Hometown Oneonta 04-09-26

Board Reviews Path Forward for Comp Plan, Discusses County Community Event Grants

By BILL BELLEN

he Otsego County Board of Representatives got to business right away at its April 1 meeting. Representatives Daniel Wilber and Nora Mendez were both absent during roll call, though Wilber arrived shortly thereafter. In a stark contrast to the board’s meetings as of late, no one chose to speak during privilege of the floor, moving the meeting along to petitions and notices.

Trustees Set Annual Watershed

Septic Inspection Fee, Approve Mutual Aid Contract Addendum

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

At its regular meeting on Monday, March 23, the Village of Cooperstown Board of Trustees voted to set an annual $50.00 fee for properties within Otsego Lake’s “zone of protection” with wastewater treatment systems subject to inspection. Trustees also approved an addendum to a law enforcement mutual aid agreement clarifying the village would not participate in immigration enforcement and adjusted reserved parking spaces on Fair Street.

After hearing from current and former members of the Watershed Supervisory Committee, the intermunicipal body responsible for protecting the Otsego Lake watershed, the board voted to move from a $150.00 every three years fee to a $50.00 per year fee for properites with wastewater treatment systems. The affected “zone of protection” includes properties “within 500 feet of the shoreline of Otsego Lake or 100 feet from one of its tributaries,” according to village law.

“After much discussion, the WSC unanimously decided that a fee seemed reasonable,” said Dr. Bertine McKenna, the chair of the WSC. She said the decision came after consultations with multiple other lake communities. “We felt that the annual fee in the zone of protection would be a reasonable way to do it, and that was Lake George’s approach.”

“There already was a fee, there has been for about a year now,” Dr. Jacob

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There was a summons with notice by Michael Stavola against the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, specifically Sergeant Craig Morrison and Deputy Sheriff Jessica Thornhill. The notice asserted violations of Stavola’s Fourth Amendment rights, including the right to privacy in the home and the abuse of police power. Money damages sought are in excess of $300,000.00.

Planning Department Director Tammie Harris gave a presentation on the potential scope and benefits of a comprehensive plan for Otsego County. Harris said that

Continued

Landrys Win ADK Camp Scholarships

ONEONTA—The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club announced that Hazel Landry and Willow Landry won the organization’s 2026 teen camp scholarships. Both sisters have significant experience hiking and geocaching in the Catskills and will attend the All Girls Teen Crew: Mt. Jo Trail Maintenance Camp in August. They will make a presentation to chapter members in January 2027 at the group’s regular monthly meeting. Hazel and Willow are the daughters of Deborah Kilpatrick. The twins’ older brother, Tucker, was an ADK camp scholarship winner last year. The Susquehanna Chapter of ADK represents Otsego, Delaware and Chenango Counties. For more information, visit susqadk.org/adk-teen-workshop-scholarships/..

Catan, Rockefeller Honored as Woman Trailblazers

By JULIA DELPOZZO SUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA

The City of Oneonta honored two local women for their leadership and community impact during the annual Oneonta Woman Trailblazer Award ceremony held on the evening of Wednesday, March 25 at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center.

This year’s Trailblazer Award recipients were Michelle Catan and Kelsey Rockefeller, both recognized for their professional achievements, community involvement, and the example they set for other women in the Oneonta area.

The Trailblazer Award is given

to “a woman in the Oneonta area who has enhanced the visibility and importance of women.”

According to the City of Oneonta website, a trailblazer is “one who has opened pathways for others to follow; a pioneer, a forerunner, a trail breaker, a mover and shaker.”

The ceremony opened with remarks from Ryan Selzner, chair of the Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights, which oversees the award for the city. Selzner introduced the event before welcoming Mayor Daniel Buttermann to the stage.

Buttermann read a proclamation and spoke about what it means to be a “trailblazer” before presenting

Republican Alex Portelli on His Insurgent Run for Congress

ends April 18

5382 State Highway 7 • Oneonta (607)432-1124 • Mon. - Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-5 www.thepineshoponeonta.com

Contact: Otsego Rural Housing Assistance, Inc 607-286-7244 VRP@otsegoruralhousing org

Community Renewal’s New York State Vacant Rental Program.

2026 Mini Grant Program

Each year, the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District sets aside monies for the purpose of encouraging private citizens, educational institutions, non-profits, and municipalities to undertake conservation-related projects and programs. For 2026, a total of $10,000 is available for the mini grant program. Each successful grant applicant may be reimbursed for up to $1,000.

Applicants should submit a brief (no more than two pages) description of the project or program for which they are seeking support including project or program goals, a budget, an explanation of how the program or project will achieve the goals, and a description of measurable outcomes. Mini-grant awards will be paid out as reimbursements for budgeted items of projects or programs completed within 18 months of award, after submission of a close-out report, itemized invoices, and proofs of payment. Sales tax will not be reimbursed for any reason.

Applications are due no later than May 8, 2026 and award decisions will be announced at the May Board of Directors meeting.

By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL

CHERRY VALLEY

Alexander Portelli may have the odds against him, but he’s still giving it a shot.

The 36-year-old Cherry Valley resident has for the past several months been running an outsider campaign for the Republican nomination in the NY-19 Congressional District. Portelli’s so far largely uncovered-by-the-media campaign is in an uphill race against state Senator Peter Oberacker, who has already secured the support of President Donald Trump and many other Republican elected and party officials both locally and nationally. The winner will face incumbent Democratic Representative Josh Riley.

A self-styled “traditional Republican” with inspirations of Theodore Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge, Portelli has run a campaign on social media with AI graphics and at front doors with ideas far outside the political mainstream. The former Albany restaurant owner and brief mayoral candidate there said he has spent recent years real estate flipping and logging. He also said he spent several years backpacking across more than 50 countries, showing him “what works in certain places,” and “what policies definitely do not work.”

Portelli hopes to drastically decrease the size of the federal government, in part by abolishing the Internal Revenue Service and federal income tax for those earning below

a million dollars a year. Core campaign promises have also included ending all foreign aid provided by the United States to other countries, and to “kick out NYSEG and National Grid,” as the campaign’s black lawn signs state.

“None of these people running are talking about anything meaningful,” Portelli, who said he was running for a better future for his son, told AllOtsego. “They’re afraid to take a position on a single issue,” he said, adding that despite the government spending trillions of dollars, people are struggling. “I believe that we need to cut federal spending back to just rewind and then use that to give tax repeals to working and middleclass Americans.”

To balance the federal budget, for which a majority of revenue currently comes from income taxes, Portelli said he wants to make cuts “across the board.” He said that would include abolishing recently created departments and favoring a “1990s size of federal government.”

He also aims to shut down many of the U.S.’s overseas military bases.

Asked about the Trump administration’s military operations in Venezuela and the war with Iran, Portelli said, “You can’t fix somebody else’s roof when your own roof is leaking.”

On immigration, Portelli said he wants a “secure border” and that “there has to be a way to remove” individuals in the country illegally. “I think that we could deescalate things a bit,” he added, citing recent

events in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “But at the same time, I also think we can make visas even easier in certain aspects,” he said, specifying farm labor.

To address electricity costs, Portelli wants production and ownership to be “more localized,” including barring foreign ownership of utility companies. (NYSEG is owned by Avangrid, a subsidiary of Spanish company Iberdrola.) He expressed openness to both private and public energy production and distribution, but “the ideal goal would be local municipalities handling utilities.” He also said he would support making serving on the New York Power Authority’s board an elected position. Portelli said there may be limits to what he can do federally.

In 2013, when he was 23, Portelli attempted a run for mayor of Albany on the Libertarian Party line. As reported by the “Albany Times Union” at the time, he ended his “quixotic” campaign shortly before the local Republican Party was expected to challenge his ballot petition signatures. He endorsed his mother, Theresa Portelli, as a write-in Green Party candidate.

“I’m careful to make sure that we make the ballot this time before I’m kind of, you know, pounding my chest about it,” Portelli told AllOtsego prior to the filing deadline. “But I believe we have tons of grassroots support,” he said, “so I think that we can make the ballot.”

The Portelli campaign filed 264 pages of ballot

petition signatures with the New York State Board of Elections on April 6, the board’s records show. Full documents were not available by press time.

Portelli told AllOtsego he filed around 1,620 signatures, approximately 1,100 of which he collected himself in his travels across the district. If he maintains more than 1,250 valid signatures after any potential challenges, he will appear on the ballot.

That would perturb Republicans who see Portelli’s candidacy as throwing a wrench into what they believe could be a high value chance for Oberacker to flip a Democratic seat in a tightly contested House of Representatives. A primary could direct attention and money away from November, leading to battling between Republicans rather than against Democrats.

Portelli, who has called for a debate between all three candidates, rejects that position.

“That’s what the primary is. This is what democracy is supposed to be about.”

While Portelli has been overlooked or at times derided by some party leaders, he boasts a few thousand more Facebook followers than Oberacker’s campaign. He said he is undeterred by President Trump’s support for Oberacker.

“That’s the president’s choice. But I would like to put the actual choice to the Republican Party. Let them decide, with all respect,” Portelli said.

The Oberacker campaign did not return requests for comment on Portelli’s candidacy.

