concert Band will present its annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 16 in the Wilber Park large pavilion, under the direction of Kerri Hogel. The theme will be “Teddy Solves a Mystery,” with the audience invited to guess the solu-
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tion based on clues in the music. For children present, the concert also includes a drawing for a teddy bear. The concert is free and open to the public, with seating available at picnic tables. Listeners are invited to bring lawn chairs along with their favorite teddy bear. Hogel said the program features music related to
sleuthing, some drawn from famous movies. “You’ll hear themes from ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ a James Bond suite and highlights from Jim Henson’s ‘The Great Muppet Caper,’” she said. “I’ve also included ‘The Cave You Fear’ by Michael Markowski, Paul Jennings’ ‘They Went That Away,’ and
Hector Berlioz’s ‘March to the Scaffold,’ Hogel added. “There’s more, and of course we’ll end with John Bratton’s ‘The Teddy Bears’ Picnic,’ our inspiration for this concert.” The Oneonta Community Concert Band has been an Oneonta institution since the 1850s and consists of local professional musicians, experienced adults, and advanced
students. Conductor Hogel, who has taught music in area schools for 30 years, leads the Cooperstown High School Senior Band, often directs Orpheus Theatre shows, and performs in regional ensembles large and small. For more information, follow the band on Facebook or call (607) 376-7485.
Upcoming CAA Exhibits Highlight Texture and Landscape COOPERSTOWN wo new exhibitions opening later this month at the Cooperstown
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Art Association celebrate the beauty of craftsmanship and the enduring inspiration of the natural world. An opening
reception will be held on Friday, August 21 from 5-7 p.m., with both exhibitions on view August 22 through
.dining&entertainment
September 25. The reception and exhibitions are free and open to the public. Executive Director Janet
Erway said in a press release that “the Cooperstown Art Association is proud to showContinued on page 6
The Oneonta Community Concert Band presents Kerri L. Hogle conducting a
Teddy Bears’ Picnic Concert ”Teddy Solves a Mystery”
Sunday, August 16, 202 • 3:00 p.m. Wilber Park Pavilion, Oneonta Free and Open to the Public. Donations Gratefully Accepted
Hear Raiders of the Lost Ark, James Bond Suite, and more! Win a Teddy Bear (Children Only). Help sove the mystery. Bring a Lawn Chair and Teddy Bear (If you Want!) For more information,call 607-376-7485
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The Clark Sports Center is seeking nominations for our 2026 Patrick C. Fetterman Award! This honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving Cooperstown’s youth, particularly through athletics. To recommend a deserving individual, please submit a letter that outlines your nominee and the reasons you believe they meet the qualifications by August 28, 2026. Send letters to: Clark Sports Center, P.O. Box 850, Cooperstown, NY 13326 ATTN: David Fontaine, Director. Nominations may also be dropped off at the Clark Sports Center or emailed to David Fontaine.
Scan to learn more
124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown NY 13326 • www.clarksportscenter.com • (607) 547-2800
Perspectives
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL
Are We Becoming Too Dependent on the Digital World?
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any of our readers were impacted last Wednesday, August 5 by a Spectrum service outage that knocked out local Internet and business phone lines and temporarily interrupted the work of many businesses and public service organizations. Here in our offices, for instance, we were without service for most of the business day, unable to receive e-mails until after 5 p.m., unable to upload materials to our website, unable to make or receive phone calls, and unable to surf the web for research purposes. Although we found other work to pass the time, this was, in a word, debilitating. Debilitating for us, for local businesses, for area municipalities and for Otsego County residents in general. We’re not going to weigh in on Spectrum service overall here. Things happen. But we will note how absolutely frightening the extent of our dependence upon the digital world has become. Encyclopedia Britannica defines the “digital world” as the “modern environment shaped by cyberspace, digital computers and global electronic networks—a vast, interconnected sphere where daily human communication, commerce, media, and virtual interaction take place.” The Internet, our smart devices (computers, phones and tablets), cloud storage, and data systems now shape and essentially control our daily lives. This includes how we communicate with each other, how we work and how we learn. What was most revealing to us here in the AllOtsego offices—and, truthfully, it should not
come as a surprise—was how absolutely dependent we have become on this digital world. Throughout the course of the day, staff members found themselves stymied by the inability to access the Internet. Time and time again, muscle memory led us to search the Internet on our phones and on our computers, only to be reminded that we could not Google, we could not call out, we could not get online. This dovetails nicely with a conversation we had recently with a friend who works here in the office complex at 21 Railroad Avenue. He bemoaned the fact that not only were hard-copy newspapers becoming a thing of the past, but also hard-copy books, research materials and even possibly our libraries, if things continue along this path. “What happens if the Internet eventually fails,” he asked, and we have lost our ability to navigate the analog world? In his book “The Invisible Computer” (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Copyright 1997) Donald A. Norman writes: We are analog beings trapped in a digital world, and the worst part is, we did it to ourselves. We humans are biological animals. We have evolved over millions of years to function well in the environment, to survive. We are analog devices following biological modes of operation. We are compliant, flexible, tolerant. Yet we people have constructed a world of machines that requires us to be rigid, fixed, intolerant. We have devised a technology that requires considerable care and attention, that demands it be treated on its own terms, not on ours. We live in a technology-centered world
where the technology is not appropriate for people. No wonder we have such difficulties. Here we are, wandering about the world, bumping into things, forgetful of details, with a poor sense of time, a poor memory for facts and figures, unable to keep attention on a topic for more than a short duration, reasoning by example rather than by logic, and drawing upon our admittedly deficient memories of prior experience. When viewed this way, we seem rather pitiful. No wonder that we have constructed a set of artificial devices that are very much not in our own image. We have constructed a world of machinery in which accuracy and precision matter. Time matters. Names, dates, facts, and figures matter. Accurate memory matters. Details matter. All the things we are bad at matter, all the things we are good at are ignored. Bizarre. Last Wednesday proved that Professor Norman has a valid point. We are, essentially, trapped in a digital world. The interruption in Spectrum service left us feeling disconnected and helpless. It reminded us that perhaps we should not be so eager to forego our hard-copy resources for digitized versions that may, one day, no longer be accessible. It made us appreciate once again the feel of a book in our hands, the texture of the physical card catalog, now a thing of the past, the smell of old tomes and historic papers. What are we losing in the digitization of, well, basically everything? Something worth pondering as you hold your hard-copy newspaper this week, or read our content instead on AllOtsego.com. And which version will stand the test of time?
THE PARTIAL OBSERVER
JESSIE RAVAGE
An Objection to Recreational Wood Burning Fire Pits in Cooperstown
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am here to ask the trustees to consider ways to reduce the use of recreational wood burning fire pits in the village. Like many municipalities in the state, Cooperstown relies on Section 307 of the state fire code to regulate recreational wood burning fire pits. The code mainly addresses potential loss of property through poor siting and lack of oversight by fire pit owners. While it does prohibit “open burning” that is “offensive” or “objectionable,” that is a gray area. Wood burning fire pits create localized pockets of wood smoke that smell as much as the wood smoke from Canada, and the smell persists after a fire pit goes out, sometimes for several hours. Every year, more village residents buy into the nostalgia of sitting around a campfire. Walking around the village on any summer evening, you can smell wood smoke in most neighborhoods. Numerous third-party studies show that wood smoke, while natural, is bad for us. If you smell
wood smoke, it is damaging your lungs with particulate matter. It may be poisoning you, too, because it carries toxins. Some of these toxins, like benzene and formaldehyde, are known carcinogens. The EPA identifies children and older people, especially those with compromised lung function, as being at the highest risk. The 2020 census recorded that nearly a quarter of households in Cooperstown include children under 18. Nearly a fifth of households include at least one person over 65. That suggests an elevated risk from wood smoke to roughly half of Cooperstown households. This summer, we’ve been told on several days to avoid being outdoors, close up our houses and run filtration systems to reduce exposure when the Air Quality Index is above 100 due to Canadian wood smoke. I’ve worried that I’m being cranky about this, but I’ve talked with others who are experiencing
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
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“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper, or on topics of general local interest. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Maximum length is 300 words; however, the editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
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Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main Street, Cooperstown NY 13326-9598 USPS Permit Number 018-449
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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
local wood smoke exposure, too. Recreational wood burning fire pits are as harmful as secondhand cigarette smoke, much more so than charcoal and gas grills, which burn at higher temperatures and so pose a lower health risk. But in that smalltown way, we’re avoiding confrontation and putting up with a public health risk. Recreational wood burning fire pits in densely settled places like the village clearly impinge on the human rights of surrounding neighbors to peacefully enjoy their property, especially at a time of year when we want to be outdoors. We can’t do much about Canadian wildfires, but we can take action to protect village residents from wood smoke generated by recreational wood burning fire pits. This is about the human right to a healthful environment. I encourage the village trustees to go beyond a fire code that is about protecting property and act Continued on page 11
Letters to the editor … In their opinION
$25 Season Pass a Small Price to Pay The Cooperstown Village Trustees are to be commended for seeking to improve the village’s paid parking program by soliciting the views of the public. (“Coop Residents Raise Concerns over…Parking Burdens…,” by Joshua Youngquist, “The Freeman’s Journal,” August 6, A-1.) The village’s paid parking program is the most successful and beneficial local government program my wife and I have experienced in Cooperstown in our 39 years of village home ownership. Each year, we delight in learning the portion of our village property taxes that are funded by paid parking revenues. Last year, we recall the number was around 40 percent. But for paid parking, our village tax bill would have had to be increased to fund that amount. As a further improvement, the village can promote enhanced usage of the $25 Season Pass by seeking to inform baseball tournament visitors of its availability. It
