Ed Frazier Is New Head of Otsego GOP
By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL
OTSEGO COUNTY
The Otsego County Republican Committee has a new chairman: Otsego County Board of Representatives Chair Ed Frazier. He takes over from Daniel Koerner, who when he began in 2023, was the youngest party chair in New York State.
Frazier told AllOtsego that Koerner and State Senator and congressional candidate Peter Oberacker approached him to request he take over the role.
“I think it was like six weeks before the election,” Frazier said. He recalls asking, “How can I help?”
“I served with Ed on the county board and have worked closely with him as senator,” Oberacker said in a statement.
Board Proceeds with NY Forward Projects, Seeks Route 28 Speed Limit Decrease
By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL
COOPERSTOWN
At the November 17 Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees meeting, officials focused on several parking and traffic issues.
The board voted to express its intention to sign a project proposal from the company Passero under the NY Forward grant for $220,800.00. The project includes pedestrian and ADA enhancements in downtown Cooperstown. Passero’s project proposal included improving access and circulation on Fowler Way, building sidewalks on Grove Street, a pedestrian redesign on Hoffman Lane, and improving pedestrian conditions on Pioneer Alley with pavers.
The board also voted to send
a letter to the New York State Department of Transportation requesting a decrease in speed limit for portions of State Route 28 South approaching the village.
“The Board has received multiple concerns from residents and visitors regarding vehicle speeds in this area, particularly the section north of Linden Avenue,” the letter included in meeting documents reads in part.
Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk reported that the cost to the village for trolleys would be increasing to around $20,000.00-$25,000.00 per year in a five-year contract, too high for the current budget.
The board voted to inform the Otsego County government that the village would be unable to fund the increase.
“I think we need to discuss, at some point further, whether
the village wants to continue the trolley under a shorter contract,” Falk said, “or whether we are interested in stepping away from that three-part arrangement we have with the county.”
The board voted to go to bid for the South End project, a Chestnut Street water project. Trustees also voted to remove certain EV parking from near Doubleday Field and bus/RV parking from the nearby Fowler Lot. Officials had previously approved four new EV charging spaces in the Fowler Lot.
The board set a public hearing for the next meeting, on Monday, December 15, to consider an amendment to Subdivision Law to abbreviate the process for minor property lot line changes. Officials also announced that Cooperstown Police hired a new part-time officer.
“There’s no one more dedicated to serving our communities or more committed to doing the job the right way.
“We are fortunate to have Ed Frazier leading our Republican team and I’m confident he’ll help guide us into a stronger future for Otsego County,” Oberacker said.
Frazier, a longtime member of the Board of Representatives, takes on the role shortly after the party narrowly held the body in November elections. Another big election comes in 2026, with both a hotly-contested congressional election for NY-19 and local elections, which were recently moved to even years. Every two years, county and state parties elect new leaders.
Koerner also recently departed his role working for Oberacker’s senate office. He did not respond to requests for comment.
Doubleday Field in 2009, will be part of the induction Class of 2026. See page 7 for details.
Unatego Takes Top Prize in ‘Student Voices’ Contest
By BILL BELLEN ONEONTA
Monday, November 24 marked the culmination of the fourth annual “Student Voices, Student Choices” presentation competition.
This event, organized by the Community Foundation of Otsego County, serves as an opportunity for students from across the county to engage in philanthropic projects in their respective communities.
The event took place in Hartwick College’s Slade Theater, where six teams of students from private and public schools gave 10-
minute presentations on their projects and efforts to aid their communities.
Beginning in 2022, this competition was open to all interested schools, though in a more simplistic fashion.
“In the first year…they were asked to come up with a local issue, team up with a nonprofit, and make a presentation, and everyone would get funded at different levels,” explained CFOC Executive Director Jeff Katz.
“The second year, we started doing a September orientation at Hartwick College to prepare the schools
Continued on page 7
Photo by Carter Kegelman/NBHoF Headed to the Hall COOPERSTOWN—Five-time All-Star and 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent, pictured above at the Hall of Fame Classic at
Photo by Erin Quirk
From left, Molly Tolson, Lucy Bailey, Natalia Barnes and Raegan Goodspeed took top honors for Unatego Central School at the SVSC competition.
Dem Files Ethics Complaint About Oberacker Congressional Ad
By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL CHENANGO COUNTY
The chair of the Chenango County Democratic Committee, Patricia Giltner, filed a complaint with the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government late last month against State Senator Peter Oberacker, a Republican who recently announced his candidacy for Congress. Giltner alleged that Oberacker’s campaign launch ad, “Soil,” illegally used State Senate logos, footage and property.
The complaint points to several instances of the ad using State Senate symbols and property: “Soil uses footage of Oberacker at the door of his official government office (that is illegal), which displays the official New York State Senate emblem (also illegal),” Giltner wrote. “Then Soil shows official footage of Oberacker speaking from the Senate floor (illegal) with the Senate’s emblem on screen (illegal). Then there’s footage of Oberacker participating in an official Senate committee hearing (illegal), again with the Senate’s emblem on screen (again illegal). And to top it all off, Soil uses footage that is literally filmed inside Oberacker’s government office (illegal, obviously).”
In a statement, the Oberacker campaign rejected the accusations, saying the ad was cleared with NYS Senate Media Services.
“This footage was cleared for use. This is a mistakeriddled complaint made by political hacks working in collusion with Josh Riley, who is desperate to distract from the fact that he voted against millions of dollars
for our district, then turned around and tried to take credit for the funding anyway,” the campaign said.
NYS Senate Media Services, which creates and manages the body’s official video and photo materials, could not be reached for comment by press time.
The complaint cites NY Public Officers Law §107(3)(d) and NY Senate Rule XV. There is no §107(3)(d) in Public Officers Law; language used in the complaint more closely matches §74(3)(d),
which addresses ethics for state officials. Giltner said she is considering whether to refile or amend the complaint.
The Senate rules, which are separate from the state’s ethics laws, say “no portion” of televised proceedings may be used for “campaign or political purposes.” The Public Officers law prohibits the use of an “official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions” including “the property, services or other resources of the state for private business or other compensated non-governmental purposes.”
Giltner told AllOtsego she filed the complaint because “my thought is that everybody needs to follow the rules.” She said “if you’re not supposed to use taxpayer funded resources, or things like that, then you shouldn’t be doing it and you need to be called out.”
Giltner also said she had consulted with other county party chairs and Democratic Rep. Josh Riley’s campaign before filing the complaint.
Emily DeSantis, COELIG chief of staff and director of external affairs, said in a statement that “The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government is steadfast in its commitment to bringing integrity, trust, and transparency to state government and to administering the State’s ethics and lobbying laws and regulations zealously and fairly.
“Pursuant to the confidentiality restrictions of Executive Law Section 94 and Commission regulations, the Commission cannot confirm, deny, or comment on the existence or pendency of any investigative matter.”
Local Movie Production Seeks Actors, Extras, Film Scene Growth
By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL
ONEONTA
Local filmmakers are setting out on another project: “Ratsbane.”
They say the “docu-drama style feature film” will be shot and produced entirely in Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie counties, and it will tell the story of “the life and crimes of Nathan Foster; a traitor, a spy and a murderer who was hanged in Delhi, NY in the early 1800’s for the crime of poisoning his wife with Ratsbane.”
The goal is “to entertain and to educate at the same time,” Lori KellyBailey, the writer, producer, and director, told AllOtsego.
“The most important thing for me as a producer on my indie sets is that everyone be kind, collaborate, have fun, eat really well, bring your talent and fresh ideas to the table, and I’ll bring the table,” she said.
Kelly-Bailey, who has created other films upstate, including “A Roadhouse Coup” and “Garrow,” said it was important to her to cast local talent. In particular, she said she was looking for actors to portray New York State Attorney General Martin Van Buren, who would later become president; Polly Moshier, the pregnant mistress; Nathan Foster, the husband and killer; and Eleanor Foster, the wife who was murdered. Extras will be needed for some scenes, such as the trial and at the
gallows execution.
Kelly-Bailey said an open casting call will be going out in January. She estimated it will take about two weeks to shoot the film.
The film will be executive produced by Ben Guenther, the owner and operator of Five Star Subaru, and Joel Plue, who goes by “Amir Damascus” artistically, will produce the movie and work on CGI effects.
“One thing that we really hope to gain out of this production is to really just showcase the value of this area, and not just the rich history, but the production value,” Plue told AllOtsego.
He added they will be working to get releases on Amazon Prime TV and Apple TV.
“So it’ll be seen, it’ll be available worldwide,” Plue said.
The filmmakers said they have already secured several local locations for the film, much of which will take place inside. Among the locations are the Oneonta Masonic Lodge and Hanford Mills Museum.
“We’re hoping that this inspires more people outside of the county to want to come here to film and to bring their productions,” Plue said.
Kelly-Bailey wrote a poem encapsulating the film:
“He took a young mistress, his child she bore,
Then poisoned his wife to even the score.
Suspicion arose and a trial ensued, Soon to reveal he had poisoned her food.
A traitor, a spy and a right evil man, Convicted by jury with bibles in hand. Hung by the neck, till he was no more, Attending as witness, his bastard and whore.
Boasting of innocence, his story would wane, For he’d kept as memento, the can of ratsbane.”
Bailey encouraged those interested in working on the film to e-mail RatsbaneMovie@Protonmail.com.
Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel
Senator Peter Oberacker announced his run for Congress on Monday, October 6.
Artwork created by Joel Plue/ Amir Damascus Entertainment LLC
Board Hears Concerns Regarding ICE Agreement, Approves Budget
By BILL BELLEN
COUNTY
OTSEGO
Following a brief Public Works Committee meeting at 9:50 a.m. to approve a few minor budget transfers, the Otsego County Board of Representatives convened for its December 3 meeting. Representatives David Bliss and Andrew Marietta were both absent at the start of the meeting, though Bliss entered during privilege of the floor and Marietta during committee discussion, meaning all members of the board were present for the final vote on approving Otsego County’s budget for 2026.