Grady’s Interim Post at Hartwick Now Official

Hartwick College has announced the appointment of Stacey Viebrock Grady ‘03 as vice president for institutional advancement and external relations, effective June 1, following her service in the role on an interim basis since March 1, 2025.

A Hartwick alumna, Grady brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience and a deep connection to

the college’s mission.

According to a press release, she rejoined the Hartwick community in January 2024 as director of corporate and foundation relations, marking her second tenure at her alma mater after previously serving in advancement from 2007 to 2011.

“Stacey has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to Hartwick,” said President-elect Laurel Bongiorno. “Her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, alumni and community partners has already advanced our fundraising efforts.

As we move toward the successful conclusion of the “Together, We Soar” campaign, I am confident that her leadership will ensure we sustain this momentum and continue to advance the college’s priorities.”

Grady has played a

key role in advancing the college’s fundraising efforts and strengthening partnerships with foundations, donors and regional organizations, officials said. She will continue to lead the college’s “Together, We Soar” campaign through its final phase. The campaign has raised $54.5 million to date, surpassing its original $50 million goal and prompting a $5 million extension through fall 2026. Recent success includes a $2.24 million year-end fundraising effort at the close of 2025 that fully realized a $1 million Hartwick Fund

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Creativity, Kindness on Display at Tally Ho Hobby Horse Event

By ESTEPHANIE GOMEZ

SUNY Institute for Local News WEST WINFIELD

Hobby horsing enthusiasts gathered on February 21 at Tally Ho Farm for a day of competition, creativity, and community, as 14 young riders took part in a winter hobby horse event that showcased both athletic skill and the inclusive spirit behind the growing sport.

Originating in Finland, hobby horsing is a rapidly growing sport involving gymnastics-style routines and equestrian-style movements while riding a handmade hobby horse.

Held at the horse-riding school owned by Charlene Bennett, the event featured a full slate of activities, including jumping, dressage, gymkhana games and creative challenges such as musical stalls. The competition brought together children of various ages, some new to the sport and others preparing for larger regional events.

Bennett, who grew up riding horses and competing in shows, opened Tally Ho Farm after Cazenovia College shut down, giving her more time to focus on teaching and horsemanship. Having moved to the area about a year and a half ago, she has built a welcoming space for young people interested in horses—even if they don’t have access to real ones.

“It’s giving kids that don’t have the opportunity or the finances to join the horse world [the ability to] find a community of horse lovers,” Bennett said. “So, if someday they do find access to horses, they’ll have at least some knowledge and ability to be able to say, ‘Well, I kind of know a little bit of what’s going on’.”

Among the competitors was Sophie Seamon, who has been hobby horsing for two years and is preparing to attend the U.S. Hobby Horse Championships in

Brighton, Michigan this August. The West Winfield event marked an important step in her journey.

“It’s my first real competition, which will get me warmed up for USHHC,” Seamon said.

Seamon practices regularly with her hobby horse, Willie Pooh, and said the sport offers a meaningful break from everyday distractions.

“It honestly just gets my face away from the screen. And it’s really fun,” she said.

During the weekend competition, children of all ages were recognized for their efforts and achievements. Asher Bennett, Ollie Davies and Madalyn Bellinger—all 5 years old—won prizes for their participation. Ellie Davies placed first in the 18-inch jump, while Veronica Seelman took first place in both the high jump and pole bending events.

While the competition encouraged participants to challenge themselves, the atmosphere remained

Board Advances Infrastructure Plans, Approves Rates for Sewer Districts

By ISABELLA BELMONTE

SUNY Institute for Local News

ONEONTA

From infrastructure planning to concerns about rising utility costs, the Town of Oneonta Town Board tackled a range of municipal business during its March 11 meeting, advancing several routine items while flagging others for further discussion.

Among the actions taken, the board approved 2026 sewer rates for the West End, West Street and Southside sewer districts, finalized a move to surplus aging highway equipment, and continued debate over standardizing specialized water system controls—a proposal that drew both support and skepticism from board members.

The meeting also included public comment on utility rates, raising broader questions about fairness and long-term planning. Resident David Frame said he remains troubled by increasing costs and potential inconsistencies in billing.

“I think this board should continue to look into the causes, especially the possibility that a resident may be charged at different rates, despite being on the same straight plane,” Frame said.

Board members acknowledged the concern and heard additional reports from the Highway, Water and Sewer Committee, where the focus was on maintaining aging infrastructure and improving response times.

Deputy Supervisor Patricia Riddell Kent asked the board to consider standardizing the town’s water system controls by working with a single vendor, AquaLogics Systems Inc. The proposal would consolidate highly specialized control systems equipment under the Syracuse-based contractor, Riddell Kent said.

“This is a way to streamline” the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition process, “especially in dealing with something that requires quick response. It gives the water

Continued on page 8

supportive and friendly.

“My favorite thing is the horsemanship and, like, friendships.” said Emory McCoy, a 10-year-old eager competitor.

That sense of encouragement extended beyond the arena. Brianna Fuller, a 14year-old staff member, said being involved has helped her personally, even when the responsibility feels overwhelming.

“It helps with my anxiety, because I have a lot of people anxiety. And also, it’s a great way to make more friends,” Fuller said about helping to run the day’s events.

Tally Ho Farm also provides space and resources for year-round training, especially during colder months.

“It will help me with training ‘cause in the wintertime, I don’t train as much, and I don’t have room inside the house,” Seamon said.

Bennett said the farm has begun a fundraising effort aimed at making horse-related activities more accessible.

“We’ve started a fund where the kids help fundraise to provide a little bit of cushion for support for children that may not have access to horse sports,” Bennett explained.

She hopes the effort will allow the farm’s programs to continue expanding.

When asked what message she would share with those who may be unfamiliar with hobby horsing, Bennett emphasized kindness and community.

“We are a family. And when we try new things, we are always encouraging because everyone can use a kind word,” she said.

Though hobby horsing may still be unfamiliar to some, the event at Tally Ho Farm made clear that the sport is about more than competition—it’s about belonging, too.

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.

.dining&entertainment

BENEFIT AUCTION

Evening to Support Hartwick Student-Athletes THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026

HOMETOWN Views

National Issues Hitting Home

Several weeks ago, AllOtsego.com and its affiliates—“The Freeman’s Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta”—were criticized for running opinion pieces that focused on national news. The argument against? “You can get opinion on everything national and international online at social media and elsewhere.” Our response? The editorial of March 5, titled “It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Publishes a Conservative Opinion.”

“Our goal here at AllOtsego is to cover local news first and foremost,” we wrote. “That is what we do—what we will continue to do. And for the record, more than a few people think we are doing it well—circulation is on the rise, website activity is increasing steadily, and we hear daily from folks who appreciate our unbiased, even-handed reporting as well as the occasional opinion piece about state or national topics that ultimately impact everyone. We do not, after all, live in a vacuum.”

And so it was interesting to see how clearly the front pages of our small, locally owned, independent newspapers last week bore out the fact that, indeed, we do not live in a vacuum in Otsego County. Issues with which the entire nation is struggling have impact here in our rural communities and continue to shape our lives locally, whether we like it or not.

While our lawmakers continue to disagree about illegal immigration, deportation of “the worst of the worst,” the actions of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials resulting in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, the danger to the lives of ICE agents and their families by those who dox them, voter identification, and also now the war in Iran, we are not untouched by these issues.

Last week, a 20-year-old man who entered the country illegally from El Salvador was arrested in Oneonta on seven counts of Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child and 32 counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a child. And while some have objected to our use of the word “undocumented” to describe this individual in the page one headline, the man in question is here illegally, is undocumented, and that distinction is, indeed, important. U.S. border politics coming home to roost in Otsego County.

Also on page one last week, an article about a former deputy running against his old boss for the role of Otsego County sheriff. Both candidates are Republican, but one of the main campaign platforms for the former is his opposition to the 287(g) agreement with ICE signed by the latter. Again, national politics playing out on the local stage.

Next to that on page one, and especially timely because of the U.S./Israeli war against Iran, a photo of people protesting the U.S. Israeli/Palestinian policy at the third and most recent iteration of the “No Kings” rally in Oneonta, held in opposition to the Trump administration. National and international issues, each prompting action by area citizens.

Our local news coverage has consistently overlapped with what’s happening on the national scale. Artificial intelligence data centers, solar farms, a Cooperstown asylum seeker deported to Ecuador by ICE, the “No Kings” movement, a new book by a local author and AllOtsego contributor about journalists assassinated for doing their jobs, rising energy costs. The list goes on.

Coverage of national and international issues is nothing new for “The Freeman’s Journal,” which has been Cooperstown’s newspaper since 1808. In fact, a large portion the TFJ issue of July 8, 1822 is devoted to such topics as international sheep markets and foreign intelligence. Page one of the issue of October 16, 1847 gives a detailed account of the Democratic State Convention in Syracuse. Among topics discussed in the TFJ issue of March 9, 1921 are the election of President Warren G. Harding, resignation of U.S. Treasurer John Burke and the wish to create a federal department of education. And so on.

So let’s hear no more about how opinion pieces on national news are not relevant. The front-page news in this week’s papers disproves that notion, as does the fact that columns written by our most provocative op-ed contributors—Misters Nelson and Sempa—are consistently among our most read posts online, whether you agree with them or not.

