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CHILIDIPPER GOLF TOURNAMENT WILL BENEFIT VETS, FIRST RESPONDERS, page 3 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 35

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, August 27, 2026

Newsstand Price $1

Schools Open the Year with New Leadership, Expanded Programs, Focus on Student Success By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST

OTSEGO COUNTY s students across Otsego County prepare to return to classrooms this September, districts are entering the 2026–27 school year with new leadership, expanded communication tools, strengthened community partnerships, and a renewed commitment to creating welcoming, engaging environments for all learners. Cooperstown Central School and Oneonta High School, in particular, are rolling out initiatives aimed at improving student involvement, academic support, and

connections between schools and families. Interim Superintendent Ann Meccariello said Cooperstown Central School is entering the year with “a great deal of positive energy,” driven by new staff additions and a continued focus on strengthening communication with families. The district is expanding its use of ParentSquare, now the primary platform for announcements, reminders and school‑wide updates. Families are encouraged to ensure they are connected to the system so they receive timely information from the district and their child’s building. Continued on page 2

‘Stand Down’ Event Shows Power of Local Support for Veterans By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST

ONEONTA he second annual “Stand Down” at the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center drew hundreds of veterans, families, and community members on Saturday, August 22—an overwhelming turnout that organizers say reflects both the need in Otsego County and the strength of the commu‑ nity rallying behind those who served. OVOC Chief Administrator Gary Flaherty and Supportive Services for Veteran Families Case Manager Kerri Lincoln said the number of new faces was one of the most striking parts of the day. “We had over 300 people,” Flaherty said, noting that many were first‑time visitors who had never engaged with veteran services before. Lincoln added, “There are so many community organizations and people… that really want to help and just don’t really know how. This office provides a place for people to do that.” INSIDE

► PAULA REED, GINGER GOLD & ZESTAR, page 2 ► LAND TRUST NEARS 40TH ANNIVERSARY, page 3 ► POLLS REVEAL READER OPINIONS, page 4 ► PEYTON CARTER REFLECTS, page 4 ► SYMPHONY KICKS OFF NEW SEASON, page 5 ► FESTIVALS GALORE and more, page 6 ► DANFORTH AND HOGANS RECOGNIZED , page 7 Follow Breaking News On

Photo by Joshua Youngquist

William C. May, Jennifer Stiletto Smith and Jason Davis, representing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Albany, assisted with the Oneonta Veterans Stand Down on Saturday, August 22.

The Stand Down—rooted in a mili‑ tary term for rest and recovery—has evolved nationally into a grassroots

effort to connect homeless and at‑risk veterans with essential services. As Jennifer Stiletto Smith, community

engagement and partnership coor‑ dinator for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, explained at the event, “Stand downs are really meant to be a hand up, not a hand out.” They offer food, clothing, health screen‑ ings, benefit counseling, job support, and referrals to housing, mental health care, and medical services. “We’ve already been able to arrange for 10 veterans in this county to be contacted next week to get enrolled with primary care,” Stiletto Smith said, emphasizing the life‑saving importance of early engagement: “Sixty percent of the veterans who die every day by suicide are not engaged with Veterans Affairs care.” If Saturday proved anything, it was that Oneonta shows up for its veterans. Donations poured in by the carload— clothing, food, household goods— and local businesses stepped in with support. Stewart’s Shops donated donuts, Starbucks provided coffee, Casella Waste Management handled Continued on page 9

Friedell Honored with BHN Walter A. Franck Award

COOPERSTOWN assett Healthcare Network has awarded Dr. Benjamin Friedell the 2026 Walter A. Franck Physician Excellence Award, recognizing his outstanding clinical care, scholarship and service to the community. The honor comes as Dr. Friedell retires from his clinical practice at Oneonta Family Practice after nearly 30 years of caring for patients in Otsego County. He will continue serving as medical director of A.O. Fox Nursing Home until a successor is appointed and will remain involved in primary care leadership during the transition. Dr. Friedell began his career in Worcester, New York, fulfilling a scholarship require‑ ment to practice in a physician‑shortage area. He never left, becoming a central figure in Oneonta’s medical community. Over the years, he held privileges at A.O. Fox Hospital and Continued on page 11

Photo provided

Dr. Benjamin Friedell is the recipient of the 2026 Walter A. Franck Physician Excellence Award.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Fly Creek Cider Mill Announces Arrival of New York Apple Crop FLY CREEK enjoy the mill’s sweet cider that he first apples of New York’s was pressed and quick-frozen last 2026 harvest have arrived at November to preserve its freshthe Fly Creek Cider Mill and pressed flavor, Michaels said. Orchard, signaling the start of the The arrival of the new crop also busy season. provides an appropriate backdrop for a special addition to the mill’s Paula Red, Ginger Gold and Cider Gallery. Zestar apples are available in the Earlier this year, Cooperstownian mill’s popular pack-your-own Gus Chiarello, assistant secretary Apple Room. Visitors can mix and for financial resources at the U.S. match varieties to create their own Department of Health and Human assortment, with bags available in Services, presented the mill with sizes ranging from a quarter peck to an apple panel used during the a half bushel. rollout of the Department’s “Eat According to a press release, the Real Food” campaign. The panel late-April frost brought temperawas autographed by HHS Secretary tures below 23 degrees in portions Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and is now on of the state, with the extent of display at the mill. damage varying considerably by According to Michaels, visicounty, elevation and proximity tors will find plenty happening at to large bodies of water. Growers the mill this weekend as the apple supplying the Fly Creek Cider Mill season gets underway. Activities on are reporting an average overall Saturday, August 29 include Family crop, with some frost damage Farm Day, an antique engine show affecting early-ripening varieties. and a special sampling featuring the “The encouraging news is the Photo provided mill’s popular dry dip mixes. quality of the fruit,” said Fly Creek Cooperstownian Gus Chiarello, Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources at the U.S. Department A complete schedule of upcoming of Health and Human Services, presents Fly Creek Cider Mill owner Bill Michaels with an apple Cider Mill owner Bill Michaels. panel used in the rollout of the Department’s “Eat Real Food” campaign. The panel, autographed events and cider pressing dates is “Our growers are reporting excelby HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is now on display at the Mill as the first apples of New available at flycreekcidermill.com. lent quality and larger-sized York’s 2026 crop arrive. apples. There’s nothing quite The Fly Creek Cider Mill and Cider pressing is expected to commence during like seeing those first New York Orchard is located three miles from apples arrive at the mill, because it means fall is the week of September 7 as additional later-ripening Cooperstown and 22 miles south of Herkimer, just varieties become available. Until then, visitors can off New York State Route 28. just around the corner.”

Schools

Continued from page 1 Cooperstown is also welcoming several new members to its leadership team, each bringing experience and expertise to support students and staff. New leaders include Bob Avery, assistant superintendent for business and operations; Brian Donegan, coordinator of communications; Tom Olsen, director of special education; and Nicole Conway, athletic

director and assistant principal. Additional staff have joined throughout the summer, strengthening departments across the district. The district’s superintendent search remains underway, with hopes of selecting a new leader sometime in the fall. Meccariello said the Board of Education is committed to finding someone who will “build upon the strengths of Cooperstown Central School while helping to guide the district into

the future.” Cooperstown’s Athletics Department is also celebrating the return of cheerleading, offering students a renewed opportunity to participate in a program rooted in teamwork and school spirit. Families are reminded that free breakfast and lunch remain available to all students, and questions about the meal program can be directed to Food Service Director Melissa Rathbun at (607) 547‑2820. The district continues

to expand partnerships with local businesses and organizations, giving students more opportunities for off‑campus fieldwork and in‑school visits from community members. These experiences help students connect classroom learning to real‑world careers and civic engagement. New elementary school families will be welcomed at the Elementary Mix and Mingle on Monday, August 31 at 5 p.m., an event designed to help families meet staff, explore the building and begin forming connections within the school community. With buses returning to the roads on September 8, Cooperstown is asking all community members to help keep students safe by slowing down near school zones and stopping when bus lights are flashing. “Student safety is a shared responsibility,” Meccariello said. At Oneonta High School, Principal Kevin Stevens said the year

ahead is focused on strengthening student voice, expanding opportunities for involvement and supporting academic success through improved attendance. One of the most notable additions this year is the creation of a Student Advisory Board, with representatives from every grade. The board will give students direct access to school administration, allowing them to help shape school culture, climate and activities. Stevens emphasized that OHS offers “something for every student,” with a wide range of clubs and extracurricular opportunities. The school’s shared lunch period allows many clubs to meet during the day, reducing conflicts with athletics and after‑school commitments. Community members can explore the full list of clubs on the district website. Several new educators and leaders are joining the OHS community this year, including Vice Principal Jessica Cook,

French teacher Destiny Banach, Librarian Somer Coyle and Special Education teacher Adam Brechner. Stevens said their “talents and perspectives will strengthen our school community and support student success.” Improving student attendance remains a top priority. OHS is focused on creating an engaging environment where students want to be every day, while also providing individualized support for those facing attendance challenges. The school is also developing tiered expectations for the use of artificial intelligence in student work. As AI becomes more common in education, OHS aims to teach students how to use it responsibly, ethically and transparently while maintaining academic integrity. OHS will continue emphasizing its “ONE” expectations: Be Curious. Be Engaged. Be Connected. Be Trustworthy. These principles guide school culture and help prepare students for success beyond graduation. Across both districts, the message is clear: The 2026–27 school year is filled with optimism, new opportunities, and a shared commitment to student growth. From expanded communication tools and new leadership to student‑centered initiatives and strengthened community partnerships, Cooperstown and Oneonta are ready to welcome students back with purpose and enthusiasm.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

