The Freeman's Journal 09-11-25

Board Recognizes Firefighters, Discusses Future Strategic Planning Transparency

By BILL BELLEN

OTSEGO COUNTY

Before the September Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting even began, there was already business to attend to. A special meeting of the Public Works Committee was held prior to the main meeting to address two matters at hand. First, Otsego County Highway

Superintendent Richard Brimmer requested a motion for approval to acquire two small properties off of County Highway 58A at a price not to exceed $11,000.00. Brimmer cited an ongoing bridge replacement project as the reason for the purchase, which was subsequently approved by the committee.

Next, there was a request for a late resolution to be added to the board’s agenda, to enter into agree-

ment with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for an energy efficiency and conservation block grant, supplied by federal funds and totaling $603,273.60. Part of this funding would be used to complete an audit of the Meadows Office Complex utilized by multiple Otsego County departments to find recommendations for improvement.

Continued on page 11

Community Turns Out for Meeting on Manocherian Subdivision

PIERSTOWN

More than 100 concerned citizens attended a standing-room only meeting on Sunday, September 7 at the Pierstown Grange. Prompted by the proposed major subdivision of 1,500 acres of farmland, forest, and wetlands on the west side of Otsego Lake, Otsego 2000, Otsego Land Trust, Otsego County Conservation Association, and the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station held the meeting to hear from community members and then to amplify their comments.

“We wanted to hear directly from residents to see what type of development they wanted for the area,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000.

While many comments and concerns were voiced about the Manocherian subdivision

proposal, which would create 111 buildable lots ranging in size from 4.2 acres to 60 acres, there was a broader discussion about what community members envision for the future of the area.

“We want to know what the community’s priorities and parameters for development are,” said Gregory Farmer, executive director of the Otsego Land Trust, who moderated the 90-minute discussion.

Pope opened the meeting, explaining that the three environmental organizations and the BFS work collaboratively on issues of environmental concern, and emphasized that Otsego 2000’s role is to ensure that proposed development projects are compatible with the region’s environmental capacity and community character.

Shelby MacLeish, OCCA

assistant director, spoke about her organization’s scientific approach to water protec-

tion. Farmer outlined OLT’s mission, and the role of planning and environmental protec-

CGP Grad Weighs In on New Role at the Chamber

By DARLA M. YOUNGS COOPERSTOWN

As of the first week of June, Deanna Nicolari is the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce’s new operations coordinator.

Not to be confused with Deanna Smith, as we inadvertently identified her in the July 10, 2025 installment of “News from the Noteworthy…”

“This job truly is a bit of everything,” Nicolari wrote in an e-mail recently. “Social media, answering phones, helping visitors,

planning events, sending e-mails, mailing promotional material, helping members with their benefits, chatting with people

in town who stop to say hi. The list could go on!”

Nicolari earned her bachelor’s degree in history at SUNY Oneonta in 2022. After taking a year off to work, she then attended the Cooperstown Graduate Program where, in 2025, she earned a master of arts in museum studies with a concentration in history.

“I took an interest in development work and saw the chamber as a great way to put my skills to the test,” Nicolari said. “Nonprofit work is the core of what CGP teaches, for those

who think that museum work has nothing to do with the chamber.”

“The chamber is thrilled to have Deanna on the team,” said CoVice President Cassandra Harrington. “It’s a win for everyone when Cooperstown Graduate Program alumni remain in the community. She has been a great addition to this organization that strives to support the local business community.”

First and foremost, Nicolari said, she loves helping others.

“Problem solving is at the core of this job. But

mostly, being a seasoned multi-tasker who loves running to do the next thing has proven to be beneficial here,” she said of her new position.

Nicolari said she recently became engaged “and discovered that wedding planning is harder than it looks!” She and her fiancé live just outside the Village of Cooperstown with their cat, Tony.

“In my spare time, I write short stories, go antiquing, go fishing with my fiancé, and am an avid music lover.

Continued on page 10

tion. Florian Reyda, director of the BFS, which borders the

Photo provided

Retired SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Director Bill Harman addresses the crowd at the September 7 meeting on the proposed Manocherian subdivision. The meeting was organized by Otsego 2000, Otsego Land Trust, Otsego County Conservation Association and the BFS.

Continued on page 11

Photo provided DEANNA NICOLARI

SQSPCA To Celebrate the Season with ‘Barktoberfest,’ Dog Show

COOPERSTOWN

The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is gearing up for “Barktoberfest,” the shelter’s bi-annual fall event and dog show, to be held at the Iroquois Farm Showgrounds on Saturday, October 4 from 1-4 p.m. Approximately 200 people attended last year’s Barktoberfest “friend-raiser,” and this year organizers are expecting that number to grow.

Barktoberfest kicks off promptly at 1 p.m., featuring American Kennel Club dog agility demonstrations by the Del-Otse-Nango Kennel

Club, family-friendly activities, animal-associated exhibits and visits with adoptable pets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to the event is free and open to the public, though free-will donations are encouraged to support the work of the SQSPCA.

The shelter’s popular dog show is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start, with NewsChannel 2 WKTV’s Jason Powles as emcee. The registration fee for dog show participants is $20.00 per dog, per class. Admission is free for spectators.

“Folks are advised to sign up early via the SQSPCA website, as

The job scene

SECURITY/SAFETY GUARD

FULL-TIME, YEAR ROUND POSITION

Fenimore Farm and Fenimore Art Museum are seeking applicants for a Security/ Safety Guard. Must have a clean driving license, be able to walk considerable distances in all weather conditions and have open availability including weekends and holidays. The workday includes using computer based monitoring systems, walking extensive museum grounds, completing incident reports, and troubleshooting for potential hazards. We provide training, certification, an excellent benefit package, including health and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick pay. $17-$20/hr. based on experience. This position is for 2nd Shift, 2:15p – 10:45p. To apply visit fenimoreartmuseum.org or fenimorefarm.org for a printable application, or contact Human Resources, at 607-547-1462, or hr@fenimoreart.org.

EOE

Fenimore Farm has an opening for a Custodian. This is a Full-Time, Year-Round position with an excellent benefit package. Applicants with basic construction and carpentry knowledge for small to moderate repair jobs are sought. Responsibilities include routine cleaning/maintenance of public and office spaces, light carpentry/painting, and special event setup. If you are a steady, reliable worker, have a valid driver’s license, are capable of operating power equipment and enjoy working both inside and outdoors year-round, apply today!

Benefit package includes 3 weeks of vacation, personal time, sick time, paid holidays, employer funded retirement plan, and much more. $17-$19/hr. To apply for any position, applications can be found at fenimorefarm.org and mailed to PO Box 800, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Human Resources can be reached at 607-547-1462 or mary.myers@fenimoreart.org. $17-19/hr. EOE

there is a limit of 10 dogs per class,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes.

In the event that there are still spots remaining, Haynes said sign-up will close at noon the day of the show. All canines— whether taking part in the dog show or simply on hand for Barktoberfest— must be on a leash.

Participants are asked to arrive at the dog show tent by 2:30 p.m.

“This show is for all dogs, regardless of breed or size, but please be sure your dog has a current license and is up to date on immunizations,” Haynes cautioned.

The judges are looking for healthy, happy, bright-eyed dogs who are socially comfortable in a small arena, she explained.

“If your dog is not friendly with other dogs or new people, this might not be the best event for them,” Haynes advised.

The following dog show classes will be judged: Best Rescue Dog, Best Trick, Dog with the Waggiest Tail, Loudest Bark, Loveliest Lady— Best Female Dog, Most Fabulous Fella-Best Male Dog, Most Obedient, Special Senior—Best Dog Over 10 years.

Sponsorships for the shelter’s Barktoberfest and dog show are still available at various levels. All proceeds from this event support the work of the SQSPCA.

“If you want to sponsor the show and have your business or family name recognized with a sign at Barktoberfest, please reach out to Cay Franck at cfranck@sqspca.org,” Haynes said.

Judges confirmed to date include: Cooperstown Central School Superintendent Sara Spross; Cooperstown Elementary School Principal Amy Malcuria; Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputy Erika Puffer; and New York State Assemblyman Brian Miller. Exhibitors thus far

NOW HIRING SUBSTITUTE STAFF

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

are the American Kennel Club, Montezuma Winery, The Grapevine food truck, Dog Wild Canine Supply, Chef Dave Neil’s food truck and Northway Brewing Co. Iroquois Farm Showgrounds, best known as the site of The Farmers’ Museum’s annual Junior Livestock Show, is located at 1527 County Highway 33 (River Road) in Middlefield. For more information regarding “Barktoberfest” or to register for the dog show, visit https://www.sqspca. org/event/barktoberfest/. Del-Otse-Nango Kennel Club is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1949 under the auspices of the American Kennel Club. An AKC Fit Dog club, they welcome all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed, and host a number of annual and monthly events, including AKC Temperament and Farm Dog Certified testing. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Oneonta Vet’s Club, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization committed to caring for homeless, surrendered, and seized companion animals and finding them loving, forever homes. The SQSPCA is a privately funded, state inspected animal shelter practicing “no-kill” philosophies. Private donations, grants, fundraising and the New Leash on Life Thrift Shop are the shelter’s primary source of income. For more information or to donate, visit www.sqspca.org

BVI To Host Speaker on Immigration

GILBERTSVILLE—

Jeannine Webster, a member of the Otsego Refugee Resettlement Coalition, will present at the Thursday, September 18 meeting of Butternut Valley Indivisible.