may behoove the trustees or their designees to reach out to the proprietors of Cooperstown Dreams Park and All Star Village to ask that they advise their attendees that they can purchase a $25 Season Pass at the village hall for use when they visit Cooperstown. Relief of the anxiety of feeding the meter and risking a ticket may be welcomed by parents and grandparents who just want to enjoy the Home of Baseball without obsessing about their vehicle. A $25 Season Pass—good from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Columbus Day—may well be considered a small price to pay for this convenience. Residents and tradesmen from nearby towns and villages who make frequent trips to Main Street may also find it advantageous to purchase a $25 Season Pass for their vehicles, thereby expanding their parking options when visiting America’s “perfect village” for business or pleasure during summer days. Again, this is a small price to pay for the added convenience. John A. Rudy Cooperstown
Trolleys Must Be Better Utilized We are again facing the perennial issue—what to do about parking in Cooperstown during the summer, as the recent Village Board meeting attests. The Town of Otsego Court is processing thousands of parking citations—in what way is such a processing headache a good use of time and money, even if revenue is returned? We all know there are too many cars trying to fit into too little space and the law of physics declares this problem will never go away by itself. Perhaps it would be wise to upgrade the signage directing visitors to trolley lots, making the signs more visually attractive and forceful so that trolley parking doesn’t seem so optional. I see many empty trolleys on the streets circling around, and yet I can almost never find a parking spot in the village in July and August. There’s always a salad of outof-state license plates in front of the post office, and those cars almost always overstay, by my personal humble Continued on page 11
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5
Sybil’s
“We just came back even stronger, and with more fervor, and more excitement, and we’re just Continued from page 1 going to keep going.” —Jeanetta Osterhoudt be, and we took over the entire Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
210 YEARS AGO
The Difference! Lord Exmouth sails to the Mediterranean with a powerful fleet—pays from 500 to 1,000 dollars apiece for the release of Christian captives and stipulates that in future, all European Christian prisoners (Americans being excluded) “shall not be consigned into slavery, but shall be treated with humanity until regularly exchanged.” Christopher Hughes, Jr. sails to Carthagena in a single frigate, and without paying a cent, obtains the release of all the Americans in slavery at that place, together with ten Englishmen, and several Frenchmen! August 8, 1816
110 YEARS AGO
During the month of July 1916, the total number of pieces of mail handled by rural carriers from the Cooperstown, N.Y. post office was 50,176 weighing 9,065 pounds and 12 ounces. Number of families actually served: Route 1, 110; Route 2, 118; Route 3, 137; Route 4, 115; Route 5, 144. Closed Pouch Service: Carrier No. 2 carried 33 pouches to Middlefield, New York weighing a total of 913 pounds; from Middlefield, 25 pouches weighing 282 pounds. August 9, 1916
85 YEARS AGO
When the Oneonta Indians meet the Romans on Doubleday Field, Cooperstown, Sunday afternoon, it will be the first regularly scheduled League game ever played on that historic spot. Oneonta and Rome are members of the Canadian-American League, one of the scrappiest in the Minors. With admission reduced to very moderate figures, the stands should be packed. Base line seats will be fifty cents; grandstand seats only 75 cents and both include the tax. All children under 12 are to be admitted free to the centerfield bleachers. There is plenty of free parking space in Cooperstown. August 13, 1941
60 YEARS AGO
Richard F. Clancy of Syracuse, formerly of Cooperstown, announces the engagement of his daughter, Caroline M. Clancy, Syracuse, to Charles D. Calhoun, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman D. Calhoun of Cooperstown. Miss Clancy is also the daughter of the late Margaret M. Clancy. Miss Clancy is a graduate of the Most Holy Rosary High School, Syracuse, and is employed at Crouse, Hinds & Co. there. Mr. Calhoun is a graduate of Cooperstown High School and the State University Teachers’ College, Oneonta. He is presently teaching in the Chenango Forks School District. A November wedding is planned. August 10, 1966
35 YEARS AGO
20 YEARS AGO
August 14, 1991
On Saturday, July 29, John Irvin, manager of The Otesaga Resort Hotel, awoke to find two cast iron beds lashed to either side of his front porch at his Lake Street home. On one bed was a figure that looked a lot like President Bush; loose chains lay on the other bed awaiting a customer. Signs nearby read: “Please Knock,” “Grand Opening,” and “Irvin’s Inn & Out.” The practical joke was perpetrated by Jane Forbes Clark. August 11, 2006 Solution: “Well-Woven Words” (August 6)
farmers’ market. And it was just a packed night in August, and everyone was there, loving fiber, and loving on me, and it was very humbling.” The massive blaze on July 18, 2025 destroyed four buildings, including Sybil’s Yarn Shop at 65 South Main Street, the adjacent Milford Corner Store, a vacant house and another residential structure. Yet within weeks, community members and fellow fiber artists had begun helping Osterhoudt chart a path forward. The fundraiser provided critical financial support before insurance funds became available. “And everyone since then has been amazing,” she said. “The support was overwhelming,” Osterhoudt said, recalling the aftermath of the fire. The fundraiser was held on August 16, 2025, and Sybil’s Yarn Shop reopened in Cooperstown on September 23, 2025. Reflecting on the response she received, Osterhoudt described the broad network of makers who rallied around the business. “In Upstate New York, we have a huge fiber community, whether they be knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, quilters, seamstresses, and even though we are primarily knit and crochet, some weaving, everyone who does one of those crafts tends to do one of the other crafts as well,” she said.
“They cross over into something else because at our heart we all want to create and be a part of creative processes. It’s part of the community that’s built when we are creating.” The Phoenix Award recognizes businesses that recover from significant hardship. Before it was destroyed, Sybil’s Yarn Shop had operated for more than 45 years under the Osterhoudt family, including 10 years under Jeanetta Osterhoudt’s ownership. The shop is named after her mother. “The award is given if you had a flood or some particular adversity, but in this case that name Phoenix, it’s totally apropos for this incredible resurrection of a business that suffered a devastating fire,” Tillapaugh said. For Osterhoudt, the symbolism of the award resonated from the earliest days following the fire. The nomination for the award came from Michelle Catan, advanced certified senior business advisor with the Southern Tier SBDC. “It was the perfect opportunity to nominate her; she’s done a wonderful job getting back open here in Cooperstown,” Catan said. Catan noted that the NYSBDC operates 20 centers across New York State, with Binghamton University serving as the host institution for the Southern Tier region.
The ceremony also highlighted the role of neighboring business owner Emilie Rigby, owner of Rigby Handcraft at 43 Pioneer Street. Rigby helped organize the fundraiser that provided crucial support during the weeks following the fire. Rigby operates a storefront featuring the work of independent artists and locallymade crafts and has been active in community fundraising efforts. Delivering the award were Sonya Smith, state director of the New York Small Business Development Center; Grace Conners, deputy district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Syracuse District Office; State Sen. Peter Oberacker, R-Schenevus, whose 51st Senate District includes Otsego County; Assemblyman Brian Miller, RNew Hartford, representing the 122nd Assembly District; and Assemblyman Chris Tague, RSchoharie, whose 102nd Assembly District includes portions of Albany, Delaware, Otsego and Ulster counties, as well as all of Greene and Schoharie counties. “I remember in the beginning posting on social media and saying, ‘Phoenix needs ashes to rise.’ Well, I got ashes,” Osterhoudt said. “We just came back even stronger, and with more fervor, and more excitement, and we’re just going to keep going.”
By MERL REAGLE
Pronouns on Parade… Little words mean a lot
ACROSS 1 Girls’ names meaning “flowers” 7 Emulated Enya 11 Ritual washing of hands 17 IT 20 Type of show, band, or army 21 ME 23 Some mushrooms 24 It means “foot” 25 Rel. of “now hear this” 26 Alleviates 28 Pew break 29 Opposite of masc. 31 And whatnot, briefly 33 Sweeping stories 35 Coll. arts degree 36 As written 37 SHE 40 Back again 41 Military ranks: abbr. 43 Writer Kesey 44 Choice: abbr. 45 Requiring a macron 47 Dessert in the sky 48 HIM AND HER 102 Another stinking adjective 16 “The light that never was, 69 Wells’s blond race 52 Beat 103 Of a military branch: abbr. ___ or land” (Wordsworth) 71 High Noon star, to friends 53 Econ. yardsticks 17 Golden State Fwy. officer 72 South America’s Rio de ___ 104 ___ polloi 55 Prophets 18 Helen Keller’s first word 105 “___ in itself” (filling) 75 1 950s Arkansas governor 56 Of ancient Portugal 19 Bathroom floor-layer Faubus 107 Linda Ellerbee’s ___ It 58 Witch Goes 22 Is against 77 Weighty dict. 59 Special, as a committee 110 ___ majesté 27 Region of SW Poland 80 Hunting for birds’ homes 61 La-la preceder 112 Ex-Virginia senator 30 S ci. that watches rainfor- 81 Info-gathering mission 62 Like some wines ests 116 Really laughed 82 F eature of Lauren Hutton’s 63 1920s hotel-lobby style 32 Sober pickles? teeth 118 THEM! 65 Make unclear 34 Animation frame 85 Spanish article 121 Antiseptic surgery pioneer 67 HE & SHE 36 IT 87 Either Chaney 122 THEM 70 City in Egypt or Illinois 37 The F-16, e.g. 88 Chinny host 123 One from the heart 71 Part of CST 38 Meadow 91 Writer buried in Baltimore 124 Spud’s buds 73 Alias 39 Fished, in a way 94 Kenya’s capital 125 Fixes a squeak again 74 Follies guy 40 Winter affliction 97 Axel, in Beverly Hills Cop DOWN 76 Clam named for a beach 41 WE 98 The Matterhorn’s canton 1 Hightail it 78 Mindy’s friend’s world 99 Happening 2 Wambaugh’s former dept. 42 Scale abbr. 79 Blake or Plummer 46 ___ dancers 101 Our Gang cutie 3 Of the creation of a world 81 Arrange anew: abbr. 102 Sneer (at) 4 1970s Dodger pitcher Doug 47 Golf grp. 83 Common acknowledgment 5 James Garfield’s middle 49 Spanish painter 104 Steppenwolf author 84 Disney’s Darby ___ and the name 50 Pretended courage 106 First name from Laugh-In Little People 6 Are, in Arles 51 Old Nick 108 H ouse of Windsor’s former 86 US name, ___-Coburg-Gotha 7 Motorcycle leaps, e.g. 52 Available 89 A bit daffy 109 Warwick hit, “Walk ___” 8 Bellinis and Cellinis 54 Lenient 90 Acidity measuring fig. 111 Mix 9 Sodium hydroxide, briefly 57 Part of a circle 91 Polite wd. 113 The shape a runner’s in? 10 Taunt 60 Reef skeletons 92 Olympic org. 114 R emaindered-book 11 Actor Herbert 62 G rp. that grabbed Patty 93 “___ saved is ...” holders Hearst 12 Celebes oxen 95 Booker T’s group 115 Oyster community 13 Pretzel brand, ___- Thin 64 M over 2, plus 3 96 THEM 117 Like some wines 66 Leg, to Legs Diamond 14 YOU, YOU, YOU 100 Specialist in faults 119 Italian three 68 Giraffe relatives 15 YOURS, MINE AND OURS 101 Cotillion celeb 120 Conductance unit
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
NEWS BRIEFS
Choral Society Holds Auditions ONEONTA—The Catskill Choral Society will hold auditions for new members at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 12 Ford Avenue in Oneonta, from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27. CCS rehearses at the same location every Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m. and will present its winter concert on December 4 and 5. To schedule an appointment, contact auditions@catskillchoralsociety.org. More information may be found at catskillchoralsociety. org. The Youth Choir will hold its next auditions on January 26, with registration available by contacting cdonaldson@stny.rr.com.
