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9/11/2001: NEVER FORGET, page 12 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 37
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, September 10, 2026
Newsstand Price $1
Planning Board Hears Widespread Concerns Over Proposed Goey Straits Campground By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
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HARTWICK oncerns over traffic, water resources, emergency services and economic impacts dominated discussion at the Hartwick Planning Board meeting on September 1 as residents weighed in on the proposed Goey Straits Campground, a 76-unit RV resort planned for the hillside across from Cooperstown Dreams Park. Approximately 25-30 residents attended the meeting, many voicing opposition to the project during an extended public hearing.
The proposal, presented by Napierala Consulting, calls for 76 prefabricated park-model RV units placed on permanent pads with individual water, electric and septic connections. Plans also include recreational amenities, a swimming pool, a gated entrance and internal roadways. Project representatives said the terraced design would preserve views of the Dreams Park ballfields while utilizing on-site infrastructure, including a new well and septic systems. A major focus of the evening was traffic along State Highway 28 and Goey Pond Road. Traffic engineer Continued on page 11
Co. Board Members Express Communication Concerns By BILL BELLEN
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OTSEGO COUNTY hortly before the Otsego County Board of Representatives was called to order for its September 2 meeting, Chairman Edwin Frazier Jr. offered remarks honoring recent county retiree Barbara Dulkis. Frazier shared that Dulkis had worked for the county for 15 years, holding multiple positions in the Department of Social Services and as a motor vehicle clerk before ending her career in the role of motor vehicle bureau supervisor—a title which she acquired in 2020. Frazier said that Dulkis INSIDE
► Awarding alumni, page 2 ► council candidate confirmed, page 3 ► Nuclear nod, page 4 ► lots and lots of letters, pages 4 & 8 ► concert cycle commences, page 5 ► Rivera reveals Risks, page 7 ► market street mural, page 9 Follow Breaking News On
had already received a commemorative gift from her department, adding that her “contributions made a lasting impact and we truly appreciate the time and effort she’s devoted throughout her career.” Following roll call, where Rep. Daniel Wilber was noted as absent, and a silent privilege of the floor, Rep. Keith McCarty jumped into his Public Works Committee report. McCarty recounted that Wilber had proposed the drafting of a policy that would require that the county plant a tree and place a plaque at the new farm property in honor of former board members when they pass away.
While acknowledging the heartfelt sentiment behind the motion, McCarty explained why he and Rep. James Powers voted against the measure. “Mr. Powers and I voted against it because we thought it would really not set a very good precedent for the ones that have been on the board and [already] passed away,” McCarty said. “But, it was approved, so we’ll see where that goes.” Wilber also proposed a resolution to name the E911 communications tower in Butternuts after the late Rep. Jerry Madsen, who he said was instrumental in pushing for the project. The resoContinued on page 8
Photo by Debbie Creedon
Debris Removed from Otsego Lake COOPERSTOWN—Volunteers representing the Otsego Lake Association, the Village of Cooperstown and the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station collected an estimated 1,000 pounds of debris from Otsego Lake during the “Otsego Lake Clean Up” event on Saturday, August 15. Homeowners on the west, north and east sides of the lake placed debris on their docks, which volunteers then picked up from 9-11 a.m. Items collected included many old tires covered in zebra mussels (pictured above), wood and even a small, icedestroyed boat, officials reported.
Gilbertsville Man Sings Winning Song at Grange Day By TERESA WINCHESTER
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GILBERTSVILLE he Butternut Valley Grange was well-represented at the Great New York State Fair’s Grange Day on September 5, when Grange member George Dempsie performed “The Butternut Valley Grange Song,” sung to the tune of Gordon Lightfoot’s “On This Winter’s Night.” Dempsie wrote the lyrics for the song, which he had performed at the New York State Grange talent show earlier this year. For his efforts, the Gilbertsville resident was awarded both first place and best-in-show. “It was extra special to be invited to the New York State Fair, where I’d never been before, to perform for Grange members all across the state. And it was an honor to be the warm-up singer for Trace Adkins,” Dempsie quipped, referring to the popular
Photo by Teresa Winchester
GEORGE DEMPSIE
country singer who was one of the main attractions at this year’s fair. Dempsie’s song mentions the steeple of the Grange Hall, with its distinctive weathervane (a Native American flexing a bow and arrow), as well as values important to the Grange, such as fellowship, unity and service. The song offers an invitation to join the Grange and participate in its activities: fundraising dinners, making pies to sell, public lectures, its fall festival, roadside cleanups, and food bank drives. “I enjoy the challenge of taking different ideas and fitting them into the lyrics of a melody,” said Dempsie, who relocated to the Butternut Valley in 2023 from Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania after a 32-year career as an elementary school teacher. While working on his master’s degree in children’s literature at Pennsylvania State Continued on page 7
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Association Announces Award Honorees, Alumni Weekend Schedule ONEONTA n Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, the Oneonta High School Alumni Association will welcome generations of Yellowjackets back to Oneonta for OHS Alumni Weekend 2026, an annual celebration featuring reunions, golf, athletics, historic tours and recognition of distinguished alumni, educators, athletes and veterans. According to a press release issued on Tuesday, September 8, the weekend’s signature event will be the 2026 Induction Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, where the Alumni Association will recognize its Alumna of the Year, Wall of Distinction and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and Superlative Staff Award recipients. “Alumni Weekend is about celebrating the people who have made Oneonta High School such a special place across generations,” said Janet Bryceland, president of the OHS Alumni Association. “This year’s honorees represent an extraordinary range of achievement— in education, military service, athletics, public service and community leadership. We are proud to welcome our alumni home and recognize individuals whose contributions continue to reflect so well on OHS.”
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Alumna of the Year Kim Pirone Baskin, Class of 1985, has been selected as the 2026 Alumna of the Year. A member of the Oneonta School District community for more than 25 years, Baskin joined the OHS Alumni Association in 2022 as a way to honor the memory of her father William “Bud” Pirone, and quickly became an active volunteer. Her service has included work on the Wall of Distinction committee, the association’s annual golf tournament, and projects connecting alumni with OHS students and the school district. Wall of Distinction Four distinguished alumni will join the OHS Wall of Distinction in 2026: Frank Gallucci ’50, Arthur S. Leonard ’70, Francis “Frank” Russo ’83 and John-Michael Insetta ’87. Frank Gallucci ’50 devoted his career to education and public service. After graduating from Oneonta High School, he earned degrees from SUNY Oneonta and the University at Albany and went on to a long career as an educator and school administrator. His commitment to Oneonta continued through extensive civic and community involvement. Arthur S. Leonard ’70 has distinguished himself through a career spanning law, higher education and advocacy. A graduate of Cornell
University and Harvard Law School, Leonard became a professor at New York Law School and is a nationally recognized legal scholar whose writing and work have had a significant impact on the development of LGBTQ+ law in the United States. Francis “Frank” Russo ’83 has built a career in nonprofit and community leadership, including decades of service with the YMCA and Oneonta Fire Department. His work has centered on strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for children and families. John-Michael Insetta ’87 served his country through a distinguished career in the U.S. Army that included command and operational assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan before his retirement from military service. The association will also honor Oneonta High School Vietnam War Heroes on the Wall of Distinction, recognizing OHS alumni who served in the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track who went on to play wide receiver for nationally ranked Villanova University. Ben Carey ’88 excelled in basketball, cross country and track before competing in NCAA Division III cross country at Union College. Edward “Teddy” McGraw ’20 starred in baseball and basketball at OHS, went on to pitch at Wake Forest University and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2021. Erik Johnson ’20 was a multi-sport standout in track, wrestling, football, and indoor track, earning numerous Section IV, STAC and state honors. The 2013 OHS Girls Soccer Team will also enter the Hall of Fame after a remarkable 202 season that culminated in STAC and New York State Class B championships. Superlative Staff Awards Longtime OHS educators John Chamard and Joseph Hartmann have been selected to receive the 2026 Superlative Staff Award. Chamard taught speech, English, film and drama at OHS from
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Weekend Schedule Activities begin Friday, September 11 with the Tony Drago Alumni Golf Classic at the Oneonta Country Club, with flights beginning at 7:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Alumni are also invited to tour the historic SwartWilcox House from 35:30 p.m. on Friday. The house, built in 1807, is Oneonta’s oldest surviving building and is now operated as a house museum. Friday concludes with the Alumni Social Event
from 6-10 p.m. at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club on River Street. Admission is $20.00 per person. Alumni wishing to reserve a table for their class may contact Mary Drago at (607) 435-5191. Saturday, September 12, begins with the 11th Annual OHS Alumni Military Veterans Breakfast from 8:3010:30 a.m. at the Oneonta Elks Club on Chestnut Street. The 2026 Induction Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, followed by an alumni luncheon at approximately noon in the Foothills Atrium. The OHS varsity football game kicks off at 1 p.m. An OHS Alumni Reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, which will offer alumni snacks, drinks and a merchandise discount. For the latest Alumni Weekend schedule and additional information, visit the OHS Alumni Association website at https://www.oneontahighalumni.org.
LWVCA Hosts National Security Correspondent J.J. Green
Athletic Hall of Fame The 2026 OHS Athletic Hall of Fame class showcases achievements ranging from state championships to colle- COOPERSTOWN he League of giate and professional Women Voters of sports. the Cooperstown Noble D. Champen ’00 Area welcomes awardwinning journalist and national security correspondent J.J. Green to speak at the Cooperstown High School Auditorium on Thursday, September 17 from 5-6 p.m. His talk will focus on mis- and disinformation; how to recognize it and how to combat it. This is a critical Choose your discount, color-coded in the store, topic for voters, parents,
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1964-2000, chaired the English Department for 25 years, and directed OHS plays and musicals for decades. His service also included advising the National Honor Society and serving as district treasurer of student accounts. Hartmann taught Global Studies at OHS from 1968 until his retirement in 1995 and served for 10 years as adviser to the award-winning student newspaper, “The Echo.” His career also included teaching journalism through Syracuse University’s School Press Institute and leading state and regional scholastic press organizations.
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students and teachers as we approach the midterm elections in November. The event is free and open to the public. According to a press release, Green serves as the national security correspondent for WTOP in Washington, DC, where he reports on intelligence, foreign policy, terrorism, cybersecurity and international security. Throughout his career, Green has earned a reputation for his principled
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commitment to freedom of the press, including his refusal to accept restrictions on journalists imposed by the Pentagon. He is also the host of the weekly podcast, “Target USA,” which examines national security threats facing the United States, and the weekly broadcast program, “The Hunt,” which explores emerging terrorist threats around the world. In March 2025, Green published “The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth When Everything Is Lying to You,” his examination of the growing challenge of disinformation in American public life. The book explores how “flood the zone” tactics, once associated primarily with authoritarian regimes, have increasingly undermined elections, public institutions and civic trust in the United States. Drawing on real-world examples and practical strategies, Green offers readers tools for recognizing, resisting and responding to disinformation before it takes hold. Copies of “The Noise War” will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture; each of the first 10 people seated will receive a complimentary copy. “The league thanks the Community Foundation of Otsego County for their support, the Cooperstown Central School District and ‘The Freeman’s Journal’ for their collaboration, and the individuals whose additional support helped make this event possible,” officials said. For further information, contact Hudi Podolsky at hudi. podolsky@gmail.com or call (650) 521-1165.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
Oneonta Council Fills Vacant Seat, Advances Veterans Tax Relief Real Property Tax Law 458-a(11). State lawmakers recently changed the exemption from a statewide mandate to a local option that municipalities must formally adopt. If fully implemented, the measure will eliminate city property taxes on the primary residences of qualifying seriously disabled veterans beginning October 1, 2026. Supporters described the exemption as a way to recognize veterans who sustained severe serviceconnected disabilities and to provide meaningful financial relief for those residents and their families. The council also spent considerable time discussing equipment needs within the Oneonta Fire Department. Members ultimately approved the use of $19,895.69 from the city’s Public Safety Reserve Fund to purchase three replacement thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imaging cameras help firefighters identify heat sources, locate victims and navigate smokefilled environments during emergency responses. The department had sought funding for five cameras, and several councilmembers expressed support for purchasing all five units immediately. The department’s 2026 budget included $16,000.00 for three cameras, but the preferred equipment carried a higher price than originally projected, placing the purchase roughly $3,900.00 over budget. Council discussion focused on balancing operational needs with procurement requirements and financial considerations. City Administrator Greg Mattice noted that purchasing all five cameras at once would increase Continued on page 11
By BRANDON RAUL RAMIREZ SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA he Oneonta Common Council filled a vacant Fifth Ward seat and advanced a new property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans at its September 1 meeting. During a busy session, the council also addressed a number of City of Oneonta Fire Department matters, including approval of funding for replacement fire equipment and recognition for the retirement of longtime captain Don Tubia. The evening’s most significant action was the appointment of Edward May Jr. to the Fifth Ward seat left vacant by the resignation of Len Carson, who resigned in early August due to family obligations. Mayor Dan Buttermann nominated May to serve through the remainder of the year, and the council approved the appointment under Section C-23 of the city charter. The resolution passed with councilmembers Elayne Mosher Campoli, Shannon McHugh, Kaytee Lipari Shue, Scott Harrington and Carolyn Marks voting in favor. Cecilia Walsh-Russo abstained. Following the vote, May was immediately sworn into office and signed the city’s official record book before taking part in the remainder of the meeting. May’s appointment came after the city received four letters of interest from residents seeking the temporary appointment. Two of those applicants, Valarie Cole and Amun Zo, previously completed the requirements necessary to appear on the ballot for the November election that will determine who serves
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Photo by Brandon Raul Ramirez
Edward May Jr. (left) is sworn in as the Oneonta Common Council’s Fifth Ward representative by Mayor Dan Buttermann on September 1.
