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things to do in and around otsego county, page 12 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 38
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, September 17, 2026
BACK TO VICE! E SER TABLE-SID
Hartwick Town Councilman Files Article 78 Petition Challenge against Town Supervisor By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
B -1782 607-432 q.com b brooksb
Newsstand Price $1
HARTWICK ryan LoRusso, a member of the Town of Hartwick Town Board, has filed an Article 78 petition against Cody Moore, the town’s supervisor, alleging violations of state law, improper financial management and failures in governmental oversight. An Article 78 proceeding is a legal mechanism in New York State that allows individuals to challenge actions taken by government agencies, municipalities or public officials. Rather than seeking monetary damages, peti-
tioners typically ask the court to determine whether a public official acted within their legal authority, followed required procedures or fulfilled duties required by law. LoRusso’s petition argues that Moore exceeded her authority as supervisor, improperly handled town finances, violated New York’s Open Meetings Law, and failed to perform statutory duties associated with the office of town supervisor. The filing asks the court to review those actions and order corrective measures if violations are found. The petition centers on four primary allegations: Continued on page 8
Oneonta Expands Greenway Network with Roundhouse Road Trail By LUCAS BERG SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA ommunity members and volunteers gathered on Thursday, September 3 to celebrate the opening of the Roundhouse Road Trail, a nearly one-third-of-a-mile-long path that expands the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway and gives residents another traffic-free place to walk, ride, and experience the city’s wetlands and woods. The ceremony marked the completion of a roughly five-year effort by the OSG Committee and the City of Oneonta Department of Public Service/ Public Works. The trail runs parallel to Roundhouse Road, west of its intersection with Fonda Avenue, and connects the roadside area near Fonda Avenue with an opening across from Noah’s World. The pathway is made for anyone interested in a quick escape from the streets of downtown Oneonta into the relative calm of the riverside woods.
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INSIDE
► COMP PLAN REVISED, page 2 ► Dinner is served, page 2 ► SAUCES help vets, page 3 ► MOHAWK VALLEY GIVES, page 4 ► fco tURNS 25, page 5 ► BROWNLEE TO SPEAK, page 6 ► big milford weekend, page 9 Follow Breaking News On
Photo by Lucas Berg
Members of the OSG walk the completed trail for the first time.
Starting with a small step over the guardrail on Fonda Avenue, the short route includes grassy and dirt surfaces, exposed tree roots, rolling humps,
and four small bridges. It is open for walking, mountain biking and nature enjoyment. Its uneven, natural surface also distinguishes it from the green-
way’s paved segments. Donna Vogler, an OSG committee member who organized the ceremony, said volunteers bring different skills to the group’s work. “I think trail-loving people find each other and I think that’s how a lot of the members of the Greenway got together,” said Vogler. The volunteers’ responsibilities can include planning, fundraising, securing permits, building trail features and maintaining completed routes. “They offer help and some people have tools and know how to use them. Some people know how to work with the grants. So, we all have our little specialties,” Vogler explained. “We meet once a month right in City Hall,” she added, “and go through each of the sections of the trail—because we have not only this, we have six other segments that we are managing.” Two of those “trail loving” individuals are retired elementary school teacher Sandy Bright and her husband, Charlie Scheim, a retired Hartwick Continued on page 7
CCS Graduate Releases Children’s Adventure Book By GAYANE TOROSYAN HARRISVILLE, NH llustrator and cartoonist Mark Armstrong, who grew up in Cooperstown and now lives in Harrisville, New Hampshire, has created a new children’s book that combines humor, adventure, and gentle lessons about geography and curiosity. Titled “Fred the Coconut,” the book is now available on Amazon, but the path to publishing it took the author at least three years. In the story, Fred tumbles from his tree and finds himself swept into a series of increasingly imaginative adventures. Along the way he rides with whales and seahorses, travels by hot-air balloon, soars through space, visits Antarctica, and Graphic provided encounters friends around the world before Mark Armstrong’s book follows Fred’s many adventures.
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ultimately trying to find his way home. “There are gags sprinkled throughout the book that will register for adults, and probably go over kids’ heads,” Armstrong said. “The yellow submarine and octopus’ garden should ring a bell for Boomer grandparents. There’s even a very funny picture of Beatle Fish.” Armstrong graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1967 and later spent more than 35 years working as a freelance illustrator, creating artwork and cartoons for magazines and corporate clients. Before that, however, he spent time in insurance and computer programming. His life changed in 1980 when the company where he worked was acquired. “Employees moved away,” Armstrong recalled. Continued on page 8
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Short-term Rentals, Residential Development Still on the Table By DEBRA MOFFITT FLY CREEK own of Otsego residents who operate short-term rentals can now see the revised wording on that subject in a new land-use plan that could impact property owners. Last month, Town Councilmember Deb Dalton said the revised comprehensive plan would not recommend that the town pass ordinances requiring owneroccupancy. Rental property owners said it would be unfair and unrealistic to limit seasonal rentals only to properties where the owner resides on the premises. The housing section in the recently revised comprehensive plan does not drop owner-occupancy entirely but mentions it alongside the idea of grandfathering existing businesses until those properties are sold. Here’s the language in the revised plan, designed to be a framework that guides future laws and decisions: “Explore new short-term (a period of less than 30 days) rental ordinances that reinforce and strengthen the residential quality of the Town of Otsego. Ordinances may include owner-occupancy, local (Town or County) ownership, grandfathering of existing business (until such grandfathered property is sold), regulations based on density of certain areas of the Town, etc.).” The town set a suggested timeline of two years and named the Town
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Council, Planning and Zoning boards as the responsible parties. The town recently posted the 2026 comprehensive plan update on its website and public hearings are planned (https://townofotsegony.gov/comprehensive-plan). The town’s first attempt at collecting public input fell short, according to allegations from a lawyer representing Manhattan developer Manocherian Brothers. The firm wants to build 126 homes on 1,525 acres west of Otsego Lake—a large project that spans the towns of Otsego and Springfield. Area residents and elected officials have said they’re concerned about the development’s impact on the community’s environment, water supply, roadways and character. But Manocherian’s attorney, Allyson Phillips, said public outcry alone would not be enough to justify land-use changes if challenged in court. The lawyer’s letter, sent in June, charged that Otsego town officials attempted to change land-use rules without following procedures for public notice and open meetings. Among those proposed changes: limiting how large parcels are subdivided into smaller lots. The first version of Otsego’s draft comprehensive plan said parcels of 40 acres or more could be subdivided into no more than three lots (approximately 13 acres). Existing land-use laws in the Town of Otsego permit residential-agricultural lots to be as small as
three acres. The change from three acres to 13 acres would have affected the Manocherian plan as well as many other property owners, Phillips wrote. After receiving that complaint and hearing from residents about shortterm rentals, town officials took a fresh look at the comprehensive plan and made changes. The revised plan says the town should consider “eliminating minimum lot sizes within the designated Hamlets” because New York State already imposes minimum spacing requirements between wells and septic systems. The plan also suggests: • Updating Agricultural Zones and updating zoning laws to “preserve open space, respect historical patterns of development and habitation” and “encourage compact, communitycentered development patterns rather than dispersed sprawl.” • Updating land-use laws to encourage multifamily housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and small apartment buildings. • Giving residents more flexibility to build accessory dwelling units and adapt barns into housing. The section on zoning begins with the preamble “while recognizing the rights of property owners…” and town officials have repeatedly said the landuse plan revisions did not target any particular project. It’s unclear if or how the revised comprehensive plan might affect the proposed Manocherian
development. The sketch plan the developer presented a few months ago shows several pockets of development across the two towns—with 50 single-family homes in Otsego. On the Springfield side, there’s a 46-unit duplex community and 30 single-family homes. A comprehensive plan, also known as a general plan, master plan or landuse plan, is designed to guide the future actions of a town, city or county. While not a law, it presents a vision with longrange goals and objectives for all activities that affect the local government. Otsego’s land-use plan, an update to the original approved in 2008, also recommends a feasibility study on building a sewer system or systems within hamlets of the town of Otsego, as well as protections for Otsego Lake. “The Town seeks to expand and improve the quality of its housing stock without disrupting the integrity of its cherished landscape and watershed,” the140-page plan says. In other planning news, Otsego has a new land use officer, Neal McManus, and will change the day it holds its monthly Planning Board meetings. The Planning Board meeting soon will move to the fourth Tuesday of every month. In October, the Planning Board will meet twice—once on October 6 and also on October 27. More information can be found in the calendar on the town website, https://townofotsegony.gov.
Growing Community Announces Date for Harvest Potluck Supper COOPERSTOWN rowing Community once again invites residents from around the area to bring a potluck dish and pull up a chair to the community dining table at its 12th Annual Community Harvest Potluck Supper. The dining table will be set up on Main Street from
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Fair to River streets on Sunday, September 27 from 4-7 pm. The Stoddard Hollow String Band will be on hand to add to the festive harvest mood, and games for kids will be available on the library lawn, organizers said. The Community Harvest Supper is BYOE—Bring Your
Own Everything: • A potluck dish to pass made, if possible, with local or homegrown ingredients in honor of the harvest season; • Place settings for your family (reusable or compostable plates, cutlery, beverage cups); • Beverages • Camaraderie! As in past years,
YOUR HEART.
OUR CARE.
