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INSIDE: The Allotsego 2025 otsego county yearbook VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 217, No. 52

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 25, 2025

Newsstand Price $1

Cooperstown Grades 3-8 Test Scores Rising By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

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COOPERSTOWN ooperstown third- through eighth-graders’ standardized test scores are trending upwards, officials shared at the December 17 Cooperstown Central School District school board meeting. “It goes to the crux of what happens every single day in our buildings,” Superintendent Sarah Spross said as she introduced a presentation by Elementary School Principal Amy Malcuria and Junior/Senior High School Principal Laurie LaMondie. “And that is the instruction provided by our faculty and staff, the support and guidance provided by our leadership team, and the incredibly

hard work of our students.” The data comes from annual state standardized testing for math and English language arts, which parents may refuse to have their child complete. In Cooperstown, the principals’ presentation said, most students took the test. The data showed that in the 2024-2025 school year “proficiency” in both ELA and math increased. The proficiency standard, considered a level three or higher on the test, requires students to at least demonstrate “a solid understanding of the grade-level standards.” For third- through eighth-graders, 77 percent of ELA test takers were deemed proficient compared to 62 percent the year prior. In math, it was 67 percent to the Continued on page 7

Congress Passes Bipartisan Bill for Whole Milk in Schools By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

WASHINGTON, D.C. he House of Representatives passed the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” on December 15, which would allow schools to again offer whole, 2% and flavored milks in schools. The bill received bipartisan support, and is anticipated to be signed by President Donald Trump. “We are incredibly excited to see the passage of this legislation, which has been a top policy priority for the New York Farm Bureau,” said Ashley Sardo, the group’s manager of national affairs. “This act will allow greater market opportunities for New York dairy farmers, while also providing essential nutrients to children in school meals.” The legislation reverses a 2010 law which went into effect in 2012 that limited schools that participated in United States Department of Agriculture lunch and breakfast programs to offering INSIDE ► bassett honors RN Cadence johnson, page 2 ► land trust welcomes new executive director, page 2 ► coop voters approve capital project, page 3 ► a tale of christmas past, page 4 ► SEMPA: THE ‘RIGHT’ VIEW, page 4 ► MORE MUSIC MAKING PLEASE, page 5 ► THINGS TO DO, page 8 Follow Breaking News On

skim and 1% fat milk. “At long last, whole milk will return to school lunches! Milk is one of the best and healthiest options to give students the nutrition they need to learn and grow, and it has been restricted in our schools, hurting Upstate dairy farmers, for far too long,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D). “That’s why I was proud to stand with Upstate New York dairy farmers to call on the House to get the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed once and for all. This critical bill now will soon become law and help bring whole milk to children across America. I have long fought to boost New York’s dairy industry and will continue fighting to ensure our farmers’ products are widely available.” Local members of Congress also supported the measure. “In Upstate New York, our dairy farmers are the backbone of our economy,” said Rep. Josh Riley (D, NYContinued on page 3

Photo by Tara Barnwell

Making Christmas Bright

COOPERSTOWN—Salvation Army Angel Tree Coordinator Kyanne Clark (left) visited the offices of AllOtsego, “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” on Monday, December 15 to take delivery of donations for this year’s Angel Tree Program recipients from Santa’s elf Larissa Ryan. Many thanks to all who made the holidays a little less stressful this year for those in need of a helping hand!

Milford Woman Likely To Be Youngest Judge in State By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL

MILFORD pon taking office in January as Milford town justice at 24 years old, Briana Partridge will likely be the youngest judge in New York State. “I want to make sure everybody that comes through feels heard,” Partridge told AllOtsego. Partridge is originally from North Carolina and is married to Austin Partridge, 30, who also won his own campaign to be Milford’s town supervisor. Both ran as Republicans. Aside from being one of two town justices,

Photo provided

BRIANA PARTRIDGE

Briana said, she will continue her job as a stay-at-home mom. Partridge said she sees her age as both a responsibility and an asset. “I want to come prepared and educated,” she said. “For that same reason, a younger perspective in this field is a valuable asset in a world that’s always changing.” Partridge added that she hopes more young people will run for office. She said her husband and other community members had suggested she run, and that her interest in the position arose from herself being a victim of fraud. “And when this opportunity

came up, I just said to myself: That’s something that I care about a lot, and I want to deliver that to other people, deliver justice for them,” she said. Town and village justices, spread across nearly 1,200 jurisdictions in New York State, are responsible for many local matters. Much of their caseload includes traffic violations, small claims, evictions and criminal offenses. Anyone 18 years old or older may run for the job, and there is no requirement for a law degree. The New York State Unified Court System did not respond to requests to confirm Partridge will be the youngest judge in the Continued on page 3

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

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A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Bassett RN Cadence Johnson Honored with Pearl F. Day Award

CTOBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020

COOPERSTOWN ever they have a question ness and dedication are n December or need assistance. And evident in every interac4, the Bassett it means that they see the tion, as she greets each Medical Center effort I put into bettering patient with a warm Board of Trustees myself as a person and smile and a listening presented Cadence as a nurse to provide the ear,” explains her nomiCTOBER Johnson, 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2020 RN, with the best care possible for our nation. “Her unwavprestigious 2025 Pearl patients.” ering commitment not F. Day Award for excelThough Bassett only improves the lives lence in nursing prac- Medical Center’s Board of her patients but also tice. Cadence works in of Trustees presented inspires those around her Bassett Medical Center’s the award, winners are to strive for excellence. Inpatient Surgery chosen by their peers. In every sense, she is a Department. RNs and LPNs at Bassett beacon of compassion “I am incredibly Medical Center nominate and professionalism.” honored to receive this candidates and later vote “It warms my heart to award,” said Johnson. for the winner. While read what my colleagues meAll-Season it means that I am considering ? Kelly Edge many All-Season quali? “To Assurance ? Kelly Edgehad HT to say in my nomi(inc. ROF & SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season ? successfully Eagle Sport All-Season Family ? Kelly Edgenation,” MT advocating ties that make a Perf. nurse Johnson re? Kelly Winter Access ? for Winter patients Maxx 2 ? Kelly Edgethe AT and ensuring exemplary, nominaflected. “Thank you to C-Type ? Kelly Edge HP ? Kelly Safari TSR ? Winter Maxx SJ8 that they get the care they tion criteria highlight the everyone who makes need and deserve—and importance of forming a this award possible and ebate. Rebates paid by Goodyear Mastercard Visa® Prepaid Card. connec- a huge thank you to my that’s why IPrepaid became a ® orwarm, personal nurse. It also means that tion with patients and incredible colleagues. I † ATE ABOUT THE GOODYEAR my colleagues see me as 30-DAY families.PLEDGE love working with you a person to go to when“Cadence’s day.” ? Kelly Edge All-Season kind? Assurance All-Season ? Kelly Edgeevery HT FFERS AVAILABLE ATTHE THE FOLLOWING Sport All-Season Family (inc. ROFLOCATIONS: & SCT) ? Kelly Edge All-Season Perf. ? Kelly Edge MT Pearl ? EagleAT AILABLE FOLLOWING LOCATION: F. Day, the ? Kelly Winter Access ? Winter Maxx 2 ? Kelly Edge AT award’s namesake, was C-Type ? Kelly Edge HP ? Kelly Safari TSR ? Winter Maxx SJ8 a nurse at the United States Naval Hospital in bate. Rebates paid by Goodyear Prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® Prepaid Card. Brooklyn who cared for 155 ERIE BLVD Henry Allen Moe from † ATE ABOUT THE CANAJOHARIE GOODYEAR 30-DAY PLEDGE , NY 13317 1919 to 1920 following severe injuries sustained 518-673-5399 FERS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: in a naval accident. Day’s THETIRESHOP.BIZ remarkable care made such an impression on h any form of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $75 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Get a $75 Prepaid CardMoe with purchase orthat $150 Prepaidhe established , Assurance MaxLife , Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar , Wrangler DuraTrac , Wrangler Fortitude HT (excluding C-Type), Wrangler TrailRunner AT , Eagle Exhilarate , WinterCommand , WinterCommand n the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance All-Season, Eagle Sport All-Season Family (including ROF & SCT), Winter Maxx 2 and Winter Maxx SJ8. Get a $25 Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Prepaid Card with in her honor this award elly Edge HP , Kelly Edge All-Season , Kelly Edge All-Season Performance and Kelly Winter Access .

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Cadence Johnson, RN, received the Pearl F. Day Award at the Bassett Medical Center Trustee Board Meeting from Jane Forbes Clark on behalf of the Bassett Medical Center Board of Trustees. Pictured above from left: Chrissy Curcio, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, VP Nursing Bassett Medical Center; Jane Forbes Clark, chair of the Bassett Medical Center Board of Trustees; Cadence Johnson, RN at Bassett Medical Center; Angela Belmont, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive of Bassett Healthcare Network; Staci Thompson, president and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network.

over five decades later by a bequest in 1975. In his lifetime, Moe served as the chair of Bassett’s Board of Trustees and a trustee of the Clark Foundation, among

many other charitable positions. “The story of this award alone shows the power of nursing,” said Angela Belmont, DNP, RN, NEA-BC,

chief nurse executive of Bassett Healthcare Network. “Cadence is worthy of that legacy. We are fortunate to have her as a caregiver and colleague.”

of growth and impact, officials announced recently. “It is a great honor to join the committed board and staff of Otsego Land Trust in protecting and conserving land in

our region, enhancing biodiversity, maintaining working farms and natural landscapes, and improving New York’s water quality,” said Schreiner. “I am privileged to build on the outstanding work

of Gregory Farmer, the trust’s outgoing executive director, in leading the land trust into its next chapter.” Schreiner comes to the new position after eight years as executive director of the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship Inc., an Oneonta-based nonprofit that supports thriving New York farm and food businesses. According to a press release, Schreiner successfully grew CADE from a small nonprofit serving five counties to an organization that provides services to a client community of more than 2,300 agribusinesses in 53 counties statewide. CADE established New York’s first farm and food business incubator and is the largest independent agribusiness service provider in the state. Editor’s note: Read more about Phoebe Schreiner and the land trust on AllOtsego.com.

