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ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
Dunkin’ & baskin robbins COMBO APPROVED/page 3 VISIT www. Volume 15, No. 27
AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Milford Grad Off to Strong Start with Red Dragons Bball
Village Awaits DOS Finalization of LPC Strategic Investment Plan Follows Selection of Committee Members
By WRILEY NELSON
COOPERSTOWN he next seven to 10 months will be busy ones for the Village of Cooperstown, as officials work with the Department of State to identify projects that will be funded by a $4.5 million NY Forward grant. The award was announced on Thursday, March 2 during a special press conference held at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. According to the Village of Cooperstown website, the award implementation process begins with the development of a Strategic Investment Plan to develop and revitalize the village’s downtown. That plan will be the responsibility of a DOS-approved Local Planning Committee. “The state will select a Local Planning Committee made up of community leaders and other stakeholders to lead these efforts, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners,” the website reads. “The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with each community’s vision and that are poised for implementation.” According to Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh, the DOS is currently working to finalize the Local Planning Committee. “This process is very supported and guided by the DOS,” Tillapaugh explained. “Some names for the LPC were put forward in the Intent to Apply completed prior to the grant application. However, the DOS will more than likely suggest additional names and ultimately make the final decision. We are looking forward to their announcement.” According to the original NY Forward application, possible LPC members included individuals who were instrumental in the creation of the application as well as those representing village government, Main Street businesses, arts and business organizations, non-profits, the Baseball Hall of Fame, Continued on page 7
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► first ‘HULLABALOO’ starts this sunday, page 2
Photo by Heather Henderson
A Rags to Riches Story HARTWICK—Scotch on the Rocks, shown here with proud owner Paula Kolka-Wart, was an unhandled stud colt purchased at auction for just $40.00 in 2013. Scotch recently competed at Oriskany Creek Farm in Clinton, bringing home the championship in the Green division. This is Scotch’s first show of the year and his third show ever. “I’m looking forward to what this auction pony can accomplish,” Kolka-Wart said.
‘ReImagine the Local Arts’ Benefit for CANO is Saturday
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ONEONTA he Community Arts Network of Oneonta will hold a benefit, “ReImagine the Local Arts,” in the historic Wilber Mansion at 11 ► RI CHFIELD scenic railway Ford Avenue on Saturday, April 29 from 4-6 p.m. PICKS UP STEAM, page 3 The impetus for this event is two-fold: to gather ► OTSEGO 2000 IN SUPPORT OF community members and leaders to talk over ideas PROTECT COLUMBIA, page 4 on how to best meet the needs of Oneonta residents ► CANNABIS, CROP, camp h and visitors, and to raise funds for CANO to help IN letters, page 4 expand staff, offer more artistic presentations, and ► SHAME ON YOU BIG TOBACCO, continue educational programming. Along with page 5 lively conversation about the future of the local ► stevens, bertram featured arts, there will be hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music IN sports snippets, page 6 and a silent art auction. “There has been a recent shift in awareness of ► i s there a place for ai in the the importance of the arts in enhancing our quality classroom? page 6 of life and sense of community,” explained CANO Follow Breaking News On Executive Director Hope Von Stengel. “In fact, CANO had increased community engagement at OTSEGO.com our events and more requests for arts classes in the past year. “Yet, if we are to continue fulfilling our mission, we need to transition from an all-volunteer organization to one with several paid staff and volunteer support. As we do so, the Board of Directors and I ► USS COOPERSTOWN story continues, page 2
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ONEONTA o one at Milford Central School is surprised by Martin Thorsland’s success pitching for SUNY Oneonta this season. Thorsland, a freshman right-hander from the Town of Maryland, has been part of an historic year for the Red Dragons. Oneonta’s 13-game winning streak in late March was the longest in program history. Their sweep against Fredonia on April 21 and 22 brought them to 22-9, their most regular-season wins since 2010, with eight games left to play. It is all but certain they will secure a spot in their conference playoffs. Thorsland was a three-season star for the Milford Wildcats. He was named school Most Valuable Player and conference first-team allstar in soccer, basketball, and baseball. His coach in all three sports, Gregg Eggleston, has fond memories of Thorsland’s presence on and off the field. “He’s just a genuinely good guy,” Eggleston said, reflecting on Thorsland’s constant hard work and support for his teammates. “He fixed our backstop, too, as part of working his way to Eagle Scout.” Eggleston repeatedly expressed his gratitude that Thorsland has gotten an opportunity to continue playing, and that he’s making the most of it. Thorsland strongly agrees. Throughout his conversation with “The Freeman’s Journal,” he rarely passed up a chance to say how grateful he is for his many opportunities to play baseball. “I enjoyed basketball and soccer,” he said, “but baseball was my first love. I was lucky to do Little League with [coach] Dan Powers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” Still, Thorsland continued, a full university Continued on page 9
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By DARLA M. YOUNGS
INSIDE
COMPLIMENTARY
Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, April 27, 2023
are asking residents for their vision of a vibrant arts organization so we can better focus our resources. And we are also asking our patrons for support, both monetary and personal, to help us succeed for the benefit of all,” Von Stengel said. Guest speakers for “ReImagine the Local Arts” include: Hartwick College President Darren Reisberg; Oneonta City Councilwoman and artist Emily Falco; Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center Executive Director Geoff Doyle; Otsego Media Producer Alysa Blasetti; and artist/business owner James McIlroy. Musical performances will be by Hartwick student Ben Hulbert and SUNY Oneonta student Lily Soleil. A silent auction will feature artwork by Charlie Bremer, Jamie Barnes, Karin Bremer, Diana Cozzens, Terry Fox, Madeline Silber, Joseph Photo provided Von Stengel, and Richard Barlow, among others. Artwork by Madeline Silber is featured at CANO. Tickets for “ReImagine the Local Arts” can be purchased at www.canoneonta.org/reimagine-the- successful arts and cultural centers in upstate NY. arts-benefit or at the door. Donation levels begin We invite the city and community to join us, work with us, and support our mission to promote the at $100 per person. “CANO believes strong community support, arts, support artists, and engage the community,” citizen input, and local engagement can make Von Stengel said. For more information, visit canoneonta.org. Oneonta and the surrounding area one of the most
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD