Otsego County Yearbook 2024

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

WEEK 1

AllOTSEGO.life

2024

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 4: Community volunteers

served more than 850 people at the 36th Annual Friends of Christmas Community Dinner on Saturday, December 23, presented by Saturday’s Bread. The event featured a gift card donation drive for families impacted by the December 9 explosion on Richards Avenue. Community members raised $6,750.00 for these families, including $3,000.00 in donations from the 6th Ward Athletic Club.

OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

F

rom sports stars to controversial municipal meetings to animal rescue, this pictorial account of 2024 is as diverse as our readership. We hope you enjoy these highlights of Otsego County happenings from the past year, and we look forward to bringing you the area’s news in 2025. Happy New Year from our family to yours!

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 18: Cooperstown Concert

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 11: On January 1, the Town of Otsego swore in

new councilmembers Deb Dalton and Pat Kennedy, Town Supervisor Ben Bauer, and Town Justices Gary Kuch and Lauren Glynn. Above, from left, are Kennedy, Glynn, Kuch, Dalton and Bauer.

Series Board President Arthur Weinstock presents a check for $1,300.00 to Will Kleffner, executive director of the Cooperstown Food Pantry. Cooperstown Concert Series made donations to two area food banks in memory of Bruce Andrews, a long-time supporter of the organization.

Officials donated the entire $2,600.00 raised from ticket sales to the “Caravan of Love Concert” held November 27 in memory of Andrews, divided equally between the CFP and the Schuyler Lake Food Cupboard.

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

B-2

AllOTSEGO.life

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 4

AllOTSEGO.life B-3

WEEK 5

Photo provided

EDITION OF JANUARY 25: Representatives of Otsego County businesses, organizations and municipalities

received New York State’s first delivery of the ONEbox™ on Friday, January 19 at a press conference. The first 60 ONEboxes™ were placed in New York State by the Oneonta Narcan Initiative Team, an all-volunteer group led

by Coordinator Kathy Varadi. The ONEbox™ was developed in West Virginia as a response to the opioid overdose crisis. It contains Narcan (naloxone) and provides instant video instruction on how to administer the nasal spray in the event of an overdose. The boxes are designed to hold four doses of intranasal naloxone and provide emergency video and audio training on how to administer the drug, which can reverse an overdose and save a life.

WEEK 6

WEEK 7

Photo provided

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 1: Cooperstown native and first-

year guard for Emmanuel College Women’s Basketball Meagan Schuermann posted back-to-back 20-point games on her way to securing Great Northeast Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors. Schuermann averaged 20.5 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 47.1 percent (14-of-34) from the floor, including 50 percent (4-of-8) from beyond the arc during the two Saints wins.

Schuermann netted a career-high 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting on January 10 in a 77-67 win at Lasell University. She followed that with a 20-point outing in a January 13 win versus Norwich.

WEEK 8

Photo provided

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 8: Students from Oneonta,

Worcester, and Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton central schools received first-place honors in the SUNY Oneonta Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Zoey Mae Elizabeth Beal, a fifth-grader at Greater Plains Elementary, won the elementary school category.

Worcester Central School eighth-grader Julianna Everson took the middle school award, and the first place highschool finisher was Emma Peck, a junior at GilbertsvilleMt. Upton Central School. Above, Bernadette Tiapo, SUNY Oneonta chief diversity officer (far left), and Laura Arias, SUNY Oneonta associate director of the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence (far right), congratulate Everson, Beal, and Peck on their prize-winning essays.

$1500*

SIGN-ON BONUS

Photo by Monica Calzolari

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 15: Oneonta High

School student Devin Sailer headed to Washington, D.C. in February for “Courage at Congress: Advocate for a Cure.” Sailer, 16, is a member of Food Allergy Research and Education, which works on behalf of the 33 million Americans living with life-threatening food allergies. Sailer is allergic to 31 different allergens: all nuts, peanuts, tree nuts, peppermint, shellfish, several environmental allergies, multiple medications and stinging insects. Exposure to any of these can be fatal. He advocated for all teenagers with food allergies before the legislators and senior U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials.