Land Trust Welcomes New Executive Director

year Prepaid Mastercard®. This Prepaid Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles rcard is accepted. Registration, activation, acceptance, or use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Prepaid Card Agreement. Prepaid Cards will not have cash access and will

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The Freeman’s Journal, Hometown Oneonta & AllOtsegO together with The salvation Army sincerely thank all of santa’s angels who made a joyful Christmas for 9 area families through the Angel tree Program. This is our 104th year of partnering with The salvation Army and we couldn’t do it without you!

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founded in 1808

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

Voters Approve Cooperstown Schools $17M Capital Project By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL COOPERSTOWN oters approved Cooperstown Central School District’s plan for nearly $17 million in capital project investments over the coming years in a referendum last Tuesday, December 16. District officials said there will not be a tax increase to fund the investments. According to the district, 151 people voted yes and 22 voted no. All voters registered within the district for at least 30 days could cast a ballot.

The plan includes widespread repairs and improvements at the district’s elementary school, juniorsenior high school, and bus garage. Projects range from roof replacement and playground upgrades to new library shelving and ceiling tiles. District officials said investing in the maintenance now would save money later. “I want to thank our community, and everyone who worked hard to get this project across the finish line,” said school board President Peter Iorizzo. “This investment helps us take care of our school buildings and address important health and safety

needs, while also being respectful of our taxpayers,” Iorizzo said. “We were able to do this without a tax increase, which mattered to us. It’s about taking care of things now so they don’t become bigger problems later. We’re grateful for the trust people place in the district, and we don’t take that lightly.” Now begins the design process through the first half of 2026, according to district officials. After state education officials review the projects for approval, the bidding process is scheduled to begin in January 2027. Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2027.

Cooperstown Concerts To Present Doubleheader of Live Music COOPERSTOWN ooperstown Concerts is turning up the heat this February with a doubleheader of live music at the 2026 Cooperstown Winter Carnival, featuring the music of two Rock & Roll Hall of Famers: The Allman Brothers Band and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. “Get ready to shake off the winter chill with great music, dancing, nostalgia and pure fun at The Otesaga Resort Hotel on February 6 and February 7,” officials invited in a press release. “Each night features a different tribute band,

with tickets available for each individual show, plus a discounted Doubleheader Bundle that includes a ticket for each show.” Tickets can be purchased at https:// tinyurl.com/dw4r7rew. First up on Friday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. is The Mountain Jam Band—A Tribute to The Allman Brothers Band. “With some of the most talented musicians in the northeast, The Mountain Jam Band will light up the night with an iconic Allman Brothers Southern rock live experience: signature guitar licks, soaring harmonies and improvisational magic,” Cooperstown

Milk

Judge

19). “I am committed to doing everything I can to connect them with our local schools and communities. I cosponsored the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on day one, and am happy to see it pass the Senate and the House. Now, it’s time to send this bill to the president’s desk and deliver for Upstate’s dairy industry and students.” Rep. Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) said, “For the past decade, I have worked with constituents, parents, kids, families, and dairy farmers to expand children’s access to whole and flavored milk in schools to deliver nutritious and healthy dairy products to help children grow and develop. “The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act empowers schools to offer flavored and unflavored whole, reducedfat, low-fat, and fat-free milk, offering kids a variety of healthy dairy choices in the cafeteria. This is a significant result of over a decade of hard work—I have been proud to co-lead and champion this legislative effort. A special thanks to Assemblyman Chris Tague and local advocates for helping to get this done!” said Stefanik.

state by press time. Partridge, who does not have a law degree, said she recently attended a week-long state training for the role in Albany with other incoming town justices. She estimated that the next youngest in

Continued from page 1

Concerts promises. “Expect an evening of blues, country and southern soul woven together in the spirit of a rock ’n’ roll band known for their electrifying live performances.” Then, on Saturday, February 7, the music continues as American Girl—A Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers takes the stage. “Featuring seasoned musicians from New York, American Girl captures the essence and infectious hook-laden melodies that Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers gave us,” the press release reads. “It will be a night of heartland

rock with folk and blues influences, melodies you can’t stop humming, and lyrical stories full of grit, heart, and hope. With infectious energy and pitch-perfect musicianship, the American Girl concert will be electrifying, nostalgic, and perfect for singing and dancing the night away.” “The Allman Brothers and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were both legendary rock ’n’ roll bands, known and loved by generations of fans for their timeless songs, incredible musicianship, and the raw energy they brought to every live show,” said Cooperstown Concerts President

the room was likely in their 30s. “I enjoyed it,” Partridge said. “I didn’t feel like I was getting into anything that I couldn’t handle.” To those who may doubt a young person can take on the job, Partridge says, “I understand that perspective, but also, I think maybe it’s an

outdated perspective. “There’s plenty of lay people coming in who are older that are doing this, who have no experience,” she said. “I take it just as seriously. I may not come with the experience, but I learn quick, and I want to learn, and I want to be good at what I do.”

Randy Smith. “We’re excited to bring that spirit to Cooperstown with two top-tier tribute bands and all the music and memories that come with it. “It’s going to be one spectacular weekend of live music at the 2026 Winter Carnival,” Smith promised. Tickets for these

performances are available online and may be available at the door: adults, $30.00; students (with college ID), $10.00; youth (ages 618), $10.00; under age 6, free. The adult ticket Doubleheader Bundle is $50.00. Visit cooperstownconcerts.org for more information.

Woodside Hall Woodside Hall is a NYS-certified Adult Home in Cooperstown, offering long-term Residential Living, short-term Respite Care, and a Social Day Program. We provide a warm, family-focused environment where residents feel safe, supported and truly at home. Our team offers daily activities, home-cooked meals and meaningful companionship— especially throughout the holidays, when connection matters most. Families are always welcome, and your loved ones are never alone. Contact Heather Short Executive Director at 607-547-0600 or by e-mail HeatherShort@WoodsideHall.net for more info. Become a member of our community!

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL GUEST EDITORIAL

RICHARD H. eKIZIAN

A Tale of Christmas Past

couldn’t quite say, just how long ago, I’d look out the window, wishing for snow, But this was the memory, that as it unfurled, Had carried me back to that magical world.

He asked if I doubted that he was Saint Nick, I needed to think up an answer real quick. “It’s just that I wonder, so many kids do, Cause we always see so many of you.”

The setting was resplendent, festooned for the season, And I was brought there for a very good reason. As young as I was on that day in December, It all happened this way, as I remember. *** For there I was standing, on line like the others, All there to see Santa, with their dads and mothers. When to my surprise, and as plain as can be, His whiskers looked nothing like others I’d see.

That’s when he noticed all eyes were on him, All of them waiting, anticipating. Wanting to hear him make clear, Such things as his workshop, and all of his reindeer. All of them staring at him, As if he had no idea where to begin. It took him but only a second to answer, And started right there, with Dasher and Dancer. Apparently quite the surprise, Not one single person blinking their eyes. Out of this silence came one muffled cough, He left no one out ... especially Rudolph. And then he explained, without interruption, The workings of his entire production.

It came to my turn, so he asked what I’d like, A football, baseball, or maybe a bike? I answered his question and spoke from the heart, “I love things especially for music and art.”

And that’s when he answered my question:

His smiling eyes shined, twinkling light. His whiskers however, didn’t seem right. I’ve seen other Santas, I know how they look, Some even came with a bell, which they shook.

“You’ve heard I have helpers, not all are an elf, Some of my helpers are dressed as my self. There’s only one Santa, and only one night, My reindeer are dancing and prancing in flight.”

He said he’d come through, and promised he would, While holding the list that had said I’d been good. I should have just left it at that, but I said, “I’d so love to hear the bells on your sled.”

All he was saying made perfect sense, The scope of his realm he described was immense. And then with the kindliest countenance, His voice so gentle and kind, He made me aware of the time I had taken, And seeing the length of the line, I thanked him and told him I’ll do as he said, On Christmas Eve I’ll be asleep in my bed. ***

He said he shows up, when all kids are sleeping, Just a tradition and one he’d be keeping. I looked at my Mother, as I turned to say, “I just want to hear the bells on his sleigh.”

