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cherry valley kite festival, exhibits and more, page 2 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 36
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, September 3, 2026
Newsstand Price $1
Springfield Asks the State for ‘Lead Agency’ Authority Over the Manocherian Project By DEBRA MOFFITT
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SPRINGFIELD own of Springfield officials have asked the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to settle a dispute with the Town of Otsego over which municipality should be the “lead agency” and key decisionmaker about a controversial plan to build 126 homes west of Otsego Lake. Manhattan developer Fraydun Manocherian/Pamela Equities Corp. wants to build the homes in pockets of undeveloped land totaling 1,525 acres split between the
two towns. In acreage, Springfield has the edge with 776 acres versus 749 acres in the Town of Otsego—one of multiple points Springfield’s attorney underlined in a 16page letter to NYSDEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “The Springfield Planning Board will have the authority to impose substantive subdivision requirements on a majority of the Proposed Action site,” including design requirements that relate to environmental impacts, Charles Gottlieb, the attorney representing Springfield’s Planning Board, wrote in the August 26 letter to Lefton. In total acreage, the difference amounts to 27 acres, 51 Continued on page 11
Coop Trustees Hear Concerns on Smoking Law, Temporary Use Permits, Main St. Development By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
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COOPERSTOWN he Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees convened on Monday, August 24 for a meeting that blended routine municipal business with substantive public input on two proposed local laws and a detailed presentation on Main Street redevelopment. The session opened with public comment from Kyla Coburn, lead designer at Kyla Coburn Designs, speaking on behalf of Cooperstown Main Street Partners LLC. Coburn outlined plans for three recently purchased Main Street buildings, explaining that the group had already secured Certificates of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board for all façade renovations. Coburn described a multi‑phase revitalization effort aimed at bringing new life to long‑vacant properties. One building, formerly Nicoletta’s Italian Cafe, will feature newly renovated year‑round apartments intended for local workers. Another location, once home to a card shop near the Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange, will include ground‑floor retail or office space with apartments above. The largest project involves the former CVS building, which Coburn called “a really exciting one,” noting that the space may temporarily house the Cooperstown Continued on page 8 INSIDE
► sales tax sharing saga, page 2
Photo by Joshua Youngquist
Veteran of the Month ONEONTA—The Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center honored Bernard Saberon (center) with the organization’s “Veteran of the Month” award for September on Tuesday, September 1. On either side of Saberon are Gary Flaherty, OVOC chief administrator, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families Case Manager Kerri Lincoln. See page 6 for further information.
Historian Simonson Reflects on City of Oneonta’s Past
The request tied neatly into America250 celebrations and ► otesaga four diamond ONEONTA the museum’s ongoing effort to designation, page 3 ppointed Oneonta city highlight local history through historian in 1998, for public talks. As Simonson put ► sheriffs vs. gov. nearly three decades it, “I’m city historian here, hochul, page 3 Mark Simonson has been one of and for years they’ve just been the community’s most trusted asking me to come and do ► flock cameras voices on local history. He presentations.” a concern, page 4 returned to the Swart‑Wilcox Simonson approached the ► ‘america at 250’ House Museum’s Summer talk with a clear structure: fast, CONTINUES, page 4 Sunday Series on August 27 focused and packed with recogto deliver a rapid‑fire tour nizable moments. Borrowing a ► one measles case through the last half‑century line from a New York City radio confirmed, page 7 of Oneonta’s evolution, an era station, he told the audience, ► terry berkson talks marked by dramatic shifts in Photo provided “This is going to be rapid fire. hemingway, page 8 industry, downtown redevel- Photo of the Clarion Hotel being built in the vacant lot that was formerly Broad I’m going to give you Oneonta opment, and the city’s cultural Street, which was torn down in 1976 as part of an Urban Renewal Project. in 50 [years], and hopefully in Follow Breaking News On identity. a half an hour or more.” “They asked me…why don’t you recap One of the most significant chapters The inspiration for the presentation came what’s been going on in Oneonta over the directly from the museum’s organizers. past 50 years?” Simonson said. Continued on page 9 By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
The Village of Cooperstown has an opening for the position of Heavy Motor Equipment Operator. Requirements include the possession of a valid New York State CDL Class A or B license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment and experience in the operation of heavy equipment. This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $22- $24 per hour and benefits that include paid leave time, health insurance and NYS Retirement System. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. For further information regarding the positions and to obtain an application please contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 607-547-2411 or send your resume and cover letter to: Village Clerk | Village of Cooperstown PO Box 346 | Cooperstown, NY 13326
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Town Renews Push for Review of County Sales Tax Sharing Formula By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST ONEONTA he Town of Oneonta is again urging Otsego County leaders to revisit the county’s decades‑old sales tax sharing formula, arguing that the system—unchanged since 1991—no longer reflects the realities of where revenue is generated or the strain placed on local infrastructure. During an August 20 meeting of the county’s Administration Committee, Oneonta Town Supervisor Will Rivera and members of the town board laid out their case for a formal, countywide review. Rivera said the town’s request is not about demanding an immediate change, but about finally examining a formula that was supposed to be revisited every four years. “It is an archaic formula,” he said, “and…all municipalities in our county deserve to have some more information and conversation around that formula, because times have changed from 30 years ago. The current distribution model dates back to a 1991 agreement between the county and the City of Oneonta. Under that structure, the city first claims its state‑allowed
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“It is an archaic formula, and…all municipalities in our county deserve to have some more information and conversation around that formula, because times have changed from 30 years ago.” —Town of Oneonta Supervisor Will Rivera
preemption share, and the remaining revenue is distributed based on property assessments. Town officials argue that this approach disproportionately benefits wealthier districts and fails to account for where sales‑tax revenue is actually generated. Rivera confirmed that the formula has not been reevaluated in more than three decades. “That is correct,” he said, when asked whether the agreement had gone untouched since 1991. The town’s frustration is compounded by the fact that Oneonta hosts the county’s largest commercial corridor— Walmart, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Price Chopper, and other major retailers—yet receives only a fraction of the revenue those businesses generate. Rivera noted that the town received roughly $740,000.00 in sales‑tax revenue last year, a number he believes is far out of proportion to the town’s contribution.
“We generate a huge share of that and we don’t even know what that share is,” he said. Town officials emphasized that Oneonta’s rapid growth has placed significant pressure on local services. Aging water and sewer systems need upgrades. The highway department is short‑staffed. Equipment replacement and sidewalk maintenance have become increasingly difficult to keep up with. Meanwhile, only four full‑time staff manage the town’s development workload. “We only have one water operator…what if something happens and we don’t have another one?” Rivera said, adding that the town’s small highway crew is stretched thin as development expands. Residents often assume the town is flush with sales‑tax revenue because of its commercial footprint, Rivera said, but officials must explain that the formula prevents the town from retaining most of what is generated locally.
“They’re just really shocked that this disparity exists with how much we are supporting all,” he said. County representatives acknowledged that the issue is complex and any change would affect all municipalities. Some districts could see increased taxes while others might benefit from a redistribution. They also noted that the city must be involved, as preemption agreements require both city and county consent. Rivera said he understands that revisiting the formula may generate pushback from other municipalities. Still, he believes the conversation is overdue. “I would be crazy not to say that [pushback] would be a response…but you should be doing the opposite of me as well,” he said. “This isn’t asking for one over the other—it’s asking for us to get the information and have a conversation once we have those numbers.” He added that the Town
of Oneonta is not simply pointing out problems and that it is actively working to secure resources. “We applied for over $1.5 million in funding…probably the most out of any municipality this CFA [New York State Consolidated Funding Application] round,” Rivera said. “We’re focused on doing the work as well.” Rivera said the town’s goal is straightforward: gather updated data, understand how the formula functions today and determine whether it still serves the county fairly. “Maybe it isn’t working right…maybe it simply has to stay how it is, which is okay as well,” he said. “But the Town of Oneonta and all of Otsego County deserve that answer.” With major economic drivers like Cooperstown All Star Village and SUNY Oneonta contributing seasonal boosts to local businesses, town officials believe a modernized formula could help ensure that the infrastructure supporting that growth is sustainable. For now, the town awaits the county’s next steps and hopes that, after 30 years, the conversation finally begins.
EXPLORE CHERRY VALLEY cherryvalley.com Chervillians Gearing Up for Kite Fest CHERRY VALLEY he popular Cherry Valley Kite Festival, organized by Cherry Valley Artworks, returns on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 with precision kite teams, live music, local vendors, delicious food, and an opportunity to make your own kite. Kiters from all over the United States gather for this family-friendly event. The action kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. with a Kite Building Workshop for all ages at the Old School gymnasium on Genesee Street. This mini-kite workshop is free and is followed by an Indoor Kite Fly at 7 p.m. It’s a bright and early start on Saturday, with a Kid’s Kite Building Workshop, also held in the Old School gym. The $5.00 fee includes all materials. The All Day Outdoor Fly begins at 10 a.m. on the hillside of Glensfoot Farm,
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Campbell Road. Admission is $5.00 per person and includes parking; children under 10 admitted free of charge. Parking for people with disabilities is available. The outdoor fly runs until 5 p.m. and will feature precision kite flying performances, fighter kite battles and the “running of the bols”—an interactive race where participants of various age groups drag large, parachute-style kits known as bols across the field—giant kites (weather permitting), kite building and public flying. The Cherry Valley Kite Festival is a biennial, grassroots festival that regularly draws 1,2001,500 attendees and kite flyers from across the U.S. and Canada. Since 2009, Cherry Valley Artworks has been hosting performances, classes, and special events and installations at The Star Theater in Cherry Valley. For more information, visit cvartworks.org.
First Friday (9/4): 25 Main Collective, 21 Main St. Opening Reception (5-8 p.m.) Made with Fire Featuring the work of artists using heat and fire to make their work food by CoFFee & CRuMb Café Show on view through September 27
The Telegraph School, 83 Alden St. Open Mic (starting at 6 p.m.)
Red Shed Ale House, 10 Main St. Live Music with The Phakers (7-9 p.m.)
www.cherryvalley.com
‘Made with Fire’ Opens at 25 Main Collective CHERRY VALLEY his Friday, September 4, “Made with Fire” opens at 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley with a reception from 5-8 p.m. and food by Coffee & Crumb Café. This exhibit features the work of artists who create using heat and fire, including Jasmine Crowe, Chuck Matteson, Wendy Reich, Shauger, and Anda Stelian. The 25 Main Collective gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from
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Irish, Scottish, Welsh, British Teas and Gifts PLUS Fair Trade, Metaphysical and Local Delights!
Your Fall Decor Destination! Wreaths, Ornaments Fall decor. Seasonal fresh florals and pumpkin arrangements.
Plaide Palette Just a fun place to shop!
We are the place for all your favorite teas: Complete selection of mushroom teas, tinctures and more. Jewelry, Metaphysical Delights, including incense, Green Men, pendulums, Tree-of-Life, spirit balls and dowsing supplies. Lots of Irish sweaters! Venture into our “rock room,” where all the crystals, minerals and rocks hang out. Huge selection of tumbled and raw specimens. Many sizes. Kids always welcome! Local pottery “inspired by nature,” plus local honey and maple syrup!
