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gov. hochul declares measles outbreak a state disaster emergency, page 3 VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 218, No. 41

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, October 8, 2026

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Oneonta School Board Enters Impasse with Clerical Union, Hears Concerns Over LTA Pay By BRANDON RAUL RAMIREZ SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA he Oneonta City School District and its clerical union have declared an impasse after the union rejected four district contract proposals, Superintendent Thomas Brindley told the Board of Education at its September 9 meeting. The proposals would have raised salaries for the average district clerical employee by 22.8 percent to 30 percent over three- or four-year terms. Three included

a 2 percent increase in employee health insurance contributions, while the fourth proposed a 22.8 percent increase over four years with no change in health insurance contributions. Brindley said the impasse process could last several weeks or several months because there is no established timeline for resolution. A mediator will review comparative regional salary data before a “cooldown” period begins. No mediator had been assigned as of the meeting, though Brindley said the parties could still reach an agreement and end the impasse. The district Continued on page 7

Harrison House Childcare Center Set To Open by End of Year “My family and I are most grateful…for the enormous effort and care that have gone COOPERSTOWN into making the exterior of this new structure assett Healthcare Network’s long so closely resemble the home my parents built anticipated Harrison House Childcare so many years ago,” said Barbara Mulhern. Center is nearing completion, with “We are very proud that it bears my father’s leaders expecting the facility to open before name.” the end of 2026. The project, made possible Bassett leaders say the center is designed through a major partnership with The Clark to meet a critical need for reliable childFoundation, aims to address longstanding care—one that directly affects recruitment, childcare gaps that affect both families and retention and staff well being. the healthcare workforce across the region. “Childcare is incredibly important to Before the ribbon cutting on September Bassett and to the future of our communi26, representatives from Bassett, The ties,” said Staci Thompson, Bassett president Clark Foundation, and the Cullman Child and chief executive officer. “Our caregivers Development Center gathered with commucan only be there for patients when they nity members and the Mulhern family to know their own children are safe, cared for reflect on the building’s history and future. and thriving.” The center is named for the original Harrison In an interview with AllOtsego, Thompson Photo provided by Gabrielle Argo House, home of Dr. Francis F. Harrison, Jane Forbes Clark (center) cuts the ribbon celebrating the soon-to-be-opened emphasized that the center is already influwhose 37 year career at Bassett helped define Harrison House Childcare Center with Barbara Mulhern (center left). Also pic- encing hiring. tured, from left: Richard Eastman, Dr. Henry Weil, Staci Thompson and Amy rural healthcare in Otsego County. “Finding good childcare that people can “Dr. Harrison never lost sight of how Williams. trust is a continued challenge all over the care…are all so strongly intertwined.” important the delivery of quality rural healthservice area,” Thompson said. “When they The new childcare center, located on Bassett’s hear that we will have this childcare facility availcare is in this region,” said Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation and chair of Bassett Coopertown campus at 1 Beaver Street, replicates able, it’s definitely a recruitment draw.” Medical Center’s Board of Directors. “His family, the historic exterior of the Harrison House, a detail The center will be open to any Bassett employee his property, his house, his dedication to rural health- deeply meaningful to the Mulhern family. Continued on page 11 By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST

INSIDE

► political signs stolen, page 2 ► town of middlefield UNPACKS BALLOT, page 3 ► GOOD NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED, page 8 ► swcd ANNOUNCES NEW EXCAVATOR, page 9 ► GLIMMERGLASS MAKING CHANGES, page 11 ► NEW LEADER FOR HARTWICK, page 11 ► CAST YOUR VOTE FOR MCMANUS, page 14 Follow Breaking News On

Exhibit Unites Generations of Hartwick College Artists By JAYLEN LAMPRON SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA ork created by 23 artists spanning multiple generations of Hartwick College’s Art and Art History Department is on view at the college’s Foreman Gallery of Contemporary Art this fall, offering Oneonta-area residents a chance to engage with the creative work happening on the Hartwick campus. Photo by Jaylen Lampron “Creating Currents,” the department’s faculty and staff Katharine Kreisher, Hartwick College professor of art, printmaking and art exhibition, draws together photography, is among the artists featured in the “Creating Currents” exhibit through Friday, October 16. current full-time faculty, parttime instructors, department professors in a single show. September 10, is free and open staff, recent interns, and retired The exhibition, which opened to the public through Friday,

October 16. Kim Carr, a Hartwick College alumna and Foreman Gallery’s current gallery and exhibition coordinator, organized the show and said its central theme is generational continuity within the department. “The idea of ‘Creating Currents’ is that there’s this continuity of generations. It’s a big tent idea to try to bring our own personal community together, for the generations,” Carr said during the opening reception on the evening of Thursday, September 17. Carr, who graduated from Hartwick in 1996, personally reached out to former profesContinued on page 9

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, OCTOBER 8, 2026

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Oneonta Presses State on Missing $1M Damaschke Field Grant By Brandon Raul Ramirez SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA long-delayed $1 million state grant for Damaschke Field, a $465,000.00 planning contract and the city’s preparations for the 2027 budget led discussion at the Oneonta Common Council meeting on Tuesday, September 15. During the first public-comment period, resident William Shue asked the city to more fully document its efforts to recover a $1 million State and Municipal Facilities grant awarded in 2018 for improvements at Damaschke Field. The “SAM” grant is administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, or DASNY. After the historic grandstand was demolished in 2019, the council advanced $1 million from the city’s general fund in December 2023 to cover the project, with the expectation that the fund would be reimbursed when the state money arrived. That reimbursement remains outstanding. Shue said city records from December 2023 state that the grant would not be honored, but do not identify who supplied that information or explain why the money would not be awarded. He said DASNY records confirm the award and the associated

project, listed as SAM No. 14364, although the disbursement agreement remains unexecuted. He urged the city to obtain DASNY’s complete project file, including correspondence and documents concerning the grant’s status, and proposed a phased recovery and accountability plan to establish a record of the city’s follow-up. “One million dollars is too much money for a city of Oneonta’s size to simply write off,” Shue said. Mayor Daniel Buttermann said the city is already pursuing the issue at the state level. He said his office is in active discussions with state Sen. Peter Oberacker, whose office is prioritizing the grant among older outstanding SAM awards. Buttermann said the grant remains active in the state pipeline and, based on the city’s current understanding, no immediate council action is required. In other business, the council awarded Fisher Associates two planning contracts totaling no more than $465,000.00. The firm will update the city’s Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan under a contract capped at $135,000.00 and prepare a Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan under a contract capped at $330,000.00. The city received seven proposals and interviewed three finalists. The $480,000.00 overall program is

supported primarily by state Department of State grants, with $48,000.00 in local matching funds from the general fund balance. Public outreach is expected to begin shortly. The comprehensive plan is due by July 31, 2028, and the brownfield plan by September 30, 2028. The council also approved a fiveyear agreement with FirstLight Fiber for cloud-based telephone and communications service at 11 municipal locations. The estimated monthly cost is $2,671.20, or $160,272.00 over five years. City documents project monthly savings of $448.52 and total savings of $26,911.20 compared with current spending. Council members also rescinded the previous deputy purchasing agent designation and $1,000.00 stipend, then appointed Administrative Specialist Brittany Mykytyn Lobb to the role effective September 16 with a $2,500.00 annual stipend. The higher amount reflects expanded procurement, bidding, training and modernization duties, according to documents shared by the council. During a 2027 budget workshop, members reviewed comparisons compiled from state comptroller data. They agreed that a 29-city comparison was too broad and asked staff to focus on roughly six to eight municipalities with more comparable structures,

including Oneida, Norwich, Cortland, Glens Falls and Geneva. Finance Director Virginia Lee also reviewed the tax roll. Of the city’s 3,563 parcels, 6.43 percent are fully tax-exempt, but those properties represent about 45 percent of total assessed value, largely because of colleges, hospitals and nonprofit institutions. Lee said those institutions have an outsized effect on the local economy and city finances. “If the colleges were not here…we would have to replace that assessment with over 2,000 average residential properties and over 800 average commercial [properties],” she said, pointing to the pandemic as an example of how institutional changes can affect city revenue. The discussions carry implications for taxpayers, redevelopment and the city’s ability to recover money already advanced for Damaschke Field. Staff will continue work on the state grant and refine the peer-city analysis as the 2027 budget process moves forward. The Common Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, in City Hall. 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.

Coop Trustee Reports Political Signs Stolen, Files Police Complaint By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST COOPERSTOWN ichard Sternberg, a Cooperstown village trustee and supporter of Otsego County sheriff candidate Mike Stalter, has filed a complaint with the Cooperstown Police Department after campaign signs supporting Stalter were removed from his property. According to Sternberg, two campaign signs were taken from his lawn sometime during the night of September 8 and were discovered missing the following morning. The signs

were located along State Route 80 near the entrance to the village, a location Sternberg said provides high visibility for political messaging. “Somebody came and took two political signs,” Sternberg said. “Obviously, they don’t like the candidate, or they want the other candidate. Or they may even be related to the other campaign. You don’t know.” While Sternberg acknowledged that campaign sign theft is not uncommon during election season, he said the incident still raises concerns. He argued that tampering with signs serves little purpose.

“It’s ridiculous, and it shouldn’t be going on,” he said. “It’s not right, and it’s not going to change anybody’s opinion.” Although he acknowledged the chances of identifying those responsible are slim, Sternberg said he intends to pursue legal action if future incidents occur and evidence is obtained. “If we see somebody doing it again, I hope to get photographs, and I personally will press charges,” Sternberg said. “I would do it, because it’s ridiculous and it shouldn’t be going on.” Sternberg also stressed that

political disagreements should never escalate into disputes between neighbors or members of the community. “They can put out whatever signs they want on their property, I can put whatever signs I want on my property,” he said. “Go for it, but don’t get into a fight over it.” In response to the complaint, Jess Lanza, officer-in-charge of the Cooperstown Police Department, said his team has an increased awareness of temporary political signage throughout the village. “We have advised patrols to monitor all temporary signs

while on routine patrol and ensure they are correctly placed on private properties,” Lanza said. “There have been no additional reports of signs being taken within the village.” Lanza added that protecting political expression remains a priority for law enforcement. “All citizens have the right to free speech and we want to do everything we can to protect that,” he said. As election season enters its final stretch, Sternberg said he hopes public awareness of the incident will discourage similar acts from occurring elsewhere in the community.

Oneonta NAACP, GOHS Announce Gravesite Unveiling on Oct. 10 WEST BURLINGTON he Oneonta Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will partner with the Greater Oneonta Historical Society on Saturday, October 10 to unveil a newly-restored gravesite

at the West Burlington Cemetery, 2417 State Route 80, Burlington Flats. The unveiling ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the site of the original gravestone and its new replica marker for York, a formerly enslaved person in Otsego

County. According to a press release, York was born in Africa and won his freedom sometime during his life. As a free man, he owned property in Otsego County and lived as a respected member of his local Baptist church and community until his

death in 1807 at the age of 60. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will include remarks from Oneonta NAACP Former President Lee Fisher, Community Foundation of Otsego County Executive Director Jeff

Katz, Project Co-coordinator Dr. Matthew Hendley and other special guests. This gravesite restoration project was funded by the Oneonta NAACP, with the help of an Otsego County Cemetery Restoration Fund grant from the CFO. In

the press release, the Oneonta NAACP gives special thanks to Cherry Valley Memorials for creating the replica gravestone, and Alpine Engraving for engraving the commemorative plaque that accompanies it.

Member Spotlight: Willis Monie Books

Member Spotlight: Fenimore Chamber Orchestra

Walk into Willis Monie Books and it may take you a moment to take it all in. Books fill shelves from floor to ceiling. They are stacked on tables and tucked into seemingly every available corner. Wander far enough into the maze and you will eventually find the desk and, most likely, Emily Baker somewhere among the books. When asked what makes Willis Monie Books unique, Emily’s answer is wonderfully simple: “It’s a lot.” And it is. There are approximately 127,000 cataloged titles, but that number only begins to tell the story. Upstairs, among the stacks, there may be closer to half a million books. All of them are used, covering an extraordinary range of subjects and interests, from contemporary authors to an especially extensive baseball collection and a large collection devoted to New York State. Photo provided For Emily, however, Willis Monie Books is more than a business. Baker walking through the stacks. It has been part of her life for almost as long as she can remember. As a child, her parents would offer their children a treat for being good after church. Her brothers chose Schneider’s Bakery. Emily chose a trip to Willis Monie Books. By 15, she was working at the store, beginning a relationship with the business that would continue through adulthood. Recently, she took the next step, purchasing the bookstore from longtime owner Willis Monie Sr. and ensuring that a Cooperstown institution would continue into its next chapter. The bookstore has been in business since 1979 and in its current location since 1989. Through those decades, it has become the kind of place that is increasingly rare: an independent used bookstore where browsing is part of the experience and you never quite know what you will discover. Emily hopes to build on that history rather than change what people love about it, including eventually bringing more bookbinding and book repair back into the store’s offerings. The store also preserves pieces of local history itself. Willis Monie Books reprinted Ralph Birdsall’s “The Story of Cooperstown” after the book had gone out of print, making the local history title available to readers once again. That connection to Cooperstown extends beyond the shop. Each June, the bookstore runs the Cooperstown Antiquarian Book Fair at the Clark Sports Center, with proceeds benefiting the Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education. Emily serves on the CFEE board and hopes to become involved with the high school’s Battle of the Books program as well. Perhaps what Emily loves most is that Willis Monie Books reflects Cooperstown itself: the wonderful chaos and bustle of summer followed by the slower rhythm of the rest of the year. She loves working alongside her coworkers and continuing to learn the history of the business from Will Sr. Most of all, she wants people to know one simple thing: Cooperstown has a bookstore. It is big, a little chaotic, full of surprises and very much alive. Willis Monie Books is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, call (607) (Sponsored Advertorial) 537-8363 or e-mail wilmonie@wilmonie.com