Green To Address LWVCA COOPERSTOWN—The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will host journalist and author J.J. Green for a discussion of dis- and misinformation during election seasons from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 17. Green is national security correspondent for WTOP in Washington, D.C., and the author of “The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth when Everything is Lying to You.” Held in the Cooperstown High School auditorium, the talk is free and open to the public.
Festival Seeking Donations COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Artisan Festival will return for its ninth year on September 5 and 6, and the Chamber of Commerce plans to put together two raffle baskets with goods from local businesses. Gift certificates, locally-made products, special experiences, branded merchandise and other items representing the local community may be donated through Friday, August 21. Contact cooperstowncommerce@gmail.com for more information or to arrange a drop-off.
Church Soliciting Donations HARTWICK SEMINARY—Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4636 State Route 28 in Hartwick Seminary, will host its annual End of Summer Rummage Sale on August 28-29 and September 4-5. Donations are still welcome. Contact OCLP_ NY@outlook.com for more information. The Otsego County Lutheran Parish will hold its next Men’s Breakfast at St. John’s, 2546 State Route 80 in West Burlington, on Saturday, August 22.
Area Blood Drives Planned OTSEGO COUNTY—The nationwide emergency blood shortage that the American Red Cross declared in July continues to threaten patients and the public health system. The public is strongly urged to consider donating. Donors may sign up by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800733-2767 or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Walk-ins are also welcome. Upcoming local blood drives include: 1-6 p.m. on August 13 at Sacred Heart Hall, 27 Harper Street in Stamford;
noon to 5 p.m. on August 17 at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 21 at Delhi United Ministry, 1 Church Street; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 22 at Southside Mall in Oneonta; 12:30-4:30 p.m. on August 25 at Pines Brook Church, 1444 Pines Brook Road in Walton; 1-6 p.m. on August 25 at the Sidney Elks Lodge, 104 River Street; 1-6 p.m. on August 27 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta; and 1-5:30 p.m. on August 31 at Quality Inn, 5206 State Route 23 in Oneonta.
Against Tariffs Program to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18. First announced in Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Address, the program offers direct payments of $1,000.00-25,000.00 to offset rising costs and market losses that New York farmers faced in 2025 due to federal tariff policy. Eligibility guidelines and applications are available at agriculture.ny.gov/agricultural-resiliencyagainst-tariffs-program.
Research Grants Available
RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Church of Christ Uniting’s sixth annual Fall Craft Fair will be held at the Cullen Pumpkin Farm, 587 Cullen Road in Richfield Springs, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. Vendors may apply for a space through October 1. Contact fallcraftfair@yahoo. com for more information.
COLLEGE PARK, MD—Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education has made available $750,000.00 in funding for graduate student research projects that will strengthen agriculture in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Awards of up to $30,000.00 are available for projects that promote SARE’s sustainable agriculture priorities. Proposals are due at 4 p.m. on September 29. Q&A sessions for prospective applicants will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on each Tuesday from September 1-22. For more information or to register, visit northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/ graduate-student-research-grant-program/.
Pettibone Demonstration Set COOPERSTOWN—The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, will host famed artist, illustrator, and toy designer Nancy R. Pettibone for free demonstrations of her watercolor techniques on Saturdays, August 15 and 22. Running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., both sessions are free and open to the public. Pettibone’s work is featured in The Art Garage’s “Powering the Grid” exhibition, on display through September 12. Visit the @CooperstownArtGarage Facebook or Instagram page for updates.
Rabid Skunk Reported SPRINGFIELD—The Otsego County Department of Health announced that a skunk in the Town of Springfield tested positive for rabies on August 5. The public is cautioned to avoid stray or wild animals and ensure that all pets and livestock are vaccinated in compliance with state law. Visit otsegocountyny.gov or call the health department at (607) 547-4230 for updates.
Chamber Seeks Award Noms UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will accept nominations for the 2026 Good Neighbor Commitment to Community Award and Business of the Year Award through Sunday, August 30. Contact unadillachamber@yahoo.com to make a nomination.
Tariff Relief Deadline Is Aug. 18 ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets extended the deadline to apply for the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency
Craft Fair Registration Opens
‘Summer Shortcuts’ Slated MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street in Margaretville, will present its 16th iteration of “Summer Shortcuts” from August 20-30. It features a dynamic, diverse lineup of six 10-minute plays from local and regional authors. For more information about productions or showtimes, visit theopeneyetheater.org.
Marsh Triptych To Be Shown ONEONTA—Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center will host the last U.S. display of the monumental triptych “Liberty’s Harbor at Dusk: Sint Eustatius 1776” from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. Created by artist Cynthia Marsh, the historical painting was commissioned as a gift to the people of the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius by Tom Morgan, in memory of his late wife, Erna Morgan McReynolds. There will be a keynote address by historian Russell Shorto, live music and light refreshments.
Susan Cooper Subject of Talk ONEONTA—The Swart-Wilcox House Museum will hold its next Summer Sunday Series event from 1-3 p.m. on August 16. Cooperstown Village Historian Will Walker will discuss Susan Fenimore Cooper, her 1850 book “Rural Hours,” and his nature observations from around the Cooperstown area. Held on the museum’s front lawn, the event is free and open to the public. Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended.
Smithy To Host Free Concert COOPERSTOWN—The Smithy Gallery will host “Small Towns,” an admission-free concert and live album recording, at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18. Musicians Evan Jagels, Laura Andrea Leguia and Nicholas Anderson will premiere original music celebrating the culture and community of small towns across the Americas.
THE PARTIAL OBSERVER
HELEN REES
Barn Project Moving Right Along at Swart-Wilcox House
G
ood news! The Swart-Wilcox barn project has been making great progress this summer! Started three years ago with an article in “The Freeman’s Journal” titled “To Barn or Not To Barn...That is the Question,” the dream is now becoming a reality. A lot of hard work and community support has gone into this project. The goal was to create a barn that would replicate the 1790 English threshing barn built by Lawrence Swart, one of Oneonta’s earliest settlers. The success of the SW Summer Sunday Series had shown a need for a meeting area to present programs and workshops. A climate controlled storage area was also needed for the growing collection of unique Oneonta artifacts. A barn seemed the obvious solution, as a barn would also complete the image of the Swart-Wilcox House Museum as an early farm and homestead. And now...the barn shell is almost complete, the utilities are currently being installed, and the
CAA
Continued from page 3 case both established and emerging artists whose work reflects the creativity found within New York State. ‘Made in New York: Textured’ and Marjie Dennin’s ‘Earth, Water, Sky: Landscapes Real and Imagined’ demonstrate how artists continue to find fresh ways to interpret the world—and find deeper meaning as they explore it.” In Gallery A, “Made in New York: Textured” is an invitational exhibition showcasing the
work of New York State artisans whose creations explore themes around the expressive power of surface and material. The exhibition boasts fine craftwork from ceramicists, woodworkers, textile artists, glass workers, and more, and aims to highlight the dynamic interplay between rugged, weathered finishes and sleek, polished surfaces. “Each piece invites viewers to experience texture not only for its tactile quality but also its powerful visual, artistic language,” officials said. In Gallery B, “Earth,
inside finishing details should be done by October. The climate-controlled storage area side of the barn will be up and functioning by this fall, so our Swart-Wilcox local collections of unique items will be safe and secure from the elements this winter. This has been a major goal of our efforts. Three years in the making, this project has faced several major hurtles, from delayed contracts to increased prices. However, the community has been most understanding and supportive of our efforts, despite these delays. All work is being done by local contractors and at this point is ahead of the revised schedule. It has been interesting to see the Swart-Wilcox site proceed from a wooded area, to a barren landscape, to a deep hole, to a concrete flat surface, to skeleton ribs going up only to be covered with a roof, and finally the siding making it a complete building. The mysteries of the inside are still hidden by the metal construction fence, which makes this process so
interesting to the outside observer. As all of us have noticed, the cost of everything keeps going up, and this is true of the barn project as well. A 15 percent contingency fee has been added to the total cost of the project, and so our nonprofit fund-raising efforts continue. Donations can be sent to PO Box 1415, Oneonta, NY 13820. To learn more about this project and the museum, visit https://swartwilcoxhouse.wordpress.com. The good news is that all will be revealed soon, as plans are being made for a formal dedication of this most anticipated and needed additional space. This event should be taking place mid-October and one and all are invited to help us celebrate. So see you soon! Helen Rees is the president of Friends of SwartWilcox, a nonprofit organization which plans, oversees, and runs the programs and maintenance of the City of Oneonta-owned Swart-Wilcox House Museum.