the full 2027 term. Cole will run as the Democratic nominee and Zo as an independent on the Oneonta United line. Mayor Buttermann praised May’s willingness to accept what will be a relatively short appointment. “In the position we’re in, having to fill this seat, when he stepped forward to fill this seat, knowing it will be for about four months, or a limited period, I’m certainly appreciative of his willingness to do that,” Buttermann said. According to the mayor, May brings
decades of community involvement and service on local boards and commissions. The appointment also leaves the ultimate decision about long-term representation in the hands of Fifth Ward voters during the upcoming election. Another major item before the council involved tax relief for disabled veterans. Councilmembers approved a resolution adopting the Seriously Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption authorized under New York
Annual Dinner Brings Conservation into Focus
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY 26th ANNUAL SUSQUEHANNA GARLIC GARLICFESTIVAL FESTIVAL
Saturday, Sept. 1819 • 10 amam- 5- 5pm Saturday, September • 10 pm GARLIC FESTIVAL
By BILL BELLEN HARTWICK reek Side Station in Hartwick was abuzz the evening of Sunday, August 30, as the Otsego County Conservation Association, its partners, and community members from around the county joined together for the organization’s annual dinner. Advertised as a way for county residents to get involved without the commitment of fieldwork, the 5-8 p.m. fundraising event brought in a total of 91 attendees by the end of the night. Ticket revenue went directly toward supporting the extensive conservation work done by the OCCA across Otsego County, including trail maintenance, stream monitoring and rapid response operations. Among the highlights of the evening were the Continued on page 13
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL
And the Award for Local Government Transparency Goes to...
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he citizens of Otsego County have a right to know what their local governments are doing and how decisions are being made. But the public’s access to information can vary, especially when the towns are small, with tiny staffs, and the issues are complex. To be well informed, a resident would need to attend every town council and advisory board meeting or trust that local journalists will go to all meetings and report on important developments. (As you probably know, we don’t have enough staff to cover them all.) And even if local news reporters attended every public meeting, some conversations among officials inevitably would occur privately in “executive session,” limiting the full view. Elected and appointed officials who run towns and villages are on their honor to use executive session only for certain prescribed reasons, and to keep the rest of their discussions in the light of day. That’s why open meetings laws are called “sunshine laws.” Likewise with public records, New York State’s Freedom of Information Law applies equally to “all units of state and local government in New York State,” according to the Committee on Open Government’s pamphlet called “Your Right to Know.” By law, citizens should be able to see a boatload of local government documents, with
some exceptions. But local towns and villages are run by individuals who get first crack at interpreting public records law. They may lean toward openness or choose to withhold. If the answer is no, you can appeal, but few will have the time and energy to go on a public records odyssey. (We need look no further than Hartwick to see a serious breakdown over access to town records, even among the town officials themselves.) That’s why we were so pleasantly surprised to see how the Town of Springfield has handled public documents concerning the controversial Manocherian housing development—and why we’re giving the town props for transparency. Go to https://www.springfieldny.org/ to see what we’re talking about. A note at the bottom of the website’s front page points visitors to where they can find documents about the Manhattan developer’s proposal to build 126 homes on 1,525-acres spanning the Towns of Springfield and Otsego. On the Planning Board page, you’ll find links to view the Manocherian sketch plans; its Full Environmental Assessment Form; a report from an independent engineer the town hired; and the town’s 300+ page justification, recently sent to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, about why Springfield should be the lead agency in
deciding environmental questions regarding the large residential development. There’s nothing simple about the Manocherian proposal, but Springfield has made it simple to access public documents that will color and shape what happens next. Since the summer of 2025, many area residents have turned out at public meetings trying to understand the impact this development could have on local roads, the region’s unspoiled character, future tax bills, the health of Otsego Lake and the aquifer that supplies well water to existing residents. The Town of Springfield and the Town of Otsego are currently disputing “lead agency” designation for the Manocherian project. We are not weighing in on either side—that is for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to iron out. We are simply giving credit where credit is due for easily-accessible public documents. In the spirit of full transparency, we note one public meeting misstep on Springfield’s part. At a June 2026 Planning Board meeting, Chairman Henry Moore tried to shoo away a few latecomers, saying the room was too full and he was concerned about the fire code. Thankfully, Springfield’s planning board’s attorney quickly intervened. The citizens found empty seats and the meeting continued for all in the full sunshine.
The Partial Observer
DENNIS HIGGINS
Now Is the Time To Speak Up in Favor of Nuclear Energy
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ince the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019, utility rates are up 40 percent and over a million rate-payers are in arrears. At the same time, the energy reliability margin has been halved. Summer blackouts in the metro region are projected into the future. We are burning 30 percent more gas for electricity than before the CLCPA and pipeline proposals and expansion projections—NESE, Constitution, Iroquois ExC—are in the news. As noted by the state bar association (https://nysba.org/preempting-localzoning-codes-fuels-opposition-to-renewableenergy-in-new-york/), rural communities have been robbed of home rule and environmental protection in the siting of industrial solar and wind by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting. The grid operator, NYISO, the state Energy Research and Development Authority, the governor, the Business Council and citizens across the state realize the current plan isn’t working. We must invest in clean technologies but ones that are reliable, affordable, scalable and which will foster economic growth for decades to come.
According to the NYISO, the state’s electricity needs are expected to grow significantly, possibly doubling in the next 25 years. Electrification of transportation, buildings and industry will require lots more juice. Nuclear power generates carbonfree electricity every minute of every day, regardless of weather conditions. Avid environmentalists, businesses and legislators should acknowledge that nuclear is a smarter complement to intermittent renewables than fossil fuels currently provide. The Department of Energy, as well as NYSERDA and NYISO, indicates that when the system-level costs of decarbonization are considered, additional nuclear capacity will save money. Nuclear does not require expensive BESS storage, new poles and wire doubling or tripling the existing grid, or backup generation. While solar panels, batteries and wind turbines might last 25 years, a nuclear reactor is built to last 80 years or more, providing local tax revenue and four generations of workers with the highest wages in the industry. The New York State Farm Bureau is concerned that 70 percent of new renewable development
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.
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Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main Street, Cooperstown NY 13326-9598 USPS Permit Number 018-449
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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
is on agricultural land. However, the state’s Coordinated Grid Planning Process has found that deploying just 5 gigawatts of new firm nuclear capacity will avoid the construction of 20 GW of sprawling solar and wind projects, and save more than 200,000 acres of farmland, forest, and wildlife habitat from destruction. And that is even before factoring in all of the additional land and costly system-level infrastructure that solar and wind require. None of that is needed for nuclear, which delivers reliable baseload electricity every hour of every day of the year. The cost of renewable energy credits are already hidden in your electric bill. Ratepayers are discovering that, using solar and wind alone, grid decarbonization becomes prohibitively expensive. Pursuing an energy portfolio that includes nuclear power will limit rural sprawl and protect nature. It will also check the assault on upstate communities by ORES. What about waste? Fossil fuel waste is pumped into the atmosphere, causing eight million deaths per year globally, according to Harvard (https:// hsph.harvard.edu/climate-health-c-change/news/ Continued on page 14
Letters to the editor … In their opinION
A Challenge to Mayor, Trustees They are gone! Who are “they”? The sports parker families, and they’re all the same: fathers with scruffy beards, wearing baseball caps forward or backward; mothers fixated on their phones; sons swinging baseball bats, real or imaginary, on Main Street; daughters looking like they’d rather be anyplace else. These people love baseball? Do they, or is it Major League baseball—with its hype/stats/ cable channels/replays/rule changes—that they love? I think it’s the latter, because I never see any visitors pause to watch games being played at Doubleday Field. That’s baseball, too. To my point. Every summer I hear local residents say, “The traffic and parking problems just get worse,” and they’re right. The situation isn’t going to improve in 2027, with the planned expansion of both area sports parks. The trolleys were intended to alleviate this issue? Yes, and to my observation the trolley system has been less than a rip-roaring success, because parents willing to
spend hundreds of dollars to send their sons to a non-instructional sports park, with meaningless games, will spend any amount of money to park on or around Main Street. Or, they’ll try to cram their enormous cars into a two-hour parking space, gambling that they can return before they get a ticket. And if they get a ticket—and if they decide to pay it—that’s just part of the cost of a visit to Cooperstown. Here’s my suggestion: Make Church Street, and parts of Fair, Pioneer, River and Lake streets, seasonal no-parking zones, with signs telling visitors to use the trolley. It would be wrong to help a private business? It’s the best solution right now. Doing that might cost the village some parking revenue? I think the village can afford it. So, I offer this letter as a challenge to the mayor and trustees: You have nine months to come up with a solution, whether it’s my solution or someone else’s. Cooperstown summers can never be what they once were, but they can be less chaotic than they are now. Andrew Armstrong Cooperstown
Verizon Doesn’t Want Landlines Yesterday while I was navigating Verizon’s “Customer Service” to try to set up autopay, I was able to get through to a human being (in itself a story of how we are being forced into AI channels, to what end? Only cutting costs for the companies involved and surely not to deliver better service...) I was told that Verizon is planning to discontinue serving all landlines in our area and allow the numbers to die. When I asked when this would happen, I was told there was no date yet, but “soon,” and also that it was not yet clear how much notice landline users would have. On top of that, it is not clear whether Verizon will offer its fiber FIOS system to replace the copper lines, which would be an improvement and also allow people with Verizon landline numbers to retain them. As of yesterday, the person I spoke to said “it looks like no FIOS in your area.” So this irresponsible action begs a few questions: Continued on page 14
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 news from the noteworthy
COOPERSTOWN CONCERTS
New Season Kicks Off at a New Venue
Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
185 YEARS AGO
Horse Stealing—A meeting of the owners of horses and those opposed to horse stealing in the Town of Otsego will be held at the house of Wm. Lewis in the Village of Cooperstown on Thursday the 16th of September at 1 o’clock p.m. for the purpose of forming a society for the prevention of horse stealing, and the detection of horse thieves. Sig. Many Horse Owners. September 13, 1841
160 YEARS AGO
Hops—A few yards were picked last week and on Monday last picking commenced very generally throughout the Hop District of this State. The weather has been rather unfavorable and the vermin have increased since our last issue. However, we have seen some excellent specimens of cured hops, and such are in demand at 45 to 50 cents. The purchases are to supply orders, there being no speculative feeling. The poorer grades of hops are not sought after at present. The yield will be in excess of the home consumption. September 7, 1866
135 YEARS AGO
New York State Board of Charities report regarding the Otsego County Poor House: Visited October 13, 1890. In referring to the report of the State Board of Charities during the last 20 years and comparing the condition of the Poor House at the time of visitation with these, the conclusion is reached that no material change has been effected during that period, and that the condition of the Poor House is such as to call for the censure of the Board of Supervisors. The stoves and stove pipes are unsafe; there is but one bathtub in the institution; the water closets are very old and filthy; the beds and bedding are in a bad condition. On the day of the visitation there were 46 males and 30 females in the institution, and also three children under one year. The Supervisors, the Superintendent of the Poor, and the people of the county deserve censure if they allow this institution and its inmates to remain longer in the conditions found. Frequent visits of the Board of Charities is recommended, and if these are not effective in securing improvements, it is urged that the attention of the Legislature be directed to the matter in order to furnish the unfortunate people confined in the Poor House of this county with immediate relief. September 10, 1891