The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 166 Marion Avenue, Gilbertsville.

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 • Laurens

• Milford • Oneonta City

Schenevus • Stamford • Windham-Ashland-Jewett • Worcester ONC BOCES (Grand Gorge & Milford Centers)

Visit www.oncboces.org

Webster has been asked to address issues such as from where and why immigrants come across the southern border of the United States, what measures can be taken to ensure that due process is adhered to for immigrants apprehended by ICE, and what authorities are cooperating with ICE.

Webster has worked with asylum seekers, volunteered with a pro bono legal project in a family detention center in Texas, and helped local people who have been detained by ICE.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

ADDITIONAL

Photo provided

Ariah Mae is a 4-year-old female currently available for adoption at the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

CFOC To Host Online Fundraising Day for Local Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD

Mohawk Valley Gives, an annual oneday online fundraiser, returns on Friday, September 19 from noon to 9 p.m. Hosted by the Community Foundation of Otsego County in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Mohawk Valley Gives this year will provide more than 80 participating Otsego County nonprofits with the opportunity to win prizes and raise funds

using a secure online platform. Early giving begins at noon on Monday, September 15.

Members of the community can visit www.givemv.org/info/ otsego to browse all the listed nonprofits and give online to the organizations and causes that matter to them most. Every dollar donated supports important work done across Otsego County, including youth education and care, food programs, healthcare, senior programs, art, music, and much more,

officials said.

This is the third year CFOC brings Mohawk Valley Gives to Otsego County. According to a press release, in 2023 and 2024, Otsego nonprofits received in total more than $500,000.00 in donations from over 1,000 donors. CFOC grants $300.00 to each nonprofit that participates and offers prizes for a variety of accomplishments during Mohawk Valley Gives, including greatest number of new donors, greatest number of donors, most

successful environmental organization and others.

For questions, e-mail CFOC at contact@cfotsego.org or visit the website for a complete

preview of nonprofits in need of support. Join in, officials, said—“the sky is the limit!”

Sponsors of Mohawk Valley Gives are Eva

Davy, NYCM Insurance, Social Eats, SUNY Oneonta, Wayne Bank and Steve Zerby Design Build.

BVACC, Gatehouse To Partner

MORRIS

The Gatehouse Coffee Shop and Mercantile of Morris has announced a new partnership with the Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center. This collaboration aims to provide expanded opportunities for community-based arts education and creative development.

.dining&entertainment

9:45-10:30:

12:00-12:45:

Arthrit s Beginner and Advanced Tai Chi)

11:20-12:05: Live Strong Studio 2 With a chair for seated exercises and support, this class works on cardiovascular and body strength, balance and range of motion

11:15-12:00: Silver Sneakers Yoga Studio 1 11:45-12:45:Senior ONLY Pickleball Tennis court

12:00: LUNCH ($4 suggested donation) Community Room

12:00-12:45: Connections Swim-aqua fitness; 12:00-1:00: Lap swimming Pool

12:15-2:30: Games: Pitch, board games, etc. Orig nal lobby

12:30-2:15: American Sign Language Orig nal lobby

12:30-Nordic Walking Indoor track

12:45-2:15: Open pickleball Tenn s courts

This Month’s Highlights on 2nd

As part of the partnership, BVACC will host art classes taught by Timothy Atticus, co-owner of The Gatehouse and a nationally recognized artist. In addition, the partnership will fund scholarships for creative projects that involve local youth, thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Otsego County. According to a press release, the first

Continued on page 11

Perspectives

EDITORIaL

If the Media Is To Be Trusted, They Must Publish Responsibly

Readers may remember that in July of this year, CBS News settled a lawsuit filed against them by President Donald Trump for $16 million. Trump sued CBS News and its parent company, Paramount Global, over the editing of an October 2024 interview by Bill Whitaker of thenVice President Kamala Harris. The interview aired on “60 Minutes” prior to the election. At issue was a comment made by Harris regarding the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, which was shown in its entirety on “Face the Nation.” Trump’s team contended that CBS had edited the original interview to make Harris look and sound better on a separate broadcast. CBS officials contended that this was standard practice for television news.

This month, United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called out CBS yet again for “selectively editing” her comments in an interview regarding the status of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Noem says 23 percent of her answers were cut, including key allegations against Garcia. The full interview did air on YouTube. We watched both versions.

According to an article published recently by “The Hill,” on Friday, September 4, CBS announced that it will implement a new policy for greater transparency in its interviews. Dominick Mastrangelo wrote:

“Face the Nation will now only broadcast live or live-to-tape interviews (subject to national security or legal restrictions),” the broadcaster said. “This extra measure means the television audience will see the full, unedited interview on CBS and we will continue our practice of posting full transcripts and the unedited video online.”

Those who have worked in media know firsthand that interviews are a tricky thing. Time or space

THE PaRTIaL OBSERVER

often dictate how much of the interview can be broadcast or published. Any edits must still accurately represent the interviewee’s responses. Quotes must be accurate while still reflecting the demeanor, tone and knowledge of the speaker.

Here at Iron String Press, recognizing this, we have moved toward publishing interview responses in their entirety. Whether or not we like or agree with the content, we think it’s important for readers to have full access to the interviewees’ answers or, sometimes, the lack thereof. We believe that our readers deserve to see how candidates, for instance, respond to questions, or if they simply avoid them. Whether they can intelligently articulate their stance. If they sound like they know what they’re talking about, or not. You get the idea.

When we questioned candidates running for the Otsego County clerk position in the fall of 2023, we recorded their answers and published their responses in full. We did the same when we interviewed candidates for the Cooperstown Central School Board, amid controversy, in May of 2024. Prior to the General Election last year, we invited candidates for the Otsego County Board of Representatives, Oneonta Common Council, and for the Senate and Assembly to state their case, and published their statements.

With the November 4 General Election fast approaching (where did the summer go?!), we will be formulating questions for various candidates and we will publish their responses as they are written. At the county level, there are representative races for six of the 14 districts. Daniel Buttermann and Luisa Montanti will be squaring off for the Oneonta mayorship. A number of the county’s towns have multiple candidates competing for council seats, and the

Hartwick race for town supervisor and town council should be interesting, given the challenges faced there both before and after the resignation of the town supervisor and town attorney last November. The full list of Otsego County candidates can be found at https://www.otsegocountyny.gov/departments/ac/board_of_elections/candidates.php.

In her report, “Trustworthiness of news media worldwide 2025,” Statista media researcher Amy Watson writes: “A study examining perspectives on the news media from over 40 countries revealed that levels of trust differed notably around the world. Nigeria recorded the highest level of overall trust in news among the other countries surveyed, at 68 percent. Scandinavians in particular had greater trust in the news media, with 67 percent of Finns trusting the news, along with 56 percent of Danes and 54 percent of Norwegians —placing all three countries among the top ten globally for media trust in 2025.”

According to Watson, the U.S. ranks seventh from the bottom, with just 30 percent of adults reporting that they trust news media most of the time, down from 32 percent in 2024.

The deterioration of our trust in the media can be attributed to ethical breaches, partisan differences, and perceived bias and motivation, among other factors. Lack of staff as newsrooms face budget cuts and financial difficulties can also lead to factual errors, typos, and other noticeable mistakes. Like most other small, locally-owned, independent newsrooms, we struggle with the latter. But, unlike CBS, rest assured that in our coming election coverage, we won’t be putting words in anyone’s mouths. And we won’t be omitting them, either.

At-risk Activist Afghan Women Find Refuge in Brazil

Idid not have going to Brazil to assist Afghan refugees there on my Bingo card this year.

On August 14, however, I did just that. I flew all night to Sao Paolo from JFK and met Rebecca Trotter, the co-founder of Food for Thought Afghanistan, at the airport at 6 a.m. the next morning. I had been on FFTA’s board since its founding in spring 2024 and only talked with Rebecca online. I met her in person in Brazil for the first time.

Earlier, at 3 a.m., Rebecca had greeted the second group of Afghan families FFTA had worked for months to get out of Pakistan and to Brazil, about 32 people. The families ranged in size from just three—a mother and her two teenage kids—to nine, with seven young adult siblings and their elderly parents. FFTA’s first group of eight

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Afghans reached Brazil in late July and now live in different cities across Brazil.

The Afghan families FFTA has focused on helping share a trait: Each has at least one woman activist who protested publicly against the Taliban in Afghanistan after they banned education for girls after the sixth grade and banned women from employment. One woman in the second group who made it to Brazil, Manizha Sediqi, was imprisoned and tortured by the Taliban for seven months. Others were sexually assaulted. Some of the women and girls were forced, or were going to be forced, to marry Taliban members. All the women and their family members were threatened with arrest, imprisonment and death. All fled to Islamabad, Pakistan to escape further persecution.

In Pakistan, though, their lives were precarious.

“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. 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. Preferred length is no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

Manager / Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs Sales Consultants: Randy Christian and Dan Sullivan

Arya Patel

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

FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District

MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association

Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

Class Subscription, $155 a year.

Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc.

Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

Most did not have legal documents because the Taliban seized them, so they could not access basic services and resources in Pakistan or leave the country. The Pakistani Taliban, abetted by Pakistani police, searched for the women activists, to arrest and deport them back to Afghanistan where they would be harmed and probably executed.