Water, Sky: Landscapes Real and Imagined” will feature a collection of oil paintings by Cooperstown artist Marjie Dennin. The exhibition reflects Dennin’s deep appreciation for the landscapes of Central New York. “Blending observation, memory, and imagination into evocative scenes, her paintings include familiar views from the rural backroads of Cooperstown, Springfield, Fly Creek, and Otsego Lake,” the press release reads. While many of the works are firmly established in place, other
only in my mind.” A lifelong artist, Dennin has pursued oil painting extensively since 2020, developing her practice through independent study, instruction, workshops, and plein air painting. Her work reflects a continual exploration of color, atmosphere, and the emotional qualities of landscape, officials said. She has previously exhibited in the Fenimore Art Museum Members’ Showcase and Cooperstown Art Association group exhibitions, and Fine Arts on the Lawn held every
works reimagine ponds, marshes and lakes inspired by photographs taken throughout Dennin’s travels. “I take many photographs to inspire my paintings—of woods, hills, streams, ponds, and backroads; marshes, beaches, and sunsets on Cape Cod and in Maine; and, above all, the everchanging landscapes of Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River,” Dennin writes in her artist statement. “Sometimes I blend memories, fragments of photographs and imagination to create a landscape that exists
Labor Day weekend. “Together, these two exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to experience the rich diversity of artistic expression found throughout New York State—from the intricate surfaces of contemporary craft to the tranquil beauty of landscapes inspired by this region we call home,” Erway emphasized. The CAA galleries are located at 22 Main Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.cooperstownart.com or call (607) 547-9777.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
Business
Continued from page 1 merchandise, while America250 hats also proved to be popular purchases. Despite those bright spots, Russo said overall business was down about 20 percent compared to last year’s induction weekend. “We expected it to be less this year, but it was even about 10 percent lower than what we estimated,” Russo said. Russo believes the makeup of this year’s induction class contributed to the slower weekend. “I think because the players being inducted were older, it just didn’t bring as many people into town,” he said. Other retailers had similar experiences with a drop in business. At Baseballism, staff described the weekend as one of the slowest induction weekends they have experienced in recent years. Unlike previous years, there was no standout product that customers gravitated toward, with sales spread evenly across merchandise rather than driven by any specific item. Vincent Carfagno, owner of Seventh Inning Stretch, also noticed a different atmosphere compared to past induction weekends. He said the store did not experience the surge of customers after the Hall of Fame Parade or following the Induction Ceremony that has traditionally boosted business. In addition, many of the regular visitors who typically arrive Thursday and Friday each year were absent. Instead of baseball memorabilia leading sales, customers purchased more novelty merchandise, with squishy toys, squishy dumplings, and both current and vintage baseball cards proving to be the store’s biggest sellers. For LJ’s Sassy Boutique, Induction Weekend felt much like any other weekend during the summer. Owners Laura Jane and Wayne Alexander said sales remained consistent with a typical summer weekend rather than increasing for one of Cooperstown’s signature events. Most of the customers who visited the boutique were wives shopping while their husbands attended baseball-related activities elsewhere in the village. At Cooper Country Crafts, owner Judy Curry described a similarly disappointing weekend. While Saturday brought more customers than
Photo by Peyton Carter
Mickey’s Place saw an uptick in World Baseball Classic merchandise and America250 hat sales over Induction Weekend.
Sunday, overall sales were still down, with the business seeing more than a 50 percent decline compared to last year’s Hall of Fame weekend. The Cooperstown Batting Range experienced a more mixed weekend. Employees reported stronger sales of Hall of Fame-style souvenir bats, a noticeable shift from a typical summer weekend when youth game bats are usually the most popular purchase. Business was especially strong Saturday, with traffic exceeding last year’s levels. However, Sunday proved significantly slower than previous induction weekends, with rainy weather credited as one of the primary reasons for the decline. Restaurants and beverage establishments generally fared better than retail shops. At Cooperstown Beverage Exchange, staff reported heavy traffic throughout Friday and Saturday. The busiest period came during the Hall of Fame Parade and continued through the evening until about 10 p.m. The establishment’s biggest seller was its annual Induction Ale, with customers finishing 10 kegs over the course of the weekend. Signature cocktails inspired by this year’s inductees also proved popular, including “The Switch Hitter,” a Carlos Beltrán-themed drink
that became a favorite among visitors. For The Rabbit Hole, Hall of Fame Weekend also marked the anniversary of the business opening its doors. Owner Erika Brown said demand was so strong they nearly ran out of lemons after using two full cases between Friday and Saturday to keep up with lemonade orders. Interestingly, despite the influx of tourists, owners said much of their business actually came from local residents rather than out-of-town visitors. Looking ahead, The Rabbit Hole is already planning for next year’s Induction Weekend and hopes to attract more visitors by serving lemonade in plastic souvenir baseball bat cups. Even as another Hall of Fame Weekend concluded, the business had already shifted its focus toward preparing for the upcoming winter season for the locals. While businesses reported varying experiences throughout the weekend, officials at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said their focus each year is creating an event that benefits the entire Cooperstown community. One of this year’s highlights was welcoming a record 60 Hall of Famers back to Cooperstown, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate baseball’s newest inductees alongside many of the game’s legends.
“Our goal is always to create a memorable experience for fans, and for the Hall of Famers who return to Cooperstown year after year,” said Jon Shestakofsky, vice president of communications and education for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “When we succeed in doing that, the benefits extend throughout the community, including the restaurants, hotels, shops and other businesses that help make Cooperstown such a special destination.” Shestakofsky said preparations for Induction Weekend begin months in advance and involve every department within the museum while working closely with community partners, local businesses, and public safety officials. “We also work throughout the year to promote visitation to
Cooperstown and the Hall of Fame, including outreach efforts in Puerto Rico and New York City leading up to this year’s Induction Weekend,” Shestakofsky said. In addition to celebrating this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, the museum also highlighted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States by recognizing the connection between baseball and American history throughout the weekend’s programming. Following each Induction Weekend, Hall of Fame staff conduct a comprehensive review to identify what worked well and where improvements can be made for future events. “The lessons learned from this year’s events will help inform our planning as we continue working toward a successful and memorable 2027 Induction Weekend for fans, Hall of Famers and the entire Cooperstown community,” Shestakofsky said. Although businesses
reported differing levels of success, many owners agreed that Hall of Fame Weekend remains one of the most important weekends of the year for Cooperstown. This year demonstrated that while thousands of visitors still travel to celebrate baseball’s newest legends, the economic impact can vary greatly depending on the type of business, customer demographics and even the weather, leaving some merchants celebrating a successful weekend while others hope for a stronger turnout in 2027.
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
Attention
Interviewing for: Advertising Sales Agent Applicants are currently being sought for the position of advertising sales agent to represent “The Freeman’s Journal,” “Hometown Oneonta” and “AllOtsego” media outlets. Required skills include: Excellent communication skills essential. • Driver’s license necessary Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience preferred but not necessary; will train the right candidate. Please send cover letter and resume to info@allotsego.com, with “Sales Position” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. 16--$18/hr + plus commission
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA HAWTHORN HILL JOURNAL
RICHARD DEROSA
On County Fairs, Country Living and People-watching
I
t is county fair season. A time I look forward to every year. This year more than most. Why? Because after a day at a fair, especially watching so many young people attend to and show their animals, it restores my sense of faith in this country’s inherent goodness and potential. I was a city boy who spent some vacations from school with a wonderful family in Quaker Street, an eye-blink of a hamlet just west of Duanesburg on Route 7. Many fond memories. Often when I drive home from Albany I stay on Route 7 just so I can drive through Quaker Street, check out the house I lived in and relive what were among the most formative years of my life. I especially enjoy driving by Gibby’s Diner, still there after all these years, where I had my first, illicit cup of coffee. Such were the devilish transgressions of my early life. I had been led to believe that coffee was for adults only. Not good for you, they said, might stunt your growth. The family I stayed with had some land, did a bit of farming and also had two Brown Swiss cows, Josephine, the mom, and her daughter, Molly, a frisky little thing whose distaste for rules of any kind made her all the more endearing. My first fair experience was at the Altamont Fair, where we showed both Molly and Josie and did pretty well. I remember having a great time climbing up over the different tractors on display and spending some time in a stall with a newborn calf. Exciting tastes and smells for a city boy. That confirmed what I had already sensed about myself. I know that at some level my indifference to city life must have been disappointing my mother. She
loved the city for its vibrancy and cultural opportunities. I was exposed to these things growing up, both by her and the excellent schools I attended. But they have never been as central to my aesthetic leanings and needs as they were to her. Solitude is my solace and nature is my preferred place of worship. I am grateful for the cultural exposures I was fortunate to have experienced. The only place in the city where I ever really felt comfortable was Central Park. It has some delightful nooks and crannies where one can at least pretend to have gotten away from the city’s perpetual hubbub. Some summers when I happened to be at the farm I would help out with the haying. Having been a bit husky in those days, my job was to stand atop the wagon while the hay was forked up and tamp it down. We used a fork and pulley system to transfer the hay up into the hay mow, where we would shunt it off as far back as possible and then flop down on the hay, awaiting the next load. There is no smell sweeter than freshly-cut hay. A small pond lay just a few steps downhill from the barn. I remember one winter having to take Molly down to the pond for a drink and having a hell of a time sledging a hole in the ice. Other memories include wandering through the woods looking for squirrels or crows to shoot. One way of sharpening one’s future hunting skills. I’ve only hunted once since then, which amounted to sitting on an overturned blue Lowe’s bucket, rifle cradled across my thighs, sitting silently for several hours, only once catching a fleeting glimpse of a fluffy white tail on the move. Nowadays my hunting is limited to birding; the only shooting I do is with my camera or cell phone.