35 YEARS AGO
Ralph E. and Barbara Chamberlain donated the Sportsman’s Tavern, a property valued at $860,000 to the Campaign for Bassett, the hospital’s first-ever capital campaign. The Sportsman’s Tavern an historic Fly Creek restaurant acquired by the Chamberlains in 1984, will be renovated to house the staff and facilities of the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), a program designed to identify, treat and prevent injury and illness in farmers as well as investigate broad political and economic issues facing rural residents. September 11, 1991
20 YEARS AGO
Philip Pohl, a Section III, Center State All Star baseball catcher who batted over .400 for the Cooperstown varsity last spring, went to Doubleday Field last Thursday as a spectator to watch a touring team of Japanese All-Stars take on a team of American high school All-Stars. Then, midway through the fourth inning, Pohl was summoned out of the first base side entryway by umpire Bobby Hall where he was watching the game and told to report to the American side dugout. Minutes later he was in an AllStar uniform and in the game as catcher. “I couldn’t believe what was happening,” Pohl said. “I’d gone to watch and suddenly I was in the game. It was unbelievable.” Pohl was invited to play by American team coach Ray Fagnant. September 8, 2006 Solution: “Gang of Fours” (September 3)
M
usic is vital for communities as a universal language that unites people, creates connections and promotes cultural growth. For more than 55 years, Cooperstown Concerts has been a proud part of the local arts scene, operating as a small, independent, all-volunteer nonprofit. We strive to be your home for live music by bringing outstanding performances to people across the region, with each season featuring a wide variety of artists and genres. Building on the momentum of a groundbreaking 2025-2026 Photo provided season—which was attended The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys will open the Cooperstown Concerts season on Sunby more than 1,200 people and day, September 13 at the Glimmerglass Festival Pavilion. featured six sold-out perfornoon of hard-driving, traditional bluegrass music. mances—we are excited to announce the launch of our 2026-2027 season. As This Grammy-nominated band from Nashville, Tennessee will perform at our first-ever concert part of our continual efforts to expand our impact in the community and find great new places in our in the spacious Glimmerglass Festival Pavilion, bringing their authentic string wizardry and infeccommunity to enjoy live music, we are thrilled tious harmonies to the stage. to add the Glimmerglass Festival Pavilion to our • Sunday, October 18, 3 p.m.: Rhythm roster of premier local venues. Future Quartet. Experience the vibrant spirit of We invite the community to join us for these Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, and exceptional fall events: enjoy Gypsy jazz music at its finest. This New • Sunday, September 13, 3 p.m.: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. We open the season with an afterContinued on page 14 THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL By MERL REAGLE
House Cat… Up close with the Clintons’ First Feline
ACROSS 1 Sphere starter 5 Debunks? 10 “Amo, amas, I love ___” 15 House cat’s favorite violinist? 19 “Back ___?” 21 What the house cat uses on Chelsea? 23 House coat? 24 Michael Tucker in Diner 25 Adding insult to injury 26 Tías, to Tom 28 It starts at g1, on a chessboard 29 Toe the line 30 Nicosia’s isl. 31 Newsroom unit 32 Mbr. of “OAS” 34 Losing line of a game 36 Something the house cat practices? 41 Word with rest or restricted 43 Sandy says it 46 Chicago trains 48 Memento ___ sian pseudonym 49 Fission commission, once: 98 How the house cat finds abbr. mouse burgers? 50 Escapee emergs. 101 Wt. losses 51 House cat’s favorite music 103 Chrysler product maker? 105 Rich soil 54 It retains water 106 Have to cough up 56 Nth: abbr. 108 Stick in the mud? 57 Peru people, once 112 Organ with a drum 58 Dislodge, as from the sack 113 In two places at once? 59 Hotbed of heavy breathing 115 Rigg who hosted Mystery! 62 Third largest island 1989-2003 64 Compound microscope 118 Frequenter of Café Nerinventor Robert vosa, on TV 66 Intending 119 Zaire neighbor 69 Receipt, in Rouen 121 House cat’s favorite trad70 House cat’s favorite expresing place? sion? (coined by one of his 124 Show up and tell movie-star buddies) 125 House cat’s second favor73 Prefix in acoustics ite president? 74 Sphere starter 126 Actor Lew 75 A Fistful of Dollars director 127 “The ___ falling!” 76 Boys in the ’hood, e.g. 128 Upbeat 78 Fool DOWN 79 Lock of hair 1 ___ of the times 81 “Unhappily ...” 2 Holy city? 85 Diminutive ending, as for 3 Middle of the 15th century “hill” 4 Go-aheads 86 Like Steinbeck’s Lenny 5 Summaries or some tires 88 House cat’s favorite mythi6 Rankles cal beast? 7 TV programming vacancy 90 Some semi stops: abbr. 8 David Copperfield girl 92 Coiling killer 9 ___ Tomé and Principe 94 Ocean liner, familiarly 10 Helping hand: abbr. 95 Milk-truck puller 11 “___ luck!” 96 Up to this point 97 Dickensian exclamations, or 12 Tempe sch. a homophone of a Dicken- 13 House cat’s parting gift to Millie?
14 H ouse cat’s reaction to 71 Apr. addressee French fries? 72 How replicas are built 15 Silo occupant, briefly 73 H ouse cat’s favorite native 16 D weller along the 118 American? Down 76 Bausch’s buddy 17 Economy-size equine 77 Abby and Ann, e.g. 18 Mystery writer Marsh 80 Hold your horses 20 Wayne’s word 82 Nora Charles portrayer 22 “Distasteful” desert plant? 83 J essica Lange’s biggest 27 Like a jaybird? co-star 30 Scorsese’s The ___ Money 84 Flight from D.C. 31 Greek letter 87 “Lettuce” 33 Lamb’s commentary 88 A. Bell ringer 35 Kisses, in love letters 89 Top cops, Soviet-style 37 Andy’s pal 91 Compass pt. 38 M urphy Brown colleague 93 Tree nut Frank and others 94 Iran city 39 Before, once 99 “K-K-K” girl and Jurado 40 Picketer’s bane 100 Powdered inks 42 Concerning 102 Mavericks 43 “___ see it ...” 104 San Diego player 44 Actor and crossword fan Ely 107 Like some floss 45 O rg. of “seven dirty words” 109 In a pallid manner fame 110 O tto Preminger’s producer 47 Bike-wheel features brother (M*A*S*H, etc.) 52 Chief, in Hawaiian 111 Will of The Waltons 53 F ormer Mexican political 112 Make a boo-boo leader Adolfo de la ___ 114 Buttram and butter 55 Erin of Happy Days 115 Berth place 59 Milk shake kin 116 Like raw eggs, to kids 60 H’wood release 117 Japan electronics giant 61 Sometimes twisted joints 118 B angkok’s river, ___ 63 Zip a Ziploc Phraya 65 In the past 120 Hide/hair insert 67 Believer’s ending 122 “___ your old man!” 68 Continues 123 Atlanta’s CDC, e.g. 70 H ouse cat’s electric treatment?
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
NEWS BRIEFS
Museum Events Scheduled COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm and Country Village will celebrate the bounty of fall during its two-day Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. The 20th Birthday Celebration of the Empire State Carousel will be featured, along with vendors, crafts, food, live music, animals, games and more. The schedule also includes traditional music by Jim Kimball and Karen Canning, a performance by the Quigley Academy of Irish Dance and music by Old Erie. Blacksmith Weekend returns on Saturday, September 26. On Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, the museum will host its popular “Tractor Fest,” with more than 60 tractors from area clubs and organizations, food trucks, demonstrations, live music, a Kiddie Tractor Pull, Tractor Parade, and other activities. The public is also invited to submit personal photographs of Fenimore Art Museum and Fenimore Farm and Country Village for the seventh annual “Capturing a Masterpiece Photography Contest.” Photographs must have been taken on-site at the museums from August 8, 2026 through November 2, 2026 and can include building exteriors, some interiors, and the museum grounds, especially landscapes and farm animals. For more information on these and other events, visit www.fenimorefarm.org. The museums are located on State Route 80, just north of the Village of Cooperstown.
Deadline Nears for Craft Fair RICHFIELD SPRINGS—Crafters are invited to participate in the 6th Annual Fall Craft Fair at the Cullen Pumpkin Farm, located at 587 Cullen Road, Richfield Springs, on Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fall Craft Fair is sponsored by the Church of Christ Uniting, Richfield Springs. The deadline to sign up is Thursday, October 1. For information and an application, e-mail fallcraftfair@yahoo.com. Traditionally, this event has hosted more than 70 area crafters with their handmade crafts in a multitude of creations from a large demographic area. There is lots of room at this venue, organizers say, and crafters can conveniently park directly behind their site. The craft fair will be directly across the road from the pumpkin farm.
Stewart’s Takes Top Honors SYRACUSE—New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced the winners of New York State’s 2026 Dairy Products Competition at The Great New York State Fair recently. Stewart’s Shops was honored with gold for the best overall fluid milk, while Dygert Farms Creamery took gold in the chocolate milk category and Stoltzfus Family Dairy took gold for the best flavored milk category. A full list of the 2026 Dairy Products Competition winners is available at https://agriculture.ny.gov/.
Artists To Be Featured at Gala EDMESTON—Vibrant landscapes, expressive animal portraits, and luminous winter scenes will fill Dan’s Depot as Pathfinder Village artists explore color, texture, and light in “INSPIRE 3,” the village’s third annual art gala. A free public reception will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 1-3 p.m. at 2102 State Route 80, Edmeston. The reception will give guests an opportunity to meet the artists, view their latest works and enjoy light refreshments. Framed original artwork will be available for purchase during the show, supporting the participating artists and Pathfinder Village’s growing local arts community. Featured artists are Ross Bromley, Nick Campbell, Theresa Clark, Ashley Dhanraj, Eric Mackiewicz, Linda McCord, Chuck McEwen, Bryan Penzer, Jeffrey Peterson and Chris Scott. The artists regularly study with Edmeston teaching artist Colette Dunham, whose workshops encourage people of all abilities to express their individual perspectives through visual art. Pathfinder Village is located at 3 Chenango Road, Edmeston. Dan’s Depot is a renovated carriage barn just west of the main village.
Rotary Funding Cycle Begins COOPERSTOWN—The Allocations Committee of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown will accept applications from nonprofit organizations for the fall 2026 funding cycle through the end of the month of September. Applications and criteria can be found and downloaded from the Rotary Club’s Clubrunner website, portal.clubrunner.ca/3556. Applications should be mailed to Rotary Club of Cooperstown, PO Box 993, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or e-mailed to tlbhinmanhollow@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed by the committee and recommendations for funding will be made to the Rotary Board of Directors for final approval at their October 12 meeting.
PMIC Names New Leaders NEW BERLIN—Preferred Mutual Insurance Company announced the appointments of Sara Cummings, Daniel DeThomas and Ronald Martin to new leadership roles. Cummings has been appointed controller and will continue leading Preferred Mutual’s accounting and finance operations while serving as a key strategic partner to the chief financial officer and executive team. DeThomas has been appointed senior manager, risk and reinsurance. In addition to overseeing enterprise risk management, vendor and
contract management, business continuity planning, and reinsurance, he will assume responsibility for the company’s rate filing and regulatory compliance activities. Martin has been appointed vice president, government and industry affairs after most recently serving as vice president, business compliance and research. In his new role, he will focus exclusively on advancing Preferred Mutual’s government affairs strategy and supporting the company’s strategic priorities through advocacy and relationships with state regulators, legislators, trade groups, agents, and other insurance industry stakeholders.
County DoH Reports Rabid Bat CHERRY VALLEY—A bat found in the Town of Cherry Valley tested positive for rabies on Tuesday, September 1, according to the Otsego County Department of Health. All individuals exposed to the bat are being treated, officials said. Rabies is a fatal viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or contact with saliva to broken skin or mucus membranes. The public is cautioned to stay away from any stray or wild animals and instruct their children to do so as well. It is New York State law that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be rabid must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owner’s expense for six months. Otsego County residents are encouraged to call (607) 547-4230 or visit the health department website for up-to-date rabies information or any questions.
Thome To Host Golf Tourney COOPERSTOWN—Baseball power hitter Jim Thome will serve as the celebrity host for the Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational on Monday, September 14 at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. As the master of ceremonies, Thome, the owner of 612 home runs, will be featured as the guest speaker at that evening’s fundraiser dinner. The Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational will begin with a shotgun start and feature a chance to win team prizes worth more than $6,500.00, with amateur foursomes playing a two-best ball round on one of the Northeast’s most storied courses. For more information on Pathfinder Village, visit https://pathfindervillage.org/. Thome was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2018. Proceeds from this event benefit Pathfinder Village, located in nearby Edmeston, a residential community dedicated to children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Golf events have been the major source for scholarship funds for Pathfinder residents and students since 1982 and directly help the village’s 90-plus residents and students. Proceeds also benefit HoF programs. The presenting sponsor for the 2026 event is NBT Bank, and the corporate sponsor is Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast.