OLT Enters 40th Year with New Leadership, Renewed Push for Conservation land protection efforts at an all‑new level.” Community members will have an opporCOOPERSTOWN tunity to support this work during Mohawk s Otsego Land Trust approaches its Valley Gives on September 18, an annual 40th anniversary, the organization is campaign that helps fund conservation initiastepping into a new era of leadership tives. OLT is also encouraging supporters and momentum. Executive Director Phoebe to join the Acorn Society, a planned‑giving K. Schreiner, who formally joined OLT in program that allows donors to include OLT in January 2026, is guiding the organization at a their wills through legacy gifts such as estate moment when conservation interest is rising, percentages, real estate, appreciated assets, development pressures are intensifying and retirement funds or life insurance. These the region faces environmental challenges not gifts help sustain long‑term stewardship of seen in decades. protected lands. Schreiner’s transition into the role began Since beginning her tenure, Schreiner has well before her official start date. She, former launched a comprehensive listening tour with Executive Director Gregory Farmer, and stakeholders including landowners, partner Board Chair Rick O’Keefe began coordiorganizations, donors, foundations, and nating early to ensure continuity, followed by current and former board members. OLT has a week‑long handover with Farmer once she also conducted landowner and donor surveys, Photo provided receiving strong participation. A spring formally assumed the position. The preparation reflects the significance of the moment: Taking over for Gregory Farmer as executive director of the Otsego Land meet‑and‑greet drew nearly 30 attendees, and in January, Phoebe Schreiner has three seasons under her belt as we OLT is entering its fourth decade with both Trust OLT expects 100-150 guests at its annual landhead into fall. a strong foundation and a growing list of owner and donor event in September. urgent priorities. and increasing environmental stress. Across these conversations, Schreiner says Farmer, who began his tenure in November 2021, “Active farmland is in steady decline, with 80,000 one message is clear: The community is deeply leaves behind a record of strengthened partnerships, acres lost in Otsego County alone over 30 years,” committed to conservation and eager to take action. expanded acreage under protection and improved Schreiner noted, citing the U.S. Agricultural Census. Landowners are encouraging neighbors to pursue organizational systems. Under his leadership, OLT Harmful algal blooms are appearing more easements, seeking more educational opportunities, saw a 14 percent increase in conservation easements frequently, and large‑scale development proposals supporting farmland preservation and even purchasing and acres protected in perpetuity, a reflection of both threaten drinking water and public systems. Yet adjacent properties to prevent development. community engagement and internal improvement in Schreiner sees a silver lining: Conservation interest “The future of conservation lies in leveraging and procedures, staffing structure, and financial systems. is surging. OLT currently has 25 conservation ease- harnessing community energy, commitment and Schreiner notes that Farmer will be remembered for ments in process, one of the highest levels in the action,” Schreiner said. “Together as a united front, stabilizing the organization and expanding its reach organization’s history. we will create the change we want to see.” deeper into the Upper Susquehanna region. Today, OLT and its partners have protected 6 percent Looking ahead, Schreiner plans to double OLT’s Farmer’s legacy also includes significant improve- of the region’s lands, forests, waterways, and farms. To efforts in farmland protection, which she calls “one ments at Brookwood Point, where northside enhance- meet New York’s 30x30 goal, Schreiner says, “more of New York’s most threatened assets.” While develments resulted in wetlands restoration and a new dock work is before us—and there is no time to wait.” opment pressure is a concern, she says the greater for kayaking and boating. Farmer also helped place Conservation easements can take one to three threat is the economics of food production, including New York State’s 30x30 conservation agenda—which years to complete, and acquiring new nature preserve consolidation and rising input costs. Through New aims to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and properties can take two to five years. These lengthy York State’s Farmland Protection Implementation waters by 2030—firmly on the local map, aligning processes are often slowed by transaction costs that Grant program, OLT can help farmers secure funding statewide goals with regional priorities. can reach $30,000.00. But Schreiner says OLT has to purchase development rights, reinvest in their As OLT enters its 40th year, Schreiner says the identified solutions to accelerate progress. Last year, operations, modernize infrastructure and protect their organization’s work is more critical than ever. Despite the organization completed its second‑highest number farms for future generations. decades of progress—including more than 13,000 of easements since its founding, a success she attriAs OLT enters its 40th year, Schreiner says the acres protected and new nature preserves that expand butes partly to matching funds from community gifts organization’s mission remains clear: protect land, public access—the region is confronting unprec- and new grant sources. These funds help landowners support communities and ensure the region’s natural edented development proposals, declining farmland, cover transaction costs and allow OLT to “ramp up resources endure for generations to come. By Joshua Youngquist

Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Deleted Post Honoring Nazi Grandfather By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST OTSEGO COUNTY ew York State Senator Peter Oberacker, now running for Congress in New York’s 19th District, is facing renewed scrutiny after a resurfaced 2015 Veterans Day Facebook post showed him honoring his grandfather, who served in Nazi Germany’s military under Adolf Hitler. The post, first reported by Politico, featured a sepia‑toned photo of Ludwig Oberacker wearing a Nazi mili-

tary uniform displaying multiple swastika insignia. Oberacker captioned the image: “My Grandfather Ludwig Oberacker who gave his life for his country, I salute all who served.” The post has since been deleted. Oberacker told Politico he intended the message to acknowledge “veterans of all conflicts,” adding that his father grew up without his own father due to the war. He also said he views the post differently today given rising concerns about antisemitism. In a statement to

Golf Tourney Will Benefit Veterans, First Responders SPRINGFIELD olfers will hit the greens next month for the annual Chilidipper Benefit Golf Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at Otsego Golf Club. According to a press release, this year’s tournament features a competitive two-person scramble format stretched over a 27-hole layout. Teams will compete for a massive prize pool, organizers said, with more than $1,500.00 in cash prizes up for grabs alongside various on-course contests. Registration is $100.00 per golfer and includes 27 holes of golf, cart access, and lunch. All proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit Otsego County Wild Hogs Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outdoor trips, hunting excursions, and community support for veterans, active-duty military, and

first responders. “The Chilidipper is more than just a great day of competitive golf on a historic course,” said Brian Pokorny, president of the Otsego County Wild Hogs Inc. “It is a vital opportunity for our community to come together, honor our local heroes, and directly Continued on page 11

“The New York Post,” to his political circle. In which heavily featured following the report. Oberacker said he 2025, Politico reported his photos taken at Oberacker did not “condemns antisemitism that Bobby Walker, the launch. Oberacker respond to a request for in all forms” and criticized then slated to become dismissed Walker comment by press time. his opponent, Democratic Oberacker’s campaign Rep. Josh Riley, claiming manager, participated in a Riley has not spoken out group chat where Young against antisemitic figures Republican leadersOCTOBER praised 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 within his party. These Hitler and used racist and claims have not been indemisogynistic language. pendently verified. On October Oberacker previously 17, Politico cited served on the Senate AllOtsego’s reporting in Republicans’ antisemi- its New York Playbook tism working group and edition. “NY Young proposed legislation in Republicans in OCTOBER Hateful 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 2024 to expand the defi- Group Chat were at nition of harassment to Oberacker Congressional include Nazi symbols. Launch” read the title of This is not the first AllOtsego’s same-day controversy involving article by Staff Writer antisemitism connected Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THE PARTIAL OBSERVER

EDITORIAL

Inquiring Minds

ince February, we have been running a weekly poll question on the home page of our website, AllOtsego.com, to gauge our readers’ thoughts on the issues of the day both here in Otsego County and nationwide. While the sample size is often small, we thought it would be interesting to see what those who did respond were in favor of and where their objections lie. To kick things off, in February we asked, “Are you in favor of voter ID?” The results were ultimately in support of voter ID, as 54 percent of the respondents answered “yes” and 46 percent said “no.” The next week, in response to “Do you support building data centers in Otsego County?” 80 percent were opposed. The opinion on solar farms a few weeks later was also a resounding “no,” with 78 percent against. Questions receiving the most affirmative responses included “Are you in favor of Hometown Heroes banners?” at 68 percent and “Should cursive writing be taught in schools?” at 93 percent. Folks were also 93 percent in favor of holding the paychecks of members of Congress during a government shutdown. Respondents were firmly opposed to banning fire pits in the Village of Cooperstown (68 percent), the proposed Manocherian housing project (64 percent), sending ground troops to Iran (73 percent) and the Constitution Pipeline (60 percent). The tightest margin was the split on whether or not we should stay on Daylight Saving Time permanently, with 51 percent in favor and 49 percent against. The poll question sparking the most robust response was “Who will you vote for in the primary: sitting Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. or challenger Mike Stalter?” with 593 people weighing in. Seventy-six percent said they would vote for Stalter, and the Republican primary results bore that out, with Stalter defeating Devlin by 190 votes. The two will face each other again in the general election, with Devlin running on the Otsego County Conservative Party line. Perhaps the most troubling results of our poll questions is how few people responded at all to questions regarding their civic responsibilities. Asked whether they attended town and/or village board meetings on a regular basis, 80 percent said “no.” Ninety-one percent of respondents said they do not regularly attend school board meetings. The response to “Do you regularly attend candidate debates and forums prior to local elections?” was higher, but 72 percent said they do not. Each week, we tout the poll question on the AllOtsego Facebook page, where participation is much higher and often accompanied by lively dialogue. But to have your voice heard and counted, you must vote on the website. It is interesting to note, though, that generally the responses on Facebook do echo the online voting results. So here’s what we have learned thus far. Our readers are largely skeptical of things such as AI data centers, pipelines, housing proposals and other actions that may have negative impacts on the environment. They are in favor of Hometown Heroes banners honoring our veterans, and believe there are benefits to the return of the teaching of cursive writing in our schools. They are overwhelmingly opposed to banning fire pits in the Village of Cooperstown. And they do not regularly attend municipal meetings, school board meetings or local election debates and forums. We will continue our weekly polling, and update our readers from time to time on the results. If you have a question you would like asked, please send it to darlay@allotsego.com. In the meantime, we may want to ask ourselves this question: If the majority of us do not stay abreast of what is happening in our communities and in our schools, and pay little attention to election campaign events, how are we making informed decisions about our present and our future? Local coverage by AllOtsego helps fill in the gaps for those who subscribe to our hard-copy newspapers and website. Something to think about.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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OUNDED

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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

1808 BY

OOP

“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.

founded in 1808

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc. Advertising Director / Publisher Emerita

Tara Barnwell

General Manager / Senior Editor

Darla M. Youngs

Staff Writer: Joshua Youngquist Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Intern: Peyton Carter Columnists and Contributing Writers

Tammy Awtry, Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Roberta McLain, Debra Moffitt, Trisha Muro, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester

Web Architect Xander Moffat

Historian

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart

Legal Counsel

Jill Ann Poulson

Editorial Board

Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year. First Class Subscription, $155 a year.

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

Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Box 890, Cooperstown NY 13326

Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum

PEYTON CARTER

Internship Reflection: Experience at a Local Newspaper

y internship at “The Freeman’s Journal” in Cooperstown, New York, has been a great learning experience for me. This opportunity allowed me to witness first-hand how essential local newspapers are in keeping the community informed and up to date with regard to area happenings. As a journalism major, I have been studying reporting, media ethics, interviewing and news writing for the past few years. Yet, this internship at “The Freeman’s Journal” provided me with the occasion not only to put skills I have acquired through my classwork into practice, but also to discover the multifaceted features of what it means to be a journalist, especially at a smaller publication such as this. Throughout my experience of working with the newspaper staff, I acquired extensive knowledge in the areas of reporting, editing, advertising and social media. By being given exposure to such a wide range of attributes within the paper’s operation, I now have a better understanding of the various fields within journalism and in which I would most like to focus my efforts in the future. Most significantly, I was able to learn interviewing and reporting skills during my internship. I realized that interviewing people is one of those skills that cannot be taught in a classroom, but rather learned from experience. I interviewed a wide variety of local business owners, event planners and attendees, and regular residents with interesting stories. Every person is different; I learned that I could not use the same interviewing tactics for everyone. Those interviews then became stories, which I transformed into articles for the paper. These articles were published and read by real people. As a result, I had to ensure that my stories were well-written, accurate and fair. Knowing that my stories could impact my community made me more conscientious of every word and quote I used. I was also able to learn the significance and value of editing stories. I realized that the editing process is essential to making sure an article is

Photo by Tara Barnwell

PEYTON CARTER

correct and ready for publication. In addition, I learned how important it was to double check all statements and facts before publishing, since the paper could be held accountable for any inaccuracies. The real world consequences of publicly presenting my work added a dimension of accountability that I had previously not fully appreciated in a classroom environment. I learned how collaborative a process it is to write stories for a newspaper. The senior (and sole) editor provided insight and suggestions regarding grammar, organization, or anything else that needed to be adjusted to provide the best story possible. Working with her helped me become a better writer myself. I would note her suggestions and corrections and would incorporate those styles and methods in my future stories. Although not my primary responsibility, I also learned about advertising sales and came to understand how important newspapers are to local businesses. As part of the advertising process for such a small publication, I went door-to-door, soliciting local businesses with advertising space in Continued on page 9

Letters to the editor … In their opinION

The Republicans Simply Don’t Care The Republican-controlled Congress is doing nothing to help hard-working families survive in Otsego County. Josh Riley is working to fix that, but the Republicans rule. Vote for Josh Riley. I’m going to tell you why. The Republicans don’t care that a pound of hamburger costs $9.00, that gas is still over $4.00 a gallon and utility costs are out of control. At the same time, the Republicans have said nothing about the president’s $600 million ballroom addition to the White House on our nickel, or his frequent trips to play at Mar-a-Lago. Each trip cost taxpayers between one and three and a half million dollars for security. We’re paying for the Iran war, which costs us at least $300 million a day, keeps your gas prices up and was never authorized by Congress. Our poor soldiers on those ships aren’t getting necessities like good food, personal items or mail. But, once again, the Republican Congress doesn’t care. Even if Oberacker gets

elected, he will be a newbie, a freshman, and will have to keep his mouth shut. We’ve got to flip this congress to Democratic. Every vote counts. Marc Heller Middlefield