There is something special about hearing live music in a small space. You can see the musicians communicate with one another, hear the individual instruments come together, and experience the music from just a few feet away. That sense of connection is at the heart of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, a professional orchestra based right here in Cooperstown. Fenimore Chamber Orchestra was Photo provided created from a desire to bring a resident professional chamber orchestra to Cooperstown and the surrounding region. Smaller than a traditional symphony orchestra, a chamber orchestra typically brings together 15 to 30 musicians. The smaller size creates an experience that is both intimate and immediate, combining the richness of orchestral music with the closeness of chamber music. And you do not need to know Beethoven from Dvořák to enjoy it. One thing the orchestra wishes more people knew is that its concerts truly are for everyone. Audience members do not need to recognize the composer, know the piece or understand classical music to be moved by a live performance. Fenimore Chamber Orchestra is committed to making that experience accessible, offering free admission to children, college students and adults for whom the cost of a ticket might otherwise be a barrier. That commitment extends beyond the orchestra’s main concert series. Free family and community performances are an important part of its work, helping bring live classical music to people throughout the region. The orchestra sees itself not only as a performing arts organization, but as an enduring cultural institution that contributes to the civic and cultural life of Cooperstown. In just four years, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra has already presented 32 concerts, welcomed more than 4,000 audience members, and invested more than $500,000.00 in musicians and artistic programs. Those numbers represent impressive growth, but also something larger: The orchestra is becoming an established part of a community that values art, music, history, education and the opportunity to experience them close to home. This year, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra celebrates its fifth anniversary season, “Journeys in Time and Space.” The season began on October 3 at Christ Church Cooperstown with “Open Air, Open Worlds: Serenades & Rags for Winds,” featuring music by Joplin, Beethoven, and Dvořák, with concerts and programs continuing through June. Perhaps the most remarkable part happens before the audience ever takes a seat. Musicians come together only days before a concert, entering an intense period of rehearsing, listening, adjusting and responding to one another. In a remarkably short time, individual professional musicians become one orchestra. To learn more about upcoming concerts, community programs, tickets, subscriptions or ways to support Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, visit fenimorechamberorchestra.org. (Sponsored Advertorial)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Trustees Celebrate Major Grant, Hear Testimony on Proposed Lakefront Redevelopment By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST COOPERSTOWN rom a major infusion of state funding for emergency services to a closely watched redevelopment proposal on Otsego Lake, the Village Board of Trustees’ September 28 meeting touched on several issues poised to shape Cooperstown’s near future. Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh opened the meeting with what she called a “special commendation” for the Cooperstown Fire Department, recognizing its successful application for a $488,211.00 grant from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The grant will fund new self contained breathing apparatus units and portable radios—equipment the mayor described as “critical to the safety of our volunteer firefighters.” “This is an incredible gift,” Tillapaugh said, noting that the department “did 99.9 percent of the work” on the application. She praised Chief William Smith and firefighter Victor Jones, who prepared the submission. “We are so indebted to them for everything they do in our community,” Tillapaugh said. Trustees applauded as Jones and Smith accepted the village’s formal commendation, which emphasized the department’s “dedicated and selfless service” and the importance of modernizing life saving equipment “at no cost to taxpayers.” During public comment, trustees briefly revisited concerns raised by resident Nora Alden regarding products sold at a new Main Street smoke shop. Tillapaugh noted that police had already visited the business—Outta the Park Mini Mart, located at 124 Main Street—and confirmed compliance with state law, which prohibits sales of tobacco or related products to anyone under 21. “Cigarettes, obviously, and this type of material can’t be sold to anyone under 21. That’s the law, and as long as they don’t violate it, they’re allowed to sell this stuff in their store,” she said. The mayor added, “We all on the board had received an e-mail from [Alden] previously. We will refer this to police and zoning again just to respond,” Tillapaugh said. The board then opened three public hearings, including the highly anticipated special use permit application for 63 Lake View Drive North, where owners Stephen and Stacy Caruso hope to demolish and replace an aging lakefront home. Caruso told trustees that he and his wife initially intended to remodel the

existing structure. “We didn’t purchase the property with the intent to tear the house down. Our initial plans were a remodel,” he said. The Carusos’ perspective changed after consulting engineers and architects. “As they learned more about what it would entail to make the updates, they suggested we consider reconstruction. It’s a unique, challenging site,” Caruso said. “The more we learned, the more we felt this was the right path.” Caruso emphasized the project’s focus on stabilizing the hillside. He said the goal is to preserve the natural character of the property. “There’s a lot of trees and shade and that’s what drew us to the property… we wanted to preserve all of that.” The project, he said, must address the entire hillside. “We want to stabilize the hillside. We want to improve drainage. We want to preserve that wood character.” Jim Patrick, a neighboring resident and longtime firefighter, spoke strongly in support of the project, telling trustees, “I would not back a truck over that driveway in its current condition.” He added that the Carusos had been “very thoughtful” and “highly considerate” in their planning. Trustees asked extensive questions about floodplain boundaries, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation jurisdiction, stormwater management and the structural integrity of the slope. Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk noted that the project touches “many lines”— village zoning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, flood maps, DEC wetlands and watershed protections. The board voted unanimously to require the applicants to place $5,000.00 in escrow so the village can hire an independent engineer to evaluate structural, geotechnical and environmental concerns. The public hearing will remain open until at least October 26, when new information is expected. Trustees also discussed delays in several NY Forward projects. Tillapaugh expressed frustration with the lack of responsiveness from project engineers, saying, “We are waiting for a surveyor to come, and we have been waiting for some time now.” Falk added that unanswered e-mails have slowed progress on Pioneer Alley and related downtown improvements. The board approved updates to temporary use permit regulations, continued discussions on compact car parking definitions and reviewed committee reports ranging from public safety to watershed management. The meeting can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=ir5blTw8apM.

Town of Middlefield, LWVCA To Present on Ballot Question MIDDLEFIELD n the November 3 election, residents of the Town of Middlefield will vote on a proposal to change the position of town highway superintendent from an elected to an appointed position. Town officials held two public hearings in the spring on the question, and the Town Board voted unanimously to approve the change. To become law, however, the citizens of Middlefield must now vote to approve the change. The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area and the Town of Middlefield will hold an informational meeting on the ballot question on Sunday, October 18 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Middlefield Town Hall, 3717 County Highway 35. Town Supervisor Ron Morgan and Town

Councilmembers Jeff Woeppel and Kelly Branigan will discuss the pros and cons of the proposal and address any questions. LWVCA member Doreen Del Rosario will serve as moderator for the event. “Town roads are a substantial part of the budget in rural commu-

nities, so any issue related to those expenses deserves careful consideration,” said LWVCA Voter Service Chair Maureen Murray. “We commend the town for making the effort to share this important information with their town, so citizens can make an Continued on page 7

Photo provided

Bill Michaels presents the proceeds of the 2026 Big Squeeze Day to Cancer Services Program workers Jessica Whitney and Rebecca Barringer.

Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard ‘Big Squeeze’ Raises $3,675 FLY CREEK ly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard celebrated its most successful Big Squeeze Day yet, raising $3,675.00 in support of patient services at Bassett Medical Center’s Cancer Center. The funds were donated to the Friends of Bassett and will directly aid cancer patient support services. “We were so very happy to surpass last year’s record-breaking fundraiser with this year’s Big

Squeeze Day supporting Bassett Healthcare,” said Bill Michaels, owner of the mill. “The weather was fantastic, and we sold over 390 gallons of fresh sweet cider, with all proceeds going to Bassett. We thank our many visitors who came out to purchase our cider and support our mission and community.” Held at the peak of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Big Squeeze Day also featured a partnership with the Cancer

Services Program, which provided valuable information on early detection and available community resources. Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard is proud to support critical local healthcare initiatives while sharing its award-winning cider with the community, Michaels said. The Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard, 288 Goose Street, Fly Creek, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, December 20.

Measles Outbreak Prompts State Disaster Emergency ALBANY overnor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order on Monday, October 5 declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states. According to a press release, the Executive Order enables the state to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested, if needed. The governor also received her seasonal flu shot and urged all New Yorkers to receive this year’s flu vaccine to protect against infection. “After reviewing the latest data on

measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease,” Gov. Hochul said. “No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That is why I have taken steps to increase the number of health professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to address the spread of this disease.” The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer measles vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, pharmacists and midwives, Continued on page 7

Member Spotlight: Mountain Magic Market Walk through the door of Mountain Magic Market at 52 Pioneer Street and you’ll find crystals, tarot and oracle decks, books, candles, incense, artwork, locally-made goods, and plenty of other unexpected treasures. But owner Christene Springle will tell you that what she has created is about much more than what is on the shelves. She calls Mountain Magic Market “a market for the soul.” The shop is Cooperstown’s only metaphysical store, offering a welcoming place for people interested in spirituality, intuition, psychic development, nature, and self-care, as well as those who are simply curious. Christene also offers mediumship, tarot and animal communication sessions, and hosts Photo provided workshops, circles, and gatherings throughout the year. CHRISTENE SPRINGLE Owning a shop wasn’t originally part of the plan. Christene began with Mountain Magic Healing Studio in her Westford home, where she offered readings, workshops and other spiritual work. Years later, an unexpected opportunity to take over an existing metaphysical shop made her begin imagining what a retail space of her own might look like. That particular opportunity fell through, but the idea didn’t. Within days, she was at the Cooperstown village clerk’s office and looking for retail space. In some ways, the journey to Mountain Magic Market began much earlier. Christene grew up in the Bronx and was 13 when she first visited The Magickal Childe, a small New York City shop filled with herbs, incense, books, candles, crystals, and things she had never encountered before. She remembers being struck by the smell of the shop and by how mysterious, freeing, and powerful the space felt. She returned many times over the years and still wears a pentacle she purchased there. Today, she sometimes thinks about that 13-year-old when visitors walk into Mountain Magic Market and comment on how wonderful the shop smells. Unlike the dark, curtained spaces she remembers from decades ago, her own shop is intentionally bright, colorful, open and welcoming. That sense of welcome extends beyond shopping. Mountain Magic Market hosts a monthly book club, The Seer’s Table psychic development workshop, Tarot Practicum, Dream Circles and other programs. Christene is also beginning to bring additional teachers, authors, and creators into the shop, expanding the market as a place where people can gather, learn, and explore different ideas and traditions. October is an especially fitting month to visit. On Sunday, October 11, Ye Dhamma Horasat will present an introduction to Traditional Thai Astrology, followed by the annual “Listening Hour: Ghost Stories at Twilight” on Friday, October 23. Author Avian Swansong will visit November 8, with additional seasonal programming planned through the end of the year. For Christene, one of the most rewarding parts of Mountain Magic Market is seeing the relationships that have developed there: customers returning, friendships forming, people discovering a new interest or simply finding a place where they feel comfortable being themselves. “Mountain Magic Market is unapologetically magical, a little quirky, sometimes a little weird and welcoming to everyone,” she says. “You don’t have to believe what I believe. You don’t have to know anything about spirituality. You just have to be willing to walk through the door.” Mountain Magic Market is located at 52 Pioneer Street in Cooperstown. Learn more at christenespringlemountainmagic.com or follow the market on Facebook and Instagram. (Sponsored Advertorial)

Perspectives

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL GUEST eDITORial

mAUREEN mURRAY

Be Ready for the Upcoming Mid-term Elections

he November 3rd mid-term elections are less than 30 days away and the League of Women Voters wants citizens to be ready to make their voices heard in the voting booth. The first thing Otsego County voters may notice is that the ballot is long! Following changes in 2023 to New York’s election law, most local officials will now be elected in even years. This year, along with the usual statewide mid-term races—U.S. Congress, governor, lieutenant governor, state comptroller, state attorney general, state senators, and state assemblypersons—voters will also choose town supervisors and council members, highway officials, and other local offices. The change will make for a long ballot, but the League of Women Voters is ready to help voters prepare for November 3. Registering to vote is the first step in preparing for Election Day. The League of Women Voters’ VOTE411.org website is an easy-to-use tool that makes registering quick and simple. People who have a New York State driver’s license or a New York State identification card can complete the registration form online. Voters can also download a registration form and mail it to the Board of Elections. Already registered? The League recommends checking your registration status on VOTE411.org to make sure your name is correct and address is

up-to-date. The deadline for registering is Saturday, October 24; voters who need to update their address must return the change by Sunday, October 18 to the Board of Elections. Once voters have registered and verified and updated their registration, the next step is learning about the candidates. Vote411.org also provides a view of a voter’s specific ballot. While knowing who is running is essential, it’s not always easy in these times—when we are bombarded on all sides by political claims and counter claims—to actually choose a candidate. We encourage voters to first consider which issues are most important to them. Is it the environment, inflation, cost of living, local development? People can check election-related stories in local newspapers or on candidates’ websites to see how candidates’ positions align with their own positions on the issues. The League is also planning to provide opportunities for citizens to meet the candidates in person. The LWV Cooperstown will extend invitations to all candidates running in contested elections in northern Otsego County to participate in candidates’ debates. The plan is to have debates for candidates for the county-wide sheriff’s office; county legislators for Districts 6, 7, and 8; and town supervisor in Hartwick (the only contested town election in northern Otsego).

Plans are also under consideration to collaborate with neighboring Leagues for debates for the 51st Senate District seat between Michele Frazier (D) and Chris Teague (R) and Assembly District 102 candidates Marc Molinaro (R) and Janet Tweed (D). On the ballot in the Town of Middlefield there will also be a proposition to eliminate the highway superintendent as an elected official. The Cooperstown League and the town will hold an informational meeting on Sunday, October 18 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Middlefield Town Hall, where the pros and cons of the proposal will be discussed. The League believes that when voters make a plan to vote they are more likely to actually cast a vote. So, once again this year we will be distributing a “Make a Voting Plan” handout, which includes information on registration and early voting. The idea is that voters can post it on their bulletin boards and refrigerator doors as a reminder of when and where they plan to vote. We want people to be ready to vote and then to commit to voting The handouts will be available in local libraries and at various locations around the county and at the League website (www.LWVCooperstown.org). Maureen Murray is the chair of the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area’s Voter Services Committee.

citizen science

tammy awtry

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream: Ay, But Not To Rest

s the sun completes its westward journey and slips beyond the horizon, night falls. The hustle and bustle of waking hours slow, and our brains signal that it is time to sleep. We lie down, close our eyes and drift off. From the outside, our sleeping bodies are a picture of tranquility and calm, but looks can be deceiving. Inside, our brains tell a slightly different story. Sleep is divided into two broad categories based on whether our eyes move (rapid eye movement sleep; REM) or not (non-rapid eye movement sleep; NREM). Over the course of a night, we will cycle between these two categories four to six times. Most of our time is spent in NREM sleep, which is subdivided into three stages: N1, N2 and N3. The first two stages transition the body from wakefulness to light sleep. During this time, breathing and heart rate slow. Body temperature begins to drop and brain activity quiets. Our brain creates a sensory barrier to the outside world, ignoring sounds and other stimuli that might wake us. Instead, it turns its focus inward. As we enter N3, we reach the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep. Body temperature has dropped a couple of degrees. Breathing and heart

Photo by Tammy Awtry

The author’s son appears in quiet repose, but there is more to the story.

rate are steady and regular. The activity of the brain’s cells has synchronized and slowed to the point that on an EEG (electroencephalogram)—an instrument that measures the brain’s electrical activity—it looks like large, rolling waves rather than the jagged, irregular spikes seen when we are awake. The brain may be busy restoring and repairing the body, but its activity is controlled and