Now that is what happened a few days ago, As I looked out my window, it started to snow. From fingers to toes, I felt such a tingle, That man that I spoke to…was really Kris Kringle! He wasted no time, this is Christmas Eve, He’ll come as he said he would, that I believe… Along with the silence of new fallen snow, He sent me a message as only I’d know. And oh what a picture so perfectly drawn, People had gathered on my snowy lawn. 1 wondered at first, just what this could be, And then heard the chorus in full harmony. They sang of a child, born on this day, They sang of this child, asleep on the hay. They sang of three kings who had come from afar, And all being led by the light of a star. *** When out of this wonder, and far out of sight, I thought I heard sleigh bells away in the night. Off in the distance, it sort of had blended, Right there in the middle, to where the song ended. The jingle of sleigh bells, now stuck in my head, A lullaby drifting me off in my bed. And that’s when he said it…to make it all right, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

the ‘right’ view

francis p. sempa

The Ukraine Lobby Appeals to Our Hearts, Not Our Interests

arlier in the Russia-Ukraine War, U.S. politicians and observers who sought to convince the American people that we should make Ukraine our proxy against Russia portrayed the conflict as necessary to stop Vladimir Putin’s armies from overrunning Western Europe. After Ukraine, we were told, the Baltic states or Poland would be next. Then other NATO countries would fall. And soon, Russian tanks would be staring across the English Channel reminiscent of the Nazi blitzkrieg of 1940. In this scenario, Putin was Hitler, Zelensky was Churchill. It was, we were told, a Munich moment. Three years later, the war in Ukraine resembles

not World War II’s blitzkrieg so much as the western front of the First World War—a grinding, pounding war of attrition that has cost countless Ukrainian and Russian lives. Russia has captured some eastern provinces of Ukraine (they captured Crimea in 2014) but they are not poised to overrun western Europe (nor is there any evidence that Putin seeks to do that). The Munich analogy was always a stretch, but you don’t read or hear much about that anymore. The pro-Ukraine lobby has shifted from appealing to our supposed strategic interests to appealing to our hearts. Recently, war correspondents writing in “National Review” and “Tablet” have shared

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“The Freeman’s Journal” welcomes letters to the editor that reflect the writer’s thoughts on an article or other item appearing in the paper. 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.

founded in 1808

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Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of William Cooper is in the Fenimore Art Museum

heart-wrenching reports about the suffering, courage and heroic fortitude of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. Both articles dismiss President Trump’s peace plan as too accommodationist toward Russia. But the thrust of both articles is to convince the American people that the “free” people of Ukraine deserve American help. In “Tablet,” Park MacDougald writes: “People who are willing to fight and die to defend their freedoms from barbarians are exactly the kinds of allies that America needs, and should seek, anywhere and everywhere around the world, to keep the world from descending into Continued on page 6

Letters to the editor … In their opinION

Hoping for Change in the New Year As someone who believes in change for the better— like when I recently legally changed my name from John to Andrew—I hope the following will be changed in the City of Oneonta: a more transparent government; having due process instead of administrative fees; helping and advocacy for those who are disabled; appointing qualified people to serve as commissioners and other officials; diplomacy and ethics in City Hall; working with the people on issues they are passionate about; and doing more to curb

the homeless situation as well as domestic violence, crime, and the costs of rent, so living in an apartment is affordable for the renter. Andrew (AJ) Hamill Oneonta

See and Help the Lazaruses

As an octogenarian contemplating what may lie ahead, I have been drawn recently to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). The parable describes the rich man’s behavior toward the poor man Lazarus he encountered during his lifetime. His indifference to Lazarus’s plight consigned the rich man

at death to a place of eternal torment, from which there was no escape. As a matter of prudence, if nothing else, I feel compelled to see and respond materially and positively to the Lazaruses I encounter each day during my remaining lifetime. Others may be motivated to do likewise, based on religious injunctions, humanistic principles, altruism or simple selfinterest. Whatever the reason or motive, we all are obliged to recognize our common humanity with Lazarus and seek to help him whenever and wherever we find him. John A. Rudy Cooperstown

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

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

fenimore chamber orchestra

On the High Quality of Music Making

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

160 YEARS AGO

The Lecture—There was a large gathering at Bowne Hall on Thursday evening of last week to listen to the popular poet Saxe as he discoursed wittily and learnedly of “Poets and Poetry.” There was a natural curiosity to hear a poet’s opinion of his own family—and his clever hits at a large class who imagine themselves at least fifth cousins. Of course there were many witty things said, especially of the would-be poets—some of which were lost on a large portion of the audience, not from the lack of ability to appreciate the lecturer, but from his lack of voice—and that perhaps, partly the result of his jolting ride from Colliersville. The lecture was beautifully written, and much of it very instructive—especially his remarks on the leading English and American poets of the present generation. The lecture was happily closed with the recitation of two of Saxe’s own well-known poems—“The Yankee” and “The Proud Miss McBride.” December 22, 1865

110 YEARS AGO

The union evangelistic campaign led by Charles F. Barrett, which was to have closed on Sunday night, is being continued through Wednesday night at the Baptist Church. Through Monday night there were 47 converts. On Sunday night over 500 people attended the meeting in the Baptist church when 11 people were converted. The Friday night service brought 15 people to a definite decision. Remember that the banks, meat-markets and hardware stores will be closed all day Saturday, Christmas Day. The grocery stores, clothing stores and jewelry stores will be open for half a day. The drug stores will be open from 7 to 1 and from 6 to 8. The barber shops will be open until noon. Bundy & Cruttenden, Taylor & Ellsworth and John F. Brady & Co. will close all day. December 22, 1915

85 YEARS AGO

Advertisement: Brown & Tillapaugh Funeral Services. We have compiled a chart showing the total cost of the last 114 services conducted by us: 25 services cost under $100; 26 services cost from $100 to $200; 31 services cost from $200 to $300; 20 services cost from $300 to $400; and 12 services cost over $400. The cost of funeral service depends entirely upon the desires of the family being served. December 25, 1940

35 YEARS AGO

Workers lowered the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) magnet into place on Monday, December 17 at Bassett Hospital. The 20,000 pound TESLA magnet is part of the most advanced diagnostic medical equipment available. MRI is used extensively is diagnosing diseases of the brain and spine, but nearly every part of the body may be studied with MRI. MRI allows physicians to view organs through the use of two natural forces: magnetic fields and radio waves. When a patient is placed within the strong magnetic field of the MRI system and radio waves are emitted around the body part under examination, millions of atoms in the patient’s body react to those waves. A powerful antenna picks up these signals and sends them to the computer which translates them into sharp images. December 26, 1990

20 YEARS AGO

Students from Cooperstown Elementary School brought a letter home from Principal Teresa Gorman informing parents that Kid City—the school’s wooden play structure—would be closed for the winter, effective Monday, December 19, due to the suspension of liability insurance by the school district’s underwriter. The future of Kid City is uncertain at this point, school officials said, and it may have to be torn down and replaced with safer equipment. December 23, 2005 Solution: “2/3 Decaf, 1/3 Caf” (December 18)

t seems amazing that Fenimore Chamber Orchestra played its first concert series in August 2021 in performances that, at the time, caused a high degree of anticipation. We are happy to say that our concerts are now a highly anticipated part of the artistic fabric of Cooperstown and the surrounding area. What began as a mere idea from three of us has turned into a world class orchestral institution. From the very beginning, it has been our firm belief that music inspires and uplifts the human spirit. Beverly Sills once averred that a great symphony orchestra and a great opera company are hallmarks of a civilized society. She would have known. Today, the arts are too often under attack from those who undervalue their importance to the human spirit. These same folks strive to take away what is a necessity to our existence in order to meet their weak yet lunatic political agendas and greedy needs. They will never understand (I pity them) that art helps us understand the world around us and must remain unconstrained by the political and social tides of the moment. Plato reminded all of us that it is impossible to separate art from society; rather, it is deeply entwined within our culture. Charles Dickens referred art to the common welfare. He felt that human connection and welfare far outweigh mere profit. He, too, would have known. One organization that has spectacularly understood the good for the human connection and welfare is New York State Council on the Arts. Application to NYSCA can only begin after an arts organization has been in business for one year.

Acta non verba! No more words, please; only musical deeds. Fenimore Chamber Orchestra has received grants from NYSCA for each of the past three years for which it has made application. This year, Fenimore Chamber Orchestra has been awarded the highest grant from NYSCA in the amount of $49,500.00. This is a great commendation not only regarding the exceedingly high quality of music making, but of our mission/vision and our outreach to the community that also attracts visitors from all over the world. And this does not only refer to us. Linda Chesis and the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival, which she founded 27 years ago, and Randy Smith at Cooperstown Concerts, are just two of the other organizations—along with Fenimore Chamber Orchestra—that work tirelessly to bring world class arts performances to the Cooperstown community and regularly attract audiences from all over the world. Let us not forget The Glimmerglass Festival and Fenimore Art Museum as trenchant members of the arts in Cooperstown that also regularly draw visitors to this area from all over the world. And all of these institutions present not only internationally known performers, but local performers as well. So, Cooperstown is now considered a destination for the arts. Acta non verba! No more words, please; only musical deeds. Thomas Wolf is the founder and board chair of the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra.

By MERL REAGLE

The Stepword Fives NOTE: Two well-known “step”-related titles are hidden diagonally in this puzzle — both of them run in straight lines (although one makes an appropriate turn) and both are 18 letters long. Can you find them? ACROSS 1 Evenly matched 6 Swiss ___ 11 Once around the pool 14 Pearl Jam’s genre 15 Listener to Mark Antony 16 Guy on a pumper 20 Hit, as a hide-out 21 “My Fair Lady” lady 22 Highly spiced smoked beef 23 Put out, as stamps 24 Symbol of authority 25 Like the music of Mingus or Monk 26 “For shame!” 27 Grand Canyon transport 28 Women’s mag, or man’s name 29 Commandment verb 30 Compact item? 31 3-D hosp. procedure 32 Babe Ruth’s number 33 Comes to 34 Call a halt to 35 Contest mailings 37 Plain people? 38 Fruit drink brand 39 Soccer scores 40 Connects emotionally 41 Fleet member 45 Do a string thing 46 Second-highest world capital 47 Tot’s vehicle 48 ___ spray 51 Slalom challenges 52 Mazda model 53 Denzel Washington film, “The Book of ___” 54 Smoky stone 55 Shaw’s “Jaws” role 56 Entertainer Gaynor 57 Take all the fun out of 58 Keats subject 59 Kicks on fourth 60 Sentimental 61 Scaling needs 62 Document certifiers 64 Popular Carlo? 65 J F M A M J J A S O N D 66 Webs, e.g. 67 Rough-and-tumble 68 Writer Gorki

70 Put it to 71 “Nuts!” 72 Eloi portrayer in “The Time Machine” (1960) 74 Dark suit? 77 Source of down 78 Boxer-actor Rosenbloom 79 On the ___ 81 Boo’s partner 82 Mighty mount 83 Trial location 84 “Sesame Street” character 85 Maria’s introduction? 86 Artist Frida 87 Chart anew 88 Earlier 89 Together again 91 1992 candidate 92 Piercing target 93 Theoretically 94 MacDowell of L’Oréal ads 95 Thai and Chinese, e.g. 96 Ship letters 97 Longest river in France 98 1814 treaty city DOWN 1 Wipeout? 2 Traitor 3 Inappropriate 4 Author and film critic James 5 Showed (the way) 6 Paper airplane folds 7 1982 Fleetwood Mac hit 8 Buddy 9 Bring down the house?