Hazardous Waste Event a Success The Otsego County Planning and Solid Waste Department held its 27th Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15. On Friday morning, a satellite event was held in Unadilla at the town highway garage. Approximately 158 cars dropped off hazardous materials. The main event was held on Saturday at the Meadows Office Complex in the Town of Middlefield, with approximately 317 cars dropping off hazardous materials. A combined total of approximately 475 households took advantage of this free disposal program. Hazardous wastes commonly found from around the home were collected throughout the day, including liquid and solid

wastes such as pesticides, lubricants, paint, cleaning chemicals and solvents, flammable liquids, corrosive materials, and solid pesticide materials. In total the event helped dispose/recycle approximately 33,694 pounds of hazardous waste. The materials were received and packaged by MXI Environmental Services, the contracted vendor for the collection event. Other items were collected for local processing, including approximately 1,520 pounds of automotive batteries and an estimated 1,500 pounds of household batteries. The success of the collection event can be credited to the assistance of the Otsego County Conservation Association, which helps to organize volunteers, the Town of Unadilla, Otsego County Highway, Otsego County Building Services, Otsego County Emergency Services, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and the efficiency of the crew from MXI Environmental Services. The hazardous waste collection day is an annual public service provided by Continued on page 9

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 news from the noteworthy

CATSKILL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CSO Kicks Off ‘Boundless’ New Season

Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

135 YEARS AGO

The Swanswick Ball—Mr. Shaw (Editor of The Freeman’s Journal): It is an easy matter to sum up the ball given at Swanswick-on-the-Lake last Thursday night. Every one of the 130 departing guests gave voice to the simple truth when, in making their adieu—anywhere between the hours of three and four in the morning—they sincerely and elatedly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Pell Clarke for a “perfectly delightful ball,” without a grain of extravagance in the saying. The ball was given by Mr. and Mrs. Pell Clarke to celebrate the entrance into social life of their nieces, Miss Katherine Temple Emmet and Miss Rosina Hubley Emmet. Among the guests were Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Olmsted, Miss Browning, Mr. J. Prentiss Browning, Miss S.A. Cooper, Mrs. George Clarke, Mr. Edward S. Clark, Miss Phoebe Pomeroy, Mr. William C. Bowers, Mr. Alex Phinney, Mr. William McKim, Mr. and Mrs. G. Hyde Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. H.L.Wardwell, and Mr. Henry D. Sill. August 27, 1891

85 YEARS AGO

John C. Pearson, who now resides in Cleveland, Ohio, but who was born and raised in Cooperstown, has presented the New York State Historical Association with two early examples of Cooperstown printing and also with a manuscript letter of 1794. The printing was done by Elihu Phiney in 1799 and consists of an address and exhortation delivered at Cooperstown on April 2, 1797, a fast day recommended by President Washington. The speaker was the Rev. J. McDonald, A.M. who spoke on “The Dangers of America Delineated” and “The Duty of America Endorced.” The letter is dated December 15, 1794 and is from William Hanna, an early settler and innkeeper of Unadilla to General Jacob Morris regarding the proposed subdivision of the Town of Unadilla into three towns. August 27, 1941

60 YEARS AGO

Construction started last week on the new National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Library building. Situated south of the Hall of Fame and the Alfred Corning Clark gymnasium, the front of the library building will face the James Fenimore Cooper monument in Cooper Park. Paul S. Kerr, president of the Hall of Fame, said this week that the building will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 1967. The building will be faced on the exterior with rubble stone obtained from one of the original buildings at the old Otsego County Farm and Home at Phoenix Mills. The stone was presented to the Hall of Fame by the Huntington family of Westford which purchased the county farm site from William H. Sheffield, Jr. last spring. August 24, 1966

35 YEARS AGO

An era in local baseball ended this week as MACS baseball coach Deane Winsor announced his intention to retire at the season’s end. For fifty years Winsor has guided the team and the MACS have never had a losing season. Winsor helped get the MACS home field built in Wilber Park and for many years has served as the groundskeeper. Winsor is a long-time member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives. August 28, 1991

20 YEARS AGO

The 150-year-old Fly Creek Cider Mill will host its 12th Annual Antique Engine Show on August 26-27. Antique engines from the early 1900s will be on display along with the mill’s own vintage equipment collection. Fly Creek Community Days will be held on Saturday, August 26 with yard sales, shows and special events taking place up and down the Fly Creek valley. August 25, 2006

Solution: “Scandi-Knavery” (August 20)

onfession: I know the phrase “symphony orchestra” can conjure images of stuffy concert halls, uncomfortable formalwear, and the vague fear that one might clap at the wrong moment and everyone will know you do not belong. I am here to tell you, on behalf of the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, that none of that is true here—and we would love for you to find that out in person. Here is why that is worth noting. There is no other ensemble in our region that brings together this many professional musicians, performing this scope of repertoire, at this level of artistry. The CSO is, in a very real sense, the orchestral high water mark of our area’s cultural life—a full symphony orchestra rooted in Otsego County and reaching across the Catskill and Leatherstocking regions, in a part of New York State where that kind of institution is genuinely rare. That is not a small thing for a community our size to sustain, and it is not something we take for granted. This fall, the CSO launches its 73rd season, and we have given it a name that doubles as a dare: “Boundless.” It is a season built on the idea that great music belongs to everyone, not just the

Graphic courtesy of Catskill Symphony Orchestra

folks who already know the difference between an adagio and an allegro (for the record, one is slow, one is fast—you are welcome). Across five concerts, we are serving up everything from Halloween theatrics to cinematic showstoppers, alongside the kind of masterworks that have been giving people goosebumps for centuries. We are opening things up on Saturday, September 26 with a concert called “American Legends,” and honestly, it might be the most fun front door we have ever built for newcomers. The evening features acclaimed pianist Lisa Leonard, Copland’s stirring “A Lincoln Portrait,” and Dvořák’s beloved “New World” Symphony— three works that, together, ask what it means to sound American. It is a fitting nod to our nation’s Continued on page 11

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL

By MERL REAGLE

A Nut at the Opera… In which they finally Lakmé up ACROSS 1 With 102 Down, a flag-raising site 4 Land of Farsi speakers 8 ___ good example 12 Overdue at Weight Watchers 17 Violinist Niccolò 19 City near Pomona 21 Affected 22 Ecdysiast 23 My review of the opera? 25 My advice to you about the opera? 27 Catullus work 28 Beast in The Murders in the Rue Morgue 29 Actress Peeples 30 Wroclaw’s river 32 Christmas wish 35 ER’s orig. night 36 Holly’s role in The Piano 39 Put away 43 My opinion of opera plagiarists? 47 Thin part of milk 48 ___ time (never) 49 Not allowed 97 Gulf of Aqaba port 16 Move sideways 68 Get hitched quick 50 Caliban’s play, with The 98 Siberian river 18 Be bedridden 69 Lotto winner’s cry 53 The mother in The Yearling 100 Placed inside: abbr. 19 E lement named for an 74 A son of Eve asteroid 54 Appia, e.g. 101 Vitamin bottle abbr. 75 B aseball Hall of Famer 20 Florence’s river Aparicio 55 Glazier’s insert 102 Really rapid transit 76 The grass was always 57 Bone prefix 105 With 114 Across, tomor- 24 Does a cashier’s job greener over her septic tank row’s headline about my 26 Spared 58 Secretary of State under night at the opera? 77 Word to the left of right Truman 31 Harper’s partner 114 See 105 Across 83 Divine’s Polyester co-star 60 Sis to Abigail 32 The green on old bronze 116 “I will encounter darkness 33 What I sing during lulls in 84 Scam 61 Poacher’s purchases ___” (Shak.) the opera? 85 Sine/non divider 62 Mt. Rushmore feature 117 Hard-to-view pattern 34 Latin lover’s word 87 Famous sailor’s honey 63 Showroom item 118 Two-channel sound 35 Least phony 89 Is a goldurned lie 64 How I get in the mood for 119 Emphasizer opera? 36 Make ___ (get away) 90 Knitter’s colorful buy 120 Editor-playing Ed 70 Big wine tour area 37 Father to Molokai’s lepers 91 Spilled the beans 71 Hit-from-behind penalty, in 121 Birds of the night 38 Impressive peak 93 More like The X-Files football 122 Round of applause 40 C lassic routine I do during 94 Peeve 72 Cutlass or 88, familiarly 123 Apt word for this entry lulls in the opera? 99 Quite a while 73 Certain radios DOWN 41 Architect Saarinen 100 Diminutive endings 75 Il Trovatore heroine 1 ___ facto 42 Actress Cannon 101 Follower of Haile Selassie I 78 It makes Leon Price into a 2 “Horsepower” coiner 43 Vena ___ 102 See 1 Across soprano 3 Fairy tale frightener 44 Kinshasa’s river 103 A son of 74 Down 79 Soprano Ponselle 4 Firmly situated 45 “No sweat!” 104 Duplicate 80 “How ___ you?” 5 Attack, as an envelope 46 Nereid’s haunt 106 8, for starters? 81 Spigoted server 6 ___ for detail 51 Pours boiling water on 107 Theater and movie mogul 82 Of a river mouth 7 Robert De ___ 52 N emesis of Conan the Marcus 84 Marcel Marceau’s everyman 8 Scale singing Barbarian, ___ Doom 108 Chief Justice’s first name character 55 Wok veggie 9 At any time 109 Laundry 85 You can just up and do it 56 Blindingly bright 10 Tahiti totem 110 Sesquicentennial segs. 86 “___ expert, but ...” 57 1973 bestseller, Fear ___ 111 ___-en-scène 11 Pay (up) 88 The beer I always ask for at 59 WWII theater 12 Neutralized 112 Anthony or Barbara the opera? 65 G ary Sinise in Forrest Gump, 113 L ewis’s nutty professor, 13 San Francisco or Tampa 92 Give one’s permission Captain ___ perhaps 14 Opera’s Pinza 95 Order to Rover 66 Anti-knock ingredient 115 E mpire that Francis II 15 Entrust to a carrier pigeon 96 Quill dip 67 Surefire abolished in 1806: abbr.

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

NEWS BRIEFS

Local Authors To Be Featured RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Richfield Springs Public Library will host its 4th Annual Local Authors and Artists Festival on Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located in Spring Park, this year’s event will feature several local authors in genres including horror, true crime, and local history, as well as artists and crafters. All vendors are welcome—authors, crafts, art, artisans, jewelry, food, etc. Confirmed food vendors are Brooklyn Mike’s Hotdogs, Papa Don’s Food Truck and a Stewart’s ice cream cart. There are no fees to participate, but donations to the library are greatly appreciated. To take part, go to https:// forms.gle/9NvULmtjXkwUvVeSA or e-mail rs.mindy@4cls.org.

Blood Drives Set for Sept. 2 COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Center in Oneonta and Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown will both host blood drives with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, September 2. In Oneonta, the drive will take place from noon to 5 p.m. in Conference Room 1 at FoxCare Center, 1 FoxCare Drive. In Cooperstown, the drive runs from 12:30-5 p.m. in the Bassett Hall Auditorium at 31 Beaver Street, on the corner of Beaver and Pioneer streets. Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800733-2767), visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Donors are reminded to eat well and hydrate the day of donation, and to bring their ID. Those who give blood from September 1 through September 20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross/Hello Kitty collectible item, while they last.