Dr. Katz knows that you can’t care for someone’s heart without caring about who they are. That’s why he and everyone on the Bassett cardiology team take the time to get to know you, answer your questions, and work with you to create a plan you can be comfortable and GSRƼHIRX MR Ƃ FIGEYWI ]SYV LIEVX HIWIVZIW MX To schedule a cardiology appointment, call
607-547-3180
For more information visit:
Bassett.org/YourHeartOurCare
Growing Community members strive to make this event as close to zero waste as possible, and ask attendees to bring reusable dishes, plates, cups, cutlery, etc. Any paper products should be uncoated so they can be added to the compost receptacles. Please note that disposable aluminum or plastic
serving dishes and utensils can’t be recycled unless they are clean, so attendees should keep it in mind and take home any aluminum or plastic serving dishes to clean and dispose of properly. According to a press release, Growing Community began organizing the Community Harvest Supper in 2011,
thanks to a member of the community sharing her dream of a communal table on Main Street where all are welcome. No reservations—the event is free and open to all, with no politicking, no fundraising, and no tabling—just good food and conversation shared among friends and neighContinued on page 11
UPGRADE & SAVE FOR THE SEASON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3
OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 Veterans Brooks’ Bottling Co.’s Patriot Series Gives Back to Local By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST ONEONTA or Ryan Brooks, owner of Brooks’ Bottling Co., the launch of the Patriot Series was about more than selling products. His new line of three sauces— Texas Style BBQ, Maple Bourbon BBQ, and Brooks’ original BBQ sauce—is about creating a way for customers to support veterans while purchasing products they can feel good about. “You find that what’s important to you in life and things that you want to partner with. The veterans, I mean the military and those that have served and those that are serving, are very important to me,” Brooks said. “I’ve never served, but I certainly support all those who have and are still serving our country.” The Patriot Series features clean-label products made without “corn, no preservatives,” according to Brooks. Beyond the products themselves, the series is designed to provide financial support to veterans’ organizations throughout New York State. “It’s a feel good, do good thing for me,” Brooks said. “We’re providing our customers that are purchasing this Patriot Series a really good product, and at the same time they’re supporting our veterans through us.” A percentage of sales
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from Patriot Series prodHe recently attended an veterans and provide ucts is donated directly event at Cook Park in support where funding to participating veterans’ Colonie and sees oppor- may fall short. organizations. Brooks tunities for future fund“Some of the folks that emphasized that there raising activities. we’ve run into and talked are no intermediaries “This park is beau- to, they’re just so appreOCTOBER tiful,” 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 involved in the process. Brooks said. “If ciative of the services “Everything that we I can get a fundraiser and the folks that offer donate goes right to the there, get a band and all the services,” Brooks Veterans Affairs offices the stuff, I think it’d be said. “They’re strapped facility that we work huge.” and funding gets cut, so with and it’s 100 percent. While Brooks wel- we want to be there and There’s not 80 percent, comes attention for the supplement what they’re there’s not 50 percent, Patriot Series, he said missing out on.” it’s 100 percent,” Brooks recognition is not the Reflecting on the said. motivation behind the initiative, Brooks said the According to Brooks, effort. effort is rooted in values the bottling company “I’m not looking for he hopes to pass on to ?the ? Kelly Edge All-Season ? Assurance WeatherReady ? WinterCommand Ultra ? Assurance All-Season Kelly Edge HT currently works with anything from anybody,” next generation. ? Assurance CT Touring ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT ? Wrangler DuraTrac ? Eagle Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROF & SCT) ? Wrangler AT Adventure w/Kevlar ? Kelly Winter Access ? Assurance MaxLife ? Winter Maxx 2 Kelly Edge raised AT organizations in Oneonta, Brooks said. “We’re “I ?was right ? Eagle Exhilarate ? Kelly Edge HP ? Kelly Safari TSR ? Wrangler Fortitude HT , excludes C-Type ? Winter Maxx SJ8 Rochester and Syracuse doing this to do it, not and I want to make sure ? WinterCommand ? Wrangler TrailRunner AT while expanding partfor any other reason than we’re always doing that, nerships in the Albany my kids, *By online or mail-in rebate. Rebatesthat.” paid by Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard® orand Visa® Prepaid Card. too,” he region. The company Ultimately, Brooks said. “It takes a village, ASK AN ASSOCIATE ABOUT THEgoal GOODYEAR PLEDGE † got to hopes to continue said the is to help30-DAY but everyone’s Graphic courtesy of Brooks Bottling Co. growing the program organizations that serve take care of each other.” ? Kelly Edge All-Season ? Assurance WeatherReady ? WinterCommand Ultra ? Assurance All-Season ? Kelly Edge HT of BBQ Patriot Series features three OFFERS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: throughout New York The Brooks’ ?House Assurance CT Touring Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROF & SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT ? Wrangler DuraTrac ? Eagle OFFERS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION: sauces, with ?aAssurance percentage proceeds earmarked to ? Winter Maxx 2 ? Wrangler AT Adventure w/Kevlar ? Kelly Winter Access MaxLife of sales ? Kelly Edge AT before extending it into assist veterans. ? Eagle Exhilarate ? Kelly Edge HP ? Kelly Safari TSR ? Wrangler Fortitude HT , excludes C-Type ? Winter Maxx SJ8 neighboring states. ? WinterCommand ? Wrangler TrailRunner AT Patriot Flight, which it just drives us more “We’re stretching onlineto or mail-in rebate. for Rebates paid by Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® Prepaid Card. more do more this,” Brooks said. helps transport veterans and*By 155 ERIE BLVD “Basically looking in to visit military memo- them,” Brooks said. ANPatriot ASSOCIATE ABOUT THE CANAJOHARIE GOODYEAR 30-DAY PLEDGE † The Series also Pennsylvania, looking rials in Washington, ASK , NY 13317 in Massachusetts, and D.C., has left a lasting fits into Brooks’ Bottling OFFERSfor AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING518-673-5399 LOCATIONS: Co.’s broader plans growing, and where it impression on Brooks THETIRESHOP.BIZ “They’ll send veterans growth. Brooks said stops I don’t know. We want to make sure that as to Washington, no charge the company hopes to go involve additional manuwe’re growing the sales, for them*Get upto to $75 back by onlineto or mail-inthe rebate on a qualifying purchase of a set of 4 select Goodyear tires with any form of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $75 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Get a $75 Prepaid Card with purchase or Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance WeatherReady , Assurance ComforTred Touring, Assurance MaxLife , Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar , Wrangler DuraTrac , Wrangler Fortitude HT (excluding C-Type), Wrangler TrailRunner AT , Eagle Exhilarate , WinterCommand , Win World effort it’s going to as many Korean or Ultra. Get aWar $50 Prepaid Card facturers with purchase or $100 Prepaidin Card withthe purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance All-Season, Eagle Sport All-Season Family (including ROF & SCT), Winter Maxx 2 and Winter Maxx SJ8. Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Prep LT and the WinterCommand and Kelly Winter Access . purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Kelly Edge HT, Kelly Edge AT , Kelly Edge MT , Kelly Safari TSR, Kelly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly Edge All-Season Performance 155 ERIE BLVD c 'MDLA &AF= (=O .AJ= =9D=J c &G? -CA<<=J .AJ=K or wherever to expand fundraising of these VA-affiliated II memorial If you receive a Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard , then the following applies: Rebates paid in the form of a Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard . This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, a c .AJ= ,=H9AJ c ?JA;MDLMJ9D design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid.AJ=K Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash a going,” Brooks opportunities. offices throughout the they’re expire CANAJOHARIE , NY 13317 after 6 months from date of issuance - other terms, conditions, and fees may apply. c &9OF 9F< !9J<=F .AJ=K c .AJ= @9AFK If you receive a Goodyear Visa Prepaid Card, then the following applies: Visa Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank , N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused fu said. “It’s just incred“We’re also now state to start.” c .0 /.0 .AJ=K518-673-5399 c ,M::=J .J9;CK after the valid thru an date. Card terms and conditions apply. MetaBank does not endorse or sponsor the Goodyear Credit Card offer. Offers available only at participating U.S. Goodyear retailers and websites. Offers valid only for U.S. residents who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and.J9AD=J U.S. territories. Commercial fleets are not eligiblecfor ? these 9?K rebates. Not 9D= valid on previous c -=EA .J9;LGJ purchases. Cannot be combined with o that they do.” looking to partner with Although the Patriot ible thing tire rebate offers. Rebate forms must be postmarked no later than 1/31/21. Base portion of rebate offered by Goodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. Goodyear is not affiliated with Mastercard. Additional terms, conditions, and fees apply. See participating retailer for complete details and c GEHML=J 1@==D 9D9F;AF? (=L 1J9H THETIRESHOP.BIZ Goodyear Credit Card is issued by Citibank, N.A. Meeting veterans and other manufacturers,” Series remains in its early Company and affiliates. DuPont and Kevlar are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company used under license by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber c .AJ= -=JNA;= ,=;9HHAF? c )AD @9F?=K and conditions apply. See store has associate for details, more information,“The visit https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tire-warranty/30-day-pledge. their stories heor for said. more we stages, Brooks said the hearing †Terms c !GG<Q=9J (9LAGF9D ;;GMFLK c MKLGE 1@==DK ©2020 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. All rights reserved. -L9L= GFLJ9;L *JA;AF? c MLG ;;=KKGJA=K strengthened can grow this response from veterans’ further *Get up to $75 back by online or mail-in the rebate on a qualifying purchase of a set of 4 select Goodyearwith tires with any partform of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $75 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Get a $75 Prepaid Card with purchase or $ Adventure with,G9< Kevlar , Wrangler DuraTrac , Wrangler Fortitude HT (excludingcC-Type), Wrangler *A;CMH TrailRunner AT 9HK , Eagle Exhilarate , WinterCommand , Winte Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance WeatherReady , Assurance ComforTred Touring, Assurance MaxLife , Wrangler All-Terrain c )>> .@= 9;C@G= =FLMJQ commitment ners that we trust, it’s Ultra. Get a $50 Prepaid Card with purchase or $100 Prepaid Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance All-Season, Eagle Sport All-Season Family (including ROF & SCT), Winter Maxx 2 and Winter Maxx SJ8. Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Prepa LT and WinterCommand organizations has already company’s .AJ=K c #FL=JKL9L= 9LL=JA=K Edge All-Season Performance and Kelly Winter Access . purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Kelly Edge HT, Kelly Edge AT , Kelly Edge MT , Kelly Safari TSR, Kelly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly&G9<=J to the initiative. justapplies: going beof agreat for been encouraging. If you receive a Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard , then the following Rebates paidto in the form Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard . This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, an is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash acc “We design met with some expire after 6 months from date of issuance - other terms,everybody.” conditions, and fees may apply. “The feedback, since If you receive a Goodyear Visa Prepaid Card, then the following applies: Visa Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank , N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused fund Albany Brooks also highyou look at Patriot folks in after the valid thru date.that Card terms have and conditions apply. MetaBank does not endorse or sponsor the Goodyear Credit Card offer. available only at participating U.S. Goodyear retailers and websites. Offers valid only for U.S. residents who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Commercial fleets are not eligible for these rebates. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with oth the Vietnam War lighted ongoing efforts ON THE retailer for complete details and r Flight, who is one of our been in tireOffers 4(%4)2%3(/0 "): rebate offers. Rebate forms must be postmarked no later than 1/31/21. Base portion of rebate offered by Goodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. Goodyear is not affiliated with Mastercard. Additional terms, conditions, and fees apply. See participating Financing Goodyear Credit Card is issued by Citibank, N.A. FARM TIRE Korean War, and to build community partners in Albany, they and the DuPont OPEN MON. SAT. 8-6 Available and Kevlar are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company used under license by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and affiliates. SERVICES †Terms and conditions apply. Seewe’ve store associate for details, or for more information, visit https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tire-warranty/30-day-pledge. 155 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY that partnerships that can can’t thank us enough,” the stories ©2020 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. All rights reserved. heard of their experiences, support veterans’ causes. Brooks said.