45 Main St., Cherry Valley • (607) 264-3769 Artists • Makers • Artisans
Cards, jewelry, glass art, wood items, pottery, textiles, fine art and more ~ New Gallery Show Every First Friday ~
21 Main Street Cherry Valley, NY 25maincollective@gmail.com Wed through Sun 11-4
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Made with Fire” will be on display through Sunday, September 27. Other Cherry Valley First Friday events include open mic at The Telegraph School, 83 Alden Street, starting at 6 p.m. and live music with The Phakers at the Red Shed Ale House, 10 Main Street, from 7-9 p.m. Thanks to funding from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Community Grants Program, Saturday, October 3 is the Cherry Valley “Falltoberfest.” From 11
Distinctive Flowers & GiFts
It’s Cozy Season! We Deliver! 607-264-3100
aroseisaroseflorist.com 17 Main Street, Cherry Valley
a.m. to 4 p.m., artists participating in the Cherry Valley Art Trail will feature their work at Cherry Valley businesses and in open studios. Vendors will be set up in the NBT Bank parking lot and Sue Miller will host “Ghost Tour Hay Rides.” Live music and a performance by the Happy Haggs will also be featured. For more information on these and other upcoming events in Cherry Valley, visit www.cherryvalley.com.
Celebrating 76 Years
It’s the destination with something for everyone. Otsego County Landmark Since 1950 Native American Jewelry and Crafts, Minnetonka Moccasins, Jewelry, Clothing, Oils, Candles, Local Artists, Crafts, So Much More. Call for hours 607-264-3987 • www.thetepee.biz 7632 US Hwy 20 Cherry Valley NY
Bob’s Country Store
COFFEE & CRUMB Cafe
25 Main Street Cherry Valley, NY Thurs, Fri & Mon 7-4, Sat & Sun 8-4 @Coffee & Crumb on FB for updates
Family Owned and Operated Located on NY 165 in Roseboom
607.264.3007
Deli, Grocery, Beer, Gas. Local Products Including Coffee, Honey, Milk, Beef, Maple Syrup.
The Locals Place. Come check out our little Country Store, where we have a little bit of everything.
Shop LocaL! We cannot thank You enough For Your BuSineSS!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
Otesaga Earns AAA Four Diamond Designation 26 Years Running COOPERSTOWN destinations. Known for its elegant accomAA Northeast has recognized modations, scenic beauty, fine dining, and The Otesaga Resort Hotel with its exceptional customer service, the resort prestigious AAA Four Diamond continues to attract visitors from around Designation, marking an extraordinary the world. milestone as the historic Cooperstown Maintaining AAA Four Diamond property has maintained this distinction status for 26 consecutive years reflects for 26 consecutive years. the dedication of the hotel’s leadership The AAA Four Diamond designation and staff to providing guests with memois awarded to hotels that provide a refined rable experiences and superior service travel experience with an elevated level year after year. of style, service and attention to detail. “We are honored to receive this recogAccording to a press release, “propnition from AAA Northeast,” said Marty erties earning this distinction consisRosenthal, general manager/chief opertently deliver upscale accommodations, ating officer of The Otesaga Resort Hotel. thoughtfully designed amenities, and a “This award reflects the hard work and high degree of hospitality that exceeds dedication of our entire team, whose guest expectations.” commitment to excellence allows us to Representatives from AAA Northeast provide gracious hospitality to every presented the award to the leadership guest who visits The Otesaga.” team at The Otesaga Resort Hotel during AAA’s Diamond Program is one of Photo provided the hospitality industry’s most respected a special recognition ceremony on Wednesday, August 26. Pictured left: Tjibbe Lambers, director of marketing, The Otesaga Resort Hotel; Dwight rating systems. Properties are evaluated “Receiving the AAA Four Diamond Sanford, executive director of resort operations, The Otesaga Resort Hotel; Marty by professional inspectors using objective designation for 26 consecutive years is Rosenthal, general manager/chief operating officer, The Otesaga Resort Hotel (hold- criteria that assess cleanliness, comfort, the AAA Four Diamond Award); Patti Artessa, director of public affairs outreach, a remarkable achievement and a testa- ing hospitality, amenities, and overall quality. AAA Northeast; and Jennifer Craig, reservation manager, The Otesaga Resort Hotel. ment to The Otesaga’s unwavering Only a select percentage of hotels earn hospitality. We are proud to recognize this excepcommitment to excellence,” said Patti the Four Diamond designation each year. Artessa, director of public affairs outreach for AAA tional accomplishment.” “AAA Northeast congratulates The Otesaga Resort Located on the shores of Otsego Lake in the heart Hotel on this outstanding achievement and applauds Northeast. “For more than two decades, The Otesaga has delivered outstanding guest experiences while of Cooperstown, The Otesaga Resort Hotel has long its continued dedication to hospitality excellence,” maintaining the highest standards of service and been recognized as one of New York State’s premier officials said.
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Sheriffs File Suit Against Gov. Hochul’s ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act’ WASHINGTON ifteen New York county sheriffs are plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, August 25 that challenges the state’s forced termination of federal immigration partnerships, but Otsego County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. is not among them. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, challenges the state’s “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act” and the newly created Office of Immigrant Trust. According to a press release, the sheriffs simultaneously filed an emergency motion seeking a temporary restraining Continued on page 8
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OUR CARE.
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL
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hy are communities and even entire states banning Flock cameras? After all, closed-circuit television and video cameras have been used for decades in businesses, homes, and on public streets for surveillance and to prevent criminal activity. True crime aficionados will point out that video camera footage has helped law enforcement officials successfully track killers like Bryan Kohberger and Israel Keyes and bring them to justice. Doorbell cameras are everywhere, used for everything from theft deterrence to package tracking to remote communication. So wherein lies the rub? According to an August 30 NewsNation article written by Rob Taub, “criticism of Flock cameras continues to fuel debate across the country as communities weigh whether automated license plate readers are valuable public safety tools or an invasion of privacy.” Flock Safety, the company that manufactures and sells this controversial technology, argues that their cameras are “better tools for safer communities” that help “deter crime, respond to emergencies, and investigate safety incidents.” But, according to DeFlock, an anti-surveillance group, more than 90 cities have chosen to reject or remove Flock license plate reader systems. In fact, just this week the Florida Department of Transportation banned Flock cameras and other ALPRs from all state highway rights-of-way and officially revoked all active permits for such equipment on state lands. In his article, Taub cites a “Washington Post” investigation that revealed “more than 50 law enforcement officers have been accused, charged or convicted of misusing automatic license plate reader systems for unauthorized purposes, including tracking former romantic partners.” Flock cameras are affixed on poles in high traffic areas. Instead of recording a video, they snap a photo when a vehicle passes, recording basic information such as the car’s make, model, color and unique
What the Flock?!
features. The plates are then compared against lists like the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center, which connects law enforcement officials across the United States and enables them to instantly check for stolen vehicles, for instance. The Flock Safety website contends that protecting communities also means protecting civil liberties, but opponents argue that the Flock cameras are a form of mass surveillance with serious privacy risks, creating permanent logs of people not suspected of any crime. No warrants or probable cause are necessary for law enforcement to track vehicles, officer misconduct has been identified as a real concern, and there is a worry that this equipment might be used for such actions as immigration tracking. Error rates are also high, raising further red flags. In his article, Taub points out that some law enforcement officials are pushing back on objections to the Flock camera technology. One Kentucky police chief argued that Flock cameras have been used by his department to solve homicide cases, locate missing people and recover stolen vehicles. Ironically, that same police chief “continues to use the system even after one of its officers was arrested for allegedly using department access to track his ex-girlfriend more than 2,000 times, including after she obtained an order of protection against him.” To battle what the Glynn County Police Department in Georgia terms “some misinformation,” the GCPD has launched a “Flock Transparency Portal,” making statistics and other data available to concerned citizens. “There are rules and laws that govern Glynn County’s use of the data gathered by Flock cameras. If someone misuses the data, it’s not just a policy violation. It’s a crime,” GCPD officials said in an August 12 Facebook post. In past weeks, speaking of Facebook, Oneontans have identified the locations of Flock cameras in and around the city and expressed myriad concerns. “This is a fundamental violation of privacy and it
is dystopic,” one individual posted. “Furthermore, it’s just more completely unnecessary and harmful AI use. It’s mass surveillance and data that can be accessed federally. ICE has already kidnapped people from our community…and they were here again today. We don’t need to give them any more opportunities. Thankfully, many communities have already realized just how dangerous Flock is, and petitioned their local governments to end the Flock contract.” Another post read, “I was driving down Chestnut St in Oneonta today, right past Valleyview Elementary, and I spotted it. A Flock camera. Hidden in plain sight. Black pole. Solar panel on top. Two little black boxes staring at both lanes of traffic—pointed right at the school drop-off/parent pickup lane. No public notice. No village board meeting. No vote. Just bolted up there last week like we wouldn’t notice. Why there? Of all places? Not at the police station. Not at a high-crime area. At an elementary school where our kids get dropped off every morning.” Someone else pointed out that the City of Oneonta Common Council formally adopted a resolution at its June 3, 2025 meeting to install license plate reader equipment within the geographical jurisdiction of the City of Oneonta and the State of New York within the state right of way, “on or along NYS Route 23 (Lettis Highway).” Yet another concerned citizen urged folks to contact Common Council members to let them know AI surveillance in Oneonta is not wanted, calling for a limit to the scope of license plate readers, the prohibition of AI tracking software, restricted data sharing and access, and transparency. Someone else commented, “Big Brother is watching.” So that’s the automated license plate reader controversy in a nutshell. Whether overblown or not, only time will tell. In the meantime, we say “flock no” to Flock cameras. Just because you can do something does not necessarily mean you should.
AMERICA AT 250
Francis P. Sempa
Foreign Policy Realism Helped Win Our Independence
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reedom. Liberty. Democracy. These words constitute the ideology of the American Revolution. But ideology does not win wars. Ideology does not protect our freedom. Ideology does not provide for our national security. America’s war against Great Britian was won, in part, because our political and military leaders practiced foreign policy realism. It was not our appeals to liberty, freedom, and democracy that caused France and Spain to help our cause between 1775 and 1783. Neither France nor
Spain at that time were democracies. Their leaders cared nothing about Americans’ freedom and liberty, and they opposed the ideology of democracy. The beautiful and inspirational words of the Declaration of Independence may have moved individual French and Spanish subjects, but they were anathema to the rulers of France and Spain. America’s statesmen at the time understood this. Our chief wartime diplomat during the war, Benjamin Franklin, didn’t care what form of government existed in France and Spain—he cared about
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper, or on topics of general local interest. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Maximum length is 300 words; however, the editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
founded in 1808
a publication of Iron String Press, Inc. Advertising Director / Publisher Emerita
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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
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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
their ability and willingness to aid America in its war against Great Britain. In the geopolitics of that time, the American Revolution was a sideshow to the larger European struggle for power. The great British historian J.R. Seeley wrote about this in 1883 in “The Expansion of England.” Seeley understood that the three wars between England and France known to history as the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years War, and the American War of Independence—fought between 1740 and Continued on page 9
Letters to the editor … In their opinION
Shoenhard: ‘We Didn’t Know’ We didn’t know, but that’s no excuse. When we bought the couch and carpets coated in Teflon to prevent staining, we didn’t know that Dow Chemical/DuPont had hidden the adverse effects on its pregnant workers since the 1960s. We didn’t know that tiny particles could flake off and enter your systems and become endocrine disruptors and cancer causers. We didn’t know when we bought the pajamas coated in fire retardant (PFAS). We thought it was keeping you safe if our house caught fire, a ridiculous concern since we didn’t smoke. We didn’t know that when we bought canned cheap foods, especially tomatoes, their acidity would allow the PFAS in the can lining to leach into the food that you would eat. I continue to be amazed by our children’s resilience and fervently hope for our conquest of cancer. Look up the research published August 1, 2026 in “Scientific Reports” titled “Integrated computa-
tional and in vitro analysis reveals the toxic mechanisms of PFAS in female diminished ovarian reserve.” The current administration has rolled back restrictions of PFAS in drinking water and stopped monitoring it in sewage that is spread as fertilizer. Elect people that are listening to real scientists or are scientists, not people that have teamed up with the chemical companies to continue to profit off of our lack of understanding. I know this is only one facet of cancer of the breast, thyroid, uterus, and colon, and gender dysphoria, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Dana Shoenhard Cooperstown
Ryan: ‘Did I Read that Right?’ In “The Freeman’s Journal” dated August 20, 2026, I read that the Town of Otsego may allow grandfathering of existing businesses but only until the grandfathered property is sold. (“Town Softens Language on Subdivision Acreage, Short-term Rentals” by Debra Moffitt.)