Bottom line? We do not all hold the same world views, and we don’t live in a vacuum. Let’s not pretend that we do.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

THE PARTIAL OBSERVER CASS

Destination Marketing Corp. Reaffirms Commitment To Drive Tourism Throughout County

If you live in or near Otsego County, you already know what this time of year means. The visitors are coming—and with them, the economic activity that supports local businesses, funds essential public services, and keeps our communities vibrant from Cooperstown to Oneonta, Cherry Valley to Unadilla, and every town in between.

Tourism isn’t just a major local industry, it’s a catalyst that moves much of Otsego County’s economy. Visitor spending ripples well beyond hotels and restaurants, reaching retailers, service providers, and small businesses across the county and throughout the region. And when destination marketing works, it does double duty: preserving what makes this place worth visiting in the first place, while generating the tax revenue that funds the public services residents depend on every day.

The 2026 tourism season is almost here, and Destination Marketing Corp. for Otsego County is ready. As the county’s officially designated non-profit tourism promotion agency, DMC works year-round to bring visitors to Otsego County supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and working to enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls this place home.

Destination promotion is truly a catalyst for our entire community’s vitality. While our foundational activity is attracting visitors, that single visit sets off a powerful chain reaction. When we build a place where people want to visit, we are simultaneously building a place where people want to live, work and invest. This virtuous cycle doesn’t just benefit tourism— it improves the quality of life for all our residents, supports essential government services through tax revenue, and builds a broad, stable economic base for every corner of Otsego County.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … In THEIR OPInIOn Choice of Photo Was Misleading

Destination Marketing Corp.’s Commitment to Otsego County

As the busy tourism season kicks off, DMC extends a warm hello to all our tourism partners. Contracted by Otsego County to serve as its official tourism promotion agency, our mission is simple: promote and market the entirety of Otsego County—from rolling hills to historic villages—to encourage visitation and drive economic impact across all our communities.

While Cooperstown is a major global draw, DMC’s contract mandates the promotion of all Otsego County as a world-class visitor destination. To do that effectively, DMC manages the “I Love NY” matching funds program and partners with regional organizations to keep Otsego County a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, and conventions.

DMC manages two digital platforms to ensure every business has a voice in that effort. ThisIsCooperstown.com serves as the primary visitor-facing portal, inspiring travelers to book overnight stays and explore the dining, attractions, and recreation options available throughout the county. WeGoOtsego.com is a residentfocused companion, designed to cultivate local pride and keep community members informed and support local tourism by connecting residents to the businesses, events, and visitor activity that make Otsego County a great place to live. Among its most-used features is the Changeover Hub, which gives residents a heads-up on incoming “changeover days” for the youth baseball camps—because knowing when new visitors are arriving is useful, whether you’re running a business or commuting within the county. Both platforms feature regional event calendars that local businesses are encouraged to use—whether to promote their own events or to help front-

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adds toughness and slows breakdown.

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

H o metown oneon t a 2008 - 2026 18th anniversary & The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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I attended the “No Kings” rally in Oneonta on March 28. Several hundred people were there. Many of them carried clever, thoughtful, and humorous signs to protest President Trump’s policies and actions. Several inspiring speakers and talented performers appeared on stage.

The rally was not called to protest against or to take any position in regard to “U.S. Israeli/Palestinian policy.” Of the dozens of signs displayed at the rally, the only one that expressed an opinion on this matter was the one carried by Gene Warner of Franklin.

Mr. Warner has every right to express his point of view. However, he was not a central player in the rally by any means, and his views are unrelated to its theme and purpose. Yet somehow, this was the only sign, or indeed reporting of any kind, that appeared in The Hometown’s coverage of the event.

Responsible journalists report the news objectively and fairly, and do not slant their reporting in favor of partisan points of view. Perhaps the

Hometown’s editorial staff was absent the day this lesson was taught in Journalism 101. Robert Garfield Oneonta

Editor’s Note: For coverage of the “No Kings” protest in Oneonta, visit https://www. allotsego.com/1600-gatherin-oneonta-for-nationwideprotest/ or see the AllOtsego Facebook page.

Composting Takes Patience, Creativity

I enjoyed reading Maureen Murrray’s crisis of recycling and congratulate her on her son’s wedding and environmental consciousness. However, rather than the metaphysical crisis portrayed— which was fun to read—it represents the green-industrialcomplex clashing with woke, and I feel it reflects corporate fashions toward nature.

I recently left a great cup of coffee from Freight Wheel Café in Hartwick in my cup holder and in a week it all liquefied, a mess. It’s not all that tough! I have nothing to say about clear corn plastic cups, but corn packing peanuts melt on the tongue! Silicon in the structure of bamboo

I moved to Hartwick in the 1980s from Manhattan with 300 snakes, but no lab rodent delivery. At the time, I went before the Bassett Research Institute but, fearing the publicity of supporting snakes, I was refused the surplus as I had received at the New York City Health Department for years, and the young rodents ended up in the Bassett incinerator, more socially acceptable than feeding my snakes. Protein is precious! Like the U.S. during the war of 1812, I was forced to become selfsufficient in food production, calling myself “Mouse-EYE Ranch,” a breeding colony of 70 cages of mice and rats to support my artistic color breeding of harmless snakes. I went through weekly bales of pine shavings from Niles at Agway, Cooperstown. The mouse bedding, soaked in urine plus droppings, gave nitrogen to the carbon of the pine shavings. Major mounds of compost built up behind the barn and started my permaculture garden. As Chief Justice John Roberts said this week, “it’s still the Continued on page 9

Tom HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

90 YEARs AGo

The consolidation of Wagner College with Hartwick College is a matter that may come up for discussion at the spring convention of the Eastern Conference, United Lutheran synod of New York next week. A request for a new building at Hartwick College is expected to be presented at the synod meeting and no move is anticipated that would curtail the program of that institution. Consolidation will require careful study as Wagner Memorial Lutheran College was established in 1886 and for the past 12 years has been located at Grymes Hill, staten Island. Many of its graduates hold positions of honor and distinction in the denomination. Wagner’s current enrollment is 188 and its faculty is composed of 14 teachers. The Hartwick Theological seminary, formerly located in Hartwickseminary, is now located in Brooklyn. Hartwick College was established inoneonta in 1928. It has 336 students and a faculty of 24 men and women.

April 1936

70 YEARs AGo

Roy Kent will coach theoneonta Highschool football team at least for another year. Theoneonta Board of Education has offered Kent an increase in salary, made possible through a new salary schedule for teachers who also have coaching duties. Kent also teaches driver education and will begin new parttime duties as a guidance counselor. Kent confirmed that he has “definitely” turned down an offer from Norristown, Pennsylvania, a high school football perennial powerhouse. Kent came tooneonta in 1952 after the athletic program, and particularly the football program, was revamped following the Waters Report prepared by Len Waters, Williams College football coach. The Waters report recommended the establishment of a full-time football program from grade through high school. Kent, ably assisted by other coaches, students, townspeople and the school board, has madeoneonta a feared name in the Iroquois League.

April 1956

40 YEARs AGo

Issues in Women’s health will be discussed by a panel of three specialists at the April 8th meeting of theoneonta Professional Women’s Network. Panelists include Georgia Couden, a family therapist in private practice inoneonta; Dr. Dinah Farrington, a fourth-year resident at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, and Dr. Lorraine Platka-Bird, an assistant professor of nutrition at thestate University College atoneonta. The program is to be held in the Larsen Lounge of Bresee Hall on the Hartwick College Campus. The three women will each focus on their respective areas of expertise while discussing the prevention and treatment of health problems common to women. They will also examine the change in women’s roles and the impact of such changes on health, marriage and the family.

April 1986

30 YEARs AGo

The “March for Jesus 1996” will be heldsaturday, May 25 with 16 area churches committed to participate. “March for Jesus” is an international event uniting cities across the world to exalt Jesus. It is a procession through city streets with praise, prayer and proclamation of faith. Meetings to prepare for oneonta’s first “March for Jesus” are scheduled for 7 p.m., April 8, at Mainstreet Baptist Church where task leaders will meet with other volunteers. T-shirts and tapes will be sold to help raise funds for the march.on Friday April 12, from 7-9 p.m., at Community Gospel Church, 12 Grovestreet, Barbaraschrell of Rejoice Ministries,schenectady, will conduct a “Bannerseminar.” Another “Banner Workshop” will be held onsaturday, April 13, at Community Gospel Church from 1 to 4 p.m. April 1996

our Role In Preventingsubstance Misuse

Every April, LEAF recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month in the hope of preventing misuse, decreasing stigma, and increasing community recognition and understanding of alcohol dependence and addiction. Unfortunately, the adverse effects of alcohol misuse impact the lives of many in this community, this country and globally. It is difficult to find a person who has not been affected by alcohol addiction either directly (themselves) or indirectly (through relationships with family, friends, coworkers and community members). We must take the time to acknowledge those we have lost, support those who are struggling and raise awareness to prevent future misuse.

•students explore and develop social-emotional learning skills and expand their knowledge on the negative impacts of substance use.

• From our perspective, students are very aware of the harms associated with alcohol and cigarettes and less knowledgeable about vaping and cannabis.

Prevention in the Workplace

We offer a series of evidence-based adult education programs that enhance individual wellness through community connection.

• Participants fill out addiction screening tools to help identify their relationship to alcohol and other substances.