10 Test subject on “CSI” 52 Mathis classic 11 I nventor of the symphonic 55 Idiosyncrasy poem 56 S axophonistcomposer 12 Pretentious, perhaps Jimmy, known for his bigband arrangements for 13 For each Benny Goodman and Count 14 Big name in fairy tales Basie 16 Rattles 57 TV host who idolized Barbra 17 Group with “kingpins” 59 People from the paper 18 Fishy 60 Lawn care buy 19 Dorothy, to Aunt Em 61 Renee in “Chicago” 22 Covers some ground? 63 Emirate emigrés 24 Tiresome talkers 64 Answered a cattle call? 25 Monologue material 65 Jackie’s predecessor 28 Owner of Easter Island 67 Drive through Beverly Hills 29 Like some attitudes 68 Comedy of errors 30 Condemn openly 69 ___ stew 32 Have fewer points than 71 Playing surface 33 Wish list items 72 Animal on some 34 About, before a date Florida license plates 36 Bottom line? 73 Unknown quantity 37 Slangy establishment 74 One of Xavier’s exes 38 Papa Doc ruled it 75 Perk (up) 40 God portrayer 76 Deplete 41 Patsy Cline hit 77 Procaine predecessor 42 Become frosty 78 Clinton’s “My Life,” e.g. 43 “Dallas” matriarch, Miss 80 Societal customs ___ 82 Fills to the gills 44 Control, with “the” 83 “Rigoletto” composer 46 Throws in the towel 84 Els who has tees 47 Church donation 48 P lanes, trains and automo- 86 Gymnastic maneuvers 87 City near Sparks biles? 88 Luxurious 49 Cook’s protector 90 Flagstaff sch. 50 December addressee 91 Buddy 51 iPod items 92 There’s a price on it

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA NEWS BRIEFS

Financial Report Released ALBANY—New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released the 2025 New Yorkers’ Financial Snapshot, an overview of household economic health, on Saturday, December 20. Median household net worth declined by $500.00 to $123,400.00 between 2019 and 2023, although median income rose by $10,000.00 to $82,000.00. Unbanked and underbanked households declined from 5.6 percent to 5.1 percent and from 17.7 percent to 15.4 percent, respectively, although significant racial disparities remain. Poverty increased statewide over the four-year span: the proportion of households under the ALICE poverty threshold increased from 43 to 48 percent, SNAP benefits expanded from 14.1 to 16.2 percent of households, and the number of public assistance recipients increased by more than 200,000 to 700,000. More than half of households were unduly burdened by housing costs. To view the full report, visit osc.ny.gov.

Choral Society Auditions Open ONEONTA—Catskill Choral Society will hold auditions for new members at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 12 Ford Avenue, from 56:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12. All voices are welcome. Tenors and basses are needed in particular. CCS rehearses at the Unitarian Universalist Society every Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m. and will present its next concert on May 1 and 2. For more information or to schedule a 10-minute audition, contact auditions@catskillchoralsociety.org.

Cudmore Signs Book Deal ONEONTA—Local mystery author Libby Cudmore signed a deal with Ruadán Books for a novel and short story collection on Friday, December 19. The works, expected in 2027, continue her award-winning “Wade and Jacks” series, which began with the 2024 neo-noir thriller “Negative

Sempa

Continued from page 4 slavery.” In “National Review,” Mark Antonio Wright claims that “Americans should see Ukraine as a model ally” because “Ukrainians are willing to fight” and “have proven their willingness to sacrifice and pay the price for their own freedom.” So, the MacDougaldWright doctrine repeats the mantra of the Truman Doctrine of 1947: Whenever and wherever free peoples are under attack by bad guys, the United States should come to their defense. At least in Truman’s case, the bad guy was our principal strategic adversary (Stalin’s soviet Union), but even Truman’s doctrine was rightly criticized by George Kennan and Walter Lippmann as a “strategic monstrosity” that would stretch thin U.S. resources. Defending “free peoples” anywhere

and everywhere is a tall task even for a superpower. Significantly, neither MacDougald nor Wright provides a convincing strategic argument for continuing the war until Russia leaves all of Ukraine— which is Ukraine’s condition for ending the war. Instead, what we mostly get from MacDougald and Wright are stories of Ukrainians suffering and dying, the destruction inflicted on Ukraine by the Russians, and the heroic defense of their country by ordinary Ukrainians. All of that is true, but also irrelevant to U.S. strategic interests. What neither article provides is a convincing argument that the defense and independence of Ukraine is a vital American interest. What neither article provides is a convincing argument that more U.S. assistance will transform the war into a Ukrainian victory. What neither article provides

Girl” and a series of short stories in “Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine,” “Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine,” and “Tough.” The novel was a finalist in the Best Standalone Mystery category of the 2025 ITW Thriller Awards, and stories from the collection won the 2023 Black Orchid Novella Award and the 2023 Shamus Award for Best PI Short Story.

‘No Regrets’ Conference Slated ONEONTA—Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main Street, will host a livestream of the annual Men’s No Regrets Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 7. The all-day global conference, based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, offers advice and mutual support to men in their lives and faith journeys. Registration is $20.00 and includes lunch and a year of access to the No Regrets app. For more information or to sign up, visit msbchurch.org/events/.

Libraries Receives State Aid ALBANY—Assemblyman Brian Miller (R, CNew Hartford) announced a total of $296,514.00 in state funding for public libraries in the 122nd District through the FY 2024-25 state budget. Local project support includes $126,000.00 for porch restoration at Oneonta’s Huntington Memorial Library and $36,854.00 for expansion and ADA compliance at the Milford Free Library. For a full list of projects, visit nysl.nysed. gov/libdev/construc/construction-awards.

Hawks Make All-District Team ONEONTA—Three Hartwick College volleyball players were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, joining a league-record set of 36 Empire 8 athletes from 11 institutions. To be eligible for this honor, a student-athlete must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and appear in at least 90 percent of the team’s sets, or is that getting more involved in this war is worth the risk of getting the U.S. involved in a kinetic war with Russia. Appeals to the heart are apparently the last refuge of Wilsonian interventionism. We have seen this before. In Bosnia, we bombed the bad guys for humanitarian, not strategic, reasons. In Iraq, after the weapons of mass destruction argument proved erroneous, the

Bush administration fell back on spreading freedom and democracy to continue the war. Other neo-Wilsonians came up with the notion that America has a broader “responsibility to protect” (R2P) other nations. R2P is in essence the position of the pro-Ukraine lobby, including MacDougald and Wright. The idea that the United States has a responsibility to protect

start in two-thirds of them. Shelby Swartz of Candor, New York had a great senior season, earning E8 First Team All-Conference honors, two E8 Player of the Week accolades and a spot on the All-Tournament team. She led the Hawks with 379 kills, reached the 1,000-point milestone for her career on November 8 and posted a career-high 21 kills while propelling Hartwick to its first ECAC title, for which she earned MVP honors. Sophomore Lucille Walker of Ithaca secured Second Team All-Conference honors with 304 kills and 71 blocks. Junior Isabella Gracias of Oneonta earned Third Team honors, recorded 304 kills and led the team with 82 blocks.

State Offers Spouse Support ALBANY—The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services recently launched Healing Haven for Military Spouses, a first-in-the-nation statewide peer-to-peer support service for the spouses of service members. It features two 7 p.m. Zoom meetings each month, a stress relief for military spouses section on the first Monday and a self-care for military families section on the third Monday. There will be quarterly in-person retreats. All programs are free. The service is overseen by nationally renowned stress expert Brett Cotter. For more information or to register, visit us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ 2F2lsRRhSKKGREwofkz7RQ#/registration.

Play Auditions Announced ONEONTA—The Catskill Community Players will hold auditions for Cat Delaney’s award-winning comedy “Welfarewell” at 297 River Street Service Road in Oneonta from 10 a.m. to noon on January 10 and 1-3 p.m. on January 11. Roles are available for seven women and a man. Performances will be held at the Wieting Theatre in Worcester on April 17-19. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact NancybCouch@yahoo.com. free peoples “anywhere and everywhere” under attack by international aggressors is a recipe for more endless wars. Instead, we should remember and abide by the wise counsel of John Quincy Adams, perhaps our greatest Secretary of State, who said that America was the “wellwisher to the freedom and independence of all”

but the “champion and vindicator only of her own.” Francis P. Sempa is the author of the books “Geopolitics: From the Cold War to the 21st Century” and “America’s Global Role.” He is a contributing editor to “The American Spectator” and writes a regular column for “Real Clear Defense.”

Funeral Home

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More than a café, our location provides a place for people to enjoy our fresh-made food, a cup of Chris’ Coffee, and visit with friends close to home. Internet access and free clothing closet upstairs.