Actors, Crew Members Sought MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater has issued a call for actors to audition for director Michelle Macau’s play “Dog Mom.” They are also seeking a stage manager and a technical director. Roles include Liz, a female at least mid-30s plus; Dog, female at least mid-30s plus; Nell: female older than Liz; Ruben (dog), male close in age to Liz; and a male in his 40s-50s to play a number of ancillary roles. All positions are paid. Rehearsals will be held in September, with performances set for October 15-25. Those interested are invited to send a resume with photo (selfie is okay) and a short note of interest with the subject line “Dog Mom Casting” to michelle@theopeneyetheater.org. Auditions will be arranged with those interested. For more information, visit www.theopeneyetheater.org.

‘Art in the Park’ Is Sept. 6th WEST WINFIELD—The Upper Unadilla Valley Association will hold its annual “Art in the Park” event on Sunday, September 6 from 1-3 p.m. in the enclosed pavilion at the Town of Winfield Park in West Winfield. Entry and parking are free. According to organizers, Art in the Park is not a craft show but rather a means for artists from the region represented by the UUVA— West Winfield, Bridgewater, Unadilla Forks, Leonardsville, West Edmeston, and nearby communities—to showcase and sell one-ofa-kind, two-dimensional pieces of art ranging from drawings and paintings to collage, printmaking, photography, and notecards. Artists will be on hand to display and sell their work. The association does not charge artists a fee or commission to participate. For more information or to participate, contact association President Larraine McNulty at jlmcn@ frontiernet.net or (315) 855-4368.

Lutheran Parish Events Slated OTSEGO COUNTY—The Otsego County Lutheran Parish will hold a gathering for its male parishioners at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 17 at Bella Michaels Restaurant, 57 River Street, Oneonta. Those planning to attend should contact the Rev. Paul R. Messner, pastor, at PrPaul_ TheoInst@hotmail.com. The next women’s event has yet to be announced. OCLP Sunday School sessions will be starting up in September. Teachers are still needed, Messner said. Confirmands will begin classes on Sunday, September 27 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Laurens, with junior high-students meeting at 3:30 p.m. followed by high-school students at 4:30 p.m.

Simonson To Present Sunday ONEONTA—Part of the Swart-Wilcox House Museum’s Summer Sunday Series, Mark Simonson will present on “Important Events over the Last 50 Years” on August 30 from 1-3 p.m. Milestone celebrations in the City of Oneonta, several sports championships and an awakening to the importance of historic preservation will be among the topics touched upon by Simonson. The event is free and open to the public. Programs are held on the museum’s front lawn on Wilcox Avenue and are handicapped accessible. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding lawn chair.

CCE Announces Workshops COOPERSTOWN and COBLESKILL—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties invites the public to four educational

community workshops this September. Hosted at CCESO facilities in both Cooperstown and Cobleskill, these programs offer hands-on training for food preservation, agricultural research and seed saving. “Tomato-Palooza!” will take place on Wednesday, September 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the CCESO Grow Garden at 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. Participants will taste a variety of tomatoes grown locally by Master Gardener Volunteers. This program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged. In collaboration with the Schoharie County Home of Ongoing Learning, Master Food Preserver Theresa Kaya will lead “Safe Canning Methods Using Boiling Water Bath” on Wednesday, September 9 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the CCESO Extension Center at 173 South Grand Street, Cobleskill. This program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged. Kaya leads a second program, “Making and Preserving Jam Workshop,” on Tuesday, September 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Cobleskill CCESO Extension Center. There is a $15.00 fee to cover supplies. Class size is limited and registration is required by Friday, September 11. “Seed Saving—the Art and Science,” will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 5:30-7 p.m., also at 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. Participants will have a hands-on experience in the CCESO Demonstration Garden on how to select seeds and get tips for saving them for years to come. This program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged. To register for these events visit www.ccesschoharie-otsego.org or contact Marcie Foster, horticulture and natural resources educator, at mkf48@cornell.edu or (607) 547-2536, extension 235.

Music, Arts Fest Is Saturday GILBERTSVILLE—The GEM Sculpture Park is adding live music to its 14 acres of large-scale outdoor art. On Saturday, August 29 from 3-8 p.m., the GEM Music and Arts Festival brings four live bands, a classic-car show, and food trucks to the Gilbertsville outdoor gallery in the heart of the Butternut Valley—with free admission and free live music for all ages. It marks a milestone for Gilbertsville Expressive Movement: 10 years since the park began, and the start of what officials call “a vibrant new chapter,” with the festival as its first major event. Live music will be performed until sundown by the Jimi Hendrix Jazz Trio, Dani Delwyn and the Kelvin Crows, the trio of Chris Riffle, Khalil Jade, and Liam Herbert, and Half a Pow. A cruisein classic-car show, artisan vendors with handmade goods and vintage finds, and food trucks serving barbecue, plant-based, ice cream, and fair favorites will also be featured. Families will find face painting and Mike the Juggler working the grounds, plus a free water station and on-site parking with overflow at nearby Centennial Park. A free community raffle — stocked by local makers and businesses, with prizes ranging from restaurant gift certificates to original art and bath-and-beauty goods—turns a fun afternoon into a give-back. Guests check in at the ticket booth for one free raffle ticket (must be present to win), and proceeds will go to American Legion Post 1339, in support of veterans, and the Butternut Valley Food Pantry. Admission is free. Reserving a free entry ticket in advance at gemmusicfest.org helps organizers plan for the day. “Creativity is the one thing every person carries—and it only grows when it’s shared,” said Aidan Woishnis, executive director of GEM. “This festival opens our gates to all of it: art, music and a whole community together. It’s the start of a new chapter for GEM.”

Program Focus Is on Bulk Buy LITTLE FALLS—The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District Inc. will host a “Buying in Bulk” Homesteading Workshop on at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3 at the Little Falls Community Co-Op. The term “homesteading” is defined as a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, including subsistence agriculture, home preservation of food, and small craft-like trades such as textile working and making common household items within the home. The epitome of homesteading is sustainability and reducing waste as a way of life, organizers said. The Little Falls Community Co-Op is located at 589 Albany Street. Check www.mvedd. org for announcements and registration links regarding this event.

State Street North Closed BINGHAMTON—The New York State Department of Transportation announced last week that a portion of State Street North in the City of Binghamton is closed as of Wednesday, August 19 as part of the first phase of the Binghamton 363 Gateway Project. The closure will extend from the northbound side of the State Street Bridge to Susquehanna Street and is expected to remain in place for approximately three months while crews remove an existing concrete median barrier, install underground drainage and utility crossings, and place new pavement at State Route 434/ State Street. Route 434 eastbound traffic heading into Binghamton via the State Street Bridge will be reduced from three lanes to one, with motorists directed onto a signed detour beginning at the

existing cloverleaf off-ramp. Southbound motorists leaving downtown Binghamton will continue to have access to the State Street Bridge; however, traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists should follow posted signs, allow for additional travel time and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

Dining Will Benefit Helios ONEONTA—Bella Michaels Restaurant, 57 River Street Oneonta, will host a “Dine Out for a Cause” day on Thursday, August 27 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the hospice and palliative care patients of Helios Care. For more information on Helios Care services, visit helioscare.org.

Harvest Festival Returns SHARON SPRINGS—The Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th annual Sharon Springs Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. More than 50 vendors—local farms, artisan makers, distilleries, vintage dealers, and community not-for-profits—will line Main Street and the lawns of the American Hotel and Sharon Springs. The weekend also features a beer and wine garden pouring from local breweries and wineries, food trucks, kids’ activities, and live music at Chalybeate Park. Special attractions this year include a performance by The Hilltown Hags on Sunday, Montgomery County’s Traveling Therapy Pigs, the New York Wildlife Rescue Center’s “Wildlife Alive!” educational program, and information on the Schoharie County Eagle Trail, a self-guided birding route running through the heart of the county. Live music will be performed on Saturday by Doc Benson, Burnt Hills Melody Makers, and Doubting Thomas, and on Sunday by Laura Gagnon, Becca Frame and The Tall Boys, and Jeff Grippin. Free parking will be available at the Sharon Springs Central School, with shuttle buses running regularly to Main Street. For more information, visit www.sharonspringschamber. org/harvest-festival.

RAG Releases Sept. Schedule ROXBURY—The Roxbury Arts Group has released a calendar of upcoming performances, exhibits, workshops and events. On Friday, September 4, Les Greene and his band The Swayzees will take the RAG stage, followed by The Clements Brothers, George and Charles, on Friday, September 25. An opening reception for the exhibit “Everybody’s Art” will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, September 5 at Headwaters Arts Center. These works will remain on view through October 31. Workshops at the Headwaters Arts Center include “Family Collaborative Canvas” on Saturday, August 29 from 1-3 p.m., “Welcome Blanket Quilting with Megan Avery” on Wednesdays, September 2, 9, and 16, from 5-7 p.m., and “Spoon Carving with Michael McCarthy” on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The “Over the Tabletops” benefit event set for Saturday, August 29 is sold out, but there is still time to sign up for the Roxbury Community Potluck on Sunday, September 6 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Kirkside Park. For ticket information and to learn more, visit roxburyartsgroup.org.

Anniversary Event Planned SALT SPRINGVILLE—The Windfall Dutch Barn will celebrate 50 years of musical shows and other public events on Saturday, August 29 at 4 p.m. Trish Miller and John Kirk will perform following a 5 p.m. potluck supper. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. Past board members are invited to attend, as a group photo will be taken. Donations toward the upkeep of the barn and its programs are appreciated. The barn is located at 2009-2019 County Highway 80. For more information, call (518) 774-0134, e-mail kmacgreg@roadrunner. com or visit www.windfalldutchbarn.com.

Scarecrow Deadline Extended COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm and Country Village has extended the deadline for its inaugural Scarecrow Village, which will be open to the public from Saturday, September 26 through Sunday, November 1. The 2026 theme is “Once Upon a Time” and will feature artistic scarecrows surrounding three categories: fairy tales and folklore; fantasy; and history. Artists, community groups, schools, businesses, and creative makers of all ages to submit proposals. All selected artists will receive a $200.00 stipend to help cover the cost of materials, and cash prizes will be awarded for each category and an overall winner. Fenimore Farm and Country Village is located at 5775 State Highway 80. To apply, visit https://www.fenimorefarm. org/scarecrow-village/.