UPGRADE & SAVE FOR THE SEASON
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL
No Amount Is Ever Too Small
M
ohawk Valley Gives,” a communitywide giving day to benefit nonprofit organizations serving the Mohawk Valley—set this year for Friday, September 18—is now in its fifth year. This is the fourth year running that the Community Foundation of Otsego County brings “Mohawk Valley Gives” to Otsego County. Early donations began on Monday, September 14. According to the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties website, more than $6.5 million was raised last year, benefiting hundreds of local organizations. Here in Otsego County, thanks to a partnership between the two community foundations, Otsego County charitable organizations received more than $830,000.00 in donations from 2023-2025 through the Mohawk Valley Gives initiative. CFOC Executive Director Jeff Katz said of the fundraiser that Mohawk Valley Gives is “one of the year’s most important fundraising events for organizations serving our community.” New this year, on Friday, the Cooperstown Food Pantry will host “Community of Giving,” a live event celebrating giving at Templeton Hall, 63 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, compliments of Lucy Townsend and LM Townsend Catering. Community members are invited to stop by after work—or anytime during the evening—to meet representatives from the food pantry and other participating Otsego County nonprofit organizations. Attendees can learn about local programs and services, enjoy live music, purchase wine or beer from a cash bar, and make donations in person or online. Valerie Jackson, CFP’s new executive director, said staff, board members, and volunteers from participating organizations will be available throughout the event, and fundraising updates will be shared online as nonprofits across Otsego County work toward their Mohawk Valley Gives goals. “Bringing everyone together is a fitting way to celebrate this remarkable program,” said Katz of this new collaboration between the food pantry and his organization. Nonprofits participating in Mohawk Valley Gives can promote their mission, raise unrestricted dollars
to support their organization’s needs, and be placed in the running for prizes and incentives that will be awarded throughout the giving day. Many organizations—including the Cooperstown Food Pantry, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and CFOC itself—also have an opportunity to leverage donations through matching challenges, bringing further meaning to the phrase “no amount is too small.” Every dollar donated to our charitable organizations supports important work done across Otsego County on behalf of our residents, including environmental conservation, programming for seniors, healthcare, the arts, education, historic preservation, battling food insecurity, and a plethora of other concentrations and missions. Nonprofits participating this year are: A.O. Fox Hospital, Angel Network of Cooperstown, Bassett Medical Center, Bugbee Children’s Center, Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, Canadarago Lake Improvement Association, Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, Catskill Choral Society, Catskills Agrarian Alliance, Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship (CADE), Center for Continuing Adult Learning, Inc., Charles N. Gordon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Inc., Cherry Valley Artworks, Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corp., Cherry Valley Museum/Historical Association, Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Inc., Community Cupboard of Edmeston, Community Foundation of Otsego County, Connections at CSC, Cooperstown Art Association Inc., Cooperstown Concerts, Cooperstown Food Pantry Inc., Cooperstown Foundation, Cooperstown Friends of the Parks, Cooperstown Rotary Foundation, Cooperstown Sports Booster Club, Cooperstown Summer Music Festival, Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties, Daily Bread Food Pantry, Cherry Valley, Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Family Planning of South Central NY, Family Resource Network Inc., Fenimore Art Museum, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, Feed
THE PARTIAL OBSERVER
Otsego, Fenimore Farm and Country Village, Film Otsego, Friends of Doubleday, Friends of Music and Art (FOMA) Cooperstown, Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, Future for Oneonta Foundation, Glimmerglass Festival, Greater Oneonta Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity of Otsego County, Harris Memorial Library, Hartwick College Yager Museum of Art and Culture, Hartwick Food Pantry, Helios Care, Hyde Hall Inc., Jail Ministry of Otsego County, League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area, Lions Club of Cooperstown, Lisa’s Spark of Hope, Little Delaware Youth Ensemble, Milford Central School Education Foundation Inc., Milford United Methodist Church, Mount Upton UMC Food Pantry, Oneonta Community Health Center, Opportunities for Otsego, Origins Community Foundation, Otsego 2000, Otsego Area Rowing Inc., Otsego Christian Academy, Otsego County Chapter NYSARC Inc. DBA The ARC Otsego, Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego Lake Association, Otsego Land Trust, Otsego Pride Alliance, Otsego Refugee Resettlement Coalition Fund, Otsego Rural Housing Assistance Inc., Pathfinder Village Foundation Inc., Richfield Springs Community Center, Richfield Springs Food Pantry Inc., Richfield Springs Garden Club, Richfield Springs Historical Association and Museum, Richfield Youth Sports Inc., RMSRyerson Manor Springfield Corp, Saturday’s Bread, Schuyler Lake UMC Food Pantry, Springfield Historical Society, SUNY Oneonta Foundation, Super Heroes Humane Society, Swart-Wilcox House Museum, The Brookwood School, The Catskill Community Players in Oneonta, The Catskill Symphony Orchestra, The Family Service Association, The Friends of Huntington Memorial Library, The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center, The Salvation Army of Oneonta, The Smithy Pioneer Gallery Inc., Unadilla Community Food Pantry, Upper Catskill Natural Burial Association, and Worcester Free Library. Give what you can, to as many as you can, at www.givemv.org/info/otsego.
Village of Cooperstown Board of trustees
Trustees Offer Guidance for Outdoor Burning
A
s we enter the fall season, we expect colorful leaves, shorter days and cooler nights. We can also expect that people will burn wood, both within their homes for heat and outside recreationally. The Village of Cooperstown has heard recent resident concerns about outdoor wood burning in more densely populated parts of the village. Outdoor wood fires are regulated by
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Resources legislation, New York State Fire Code, and the Village of Cooperstown Zoning Law. The village offers these tips, many legally required and others common sense, to promote public health and safety. Whether you burn indoors or outdoors: • Never leave a fire unattended.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
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OUNDED
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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
1808 BY
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“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper, or on topics of general local interest. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Maximum length is 300 words; however, the editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
founded in 1808
a publication of Iron String Press, Inc. Advertising Director / Publisher Emerita
Tara Barnwell
General Manager / Senior Editor
Darla M. Youngs
Staff Writer: Joshua Youngquist Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Columnists and Contributing Writers
Tammy Awtry, Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Elizabeth Cooper, Richard deRosa, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Roberta McLain, Debra Moffitt, Trisha Muro, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester
Web Architect Xander Moffat
Historian
Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart
Legal Counsel
Jill Ann Poulson
Editorial Board
Tara Barnwell, Faith Gay, Michael Moffat, Elinor Vincent, Darla M. Youngs
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscription Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year. First Class Subscription, $155 a year.
Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main Street, Cooperstown NY 13326-9598 USPS Permit Number 018-449
Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Box 890, Cooperstown NY 13326
Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. • Keep any fire small to moderate in size. • Burn only seasoned, dry hardwood. • Never burn trash, cardboard, wrapping paper, treated or painted wood, plywood or particle board, wet wood, or leaves. Continued on page 11
Letters to the editor … In their opinION
Where Is Congress on This Issue? “The Washington Post” reported that President Trump gave his executive assistant and two other young employees $45,000.00 each in cash last year. This was one third of their annual salary. He gave $20,000.00 to Walt Nauta, his co-defendant in the classified documents case, who is also now a government employee. Ethics lawyer Richard Painter, under George
W. Bush, said the gifts appear to violate federal law. Federal employees can’t receive salary supplements from outside sources, as this would open the door to bribes. The head of the Office of Government Ethics said that this is a situation they never envisioned. Axios reported that top White House officials aren’t trying to persuade Trump to do or not do something. They know they cannot stop him. Last night, he promised to give every American adult
$5,000.00 if the Republicans win both houses. This would cost a mere trillion dollars. Do you really think this money will come from his crypto earnings? He has promised many things in the past and not delivered. My guess is that this will be paid by us increasing the deficit yet again. Can a bribe be any clearer? Will we have to show citizenship to get the money? Where is Congress? VOTE. Marilyn Rosas Oneonta
LWVCA Welcomes Journalist, Author J.J. Green on Thursday COOPERSTOWN—The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area will host journalist and author J.J. Green for a discussion of dis- and misinformation during election seasons from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 17. Green is national security correspondent for WTOP in Washington, D.C., and the author of “The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth when Everything is Lying to You.” The book explores how “flood the zone” tactics have increasingly undermined elections, public institutions and civic trust in the United States. Held in the Cooperstown High School auditorium, the talk is free and open to the public. “The league thanks the Community Foundation of Otsego County for their support, the Cooperstown Central School District and ‘The Freeman’s Journal’ for their collaboration, and the individuals whose additional support helped make this event possible,” officials said.
Rotary Club of Cooperstown Announces Fall Funding Cycle COOPERSTOWN—The Allocations Committee of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown will accept applications from nonprofit organizations for the fall 2026 funding cycle through the end of the month of September. Applications and criteria can be found and downloaded from the Rotary Club’s Clubrunner website, portal.clubrunner.ca/3556. Applications should be mailed to Rotary Club of Cooperstown, PO Box 993, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or e-mailed to tlbhinmanhollow@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed by the committee and recommendations for funding will be made to the Rotary Board of Directors for final approval at their October 12 meeting.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5 news from the noteworthy
FENIMORE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Chamber Orchestra Celebrates ‘Music for All’
Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library
185 YEARS AGO
Notice—All persons having any claims against the estate of Horace Baldwin, late of the County of Otsego, deceased, are requested to exhibit the same with the vouchers thereof to Seth Doubleday and Calvin Graves, or either of them, at their residences in Cooperstown, on or before the twelfth day of February next. S. Doubleday, Calvin Graves. September 13, 1841
85 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown Library Notes—The library is open in the afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. New books added in the past week include: Author: Strange “Murder Gives a Lovely Light.” This is one of the very best mysteries that the Crime Club has published, both as to style of writing and plot. Author: MacMurray “And Beat Him When He Sneezes.” If you have ever spent any time in a household where there are small boys, you will thoroughly enjoy these very short sketches by the mother of three small boys. September 17, 1941
60 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown Central School’s football team will open its 1966 season at Sherburne Saturday afternoon. Head Coach Ted Kantorowski said that the 25-man varsity squad has been hampered by injuries during the training season with Mike Phillips and Mike Weir already lost to the team. In the starting line-up against Sherburne it would be either Mike Reynolds or Dave Moyer at quarterback, Buddie Bunt or Wayne Weir at halfback, Greg Lippitt at the other halfback post, CoCaptain Clark Hall at fullback, Alton Dunn at center. September 14, 1966
35 YEARS AGO
20 YEARS AGO
September 18, 1991
Obesity is on the rise in the U.S. and a major risk factor for cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. About 66 percent of Americans are overweight and 31 percent are obese, defined as a body-mass index greater than 30. As we exercise less and eat more, most of us are expanding our waistlines much greater than the 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. Other than growing children or physically active persons, most of us should follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol and low carbohydrate diet. September 15, 2006
Solution: “House Cat” (September 10)
F