$17-$22 HOURLY

Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 22: The Town of Richfield was

awarded $4.5 million in NY Forward funds to revitalize its downtown neighborhood and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

On hand for the February award presentation were Richfield Springs Mayor Richard Spencer, former Richfield Town Supervisor Daniel Sullivan, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Secretary of State Richard Rodriguez, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District Deputy Director Heather Devitt, current Richfield Town Supervisor Larry Frigault and Dr. Marion Terenzio, Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council co-chair and SUNY Cobleskill president.

* +$1/HR*

ON THE WEEKENDS

B-4

AllOTSEGO.life

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

WEEK 10

WEEK 11

Photo by Milo Stewart Jr., National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Photo provided

EDITION OF MARCH 7: Local filmmaker Lori Photo by Parker Fish

EDITION OF FEBRUARY 29: The bright, cold afternoon of Saturday, February 17

saw hundreds of people flock to the waterside at Silliman Cove on Goodyear Lake for the 26th annual Polar Bear Jump, organized by lifelong area residents Brenda and Jamie Waters since 1996. Above, onlookers and jumpers waiting in line for their turn watch as intrepid community members take the plunge to benefit children with chronic or severe health conditions.

WEEK 13

WEEK 12

EDITION OF MARCH 21: On February 19,

Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals staff worked with the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office to rescue four dogs living in deplorable conditions in the Town of Laurens.

Unfortunately, the tip from a private citizen came too late to help the five deceased dogs found on the property. Shown above with SQSPCA Kennel Manager Haley Johnson is Socks, a female pit mix, one of four dogs rescued.

EDITION OF MARCH 28: By

unanimous vote of the Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Directors, Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, was officially named president and chief executive officer of the Bassett network in March. Thompson had been serving as interim president and CEO since January 1, 2024, succeeding Dr. Tommy Ibrahim upon his departure.

EDITION

OF

March 11, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Directors announced the election of Joe Torre as vice-chairman. Torre was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014 and appointed to the board in 2023, filling a position previously held by Joe Morgan from 2000 until his passing in 2020.

WEEK 15

WEEK 14

Photo provided

Photo by Tania Puglia

Bailey was invited to be a “Female Filmmakers Take Center Stage” panelist at this year’s Film Industry Day in Albany. Above, Bailey welcomes actors Mark Valley and Bulent Gurcan to tour Oneonta’s Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center and attend a double feature screening of her independent feature films “A Roadhouse Coup” and “Garrow.” Pictured are Valley, Bailey, Gurcan and Bailey’s son and partner in crime (films), Joel Plue.

EDITION OF MARCH 14: On

Photo provided

APRIL

4:

The Otsego County Board of Representatives appointed local attorney Susan Lettis to the position of public defender. Lettis was appointed by the board last November to complete the term of her predecessor, Aaron Dean, and has been reappointed on her own merits. Lettis is Otsego County’s first female public defender.

Photo by Chip Northrup

EDITION OF APRIL 11: People all over the lower 48

United States enjoyed the eclipse at varying phases on Monday, April 8, including Cooperstown resident Chip Northrup (in Texas). There won’t be a total solar eclipse that passes over the United States again until 2045.

l a u ann

new Year’s celebration sale!

JanuarY 1 through JanuarY 31

ALL Karastan wool & Smart Strand carpet 10% off!

ALL Fabrica nylon & wool carpet 10% off!

ALL Cortec in stock $2.99/sq. ft.

20 mil wear layer 8 styles to choose from

Tim Smith Charlene Donnell Stephen Huffman

We give special thanks to the business & residential people in our region for making us the best flooring store in the area!

Check out our awesome selection of customized blinds and so much more!

anYthIng In stocK...25% oFF* 250,000 sQ. Ft. oF InVentorY... carPet, tIle, harDwooD, PlanK...

remnant blowout!

25 off % 35 off %

FREE ON PREMISE ESTIMATES! Family Owned and Operated

61 South Main Street, Oneonta 607-353-7433 *Excludes sale items

ALL in-stock carpet rolls

ALL remnants already marked BRING THIS COUPON IN AND GET A JUMP START ON OUR JANUARY SALES!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK WEEK 17

WEEK 16

AllOTSEGO.life B-5

WEEK 18

Photo courtesy NYPA

EDITION OF MAY 2: Iron String Press columnist Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF APRIL 25: Weaver’s Farm Market, at

witnessed the demolition of her house at 20 Richards Avenue, nearly four months after the December 9, 2023 gas explosion which took the life of Desmond Moan, who lived at 18 Richards Avenue. The disaster initially displaced 15-25 residents. Behind Anderson are the excavator and what remained of Moan’s home.