Park To Feature Live Music LAURENS—SaxWest will perform an “End of Summer Blues” concert from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 at Gilbert Lake State Park. Complimentary popcorn will be served and there will be kids’ crafts that morning from 10-11 a.m. The park is located at 18 CCC Road, Laurens. Continued on page 11

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

GOOD NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED New York State OFA Honors Brian Danforth, Pat and Jim Hogan By PEYTON CARTER OTSEGO COUNTY hree Otsego County residents whose lives have been defined by service were among more than 100 older adults honored by the New York State Office for the Aging during its annual Older New Yorkers’ Day celebration, held May 26 in Albany as part of Older Americans Month. Among those recognized were Brian Danforth of Unadilla and Pat and Jim Hogan of Cooperstown, whose decades of volunteerism have touched countless lives throughout Otsego County, officials said. Each year, New York’s 59 county offices for the aging nominate older adultswhosevolunteerism and civic engagement strengthen their communities. The 2026 theme, “Compassion in Action,” recognizes older New Yorkers whose dedication to service continues to make communities more inclusive, connected and resilient. This year’s honorees represent nearly one million older volunteers across New York who collectively contribute an estimated 474 million hours of community service each year, with an economic value of more than $13.2 billion, according to NYSOFA. “Each year, NYSOFA is proud to honor older New Yorkers whose unwavering commitment to service enriches communities throughout our state,” NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said. “Their experience, economic contributions and civic engagement make a lasting difference

Photo provided

BRIAN DANFORTH

in every corner of New York.” Since moving to Unadilla in 1988 with his wife, Prudence, Brian Danforth has become a cornerstone of his community through his involvement with local organizations, conservation efforts and youth mentorship. He has served as a deacon and elder at Unadilla First Presbyterian Church, helped found the Unadilla Historical Association, serves on the board of the Unadilla Community Foundation, is a member of the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and represents Division IV for the New York Association of Conservation Districts. However, Danforth’s greatest passion is scouting. An Eagle Scout since 1977, he has spent decades mentoring young people as a den leader, cubmaster, scoutmaster and now pack committee chairman for Troop 1. Through countless camping trips, hikes, and outdoor adventures, he has helped instill leadership, responsibility, and a spirit of service in generations of Scouts. Beyond his formal leadership roles, Danforth is widely known for helping neighbors when-

ever needed. Whether it is driving someone to a medical appointment, shoveling snow, moving furniture or assisting with home improvement projects, Danforth is always lending a hand to those in need. “I like to lead by example,” Danforth said. “If other people see the joy you have in providing service to others, I hope they might be inspired to pitch in and help others in some way. Volunteering is a great way to meet other people, make new friends and make a positive impact in the community.” Also honored were Cooperstown residents Pat and Jim Hogan, whose volunteer efforts have created opportunities for older adults to connect, socialize, and support one another. Parents of twin adult sons with Down syndrome, Chris and Tom, the Hogans have spent years giving back to the community that welcomed their family more than two decades ago. When the Otsego County Office for the Aging partnered with the Otsego County Council of Senior Citizens in 2024 to launch a Men’s Shed program (an international initiative designed to reduce social isolation among older men) the Hogans immediately volunteered their garage and workshop as the program’s home. Jim helped develop the program by establishing guidelines, organizing volunteers and securing woodworking equipment. Since opening in February 2025, the Men’s Shed has become a weekly gathering place where participants share

Photo provided

PAT AND JIM HOGAN

coffee, conversation, and woodworking projects while building friendships and improving their overall well-being. Pat supports the program by preparing homemade baked goods and assisting with

administrative work. She also volunteers with Connections, a senior socialization program in Cooperstown based out of the Clark Sports Center, and plays a key role in organizing the annual Otsego County Senior Picnic. “The residents of Otsego County, from day one, welcomed our Down syndrome twins with open arms and, after 25 years, there’s no signs of letting go,” the Hogans said. “How do you pay back those who have been so special to our family? Volunteering in the Connections

program has helped us pay back this debt.” Governor Kathy Hochul, in her proclamation recognizing Older Americans Month, praised older New Yorkers who continue to strengthen their communities through mentorship, civic engagement and volunteer service. The recognition of Danforth and the Hogans reflects the spirit of this year’s “Compassion in Action” theme, demonstrating how a lifetime of volunteerism can strengthen communities and inspire future generations to serve.

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A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Bassett Partnership with CFP Expands To Support Patients During Pregnancy COOPERSTOWN assett Healthcare Network’s successful partnership with the Cooperstown Food Pantry is expanding to support pregnant patients facing financial hardship. Through the “Food is Medicine” program, Bassett partners with the pantry to provide medicallytailored food items to cancer patients and their family members if they are dealing with financial hardship during treatments. According to a press release, now pregnant patients will join cancer patients and receive the same support if they are struggling to afford meals through a “Healthy Families, Healthy Futures” expansion. The expansion launched at the end of June, with the first pregnant patient receiving non-perishable food items to take home following a medical appointment. Patients now also have access to fresh refrigerated items and frozen items. “As a midwife caring for families at Bassett, my patients inspired the development of Healthy Families, Healthy Futures. This perinatal food pantry recognizes the important role nutrition plays in health by helping patients access nourishing foods

during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Caring for families throughout the transition to parenthood has shown me both their incredible resilience and the challenges that can make accessing resources more difficult,” said Sarah Maylin, CM, RM, MSM, certified nurse midwife at Bassett who led the development of this expansion. Officials said Women’s Health practitioners at Bassett will screen all prenatal patients for food insecurity during or around the time of their appointment held at the 28-week mark of their pregnancy. If the patient expresses concern about having access to healthy food during pregnancy, the patient will be offered enrollment in the program. After giving birth, the patient can continue to receive food through the program until the six-week postpartum mark. This expansion is made possible, in part, through the support and generosity of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Chobani®, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, and the Rotary Club of Cooperstown. Volunteers from Chobani traveled to the Cooperstown Food Pantry on June 18 to help put together the first 50 packages of food, donated by

Chobani, to get the program started. These packages included SuperMilk, a shelf-stable dairy product rich in nutrients. One of Chobani’s most integral philanthropic goals is to bring an end to hunger and food insecurity. “Food has the power to heal, nurture and bring people together. Chobani is proud to support a program that helps families access nutritious food where they already receive trusted care, creating healthier futures one family at a time,” said Kristie Baker, community impact specialist for Chobani. Funding in the amount of $2,000.00 was granted to the Food is Medicine Program through the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (part of Feeding America) and an additional $1,000.00 grant was received from the Rotary Foundation of Cooperstown. “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full, healthy life. Partnerships between healthcare organizations, non-profits and community partners are essential to accomplishing this goal. We are so thankful for the generosity and collaboration of our partners,” said Deanna Varney, director of operations at the Cooperstown Food Pantry.

OBITUARIES

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DANIEL GARY BRISACK

Daniel Gary Brisack 1947-2026

WOODLAND—Born on April 12, 1947, Dan Brisack was a veteran of the United State Marines, where he also fought in Vietnam. Dan worked much of his life as a machinist at Amphenol in Sidney, New York and many years alongside his dad in their machine shop, L&L Machinery. Outside of work, he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly deer hunting and fishing, activities that brought him great joy and tranquility. Dan passed away on August 19, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Brisack; his mother, Hilda Bielby Brisack; his son, Sean Michael Bourn; his daughter, Shawna Marie Bourn; his sister, Loretta Daniels, and her husband, Francis; his brothers, Jerry Brisack and Gordon Brisack; and his two nephews, Mark and Kip Daniels. Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Valerie Brisack; his siblings, Linda Brisack Thayer, Carol Currie and husband Bud, and David Brisack;

his son, Travis Brisack and wife Kristi and their sons, Alek and Quinton; and Dan’s daughter, Phyllis Wheeler. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Cody Bourn, wife Kortney Ann and their daughter, Ellie Ann; Shelby Bourn and her fiancé, Jasper Brinks; Brendan Wheeler; Sean Wheeler; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dan will be remembered fondly for his warmth, kindness and love for the simple pleasures in life.

Ursula Jane Hage 1939-2026

COOPERSTOWN— Ursula Jane Hage, 87, of Cooperstown, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family. For the past 35 years she resided on Pioneer Street in Cooperstown with her husband, Charles T. Hage. Ursula was born in Syracuse on May 7, 1939, the daughter of Lewis and Alma Hanifin. The youngest of four siblings, including Patricia, Alma, and Lewis, she attended Holy Name in Springfield, Massachusetts before her family moved to Fort Plain when she was 13 years old. They moved into a home on Center Street, where she became neighbors and lifelong friends with Charles Hage. After graduating from Fort Plain High School, Ursula attended Mercy School of Nursing in Springfield,

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URSULA JANE HAGE

Massachussets and became a registered nurse. She continued her education, taking courses at Syracuse University, University of Rochester, SUNY Brockport and SUNY Empire State College, receiving a bachelor of science and masters of science in public administration. After many years of friendship, Charles and Ursula married on August 4, 1962 at St. James Church in Fort Plain. Following her schooling, Ursula began working as a public health nurse for Rensselaer County. Charles and Ursula then moved to Lancaster, California, where she continued her career in public health for the County of Los Angeles, primarily providing healthcare to families of migrant farm workers. Returning to New York State, Ursula devoted 20 years of service to Monroe County, managing child and adolescent programs for students in the Rochester City School District. She was the union representative for the Monroe Country Department of Public Health Nursing Services Division, where she successfully negotiated higher wages for public health nurses. She was a member of the League of Women

Voters of Rochester, University Club of Rochester and the Tennis Club of Rochester. After moving to Cooperstown, Ursula became an integral member of the community. She conducted grant research on youth smoking and nutrition, and helped establish Bassett Medical Center’s UpClose Cardiac Surgery Program, an education initiative servicing the area’s rural school districts. She was an avid supporter of the Friends of Bassett, the Cooperstown Graduate Program and The Glimmerglass Festival, and was a member of the Lake and Valley Garden Club, The Guild of Glimmerglass Festival, The Fenimore Society, and the Cooperstown Country Club. She was an enthusiast of outdoor activities, including tennis, ice skating, skiing, running, biking, swimming in Otsego Lake and long walks with her dog, Rose. Ursula enjoyed countless hours working in her gardens and talking with visitors, often receiving recognition for her flowers and plantings. She would often say the most beautiful color combinations come from nature. Ursula commissioned a painting of her family, which depicts her spouse, children, and grandchildren on Otsego Lake, to celebrate the love and joy they all share together. Ursula is survived by her husband, Charles; her devoted children, Eric and Noelle (Fay) Hage, Daniel and Nalini (Sehdev) Hage, and Maureen (Hage) and Matthew Schuermann; along with her nine beloved grandchildren, John, Ann, Michael, Margaret, Lyla, Mary,

leWiS, HurleY & pietrobono

Meagan, Melissa, and Caroline. Ursula was a wonderful grandmother and never forgot a birthday or holiday. Her warm, wonderful humor will be greatly missed. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326; The Cooperstown Graduate Program, PO Box 4, Cooperstown, NY 13326; Fenimore Art Museum, PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326; The Guild of Glimmerglass Festival, PO Box 491, Cooperstown, NY 13326; and Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Ursula J. Hage will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026 at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown. The Mass will be presided over by Father Jason Hage of the Diocese of Syracuse. The Service of Committal and Burial will follow at Fort Plain Cemetery. Family and friends are also warmly invited to join in remembering Ursula and celebrating her life at a reception at the Cooperstown Country Club from 1-3 p.m. on Friday afternoon. All are welcome. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

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JAMES R. WHITE

James R. White 1951-2026

GLEN COVE—James R. White, 74, passed away on August 21, 2026 at the University of Vermont Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 13, 1951 in Glen Cove, New York, the son of Everest and Maryann (O’Donovan) White. He graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School in June 1969 and attended St. Michael’s College. A carpenter by trade, Jim built several houses in the Essex Junction area before moving to Virginia. He started his own construction company, TyKel, so named after his two children. In his retirement, Jim traveled to Cooperstown, New York to work for the Cooperstown Dreams Park for the past four summers. Welcoming in teams from across the country, it was truly a dream job for Jim. Jim loved baseball, especially the New York Yankees. He was an avid slow-pitch softball player both in Vermont and Virginia. His teams often made the regional championships. Jim is survived by his best friend and ex-wife, Peggy (Fitzpatrick) Starr; their two children, Kelli and Matthew Johnson and Tyler and Christine White; his six grandchildren, Konner and Sarah Johnson, Victoria Johnson, Logan White, Jaxon White, Harper White, and Christian White; his seven siblings, Thomas and Cathy White, Denis and Joan White, Maryellen White, Kathleen and John Cote, Daniel White, Rosemarie White, and John and Paula White; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his Aunt Betty Jo White. At Jim’s request, there will be no services.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Intern