Did I read that right? Grandfathering is meant to be in perpetuity, not just until the property is sold. As owner of a grandfathered property in the Town of Otsego, the Mohican Motel, I object. If I sell my property I will sell it as the way it has been used for the past 68 years. The building was built as a motel. The building would not be useful for other residential uses. If you won’t allow future owners to use the building as a motel, you will effectively have condemned the building. Celeste Ryan Cooperstown
Tague: ‘I Stand with the Sheriffs’ The recent enactment of the Local Cop/Local Crimes Act is a direct attack on our local police and county sheriff’s offices, handicapping their law enforcement tools at a time when we need them the most. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Leticia James have put forward this unconstitutional political ploy to appease the radical Continued on page 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 news from the noteworthy
Helios Care
Caring for Our Neighbors, Our Community
Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
210 YEARS AGO
The Lottery—In the last class of the Medical Science Lottery, the number 12,129 drew a prize of 25,000 dollars, and was sold in eights. Seven eights were soon claimed and proceeds received by the respective owners. But to the surprise of the office which sold it, the remaining eighth had never been claimed. On Saturday evening last, a poor man, a school master (whose name is concealed at his own request) came to Allen’s office to purchase some shares in the next class and brought with him one-half of a torn ticket in the former lottery, to examine for his satisfaction what had been its fate. This half, which contained the number of the ticket his wife found after a diligent search among some old rubbish, but the other half had been destroyed by the children to whom it had been given. It turned out to be the remaining eighth of the high prize. His joy was extravagant. He said that this prize, together with his business, would render him independent for life, to complete satisfaction. September 5, 1816
135 YEARS AGO
Local—It is estimated that there are now upwards of 8,000 persons at work in the hop fields of this county. Hop City is the scene of great activity just now, and is visited by many people from other cities. Mr. Clark has a small army of hop pickers at work and he is harvesting a large and a fine crop. September 3, 1891
110 YEARS AGO
Knocked down by dogs—Mrs. Roy Campbell Smith is a patient at Thanksgiving Hospital recovering from cerebral concussion and a fractured collar bone, the result of a most unusual accident occurring on Main Street last Thursday morning. Mrs. Smith was walking uptown from the Olmstead cottage on Fair Street, where she and her daughter Marjorie have been spending the summer. When nearly opposite the Murdock store a couple of dogs ran into Mrs. Smith, throwing her from her feet, her head striking heavily upon the cement sidewalk. Passersby came to her assistance, removing her to her home and giving such attention as they could until the arrival of Drs. Dewar and Cruttenden. Later, the ambulance was called and Mrs. Smith was taken to Thanksgiving Hospital. September 6, 1916
60 YEARS AGO
More than 155,000 persons, an average of better than 5,000 a day, visited Cooperstown’s six museums during the month of August. Five of the six museums set all-time one month attendance records. One of these, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, surpassed its record total for a single year shortly after it opened for business on September 1. The Hall of Fame entertained a whopping 721,595 fans last month to break its old one-month record of 61,334 set in August 1963, by 10,261. The Farmers’ Museum registered 41,053 visitors in August to better its old one-month record total of 37,163 in August 1964 by 3,890. Fenimore House had 20,173 visitors last month, 1,653 more than its old record of 18,520 set in August 1963. Monthly attendance records were also set at the Woodland Museum (19,603) and the Carriage & Harness Museum (907). The Cooperstown Indian Museum attracted 4,187 visitors, only 170 short of its all-time one-month record of 4,357. September 7, 1966
35 YEARS AGO
A $202,397 grant has been awarded to the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital Research Institute from the National Center for Research Resources to improve the Institute’s research facilities. The research buildings which will be renovated include the facilities originally used by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, who won the Nobel Prize last year for pioneering bone marrow research at Bassett in the 1950s. September 4, 1991 Solution: “A Nut at the Opera” (August 27)
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hen I talk to people about Helios Care, I often realize that many people know our name, but they may not really know everything we do. Some know us because we cared for a parent, spouse, friend or neighbor. Others know us because they have attended one of our events. And some people still think of Helios Care simply as “hospice.” We are hospice, and I am incredibly proud of the care we provide. But we are also so much more. Helios Care serves individuals and families throughout Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie counties. We care for people in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities and wherever they call home. We also provide palliative care, bereavement services, support groups, children’s programs, education, and other support for people and families dealing with serious illness, loss, and grief. One of the things I wish more people understood is that calling hospice does not mean you are giving up. In fact, I believe it is just the opposite. Hospice is about helping people live as well as possible for as long as possible. We hear families say all the time, “I wish we had called sooner.” I want to change that. You do not have to wait until the last days or weeks of someone’s life to talk with us. Sometimes the first step is simply a conversation.
You can call us, ask questions, learn what services are available and then decide what is right for you or your family. There is no pressure. We want people to understand their choices before they are in the middle of a crisis. Being part of Helios Care has also reminded me how fortunate we are to live in the communities we serve. We take care of one another here. Our staff live in these communities. Our children go to school here. We shop in the same stores, support the same local businesses and see each other at community events. When we say we are caring for our neighbors, we truly mean it. That is also why our fall events are so important to us. Yes, they help support Helios Care, but they are also about bringing people together. We have a busy and exciting fall ahead. Our Dine Out for a Cause gives people a chance to support Helios Care while enjoying some of our great local restaurants and supporting local businesses. Our annual Golf Tournament, September 16 at Cobleskill Country Club, is always a fun day and brings together so many local businesses, sponsors, friends, volunteers, and supporters. We have a new event this year on September 20—a cornhole tournament and disc golf tournament at Brewery Ommegang, during a Dine Out Continued on page 9
THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL By MERL REAGLE
Gang of Fours… 4-warned is 4-armed
INSTRUCTIONS: In this puzzle, all 8-letter answers are noted personalities with 4-letter first and last names (like MORT SAHL). Clues to their identities are listed in caps but in random order. For example, the answer to 1 Across may appear in any 8-letter location in the puzzle EXCEPT at 1 Across. Use the crossing words to get you started and cross off the capitalized clues as you discover where names go. ACROSS 1 MADONNA MARRIER 9 First animal-rescue guy 13 States, in the comics 16 TV alien 19 MONTY PYTHON MEMBER 20 Outdated, spelled in an outdated way 21 You, in France 22 Maude star 23 VAMPIRE CHRONI83 Golfers’ org. CLER 84 “... that married dear ___” 24 RUSSIAN-BORN ACTRESS 85 E. Murphy’s old show 26 It holds your hat 88 Coop denizen 27 “___ the first on your block” 89 Singer Pinza 28 Having more space 91 Buddies 29 Fargo director Joel 92 Health haven 31 Muslim noble, variantly 94 German songs 33 Home of the Mets 96 Horse’s gait 35 Eloi girl in The Time Machine 97 Aloe ___ 37 Smoke passage 98 Singer Redding 39 1986 sci-fi sequel 99 JOSE JIMENEZ COMIC 41 Jobs and Wozniak’s baby 101 Like 130 Across 43 SINGER 103 “He ___ the poor from the sword” (Job 5:15) 45 Talks incessantly 105 Complain 46 The Centennial St. 106 ___ bite (eat on the run) 48 Poisonous snakes 108 Lodge members 50 Elton’s partner 110 Car damage 51 Compass pt. 111 An ex-Supreme 52 Dog’s cousin 113 Dry ___ (parched) 53 Latin deeds 115 Peter I was one 54 Thatch dwelling 117 D.C. denizen 55 Computer keyboard key 118 PLAYWRIGHT 56 Outfits 58 “Runaround” girl of song 120 M*A*S*H-ER 124 Philippine tribesman 59 Confines to a sickbed 125 L.A. judge in the news, 62 Women’s wear daily? 1995 63 ISRAELI SCHOLAR 126 Gullible dog in Garfield 65 Hefty chunks of rock 127 MOVIE PRODUCER 69 Totaling job: abbr. 128 Quarterback Marino 70 Alfalfa’s amour 129 “Boy!” 72 Seeped 130 Some poems 74 Concerning 131 ACTOR 75 Fibber McGee’s medium DOWN 77 ACTRESS IN HAVANA 1 Impact sound 79 Bout settings 2 Nigerian native 81 Film’s blueprint 3 Wt. units
4 Scottish girls 5 Make (a bull) safer 6 Rhyme scheme 7 Nostrils 8 Picnic pest 9 “The deal’s off” 10 Butter substitute 11 GENTLEMAN JIM STAR 12 Skater Sonja 13 Breastbones 14 Millennium 15 Element in metal plating 16 NIXON LAWYER 17 “PUPPY LOVE” SINGER 18 Business card number 25 Takes a forbidden look 28 Bank confiscation, briefly 30 1 970 film, The Mind ___ Soames 31 OLYMPIC RUNNER 32 EX-TV COP 34 ___-truth 36 Photographer Diane 38 Business VIP 39 Seagoing affirmative 40 Crossed home plate 42 Tied, as shoes 44 “___ pray ...” 47 Bullfight sound 49 Inexperienced boxer 52 Madison’s st. 53 Of hearing 54 FDR’s Park 57 Northern African capital 58 Gesturing G.I. 60 R eputed founder of San Francisco 61 Worked at, as one’s trade
62 Tavern 63 Stole, for one 64 Little drum 66 TV BATMAN 67 GODFATHER COMPOSER 68 French pronoun 71 Hear ___ drop 73 Home of the Ewings 76 Earth hue 78 “Isn’t It ___” 80 Some rtes. 82 Run new lines on a ship 84 Rowboat need 85 Bridge coup 86 EXODUS AUTHOR 87 CHINESE-BORN ACTOR 90 MR. SOCIALISM 91 Atticus Finch portrayer 93 Mt. St. Helens spew 95 Cozy, book-lined rooms 96 Back-comb 97 Despicable 98 Went too far with 100 Wax colorer 102 Zellweger and Fleming 104 “Ten Cents ___” 107 The Jungle Book bear 109 Tale 112 Milk choice 114 Dust Bowl fleer 116 Knee neighbor 117 Fill with verbiage 119 Greek letter 120 Ebony’s sister magazine 121 Writer LeShan 122 Entirely 123 Napoleon’s field marshal
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
NEWS BRIEFS
CAA To Host Outdoor Sale COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association will hold “Fine Arts on the Lawn,” an outdoor sale of artwork, on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, rain or shine. Artist-run tents on the lawn will be featured, as well as work by more than 20 members of the CAA on the front porch of the Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street. This sale of original artwork includes oils, photography, printmaking, watercolors, pen and ink, drawings, pastels, and much more, officials said. Instructors from The Smithy Clay Studio will also demonstrate their craft on the front lawn, alongside a selection of their wares available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. Live music will be featured all weekend. On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jim Kopp with play classic acoustic country rock, followed by “Bob’s Yer Uncle” (Ed Spencer, Brian Prescott and John Heney) from 2-4 p.m. Gus Leinhart and John Davey of “Duopoly” will play a blend of original and folk tunes on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mike Herman will perform acoustic finger-style blues from 2-4 p.m. that day. Rick’s Hot Dog Cart will be available both days, serving up hot dogs, drinks and chips. Artists exhibiting on the porch include Margo Armstrong, Sarah Brander, Lilly Collignon, Anne DeSimone, Frank DeSimone, Christina Dischiavi, Cindy Draper, Rita Ferrugiari, Steven Flanagan, Abbey Kreh Gibson, Rhoda Harrow-Engel, Maureen Heroux, Kate Ives, Judith Snedeker Jaquith, MayBritt Joyce, Dianne Kull, Mary Nolan, Todd Pink, Esperanza Roncero, Tim Sheesley, Mevlida Sofic, Helen Truszkowski, Cheryl A. Wright and others.