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

•F

OUNDED

M C

E WIL

Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper

1808 BY

OOP

“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper, or on topics of general local interest. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Maximum length is 300 words; however, the editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.

founded in 1808

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

Tara Barnwell

General Manager / Senior Editor

Darla M. Youngs

Staff Writer: Joshua Youngquist Office Manager: Larissa Ryan Sales Consultant: Randy Christian 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

measured. Inwardly, this stage mirrors how the body appears: restful and at peace. Then everything changes. REM sleep differs so much from what we expect sleep to be that it is called paradoxical sleep. Gone are the slow rolling waves of synchronized brain activity. Instead, on an EEG, the brain looks awake. Neurons fire independently, lighting the brain up with activity. Our brains, almost entirely disconnected from the outside world, build a picturesque dreamscape for us to inhabit. Although not restricted to this stage, most dreaming occurs here, especially active, vivid dreams. To prevent us from physically acting out our dreams, we are temporarily paralyzed. Only the skeletal muscles used for breathing and eye movement are spared. Scientists haven’t yet reached a consensus on why the eyes are left free to wander. Some think the eyes move as we navigate our dreams, and the eyes “look” in the direction we are moving in our dreams or are tracking what we are “seeing.” However, fetuses and people blind from birth also experience REM, even though they do not Continued on page 14

Letters to the editor … In their opinION

New York’s Energy Plan Is Misguided We must thoroughly check the impacts of constructing data centers in Upstate New York. These centers require inordinate amounts of energy, water and space to operate. What are the environmental impacts associated? What are the health impacts? Where is the energy going to come from? If data centers want to get built in Upstate New York, they should be obliged to build their own power supplies, not rely on state support to build them, or subsidies to keep them functional. New York has a misguided energy plan, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Plan, that even the authors realize is untenable, and costly. The September 18, 2025 Second CLCPA Informational Report from the New York Public Service Commission confirms that the state is not on track to meet the 70 percent renewable electricity target by 2030, with the PSC tracking compliance, costs and benefits annually. In 2024, the PSC admitted the 70 percent goal would not be

met before 2033, and Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged “collateral damage” from strict enforcement, while business groups pushed for deadline adjustments. The 2025 CLCPA report confirms that: • Deadlines are at risk—the 2030 renewable target is not on track. • The PSC is monitoring compliance and will continue annual reporting to track progress, costs and benefits. • Policy adjustments may be needed to address implementation challenges, as noted in prior NYSERDA and PSC reviews. When the state bodies responsible admit there is a problem, we need to take note. Nektarios Harding Jordanville

A Vote for Riley Is an Easy Choice I’m going to keep this simple. Josh Riley is trying to lower prices for Otsego County residents, but he’s hog tied by the Republican Congress. I just checked: Gas is $4.59 a gallon and ground

beef is still up to $10.00 a pound. Peter Oberacker wants to join Congress to help Trump and his billionaire buddies to keep raking in the cash. The choice is easy. Marc Heller, MD Cooperstown

‘Unsung Heroes’ Get a Volume Two I am pleased to announce that Volume Two of “Cooperstown, NY: Home of the Unsung Heroes” is now at the editor. This volume has more pages than the first, as we worked hard to include as many veterans as possible and we were able to find some Revolutionary War soldiers to add to this book in honor of America250. This will be the last book of its kind in the series. $30.00, prepaid orders only this time. I will be purchasing only the number of books that are prepaid. There will be no extra copies and the book will not be available any other way. To check if your family members are included in the book, as we used public information from newspaper artiContinued on page 12

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

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

community foundation of otsego county

Fall Awards Target Hunger, Food Insecurity

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

185 YEARS AGO

Phoenix Factory Stock—At a meeting of the Trustees of the Phoenix Cotton Manufactory, held at the office Robert Campbell in the Village of Cooperstown on the tenth Day of September, in the Year of our Lord, One thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-One, present Robert Campbell, Sherman Page, Eben B. Morehouse, Trustees: Resolved, that a call be made on the Stockholders of the Company of thirteen dollars and eighty cents on each share of Stock held by them respectively, to be paid to the Agent of the said Company at their Factory Store in Middlefield, on or before the fifteenth day of November next, under the penalty of their forfeiting their said shares of Stock and all previous payments made thereon. Peleg H. Kent, Agent October 4, 1841

160 YEARS AGO

The County Fair—It is doubtful that the display of stock was ever surpassed. The show of Cattle is large; every Sheep pen is filled for the first time; a small show of Swine; entries of Horses larger than usual; of manufactured articles, Wagons &c., a fair display; the Dairy was better accommodated this year, and made a good show; if it had not been for the luscious grapes of Mr. Bunyan and others, the Fruit stand would have attracted no notice whatever; there were several coops of beautiful Fowls and room for more; the display of Flowers was splendid. The patent hop poles by Roberts and Badger attracted much attention. October 5, 1866

135 YEARS AGO

Hop Production and Trade—The United States is one of the largest producers as well as consumers of hops. Our output is probably not as large as that of Germany, but the major part of the surplus of both countries is required to supply the deficiency of England. New York and California are the largest producers of hops in this country. The cultivation of hops requires a large amount of labor and care. Consequently, we are at a great disadvantage in competing with European countries, where the price of labor is a small element in the cost of production as compared with ours. It is one of the most uncertain crops which we produce hence the inducements offered for its cultivation are limited. Reports in regard to the condition of the crop in New York are not encouraging. October 1, 1891

60 YEARS AGO

Golden weddings—Recent actuarial studies show that one out of every three young couples in Otsego County who are being married this year will live to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. According to insurance industry statisticians those odds will get even better as progress made by medical science, year by year, extends human life span on average. October 5, 1966

35 YEARS AGO

There is now only one member of the Cooperstown football team who has experienced a varsity win. But, it is difficult for senior center Mike Calhoun to recall the details. All he can remember was that Waterville was the opponent and 14-12 was the final score. And, one other thing—that was three years ago. “Three years ago,” Calhoun said, “that’s tough.” The Cooperstown losing string now stands at 19 in a row. October 2, 1991

20 YEARS AGO

Charlie Michaels, present-day founder of the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, won two blue ribbons several weekends past at the biannual convention of the International Society of Apple Parers in Syracuse, competing with apple parers from around the world. He was elected president of the society for the next two years. October 6, 2006

Solution: “Doin’ the Celebrity Shuffle” (October 1)

unger in Otsego County is widespread and growing. Cuts in federal programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits scheduled for November will affect 13 percent—or nearly 8,000—of the county’s residents. Current economic instability adds further uncertainty. In response, the Community Foundation of Otsego County opened its Fall Awards cycle on September 19 for programs related to family and child welfare, with a focus on food insecurity. The application period ends at midnight on Wednesday, October 23. To raise more funds to address the food insecurity issue, CFOC introduced “Feed Otsego” as part of this year’s Mohawk Valley Gives fundraising campaign. The idea was that funds raised during “Feed Otsego” would be added directly to the Fall Awards. With $10,000.00 matches from the Edward W. Stack Family and Edie and Pat Yinkey funds at CFOC, NYCM Insurance, and an anonymous donor, “Feed Otsego” raised a remarkable $50,000.00. That allowed us to increase the Fall Awards allocation to $150,000.00. We also consulted experts for ideas on addressing today’s challenges. Here are their thoughts: • Give support to reduce the effect of cuts in federal and regional food programs, such as SNAP. • Give support to reduce the effect of new governmental requirements for food pantries, such

as new requirements on food safety practices. • Help SNAP and Medicaid recipients meet new work reporting requirements, through more disability screenings, jobs programs and volunteer placements. • Create or expand school-based food programs, including school breakfast and afterschool snack/ supper participation. • Focus on new or expanded healthy eating programs. • Provide for new or increased need for hygiene products or other necessities not covered by governmental programs. • Better address transportation issues for both food and people. • Improve coordination among food charities. • Reduce food waste, including through more localized food processing. • Develop new ideas to meet growing needs and aid nonprofit capacity building. These examples cover a wide range of application types, but other programs may fit as well. CFOC thanks its partners—the Mildred Parish Foundation at CFOC, the Black Family Foundation, the Black Family Foundation Fund at the Richland Community Foundation, and the Tianaderrah Foundation—for their support of this vital investment in our community’s health. More information on the cycle can be found at cfotsego.org/fall-2026-awards-cycle/. For any questions, contact Jeff Katz at jeff@cfotsego.org. Jeff Katz is the executive director of the Community Foundation of Otsego County.

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTORIAL By MERL REAGLE

White Open Spaces… Oh, give me words, lots of words ACROSS 1 Experiences follicle fallout 6 Agriculture secretary, 1971-76 14 Determinant 20 Some income outgo 21 Hardly any 22 Like a farm animal 23 Like a farm animal 24 Just-baked item 25 Really groovy? 26 Furry favorites 27 Batch of new furry favorites 28 Prince Harry’s mom 30 10-10, for one 31 Peel 32 Garden worry 33 Galactica’s patriarch 34 Uma’s role in The Producers 35 Actress Gasteyer 36 Detach, in a way 37 The Tin Man’s first request 38 Jodie Foster film 39 School of whales 40 Bad-tempered 41 Lengthwise, at sea 43 It’s on the fast track? 45 The heart, for one 46 Kip spenders 49 “ ’Twas ___ I was born” (Shak.) 50 Veteran 52 Run off, in a way 53 Throws in 55 Make hard 56 1970 Beatles hit 57 Staff symbol 58 “Hey you” reply 59 Meat on a stick with Thai peanut sauce 61 Arrived home? 62 Indy sight 64 “Heav’n” has one 66 Mother of Zeus and Poseidon 67 Have ___ the ground 68 What “I wouldn’t be” 69 Singer Johnny’s boy 70 Places for WACs to relax 72 The King James, for example: abbr. 73 Era of the Cuban Missile Crisis 77 Consoling words 79 The going price 80 Water cooler 81 “The Miller’s” or “The Monk’s”

83 Actress Danes 84 Inveigles 85 Taste 86 His Highness, in Qatar 87 Droves 88 Grouses 89 Yield 90 Test the horsepower 91 Cosi fan ___ 92 Shakespearean effort 93 Avis predecessor? 94 Bring out 96 Examined 98 Slangy stadium ticket 99 Cassiterite 100 Orpheus’s heartthrob 101 Unsettling 102 Green coups 103 Made doubly clear 104 Mix DOWN 1 Strike, euphemistically 2 ___ to grind 3 Way off? 4 Slow to understand 5 Wilkes-Barre to Philly dir. 6 Extinct horse 7 One more 8 Tommy who played Jeff on Lassie 9 Like our ears 10 Winter comment 11 Salt Lake City athlete

12 Poppycock the sound of a tree 13 Concerning sky signs being chopped 14 T he French Connection down) costar 58 Aquatic park 15 Bluish-green features 16 Set shout 60 Body extreme 17 Gossip 63 Canadian Indian 18 B eyond the Horizon play65 F rench frigate on which wright the Statue of Liberty was 19 A nnouncement after a card brought over foul-up 66 Robert’s list 27 Woolly 69 Most in need of TLC 29 S tart of a famous palin71 Makes jump drome 73 Covered in Berber 33 G auge reading at a gas 74 Smart aleck station 75 Fossil fuel fallout 34 Like Schubert’s Eighth 76 Won twice in a row 36 Addicts 78 Lair 37 Vigor 79 Super’s concern 41 Certain chocoholics 81 C ylindrical or slightly 42 Fighting, perhaps tapering 44 Cardinal memento 82 F irst name of the author of 45 Smoke shapes Last Flight 47 Old region of Africa 84 J udge who became the first 48 Went over the limit commissioner of baseball, Kenesaw Mountain ___ 50 75 percent of a thousand? 88 F emale students, in old 51 Put ___ (act superior) lingo 53 Rod Stewart’s ex 89 Unrelentingly severe 54 R easonable amount of 91 Flag money, work-wise 92 Terrier island 55 Insignificant domain 57 O scar-winning animated 95 Klink’s rank: abbr. short of 97 Esposito teammate, once 1981 (based on 98 Ball celeb

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

NEWS BRIEFS

Event, Survey Announced COOPERSTOWN—This month marks the return of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce “Business after Hours” program, featuring relaxed gatherings during which attendees have the opportunity to connect with fellow chamber members, meet some new faces and enjoy seasonal snacks. The program kicks off at Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. The chamber would also like to hear from its members as officials work on ideas for strengthening the organization’s membership program—adding more value for members and creating new opportunities for connection, promotion, and support. To this end, members can take a short survey at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLScvSIgDdzh7GGIFBfbAjDWMOyYX KwNnRu93pUkET97PmJQoHQ/viewform to help determine where the chamber should focus its time and resources in the coming year.

Movie Screenings Scheduled ONEONTA—Film Otsego will host two movie screenings in mid-October. The mockumentary “ShizzlyGrark” will be screened at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15 at Gotham City Outpost, located in Oneonta’s Southside Mall. Improv actors, filmmakers and comedians are invited to attend. There will be a roundtable afterward about producing something similar in Otsego County in 2027. The event is co-sponsored by Gotham City Outpost and Greg Klein Presents. Admission is free. Two days later, the sixth annual Shock-toberfest will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for horror movies in the Bettiol Theater. A short horror block featuring local filmmakers and returning favorites is planned from 4-5 p.m., with a question-and-answer session to follow. At 5:45 p.m., the feature film is “Mother of Flies,” made by the Adams-Poser family from Roscoe. Suggested donation is $10.00 per person. Follow @filmotsego on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Chamber Events Planned UNADILLA—The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced a number of upcoming events at its September meeting. On Saturday, October 10, there will be a BSP Sorority Brooks’ Bar-B-Q dinner at Main Street Bridge, Sidney from 10 a.m. until sold out. The Zombie Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 10 a.m. at the RDC Field. The Methodist Church will host a take-out turkey dinner on Monday, November 16 from 4:306 p.m., and the Holiday Parade is set for Friday, December 11 at 6 p.m. The 2026 Annual Fall Fest has been cancelled.

Historical Society To Meet SPRINGFIELD CENTER—The Springfield Historical Society will hold a meeting and presentation on Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. at the Springfield Community Center, 129 County Highway 29A, Springfield Center. The topic of the talk, presented by Suzanne Goodrich and Edie Dayton, will be scrapbooks. This event is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend.