LEAF has been honored to serveotsego County since 1982 and Chenango County since 2021.our mission is to:

• Prevent addictions and the risks that come with them.

• Educate the community about the harm of alcohol and other substances.

• Increase awareness among leaders, educators, health professionals, and the media about the disease of addiction and its medical and social complications.

• And to encourage proper diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals and families dealing with addiction or substance use.

Prevention in Schools

•our prevention educators teach hundreds of local K-12 students each year using the evidencebased program, “Too Good for Drugs.”

By MERL REAGLE

Word Building…

• We do not approach adult substance use with shame, but with the perspective of increasing wellness for personal growth.

Prevention in the Community

• We serve on coalitions, boards, and groups that work to improve community wellness, opportunities, and quality of life.

• This is accomplished through supporting substance-free events: Festival of Lights, First Night, Fourth of July, back-to-school giveaways, school events, health fairs, etc.

• We love connecting with our community in fun ways! Please check out our Facebook page and website for more information about our FREE school and community-based services: https://www.facebook. com/LEAFinc and https://leafinc.org/.

Tessa Davidson, MPH, is the executive director of LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions.

Stamp Club Meets Tuesday

COOPERSTOWN—The Leatherstocking Stamp Club will meet in the Clark Sports Center Meeting Room at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14. Al Keck will present the unique baseball covers he has made and sold over the years to support the Cooperstown Fire Department. Guests are welcome. May’s program will be titled “Which Way to Niue?” and will be followed in June by Doug Schoppert’s presentation on WPA art in post offices.

I-88 Eastbound Lane Reopens

OTEGO—The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services announced that the eastbound lane of I-88 near Otego (Exit 12) was opened to one lane of travel at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. Motorists are urged to allow for extra travel time and proceed with caution in the affected area. There is no timetable for the opening of the second eastbound lane.

CAA Kicks Off New Exhibits

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association will open two new exhibits with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 10, for display through Wednesday, May 6. Gallery A will host an exhibition of work by Oakroom Artists, a 24-person invitation-only collective of professional artists in New York’s Capital Region. Gallery B will have a New Age Folk Art exhibit by Janky Painting. The galleries, located in the Village Hall at 22 Main Street, are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

State Releases Job Numbers

ALBANY—The New York State Department of Labor announced that private sector employment in the state increased by 20,200 jobs, or 0.2 percent, over the month of January. During the month, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.6 percent and the statewide labor force participation rate rose to 61.7 percent. There was a net increase of 18,400 private sector jobs between January 2025 and January 2026. In 2025, private sector job growth was highest in the Kingston and Syracuse metro areas, at about 1.9 percent for both. To view the full report, visit bls.gov/sae/additional-resources/changes-toprocedures-for-producing-current-employmentstatistics-ces-state-estimates.htm.

‘Intentional Talk’ To Be Live

COOPERSTOWN—MLB Network’s longest running talk show, “Intentional Talk,” will broadcast live from Doubleday Field at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22 to mark the next day’s Hall of Fame Military Classic. Two-time All-Star Ryan Dempster and Sierra Santos will host the show, which will feature Hall of Famers and other players in the Classic. It will be livestreamed on MLB.tv, MLB.com and the MLB app.

Oneonta Wins SUNY Contest

ONEONTA—

SUNY Chancellor John B. King announced that SUNY Oneonta’s Red won the esteemed title of New York’s favorite mascot and SUNY Mascot Ambassador, edging out Ellsworth from SUNY Brockport in the final round of voting. The 2026 Mascot Madness kicked off on March 10 and received more than 310,000 votes across 38 participating campuses.

“There were some fierce competitors for this year’s Mascot Madness tournament, but in the end Red, representing SUNY Oneonta, proved to be New York’s favorite,” King said. “Mascot Madness is an opportunity to showcase SUNY pride and to win over New Yorkers throughout the voting process, and 2026 was our best year yet.”

“I am in awe of the overwhelming turnout in voters for Red and SUNY Oneonta in this intense competition,” SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle added. “This win for Red exemplifies the unique authentic connection our students, alumni, and community establish while living and studying at Oneonta. We look forward to celebrating this victory together.”

Local Films To Be Showcased

STAMFORD—The Roxbury Arts Group will hold its 2026 Local Lens Short Film Showcase at Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street in Stamford, from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, April 10. It will feature five short films by local filmmakers Richard Stephen Bell, Elizabeth Ennis and Nathan Meltz. Admission is free and concessions are available for purchase. There will be a Q&A session with the filmmakers after the screening. For more information, visit roxburyartsgroup.org/events/local-lens-shorts.

Gershwin Focus of Cabaret

ONEONTA—The Catskill Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Wendy Brown Cabaret Fundraiser will be an evening of George Gershwin music performed at

SUNY Oneonta’s Hunt Union Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. A reception with a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. The cabaret is included in 2025-26 season subscriptions; subscribers will receive a direct RSVP e-mail. Tickets for individuals or tables of 10 are available at catskillsymphonyorchestra. org/cabaret26.

Open Eye To Present ‘Hamlet’

MARGARETVILLE—The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street in Margaretville, will present a oneday-only touring production of “Hamlet” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. Presented in collaboration with the Catskill Mountain Shakespeare Company and directed by Sydney Berk, the 90-minute adaptation offers an engaging and accessible take on the classic tragedy. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $10.00 for students. For more information or to buy tickets, visit theopeneyetheater.org or call (845) 586-1660.

I-88 Lane Closures Begin

RICHMONDVILLE—Interstate 88 eastbound and westbound will be reduced to one lane each between exits 19 (Worcester/NY Route 7) and 20 (Richmondville/NY Route 10) from Monday, April 6 through November to facilitate pavement and guide rail repairs. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. For up-to-date travel information, call 511 or visit 511NY.org.

CRH Makes Chartis List

COBLESKILL—Cobleskill Regional Hospital was recognized as New York’s only facility on The Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S. list. Critical Access Hospitals are designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to safeguard easy access to necessary medical care in remote rural areas. The awards program is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which evaluates rural health facilities on a variety of criteria impacting operations, quality, patient perspectives and finance. For more information, visit bassett. org/locations/cobleskill-regional-hospital.

Repair Café Returns Saturday

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Repair Café will return to the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Community members are invited to bring in broken lamps, small appliances, and small furniture for assistance and advice from volunteer repair experts. The café is a collaborative program of Otsego 2000, Otsego County Conservation Association and Otsego Land Trust. It will be held at the Earth Festival at SUNY Oneonta on May 9 and will return to the farmers’ market on the second Saturday of each month starting in June. For more information or to volunteer, visit otsego2000. org/repaircafe.

Dúo Copla Set To Perform

ONEONTA—Puerto Rican classical guitar duo Dúo Copla, Dr. Maldonado Suárez and Ernesto V. Ramos-Vázquez, will perform for the Oneonta Concert Association on Saturday, April 11. Their performance of traditional and contemporary classical guitar pieces will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street. Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $15.00 for students and free for children 16 and under. For more information or to buy tickets, visit oneontaconcertassociation.org/.

Drawing Sessions Scheduled

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Art Association’s popular “Figure This!” program will offer long-pose pop-up figure drawing sessions with live nude models on Wednesday, April 15 and Wednesday, May 20. The April session will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP at cooperstownart. com by Friday, April 10; it will only run if at least five participants are confirmed. Each session costs $18.00 and CAA punch cards may be used.

Marcus To Discuss ORRC

COOPERSTOWN—The First Baptist Church of Cooperstown will hold its next Race, Equity and Justice Series event in the third-floor ballroom

of the Village Hall, 22 Main Street, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 12. Debra Marcus of the Otsego Refugee Resettlement Coalition will discuss the organization and the work it has done since it was assembled in 2021. Pizza and beverages will be served. For more information, contact baptistcooperstown@gmail.com.

Boxing Tourney Is Saturday

JOHNSTOWN—Regional boxing will return to the Gloversville area for the first time in nearly 40 years when the Bobby Stewart Tournament of Champions is held at SUNY-FMCC, 2805 Route 67 in Johnstown, on Saturday, April 11. There will be 15 bouts featuring athletes from across the Adirondack region and local competitors Jarrod Johnson and Cody Stone between 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. The event honors Amsterdam native “Irish” Bobby Stewart, the 1974 National Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion who discovered boxing legend Mike Tyson while working his day job as a juvenile detention counselor in Perth, New York.

Falk Will Address FCAHS

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Area Historical Society will hold its next meeting at the Grange Building, 208 Cemetery Road, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Dr. Cindy Falk will present a lecture on the changing rural landscape in the town. There will be light refreshments and the monthly business meeting after the discussion. All are welcome.

Trump Account Registry Open

WASHINGTON, DC—The Internal Revenue Service announced that taxpayers had signed up more than four million children for tax-favored Trump Accounts by March 31. More than one million of these children are eligible for the $1,000.00 federal pilot program contribution. Parents or other individuals who qualify can sign children up using IRS Form 4547. Contributions may be made starting July 4. For more information, visit trumpaccounts.gov.