ive years ago, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra began with an ambitious idea: to create a professional chamber orchestra rooted in Cooperstown and dedicated to serving our community and the surrounding region. Today, that idea is a reality—and as we begin our fifth anniversary season, we have much to celebrate! Since our founding in 2021 and our first concert in August 2022, we have presented 32 concerts in Cooperstown and throughout the region, invested more than $500,000.00 in our musicians and artistic programs, welcomed guest artists, commissioned new music, and performed for more than 4,000 audience members, many of whom might otherwise be unable to hear a professional orchestra so close to home. We have done all of this while maintaining a balanced budget—a point of particular pride for a young arts organization. We have also worked hard to make our concerts accessible to families and young people. This year, we are expanding that commitment with “Music for All,” which makes a limited number of complimentary tickets available to adults for whom ticket cost might be a barrier. Participation is completely confidential, with no application or proof of financial need required. Children and up to two accompanying adults already attend free of charge, as do college students with ID. Our fifth-anniversary season, “Journeys in Time
Graphic courtesy of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra
and Place,”offers much to look forward to: “Open Air, Open Worlds: Serenades & Rags for Winds,” on October 3 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown. “Winter Tales,” featuring violinist Isabel Chen in Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” on December 5 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown, and on December 6 at 3 p.m., Panther Creek Arts, West Fulton. “Fire & Longing,” featuring Big Galut(e) and clarinetist Robin Seletsky, on March 13, 2027 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown, and on March 14, 2027 at 3 p.m., Panther Creek Arts, West Fulton. Continued on page 7
THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL By MERL REAGLE
My Mind is Racing!… It seems to be going around ACROSS 1 Razor by Gillette 5 Little Gilbert on the prairie 12 Mil. outfit for Drew Carey 16 Abundance of racing victories? 19 Minister of “positive thinking” fame 21 Compulsion to race? 23 Fiber from old ropes 24 Strip 25 Tallow source 26 Hairpin or U 28 Latin shortening 29 Salinger girl 30 Beverly Hillbilly Max Jr. 32 Spacious 34 Verb ending 35 The British and the Greek, e.g. 37 Villain’s visage, maybe 40 Old game show, ___ Clock 42 All-news network 44 Chase out of Hollywood 105 Little actor Billy 46 Not yet anted 107 “To ___ not to ...” 48 Like some cheddar 108 ___ fizz (cocktail) 49 Flail one’s fists 110 Most important 51 Gets a flat? 112 On the debit side 54 ___ of Two Cities 115 H-deux-O 56 Key to success, in racing? 116 Subject of Morita’s Made 59 Supercilious sorts in Japan 61 Cornfield sound 117 No-way-out situation 62 Comic section, formerly 119 Clark’s love 63 Joist or lintel 121 ___ in the bucket 66 Soleil time 123 Speedway feature? 67 Terrier type 127 Coil guy 68 Start of the 8th century 128 First-place finisher’s 71 Racer Al or Bobby went by? expression? 74 Nation that found breaking 129 Burgundies up hard to do: abbr. 130 “___ and say we did” 75 Hot rod org. 131 Tips 76 I, in Innsbruck DOWN 77 Tokyo, before 1 Lower forty, e.g. 78 Bank offer 2 Postprandial sweets 80 ___ culpa 3 Bob Hope specials, e.g. 81 ___ in the arm 4 See 84 Down 83 Racing anticlimax? 5 A Little Woman 88 Sex, Italian-style 6 Obliterate 90 How racing judges might 7 Madagascar primates argue? 8 “___ delighted!” 93 Birdbrained talker 9 Type of ball, curl, or fire 94 River through the Alps 10 Convened 96 Utters 11 “Just ___ thought!” 97 Pineapple producer 12 Second word in a fairy tale 100 Racing abbr. 13 The Black, Red, or Yellow 101 Poet friend of Sappho 14 Builds speedways? (anagram of AS A CLUE) 15 Gear-shifting stratagems? 103 Ottoman VIP 17 Vanished author Fletcher
18 D og that exposed the 81 Mint, as condition Wizard 82 Allegro, e.g. 20 Host 84 ’60s drug 21 Cold War pres. 85 E ddy Arnold’s “What’s He 22 Novocained Doing ___” 27 Yeasty-sounding breads 86 Enervate 31 One way to learn 87 LBJ VP 32 Bull Run victors 89 Hang-glide 33 Cookies in ice cream 91 Long, narrow inlets 34 Coup d’___ 92 Columbo, Tragg, et al. 36 Oft-numbered print, briefly 95 B ill used at Disneyland Paris 38 Bawlroom? 98 Kobe robe tie 39 Double-bond suffix 99 Jousting weapons 41 Brainstorming shouts 101 P ound ___ (patrol on 42 Tai ___ foot) 43 Little louse 102 Warbled 45 M ember of a Philippine 104 “___ my position can’t tribe afford to take chances” 47 Melodies 106 On the road ___ 50 Heart parts 109 Breckinridge or Hess 52 The Beatles’ “Let ___” 111 P art of a renter’s address: 53 “And lived ___ about it” abbr. 55 Kool-Aid container 113 Mischief makers 57 Sewing cases 114 Darin’s darling 58 Chihuahua coat? 116 Curative springs 60 Lie on a ___ nails 117 Mrs. Dumbo’s dress? 64 Monkey’s uncle 118 Ex-pres. and son 65 Headlong scramble 120 Pinnacle 67 Classic Bobby Hebb tune 122 Clichéd 68 Fades 124 Tool common in Concen69 Root for the frontrunner? tration rebuses 70 Treacherous speedway? 125 R ock ’n’ roll will never do 72 Straight-arm it, says Neil Young 73 Vichyssoise, e.g. 126 O ne of two dimensions: abbr. 79 Pointer
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
NEWS BRIEFS
Stamp Club Will Meet Oct. 1 ONEONTA—The Tri-County Stamp Club will hold its next meeting at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 1 at The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center, 5506 State Highway 7, Oneonta. All are welcome to attend and learn about philately, or stamp collecting. Those who have stamps they would like evaluated are invited to bring them.
FCAHS Plans Presentation FLY CREEK—Former WBNG News chief videographer Jim Andrews will present “Otsego Stories” at the Fly Creek Area Historical Society’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will be held at the FCAHS building at 208 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, followed by light refreshments and the regular monthly business meeting. A free-will donation is requested from non-FCAHS members. On Saturday, September 26, FCAHS will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., during which the society’s museum and archives will be open to members and visitors.
Rummage Sale Scheduled RICHFIELD SPRINGS—The Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, will host a Rummage Sale on Thursday, September 24 from 5-7 p.m. and on Friday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A bag sale will be featured from 3-4 p.m. on Friday at a cost of $2.00 per bag or $10.00 for unlimited selections. Two large rooms will be filled with clothes for men, women, children, and infants—as well as housewares, books, toys, and much more— all at affordable prices. For more information, call the Church of Christ Uniting at (315) 858-1553 or check out the church’s Facebook page.
Thurber To Speak at Event WEST ONEONTA—The West Oneonta Baptist Church, 2845 County Road 8, will host its 11th annual Harvest Blessing Women’s Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. Guest Speaker Tami Thurber will lead the group in examining the lives and impacts of five biblical women in Matthew’s genealogy of Christ. A complimentary luncheon will be served and a love offering will be taken for the speaker. Those interested are asked to register by Monday, September 21 by calling (607) 434-1395.
College Showcases 23 Artists ONEONTA— The public is invited to the opening reception for the Hartwick College Art and History Department’s “Creating Currents” faculty and staff art exhibition on Thursday, September 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Open now and running through October 16, the exhibition spotlights the creative work of artists connected to the department and brings together a range of artistic practices, perspectives, and experiences. “Creating Currents” features the work of 23 artists, honoring the ongoing studio dedication of current full-time faculty while celebrating contributions from part-time instructors, department staff, recent interns, retired professors, and the work and legacy of the late Phil Young. The exhibition spans multiple generations and artistic approaches, including ceramics, glass, painting, drawing, digital art, works on paper, and bent wood boxes. The Foreman Gallery of Contemporary Art is located in the Anderson Center for the Arts and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (gallery closed on Friday, September 25). Visit https://www.hartwick. edu/campus-life/arts-culture/foreman-gallery/ to learn more.
Otesaga Joins Stash Program COOPERSTOWN—Guests staying at The Otesaga Resort Hotel can earn a new benefit through the introduction of a loyalty points program. The Luxe Collection by Stash Hotel Rewards is a complimentary loyalty program that allows guests to earn points on eligible stays booked directly through the hotel. Guests who join Stash can earn points that can be redeemed for free nights at The Otesaga or the hundreds of other independentlyowned hotels and resorts that participate in the program. “Being a member of Luxe Collection by Stash Hotel Rewards allows us to offer our guests an added benefit without any added costs to them,” said Marty Rosenthal, general manager at The Otesaga Resort Hotel. “We’re excited to be able to provide a loyalty program that showcases our historic property among other distinguished independent hotels and resorts.” The Otesaga is featured within the Luxe Collection category for Stash, which showcases independent luxury hotels that are considered notable, four- and five-star properties that offer award-winning restaurants and exceptional service. According to Stash, members can earn a free night with as few as five stays. To learn more, visit StashRewards.com.
GMHA To Host Book Talk MILFORD—As part of its Milford Heritage Weekend, the Greater Milford Historical Association is hosting a “Tea, Talk and Book Signing” on Friday, September 18 from 4-6 p.m. Author Deirdre Sinnott will be discussing and signing her newest book, “The Loyalist’s Wife,” at the Sayre House Museum, 81 North Main Street, Milford. As the book begins,
it is 1777 in New York’s fertile Mohawk Valley, and tenant farmers Jane and Philip Hopper have very different ideas about the war for independence that has consumed the 13 colonies. To Philip, rebellion against the king is appalling. But Jane, recovering from the death of a newborn son, has taken solace from the hope embedded in the simple phrase “the pursuit of happiness.” The war comes home when Philip is arrested for his Loyalist views and then escapes, leaving Jane to fend for herself. She is brought before the Patriot’s Commission to Detect and Defeat Conspiracies. One wrong move could land her in the Watchhouse. Help comes in the form of Lady Prudence Safford, who puts Jane under her protection. However, it is not without cost. With its rich panorama of characters—including a Hessian deserter, Jane’s alcoholic brother, and his wife, a member of the Oneida Indian Nation—“The Loyalist’s Wife” presents a unique perspective on America’s War of Independence. Sinnott is the author of other historical novels and is also a researcher and activist for social change. She grew up in Utica, graduated from Syracuse University and currently resides in Roscoe. Sinnott’s writing has appeared in newspapers, two anthologies, literary journals and in various online resources. She was also a historical consultant for the Fort Stanwix Underground Railroad History Project, funded by the National Park Service.
Oneonta To Celebrate Mural ONEONTA—The City of Oneonta Public Arts Commission will celebrate the completion of a new 3,200-square-foot mural on Market Street with a public reception and ribbon-cutting from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 during the City of the Hills Festival. The free event will take place at the mural, located on the retaining wall behind the city’s new transit hub parking lot. According to a press release, the celebration will feature complimentary seasonthemed cookies from the Autumn Cafe and Freestyle Bakery, and Bittersweet Brewery will offer beverages for purchase from its mobile truck. The mural is the latest project of the City of Oneonta Public Arts Commission, which works to expand and support public art throughout the city. Contact the Public Arts Commission at publicarts@oneonta.ny.us.
Brownlee To Speak at Hyde Hall SPRINGFIELD—Hyde Hall will welcome noted art historian Peter John Brownlee on Saturday, September 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. for a special lecture exploring what is considered one of the most remarkable paintings in American art history: Samuel F. B. Morse’s “Gallery of the Louvre.” The painting has a particularly meaningful connection to Hyde Hall, organizers said. George Clarke, the builder of Hyde Hall, was the painting’s first purchaser, linking this celebrated work of 19th-century American art directly to the history of the Clarke family and the mansion. Brownlee’s presentation will reveal how a painting purchased by Hyde Hall’s founder could eventually disappear from view, survive decades in obscurity, and emerge as a major work valued in the millions. Following the lecture, guests will have an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session and continue the conversation during a reception. Tickets, directions and additional information are available at www.hydehall.org.
Unadilla Chamber Meets UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce met on Tuesday, September 1, called to order by President Jackie Carey. Under new business, it was announced that Don Tuttle will receive the Good Neighbor Award and Greens Greenery has been named Business of the Year. Upcoming dates to remember include: a Tampon Drive at the pavilion on Saturday, September 19; the annual dinner and awards ceremony on Friday, October 4 at Far View Farm (deadline to RSVP is Sunday, September 27); time capsule contents reveal at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 at the Masonic Temple; a rummage/ bake sale at the Methodist Church on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26; and the Holiday Parade down Main Street on Friday, December 11. It was also announced that Vice President Kirsty Roefs will assume the chamber presidency on December 1, and folks who would like to donate a door prize for the annual dinner were asked to reach out to the chamber to arrange for pick-up or to bring the item to the event.