The women activists in the group come from diverse backgrounds and interests. There are paraOlympians, professional soccer players, artists, lawyers, those who identify as gay, and who dream of being a doctor, economist or business leader.

Meanwhile, the international community had lost interest in helping Afghan refugees, even women activists who qualified for asylum in different countries. Even Amnesty International’s

Continued on page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn

Pope: ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’

I write in response to the September 4 editorial, “Industry and Housing: If Not Here, Then Where?” which discussed local opposition to several proposed housing and industry projects and asked, if not here, when housing and new business development is in short supply, then where would these projects be welcome?

As with most things in life, the devil is in the details. The projects cited—Bassett’s Averill Road housing project in Cooperstown, the proposed Manocherian subdivision in Otsego and Springfield, the Rehabilitative Support Services housing project in Oneonta, expansion of the Nadler Regional Airport, the proposed EcoYotta data center—present very different “solutions” to our affordable housing crisis, transportation, and economic development needs, and raised concerns on different grounds.

The Averill Road housing development, which was to have provided much-needed housing for Bassett employees, and RSS, which was to have

provided assistive housing for low-income people with mental health and substance abuse treatment needs in addition to affordable housing, were both defeated by opposition from neighbors who objected to their being built “in their back yards,” or front yards. Yet these are precisely the types of housing that the county really needs and were strongly supported by those who deeply understand what is required for a strong, healthy, and sustainable year-round local economy, including Otsego 2000.

Indeed, Cooperstown has two housing projects moving forward which have received broad support but were not mentioned in the editorial: the Grove studios, one-bedrooms, and townhouses on Grove and Glen, and the Springbrook/ Vecino Group’s apartment building at Main and Grove. Both will provide much-needed middle-income housing for local and new residents.

The proposed major subdivision on the west side of Otsego Lake, while only in sketch plan phase, would clearly not be geared toward middle-class families looking for year-round housing given the cost per acre of land close to Otsego Lake, the expense of building a three-bedroom home, digging a well, bringing in electric lines, and putting in septic. Hardly affordable for the average family in Otsego County, where the median household income is $67,000.00. As for the airport, the county struggles to provide adequate public transportation services for its population, yet the expansion of Nadler Regional Airport would only serve private and corporate aircraft.

It’s not enough just to say “not in my back yard.” It is critical that we voice what we do want to see in our

In contrast, the Manocherian subdivision proposal, and the expansion of the Nadler Regional Airport to serve more private aircraft, do not meet in any way, shape, or form the housing or transportation needs of the county. Arguably, neither does the proposed data center, which would employ few but demand an enormous energy and water supply and forever change the rural agricultural nature of the zoning district in which it is proposed.

Columnists and Contributing Writers

Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

JEnnIFER HILL

by Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

110 YEARS AGO

Infant mortality statistics for July made public show a decrease of 15 points from the rate of July 1914. The month of July this year recorded 844 deaths under one year as compared with 946 in July 1914. This decrease indicates that the campaign for the prevention of deaths for infants, inaugurated last year, continues to effect decreases in the infant death rate outside of New York City. In New York City the rate was 105 as compared with 103 for July of 1914.

September 8, 1915

85 YEARS AGO

A new full-time instrumental music program has been instituted at Cooperstown High School with Eldon Lee as instructor. This course is open to any student desiring instruction on one of the following instruments: clarinet, cornet, trombone, baritone, tuba, French horn, alto horn, flute, oboe, saxophone, drums, violin, viola, cello and string bass. Beginning students will be placed in small classes. Advanced students will be given private instruction. The band and orchestra will be an important part of the program and will rehearse two or three times a week. A Junior Band will be organized for grade students. The organization of an instrumental music department is a move on the part of the Board of Education which is designed to meet a demand that has been very insistent in the past few years. It is believed that it will prove to be of benefit to a large number of the young people in the community.

60 YEARS AGO

September 11, 1940

The Cooperstown Graduate Center will open for its second academic year next week with 30 students enrolled to study either History Museum Operation or American Folk Culture. The programs are presented through the combined resources of the State University College at Oneonta and the New York State Historical Association. Each will lead to a Master of Arts degree. Dr. Bruce R. Buckley and Frank O. Spinney will be on full-time assignment to the Graduate Center from Oneonta State. Also scheduled for teaching assignments are Dr. William B. Fink, Chair of the Social Sciences Department at SUCO; Per E. Guldbeck, research associate at NYSHA; Dr. Louis C. Jones, Graduate Center Director and NYSHA Director; and Dr. Maynard G. Redfield, Professor of History at SUCO.

September 8, 1965

35 YEARS AGO

The Village Innkeepers hosted the Fly Creek Bees at the Village Crossroads on Sunday and took the match by a 22-16 tally, improving their record in the Leatherstocking Town Ball League to 4-2 in the last match of the regular season. The Bees were slow to find their bats and did not register a tally until the seventh hand when “Phenomenal” Haney caught one of Walter “Wigwam” Wilson’s tosses and smashed it over the trees for an easy four-staker. “Union Jack” Saphier, having returned from a trip to the British Isles, hurled for the Bees but could not keep the Innkeepers’ bats in check even with his dart-like deliveries.

20 YEARS AGO

September 12, 1990

The dialysis unit at Bassett Healthcare is bustling. With 12 chairs that are usually full from 6 a.m. throughout the day, the Cooperstown unit serves 34 patients staffed by a full crew of nurses and other healthcare workers. Along with its associated unit in Oneonta, which services 70 patients, the Bassett facility is the only place locally to offer dialysis, according to Candace Leonard, a medical social worker in the unit. “Our patients come from as far as Chenango and Delaware counties,” Leonard said. “Besides us, the closest facilities are in Binghamton, Utica and Amsterdam.”

September 9, 2005

At Hyde Hall, ‘the Best Is Yet To Come’

Hyde Hall has come a long way from the wrecking ball.

Anyone who’s followed the steady progress of restorations at Hyde Hall—the National Historic Landmark in Cooperstown renowned for its neoclassical architecture and scenic views of Otsego Lake—can testify to the fact that this is a museum and cultural site that has truly reinvented itself.

The estate was built for George Clarke in the early 1800s and enjoyed by his family for five generations. By the early 1960s, however, the house faced demolition, and by 1970, the interior was empty and crumbling—a ghost of its former glory.

But today when you visit Hyde Hall, you step into its elegant yet practical past.

With roughly 70 percent of its original contents and accurate reproductions of the carpets, curtains, and bed-hangings (most created in Rabbit Goody’s Thistle Hill Weavers textile mill in Cherry Valley), Hyde Hall looks like a well-preserved Regencyera country house that survived nearly intact.

“In everything, we take pains to be as authentic as possible,” said Jonathan Maney, Hyde Hall’s executive director.

New rooms now open to the public include the back kitchen (or scullery), which received a herringbone brick floor in August; the kitchen, where work

By MERL REAGLE

House Detective…

continues on the hearth and stew stove; and Mrs. Clarke’s suite, which was given a striped Venetian carpet and finishing touches including donations from the Cooper Family of Cooperstown—Chelsea ceramic figurines on the mantelpiece.

Maney says that some visitors come back yearly to track the work progress at the site.

“It’s a game for them to spot what’s new,” he said. “We give them plenty to find.”

On the outside, visitors will note that the servants’ wing has just been lime-washed in the original yellow color. Working with a New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) paint analyst, Hyde Hall’s staff found an English lime wash that duplicated the original color and composition.

While much has been accomplished, several projects remain. Next year, Maney’s plans include

Continued on page 10

Photo provided

famous for its neoclassical architecture and scenic view of otsego lake, hyde hall was built between 1817 and 1834 for George Clarke.

Festival Kicks off Saturday

ONEONTA—Oneonta’s largest longstanding arts event, the City of the Hills Festival, will return to Main Street from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14. Presented by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, the event attracts thousands of visitors to celebrate the region’s artists and organizations. Nearly 60 artists and crafters will participate this year, with a different lineup each day. Oneonta-based food trucks and restaurants will provide concessions, and there will be art and family-friendly activities presented by the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, Huntington Memorial Library, Otsego Pride Alliance, and other organizations. There will be a wide variety of live musical acts, snake charming, face painting, dance shows, and a drag, burlesque and belly dancing show to end the day on Saturday. A vendor map, timeline of activities and performances, parking directory, and other information is available at cityofthehillsfest.org.

DMC Announces Partnership

COOPERSTOWN—The Destination Marketing Corporation for Schoharie and Otsego Counties, the not-for-profit Tourism Promotion Agency for the two counties, announced the selection of Sparkloft Media to run its first unified regional marketing campaign. Sparkloft is a social-first creative agency with offices in Portland, Miami, Atlanta and Chicago. It will contract to run all three DMC brands, This is Cooperstown, We Go Otsego, and Visit Schoharie County, across traditional and digital media. For more information, visit ThisIsCooperstown.com/rfp.

Halloween Trail Set for 10/25

HARTWICK—Hartwick’s Husky Halloween Trail of Treats tradition will return at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Families, teens and local organizations are encouraged to participate. Participants in previous years have set up a wide variety of stops along the cemetery trail, using tables, campfires, truck beds, tents and more. Early setup is strongly recommended. Community members are also welcome to come as they are and give out candy. Station volunteers should bring enough treats for about 250 people. Candy donations may be dropped off at the Town Hall at any time. To sign up, contact clerk@hartwickny.gov.