New Trail Opening Slated ONEONTA—The Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway and the Oneonta Department of Public Works will celebrate the official opening of a new OSG trail in Oneonta at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. The short 0.28 mile trail is now is open for walking, mountain biking and nature enjoyment off Roundhouse Road, west of the intersection with Fonda Avenue and across from Noah’s World. Those attending are asked to park along the road shoulder. For more information, call Donna Vogler at (607) 353-9286 or e-mail Oneonta.greenway@gmail.com.
BCAC To Hold ‘First Friday’ BINGHAMTON—Broome County Arts Council will host a First Friday Art Walk on September 4 from 6-9 p.m. Some locations having varying hours and most exhibitions are free and open to the public. According to a press release, patrons can now receive a special $5.00 event parking rate for six hours (4-10 p.m.) at the Water Street Parking Garage. For more information, visit https://broomearts.org/in-the-community/first-friday/.
WSC To Hold Public Meeting COOPERSTOWN—The Otsego Lake Watershed Supervisory Committee will host a second public meeting on the Otsego Lake Watershed Protection Plan on Tuesday, September 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Glimmerglass State Park, in the Lakeview Pavilion. Community members are invited to come learn about progress on the 9 Element Plan for Otsego Lake, the watershed planning process and how they can get involved. Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided. This event kicks off officially at 5:30 p.m. The WSC, a cooperative effort between the Village of Cooperstown and the Towns of Middlefield, Otsego, and Springfield, meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. For more information, visit https://cooperstownny. gov/the-otsego-watershed-supervisory-committee/.
Register Now for Farm Visit PORT CRANE—The Southern Tier Chapter of the New York Forest Owners Association has arranged for a free, open-to-the-public woods walk at the Kutney Tree Farm on Saturday, October 10 at 10 a.m. This autumn woods walk will include lunch at noon, thanks to the efforts of Ken and Sharon Semanovich, as well as a discussion on the type of equipment used for timber stand improvement and invasive control; a viewing of this year’s cut stump invasive control activities that were performed using a brush saw and glyphosate applied with a one-quart sprayer; the use of tree tubes to prevent deer browsing; a comparison of a non-exclosure area next to a deer exclosure that was installed by Cornell University in an area that has had a TSI treatment 10 years ago; and the problems of growing an apple/chestnut orchard. The woods walk will be approximately one mile long on uneven, natural forest terrain. Hiking poles and waterproof footwear are recommended, as the trail could be wet after recent rains. Restrooms are available. The woods walk program will last two hours, depending on the number of questions. Reservations are required by calling Steve Kutney at (607) 902-4090.
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.
Artisan Fest Is This Weekend COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Cooperstown Artisan Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6, on the Otsego County Campus at 193-197 Main Street, Cooperstown. Visitors can browse unique handcrafted goods from talented artisan vendors on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music, food trucks and kids’ activities will also be featured. Organizers invite folks to stop by the Cooperstown Chamber booth for the local business raffle, featuring goodies from businesses throughout the Cooperstown area. Learn more and check out participating vendors at https://www.cooperstownartisanfestival.info/](https://www.cooperstownartisanfestival.info/.
Vaccination Event Scheduled GILBERTSVILLE—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Town of Butternuts will sponsor a free rabies vaccination event at Copes Corners Park, 620 State Route 51, Gilbertsville on Wednesday, September 9 from 1-3 p.m.in pavilion number two. Rabies has been detected in the Town of Butternuts and is a public safety issue. Organizers said this will be an amnesty day and no tickets will be issued for unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs, no questions asked. All dogs and cats that need a rabies vaccination are welcome to receive vaccinations at no cost. No preregistration is required, just come in with your pet. For those who do wish to license an unlicensed dog, the town clerk will be on hand to provide assistance. Any questions can be directed to Erica at the SQSPCA, (607) 547-8111.
Delhi Welcomes New Students DELHI—SUNY Delhi is welcoming nearly 1,300 new students for the fall 2026 semester, marking the fourth-largest incoming class in the college’s history and continuing several years of enrollment growth. The college received a record number of more than 10,000 applications for fall 2026. The incoming class includes 866 first-year students, 354 transfer students and 51 new graduate students. New students represent 57 of New York State’s 62 counties and 24 states across the country, with approximately 94 percent coming from New York. Overall enrollment is up compared to last fall, with approximately 3,300 students currently enrolled. “We are excited to welcome another strong class to SUNY Delhi and to see our overall enrollment continue to grow,” said SUNY Delhi President Dr. Mary Bonderoff. “Students are choosing Delhi for programs that lead to meaningful careers and for the supportive, hands-on learning environment they find here. Whether they are coming directly from high school, transferring from another institution, or pursuing an advanced degree, our goal is to help every student find their place and succeed.” The fall 2026 semester began Monday, August 31.
OVOC Names Vet of the Month ONEONTA—The Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center has named Bernard Saberon its September “Veteran of the Month.” According to a press release, Saberon served our country in the United States Navy from January 1973 to December 1976. During his service, he worked as an electrical repairman aboard the USS Ponchatoula off the coast of Vietnam, earning the rank of EM3 (Pay Grade E4). For his service he was awarded the National Defense Medal. “Beyond his military service, Bernie is one of our organization’s biggest success stories and has turned his personal story into a mission of giving back, becoming an integral part of the Oneonta Veterans Outreach Center as one of our most active volunteers,” the press release reads. “He proudly shared his story in a TV news interview during our Stand Down event, as a testament to the life-changing services and connections provided at the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center.” Saberon was honored on Tuesday, September 1 during the OVOC’s free monthly veteran luncheon. For more information about the OVOC, visit the organization’s Facebook page.
Smithy Announces Classes COOPERSTOWN—The Smithy Clay Studio is offering several new eight-week pottery wheel, hand building and sculpture classes, plus two four-week beginner wheel classes and after-school classes for kids ages 6 to 14. Classes are available in the evening or daytime and suit a range of skill levels, officials said. Open Studio hours are offered five days a week for those who want to practice outside of class time or work on independent projects. The cost for the eight-week adult classes is $280.00 and $140.00 for
the four-week adult classes, including clay, glaze, and firing. All classes for kids are by donation. Open Studio is $180.00 for eight weeks or 50 percent off when added to an eight-week class registration. Drop-in Open Studio is also available for $30.00 each time. Open studio includes glaze and firing, but participants must purchase clay separately from the Smithy Clay Studio. Outside clay is not allowed. Visit smithyarts.org for complete details.
Milford Focus of Walking Tour MILFORD—Otsego 2000’s historic preservation walking tour series continues on Sunday, September 13 at 3 p.m. with “Milford Architectural Revivals.” The tour will be led by Dr. Cindy Falk, associate dean of graduate studies at SUNY Oneonta and professor of material culture at the university’s Cooperstown Graduate Program. “Have you ever had to reinvent yourself? Come learn how adaptive reuse has reinvigorated historic buildings in the Village of Milford,” said Dr. Falk. “A little creativity can help keep these buildings functioning, often in new ways. When historic buildings are lost in disastrous events like fire, the community is likewise forced to reimagine and move forward in ways that honor the past while focusing on the promise of the future.” The cost for the tour is $10.00 per person. Register in advance at otsego2000. org or by calling (607) 547-8881. The Otsego 2000 Historic Preservation Series will continue with a walking tour also led by Dr. Falk in Cooperstown on November 15, as part of Glimmerglass Film Days. In addition to organizing the historic preservation series, Otsego 2000 offers free technical assistance for homeowners who want to apply for the Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Credit. New York State offers eligible owners of historic homes a 20 percent income tax credit for repairs and rehabilitations. Call (607) 547-8881 to set up an appointment.
Theater To Host Sound Baths MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, will host a Sound Bath session on Saturday, September 19 at 3 p.m., led by renowned healer and professional percussionist Marcel Smith. The event offers a unique intersection of music and wellness, officials said, during which Smith leverages his percussive background to “translate the powerful, wide-ranging vibrations of gongs and singing bowls into a resonant experience curated to calm the nervous system, reduce modern stress, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.” Tickets are by donation, with a suggested price of $20.00. Visit theopeneyetheater.org or call (845) 586-1660.
Susan Lettis To Present ONEONTA—The Oneonta Garden Club will meet on Monday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. Susan Lettis will present on “Creating a Deer-resistant Garden.” The gathering kicks off with a half-hour social time with refreshments. The presentation and meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Repair Café Set for Sept. 8 COOPERSTOWN—On Tuesday, September 8, the Cooperstown Repair Café will be held during the Summer Tuesday Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. Volunteer expert repair coaches will be on hand to evaluate and try to fix lamps, appliances, bicycles, wooden items, and items in need of mending. Advice on fixing things and upcycling clothes will be available, too. The Repair Café is not able to do alterations. The repairs will be done free of charge; materials needed to fix items may be available to purchase. The café will be held from 1-4 p.m. The farmers’ market is open from noon to 4 p.m. The next Repair Café will be held on Saturday, October 10 during the Saturday Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. Different items can be repaired at each Repair Café. For the listing of items you can bring to be repaired on a specific date, see // otsego2000.org/repaircafe. The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, located at 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley in Cooperstown, is open on Tuesdays through September 29 as well as year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on the Cooperstown Repair Café, or to volunteer to be a repair coach, call Peg Odell at Otsego 2000, (607) 547-8881.