Twin Cities To Reconnect ONEONTA— This month, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will partner with the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum for a collaborative event that will reconnect these twin cities with each other, just like when the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, with its daily freight and passenger trains, used to connect Carbondale, Pennsylvania and Oneonta many years ago. CHSM members will make a day trip to the Oneonta History Center and Museum, 183 Main Street, on Saturday, October 17 to tour the museum and various historical Oneonta railroad sites. The visit will entail gathering at the History Center and Museum at 11 a.m. for greetings and discussion before heading down to Market Street to tour the D&H station—formerly Stella Luna Ristorante, 58-60 Market Street—around 12:30 p.m. Next, attendees will make their way across the railroad tracks to Neahwa Park, where the historic A&S Red Caboose doors will be open for viewing. The program will end with a late lunch at the Depot Restaurant and Tavern, once the U&D Train Depot, around 3 p.m. According to a press release, Oneonta has a long history of some of its most recognized families relocating here from Carbondale, including the Cerras, Dragos, Ritchkos, Scorzafavas, Russos, Scavos, Giardinas, Vergaris and more. Those who have family members that used to work for the D&H or have family connections between Carbondale and Oneonta are invited to take part. To register for this event, call (607) 432-0960 or e-mail GOHS Executive Director Dr. Marcela Micucci at directormn@oneontahistory.org. The deadline to RSVP for this program is Friday, October 16. To stay updated on this event, visit the GOHS website at www.oneontahistory. org, or follow their social media pages.

OMS Receives State Grant ONEONTA—Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $1.5 million in state funding to support two projects that will strengthen access to recre-

ational opportunities and health services for the Mohawk Valley community. A $500,000.00 grant will support the creation of a new school-based health center at Oneonta Middle School, and an additional $1 million grant was awarded to advance the SFM Skatepark Project in the City of Rome. “Every community deserves an opportunity to thrive and that means investing in areas to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers,” Gov. Hochul said. The Oneonta City School District will convert existing classroom space into a reception area, nurse’s station, practitioner office, patient exam rooms and storage space. According to a press release, the project will also improve the building entrance and nearby hallways to make the new health center more accessible. Construction will include demolition and reconfiguration of the existing space, along with plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, masonry, and other renovation work. The new center will support medical, mental health and dental services for students. The school-based health center will provide students with easier access to care during the school day while reducing the need for families to travel elsewhere for routine services. The project will also give the district a dedicated space to coordinate care and support student health and wellness. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will administer the state grant.

Rhythm Future Quartet To Play COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Concerts will present an afternoon of live music with Rhythm Future Quartet, one of the most sought-after Gypsy jazz ensembles in North America. This show has something for everyone, organizers said, with toetapping, bouncy rhythms and melodic improvisation. The performance will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 18 at Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Route 80, Cooperstown. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org. Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $10.00 for students with a college ID and youth ages 6-18. Children under 6 are admitted free.

Garden Club Giveaway Slated ONEONTA—Members of the Oneonta Garden Club will be on hand on from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 17 at the Oneonta Farmers Market to give away free bags of multi-color daffodils to area residents. The daffodils are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. This community beautification project is supported by a grant from the Future for Oneonta Foundation.

Caregiver Conference Is Free COOPERSTOWN—The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold a free conference on Tuesday, November 3 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, to provide education and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers and professionals. “We invite caregivers to step away for a moment to care for yourself, gain some valuable education and support, and collect useful resources for your caregiving journey,” said Andrew DeLollo, senior director of programs for the Northeastern New York Chapter. The conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sessions will include: “Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias: What We Need to Know,” “Communicating Effectively and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors,” and “When the Cup Runs Low: Tools for Managing Stress and Restoring Balance.” The conference is free and lunch will be provided. Interested individuals can register by visiting bit.ly/CooperstownConf26 or calling (607) 206-4514. The Goldberg Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this event and the conference is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, along with local resources for caregivers, call (800) 272-3900 or visit alz.org/northeasternny.

Contaminated Raw Milk Found ALBANY—New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently warned consumers in Oneida County and the surrounding area not to consume unpasteurized raw milk from Big Brook Farm due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Big Brook Farm is located at 6063 Weaver Road, Lee Center. To date, no illnesses have been reported to the department associated with this product. A sample of the milk collected by an inspector from NYSDAM was discovered to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. On September 24, the producer was notified of a preliminary positive test result. Further laboratory testing, completed on September 29, confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the raw milk sample. The producer is now prohibited from selling raw milk until subsequent sampling indicates that the product is free of harmful bacteria. NYSDAM recommends that any consumers who purchased raw milk from Big Brook Farm immediately dispose of it and call the farm at (315) 281-5306. Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, which can be a serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, cancer patients, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. It

can also cause short-term, flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in healthy people. It is important to note that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization, NYSDAM officials said. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a specific amount of time, killing the bacteria responsible for numerous illnesses and diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and brucellosis. Pasteurization of milk is recognized internationally as an effective means of preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including listeriosis.

Fall Book Sale Is Oct. 16-18 HARTWICK—Book lovers and bargain hunters can mark their calendars for the Kinney Memorial Library’s upcoming weekend book sale, offering a “massive selection of gently used books, media, and more at unbeatable prices,” organizers said. The sale will take place over three days—Friday, October 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to noon—at The Meeting House, 3080 County Road 11, Hartwick. Attendees can browse a wide assortment of items with low, affordable pricing: adult fiction books, nonfiction books, and book CDs, $1.00; kids’ chapter books and hardcover picture books, $0.50; pocket paperbacks and DVDs, $0.25; and paperback picture books, $0.10. On Sunday, October 18 the Bag Sale returns, during which visitors can stuff a provided grocery bag with as many books as it can hold for just $5.00. All proceeds from the book sale directly support the Kinney Memorial Library, funding new materials, community programs and library services. For more information about the sale or how to get involved, contact the library at (607) 293-6600.

Potluck Is This Saturday FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, will host a “Second Saturday Community Dinner/Potluck” on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Chili, salad, and bread will be provided, and participants are invited to bring an optional dessert or side dish. “All are welcome, bring a friend,” organizers said.

Exhibit Receives Refresh COOPERSTOWN—As the 2026 Major League Baseball Postseason gets underway, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Autumn Glory” exhibit, located on the museum’s third floor, has been refreshed. New artifacts, documents, and photos tell the story of the modern World Series— starting in 1903—as well as pre-World Series era champions, Championship and Division Series moments, and title-series history from additional leagues. Artifacts now on display in “Autumn Glory” include: the last-out ball from the 1986 World Series, signed by Gary Carter and Jesse Orosco of the World Champion Mets (on loan to the museum); the trophy presented to the Homestead Grays, the 1940 champions of the Negro National League (on loan to the museum); and one half of the jersey literally torn off Cardinals third baseman David Freese after he clouted his walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, among others. The “Autumn Glory” exhibit will be updated again following the completion of the World Series with artifacts from the 2026 Postseason. Admission to “Autumn Glory” is included with regular museum admission. For more information, visit baseballhall. org or call (888) 425-5633 or (607) 547-7200.

Barn Tax Credit Talk Is Thurs. ONEONTA—The New York State Barn Tax Credit Program helps property owners preserve historic barns, carriage houses, and carriage barns by providing a state income tax credit for approved repair and rehabilitation. There will be an information session on this program on Thursday, October 8 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 258 Main Street, Oneonta. The session, co-sponsored by the city’s Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission and Otsego 2000, is free and open to the public. The presenter is Otsego 2000 Executive Director Ellen Pope. Pope will introduce the basics of the Historic Barn Tax Credit program, including which buildings built before 1946 qualify, such as carriage barns, repairs to which are considered qualifying expenses, and how to apply for the credits. For more information, contact lhp@oneonta.ny.us.

Theater Partners with Shelters MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater is teaming up with two area animal rescues for an action-packed community adoption and donation drive as it presents “Dog Mom” by Tate Elizabeth Hanyok Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25. According to a press release, “Dog Mom,” directed by Michelle Macau, “delivers a witty, hilarious, and deeply relatable look at modern pet culture, celebrating the unconditional bond between humans and their four-legged family members. But The Open Eye Theater is taking the celebration off the page and into the real world.” Theatergoers can make a direct impact on local homeless pets as Open Eye Theater partners with Continued on page 14

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Measles

Ballot

and in addition to physicians, also allows nurses to order testing. Monday’s announcement builds on the state’s ongoing measles response efforts, including the launch of a Measles Dashboard allowing the public and healthcare officials to track local health risks and raise awareness about measles. In addition to clinical education and guidance for providers, epidemiological support for case investigation and contact tracing, and expedited laboratory testing, the State Department of Health continues to support local health departments with vaccines, community outreach efforts to increase awareness, data analytic support, and clinically accurate and culturally meaningful immunization education. According to reports, as of October 3 there have been seven confirmed cases in New York City and 101 in New York State outside of New York City for 108 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases. Since July 15, there have been 92 cases reported among under-immunized, rural communities in 18 counties. Since then, local health departments have administered more than 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine across rural areas of New York State, officials said. Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can be shared to prevent more infections. All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines and be aware of health advisories if traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children. Infants 6 to 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection before travel or if they are otherwise at risk of being exposed. Visit https://www. health.ny.gov/diseases/ communicable/measles/ for information about measles, current case numbers, immunization data and information for providers. To read the Executive Order, visit https://www.governor. n y. g o v / s i t e s / d e f a u l t / files/2026-10/eo-65measles.pdf.

informed choice. The event is open to the public and all Middlefield residents are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. A copy of the proposed local law is available at the Middlefield Town Office and on the town website, www.middlefieldny.org.

Continued from page 3

Oneonta

Continued from page 1 receives labor relations services through ONC BOCES, but the process could carry additional costs. The board discussed the negotiations after returning from an executive session on collective bargaining. Brindley said he remained confident that the district and clerical unit would continue working toward a resolution. Two community members also urged the district to address pay and working conditions for long-term teaching assistants, or LTAs. Andrew Eggler, of Fonda Avenue, raised

concerns about pay equity among long-term substitutes. He said a newly hired LTA had been brought on at a salary roughly $10,000.00 higher than what other LTAs receive. Eggler said that when he previously asked to negotiate his own salary, he was told it was not possible because LTAs are covered under a bargaining agreement. He asked the district to explain how the new employee’s compensation was established. Karen Moran, of Chestnut Street, said she worked as an LTA for 23 years before retiring and returned to the district last year after about a decade away. She said the student population has grown “much more violent,” noting that her daughter is routinely bitten or hit in her classroom. Moran asked whether the district should consider additional “combat pay” for LTAs to aid recruitment. The board took no immediate public action on the comments. Under district meeting procedures, board members generally do not respond during the public-comment period, with follow-up handled by the appropriate

administrator. Transportation staffing was another focus. The board approved a new full-time driver/mechanic position, a 40-hour, 12month Civil Service role intended to ease a shortage of substitute drivers. Officials said the district mechanic and safety compliance officer has had to cover daytime bus routes. Full-time driver Brian Quintana Diaz resigned from that position but was appointed as a substitute driver. Officials said daily ridership, historically about 900 students, has returned to normal levels. The district plans to use the MyRide K12 app and bus-tracking tablets to confirm ridership earlier next year. Four new buses have arrived but are awaiting state inspection. The board also approved certified and noncertified Personnel Memorandum 2026-13. The actions included the November 30 retirement of longtime teaching assistant Suzanne Hammond-Moore, the appointment of six substitutes, and the designation of Abigail Losie, Amber Wiltsie, Melinda

Murdock, and Joseph Ballard as lead evaluators under the district’s annual professional performance review process. In a facilities update, Brindley said library projects at Greater Plains and Riverside schools were not yet operational because manufacturer backlogs delayed millwork. Contractors received access to the spaces several weeks before the previous school year ended, and completion is now expected in late December or January. Auditorium renovations remained on track for late December. Business Manager Kellie Renwick told the board that the Town of Oneonta’s total property assessment increased by approximately $90 million, shifting a larger share of the school tax

burden to town property owners and easing the share paid by city property owners. In addition, the board approved crosscontracts with South Kortright, Stamford, and Charlotte Valley central schools, a natural-gas agreement, and a transition services contract with The Arc Otsego. The district also remains without an athletic trainer after its provider, Bassett Healthcare, lost its longtime practitioner to retirement. Until a replacement begins, injured studentathletes must see their own physicians, while student accident insurance remains in place. 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.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

GOOD NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED White Makes Podium at Masters Road Race MILWAUKEE r. Brian White has once again found himself on the podium at the USA Cycling National Championship Masters Road Race. A Cooperstown local and chief of interventional pain management for the Bassett Healthcare Network, White finished fourth in the Men 60-64 race. The event was held on July 1 in Fall River, Wisconsin. The five lap, 55-mile race was held on an 11mile rolling course about 90 minutes northwest of Milwaukee and race day conditions were hot and windy. The Masters race was won by Californian Patrick Heaney, who is currently the number one ranked rider in the U.S. in the Men 60-64 age group. Last year’s

winner, Oklahoman Chris Carlson, was second, followed by Guy Preston in third. White and Carlson were the only two riders earning spots on the 2026 championship podium to repeat after podium appearances in 2025. Early in the race, White and Heaney were in a four-man break for about 15 miles. The breakaway built up nearly a one-minute lead according to White, but was caught by the field by about the 30-mile mark. Roughly 10 miles later, a second, two-man breakaway featuring Heaney escaped the field and built a one-minute time gap. Carlson made a solo attack from the field and was able to bridge the gap to the two-man escaped group and the three riders survived the heat to finish clear of the field.

With about eight miles to go, White also made a solo attack and fought to create a 30-second gap over the field, fighting with the heat, hills, and his pursuers to hold on and finish fourth. “Those last eight miles were hard, really hard. This is the hardest fight I can ever remember for a fourth-place finish,” White noted after the race. “I thought my day was done after the early break that Patrick and I were in got caught by the field,” White continued. “After that early break effort my legs seemed a bit cooked. I wasn’t convinced I had another deep effort left in me.” Rolling into the last lap, White said, “I thought I would give it a go as we started the climbs on the back side of the course. I was able to get a good gap

Dr. Brian White

over the field and then worked really hard to build on that lead.” “Given the level of effort today, I am really pleased with the result,” White reflected. “The guys in front of me have demonstrated time and again that they are the top guys in the country, so to be competitive with them is great.”

Yerdon-Putnam Family Gathers for 78th Annual Reunion ONEONTA n Sunday, July 26, four generations of the descendants of Floyd and Myrtle (Putnam) Yerdon gathered for the 78th annual reunion at Fortin Park in Oneonta. Fifty-seven relatives enjoyed Brooks’ barbecue chicken and many homemade side dishes and desserts. Following the meal, an auction was held by family auctioneer David E. Yerdon with his wife, Linda, assisting.