Before any regular business could occur, however, a plethora of community members utilized the privilege of the floor to voice their concerns over the recent agreement signed between the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
As previously reported by AllOtsego, the 287(g) program is intended to allow local law enforcement—corrections officers in this case, in particular—to carry out immigration enforcement on those in custody.
The discussion opened with Bill Hayes, who applauded the sheriff’s consistent commitment to providing law enforcement to the community over the years, but questioned his authority to enter into the agreement with ICE.
Hayes said that numerous federal regulations have been relaxed, meaning there are no longer supervisors from ICE to ensure that local enforcers are following proper procedure. Hayes further questioned whether this would turn corrections officers into warrant-issuing ICE agents and appealed for a closer look into whether or not this act undermined the county government’s authority.
Boyd Richards came to the stand next, echoing many of the sentiments of Hayes and sharing his concerns regarding the representation of the will of the people.
“It seems very contrary to the resolution that was passed in Cooperstown in support of immigrants and recognizing that often justice isn’t served to immigrants here seeking legal status,” Hayes stated. “I understand that Oneonta has also passed a similar resolution. I think the optics of having our sheriff and sheriff’s department involved in ICE in any way is incongruent with those resolutions and the will of the majority of the individ-
uals here in the county.”
Two more citizens followed Richards, each criticizing the lack of qualifications among new ICE agents and the practice of agents using masks and lacking verifiable identification.
Paul Mendelson, one of the subsequent speakers, concluded his address with a personal reflection.
“My grandparents were deported to Auschwitz in 1942. The people who came to the door were just low-functioning bureaucrats doing their job. There will be midterms a year from now, and a lot of what has happened in the last year, and perhaps over the next year, is going to be called to account, and we will be asked to account for what we have been cooperating with.”
As a fourth speaker wrapped up her thoughts, the board moved forward with the agenda for the day. Chairman Edwin Frazier opened by saying that Assemblyman Brian Miller was supposed to attend the meeting, but unfortunately had to reschedule due to contracting the flu. Frazier said that the special presentation would be rescheduled for a later date.
Moving to the committee discussion, Rep. Keith McCarty spoke for Public Works and began by recounting Highway Superintendent Rich Brimmer’s request to extend a 2024 resolution through 2026 to authorize using up to $2,000,000.00 of CHIPS funds toward the bridge replacement project on County Route 58A in the Town of Milford.
McCarty said Brimmer further mentioned the Highway Department is struggling for employees to keep snowplows and trucks running through the winter. After finishing his committee meeting summary, McCarty was questioned as to why the Highway Department was struggling to get these plowers. He cited construction workers being incentivized to accept unemployment benefits off-season due to the recent increase of unemployment benefits, as well as not many people having CDL licenses to begin with— even mentioning how the county had offered to pay for people to get their CDL in the past.
Rep. Adrienne Martini represented the Human Services Committee and once more called attention to Community Services Director Jeannette Pavlus’ request for approval to pay a 730 criminal court order of $195,446.79. Martini said that the money was taken from Contingency and transferred to the Criminal Action Line to cover the expense.
According to the New York State Office of Mental Health website, “CPL 730 Final Orders of Observation pertain to misdemeanor charges. Individuals deemed incapacitated are admitted to a state civil psychiatric center under the provisions of the Mental Hygiene Law and their charges are dismissed. An evaluation must take place within 72 hours of admissions. Individuals are then either committed under MHL, converted to voluntary status, or released.”
Rep. Margaret Kennedy
and Martini discussed how some counties have begun to stop paying 730s in hopes of a reprieve from the state government, which used to cover some of the expenses of these mandatory defendant mental health competency evaluations. Kennedy encouraged the board not to follow in their footsteps, but to make it clear that it was an issue that should be focused on in the future by the New York State Association of Counties.
Frazier added that some counties have begun to raise the question of whether rehabilitation could be done by local institutions rather than by state institutions to save some on expenses—which he said have doubled since 2021—but that there were no answers on the matter as of now.
Rep. Daniel Wilber shared the minutes for the Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee, noting that Sheriff Richard Devlin requested approval to contract with SMRT Architects and Engineers for architectural and design services. After listing some miscellaneous budget transfers, Bliss questioned Wilber about the SMRT contract pricing, as well as its specificity on the record, as Bliss clarified that he was under the impression that the contract was specifically for building a new jail.
With evident confusion as to what the resolution entailed, Wilber and others clarified that the agreement was for determining the best location for a possible new correctional facility in the future. He said this agreement was needed
due to public safety and correctional facilities taking preference over other future constructions, meaning that it would save the county a headache identifying a location now rather than down the line.
Kennedy began the Administration Committee recap by pulling Res. 380 and Res. 381— resolutions approving the adoption of the 2026 budget and its associated appropriations—for individual consideration.
Kennedy invited Otsego County Treasurer Allen Ruffles to speak on the auction of 22 Maple Street in Gilbertsville, a parcel that was foreclosed upon for being at least three years behind on property taxes. Ruffles noted that the auction was pushed back to January 14 and said that the court order is currently in review by a judge, meaning the county cannot post the auction online due to the possible litigation of publishing something without court approval.
Upon the conclusion of committee reports, Frazier said that County Administrator Steve Wilson e-mailed out relevant information and status updates to board members that morning, but that he was unable to attend the meeting due to persisting health concerns. The board
agreed to convene for a mid-month meeting on December 15 at 9 a.m. to tie up loose ends for the year. After the dispensation of the reading of a number of petitions of expenses for the 2026 tax roll, the board unanimously approved Res. 382 through Res. 421 of the consent agenda.
Kennedy initiated discussion on Res. 380— the resolution adopting the 2026 budget for Otsego County—by explaining that she had pulled it in order for the board to approve a few final modifications to the budget in various accounts and departments, most of which were just corrections and adjustments for unallocated funds and mistakenly duplicated instances in the budget. Frazier made a point of the fact that these changes resulted in no net change to budget, and that the corrections saved $240,000.00 that would be able to be reallocated into Contingency to bring the account more inline with years past. The amendment including these changes was approved unanimously, with the resulting final vote on Res. 380A being approved, with Bliss as the sole dissenting vote. With the 2026 budget approved, Kennedy said
Continued on page 11
Candlelight
p.m.
p.m.
In person
Dec. 24
7:00 pm - , December 24th
Link: meet.google.com/viu-hpxa-mjg
Dec. 24
Main Street and Walling Avenue Oneonta Or join us online:
pm - , December 24 In person Main Street and Walling Avenue Oneonta Or join us online: Link: meet.google.com/viu-hpxa-mjg Phone: 1 301-857-2390 // PIN: 931769968 Church Office: 607-432-7520 reddoorchurch@stny.rr.com
Phone: 1 301-857-2390 // PIN: 931769968 Church Office: 607-432-7520 reddoorchurch@stny.rr.com
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Walton-Leavitt 7 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 24 reddoorchurch.info
Perspectives
GUEST EDITORIaL Christina Bourgeois & Hudi Podolsky
Communicating with the Public is a Duty for All Public Entities
In mid-November, as required by law, the Cooperstown Central School District posted notices in “The Daily Star” about an upcoming vote on December 16, 2025, for a proposed $16 million capital improvement project. The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area neither supports nor opposes this project.
We are concerned, however, that the Cooperstown Central School District has done little other than this required public notice to publicize the project and the date, time, and place of the vote or to encourage members of the public to have their voices heard by voting.
The following note was included in the minutes from the November 7 meeting of the Facilities and Finance Committee regarding the Project.
“Following BOE approval of the Proposed Capital Project at the October meeting, we discussed preparations and process for the public vote on December 16, 2025. Descriptive materials including posters in the Jr/Sr High School hallway, and upcoming posts on the website will provide the public with detailed information on what is included in the Capital Project. We also discussed the need for a public forum in advance of the vote. This has been done in the past, but with very poor (1-2 attendees) turnout. Sarah will be consulting with the CFA and PTA on whether they believe we should do this again.”
Indeed, there are posters in the school that explain the project and note the date, time, and place of the vote; however, members of the community at large do not casually visit the school building. Similarly, information was posted on the District website in December, and a letter was sent home with students—but none of this informs the general public. Applications for absentee ballots must be requested by December 9, 2025, by which time the general public had no information about the upcoming vote beyond the minimal legal notice. We understand that information will be sent by mail, and that a public meeting has been scheduled, but it appears that the public will have, at best, last-minute notice of the meeting.
In order to cast a vote on any proposition—but especially one of such importance to the district—voters need, at the very least, to be informed of the vote in a timely manner. Ideally that information would be more than what is required legally. In addition, voters should have easy access to the details of the proposition and of the time and place of the vote. We acknowledge that this information is available on the District’s website and in the published public notice, but without a press release or an announcement on social media, how is the public to know when the vote is or that there is even a proposal?
At this point, the League can only point voters to the District website for minimal information on the vote. Unfortunately, it is too late to apply for an absentee ballot.
The League of Women Voters regularly combats mis- and disinformation, but in this case the problem is lack of information.
Christina Bourgeois and Hudi Podolsky are co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. They must include the writer’s name, address, e-mail and telephone/ mobile number; the opinions expressed must be the writer’s own. Hostile, offensive, factually incorrect or excessively inflammatory content will not be published. Preferred length is no more than 250 words. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit letters for clarity and space. Please send letters to: info@allotsego.com.
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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
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THE PaRTIaL OBSERVER
Do We
Qualify To Stay in the U.S.?
My wife and I are in our 80s, and were born in the United States. We are in the midst of a brief sojourn in Spain, scheduled to return to our birth country before Christmas. While here, we have tried to divorce ourselves from the daily onslaught of news reports of the antics of the so-called political and governmental classes at home. Unfortunately, we have not been entirely successful. Some disturbing accounts have managed to seep through.
In our present situation, those that are most troubling deal with the rounding-up, incarceration, and deportation of people with whom we share comparable family histories and experiences. As we contemplate our return to the U.S. in a few days’ time, we wonder what might await us when we present our valid U.S. passports to the Immigration and Customs official at our point of entry. Will an ICE agent be there to challenge or prevent our admission?