Pottery Classes Still Open

COOPERSTOWN—The Smithy Clay Studio announced that registration for its fall pottery classes will remain open through Friday, September 12. Open studio hours are Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. “Throwing with More Clay” runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays. Tuesday classes include “Handmade Lamps,” 1:304:30 p.m. and “Centering the Potter,” 6-9 p.m. There will be a “Creating Sets” class from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays and “Creative Constructions” at the same time on Fridays. A Holiday Magic Workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 6 and 13. “Clay Cartoons,” a four-week class for children, will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from October 4 to 25. For more information or to register, visit smithyarts.org.

Haynes Earns Credentials

COOPERSTOWN—Susquehanna SPCA

Executive Director Stacie Haynes recently earned her Certified Animal Welfare Advancement credential, a rigorous program for top-level leaders in animal welfare agencies, through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. Haynes has been at SQSPCA for 10 years and was named one of America’s Top 10 Animal Defenders in 2020.

Garden Club To Host Speaker

RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Garden Club of Richfield Sprinigs will hold its next regular meeting at the Public Library, 102 Main Street, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Celia Oxley will speak about native plants and pollinators. All are welcome. In other news, the garden club announced that it will participate in the Mohawk Valley Gives Day of Giving fundraiser on September 19. They hope that the community will support their beautification efforts and assist other charitable organizations in this regional fundraising drive. For more information, visit givemv.org. In other news, Regiment To Be Discussed

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will hold its next regular meeting at 208 Cemetery Road on Wednesday, September 24. Town of Milford Historian Frank Antonucci will present on Fly Creek’s 121st Volunteer Regiment in the Civil War at 6:30 p.m., followed by refreshments and the monthly meeting. All are welcome.

Chamber Announces Events

UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Tampon Drive at the new Bishop Lot Pavilion, 245 Main Street, from 47 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. There will be live music, vendors and a beer bus, rain or shine. Admission is free with the donation of one box of tampons or other period products per person. The Unadilla Mayor and Trustee Picnic will be held at

the RDC Fields, adjacent to 77 Clifton Street, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 21. There will be a bounce house and free hamburgers and hot dogs. Fall Fest will return to 331 Covered Bridge Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 28. Additionally, the annual Dinner and Awards will be held at 175 Rod and Gun Club Road at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 5. Tickets are required. There will be a buffet dinner, live music and a cash bar.

Pancake Breakfast Returns

MIDDLEFIELD—The Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department will hold its next Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at Cooperstown/Westville Airport from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 20. Allyou-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, beverages and real maple syrup are available for $12.00 per adult and $8.00 per child under 12.

Two Arrested for Animal Cruelty

EDMESTON—The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested Christopher S. Romain, 42, and Kristin M. Natterer, 41, both of Edmeston, on Thursday, September 4, following reports of animal cruelty. Numerous dogs in an emaciated condition were seized from a residence in Edmeston and turned over to the Susquehanna SPCA for medical attention. Romain and Natterer were charged with one and 11 counts of torturing/injuring/failure to provide sustenance to animals, respectively. They will return to the Town of Edmeston Court at a later date.

Free FOIL Training Announced

OTSEGO COUNTY—Experienced government watchdog Xenia Williams will present a free training on Freedom of Information Law and obtaining New York government records on September 13 and 27. The first day will cover FOIL basics, while the second will cover appeals. There are two time slots available for each session, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and all will be held on Zoom. For more information or to register, contact williamsxenia7@gmail.com.

HoF Observes Spanish Heritage

COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that it will hold a series of pop-up experiences in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. In a release, the museum noted that the countries of Latin America have produced nearly a third of MLB Opening Day Rosters in recent years. These interactive experiences will explore images and items that tell the long story of Latino baseball players across the Western Hemisphere. They will run from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on each Friday of the month: September 19 and 26 and October 3 and 10. There will also be a bilingual guided tour of the ¡Viva Baseball! exhibit from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, September 19. For more information, visit baseballhall.org.

Arthritis Tai Chi Scheduled

OTSEGO COUNTY—The Otsego County Office for the Aging will offer five upcoming Tai Chi for Arthritis series. Each runs twice a week for eight weeks and is free for adults 60 and older. Donations are gratefully accepted. Upcoming series include: United Methodist Church, 113 North Main Street in Milford, 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 16; The Gathering Place 50+ Community Center, 5506 State Route 7 in Oneonta, 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning September 17; and Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52 in Cooperstown, 12:15-1:15 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays beginning September 22. An advanced Tai Chi series will be held at the Meeting House at Pathfinder Village from 10:30-11:30 a.m. beginning on Wednesday, September 24. Participants must have completed the eight-week basic series. Another series will be planned in the Morris area based on demand. Contact the Office for the Aging to express interest. Pre-registration and a commitment to attend at least 11 of 16 sessions is required for all series. Contact (607) 547-4232 to reserve a space.

Lake Plan Feedback Sought

COOPERSTOWN—The Otsego Lake Watershed Protection Program released a brief survey to gather public feedback as it formulates a communitybased plan to protect Otsego Lake for generations to come. The 15-minute online survey will help define a collective vision for shared land and water resources, and all watershed area residents are strongly encouraged to participate. It may be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/otsego9Eplan.

GOHS Dinner, Meeting Date Set

ONEONTA—The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold its Annual Dinner and Meeting at Toscana Northern Italian Grill, 76 Chestnut Street, from 5:30-8 p.m. on Monday, October 13. Tickets are available for $60.00 for GOHS members and $65.00 for non-members, and include appetizers, a plated salad, choice of entree, dessert, coffee, and a beer or wine. There will be a cash bar. The dinner is also the annual business meeting and will include officer and bylaw elections and awards presentations. Registration forms and a full menu are available at https://oneontahistory.org/events-programs/. Seats must be reserved by Monday, October 6.

4CLS Design Contest Underway

VESTAL—The Four County Library System has announced its first-ever Library Card Design Contest, inviting cardholders of all 43 member libraries in Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties to design a limited-edition card. The contest will run through Tuesday, September 30, coinciding with National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the winning design will debut during National Library Week, April 19-26. For more information or to make a submission, visit 4cls. libguides.com/contest.

Dinner Will Support Bob Croft

HARTWICK—Tammy Croft will hold a spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction to support Bob Croft, recently diagnosed with lung cancer, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. Admission is $12.00 and the auction drawing will begin at 4 p.m. It will be held at 3080 County Highway 11 in Hartwick. To make a donation, contact (607) 267-0790.

Dems To Meet This Saturday

ONEONTA—Otsego County Board Representative Adrienne Martini (D-12) will be the guest speaker at the Oneonta Democratic Club’s next meeting. It will be held at Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13. Martini will discuss the wide-ranging local impacts of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” budget, including projected effects on SNAP, Medicaid, property taxes, healthcare access and mental health services, as well as the County Board’s response to these challenges. Charles Miller, president of the Oneonta College Democrats, will speak on campus activities, and several local candidates for office will give brief remarks. The meeting is open to the public. RSVP to garymaffei@gmail.com.

Cooperstown XC Opens Season

VOORHEESVILLE—Cooperstown’s varsity cross country teams opened their 2025 season at the Blackbird Invitational on Saturday, September 6. Sophomore Evelyn Rhodes (Milford) and junior Courtney McCarthy (Laurens) led the girls team, finishing fifth (21:07) and seventh (22:38) overall. Junior Captain Olivia Temp finished 23rd (24:33), nearly 90 seconds faster than last year, and sophomore Ada MacLeish finished 53rd (32:02) in her first race. The team was incomplete due to the temporary absence of Maggie Heavner and Willow Burr’s participation in the 1.5-mile freshman race. The boys team fielded seven runners, as Owen and Wyatt Capozza Flannigan were absent, and finished eighth of nine teams. Senior Captain Jacob Johnson finished 16th in 19:15, 20 seconds faster than last year. Sophomore Hu Agostino followed in 30th place (20:39). Seniors Brendan Heavner (21:24) and Elias MacLeish (22:13) finished in 42nd and 50th place, respectively, and George Riesenfeld followed in 62nd (24:42).

CCS Football Wins Opener

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown football opened the season with a 65-17 pounding of Tupper Lake at Lambert Field on Saturday, September 6. Senior Quarterback Brenin Dempsey made three touchdowns, connecting with senior wide receiver Thomas Hellenthal, senior running back Andrew Spaulding and junior running back Joey DeSanto. Sophomore Sawyer McManus scored four touchdowns, rushing for 4, 27, 29 and 14 yards. Sophomore kicker and defensive back Sawyer Bridger made an interception, and senior Caden Jones and sophomore J.J. Wirchansky each recovered fumbles. The Hawkeyes will host Clinton for a non-league game on Saturday, September 13.

Soccer Season Now Underway

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown girls soccer team won its season opener against Remsen 1-0 on Friday, September 5. Senior Bianca Adam scored the lone goal. The Hawkeyes lost 4-1 to Tully the next day, with Maddy Lund scoring. They will host Frankfort-Schuyler in a non-division match after press time on Tuesday, September 9. The boys team routed Tully 7-0 in their season opener on Saturday, September 6. Junior Shane Bradley racked up three goals and an assist, followed by sophomore Henry Ayers’ two goals. Junior Gavin Grady scored and made an assist, senior Jackson Crisman scored, and senior Jameson Gable and junior Hayden Spencer each had assists. Senior keeper Cooper Coleman made two saves in the net. The Hawkeyes will play at Little Falls after press time on Wednesday, September 10.