Electric Bill Workshop Slated

COOPERSTOWN—A coalition of Otsego County municipalities, the Otsego County Conservation Association and the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District Inc. will co-host an “Understanding Your Electric Bill” workshop in the Clark Sports Center community room at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. Topics will include an overview of electric bill features, an introduction to the function and strategies of electric supply companies, community solar options, tips on home energy efficiency, and the recent rise of smart meters. The workshop is free but registration is required at occainfo.org/calendar/understanding-your-electricbill-workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their energy bill if they need help understanding it.

Quartet To Perform Thursday

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown Concerts will present the award-winning Cerus Quartet for an evening of contemporary compositions and classical masterworks at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. The concert will be held in the Fenimore Art Museum theater at 5798 State Route 80. Tickets are available at cooperstownconcerts.org.

Quilt Show Scheduled for May

ONEONTA—The Susquehanna Valley Quilters will present their 2026 “Quilts in Bloom” show at St. James Church, 305 Main Street in Oneonta, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9. Parking is available on Elm Street and donations are accepted. For more information, visit the Susquehanna Valley Quilters-Central New York Facebook page.

Pierce To Play at Headwaters

STAMFORD—Acclaimed singer-songwriter Chris Pierce will perform at Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main Street in Stamford, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Tickets are available on a tiered-equity system for $5.00, $10.00 or $20.00. For more information, visit roxburyartsgroup.org.

The Partial Observer” opinion piece published in last week’s edition of “The Freeman’s Journal” contained several inaccuracies which are important to address. I am not opposed to a dog park. At the June 2025 Village Board meeting, the motion was made “to proceed in creating a dog park…with the location to be determined.” I seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The board supports the creation of a dog park. I am one of the elected officials who feel that it would be preferable to site a dog park on property already owned by the village and under our jurisdiction.

The property referenced in the “Partial Observer” opinion piece is owned by Cooperstown Central School and was part of the 2010 Gateway project, which extended Linden Avenue to Route 28, constructed the Blue Lot for parking, and created a snow storage/filtration area. The Gateway project cost in excess of $5 million, funded in part by a Federal Highway Administration Grant and the balance by village taxpayers, including a 10-year, $500,000.00 bond, ultimately paid off in 2024.

The Gateway project was wholly in the jurisdiction of the Town of Otsego. A Transfer of Jurisdiction of the gateway project area from the Town of Otsego to the Village of Cooperstown was supposed to occur but never happened. Village taxpayers not only carried the 10-year bond on the project but also, in the ensuing years, funded improvements and repairs on property within the Town of Otsego for which we could not be reimbursed under New York State funding streams, as the property lay beyond our municipal boundary. In New York State, spending taxpayer funds beyond a municipal boundary is frowned upon unless a shared services or other agreement is in place. No agreement was ever in place.

After becoming mayor, I worked to formally annex most of the property into the jurisdiction

of the village. This involved agreements with Otsego County, Leatherstocking Railway and the Town of Otsego. Final annexation documents were signed on April 10, 2024, and incorporated into the village, all of Linden Avenue from its eastern curb to its intersection with Route 28.

The recent column indicated the village built and maintains sidewalks within the Gateway project area. It is more accurate to say that the village built sidewalks in the Town of Otsego. The village’s southern boundary stops at the former W.L. Taylor office property on Linden Avenue. In order to provide a safe pedestrian access from the village to the high school located in the Town of Otsego, a sidewalk on Linden Avenue from the Taylor property to the school was constructed. Unlike the village, the town has no regulations requiring property owners to clear snow from an adjacent sidewalk, therefore village employees clear the snow. Snow removal on other sidewalks within the Gateway project does not occur.

The statement that the village “paid CYB $130,000.00 to build a new field on the Linden Avenue parcel” is not accurate. For those who remember the CYB Beanie Ainslie Field, they know it was located just beyond the Village Streets Department building, on village-owned land which served for decades as a landfill. To construct the Blue Lot and extend Linden Avenue, CYB had to relocate. As compensation for the loss of their field and the improvements they had funded (field construction, fencing, storage concession buildings, etc.), the village paid CYB $130,000.00. The funds were not contingent on relocating to any other school-owned parcel and, as we know, CYB relocated to Hartwick.

Cost overruns occurred during the Gateway project because it was found that at some point petroleum projects had been deposited in the unmonitored landfill on which the CYB ball field was built. The village was required to relo-

cate and remediate the soil. The village paid the school $50,000.00 for a permanent easement on an undeveloped piece of land, where the soil from the ball field was spread, covered with a membrane and topped with two feet of clean soil. The easement area also has an underground water filtration system for the adjacent snow storage parking lot. Yes, the village staff does mow this property to ensure saplings/trees do not grow and damage the underground infrastructure.

It is on this property owned by the school that the village has a permanent easement “for construction of a recreational facility,” where some residents desire to build a dog park.

In April 2025, at the request of the Village Board, Village Attorney Martin Tillapaugh sent a letter to the school, the owner of the land and the permanent easement grantor, to determine if they would allow a dog park as a “recreational facility. Not receiving a response, in December 2025 the Village Board approved a letter from the Parks Board to the School’s Finance and Facilities Committee, asking to meet and discuss the terms of the permanent easement and determine what might be possible.

At the February 25, 2026 Village Budget Meeting, the trustees who had met with the school’s committee indicated an agreement was moving forward for us to take ownership of the land and we should include $10,000.00 for a dog park in the 2026-27 Tentative Budget, and that was approved.

I am not opposed to a dog park. As mayor, however, I have the responsibility to ensure the village is in compliance with New York State laws and that we do not expend village taxpayer funds beyond our municipal boundary without first ensuring all the required agreements are in place. Ellen Tillapaugh is the mayor of the Village of Cooperstown.

Beetles Released in Cooperstown To Control Invasive Insect

COOPERSTOWN

It’s not as spectacular as releasing a hawk or bear back into the wild after an injury, but the release that took place in Cooperstown on Thursday, March 26 may be more important.

According to a press release, the Otsego County Conservation Association and Mohican Farm/The Clark Foundation released 236 predatory beetles at Fairy Spring Park last week to control the population of hemlock woolly adelgid.

The release was the culmination of a process that began when the invasive insect was first found at Fairy Spring Park in December 2021. Hemlock woolly adelgid is a tiny insect native to the Pacific Northwest, Japan and eastern Asia. Once an infestation takes hold, the insects can kill healthy trees in as little as 10 years, making early detection and treatment critical, OCCA officials said.

The beetles, Laricobius nigrinus, were sent to Cooperstown by the New York State Hemlock Initiative, based at Cornell University. NYSHI researches the integrated pest management of hemlock woolly adelgid, and has released Laricobius at more than 20 sites in the state since 2008. Recently, NYSHI announced that the beetles had successfully established breeding populations in the Hudson Valley. The beetles released in Cooperstown had been collected in the Pacific Northwest.

At just three millimeters long, the beetles are easy to overlook, barely bigger than the insect they feed on exclusively throughout their lives.

“Biological control

methods are probably the best chance we have for slowing down the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid,” said Devin Merkley of The Clark Foundation and Mohican Farm. “We are grateful to the Hemlock Initiative for providing the beetles, and are happy to participate in the effort to save what James Fenimore Cooper described as ‘Rembrandt-looking hemlocks.’”

“Eastern hemlocks are considered a foundation species,” said Jeff

O’Handley, program director for OCCA.

“They basically create their own ecosystem, protect water quality and aquatic habitats, and support a great variety of wildlife.

“It’s also one of the most common trees in our forests. Losing them would not only disrupt the natural function of our ecosystems, it would pave the way for invasive plants to establish in the forest,” O’Handley explained.

Soon after the adelgid

was discovered, OCCA and Mohican Farm convened a meeting that included representatives from the Village of

Cooperstown and SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station to discuss how to handle the appearance of the destructive insect.

The village was committed to saving the trees at the park, said Cooperstown Mayor

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Trustees

Continued from page 1

Gillette, the village’s watershed inspector, said. “As Bertine noted, in consultation with other lakes we’ve come to the conclusion it would be easier to facilitate as a $50.00 a year” fee rather than $150.00 every three years at time of inspection.

Gillette said the fee impacts around 350 properties and does not include those on the village sewer system.

A Town of Springfield representative on the WSC, Bill Richtsmeier, said, “I’ve discussed this with our representatives in Springfield. They’re very supportive of this. I think they understand how much work has to go on for the watershed in general, not just what’s in the lake.”

Pat Kennedy, a councilmember for the Town of Otsego who previously served on the WSC, said that her town board did not have a unified position on the $50.00 fee.

“There is no unified voice from the Town of Otsego on various issues concerning the lake,” she said.

“I am hopeful that something like this fee might do some help,” Kennedy said, “but it really is a watershed, and it’s not just the septic systems.”

She said that other portions of the watershed are contributing to issues with the lake, but those property owners may not fall under the fee.

“I hear from people on the board with me, ‘this is a tax, we’re gonna fight it,’” Kennedy said, saying that perspective was not her own.

The board unanimously voted to rescind

the old fee and set the $50.00 annual fee.

The board also approved an addendum to a law enforcement mutual aid agreement clarifying it would not assist with immigration enforcement activities.

In prior meetings, board members discussed the contents of a law enforcement mutual aid agreement between the Cooperstown Police Department, Oneonta Police Department and Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. Though supportive of what has previously been a routine agreement, board members voted to add language specifying it would only assist with “judicial” warrants so as to avoid requests pertaining to administrative warrants for immigration enforcement. However, the agreement had already been signed by other parties prior to the board’s vote.