Each of us has one parent who was born elsewhere: my mother in Italy; my wife’s father in Canada—as a French-Canadian to boot! Although both became naturalized citizens before they married and had us in the U.S., according to news reports that profile has not saved others who have been recently deported.
Neither, it would seem, is my having enlisted in the United States Army, served in Vietnam and released with an honorable discharge. Fellow veterans with similarly clean service records have reportedly been seized and deported.
Although my wife lacks a military service credential, for many of her 87 years, she was an award-winning teacher in private and public schools in New York, New Jersey and Texas,
along with raising our now three adult children. Similar backgrounds seemingly haven’t saved some from the clutches of the ICE men.
It gets more problematic in this environment when we consider other aspects of our family origins. All of our grandparents were immigrants—in my case, from Italy and Poland; in my wife’s, from Ireland and Canada. As far as we know, no one on either side was a white South African.
If we are lucky enough to slip through ICE’s net when we attempt to re-enter our country, one of the first things we will do is take steps to beef-up our known family history by engaging an ancestry search firm to find what may improve our lineage. Perhaps one of my wife’s Irish forebears found his way to Plymouth, England in 1620 and signed on as a member of the crew of the Mayflower. Perhaps one of my father’s Polish ancestors accompanied General Casimir Pulaski to Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78 to form the first American cavalry for George Washington’s army. One would hope that such enhancements to our pedigrees would be noted by ICE in favor of our being allowed to stay.
Similarly situated Americans like us, who do not have the means or desire to be a multi-million dollar contributor to any of the current administration’s various enterprises, would also be well advised to take whatever actions they deem prudent in case the ICE man cometh for them.
Most people don’t buy fire insurance because they want their house to go up in flames; they do so in case it does. Until ICE melts, we all need to insulate ourselves and our families from a potential ICE storm.
John A. Rudy and his wife, Suzanne, reside in Cooperstown.
Meeting on School Capital Project is Thursday
COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Central School District will hold a public informational meeting in the Sterling Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 11 to discuss its proposed capital project. The $16.8-million project will include health and safety upgrades, infrastructure maintenance, and new instructional spaces. Thanks to $14.8 million in state aid, the project will use $2 million from the district Capital Reserve Fund and have no additional tax impact on the community. A full proposal description may be found at cooperstowncs.org/capital-project-2025. District voters are encouraged to attend the Q&A for more information. Voting will be held in the Sterling Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16.
Open Letter to Sheriff Devlin
We confirm that as citizens of Otsego County we respect the rule of law and the role of law enforcement in keeping our communities safe.
At the same time, we affirm that if law enforcement itself ignores the rule of law, we no longer live in a free and democratic country. Rather we live in a country where rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution are ignored by those empowered by dangerous weaponry and the lack of adherence to Constitutional principles.
Currently, the operations and behaviors of ICE often fit this description. For this important reason, we express our extreme disappointment that the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office has signed a 287(g) agreement with ICE. In summary, ICE is engaged in the following extralegal activities:
• Arrests of non-criminals: An increasing number of people with no criminal convictions or pending charges are being arrested and detained by ICE.
• Minor offenses: Individuals with minor offenses, such as
traffic violations, are being arrested and handed over to ICE after being stopped for other reasons.
• Deceptive tactics: ICE agents have reportedly used ruses to gain entry into homes, such as impersonating local police to investigate fake crimes.
• Mandatory detention: ICE has expanded mandatory detention policies, which detain individuals without giving them the opportunity to ask for release on bond.
• Harassment: ICE has seriously harassed—including with detention/deportation— U.S. citizens and immigrants with legal status including minor children who have not committed crimes.
Because people’s lives and futures are at stake, we ask that you research for yourself ICE’s lawless behavior and its severe consequences and then reverse your decision to cooperate through the 287(g) agreement.
The National Immigration Law Center has excellent information and researched, verifiable statistics on the damage to lives of noncitizens and citizens alike because of ICE tactics. Specifically, please visit
https://www.nilc.org/articles/ ice-is-detaining-indiscriminately-and-releasing-almostno-one/ for their summary of ICE practices and supporting statistics.
We have seen ICE at work in both Cooperstown and Oneonta where working immigrants without criminal records who had filed claims for asylum and were following rules and procedures to achieve asylum were taken from their homes, detained, and placed into deportation proceedings. A brief Google search of reliable reporting will communicate the vast array of stories of people without criminal records, pursuing legal avenues to citizenship who were summarily arrested, detained and deported. Families and communities are being torn apart.
The current culture of ICE is guided by the racist language of Mr. Trump who, along with continually tagging all immigrants as rapists, criminals, and people who eat other people’s pets, recently claimed all Somalians living in the U.S. are “garbage.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who repeatedly claims her full
of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum
Columnists and Contributing Writers
Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn
JOHn a. RUDY
Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART
185 YEARS AGO
Dr. Channing on Poetry—Poetry far from injuring society, is one of the great instruments of refinement and exaltation. It lifts the mind above ordinary life, gives it a respite from depressed cares, and awakens the consciousness of its efficacy with what is pure and noble. In its legitimate and highest efforts, it has the same tendency and aim with Christianity; that is to spiritualize our nature. Poetry has a natural alliance with our best affections. Its great tendency and purpose is to carry the mind beyond and above the beaten, dusty, weary walks of ordinary life, to lift it into a purer element, and to breathe into it more profound and generous emotions. It reveals to us the loveliness of nature, and brings back the freshness of early feelings, revives the relish of simple pleasures, keeps unquenched the enthusiasm which warmed the springtime of our being, refines youthful love, strengthens our interest in human nature, vividly delineates tender and lofty feelings, expands our sympathies over all classes of society, knits us by new ties with universal being, and through the brightness of its prophetic visions, helps faith lay hold on the future life.
December 14, 1840
135 YEARS AGO
The Minstrels—On Saturday evening, December 20, Kent’s Modern Minstrels are advertised to appear at Bowne Opera House, and are to give a refined, all new feature entertainment, with a superb first part and grand olio. The proceeds of this entertainment are to go to the Nelson Hose Co. to assist that organization in defraying expenses recently incurred through the death of a member of the Company. All are invited to purchase tickets—Prices 25 and 35 cents. Reserved seats may be secured and general admission tickets also obtained at Reynold’s book store.
60 YEARS AGO
December 12, 1890
The death of George L. Deakin of Oaksville, for 43 years a linotype operator for The Freeman’s Journal Company occurred November 30 at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. He was 66 years old. Although a native of Holland Patent where he was born June 2, 1899, Deakin lived in Cooperstown most of his life. He started work as a printer apprentice with the Crist Publishing Company here at the age of 15, and later became a linotype operator before joining the staff of The Freeman’s Journal. Deakin was a veteran of both world wars having served in France and Belgium in WWI and for a short time in the Army during WWII. He was a charter member of Clark F. Simmons Post, American Legion and was one of its first commanders.
December 8, 1965
35 YEARS AGO
Six Cooperstown Middle School students recently took part in a Student Leadership Conference at the State University of New York at Oneonta. “I’m going to treat everyone with the same respect I would like,” said one student after the conference which was held at Hunt Union. Sarah Good, Melissa Raddatz, Howard Graham, Meghan Arquin, and Kristen Shaw were the student participants. Joan Stowell of the CCS Guidance Department also attended.
20 YEARS AGO
December 12, 1990
The proposed $19.4 million Capital Project referendum that was put before Cooperstown School District voters on December 6, was rejected by an overwhelming majority of voters, 1,365 opposed to 331 in favor. Richmond Hulse, Sr., who helped form a Concerned Citizens Group to oppose the project, said, “The voters have spoken very clearly. We hope it sends a strong message that taxpayers will not spend their money on projects not needed for education.”
December 9, 2005
Making Progress Despite the Challenges
This has been a tough year for those of us working on reducing tobacco use. The current administration’s steep funding cuts—which eliminated the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Office of Smoking and Health and nearly eliminated the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products— have impacted that work at the national, statewide, and local levels. Both programs have helped prevent hundreds of thousands of kids from becoming addicted to tobacco and helped hundreds of thousands of adults quit smoking.
The OSH funded numerous state and territorial tobacco control programs, including New York State’s. The New York State TCP lost 13 staff members last summer because of funding cuts, people dedicated to saving lives in New York, especially in rural areas, often because they had lost loved ones to tobacco addiction.
We know that, comparatively speaking, we are lucky. Our loss of TCP staff has slowed down our work, but not stopped it. A recent article reported that West Virginia had to close a youth-led tobacco prevention program. West Virginia “received 73% of funding for its anti-tobacco efforts from OSH,” the highest of all U.S. states. It has the highest tobacco rate among high-school students in the country at 27 percent. The New York State rate is 17 percent.
Despite all that, the NYS TCP—which includes our organization, Tobacco-Free Communities: Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie—continues to work to reduce tobacco use and make public health a priority. TFC-DOS and our many wonderful community partners, local governments, and caring DOS citizens have made some inroads and scored some successes this year in reducing tobacco use and improving our area’s public health and environment.
One achievement is the Village of Sharon
By MERL REAGLE
American Portrait
Springs passing a policy that makes all its municipal property tobacco-free. The village’s long-time beloved mayor, Doug Plummer, who tragically passed on Dec. 23, 2023 after battling brain cancer courageously for years, strongly supported having tobacco-free communities. His mother had died from lung cancer when Doug was only 21. When Doug and his partner, Garth Roberts, opened the nationally renowned American Hotel in Sharon Springs in 2001, they made the outdoor area smoke-free, a rare move at the time. I think Doug would have liked Sharon Springs’ new TF policy. Another accomplishment is the City of Oneonta’s Community Wellness Committee’s diligent work developing a tobacco retail policy that aims to cap the number of tobacco retailers in the city. If the Common Council passes it, the new law will help prevent youth from ever initiating tobacco use and ultimately help reduce tobacco litter and build a tobacco-free norm. We at TFCDOS have been impressed and grateful for the CWC members’ gathering and analyzing of data on tobacco retailer policies and thoughtful discussions around it. Shout out to them!