Flag To Remain on View COOPERSTOWN—Rick Monday received an extended ovation from the Dodger Stadium fans when he rescued the American flag 50 years ago. That flag will now receive an extended stay in Cooperstown, according to a press release issued on September 8. As part of the museum’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the flag Monday rescued has been on exhibit at the Hall of Fame since Memorial Day Weekend. Originally scheduled to be on display through Labor Day, due to popular demand, the flag will remain on the museum’s third floor through Memorial Day Weekend 2027. The flag, which Monday has preserved since saving it and is loaning to the museum, had never previously been exhibited in one public location like this. “The display of this historic flag has become a very popular spot in our museum in just a few short months and will continue to tell the story of that iconic moment,” said Josh Rawitch, president of
the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are deeply grateful and honored that Rick and Barbaralee Monday have agreed to extend this loan so that more of our visitors can enjoy it.” For more information, visit baseballhall.org or call (888) 4255633 or (607) 547-7200.
Donate and Get a Free Donut OTSEGO COUNTY—Now through Sunday, September 20, participating Dunkin’® guests who donate $1.00 or more to Make-A-Wish will receive a free specialty donut. Since 2013, Mohawk Valley Dunkin’ franchisees have partnered with the nonprofit to help raise money to grant life-changing wishes for local kids. The Make-A-Wish Donut campaign has raised more than $900,000.00 for the local chapter. All donations collected at local Dunkin’ restaurants will benefit Make-A-Wish Central New York.
CFP Announces Giving Event COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Food Pantry, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, will host “Community of Giving,” a live community event celebrating Otsego County’s participation in Mohawk Valley Gives Day. The event will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, September 18 at Templeton Hall, 63 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, thanks to Lucy Townsend of LM Townsend Catering. Community members are invited to stop by after work—or anytime during the evening—to meet food pantry representatives and other participating Otsego County nonprofit organizations. Attendees can learn about local programs and services, enjoy live music, purchase wine or beer from a cash bar, and make donations in person or online. Staff, board members and volunteers from participating organizations will be available throughout the event. Valerie Jackson, Cooperstown Food Pantry’s new executive director, said the gathering offers residents an opportunity to connect with the organizations serving their neighbors. For information about Cooperstown Food Pantry or the event, contact Jackson at directorCFP@gmail. com. Donations to the Cooperstown Food Pantry may be made online during the fundraiser, September 14– 18, at givemv.org/organizations/cooperstown-foodpantry-inc. Donations made during the Community of Giving event may be eligible for up to three times the impact through matching funds provided courtesy of the J. and S. Patrick Family Foundation, the Cooperstown Food Pantry Board, and other participating organizations.
Blood Shortage Continues OTSEGO COUNTY—The American Red Cross urges people not to wait to make a lifesaving impact this fall by scheduling a blood or platelet donation appointment in September. The blood supply remains vulnerable after recovering from critically low levels during a summer blood shortage, officials said, and now is the time for donors of all blood types to help patients who count on blood products for care. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment. Those who give from September 1-20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross/Hello Kitty® plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Those who give September 21 through October 18 will receive a $15.00 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additionally, all who give from September 21-30 at Red Cross blood donation centers and mention the word “pickleball” to Red Cross staff or volunteers onsite can score a custom Red Cross pickleball paddle and ball (limited quantities available). Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Otsego County this month are: Friday, September 18, noon to 5 p.m., SUNY Oneonta Hunt College Union, 108 Ravine Parkway, and Tuesday, September 29, 1-6 p.m., Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta.
‘Luck of the Draw’ Announced COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Art Association is bringing back its biennial fundraiser, “Luck of the Draw,” and is currently seeking donations of original artwork valued at $80.00 or more from local and regional artists. Among the items accepted are: wall-hung artwork, sculpture, fine crafts, jewelry sets, and small collections of ceramics or other work. The RSVP deadline is Friday, September 18. There will be an opening reception on Friday, October 2 from 5-7 p.m. and the artwork will be on view from October 3-17. “Luck of the Draw” tickets go on sale on Friday, October 2 beginning at 5 p.m. for $80.00 each, with a final ticket drawing on Sunday, October 18. Every ticket sold directly supports the art association and helps provide opportunities for artists and accessible arts programming for the community. RSVP today at (607) 547-9777 or e-mail gallery@ cooperstownart.com.
CSO Concert Set for Sept. 26 ONEONTA—The Catskill Symphony Orchestra will begin its 73rd season in “legendary” fashion on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. with “American Legends,” a program spanning three centuries of American identity through music. Aaron Copland’s stirring “A Lincoln Portrait”—narrated by Oneonta Mayor Daniel Buttermann, a former Conductor Competition winner—will be featured, along with Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and the New Continued on page 11
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Trail
Continued from page 1 College professor. Both have volunteered with the committee for more than 15 years. Bright runs the digital side of things, managing the group’s website and public relations. Scheim said his job is mostly “labor,” including “building all of these bridges and putting up the railings and things like that.” The trail was officially unveiled by way of ribbon cutting. Friends and family joined committee members to hear a few words. Vogler spoke first and described why the undeveloped parcel was suited to a trail and why the work took time. “It is vacant land from the city’s perspective. And because of the slope and the fact that there’s a stream that runs through it, it’s not really developable in an urban sense. But these are the kind of places that we look for, to just get away and spend a little time.” She also explained that despite it being a short path, the work took considerable time. “It was no easy task,” Vogler said. “We require the state wetlands permit, the federal permits. So, it took us a couple of years. But here we are today, celebrating its opening.” Moments before the official opening of the trail, Bright made one final poignant remark that summed up the considerable effort that went into the compact segment. “I think that we have
put more time and effort into this short trail than any other trail. But I think it’s worth it.” The Roundhouse Road Trail joins a network that began as an effort to reconnect Oneonta residents with the Susquehanna River after I-88 reduced easy access, according to the OSG’s website. The first OSG section opened at Silas Lane in 2006. The network now includes multiple segments along the river and its tributaries, as well as trails on watershed and county forest lands. Existing destinations include the two-mile Silas Lane loop, the paved and accessible Mill Race Trail behind Damaschke Field in Neahwa Park, a half-mile paved loop at Catella Park, and just over three miles of walking and mountain biking trails on New Island. OSG also maintains routes at the Van Cleft Bird Sanctuary
and in the Oneonta Creek area north of the city, although several Oneonta Creek trails are currently closed for logging. The committee continues to plan connections among existing trail areas, including an anticipated future link between New Island and Fortin Park. For the volunteers gathered at Roundhouse Road on September 3, however, the opening was also a reminder that even a short trail can turn overlooked land into a shared neighborhood resource—one built through years of local knowledge, public work and volunteer labor. More information, trail descriptions and updates are available at oneontagreenway.org. This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.
Orchestra Continued from page 5
“The King of Instruments,” featuring organist Nathaniel Gumbs, on June 5, 2027 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Cooperstown. We also plan to present our annual Winter Carnival Free Family Concert on February 6, 2027 at 3 p.m. at the Village Hall Ballroom in Cooperstown. Details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Our anniversary season also coincides with a Matching Gift Challenge, so gifts made during the challenge will be matched. Those contributions help us employ professional musicians, present concerts, offer free and complimentary tickets, and bring music into communities throughout our region. We are proud of what this young orchestra has accomplished, but we are especially grateful to the people who have made it possible: our
musicians, audience members, board of directors, donors, volunteers, community partners, and friends. Five years ago, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra was an ambitious idea. What it has become belongs, in no small measure, to this community. Tickets, “Music for All” information, and Matching Gift Challenge details are available at fenimore-orchestra.org. Thomas Wolf is the chair of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra Board of Directors.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Hartwick
Continued from page 1 violations of Open Meetings Law; transfers of town funds without proper authorization; improper payroll deductions involving a town employee; and failures in financial reporting and oversight. One of the lawsuit’s main claims stems from a May 11, 2026 Town Board meeting. According to the petition, after the meeting officially adjourned, Moore, town board members JoAnn Gardner and Caren Kelsey, along with the town attorney, remained behind and continued discussing town business. LoRusso alleges no public notice was given, no official meeting was scheduled, and no minutes were produced despite discussions involving town expenditures. The petition argues those actions violated New York’s Open Meetings Law. The filing also challenges two fund transfers allegedly authorized by Moore. According to the petition, $69,400.00 was transferred from the General Fund to the Water Fund on March 17, 2026, and an additional $70,636.00 was transferred from the General Fund to the Fire Fund on June 23, 2026. LoRusso contends the transfers occurred without proper Town Board authorization and outside legally required financial procedures. Another claim involves town employee James Croft and a payroll deduction totaling $584.92 for retirement contributions that were allegedly not withheld previously. The petition argues Croft was pressured into signing an authorization for the deduction without proper
labor protections or union involvement and seeks reimbursement of the funds. The broadest portion of the filing alleges Moore failed to fulfill several statutory responsibilities of the supervisor’s office. According to the petition, financial reports were delayed, records were not made available promptly, expenditures occurred without required board approval and agreements were entered into without authorization from the Town Board. LoRusso argues those actions prevented effective oversight of town operations and finances. The petition includes supporting exhibits such as Town Board meeting minutes, work session records, payroll documentation, bank statements, fund transfer records and correspondence between town officials. The filing also highlights what it describes as ongoing disagreements between LoRusso and Moore regarding financial management and access to town records. “I filed this lawsuit because our residents deserve a local government that operates with complete transparency and strictly adheres to the law,” LoRusso told AllOtsego on Tuesday, September 15. “This legal action is not about politics; it is about restoring proper checks and balances, ensuring fiscal accountability, and upholding the open and fair processes that every taxpayer in Hartwick is entitled to.” “My lawsuit simply asks a judge to hold Moore accountable and make her follow rules and procedures— because when decisions move behind closed doors, it compromises the integrity of our town government,” LoRusso
explained. Asked by AllOtsego for comment regarding the allegations contained in the petition, Cody Moore said she could not discuss the matter. “I can’t comment on that at this time,” Moore said. The Article 78 proceeding is now pending before the court, which will ultimately determine whether the actions challenged in the petition did or did not comply with New York State law.