NYSEG Substation Completed ONEONTA—New York State Electric and Gas has completed upgrades to the Fraser Substation in Oneonta, marking a major milestone in a multiphase project designed to strengthen reliability, improve grid resilience, and support growing energy needs for tens of thousands of customers throughout the region, officials said. To read the full release, visit allotsego.com. To learn more about NYSEG’s Oneonta South Area Improvements Project, visit www.oneontasouthnyseg.com.
CCESO Programs Announced COBLESKILL—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego County Master Gardener Volunteer and Master Preserver Theresa Kaya will lead a hands-on jam-making program on Tuesday, September 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the CCESO Extension Center at 173 South Grand Street, Cobleskill. Class size is limited and there is a $15.00 fee to cover supplies. Registration is required by Friday, September 11. Participants will learn the basics of safe boiling water canning and will take home a jar of jam. USDA tested and approved techniques and recipes will be used. On Wednesday, September 16 from 5:30-7 p.m., the Otsego County Master Gardeners will present a seed-saving workshop, “The Art and Science of Seed Saving,” at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. Participants will have a hands-on experience in the CCESO Demonstration Garden on how to select seeds and tips for saving them for years to come. This program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged. To register for these events, visit www.ccesschoharieotsego.org or contact Marcie Foster, horticulture and natural resources educator, at mkf48@cornell.edu or call (607) 547-2536, extension 235.
‘Quit for Your Pet’ Launches BUFFALO—Now through Saturday, October 31, the New York State Quitline encourages residents to become or stay tobacco-free for their pets. Through a new “Quit for Your Pet” campaign, participants can share pet photos with tobacco-free messages at www.nysmokefree.com/pets for a chance to win a $500.00 or $250.00 gift card toward pet products and supplies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites numerous harms to a variety of pets such as
dogs, cats, bird, guinea pigs and fish. Secondhand smoke and vapor increase the risk of cancer and respiratory problems. Ingested commercial tobacco products such as cigarette butts or nicotine pouches can cause poisoning. Thirdhand smoke residue on carpets and furniture can transfer to pets’ fur or feathers. “Pets are part of the family, and many people are motivated to quit tobacco to protect the ones they love,” said Dr. Andrew Hyland, director of the NYS Quitline and senior vice president of population sciences at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. “This campaign makes it fun and meaningful to take that step.”
Antique Engine Jamboree Set EAST MEREDITH—On Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, Hanford Mills Museum will host the Dan Rion Memorial Antique Engine Jamboree. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, the museum will feature exhibitors of historic engines, doodlebugs, motors, and other machines along with displays and demonstrations of the museum’s own collections of historic engines and machinery. A variety of local vendors and artisans will be onsite and Helen’s Little Kitchen food truck will be vending breakfast and lunch. There will be live music on both days, as well as children’s activities in the Learning Lab. Those interested in exhibiting at this event can visit hanfordmills.org or contact Justin Maroney at justin@hanfordmills.org or (607) 278-5744 for more information. Hanford Mills will close the season with its “Trees and Timber Festival” on Saturday, October 10, featuring artisans and vendors who work with wood, as well as exhibitors in forestry and conservation. The museum is located at 51 County Road 12, East Meredith.
Chamber Plans Fall Events UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced a number of upcoming community events at its August 4 meeting. On Saturday, September 19, there will be a Tampon Drive from 5-8 p.m. at the pavilion, featuring the Bittersweet Beer Bus, the Rolling Smoke BBQ truck and live music from the band “Count Me Out.” The Green Giraffe Flea Market will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3. The catered chamber dinner will be held on Sunday, October 4 at Far View Farm. There will be a social hour at 3 p.m. followed by a 4 p.m. dinner and awards ceremony. On Saturday, October 24, the Zombie Run will begin at 10 a.m. at the RDC Field.
Garden Club Slated To Meet RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The next meeting of the Garden Club of Richfield Springs will be held on Thursday, September 17 at the Richfield Public Library at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and features Master Gardener Roseanne Loparco from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, who will speak at 7 p.m. on “Putting your Garden to Bed.” The library is located on Route 20 in Richfield Springs.
Writers Salon Kicks Off Season ONEONTA—The Community Arts Network of Oneonta will hold its first Writers Salon event of the fall season on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. Fiction writer Racheal Fest will host a free workshop focused on the craft of fiction. Writers of all experience levels are invited to join the conversation to talk about the craft, generate some new writing and share their work. Visit https://www. canoneonta.org/writers-salon to learn more.
BBQ Fundraiser Is Sept. 26 FORT PLAIN—The Van Hornesville Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Fall Chicken BBQ on Saturday, September 26 at 3219 State Route 80, Fort Plain. Tickets for the 50/50 raffle are currently on sale at a cost of 10 tickets for $5.00 or 25 for $10.00. Winning tickets will be drawn at 3 p.m. on September 26 at the barbecue. The winner will be contacted using the phone number provided on the ticket and need not be present. Reach out to VHVFD members for more information.
Bassett Lists New Practitioners COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network welcomed 22 new practitioners during the month of August. They are: hospitalist Abolfazl Ahmady, MD; hospitalist Nirav Agrawal, MBBS; Danielle Clifford, MD, psychiatry; Michael Dahle, DO, teleradiology; Makai Dunne, MD, psychiatry; Cassie Fairchild, MD, family medicine; Jacob Griggs, MD, tele-radiology; Valerie Hardoon, MD, emergency and trauma services; Alexandria Iglesia, PA, emergency medicine; hospitalist Jasvindar Kumar, BBS; attending physician Logan Mancuso, MD; Deashia McAlpine, MD, MS, family medicine; Matthew McGrath, PA, dermatology; Kari Moorhead, PA, dermatology; William Navarro, CRNA, anesthesiology; Tessa Nicholas, PA, emergency medicine; Benjamin Rosen, MD, electrophysiology; Naman Shah, MD, attending physician; hospitalist Tshering Sherpa, MBBS; Joseph Vukovic, MD, emergency medicine; Mubashir Wani, MD, primary care; and Saketh Velapati, MD, pulmonary medicine and critical care. For details on the locations and specialties of these practitioners, visit AllOtsego.com.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
Supervisor Raises Concerns Grange Over License Plate Reader Cameras, Pushes for Town Ban
Continued from page 1
By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST ONEONTA growing debate over automated license plate reader cameras has reached the Town of Oneonta, where Town Supervisor Will Rivera says residents deserve greater transparency and a public discussion before the technology is used within the community. Rivera said the Town Board never approved the cameras and that no public vote or discussion was held before they appeared in the area. “The Town Board did not approve these cameras,” Rivera said. “They were never brought to us for a vote or a public discussion.” The technology at the center of the discussion is commonly referred to as an automated license plate reader, or ALPR. One of the most widely known manufacturers is Atlanta-based Flock Safety, whose camera systems are used by law enforcement agencies, municipalities and private businesses across the country. While supporters argue that the cameras help solve crimes and locate stolen vehicles, critics say the systems collect far more information than many people realize. According to Rivera, the concern goes beyond simply taking a photograph of a license plate. “This isn’t just a camera taking a picture of a license plate,” Rivera said. “It can record a vehicle, where it was and when it was there.” Modern ALPR systems are capable of identifying and cataloging details such as a vehicle’s make, model, color and body style. Those observations are stored and can be searched later. When collected over time and across large networks of cameras, that information can create a detailed record of a vehicle’s movements. “When enough of those sightings are collected, you can start to build a searchable picture within a mass network of where a vehicle has been,” Rivera said. Civil liberties organizations have raised similar concerns nationwide. Rivera pointed specifically to concerns
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previously voiced by the New York Civil Liberties Union regarding the technology’s use in the Oneonta area. “The NYCLU warned that this kind of information can reveal people’s routines and associations,” Rivera said. “That’s a lot more than just reading a license plate.” For Rivera, and many others, the issue is fundamentally about privacy and consent. “You’re not asked. You don’t opt in. You don’t sign up. You just drive by,” he said. Rivera noted that most residents are simply carrying out everyday activities. “Most people are just living their lives,” he said. “They’re going to work, picking up their kids, seeing family, going to the doctor, getting something to eat and going home. I don’t think all of those normal movements should quietly become searchable information just because the technology makes it possible.” Questions about data security are also fueling opposition. Privacy advocates have warned that large databases containing location information could become targets for misuse if accessed by unauthorized individuals. “And we have to think about what happens when that information gets into the wrong hands,” Rivera said. “Once someone knows where you go, where you work, where your family goes or the places you regularly visit, that information can cause real harm.” Drawing on his professional experience, Rivera said he has seen how personal information can be weaponized to harm vulnerable individuals. “I’ve spent too much of my career helping people after the harm was already done,” he said. “I’ve seen how technology can turn information about someone’s life into a tool for control, stalking or abuse. If we have an opportunity to reduce that risk before someone gets hurt, I’m not going to sit back and wait.” Rivera said town officials are now exploring banning the technology within the Town of Oneonta. “I don’t want us
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waiting for somebody to get hurt before we decide this went too far,” Rivera said. “That’s why our board intends to ban this technology in the town.” The discussion comes amid a broader national debate over the rapid expansion of license plate reader networks. Supporters cite numerous criminal investigations in which camera data has helped identify suspects or recover stolen property. Opponents argue that the systems collect information on large numbers of law-abiding citizens who are not suspected of any crime. Locally, residents have reported the presence of cameras near commercial properties. Rivera said he personally observed one near the Lowe’s area in Oneonta. He has also been informed of a possible camera near Harbor Freight, though he said he has not personally confirmed that location. As discussion continues, Rivera believes the issue ultimately comes down to a basic principle. “People should be free to go about their lives without being tracked by default,” he said. The future of license plate reader technology in the Town of Oneonta is expected to be a topic of continued public discussion as town officials weigh privacy concerns against potential public safety benefits.
University, Dempsie participated in a yearlong exchange program in Cheltenham, adjacent to the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England. “I was attracted to Gilbertsville because it reminded me of the Cotswolds,” Dempsie said. Early on in his Gilbertsville residency, he was impressed by the Butternut Valley Grange—its handsome white frame hall, built in 1832 as a Presbyterian Church, as well as by the dedication of its members to serving others. The Grange song was not the first such attempt by Dempsie, who has been performing as a singer since his days at Juniata College, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education and early childhood development. “I was part of a singing group called ‘Friends,’ and we sang at places like women’s clubs, Lions clubs, and nursing homes, and whenever a colleague would retire, I would sing a retirement song based on a tune by that person’s favorite artist,” Dempsie said. When his hometown of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania celebrated its bicentennial in 1990, Dempsie wrote a song commemorating the occasion. Likewise, while living in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, he collaborated with a friend on yet another bicentennial song, his friend writing the music and Dempsie the lyrics. The song was subsequently recorded and Dempsie said he was
delighted to hear it on the radio one day while riding in his car. In 1996, Dempsie, then teaching in a school district in State College, Pennsylvania, was asked to write a song for the borough’s centennial. He collaborated with yet another friend, who wrote an original score, with Dempsie, once again, writing the lyrics. “The song was taught to all the students in the district and then sung at a celebration held at the Bryce Jordan Center on the Penn State campus. Everyone sang the song. There were several thousand children there. It meant a lot to me,” Dempsie said. Since arriving in Gilbertsville, Dempsie has become an indemand solo singer for area churches and has also performed at open mic nights at the Gatehouse Coffee Shop and Mercantile in Morris, but singing is not his only talent. He has almost completed a memoir, titled “Goody Two-Shoes: A Baby Boomer Memoir,” which he plans to selfpublish. He has read from his memoir, also at the Gatehouse’s open mic night, and one of its chapters was published in the Pennsylvania newspaper, “The Morrisons Cove Herald.”