In addition, and somewhat ironically, the NYS TCP’s 25th anniversary is this year! It was established via the New York State Public Health Law in 2000, which led to the development of “a comprehensive, effective public health infrastructure to prevent tobacco use, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and support New Yorkers in quitting tobacco.” Key achievements include:
• Adult cigarette smoking down from 23 percent in 2000 to 9 percent in 2023!
• Youth cigarette smoking was at 2 percent in 2024, with youth use of any form of tobacco continuing to fall!
The creation of the New York State Quitline, Continued on page 11
Buzz Hesse and One Man’s Mission to Change a Road Sign
By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EMPIRE
STATE DEVELOPMENT’S “MOHAWK VALLEY” REGION, NYS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION “REGION 9,” AND THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
Buzz Hesse, a local archaeologist, is on a mission. One day several years ago, he noticed a sign on Interstate Route 88, Exit 12 near Otego: “Mohawk Valley Region.”
“Well, it’s totally wrong,” Hesse told AllOtsego. “It’s totally erroneous.”
He has sent appeals to anyone and everyone—former State Assemblyman John Salka, current State Senator Peter Oberacker, and prior letters to the editor, one of which listed phone numbers for the state’s Department of Transportation—in an effort to rectify it.
As a geographic matter, much of Otsego County is part of the Susquehanna River’s watershed, not the Mohawk River’s further north. The main branch of the Susquehanna River starts from Otsego Lake, in Cooperstown. But that’s not what the signs are based on.
“The signs do not indicate the Watershed Region, but rather the Regional Economic Development Region in which they are located,” Lonni Rawson,
Otego resident and former archaeologist Buzz Hesse has been working to have the blue sign above changed, but to no avail.
assistant to the regional director for Region 9 for the NYSDOT, said in a statement.
The state’s 10 economic development regions fall under Empire State Development, a state economic development agency.
“Uh… hello,” one ESD staff member replied to AllOtsego’s phone question about the name, before
directing it to the press team, who did not respond.
The Mohawk Valley Region also includes Oneida, Schoharie, Montgomery, Fulton and Herkimer counties. ESD’s webpage for the region describes it as “at the geographic center of upstate New York”—but seemingly not central enough to earn the neighboring regional title of “Central New York,” which is anchored by Syracuse.
That is different from DOT’s Region 9, according to its website, which is headquartered in Binghamton and includes the “Central Leatherstocking Area to the northeast and extends into the Catskill Region to the southeast” and in another place on the site is referred to as part of the “Southern Tier.” The ESD designation is also different from how a page on the Office of the Comptroller’s website presents regions, counting Otsego County as part of a “Southern Tier” region.
“Unequivocally, it sends an incorrect message to people traveling through this region,” Hesse said of the signage. “This is not the Mohawk Valley. This is the Upper Susquehanna Valley. It has its own history.”He wants an update, or for the signs to be taken down altogether.
However, Hesse said, his inquiries to officials have been unrequited.
“That’s where it began and ended right there, and nothing has happened.”
New Food Resource Available at Cooperstown Farmers’ Market
COOPERSTOWN
The Cooperstown Farmers’Market, a program of Otsego 2000, has FreshConnect Emergency Response checks available to anyone who identifies as food insecure, or who meets certain income levels, officials announced on Monday, December 9. The New York State program provides $20.00 each week in vouchers to spend on SNAP-eligible food from the market, including produce, meat, eggs, cheese, bread and pantry staples.
NEWS BRIEFS
Soccer Registration Opens
COOPERSTOWN—Otsego United Soccer Club has opened registration for the 2026 spring season. The U8 and U10 teams are co-ed, with separate boys and girls teams for U12, U14 and U17. Practices and home games are held at the Clark Sports Center. Pre-season training starts in early March and tournament play begins in mid-April. Spaces are expected to fill quickly. Visit registration.teamsnap.com/form/42243 for more information or to register.
CSO Seeks Volunteer Ushers
ONEONTA—Catskill Symphony Orchestra is still seeking volunteer ushers for their Poinsettia Pops Concert at SUNY Oneonta’s Goodrich Theater on Saturday, December 13. Volunteers should arrive by 6:15 p.m. and will receive free admission to the 7:30 concert, expected to end around 9:30. For more details or to sign up, contact dcrpuffin17@hotmail. com or call (607) 437-1529.
Smithy Announces Classes
COOPERSTOWN—The Smithy Clay Studio will run an eight-week winter class session from January 5 to February 28. Unless otherwise noted, eight-week classes are $280.00 each, and Open Studio is $180.00 for unlimited visits during open studio hours, 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday. Ann Geiger will lead a class titled “Handbuilding for Your Garden” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays for a fee of $140.00. Tuesday classes include “Handmade Lamps” with Anne Carnevale from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and “Centering the Potter and Clay” with Karla Andela from 6-9 p.m. Jasmine Crowe will lead a morning wheel session suitable for beginners from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays. Andela will instruct a teen and homeschool wheel session from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays. For more information or to register, visit smithy-clay-studio.jumbula. com/january-february-2026.
Open House Is Saturday
MIDDLEFIELD—The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, will host a holiday open house for its “Something Old, Something New” show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Artists-inresidence Robert Seward and Marcie Schwartzmann will attend from noon to 2 p.m. to discuss their techniques. Light refreshments will be served. The show is open each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and other days by appointment until January 17. For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact leartgarage@gmail.com or (607) 547-5327.
State Announces Market Funds
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that $500,000.00 is available to farmers’ markets through part one of the fourth round of the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program. Included in the state budget, this funding is intended to enhance local food system resiliency by improving market infrastructure, increasing promotional efforts and adding delivery services. Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on February 4. For full eligibility criteria
The program runs through the end of December—or while supplies last, whichever is sooner. FreshConnect checks must be redeemed in 2025. The last Cooperstown Farmers’ Market in 2025 is December 27. The market, which is located at 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley in Cooperstown, is open Saturdays year-round from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a special Holiday Farmers’ Market on Tuesday, December 23 from 4-7 p.m.
or to apply, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0396farmers-market-resiliency-grant-program-regionalsub-grant-program-round-4.
Christmas Bazaar Announced
SPRINGFIELD—The Springfield Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar in conjunction with the Christmas luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center, 129 County Highway 29A, on Saturday, December 20. The bazaar will also be open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, December 11 and Thursday, December 18. It will offer ornaments, local books about Springfield, including Kate Gray’s new book, note cards and more. All proceeds support the historical society.
Performance Honors Given
COOPERSTOWN—On National Rural Health Day, November 20, The Chartis Center for Rural Health announced that Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi earned 2025 Performance Leadership Awards. This program recognizes top quartile performance among rural hospitals in quality, outcomes and patient perspective. Bassett and Fox were honored in the outcomes category; O’Connor was recognized in the quality and patient perspective categories. For more information, visit chartis.com/top-performing-rural-hospitals.
Hartwick Joins SCHMM
ONEONTA—The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is pleased to welcome Hartwick College to its Student Certified Hazardous Materials Manager program. It will offer major new training and certification programs for Hartwick students, and all student CHMMs are now eligible for up to $16,000.00 in annual scholarships. For more information, visit ihmm.org/student-chmm.
FCUMC Potluck Is Saturday
FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, will hold a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. All community members are invited to attend and encouraged to bring a friend, a dish to pass and a game to share.
Sound Bath Season Ending
MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street in Margaretville, will hold its final Sound Bath event of the season at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Led by practitioner Marcel Smith, it offers an immersive, meditative experience designed to calm the mind and restore the body. Reservations are recommended. Contact (845) 586-1660 or info@theopeneyetheater.org for more information.
Shelter Laws Change on 12/15
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reminded animal shelters and rescues about increased legal standards that will take effect on Monday, December 15. Enacted as part of Chapter 683 of the Laws of 2022, Article 26-C establishes mandatory licensing, affordable care standards
This new program is just one of several food access initiatives available at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. The market accepts SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and through two partnerships, a $20.00 SNAP spend is matched by the Cooperstown Lions Club SNAP Match program and also by New York Field and Fork Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program.
Continued on page 11
and regular inspections. The first year of the new law will be an opportunity for department inspectors to visit the state’s shelters and advise them on compliance. A full list of new requirements under Article 26-C may be found at agriculture.ny.gov/system/ files/documents/2025/03/article_26c_regulationofanimalshelters.pdf. The department encourages shelters to apply for the competitive Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund, which has awarded more than $48 million to date for shelter upgrades. For more information or to apply, visit agriculture.ny.gov/rfp0342-companion-animal-capital-projects-fund.
Gas Price Down Two Cents
UTICA—The average price of a gallon of gasoline in New York State fell two cents on a week of soft demand, AAA Northeast announced on Monday, December 8. Nationwide demand for gas dropped nearly five percent to 8.3 million barrels per day, fairly low for the season. Although domestic production also dipped and international demand for U.S. oil and gas remained high, inventories still increased by 4.5 million barrels. Exports have surpassed 1 million barrels a day six times in the last eight weeks. New York’s current price of $3.11 per gallon is one cent lower than last month and three cents lower than this week last year. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.
SUNY Delhi Expands Partners
DELHI—SUNY Delhi announced two new transfer agreements and a major new investment in the Applied Technology Facility that officials say will bolster New York’s advanced manufacturing workforce. One of the new agreements creates a seamless path for students at Dutchess Community College’s Electrical Technology program to transfer to the Delhi Mechatronics Technology bachelor’s program, allowing them to graduate faster and at lower cost. A dual-admission program with SUNY Oneonta establishes a direct path from Delhi’s mechatronics associate’s program to Oneonta’s bachelor’s program in business administration with a concentration in supply chain management. Delhi also announced a $32-million state investment that will turn North Hall into a 15,000-squarefoot applied technology facility. Expected to open in 2030, the new facility will prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing fields. For more information, visit delhi.edu.