1272 East Side Road in Morris, celebrated its fifth year in operation with a “Super Sale” on April 26 and 27. “It’s the sale of the year. There will be no other sale where we have as many items marked this low,” said store owner Daniel Weaver. Looking back over the past five years, Weaver said that what he has liked most has been his customers. “The biggest enjoyment has been serving people the way I like to be served and having a relaxed place for people to do their shopping,”

WEEK 19

WEEK 20

Photo by Robert Bensen

EDITION OF APRIL 18: On March 26, Clare Anderson

Terry Berkson received second place for “Best Column, Division 3” in the New York Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest, held April 26 and 27.

Berkson was awarded second place for his column, titled “Life Sketches.” The three columns submitted were described by the Tennessee judges as “entertaining, well-written columns.” Jamie Zvirzdin’s “Citizen Science” column was awarded third place in the same division and contributing writer and former ISP News Editor Wriley Nelson earned an honorable mention for his news article, “Fox Nurses Rally against Understaffing,” published December 21, 2023.

WEEK 21

Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF MAY 16: Members of the Butternut Valley Photo by Emily Hilbert

EDITION OF MAY 9: Merriment, mischief and the macabre

were all on display at the Otsego County Steampunk + Oddities Expo on Saturday, April 20. Presented by the Eastern Otsego Farmer’s Market, as well as Steamstress & Co., this is the second time the event was held and the first time in Oneonta, this year at Fortin Park. The poster for the event invited guests to “join us for a day of debauchery in Oneonta, NY. Vendors, artists, authors, demonstrations, curated playlists, food trucks, and more.”

Vendors and exhibitors were set up both inside and outside for this year’s expo.

Alliance’s “Save Our Bank” task force met in Morris to discuss details of the newly forged partnership with Sidney Federal Credit Union. Task force members include, from left, BVA board members Ed Lentz, chairman, Tom Washbon, Maggie Brenner, Bob Thomas, and members at large Jim Tremlett and John DiStefano. Not pictured: Jason Cianciotto, Peter Martin, Arlene Martin and Andrea Hull. The agreement came as a result of Community Banks NA’s December 19, 2023 pull-out from its 132 Main Street location. SFCU has applied for designation as a Banking Development District, a move which will make the branch opening financially feasible and allow municipalities to bank with the credit union.

EDITION

OF

MAY

Photo provided

23: Floyd Bourne,

commander of VFW Post 7128, describes Jamie Carkees as “an angel.” First Vice Commander David Turner says “the breadth of her assistance has been phenomenal.” Her good works were recognized on May 9 when Carkees was presented with an Appreciation Award by VFW members for “meritorious and distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.”

Carkees, shown above with Dr. Joon Shim, has been a veteran services officer in Otsego County since May of 2022. A former veteran herself, she is an alumna of Cooperstown Central School.

Serving you for over 73 years!

Featuring BUFFET STYLE DINING

Served protein station, nightly carving station, hot and cold buffet stations including a salad bar. Soft Drinks, Iced Tea, Coffee, Hot Tea and more along with a Dessert Station and everyone’s favorite Soft Serve!

Online | Gift Shop | Catering | Restaurant | Curbside Delivery

Looking for the perfect banquet hall near Oneonta? Brooks’ Roost Banquet Room, perfect for all special occassions!

Please stay safe and healthy going into 2025! Happy Holidays! www.brooksbbq.com | 607-432-1782 | 5560 NY Rte 7 | Oneonta

B-6

AllOTSEGO.life

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 22

WEEK 23

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

WEEK 24

Photo by Charlie Vascellaro

EDITION OF MAY 30: The National Baseball Hall of

Fame’s East-West Game on May 25 was the culmination of the weekend’s celebration of the Black baseball experience, beginning with the unveiling of a new statue of Hall of Fame slugger, civil rights activist, philanthropist and humanitarian Henry “Hank” Aaron in a private ceremony near the base of the museum’s Grand Staircase on the firstfloor lobby on May 23. Above, Mrs. Billye Aaron speaks to the crowd following the unveiling of her husband’s statue.