3097 County Highway 11, Hartwick • 607-293-3040 Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Located beLow My Neighbor’s cLoset aNd NeXt to the hartwicK Post oFFice

Parking is available in the front and the rear of the building.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

CCS Continued from page 1 year prior’s 64 percent. LaMondie said, “Our

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focus is on using this data as one tool amongst many tools that we use all day to inform instruction and support continuous improvement in the

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Notice of Formation of

23 West Pizza Company LLC

DMC SNACKS 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

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

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

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company.

Debloat LLC

Name:

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 Legal nOtice 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 Legal nOtice 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

SULPHUR SPRINGS SANITATION LLC. 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 Legal nOtice 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 Legal nOtice 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:

Legal nOtice 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

district.” In comparing data to other local school districts, Cooperstown had some of the highest marks, including the

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LEGALS

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 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

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

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 OF FORMATION OF

SUMMONS WITH NOTICE: SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: COUNTY OF OTSEGO;

Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Little Nuthouse LLC

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 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

highest percentage of students to exceed standards. The presentation also included data on “Comparable Schools,” among them

Index No. EF2025-761: SIDNEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, -vsARIANA L. BROWN, Defendant. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear in this action by serving a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney

school districts for Clinton, Hamilton, and New Hartford. Scores for Cooperstown were similar to these districts.

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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.

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.

OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

eight year review period.

County Agricultural District No. 1 is 188,846.19. The following municipalities Maps of Agricultural District No. 1 are on file and available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Otsego County Planning Department, The Meadows Building, 140 County Route 33W, Cooperstown, New York and the Office of the County Clerk, County Office Building, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown, New York.

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 Legal nOtice 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 Legal nOtice Notice to Bidders Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 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

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. BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE

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 D265683, PIN 980774, FA Proj , Broome, Chenango, Otsego Cos., BRIDGE RAIL REPLACEMENT - Various Locations., Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $75,000.00), Goals: DBE: 0.00% 2LegalJan.1 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of RUIZ TRANSPORT LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 12/4/2025 Otsego Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to 1967 WEHRLE DR., STE. 1 #086, BUFFALO, NY, 14221 General Purpose 6LegalJan.29 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of MJM Quality Services LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on December 05, 2025. Office Location is in Otsego County. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail process to 185 Honey Joe Road, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalJan.29 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF A 30 DAY PERIOD FOR INCLUSION OF LAND INTO CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS NOTICE is hereby given that Otsego County has established an annual 30 day period during which landowners can submit proposals to include viable agricultural land within certified agricultural districts outside of the

NOTICE is further given that said annual 30 day period in Otsego County begins January 1 of each year and closes 30 days thereafter. NOTICE is further given that during this 30 day review period any landowner may submit proposals of viable agricultural land to be included into a certified agricultural district by filing requests with the Clerk of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, said requests to include the agricultural district into which the land is proposed to be included, a description of the land and the tax map identification number(s). NOTICE is further given that at the termination of the 30 day period all proposals will be submitted to the Otsego County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board for its review, and that thereafter a public hearing will be held on the proposals and recommendations of said board. NOTICE OF A 30-DAY PERIOD FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF OTSEGO COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT NO. 1 NOTICE that the eight-year review of Agricultural District No. 1 within Otsego County, will commence with a 30day public review period on January 1, 2026 pursuant to Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law. The following municipalities have parcels in Otsego County Agricultural District No. 1: Village of Cherry Valley, Village of Gilbertsville, Village of Otego, Village of Richfield Springs, Village of Unadilla, Town of Burlington, Town of Butternuts, Town of Cherry Valley, Town of Decatur, Town of Edmeston, Town of Exeter, Town of Hartwick, Town of Laurens, Town of Maryland, Town of Middlefield, Town of Milford, Town of Morris, Town of New Lisbon, Town of Oneonta, Town of Otego, Town of Otsego, Town of Pittsfield, Town of Plainfield, Town of Richfield, Town of Roseboom, Town of Springfield, Town of Unadilla, Town of Westford, Town of Worcester. The total acreage of Otsego

During this 30-day review period any municipality whose territory encompasses the above agricultural district, any state agency or any landowner within or adjacent to the district may propose a modification of the district. Parcels may only be removed from the agricultural district during the eight-year review period. Any proposed modification must be filed with the Clerk of the County Legislative Body within the thirty (30) days specified. Dated: December 24, 2025 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.25 Legal nOtice MEETING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego will hold its regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. However, when the date fixed for a regular meeting of the County Board falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the day following. The meetings will be held in the Board Chambers on the second floor of the County Office Building in Cooperstown, New York. THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to Article 7 of the Open Meetings Law. Dated: December 19, 2025 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County _________

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

►Fri., Dec. 26 SENIOR COFFEE HOUR—10 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles, special events and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. GENTLE YOGA— 10 a.m. Held each Friday. Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309. SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of ham and scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, and apple crisp. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. (607) 547-6454. BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 5 p.m. Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org SHOW—7-10 p.m. “3rd Annual Dead and Coe Christmas Show: Live at the Vets Club.” Richfield Springs Veterans Club, 14 Lake Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-9924.

►Sat., Dec. 27 YOGA—8:30 a.m. “Yoga for Flexibility and Strength.” Held each Saturday by certified instructor Mira Wind. Fees apply. Butternut Valley Grange, 7 Bloom Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 287-5699. YOGA—10 a.m. “Slow Flow Yoga.” All levels welcome. Suggested donation applies. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, Community Room, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. hello@erinrae. yoga. VINTAGE—10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Vintage Clothing Pop-up with Charles and Dana.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. FOOD—11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Saturday’s

Bread.” Sit-down meal served hot. Take-out available. Held each Saturday. First United Methodist Church, 66 Church Street Oneonta. OPEN—11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Something Old, Something New: The Holiday Show.” Group show of cyanotypes, paper earrings, woodblock natural world prints and more. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5327. SEWING CLASS— 1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held every Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234. DINNER—4-6 p.m. “Free Community Dinner.” Held 4th Saturday of each month. Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1553. HOLIDAYS— 4:30-8 p.m. “Glimmer Nights.” Featuring snowman building, a visit from the Ice Queens and the last chance to vote in 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. TEEN ROCK & BOWL— 6-8 p.m. All-you-can-bowl, lights and music for teens in grades 7-12. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Free; registration required. The Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. (607) 547-2800. MUSIC—6-8 p.m. “Yana King Trio.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111. OPEN MIC—7-9 p.m. “Coffee House.” Singers, musicians and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Method-

_______

Time OuT OTsegO Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

ist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (609) 234-7769.

►Sun., Dec. 28 YOGA—8 a.m. “Hatha Yoga Class with Mira.” Suggested donation applies. All levels welcome. Held each Sunday. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111. 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 Liana Gabel.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. FOOD—4 p.m. Free Sunday meal at The Salvation Army, 25 River Street, Oneonta. SKATE PARTY— 6-8 p.m. “Interskate 88: K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Interskate 88, 5185 State Highway 23, Oneonta. (607) 432-0366.

►Mon., Dec.29 STORY TIME— 9:30 a.m. Staff share stories, activities and play. Held Mondays through Thursdays. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. CONNECTIONS— 11 a.m. to noon. Senior Walk/Cornhole. Held Mondays and Thursdays. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. 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 chili, cauliflower, corn bread and tropical fruit. (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. HOLIDAYS—Noon to 2 p.m. “Holiday Break Art Program: Fairy Forest.” For kids ages 6-10. Fees apply; registration required. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. canoneonta.org LIBRARY—1 p.m. “Home School Hangout.” Stories, activities, crafts and learning for home school families. Held each Monday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. BLOOD DRIVE— 1:30 p.m. Laurens Fire Department, 34 Main Street, Laurens. RedCrossBlood.org TECH HELP—2-3 p.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661. YOGA—4:30 p.m. Moving meditation with Alyx Braunius. Fees apply. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

►Tues., Dec. 30 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 Gilbert Lake State Park, Laurens. Contact hike leader Laurie Pike, (607) 713-9338. SENIOR MEALS— 11:30 a.m. Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of chicken a la king, mashed

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

potatoes, broccoli and chef’s choice dessert. (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. BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 4 p.m. Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org BLOOD DRIVE—Noon to 5 p.m. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org 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. FIGURE DRAWING— 6:30 p.m. Held each Tuesday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 483-8432.

►Wed., Dec. 31 STORY TIME— 10 a.m. Held each Wednesday. Springfield Library, 129 County Road 29A, Springfield Center. (315) 858-5802. SENIOR MEALS—Seniors are invited to enjoy a delicious meal MondayFriday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests accompanying a senior. Today, enjoy a lunch of ziti with meatballs, tossed salad, garlic knots and banana bread. (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. NEW YEAR—Noon; registration 9:30-11:30 a.m. “Frostbite 5K in Honor of John Hayen.” Presented by the Oneonta YMCA. Fees apply; registration required. Starts at SFCU, 53 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4320010.

►Thurs., Jan. 1 FIRST DAY HIKE— 10 a.m. Start the year right with a hike in one of the local state parks. • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Road, Laurens. (607) 432-2114. • 10 a.m. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Road 31, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8662. RECOVERY—10 a.m. “Vets Helping Vets—Open AA Meeting.” Held each Thursday. Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228. CLAM NIGHT—5-7 p.m. Held each Thursday. Fees apply. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0494.