Continued from page 4 the Business and Services Directory section of the paper. Additionally, I engaged in cold calling both new and past business clients also in an effort to advertise page space. At first, these conversations were difficult, because I had to learn persuasive sales skills. Working on advertising sales gave me a new perspective on journalism. I came to realize that newspaper advertisements are an investment from both the company purchasing the page space and from the paper itself. While companies paid to place ads in the newspaper, it was the paper’s job to craft and design the message and graphic to the business’ specifications and acceptance. It took a lot of effort to get companies to invest in advertising in the paper, but, of course, advertising sales are what fund the paper’s operation and are an essential part of the business of running a newspaper, an aspect to which I had not been previously exposed. The fact that “The Freeman’s Journal” is a smaller newspaper gave me a new perspective of what a media outlet can be. Most of my classroom assignments and projects have revolved around larger news networks and items of national interest. “The Freeman’s Journal,” however, gave me an entirely different perspective of what local newspapers are all about. First and foremost, when working at the paper, I realized that everyone wears many hats. While individuals at the paper are specialized in their particular area of expertise, it is a very collaborative environment in which everybody helps each other. My role was different in that I moved fluidly between all departments. Beginning with my first week, I had reported, edited, performed sales, and managed the paper’s social media accounts. By being part of such a small organization, I was required to know a little bit about everything. Secondly, I learned what goes into every part of the publishing process, including how stories were assigned and published; more than a team effort, it is a process of collaboration from the entire staff. Further, I have learned the importance of building relationships within the community by meeting with many business owners, nonprofits and residents, who are not only our sponsors, but also our consumers as well. These relationships were essential in my role as a reporter for the paper, as they provided me with many leads for stories about events or happenings in Cooperstown and the surrounding area of Otsego County. In addition, I got to know the people and community I was reporting on and became more familiar with their interests, traditions, and ways of

life. These relationships not only helped me secure stories, but also showed me the value of local journalism. Another skill I learned during my internship was the vital value of social media. Publishing a story is only part of the job. In order to reach a larger audience, newspapers need to market their content. Early on in my internship, I was assigned to manage the paper’s social media accounts on various platforms, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). I created posts for these accounts, engaged with followers and promoted the paper’s content. In addition, I also used these platforms to network with businesses, organizations and community members. These connections gave the paper more exposure, while also helping the local residents and consumers to become more involved with the paper. This taught me that social media is essential when it comes to publishing news. While it may not be as essential for national news outlets, local outlets must use these platforms as a means to promote their content. More and more people are finding news on social media, so having a presence there is fundamental. Managing these social media accounts on behalf of the paper made me aware of the importance of not only having social media accounts but also knowing how to use them correctly, in a way to create more engaging content, so as to attract more attention to the paper itself. In addition to having an opportunity to enhance my writing and reporting skills through regular practice, I also learned about writing press releases and stories suitable for publication. When writing stories for copy, it was essential to know what to, and what not to, include. I learned how to organize the information from my interviews concisely and ensure that it meets all the paper’s criteria. Moreover, writing multiple weekly stories has made me a better writer. Every time I submitted a story, the senior editor would give me feedback on what I could improve, and, as a result, I have become more conscious about what to write and how to write it. The single best part about my internship at “The Freeman’s Journal” was that I had the opportunity to learn many valuable skills from experienced people in a real world, newsroom environment. I have come to realize the extensive effort that is required to report the news and the effort required to be an effective journalist. My prior preconceptions of the industry have most certainly been altered by this immersion in the process of production, marketing and deadlines. I was given an opportunity to practice and perfect some skills from the classroom experiences in my major, such

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9 as reporting and interviewing. I also learned many new skills that I understand to which I would only have been exposed outside of the classroom, such as advertising sales and managing social media accounts. Above all, this internship instilled in me an appreciation of not only the professional side of journalism, but also the adrenaline of the field, itself, reaffirming my decision to pursue a course of study and career in this arena. I have come to appreciate the vital role local newspapers play in keeping communities informed, while larger news networks provide broader perspectives on issues of national and global importance. My internship at “The Freeman’s Journal” has been a great learning experience for me, opening my eyes to a multifaceted profession that is so much more than a simple source of information. Peyton Carter was an intern this summer with AllOtsego. Originally born in Boston, Carter grew up in New Jersey and now resides full-time in New York. He graduated from Bernardsville High School in New Jersey and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in criminal justice at The University of Mississippi.

Letters

Continued from page 4 the Otsego County Board of Representatives. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides approximately half the funds to cover the costs of this event, with the remainder coming from the county’s Solid Waste User Fee. Kyle King Waste Management and Recycling Coordinator, Otsego County Planning and Solid Waste 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.

Veterans

Continued from page 1 garbage removal and Heller’s Farm in Bainbridge continued its weekly tradition of delivering fresh produce. “Our food pantry is 100 percent community donations,” Flaherty said. “Our clothing pantry is also 100 percent community donations.” The Outreach Center’s “Clothes to Home” program has become one of its most impactful efforts. Usable clothing stays local for veterans and families. Unusable clothing is sent to Utica, where it is packaged and sold. “[The Utica Center for Development] took a shipment and gave $33,000.00 back to our veterans program,” Flaherty said. “Either way, it’s going back. Win‑win everywhere.” Volunteers filled the Armory building at 4 Academy Street on Saturday: Job Corps students, local families and even barbers. More than 30 free haircuts were given by Mack from The Cooperstown Underground Barbershop and Nico from Oneonta, himself a veteran. Massage therapy students, therapy dogs and dozens of service organizations rounded out the day. One Marine veteran, Riley DeForest, said he expected “one barber and one or two vets.” Instead, he found “a huge turnout…and I was floored by how much the community brought out.” While there, DeForest spoke with a 93‑year‑old Korean War veteran named Vito, who tried repeatedly to tip the barber who cut his hair. “He wouldn’t accept it,” Vito told him. DeForest said the event reminded him of the unity he felt in the military: “When you are in the military, your community is one single entity…Imagine what the country could be if we were like that everywhere.” Among the most powerful stories shared Saturday was that of Bernard Saberon, a Vietnam Navy veteran who first came to the Outreach Center homeless, isolated and struggling. “He could barely make eye contact. He couldn’t fill out a form,” Lincoln recalled.

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Flaherty helped Saberon file a compensation claim. Weeks later, Saberon walked in and told Flaherty, “I went and checked my bank account this morning… and it was $42,000.00 in there.” The retroactive VA compensation changed Saberon’s life. He now has permanent housing, bought a car, volunteers regularly and plays guitar again. “He participates in everything we do,” Flaherty said. “He’s one of our best volunteers.” Lincoln added that Saberon’s story also highlights the network behind the Outreach Center. When Saberon was housed, the Sidney Elks Lodge provided a Welcome Home Grant to furnish his new home with bedding, towels, kitchen supplies and more. “There’s a lot that a story about him could touch on,” Lincoln said. “It shows how our organization provides an all‑encompassing services platform.” Lincoln said the biggest challenges facing veterans in Otsego County mirror national trends: housing insecurity, food insecurity, social isolation and the rising cost of living. The Stand Down addressed each of these directly: food, clothing, housing referrals, social connection and access to

ongoing programming. The Outreach Center’s monthly veterans’ luncheon has grown from six attendees last October to more than 80. They also host fly‑fishing lessons, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, women veterans nights, grief support groups, and more. “We really try to do as many veteran activities as possible,” Lincoln said. Next year’s Stand Down will return to a late-September date, to help better prepare veterans for winter. But Flaherty and Lincoln stressed that community involvement doesn’t need to wait. Clothing, food, and monetary donations are always welcome, and the public is invited to attend the monthly luncheons. “Come see what we’re doing. Everyone is welcome,” Lincoln said. Flaherty put it simply: “If somebody comes in that door and they need food or clothing, we don’t ask if they’re a veteran. If they’re in need, we help them.” In Oneonta, that spirit was unmistakable on Saturday, and it continues every day inside the old armory that has become a lifeline for veterans across the region. To learn more, or to seek assistance, visit the OVOC Facebook page.

A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of ETERNAL BUILDING, LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 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 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Back Woodlands Retreat, LLC, a limited liability company (the “LLC”).

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12211. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 6LegalSept.3

located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to: The LLC, 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 Formation of Scerra Cove LLC 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 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Carneys Culinary Creations, 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

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

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

Notice of Formation of ROGERS HOLLOW STONE, 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 Legal nOtice Notice of Application for Authority of SPRINGFIELD CENTER SOLAR 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

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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

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Government Asset Group LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on August 11, 2026. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 103 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalSept.24 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Main Street 096 LLC filed with the Secretary of State on April 02, 2026. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to P.O Box 431, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalSept.24 Legal nOtice Notice to Bidders Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd., 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using https://www.bidx. com A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

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Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/const-notices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list. NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)4572124. Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award. Please call (518) 457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the

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letting. Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D265829, PIN 900431, FA Proj , Otsego Co., BRIDGE REHAB - NY Rt 51, Town of Butternuts., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid,(~ $75,000.00) Goals: DBE: 0.00% 2LegalAug.27 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company Unadilla River Retreat, LLC has been formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), with an office in Greenfield Park, New York by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 16, 2026. SSNY is designated as the agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY will mail a copy of any process against it served upon him or her to Post Office Box 714 Napanoch, New York 12458. The purpose is to engage in any lawful business practice. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board for the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard: • Meeting to be held in the Board Room of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York. 15 Brooklyn Ave - Application for a demolition of rear deck, 150 ft. of fence and small front wall to replace footer drains. The plans for this project are on file with the Village Clerk’s Office at the Village Office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, and may be seen during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Public comments must be provided by email to the Zoning Officer at Zoning@ cooperstownny. gov or by regular

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

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mail to the address below no later than Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

S13NE, 5th row #14 N 15. E lliott: Deed 46A, Lot 353, 3rd row from center drive #15 from S 16. Telfer: Deed 102A, Lot 395, row 7, 11 S 17. S hellman: Deed 83A, Lot 358 ½ S, Row 6, 11 S 18. S heldon: Deed 3A, Lot 356, row 2, 2S 19. C aukins: Lot 131 SW, row 4 center, 12 S 20. P otter: Lot 148, 5th row center, #10 S 21. S ternberg: Lot 252, row 7 center, #10 S 22. M ills: Row 7, #6 S 23. H arrington: Sec 4 S, 35 SW, row 10, center # 5 S 24. B urlingham: Deed 48A, Lot # 314, row 11 center #10 S 25. D ickenson: row 9, #12 S 26. Blank 27. R ider: row 12, #4 S 28. S hillets: row 12, #2 S 29: Blank 30. Blank 31. Blank 32. Blank 33. G erman: Lot 391, Row 5 center, #16 N 34. B allard: Deed 45, Lot 422, Row 5 # 7 N 35. Blank 36. B alcom: Lot 398, Row 5 center, #14 N 37. Avery: Lot 98, Row 4, #6 S 38. C hittenden: Row 4 center #3S 39. D ingham: Lot 35, row 5 #1 N of 205 40. Blank 41. Blank 42. J oslyn: Lot 62, Row 2 from 205 gate #4N 43. H yde: Lot 60, Row 1 feom 295 gate # 9 N 44. B aker: Deed 151, Lot 64 ½, 3rd from 205 gate 45. Weeks, John: Row from 205 gate, #2 N 46. H ead: 1st row from 205 gate, #5S 47. R ichards: 2nd row from 205 gate #1 S 48. Blank 49. L uce: Row 5 from 205 gate, #9 N 50. L uce: Row 5 from 205 gate, #7N 51. P aine: Row 5 from 205 gate, # 13 S 52. Weeks, James R: Row 6 from 205 gate 13 S 53. Weeks, Betsey: Row 6 from 206 gate, 14 S 54. Weeks, Andrew: Lot 70, row 6 from 205, #15 S 55. P ashley, Joseph: Lot 73 SW, row 7 from 205, #7N 56. L yon, Mary: Row 8 from 205, #6 N 57. P ierce, Waterman: Lot 78, row 10 from 205, # 16 S