Photo by Cindy Falk

EDITION OF JUNE 6: Moss Croft, president

of the Identity Alliance at Cooperstown Central School, joins community members for the annual unfurling of the Pride Flag at 22 Main Street. June is Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride.

WEEK 25

Photo provided by Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School

EDITION OF JUNE 13: In keeping with this year’s theme of “Hometown

Celebration,” the Springfield Fourth of July Committee honored the Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School Lady Patriots varsity basketball team as Grand Marshals of the Fourth of July parade in Springfield Center. Pictured are (standing) Coach Whiteman, Daphnee West, Morgan Huff, Mia Dubben, Erin Williams, Kailey Barnes, Coach Taggart, and Coach McGovern; (kneeling) Brin Whiteman, Mackenzie McGovern, and Sara Cortese.

WEEK 27

WEEK 26

Photo by Monica Calzolari

EDITION OF JUNE 20: Jayden Zakala graduated from Oneonta

High School on June 29 and headed to the United States Military Academy, better known as West Point, on July 1, where he began a five-week Officer Basic Training before his college classes began.

Barbara Kulp, a representative from West Point’s Admission Field Force, officially congratulated Zakala on his appointment to the Academy on June 11 at American Legion Post 259 in Oneonta. Kulp read, “By appointing Jayden as a cadet at West Point, the president of the United States recognizes that Jayden has the character, intelligence, drive, and leadership potential needed to succeed at West Point and in the Army.” Above, Jayden Zakala (center) is joined by his family: from left are sister Hailey, mom Sarah, brother Tyler, dad Nathan, and grandparents Dorothy and Larry Shultis.

Photo by Chip Northrup

EDITION OF JUNE 27: Under the

leadership of Paul D’Ambrosio and Jane Forbes Clark, Fenimore Art Museum hit another home run this year with the tripleplay exhibits of Banksy, Bob Dylan and Marc Hom. Above, portrait photographer Hom walks toward his sunlit installation on the museum grounds.

Photo provided

EDITION OF JULY 4: Congratulations to third-grader Drew

Yorke, winner of the Casella Waste Systems Calendar Art Contest to promote recycling. Above, Casella’s Adam Stoutenburg presents Yorke with an award at Milford Central School’s end-of-year assembly on June 14. Casella received 840 entries from around New York State; only 13 were chosen for the 2025 calendar.

Serving you locally for over years

35

Ben Novellano, Owner

Happy Holidays!

We’re here when you really need us— Real people who truly care about you and our community The Bieritz Agency team, here, in your neighborhood, for you today, tomorrow and the future…

Celebrating our

35 year!

1990-2024 th

The BieriTz insurance agency 209 Main Street, Cooperstown (across from Bruce Hall) · 607-547-2951 Morris Insurance · Morris · 607-263-5170

Hughson& Benson Associates Insurance www.hughsonbenson.com

Call for a FREE quote!

We represent over 20 companies We are YOUR Independent Insurance Agency For quotes or inquiries online check out: www.bieritzinsurance.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

AllOTSEGO.life B-7

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 28

WEEK 29

Photo provided

WEEK 30

Photo by Wriley Nelson

EDITION OF JULY 11: On June 23, Cooperstown Central

EDITION OF JULY 18: The Otsego Lake Association held its 11th

WEEK 31

WEEK 32

School held its annual graduation. The top four students who maintained the highest grade point averages throughout their high-school careers were, clockwise from top left, Cate Bohler, Margaret Raffo, Punya Phaugat, and Onyx Loewenguth.

Annual Boat Parade on July 6. This year, OLA and the community also honored OLA Vice President Scottie Baker, who passed away in April.

The Violon family won first place in the OLA Boat Parade decoration contest with their tribute to longtime friend Baker (above).

Photo by Maya Stevens

EDITION OF JULY 25: Jim Leyland, 22-year

manager of four different major league teams, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum this year, along with players Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton.