►Fri., Jan. 2 FUNDRAISER—“East Worcester Hose Co. 1 2025 Gun Raffle.” Drawing held at 6 p.m. on 2/9/26. Need not be present to win. Pick up prizes at Cobleskill Outdoor Sports, 116 France Lane, Cobleskill. eastworcesterfd@gmail.com. OPENING RECEPTION—5-8 p.m. “Into the Fold.” First Friday event. Show runs through 2/1. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-5340. OPEN MIC—6 p.m. Poems, songs, dance, stories, comedy and more. Register at the door. Donations appreciated. Held first Friday of each month. Presented by The Telegraph School at the Limestone Mansion, 33

Main Street, Cherry Valley. (607) 264-3785.

►Sat., Jan. 3 PISTOL PERMITS— 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday pistol permit services. First Saturday of each month. Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, 172 County Highway 33 West, Cooperstown. (607) 5474271. BLOOD DRIVE— 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Southside Mall, 5006 State Highway 23, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org NEW YEAR—1 p.m. “Renewal: A Generative Writing Workshop with Julene Waffle.” Fees apply. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. LIBRARY—2 p.m. “Book Journaling.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600. DANCE—2-4 p.m. “Body and Soul Dance.” Weekly gathering exploring the possibilities of dance. Includes warmup, improv and group choreography to be performed with monthly drum circle. Admission by donation to support food programs. Held each Saturday. First Presbyterian Church of Oneonta, 296 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 287-3888. HOLIDAYS—6-8 p.m. “Home for the Holidays Community Drum Circle with Jimbo Talbot.” Fees apply. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

►Sun., Jan. 4 MUSIC—1-3 p.m. “Sunday Sessions with Liam Herbert.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111. MEDITATION—5 p.m. Sunday Evening Meditation. All welcome. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

►Mon., Jan. 5 CONNECTIONS— 10:30 a.m. “One-on-One Tech Support.” Get help using personal devices, from iPhones to tablets. Held each first Monday of the month with Debra Miller. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com. 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.

►Tues., Jan. 6 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. POTTERY—10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Handmade Lamps.” Fees apply; registration required. Held Tuesdays through 2/24. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org. BLOOD DRIVE—10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Springbrook Community Campus, 5588 State Highway 7, Oneonta. RedCrossBlood.org VETERANS—Noon to 2 p.m. Free lunch for veterans. Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025

WEEK 1

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 2: The Otsego Outdoors Winter

Octet Challenge ran through March 19. Above, Octeters pause for a photo at Clark Tower during the 2024 winter challenge. After completing eight of the activities, participants received a special embroidered Winter Octet patch and a waterproof sticker. Otsego Outdoors is a collaborative program of Otsego 2000, Otsego Land Trust, the Otsego County Conservation Association and the Butternut Valley Alliance.

OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

utting the community back into the newspaper is our motto here at AllOtsego, The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta. How many faces do you recognize in this pictorial account of 2025? We look forward to bringing you the news of Otsego County in the months and years to come. Happy New Year from our family to yours!

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 9: Bassett

Healthcare Network’s Birthing Center at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown welcomed its first baby of 2025 at 3 a.m. on January 1, 2025. Aidan was born to mom, Schuyler, and dad, Nicholas. The family lives in Mount Vision. Aidan weighed in at 7 pounds, 9 ounces and is 20 inches long. He has two older siblings—Avery and Ethan.

Photo courtesy orf Otsego County

EDITION OF JANUARY 16: Otsego County firefighters who volunteered to help contain

the Jennings Creek wildfires in Orange County in November were honored at the January 2 Otsego County Board meeting. Representing those departments deployed were, front row: Joe Hurlburt Sr., Otego; Emergency Services Manager/Fire Coordinator Victor F. C. Jones, who coordinated deployment; Gary Ray I, West Edmeston; Tyler Post, Unadilla; and Brandon Card, Morris. Back row: Alexander Hilton, Unadilla; Assistant Coordinator Damon West and Deputy Fire Coordinator Jeremy Hilton, both of Emergency Services; Mike Hoyt, West Laurens; David Robinson, Gilbertsville, Zeithan Dunham, Morris, Mark Elderkin, Richfield Springs; Johnathan Ashe, Milford; and Colby Hull, Morris.

The Blue Mingo Grill

Wishing a Happy New Year to all From Sam Smith’s Boatyard, The Blue Mingo Grill, and Clutter 6098 State Route 80 Cooperstown, NY www.bluemingogrill.com

Souvenir Supplement to HOMETOWN ONEONTA, THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & www.AllOTSEGO.com

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

B-2 AllOTSEGO

WEEK 4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

WEEK 5

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EDITION OF JANUARY 23: The American Hospital Association

honored Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta in appreciation of its 100 years of participation in the AHA. Above, AHA Regional Executive Michael Draine presents the award for 100 years of AHA membership to A.O. Fox Hospital’s Joan R. MacDonald.

WEEK 6

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 1: Winners of the SUNY Oneonta MLK Jr. Essay Contest were honored at a

breakfast on January 7. Pictured from left, SUNY Oneonta President Dr. Alberto Cardelle, SUNY Oneonta Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Innovation and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Bernadette Tiapo, essay contest winners Julianna Everson (9th grade, Worcester Central School), Evangeline Trask (5th grade, Greater Plains Elementary School), Evie Chen (8th grade, Oneonta Middle School), Sallie Han, professor for the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence, Van Havercome, associate director, Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence, and Erin Francisco, assistant director of DEI Projects and Initiatives.

WEEK 7

WEEK 8

Photo by Bill Bellen

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 13: Milford Central Photo by Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 6: Ichiro Suzuki,

a veritable hits machine on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, became the first Japanese player to gain entry into the National Baseball Hall of Fame when he was elected on Tuesday, January 21 to the Class of 2025 alongside pitchers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and tabulated by Ernst & Young.

School District Superintendent Kristen Shearer sat down with AllOtsego reporter Bill Bellen in February to discuss the district’s capital project. Issues addressed in energy-saving measures via the capital project included windows with broken seals, outdated kitchen utilities and inadequate ventilation. Upgrades and refurbishments to the performing arts center, the upper playground and the bus garage are also included in the ongoing capital improvements.

Photo provided

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 20: SUNY Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate

Program welcomed a new class of museum studies students, including Ghanaian museum guide and historian Enoch Bright Ampong. Ampong, 29, hails from the Central Region of the vibrant West African nation and graduated with honors from Takoradi Technical University’s Tourism Management program. Ampong, at left, has led tours at Ghana’s Elmina Castle for more than half a decade.

In your corner & around the corner WHERE GREAT MUSIC LIVES Four distinctive performances—rooted in the classical tradition and the world around us.

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Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 1:30 PM Cooperstown Village Library Music by Mozart, Leroy Anderson, and Brahms

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Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 3:00 PM Christ Church Cooperstown India meets Bach

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Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM Panther Creek Arts, West Fulton, NY

Fenimore Chamber Orchestra is proud to announce a $49,500 award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)—a significant recognition of and investment in our efforts and the cultural life of Central New York!

Learn more at www.fenimore-orchestra.org

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

“In a region defined by legends, real estate deserves mastery.”

Michele Barry REALTOR® Co-owner/Broker 607-435-9288 MicheleBarry@cooperstownbrokers.com

William “Bill” Miller REALTOR® Co-owner/Broker 908-304-4666 Williamjaymiller@cooperstownbrokers.com

Sarah A. Stewart, REALTOR® Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 607-267-7057 sarahAstewart@cooperstownbrokers.com

Alec Bosc, REALTOR ® Licensed Real Estate Salesperson 315-868-3749 alexbosc@cooperstownbrokers.com

WWW.COOPERSTOWNBROKERS.COM

AllOTSEGO B-3

B-4 AllOTSEGO

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 9

WEEK 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

WEEK 11

Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF MARCH 6: A rally the purpose Photo provided

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 27: Since formation of Otsego County’s

Animal Cruelty Task Force in February 2019, cases of suspected animal cruelty and neglect that may once have gone unreported in the region are now seeing the light of day. Pictured above treating a rescued dog upon intake are Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Jennifer Lukovsky and Avalon Kubis, SQSPCA surgical and acute care coordinator.

of which was, organizers said, to uphold the U.S. Constitution and protest executive overreach took place on Tuesday, March 4 at noon in Oneonta’s Muller Plaza. Approximately 200 people from across Otsego County attended, carrying protest signs, waving flags, and chanting pro-democracy slogans, such as “We want our country back,” and “This is what democracy looks like.” Doreen DelRosario of Fly Creek was one of approximately 200 protesters rallying in Oneonta on Tuesday, March 4.

WEEK 13

WEEK 12

Photo by Monica Calzolari

EDITION OF MARCH 13: Mayor Mark Drnek

addresses City of Oneonta Common Council members and the public regarding a letter signed by 11 people in opposition to the proposed Rehabilitation Support Services development at 27 Market Street. Per the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Drnek contends that his vision for the Market Street neighborhood is in keeping with the Common Council’s support for pursuit of increased density and workforce housing in Oneonta.

WEEK 14

Photo provided

EDITION OF MARCH 20: Gilbertsville-Mount Upton

middle-schoolers Logan Panek and Peyton Nelson hold bags of plastic recylables collected in February for the Otsego County Conservation Association’s 2025 “Plastic Film Recycling Challenge!” The goal of the challenge is to educate the community on proper recycling of plastic grocery bags and other plastic film items, which cannot be recycled through regular curbside recycling programs.

WEEK 15

Photo provided

EDITION OF MARCH 27: Cooperstown junior Matthew

Perrino (center) finished a phenomenal season in the quarterfinal round of the New York State wrestling championships at MVP Arena in Albany on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and March 1. Entering the tournament with a 34-14 record and the 11 seed, Perrino upset the Section III champion and battled the four seed and Section VI runner-up all the way to a hard-fought 4-3 loss. Above, Perrino with coaches Mike Croft (left) and Trentin Carentz at the New York State Boys Wrestling Championships on February 28.