Red Kettle Campaign Returns
SCHENECTADY—Market 32 and Price Chopper have once again partnered with the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign, bringing the iconic red kettles back to all 129 stores. The two organizations have worked together to strengthen local communities for more than 35 years. Last year, generous customers donated more than $618,000.00 to provide food, shelter and other assistance in their home communities. Since 2010, Market 32 and Price Chopper and their customers have raised more than $9 million to support food pantries, emergency assistance programs, afterschool and music programs, religious counseling, and holiday toy and clothing drives. For more information, visit pricechopper.com.
Photo courtesy of AllOtsego.com
Kent Elected to Hall by Contemporary Baseball Era Committee
COOPERSTOWN
Jeff Kent, the slugging infielder who totaled more home runs than any second baseman in history, earned election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, December 7 via the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee process. According to a press
SVSC
Continued from page 1
a bit better on how to present, how to research, and the professor at Hartwick at the time posed a completely different objective. He said to the students, ‘Find the local need and come up with an idea and a project to address it.’ That was a game changer,” Katz said.
Participating students have developed projects to address food insecurity, hygienic necessities, health issues, and more. Katz noted how these are key foundational pillars of CFOC’s goal of building a stronger community, complimenting and praising the work of student groups past and present.
The CFOC reaches out in February to participant schools to provide them information on the intent, goals and guidelines of the upcoming event, Katz said. Teams are put together shortly before the mid-September orientation, to which representatives from all schools are invited, regardless of their participatory status. CFOC representatives visit participating schools following the orientation until November to receive and deliver feedback and guide participants.
Hartwick College has been involved with the “Student Voices” competition since 2023, with the Hartwick Institute of Public Service being partnered with the CFOC for the past two years. The orientation at Hartwick sees each school’s team paired with a currently enrolled Hartwick student to support the groups’ processes and help develop their proposals.
“This gathering is truly one of the highlights of my year,” wrote HIPS CoDirector Professor Zach McKenney. “It showcases the creativity, passion and vision of the young people in our community…The students do an amazing job articulating their hopes, confronting challenges and offering bold ideas for the future. Their voices matter deeply, and their choices help shape the direction of our region.”
Cherry ValleySpringfield, Edmeston, Milford, Morris and Unatego all sent delegates to this year’s event, as did the private Otsego
release from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Kent was one of eight candidates on the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee Ballot, which was considered by a 16-member committee that held meetings on Sunday in Orlando, Florida. The ballot was comprised of player candidates whose primary contribution to the
Christian Academy. Presentation topics included literacy focus by Milford, pet vaccinations by CV-S, and the addressing of food pantry concerns by OCA. Each team presented over the course of the evening to a panel of judges, as well as a crowd of between 120-140 people.
Though each project was awarded $2,500.00 from CFOC, four students from Unatego won the night for their presentation on raising mental health awareness in their community.
“The students first surveyed the community to find out what the concerns were and they found that 68 percent of those surveyed felt mental health was an overwhelming concern,” wrote Unatego Team Advisors Lexi McHenry and Kim Trask in a joint e-mail.
“They then had to brainstorm what a project would look like addressing these concerns…The students then started researching what nonprofit to work with, and contacted NAMI of Delaware and Otsego
game came since 1980.
Kent was named on 14 of 16 ballots, the only candidate to reach the 75percent threshold necessary for election.
Kent, 57, will be joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 by any electees who emerge from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting, which will be
Counties. Somewhere along the way, the students decided they wanted to create a movable space in our school, where students could gather together and create a sense of community and belonging.”
With Unatego carrying home this year’s trophy, CFOC officials are already looking ahead to the next chapter of the “Student Voices” competition.
announced on Tuesday, January 20.
A Southern California native who grew up in Huntington Beach, Kent played 17 seasons for the Blue Jays, Mets, Indians, Giants, Astros and Dodgers. A five-time All-Star who earned four starting assignments in the Midsummer Classic, Kent totaled 377 home runs—
“It’s always nice to make the first contact with the school advisors,” said Katz. “I love meeting the kids, particularly the school visits where we sit one-on-one with their team, and you really get to get a flavor of not just the team and what they’re doing, but of the school. I’d love to see more people come out. It’s such a fun night.”
Woodside Hall
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Contact Heather Short Executive Director at 607-547-0600 or by e-mail HeatherShort@WoodsideHall.net for more info.
NOW HIRING
SUBSTITUTE STAFF
Make a Difference in Your Local School!
School districts in our region are actively seeking dedicated substitute staff to support students and school communities. Whether you’re looking for a flexible job or a foot in the door to a school career, we have opportunities for you!
•Flexible Hours
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Substitute Positions Available Teachers
LTAs (Teaching Assistants)
Aides & Monitors
School Nurses
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Bus & Van Drivers
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School Districts
Charlotte Valley • Edmeston • Laurens
• Milford • Oneonta City
Schenevus • Stamford • WindhamAshland-Jewett • Worcester
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Visit www.oncboces.org for details and to submit your application. EOE
Applicants are currently being sought for the
including a record 351 while playing second base. He reached the 20-home run mark in 12 seasons and totaled eight campaigns with at least 100 RBI.
A four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Kent was named the 2000 National League Most Valuable Player and finished in the Top 10 of the NL MVP voting in three other years. He appeared in postseason play in seven different years and helped the Giants—with whom he spent six of his 17 big league seasons—capture the 2002 National League pennant. Hall of Fame Weekend 2026 will be held July 24-27 in Cooperstown, officials said.
Please send cover letter and resume to info@allotsego.com, with
A Tale of Two Dobermans: Dog Dyslexia and a Toy Snafu
Dear Dog Charmer: My name’s Tim, and I have an 8month-old Doberman named Noah. I read all your columns and he’s the dyslexic dog, who looks in the mirror and sees the word “God” instead of “dog.” He really seems afraid of nothing and is just as likely to ignore my requests as to obey them. I need some help. Tim Dear Tim,
Firstly, I love the Dobe breed. Both my successful working search dogs were Dobes. Michelle found two people alive and several not alive, which brought closure to missing person cases. Mike successfully tracked a woman 11 miles.
The ideal dog should be confident, yet respectful and cooperative. Two things before we get to respectful and cooperative. In my career, I can remember two owners who named their dog Noah. I suggested that they change their dog’s names, which they did. Assuming you use the word “no” in the course of your life, naming your dog Noah is like naming your child “Bad Boy.” Too much possible negativity associated with his name.
I adopted my standard poodle at age 2, when her name was Emma. I immediately changed her name to Paula Jean by standing three feet from her with a treat in my hand and called her to come, saying, “Paula Jean, come.” Believe me, no dog will give a damn what you call him as long as it results in a treat. Secondly, an 8-month-old Dobe is in the heart of what I fondly refer to as “Junior High School Punk” age. This is basically when they are transitioning from puppy to young adult. Often not the easiest of training times.
Using a leash and starting in the house where there are the fewest distractions, teach him to come when called. The first four times he comes when called he gets a treat. After that, he gets a treat intermittently. His attitude becomes, “Maybe there’s a treat, maybe not. I better go check it out.” Next, teach him to “stay.” This is very important, because it teaches him “self-control.” Tell him to sit, show him a flat hand like a cop stopping traffic, and say “Stay” as you back up a few steps. If he starts to move, the split second he starts to move you take a step forward, saying “Uh, Uh” or “No” with a frown on your face. The moment he halts, you’re smiling, with a soft “Good boy.”
Then you’re working on increasing the time and
distance from you that he must stay, and increasing the distractions through which he must stay. An important command for the overly confident dog is “Leave it.” “It” being whatever you want him to ignore, be it a squirrel, another dog or a piece of chicken sandwich on the ground.
Virtually every dog I worked with had to learn “Leave it.” I’d have the dog owner leave a piece of meat or cheese on a plate in the middle of a room while I was in another room with the dog. When we entered the room with the plate, I’d have the dog walk by, ignoring the people food with a snap on the leash just as he went for the dish and a lot of praise and a treat when he walked by ignoring it.
pound mini pin MacDuff they were in for a couple of special presents of the chewable kind.
Pretty wrapping paper does absolutely nothing to disguise the scent of a chew toy to a dog. My wife, Jaye, laughed as she walked by while as I was sitting in a chair trying to read and ignore the two dogs who were standing in front of my chair, staring at me, with attitude. Their eyes bore into me, saying, “What the hell are you waiting for? We want it! And we want it now!”
History: When we first got Duff, he was 3 years old, and he and Mike were fed on different sides of the kitchen. Initially, before I taught him not to, to my horror Duff ran over to where Mike was eating and shoved his head under Mike’s and started gobbling Mike’s dinner. Mike’s response blew me away. Many—if not most—dogs in this situation would bite, or chase the usurper away. It’s called “possession aggression.” Mike backed away and gave me a look that said, “Can you believe this shit? Do something!” So I taught Duff, “Leave it!” when Mike’s eating, because I knew Mike would tolerate this for only so long.
My suggestion, Tim: two things. Get my training book, “Dog Training Diaries,” and read it! Secondly, call a trainer to start you off with a couple of lessons working on your timing and body language, which needs to harmonize with the temperament of the dog.
Best of luck and congrats on your new family member!
Dog Charmer Tom ********
Dear Dog Charmer:
You help a lot of people and you fix a lot of dog problems. Any screw ups?
Amy
Dear Amy:
Oh! To be perfect—I am not. There were several, and each one was a tough lesson.
The first one that immediately comes to mind took place a few Christmas Eves ago. It was mid-afternoon at the ginger bread house on the vineyard. Kerry was going to arrive with the fam on the six o’clock ferry. Everything was set, with dinner, decorations and presents under the tree, including a couple for the dogs. Ninety-pound Doberman Mike immediately told 5-and-a-half
So here we are on Christmas Eve, hanging out, waiting for Kerry to arrive and the festivities to begin, and I say to myself as they’re staring at me, “What the hell, they’re not into Santa like my grandson, Jasper. Give them the toys now and get them out of my face.” So I lure them into the back yard and toss the toys on opposite ends of the small yard and go back into the house.