Above, Leyland waves to the crowd during the Parade of Legends on Saturday, July 20.

WEEK 33

Photo by Ian Austin

EDITION OF AUGUST 1: Senator James L. Seward, 72,

of Milford, passed away on July 27, 2024 after a valiant and years-long fight against cancer. Above, Senator Seward is surrounded by the people he loved most as he is sworn in on January 2, 2019 for his last term in office by Otsego County Judge Brian Burns.

WEEK 34

Photo provided

EDITION OF AUGUST 8: The Oneonta Family YMCA’s plan to

construct a new Outdoor Urban Sports Complex got underway officially on August 6 when Community Financial System Inc., parent company of Community Bank NA, presented YMCA representatives with a check for $150,000.00 that was matched by retired Community Bank board member Brian Wright. From left are: Community Bank NA Commercial Banking Sales Manager Jeffrey Lord; CBNA Administrative Supervisor and board Vice President Taylor Bolton; CFS Chief Financial Officer Joseph Sutaris; YMCA Executive Director Frank Russo; CFS President and Chief Executive Officer Dimitar Karaivanov; and Brian Wright.

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 7: On August 17, 1874, a group of citizens living in

the then-unincorporated Village of Gilbertsville voted to form a new organization to be known as “Eagle Fire and Engine Company.” One hundred and fifty years later, to the day, the Eagle Fire and Engine Company, commonly referred to as the Gilbertsville Fire Department, marked its sesquicentennial with a parade and fireworks. The parade began at 7 p.m. At left, Gilbertsville Fire Department President John Mason, flanked

by Christine Wilder and Brian Hall, carries the U.S. flag in the GFD’s sesquicentennial parade held on August 17. (Photo by Teresa Winchester)

Photo by Norm Farwell

EDITION OF AUGUST 15: On August 10,

mother-daughter duo Joann Curtis (right) and Michele Farwell dove into the waters of Cayuga Lake, swimming 1.2 miles from the starting point on one side of the lake to the Ithaca Yacht Club on the other side. They were among some 300 participants in the 21st annual “Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County” fundraiser.

Where the Community Comes Together!

The YMCA connects the community in so many ways. Join us for programs all throughout the year!The YMCA—Where discoveries are turned into memories!

Check out our programs at

www.Oneontaymca.org

B-8

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

AllOTSEGO.life

WEEK 35

WEEK 36

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

WEEK 37

Photo provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 5: Leigh Eckmair, Photo by Teresa Winchester

EDITION OF AUGUST 29: Some 20 representatives from Otsego

County environmental organizations, governmental bodies and agencies, and Boy Scout-related personnel gathered on August 23 at the former Camp Henderson Scout Reservation on Crumhorn Lake in the Town of Milford. They were joined by U.S. Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-19th District) and State Senator Peter Oberacker (R,C51st Senate District). All parties were seeking a harmonic convergence to ensure the conservation of the 668-acre former scout camp, one of the largest undeveloped tracts of land remaining in Otsego County. Above, Congressman Molinaro, Senator Oberacker, Otsego Land Trust Executive Director Gregory Farmer and Otsego County Conservation Association Executive Director Amy Wyant exchange ideas and information.

long-time historian for the Town of Butternuts and the Village of Gilbertsville, as well as archivist for the Gilbertsville Free Library, received a legislative citation from the New York State Assembly on August 17. The recognition was made as a surprise to Eckmair by Assemblyman Joseph Angelino at Gilbertsville’s Centennial Park, immediately following the fire department’s sesquicentennial parade. The citation stated that it is “a custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community.” Above, Eckmair displays her citation alongside Assemblyman Angelino.

WEEK 38

Photo provided

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 12: Hundreds of people

gathered in the Cooperstown Central School auditorium on Saturday, September 7 to pay their respects, share remembrances, have a laugh, and perhaps even shed a tear or two as longtime influential community figure and CCS educator, coach, and athletics Hall of Fame member Don Howard was celebrated posthumously.

Howard passed away in early June at the age of 82. In a career at CCS that spanned more than three decades, Howard taught history and psychology and was a longtime coach of both boys junior varsity basketball and boys varsity track and field.