Photo provided

EDITION OF APRIL 3: Members of the SUNY Oneonta

Biological Field Station’s Volunteer Dive Team met on Saturday, March 29 at the BFS boathouse before setting out to redeploy no-wake zone buoys at Lakefront Park and Springfield Landing. Above, Paul H. Lord, SUNY Oneonta biology instructor, researcher, and scuba instructor, inspects equipment on Landon Putnam, SUNY Oneonta undergraduate student and research diver. “Otsego Lake is now officially open for recreational boating,” Lord said.

WEEK 17

WEEK 16

Graphic provided

EDITION OF APRIL 10: At the City of Oneonta’s

Common Council meeting on Tuesday, April 1, Director of Strategic Partnerships Christine Nealon of Rehabilitation Support Services presented an architectural rendering of the $25 million development her organization proposed to build at 27 Market Street should city officials approve sale of the property to RSS. The building would include 47 apartment units, 30 parking spaces and 7,200 square feet reserved for commercial use. Editor’s note: The project was voted down by the Common Council on May 6.

Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF APRIL 17: John McIntyre

(left), publisher of Spotlight News, and Mark Vinciguerra, publisher of NYVT Media, gave presentations at the inaugural summit of the SUNY Institute for Local News, held at SUNY Oneonta April 10-11. The ILN represents an effort to stop the bleeding in regard to the decline in local news and its reporting.

Photo provided

EDITION OF APRIL 24: David Fontaine, the new director at the

Clark Sports Center, has been on the job since February 3. “We’d like to give a warm welcome to our newly minted director of the Clark Sports Center, David Fontaine,” officials said in a recent announcement. Fontaine, originally from Utica, has a professional background in both athletics and pharmaceuticals. “[Clark Sports Center] is an amazing facility with a talented group of individuals who make it all happen,” said Fontaine.

We are proud to be such a big part of our community. We live and work with some of the most incredible people in our region, those that give of themselves to our community unconditionally.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK WEEK 19

WEEK 18

EDITION OF MAY 8: Elizabeth “Betty” Powell ‘82,

to the exhibit for Koop Wildlife Rehabilitation at Earth Festival 2025. The annual event in celebration of Earth Day is organized by the Otsego County Conservation Association.

associate director of athletics, director of compliance and senior woman administrator, after 55 years of service to Hartwick College, stood to a standing ovation during this year’s Quinquennial Awards Celebration. Held Tuesday, April 29 in the Celebration Room of Shineman Chapel House, the ceremony recognized 50 dedicated faculty and staff for reaching milestone anniversaries in their careers at Hartwick. “It was a wonderful celebration and sharing it with others being recognized made it even more special,” said Powell, who is pictured at left.

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Photo by Bill Bellen

EDITION OF MAY 1: Charley Koop stands with his hawk next

Photo provided

AllOTSEGO B-5

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Photo by Sarah Roberts

EDITION OF MAY 15: Cooperstown Graduate

Program alumna Elaine Eff donated part of her painted screen collection to the Fenimore Art Museum this year. The earliest Baltimore screens offered domestic scenes that included houses, usually a red-roofed bungalow surrounded by trees, white swans in a placid lake, and colorful flowers.

WEEK 23

Photo courtesy of Andy Lavine, head of sales, Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley

Photo provided

EDITION OF MAY 22: Pete Rose was removed from Major

League Baseball’s permanently ineligible list in May 2025 by Commissioner Rob Manfred, making it possible for Rose to be inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously. President Donald Trump announced on February 28 that he would issue a posthumous pardon of Rose and called for the all-time leader in career hits to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Rose, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 83, was served a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball in 1989 for gambling on games, and was barred from the HoF. Trump did not specify what the pardon would cover, although Rose served five months in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion in 1990. As has been the case since 1991, when a rule was put into place making anyone on baseball’s ineligible list also ineligible for Hall of Fame election, Rose would become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration only if he is reinstated by MLB. Above, President Trump is shown autographing a baseball for Rose.

EDITION OF JUNE 5: The Cooperstown Central School Photo by Yvonne Eckert

EDITION OF MAY 29: Laurens Central School

fifth- and sixth-graders commemorated and honored the brave military men and women who served our country by placing long stem red carnations on veterans’ graves in the Laurens Village Cemetery and Elm Row Cemetery prior to Memorial Day 2025. This project was sponsored by the Laurens American Legion Auxiliary with assistance from Laurens American Legion members. Above, fifth-grader Hera Baker pays tribute to a fallen hero at Elm Row Cemetery.

Quiz Team competed at the National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ National Championships for the second year in a row, taking second in the Very Small School division—the highest finish ever by a CCS team—and placing eighth overall in the nation. Representing Cooperstown were Captain Andrew Miller, Aaron Katz, Kenneth Charles Vinuya, Andrew Olski and Anders Green. The team traveled to Chicago, Illinois with coach Henry Bauer for the national competition held April 26-27, where their deep academic commitment and drive resulted in great success. Pictured above, from left, are Andrew Miller, Andrew Olski, Aaron Katz and Kenneth Charles Vinuya. Not pictured: Anders Green.

Deeply committed to our community Since 1925, the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth, Inc. Funeral Home has been serving families in the Cooperstown area with dignity and caring compassion. We are independently owned and operated and provide a full range of services, including cremation and ground burial. Our mission is a commitment to helping you and your family throughout a most difficult time of your life by helping to lighten the burden caused by the death of a loved one. Through understanding and attention to every detail, we will assist in planning all aspects of a funeral or memorial service. — Peter Deysenroth

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B-6 AllOTSEGO

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

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Photo by Cassandra Miller

EDITION OF JUNE 19: The Arc Otsego’s new Unibagger II Photo provided

EDITION OF JUNE 12: Richfield Springs resident

Becky Marzeski was honored at the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State Inc. June convention in Albany, where she was presented with Commendation Award #51, an award of honor given to one member of each region that exhibits outstanding efforts in a variety of volunteerbased categories. Marzeski has been a member of the Garden Club of Richfield Springs for the past 40 years.

machine was funded by a $25,000.00 matching grant from New York State Industries for the Disabled Inc., combined with a $25,000.00 investment from The Arc Otsego. With the funding, The Arc has also purchased a new van. Proudly flanking their presentation check, from left: Sara Hanlon, chief executive officer, The Arc Otsego; Maureen O’Brien, president and chief executive officer, NYSID; Heather Worden, production worker, Creekside Industries; Erin Seeley, chief operating officer, The Arc Otsego; and David DiNicola, director of business operations, Creekside Industries.

Photo provided by Bhanupratap Gaur

EDITION OF JUNE 26: Celebrating installation of the

Center Street School historical marker on June 13 are, from left: Oneonta City School District School Board President Susan Kurkowski; City of Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek; OCSD Assistant Superintendent Coleen Moore; former Center Street Principal John Cook (19832010); OCSD Superintendent Tom Brindley; Greater Oneonta Historical Society Executive Director Marcela Micucci; and OCSD Secretary to the Superintendent/ District Clerk Reggie McGuinness.

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Photo provided

Photo by Patricia Fiorent Slater

EDITION OF JULY 3: Jeremy Velasco, a 2025 graduate of Milford

Central School and ONC BOCES, received a $1,000.00 Michael L. Mayne Scholarship funded by the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation at the Rotary Club of Cooperstown luncheon meeting on June 24. The scholarship is awarded annually by CRF in memory of U.S. Army Corporal Michael L. Mayne, a 2006 graduate of BOCES and Edmeston Central School. Cpl. Mayne served with the 1st Stryker Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division from Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He died on February 23, 2009 while serving in Iraq. Above, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, chair of the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation, presents the $1,000.00 Michael L. Mayne Scholarship to Velasco.

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EDITION OF JULY 10: This year’s

Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship Foundation scholarship recipient was Oneonta High School senior Tanner Tubia. The announcement was made on June 20 by David Brower, chair of the foundation’s Selection Committee and past scholarship recipient, during a presentation held in honor of the late Ricky J. Parisian. Investigator Parisian, who had served with the New York State Police for eight years, was shot and killed in 1994 while attempting to stop an armed robbery of the Great American Supermarket in Oneonta.

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Photo by Maria Griswold

EDITION OF JULY 17: On July 11, the Kingfisher Tower

Room at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown was bustling with activity. A crowd of roughly 40 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered upon invitation by Army veteran and football enthusiast Andy Hugos to attend this unique ceremony commemorating the nomination of Homer Jones and Jack Kemp to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Above, Ernie Koy and Charles Dumas help Patricia Slater hold up one of Slater’s paintings celebrating Homer Jones in the New York Giants uniform (#45) and Jack Kemp in the Buffalo Bills uniform (#15).

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

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AllOTSEGO B-7

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Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF JULY 31: Sidney Federal Credit Union Board Photo by Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

EDITION OF JULY 24: Dick Allen and Dave Parker were

both inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame at the 2025 Induction Ceremony on July 27. Allen’s red and white striped Adidas cleats are among the artifacts featured in the “New Inductees” exhibit on the hall’s second floor.

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of Directors Chair Scott McLean, Village of Morris Mayor Mike Newell, and SFCU President and CEO Jim Reynolds look on as Maggie Brenner, vice chair of Butternut Valley Alliance and lead in BVA’s “Save Our Bank” task force, cuts the ribbon to officially open SFCU’s long-awaited Morris branch.

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Photo by Larissa Ryan

EDITION OF AUGUST 7: Emilie Rigby

shows off some of the donated items to be sold to benefit Sybil’s Yarn Shop. The beloved shop, located previously in the Village of Milford, was one of four buildings, including the Milford Corner Store, destroyed in a fire on July 18. Owner Jeanetta Osterhoudt has since moved her shop to the Village of Cooperstown.