Hospital Wins Recognition

DELHI—Bassett Healthcare Network’s O’Connor Hospital earned its second consecutive Women’s Choice Award recognition as one of America’s best 100 hospitals for emergency room wait times. It also received recognition in a second category, excellence in patient experience. For more information or to view the complete list of winners, visit https://womenschoiceaward. com/emergency-timeliness.

Visit AllOtsego.com for more news briefs.

campaign for Manizha Saddiq’s release from Taliban custody drew little international attention.

Ahmad Reshad Attai, FFTA’s 35-year-old creator and co-founder, learned of the 60 women activists and their plight in the summer of 2024. Reshad and his family had fled Afghanistan after the Taliban retook control in 2021 and were able to get asylum in Switzerland. Later, Reshad became a student at the prestigious Geneva Graduate Institute and will graduate in September with a master’s in peace and conflict studies. As part of his master’s thesis, Reshad interviewed the 60 women and heard about their dangerous predicament. When he learned that no one was helping the activists and their families, he and Rebecca sprang into action.

By January 2025, Reshad and Rebecca had connected with several international organizations, which donated funds to help the Afghans. However, the Afghans’ situation in Pakistan became more dire because the Pakistani government began threatening to deport them back to Afghanistan. By then, though, FFTA learned that Brazil had opened its doors to Afghan refugees and would accept their applications

more quickly than other countries. For Brazil to accept the Afghans as refugees, FFTA would have to provide funding for their documentation, travel to Brazil, and living expenses for each person for one year.

By happenstance, FFTA connected with Avaaz, a U.S.-based international nonprofit which has about 70 million members worldwide. When Avaaz hears of an international crisis, it will survey its members on whether or not to support solutions to the crisis with funds, media attention and other resources. Their members then vote on it.

When Avaaz presented FFTA’s plan to get the Afghan activists and families to Brazil to its membership, they voted overwhelmingly to fund it. Since then, Avaaz has provided grant funding of $500,000.00, the most it has ever raised for a specific issue. FFTA and the Brazilian organization settling the Afghan refugees, Panahgah, have wrestled with and negotiated Pakistan’s ever-changing rules, requirements, obstacles, and fees—which can sometimes prevent Afghans from leaving even after they have boarded their flights to Brazil.

With a full-time job, I have not had much time to work on the project. In July, Reshad told me Brazilian media would be interviewing the second group of Afghans after they arrived in

August and FFTA would hold a press conference on it. He asked me to go to Brazil and join Rebecca in representing FFTA to the media. I jumped at the chance.

I met the Afghans my second day in Brazil, when Rebecca and I went to the hotel resort where they were staying temporarily, about two hours from Sao Paolo.

Panahgah has the newlyarrived families stay at the resort for one to two weeks, so they can be in a calm, beautiful environment after years of living in fear in Pakistan and have time to adjust to their new country.

Then, Panahgah will help move the families to cities best suited to

the family’s needs, such as K-12 education for younger children.

I will never forget first meeting the Afghan families. The Afghans embraced Rebecca, thanking her for saving their lives, some of them in tears. When they found out I was part of FFTA, they embraced and thanked me, too.

“Rebecca and Reshad are angels,” said Jahanzeb, a 32-yearold son and brother of women activists. “They saved our lives. The Taliban was going to kill me if I didn’t get out of Pakistan.”

Asnaut, 22, who loved practicing her English with me, said she had just begun medical school

in Kabul when she was forced to leave it after the Taliban banned higher education for women. She was thrilled she would be able to return to her studies in Brazil.

Unfortunately, the press conference kept being delayed and did not happen until after I left Brazil on August 21.

We still have a lot left to do. We have to get the rest of the Afghans out of Pakistan and to Brazil and other safe countries.

I am heading an initiative to find safe housing in Pakistan for about 15 Afghans who are in particularly bad situations, including a mother and her two children living in a park so the Taliban won’t find them.

And we have to start implementing FFTA’s original mission, which is to empower Afghans inside the country to build educational, economic, and civic institutions to make it a stable, thriving nation. To find out more about and support FFTA’s mission, please visit foodforthought. care.

Oneonta resident Jennifer Hill is a longtime community educator and activist. She has a master’s degree in public administration. In addition to her work with Food for Thought Afghanistan, Hill advocates for the wrongly convicted in her spare time.

Photo provided

Jennifer Hill (third from right) gathers with a group of Afghan refugees in Brazil along with Rebecca Trotter, co-founder of Food for Thought Afghanistan (center, back row, in the blue and white dress).

Harry E. Snyder 1947-2025

m IDDL e FI e LD—

Harry e. Snyder, 77, of middlefield passed away on September 7, 2025. He was born September 10, 1947 to Lewis J. and Caroline S. (Gay) Snyder.

Harry first attended school at the middlefield Schoolhouse and then Cherry Valley Central School, where he graduated in 1965. In his teen years he started his own hobby farm, which was his true passion. After graduating high school, he worked for The Clark Foundation for a brief time before becoming employed at the middlefield Highway Department. He dedicated 38 years of service to the town in which he

ObITUARIeS

was highway superintendent for 31 of those years.

After his retirement, Harry spent winters in Florida, where he could be found thrift shopping to find the best deal. As much as he enjoyed his time there, he was always ready to come back home to work on his farm. He was a hard worker and worked until

he was no longer able to. Two things he instilled in his daughters was to work hard and save your money.

Harry was a member of the middlefield Volunteer Fire Department and the Highway Superintendent’s Association, which he was president of for a number of years. He enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing—in which he was known to swing the women right off their feet—and playing pitch. He knew all the strategies to that game and was hard to beat. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandson, going to farm auctions with him and taking him on fourwheeler rides until his grandson was old enough to take over the wheel and drive him around.

He is survived by his daughters, michelle (mike) Stocking and Kim Snyder; grandson Nathan Snyder; nephew michael (Lynn) Oeser; nieces Lorel (Dean)

Rathbun, Debra Staats, Donna beckingham and her fiancé, David Hotaling; along with cousins and great-nieces and nephews. besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Snyder, sister Ruth Oeser, brother-inlaw emory Oeser and nephew Robert Snyder Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ottman Funeral Home, 22 Church Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. A memorial service celebrating Harry’s life will be held at the Ottman Funeral Home on Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ronald Fralick officiating.

To send online condolences, please visit www. ottmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, New York.

DENTAL Insurance

Coop LWV To Host Voter Registration Day Events on 9/16

COOpeRSTOWN

The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will be participating in National Voter Registration Day, a nationwide, nonpartisan effort to register hundreds of thousands of voters, on Tuesday, September 16. League members will be out in force at the locations listed below and available to assist voters who want to register or update their registration if they have moved. Saturday, October 25 is the deadline to register or update your registration in New York.

“every eligible American deserves the chance to participate in elections,” said Anna Gaeta, voter services chair. “Voter registration is the first step to ensuring your voice is heard. We want to make sure every resident who wants to vote on election Day is registered by October 25.”

National Voter Registration Day is an annual nonpartisan campaign to register hundreds of thousands of voters in communities and online. embraced by a host of celebrities, bipartisan elected officials and organizations, NVRD leverages the collective impact of thousands of community partners, including hundreds of League of Women Voters groups, nationwide, every year.

League volunteers will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist voters with registration as well as applications for early Vote by mail ballots and Absentee ballots at these locations:

• Grand Union, Commons Shopping Center, Hartwick Seminary

• elm Inn, 104 e main Street, milford

• Green Toad bookstore, 198 main Street, Oneonta

“The League of Women Voters empowers voters through education, registration and get-out-the-vote ac-tivities in every election,” said Gaeta. “many people refer to the odd-year elections as ‘off-year’ elections, however, the decisions made by the candidates in November’s election affect our daily life, from keeping our roads plowed in the winter to making sure our county government is functioning. These elected officials may not live in Albany or Washington, D.C., but their decisions are just as important to our lives.”

The LWV of the Cooperstown Area is also planning candidate forums and other registration drives this fall.

photo provided HARRY E. SNYDER

communities. Here at Otsego 2000, we strongly support housing projects that increase the number of year-round small- and mid-sized apartments, homes, and townhouses that would serve low- to middle-income individuals and families, young people, and retirees. Increasing the housing supply would slow the rate of rent increases, and provide more competition in the rental housing market. To minimize loss of open space, support independent retail, and to build community, housing should be concentrated close to existing villages and hamlets.

How can you make your voice heard? One way to do that is to participate actively in your local municipal board and planning board meetings, and their comprehensive plan process. The Town of Otsego is currently undertaking an update of its 2008 comprehensive plan and welcomes residents’ input: www.townofotsego.com. Other municipalities whose comprehensive plans are more than 10 years old should take a hard look at doing the same. Check your community’s website and read its comprehensive plan. Does it reflect what your community wants? If not, roll up your sleeves and get involved!

Ellen Pope Executive Director Otsego 2000

The Grass Isn’t

Always Greener

We get our beach fix every year at the Cape. We bring our own water from Cooperstown because the Cape invariably runs low on fresh water by the end of the summer.