I made my annual visit to the Otsego County Fair and soon will drive down to Walton for the Delaware County Fair, a much bigger affair. Tractor pulls and rides and musical entertainment are fine, but they are not what draw me to any fair. It’s the kids. The animals. The people. Walk down the fairway and you will see cowboy hatted mini skirted girls walking alongside couples arrayed as if they had just walked out of LL Bean. The people-watching is as good as it gets. Anyone thinking we are anything but an extraordinarily diverse bunch needs to get to a fair or two. Of course, there is the food. It is as bad as it gets and as good as it gets. For a number of years I would be a good boy and get a veggie burger and diet Coke for lunch. No longer. Now it’s an Italian sausage roll smothered in peppers and onions and a side of fries. I figure traipsing around for several hours will trim the calorie intake. So, I will sit for hours on a backless wooden bleacher, hard as a rock, watching kids show their cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses. I will drive home from Morris and Walton to Middlefield over some of the loveliest county roads in America. I will feel very optimistic about our future and the possibility of ridding ourselves of this awful plague of greed and inhumanity that has infected our nation’s health. Time for all of us to call on our better angels. Dick deRosa’s Hawthorn Hill essays have appeared in “The Freeman’s Journal” since 1998. A collection, “Hawthorn Hill Journal: Selected Essays,” was published in 2012. He is a retired English teacher.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
DAY HILLS
Hyde Hall Film, Lecture Series Meeting ‘Great Expectations’
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edicated cinephiles braved Induction Weekend traffic on Saturday, July 25 to see “Great Expectations” at Hyde Hall, the third film in the 2026 “Talks Lecture and Film” series exploring themes of wealth disparity. At the time of its 1946 release, British director David Lean’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ thirteenth novel was considered groundbreaking for spare realism, dramatic photography and deft dramatization. It received five Academy Award nominations—Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, and Art Direction, winning for the last two—and was one of postwar Britain’s highest grossing movies and was wildly popular in North America. “Great Expectations” tells the story of Pip, an orphan and blacksmith’s apprentice who, as a boy visiting his mother’s grave, meets Magwitch, an escaped convict. Pip steals food for Magwitch and this simple act of kindness proves fateful. Not long after, Pip is recruited to befriend the beautiful ward of a bizarre local heiress and
recluse, Miss Havisham, who lives in moldering Satis House, a gloomy mansion unchanged since the wedding day on which she was left at the altar. Under Miss Havisham’s vindictive tutelage, the ward, Estella, is cruelly cold to Pip, who is of course smitten. Pip’s fortunes undergo a mysterious reversal when an unnamed backer sets him up financially, with “great expectations,” and he removes to London to become a gentleman. The film compresses and streamlines Dickens’ plot and characters, yet retains its compelling tensions—between origins and class, character and power, and love and loyalty. Dickensian comedy leavens Lean’s film, with Alec Guinness in his first film role sparkling as Herbert Pocket, Pip’s affable tutor, in genteel ways. Pip assumes the mysterious benefactor is Miss Havisham, but another reversal comes when Magwitch, the convict, reappears, prosperous after 10 years in the colonies. He reveals he is Pip’s benefactor, having never forgotten Pip’s
childhood generosity. Pip must confront anew his humble origins, countenance the crude but grateful Magwitch, and choose allegiances. Through all he retains affection for Estella, whose brief, bitter marriage to an abusive toff leaves her widowed and alone in Satis House. Pip rescues her from its prison-like grip, and they are reunited. Verna Everitt, Hyde Hall’s programs director, says “Great Expectations” fit the series as part of an exploration of the social effects of wealth disparity, and how that connects to Hyde Hall. “It’s about class distinction and who gets to be a gentleman. Is it inherited? Can you climb the social ladder to become a gentleman? The Clarke family of Hyde Hall represents generations of inherited wealth.” “The series themes are about domestic life, and the instability of wealth during the industrial revolution. For instance, the second generation owner of Hyde Hall, George Clarke (1822-1889), went Continued on page 11
OBITUARIES James Campbell PlowdenWardlaw 1936-2026
ONEONTA—James Campbell PlowdenWardlaw, a retired international lawyer, died on Friday, July 31, 2026 in Oneonta, New York, his hometown. Photo by Dmitri Kasterine He was predeceased JAMES PLOWDEN-WARDLAW by his beloved wife,
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Angela, with whom he shared 37 happy years of marriage, spent enjoying the wonders of the world and entertaining at their residences in New York City and Cooperstown. P l o w d e n - Wa r d l a w was born on September 22, 1936, the elder son of Thomas Campbell Plowden-Wardlaw, an Oxford educated lawyer, and Eleanor Elizabeth Becker, a lawyer’s daughter and teacher. After his parents’ divorce, he gained a stepfather, Damon Lawrence Getman Sr., and stepmothers Rosamond
Saltonstall Auchincloss Lee Betner and Mary Dimon Francis Stanton, as well as stepsiblings. A descendant of kings of Scotland and England, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, and Scotland’s Campbells of Craigie, he was proud of his distinguished ancestry but wore the family tree lightly. He was a grandson of James Wardlaw, a British barrister turned Anglican vicar who, in 1901, adopted a hyphenate surname, adding Plowden, which was taken from his mother’s
leWiS, HurleY & pietrobono
maiden surname of Chichele Plowden. While growing up primarily in Cooperstown, PlowdenWardlaw was educated in Oneonta, Cooperstown (St. Christina’s Boarding School), and the Kent School in Kent, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Virginia and attended the University of Madrid, Columbia Law School, and the Institute of Political Sciences in Paris. He also served in the U.S. Navy. In 1962, PlowdenWardlaw married
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Catherine Poignand du Fontenioux, a daughter of a vicomte (divorced). In 1987, he married Angela Hill Weldon, an editor and the daughter of a founder of BerryHill Galleries. P l o w d e n - Wa r d l a w was a member of the Cooperstown Country Club and the Racquet & Tennis Club of New York City. He adored India, a country where Wardlaw ancestors were born and are buried, and talked often about history, antiques, Anglicanism, England, golf, Virginia, and family portraits. P l o w d e n - Wa r d l a w is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Caillaud (Emmanuel) of Switzerland and Lina Karman (Scott) of Seattle; a stepson, Henry L. Weldon Ill (Sarah); and grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“Unable are the Loved to die/ For Love is Immortality.” — Emily Dickinson, Poem 809
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
County
Continued from page 1 like a machinery shed— many of which, Donahue shared, have already been appropriated by departments for additional storage space. A proposal in the Public Works Committee had initially called for $400,000.00 to be allocated for further property assessment, with $100,000.00 to be used for the site survey and $300,000.00 to be used for site planning and analysis for the proposed Fire Training Center. However, McCarty noted that it was determined during the Administration Committee meeting that a request for proposal would be drafted instead in order to attract qualified bidders for the job. During Rep. Keith McCarty’s Public Works Committee report, he notified the board that Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones had requested approval to use county grounds to coordinate a 9/11 memorial service to mark the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. McCarty said the service will likely be held on September 11 on the lawn at 197 Main Street in Cooperstown. Following McCarty’s report, Rep. Leslie Berliant raised concerns brought to her by constituents affected by clearcutting work along Ottaway Road in Middlefield. She said residents had not been properly alerted to the intended activity there, given the significantly altered scenery and late-night noise caused by the long hours of the loggers. Berliant inquired as to whether any board members knew whose responsibility it was to send notices to surrounding residences, to which no one had an answer.
Berliant cautioned that, without proper notice, these issues could be provoked again during upcoming forestry work along Indian Run Road, also located in Middlefield. McCarty said additional logging was requested by the Town of Middlefield to remove trees that were potential power line hazards, meaning any work done in that regard would not have been on a previously organized schedule. The board concurred that figuring out the proper procedure for notification was important for moving ahead with future forestry endeavors. After the Human Services Committee report was delivered by Rep. Adrienne Martini, McCarty inquired into whether the Department of Social Services had attempted to work with the homeless community along Route 23 in the Town of Oneonta. Martini said they have been providing services where they can, with both her and Rep. Eamonn Hinchey noting that the land these individuals are on is owned by the New York State Department of Transportation. Hinchey said DOT is assessing what can be done about the situation. McCarty said he believed the county should have a bigger role, to which Chairman Edwin Frazier expressed that all relevant county teams have visited the site to offer assistance previously. “They are offered all the assistance we can give them,” Frazier said. “Do they accept it? Not always. Therein lies… part of the issue.” Berliant brought up the statewide ban on 287(g) agreements and that municipalities have until August 25 to cancel them, asking if
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9 Otsego County would be in compliance. Frazier said that he received an update from Sheriff Richard Devlin that ICE acknowledged a request for the termination of the agreement and that it is currently processing. Berliant and Marietta discussed the potential violation of the county’s social media policy by the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, saying an official violation was yet to be determined and expressing an unclear path forward if repercussions were needed. The Sheriff’s Office received public backlash in June for hiding comments made on a post about the arrest of former sheriff’s office officials, which some—including Berliant—have called a policy violation. Berliant emphasized the need to develop proper enforcement regarding policy violations and who will be the one to conduct that enforcement, speaking to the sheriff’s potential violations and those of an unnamed department head in an unrelated matter. “I am concerned about the lack of adherence to the existing policies and what we are going to do now to try and resolve some of the outstanding issues that exist, like missing receipts for credit card purchases and who is going to—I want to say demand those, because they were supposed to be provided—with the appropriate documentation,” Berliant stated. Berliant continued, saying she is glad the county is moving forward to address this in the future, but that she believed past violations need to properly face repercussions. Frazier said that holes in the policy would be amended to address the problem in the future. He added that he thought going
back to find receipts for past purchases “might not be the best use of time,” to which Berliant disagreed. “This is taxpayer money that’s being spent and we have no documentation to show what that taxpayer money is being spent on. I could not disagree more,” Berliant said. Rep. Daniel Wilber agreed, adding the stipulation that a window of time should be provided to find the necessary receipts and information, which are stipulations laid out in the county’s existing credit card policy. Frazier agreed with the approach as such. Berliant said the unnamed department head should be given a 30-day window to find the receipts, after which the cards in their department would be cancelled. Frazier said it was the board’s responsibility to verify purchases during committee meetings, to which Berliant pointed out that the department head in question had not attended a committee meeting in two months. County Administrator Steve Wilson explained that the county’s 2027 budget will likely face the same gap as this year, information he said was a stress on many departments, especially smaller ones. He said layoffs will likely be unnecessary, but that there will undoubtedly be difficult decisions to be made once “the rubber hits the road, so to speak, in the first part of October.” Wilson said sales tax revenue has continued to increase each year, but not as fast as it once did. Rep. James Powers notified the board that Planning Department Director Tammie Harris’ presentation on data centers was now tentatively planned for the September or October
board meeting. He also shared that Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Days will be held on Friday, August 14 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Unadilla and on Saturday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Meadows. Small businesses must call the Solid Waste Department in advance to register for drop off.