As soon as I sat down, it hit me: MISTAKE. Sure enough. A second later came the sound of Mike’s plaintive “bark-gowl” as I ran back out to the yard. Duff was on the other end of the yard, rolling back and forth on his back with blood spurting out of his head. Off we went to Dr. Jasney, who stabilized him, and then to the “emergency” ferry ride to a trauma center off-island. He survived.
Kerry told me that when Mike went into the yard and smelled Duff’s blood, he howled like a wolf. It was the only time we ever heard him howl. Imperfect Dog Charmer Tom Shelby, “The Dog Charmer” Cooperstown author, answers pet owners’ questions on training their dogs. E-mail questions to dogsrshelby@msn. com. Tom’s book, “Dog Training Diaries,” was judged one of the three best training books by Dog Writer’s Association of America. Look for his new book, “Dog Training: It Ain’t an Accountant’s Job.”
Photo provided Noah, now named Pinkie.
Green Earth Health Market: From Family Roots to Community Hub
By BRIANNA FERGUSON
SUNY Institute for Local News
ONEONTA
reen Earth Health Market has family in its history, and it’s that homespun essence that drives the business now and into the years ahead.
“I think my father-in-law’s vision was that we were like ‘the hub’ to the community to come get good food and to socialize using the community room,” said Rachael Shaughnessy.
She now owns Green Earth with her husband, Michael. It was his family that bought the business in 2007 and began the mission that continues today.
Walking into the front of the store at 4 Market Street, it at first looks like your standard health food store, with a variety of local, fresh, and organic foods, along with supplements, essential oils, incense, candles, and more.
But its role as a café, coffee shop and community activity center gives Green Earth its soul.
“I think it’s great for the community. They have somewhere to go,” Shaughnessy said. “A lot of people come, and they hang out and work on their laptop and they drink coffee, eat lunch, and hang out here all day.”
The community room can surprise
1949-2025
FLY CREEK—Frederic Blatt passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 3, 2025. To all who knew him, Fred was the embodiment of kindness, thoughtful-
coffee or a bite to eat.
newcomers, as it is not what you first see. It was originally in Shaughnessy’s father-in-law’s plans for the business.
The weekly events include yoga, dance classes and drumming classes.
Best of all—it’s free.
Shaughnessy said if anyone has an idea for a class, they are welcome to reach out.
“All about community and to bring people in,” she said.
It’s not uncommon to see up to 25 people fill Cythia Marsh’s drum circle
ness and quiet strength—a genuine gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a deeply cherished grandfather whose gentle spirit and steady warmth brought comfort and joy to those around him.
Fred was born November 19, 1949 in White Plains. He graduated from Horace Mann School, received his bachelor of fine arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s of education from the University of New England. Fred and his beloved
event that she’s hosted every other week since 2023. Marsh has been drumming for more than 30 years. The circle events can be magical.
“With the combination of when everyone is drumming together or playing music together, listening to each other, there’s these magical moments; a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” she said. “When there’s people dancing, it becomes this organic, in-the-moment experience that everyone gets to feel.
And it’s really beautiful.”
OBITUARIES
wife, Laurie, shared a bond grounded in love, gratitude, and unwavering companionship. Together, they appreciated every moment life offered, walking hand in hand through both the ordinary days and the extraordinary ones. Their partnership was a testament to commitment, tenderness, and a shared appreciation for beauty and joy in the world around them.
Fred was a devoted father to daughters Zandra Blatt and Jaimie (Manny)
Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special. Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.
Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home
Reyes, and son Chris (Ashley) Bertino. He was also a loving and playful grandfather to Quinn Lott, Murphy Bertino, Madelyn Reyes and Cooper Bertino.
A gifted artist, Fred expressed himself through sculpture, painting and various other mediums. His works reflected his unique sensitivity, imagination, and deep understanding of form and emotion. Beyond his own creations, Fred was an inspirational teacher
Dignity, Respect, Tradition
Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings.
Peter A. Deysenroth 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com
Out of the drum circle energy grew Colleen Blacklock’s spin-off group for dancers.
“I felt lonely dancing by myself at the drum circle. So we started a class and got together weekly for about a year and a half. We developed different dances, like flash mobs and sequences,” Blacklock said. “We also do a lot of improvisation that we used during a lot of the drum music. The community room is the space that we use. The owners were very generous to allow us space.”
Classes aside, Green Earth is also about its regulars. Every day, there are those getting their coffee, breakfast, and lunch, and staples like vitamins and supplements. The store opens daily at 8 a.m.—Sundays not until 10 a.m.—with the grocery being open slightly longer than the café. Complete details can be found online at greenearthoneonta.com and on Facebook.
Shaughnessy has goals for the future.
“I want to do dinners, prepare meal kits for the café, and I want to do a coffee bar,” she shared.
This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Service, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.
who encouraged others to explore their creativity with confidence and curiosity. His guidance uplifted countless students, leaving a lasting impact on their lives and artistic journeys. After retiring, Fred volunteered at the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home, teaching art to the residents.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, Rose and
Ben Blatt, and his brother, Paul Blatt. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on—in the art he created, the lessons he shared, and the love he poured into his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May his memory be a blessing, forever carried in the hearts of those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helios Care or the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home.
Photo
Photo by Brianna Ferguson
Inside the Green Earth Health Market, there are tables where patrons can work on their laptops and enjoy
Frederic Blatt
Photo provided FREDERIC BLATT
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Notice of formatioN of Renee Wellenstein, DO, PLLC.
Filed 10/6/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to 109 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purp: any lawful.
6LegalDec.11
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Notice of formatioN of Redpoint Design/Build LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 10/27/25. Office location: Otsego County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 5934 State Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
6LegalDec.11
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
H&K 449 Main Street Properties LLC
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 09/16/2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to P.O. Box 1238, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: to engage in any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.11
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Notice of formatioN of HANSEN VISION GROUP LLC.
Filed with SSNY on 09/22/2025. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 2 HANDSOME AVE., ONEONTA, NY 13820. Purpose: Any Lawful.
6LegalDec.11
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Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLitY compaNY: Nordholm Brewing Company LLC,
Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNY) on 10/31/2025.
Office Location: Otsego County. United States Corporation Agents, INC has designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY, 11228, USA. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalDec.18
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Notice of formatioN of C&C’S REST NEST LLC.
Filed 9/4/25. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Zenbusiness Inc., 41 State St, Ste 112, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: General. 6LegalDec.18
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Notice of formatioN of GATHERING GRATITUDE FARM, LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/09/2025. 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 Gathering Gratitude Farm, LLC, 1609 County Highway 13, New Berlin, NY 13411 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.18
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Notice of formatioN of 23 West Pizza Company LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/5/2025. Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 27 West End Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.25
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Notice of formatioN of Debloat LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2025. 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 24 Leatherstocking St., Cooperstown NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.25
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Notice of formatioN of Farmhouse & Fields LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/10/2025. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY Desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 297 County Rd. 9, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.25
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Notice of formatioN of COOPERSTOWN HOLSTEIN HOLDINGS, LLC
Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/23/20. Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 426 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalDec.25
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Notice of formatioN of DMC SNACKS LLC.
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/12/25. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 2390 Moss Hollow Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalDec.25
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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY
Name:
SULPHUR SPRINGS SANITATION LLC.
LEGALS
Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 17 November 2025.
Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 209 VanDerwerker Rd, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.
6LegalJan.1
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Notice of formatioN of Bruin Forest Publishing LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on Oct. 2, 2025.
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 725 State Highway 205, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.1
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Notice of formatioN of LZRBCORP LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/24/25.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 277 Rendering Works Rd., Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.1
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Notice of formatioN of TC Adventures Oneonta LLC.
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/25.
Office location : Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to TC Advevtures Oneonta LLC: 5-7 South Main Street Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.1
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Notice of formatioN of Little Nuthouse LLC
Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/26/2025.
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 151 Kinney Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.1
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Notice of formatioN of Coffee & Crumb CV, LLC
Art. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 11/25/2025.
Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
6LegalJan.8
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Notice of formatioN of
Tallickson, LLC, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on November 25, 2025. NY Office Location: OTSEGO County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served upon him/her to: Tallickson, LLC, 1133 County Hwy. 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. General Purposes.
6LegalJan.8
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Notice of formatioN of Limited LiabiLitY compaNY:
The name of the limited liability company is: GFVC Holding Company, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was October 3, 2025. The county in which the principal place of business of the Company shall be located is Otsego
County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the Company to Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, Attn: Thomas A. Conlon, Jr., Esq., 80 Exchange Street, Ste. 700, Binghamton, NY 13905. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose. 6LegalJan.8
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Notice to bidders
Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the NYSDOT, Office of Contract Management, 50 Wolf Rd., 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using https://www.bidx. com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/const-notices. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder. Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.
NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518) 4572124.
Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for
Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/M/WBE’s and SDVOBs.
The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.
Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.
Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901
D265640, PIN 9TBP26, FA Proj , Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga Cos., BRIDGE PAINTING - Various Locations, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $750,000.00), Goals: DBE: 0.00% 2LegalDec.18
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sUmmoNs WitH Notice: sUpreme coUrt of tHe state of NeW YorK: coUNtY of otseGo; Index No. EF2025-761:
SIDNEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, -vs-
ARIANA L. BROWN, Defendant.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: YOU ARE HEREBY SUM-
MONED to appear in this action by serving a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney within thirty (30) days after service of this summons is complete and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Brian D. Burns, J.S.C., signed and filed in the Otsego County Clerk’s office on December 4, 2025 under the Index Number EF2025761. The object of this action is for breach of contract for non-payment of monies due and owing under a Loan and Security Agreements and Disclosure dated June 14, 2021.
Dated: December 5, 2025, Amanda C Shaw, Esq., Riehlman, Shafer & Shaw, LLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 7693 Route 281, P.O. Box 544, Tully, NY 131590544, (315) 696-6347 4LegalJan.1
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Notice of formatioN of 10-14 HIGH ST LLC.