The only yards that are green are the ones that have their own water wells. Town water is curtailed. Over 80 percent of the houses are on septic

Thomas F. Brennan 1961-2025

MILFORD—Thomas

“Tom” Francis Xavier Brennan, beloved son, husband, father, and brother, who was an attorney for the State of New York, entered into eternal life Friday night, September 5, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home in Milford following a seven-year battle with multiple system atrophy. He was 64.

Tom was born on January 26, 1961 in Brooklyn, the son of Patrick J. and Maureen (Duffy) Brennan. He attended St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, where he was a star player on the football team. He went on to attend Oberlin College, where he studied history and politics, played football and rugby, enjoyed the company of wonderful friends and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Jacinta “Cinta” Maria Jansen. He attended St. John’s University School of Law. After graduating, he married Cinta in 1988 in Washington, D.C. Tom had a long and impressive career as a public servant. He worked as deputy inspector general for the City of New York Department of Investigation, an attorney for the State of California and the State of New York, in various offices, ending his career as the general

and water wells. They learned years ago that the septic tanks discharge nitrogen and phosphates into the drinking water ponds, creating harmful algae blooms (HABs), so they now require septic systems to remove the nutrients from the septic discharge.

The grass is no longer greener over the septic tank. But the ponds no longer look like salsa verde. Since the water wells pump the aquifer down, they have to be careful not to pump it down too far or they will get infiltration of seawater into the aquifers.

As they say here on the coast, you won’t miss your freshwater until it tastes like saltwater taffy. And you won’t miss your freshwater pond until it looks like Mountain Dew.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

Rivera Is the Clear Choice

There’s a competitive race for Oneonta town supervisor and the contrast between the candidates is stark.

The acting supervisor, Brett Holleran, demonstrated through his participation in a sad, infuriating episode why he is unfit to govern. In 2015, a family living in Lantern Hill Trailer Park won the lottery and used the winnings to buy a nice home in the town’s newest neighborhood. They paid $180,000.00 and had no mortgage.

When they fell behind on maintenance, Holleran and the Town Board voted in 2018 to declare the home unsafe. With a final board vote on government action looming, Holleran quietly paid $30,000.00 for the property that was assessed at $217,900.00. Now Holleran’s property is valued at $302,639.00-$345,000.00.

Did the family understand that the politician who swore to represent them was taking advantage of them, seizing

counsel of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation in 2019. He was a tireless and passionate advocate for truth and justice.

Above all, Tom believed in the importance of building community through showing up for people and committing himself to causes he believed in. Passionate about public education, he served on the Milford Central School Board of Education for many years. He loved spending

$150,000.00+ in home equity?

Unclear. What is clear is this cannot happen again.

To know a politician’s character, watch what they do; not what they say. For me, Holleran’s actions are disqualifying. Voters may feel differently, but either way they have the right to know the truth.

This fall I will proudly cast my vote for Will Rivera, who has spent his career fighting for regular Oneontans. He will serve with decency and ethics, and will bring much needed new energy and ideas to the Town of Oneonta.

I hope you will get to know the candidates over the next two months. If so, I believe the choice will be clear. Please vote for Will Rivera.

Andrew D. Stammel Oneonta

Lions To Celebrate Anniversaries

For 75 years, the members of the Cooperstown Lions Club have served their community, helping the blind and visually impaired, improving and protecting the environment, improving the lives of those with food insecurity, supporting our youth, and so much more. To learn more about us, please visit www.cooperstownlionsclub.org.

We will be celebrating this milestone in the Fenimore Room at The Otesaga Resort Hotel on Saturday, October 4 from noon to 3:30 p.m. Perhaps your life has been personally touched by the service of the Lions of Cooperstown; perhaps you are interested in joining our organization. This is a great opportunity to share your story and meet our membership and learn more about us.

We are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Cooperstown Leo Club, a youth organization at the Cooperstown Middle/High School dedicated to community service. If you are

a current or even past member of the Cooperstown Leo Club, we would love to share this occasion with you as well. You are cordially invited to join in our celebration. The cost of the buffet lunch event is only $45.00. In order to attend, please go to www.cooperstownlionsclub.org. In the events section, you will find the official invitation/registration form.

If you are a local business, you can use the same registration form to help us with an ad in our 75th Anniversary Program. All proceeds from this program will be dedicated to the Cooperstown Lions SNAP Match program, which helps increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to those who shop at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. You can learn more about this program at www. coopsnapmatch.org.

When you RSVP, please include your check, made out to “The Cooperstown Lions Club” and mail it to The Cooperstown Lions, PO Box 2, Cooperstown, NY 13326. We also accept payment through Venmo @ CoopLions. If you use Venmo, please be sure to put the names of your party in the memo. Please try to RSVP no later than Monday, September 29. Tom Hohensee President Cooperstown Lions Club

9/11 Has Lasting Health Impacts

In 2015, while serving survivors of violence in Otsego County and caring for my newborn daughter, I was diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer. I grew up just blocks from Ground Zero, and years after the attacks, the toxic air we breathed caught up with me. What I thought was a routine emergency room visit turned into a fight for my life: three years of chemotherapy, radiation and a stem-cell transplant.

OBITUARIES

time with his daughters and their friends, and his passion for sports led him to naturally take on the role of coaching many soccer teams throughout their childhoods. When he wasn’t coaching, he could be seen yelling passionately in the stands at every game. Tom loved hiking, gardening and exploring his acres of land. A deeply curious person, he loved any project or task that required research. He loved reading, engaging in debate and knew how to stir up a room. His laughter was contagious, and he found joy in living, even when MSA brought challenges. He never complained. He was a selfless and generous person.

Thomas is survived by his mother, Maureen Brennan, of Cooperstown; his wife of 37 years, Jacinta, of Milford; their four daughters, Julia Brennan of Providence,

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

Rhode Island, Emily Brennan and husband Daniel Sparks of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Fiona Brennan of Los Angeles, California, and Grace Brennan of Albany, New York; a sister, Eileen Brennan, of Oyster Bay, Long Island; a brotherin-law, John Weale, of Beaconsfield, Quebec, Canada; three nieces, Meaghan Espinosa and Sarah and Elizabeth Weale; a nephew, Daniel Espinosa; and 15 nieces and nephews on the Jansen side.

He was predeceased by his father, Patrick J. Brennan, who died April 16, 2002, and a sister, Colleen Brennan Weale, who died October 12, 2024.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 at the Greater Milford Historical Association, 77 North Main Street, Milford, NY 13807.

To honor his memory,

What carried me through was my family and Oneonta. Neighbors brought food, checked on us, raised funds for medical costs and gave my family strength when we felt most alone. Their support taught me what community really means and reminded me that none of us makes it through hard times without one another.

As we reflect on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, I hold in my heart the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day, along with the nearly 48,600 first responders and survivors now living with 9/11-related cancers. This represents a staggering 143 percent increase in cases over the last five years. These individuals could be neighbors or family members of neighbors, all still carrying the weight of that day. Some rushed into dangerous situations to save lives, while others were simply living near Ground Zero and are now facing lifelong health struggles.

Honoring them requires more than remembrance. It means committing to care for those who continue to bear the weight of that day. It means ensuring that the necessary resources and funding are available for survivors who need them. That experience changed me. It showed me how precious our time is and how much stronger we are when we stand together. It’s why I’ve devoted nearly two decades to supporting survivors, working families and communities too often ignored by people in power. It’s also why I’m running for town supervisor: to bring that same spirit of care, transparency and accountability to our local government.

Oneonta has given me a home, a community, and a second chance at life. I want to return that gift by making sure every neighbor feels seen, supported and valued.

Will Rivera Oneonta

donations may be made to Helios Care: https:// www.helioscare.org/ donate/. The Helios staff took such good care of Tom and Cinta and made

his final peaceful passage possible. Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Photo provided

THOMAS F. BRENNAN

Hyde Hall

Continued from page 5

raising a barn on the site of one that was taken down in the 1970s.

“We located a wonderful English threshing barn in Middlefield, New York,” Maney said. “We took it down and will raise it in the spring and use it to teach young people basic timber framing skills.”

The back kitchen will be painted the original colors and the water closet (the first flush toilet west of the Hudson River) will also be restored.

“We plan several smaller projects, too, including getting a part of the bell system to function.”

Carpeting projects will also continue.

“Most of the house had wall-to-wall carpeting,” Maney said. And “it will again be an oasis of comfort and gentility.”

Preserving this heritage of beauty involves more than just the house, however.

“We received a matching grant of $25,000.00 to restore the rose garden that was planted during the 1830s on the south lawn,”

Maney said. “We have the bills showing what the Clarkes ordered and the roses will add color and interest here.”

But Maney points out that what matters most is not what Hyde Hall has.

“It’s what we do with it,” he said. “We’ve built a stage and now we have to put on great plays.”

Not literal plays, he explains (though they are being considered), but a variety of events and activities that relate to the house’s history and are meaningful to the community.

Maney mentions that he and Hyde Hall’s new events manager, Verna Everitt, will be offering programs he’s wanted to do for years, such as a lecture series, movie screenings, and other attractions that will build on the dinners, dances, and musical entertainments featured in the past.

“Hyde Hall has a great history,” Maney said, “but the best is yet to come.”

If you want to visit Hyde Hall again or for the first time, you won’t want to miss its Halloween-themed Hyde and Shriek tours in October or its magical Victorian Candlelight Christmas

LegaL LegaL

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: FMQ Realty, LLC (the “Company”).

The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was July 29, 2025. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to FMQ Realty, LLC, 300 W. 55th Street, Apt. 12Y, New York, NY 10019-5170. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose.