With the consent agenda passing unanimously and no further business needed, the board adjourned. The next meeting of the Otsego County Board of Representatives will be held on Wednesday, September 2, at 10 a.m. The August 5 meeting can be viewed in its entirety on the Otsego County New York YouTube channel.
IN THE NEWS HAWKS HONORED: Six Hartwick College student‑athletes earned Empire 8 All‑Conference recognition following the Hawks’ historic inaugural flag football season, placing Hartwick second only to regular‑season champion SUNY Geneseo in total honorees. Senior captain Ellie Kalbach ’26 of Spring City, Pennsylvania and first‑year standout Ziyon Harrison ’29 of Clay were named to the First Team Defense. Audra Doll ’29 of Greene earned a Second Team nod at linebacker. Hartwick also landed three players on the Second Team Offense, led by first‑year quarterback Audra Doll. Bailey McCoy ’28 of Otego and Anne Stanavich ’27 of Amsterdam were recognized for their contributions at receiver. Senior center Brooke Sands ’26 of Antwerp was selected as Hartwick’s representative on the Empire 8 Tomorrow’s Leaders Team, which honors student‑athletes who demonstrate leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The Hawks capped their inaugural campaign with four wins, including three in conference play, and secured a berth in the first‑ever Empire 8 Championship Tournament. LUND LAUDED: Haylie Lund of Edmeston has been named to the Wilkes University Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. To earn the distinction, students must complete at least 12 credits and achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Lakewood Cemetery Association Notice of Annual Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Lot Owners of the Lakewood Cemetery Association will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Connell, Dow, and Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut St, Cooperstown, NY. The Annual Meeting is for the purpose of electing Trustees and for the transaction of other such business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Each lot owner is entitled to one vote, either in person or by valid proxy. If you would like to be placed on the ballot or would like to nominate a trustee to be placed on the ballot, please email LakewoodCemeteryAssociation@gmail.com. As a not-for-profit organization, Lakewood relies on the generosity of lot owners to preserve the beauty and dignity of the grounds. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting and thank you for your continued support. Please consider volunteering or making a donation through our website CooperstownLakewoodCemetery.com.
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THE FREEMAN’S CTOBERA-10 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
County Clerk Expands Mobile DMV, Passport Fair Services
SAVE FOR THE SEASON O
said is important for resi- According to Basile, the dents to understand. mobile unit can process “I would like to clarify license renewals, dupliCOUNTY CTOBER OTSEGO 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 between our Passport cate licenses, amendtsego County Fairs and DMV Mobile ments, identification is continuing to Services, as they are two cards, vehicle registra broaden access separate programs oper- tions, title transactions, to essential government ated through different civil penalties, suspenservices through its offices,” Basile said. sion termination fees, Mobile DMV program “Although both offices driving abstracts, driver Passport and county‑run fall under the oversight assessment fees, eye Fairs, two initiatives that of the county clerk, they tests, plate surrenders County Clerk Jennifer are separate offices and and payments for permits Basile says are making a operate independently of already earned. noticeable impact across one another.” Some services, ? Kelly Edge All-Season ? Assurance All-Season ? Kelly Edge HT local communities. In an The Mobile DMV including Enhanced or ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT ? Eagle Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROF & SCT) ? Kelly Winter Access ID issuance and ? interview Winter Maxx 2 withAllOtsego, ? Kelly brings Edge AT program a wide Real C-Type Kelly Edge HP Kelly Safari TSR ? Basile Winter Maxx SJ8 emphasized that range ?of Department ?of reciprocity transfers from while these offerings Motor Vehicles transac- other states, are available fall the oversight directly ebate. Rebates paid under by Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard® ortions Visa® Prepaid Card.to commu- only by appointment and of the county clerk, they nities, reducing the need only at the Oneonta satel† are operated by separate 30-DAY ATE ABOUT THE GOODYEAR PLEDGE for residents to travel to lite office, not at mobile offices, a distinction she the county’s main office. sites. ? Kelly Edge All-Season ? Assurance All-Season ? Kelly Edge HT FFERS AVAILABLE ATTHE THE FOLLOWING Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROFLOCATIONS: & SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT The county’s newest ? EagleAT AILABLE FOLLOWING LOCATION: ? Kelly Winter Access ? Winter Maxx 2 ? Kelly Edge AT Mobile DMV location in C-Type ? Kelly Edge HP ? Kelly Safari TSR ? Winter Maxx SJ8 Richfield Springs operates once a month, on the first Saturday from 9 a.m. bate. Rebates paid by Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® Prepaid Card. 155 ERIE BLVD to noon, with holiday † ATE ABOUT THE CANAJOHARIE GOODYEAR 30-DAY PLEDGE and weather exceptions. , NY 13317 Basile said the location FERS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING518-673-5399 LOCATIONS: was chosen based on THETIRESHOP.BIZ traffic volume, accessibility and distance from existing DMV offices. h any form of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $75 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Get a $75 Prepaid Card with purchase or $150 Prepaid , Assurance MaxLife , Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar , Wrangler DuraTrac , Wrangler Fortitude HT (excluding C-Type), Wrangler TrailRunner AT , Eagle Exhilarate , WinterCommand , WinterCommand n the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance All-Season, Eagle Sport All-Season Family (including ROF & SCT), Winter Maxx 2 and Winter Maxx SJ8. Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase orDemand $50 Prepaid Card with at the mobile elly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly Edge All-Season Performance and Kelly Winter Access . 155 ERIE BLVD c 'MDLA &AF= (=O .AJ= =9D=J c &G? -CA<<=J .AJ=K site is already strong. dyear Prepaid Mastercard . This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles c .AJ= ,=H9AJ c ?JA;MDLMJ9D rcard is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid.AJ=K Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash access and will “Maximum appointCANAJOHARIE , NY 13317 c &9OF 9F< !9J<=F .AJ=K c .AJ= @9AFK k , N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit ments are 12, allowing c .0 /.0 .AJ=K c ,M::=J .J9;CK r Credit Card offer. 518-673-5399 these 9?K who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and.J9AD=J U.S. territories. Commercial fleets are not eligiblecfor ? rebates. Not 9D= valid on previous combined withper other Goodyear15 c -=EA .J9;LGJ purchases. Cannot beone minutes,” oodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. Goodyear is not affiliated with Mastercard. Additional terms, conditions, and fees apply. See participating retailer for complete details and rebate forms. c GEHML=J 1@==D 9D9F;AF? (=L 1J9H THETIRESHOP.BIZ Basile said. under license by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and affiliates. c .AJ= -=JNA;= ,=;9HHAF? c )AD @9F?=K ar.com/en-US/tire-warranty/30-day-pledge. During the first event c !GG<Q=9J (9LAGF9D ;;GMFLK c MKLGE 1@==DK -L9L= GFLJ9;L *JA;AF? c MLG ;;=KKGJA=K onpurchase August any form of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $75 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Get a $75 Prepaid Card with or $150 Prepaid 1, the county Assurance MaxLife , Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with,G9< Kevlar , Wrangler DuraTrac , Wrangler Fortitude HT (excludingcC-Type), Wrangler *A;CMH TrailRunner AT 9HK , Eagle Exhilarate , WinterCommand , WinterCommand c )>> .@= 9;C@G= =FLMJQ accommodated five the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance All-Season, Eagle Sport All-Season Family (including ROF & SCT), Winter Maxx 2 and Winter Maxx SJ8. Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Prepaid Card with .AJ=K c #FL=JKL9L= 9LL=JA=K ly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly&G9<=J Edge All-Season Performance and Kelly Winter Access . walk‑ins ear Prepaid Mastercard . This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circlesin addition to card is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash access and will scheduled appointments, , N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit despite the location being Credit Card offer. who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Commercial fleets are not eligible for these rebates. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other Goodyear appointment‑only. ON THE 4(%4)2%3(/0 "): odyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. Goodyear is not affiliated with Mastercard. Additional terms, conditions, and fees apply. See participating retailer for complete details and rebate forms. Financing FARM TIRE Residents planning OPEN MON. SAT. 8-6 Available nder license by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and affiliates. SERVICES .com/en-US/tire-warranty/30-day-pledge. 155 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY to use the Mobile DMV should check the county By Joshua Youngquist
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Legal
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company: S2KIDS LLC Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1/13/2014. Certificate of Change filing date: 6/10/2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail copy of process to 192 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 6LegalAug.13 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of TOWNSHEND BAY 1291, LLC (“LLC”) Arts. of Org. of filed with Dept. of State of NY on June 23, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 122 Mill Road, Cooperstown,
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New York 13326, principal business address. LLC does not have a specific date of dissolution. Purpose: All legal purposes. Filer: O’Connell & Aronowitz, P.C., Latham, NY 12110. 6LegalAug.20 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of A+ PLUMBING AND HVAC, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 06/24/2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him to: The LLC, 470 Co. Hwy. 5, Otego, NY 13825. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalAug.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of
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PEE PAW PAINTING LLC, filed with the NY Secretary of State on July 7, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may served and shall mail process to 211 Oxbow Road, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalAug.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Professional Limited Liability Company. Name: HILARI HEAD FAMILY HEALTH NP, PLLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 7 July 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 216 Main Street, Suite 1, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to en-
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website or the linked New York State DMV resources to confirm what documents are required for their specific transaction. “What someone needs to bring really depends on their transaction,” Basile said. The next Mobile DMV date in Richfield Springs is scheduled for Saturday, September 5 inside the village offices at 118 Main Street. As for future expansion, Basile said the decision rests with her as clerk. “Expansion of the Mobile DMV program is a decision made by the county clerk,” she said. “Future expansion is currently in the planning stages; however, we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this time due to some minor staffing adjustments.” Separate from the DMV program, Otsego County’s Passport Fairs are operated through the County Clerk’s Office and focus on processing first‑time passport applications. The fairs also offer on‑site passport photos, which can be used for renewals, first‑time applications or even pistol‑permit paperwork. Basile said the county aims to hold these fairs every couple of months in different locations, ensuring broad access across Otsego County.