Filed 11/26/25. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: 224 N Queens Ave, Massapequa, NY 11758. Purpose: General. 6LegalJan.15
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iNVitatioN for bids
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Article 5A of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York that sealed bids are sought by tHe ViLLaGe of cooperstoWN, NeW YorK
For: reQUest for proposaL for soUtH eNd iNfrastrUctUre improVemeNts pHase - 1
Sealed bids will be received by the Village of Cooperstown at the Conference Room of the Village Hall at 22 Main Street in the Village of Cooperstown, NY 13326, until 2:00 p.m., January 15th, 2026 at which time bids will be publicly opened, and read. The request for Bids consists of
but is not limited to the demolition, disposal, and complete reconstruction of approximately 2,000 linear feet of existing roadway and underground utilities on Delaware Street and South Avenue in the Village of Cooperstown including:
• New DIP water main and all appurtenances • New PVC sanitary sewer main and manholes • New corrugated HDPE storm sewer and catch basins
• Roadway grading and sitework • New concrete curb and sidewalk • New asphalt pavement
Successful bidder shall begin the Work on receipt of the Notice to Proceed and shall complete the Work within the Contract Time. Work is subject to liquidated damages. The bidder shall be aware the construction for this project must begin after June 28, 2026 and shall be completed before the end of the 2026 calendar year.
A pre-bid meeting will be held and will be optional. The pre-bid meeting will be held at Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York, at 10:00 a.m., January 6th, 2026. Bidders are encouraged to attend and a site visit will follow after the meeting.
Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages set forth in the Contract Documents (see Exhibits) must be paid on this project; that the Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, religion, sex or national origin. The Contractor must also be aware that he must comply with the State wage rates under New York State Department of Labor PRC# 025014675, as well as Labor Law 220, section 220h, which requires that on all public work projects of at least $250,000.00, all laborers, workers and mechanics on the site be certified as having successfully completed the OSHA 10-hour construction safety and health course.
Online Procurement and Contracting Documents: Obtain after december 12th, 2025. Complete digital sets of bidding documents, drawings and specifications, continued pg. 11
TFC-DOS
Continued from page 5
which has supported more than 1 million New Yorkers in quitting!
• A nearly 50 percent decrease in the lung cancer death rate in the state!
• Thousands of lives and billions of dollars saved in healthcare costs associated with smoking!
• A return on investment that has New York seeing a $15 return for every dollar spent on the program!
The TCP also created the Advancing TobaccoFree Communities program, with 20 chapter organizations, including TFC-DOS, which work to create TF spaces in our county catchment areas. The creation of ATFC came from research and analysis showing that changing our environments and building a tobacco-free norm through community-wide engagement and policy led to significant reductions in tobacco use. Each ATFC includes a youth-led Reality Check program that educates communities on the tobacco/e-cigarette marketing exposure to children and preventing children from ever initiating tobacco use.
On November 20, TFC-DOS celebrated TCP’s “Illuminating 25 Years of Landmark Progress” at SUNY Oneonta’s Great American Smoke Out event. SUNY Oneonta’s Student Counseling Center, which offers nicotine replacement therapy to students who want to quit tobacco use, coordinated and hosted the event that included decorating our tables with purple lights, the chosen color spotlighting our achievements. Thank you, SUNY Oneonta!
TFC-DOS is expecting to face challenges in 2026 in anticipation of more cuts to federal funding. But with our incredible community partners and DOS residents, we know we can overcome them. We can’t thank you all enough for your work, dedication, and support to save lives and improve public health!
Jennifer Hill is the community engagement coordinator for Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie, writing on behalf of Nicole Schuck, youth engagement coordinator, and Kristen Richardson, director.
Market
Continued from page 6
“We say $20.00 equals $60.00 because a $20.00 SNAP spend results in $60.00 worth of local food from the market,” said Peg Odell, program and communications manager at Otsego 2000. “Now, with the new emergency FreshConnect checks, $20.00 can equal $80.00.”
Odell said that people do not need to be signed up for SNAP or spend SNAP at the market to receive the FreshConnect checks. Anyone interested in getting the checks should come by the farmers’ market on Saturdays and ask for the market manager.
Otsego 2000 also partners with the Cooperstown Food Pantry, which gives their clients $40.00 in vouchers to spend at the farmers’ market each month.
“All these programs help neighbors in need buy more local food, provide local farmers with more income, and keep more money in the local economy,” said Odell. “We are on track this year to have more than $40,000.00 in local food provided through these food-access initiatives.”
Farmers Market Federation of New York Executive Director Jack Riffle said, “Farmers’ markets, farmers, and New Yorkers who rely on food assistance programs are grateful for Governor Hochul’s emergency expansion of the FreshConnect program. As a Federation, we were left scrambling to support markets and shoppers during the federal government’s shutdown and the uncertainty around SNAP benefit distribution.
“The FreshConnect Emergency Response Checks will make a meaningful difference for shoppers in need of food assistance, helping them access nutritious food while also supporting New York farmers’ bottom lines,” Riffle said.
The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market was started in 1991 and now features a roster of 42 weekly and rotating farmers, makers, artisans, and bakers, all located within 50 miles of Cooperstown.
For more information see www.cooperstownfarmersmarket.org or call Otsego 2000 at (607) 547-8881.
Letters
Continued from page 4
support for the president’s ethos, recently led the Coast Guard in downgrading the swastika and the noose from “hate symbols” to “potentially divisive” (Italics inserted) until a vast public outcry pressured her to reverse course.
Yours is an elected position, and we are your constituents. We ask that you be on the right side of the rule of law and reverse your agreement to work with ICE. The three Indivisible groups who are signatories of this letter represent almost 1,000 citizens of Otsego County, and our voices and outreach exceed our numbers. Thank you for your attention. We await your response. Please respond to cooperstownoneontaindivisible@gmail.com.
CooperstownOneonta Indivisible
Butternut Valley Indivisible Indivisible Cherry Valley
Why Cooperate
With ICe?
After long, independently maintaining peace and the rule of law in Otsego County, our sheriff’s office is presently in an agreement to cooperate with ICE—which has become a rogue agency engaged not in arresting “the worst of the worst,” but in randomly kidnapping people of color, often without a judge’s warrant, by masked men in plain clothes, showing no identification and with no accountability.
Dishwashers, mothers, gardeners, people who arrived as small children reportedly disappear to private prisons at undisclosed locations, simply vanishing from their communities and their families—along with a far smaller number of people who are legitimately arrested.
ICE, with its unlimited budget, attempts to meet an arbitrary goal of one million deportations per year. They have been breaking legal agreements and arresting legal residents. Trump now threatens to illegally deport naturalized citizens. He threatens to target ethnic groups.
Why have 55 of 62 counties in New York State opted out of
this agreement? As this mission continues to widen—and as those charged with upholding the law are then asked to act illegally—has our sheriff’s office now surrendered its agency and agreed to unrestrained complicity?
This administration will be held to account after next year’s midterms. GOP members of Congress are retiring in record numbers. Those responsible for the wanton cruelty and chaos will, in time, be held to account. Those of us who once pledged liberty and justice for all every morning must find the courage to demand that we live by our convictions once again.
Paul Mendelsohn Cherry Valley
Parillo’s Book Is a Local Treasure
What a treasure!
Thank you to Joanie Parrillo and all of her helpers for the informative book, “Cooperstown, NY Home of the Unsung Heroes: Land of the Free Because of the Brave,” a lasting history lesson.
Share this gift with everyone you know. Some gave all. All gave some for our freedom.
For all those who have gone before us, God rest in peace. And always remember to thank our veterans who are still with us.
Wilma Smith Oneonta
Trump Tariffs Have Local Impact
I got a double-whammy of Trump’s Tariff Tantrums this week.
First I went to my local drug dealer, CVS, who informed me that my insurance would no longer cover the drug that I’ve been taking for 30 years to help me become a better person by remaining alive. The reason was that my drug is made in India, which now has a Trump Tantrum Tariff of 100 percent on it, and my insurance carrier simply dropped coverage, since the domestically-produced version of the drug just went up to reflect the tariff. I still have a few pills left to make a run to Mexico to score some of the same dope for one third the price.
A few days later, I got a notice
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AllOtsego.com is Otsego County’s most interesting and entertaining read and its most diverse news source, featuring award-winning reporting, community news, insightful commentary, and interesting columns by beloved local writers. Subscribe at https://www.allotsego.com/subscribe/ or call 607-547-6103. Makes a perfect gift!
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LEGALS
from DHL that the auto parts I had ordered from Europe—made only in Europe for a vintage Jaguar—now have a Trump Tantrum Tariff of 50 percent. Up from 15 percent when I bought it.
To all the macroeconomic simpletons who thought that the exporter pays the tariffs or that the importer will magically “eat” the tariffs: “You voted for this.” But not me. I like to stay healthy while driving a vintage car to Mexico.
Chip Northrup Cooperstown
County
Continued from page 1
that Res. 381 could be proceeded with as stands. It was then approved unanimously. Late Res. A and B were approved unanimously as Res. 422 and 423, greenlighting the contracting with Elevate Incorporated for elevator repairs and the transfer of funds between various county departments for 2025, respectively. A final resolution from the floor by McCarty was adopted as Res. 424, recognizing the Richfield Springs-ODY Girls Varsity Soccer Team for their accomplishments this season, achieving their second-straight Tri-Valley title and being crowned New York State Public High School Section 4 Girls Soccer Champion, a proud first for the team. Wilber made a final comment that he would like a resolution opposing the upcoming statewide ordinance prohibiting fossil fuel systems in future construction to be prepared for the December 15 meeting. Following this, there was no further business to attend to and the board adjourned for the day.
As noted earlier in this article, the next Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting was specially scheduled mid-month and will be held on Monday, December 15 at 9 a.m. The December 3 meeting can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=sXIy3QbwKDU.
Subscribe to AllOtsego.com. Call (607) 547-6103 for more details or sign up online.
from pg. 10
obtained online as a download at the following website: herrmann.biddyhq. com. Complete sets of bidding documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined
set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Village of Cooperstown. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.