6LegalSept.11

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Fly Creek Honey LLC

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was

Tour in December, Maney pointed out. Go to HydeHall.org/ events2025 to learn more.

Nicolari

Continued from page 1

Music is my favorite,” she wrote, “specifically country, folk and bluegrass. While I cannot play anything, finding new music, or new-tome music, is my greatest joy.”

Those who visit the chamber offices will find that she’s always got music playing, Nicolari said.

Her love of music figured prominently in a summer 2024 internship at The Museum at Bethel Woods, the original site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

“While there, I cocurated an exhibit called “The Folks Who Made the Festival.” My main assignment was interviewing those who attended Woodstock in 1969. I grew a deep appreciation for the music, the culture and the love that radiates from those who attended Woodstock,” she said.

On the heels of her very first Cooperstown

Artisan Festival, an annual chamber event, Nicolari described it as “so much fun.”

“The vendors are truly some of the most creative and interesting people I’ve had the pleasure to meet in Cooperstown,” she continued. “For only having a short amount of time to plan the event, I’m extremely proud of everything we were able to accomplish.”

What’s next?

“While we’re always working on tourism and membership-related things, our next big event will be our Scoop It Up! Online Auction,” Nicolari said.

She will be reaching out to local businesses in the coming weeks to solicit auction items, which will be listed and sold online—“perfect for Christmas gifts, or just something fun for yourself!” Proceeds will support the chamber’s general fund.

The Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce is located at 31 Chestnut Street. To learn more about membership or upcoming initiatives and events, call (607) 5479983 or stop by to meet Nicolari and check out her playlist.

LEGALS

Bonderoff Receives Collaboration Award

DELHI

SUNY Delhi President Dr. Mary Bonderoff has received the prestigious New York State Disability Services Council Collaboration Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership and commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusion for students with disabilities across the SUNY system.

Throughout her long SUNY career, Dr. Bonderoff has demonstrated a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that impact students with disabilities and has consistently advanced efforts to remove those obstacles. According to a press release, she has led meaningful initiatives to improve access and foster belonging by allocating tangible resources to support inclusive practices and empower faculty and staff to adopt accessible, student-focused approaches. Her strategic insight and everyday advocacy have helped shape a campus culture where every student can thrive, officials said.

Dr. Bonderoff is also an active supporter of the New York State Disability Services Council, encouraging professional development and system-wide collaboration among institutions. Her efforts have elevated the work of accessibility professionals and inspired a stronger commitment to inclusion across the SUNY system.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because I believe every student deserves a learning environment that sets them up to succeed,” Dr. Bonderoff said. “By removing barriers and creating inclusive spaces, we can help students reach their potential and transform their lives.

“I’m proud of the work we have done on the Delhi campus and grateful to be part of a SUNY community that’s committed to doing this important work together,” she said.

For more information about SUNY Delhi’s Access and Opportunity Programs, visit https://www.delhi. edu/academics/academic-achievement-center/ access-equity/index.php.

1/10/2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 455 Keating Rd.. Fly Creek, NY 13337 Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalSept.11

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF John Henle Architecture, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on July 23, 2025. NY office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served upon him/her to: John Henle Architecture, LLC, 176 Sweet Hill Road, Milford, NY 13807. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.11

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

109 EAST MAIN STREET LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 07/16/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 153 SIDNEY ST, OYSTER BAY, NY 11771. Purpose: Any Lawful. 6LegalSept.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 10 KILFOIL ST LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 7/16/2025 Otsego Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to 41 STATE ST, # 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207 General Purpose 6LegalSept.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CRIMSON DRAGON REALTY LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8-62025. 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 1 Weidman

St. Unadilla NY 13849 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalSept.18

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

CSL Pristine Properties LLC.

Filed 7/1/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 7228 St Hwy 7, Maryland, NY 12116. Purp: any lawful. 6LegalSept.25

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Little Red Barn Micro Bakery, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secy. of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/18/25. 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 386 East St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.2

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF TRIA FRATRES LLC.

Filed 7/25/25.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to:

c/o Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Dr., Ste. 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.2

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WYN GIFF, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 08/21/2025. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 491 West Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalOct.2

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DSJA Enterprises, LLC.

Articles of

organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 8/25/2025. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her to: The LLC, 142 Winney Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalOct.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Golden Swan Property LLC.

Articles of organization filed with SSNY on 8/29/2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 1469, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalOct.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

►Need to publish a Notice of formatioN, public Notice, supplemeNtal

Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and

Yoga Strategy, LLC

Articles of organization filing date with the Department of State (SSNY) August 13, 2025. Office location: Otsego county. SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 34 West End Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS law.

6LegalOct.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

Gothicville Enterprises LLC.

Articles of organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 April 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 988 County Highway 38 Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permit-

ted under NYS laws.

6LegalOct.9

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Stepping Stones Behavioral Solutions, LLC Filed with SSNY on 8/4/2025. Office location Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 1511 County Rt. 39, Worcester, NY 12197. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalOct.16

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF TLC ENGINEERING, PLLC

Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/3/25. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8-12 Dietz St., Ste. 202, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: To practice Engineering. 6LegalOct.16

LegaL nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF JDG CONTRACTING LLC,

Articles of org. filed with the SSNY on 8/22/2025. Office: Otsego County. US Corporation Agents Inc designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to US Corporation Agents Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Suite 202, Brooklyn NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.16

LegaL nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Shove Enterprises LLC.

Arts. of org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/4/2020. Office Location: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process: Robert A. Gouldin, Esq., 93 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful activities. 6LegalOct.16

Continued from page 1

The remaining funds of the grant would be put toward the initial implementation of these new refurbishments. As the committee approved the motion, the proposal was sent to the second special meeting of the day, held by the Administration Committee. Regarding the NYSERDA grant, Rep. Margaret Kennedy added that a laundry list of possible grant projects had been compiled. She said that the county will try to work in projects to be completed alongside regular maintenance by September 30, 2026. The motion was once again passed, and the late resolution was added to the agenda of the board meeting that would begin just minutes later.

Roll call for the September board meeting noted that Reps. Catan, Mendez, and Scanlon were absent.

were prepared and knowledgeable in that moment of need. Great job.”

Frazier then turned the floor over to EMS Coordinator Victor Jones, Assistant EMS Coordinator Damon West, Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel Wilber, Milford Mayor Brian Pokorny, and called up Milford Fire Department firefighter Will Smith and Assistant Chief Jonathan Ashe. For their valiant rescue of a Milford resident on the second floor of Sybil’s Yarn Shop during the blaze, the two were officially honored with a resolution by the board.

Jones said of the two, “Today we gather not only to recognize bravery, but to recognize two individuals whose actions truly embody the very spirit of the fire service: courage, selflessness and the dedication to others.”

tion services in not only Otsego County, but the state as a whole. With New York ranking 50th in the nation in providing these services to children below Pre-K age, concerned discussion was sparked amongst some members of the board.

Rep. Andrew Marietta spoke for Performance Review and Goal Setting and demonstrated the current layout of Otsego County’s ClearGov page and the progress each county department had made on their strategic goals this year. All departments are now represented on the strategic plan, and quarterly updates from each will be given. Marietta also shared that they intended to bring the Otsego County ClearGov page live and open to public view within the next 30 to 60 days.

facturing award for her plant-based treat business, Vêsucré. He recounted that Hartmann was given a microenterprise grant as a startup in Oneonta two or three years ago, and that she now plans on purchasing the old McDonald’s on Chestnut Street and that two new businesses will be moving to Oneonta because of her work.

Moving along to the consent agenda, Resolution 319 was pulled by Rep. Wilber to individually recognize its importance. The resolution was intended to officially proclaim September as First Responders Appreciation Month. Following brief notes by Wilber on his gratitude to the emergency services of Otsego County, the resolution passed unanimously.

water quality, the water table, town services, and community character. Some called for the towns of Otsego and Springfield to pass moratoriums so there is time to assess and plan for what is in the best interests of both towns.

Pope noted that the Town of Otsego is currently revising its comprehensive plan, and the Otsego Lake Watershed Nine Element Plan will be completed in 2028.

“Comprehensive plans define the vision for the community,” said Farmer.

“And the plans then inform any revisions to a town’s land-use law,” added Pope.

The organizers of the meeting encouraged community members to contact their town boards.

BVACC

Continued from page 3 program of the series will be a four-session Drawing Seminar led by Atticus. Classes will take place at BVACC on October 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Early enrollment is strongly encouraged, as the class is expected to fill quickly.

Smith and Ashe were given plaques of recognition by the EMS office and received a standing ovation from a full audience. Heart-wrenching accounts of their experiences that morning during the fire were shared, to which another round of applause was given to once more recognize the incredible bravery shown by these men.

Otsego County Board of Representative schedules, agendas, minutes, local laws and a link to live meetings can be found online at https://www. otsegocountyny.gov/legislature/board_of_representatives_/documents.php. County

During the privilege of the floor, only one person addressed the board. Edward Dawyot cited concerns over rising electric bills and the state and county’s profits in the percentage-based tax on them. He also raised major concerns about the Marcy South power line and how power companies were trespassing on private property. Dawyot stated the issue had gone to the state court system and that a judge said while he was deciding the case that the companies could continue their current actions. He claimed the power companies then acquired the coordinates they needed and used eminent domain to do the rest of the work they desired while dropping the case in the court system. No board members commented on the matter.