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 19: Tennis enthusiasts, golfers, and friends of Pathfinder

Village gathered on Monday, September 9 at the Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic and the Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. Culminating with an awards banquet at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, the two benefits raised more than $81,000.00 for residential and student scholarships for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. At left, Hall of Famer Fred McGriff poses on the 18th at the Leatherstocking Golf Course with Golf Professional Zach Vinal of the Teugega Country Club and the NYCM Insurance team of Michael Perrino, Jeremy Robinson, Daniel Robinson, and Jon Young. The team came in first at -24 in the recent Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. (National Baseball Hall of Fame photo – Milo V. Stewart Jr.)

WEEK 39

In your corner & around the corner Photo by Darla M. Youngs

EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 26: Approximately three dozen people gathered at the

Cooperstown Village Hall on Monday, September 23 for the Board of Trustees meeting and public hearing on proposed changes to the village’s sign law. The public hearing came as a result of an inquiry by Joan Parrillo regarding possible placement of Hometown Heroes banners in the village. The banners can be seen in communities throughout Otsego County and New York State, and have become a popular way of honoring the service of individual veterans, but the village’s current sign law prohibits the hanging of such banners on public property. Nineteen individuals respectfully addressed the assembly, including both residents of the Village of Cooperstown and those residing in the immediately surrounding areas. Comments ranged from support of the current sign law and concerns that the banners might be too distracting and therefore likely to cause accidents, to those in favor of the proposed amendments so that veterans could be further honored here in the village, to the need for funding for veterans services. Above, it was standing room only as people awaited the start of the public hearing. The law remains unchanged.

WEEK 40

EDITION

OF

OCTOBER

3:

One of two badly emaciated Great Danes rescued by local law enforcement in the Town of Milford on *OTVSBODF DBO CF B MPU FBTJFS XJUI B September 3 died following emerMPDBM BHFOU XIPhT HPU ZPVS CBDL gency surgery for gastric dilata*UhT DBMMFE TFSWJDF $BMM DMJDL PS TUPQ CZ tion-volvulus at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, according GPS B RVPUF UPEBZ to Susquehanna Society for the .BOJLBT "HFOU Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Executive Director Stacie Haynes.

The dogs—Oscar, a male, estimated to be almost two years old, and Belle, a nine-month-old female— weighed just 54 pounds and 29.6 pounds respectively when seized by law enforcement. A healthy, full-grown male Great Dane should tip the scales between 140-175 pounds. A healthy female at nine *OTVSBODF DBO CF B MPU FBTJFS XJUI B months should weigh between 85MPDBM BHFOU XIPhT HPU ZPVS CBDL 125 pounds. The body of a third *UhT DBMMFE TFSWJDF $BMM DMJDL PS TUPQ CZdog was also found on the premGPS B RVPUF UPEBZ ises, in a state of advanced decom.FMJTTB .BOJLBT position. Above, SQSPCA Licensed Veterinary Technician Avalon Kubis and Veterinary .FMJTTB .BOJLBT "HFOU 1JPOFFS 4USFFU Assistant Ryan Banks spend time with Belle as she recuperates at the animal shelter. Belle $PPQFSTUPXO /: has since been adopted and is doing well with her new family. (Photo provided) #VT XXX NFMJTTBNBOJLBT DPN

-JLF B HPPE OFJHICPS 4UBUF 'BSN JT UIFSF ¢ ?

?

4UBUF 'BSN #MPPNJOHUPO *-

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO “THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL” AND “HOMETOWN ONEONTA” INCLUDE UNLIMITED ACCESS TO ALLOTSEGO.COM. OR, YOU CAN JUST SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEBSITE. Visit allotsego.com/subscribe/

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 41

WEEK 42

OF

WEEK 44

WEEK 43

OCTOBER

10:

Photo by Darla M. Youngs

EDITION OF OCTOBER 17: Bryan LoRusso and several former Town

of Hartwick employees want Hartwick Town Board member Chris Briggs to resign. A contingent of concerned Hartwick residents wants LoRusso, also a Town Board member, to resign. Hartwick Town Supervisor Robert O’Brien relocated before the end of the year, leaving that post unfilled. And the town’s attorney, William Green, resigned. The room was at maximum capacity on the evening of Monday, October 14, when approximately 50 residents assembled for the monthly meeting of the Town Board. In preparation for what was expected to be a long meeting, there was pizza and, just in case things got out of hand, there was law enforcement. As of press time, replacements have not yet been found for O’Brien or Green. Above, JoAnn Gardner (standing in front of the television) was one of several Hartwick residents who spoke out at the meeting.