The eldest family member was David E. Yerdon of Cherry Valley, son of George Senior and Flossie (Kane) Yerdon. His great-grandson Avery Wooden, son of Bryce and Abbey Wooden and grandson of Kimberly (Yerdon) Wooden, was the youngest family member present. Graham Wooden, son of Kimberly (Yerdon) Wooden, and his wife, MacKenzie (Swantak) Wooden, celebrated their wedding on July 6, 2026. Jimmy and Lexi LaDue

were joined in marriage on May 30, 2026. Jimmy is the son of Carrie (Short) LaDue and Don LaDue, the grandson of Robert and Betty Short, and great-grandson of Wava (Yerdon) Snyder and Richard Snyder. Floyd Camp, of Indiantown, Florida, passed away on July 12, 2026, just before his 94th birthday, with his beloved wife Joan Camp by his side. Floyd is the son of Irene (Yerdon) Daniels and the oldest grandson of Floyd and

Myrtle (Putnam) Yerdon. Tom Armstrong passed away on July 24, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Wanda (Yerdon) Armstrong, father of Brenda ArmstrongMerena and Adam Armstrong, grandfather of Brenna Suwek, Emma Armstrong, and Elise and Ethan Merena, and greatgrandfather of Trenton and Charlotte Suwek. Megan (Wilmot) Richards and her husband, AndyRichards,welcomed a baby boy named Everett

James Richards on April 13, 2026. Traveling the longest distance from Orlando, Florida was Jennifer (Madison) Protasowicki, daughter of Jim Madison and Althea (James) Madison, and her daughter, Miah, greatgranddaughter of Edna (Yerdon) Madison and Ray Madison. Other relatives attending were from Cherry Valley, Cooperstown, East Springfield, Richfield Springs, Oneonta, Syracuse, Delhi, Ballston

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Spa, Massachusetts, West Winfield, Cohoes, Fort Plain, Troy and Cobleskill. The family with the most members present was the family of David E. Yerdon, with four generations and 19 members attending. The reunion committee of Lori Rausch and Kimberly Wooden and family will continue for the 79th Yerdon Putnam Reunion on Sunday, July 25, 2027. Submitted by Kimberly (Yerdon) Wooden.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Otsego County SWCD Obtains Excavator through $200K Grant OTSEGO COUNTY he Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District, in coordination with the Otsego County Highway Department, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, the Fulton and Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and various other local, city, village, and town authorities, has procured a Volvo EC140EL excavator for stream and environmental remediation projects within Otsego County. According to a press release, this is the culmination of a years-long effort to obtain such a piece of equipment to facilitate conservation efforts in Otsego County. Like many other regions of New York State, Otsego County has suffered numerous issues pertaining to flooding and stream erosion, officials explained. These issues have affected many communities within the county, making transportation and communication with the rest of the region, and even the state, difficult. The SWCD staff often gets calls from some of the more isolated townships and hamlets regarding stream and culvert washouts and how to solve this problem. Simultaneously, said environmental restorative projects can prove very costly for municipalities that don’t have the equipment, budget or the expertise for such work. “It gets very disheartening, seeing these small communities requesting help and me telling them that there is

Exhibit

Continued from page 1 sors who have remained in the area and invited them to participate. “There’s quite a few of the artists that still live in the area. So, I wanted to make sure we could all welcome them back,” she said. The September 17 opening reception attracted visitors of all ages to the Anderson Center for the Arts: family and friends of participating artists, colleagues from other area institutions, and community members drawn by the work itself. The Foreman Gallery, Hartwick’s central contemporary exhibi-

Photo provided

Otsego County Highway Superintendent Richard Brimmer, Otsego County SWCD District Manager Christos Galanopoulos and Chris Eaton from Alta Equipment Property show off the new Volvo EC140EL excavator.

not much we can do at this moment,” SWCD District Manager Christos Galanopoulos noted, recalling one such instance. He and his technicians get phone calls every year from the county and other municipalities regarding streambank stabilization, culvert resizing and replacement, and emergency stream intervention, he said. In many cases, towns barely have enough to perform their core missions, with any additional funding often going to equipment and building maintenance.

tion space, serves both as a public gallery and as a teaching resource for the department’s studio art and art history programs. The exhibition spans a wide range of media, including ceramics, glass, painting, drawing, digital art, printmaking, photography, works on paper, and traditional and contemporary basketry. Among the standout works on display is a monumental chalk drawing by art professor Richard Barlow, “Time Isn’t After Us,” stretching approximately 156 by 813 inches across a blackboard-painted wall. Art professor Katharine Kreisher contributed printmaking and photography, while art professor

Joseph Von Stengel showcased AI-infused digital art. Retired faculty member Erik Halvorson is represented by a series of blown glass goblets. The exhibition also honors the work and legacy of the late Phil Young, a former member of the department community whose contributions are recognized alongside those of the current and retired artists. For Carr, the show carries a purpose that goes beyond celebrating artistic talent: helping current students understand who their professors are as working artists. “I [have been] talking to a lot of art students since I started this job,

Galanopoulos said any environmental remediation work “often tends to be temporary patches until additional funding is secured by a state grant, hopefully.” “Though this new procurement, we hope that we at least have one avenue to immediately tackle vitally important stream areas that are afflicted with flooding and erosion concerns,” Galanopoulos added. Funding for the excavator was awarded through the Office of the late Senator James Seward and his and they didn’t know who these people were. You need to know who these people are, because it gives a depth to the department,” Carr said. Faculty shows should happen more often, Carr added, “so that students know who is teaching them and they understand them as artists, the practicing artists.” Among those featured in the exhibition is Kylee Hosmer, a recent 2026 Hartwick graduate who returned to the department this year as an intern. Having taken courses with many of the participating faculty, Hosmer said having her work displayed alongside that of her former instructors carries personal meaning.

successor, Senator Peter Oberacker, and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. In tandem, the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, the Fulton County SWCD and especially the Otsego County Highway Department helped with pinpointing the appropriate size of equipment that would work best for environmental work here, officials explained. “While the Otsego County Highway Department does have excavators, they often are too large and cumbersome for stream and wetland work, which often results in them sinking in the ground or failing to go into smaller areas that require such work,” the press release reads. According to Galanopoulos, there are still a few chokepoints regarding stream and environmental restoration within Otsego County. For starters, he noted, there is the permitting process, which can offset work for months— sometimes years. Also, materials such as riprap and other stones cost quite a lot for many of the smaller towns, rendering the need for additional funding. “However,” he said, “the acquisition of this Volvo EC140EL significantly reduces the time and cost of many of these projects; especially with billable and in-kind labor.” For additional information, contact Galanopoulos at galanopoulosc@ otsegosoilandwater.com or by phone at (607) 547-8131, extension 4.

“It means a lot to be able to be here for another year and be able to have my art alongside my professors, who taught me everything I know,” Hosmer said, before adding, “It’s just really fun to be able to see artwork from the retired faculty as well.” Two free lunchtime artist talks were scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition. On October 2, Kreisher, Von Stengel and Barlow discussed their work. A second lunchtime session on the exhibition’s final day, October 16, will feature artists Shawn Everette, Leah H. Frankel and Stephanie A. Rozene. The Foreman Gallery of Contemporary Art is

located in the Anderson Center for the Arts on the Hartwick College campus. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Admission is free. For the Oneonta community, “Creating Currents” reflects the artistic depth that distinguishes Hartwick’s Art and Art History Department—and makes that depth visible to anyone who walks through the gallery doors. 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.

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A-10 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Glimmerglass Restructures Amid Industry-wide Financial Challenges By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST SPRINGFIELD he Glimmerglass Festival has eliminated four year-round positions and converted four others to seasonal roles as leaders confront rising costs, slower post-pandemic audience recovery, and other financial challenges affecting performing arts organizations nationwide. In total, eight positions were affected by the restructuring, which festival officials described as part of a broader effort to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability while preserving its artistic mission. Festival leaders say the changes come in response to rising labor and production costs, slower audience recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, declining annual funding, and the challenges

of maintaining aging infrastructure. According to Robert Ainsley, the festival’s artistic and general director, the challenges facing Glimmerglass mirror those affecting performing arts organizations across the country. “The challenges currently faced by Glimmerglass are systemic across the entire performing arts industry, both nationally and internationally,” Ainsley said. “These challenges are particularly acute for opera, the most complex and collaborative of art forms.” Ainsley acknowledged the impact the restructuring will have on employees and the local community. “We are deeply grateful to all staff members directly affected by these decisions for all their work and service to Glimmerglass,” he said. Among the financial pressures cited by festival lead-

ership are sharply rising operating costs. Glimmerglass reported that health insurance premiums are now 58 percent higher than they were in 2020, while annual increases in New York State’s minimum wage have pushed pay rates for resident artists and apprentices 172 percent higher than they were five years ago. Festival officials said they have already pursued a range of cost-saving and revenuegenerating measures, including dynamic ticket pricing, a $7.5 million 50th Anniversary fundraising campaign, and expense reductions across multiple departments. They also noted that members of the Board of Trustees have committed an additional $1 million in gifts to support the 2027 season. The staff restructuring is one component of a larger strategic planning process being conducted with assistance from the Advisory Board for

the Arts, an industry consulting organization. According to Ainsley, the goal is to develop a fiscally sustainable operating model while maintaining the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. Despite the staffing changes, festival officials emphasized that the 2027 season will move forward as planned. “The 2027 season will take place as announced. Audiences can again expect an exciting summer season of the highest quality opera and musical theater,” Ainsley said. The upcoming season will feature new productions of “Rusalka” and “Into the Woods,” alongside revivals of “The Barber of Seville” and “The Little Prince.” Festival leaders said the mix of new productions and returning favorites is intended to balance artistic ambition with financial sustainability.

Ainsley said community involvement will play an important role in shaping the organization’s future. Festival leaders anticipate holding public forums, surveys, stakeholder interviews and other opportunities for community feedback as the strategic planning process continues. Officials have encouraged patrons, donors and community members to share their thoughts directly with the organization. “The Glimmerglass Festival was founded by and for its community; this will not change,” Ainsley said. While the restructuring marks a significant change for the organization, festival leaders say the ultimate goal is to position Glimmerglass for long-term success while preserving the artistic experiences and community connections that have defined the festival for decades.

Hartwick Celebrates Tradition, Future at Presidential Inauguration By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST ONEONTA ore than 1,300 students, faculty, alumni, trustees, family members and community supporters gathered at Hartwick College during True Blue Weekend to celebrate the inauguration of the college’s 13th president, Laurel Bongiorno, in what college leaders described as both a recognition of new leadership and a celebration of the institution itself. Rather than hosting a standalone inauguration ceremony, Hartwick intentionally incorporated the occasion into its annual True Blue Weekend festivities, a decision Bongiorno said reflected the college’s strong sense of community. “We intentionally made the inauguration part of our True Blue Weekend, rather than a stand-alone event,” Bongiorno said. “Over the course of the weekend, about 1,300 people took part in events and activities across campus as students,

faculty, and staff welcomed alumni, families, trustees, and community members to Hartwick.” The celebration featured many elements of a traditional academic inauguration, including a formal procession and delegates representing nearly 30 colleges and universities. At the same time, organizers ensured the event reflected Hartwick’s unique identity, with students and faculty providing musical performances and local leaders joining the festivities. Among those participating were Alberto Cardelle, president of SUNY Oneonta, and Dan Buttermann, mayor of Oneonta, underscoring the strong relationship between the college and the broader community. “The tone was celebratory, welcoming and forwardlooking,” Bongiorno said. “It was an important moment for the college and for me personally.” Students played a central role throughout the weekend,

welcoming guests, distributing programs, performing during events, and helping showcase campus life to alumni and visitors returning to Hartwick. “Our students had meaningful roles throughout the weekend,” Bongiorno said. “I was so very proud of our students. They represented Hartwick with warmth and enthusiasm, whether they were performing, competing, welcoming visitors or simply attending some of our events and activities.” For Bongiorno, the inauguration represented more than a ceremonial transition. She viewed it as an opportunity to celebrate Hartwick’s history while setting a course for its future. “An inauguration recognizes a new president, but it is also an opportunity for a college to think about what comes next,” she said. “We wanted the ceremony and the weekend to reflect both and we accomplished that.” In her inaugural message, Bongiorno emphasized the

momentum the college has built Hartwick has a strong founin recent years and expressed dation, and we have tremenconfidence in Hartwick’s dous opportunity ahead of future. She pointed to several us,” Bongiorno said. “I am notable accomplishments, excited about where we can go including a transformative together.” $10 million gift from Brent R. As she begins her presiNicklas, which resulted in the dency, Bongiorno said her naming of the Brent R. Nicklas priorities include increasing School of Nursing, as well as enrollment, improving student the successful completion of retention, strengthening the college’s “Together, We philanthropy, ensuring longSoar” fundraising campaign, term financial sustainability which surpassed its original and continuing to enhance the goal by raising $66.5 million. student experience. “We have tangible “A great deal of work reasons for that confidence,” is already underway at the Bongiorno said. “Earlier this college,” she said. “My focus year, Hartwick received a $10 this year is to move that work million gift from Brent R. forward, build on our strengths, Nicklas and named the Brent and identify new opportunities R. Nicklas School of Nursing that will benefit our students in his honor.” and position Hartwick well for She also highlighted the the future.” OCTOBER 1growing – DECEMBER 31, 2020 institution’s academic Looking back on the opportunities, including weekend, Bongiorno said one new graduate programs and of the most meaningful aspects Hartwick’s first MBA program, of the ceremony was being which she said demonstrate surrounded by family, friends, the college’s commitment to and members of the Hartwick preparing students for a rapidly community who helped shape changing world. her personal and professional “My message was that journey. OCTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020

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Bassett

Continued from page 1 across the network, not just those based in Cooperstown. Thompson noted that if capacity allows, Bassett hopes to extend enrollment to the broader community. “We were looking at this point as well as opening it up to the community, if we would have additional availability of slots,” she said. One of the Harrison House Childcare Center’s most innovative features is its three sick care rooms—spaces designed for children with moderate illnesses who cannot attend regular childcare. “It would definitely be something very new for New York in general,” said Amy Williams, director of the Cullman Child Development

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with preschool program“We don’t close for few more” through alter“We can’t take chilming influenced by weather,” Williams said. nating schedules. dren until we have the Montessori principles. “We need to mirror the Construction partner final license,” she said, Williams said the design healthcare model.” Eastman Associates “but we could do tours reflects both developFamilies have expects the building to before it’s completely mental needs and the responded most strongly be finished by late fall, open.” realities of healthcare to the flexible scheduling though licensing from Thompson said the work. options. the Office of Children project reflects Bassett’s “Each age group “If someone’s only and Family Services long term commitment ? Kelly Edge All-Season childAssurance WeatherReady working ? WinterCommandthree Ultra All-Season ? Kelly Edge HT has a lot ?of different days a ? Assurance will determine the exact to strengthening Assurance CT Touring Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROF & SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT ? Wrangler they DuraTrac should only ? Eagle needs,” she ?said. “We’ve week, opening date. care access. ? Wrangler AT Adventure w/Kevlar ? Kelly Winter Access ? Assurance MaxLife ? Winter Maxx 2 ? Kelly Edge AT designed programs need to Fortitude haveHTtheir child noted typical “This new ? Eagle Exhilaratethat , excludes C-Type in ? WinterWilliams ? Kelly Edge HP childcare ? Kelly Safari TSR ? Wrangler Maxx SJ8 are really developmencare three days construction hurdles— center represents exactly ? WinterCommand ? Wrangler TrailRunner AT a week,” tally appropriate.” Williams said. This flex- flooring delays, elevator the kind of investment *By online or mail-inexpands rebate. Rebatesinstallation paid by Goodyear Prepaid Visa® Prepaid Care will run from 6 ibility also and Mastercard state ® orthat helps Card. families build a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday capacity: “Our capacity inspections—but said their lives here,” she said. † ASKbeAN66ASSOCIATE GOODYEAR PLEDGE through Friday, including will kids, but we’llABOUT tours THE will begin as soon30-DAY “It ultimately makes our most holidays. able to Ultra serve quite a ? Assurance as theAll-Season building is ready. entire? region stronger.” Kelly Edge All-Season ? Assurance WeatherReady be ? WinterCommand ? Kelly Edge HT OFFERS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: ? Assurance CT Touring Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROF & SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season ? Wrangler DuraTrac ? Eagle OFFERS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION: Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

A-12 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Letters

Continued from page 4 cles also, feel free to call or send me a message at (607) 287-0877. These books are now part of Cooperstown’s well-deserved history. The final book in the set will be a beautiful collection of letters written by soldiers to their wives, moms, dads, sisters, brothers and loved ones. You are not going to want to miss this one. I couldn’t think of a better way to complete the set. This is Cooperstown’s and the surrounding area’s history of our men and women who fought for our freedom.