58. P ierce, Ella: Row 10 from 205 # 18 S 59. Blank 60. L ough, Thomas: Lot 137 SW, row 10 from 205, # 12 S 61. P earse, Marshall: Row 9 from 205, #12 S 62. P earse, Esther: Row 9 from 205, #13 S 63. Blank 64. M cEwen: Lot 183 SW, row 12 ½, #2 S 65. R obinson, Ellen: Row 13 from 205, #2 S 66. R obinson, Fred: Row 13 from 205, #3 S 67. R obinson, G. Deloss: Lot 185 SW, row 13 from 205 #4 S 66. B rownell, Harriet: Lot 181, row 13 from 205, #1 S 69. Wilson: Row 13 ½ , #1 S 70. Blank 71. M aples: Lot 22 SW, row 11 from 205, #2 N 72. Blank 73. Blank 74. M atteson, Clotilda: Row 14 from 205, #1 N 75. Blank 76. S herman: Row 16 from 205, # 6 N 77. P otter, Edwin: Row 26 from 205, #6 N 78. H arrington, Poly: Row 17 from 205, #12 S 79 B enjamin, Erastus: Row 16 from 205 #4N 80. B ush, Jacob: lot 198 , row 19 from 205, #3 N 81. Blank 82. B rownell, James: Row 25 from 205 #6 N 83. P otter, Leander: Lot 149, row 16 from 205, #19 S 84. N orthup, Homer: lot 36, row 25 from 205, #15 S 85. Blank 86. Wood, Margaret: Row 26, #11 S 87. G ardner, Ella: Lot 265, row 19 from 205, #3N 88. Blank 89. H olbrook: Row 16 from School St. #1 S 90. S orocky, Samuel: Deed 82, lot 468 ½, row 1 from center road #2 S 91 Wainwright: Row 3 from center road, #10 S 92. Blank 93. N ickerson, Elmina: Row 7 from 205 gate, # 1 N 94. N ickerson, Sarah: Row 7 from 205 gate, #2N

(2) the persons to whom this notice is addressed must repair or remove said monuments or markers by November 17, 2026 and, (3) if the persons to whom this notice is addressed fail to repair or remove said monuments or markers by the previously-stated deadline, The Hartwick Cemetery Association may remove or repair said monuments without further notice to the persons to whom this notice is addressed. Contact The Hartwick Cemetery Association or Orlo Burch at P.O. Box 177, Hartwick, NY 13348 or by phone at 607-4343421 or by email at orlo_burch@ yahoo.com by the deadline shown above. 3LegalSept.10

Nick Fornario Zoning Enforcement Officer Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 607-547-2411 Zoning@cooperstownny.gov 1LegalAug.27 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of D&M Mobile Crushing and Recycling LLC, Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY August 20, 2026. Off. Loc. Otsego. SSNY designated as agent of LLC on whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 7 Richard Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: all lawful activities. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice Hartwick Cemetery Association P.O. Box 177 Hartwick, New York 13348 New York State ID # 39013, Otsego County To: The last known owner or owners of the following burial lots located in the Hartwick Cemetery, town of Hartwick, in Otsego County, New York, and all persons having or claiming to have an interest in said burial lots: 1. Winslow: Deed 342 Lot N54 #5 S from new section front row 2. Ray, Sharon: Lot N58, #12 S, front roll 3. Stahl: Lot 28S 3rd row #7 N 4. Cogar: Deed 426, Lot S58, #23 south, front row 5. Jensen: Deed 373, Lot S25NW, 4th frow west #25 S 6. Rood: Deed 360, Lot S28, #10 N Row 4 7. Reeve: Lot S28NE, #9 N, Row 3 8. Patterson: Deed 341, Lot S21W #1 N, row 5 9. Blank 10. Chapman: Lot 273, #4 N from west drive-way 11. Beckley: Deed 73, Lot N15 ½, Row 6 from center dr., #18 S 12. Harrington, Clayton: Deed 86, Lot N13N ½, row 9 from center drive, #12 S 13. Blank 14. Hull: Deed 424, Lot

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: That (1) the monuments or markers are so badly out of repair or dilapidated as to create a dangerous condition,

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: JM PROPERTY HOMES LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 August 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 4836 St. Hwy. 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law creating an exception to the residency requirement for Assigned Counsel Managing Attorney in the County of Otsego. NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 9:50 a.m. at which time all persons interested will be heard. The location of the continued pg. XX

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

News Briefs

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Continued from page 6

Fenimore Farm Fall Events Set COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm and Country Village has a number of fall events and workshops planned. On Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, the annual Harvest Festival will feature two full days of vendors, crafts, food, live music, animals, games and more, including the 20th birthday celebration of the Empire State Carousel. Blacksmith Weekend returns on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 for two days of demonstrations and activities for the whole family, as visiting smithies join Fenimore Farms’ blacksmiths. Other dates to remember: October 3, Blacksmithing Workshop for Beginners; October 4, Build-A-Scarecrow Day; October 17 Sourdough Starter Workshop; October 24, Baking for the Holidays. Fenimore Farm and Country Village is located at 5775 State Highway 80. For more information, visit fenimorefarm.org.

Motor Show Slated for Sept. SALT SPRINGVILLE—The Windfall Dutch Barn’s Fifth Annual Gasoline Powered Motor Show will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the show is free, but there is a $5.00 entry fee for motors, including classic cars, trucks, rat rods, motor bikes, ATVs, and hit-andmiss engines. The event will also include vendors, a 50/50 raffle and refreshments. The barn is located at 2009-2019 County Highway 80. For more information, call (518) 774-0134, e-mail kmacgreg@roadrunner.com or visit www.windfalldutchbarn.com.

Quartet To Perform Gypsy Jazz COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Concerts will present an afternoon of live Gypsy jazz with Rhythm Future Quartet on Sunday, October 18 at 3 p.m. in the Louis C. Jones Center at Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Route 80, Cooperstown. Gypsy jazz—also known as Gypsy swing or hot clubstyle jazz—originated in Paris during the 1930s and remains the first major jazz genre born outside of the United States. Founded by violinist Jason Anick, Rhythm Future Quartet performs arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions, with Emmaline O’Rourke (guitar), Henry Acker (guitar) and Greg Loughman (bass) rounding out the quartet. This is a seated concert. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org.

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from pg. XX public hearing is accessible to persons with mobility impairment. The public hearing will be streamed via YouTube. https://www. youtube.com/@ otsegocountynewyork/live A copy of this Local Law is available on the Otsego County website. Dated: August 27, 2026 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalAug.27 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of O’NEILL’S PROPERTY AND MANAGEMENT LLC. Filed 5/29/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Lmbm Llc, 380 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1

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Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of THE SOUTHSIDE BUNGALOW LLC. Filed 7/29/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 232 Southside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

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SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 155 Peebles Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of THE HOLSCHER GROUP LLC. Filed 3/16/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 155 Peebles Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1

INDIGO & OAK LLC.

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Filed 7/27/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 232 Southside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1

Notice of Formation of

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of HOLSCHER CONSTRUCTION LLC. Filed 3/16/26. Office: Otsego Co.

print. Accompanying parents, guardians or chaperones pay just Continued from page 5 $10.00, thanks to the 250th anniversary, generosity of the Wendy performed in the same Brown Student Ticket spirit of reflection and Program. An institucelebration the miletion of this scale is only stone calls for. The as noteworthy as it is program also includes accessible, and we built the New York State that program because premiere of a new we believe the next composition by our generation of musicians own Artistic Director and music lovers should and Conductor Glen not have to wait until Cortese, meaning audithey can afford a ticket ences will be among the to fall in love with this first in the state to hear music. So bring the it. Add to that special kids. Bring the grandnarration from Oneonta kids. Bring the neighMayor Dan Buttermann, bor’s kid (somewhere, and this is a night that is someplace, a parent part concert, part home- needs a night off!). town celebration, part “I Otsego County and did not know classical the surrounding region music could feel like have always shown this.” up for the arts, and we Here is the thing cannot wait to open about live orchestral our season together on music that recordSeptember 26 at the ings simply cannot Foothills Performing capture: It is physical. Arts and Civic Center in You feel the low brass Oneonta. Come see what in your chest. You “Boundless” sounds like. watch 50-some musiFor tickets and season cians somehow breathe details, visit the Catskill together as one. It is Symphony Orchestra the kind of experionline (www.catskillence that sneaks up on you—you go in curious, symphony.org) or reach out (607) 269-7501. We and you leave a little would love to help you bit changed. That is find your seat. the whole idea behind The Catskill “Boundless”: There Symphony Orchestra has really is something served the Catskill and in this season for the Leatherstocking regions curious first-timer and for 73 years, bringing the lifelong subscriber world-class orchestral alike. music to audiences And that brings me to the part of this I care of all ages and backabout most. All students, grounds. Ian Kenyon of from school-age through Cooperstown has served on its Board of Directors college, always get in and is currently CSO’s free to CSO concerts, general director. no exceptions, no fine

Oneonta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 8/19/26. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 1218 Central Ave., Ste. 100, Albany, NY 12205. Purpose: practice

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LEGALS

the profession of dentistry. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice INVITATION FOR BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Article 5A of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York that sealed bids are sought by THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK For: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR FAIRY SPRINGS PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Sealed bids will be received by the Village of Cooperstown at the Conference Room of the Village Hall at 22 Main Street in the Village of Cooperstown, NY 13326, until 2:00 p.m., September 18th, 2026 at which time bids will be publicly opened, and read. The request for Bids consists of but is not limited to the demolition, disposal, and complete interior and exterior renovations, underground utilities to the

Tourney

Continued from page 3 fund the outdoor trips and programs that help our veterans and first responders heal and reconnect.” Registration is currently open for twoperson teams. Local businesses are also invited to participate through various sponsorship opportunities, including tee signs, lunch sponsorships and prize donations. For more information, to register a team, or to become a sponsor, contact Pokorny at (607) 441-0061.

Friedell

Continued from page 1 later joined Bassett Healthcare Network as affiliations deepened. He also founded and continues to direct the Oneonta Community Health Center, a free clinic providing preventive care, chronic disease management and mental health support for community members facing financial hardship. His leadership extended beyond clinical care. Dr. Friedell served in interim roles including vice president of medical affairs at A.O. Fox Hospital and chief of primary care for Bassett. He also served on the A.O. Fox Hospital Board of Directors, helping guide the transformation of the former Pyramid Mall into FoxCare

Center, now a major regional health hub. A dedicated educator, Dr. Friedell has taught through partnerships with Upstate Medical University, Albany Medical College, the University of Rochester, and Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. As part of the award, he will donate $10,000.00 to the Bob Simon and Loretta Anagnost Patient Assistance Fund and the David S. Svahn Humanities in Medicine Memorial Lecture. The award Dr. Friedell received is named for Dr. Walter A. Franck, a retired Bassett physician whose influence shaped the network for more than four decades. A rheumatologist by training, Dr. Franck served as chief of medicine at Bassett Medical Center and played a pivotal role in establishing the Columbia Bassett Program, a partnership that gives medical students immersive training in both New York City and Cooperstown. He later served as associate dean of the medical school until his retirement in 2015. Known as an exceptional clinician, teacher, and mentor, Dr. Franck helped define Bassett’s culture of rigorous academic medicine and compassionate patient care, officials said. His legacy continues through the program he helped build and through the award that now bears his name, honoring physicians who embody the same commitment to excellence and service.