EDITION OF OCTOBER 31:

Paul Singh (left) has a vision for Milford. Part of that vision is a park that will be geared toward kids with autism. “It will be a full autism awareness park with features for autistic kids. This will be the first one in the country that will be free.

And the entire public is invited, not just those families with an autistic member, he said.”

Singh’s motivation to build the park is his autistic child. “We really struggled at first, after my son was diagnosed. This is such a small community, and we had no resources. This is what inspires me,” he said. The project is set to begin in fall 2025. (Photo by Tara Barnwell)

WEEK 45

Photo provided

Katherine Nelligan discovered she had breast cancer five years ago. In the issue of October 24, Nelligan shared the story of her five-year breast cancer journey and offered advice for those undergoing treatment—“People should know that you do not have to do it alone. Ask for support. There are support groups out there.” The hardest part of the breast cancer journey for Nelligan was “not being able to hug my family. With chemo, your immune system is depressed,” she said.

Nelligan’s cancer is in remission and her hair has grown back. She is pictured above with her children, Addison, 9, and Easton, 11.

EDITION

Photo by Teresa Winchester

Original.

Whimsical. Colorful. Resourceful. These four adjectives begin, at least, to describe lifelong quilter Ellen Adams (above) and her work. A member of the Night Owl Quilters in the Delhi area and the Calico Geese Quilters in Liberty, Adams was the featured quilter at the 28th annual Major’s Inn Quilt Show, held October 4-6. Adams is also an inductee of the Catskill Mountain Quilters’ Hall of Fame in Arkville, an umbrella organization for quilting guilds in Sullivan, Greene, Delaware, Ulster and Schoharie counties.

EDITION

AllOTSEGO.life B-9

OF

OCTOBER

24:

WEEK 46

Photo by Tara Barnwell

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 7: Rotarian

Joe Membrino and Frank Miosek, volunteer, flip pancakes on Tuesday, November 5 at the Rotary Club of Cooperstown’s 67th Election Day pancake fundraiser.

The Rotary Club of Cooperstown has been serving pancakes, sausage and coffee each Election Day since 1957.

Photo by Darla M. Youngs

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 14: Commander Mike Boyson of

Cooperstown American Legion Post 579 (center) addresses the crowd during the Veterans Day ceremonies on Monday, November 11. He is joined by Jeanne Turner, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 579, and Chaplain Dave Jackson.

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.

Here’s to a great 2025!

Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land 99 Main Street, Oneonta 607.441.7312 www.oneontarealty.com Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker | Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner

166 Main Street, Suite 1, Oneonta 607.433.2873 | oneontarealty.com

B-10

AllOTSEGO.life

2024 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 47

WEEK 48

Photo provided

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 21: Excellus BlueCross

BlueShield honored Bassett HealthCare Network’s New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health with a Circle of Excellence Innovation Award for its meaningful impact in the quality of patients’ lives through clinical leadership and vision to promote continuous improvement in the health care system. From left: Erika Scott, deputy director, NYCAMH; Sue Ackerman, center manager, NYCAMH; Shannon Campbell, value based payment clinical consultant, Excellus BCBS; Jennifer Barretta, value based payment account manager, Excellus BCBS; Heather Chauncey, clinical case worker, NYCAMH; Mary Stubley, director of value based payment account management and payments, Excellus BCBS; and Julie Sorenson, director, NYCAMH.

WEEK 50

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

WEEK 49

Photo provided

EDITION OF NOVEMBER 28: Tres Loeffler is

this year’s Patrick C. Fetterman Award winner. This award is given annually by the Clark Foundation and the Clark Sports Center in memory of Patrick C. Fetterman, longtime associate director of the ACC Gymnasium. Recipients are honored for their dedication to serving local youth, especially in the area of athletics. Jane Forbes Clark announced the winner at a reception on October 15 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel.“This is a very special award for the Clark Foundation and for the Clark Sports Center, as it comes from our hearts,” Clark said. “Tres Loeffler absolutely embodies the three qualities that this award seeks to honor—outstanding sportsmanship, inspired leadership and caring service.”