REVplans (herrmann.biddyhq. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder
►Need to publish a Notice of
of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued.
All bid addenda will be transmit-
ted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at (herrmann.biddyhq. com). Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda
to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.
Bidders are responsible for the timely delivery of their Bid proposal to the proper department as indicated in this “Invitation For Bids”. Bid proposals received after the date and time specified in
the Invitation shall be considered unresponsive and will be returned to the Bidder unopened. The Village of Cooperstown does not accept bids by Fax or Email. Bidders must be properly licensed under the laws governing their respective trades and be able to obtain insurance and bonds required for the Work.
Bid security shall be submitted with each bid in the amount of 5 percent of the bid amount. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after opening of bids. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities and irregularities.
This is an exempt capital improve-
ment project, and bidders shall not include in their bid sales and compensating use taxes on the cost of materials. This Contract is subject to New York State wage rate schedules.
1LegalDec.11
Jenna Utter, Village Clerk Village of Cooperstown, New York
►Friday, dec. 12
POSITIVITY
8:30-9:30 a.m. “Fill Your
Cup Friday.” Start the day with positive connections and camaraderie. Presented via Zoom by the Otsego County Conservation Association. (607) 547-4488.
MUSEUM 11:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. “Community Days.” Food drive; free admission. Activities for children, then curator exhibit tours at 3 p.m. Continues on 12/13. Yager Museum of Art and Culture, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta. (607) 4314480.
HOLIDAYS 3-5 p.m.
Visit with Santa. Christmas Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown.
CHRISTMAS 4 p.m. “Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tour.” Tickets required. Also held 12/13. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098.
HOLIDAYS
4:30-8 p.m. “Glimmer Nights.” Featuring Wassail Nights in the Bump Tavern and the new Holiday Tree Decorating Contest. Continues Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through 1/4/26. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.
HOLIDAYS 5-8 p.m.
“The Gatehouse Holiday Party.” Holiday jazz music, ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, raffle, holiday magic and more. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
HOLIDAYS 5-7 p.m.
Visit with Santa at his cottage. Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta.
HOLIDAYS 6-8 p.m.
“Holiday of Lights.” Drive/ walk through Santa’s village, featuring Santa’s hut, a kissing bridge, hot cocoa bar, village bakery and candy shop, makeyour-own ornament store and more. Continues 6-8
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
p.m. on 12/13, 12/19, 12/20, 12/21, 12/22 and 12/23. Otsego County Fair, 48 Lake Street, Morris. (607) 263-5289.
CHRISTMAS 6 p.m.
“A Celtic Christmas.” Presented by the Iona Dance Troupe. The Worcester Wieting Theatre, 169 Main Street, Worcester. worcesterwieting@gmail. com.
CHRISTMAS 6 p.m.; line-up at 5 p.m. Holiday parade, tree lighting, Santa, food and refreshments. Parade down Main Street to events held on the Village Lawn, Unadilla.
PARTY 7-10 p.m. “Karaoke Dance Party.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Free admission with non-perishable food donation, unwrapped new toy donation or monetary donation. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.
THEATRE 7:30 p.m.
“Hello Dolly!” Presented by Orpheus Theatre. Tickets required. Also showing at 7:30 p.m. on 12/13 and at 3 p.m. on 12/14. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1800.
►Saturday, dec. 13
FOOD DRIVE 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fill the Ambulance Drive. Presented by the Cooperstown Fire Department Emergency Squad to benefit the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Cooperstown Price Chopper, 113 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS 9:30 a.m. “Rockin’ Around Cooperstown Ugly Sweater Run/Walk.” Presented by the Clark Sports Center. Suggested donation applies; registration required. Held rain or snow. Begins at Santa’s Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5472800.
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas craft followed by holiday movie with popcorn starting
Time OuT OTsegO
Things To Do In and Around Otsego County
at 11:30 a.m. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to noon. Visit with Santa at his cottage. Muller Plaza, Main Street, Oneonta.
MAKERS MARKET
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Christmas Market.” Markets held 2nd Saturday of each month. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.
OPEN HOUSE II
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Something Old, Something New: The Holiday Show.” Featuring artists-in-residence Robert Seward and Marcie Schwartzman. Group show of cyanotypes, paper earrings, woodblock natural world prints and more. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 5475327.
HOLIDAYS 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Pictures with Santa!” Fees apply. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.
HOLIDAYS Noon to 3 p.m. “Holiday Cat Café.” Registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.
OPERA 1 p.m.; discussion starts 45 minutes prior. “Andrea Chenier.” Live HD broadcast from The Metropolitan Opera. Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.
HOLIDAYS 1-3 p.m.
“Paint and Sip.” Fees apply; registration required. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234.
HOLIDAYS 1-3 p.m.
“Christmas Cookie Exchange.” Bring a minimum of 3 dozen of your favorite cookies/dessert
to swap. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 9658208.
HOLIDAYS 1-3 p.m.
“Cookie Decorating Workshop.” Fees apply; registration required. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.
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 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.
DRUM CIRCLE
2-4 p.m. “December Drum Circle 2025.” Admission by donation for use of the space. The Green Earth, 4 Market Street, Oneonta.
ART WORKSHOP
2 p.m. “Blooming Art: Dazzling December.” Fees apply; registration required. Mohican Flowers, 207 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478822.
HOLIDAYS 2-4 p.m.
Visit with Santa. Christmas Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS 5 p.m.
“Echoes of a Victorian Christmas House Tour.” Presented by the Richfield Springs Historical Association and Museum. Tickets required. Tour of the William E. Soeffing Mansion at Spring Park, Richfield Springs.
POTLUCK
6:30 p.m. Bring a friend and a dish to share. Good food and fellowship, and sometimes games! All are welcome. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 County Highway 26, Fly Creek.
CHRISTMAS
7-10 p.m. “Poe and
Gorey’s Gothic Christmas Carol.” Haunted holiday party featuring performances, eerie music, costume contest, themed beverages, scavenger hunt and more. Tickets required. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta.
OPENING NIGHT 7 p.m. “2025 Oneonta Festival of Lights.” Presented by Hill City Celebrations. Hot cocoa, popcorn, homemade cookies, Santa and more. Free admission. Neahwa Park, 15 James Georgeson Avenue, Oneonta. firstnightoneonta@gmail. com.
CONCERT
7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. “Poinsettia Pops.” Presented by the Catskill Symphony Orchestra. “A holiday kaleidoscope of orchestral color.” Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 269-7501.
HOLIDAYS 8 p.m.
“The Rocky Horror Christmas Show featuring Inside Insanity and the Happy Haggs.” Admission by donation. Worcester Wieting Theatre, 168 Main Street, Worcester.
►Sunday, dec. 14
HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Holiday Ornament Workshop.” Free; donations gratefully accepted. Oneonta World of Learning, 167 Youngs Road, Oneonta. (607) 4318543.
HOLIDAYS 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Pictures with Santa!” Fees apply. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 4324401.
CASUAL TEA HOUR
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held Sundays. The Sugar Beat, 281 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 2674374.
MUSIC 1-3 p.m.
“Sunday Sessions with John Potocnik.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.
CHRISTMAS 2 p.m.
“Christmas is Coming” Choir Cantata. Free; all welcome. Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-5712.
HOLIDAYS 2 p.m.
“Santa Meet & Greet and Christmas Tree Lighting.” Pictures, cookies, wagon rides and more. Presented by the Town of Maryland at 40 Main Street, Schenevus. (607) 638-1924.
HOLIDAYS 2-4 p.m.
Visit with Santa. Christmas Cottage, Pioneer Park, Main Street, Cooperstown.
HOLIDAYS 3 p.m.
“Veterans’ Holiday Dinner.” Presented by the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. Free. Oneonta Elk’s Lodge 1312, 86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228.
FILM SCREENING 4 p.m. “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”
Presented by the Race, Equity, and Justice series of the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown. Followed by a discussion at 6 p.m. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.
►Monday, dec. 15
BREAKFAST WITH THE BOARD 8-9 a.m. Casual meet and greet with Village of Cooperstown trustees to discuss local projects, agenda items, more. Includes coffee and donuts. All welcome. Village Board Room, Village Hall, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. SENIOR MEALS Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of beef patty with
peppers and onions, O’Brien potatoes, lima beans, and pineapple. (607) 547-6454. • 11:30 a.m. Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Noon. Each Monday and Wednesday. Cherry Valley Facilities Corporation Café, 2 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley. CONNECTIONS Noon. Tech Support with Eric. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. WORKSHOP Noon to 2 p.m. “Smart Energy Choices Weatherization Workshop.” Free; registration required. The Gathering Place, 5506 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 547-2536 ext. 224. CONNECTIONS 12:45-1:30 p.m. “Potting a Succulent Plant for Gift Giving.” Walk-ins welcome; registration appreciated. Bring your own container and starter succulent or choose from supplies provided. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail. com. FILM 1:30 p.m. “Homeschool Family Movie Event: Miracle of Christmas.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.
TECH HELP 2-3 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. FOOD 4-5:30 p.m. Take-out only starting at 5:15 p.m. “Your Safe Haven.” Free food each Monday through Friday. Bring your own Tupperware. One-story building behind St. James Episcopal Church, corner of Elm and Main streets, Oneonta.
►tueSday, dec. 16
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.
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 the SUNY Oneonta College Camp, Oneonta. Contact hike leader Diane Aaronson, (607) 4329391.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 10-11:30 a.m. Free drop-in group open to all aged 18+. Facilitated by staff trained in grief and loss. Held third Tuesday of each month. St. James Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-5525 to register. HOLIDAYS 11 a.m. “Jingle and Mingle Holiday Senior Social.” Presented by the Oneonta YMCA. Free to seniors; registration required. Community Room, Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010 ext. 9. SENIOR MEALS 11:30 a.m. Seniors are enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of omelet, hash browns, sausage, fruit cup and muffins. (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.
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Visit allotsego.com/ otsego-county-events-calendar/ for the full calendar