Book
Continued from page 1 Faced with a choice about his future, he decided it was a “do it or die” moment. He chose illustration. “I always wanted to try being an illustrator,” he said. At the time, magazines still held significant cultural influence, and Armstrong first entered the field through gag cartoons, the single-panel drawings, sometimes captioned, that were familiar to many generations of magazine readers. The process required persistence: Armstrong recalls drawing a dozen ideas at a time and mailing them to publications in self-addressed envelopes, hoping one might catch an editor’s attention. “It was a hit-or-miss type thing,” Armstrong said. Among the magazines purchasing his work were “TV Guide,” “Better Homes and Gardens,” “The Rotarian,” and “Golf Digest,” reflecting both his talent for humor and his lifelong enthusiasm for golf. Like many cartoonists, Armstrong dreamed of appearing in “The New Yorker,” perhaps the
Photo provided
MARK ARMSTRONG
most prestigious market for witty cartoons. That dream remained elusive, but he found success elsewhere. One memorable moment came when “TV Guide” purchased one of Armstrong’s cartoons. Shortly afterward, he received a call from television executive Roone Arledge, who wanted the original artwork for his office. Arledge got his wish, although Armstrong now jokes that he should have charged him for it. Humor remained Armstrong’s specialty throughout his career. Yet several years ago, he began contemplating a different challenge: writing and illustrating a children’s picture book. “The thought about a children’s book had been on my mind as a general idea,” he said. The plan became more specific as one day, while sketching possible concepts on scrap paper, Armstrong found himself doodling various characters, including animals and children. The characters were too many, and most of them never returned to his sketchbook. “You can’t trust your ideas when you are just scrolling and doodling,” he said. The next day, when he looked over the sketches with fresh eyes, one drawing caught his attention: a coconut. “Coconuts are popular
like bananas,” he joked. “Who doesn’t like a banana?” The character felt approachable and funny, something children might immediately embrace. That simple sketch eventually became Fred. Creating the book proved to be a longer process than Armstrong anticipated. “A children’s book has an awful long gestation period,” he said. While developing Fred’s adventures, Armstrong continued accepting illustration assignments from major clients including Coca-Cola and Chickfil-A. Work on the book often happened during spare moments between professional projects. What began as a relatively simple concept gradually expanded. “The next thing I knew, the book spiraled off,” Armstrong said. Three to four years later, “Fred the Coconut” was finally complete. Although the story is driven by humor, Armstrong also hopes young readers absorb a broader message. Growing up in Cooperstown during the 1960s, he remembers a different approach to geography education than many students experience today. “When I was a ninth-grader,” he said, “we all took the same social studies course: geography.” Rather than focusing exclusively on historical events, students spent an entire course learning how other countries functioned geographically and culturally. “At least you moved on to the next grade with a pretty good idea of how the world is laid out,” he said. That memory helped shape Fred’s travels. The
book includes whimsical maps and visits to places such as the British Isles, Europe, South America, Egypt, and Antarctica. “I’m not going to pretend that this is the equivalent of a geography course,” Armstrong said. “I’m hoping he sparks a little curiosity in kids and makes them want to explore some of these things.” When it came time to publish the book, Armstrong faced another learning curve. To create a professional identity for the project, he established his own company, Funky Fish Publishing, along with an imprint called Snooze Buddy Books. Like many first-time independent authors, Armstrong discovered that publishing through Amazon involves far more than simply uploading a manuscript. He spent countless hours researching printing options, formatting requirements, cover design, and the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) registration—a system helping libraries and bookstores catalog and track books—before “Fred the Coconut” was ready for readers. Now that the book is in print, Armstrong hopes its colorful illustrations and lighthearted adventures will do more than entertain. “My belief is that the window between birth and 5 years old is when you can give your children a love for reading,” Armstrong said. The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon. com/Fred-CoconutMark-Armstrong/dp/ B0H5RL1RF5/ with more detail on Fred the Coconut’s website at https://www.fred-thecoconut.com/home.
and warm and outgoing personality. Additionally, her family will remember her for her love and devotion, and the high standards she held for herself. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Barbara’s memory to Helios Care at HeliosCare.org.
figures such as General Alexander Haig, General Andrew Goodpaster, and Henry Kissinger. Later in life, Frank moved back to upstate New York, where he thrived in the hospitality business as an owner and operator of multiple restaurants and the Tunnicliff Inn in Cooperstown. A world traveler with a philanthropic heart, family and friends will remember Frank as a kind and generous man completely dedicated to his wife and his community. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Leigh, as well as his siblings, Jane and Joe Leo. He also leaves behind his beloved inlaws, Kasey, Marc, Dan, and Darby Connor, as well as numerous friends throughout Cooperstown and the world. Services will be held privately. A celebration of life will take place at the Tunnicliff Inn and will be publicized when the date is determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Frank’s name to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at the following dedicated memorial site: https://everloved. com/life-of/frank-leo/.
OBITUARIES
Photo provided
BARBARA M. SCHANZ
Barbara M. Schanz (nee Cox) 1932-2026
COOPERSTOWN— Barbara M. Schanz, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Cooperstown, New York on August 30, 2026. Barbara was born on July 11, 1932 in Salem, Massachusetts to James and Olive Cox (nee Lain). As a young child her family moved to Ramsey, New Jersey. She was an active participant in sports, cheerleading and a class officer at Ramsey High School. After she graduated in 1950, she attended Skidmore College, earning a bachelor of science degree. Barbara had fond memories of her time at Skidmore College,
where she participated in on-campus activities and clubs and made lifelong friends. Upon graduation in 1954, she was offered positions at several department stores in New York City and selected Bloomingdale’s, where her sense of style led to a successful stint as a fashion buyer. In September 1956, Barbara married Charles R. Schanz of Ramsey, New Jersey. They began their married life in Connecticut, where they started their family. They then moved to Westfield, Massachusetts in 1965, where Barbara volunteered at several civic organizations, including the Westfield Ladies Auxiliary Council. She also served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts for several years. The family later moved to Portsmouth, Rhode Island and then to Delmar, New York. Barbara assisted in managing the Courtside sporting goods store in Delmar for six years while her children attended high school. Starting in 1976, she served as vice president and bookkeeper for the family business, Ben Franklin Stores, a role she held with dedication
for 25 years. Barbara and Charlie wintered in Nokomis, Florida for 40 years, where she cultivated a large circle of dear friends and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. She was a member of the Red Hat Society of Venice, Florida for many years. Starting in the early 1960s, Charlie and Barbara summered in Cooperstown, New York and loved the village and the company of their friends so much that they eventually retired there in 1990. In Cooperstown, she was a longtime member of the Lake and Valley Garden Club, where she also served as treasurer. At home, she took great pleasure in arranging her flower boxes each spring as well as participating in garden club events, where she was recognized with gardening prizes and a Club Appreciation Award. An accomplished athlete, Barbara won numerous tennis championships in doubles and mixed doubles throughout her life, many of which were at the Cooperstown Country Club. She also served on the House Committee of the CCC for multiple seasons. Barbara was a longtime member of the
Leatherstocking Golf Course and enjoyed playing with her close friends. She was also an accomplished bridge player. Barbara approached everything she did to a high standard, whether it was playing bridge, antiquing, interior decorating, sewing, hosting, gardening or playing tennis and golf. She had a wide variety of skills and was as comfortable with a wrench as she was with a spatula. Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Charlie Schanz, who passed in March 2023, and by her sister, Sally Cox. She is survived by her three children: James “Jim” Schanz; Kimberley “Kim” Schanz (Paul Lierheimer); and Charles “Chip” Schanz (Norma Tavakoli Schanz). She is also survived by her two grandsons, Taylor Lierheimer (Emily Hull-Lierheimer) and Drew Lierheimer (Erin Lierheimer), whose accomplishments she followed with great interest and pride, and by her three great-grandsons, Ethan, Miles, and Zach. Barbara will be fondly remembered for her grace, vivacious spirit,
Frank Joseph Leo 1944-2026
COOPERSTOWN— Frank Joseph Leo, 82, of Cooperstown, New York passed away peacefully at his home on Chestnut Street on September 6, 2026. He was born March 28, 1944 to his loving parents, Joseph C. Leo and Carmelita Tucci, and grew up in Oneonta, New York with his three siblings, Jane, Joe, and Charlie (deceased 2013). After completing high school, Frank joined the U. S. Army, where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division before joining the Special Forces (“Green Berets”), completing multiple tours in Vietnam and earning four Purple Hearts. He served for 22 years and later worked in Washington, D.C. as a driver for notable
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9
Heritage Weekend To Feature Re-enactors, Book Signing, Fiddlers MILFORD n celebration of America250, the Greater Milford Historical Association is hosting a three-day “Milford Heritage Weekend” at the organization’s Sayre House Museum and grounds at 81 North Main Street in Milford. The event is free and open to the public, with parking available in the field adjacent to the Milford Cemetery. Funded by the support of the Community Foundation of Otsego County, Otsego County America 250 and other generous donors, the weekend is filled with activities that will appeal to all ages, organizers said in a press release. “The organization is especially proud to showcase the new cedar shake roof of the Sayre House, which was completed this summer through a major grant and other donors,” officials said. The weekend begins on Friday, September 18 as a group of re-enactors will be setting up an “encampment” near the woods behind the Sayre House and Cultural Center, depicting how soldiers might live in the late 18th century. They will be there through early Sunday to provide talks and demonstrations. A full day of educational programs designed for a field trip being offered to some students at Milford Central School from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday will
I
Photo courtesy of the Greater Milford Historical Association
The Fall Fiddlers Frolic is one of the highlights of Milford’s three-day Heritage Weekend.
also be open to the public. At 10 a.m. in the Main Tent, a Haudenosaunee peacekeeper and educator, Glenn Bentz, will be speaking and demonstrating objects from the indigenous people who occupied this land in that time period. He will be dressed in authentic clothing of the time and provide the history of the Iroquois nation. From 12:45-2: 30 p.m., there will be ongoing tours of the historic Sayre House, the Milford cemetery and
burial ground of Revolutionary War soldiers, the encampment and history of Milford residents who served during this time period. Friday events continue with author Deidre Sinnott talking about her newest historic novel, “The Loyalist’s Wife,” at the Sayre House from 4-6 p.m. Tea will be served and books will be available for purchase and signing. Warm, custom-made dinner pizzas, desserts,
and beverages will be available on site as the evening concludes with the Fall Fiddlers Frolic, a candlelit musical session open to all acoustic musicians and the public. The encampment and events on Saturday will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with historic house tours at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be a talk in the Main Tent on Joseph Brandt by Milford Town Historian Frank Antonucci at 1 p.m. Susan Heiland of the Cemetery Association will give a tour of the Milford Cemetery at 2 p.m., and an offsite tour of the Milford Center Cemetery will be offered at 4 p.m. at its location off Bob Wilson Road near State Route 28 in the Milford Center hamlet. Throughout the day there will be blacksmithing demonstrations, readings, music, a historic poster display of maps and Milford families in the 18th century, pan bread making and tasting, the Milford Bi-Centennial Quilt Display, and several crafts for children. Most of the same events and activities will be offered on Sunday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with historic Sayre House tours at noon and 2 p.m., and a Milford Cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome to come anytime throughout the weekend and learn more about the deep history of the Milford area and enjoy this historic site, organizers said.