I have already begun this volume, and if you would like to submit any letters, you may do so at this time. My address is PO Box 493, Cooperstown, New York 13326. Thank you for your continued support in honoring our local heroes. Joanie Parrillo Toddsville

It’s Time for a Change As you think about casting your vote in our local, county and state races, I hope you will consider where we are now compared to a year ago. I hope you will consider how we got here. A gallon of gas costs

$1.50 more than it did in October 2025. That’s an extra $18.00-$20.00 per average fill-up. Why? Because President Trump started a war in Iran and the Republicans won’t hold him accountable and get us out. Heating and electric costs are through the roof. Last winter, heating oil was $3.50/gallon; now it’s easily $6.00/gallon. Again, this is because of the Republicans’ illconsidered war. How are people going to heat their homes and feed their kids? Why are we looking at data centers when we can’t afford current electric costs? Otsego County’s cost share of food assistance is going to double and

people are going to lose access to the SNAP program. Why? Because the Republicans passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, and that’s what it says to do: cut access and cut federal funding. Farmers are struggling with diesel costs. Over $6.00/gallon! Food costs are higher every week, and it isn’t because the farmers are reaping big bucks. They are not. They are hurting. We are all hurting. Congress is barely in session, and no Republicans are speaking out against this. It’s time for a change. It’s time to vote for change. Kathleen Taylor Cherry Valley

Event Celebrates Chefs, Bounty of the Region COOPERSTOWN tsego 2000 will showcase the bounty of the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market and the talent of area chefs at the Local Foods Local Spirits party on Sunday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. This popular fundraiser for the market features local chefs who will be creating savory and sweet tapas-style tasting bites made with local produce, meat, cheese, honey, and maple syrup from CFM vendors. The event will be held at the farmers’ market, 101 Main Street, in Pioneer Alley. “We are very grateful to the chefs for volunteering their time and talent to celebrate and support the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market,” said Madeleine Zenir, CFM manager at Otsego 2000. Fast Friends will perform and at the event, and there will be a raffle of artisan-made crafts, home goods, skincare, art, and other items you can find at the market. Tickets are $50.00 each and available at www.otsego2000. org, by calling (607) 547-8881, or at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the year-round market.

OBITUARIES

Photo provided

Dorothy E. Amaro

Dorothy E. Amaro 1928-2026

COOPERSTOWN —Dorothy Elizabeth O’Connor Amaro peacefully entered into eternal rest Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, at her granddaughter Kristen’s home in Cooperstown. She was 98. Born September 17, 1928, in Brooklyn, Dorothy was the daughter of Edward V. and Isabelle (Wynne) O’Connor. Dorothy attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy of Brooklyn then later graduated from Fort Hamilton High School. Directly out of school, she obtained a position at The Far East Conference as a secretary where she was often praised for being a fine broth of an Irish woman. Dorothy was then employed as a secretary for Anaconda Copper Mining Company at their offices in Manhattan, a job she was very proud of and excelled at. Following her divorce, she was employed on Long Island as a secretary for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services and then

as the Captain’s secretary for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. She was an excellent secretary and her skill with typing, penmanship, spelling, and grammar were qualities much valued by her employers. In 1962, Dorothy moved from Brooklyn to Wading River and lived there for many years where she loved to spend time on the beach with her children. Upon her retirement in 1993, she moved to Cooperstown where she loved the beautiful historic small village and the accessibility of all the necessities. During her retirement, she volunteered at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and would often fondly recount stories of patients she helped and her co-volunteers that had helped her. Above all, Dorothy was devoted to and loved her family. From a youth she would help take care of younger siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins with love and kindness. Into her adult and elder years she poured her love and generosity into her children and grandchildren and was also fortunate to spend time with her great grandchildren who she absolutely adored. She was known for having an open door with a cup of coffee or tea and being near to the phone if anyone should need her. Dorothy, as a devout Roman Catholic, loved the religious retreats she would attend with her sisters, cousins, and aunts. She was also an avid reader, knowledge seeker, and loved to sit at a table next to a window

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chatting with her loved ones. She was always impeccably dressed and took great pride in her own appearance as well as the appearance of her home. Dorothy will be fondly remembered for being loving, patient, kind, generous to a fault, having a wonderful sense of humor, a quick intelligent mind and for being a stunning beauty. Dorothy was preceded in death by her former husband, Edwin Amaro, who died June 25, 1995; a daughter, Susan Elizabeth Amaro, who died March 8, 2007; and 4 siblings, her older brother, Edward V. O’Connor, and younger siblings Barbara Ann (O’Connor) Doherty, Joseph J. O’Connor, and Kathleen Mary (O’Connor) Fontana. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Laurel O’Brien of Fly Creek; six grandchildren, Ashleen Fredriksen (Rylan Pantall), Melissa Bellois (Chloe Lucarelli), Kristen Bellois (Chad Bellanger), Shannon Rocconi (Justin Badore), Samantha Bellois, and Joseph Amaro; nine great grandchildren, Nikolai Fredriksen, Johnathan Quinones, Jude Fredriksen, Arianna Badore, Kennedy Klein, Olin Fredriksen, Madyson Mendez, Nova Pantall, and Luka Bodore. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary O’Connor of New Milford, CT, Melissa and Kristen’s father, Kevin Bellois of Sound Beach, Long Island, Ashleen and Shannon’s father, Robert Rocconi of Fly Creek, Madyson’s father, Sergio Mendez of Cobleskill, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects from 10:30 a.m.

until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown. With respect for Dorothy’s love of almost always wearing leopard or animal print blouses, all attending are encouraged to wear something similar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, Cooperstown, with the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, Pastor officiating. At a later date, Dorothy will be laid to rest with her daughter, Susan, in Lakewood Cemetery, Cooperstown. With appreciation for the wonderful care provided to Dorothy and her family, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial donations may be directed to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820, or Cooperstown Emergency Squad, PO Box 322, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

The Rev. Faith Young Carmichael 1933-2026

COOPERSTOWN —The Rev. Faith Young Carmichael, 93, died peacefully in Cooperstown, New York on Friday, September 11, 2026 with family by her side. She was born in 1933 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She spent her childhood in Washington, D.C., and

leWiS, HurleY & pietrobono

Photo provided THE REV. FAITH YOUNG CARMICHAEL

later in New York City, where she attended The Chapin School. Faith graduated from Radcliffe College at Harvard University, where she enjoyed leading the handbell choir, and received her master’s degree from Yale Divinity School. A devoted minister, she was ordained in 1995 at the First Congregational Church, UCC, in Greenwich, Connecticut, where she lived for many years. Her ministry spanned a wide range of roles, including co-developer of the broader Spiritual Formation Program at Yale Divinity School, co-director of the Annand Spiritual Formation Program at Yale’s Berkeley Divinity School, pastoral counselor, and retreat leader. Faith enjoyed leading many retreats at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York. She also served as a pastoral counselor at the Blanton Peale Institute in New York City. Following the events of 9/11, she developed and administered an ecumenical support program for clergy in southwestern Connecticut and the Hartford area. She also served as interim minister at Saugatuck Congregational Church, UCC, in Westport, Connecticut. In her later years,

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Faith lived independently in her Cooperstown home, where she stayed remarkably active and embraced life with great enthusiasm. An affiliate member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown, she preached there several times and led classes, and continued to serve as a chaplain. Music remained central to her life. She taught piano and helped to produce operas and other musical events across Upstate New York. A lifelong learner, Faith took university courses as recently as the summer of 2026. Faith remained an active supporter of her ancestral community in Van Hornesville, New York throughout her life. She dedicated herself to preserving the legacy of her grandfather, Owen D. Young,co-founderofRadio Corporation of America (RCA) and chairman of General Electric (GE), and her father, Philip Young, who served as chairman of the United States Civil Service Commission and as U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands during the Eisenhower administration. Above all, Faith loved spending time with her many friends and family, enjoying concerts, reading, and continually learning. Her friends and family kept her young at heart. She is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild, all of whom she loved dearly and who loved her in return. A private memorial service will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the following: Van Hornesville Community Corporation in Van Hornesville, New York, a nonprofit founded in 1938 by her grandfather, Owen D. Young, to promote the well-being of Van Hornesville and its neighboring communities—www.vhccorp. org/donate. Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, New York, a music festival that Faith loved and attended regularly—glimmerglass. org/get-involved/give Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut, where she generously devoted her time to students for decades— divinity.yale.edu/giving.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: CAMP HAWKEYE LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 20 August 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 50 W. 85th St., Apt. 13, New York, NY 10024. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.8 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company. Name: HONEY JOE RANCH LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 25 August 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 185 Honey Joe Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalOct.8

Legal

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

Legal nOtice

KnappLuck Ventures LLC

Notice of Formation of

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

Northy Green LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on September 01, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3664 Co. Hwy. 35, Roseboom, NY 13450. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: LifeCycles Healing LLC.

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 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

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 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 Mortgaged Premises: 142 EAST STREET, ONEONTA, NY 13820 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 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,

Legal

LEGALS

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 YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICEDEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; SIDNEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, “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, 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. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $125,000.00 and

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-13

Legal

interest, recorded on November 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.

nization 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

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. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: August 28th, 2026 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 4LegalOct.8 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of ICE COLD REFRIGERATION AND APPLIANCE REPAIR LLC Articles of orga-

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of RULE VENTURES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/14/26. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 281 West Street Extension, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company, Highcrest Equestrian LLC filed with the Secretary of State on 8/13/26. Location: Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agents of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 4 Overlook Dr., Oneonta NY 138320. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of GLIMMERGLASS WINDOW CLEANING LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 14, 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 at 78 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalOct.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation

Pine Creek Farm Services LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on June 1, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to Pine Creek Farm Services LLC, 711 Co. Rd. 4, Unadilla, NY 13849. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalOct.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of GRETNA LANDSCAPING LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 9/23/26. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 2704 State Highway 7, Otego, NY 13825, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.5 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of ArcSmith Welding, LLC Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/24/2026. 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 155 John Hill Rd., Burlington Flats, NY 13315 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.5 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Hilt Bat Grips LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/23/2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to P.O. Box 1076, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.12

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of SBI Cortlandville LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 9/28/26. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Springbrook Initiatives, Inc., 105 Campus Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: all lawful purposes. 6LegalNov.12 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF Application for LIQUOR LICENSE Notice is hereby given that a license, serial number NA-037026-229220, for beer, wine and liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine and liquor at retail in a tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2220 Route 7 in the Town of Wells Bridge, County of Otsego, for on-premises consumption. Date: September 30, 2026 Babcock’s Bar and Grill LLC 2LegalOct.15 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of BUZZYBEANS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/23/26. Office location: Otsego County. Princ. office of LLC: 146 Main St., Unadilla, NY 13849. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalNov.12 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Name: Unadilla Associates, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on September 24, 2026. N.Y. office location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated

Legal

as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to c/o Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc., P.O. Box 189, Milford, New York 13807. Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalNov.12 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Mizutomo LLC Art. Of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 08/26/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 110 Gates Road, Schenevus, NY 12155. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalNov.12 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cooperstown will hold the following public hearings in the Village Office Building, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York on Monday, October 26th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, to discuss the following: Proposed Local Law No. 7 of 2026 - Amend Section § 270-12 – Prohibited Parking in Designated Spaces add Susquehanna Ave. West side, south of Walnut St. & East side, beyond 65 feet of both the North and South apex of the curve, between Walnut and Beaver St. Proposed Local Law No. 8 of 2026 - Amend Section § 270-14Accessible parking spaces & § 270-15 - Parking of vehicles over certain length - convert two diagonal accessible spaces to compact car spaces and establish two new accessible parallel parking spots. Any resident of the Village of Cooperstown is entitled to be heard upon said local at such public hearings. Disabled citizens, who require assistance in attending said public hearings, or in furnishing comments or suggestions, should continued pg. 14

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

A-14 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

News Briefs Continued from page 6

Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, Delhi, and Super Heroes Humane Society, Oneonta. In addition to direct-wishlist donation boxes, the theater lobby will also feature interactive adoption walls, and shelter representatives will be present on select performance dates to connect with audiences, answer questions, and facilitate adoption inquiries. The Open Eye Theater is located at 960 Main Street, Margaretville. Tickets are $25.00 for general admission and $10.00 for students except on “Pay-WhatYou-Will” Fridays. For reservations and information, visit theopeneyetheater.org or call (845) 586-1660.

Festival Ends Museum Season EAST MEREDITH—Join Hanford Mills Museum on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Trees and Timber Festival. Celebrating forestry and woodworking, this event will bring together artisans, vendors, and exhibitors who work with wood and forest products. The event will feature a variety of demonstrations and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Browse the vendor tables for unique, locally-crafted products including handmade wood crafts, jewelry, maple syrup, and more. Exhibitor demonstrations, including fruit tree pruning with the Catskill Forest Association, and bench building with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, will be ongoing throughout the day. Hanford Mills representatives will demonstrate the museum’s waterwheel, steam plant, and water-powered machines, and there will be nature themed children’s activities. Helen’s Little Kitchen will be on-site, selling breakfast and lunch. Hanford Mills Museum is open for guided tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and will close for the season on Thursday, October 15. It is located at 51 County Highway 12 in East Meredith, at the intersection of Delaware County Routes 10 and 12. For more information, visit hanfordmills.org or call (607) 278-5744.