LEGALS
gage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalAug.20 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name:
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07/16/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 123 RIVER ST., ONEONTA, NY 18320. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.3
HOMESTEAD AUTO LLC.
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Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 July 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 2022 State Highway 205, Mt Vision, NY 13810. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalAug.20
Notice of Formation of
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of ETERNAL BUILDING, LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on
Back Woodlands Retreat, LLC, a limited liability company (the “LLC”). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (the “SSNY”) on 7/23/2026. Office location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 6820 Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purposes: any lawful activity. 6LegalSept.3 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of
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ROGERS HOLLOW STONE, LLC.
Turnout is consistently strong, with typical events drawing between 50 and 60 applicants. Unlike the Mobile DMV, Passport Fairs have no limitations on what can be processed. “Everything processed for an application in our office is done at our fairs,” Basile said. Residents attending a Passport Fair should bring an original or certified birth certificate, a copy of the front and back of their driver’s license, a check or money order, and cash or card for additional fees. Because requirements vary by applicant, Basile recommends checking the county website or calling the office at (607) 547‑4276 for a complete list. The next Passport Fair is scheduled for September 12 at the Worcester Fire Department, 36 Church Street, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Looking ahead, the County Clerk’s Office
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of Scerra Cove LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/13/2026. 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, 783 COUNTY HWY. 2, UNADILLA, NY 13849. Purpose: any lawful activities. 6LegalSept.3
Arts. Of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 7/28/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 105 Delaware Avenue, Herkimer, NY 13350. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.10
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Notice of Application for Authority of
Notice of Formation of
SPRINGFIELD CENTER SOLAR LLC,
Carneys Culinary Creations, LLC.
filed with SSNY on 07/24/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: PO Box 11034, Albany, NY 12211. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 6LegalSept.3 Legal nOtice
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 24th, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 367 Bert White Rd., Edmeston, NY 13335. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.10
Notice of Formation
plans to maintain a consistent schedule for Passport Fairs. “Going forward with the passport fairs, we have put together a schedule so that we are consistent in the location and month from year to year,” Basile said. Across both programs, Basile said the reaction from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. “The communities have been incredibly appreciative of both services,” she said. “It is very heartwarming to see the positive response and the impact these programs have on our local communities.” As Otsego County continues to expand access to government services, both the Mobile DMV and Passport Fairs appear poised to remain important tools for meeting residents where they are and making essential transactions easier, faster, and more accessible.
Legal
Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Parkview 3106 County Highway 18, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on June 2, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to Parkview 3106 County Highway 18, LLC at 3106 County Highway 18, New Berlin, New York, United States 13411. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.10 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of MS Realty of Oneonta, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 7/21/26. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego
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County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to: The LLC, 12984 Co. Hwy. 27, Sidney Center, NY 13839. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalSept.17 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given Under Section 182 New York State Lien Law that the undersigned will sell at Online Public Auction per order of North Street Storage, 14 North Street Oneonta, NY 13820 at www.bid13.com on August 30, 2026. The sale of such property, described as contents of storage unit, is to satisfy the lien of North Street Storage on personal property stored for the account of: Unit # 67 - Emily Williams
►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.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
The Partial Observer
the 1880 Henry James novel “Washington Square,” deals with Continued from page 4 the unhappy marriage on their mandate to protect village residents from an of a rich but cloistered identified, locally-generated risk to our health. A few heiress to a fortunemunicipalities in the state have already gone beyond seeking scoundrel. the state building code. I’ve provided a list of sources The next schedthat includes two of them. The problem is growing uled film is “My Man in Cooperstown, and it turns out I’m not alone in Godfrey” (August 22), thinking the time has come for action. Education a screwball comedy seems to be the first step. I can offer ideas. chosen because “it Sources for further reading: contrasts the sometimes Section 307 of the NYS fire code. This primarily ridiculous mores of the addresses potential risk to property via conflagraelite compared to the tion. Section 307.1.1 does speak to burning that is hardworking hired help,” “offensive” or “objectionable,” but offers no way to according to Everitt. measure that. (https://up.codes/s/open-burning-andLast in the 2026 recreational-fires) film series is “The Articles about woodsmoke as health risk: Magnificent Ambersons” Several of the sites below are national; some (September 13). come from western states where awareness has risen “‘Ambersons’ symbolmore quickly than in the Northeast wildfires. All izes the disappearance of are third-party sites from federal and state agenthat social order,” Everitt cies or nonprofit organizations. Some focus on the explained. “It’s key. localized emissions produced by outdoor woodHyde Hall went through burning furnaces, which work at low temperatures, a lot of that. It’s about increasing smokiness similar to that often generated the change wrought on a by backyard woodburning firepits. family by the advent of “Wood smoke and your health,” the motorcar, and their 2026. (https://cdphe.colorado resisting that change.” gov/apcd/wood-smoke-and-your-health) Hyde Hall’s next “Wood Smoke and Your Health,” event is the lecture EPA, updated 2025. (https://www.epa. “Ellen Emmet Rand: gov/burnwise/wood-smoke-and-your-health) Gender, Art and “Tobacco parallels, Secondhand smoke,” Business,” on August November 2025 (https://www.dsawsp. 15. Rand was a preemiorg/secondhand-smoke/overview) nent early 20th-century Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), 2024. painter, sought after by See the infographic at the bottom of this web page. politicians and artists, (https://www.env-health.org/new-infographic-onthe first female artist the-health-and-climate-threat-from-wood-burning/) to have a one-woman “Wood Smoke,” Minnesota Pollution Control show in New York City, Agency, 2023 or 2024. (https://www.pca.state. and a close friend of the mn.us/air-water-land-climate/wood-smoke) Clarke family of Hyde “How Wood Smoke Harms Your Health,” Hall, where she was a Publication #91-br-023. (https://apps.ecology. frequent visitor. wa.gov/publications/documents/91br023.pdf) Privileged by birth “Natural, but Harmful. Wood Smoke and Health, and famous in life, Doctors and Scientists Against Wood Smoke Rand’s story neverthePollution,” post-2020 based on internal citation. less sank into obscurity, (https://www.dsawsp.org/health/overview) in contrast to art world “Lovely but dangerous, wood fires bring health contemporaries such as risks,” American Heart Association, 2019. (https:// John Singer Sargent. www.heart.org/en/news/2019/12/13/lovely-but“We want to give the dangerous-wood-fires-bring-health-risks) modern day audience “Woodsmoke health effects: a review,” NIH, further experience of the National Library of Medicine, 2007. (https:// period beyond physical pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17127644/) interaction with the Potential sample ordinances in NYS: house,” Everitt says. Village of Scotia: https://ecode360.com/9174390 Perhaps a paradox of Town of Wilton: https://townofwilton. the film series’ boomny.gov/residents/restricted-residential-burning-law/ bust theme is that many Jessie Ravage is a longtime Village of of its titles date to the Cooperstown resident and a regional and indepenfamous Studio System dent historian. era, in which production, distribution, and exhibition of movies was opened on May 23 to in the hands of a few a sold-out screening companies, a monopoly of “The Remains of Continued from page 8 system that meant entire the Day” (about a from being one of the geographic areas of loyal English manserwealthiest landholders the U.S. had access to vant weathering postin the United States to only the films those few World War I social and bankruptcy, when his economic changes), with companies sold and vast crops speculations distributed. In a boom a pre-film talk by the failed in part due to a and bust story of its own, film’s director, James hops virus,” Everitt said. Ivory. “The Heiress” the studio monopoly was finally broken in the late (June 20), the series’ So far the series has 1940s when the U.S. second film, based on been well received. It
Hyde Hall
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11 Supreme Court upheld antitrust actions against vertical integration. Plans for a 2027 series are underway. “We want to broaden the program theme of wealth accumulation to bring in behindthe-scenes workers— women’s domestic work, farmers, including Hyde Hall tenant farmers, and the indigenous people’s history of Otsego Lake,” Everitt said. Hyde Hall’s talks occur at 5-6:30 p.m. on their respective dates. The films are held at 7-9 p.m. Tickets can be ordered online at hydehall.org. Day Hills grew up in northern New York and is a retired physician living in Cooperstown.