Dempsie is also following through on one of his “bucket list” wishes: learning to tap dance, for which he has been taking Zoom lessons once a week for 14 years. He practices in an outbuilding on his property—his “shuffle shed” —and enjoys performing for small groups of friends and his elderly neighbor. Since his arrival in Gilbertsville, Dempsie has become an integral part of the community. Besides his active membership in the Grange, he serves as secretary of the Butternut Valley Garden Club, assists with children’s story time at the Gilbertsville Free Library, and volunteers at the Major’s Inn, staffing its gift shop on occasion and helping out with its annual quilt show. He is also a dedicated volunteer at the Butternut Valley pet food pantry. “I feel very much at home in my new community. I’m thankful and inspired to be surrounded by the creativity, generosity, and kindness of the Butternut Valley,” Dempsie said. Dempsie will once again perform his Grange song at the New York State Grange Conference, to be held in Waterloo on October 15.
Chicken & Biscuit Dinner Sunday, September 13 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Adults: $15 Children: $8
Laurens Masonic Lodge 7 Brook Street, Laurens
SAVE FOR THE SEASONMarietta emphasized his confusion
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
County
Rep. Adrienne Mar-
CTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020tini gave the Health
and Human Services over the lack of communication Committee report, with regard to the investigation into lution passed the comm- during which she shared ittee unanimously. that there had been one alleged policy violations by First During the Intergovern- confirmed case of measles Sergeant Kristopher Solovitch... mental Affairs Committee in the county, with another report, Rep. Andrew suspected exposure. between the state and over the lack of commuCTOBER Marietta 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 Martini then high- federal said Planning government, nication with regard to the Director Tammie Harris lighted Resolutions 349 while recent legisla- investigation into alleged the consent tive had presented a draft copy and 357 on changes have policy violations by First of her presentation, “Data agenda, which came out of dropped federal input Sergeant Kristopher Centers: A Preliminary her committee. Res. 357 to 25 percent, adding a Solovitch during an Assessment.” Marietta calls for a two-year delay projected $300,000.00 internal investigation added that the presen- of federal Supplemental in local costs once the of former Lieutenant Assistance changes are set to be Thomas Fellrath. tation is in the process Nutrition of finalization and is Program administrative implemented on October Marietta pointed to now scheduled for the and benefit cost shifts, 1. Res. 349 compliments recent reporting by “The October board meeting. as well as a call to the this outlook by recog- Daily Star” that included government said there will state ? Kelly September as information from an Edge All-Season ? Frazier Assurance All-Season ? to Kelly Edgenizing HT Sportplenary All-Season Family (inc. ROF &data SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? be Eagle a ? Kelly EdgeHunger MT hold communities harmabout Action Month, Oneida County Sheriff’s ? Kelly Winter Access ? Winter Maxx 2 ? 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Rep. Jill Basile and Berliant both chimed in as well, with Berliant expressing deep frustrations about misuse of credit cards in the Sheriff’s Office, including for the purchase of food. “It just feels like they’re operating now outside the rules and policies of the county that the taxpayers are paying us to create and enforce,” Berliant stated. County Attorney Denise Hollis said that a revised and more airtight credit card policy is in development that will help prevent further misuse in the future. Frazier said that it is the enforcement that’s weak and that the existing policy has “no arm to do the enforcement that we need,” to which Berliant rebutted by highlighting that the policy states that credit cards should be cancelled when misused. Frazier followed up by pointing out that the Sheriff’s Office has multiple cards and that the one being abused has been returned. He ended the discussion by noting that there will be an e-mail sent out by the end of the week giving a 30-day window for responses to provide missing receipts from within a lookback period of the last 60 days. During the Solid Waste and Environmental Concerns Committee report, Powers shared that the fuel surcharge to Casella Waste Management— which was approved in a contentious vote during the board’s July meeting—came out to be $3,955.98 for the month
of July. Later in his report, Powers said he is open to planting trees in the clearcut buffer along Ottaway Road, which Berliant said she would like to see on the next SWEC agenda. She cited problematic communication on behalf of the county as her primary concern, reiterating that local residents were told a buffer of trees would be left standing, despite the trees being later cut down per the request of the Middlefield highway superintendent. County Administrator Steve Wilson gave a report on decision making and accountability during the budget process, which aimed to explain to new board members the multifaceted concerns of the budget process and how, in Wilson’s words, the budget is “a plan for what you say the county is going to do next year. It’s not just a bunch of numbers.” After Wilson’s report, the board moved into an extended hour-long executive session to discuss “proposed, pending or current litigation.” Upon their return to public session, board members unanimously approved the consent agenda and all subsequent late resolutions. With no further business to attend to, the board then adjourned. The next Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 10 a.m. This meeting can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=iaA_PZRXS0.
tions, and summer visits for relatives and friends from near and far. Pat delighted in bringing people together and was the driving force behind countless family reunions and cherished traditions. The home’s historic garden, lovingly restored by Pat, was a source of pride and beauty for all who visited. Heathcote also served as the setting for her younger sister Marianna’s wedding, an occasion Pat orchestrated with her characteristic grace and attention to detail. After Harry’s death in 2011 and Sam’s departure for Cornell University, Heathcote became more than Pat wished to maintain alone. She moved to a smaller home just outside Cooperstown, where she remained until her death. She loved Cooperstown—its close-knit community, its arts and music, St. Mary’s Church where she was a cantor and sang in the choir, and
the many wonderful friends and neighbors. Pat will be remembered for her creativity, generosity, love of family and ability to bring beauty into the lives of others, whether through her writing, her gardens, her flowers, her music or the welcoming homes she created throughout her life. Her legacy endures in the family and friends she cherished and in the countless people she inspired. Pat is survived by her son, Sam Stults (wife Casey), grandson Wesley, sisters Barbara Cartee and Marianna Spain (husband William), brother John Thorpe (wife Renee) and niece and nephew Ariel and Evan Thorpe, and Evan’s wife, Kathy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with Fr. Michael Cambi, pastor, presiding. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820, helioscare.org; or Susquehanna SPCA, PO Box 267, Cooperstown, NY 13326, sqspca. org/support. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
OBITUARIES Patricia A. Thorpe 1948-2026
COOPERSTOWN— Patricia A. Thorpe, 78, of Cooperstown, New York, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2026 after a long illness. Born on June 17, 1948 in Red Bank, New Jersey to Dr. John and Natalie Thorpe, Pat was a writer, gardener, nature lover, wife, mother, grandmother, and treasured sibling whose energy, intellect, and creativity shaped every chapter of her life. The second of four children, she wrote her first work, an autobiography titled “Second Edition,” while in the second grade. It was the last time she or anyone else would put her in second place. She went
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PATRICIA A. THORPE
on to become the Red Bank Catholic High School girls’ track team number one state champion high jumper and half-miler. Her team was groundbreaking as the first girl’s track team in New Jersey. Pat attended Newton College of the Sacred Heart, now Boston College, where she majored in English and
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graduated in 1970. She remained in the Boston area, holding a variety of jobs before deciding to pursue a more fitting career path in New York City. She finally found that path as a copy editor at “Esquire Magazine,” where she made lifelong friendships with accomplished writers including Pam McCarthy, Katha Pollitt and Nora Effron. It was in Manhattan that Pat met her husbandto-be, Harold Stults Jr., and they married in November 1978. She decided to leave writing for the time being to follow another passion of hers: flowers. She was able to set up her business on the ground floor of the brownstone where they lived on the Upper West Side. Foxgloves, as it was called, provided custom flower arranging, plant care and even Christmas tree setups to customers all over Manhattan. Her slim physique belied her strength, which was needed for this
demanding work. Seeking respite from city life, Pat and Harry purchased a farm in upstate New York, where Pat devoted herself to gardening. Before long, she found a way to unite her passions for writing, flowers and gardening. Returning to her roots as an author, she eventually published four books and became a soughtafter lecturer and workshop leader throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Many in Cooperstown will remember her workshops on drying flowers, crafting wreaths and sharing the joys of gardening. Several years after the birth of their son, Sam, Pat and Harry found their Upstate New York hearts’ desire on Estli Avenue in Cooperstown, where the family took up permanent residence. Their house, known as Heathcote, became the center of family gatherings, holiday celebra-
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9
Work Begins on 3,200-square-foot Market Street Mural ONEONTA 3,200-squarefoot mural celebrating Oneonta’s natural, cultural, and architectural heritage is beginning to take shape on Market Street. The city plans to celebrate the mural’s completion during the City of the Hills Festival with a special event from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at the mural site. According to a press release, professional muralist Yulia Avgustinovich has begun work on the retaining wall behind the city’s new transit hub parking lot. Expected to take about three weeks to complete, the mural will feature imagery inspired by Oneonta’s native plants and birds, railroad history, architecture, and cultural heritage. “Yulia created an incredibly thoughtful, well-researched, and eye-catching design,” said Emily Falco, chair of the Public Arts Commission. “We loved how she incorporated the colors of the city’s logo and showcased elements reflecting Oneonta’s beautiful surroundings and rich history.” The mural, titled “The Four Seasons of Oneonta,” moves from spring through winter, using the four colors
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Oneonta Public Arts Commission. The project is the commission’s latest large-scale public artwork since it was established six years ago. The commission also supported a mural by Oneonta artist James McIlroy on the former Ford Building. The commission invited five finalists to develop proposals for the wall, paying each $200.00 for their design. Avgustinovich will receive $20,000.00 for the completed mural, including all project expenses. “Oneonta is known as a vibrant arts city, and we are thrilled to Photo provided add Yulia’s artwork to Yulia Avgustinovich’s mural will feature the four seasons Market Street and highof Oneonta, using the four colors of the city’s logo as the light the improvements foundational palette. along that corridor,” said of the City of Oneonta through a steam loco- Greg Mattice, Oneonta logo as the foundational motive in summer, the city administrator. “The palette for each season. passenger station in fall, Public Arts Commission A variety of local wild- and the coal tower and a was established to attract public art projects. The life and agricultural distant train in winter. landscapes are depicted The mural also high- city fully supports the within each section. lights the natural environ- arts as part of a healthy The painting includes ment of the Susquehanna economy. Inviting artists a design inspired by Valley through species to showcase a range of Haudenosaunee bead- including the eastern styles is part of celework, and pictures the bluebird, scarlet tanager, brating the vibrancy Swart-Wilcox House, yellow warbler, belted here.” Wilber Mansion, and the kingfisher and dark-eyed Avgustinovich is a historic D&H Passenger junco, along with apple professional muralist Station. blossoms, native flowers, with more than 20 The Delaware & fields, and other imagery Hudson Railroad serves reflecting the region’s as a thread connecting agricultural heritage. the four seasons, beginAvgustinovich was ning with railroad tracks selected from 28 appliin spring and continuing cants by the City of
years of experience and formal training in classical painting, public art, and monumental art. She earned her degree from the Art Academy of St. Petersburg. Born in Belarus and now based in the Washington, D.C., region, she creates intricate, nature-inspired murals that reflect the history, culture, and character of the communities where she works. Her public and commercial murals can be seen across the country, including in downtown Boise, Idaho; Aurora and Ridgway, Colorado; Batesville, Indiana; and Washington, D.C. The city plans to celebrate the mural’s completion during the City of the Hills Festival with a special event from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, at the
mural site. During the mural’s completion, the parking spaces along the northern retaining wall at the Market Street Parking Lot will be blocked off. The rest of the parking lot will remain open, and the center row of parking spaces will be temporarily designated for all-day (24-hour max) parking. The City of Oneonta Public Arts Commission includes Chair Emily Falco, Richard Barlow, Katherine Bashaw, Abby Bishop, Katy DeJong, Cassandra Miller, Andrew Vitolo and Common Council Member Shannon McHugh (3rd Ward). The commission meets publicly at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at City Hall.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS DEAN’S DISTINCTION: Hamilton College has named Nell Di Bona Beck of Cooperstown to its Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. To earn the distinction, students must carry four or more graded credits and achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale. Di Bona Beck, a rising senior majoring in anthropology, is a graduate of Montclair High School. OSTOVAR MAKES THE LIST: Kasper Ostovar of Cooperstown has been named to the University of Rhode Island’s spring 2026 Dean’s List. To qualify, full‑time students must complete at least 12 GPA‑applicable credits and earn a semester GPA between 3.30 and 3.79. Part‑time students qualify upon accumulating 12 or more GPA‑applicable credits within the same GPA range. LUND LAUDED: Haylie Lund of Edmeston has been named to the Wilkes University Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. To earn the distinction, students must complete at least 12 credits and achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA. Wilkes University offers a mix of undergraduate, master’s, and terminal degree programs, emphasizing academic exploration, faculty mentorship, and student support. The institution encourages students to take risks, discover new interests, and define success on their own terms.