Photo by Monica Calzolari

EDITION OF DECEMBER 5: Virginia Lee (above) the City of

Oneonta’s director of finance, was instrumental in clarifying budget needs and expenditures as Common Council members debated a controversial 2025 budget. The City of Oneonta manages a $20 million budget and oversees up to 205 employees when fully staffed.

Staff vacancies have been a source of savings, according to officials.

The 2025 tentative budget showed a deficit of $1.68 million—using a surplus of unrestricted funds was proposed to balance the budget.

After two rounds of voting, the budget passed on December 3.

WEEK 51

WEEK 52

EDITION OF DECEMBER 12: Dick Allen, a seven-

time All-Star and two-time home run champion, and Dave Parker (right), a twotime batting champion and the owner of two World Series rings, earned election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on December 8 via the Classic Baseball Era Committee process. Allen and Parker were candidates on the Classic Baseball Era Committee Ballot. Parker was named on 14 of 16 ballots and Allen on 13 of 16 ballots as the only candidates to reach the 75-percent threshold necessary for election. Parker, who is 73, and Allen, who passed away in 2020, will be joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 by any electees who emerge from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voting, which will be announced on Tuesday, January 21. Hall of Fame Weekend 2025 will be held July 25-28 in Cooperstown, with the Induction Ceremony slated for Sunday, July 27. (Photo courtesy of National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

Photo provided

EDITION OF DECEMBER 26: Jamie Zvirzdin, author Photo by Christine Rolko

EDITION OF DECEMBER 19: Julie Dostal (second from

left) is joined by LEAF Board members Tara Barnwell, Doug Brenner, Marcia Damico and Susan Lettis during her retirement celebration held on Friday, December 13. Dostal has been the executive director of LEAF since XXXX.

of the award-winning “Citizen Science” column, ended the year with an overview of light energy and a visit to Stonehenge. “No matter what religious beliefs we may or may not hold, it is lovely to honor the light that sustains us all. Happy holidays and thanks for reading,” Zvirzdin wrote as she signed off on her last column for 2025, and we echo the sentiment!

Peter ArmAo

| tom ArmAo

“We thank our past, present and future customers for their support!

We pride ourselves on being Otsego County’s General Motor and Nissan Dealerships providing the best service, quality and everything in-between.

We’d also like to thank our loyal employees

for their commitment and professionalism in helping us maintain the #1 dealerships in our region!”

--Peter & Tom

Country Club motors and nissan 55 & 70 oneida street, oneonta · www.CountryClubautogroup.Com join us on: facebook and twitter

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

AllOTSEGO.life B-11

Scan here to learn more!

Proud to Call Otsego County Home!

SUNY Oneonta’s Oneonta and Cooperstown campuses welcome our neighbors of all ages for discovery, entertainment and connection all year round.

From the shores of Otsego Lake with the scientists of our Biological Field Station to planetarium shows and hands-on exploration at our Science Discovery Center, we strive to pique your curiosity and share our commitment to scientific discovery and environmental stewardship. Join us for theatre performances, art shows and athletic events each semester. Or find opportunities for workforce training and personal enrichment at our new Downtown Oneonta ExCL Center. https://suny.oneonta.edu/community-relations

B-12

AllOTSEGO.life

2023 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024

when you share the love, you change lives.

Purchase or lease a new Subaru between now and January 2, 2025 and Subaru will donate $250 to your choice of local charities We will also donate $250 to Future for Oneonta Foundation, making a total of $500 to charity! Additionally, for every Subaru vehicle routine service visit during the Subaru Share the Love Event, Five Star Subaru will donate $5 to our hometown charity.

By the end of this, our 17th year, Subaru and its participating retailers will have donated nearly $320 million to help those in need through the Subaru Share the Love Event We are on track to prove there’s no limit to the amount of love we can all share! *

*promotion ends 1/2/25