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existing Park Pavilion and Caretaker’s Cabin at the Fairy Springs Park in the Village of Cooperstown including: • New Park Pavilion ADA-accessible restroom • New Park Pavilion electrical, plumbing, and underground utilities • New Caretaker’s Cabin ADA-accessible restroom • New Caretaker’s Cabin Bathroom • New Caretaker’s Cabin electrical, plumbing, and underground utilities • New Caretaker’s Cabin Changing Rooms • New Caretaker’s Cabin ADA-accessible ramp, landing, and stairs • All site work associated with new underground septic and water utilities from existing facilities.

A pre-bid meeting will be held and will be optional. The pre-bid meeting will be held at Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, at 10:00 a.m., September 8th, 2026. Bidders are encouraged to attend and a site visit will follow after the meeting.

and health course.

tion. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued.

this “Invitation For Bids”. Bid proposals received after the date and time specified in the Invitation shall be considered unresponsive and will be returned to the Bidder unopened. The Village of Cooperstown does not accept bids by Fax or Email. Bidders must be properly licensed under the laws governing their respective trades and be able to obtain insurance and bonds required for the Work.

Successful bidder shall begin the Work on receipt of the Notice to Proceed and shall complete the Work within the Contract Time. Work is subject to liquidated damages. The bidder shall be aware the construction for this project shall be completed before the end of the April 2027.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages set forth in the Contract Documents (see Exhibits) must be paid on this project; that the Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Contractor must also be aware that he must comply with the State wage rates under New York State Department of Labor PRC# 2026024900, as well as Labor Law 220, section 220-h, which requires that on all public work projects of at least $250,000.00, all laborers, workers and mechanics on the site be certified as having successfully completed the OSHA 10-hour construction safety

Online Procurement and Contracting Documents: Obtain after August 31st, 2026. Complete digital sets of bidding documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained online as a download at the following website: herrmann. biddyhq.com. Complete sets of bidding documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Village of Cooperstown. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. REVplans (herrmann.biddyhq. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package informa-

All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at (herrmann.biddyhq. com). Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Bid security shall be submitted with each bid in the amount of 5 percent of the bid amount. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after opening of bids. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities and irregularities. This is an exempt capital improvement project, and bidders shall not include in their bid sales and compensating use taxes on the cost of materials. This Contract is subject to New York State wage rate schedules.

Bidders are responsible for the timely delivery of their Bid proposal to the proper department as indicated in

Jenna Utter, Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown, New York 1LegalAug.27

►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.

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________

A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Fri., Aug. 28 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/ WORKSHOP— 10 a.m. to noon. Learn to clean/repair gravestones. No experience or tools needed. Presented by the Morris Historical Society at Harmony Cemetery, 136 Pegg Road, Morris. (607) 263-5965. BACK TO SCHOOL— 4-8 p.m. “Back 2 School Swap.” Springfield Center Library, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. FRIDAY FISH FRY— 4:30-7 p.m. Fees apply. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494. LIVE MUSIC— 5:30 p.m. Nate Gross Band. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4348458. QUILTING—5:30 p.m. “Friday Night Delights: Foundation Paper Piecing.” A fun project that can be completed in one session. Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 4413111. LIVE MUSIC—6-9 p.m. The Lake House Summer Concert Series: Grateful Upstate Toodeloo. Back patio, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377. LIVE MUSIC— 6-10 p.m. Southbound Renegade. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com. CONCERT—7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic

Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080. CONCERT—7:30 p.m. “Eat the Document Songbook.” Tickets required. Cherry Valley Artworks, The Star Theater at The Foundry, 44 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2643080.

►Sat., Aug. 29 CLOSING DAY— Cooperstown Dreams Park, Cooperstown. wegootsego.com/changeover/ FESTIVAL—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4th Annual Local Authors and Artists Festival. Presented by the Richfield Springs Public Library in Spring Park, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230. MEETING—10 a.m. General Membership Meeting of the Goodyear Lake Association. All welcome. Portlandville Town Hall, 2859 State Highway 28, Portlandville. FUNDRAISER—11 a.m. until sold out. Chicken and Pork BBQ. Featuring a small basket raffle. Proceeds benefit Joe Malaber and family as they cope with a serious medical condition. East Meredith Fire Department, 6192 County Highway 10, East Meredith. (607) 278-5444. FUNDRAISER—11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “All Aboard the Chicken Train.” Mel’s chicken dinner to support the Lions Club SNAP Match Program. Fees apply; tickets required. 21 Railroad Avenue, Cooperstown. 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. EXERCISE—Noon. “Let’s Move: Come Play Capoeira.” Unique Brazilian practice that blends

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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

martial arts, dance, music and culture. All welcome. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. LAURENS LEGION— Noon to 4 p.m. Clam bake featuring all-youcan-eat-and-drink, raffle, live music, more. Tickets required. Laurens American Legion Post 1688, 11 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-6314. PHOTOGRAPHY— 1-3 p.m. “Pinhole Photography Workshop.” Led by Jenny Riffle. All materials provided. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. SEWING CLASS— 1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held each Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234. FESTIVAL—3-8 p.m. “A Midsummer Night’s Faerie Fest.” Vendors, CBD zone, mimosa and beer grove, arts and crafts activities for kids, faerie forest art installation, costume contest, music, and more. Free and open to the public. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. MUSIC & ART— 3-8 p.m. “GEM Music and Arts Festival.” Family-friendly celebration of the 10th anniversary of the GEM Sculpture Park. Includes live music, cruise-in classic car show, food, vendors and more. Benefit for Butternut Valley Food Pantry. Free admission. Gilbertsville Expressive Movement Sculpture Park, 12 Commons Drive, Gilbertsville. (607) 783-2897. LIVE MUSIC—4 p.m. Mark Pawkett. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4348458.

ANNIVERSARY—4 p.m. “50th Anniversary of The Windfall Dutch Barn.” Share memories and enjoy a performance and potluck supper. Donations appreciated. Windfall Dutch Barn, 2009-2019 County Highway 80, Fort Plain. (518) 774-0134. OUTDOORS— 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Bingo, Bonfire and S’mores.” Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114. PRESENTATION— 7 p.m. “A Man Made a Chair.” An aerial track dance-theatre work by Lisa Giobbi. The Visionary, 2381 State Highway 205, Mount Vision. (917) 375-3316. LIVE MUSIC— 7-10 p.m. The Lake House Summer Concert Series: Gridley Paige. Lakeside stage, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377. CONCERT— 8-10:30 p.m. “Monsters of Rock” Visions Concert Series presents Ultimate 80s Night. Featuring Bon Jovi, Poison and Motley Crue. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. SHOOTING—8:30 p.m. “Shoot for the Moon.” Blacklight event. Fees apply; concessions available. Milford Fish & Game Club, 432 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 322-6118.

►Sun., Aug. 30 SUNDAY SERIES— 1-3 p.m. “Important Oneonta Events in the Last 50 Years.” Presented by Mark Simonson. Free and open to the public. Bring your own folding lawn chair. Front lawn, Swart-Wilcox House Museum, Wilcox Avenue, Oneonta.

THURSDAY, august 27, 2026

FUNDRAISER— 1-4 p.m. “Let’s Rally Around Rick!” Benefit for Rick Kelly in his fight against squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company, 811 County Route 26, Fly Creek. (607) 547-5469. ICE CREAM SOCIAL— 2 p.m. Annual Meeting and Ice Cream Social. Hosted by the Town of Maryland Historical Society. Elect officers, ride the firemen’s carousel, get updated on the renovation project and more. Borst Field, Schenevus. (607) 434-2177. FUNDRAISER— 5-8 p.m. OCCA Annual Fundraising Dinner. Awards presentation, keynote speakers and silent auction over a delicious farm-to-table meal. Creekside Station, 3193 State Route 205, Hartwick. (607) 547-4488.

►Mon., Aug. 31 BLOOD DRIVE— 1-5:30 p.m. Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood. org 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. STUDENTS—5 p.m. “Cooperstown Elementary New Student Mix and Mingle.” Open to all pre-K, kindergarten, and new-to-Cooperstown students. Featuring ice cream and cold drinks. Cooperstown Elementary Kid Garden, 21 Walnut Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9976. LIVE MUSIC— 5:30 p.m. Summer Concert: Mystery Performer. Pathfinder Village, 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377 ext. 147. WALKING CLUB— 6 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

►Tues., Sept. 1 FUNDRAISER—“Bird Seed Sale Fundraiser.” Order bird seed and support the DOAS. Last chance to order is at 5 p.m. on 10/25, with pickup on 11/7 in Oneonta. Benefit for the DelawareOtsego Audubon Society. (607) 397-3815. COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS—8-9 a.m. Local community members gather to chat about what’s happening around Oneonta. Held each Tuesday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. TUESDAY MARKET—Noon to 4 p.m. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. VETERANS— 3-5 p.m. Tour the Oneonta Veterans Museum, featuring memorabilia, photographs and more, donated by local families. Free; donations appreciated. On view 3-5 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. American Legion Post 259, 279 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494. MEET & GREET— 5:30 p.m. Welcome Home Cooperstown. Newcomers to the community are invited to make connections and learn about local organizations. This month will feature a presentation by the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area on their work to promote democracy and fair elections. On the lawn at the Village Library of

Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. welcomehomecooperstown@ gmail.com.

►Wed., Sept. 2 VETERANS BREAKFAST—8-10 a.m. Free breakfast for veterans, active military, firefighters, EMS and law enforcement. Cost for guests is $5. Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. yreckert@yahoo. com OTSEGO COUNTY— 9:45 a.m. Meeting of the Public Works Committee, chaired by Keith McCarty. Purpose: Emergency purchase/contract. Board Chambers, Otsego County Office Building, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4202. SUPPORT—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half-off everything except tagged jewelry and furniture. Every first and third Wednesday at the Helios Care Thrift Shop and Boutique. Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335. BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 5 p.m. Fox Care Center, 1 Fox Care Drive, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood. org BLOOD DRIVE— 12:30-5:30 p.m. Bassett Hall, 31 Beaver Street, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org LIBRARY— 2:30-4:30 p.m. “St. Tim’s Library Corner.” Held each Wednesday. Presented by WorcesterSchenevus Library at St. Timothy’s Church, 1776 County Road 34, Westford. (607) 397-7309. MEDITATION— 6 p.m. “Guided Imagery Meditation.” Held each Wednesday with instructor Kris Anne Eignor. Free; all welcome. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. ART CLASS—6-9 p.m. “Figure This! Open Studio Life Drawing.” Non-instructional workshop with models for sketching. Hosted by a Cooperstown Art Association member. Fees apply, cash. Held each Wednesday. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479777. FLUTE CHOIR— 6:30-8 p.m. Play the flute with the Butternut Valley Flute Choir. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to make music together, featuring popular favorites to classical music. All welcome. Fees apply. Held Wednesdays through 10/21. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 West Main Street, Morris. BarbaraSiesel@ gmail.com.

►Thur., Sept. 3 CRAFT—10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Open Sew.” Work with fellow crafters on current projects. Fees apply. Message/call to reserve a spot. Held each Thursday. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 441-3111. OPEN STUDIO— 1-4 p.m. Bring your own art project and work alongside other artists/ crafters. Held each Thursday. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 Main Street, Morris. (607) 263-2150. BLOOD DRIVE— 1-5:30 p.m. New Lisbon Town Hall, 908 County Road 16, Garrattsville. RedCrossBlood.org STAMP CLUB—2 p.m. Meeting of the Tri-County Stamp Club. Learn about the hobby or bring stamps you would like evaluated. All welcome. The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center, 5506 State Highway 7, Oneonta.

►Visit allotsego. com/otsego-countyevents-calendar/ for the full calendar.