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Make a Difference in Your Local School! School districts in our region are actively seeking dedicated substitute staff to support students and school communities. Whether you’re looking for a flexible job or a foot in the door to a school career, we have opportunities for you! • Flexible Hours • Rewarding Work • Be Part of Your Local Schools
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU! Promotions, births, events, new hires, milestones, grand openings, awards, meetings, opinions, results of sporting events, personal bests, weddings and more. Photos welcome, too. info@allotsego.com
Substitute Positions Available Teachers LTAs (Teaching Assistants) Aides & Monitors School Nurses Cleaners Bus & Van Drivers Clerical & Office Support Food Service Workers School Districts Charlotte Valley • Edmeston • GilboaConesville • Laurens • Milford • Oneonta City Schenevus • Stamford • WindhamAshland-Jewett • Worcester ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & Milford Centers) Visit www.oncboces.org for details and to submit your application. EOE
For a full schedule of events, please go to https://www.greatermilfordhistorical.org/events
A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
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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 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 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Parkview 3106 County Highway 18, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on June 2, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to Parkview 3106 County Highway 18, LLC at 3106 County Highway 18, New Berlin, New York, United States 13411. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.10 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of MS Realty of Oneonta, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 7/21/26. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon
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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 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 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of
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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 4 center, 12 S 20. Potter: Lot 148, 5th row center, #10 S 21. Sternberg: Lot 252, row
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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,
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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#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
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
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
The location of real property being foreclosed.
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.
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. Contact The Hartwick Cemetery Association or Orlo Burch at P.O. Box
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 HOLSCHER CONSTRUCTION LLC.
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 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 YORK 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:
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-atlaw, next-of-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 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). 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,
NOTICE: YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. 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 continued pg. 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
Hartwick
Continued from page 1 Gordon Stansbury of GTS Consulting, who said he has completed more than 1,300 traffic studies throughout New York State, presented findings indicating that the development would generate approximately 30-40 vehicle trips during peak hours and would have “no significant impact from this development” on existing roadway operations. Many residents challenged that conclusion, arguing that the study did not reflect real-world conditions during the Dreams Park’s busiest periods. Amanda Powers described difficulties already experienced when entering Highway 28 from Goey Pond Road. “I stop at the top of the hill to turn because I don’t want somebody coming over and slamming into me because they come over the hill too fast,” Powers said. She added that during peak Dreams Park periods, traffic backups extend “way beyond Goey Pond Road.” Daniel Powers echoed those concerns, saying the area’s relatively low accident rate could change if additional traffic is introduced. “When you start adding a whole bunch of cars, well that changes things,” he said. Several speakers also
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11
raised concerns about emergency response capabilities and whether local fire, ambulance, and law enforcement agencies could adequately serve another large seasonal development. Hartwick Town Councilmember Caren Kelsey questioned whether existing emergency services have the capacity to respond effectively. “We are very limited with the number of people that we have, and I think it’s just going to be impossible to accommodate what’s going to have to be up there,” Kelsey said. Questions surrounding water supply and septic capacity generated some of the strongest reactions of the evening. David Petri, who said he worked in the area for several years, pointed to the natural springs found throughout the hillside. “That whole hillside is full of springs,” Petri said. “I don’t think it’s a wise move to allow this to take place.” Dennis Elliott shared concerns based on his experience living near the Dreams Park, recalling changes that occurred after the ballpark first opened. “When Dreams Park first opened, they started a lot of pumping. I have a spring at my house; it dried up,” Elliott said. “You’re gonna bring that much more in to take out of the aquifer.” Residents repeatedly questioned
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from pg. 10 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.
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
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.
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
Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FILING VERIFIED PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF WRONGFUL DEATH REPRESENTATIVE PUBLIC NOTICE 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
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. 3LegalSept.17
whether the project’s well system could place additional strain on local groundwater supplies and whether wastewater disposal systems could impact nearby environmental resources, including the Susquehanna River Watershed and Goey Pond. Economic concerns were another central theme throughout the hearing. Several residents argued that the development could draw revenue away from locally-owned campgrounds, shortterm rentals and lodging businesses. Mike Gladstone questioned whether the project would provide meaningful benefits to the local economy, noting that out-of-area ownership could limit the revenue that remains in the Town of Hartwick. Others worried that family-run campgrounds and residents who rely on seasonal rental income could face increased competition from a large resort-style development. Marcy Birch urged officials to consider broader economic planning and ways for Hartwick to capture a larger share of tourismgenerated revenue. “Visitors bring $435 million into the county every year,” Birch said. “And $225 million of that is spent on lodging.” She encouraged town officials to explore opportunities related to sales tax revenue, occupancy
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taxes, and other funding mechanisms that could help support local infrastructure and services. Residents also raised concerns about Goey Pond itself, with speakers warning that increased visitation could place pressure on one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations. Several noted the pond’s significance as a recreational resource and its relationship to local water supplies. Discussion occasionally expanded beyond the campground itself to larger planning issues in Hartwick. Former town officials and residents referenced the town’s comprehensive planning efforts from 2009 and 2010, arguing that stronger land-use regulations could help address future development proposals and provide clearer guidance on growth along the Route 28 corridor. Before the meeting concluded, project representatives said they would provide written responses to many of the questions raised by residents. Planning Board members also discussed obtaining an independent engineering review of project materials and requested additional evaluation of trafficrelated issues. The board learned that a feasibility study for the project estimated the campground would create nine jobs, with four or five of those positions expected to be
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Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Northy Green LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on September 01, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3664 Co. Hwy. 35, Roseboom, NY 13450. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice PUBLIC NOTICE OF LAW NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego at a meeting thereof held on the 2nd day of September, 2026, duly adopted Local Law 5 of 2026 entitled: A Local Law creating an exception to the residency requirement for Assigned Counsel Managing Attorney in the County of Otsego. It is the intent of
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this Local Law to modify the qualifications for the position.
Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. Copies of the proposed local law are available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The full text of this Local Law of 2026 is available on the Otsego County website. Dated: September 10, 2026 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalSept.10 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, September 28th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following: Proposed Local Law No. 6 of 2026 - Amend Section § 270-15- to define compact cars and establish compact car parking spaces
Dated: September 7, 2026 By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.gov 1LegalSept.10 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
year-round. Following discussion, the Planning Board voted to table the application while it continues its review process and seeks additional guidance from legal and engineering professionals. No decision on the project was made. The Hartwick Planning Board typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month. With the application now tabled and several major questions still under review, many residents left Town Hall awaiting the next chapter in what is shaping up to be one of the town’s most closely watched development proposals in recent years.
Council
Continued from page 3 the total expense to approximately $32,000.00 and would trigger the city’s formal competitive bidding process, which occurs when purchases exceed $20,000.00. That process could delay acquisition by as much as six weeks. While some councilmembers argued that purchasing all five cameras now could protect the city from future price increases, the Common Council ultimately opted to approve only the three-camera purchase. The remaining two cameras are expected to be considered during the next budget cycle. In another personnel matter, the council autho-
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearing in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, September 28th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following Special Use Permit Application – 63 Lakeview Drive North – for the demolition of the existing residence, construction of a replacement single family residence, and comprehensive site rehabilitation, within the Waterfront Overlay District Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon at such public hearing. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearing, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. Copies of the proposed project are available for inspection at the Village Clerk’s office,
rized the city administrator to execute a memorandum of agreement with the Oneonta Professional Firefighters Local 2408. The agreement will allow Nicholas Brown, currently a firefighter in the City of Troy, to transfer laterally into the Oneonta Fire Department. City officials described the move as part of ongoing efforts to maintain staffing levels and strengthen recruitment within the department. The meeting also included recognition of the retirement of Fire Captain Donald Tubia, who concluded a nearly 27-year career with the department. Tubia, a SUNY Oneonta graduate, served approximately four years as captain and was acknowledged for his long commitment to public service and emergency response in the community. The Common Council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at City Hall; the next meeting will be held on September 15. This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News. ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS CAN BE FOUND EACH WEEK ONLINE AT ALLOTSEGO.COM
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22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 1409 Cty. Hwy. 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.15
Dated: September 7th, 2026 By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.gov (email) 1LegalSept.10 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: LifeCycles Healing LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 22, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process
Legal nOtice Notice of formation of NETWISE SOLUTIONS LLC. Filed 8/21/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Daniel Decker, 204 Hillside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of ROMPIN’ RON LLC. Filed with SSNY on 07/10/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 31 RIVER ST., COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalOct.15
►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
‘Part of History’
Local EMT Reflects on Ground Zero Experience 25 Years Later By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST COOPERSTOWN wenty‑five years after the September 11 attacks on New York City and Washington, DC—a coordinated series of suicide attacks perpetrated by the Islamic terrorist organization al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001, killing almost 3,000 people and destroying the Twin Towers—former volunteer EMT Carrie Carney still remembers the moment she felt compelled to go and help. “What moved me was the desperation of the situation—just all those people and firefighters losing their lives,” she said. When her agency was contacted to send an ambulance so New York City paramedics could catch a break, she volunteered immediately. Her captain gathered names, and within a day, eight days after the attacks, Carney and her squad were selected to deploy to Ground Zero.
T
Photo provided
Carrie Carney and crew at Ground Zero. From left: Wolfgang Merk, Jeremy Preston, Bob Satriano, Dan Butler, Carrie Carney and Lisa Bonin.
The drive south remains one of her most vivid memories. “Every single overpass on Route 17 had people waving flags and signs that said thank you for your help,” she recalled. “It was overwhelming.”
Their first stop was Chelsea Piers, where ambulances from across the state lined up through the night. Volunteers slept in their vehicles until morning instructions came: move down the West Side Highway, get fitted for
respirators at Stuyvesant High School, receive credentials, grab a meal from a McDonald’s trailer, and then report inside the perimeter. Their assignment placed them between the Millennium Hotel and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Nothing could prepare them for what they saw. “The smoke, the devastation, the noise…firefighters, electricians, cranes, construction workers—it was all surreal,” Carney said. Snow fencing was being hung down the sides of damaged buildings to catch falling glass. In the church courtyard, a foot of ash, paper, plastic and debris covered the ground. St. Paul’s, remarkably, was the only structure within a six‑block radius that had not suffered damage. Carney and her team were tasked with remaining available in case anyone on “the pile” was injured. They rotated shifts—walking the perimeter, eating, resting—while ensuring someone always stayed with the ambuContinued on page 13
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9/11 25th Anniversary Honor and ALWAYS Remember
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-13
9/11
Continued from page 12 lance. Protective gear was essential. “There was a lot of smoke, so we had to have our respirators on at all times,” she said. Hard hats and steel‑toed boots were mandatory due to falling debris. Carney worked alongside squad members she had known for years: Bob Satriano, Dan Butler, Wolfgang Merc, Eric Pierce and Lisa Bonin. “We supported each other by watching out for each other…keeping each other positive about what we were doing,” she said. Three encounters have stayed with Carney. The first was with a New York Fire Department lieutenant who told her she could photograph the site, but never the firefighters. The second came when they transported a man who had breached the perimeter to St. Vincent’s Hospital. Outside the building, the back wall was covered with photos of missing loved ones, handwritten notes, candles and flowers.
Dinner
Continued from page 3 event’s two keynote speakers: Town of Oneonta Supervisor William Rivera Jr. and Town of Oneonta Deputy Supervisor Patricia Kent. The pair focused their talk on the ongoing local and statewide discussions surrounding data centers, including what the local and state-level moratoriums mean for residents and how to prepare for the pressures of potential future development. Frank Harte, president of the OCCA Board of Directors, spoke fondly
Photo provided
Crews working through rubble at Ground Zero, days after the attacks occurred.