Letters
Continued from page 4 survey, the free 15 minutes, and I see many families using their parked cars like a picnic home base while they come and go to the HOF and baseball shops. We can never have enough enforcement staff to keep those vehicles moving, and a parking ticket fear does not seem to deter, given the climbing numbers of parking citations plaguing the Town of Otsego Court. Let’s use the trolley system more effectively. Maybe rebrand it as part of our “village parking system” nearly a parking must, accompanied by some “shopping points” or some other incentive? In the end, Cooperstown will have to simply
require parking in the trolley lots. Plus, as has been said hundreds of times, if visitors more used the trolleys, residents could more use Main Street. Gradually the trolley system has become too easy for visitors to diss or overlook. Let’s revitalize our trolley system as the only lasting solution. Paula DiPerna Cooperstown
Trump Needs To Be Stopped I am shocked that President Trump is gutting the regulations for Head Start, a national program that has helped preschoolers and mothers since 1965. In Otsego County, Head Start serves 148
preschool children and 130 infants and pregnant women at seven locations. It partners with parents to help children build the skills they need for success in school and in life. High-risk families enrolled in Head Start are 93 percent less likely to see their children enter the foster care system. Children in the program receive immunizations, dental checkups and early screenings for developmental disabilities. We need a Democratic Congress to limit Trump’s destruction of Head Start. Vote for Josh Riley, congressman for New York’s 19th Congressional District, to keep Head Start alive. Christine Heller Cooperstown
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________
A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
►Fri., August 14 HAZARDOUS WASTE— 8-11 a.m. Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day 2026: Unadilla. Accepting paints, pesticides, solvents, mercury, chemical cleaners, batteries, anti-freeze, hobby and pool chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, and more. Check the full list before drop-off. Unadilla Highway Building, 216 County Highway 3, Unadilla. (607) 547-4225. IMMIGRATION— 10 a.m. U.S. Immigration 101 with the Hiscock Legal Aid Society Immigration Program. Free; registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. OUTDOORS—10 a.m. “Bear Cub Club: Space and Sky.” For kids ages 46, parents welcome. Free; registration required. Meet at the Nature Center at Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Road 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8662. ART TOUR—10 a.m. Guided tour of the exhibit “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting.” Fees may apply; registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. lbpceducation@yahoo.com. POTTERY— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org. FUNDRAISER— 5-7 p.m. Spaghetti Benefit Dinner. In memory of Chester “Chet” DeCarr to support wife Regi during this difficult time. Dinner by donation. Dine in or take out. American Legion Riders Post 259, 279
Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494. BOOK CLUB— 5:30 p.m. “Book Club: A Curious Witch’s Year.” Take a year-long journey through the book “A Spell in the Wild: A Year (and Six Centuries) of Magic” by Alice Tarbuck. Free. Group meets second Friday of each month. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 2877278. LIVE MUSIC— 5:30 p.m. Uncle Shake. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 434-8458. LIVE MUSIC—6-9 p.m. The Lake House Summer Concert Series: Carson Murphy. Back patio, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377. LIVE MUSIC— 6-10 p.m. Steel Rail. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com. THEATER—7:30 p.m. “The Civilities.” Free; suggested donation appreciated. Also showing at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 8/15, and at 5 p.m. on 8/16. Presented by the Franklin Stage Company at Chapel Hall, Franklin. 25 Institute Street, Franklin. (607) 829-3700. THEATER—7:30 p.m. “The Nerd.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Tickets required. Also held at 7:30 p.m. on 8/15 and at 2 p.m. on 8/16. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
►Sat., August 15 SATURDAY HIKE—All day. Scenic excursion with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. Dress appropriately and bring equipment for the weather/trail condi-
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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
tions. Pre-registration required. This week’s hike will be the City of the Hills Hike, Table Rock to Homer Folks, Oneonta. (607) 431-8010. FUNDRAISER—9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yard and Bake Sale. Parking lot of the Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Road 26, Fly Creek. (607) 5479946. BREAKFAST— 7:30-11:30 a.m. “Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department Fly-In Pancake Breakfast.” All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, real maple syrup, sausage and beverages. Fees apply. Cooperstown/ Westville Airport, 866 State Highway 166, Cooperstown. (607) 5479007. HAZARDOUS WASTE— 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day 2026: Cooperstown. Accepting paints, pesticides, solvents, mercury, chemical cleaners, batteries, antifreeze, hobby and pool chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, and more. Check the full list and schedule before drop-off. Meadows Office Complex, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4225. BIRDS—10 a.m. “Falcon Heart Rescue: Meet and Learn about Birds.” Strawberry Hall, Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. CONSERVATION— 10 a.m. “Weaver Lake Wade and Pull—Invasive Species Removal.” Bring a personal watercraft or waders. Registration required. Meet at the Otsego County Conservation Association office, 7207 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488. FESTIVAL—10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Fortin Park Summer Festival.” Games,
music, vendors and crafts. Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta. (607) 376-7599. CRAFT—10 a.m. “Needle Felted Flower Meadow Workshop.” Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400. CONTEST—10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Monster Bench & Brew.” Weight lifting contest. Fees apply; pre-registration required. Presented by the Clark Sports Center at Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800. PLANETARIUM—Family-friendly show open to the public. Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011. • 10:30 a.m. “Mars: The Ultimate Voyage.” • 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.” EXHIBIT—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Powering the Grid.” Featuring works on paper and indigo-colored textile that incorporate visual grids. Open Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through 9/12 or by appointment. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607. CRAFT—11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Patchwork Noren Making Workshop.” Led by Megumi Shauna Arai. Fees apply; registration required. West Kortright Center, 49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith. (607) 278-5454. LATTES AND LITERATURE—1-3 p.m. Read a book and discuss with the group. Presented by the Morris Village Library. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
THURSDAY, august 13, 2026
LOCAL HISTORY— 1:30 p.m. “The Snow Turned Red—Cherry Valley Massacre.” Presented by Scott Payne. Otego Town Hall, 3526 State Highway 7, Otego. (607) 2874095. HORSES—2 p.m. “Youth Mini Camp: Nature and Trail Exploring.” Open to youth ages 5-11. Fees apply; registration required. Twisted K Ranch, 172 Burdick Road, Milford. (607) 643-1790. OPEN HOUSE— 2-3:30 p.m. Open house and concert featuring the “Small Town Big Band.” Ice cream included. Woodside Hall, 1 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 232-1464 ext. 102. FUNDRAISER— 2-6 p.m. “Hops for History 2026.” Bar crawl, beer and food tasting to benefit the Greater Oneonta Historical Society. Tickets required. Registration begins at The Oneonta History Center and Museum, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. directormm@ oneontahistory.org. FUNDRAISER— 2:30-5:30 p.m. Chinese Auction ad Benefit. For the family of Darlene Barlow. Proceeds go to help her two autistic sons as they navigate a difficult time and transition to their new homes with their sisters. Includes raffle and dinner for purchase. Oneonta Elks Lodge, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1312. LIVE MUSIC—4 p.m. Khalil Jade. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4348458. ICE CREAM SOCIAL— 4-7 p.m. Get together for ice cream and music by the Cooperstown Community Band. Pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 4371232 or (607) 237-2930. LECTURE—5-6:30 p.m. “Hyde Hall Talks: Alexis Boylan.” Author explores the works and career of American painter and friend of the Clarke family Ellen Emmet Rand. Tickets required. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098. OPENING RECEPTION—6-8 p.m. Art exhibit by Dan Hogan. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. FUNDRAISER—7 p.m.; preview and ticket sales, 4-7 p.m. Basket Auction. Refreshments available. Cherry Valley Firehouse, 11 Railroad Avenue, Cherry Valley. LIVE MUSIC—7 p.m. Stoddard Hollow String Band. Old time country music. Fees apply. Windfall Dutch Barn, 20092019 County Highway 80, Fort Plain. (607) 2635230.
►Sun., August 16 CHANGEOVER DAY— 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Avoid heavy traffic and pedestrians on State Route 205. Cooperstown All Star Village, Oneonta. wegootsego.com/changeover/ ART WORKSHOP— 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plein Air Painting Workshop. Led by artist Mary Nolan. Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400. YOUTH—11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Annual Youth Fishing Derby. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free for children 15 and under. Lunch provided. Hartwick Rod and Gun Club, Rod and Gun Club Road, Hartwick. (607) 293-8053. SUNDAY SERIES— 1-3 p.m. “Susan Fenimore Cooper and her ‘Rural Hours’” with William Walker. Free and open to the public. Bring your own
folding lawn chair. Front lawn, Swart-Wilcox House Museum, Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta. LIVE MUSIC—1-3 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with John Potocnik.” The Gatehouse, 130 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. WALKING TOUR— 3 p.m. “Toddsville Architectural Refinements.” Led by Dr. Cindy Falk. Fees apply; registration required. Presented by Otsego 2000. Starts from 577 Greenough Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. CONCERT—3 p.m. “Teddy Bears’ Picnic Concert.” The audience is invited to solve a mystery based on clues in the music. Free and open to the public. Seating available; public welcome to bring lawn chairs. Presented by the Oneonta Community Concert Band at the large pavilion in Wilber Park, Oneonta. (607) 376-7485. CONCERT—3 p.m. Live music by Gocha Abuladze, baritone and piano. Presented by The Friends of Music of Stamford. Suggested donation applies. Hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 96 Main Street, Stamford. friendsmusic. org MUSIC—6 p.m. “Oneonta Kirtan: Interfaith Devotional Music Meditation.” First Presbyterian Church of Oneonta, 296 Main Street, Oneonta.
►Mon., August 17 CONNECTIONS— 11 a.m. to noon. “Alzheimer’s Support Group with Ann.” Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. SENIOR MEALS—Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken and wild rice casserole, beets, cauliflower, and peaches. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 5 p.m. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org CHANGEOVER DAY— 2-3:30 p.m. If traveling south on State Route 28 from Cooperstown, seek an alternate route. Cooperstown Dreams Park, Cooperstown. wegootsego.com/changeover/ SHOOTING— 3-6 p.m. Vintage Military Shoot. Bring your own vintage military firearm(s) and ammo. All welcome. Oneonta Sportsmen’s Club, 251 Rod and Gun Club Road, Oneonta. (607) 988-2667. OPEN HOUSE—4-7 p.m. Get hands-on with history and learn how items are catalogued. Laurens Village Library and Historical Society Museum, 69 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-2077. LIVE MUSIC—5:30 p.m. Summer Concert: Josh Breen. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 9658377 ext. 147. BOOSTER CLUB—6 p.m. Monthly meeting of the Cooperstown Central School Sports Booster Club. Held the 3rd Monday of each month. Main Office, Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. ccssportsboosterclub@ gmail.com
►Visit allotsego. com/otsego-countyevents-calendar/ for the full calendar.