“We can’t go in and change it after it was signed,” Village Attorney Martin Tillapaugh, who drafted the addendum, told board members. “The Sheriff [Richard Devlin Jr.] has made it clear that he’s not going to—will not accept it if we make any alterations.”

Attorney Tillapaugh pointed out that the contract says mutual aid is strictly voluntary, “so utilizing that phrase in the contract, all I’ve done is add the addendum putting all of the parties to the contract on notice that we will not be responding to mutual aid requests if we receive them to enforce a nonjudicial warrant.”

Officer-in-Charge Jess Lanza said the department receives many benefits from its mutual aid partnership with the

county, including record sharing, marine patrol, drones, 3D imaging for crime scenes, specialized personnel assistance, and more. The village also does not have nighttime and weekend coverage.

All but Trustee Joseph Membrino voted for the addendum. Membrino advocated for pressing to get the text about judicial warrants into the agreement itself.

The board also voted to switch village official and police department parking spaces on Fair Street.

The March 23 meeting can be viewed in its entirety at https://cooperstownny.gov/.

Grady

Continued from page 2

match and engaged more than 400 donors.

Prior to returning to Hartwick, Grady spent 12 years fundraising in the health and human services sector, most recently serving as director of development at Springbrook, an Oneonta-based provider of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a certified fundraising executive and has held leadership roles in the community, including serving as board president for the State University at Oneonta’s Cooperstown Graduate Association and the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. Grady is also presidentelect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hudson-Mohawk Chapter.

Grady said her work at Hartwick since 2024 has strengthened her enthusiasm for the college’s direction and progress.

“Hartwick College is

OBITUARIES

Dignified and Caring Service since 1925 Peaceful grounds. Home-like atmosphere. Suitable for large or small gatherings.

Peter A. Deysenroth

82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown | 607-547-8231 www.cooperstownfuneralhome.com

Jane Elliot Brayden 1923-2026

COOPERSTOWN—A

Memorial Service for Jane E. Brayden will be offered at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Jessica Lambert, lead pastor, officiating.

The Service of Committal and Inurnment will follow at The Columbarium in the Church-yard Cemetery. Immediately following the services there will be a time for refreshment and fellowship in The Chapel at the church.

Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

a special place and I am honored to step into this role at such an important time for the institution,” said Grady. “One of the things that stands out most to me is the genuine sense of resilience that defines this community. I look forward to continuing to work with our alumni, donors, and partners to showcase the incredible work of our faculty, staff, and students and to deepen engagement and support for Hartwick in the years ahead.”

Grady holds a bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College and a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She lives in Cooperstown with her husband and two children.

Oneonta

Continued from page 3

operator a chance to be the standardized point of contact,” explained Riddell Kent.

While some board members expressed interest in the operational efficiencies, others questioned whether limiting the town to one vendor could increase costs in the long run. Board Member Brett Holleran cautioned against abandoning competitive bidding.

“If we only have one vendor, we’ll never know what the best price is,” Holleran said. No decision was reached, with the board opting to continue discussions to balance cost concerns with the need for rapid technical support.

The board also approved placing several pieces of highway equipment on the surplus list, including a 2001 Freightliner dump truck, a Pelican sweeper and two stainless steel salters. Cody Schmitt, the town’s superintendent of highways, provided an overview of the equipment and its condition.

A highway department staff member noted, “I think they’ve served their purpose and a new plow truck remains on schedule for delivery in June,” while emphasizing the growing challenges of replacing heavy equipment.

“There’s a 60-month timeline on a truck today,” the staff member added, pointing to supply chain delays and rising costs.

To offset those costs, town officials have applied for approximately $1.5 million in federal funding through the office of U.S. Rep. Josh Riley. If approved, the funds would support highway modernization and the purchase of new equipment.

will be needed before pursuing large-scale improvements.

Also discussed at the March board meeting was the proposed temporary moratorium on the development, construction and operation of data centers within the Town of Oneonta, as previously reported on by AllOtsego.

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.

Beetles

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Ellen Tillapaugh.

“We recognize the importance of hemlock trees, both to the environment and the scenic beauty of Otsego Lake and the park, and we wanted to protect them,” Tillapaugh said. “Our preference was for a biological control agent. Unfortunately, none were available at the time.”

The Village opted instead for a combination of selective thinning to improve the health of the remaining trees and insecticides. The Catskill Forest Association treated hemlocks at the park in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

“We’re pleased to report that the treated trees are doing well,” Tillapaugh said. “Unfortunately, the insect has been found elsewhere in the park, as well as on neighboring properties.”

The beetles intended to fight this invasion came packed in two plastic vials filled with wood shavings. Instead of an explosion of wings and a thrilling flight, balls of wood shavings were carefully nestled amongst branches brimming with the only food the beetles will ever eat in their lives: hemlock woolly adelgid. Within minutes, the beetles began disappearing into the dark green hemlock needles.

Hemlock woolly adelgid is native to Japan, eastern Asia and the northwest coast of the United States, where it has a number of predators—including Laricobius nigrinus—that checks its population. HWA was introduced to the eastern United States in the mid-20th century. It has been making its way slowly up the east coast, reaching New York State around 1985, and was first found in Otsego County in 2011.

HWA has a complicated life cycle that includes two generations per year. One generation feeds throughout the winter. It protects itself from winter temperatures by producing a woolly mass around itself that looks a little like a tiny cotton ball.

Laricobius beetles feed exclusively on hemlock woolly adelgid in all stages of its life. Adult beetles are active from October through April. They tear through the wool and feast on developing and adult adelgids. The beetles lay eggs in late winter and the larvae go to work, eating HWA eggs and the early stages of its second generation. After a few weeks the beetle larvae pupate in the soil beneath the hemlocks. Adults emerge in autumn and the cycle continues. OCCA and Mohican Farm have been working together to promote awareness of HWA and train community scientists to survey for the insect since 2018.

“Unfortunately, we’re never going to get rid of the adelgid,” O’Handley said. “But the beetles will help keep it under control and will bring about a balance so that we don’t lose our hemlocks, and that’s the important thing.”

ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS CAN BE FOUND EACH WEEK ONLINE AT ALLOTSEGO.COM

Brimstone Bakery at Fenimore Art Museum Cafe Manager

Fenimore Art Museum, in partnership with the Brimstone Bakery, seeks a full-time café manager to oversee the operations of the Brimstone Bakery at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with a passion for hospitality who can motivate staff to deliver exceptional service while maintaining a clean and inviting environment. Your goal will be to increase profitability, boost customer loyalty, and ensure the cafe runs efficiently.

51 Dietz Street oneonta, nY 607-432-1511 www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Looking ahead, the board discussed potential sidewalk and street repair projects in West Oneonta, including work along Butler Street and sections near Wall Street. Riddell Kent said the town is considering short-term fixes while planning for larger reconstruction efforts.

The deputy supervisor mentioned “doing a minor patching job for Wall Street,” while prioritizing more substantial repairs elsewhere. Officials noted that engineering and design work

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2-4 years’ food & beverage/hospitality experience, possess a strong knowledge of customer service, kitchen organizational skills and understanding of Point of Sale (POS) systems. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent organizational and multitasking abilities for a fast-paced environment are a must, as is basic math proficiency for financial tracking and cash handling.

A flexible schedule is required, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays. Ability to stand and walk for long periods and lift 25–50lbs. Salary $45 – 55k. Application and resume should be mailed to PO Box 800, Cooperstown NY, 13326, attention Mary Myers, Director of Human Resources, or e-mailed to mary.myers@fenimoreart.org.

Continued from page 4

same Constitution,” and it’s still the same carbon and nitrogen regardless of accompanying package information suitable for lawyers, corporations, and political correctness.

Now, without rodents or snakes, my tortoises recycle green waste from Price Chopper and I compost soiled bedding of newspaper and hay, adding nitrate-rich fish water from koi and goldfish color breeding. This supports 500-square-feet of a raised bed experimental garden. My kitchen waste through a redworm colony feeds the fish as well.

The worms also feed Felix, the spotted salamander who showed up covered in the tungsten dust on my blacksmith shop floor during a snowy November night, when I was making art for the Cooperstown Art Association Christmas show. He detoxed for three days in his water dish and he now eats worms from my fingers three and a half years later. The finished worm castings nourish my artichokes and lemon and lime trees.

Not quite the crisis!

A pile of 140 settings of bamboo dinnerware—run over by a lawn mower and given a sheltered location to keep it moist and accepting of kitchen scraps—might take two to three years to become black gold. Fence it off if you fear a bear invasion versus a quick NIMBY! Patience is a virtue!

Lee Robbins, MD Town of Hartwick Medical Officer, ER Physician and former EMS Medical Director Otsego County Headline Was Objectionable

Was it really necessary to use the word “undocumented” in your headline concerning someone charged with child pornography? To do so is an implicit boost for unwarranted generalizations—by our incumbent County sheriff Devlin, among others—slurring immigrants, documented or not, as a rationale for seizure and deportation by ICE.

The fact of the matter regarding that population is that on the whole immigrants have lower crime rates overall than the rest of the population (ref. report of the American Immigration Council, Oct. 2024: “Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime”).