“It was very emotional,” Carney said. The third happened at a diner on the way home, where strangers offered to buy team members their meals and thanked them repeatedly for volunteering. At the time, Carney didn’t think the experience affected her emotionally. But months later, at a first‑responder dinner at The Otesaga, she and fellow volunteer Wolfgang Merc realized they had been showing signs of mild PTSD. “It wasn’t prevalent unless you talked to fellow members who
had been down,” she said. “It was hard not to be affected.” The experience changed her. “I became more aware of how precious life can be and how necessary it is to help wherever you can,” Carney said. She kept her respirator, hardhat and photos in a plastic tote, not for preservation, but because they represent her place in history. “I was there. I saw what happened. I hope we never have to see anything like that again,” she said. Carney believes the
public memory of 9/11 has faded. “People have gotten more complacent…like Pearl Harbor,” she said. “People forget that Photo provided people are still dying from the effects of being The Millennium Hotel, damaged from the September 11 attacks. Carney’s crew was situated between it and St. Paul’s at Ground Zero.” Carney’s reflections Episcopal Church. carry a message that Their impact continues another. Her experience resonates far beyond to echo through genera- is a reminder that such her own experience. The tions, including those unity is possible, and that sacrifices made by volun- who were not yet born at honoring the memory of teers, first responders the time. 9/11 means recognizing and survivors should Carney’s story under- the humanity, courage, never be forgotten or scores the importance and sacrifice shown in its diminished. The attacks of remembering not aftermath. were not just a historical only the tragedy, but the “We were part of event; they reshaped unity that followed. In history,” Carney said. families, communities moments of crisis, people “And we should never and the country itself. came together to help one forget what happened.”
of the dinner and the contributions made by Rivera and Kent. “What stood out to me about our annual dinner was the celebration of multiple countywide collaborative efforts to preserve our beautiful natural resources and communities,” Harte said. Harte further noted that River and Kent helped to illustrate and reinforce “the importance of setting aside land for public recreation and learning, while sharing their efforts to promote the regulation of data center technology.” The other central focus of the night fell upon
the Butternut Valley Alliance, a group that was presented with OCCA’s 2026 Conservationist of the Year Award. First announced on August 14 via the group’s Facebook page, the association credited their recognition of the BVA to the extensive work conducted by the group to ensure the protection of natural ecosystems throughout the Butternut Valley. The BVA’s work spans a plethora of avenues, including the creation of educational walking trails, the removal of four tons of plastic from Calhoun Creek and the reintroduction of the American eel
to Butternut Creek. OCCA Program Director Jeff O’Handley shared his thoughts on the award nomination process and why it was decided that BVA was the best choice. “While all the nominees were worthy, the committee felt that BVA’s accomplishments in environmental stewardship, community engagement and economic development made them stand out,” O’Handley said. “From the outset, BVA has had a strong vision and clearly-defined goals that enabled the organization to move forward and become a powerhouse.”
O’Handley and Harte shared the sentiment that the dinner was a major success, both in terms of fundraising and bringing the community together for an evening to focus on the care of the local environment. Additional donations at the event and bids from the silent auction—which included prizes such as tickets to Glimmerglass Film Days and a year-long Catskill Forest Association membership—grossed a combined $2,200.00. As OCCA puts a wrap on one year’s worth of conservation efforts and begins to embark on the
next, Harte reflected on the annual dinner and why it matters in the wider scope of OCCA’s mission. “It was a very successful event,” Harte recalled. “It provides a spirit of renewal and energy as we all continue the challenge to make our communities sustainable, diverse, and maintained.” More information about OCCA and future events can be found on their website at https://www.occainfo. org/ or on the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/OCCAINFO/.
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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
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
A-14 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Letters
of Todd Beamer, “Let’s roll.” Andrew (AJ) Hamill Oneonta
1) How does Verizon get away with cancelling service without full-scale notice? 2) Cutting off landlines presents a serious security and safety issue in our area, where cell service is so spotty. Many people depend on landlines as back-up, especially where this is no cell service and no plans to improve that either. 3) Given increasingly wild storms, #2 is even more relevant since landlines generally do not go down when power goes down. 4) The New York State Public Service Commission should be ashamed if it has allowed Verizon to undertake this plan without public hearing and debate. 5) How can this be better customer service? It’s the opposite—Verizon is telling its landline customers to “go away, we don’t need or want you.” Our telephone system used to be a coordinated public service and the envy of the world. Now it’s a patchwork of companies offering only what they want to offer. Decentralization has become a nightmare, other than for commercial gain of the companies involved. Time to resist, reject, rebel? Paula DiPerna Cooperstown
Acronym for Lakes May Be Changed
Continued from page 4
Let Us Never Forget 9/11 September 11, 2001 was a day of infamy. I regret to say that many innocent lives were lost on that tragic day, whether they were brothers and sisters, women and men, children, and others whom we remember. Many leaders of other nations felt our sense of grief. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom told the Coldstream Guards to play our national anthem, whilst French President Jacques Chirac told the people of France “Nous sommes tous Amércains” (“We are all Americans)” for a sense of unity. In the days that followed, we all came together regardless of gender, religion, political affiliation or any other aspect to declare that we are all Americans. Let all of us remember those lives that were lost on that day and let us remember and follow the words
Nuclear
Continued from page 4 fossil-fuel-air-pollutionresponsible-for-1-in5-deaths-worldwide/). Spent nuclear fuel is compact and contained. It can even be recycled. As reported by Oxford (https://ourworldindata. org/nuclear-energy), nuclear power is as safe as renewables, with advanced reactors incorporating inherent and passive safety features to enhance their performance even more. Micron’s proposed $100 billion investment in Central New York could create 50,000 jobs and transform our region into a global hub for semiconductor fabrication. That project and others will require enormous amounts of power, and they won’t tolerate service interruptions. If New York wants to retain existing industry and attract more, it must ensure that electricity is affordable and reliable. Otherwise, those investments, as well as the jobs and revenue that
Schools are open. The school tax bill has arrived. Before I pay, I want to be assured that the school curriculum has been updated with the change to the acronym taught for the Great Lakes from the familiar H.O.M.E.S to the new S.H.A.M.E. How appropriate! May-Britt Joyce Middlefield
and reflect the unique needs and values of each town. This NYS policy is yet another blow against home rule. NYS has already seriously eroded home rule by exempting larger renewable energy projects from local review. In this case, it’s taking away subdivision review as well. This writer hopes that there will be a legal challenge, if necessary, to undo what seems to be another anti-local NYS policy. It’s time to step up, not roll over. Adrian Kuzminski Fly Creek
Home Rule Being Seriously Eroded
Take Riley To Task for Recent Vote
Your September 3, 2026 article on whether the Town of Springfield or the Town of Otsego should be the lead agency for the proposed Manocherian subdivision raises some important questions (“Springfield Asks the State for ‘Lead Agency’ Authority Over the Manocherian Project” by Debra Moffitt). You note that New York State requires “a coordinated environmental review and only one entity can serve as lead agency.” NYS policy in this case effectively deprives one town or the other of its home rule right to review a project within its own district. It privileges the developer by making the proposed project bigger than the towns involved. Yet there is no obvious reason to do so, except the administrative convenience of the DEC and the interests of the developers in minimizing review. There is nothing uniting this proposed project except the developers choosing to call it one project. Why is that their call? No lot lines cross the town boundaries. The parcels proposed for subdivision lie entirely within one town or the other. They only accidently border one another. If the developers had proposed the subdivision only in one town or the other, it would have been evaluated normally without any reference to the other town. Why should one town be deprived of its rights because of a subdivision in a neighboring town? This proposed development and its local implications can easily be addressed by each town separately according to its own laws and procedures, which differ between the towns
Our local Congressman, Josh Riley—after taking more than $170,000.00 from AIPAC, the de facto Israeli lobby in Washington, just voted with almost all of the Republicans to withhold federal funding from colleges and universities that they deem insufficiently deferential to one particular foreign country: Israel. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was among the 167 Democrats to vote “no” alongside two courageous Republicans: Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio. Other than being a complete First Amendment violation of the students’ and the university’s freedom of speech, it places Mr. Riley in the bizarre position of putting the interest of a foreign country over those of his constituents, namely the faculty and students at 10 colleges and universities, including Cornell, Ithaca College, Hartwick, and SUNY Oneonta. Approximately 100,000 students plus faculty, rounded to say 170,000—or about one vote for every genocidal dollar that Riley took from the Zionist lobby. By contrast, our congresswoman in Texas voted a resounding “H--- no !” on behalf of the Constitution, the colleges and universities in her district, and the American taxpayers. She voted for America first and for at least a shred of compassion and common sense. Chip Northrup Cooperstown and Texas
come with them, will go elsewhere. New York’s grid already benefits from firm nuclear power. Running at over 90 percent capacity factor, our four existing reactors provide more than 20 percent of the state’s electricity and nearly half of its carbon-free electricity. In 2024, they avoided more than 16 million tons of CO2. NYSERDA’s analysis indicates that continuing to operate the state’s existing nuclear power plants will reduce total system cost by $15 billion on a net-presentvalue basis through 2050. According to a 2025 study by The Brattle Group, our existing nuclear fleet supports more than 22,000 direct and indirect jobs, including 2,000-plus workers at the plants themselves. NYSERDA estimates that 5 GW of new advanced nuclear power could create between 5,000 and 7,350 permanent jobs. A number of counties and cities across the state have already
Farmers’ Market Will Not Relocate Kudos to “The Freeman’s Journal” for reviving coverage
expressed interest in hosting nuclear. Siting reactors at current facilities or at retiring fossil-fuel plants— where the workforce and grid connections already exist—would be a smart direction for development. First-of-a-kind nuclear development costs, as seen with Vogtle in Georgia, can be avoided by building proven designs repeatedly and in sequence. France decarbonized its grid with older nuclear technology in about 10 years with repetitive construction of the same reactor plan. To control cost for ratepayers, nuclear expansion should be based on standardized designs—not a series of one-time projects. Nuclear is clean green energy. Proposing at least 5 GW of additional nuclear capacity, the PSC’s Nuclear Reliability Backbone initiative is an important opportunity for New York to provide the policy certainty that manufacturers require. A diverse portfolio of carbon-free resources
of municipal meetings at the village, town and county levels. Democracy starts at the grassroots level! I am writing in response to your September 3 article on the Cooperstown Village Trustees August meeting, not to correct the author’s coverage, which was highly factual. I want to set the record straight on the operations of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market during the stormwater management/re-paving project planned for Pioneer Alley in late spring 2027. At the August trustees meeting, a presentation was made regarding the former CVS building at 100 Main Street, stating that the owner’s hope is that it would be ready in time for the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market to “move in” during the alley re-paving project. Please know that the market will be staying right where we are. We know the upcoming repaving project will be messy, inconvenient at times, and require flexibility from market vendors, staff, and customers. But we are committed to welcoming customers and visitors as warmly as ever to our home in the heart of Pioneer Alley during the construction period and will do our best to ensure accessibility for all. As our loyal market customers know, the yearround Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is pretty special in its people and its offerings. Thanks to The Scriven Foundation, we are so fortunate to have as our home a fabulous 1920s former auto garage that has developed over 35 years into a beloved gathering space for locals, visitors, and market vendors, where overhead heaters cut the chill on a January morning; dedicated electric outlets per stall allow vendors to serve hot food, sharpen knives, chill fresh meats and cheeses, and brew small batch roast coffee to enjoy as customers pick up their weekly produce and other goodies. A small stage provides live music, and dedicated Wi-Fi allows vendors and customers electronic payment options, including SNAP with up to a $40.00 match. If you have not yet discoverewd the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, take a moment to stop in on Saturdays, 9-2 through December and 12-4 on Tuesdays through September, and stick with us through the construction. We’ll
that includes advanced nuclear generation will provide affordable reliable electricity and give manufacturers the confidence to invest in New York. Until September 24, the New York State Department of Public Service is requesting comments from you. Big Green groups have sent out blasts with formulaic anti-nuclear rhetoric for submission. Do you have something to say about which direction the state should go? Comment at https:// documents.dps.ny.gov/ public/Comments/ PublicComments. aspx?MatterCaseNo=26E-0335. Dennis Higgins is a retired math/computer science professor. He and wife Katie run a farm in Otego and, as a family, they are committed to addressing climate change any way they can, including 20KW of solar panels, geothermal heat, all electric appliances, and driving an EV. Dennis has been engaged in regional energy issues for approximately 16 years.