Scarecrows Now On Display COOPERSTOWN—Fenimore Farm and Country Village’s “Scarecrow Village: Once Upon a Time” is now open to the public and will be on view through Sunday, November 1. This family-friendly autumn experience features imaginative scarecrow creations inspired by beloved stories, folklore, fantasy, and history, officials said. Each visitor will receive a map to track their journey, invited to find the 30 hand-crafted crows hidden around the village, and can vote for their favorite display at the “Crow’s Nest.” A commemorative pin is available at Todd’s General Store or the farm gift shop to mark the end of the journey. The Scarecrow Village features 34 scarecrow exhibits, created by artists, families and community groups. Fall hours for Fenimore Farm and Country Village are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission includes the experience; members are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door or online at fenimorefarm.org.

‘Microcosm’ Event Is Oct. 17 STAMFORD—The Party Theater will host “Microcosm,” an outdoor performance featuring original works of dance, music and theater, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 at The Mutual Aid Society, 1863 County Highway 30, Stamford. A lantern-lit trail leads visitors through pasture, barn, and pond’s edge, where 12 local artists have hidden new works across dance, theater, music, puppetry, poetry, film, and more, organizers said in a press release. This year’s theme is “lore.” This year’s “Microcosm” artists are Clare Bierman, Djahari Clark, Sarah France, David Kamm, Ilona Kohlova, Joanna Mendl-Shaw, Rhea Nowak, Jami Reimer, Shane Perry, Mikey Rosenbaum, Rod Sauquillo and Glenna Yu. Program director is Adrian Shirk, with producers Kristin “Kiki” McCalley and Marisa Caruso, lighting design by Moonstar Lighting, and audio environments by E.C. Hooper. Food popup, drinks by donation and festivities will follow. Attendees are cautioned that there is a fair amount of walking on occasionally uneven ground to view most of the performances. Tickets are $20.00, with sliding scale options, and can be purchased at https://www. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/microcosm--2026.

Rotary Announces Tournament ONEONTA—The Oneonta Rotary Club’s First Annual Cornhole Tournament will be held on Sunday, October 11 at Hartwick College’s Binder Gym. Community members, families, college students, and cornhole enthusiasts are invited to gather for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. Teams can register for either the Backyard, College, Social, or Competitive division. The cost per team is $40.00

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from pg. XX contact the Village Clerk to request assistance. Copies of the proposed local laws are available for inspection at the Village

Clerk’s office, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Dated: October 6th, 2026 By order of the Village Board Village of Cooperstown

except for the Competitive division, which is $60.00. Winning teams receive cash prizes. Admission is free for spectators. Same-day registration is from 11 a.m. to noon—bags fly at 12:30 p.m. Teams can pre-register at www.scoreholiocom. Casella Waste Systems is the lead sponsor, and the event is co-hosted by American Glory Hole and supported by Hartwick College. Proceeds benefit The Oneonta Rotary Club.

Works by Riffle on Display MORRIS—“Butternut Valley: Photographs by Jenny Riffle,” an exhibition celebrating the valley through the photographs of artist and photographer Jenny Riffle, opened on October 2 at The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris, and will remain on view. Riffle is an artist and photographer based in New York. She received her bachelor of arts in photography from Bard College and her master of fine arts from the School of Visual Arts. Working primarily with narrative portraiture and landscapes, Riffle’s work explores the psychological essence of a person or place.

CANO Releases Event Info ONEONTA—The Hartwick X SUNY Oneonta Student Show, now on view at the Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, brings together emerging artists from Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta in an ongoing collaborative exhibition at the Community Arts Network of Oneonta. SUNY Oneonta features eight recipients of the 2025-2026 Jean Parish Scholarship: Symon Andriyevsky, Sydney Creason, Sean Eaves, Abigail Fish, Jessie Reed, Mordue Reinhardt, Alexis Rockefeller and Zoe Zappala. Hartwick presents work by members of its Senior Class: Kyra Cornelia, Morgan Einsetler, Abigail Pertell, Berkleigh Bordeleau, Sam Scott, Leah Wallace and Devlin Woughter. In other CANO news, visual artists and writers are invited to submit work for Queer Joy, an upcoming exhibit that explores celebrating love, identity, and community as well as confronting the barriers and hardships that make queer joy elusive. Complete details and submission instructions can be found at www.canoneonta.org/ queerjoy. This month’s Writers Salon, set for Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m., features Katheryn DeZur, an essayist, poet, photographer and avid treasure-hunter. DeZur will read from “Objects of Affection,” a memoir in essays about the identity people build through their attachments to places and things, both here and absent. For more information, visit www.canoneonta.org.

Citizen Science Continued from page 4

experience visual dreams. Others think the eyes move to reset or change the scene like a dream slide projector that moves between different scenarios. Some even hypothesize that eye movement is a side effect of a defense mechanism. When our eyes are closed, the visual cortex is quiet, and our other senses are heightened. If a brain region goes unused long enough, it will be repurposed because the brain doesn’t waste real estate. Because we spend roughly a third of our lives with our eyes closed while sleeping, the visual cortex is vulnerable. To defend its territory and keep the other senses from encroaching, some scientists believe the visual cortex must be active during REM, and eye movement is a side effect of that activity. Whether or not eye movement is directly related to dreaming, the body experiences dreams as if they are happening. The brain is as active, if not more so, than when we are awake. Body temperature rises. Breathing and heart rate become irregular and follow the experience of our dreams. Outwardly, a person in REM appears restful, but internally, they experience a period that might be described as chaotic. REM sleep supports brain development, memory and problem-solving. It also helps regulate mood by creating space to process emotions. People who spend less time in REM are at a greater risk for dementia, and if we don’t get enough REM sleep one night, our body tries to make up for it the next night. However, the reason why the chaos we experience during REM sleep is necessary remains a mystery. As we continue our journey together exploring how chaos shows up in ourselves and nature, you might start to notice that the randomness or confusion tied to its definition has become more nuanced. Its appearance is less disruptive and more purposeful, even if its meaning is not always clear. Tonight, when you lie down to sleep and perchance to dream, know that the seeming chaos of REM is not designed to be a period of rest, but is meant to be beneficial. Tammy Awtry, PhD, is a science communicator and writer specializing in neuroscience, chemistry, and biology. She has loved science for as long as she can remember and enjoys letting curiosity guide her explorations of the world.

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LEGALS

Jenna L. Utter, RMC Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown 22 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

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(607) 547-2411 (phone) jutter@cooperstownny.gov 1LegalOct.8 Legal nOtice

McManus Among ‘Heart of a Giant’ Week 3 Finalists COOPERSTOWN arker McManus, a wide receiver/ cornerback for the Cooperstown Central School football team, is among a group of outstanding Tri-State area high-school students nominated for week three of the 2026 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award. Students were nominated for the award, presented Photo provided by Hospital for Special PARKER MCMANUS Surgery and the New York Giants, by their coaches “for their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication on and off the field,” according to a press release. The voting period is now open for week three nominees and will be live until October 11 at https://usafootball. com/heart-of-a-giant/vote. Information provided about McManus is as follows: “Parker embodies courage through his ability to persevere through significant physical and personal adversity. From a young age, Parker faced numerous health challenges, including being diagnosed with Chiari malformation, undergoing brain surgery at just 4 years old, and being legally blind in his left eye. He has also undergone eight surgeries throughout his life. Despite these challenges, Parker has continued to push himself both on and off the field. A varsity football starter since his freshman year, he set a singlegame receptions record and earned a four-touchdown game during his sophomore season. “In October 2025, Parker suffered another major setback when he tore his ACL during a varsity game, requiring reconstructive surgery. Rather than allowing the injury to define him, he used the experience to become mentally stronger and return as a better version of himself. Parker’s leadership comes through his work ethic, positivity and willingness to be an example for others. He has maintained High Honor Roll throughout high school, competed at the state level in National History Day and completed more than 40 hours of community service. Through every obstacle, Parker has continued to move forward with determination and optimism. His resilience and ability to inspire those around him make him a true Heart of a Giant.” The nominee with the most votes will be named that week’s finalist. At the conclusion of the sixweek process, there will be a total of 11 honorees (six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions) recognized for their work ethic and character. Each finalist will receive a $1,000.00 equipment grant for their high school football program, with the grandprize winner earning an additional $9,000.00 grant for their school and being honored on the field at a future Giants game this season. Selection of the grand-prize winner will be based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant. Other nominees are: Omar Areche, Yonkers High School; Jason Bocio, Hackensack High School; Jack DeVito, Dumont High School; Dominick Esposito, Hackettstown High School; Tommy Henehan, Butler High School; Charlie Ingrassia, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School; Armita Mojazza, Woodlands High School; Nicolas Salvati, North Branford High School; and Kamdyn Scovil: Saranac Lake High School. For more information, visit https://usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant.

TOWN OF MILFORD, NY Notice of Listing of Sale of Property Address: Off Oxbow Road, Town of Milford, Otsego County Tax Map No.: 194.00-2-11.212 List Price: One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) Offer Submission Deadline: October 21, 2026 Notice is hereby given that the Town of Milford Town Board has determined that Town owned vacant property located off Oxbow Road (Tax Map No. 194.00-2-11.212) is no longer required for public purpose and has hereby ordered that the property be listed for sale. Copies of any existing title work and survey work are on file with the Town Clerk’s Office and are available for inspection or procurement by interested persons during normal business hours. Offers may be mailed to ATTN: Town Clerk, PO Box 417, Portlandville, NY 13834 or delivered personally to the Town Clerk at the Town Hall during regular business hours. For questions or further information, contact the Town Clerk by telephone at (607)286-9033 or by email at town.clerk@townofmilfordny.gov Please submit all offers for purchase by October 21, 2026. Offers will be sealed and opened at the October 21, 2026 Town Board meeting. The Town Board reserves the right to reject any and all offers. Bids must be received no later than October 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM to be considered.

Legal

Notice of Formation of

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 16, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Loom Light Legal PLLC,

6 Doubleday Court, Suite 7, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Law. 6LegalNov.12

Loom Light Legal PLLC

►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 _________

CANASTA—5:30 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. LOCAL FILM— 5:30 p.m. “Mockumentary: The Shizzly Gark.” Screening and discussion to follow with improv actors and filmmakers on making a local mockumentary. Presented by Film Otsego at Gotham City Outpost, Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. SKATING—5:30 p.m. “Beginner Roller Skate Lessons.” $15/lesson. Includes skate rentals, instruction, skate game and admission to open skate (6:30-9 p.m.). Held each Thursday. Interskate 88, 5185 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 2015308. INFO MEETING—6 p.m. Learn about Otsego County 4-H. Pre-registration required. Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center, 123 Lake Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5472536 ext. 225. COMMUNITY HEALTH—6-8 p.m. Free primary healthcare for uninsured or underinsured adults. By appointment only. Held third Thursday of each month. Presented by Oneonta Community Health Center at Edmeston Community Cupboard Food Pantry, Edmeston. (607) 4330300. WRITERS SALON— 7:30 p.m. Author Kathryn DeZur reads from her memoirs. Free and open to the public. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. canoneonta.org/writers-salon

►Fri., Oct. 16 FUNDRAISER—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Fall Book Sale. Benefit for Kinney Memorial Library. Continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 10/17 and 9 a.m. to noon on 10/18 with Bag Sale. The Meeting House, 3080 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600. POTTERY— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal

THEATER—8 p.m. “Night of the Living Dead: Live.” Tickets required. Also showing at 8 p.m. on 10/17 and at 2 p.m. on 10/18. Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►Sat., Oct. 17 ROSEBOOM—All day. “Community Lawn Sale Day.” Continues 10/18. Map will be published by the Town of Roseboom. (607) 437-0650. SATURDAY HIKE—All day. Scenic excursion with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. Dress appropriately and bring equipment for the weather/trail conditions. Pre-registration required. This week’s hike will be the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, Bloomville. (607) 431-8010. GARDEN CLUB—9 a.m. to noon. The Oneonta Garden Club will hand out free bags of multi-color daffodils to area residents. First-come, firstserved. Oneonta Farmers Market, Huntington Park, Dietz Street, Oneonta. lauriezimniewicz@gmail. com PASSPORT FAIR— 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your documents and get assistance obtaining a passport. Fees apply. Presented by the Otsego County Clerk’s Office. Unadilla Town Hall, 1648 State Highway 7, Unadilla. (607) 547-4276. FUNDRAISER—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Annual Fall Book Sale. Gently-used books, media and more to benefit Kinney Memorial Library. The Meeting House, 3080 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-6600. WRITING—10 a.m. “Sacred Writing Circle.” Supportive writing workshop. All welcome, no religious/spiritual affiliation needed. No creative writing experience necessary. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

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

I wish, I wish upon a star...

Holiday Wish Book Be a part of the best Holiday Wish Book in the County! Advertise the most sought after, wanted, unusual, one-of-akind things you have in your store, things that people can fill stockings with or fill up under the tree!

Publishes December 3, 2026

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Books inserted directly into every Hometown Oneonta and every Freeman’s Journal!