WEEK 35

Photo provided

EDITION OF AUGUST 14: The Butternut Valley

Alliance Summer Harvest Festival and Gravel Grinder moved to Butternuts Beer and Ale in Garrettsville this year and were held concurrently on August 23. Cyclists pictured above are Josh Schafler (Oneonta), former world champion and winner of the Tour de Flandres Alessandro Ballan (Castelfranco Veneto, Italy), Ben Savoie (Cooperstown), and Keith Toombs (Schenectady). “We try to support the neighborhood we’re in,” said Peter Martin, one of the principal organizers. The Gravel Grinder features a 45-mile course for experienced cyclers and a 15-mile course for the more recreational cyclers.

Photo by K. Wayne Bunn

EDITION OF AUGUST 21: Bright and early on Saturday, August

9, the Otsego Lake Association’s annual gathering commenced at 8:30 a.m. at the Otsego Sailing Club. Throughout the first half hour of the meeting there were a few orders of business, including the collection of registration and membership fees, a silent auction, and a rolling slideshow of lake photography. The silent auction consisted of different artworks, baskets and pies. Above, Otsego Lake Association President Jim Howarth addresses attendees at the annual gathering.

Serving you locally for over years

Photo provided

EDITION OF AUGUST 28: The Cooperstown

Farmers’ Market, a program of Otsego 2000, was awarded $49,339.00 in the latest round of the New York State Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program, officials announced on Monday, August 25. Above, Michael Angilletta of Wild Pines Pumpkin Patch and Gardens helps a customer at the Summer Tuesday Market.

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Photo provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 4: The Rotary Club of Cooperstown

announced this month that Madison Moore, Samantha Barrett, Kura Lynn Druse, Kara Mertz and Leah Brundege are the recipients of the 2025 John D. Ramsey Memorial Vocational Scholarship for the current academic year. Moore has been awarded the Special Recognition Scholarship due to her unwavering commitment to serving society through nursing, officials said. Barrett, Druse and Mertz are also pursuing vocational nursing training; Brundege will be entering culinary arts. The John D. Ramsey Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of John Ramsey, a longstanding member of the Rotary Club of Cooperstown and an ardent advocate for vocational training. Pictured above are: Samantha Barrett, Kura Lynn Druse, Kirsten De Silva, Kara Mertz, Madison Moore, and Leah Brundege.

EDITION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

WEEK 38

SEPTEMBER

Photo provided

11: More than 100

concerned citizens attended a standing-room only meeting on September 7 at the Pierstown Grange. Prompted by the proposed major subdivision of 1,500 acres of farmland, forest, and wetlands on the west side of Otsego Lake, Otsego 2000, Otsego Land Trust, Otsego County Conservation Association, and the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station held the meeting to hear from community members and then to amplify their comments. While many comments and concerns were voiced about the Manocherian proposal, which would create 111 buildable lots ranging in size from 4.2 acres to 60 acres in the Town of Otsego and Town of Springfield, there was a broader discussion about what community members envision for the future of the area.

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Photo provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 18: Effective

September 8, Bassett Healthcare Network and A.O. Fox Hospital’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Michael Guiry, PA-C, MBA, as vice president of operations at A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta. Guiry arrives at Bassett Healthcare Network with more than 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare operations, business development and physician practice management. Most recently, he served as associate vice president of the physician enterprise at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island.

WEEK 40

Graphic provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 25: It was standing room only as nearly 50 Sixth Ward

residents gathered for the City of Oneonta Planning Commission meeting on the evening of Wednesday, September 17 to discuss an affordable housing project proposed by Rehabilitation Support Services. The above rendering of the proposed “Solstice Commons” affordable housing project is among the many documents available for viewing on the City of Oneonta Planning Commission Material Meetings web page.

Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

EDITION OF OCTOBER 2: Every Tuesday morning, several to a dozen older men enter

the garage of Walt (Jim) Hogan of Cooperstown, members of the local Men’s Shed group. Men’s Shed, an international movement started in Australia, aims to create social spaces for older men. With dozens of chapters across the world, the group’s motto is “Men don’t talk face to face, we talk shoulder to shoulder.” It’s a “safe place for men to be able to get together, because there’s issues as one ages,” said member Bud Zaengle.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

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AllOTSEGO B-9

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Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

EDITION OF OCTOBER 23: Between Oneonta Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

EDITION OF OCTOBER 9: State Senator

Peter Oberacker, a Republican, announced his candidacy for the hotly contested 19th New York Congressional District the morning of Monday, October 6 at the Schenevus fire station. He is challenging incumbent Rep. Josh Riley, a Democrat. Oberacker was the first major challenger to declare his candidacy. The 19th District, stretching from the Ithaca area to the Massachusetts border and containing Otsego County, was decided by fewer than 10,000 votes in the 2024 election.

Photo by Julia DelPozzo/SUNY Institute for Local News

EDITION OF OCTOBER 16: A crowd of more than 60 people packed into the

Oneonta Town Hall on Wednesday night, October 8, for the monthly town board meeting. Concerned citizens filled the room to hear the latest on a proposal from startup Eco-Yotta Inc. to build an AI data center in Oneonta’s West End. The proposed rezoning was first announced in July, and it received significant public opposition during August’s town board meeting. Eco-Yotta previously requested to have its application removed from discussion at that August 13 meeting. This meeting marked its reintroduction to the town’s official docket. Above, Teresa DeSantis addresses the audience at the Wednesday, October 8 Oneonta Town Board meeting.

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and Cherry Valley, nearly 2,000 locals participated in the second “No Kings” peaceful protest on Saturday, October 18. Demonstrators opposed what they described as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian takeover and breakdown of the rule of law. The Oneonta demonstration (above) was organized by CooperstownOneonta Indivisible, Butternut Valley Indivisible, Cherry Valley Indivisible, Indivisible for Schoharie County, and the Otsego County Democratic Committee. Cherry Valley Indivisible organized its local event near the village’s Civil War monument.

WEEK 46

Photo by Maria Griswold

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 6: Bill Bellen, Photo by Andrew Bottomley/SUNY Institute for Local News

EDITION OF OCTOBER 30: Bill Stevens was among the land-

owners with property neighboring the Albert S. Nader Regional Airport who shared their frustrations with the airport’s runway obstruction clearance project at a City of Oneonta Airport Commission meeting on October 9.

grandfather of reporter William Bellen, is welcomed back from his journey aboard the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, flanked on either side by American flags and wellwishers. Bellen was among 80 veterans who received an all-expenses paid tour of the many memorials of the nation’s capital.

Photo provided

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 13: The Village of Cooperstown

celebrated Al Keck’s service at a gathering before the regularly scheduled board meeting on October 27. Pictured are Public Works Superintendent Mitch Hotaling, Al Keck, Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, Trustee Audrey Porsche and Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk.

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B-10 AllOTSEGO

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

WEEK 49

Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 20: Dozens of firefighters,

their families and other locals gathered at the Fly Creek fire station to welcome a newly-purchased, lightly-used fire truck on its journey back from an Illinois fire department on Wednesday, November 12. Officials said the new truck will bring more capacity and reliability—without requiring new expenses for taxpayers. Above, the Fly Creek Fire Company welcomes its new fire truck with a traditional “wet-down” on the evening of November 12.

WEEK 50

Photo by Eric Santomauro-Stenzel

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 27: The hill to climb

for Eco-Yotta Inc’s proposal for an AI research center paired with hydroponic farming in the Town of Oneonta is growing steeper. Community opposition has persisted meeting after meeting, the town (and planning) board has appeared exasperated by a lack of clarity in project specifics. Representatives of Eco-Yotta Inc. again addressed the Oneonta Town Board on November 12. Pictured are Chief Executive Officer Tirusha Dave (standing) and EcoYotta attorney Nathaniel Nichols (to her right).

Photo provided

EDITION OF DECEMBER 4: Angelica Palmer, founder of

The Telegraph School, announced that she has received a Support for Artists grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to support her creative work. Sponsored by New York Folklore, this award will fund “Sacred Waters,” the next chapter of the Cherry Valley Water Project.

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Photo by Erin Quick

EDITION OF DECEMBER 11: 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. From left, Molly Tolson, Lucy Bailey, Natalia Barnes and Raegan Goodspeed took top honors for Unatego Central School at this year’s SVSC competition.

Photo provided

EDITION OF DECEMBER 18: On Sunday, December 7, Cooperstown

Friends of the Parks volunteers gathered to roll out the Badger Park skating rink for the season. This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of longtime Friends of the Parks board member Bill Ralston, who passed away unexpectedly on July 5. Supporters ages 8-84 assisted with the roll out. A special thanks was extended to the Cooperstown Central School Leo Club crew, who came out in force. Friends of the Parks is seeking volunteers to assist throughout the season with upkeep of the skate shack and ice maintenance. Those willing to donate an afternoon or two this winter are asked to contact Bruce Miller at millerbu@yahoo.com.

Photo by Tara Barnwell

EDITION OF DECEMBER 25: Salvation

Army Angel Tree Coordinator Kyanne Clark (left) visited the offices of AllOtsego, “The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta” on Monday, December 15 to take delivery of donations for this year’s Angel Tree Program recipients from Santa’s elf Larissa Ryan. Many thanks to all who made the holidays a little less stressful this year for those in need of a helping hand!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

AllOTSEGO B-11

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B-12 AllOTSEGO

2025 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

Festival of Lights in Neahwa Park Now through January 1, 2026

First Night Oneonta at Foothills PAC December 31, 2025 | 5pm-8:30pm