Following Dawyot’s address, Chairman Edwin Frazier honored two firefighters who saved a man’s life during the fire at the Milford Corner Store and Sybil’s Yarn Shop this summer. Frazier thanked all organizations and individuals involved in helping people recuperate from these terrible losses.

With regard to the firefighters themselves, he said, “Truly these men are heroes. I would like to personally thank them for all of their service. You train hard, hoping you never need to use the learned techniques, but what a relief when you

As the crowd that had gathered to see the firefighters honored began to depart, the board moved to standard committee reports.

Rep. Jennifer Mickle spoke for Intergovernmental Affairs and said Director of Veterans’ Services Bill Couse shared that there will be no impact on his department due to the cuts at the federal level. Mickle also shared that Committee Chair Catan asked that the board consider putting $25,000.00 aside to fund initiatives related to America250, which she noted would have to be litigated in the budget process.

Rep. Adrienne Martini represented the Human Services Committee and spoke about a criminal court order between two individuals, which she stated was commonly referred to as a 730. She also mentioned that there are ongoing conversations regarding Medicare, Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds due to the recent federal cuts to each program. Martini also addressed continuous struggles to provide early interven-

“Our intention is for this to happen before the end of the year, obviously, and I think that we have come a long way. I think that’s definitely something exciting for us to finally be moving forward on,” Marietta remarked.

It was also made clear that there is an intention to provide numeric values as often as possible to make budgeting decisions clearer, such as showing the exact number of families receiving a county service, to see what is at stake in potential budget cuts.

County Administrator Steve Wilson reported that there is about $72 million left for the county to spend in its budget this year. He also mentioned that the first meeting of the America250 Committee would be the following day.

With committee reports completed, Frazier made note of Sarah Hartmann winning a state-recognized manu-

The next Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 1, at which time there will be a public hearing regarding a proposed additional mortgage recording tax for Otsego County.

“Town Boards represent the people in the communities they serve, but they need to know community members’ priorities so they can act on them,” said Pope.

“We want to provide a perspective on how to grow a healthy community,” Farmer emphasized.

The meeting organizers encouraged people to attend town board and planning board meetings, offer comments, and remain engaged.

Meeting

Continued from page 1

proposed Manocherian development, spoke about SUNY’s commitment to education on the parcels that they own.

About 25-30 people spoke. Issues raised included the need for affordable year-round housing, concerns about traffic and the burden on State Route 80,

Sketch plans for the proposed Manocherian subdivision are on view at the Town of Otsego and Town of Springfield offices. Community members can call the town clerks—Pam Dean, Otsego, (607) 547-5631, or Jeannette Armstrong, Springfield, (315) 8580008, to make an appointment to view them.

The group may hold additional listening sessions in the near future. More information is available at otsego2000. org/environmental-stewardship.

Atticus lives in Gilbertsville and works in Morris. His abstract paintings draw on natural forms and explore the possibilities of paint as temporal, tactile, and perpetually unfinished. His work is represented in private collections worldwide and was first recognized nationally at the Whitney Biennial in 2008. He most recently taught drawing at SUNY Oneonta.

A graduate of the Cooper Union School of Art, Atticus holds a master’s degree in art history from SUNY Purchase. Among other accolades, he is a recipient of the Neuberger Museum of Art Curatorial Fellowship.

For more information about the Drawing Seminar or to register, visit www. thegatehouseny.com.

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU Promotions, births, meetings, new hires, events, milestones, grand openings, sports results, anniversaries and more. Photos welcome, too! info@allotsego.com

►Fri., Sept. 12

BOOK CLUB Read

“Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade” by Janet Skeslien Charles and discuss with the group at 1 p.m. on 9/26. Springfield Library, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.

POTTERY

1:30-4:30 p.m. Open

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

LIVE MUSIC

5:30-7 p.m. Blues

Maneuver. Free. Al Gallodoro Memorial Stage, Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta.

FIRE PIT FRIDAYS

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

THEATER 7 p.m.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: abridged.” Tickets required. Also held 9/13. The Loft at The Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

PLANETARIUM 7 p.m.

“Journey Through the Solar System.” Family-friendly shows open to the public. Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

THEATER 7:30 p.m.

Reading of “The Civilities” by Kyle Bass. Explores questions of heritage, civility, and two means of conveying the truth. Includes audience talkback. Free; donations appreciated. Also held 9/14 at 3 p.m. Franklin Stage Company, 25 Institute Street, Franklin. (607) 829-3700.

Things To Do In and Around

FILM 8 p.m. Frightful Friday: “Vampyr” (1932). Presented by the SUNY Oneonta Activities Council. Free. Hunt Union Red Dragon Theatre, 68 Bugbee Road, Oneonta. (607) 436-3730.

►Sat., Sept. 13

POLITICS 8:30 a.m.

Oneonta Democratic Club hosts Otsego County Board Representative Adrienne Martini. Talk will be on the impacts to Otsego County from the Federal Budget Act, including projected impacts on SNAP, Medicaid, property taxes and more. Martini will also describe how the Otsego County Board of Representatives is planning to respond to the changes/mitigate the damage. Open to the public. Green Earth Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. RSVP to garymaffei@ gmail.com

AWARENESS WALK

9 a.m. “Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk.” Registration required. 6th Ward Booster Club Field, Oneonta. afspwalks.donordrive. com/Oneonta

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

10 a.m. and 3 p.m. “Free FOIL Training: Learn How to Obtain Government Records.” Presented by the Open Government Watchdog. RSVP required. Second training held 9/27 on FOIL Appeals. Held online via Zoom. areeb.ogny@gmail.com.

MAKERS MARKET

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Get Ready for Fall Market.” Markets held 2nd Saturday of each Month. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 432-4401. PLANETARIUM Family-friendly shows open to the public. Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, Oneonta. (607) 4362011.

• 10:30 a.m. “Worlds of Curiosity.”

• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”

Time OuT OTsegO

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

FUNDRAISER

11 a.m. “Jesse Brown Needs A Kidney Fundraiser.” Cornhole, raffle, bounce houses, food and more. 37 Newland Street, Otego.

FINALE 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Samurai Baseball and More: a Fine-ArtsLook-at-Baseball.” Last Glance/Last Chance Day and Sayonara specials. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 9419607.

PICNIC 11 a.m. “Picnic at the Glen.” Train ride to picnic at scenic Pop’s Glen. Pack your own meal or buy a bagged lunch. Cooperstown-Charlotte Valley Railroad, 136 East Main Street, Milford. (607) 432-2429.

WORKSHOP

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Take a Photo Walk and Learn Analog Photography with 7even.” Fees apply; registration required. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. 25maincollective@gmail. com.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 2-4 p.m. Photography exhibition featuring local photographers Bob Simmons and Dan Wilber. Held through 10/11. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208.

LITERATURE 2 p.m.

“Poetry and Fiction Reading.” Annual reading by the Central NY Writers Workshop. Featuring works by Terry Berkson, Mary Anne Whelan, Hilda and Sam Wilcox, and others. Free; donations appreciated. Windfall Dutch Barn, 2009 Clinton Road, Cherry Valley. (518) 774-0134.

DINNER 4 p.m.

“2025 Sportsman Dinner.” Tickets required. Mount Vision Fire Department, 114 Field Cross Road, Mount Vision. (607) 433-0997.

MUSIC 7 p.m. “An

Evening with Grateful Upstate Toodeloo.” Presented by the 2025 Worcester Wieting Theatre Fall Film Festival. Free; donations appreciated. Worcester Wieting Theatre, 168 Main Street, Worcester.

CEMETERY WALK

7:30 p.m.; ticket sales start at 7 p.m. “Otego Historical Annual Cemetery Walk: Voices from the Grave.” Past residents of Otego share their stories from beyond the grave. Refreshments follow. Tickets required. Meet in the parking lot of the Unatego Community Church, 290 Main Street, Otego. (607) 287-4095.

►Sun., Sept. 14

MEDITATION

11 a.m. “Sundays at Samye: The Practical Bodhisattva—How to Be a Spiritual Hero in Everyday Life.” Meditation, study and discussion. Held Sundays through 12/21. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475051.

LIVE MUSIC 1-3 p.m.

“Sunday Sessions with Old Masters.” Featuring the Old Masters Jazz Trio. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

DEMONSTRATION

1 p.m. Spinning Demonstration with Carolyn Conte. Richfield Springs Historical Association, 134 Main Street, Richfield Springs.

COMMUNITY 1-5 p.m. Free concerts, workshops and art on the second Sunday of each month. This month features the Hop City Hellcats performing at 2 p.m. West

Kortright Center, 49 West Kortright Church Road, East Meredith. (607) 2785454.

PRESENTATION

2 p.m. “Mid-Devonian Extinction Events in Eastern NY.” Presented by Alexander Bartholomew, associate professor of geology, SUNY New Paltz.Free admission, donations appreciated. The Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology, 136 Blowing Rock Road, Howes Cave. (518) 657-9107.

►Mon., Sept. 15

DEADLINE Last day to submit an application for Master Gardener Volunteer Training. Held October 2025 through March 2026. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties. (607) 547-2536 ext. 235.

QUILTING 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. “Haunted

House ‘Attic Window’ Class: A Technique for Confident Beginners.” Fees apply; registration required. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. 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 beef stew, biscuits, coleslaw and pears. (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.