Engine Jamboree Scheduled EAST MEREDITH—Hanford Mills Museum will host the Dan Rion Memorial Antique Engine Jamboree on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring exhibitors of historic engines, doodlebugs, motors, and other machines. Museum staff and volunteers will also display and demonstrate some of the historic engines and machinery in the mill’s own collection. Visit hanfordmills.org or contact Justin Maroney at justin@hanfordmills.org to learn more.
Airport Hosts Fly-in Breakfast COOPERSTOWN—The Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department will host its next Fly-in Pancake Breakfast at the Cooperstown/Westville Airport, 866 State Route 166, on September 19 from 7:3011:30 a.m. The price for all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, real maple syrup, sausage and beverages is $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for children under 12. The breakfast is made possible in part by an Otsego County Community Events Grant.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Garage Proposal Tabled, Public Comments on Brewing Co. Plan By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST ONEONTA he City of Oneonta Planning Commission met on Wednesday, August 19 for a session that moved through old business, new business, and a public hearing for a major commercial redevelopment on Chestnut Street. The meeting opened with roll call, confirming the presence of Chair Marcela Micucci, Vice Chair David Rissberger, Commissioners Susan Lettis, Ryan Swan, Sallie Han, Mark Parmerter, and Alex Simon, and Common Council member Cecelia Walsh‑Russo, all verified members of the Planning Commission according to the city’s official roster. The first matter was a continued review of a proposal at 61 East Street, submitted by Srinadh Yarra, Physician Advisor, LLC. The applicant seeks approval to construct a 960‑square‑foot garage, a structure larger than what the zoning code typically allows. Commissioners noted that the applicant was not present and that
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on a project that would improve the appearance and functionality of the downtown district. The final agenda item was a public hearing for Hill City Brewing Company, which has applied to convert the first floor of the former Catalog Outlet at 357– 361 Chestnut Street into a brewery, taproom and retail space. The applicant is officially listed in city records as Hill City Brewing Company, 361 Chestnut Street. The building sits at the corner of Chestnut Street and Shaffer Avenue and includes a small second‑floor dwelling unit. The project requires State Environmental Quality Review, site plan approval, a special use permit and code compliance review. During the public comment period, Gary Burlew, a resident of 362 Chestnut Street, raised concerns about potential noise from the brewery, particularly regarding a or Otsego County Department of Health,” Schlosser large, garage‑style door that has been opened said. The Department of Health is also making vaccination resources available to eligible residents. “We can provide the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine at no cost to eligible individuals,” Schlosser added. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. While the county has reported only one confirmed case, health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance, especially as close contacts continue to be monitored. The Otsego County Department of Health will provide updates as needed and encourages residents to reach out with any questions or concerns related to potential exposure or vaccination availability. For more information, contact the Otsego County Department of Health at (607) 547 4387.
the drainage information provided remained insufficient. Commissioner Lettis reiterated that the commission had previously requested a clear drainage plan showing how runoff from the new structure would be managed. Commissioners expressed concern that existing drainage already flows into neighboring properties and that the applicant had not provided elevation drawings or engineered plans demonstrating how the new garage would alter or mitigate runoff. Commissioner Han emphasized that without proper drainage documentation, the application remained incomplete. After discussion, the commission unanimously voted to table the application, noting appreciation for the additional information submitted but reaffirming that they could not proceed without a full drainage plan. The commission then reviewed a new application from Jeremy Johnson, listed in city records as the property owner of 27–33 Market Street. Johnson proposed constructing a wooden fence to screen a shared dumpster area,
as required by the MU‑1 zoning district. Johnson explained that the dumpster area, used by numerous downtown businesses, has long been a challenge, particularly after Casella Waste Systems withdrew service. He said the fence would be built of stained wood, approximately seven feet tall and 30 feet wide, with gates to allow access for Logan’s, the business responsible for maintaining the dumpsters. Johnson noted that the Yellow Deli had volunteered labor to construct the enclosure. Commissioners asked about access, safety and the structure’s placement against an existing retaining wall. Johnson confirmed that the enclosure would be three‑sided, with the retaining wall forming the fourth boundary. He also acknowledged concerns about vandalism and illegal dumping, stating that cameras may be installed to monitor the area. After discussion, Lettis moved to approve the proposed method of concealment. The commission voted unanimously in favor, thanking Johnson for taking
Health Department Confirms Measles Case By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST OTSEGO COUNTY he Otsego County Department of Health has confirmed a single case of measles in an unvaccinated adult and is actively monitoring the situation, according to Assistant Public Health Director Kimberly Schlosser. “We have one confirmed case in an unvaccinated adult. We have isolated close contacts and are actively monitoring the situation,” Schlosser said. She noted that, at this time, “there have been no confirmed cases in children.” County health officials are continuing to track potential measles exposures and are urging residents to be aware of symptoms and take appropriate steps if they believe they may have come into contact with measles. “If someone thinks they have been exposed to measles, they should contact their healthcare provider
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during construction. Burlew said the noise had not yet been disruptive, but worried about future impacts once the taproom opens. Commission Chair Micucci reminded attendees that questions should be directed to the commission rather than the applicant and that all comments would be entered into the public record. The commission will allow the applicant to respond to concerns after the public hearing phase concludes. The commission will continue reviewing the Hill City Brewing application at its next meeting, where commissioners will evaluate public feedback, site plans and code compliance before issuing a decision. With one project tabled, one approved and a major redevelopment under review, the August 19 meeting reflected the commission’s ongoing role in shaping responsible development across Oneonta.
CFOC To Host Online Fundraising Day for Local Nonprofits SPRINGFIELD ohawk Valley Gives, an annual one-day online fundraiser, returns on Friday, September 18 from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hosted by the Community Foundation of Otsego County in
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collaboration with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Mohawk Valley Gives provides more than 90 participating Otsego County nonprofits with the opportunity to raise funds and win prizes using a secure online plat-
form. Early giving begins at 12 a.m. on Monday, September 14. Donors can visit www.givemv.org/info/ otsego to view the listed nonprofits and give online to the organizations and causes that matter most to them.
Business Directory Sybil’S yarn Shop
with the knitty biddie 43 Pioneer Street Cooperstown 607-286-4061 sybilsyarnshop.com Open every day Memorial Day to Labor Day
feeding your fiber addiction since 1973
Melissa Manikas Agent
29 Pioneer Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 Bus: 607-547-2886 www.melissamanikas.com Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® State Farm, Bloomington, IL
Gourmet Cakes, Cupcakes & Pastries Gourmet pastries made from high quality ingredients and Caribbean food with local meats. Custom cakes & Wedding cakes 281 Main St. • Oneonta • 607-431-3798 Sugarbeatbakes.com
THE BEST SPORTS BAR IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY !!! Book your party, celebration, or lanes through our website. Follow us on Facebook to see weekly promotions.
Repairs and Installation Septic Systems • Heat Pumps • New Gas, Oil & Electric Heating System Installation • Heating System Repairs & Cleaning • Water Heater Installation & Service • Service Contracts Available
All Aspects of Plumbing
STORE-WIDE SALE 20% OFF labor day sale 20% off storewide!
20 Bronner Street in Richfield Springs – 15 minutes north of the Baseball Hall of Fame (315) 858 – BOWL (2695) www.richfield-bowlarama.com
Quality Wood finished & unfinished furniture as well as upholstered & mattresses for every room in your home
ends Sept. 20 The Pine Shop Sale Closed
5382 State Highway 7 • Oneonta Labor Day (607)432-1124 • Mon. - Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5 www.thepineshoponeonta.com
GET YOUR AD NOTICED! TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL TARA, 607-547-6103
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA LIFE SKETCHES
TERRY BERKSON
Hemingway Ships on Banana Peel
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hen I was a kid I kept a 12built it. He came down here in a taxi to see and-a half-foot skiff in Harry it under construction—I helped them out a Silvers’ boatyard, which was little, you might say.” situated on the shores of the Coney “What do you mean helped them out?” Island Creek, a polluted waterway that “Well, when it was time to launch the connected Gravesend Bay to Sheepshead Pilar as you call it, it was painted black Bay and at the same time made Coney like Hemingway requested and to put it truly an island by separating it from the into the Creek they had to slide it down main land of Brooklyn. these wooden rails. There was some Having a boat in the city might seem like concern about screwing up the paint. an expensive luxury, but Harry ran what Grease was mentioned. I happened to be one might call a poor man’s boatyard—run around at the time and put my two cents by a guy who had dragged a sea-weathin. Why don’t you use banana peels? I ered barge onto a sandy, wreckage-strewn suggested.” shore, making it a home that eventually “Did they listen to you?” evolved into a business. The rent to store “They sure did. They bought the my salvaged 12-and-a half-foot was eight bananas at nearby Phil Pepper’s fruit dollars a month which I was able to pay by Photo by Terry Berkson stand—and they worked. Phil gave me a collecting deposit bottles and making food watermelon—for recommending him.” The remains of Harry Silvers’ shoreline on the Coney Island Creek. deliveries for a local grocery. “How’d Hemingway make out with the along the shore,” was his answer. Harry really roughed it, not having boat?” I asked One time, he had so much scrap metal on board running water and a bathroom on the barge, which He must have loved it,” was Harry’s answer. that the boat he was using got swamped by a rested awkwardly on the beach. Eventually, his “Caught record-breaking fish. I read that he took a rough wave and it and he sank to the bottom of complexion reflected neglect and locals got to tag lot of famous people out fishing. Actors like Gary him with the handle “Dirty Harry,” inspired by the the Creek—in January! He kicked off his rubber Cooper and Ava Gardner.” boots, rose to the surface, swam to shore, and ran name of a movie in which Clint Eastwood starred. I was sure the boat Harry described was the Somehow, through a relative in government, Harry barefoot and soaking wet all the way back to his Pilar, named after a feisty woman in the novel “For got to be the official caretaker of a 50-yard strip of barge. Time passed and Harry started fixing boat Whom the Bell Tolls.” The boat is now on display motors, and renting out slips and moorings that he shore along The Creek. at Finca Vigia, the place where Hemingway lived made available. He didn’t even have to advertise. I kept my boat down at Harry’s for several in Cuba. Word of his cheap rent and mechanical skills just years and got to know him pretty well. He even On a recent trip to Coney Island, I saw that helped me fix my ancient outboard when it threw got around. Eventually, people regarded him with Wheeler’s and the boatyard where Harry lived a rod. One rainy day while sitting on a crate in his the reverence due a doctor when it came to fixing and carried on his business were long gone, boats and motors. barge he told me how he had arrived at his then replaced by a Pathmark and a Home Depo store. “There are some nice boats down here,” I current life style: I looked to see if by chance Harry’s barge had “I was on my way to meet her with a ring in my observed while sitting in his barge. been somehow put on display, but found no sign “People look for bargains” was Harry’s pocket when I passed the glass-door entrance of a of it. It would have been fitting if “Dirty Harry” response. “All kinds of people. Even a big shot nearby building and spotted her sprawled out on Silvers’ vessel, which had been the center of writer like Ernest Hemingway found his way the steps making out with some guy.” That was it activity serving and affecting the lives of so many down here to Cropsy Avenue on the Coney Island for Harry. He was crushed. His planned proposal Creek.” people, had been on display, like the Cuban-celewas done for and he never saw her again. He took “You mean Ernest Hemingway stopped here?” brated Pilar, somewhere—along the shores of the the ring to a hock shop and with the money he got, “Just across the street, at Wheeler’s Boatyard. to cheer himself up, he went out to dinner and took Coney Island Creek. He was havin’ one built, a 38-footer.” in a Broadway show. Later, he saw no reason to Terry Berkson’s articles have appeared in “New “The Pilar?” I guessed. hold a steady job and wound up buying the barge York” magazine, “Automobile” magazine and “What’s that?” Harry asked. with the last of his money. many others. Reviews on his critically-praised “The name of his boat,” I answered. “What’d you live on?” I asked. memoir, “Corvette Odyssey,” can be found on “I don’t know what he called it, but Wheeler’s “I collected junk and salvaged stuff from wrecks TerryBerkson.com.