I trust you will in the future be sure to headline all reports of serious offenses as being committed by Native or

naturalized American citizens, when that is the case. That would only be fair, would it not?

Mary Anne Whelan Cooperstown

Awards

Continued from page 1

the first award to Rockefeller.

Rockefeller, the owner of Yoga People Oneonta, teaches her own classes at the 50 Dietz Street studio location and holds multiple trainings and certifications in yoga, athletic performance, and massage therapy. She is also the mother of two young children.

In her acceptance speech, Rockefeller thanked those who inspired her, saying, “You can’t be a trailblazer without inspiration,” and naming her mother as her guiding influence.

Buttermann later returned to the stage to present the second Trailblazer Award to Catan.

Catan has worked in banking for 20 years and has owned numerous small businesses. Since May 2011, she has served as a certified business advisor for the Small Business Development Center at Binghamton University. She is also the mother of triplets.

Accepting the award, Catan expressed gratitude for the recognition and for the opportunity to serve the community.

and I’m appreciative of this award,” she said. Following closing remarks from Buttermann, a photo was taken of Rockefeller and Catan with the mayor. Both honorees described the recognition as meaningful. Rockefeller said it feels “so special” to be recognized, while Catan said the honor feels “humbling.”

intrusive thoughts. But you have to have somebody you can talk to, who knows you and knows your heart and helps you come back to that as often as possible,” she said.

cially in a small town. Very rarely do we have the moment for people to stop and say thank you or I’m grateful,” Selzner said. The Woman Trailblazer Award is an annual honor that is tied into the Women’s History Month celebrations each March. Nominations for the award are solicited from the public; individuals can nominate any local woman who they feel serves as a strong leader and inspiring role model. This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News. Graphic provided

“It’s just a pleasure to help people in this community. Oneonta’s a great place. We’ve got so many small businesses, we have to support each other. So I’m glad that I can do that every day,

When asked what advice she would give to future generations of women entrepreneurs, Catan said, “Don’t be scared. If you want to do it, you have a love for doing it, just go. You can find help along the way, and just do it. Have confidence.”

Rockefeller encouraged perseverance during challenging moments.

“I think when it feels the murkiest, that’s when you’re closest to the next big thing. Sometimes there’s just so many reasons to have doubt and imposter syndrome, and all of [those] like

The job scene

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School districts in our region are actively seeking dedicated substitute staff to support students and school communities. Whether you’re looking for a flexible job or a foot in the door to a school career, we have opportunities for you!

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Applicants

Selzner, who helps organize the event and select the honorees as part of her role with the Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights, emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions locally.

“I feel like it is so important to recognize the efforts of women in our community just so they know that people are appreciating it, espe-

caretakers receive on-site housing plus a weekly stipend—a unique opportunity to live and work in one of Cooperstown’s most scenic settings. Seasonal salary for the positions are $7,800 for 3 Mile and $6,600 for Fairy Spring.

Seasonal Parking Enforcement Officer

Please send cover letter and resume to info@allotsego.com, with

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Lady Mystery and Quantum Key, LLC

filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on February 23, 2026. Office location is Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 1348, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalApr.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BUTTERNUT HANDYMAN SERVICE LLC

Arts of Org. filed SSNY 2/16/2026. Otsego Co. SSNY design. agent for process & shall mail to 41 STATE ST., # 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207. General Purpose.

6LegalApr.9

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NOTICE OF QuAlIFICATION OF Poznyak & Co. LLC.

Authority filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 01/12/2026.

Office location: Otsego County. LLC formed in Texas (TX) on 05/23/2025. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 167 County Highway 53, Richfield Springs, NY 13439, USA. TX address of LLC: 616 Cameron Way, Azle, TX 76020, USA. Certificate of Formation filed with TX Secy of State, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalApr.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Creating Lasting Memories, LLC filed with New York Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 02/25/2026.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 145 Cty. Hwy. 35A, Maryland, NY 12116. Purpose: To engage in any and all

business activities and business activities permitted under NYS Law.

6LegalApr.9

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Hemlock Hill Homestead LLC

filed 2/26/2026. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 706 County Highway 17, New Berlin, NY 13411. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalApr.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF lIMITED lIABIlITY COMPANY

NAME:

853 HOOSE RD. LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on JANUARY 30, 2026. Office location: OTSEGO County SSNY has been designated as agent of 853 HOOSE RD. LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 853 HOOSE RD. LLC, 853 Hoose Road, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. For any lawful purpose. 6LegalApr.16

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Pasquale Enterprises LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/25/26.

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: 568 Co. Hwy. 25 Richfield Springs, NY. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalApr.23

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Fonda Construction LLC

filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/6/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o The LLC, 20 Depot St.,

Unadilla, NY 13849. Purpose: any lawful act.

6LegalApr.30

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NOTICE OF ORgANIzATION OF SunnySide 217 LLC under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law.

1. The name of the limited liability company is SunnySide 217 LLC.

2. Articles of Organization of SunnySide 217 LLC were filed with the New York Secretary of State on March 13, 2026.

3. The county within this state in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is Otsego County.

4. The street address of the principal business location of the limited liability company is: 217 County Highway 38A, Richmondville, NY 12149.

5. The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: SunnySide 217 LLC, 217 County Highway 38A, Richmondville, NY 12149.

6. The limited liability company is organized to carry on all lawful activities.

6LegalApr.30

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SCE MANAGEMENT, LLC,

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/09/2026. Office loc: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 49 Main St., E. Worcester, NY 12064. Reg Agent: Stephen Attard, 716 Cape Horn Rd., Stamford, NY 12167. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 6LegalApr.30

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NOTICE OF ORgANIzATION OF SHEREEN MORKEH LLC

Articles of Organization were filed

LEGALS

with the New York Secretary of State (SSNY) on February 23, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 10 Fernleigh Dr., Apt. A7, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: all lawful purposes.

6LegalApr.30

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

H&K 449 Main Street Properties LLC.

Filed 9/16/25. Cty: Otsego. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail POB 1238, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purp: any lawful.

6LegalMay.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Elkan Family Farm, LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on: March 22, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 2224 County Route 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MARINO & SEGAR PROPERTIES LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 03/23/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 27 WEST END AVE., ONEONTA, NY 13820. Purpose: Any Lawful.

6LegalMay.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF lIMITED lIABIlITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: CALAMA Management, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was March 19, 2026. 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 CALAMA Management, LLC, 38 Nokomis Avenue, Oakland, NJ 07436. The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose.

6LegalMay.7

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY lIMITED lIABIlITY COMPANY

Name:

EAST HILL 95 LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 March 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 192 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalMay.7

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NOTICE OF PuBlIC HEARINg, BuDgET VOTE AND ElECTION City School District City of Oneonta, New York

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Oneonta City School District, Otsego County, New York, will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Oneonta Senior High School cafeteria, 130 East St., Oneonta, NY 13820, pursuant to Section 2022 (41) of the Education Law of the State of New York, for the presentation of the budget document.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and a vote, by voting machine, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at The Foothills atrium, 24 Market Street, Oneonta, at which time the polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., EST, for voting on the following items:

To adopt the annual budget of the Oneonta City School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion

thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable real property of the District,

To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education, each to serve three (3) year terms, commencing on July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Shawn Beckerink, and Margot Reynolds, whose terms expire on June 30, 2026.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York.

Voting at said Annual Election will be by use of voting machines.

All VOTINg WIll TAKE PlACE AT: THE FOOTHIllS 24 MARKET STREET, ONEONTA, NEW YORK

Petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education to fill two (2) expired terms of three (3) years shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at the District Office, no later than April 29, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District and state the residence of each signer; the name and residence of the candidates.

NOTICE, is also given that any person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election, pursuant to Section 5-100 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote without further registration pursuant to Sections 2014 and 2606 of the Education Law.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN THAT military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District by requesting to be registered by the District Clerk at [607-433-8200 ext. 1300] or [rmcguinness@ oneontacsd.org].

Military voters who are registered and qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk at the phone number or email address listed above. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have

received a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 4, 2026. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. The School District will transmit military ballots to military voters on May 5, 2026. Completed military ballots must be received by the School District by 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, in order to be counted.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District has fixed May 5, 2026 as the date on which the Board of Registration of said school district will meet at 31 Center Street, in Oneonta, New York, in said school district, for the purpose of preparing a register for each school election district for the Annual City School District Election to be held on May 19, 2026. Said Board of Registration will meet for said purposes on May 5, 2026 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

At such hours and place, any person who has not permanently registered by May 5, 2026 or who did not register for the general election held on November 4, 2025, or who is permanently registered, but at the time of such registration resided in a school election district other than the one in which he or she presently resides or has not voted in an intervening election, must in order to be entitled to vote at said election, present himself or herself personally for registration.

The register so prepared pursuant to Sections 2014 and 2606 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District at the Board of Education Offices at 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the district beginning May 5, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and each day, except Saturday or Sunday, prior to the day set for the election, May 19, 2026, and at the polling place on the day of the vote.

Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained by any resident of the Oneonta City

School District each day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, during the period of seven days immediately preceding the date of the public hearing to be held on May 6, 2026.