be happy to see you. Ellen Pope Executive Director Otsego 2000
Tague Should Not Support Sheriffs State Representative Tague offers a distorted interpretation of recent legislation (“The Freeman’s Journal,” September 3, 2026). While it is understandable that he wishes to secure the support of local law enforcement people for his planned run for senator of our state assembly, he is nonetheless under some obligation to state factual matters correctly. The “Local Cops/Local Crimes” legislation responds to the attempt of ICE to contract with local sheriffs, requiring them to notify ICE of all persons pending release who have served their time, including those without a judicial warrant against them, but with only an ICE warrant. Which is to say: Persons among others who may be here on legal visas and applications for citizenship, and who have faithfully and correctly discharged their obligations to report as required. People working and raising families here, hoping for a better life. Remember our community member, Pedro? ICE warrants per se are worthless: ICE has even been known to write warrants after the fact of seizure (after all, they have to make their 1,200-1,500 daily seizures, per presidential command.) Executing the contract with ICE would require the ongoing use of our jail facilities and law enforcement people to guard and transport them to ICE, though Sheriff Devlin originally claimed that the process would not divert them to do so. He subsequently admitted otherwise. The Local Cops/Local Crimes act is not an attempt to “totally dismantle law enforcement,” as Tague stated. It ensures that they are not sumped off from their proper jobs. It keeps our resources from being diverted. And, quite obviously, it is not “illegal.” Does Tague even understand the meaning of the word? Because it is now, and properly, codified law. Clearly, however, he does understand what it is to be “political.” Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown
Concerts
Continued from page 5 England-based acoustic jazz ensemble will perform a dynamic mix of gypsy jazz standards and original compositions in the intimate, rustic setting of the Fenimore Farm and Country Village. • Sunday, November 8, 3 p.m.: Diwali Celebration. Last season, our first Diwali event was a major highlight of the fall, bringing 175 people together for a lively, jubilant community event. We are thrilled to bring back this welcoming, all-inclusive, familyfriendly experience to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Hosted once again at the Fenimore Farm and Country Village, the joyful afternoon will feature live music, dancing, and a full Indian dinner buffet. We are also honored to welcome back internationally acclaimed vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia and her band, with her mesmerizing, genreblending compositions
that bridge Indian song traditions with influences from West African blues and jazz. And there’s much more to come this season, offering something special for everyone…and it’s only just beginning. Audiences can expect another exciting lineup in the year ahead that showcases eclectic musical excellence, close to home. The success of these community events relies on more than outstanding talent; it is built on strong support from our attendees, sponsors, donors and volunteers. Thanks to this ongoing support, Cooperstown Concerts continues to ensure that our region remains a creative, inclusive, and inspiring home for live music, now and for generations to come. To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit CooperstownConcerts. org. Randy Smith is the president of Cooperstown Concerts.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-15
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________
A-16 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
►Fri., Sept. 11 BOOK CLUB—Read “When These Mountains Burn” by David Joy and discuss with the group at 4 p.m. on 9/22 or at 6 p.m. on 9/24. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. BEGINNER MAHJONG—9 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. COFFEE & PUZZLES— 10 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. SENIOR COFFEE HOUR—10:30 a.m. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. STORYTIME—Noon. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230. BOOK CLUB— 5:30 p.m. “Book Club: A Curious Witch’s Year.” Take a year-long journey through the book “A Spell in the Wild: A Year (and Six Centuries) of Magic” by Alice Tarbuck. Free. Meets second Friday of each month. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 287-7278. NEVER FORGET— 5:30 p.m. “Never Forget 9/11 25th Anniversary Bike Night.” Live music, food, raffle and more. Muddy River Farm Brewery, 107 Winney Hill Road, Suite 1, Oneonta. (607) 287-8770. LIVE MUSIC—6-9 p.m. “The Lake House Summer Concert Series: Carson Murphy.” Back patio, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377. LIVE MUSIC— 6-10 p.m. Ready to Strike. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com. FUNDRAISER—7 p.m. “Bigger Dreams Decades Dance.” Featuring music across the decades performed by The Jupiters. Snacks, cash bar and prizes for best costume. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080. THEATER—7:30 p.m. “Come From Away.” Presented by Tri-Town Theatre. Based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11/2001, as they played host to 38 planes grounded by the events of that infamous day. Tickets required. Also showing at 7:30 p.m. on 9/12 and at 2 p.m. on 9/13. Sidney High School Auditorium, 95 West Main Street, Sidney. communications@tritowntheatreinc.org.
►Sat., Sept. 12 SATURDAY HIKE—All day. Scenic excursion with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. Dress appropriately and bring equipment for the weather/trail conditions. Pre-registration required. This week’s hike will be the Balsam Lake Mountain, Hardenburgh. (607) 431-8010. BLACKSMITH—8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aiden Steelworks will demonstrate crafting with steel. Huntington Park, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. WORKSHOP—9 a.m. to noon. “Stained Glass with Chris.” Make a set of geese for planters or vases, or a mushroom in your own color palette. Fees apply; registration required. All materials provided. Main View Gallery and Studios, 77 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1890. GILBERTSVILLE FARM-
ERS’ 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. WORKSHOP—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Spoon Carving with Michael McCarthy.” Use traditional hand tools and freshly-cut basswood to craft a simple wooden spoon. Fees apply; registration required. Held Wednesdays through 9/16. Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford. (607) 2146040. HARVEST FESTIVAL— 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continues 9/13. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. ANNIVERSARY— 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; registration at 9 a.m. “9/11 25th Anniversary Legacy Run.” Includes food, raffle, auction and more. Proceeds fund the Legacy Scholarship for Otsego, Delaware and Chenango county students of veterans and first responders. Fees apply; registration required. American Legion Riders Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494. EXHIBIT—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Powering the Grid.” Featuring works on paper and indigo-colored textile that incorporate visual grids. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607. BENEFIT CAR SHOW— 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food trucks, silent auction and U.S. Flag Retirement ceremony. Admission by free-will donation to support the New York State Veterans’ Home Volunteer Guild. Johnston and Stanimer Funeral Home, 60 Broad Street, Morris. CRAFT—11 a.m. “Sitn-Stitch.” Bring a knit or crochet project to work or learn the craft. Held second Saturday of each month. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131. 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. MOTOR SHOW—Noon to 5 p.m. “5th Annual Gasoline Powered Motor Show.” Classic cars, trucks, rat rods, motor bikes, ATVs and more. Fees apply for motors. 50/50 raffle and refreshments available. Free admission. Continues 9/13. Windfall Dutch Barn, 2009 County Highway 80, Fort Plain. (607) 263-5230. GALA—1 p.m. “Third Annual Art Gala.” Fees apply. Presented by Pathfinder Village at Dan’s Depot, 2102 State Highway 80, Edmeston. (607) 965-8377 ext. 147. KIDS’ PICNIC— 1-3 p.m. Winnie the Pooh Picnic. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh with a teddy bear picnic. Free and open to all ages. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208. SEWING CLASS— 1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held each Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234. BOOK CLUB—2 p.m. “BYO Book Club.” Fol-
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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
lowed by Book Journaling Club. Meets second Saturday of each month. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. HORSES—2 p.m. “Youth Mini Camp: Saddle Up.” Open to youth ages 5-11. Fees apply; registration required. Twisted K Ranch, 172 Burdick Road, Milford. (607) 643-1790. CONSERVATION— 2-4 p.m. “Invasive and Woody Plant ID for Trail Builders.” Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Roadhouse Road Trail, Oneonta. (607) 5474488. SPORTSMAN DINNER—4 p.m. Annual dinner featuring a pig roast and raffles of hunting equipment/supplies. Tickets required. Mount Vision Fire Department, 114 Fields Cross Road, Mount Vision. (607) 4330997. LIVE MUSIC— 6-9 p.m. “Summer Sundown Series Live Music: Otsego Barn Swallows.” Northway Brewing Hop House, 709 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 286-4030. CEMETERY—6:30 p.m. “Annual Voices from the Grave.” A guided walk in the Otego Cemetery. Walk followed by coffee, tea, cider and doughnuts. Tickets required. Presented by the Otego Historical Society at Evergreen Cemetery, 290 Main Street, Otego. renata.talbot@ gmail.com CONCERT—7 p.m. Visions Concert Series presents “Mamma Mania! The American Tribute to ABBA.” Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. LIVE MUSIC— 7-10 p.m. “The Lake House Summer Concert Series: The Bomb.” Lakeside stage, The Lake House, 2521 County Highway 22, Richfield Springs. (720) 940-8377.
►Sun., Sept. 13 FUNDRAISER— 7-10:30 a.m. Donation Breakfast. Edmeston Volunteer Fire Department, 27 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8020. PANCAKE BREAKFAST—8-11 a.m. VFW Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast. Sausage biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs, coffee, and juice. By donation. Benefit for scholarships, holiday boxes and helping local soldiers/families. Cooperstown Veterans Club, 60 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478282. YOGA—9 a.m. Hatha Yoga Class with Mira. The Gatehouse, 130 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111. GARDENING—10 a.m. House Plant Sale at the Grand and Glorious Fall Fest. Presented by the Oneonta Garden Club. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. 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. FALL FAIR—10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grand and Glorious Fall Fair. Presented by the Catskill Choral Society. Neahwa Park, Oneonta. HARVEST FESTIVAL—10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. BBQ—12:30 p.m. Community Appreciation BBQ. Bring a dish to pass. Meat, drinks and table
setting provided. West Edmeston Fire House Pavilion, 164 County Highway 18C, West Edmeston. (315) 855-4404. NEW YEAR— 1:30-2:30 p.m. “Apple and Honey Rosh Hashanah Gathering.” Informal gathering presented by the staff of the Hebrew School. Held at the Upper Pavilion, Wilber Park, Oneonta. MEDITATION— 4:30-6 p.m. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. FILM—7-9 p.m. “Film Festival: The Magnificent Ambersons (1942).” Adaptation of the novel of the same name about the deterioration of a wealthy family. Tickets required. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 5475098.
►Mon., Sept. 14 REGISTRATION—Sign up for “11th Annual Harvest Blessing Women’s Conference” featuring speaker Tami Thurber. Luncheon included. Deadline to register is 9/21. Conference held 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 9/26 at the West Oneonta Baptist Church, 2845 County Road 8, West Oneonta. (607) 434-1395. POTTERY—10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Hand Building and Sculpture.” 8-week course held Mondays through 11/2. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. SENIOR MEALS—Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of coconut chicken curry, noodles, cauliflower and oatmeal raisin cookies. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS— 11:45 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. “Introduction to Basic Tai Chi. Led by Brianna. Followed by class at 12:15 p.m. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CONNECTIONS— 12:45 p.m. Blue Grass Circle Jam Session. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. QUILTING—1-4 p.m. “Drop-in Quilting Class: Technique—Making and Applying Binding.” Series held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Fees apply. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 4413111. 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. BLOOD DRIVE— 1:30-5:30 p.m. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. RedCrossBlood. org CHAIR YOGA— 3:30 p.m. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230. TEEN CRAFT HOUR— 4:30 p.m. Harris Memo-
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
rial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. VETERANS—5-7 p.m. “Women’s Veteran Night.” Good company, dinner and more with fellow women veterans. Held second Monday of each month. Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228. GARDENING— 6:30 p.m. “Creating a Deer-resistant Garden.” Presented by Susan Lettis with the Oneonta Garden Club. St. James Church Hall, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. BOARD MEETING— 6:30 p.m. Library Board Meeting. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 9658208.
►Tues., Sept. 15 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 Boy Scout Road, Crumhorn Mountain, Milford. (607) 431-8010. POTTERY—10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Creating and Altering Shapes.” 8-week course held Tuesdays through 11/3. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. BLOOD DRIVE— 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. SUNY Delhi, Farrell Student and Community Center, 454 Delhi Drive, Delhi. RedCrossBlood.org SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of lasagna, mixed vegetables, garlic knots and strawberry shortcake. (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. POTTERY— 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. “Centering the Potter and the Clay.” 8-week course held Tuesdays through 11/3. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. LIBRARY— 2:30-4:30 p.m. “St. Tim’s Library Corner.” Held each Wednesday. Presented by WorcesterSchenevus Library at St. Timothy’s Church, 1776 County Road 34, Westford. (607) 397-7309. 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. STITCH & CHAT— 5:30-7 p.m. Welcoming
space to knit, crochet, weave, embroider and more with fellow crafters of all levels. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. GRIEFSHARE— 6:45-8:45 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Safe, comforting place to talk with others about grief. Fees apply for workbook. Presented by Community Bible Chapel at the Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 5479764.
►Wed., Sept. 16 BLOOD DRIVE—9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org STORY TIME— 10 a.m. Held each Wednesday. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. SUPPORT—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half-off everything except tagged jewelry and furniture. Every first and third Wednesday at the Helios Care Thrift Shop and Boutique. Price Chopper Plaza, 5626 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 432-5335. SENIOR MEALS—Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of a ham and cheese plate, macaroni salad, three-bean salad and pears. (607) 5476454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. BLOOD DRIVE— 1-6 p.m. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood. org TECH HELP— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. CROCHET CIRCLE— 3 p.m. Held each Wednesday. WorcesterSchenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309. CHESS CLUB— 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Limited availability; registration required. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309. GARDENING— 5:30 p.m. “Seed Saving: The Art and Science.” Free and open to the public. Pre-registration encouraged. Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2536. COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT—6 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. 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. FLUTE CHOIR— 6:30-8 p.m. Play the flute with the Butternut Valley Flute Choir. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to make music together, featuring popular favorites to classical music. All welcome. Fees apply. Held Wednesdays through 10/21. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 West Main Street, Morris. BarbaraSiesel@ gmail.com.
►Visit allotsego. com/otsego-countyevents-calendar/ for the full calendar.