Sheriffs
Continued from page 3 order and preliminary injunction to stop the state from voiding existing 287(g) agreements on August 25, 2026, and from forcing the termination of federal housing agreements by November 25, 2026. “The lawsuit argues that New York is tearing up valid contracts the sheriffs already signed with the federal government, coercing independent elected officials into a statewide policy of non-cooperation, and overriding the constitutional authority of the Office of Sheriff,” the press release reads. Several of the plaintiff sheriffs maintain long-standing 287(g) agreements and federal housing contracts that let them identify and transfer criminal aliens already in their jails. Albany has now declared those agreements illegal, set hard deadlines to kill
them and created a new investigative office to police any sheriff who refuses to comply. “New York’s law does not merely decline to cooperate with immigration enforcement priorities. It actively dismantles existing, congressionally authorized partnerships that sheriffs lawfully entered to protect their communities,” said Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of FAIR. “Independently elected sheriffs should not be forced by Albany to abandon tools that keep dangerous criminal aliens from walking back onto their streets. This lawsuit seeks to restore the status quo and vindicate the independence of the Office of Sheriff.” “These sheriffs are not asking for new powers. They are asking to keep the agreements they already have,” said Mateo Forero, counsel for the plaintiffs. “The state has declared those
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contracts void, set a hard deadline of August 25, and stood up an investigative office to force compliance. That is a direct impairment of existing contractual rights and a clear intrusion on the independent authority the New York Constitution gives to elected sheriffs.” Otsego County’s Sheriff Devlin told AllOtsego on Wednesday, August 26 that he supports the sheriffs who have filed suit to challenge what they see as the governor’s overreach. “As sheriff, my duty has always been clear: protect the people of Otsego County and uphold the law,” Devlin said. “With the implementation of New York’s Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office ended its participation in the federal 287(g) agreement with ICE, as required by state law. That mandate does not change our mission. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners at every level to pursue criminals, protect victims, and keep our communities safe. “My oath is to the people of Otsego County, not to politics or any political agenda. I will enforce the law, protect our communities and always put public safety first,” Devlin said. The case is “Bourgault et al. v. Hochul et al.,” No. 1:26-cv-01637 (N.D.N.Y.). Links to the federal lawsuit and emergency motion papers can be found on the Federation for American Immigration Reform website.
Trustees
Continued from page 1 Farmers’ Market during the Hoffman Lane construction timeline. The long‑term vision includes retail space, a café using local farm products, a small stage for performances, and flexible interior space for seasonal markets and community events. Coburn emphasized that scaffolding work would begin in late fall or early spring, with minimal disruption to parking, and addressed circulating rumors by stating, “This is our first unofficial introduction to all the rumors that it’s a nightclub or baseball T‑shirt shop on Main Street.” Following Coburn’s presentation, the board moved into correspondence and permit approvals, including requests for the annual Harvest Supper and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Trustees approved the use of village property for both events, with conditions to protect historic structures from staining or damage. The board also discussed an e-mail from Jan Kuzminski, who raised concerns about overcrowding at village parks following the temporary closure of Glimmerglass State Park due to harmful algal blooms. The matter was referred to the Parks Committee. At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh opened two public hearings: Proposed Local Law No. 4 (2026), amending the village’s smoking and vaping regulations; and
Proposed Local Law No. 5 (2026), increasing the number of temporary use permits available to nonprofit organizations from 12 to 14 per year. The smoking‑law amendment drew several speakers, each urging the board to adopt stricter protections for public health. Margaret McGown, a village property owner, spoke first, stating, “I feel that the village board has an obligation to protect the health of volunteers and employees…deliberately allowing people to be exposed to smoke and secondhand smoke is totally irresponsible.” McGown emphasized that firefighters already face unavoidable smoke exposure during emergencies and should not be subjected to additional risks on village property. Kristen Bellois, a Main Street resident, echoed those concerns, arguing that village property should be accessible without forcing residents to walk through cigarette smoke. “Village property belongs to and serves the entire community,” she said. “No one should have to choose between avoiding cigarette smoke and accessing a building or service that belongs to the public.” Bellois stressed that the law does not prevent anyone from smoking, but simply establishes reasonable boundaries to protect vulnerable residents, including children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions. Chad Bellanger, speaking both personally and on behalf of
Victor Jones, a member of the Cooperstown Fire Department, read two statements urging the board to adopt the smoke-free policy. Jones’ statement highlighted concerns about secondhand smoke exposure for volunteers, while Bellanger reinforced the need for clear, enforceable rules on village property. The meeting also included a significant zoning discussion regarding a proposed single‑family home at 63 Lakeview Drive, submitted by applicant Caruso’s Red Point LLC. The project requires setback relief and review by multiple boards. Deputy Mayor Cynthia Falk and Trustees Joseph Membrino, George Fasanelli, Richard Sternberg, and Molly Mooney voted to forward the application to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board, Watershed Supervisory Committee, and County Planning Department. A public hearing was scheduled for Monday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. The board concluded by approving an updated village zoning map reflecting recent reclassifications and accessibility improvements. With redevelopment underway, public health concerns raised, and zoning matters advancing, the August 24 meeting underscored the village’s ongoing efforts to balance growth, community needs, and regulatory oversight.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Sempa
Continued from page 4 1783—were part of a larger struggle for the control of North America. Fought in the aftermath of the War of the Spanish Succession—in which England’s Commanding General John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, led a victorious alliance to defeat the France of Louis XIV—those three wars, Seeley wrote, “were intimately connected, and form…a trilogy of wars.” England, France, and Spain viewed the American Revolution within the context of the European and global balance of power. During the War of Independence, Benjamin Franklin first secured covert assistance for the United States from Britain’s European rivals, then later after our victory at the Battle of Saratoga, negotiated the Treaties of Amity and Commerce and of Alliance with France’s Louis XVI, signed in 1778. A year later, Spain joined the war against the British, hoping to take back Florida and Gibraltar from their European rival. Franklin has been called the first American diplomat and the first American ambassador. As events later proved, Franklin’s realism was essential to our victory against Britain, most notably at the pivotal Battle of Yorktown when the French Navy blockaded the Chesapeake Bay and gained a naval victory over Britain at the Battle of the Capes. And Franklin was not the only foreign policy realist among America’s early statesmen—the list is quite long and impressive, and includes George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson (at times), John Marshall, Silas Deane, John Jay, and John Quincy Adams. Aside from Jefferson, ideology played very little role in the world views of these early Americans. For them it was always “America First.” Benjamin Franklin paved the way. He was the nation’s first foreign policy realist. Francis P. Sempa is the author of the books “Geopolitics: From the Cold War to the 21st Century” and “America’s Global Role.” He is a contributing editor to “The American Spectator” and writes a regular column for “Real Clear Defense.”
Oneonta and Delhi. Grief does not follow a timeline, and remembering the people we love is an important part of the work we do. And then there is our Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, which is simply a great way for families and friends to come together, get outside, have some fun and start Thanksgiving as a community. Tickets and more information about all of these events can be found on our website, www.helioscare.org I hope you will join us for one, or several, of these events this fall. Come have fun, bring your family and friends, and say hello to our team. But I also hope you will get to know Helios Care before you need us. Ask us questions. Learn about hospice and palliative care. Talk with us about what is important to you and your family. And if you have a friend or neighbor who is struggling with a serious illness, tell them about us. Helios Care has been part of this community for many years, and we are proud of that history. As we look toward the future, my goal is simple: I want us to continue to be an organization our community knows, trusts, and knows they can turn to. We are here to care for our neighbors, support families, and walk alongside people through some of the most difficult, and most meaningful times in their lives. And we are here when you need us. Dr. Joan MacDonald, DNP, MSN, RN is the president and chief executive officer of Helios Care.
History
Continued from page 1
Simonson revisited was the urban renewal period of the 1970s, when Oneonta, like many American cities, tore down large sections of its downtown in anticipation of new development that never materialized. “A lot of cities did in the ’70s. They tore down big areas and then just left them to sit,” he said. In Oneonta, entire blocks disappeared, including Broad Street. The cleared land sat vacant for nearly 25 years. “That lot sat from ’76 until 2000,” Simonson noted, before the Clarion Hotel finally rose on the site. For longtime residents, Continued from page 5 the memories of Broad for a Cause. Fun for all! Street’s bars, shops and bustle remain vivid. For On October 9, our newcomers, Simonson’s Oneonta’s Got Soul concert at Foothills gives presentation offered a glimpse of a downtown us another opportunity that no longer exists. to gather, enjoy some Simonson also highgreat entertainment, and lighted the decline of honor the Dr. Matsuo Oneonta’s railroad Compassionate Care industry, a shift that Award winner and, new reshaped the city’s this year, the Daisy and economy and workforce. Tulip award winners. “Oneonta was still a As we get closer to railroad town,” he said, the holidays, our Tree of recalling the days when Lights is one of our more the Delaware & Hudson meaningful traditions. Railroad employed thouIt gives families and sands locally. At its peak, community members a chance to remember and he explained, “Thirty‑nine percent of the population honor people who have was working on the D&H been important in their Railroad in some form.” lives. We hold ceremoThe turning point came nies in Cobleskill,
Helios
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9 in the 1990s. Canadian Pacific purchased the line, and by 1996, the last remaining jobs in the rail yard were gone. “A tradition of people being employed by the railroad was over,” Simonson said, ending a legacy that stretched back to 1871. With an audience of about 40 people—some longtime attendees, others brand new to Oneonta— Simonson said programs like the Summer Sunday Series serve an important purpose. “[People] learn a lot of things,” he said, noting that the museum’s presentations cover everything from Revolutionary War clothing to neighborhood markets of the past. The variety keeps the community engaged, and the continuity keeps history alive. “I like coming to this,” Simonson said. “It’s fun.” Simonson’s own connection to Oneonta’s past runs deep. He remembers the Swart‑Wilcox House’s 1976 restoration efforts, the final demolition of the roundhouse, and the transformation of the former Oneonta Hotel. His presentations blend personal memory with archival detail, offering residents a bridge between eras. “Oneonta’s got a rich history,” he said, and sharing it remains one of his favorite responsibilities. As the Summer Sunday Series continues, Simonson expects to return with new topics and familiar enthusiasm. The city’s story, after all, is still unfolding, and he’s committed to helping Oneonta understand where it’s been as it decides where it’s going.