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ship opportunities for graduating high-school seniors who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their communities in Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango Counties. This year’s Preferred Foundation Scholarship winners are Leah Figary of Sidney High School and Sophia Zheng of Norwich High School. Figary will study chemistry at Binghamton University, with plans to transfer to Cornell University in fall 2027. Zheng will study prepharmacy at Binghamton University. The two Irad and Jan Ingraham/James Honeywell Memorial Scholarship winners are Myriah Taylor and Braden Golliver, both of Unadilla Valley Central School. Taylor will attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to study diagnostic medical sonography. Golliver will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study civil engineering. PMIC scholarship opportunities are available for students who live in Otsego, Delaware, or Chenango counties, are graduating from Unadilla Valley Central School, or are children of nonofficer Preferred Mutual employees. SCOUT STANDOUTS: Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways recently recognized hundreds of adult volunteers during its 2026 regional appreciation events, celebrating service, leadership, and long‑term commitment to the Girl Scout Movement. Several honorees from Otsego County and surrounding communities were acknowledged for their contributions. The
Rising Star Award recognizes first- and second‑year volunteers who have made an immediate, positive impact. Local recipients include: Jenny Harmyk of Gilbertsville; Kate Zeh of Hartwick; Tarissa Jahnke of Milford; and Alison Dodge of Oneonta. The Spirit Award honors behind‑the‑scenes volunteers who consistently support troops, peers and council operations. Otsego‑area honorees include: Amie Monahan of Cooperstown; Julie Smith of Mount Vision; Angella Lynch and Gabrielle Shipman of Richfield Springs; and Catlin Gray of Unadilla. The Volunteer of Excellence award recognizes outstanding service directly to youth members or in support of council‑wide mission delivery. Local recipients include: Josephine (Josie) Hendrich of Laurens; Helen A. Diglia of Oneonta; and Kelly Nober of Unadilla. Membership and Service Milestones honors cumulative years of Girl Scout membership and volunteer service. Angella Lynch of Richfield Springs was recognized for her 30 Years of Volunteer Service. ALMARTADA AWARDED: During its annual Honors Convocation on April 29, Hartwick College recognized outstanding student achievement across its academic programs. Among this year’s honorees was Omar Almartada of Oneonta, who received the Outstanding First-Year Student in Biology Award, a distinction presented to the first-year biology student who attains the highest cumulative average for the academic year.
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A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Legal
Legal nOtice Notice of formation of MS Realty of Oneonta, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 7/21/26. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her to: The LLC, 12984 Co. Hwy. 27, Sidney Center, NY 13839. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalSept.17 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of
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(SSNY) on July 16, 2026. SSNY is designated as the agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY will mail a copy of any process against it served upon him or her to Post Office Box 714 Napanoch, New York 12458. The purpose is to engage in any lawful business practice. 6LegalOct.1
Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 232 Southside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1
Legal nOtice
Filed 7/27/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 232 Southside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1
20 August 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 50 W. 85th St., Apt. 13, New York, NY 10024. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.8
Notice of Formation of D&M Mobile Crushing and Recycling LLC, Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY August 20, 2026. Off. Loc. Otsego. SSNY designated as agent of LLC on whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 7 Richard Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: all lawful activities. 6LegalOct.1
Government Asset Group LLC,
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filed with the Secretary of State on August 11, 2026. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 103 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalSept.24
Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Main Street 096 LLC filed with the Secretary of State on April 02, 2026. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to P.O Box 431, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalSept.24 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company
LEGALS
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of INDIGO & OAK LLC.
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of HOLSCHER CONSTRUCTION LLC. Filed 3/16/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 155 Peebles Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice
Name:
Notice of Formation of
JM PROPERTY HOMES LLC.
THE HOLSCHER GROUP LLC.
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 18 August 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 4836 St. Hwy. 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.1
Filed 3/16/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 155 Peebles Hill Rd., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of O’NEILL’S PROPERTY AND MANAGEMENT LLC. Filed 5/29/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Lmbm Llc, 380 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.1
Unadilla River Retreat, LLC
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has been formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), with an office in Greenfield Park, New York by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York
Notice of Formation of THE SOUTHSIDE BUNGALOW LLC. Filed 7/29/26.
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Oneonta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 8/19/26. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 1218 Central Ave., Ste. 100, Albany, NY 12205. Purpose: practice the profession of dentistry. 6LegalOct.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: CAMP HAWKEYE LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was
Legal nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO INDEX NO. EF2025-1083 Date Filed: 08/04/2026 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Plaintiff designates OTSEGO County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is: The location of real property being foreclosed. ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, against DARREN C. SITTS, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. A/K/A BERNIE ALBERT SITTS, JR.; JAMES C. SITTS, AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. A/K/A BERNIE ALBERT SITTS, JR.; UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. A/K/A BERNIE ALBERT SITTS, JR., if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-atlaw, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, and JOHN DOE No. 1’’ through ‘’JOHN DOE No. 100’’ inclusive, the name of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiff, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occu-
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
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pants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or a lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title, or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein Defendant(s).
FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
To the above named Defendants: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the plaintiff’s attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE: YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND
The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Brian D Burns, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Otsego County, granted on the 9th day of June, 2026, and filed with the Complaint and other papers in the office of the County Clerk of Otsego County. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by BERNIE A. SITTS, JR. to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC, FKA QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, bearing date November 12, 2021 and recorded in Instrument Number: 2021-6409 in the County of Otsego on November 17, 2021, which was assigned to ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC, FKA QUICKEN LOANS, LLC by instrument executed December 11, 2023 and recorded December 12, 2023, in Instrument Number: 2023-5149. Said premises being known as and by 699 Crawford Road, Laurens, NY 13796, bearing tax map designation Section: 255.00, Block: 2, Lot: 12.02, which is more fully described in the Schedule “A” attached to the Complaint. Aldridge Pite, LLP, Attorneys for the Plaintiff, 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 File 1271-1658B 4LegalSept.24
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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FILING VERIFIED PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF WRONGFUL DEATH REPRESENTATIVE PUBLIC NOTICE State of Wyoming ss. County of Uinta IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT Docket No. 2026-CV-0000078 In the Matter of the Estate of: ANN LOUISE MONTAGUE CLEMENS, Deceased. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on July 31 2026, Tricia Ann Hall instituted an action in the Third Judicial District Court of the State of Wyoming in and for Uinta County, in the above-captioned case, requesting the Court appoint her as the wrongful death representative for the potential wrongful death beneficiaries of Ann Louise Montague Clemens, deceased. Any person claiming to qualify under Wyoming Statute §1-38104(a) may intervene as a matter of right. Notice is further given that all persons objecting to this appointment must do so within thirty (30) days of the publication of this Notice. Dated: August 31, 2026
Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.
Tricia Ann Hall Wrongful Death Representative of Tricia Ann Montague Clemens c/o Scott A. Homar OVERSTREET, HOMAR & KUKER 2922 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001 Published: September 3, 10 & 17, 2026.
Name:
3LegalSept.17
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HONEY JOE RANCH LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 25 August 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 185 Honey Joe Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.8
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Northy Green LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on September 01, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3664 Co. Hwy. 35, Roseboom, NY 13450. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
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6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: LifeCycles Healing LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 22, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 1409 Cty. Hwy. 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of NETWISE SOLUTIONS LLC. Filed 8/21/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Daniel Decker, 204 Hillside Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of ROMPIN’ RON LLC. Filed with SSNY on 07/10/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 31 RIVER ST., COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326. Purpose: Any Lawful 6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of KnappLuck Ventures LLC Filed: 8/29/26 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 210 Co. Hwy. 47, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.22 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Chickadee Trail Horse Farm, LLC. Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July
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28, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 3159 State Highway 80, Burlington Flats, NY 13315. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.22 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Webb Hill, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 08/25/2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 17 Suncrest Terrace, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalOct.22 Legal nOtice Notice of Public Hearing County of Otsego County of Otsego will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:55 a.m. at the County Office Building Board Chambers, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 for the purpose of hearing public comments on the current NYS Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project: Otsego County Housing Rehabilitation Program (868HR307-24), $750,000. The CDBG program is administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR) and made available to eligible local governments approximately $45 million in funding for the current program year for housing, public infrastructure, public facilities, economic development, imminent threat, and community planning, with the principal purpose of benefitting low - and moderate-income persons. The hearing will provide information on the progress of the CDBG project. Comments on the administration and effectiveness of continued pg. 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11
Burning
older adults. rience a fire-related issue, • Consider investing report it by calling 911. in a smokeless firepit to The Village of CoopersContinued from page 4 keep yourself and those town Board of Trustees: • Never use gasoline, around you healthy. Deputy Mayor Cynthia lighter fluid, diesel fuel Fire safety is a team Falk, George Fasanelli, or other accelerants on a effort. In the Village of Joseph Membrino, Molly wood fire. Cooperstown, regulaMooney, Audrey Porsche • Supervise children tions about location, fuel, and Richard Sternberg. and pets closely around attendance, and smoke an active fire. are enforced by the New WE WANT TO If you plan to burn in York State Department CELEBRATE YOU! an indoor fireplace: of Environmental Promotions, births, • Have the chimney Conservation, Otsego events, new hires, inspected and cleaned milestones, County Codes, and grand openings, by a qualified chimney the village zoning awards, meetings, professional. enforcement officer, opinions, results • Check that the with the assistance of sporting events, damper opens properly of the Cooperstown personal bests, before lighting a fire. weddings and more. Police Department and Photos welcome, too. • Ensure smoke alarms the Cooperstown Fire info@allotsego.com and carbon monoxide Department. If you expedetectors are working and have fresh batteries. • Use a fireplace screen or glass doors Parks Supervisor to prevent sparks from Full-time escaping. • Keep furniture, The Village of Cooperstown curtains, rugs, decorahas an opening in th position tions, newspapers and of Parks Supervisor other combustible materials at least three feet Requirements include good knowledge away from the fireplace. of park construction and maintenance • Watch for signs of activities; ability to supervise the work of carbon monoxide expoothers; ability to follow oral and sure, such as headache, written instructions; ability to keep dizziness, nausea or records and make reports; reliability; confusion. physical strength and endurance; If you want to enjoy an physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. outdoor recreational fire: Graduation from high school or • Monitor weather possession of a high school equivalency conditions—avoid fires diploma and two years full time paid during high winds or dry experience in parks and/or recreational conditions. facility and building maintenance. • Use a designated fire Possession of a valid Class D or greater NYS ring or fireplace. Driver’s license is required for employment. • Have a water source This position also requires plowing snow (hose or buckets of and sanding in a non-CDL required water) readily available. vehicle. The salary for this position starts • Maintain a clear area at $24.00 per hour. around the fire free of This is a full-time position with a leaves, grass and other competitive wage and attractive combustible materials. benefits. For further information • Be mindful of wind regarding the position and to obtain an direction, smoke and the application please contact the Village impact your fire might Clerk’s Office at 607-547-2411 or send have on your neighbors. your resume and cover letter to: • Know that wood fires release fine particuVillage Clerk lates into the air that Village of Cooperstown can be especially trouPO Box 346 bling for people with Cooperstown, NY 13326 EOE underlying heart or lung conditions, children and
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from pg. 11 the CDBG project will be received. The Otsego County Office Building Board Chambers (197 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326) is accessible to persons with disabilities. If special accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, those with hearing impairments, or those in need of translation from English, those individuals should contact Carol McGovern, Clerk—Board of Representatives by telephone at: (607) 547-4202, or by email at: mcgovernc@ otsegocountyny. gov at least three days in advance of the hearing date. Written comments may also be submitted to Otsego County by mail to: County of Otsego, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, attention: Planning Department, or by email to: planning@ otsegocountyny. gov until Friday,
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October 11th at 12:00 p.m.