Full Page 5” wide x 8” high $465 1/2 Page 5” wide x 3 3/4” high $265 1/4 Page 2 1/4” wide x 3 3/4” high $210 COVER positions: inside front: $565, inside back $525, Back Cover $575 Final deadline: Nov. 6

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CONNECTIONS— 12:30-2 p.m. “Learn American Sign Language.” Held each Thursday. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CONNECTIONS— 12:45-2 p.m. “Speaking Italian.” Held each Thursday. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CRAFTING—1 p.m. Ghost Terrariums. Suggested donation applies; registration required. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. OPEN STUDIO— 1-4 p.m. Bring your own art project and work alongside other artists/ crafters. Held each Thursday. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 Main Street, Morris. (607) 263-2150. VETERANS— 3-5 p.m. Tour the Oneonta Veterans Museum, featuring memorabilia, photographs and more, donated by local families. Free; donations appreciated. On view 3-5 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. American Legion Post 259, 279 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494. MORRIS FARMERS’ MARKET—3-5:30 p.m. Held each Thursday through October. Pavilion, Guy Rathbun Park, 117 Main Street, Morris. (607) 263-5203. CONVERSATION CLUB—3:30 p.m. Group lesson through transparent language—KidSpeak. Held each Thursday. Springfield Center Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. POTTERY— 3:30-5:30 p.m. “Clay for Kids Group 2.” 4-week course held Thursdays through 11/5. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. LICENSE—4-9 p.m. NYS DMV 5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course. Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Morris Conference Center, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. LIBRARY—4:30 p.m. “Teen Writers Group.” Recommended ages 12-18. Held each Thursday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. FUNDRAISER— 5 p.m. Chicken and Biscuit Benefit for Kimberly A. Wellman Henderson. Support local scheduled for surgery for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. The Hartwick American Legion, 3099 County Route 11, Hartwick. (607) 293-7511. PRACTICE—5 p.m. LARP Fight Practice. Open to the public,. Held Thursdays, rain or shine, until the snow flies. Group uses the lightest touch foam padded weapon combat system. Big Pavilion in Neahwa Park, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. angrygnome23@gmail.com. EXHIBIT RECEPTION— 5-7 p.m. “My Ancestors in the Sky World.” A mixedmedia piece by Melanie Printup Hope, the inaugural artist in residence for the Phil Young Residency for Indigenous Art. Yager Museum of Art and Culture, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 431-4480. CLAM NIGHT—5-7 p.m. All welcome. Eat in or take out. Fees apply. Held each Thursday. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

STORY TIME— 10 a.m. Held each Wednesday. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. 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 lasagna, tossed salad, Italian-blend vegetables, garlic knot and peaches. (607) 5476454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry

OPEN HOUSE—9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Cultivate Your Career with Oneonta Job Corps.” Includes refreshments and lunch. Registration required. Oneonta Job Corps, 21 Homer Folks Ave, Oneonta. CRAFT—10 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Open Sew.” Work with fellow crafters on current projects. Fees apply. Message/call to reserve a spot. Held each Thursday. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 441-3111. SEWING—10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Stitch and Bitch.” Held every other Thursday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 3532944. SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of baked fish with creamy herb sauce, confetti rice, spinach and fruited gelatin. (607) 547-6454. • Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. CONNECTIONS—Noon to 12:30 p.m. Lunch. Suggested donation applies. Connections at Clark Sports Center,

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

►Wed., Oct. 14

►Thurs., Oct. 15

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projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org. HALLOWEEN— 5:30-8:30 p.m. “Things That Go BUMP in the Night Ghost Tours.” Explore the historic village by lantern light. Six time slots available for small group tours. Tickets required. Also held Fridays and Saturdays through 10/30. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. HALLOWEEN— 6-8:30 p.m. “Hyde and Shriek! Candlelit Ghost Tour.” Tickets required. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 5475098. GAMING—6-9 p.m. “Friday Night Magic.” Standard format. Free. Held each Friday. Good Games, 154 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4318892. FIRE PIT FRIDAYS— 6-10 p.m. Live music by Grateful Upstate. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com. POTTERY—6-9 p.m. “Beginner Pottery Wheel Group 2.” 4-week course held Thursdays through 11/6. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5478671. BIRDING—5:30-9 p.m. “Bird Conservation Biogeography” with Dr. Lauren Sultaire. Presented by the Delaware Otsego Audubon Society at the Sixth Ward Athletic Club Banquet Room, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta. (607) 397-3815. FESTIVAL—7:30 p.m. “Sharon Springs Poetry Festival.” Readings and book signing. Free and open to the public. Continues at 10 a.m. on 10/17. Sharon Springs Central School Auditorium, 514 State Highway 20, Sharon Springs.

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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS—8-9 a.m. Local community members gather to chat about what’s happening around Oneonta. Held each Tuesday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. STORYTIME—9 a.m. Open to ages 0-3. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. COMMUNITY HIKE— 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at Texas Schoolhouse State Forest, New Lisbon. (607) 431-8010. SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of Oktoberfest kielbasa with sauerkraut, German potato salad, red cabbage and black forest cake. (607) 547-6454. • Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. VETERANS— 3-5 p.m. Tour the Oneonta Veterans Museum, featuring memorabilia, photographs and more, donated by local families. Free; donations appreciated. On view 3-5 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. American Legion Post 259, 279 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494. HOBBY HANGOUT— 3:30 p.m. “Craft after Class.” Held each Tuesday. Springfield Center Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. ART WORKSHOP— 4-7 p.m. Watercolor Painting with Dee Hazlett. Fees apply. Held Tuesdays through 10/27. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 Main Street, Morris. (607) 263-2150. POETRY—5 p.m. “Village Verses.” Monthly multi-generational poetry appreciation group. The theme for October is “trees.” All welcome. Cooperstown Elementary School Library, 21 Walnut Street, Cooperstown. aviva330@gmail.com 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. GARDENING— 6:30 p.m. “Garden Show, Tell and Share.” Bring favorite gardening tool or accessory and share why it’s a favorite. Presented by the Oneonta Garden Club. St. James Church Hall, 305 Main Street, Oneonta.

Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. TECH HELP— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. LIBRARY— 2:30-4:30 p.m. “St. Tim’s Library Corner.” Held each Wednesday. Presented by WorcesterSchenevus Library at St. Timothy’s Church, 1776 County Road 34, Westford. (607) 397-7309. FREE DINNER— 5-7 p.m. All welcome to enjoy assorted soups, a salad and various desserts. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Held 2nd Wednesday of each month. Unatego Community Church, 290 Main Street, Otego. (607) 3697425, VACCINATION— 6-8 p.m. Otsego County Rabies Vaccination Clinic. For pet dogs, cats and ferrets. Free. Previous vaccination certificate required for the three-year booster. Otego Fire Department, 5 River Street, Otego. (607) 547-4230. ART CLASS—6-9 p.m. “Figure This! Open Studio Life Drawing.” Non-instructional workshop with models for sketching. Hosted by a Cooperstown Art Association member. Fees apply, cash. Held each Wednesday. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479777. FLUTE CHOIR— 6:30-8 p.m. Play the flute with the Butternut Valley Flute Choir. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to make music together, featuring popular favorites to classical music. All welcome. Fees apply. Held Wednesdays through 10/21. Butternut Valley Arts and Crafts Center, 124 West Main Street, Morris. BarbaraSiesel@ gmail.com. BE INFORMED—7 p.m. “Be Informed Educational Talk: Biologists at Work.” Learn how research informs effective natural resource management. Free; pre-registration appreciated. Presented by Otsego County Conservation Association at the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-4488.

►Tues., Oct. 13

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-15

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

For 00 Years

HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________

A-16 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Fri., Oct. 9 BEGINNER MAHJONG—9 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. COFFEE & PUZZLES— 10 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. SENIOR COFFEE HOUR—10:30 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. POTTERY— 1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org. OUTDOORS—2-4 p.m. Pine Lake Row Group. Equipment and top-notch instruction provided. Led by Olympian Andrea Thies. RSVP required. Hartwick College Pine Lake, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta. patek@hartwick.edu. HALLOWEEN— 3-7 p.m. Halloween Costume Sale. Treasure hunt through racks of costumes that have been used on stage by The Glimmerglass Festival. Continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 10/10. Malton Place Rec Room, 7480 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. HALLOWEEN— 3-7 p.m. Free Halloween Costume Giveaway. Open to the public while supplies last. Continues 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 10/10. Oneonta Boys and Girls Club, 70 River Street, Oneonta. (607) 4321133. DINNER—4:30-6 p.m. Laurens Legion Roast Pork Dinner. Fees apply. Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. yreckert@yahoo.com

BOOK CLUB— 5:30 p.m. “Book Club: A Curious Witch’s Year.” Take a year-long journey through the book “A Spell in the Wild: A Year (and Six Centuries) of Magic” by Alice Tarbuck. Free. Meets second Friday of each month. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 287-7278. AUCTION—6 p.m. “Laurens Wholesale Food Auction.” Shop for everyday groceries, snacks, drinks, frozen food and restaurant-quality appetizers. Laurens Fire Hall, 34 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 305-5600. LIVE MUSIC—6 p.m. Utica-based band “Home Visitor” performs with Washington State-based singer/songwriter Robert Sarazin Blake. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. HALLOWEEN— 6-8:30 p.m. “Hyde and Shriek! Candlelit Ghost Tour.” Tickets required. Also held 10/11. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098. GAMING—6-9 p.m. “Friday Night Magic.” Standard format. Free. Held each Friday. Good Games, 154 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4318892. FIRE PIT FRIDAYS— 6-10 p.m. Live music by Uncle Shake. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brewery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com. FILM—6:30 p.m. Screening of “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992). Includes brief presentation exploring James Fenimore Cooper and artist Thomas Cole. Complimentary popcorn, water. Free admission, donations welcome. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400. WORKSHOP—7 p.m. “How to Make a Doll.” A solo theater performance about the brain, healing and socks by Marisa Caruso with featured speakers and a post-show

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Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

panel discussion. Suggested donation applies. Presented by the Stamford Wellness Center at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. LIVE MUSIC—7 p.m. “Oneonta’s Got Soul.” Fun night of music and community to support Helios Care Hospice. Presented by Helios Care. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

►Sat., Oct. 10 PANCAKE BREAKFAST—8 a.m. “Annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House.” Includes equipment demonstrations, guests, and operation duck drop at 2 p.m. Richfield Springs Fire Department, 34 East James Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 922-4881. GILBERTSVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET—9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through October. Located by the Gilbertsville Post Office, 3 Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 7832305. COOPERSTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET— 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881. ONEONTA FARMERS’ MARKET—9 a.m. to noon. Huntington Memorial Park, Dietz Street, Oneonta. WORKSHOP—9 a.m. to noon. Make a stained glass ghost or bat in a color palette of choice. Fees apply; registration required. Main View Gallery and Studios, 77 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1890. COFFEE GROUP— 9:15 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 9886661. FUNDRAISER— 10 a.m. Chinese and

silent auction featuring 10’s of items and a light lunch. Proceeds support the construction of future museum for the Maryland Historical Society. Held at the AmVets Building, 16 Main Street, Schenevus. (928) 566-3629 or (973) 288-5158. POLITICS—10-11 a.m. “Get Out the Vote! Honk and Wave.” CooperstownOneonta Indivisible invites the public for this nonpartisan, pro-democracy event where they wave at drivers and display two big banners, “STOP THE CHAOS—VOTE” and “HAD ENOUGH? VOTE.” All welcome. Free. Corner of Chestnut and Main streets, Cooperstown. alexveggie@proton.me TRACTOR FEST— 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. 60+ tractors from area club and organization, games, kids area, food trucks, demonstration, music and more. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. CRAFT—11 a.m. “Sitn-Stitch.” Bring knit or crochet project to work or learn the craft. Held second Saturday of each month. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131. ART EXHIBIT—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. View “Surprising Union,” an exhibit featuring “combines” of found material to create new objects. Free. On view Saturdays or by appointment through 10/17. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607. SELF-DEFENSE— 11:30 a.m. No Gi Open Mat. Open to all levels. Held each Saturday. Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy, 5366 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 4318882. EXERCISE—Noon. “Let’s Move: Come Play Capoeira.” Unique Brazilian practice that blends

THURSDAY, October 8, 2026

martial arts, dance, music and culture. All welcome. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600. WELLNESS—1-3 p.m. “Enjoying Life: Finding Calm and Clarity and Reconnecting to Joy.” Fees apply. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. WORKSHOP—1-3 p.m. Beading Workshop with Melanie Printup Hope. Supplies provided. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required. Yager Museum of Art and Culture, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 4314480. SEWING CLASS— 1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held each Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234. POLITICS— 1:30-3:30 p.m. “Get Out the Vote! Honk and Wave.” CooperstownOneonta Indivisible invites the public for this nonpartisan, pro-democracy event where they wave at drivers and display two big banners, “STOP THE CHAOS—VOTE” and “HAD ENOUGH? VOTE.” All welcome. Free. Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta. alexveggie@proton.me BOOK CLUB—2 p.m. “BYO Book Club.” Followed by book journaling club. Meets second Saturday of each month. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. HORSES—2 p.m. “Youth Mini Camp: Fall Harvest.” Open to youth aged 5-11. Fees apply; registration required. Twisted K Ranch, 172 Burdick Road, Milford. (607) 643-1790. HALLOWEEN— 3-5 p.m. Halloween Movie and Craft. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 9658208. MARKET— 5-10 p.m. “Nighttime Alley Market.”Evening art market behind Tiger Sushi and Oneonta Historical Society, Oneonta. HALLOWEEN— 5:30-8:30 p.m. “Things That Go BUMP in the Night Ghost Tours.” Explore historic village by lantern light. 6 times available for small group tours. Tickets required. Also held Fridays and Saturday through 10/30. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450. COMMUNITY DINNER—6:30 p.m. Second Saturday Community Dinner/Potluck. Chili, salad and bread provided. Bring a desert or a side dish to share. All welcome. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, Fly Creek. MUSIC—7:30 p.m. Senior Recital: Benjamin Pauli, Piano. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta.

►Sun., Oct. 11 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. PANCAKE BREAKFAST—8 a.m. to noon. VFW Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast. By donation to benefit scholarships, Holiday Boxes and helping local soldiers and families. Cooperstown Veteran’s Club, 60 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8282. 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. FORAGE—11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exclusive Land Tour: “Forage The Forest.” In-depth exploration of Pine Lake’s four unique habitat systems. Fees apply; registration required. Hartwick College, Pine Lake, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta. (607) 431-4520. TOURNAMENT— 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oneonta Rotary Cornhole Tournament. Free to spectators. Binder Gym, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 437-4676. LIVE MUSIC—1 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with Reese Fulmer.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. MUSIC—1:30 p.m. Junior Recitals. Keira Lane, percussion, and Emma Kargoe, voice. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. TEA TIME—3-5 p.m. “Afternoon Tea with a Twist.” Curated selection of teas paired with a creative menu. Fees apply; reservations required. The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5479931. ASTROLOGY—4 p.m. “Under the Thai Sky: Intro to Traditional Thai Astrology.” Fees apply; registration required. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 287-7278. MEDITATION— 4:30-6 p.m. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

►Mon., Oct. 12 Columbus Day & Indigenous Peoples’ Day DEADLINE—Last day to register for monthly community dinner of Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread, dessert, tea and coffee. Fees apply. Veterans eat free. Held 10/14. Oneonta Elks Lodge, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1312. CONNECTIONS—Noon to 12:30 p.m. Lunch. Held each Thursday. Suggested donation applies. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CONNECTIONS—12:45 p.m. Bluegrass Circle Jam Session. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. CLOTHING SWAP—1-3 p.m. Refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. GATHERING—4-7 p.m. Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day. Gathering centered on storytelling, seasonal foods and community dialogue, featuring guest filmmaker Fidel Moreno. Space is limited; registration required. Hartwick College Pine Lake, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta. (607) 431-4520. VETERANS—5-7 p.m. “Women’s Veteran Night.” Good company, dinner and more with fellow women Veterans. Held second Monday of each month. Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228. LIBRARY—6:30 p.m. Library Board Meeting. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 965-8208. GARDEN CLUB—6:30 p.m. “Show, Tell and Share.” Featuring gently used gardening tools, pots, books and other garden-related items. Oneonta Garden Club at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. lauriezimniewicz@gmail.com.

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