Grand, Glorious Fair Returns to Neahwa Park O N E O N TA — Neahwa Park will be the site again this year of the Catksill Choral Society’s Grand and Glorious Fall Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 13. The popular fall family celebration is free and open to the public and will feature vendors, live music, and children’s entertainment with seating provided, organizers said. New this year is a Golf Chipping Contest, a competitive event where players test their shortgame precision by hitting chip shots toward a target hole. In a press release,
organizers extended their thanks to Casella Waste Systems, Cooperstown All Star Village, Brian Fawcett, Lynn Bolstad, Reinhardt Home Heating and NBT Bank for their support. This marks the
56th year that Catskill Choral Society has been performing. This season their winter concert is scheduled for December 4 and 5. To learn more, visit www.catskillchoralsociety.org.
A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
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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 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
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LEGALS
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 row 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 S13NE, 5th row #14 N 15. Elliott: Deed 46A, Lot 353, 3rd row from center drive #15 from S 16. Telfer: Deed 102A, Lot 395, row 7, 11 S 17. Shellman: Deed 83A, Lot 358 ½ S, Row 6, 11 S 18. Sheldon: Deed 3A, Lot 356, row 2, 2S 19. Caukins: Lot 131 SW, row
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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4 center, 12 S 20. Potter: Lot 148, 5th row center, #10 S 21. Sternberg: Lot 252, row 7 center, #10 S 22. Mills: Row 7, #6 S 23. Harrington: Sec 4 S, 35 SW, row 10, center # 5 S 24. Burlingham: Deed 48A, Lot # 314, row 11 center #10 S 25. Dickenson: row 9, #12 S 26. Blank 27. Rider: row 12, #4 S 28. Shillets: row 12, #2 S 29: Blank 30. Blank 31. Blank 32. Blank 33. German: Lot 391, Row 5 center, #16 N 34. Ballard: Deed 45, Lot 422, Row 5 # 7 N 35. Blank 36. Balcom: Lot 398, Row 5 center, #14 N 37. Avery: Lot 98, Row 4, #6 S 38. Chittenden: Row 4 center #3S 39. Dingham: Lot 35, row 5 #1 N of 205 40. Blank 41. Blank 42. Joslyn: Lot 62, Row 2 from 205 gate #4N 43. Hyde: Lot 60, Row 1 feom 295 gate # 9 N 44. Baker: Deed 151, Lot 64 ½, 3rd from 205 gate 45. Weeks, John: Row from 205 gate, #2 N 46. Head: 1st row from 205 gate, #5S 47. Richards: 2nd row from 205 gate #1 S 48. Blank 49. Luce: Row 5 from 205 gate, #9 N 50. Luce: Row 5 from 205 gate, #7N 51. Paine: 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. Pashley, Joseph: Lot 73 SW, row 7 from 205, #7N 56. Lyon, Mary: Row 8 from 205, #6 N 57. Pierce, Waterman: Lot 78, row 10 from 205, # 16 S 58. Pierce, Ella: Row 10 from 205 # 18 S 59. Blank 60. Lough, Thomas: Lot 137 SW, row 10 from 205, # 12 S 61. Pearse, Marshall: Row 9 from 205, #12 S 62. Pearse, Esther: Row 9 from 205, #13 S 63. Blank 64. McEwen: Lot 183 SW, row 12 ½, #2 S 65. Robinson, Ellen: Row
13 from 205, #2 S 66. Robinson, Fred: Row 13 from 205, #3 S 67. Robinson, G. Deloss: Lot 185 SW, row 13 from 205 #4 S 66. Brownell, Harriet: Lot 181, row 13 from 205, #1 S 69. Wilson: Row 13 ½ , #1 S 70. Blank 71. Maples: Lot 22 SW, row 11 from 205, #2 N 72. Blank 73. Blank 74. Matteson, Clotilda: Row 14 from 205, #1 N 75. Blank 76. Sherman: Row 16 from 205, # 6 N 77. Potter, Edwin: Row 26 from 205, #6 N 78. Harrington, Poly: Row 17 from 205, #12 S 79 Benjamin, Erastus: Row 16 from 205 #4N 80. Bush, Jacob: lot 198 , row 19 from 205, #3 N 81. Blank 82. Brownell, James: Row 25 from 205 #6 N 83. Potter, Leander: Lot 149, row 16 from 205, #19 S 84. Northup, Homer: lot 36, row 25 from 205, #15 S 85. Blank 86. Wood, Margaret: Row 26, #11 S 87. Gardner, Ella: Lot 265, row 19 from 205, #3N 88. Blank 89. Holbrook: Row 16 from School St. #1 S 90. Sorocky, 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. Nickerson, Elmina: Row 7 from 205 gate, # 1 N 94. Nickerson, Sarah: Row 7 from 205 gate, #2N
tact 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
HOLSCHER CONSTRUCTION LLC.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: That (1) the monuments or markers are so badly out of repair or dilapidated as to create a dangerous condition, (2) the persons to whom this notice is addressed must repair or remove said monuments or markers by 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. Con-
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 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 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 INDIGO & OAK LLC. 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 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of
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 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 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 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 the profession of dentistry. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 24th day of August 2026, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of $35,000 from Police Reserves to A 3120-200 for the police camera system. BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 jutter@cooperstownny.gov 1LegalSept.3
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York at a meeting thereof held on the 24th day of August 2026, duly adopted pursuant to section 6-C of the General Municipal Law, a resolution subject to permissive referendum, the purpose and effect of which is to authorize an appropriation of $39,000 from Building Reserves to A 1620-480 for front porch repairs at 22 Main Street. BY ORDER OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 jutter@cooperstownny.gov 1LegalSept.3 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 SUSQUEHANNA AVE SIDEWALK 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 23rd, 2026 at which time bids will be publicly opened, and read. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Removal and replacement of approximately 2,300 linear feet of existing sidewalk and construction of new pouredin-place concrete sidewalks. LOCATION North and south sides of Susquehanna Avenue from Beaver Street to Elm Street. REMOVAL The Contractor continued pg. 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Authority Continued from page 1
percent of the project acreage compared to Otsego’s 49 percent. Springfield also has more of the project’s total dwelling units—76, including 30 singlefamily homes and a 46unit multifamily complex that will require a special use permit. In Otsego, 50 single-family homes are planned. Springfield will have more of the project’s open space, too— 451 acres or 58 percent, Gottlieb wrote. Members of the public filled meeting rooms last summer and a few months ago when the Manocherian plan was on the agenda at Otsego and Springfield town meetings. They’re concerned about the
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11
impact the large development will have on roads, the natural environment, Lake Otsego and whether new wells will put too much demand on the aquifer that serves existing residents. Engineers and a lawyer for Manocherian have stressed the project’s low density and the large amount of open space, though they have declined to offer specific details about the nature of the open space and how it would be protected. Gottlieb included 316 pages of supporting documentation—Exhibit A through Exhibit N—explaining why Springfield has more at stake and is better situated to decide on environmental matters related to the project. Springfield has arguments to meet all
three criteria that Lefton will use to decide the matter, according to the letter. The state requires a coordinated environmental review and only one entity can serve as lead agency. That lead agency decides if an environmental impact statement is required. If so, the ensuing process would identify potential harms and spell out how to avoid or reduce them. The Town of Otsego’s Planning Board objected to Springfield’s bid to be lead agency on environmental matters, saying that Springfield acted too soon before enough was known about the project to make a determination. “However, the exact opposite is true,” Gottlieb wrote in his letter to Lefton. Springfield
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from pg. 10 shall remove and properly dispose of all existing asphalt, concrete sidewalks, underlying gravel base, and all excavated materials necessary to construct the new sidewalks. The Village will not provide a disposal location. The Contractor shall remove only those areas necessary to complete the work and shall protect all adjacent pavement, curbing, utilities, landscaping, and private property from damage. Any damage caused by the Contractor shall be repaired or replaced at no additional cost to the Village.
joints every five (5) feet. Finish sidewalks with a broom finish. Edges and joints shall be neatly tooled, and an approved curing compound shall be applied immediately after finishing. Backfill disturbed areas with topsoil, seed, and mulch. Restore all driveway surfaces disturbed by construction to match the existing material and condition. All sidewalks, curb ramps, detectable warning surfaces, and transitions shall comply with the current requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) standards.
damage to utilities resulting from the Contractor’s operations shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense.
side individually, both sides, or neither, based on available funding and the best interests of the Village. • The Village reserves the right to increase or decrease the quantity of work to be performed without invalidating the bid. Any changes shall be based on the unit prices or lump sum prices submitted by the Contractor, as applicable. • The Village reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive informalities or irregularities, and award the contract in the best interest of the Village. • The anticipated start date is TBD. • All work shall be substantially completed no later than May 21, 2027. 1LegalSept.3
NEW CONCRETE SIDEWALKS Foundation material (NYSDOT Item 4 or approved equivalent) shall be placed on the prepared subgrade and compacted to a minimum thickness of five (5) inches. Sidewalks shall be constructed continuously across existing driveways. Finished elevations shall provide a smooth transition for vehicle access while maintaining ADA-compliant sidewalk grades and cross slopes. Construct new ADA-compliant curb ramps, including concrete curb returns/tapers and cast iron detectable warning surfaces at all required locations. Unless otherwise indicated, sidewalks shall be five (5) feet wide and four (4) inches thick using 4,000 psi air-entrained concrete. Sidewalks crossing driveways shall be a minimum of six (6) inches thick using 4,000 psi airentrained concrete. Sidewalk cross slope shall not exceed 2.0% (1:48). Install expansion joints at maximum twenty-five (25) foot intervals and contraction (tool)
TRAFFIC CONTROL The Contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance and protection of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic throughout the duration of the project. Safe pedestrian access to residences and businesses shall be maintained whenever practical. All traffic control devices, barricades, warning signs, and temporary pedestrian accommodations shall be furnished, installed, maintained, and removed by the Contractor in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and applicable NYSDOT requirements. UTILITIES Prior to the commencement of any excavation, the Contractor shall notify Dig Safely New York (811) and obtain all required utility mark-outs. The Contractor shall protect all existing utilities encountered during construction. Any
RESTORATION All lawns, driveways, curbs, pavement, landscaping, mailboxes, signs, and other improvements disturbed or damaged during construction shall be restored to their original condition or better at no additional cost to the Village. PERMITS The Contractor shall obtain and pay for all permits, licenses, inspections, and approvals required to perform the work unless otherwise noted. WARRANTY The Contractor shall warrant all labor and materials for a period of one (1) year from the date of final acceptance by the Village. Any defects in workmanship or materials occurring during the warranty period shall be corrected by the Contractor at no cost to the Village. NOTES • Work shall be performed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. • All bids shall be based on New York State prevailing wage requirements. • The Village is exempt from New York State sales tax. • Bidders shall provide separate lump sum prices for sidewalk replacement on the north side and south side of Susquehanna Avenue. Each side shall be bid independently and shall not be contingent upon award of the other side. • The Village reserves the right to award the contract for either
followed the rules precisely by indicating its interest in serving as lead agency after holding public meetings and giving the project a classification under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Neither the Springfield Planning Board nor Otsego town officials wanted to comment further on the matter, or say if they had tried to resolve the dispute on their own. Springfield’s Planning Board “has the broadest government power for investigation of potential impacts” and the “greatest capability for providing the most thorough environmental assessment of the proposed action,” Gottlieb’s letter said. Otsego objected to Springfield’s bid to serve
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: CAMP HAWKEYE LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 20 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 50 W. 85th St., Apt. 13, New York, NY 10024. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.8 Legal nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW
as lead agency without proposing an alternate lead agency, he wrote. Springfield is more equipped than Otsego because it already has a process in place for getting independent legal and engineering consultants to assess the complex development, according to the letter. The town hired engineering firm C.T. Male Associates, which has already reported back to the planning board with a list of additional information it should request from Manocherian. Otsego just recently put legislation in place that would allow it to charge Manocherian for this kind of independent review. While the Otsego Planning Board has expressed concern about how it would assess
the intricacies of the Manocherian plans, these demands “are well within the expertise of the Springfield Planning Board and its consultant, C.T. Male,” Gottlieb wrote.