Mortgaged Premises: 142 EAST STREET, ONEONTA, NY 13820
The application and other materials related to CDBG funds will be made available at the Otsego County Planning Dept., 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, NY 13326. The hearing will also be broadcast via YouTube and residents can join here: https://www. youtube.com/@ otsegocountynewyork/live 1LegalSept.17 Legal nOtice SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO INDEX NO. EF2026-469 Plaintiff designates OTSEGO as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Section: 288.10, Block: 2, Lot: 65 USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK Plaintiff, vs. ABIGAIL MICHELSON KING, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DENISE MICHELSON; JOSHUA CHARLES KING, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DENISE MICHELSON; CHARLES J. KING JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DENISE MICHELSON; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF DENISE MICHELSON, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who
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Supper
Continued from page 2 bors, old and new alike, coming together again as a community after the busy summer season. Attendees are reminded to dress for the weather. “Growing Community is deeply grateful to the Village of Cooperstown, Mohican Farms for taking the compost, Cooperstown Central School for providing chairs, Friends of the Village Library for providing tables, Mohican Flowers and Art Farm Flowers as well
LEGALS
may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW
as friends and neighbors for donating flowers, and so many other volunteers without whose cooperation and support the Harvest Supper would simply not be possible,” officials said in a press release. Growing Community is always seeking volunteers to help with setup, decoration and breakdown—to volunteer, contact growingcommunity@yahoo.com.
Briefs
Continued from page 6 York State premiere of a brand-new piano concerto by CSO Artistic Director Glen Cortese, “Apparitions, Ghosts and Spirits,” with celebrated pianist Lisa Leonard. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.catskillsymphonyorchestra. org/american-legends.
Prefer to read your news online?
Subscribe to AllOtsego.com Call (607) 547-6103 for more details.
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YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICEDEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; SIDNEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION,
exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
vember 26, 2007, in in Liber 1539 at Page 1077, of the Public Records of OTSEGO County, New York, covering premises known as 142 EAST STREET, ONEONTA, NY 13820.
company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered, and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4LegalOct.8
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $125,000.00 and interest, recorded on No-
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage
“JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons,
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. OTSEGO County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: August 28th, 2026 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of ICE COLD REFRIGERATION AND APPLIANCE REPAIR LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 5, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 3203 St. Hwy. 23, West Oneonta, NY 13861-6907 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.22
►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________
A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
►Fri., Sept. 18 MOHAWK VALLEY GIVES—All day. Support local organizations bettering our communities. www.givemv.org STORYTIME—Noon. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230. BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 5 p.m. SUNY Oneonta, Hunt College Union, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org OUTDOORS—2-4 p.m. Pine Lake Row Group. Equipment and top-notch instruction provided. Led by Olympian Andrea Thies. RSVP required. Also held 9/25, 10/2 and 10/9. Hartwick College Pine Lake, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta. patek@hartwick.edu. HISTORY—4-6 p.m. Book Discussion and Signing of “The Loyalists Wife” with author Deirdre Sinnott. Greater Milford Historical Association, 77-81 North Main Street, Milford. (607) 286-4060. FUNDRAISING— 5-9 p.m. “Community of Giving” Celebration for Mohawk Valley Gives Day. Templeton Hall, 63 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. POTTERY—6-9 p.m. “Beginner Pottery Wheel Group 1.” 4-week course held Thursdays through 10/9. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. LIVE MUSIC—7 p.m. “Fall Fiddlers Frolic.” Sayre House Museum, 81 North Main Street, Milford. MOVIE NIGHT— 7:15 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Screening of “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Benefit for upkeep of The Star Theater. Presented by Cherry Valley Artworks at
The Star Theater, at The Foundry, 44 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 2643080. BIRDING—7:30 p.m. “The Wonders of it All” with Rick Bunting, with the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society. Presented online via Zoom (preregistration required) or in person. Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 397-3815. MUSIC—7:30 p.m. Faculty Showcase. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta.
►Sat., Sept. 19 FUNDRAISER— 7:30-11:30 a.m. “Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department Fly-In Pancake Breakfast.” All-you-caneat pancakes, breakfast. Fees apply. Cooperstown/ Westville Airport, 866 State Highway 166, Cooperstown. (607) 5479007. EQUESTRIAN—8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Field Stone Acres Farm Hunter Pace. Travel at your own speed; all jumps have go arounds. Pre-registration required. Limestone Creek Hunt, 153 Thering Road, Cooperstown. limestonecreekhunt@yahoo. com. DRIVING—9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Defensive Driving Course.” Fees apply; registration required. Bring your own lunch. Refreshments provided. Pierstown Grange, 137 Wedderspoon Hollow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 437-1232. CAR SHOW—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Tom & Doug’s Cruise-In.” Crazy Acres Campground, Beaver Spring Road, Davenport. (607) 376-1709. WORKSHOP— 10 a.m. to noon. Learn to clean/repair gravestones. No experience or tools
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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
needed. Presented by the Morris Historical Society at Harmony Cemetery, 136 Pegg Road, Morris. (607) 263-5965. CANNING—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Basic Canning Workshop.” Learn how food preservation and canning processes have evolved. Includes recipes and useful references. Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. CRAFT FAIR & CAR SHOW—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake, 263 Beaver Spring Road, Davenport. (631) 8217407. FESTIVAL—10 a.m. to 5. Sharon Springs Harvest Festival. Live entertainment, 50+ vendors, food and more. Continues 9/20. Main Street, Sharon Springs. sharonspringsharvestfest@ gmail.com. GARLIC FESTIVAL— 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 26th Annual Susquehanna Valley Garlic Festival. Featuring many varieties to try, demonstrations, music and food. Free admission. Wood Bull Antiques, 3920 State Highway 28, Milford. Farmers@svgarlicfestival.com. BLACKSMITHING— 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Transforming guns into garden tools with a live blacksmithing demonstration. Presented by RAWtools Buffalo, led by Mark Stradley. “Red Door” Church/First United Presbyterian Church, 381 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 242-8184. FESTIVAL—Noon to 5 p.m. “City of the Hills
Festival.” Live music, performances, artisan vendors, arts, food and more. Presented by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta. Continues 9/20. Main Street, Oneonta. GARDENING—2 p.m. “Medicinal Herb Planting Workshop.” Fees apply. The Nature Center at Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Road 31, Cooperstown. (607) 5478662. FUNDRAISER—2 p.m. Kitten Yoga. Proceeds benefit Project Hiraeon. Fees apply. Bring your own yoga mat. Southside Mall Community Room, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. project.hiraeon@gmail.com. POLITICS—3 p.m. Fundraising reception to support Josh Riley, congressman of New York’s 19th District. RSVP required to get location address. Oneonta. Jessie@JoshRileyForCongress.com. WORKSHOP— 4:30-6:30 p.m. “Saturday Night Out: A Pottery Immersion Workshop.” Tickets required. Azure Arts, 1149 Allen Lake Road, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-8899. LECTURE—5-6:30 p.m. “Hyde Hall Talks: Peter John Brownlee.” Discussion on Samuel F. B. Morse’s painting, “Gallery of the Louvre,” which was originally owned by George Clarke Jr. Tickets required. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 5475098. LIVE MUSIC—6-9 p.m. “Summer Sundown Series Live Music: Fair Weather Blues Band.” Northway Brewing Hop House,
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
709 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. (607) 2864030. FILM—7 p.m. “The Blair Witch Project.” Film screening and panel discussion featuring Allie Tabor, writer of the upcoming horror play “The Burkittsville 3,” and local horror buffs on what made the film so special. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
►Sun., Sept. 20 PANCAKE BREAKFAST—8-11 a.m. Includes eggs, ham or sausage, beverage and all the pancakes you can eat. Fees apply. Held each Sunday through 11/15. Unadilla Rod and Gun Club, 566 Butternut Road, Unadilla. (607) 316-5997. FUNDRAISER—8 a.m. to noon. Fly-in Breakfast to benefit the Laurens Fire Department. Pancakes, bacon, sausage and beverages. Fees apply. Oneonta Municipal Airport, 391 Airport Road, Oneonta. CAR SHOW—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Tom & Doug’s Cruise-In.” The American Legion, Willow Street, Otego. (607) 376-1709. OUTDOORS—10 a.m. to noon. “Fall Fun Float with BVA and OCCA.” Weather/water level dependent. Bring your own kayak/canoe, life jacket and a sense of adventure. Free registration required. Meet at the Spring Street bridge in Gilbertsville. (607) 547-4488. MILFORD FARMERS’ MARKET—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held each Sunday, Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekends. Curry Park, State Highway 28, Milford. CLOTHING SWAP— Noon to 4 p.m. The Telegraph School, 83 Alden Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3785. FUNDRAISER—Noon to 5 p.m. “Dine Out for a Cause.” Eat out and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit hospice and palliative care patients of Helios Care. Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown. (607) 5471800. GARDENING—1 p.m. “Plant Bingo.” Fees apply. Presented by the Oneonta Garden Club. St. James Church Hall, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. LIVE MUSIC—1-3 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with Chaitanya Skye.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111. CONCERT—3 p.m. Live music by “Pegasus: The Orchestra.” Presented by The Friends of Music of Stamford. Suggested donation applies. Hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 96 Main Street, Stamford. friendsmusic.org MUSIC—6 p.m. “Oneonta Kirtan: Interfaith Devotional Music Meditation.” First Presbyterian Church of Oneonta, 296 Main Street, Oneonta.
►Mon., Sept. 21 DEADLINE—Last day to register for the Elks Club Dinner, featuring barbecue chicken, potato salad, tossed salad, dessert, beverages and more. Eat in or take out. Fees apply. Veterans eat free. Held 9/23 at the Oneonta Elks Lodge #1312, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1312. CONNECTIONS— 11 a.m. to noon. “Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group with Ann.” Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. 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 sweet sausage on a roll with peppers and onions, German potato salad, and pudding. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS—Noon to 12:45 p.m. “Tech Support with Eric.” Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CHAIR YOGA— 3:30 p.m. Richfield Springs Public Library, 102 Main Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-0230. BOOSTER CLUB— 6 p.m. Monthly meeting of the Cooperstown Central School Sports Booster Club. Held the 3rd Monday of each month. Main Office, Cooperstown High School, 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown. ccssportsboosterclub@ gmail.com COOKBOOK CLUB— 6 p.m. Make a dish starting with the first letter of your first name and share with the group. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208. HISTORY—6 p.m. “Pomeroy Marker Unveiling.” Celebrating John Kidder, one of the commanders of “Upton’s Regulars.” Followed at 7 p.m. by “A Civil War Documentary: 121st New York Volunteer Regiment—Upton’s Regulars,” chronicling the story of the regiment recruited from Otsego and Herkimer counties. Starts at the Laurens Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 432-6314.
►Tues., Sept. 22 COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS—8-9 a.m. Local community members gather to chat about what’s happening around Oneonta. Held each Tuesday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. TUESDAY MARKET—Noon to 4 p.m. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. VETERANS—3-5 p.m. Tour the Oneonta Veterans Museum, featuring memorabilia, photographs and more, donated by local families. Free; donations appreciated. On view 3-5 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. American Legion Post 259, 279 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320494. HOBBY HANGOUT— 3:30 p.m. “Craft after Class.” Held each Tuesday. Springfield Center Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. YOGA—5:30 p.m. “Unwind and Reconnect: Fall Yoga at Pine Lake.” Peaceful one-hour beginner yoga session. RSVP required. Hartwick College Pine Lake, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta. (607) 4314520. MEDITATION— 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sahaja Meditation: Drop-In Meditation Classes. All welcome. Held each Tuesday through 12/15. Cooperstown Coworks, 6 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (518) 4284692.
►Wed., Sept. 23 STORY TIME—10 a.m. Held each Wednesday. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802.
►Visit allotsego. com/otsego-countyevents-calendar/ for the full calendar.