Letters
Continued from page 4 left, where the true agenda is to totally dismantle law enforcement. With Albany Democrats, it is death by 1,000 cuts as they slowly whittle away every advantage cops have to keep us safe. I stand proudly with our local law enforcement and County Sheriffs pursuing legal action to reverse this nonsense. Assemblyman Chris Tague New York State Assembly District 102
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YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO
100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein Defendant(s).
If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
on November 17, 2021, which was assigned to ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC, FKA QUICKEN LOANS, LLC by instrument executed December 11, 2023 and recorded December 12, 2023, in Instrument Number: 2023-5149. Said premises being known as and by 699 Crawford Road, Laurens, NY 13796, bearing tax map designation Section: 255.00, Block: 2, Lot: 12.02, which is more fully described in the Schedule “A” attached to the Complaint.
FUL DEATH REPRESENTATIVE PUBLIC NOTICE
To the above named Defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff’s attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.
The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Brian D Burns, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Otsego County, granted on the 9th day of June, 2026, and filed with the Complaint and other papers in the office of the County Clerk of Otsego County. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC, FKA QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, bearing date November 12, 2021 and recorded in Instrument Number: 2021-6409 in the County of Otsego
INDEX NO. EF2025-1083 Date Filed: 08/04/2026 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates OTSEGO County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is: The location of real property being foreclosed. ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, against DARREN C. SITTS, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. A/K/A BERNIE ALBERT SITTS, JR.; JAMES C. SITTS, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. A/K/A BERNIE ALBERT SITTS, JR.; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. A/K/A BERNIE ALBERT SITTS, JR., if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, nextof-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, and JOHN DOE No. 1’’ through ‘’JOHN DOE No. 100’’ inclusive, the name of the last
NOTICE: YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Aldridge Pite, LLP, Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 File 1271-1658B 4LegalSept.24 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: HONEY JOE RANCH LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 25 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 185 Honey Joe Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.8 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FILING VERIFIED PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF WRONG-
State of Wyoming ss. County of Uinta IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT Docket No. 2026-CV-0000078 In the Matter of the Estate of: ANN LOUISE MONTAGUE CLEMENS, Deceased. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on July 31 2026, Tricia Ann Hall instituted an action in the Third Judicial District Court of the State of Wyoming in and for Uinta County, in the above-captioned case, requesting the Court appoint her as the wrongful death representative for the potential wrongful death beneficiaries of Ann Louise Montague Clemens, deceased. Any person claiming to qualify under Wyoming Statute §1-38-104(a) may intervene as a matter of right. Notice is further given that all persons objecting to this appointment must do so within thirty (30) days of the publication of this Notice. Dated: August 31, 2026 Tricia Ann Hall Wrongful Death Representative of Tricia Ann Montague Clemens c/o Scott A. Homar OVERSTREET, HOMAR & KUKER 2922 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001 Published: September 3, 10 & 17, 2026. Legal No: ##### 3LegalSept.17
►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., Sept. 4 BOOK CLUB—Read “Under the Banner of Heaven” by Jon Krakauer and discuss with the group at 6 p.m. on 9/8. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. ‘BOOKFAST’ CLUB— 9 a.m. Monthly coffee chat featuring books you might have missed and a new genre each month. This month’s theme is World War II. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344. BEGINNER MAHJONG—9 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. SENIOR COFFEE HOUR—10:30 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. HISTORY— 10:30 a.m. Unveiling of historical marker for Oneonta Normal School, the Old Main (Oneonta Normal School) building. This was the original site of SUNY Oneonta, built in 1889 and razed in 1977. Held at 7 State Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320960. 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. OPENING RECEPTION—5-8 p.m. “Made with Fire.” First Friday event. Show runs through 9/27. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340. OPENING RECEPTION—5-9 p.m. Memorial
Art Opening. Reception honoring the life and legacy of local artist Benjamin Ayers. The Smithy Gallery, 55 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. SELF DEFENSE— 5:30 p.m. Free Women’s Self Defense Class. Held first Friday of each month. Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy, 5366 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4318862. LECTURE—5:30 p.m. Investigative reporter and Hartwick alumnus Mike McIntire discusses his book, “Ricochet: Guns, Greed, and the American Way of Violence.” Presented by the Hartwick College Institute of Public Service. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4000. LIVE MUSIC— 5:30 p.m. The Turnaround. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4348458. OPEN MIC—6 p.m. Poems, songs, dance, stories, comedy and more. Register at the door to perform. Donations appreciated. Held first Friday of each month. The Telegraph School, 83 Alden Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3785. LIVE MUSIC—6-9 p.m. “The Lake House Summer Concert Series: The Herring and The Hummingbird.” Back patio, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377. LIVE MUSIC— 6-10 p.m. Council Rock. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com. LIVE MUSIC— 7-11 p.m. “September Slam-A-Thon” featuring Sometime in February, Horse Grave, This Way Lies Madness and Eleseer. Tickets required. The Loft, Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
CONTRADANCE— 7:30 p.m. Featuring caller Casey Mullaney; music provided by Catskill Gamblers. Presented by the Otsego Dance Society. Fees apply. Cornfield Hall, 655 County Road 26, Fly Creek. (607) 547-8164.
►Sat., Sept. 5 PISTOL PERMITS— 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday pistol permit services. First Saturday of each month. Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, 172 County Highway 33 West, Cooperstown. (607) 5474271. DMV—9 a.m. to noon. DMV Saturday. Convenient and accessible DMV services. Held first Saturday of each month by appointment only. Village of Richfield Springs, 118 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (607) 547-4281. MEMORIAL RUN— 9 a.m.; registration at 7:30 a.m. “Rothenberger Road to Recovery Run.” 10K, 5K and fun run in memory of Lucas Rothenberger. Presented by Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others. Fees apply; registration required. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. (607) 267-4435. GILBERTSVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET—9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through October. Located by the Gilbertsville Post Office, 3 Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 7832305. ONEONTA FARMERS’ MARKET—9 a.m. to noon. Huntington Memorial Park, Dietz Street, Oneonta. COOPERSTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET— 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. YARD SALE—10 a.m. “Cooperstown Community Yard Sale Day.” Locals are invited to set up and sell treasures. Fees apply;
registration required. Held first Saturday of the month through September. Oaks Creek Farm and Market, 4970 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 779-8580. BLOOD DRIVE— 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org ARTS FESTIVAL— 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Fine Arts and the Lawn.” Vendors, CAA member artists, pottery demonstrations, food and more. Continues 9/6. On the lawn at the Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479777. FESTIVAL—10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2026 Cooperstown Artisan Festival. Unique, local, handcrafted items. Presented by the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. Continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 9/6. On the lawn at the Otsego County Office Building, 193-197 Main Street, 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 martial arts, dance, music and culture. All welcome. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. MUSIC & ART—Noon to 4 p.m. “LOMAS Music and Art Festival.” Food trucks, art, vendors and more. Suggested donation applies. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080. SEWING CLASS— 1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held each Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234. WRITERS— 1:30-3:30 p.m. “HML Writers Club.” Huntington Memorial Library, 3rd Floor Community Room, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 4321980. LIBRARY—2 p.m. “Make Your Own TBR Jar.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. LIVE MUSIC—4 p.m. Matt Downey. The Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4348458. LECTURE—5-6:30 p.m. “Hyde Hall Talks: Nancy Newman–Songs and Sounds of the Anti-Rent Movement in Upstate New York.” Tickets required. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 5475098. LIVE MUSIC—6-9 p.m. “Summer Sundown Series Live Music: Black Mountain Symphony.” Northway Brewing Hop House, 709 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 2864030. LIVE MUSIC— 7-10 p.m. “The Lake House Summer Concert Series: Grateful Upstate Toodeloo.” Lakeside stage, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377.
►Sun., Sept. 6 FARMERS MARKET— 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Middlefield Farm and Flea Market.” 973 Whiteman Road, Middlefield/Roseboom. MILFORD FARMERS’ MARKET—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held each Sunday, Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekends. Curry Park, State Highway 28, Milford. CAR FESTIVAL—Noon to 4 p.m. Music, food, cars, raffles and ice cream. Oaks Creek Farm and Market, 4970 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 7798580.
►Mon., Sept. 7 LABOR DAY DEADLINE—Last day to register for the Elks Club Dinner, featuring meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable, tossed salad, dessert, beverages and more. Eat in or take out. Fees apply. Veterans eat free. Held 9/9 at Oneonta Elks Lodge #1312, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1312.
►Tues., Sept. 8 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. STORYTIME—9 a.m. Open to kids ages 0-3. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. COMMUNITY HIKE— 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Palmer Hill Trail, Andes. (607) 431-8010. SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of macaroni and cheese, stewed toma-
toes and zucchini, green beans, and mandarin oranges. (607) 547-6454. • Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. TUESDAY MARKET—Noon to 4 p.m. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. REPAIR—1-4 p.m. Cooperstown Repair Café. Repair coaches will be on hand during the Tuesday Market to evaluate and attempt to fix everything from lamps to bicycles and more. Free; materials needed to conduct repairs may be available to purchase. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8881. 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. POETRY—5 p.m. “Village Verses.” Monthly multi-generational poetry appreciation group. This month the theme is “nature.” All welcome. Cooperstown Elementary School Library, 21 Walnut Street, Cooperstown. aviva330@gmail.com STITCH & CHAT— 5:30-7 p.m. Welcoming space to knit, crochet, weave, embroider and more with fellow crafters of all levels. Held 2nd Tuesday of each month. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
►Wed., Sept. 9 STORY TIME— 10 a.m. Held each Wednesday. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. AGRICULTURE— 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. “Precision Manure Field Day.” Featuring equipment demos, information, beef barbecue lunch and more. Fees apply. Held rain or shine. Joleanna Holstein, 309 Covered Bridge Road, Unadilla. (607) 865-7090. SLOW LIVING—Noon. Discussion, experience or talk relating to living intentionally and creatively. Held twice per month on Wednesdays. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344. TECH HELP— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. LIBRARY—2:30-4:30 p.m. “St. Tim’s Library Corner.” Held each Wednesday. Presented by Worcester-Schenevus Library at St. Timothy’s Church, 1776 County Road 34, Westford. (607) 397-7309. FREE DINNER— 5-7 p.m. All welcome to enjoy assorted soups, a salad and various desserts. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Held 2nd Wednesday of each month. Unatego Community Church, 290 Main Street, Otego. (607) 369-7425. 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.
►Visit allotsego. com/otsego-countyevents-calendar/ for the full calendar.