Copies of the proposed budget will be available on said days at the Board of Education Office, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained by any resident of the Oneonta City School District at each schoolhouse in the district between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday during the period of fourteen days immediately preceding the date of the annual meeting and election, and on the date of the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Oneonta City School District shall provide for early voting and absentee ballots for the election of Board of Education member, the school budget and any other referenda stated in this notice.

Applications for early voting and absentee ballots for said annual election are available at the Board of Education Offices, 31 Center Street, Oneonta, New York. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Education at said address no later than May 12, 2026 if mailed, and May 19, 2026 if personally delivered. Early voting and absentee ballots are to be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026 the day of said election, to the address of the Clerk of the Board of Education.

A list of all persons to whom early voting and absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays and Sundays, and on the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/ her challenge and reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election on election day.

PROPOSITION 1

– PURCHASE OF SCHOOL BUSES

Shall the bond resolution adopted by the Board of Education on March 18, 2026, authorizing the purchase of school buses, including incidental expenses, at a maximum estimated cost of $715,000, and the issuance of $715,000 bonds of said School District to pay the cost thereof, to mature over a period not exceeding five years, providing that such bonds shall be payable from amounts to be levied in annual installments on taxable real property of said School District; pledging the District’s faith and credit for the payment of such bonds; delegating powers to the chief fiscal officer with respect to the issuance and sale of bond anticipation notes and such bonds, containing an estoppel clause and providing for the publication of an estoppel notice, be approved?

Dated: April 3, 2026

Oneonta, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE ONEONTA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Regina Ranieri McGuinness

Regina Ranieri McGuinness, District Clerk

4LegalApr.23

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Triple M Hunt Farm LLC

Articles of organization filed with the SSNY on 3/23/26. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Attilio Somma, 40 Red Creek Road, Hampton Bays, NY 11946. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.7

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VIllAgE OF MIlFORD PuBlIC BuDgET HEARINg

The Village of Milford will hold a Public Hearing to review the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year ending May 31, 2027, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., at the Village Office, 64 South Main Street, Milford, NY. The budget, as proposed, is available for review at the Milford

County

Continued from page 1

such a plan for the county would focus on engagement with the public and businesses, as well as the creation of a vision for use and prioritization of resources in the county such as housing and farmland. She noted that formulating a comprehensive plan may also open the door to grant programs that only greenlight funding for projects listed in formalized comprehensive plans.

According to Harris, Otsego County applied for Smart Growth Planning Funds from the New York Department of State in 2024 in order to fund the creation of an up-to-date comprehensive plan. Harris showed highlights from completed plans in Chenango and Onondaga counties, both of which focused heavily on public participation and “building a county-wide identity.”

Harris stated that a comprehensive plan for Otsego County would be “our vision for the future. It’s aspirational. It’s how we see development in our county moving forward.”

Harris said creation of the plan would require the establishment of a dedicated committee including representatives from different sectors of the community, the procuring of a consultant, and extensive data analysis for the creation of an accurate community profile. She estimated work could begin in 2027 and last through 2029 with a ranging cost estimate of $250,000.00$450,000.00, noting that the DOS will cover a sizable portion of these expenses. Harris concluded by explaining next steps, which include refining the plan’s scope, obtaining budgetary quotes and preparations for the grant application.

Rep. Keith McCarty highlighted numerous requests from Highway Superintendent Richard Brimmer during his recap of the Public Works Committee’s latest meeting. McCarty said Brimmer requested approval to acquire the materials and services needed to replace a bridge on County Route 1 in Unadilla at a cost not to exceed $1.5 million.

Brimmer requested

from pg. 10

Village office, during regular office hours: Mon. & Wed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Salaries of Board members: Mayor - $3,713.00, annual Trustees (2) - $2,160.00, each annual

Patricia Winsor Village Clerk Submitted April 6, 2026

1LegalApr.9

approval to send out a revised fuel depot agreement to organizations outside the Otsego County government approved to utilize the facility’s fuel, noting an increase from $0.10 cents per gallon to $0.25 cents per gallon of gasoline and an increase from $0.10 cents per gallon to $0.30 cents per gallon of diesel fuel. Brimmer also shared that work on the County Route 59 bridge cannot commence until 2027 due to the unavailability of steel for the project.

McCarty said that solutions are still being searched for with regard to refurbishments on the Civil War monument outside the county offices. He shared that the people involved are hoping to conduct the project in phases, with the monument itself likely having to be taken apart and reset. McCarty said the latest estimates on this cost were $300,000.00$400,000.00.

Rep. Andrew Marietta spoke for the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, focusing primarily on the current state of the Community Event Grants Program. Marietta said that the program has become “a victim of our own success” as county officials continue to see record qualified applicants, meaning there is less money to distribute to each applicant, with the average award this year being just $800.00. Marietta said there were 78 applicants this year, with 75 being considered qualified for funding. The committee is looking to revise the program criteria in 2027 in order to better allocate funding.

McCarty pitched the idea of shifting the Community Event Grants Program to one administered by board members, where money is divided equally between representatives and they decide what events to fund in their respective communities. Rep. Adrienne Martini pushed back, saying she was wary of giving board members that authority over the money. Reps. Wilber and Leslie Berliant both said they would be more open to the idea as long as there was still a process of review, with Berliant expressing her wariness for making individuals so involved in

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY:

The name of the limited liability company is: Boundless Courage, LLC (the “Company”). The date of filing of the Articles of Organization of the Company with the Secretary of State was April 2, 2026. 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: Christina J. Graziadei, Binghamton, NY 13901.

the image of the funding.

Board Chairman Edwin Frazier Jr. said that the disparity of funding had to be looked at, using the example of grant funding for Springfield’s Fourth of July celebrations and Unadilla’s Flag Day event being the same amount, despite apparent differences in scope and attendance.

During Wilber’s account of the Public Safety and Legal Affairs Committee, there was lengthy discussion over the ongoing pest control concerns in various county buildings including the jail and Central Kitchen. Wilber said it appears that a budget oversight caused funding to address the problem to be axed. Rep. Margaret Kennedy said for the record that the revoking of funds must have happened late in the process, as she was part of discussions to include the funding during the budget talks last year.

Wilber also once again put forth the idea of a part-time funded county historian position. He pitched the creation of a map of historical sites across the county and said it could be a boost to tourism activity in a wide range of areas. Berliant supported the notion, saying she has seen positions like this “pay for itself” in other jurisdictions, with some historians even leading paid tours of the routes they produced.

Marietta spoke for the Technology and Strategic Planning Committee, beginning by showing how to access the Otsego County Strategic Plan with a step-by-step guide while sharing his computer’s screen. He thanked department heads for cooperating with the strategic plan initiative and increasing their transparency by keeping their plans up to date and the public aware of where their tax dollars are being spent. Marietta further encouraged representatives to use Clear Plan in their meetings

and publicize it in order to get the most use from the planning documents as possible. The “Otsego County 2026 Strategic Plan” can be accessed at https://county-otsegony-cleardoc.cleargov. com/23303/904247/d

Marietta continued— now speaking for the Performance Review and Goal Setting Committee—and said that department head evaluations will be moving forward this year and called on each department’s home committee to stay on top of their evaluation schedules. He said the process will utilize Clear Plan documents and each department’s strategic plan to get an understanding of current work being done.

After the conclusion of regular reports, numerous representatives spoke about their experiences at the most recent New York State Association of Counties conference. Rep. Eamonn Hinchey spotlighted short-term rentals as an area the county could focus on in its comprehensive plan. He recalled a report he heard by representatives from Ulster County where they hired a firm to data scrape and found out only a quarter of AirBnBs and Verbos were actually reporting their status, had permits, and were paying the relevant taxes as such. Kennedy said that Otsego County has a registry of these businesses already that could help as a baseline. Wilber and Berliant emphasized the real number likely far surpasses whatever the registry says due to AirBnB and Verbo not publishing location data and allowing for greater obfuscation of data.

The board then pulled Resolutions 180 and 183 due to a need to correct minor errors. The rest of the consent agenda passed by present members unanimously, with Hinchey being out of the room at the time. After his return, the board passed modified

versions of the pulled resolutions and approved three resolutions from the floor, including one from Kennedy to approve the appointment of Isaiah Gibbs as the new director of information technologies for the county. Gibbs has been acting director since the departure of longtime director Brian Pokorny, who was honored for his retirement at the March board meeting.

The board then entered into executive session for an extended period. Upon returning to open session, the board approved a final resolution for the day amending cost stipulations for the county’s purchase of 386.86 acres of land on County Highway 33W, which was approved last year. With no further business to attend to, Frazier gave a brief announcement stating he would not be present at the board’s May meeting, and the board adjourned.

The next Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. April’s meeting can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=OEB_ sTP9Xr8&t=13s.

DMC

Continued from page 4 line staff point guests toward what’s happening across the county.

In the spirit of collaboration, DMC extends an open invitation to all businesses with brochure displays to attend any or all of this year’s Annual Brochure Exchanges. These events are vital for networking and ensuring our collective marketing materials are in the hands of our visitors. By facilitating the direct hand-off of materials between partners, these exchanges also reduce our collective environmental impact by signifi-

cantly saving on the fuel and packaging associated with shipping and individual deliveries.

• Hanford Mills Museum: Tuesday, May 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

• Iroquois Museum: Tuesday, May 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

• Brewery Ommegang: Thursday, May 14 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Registration opens April 15 at // ThisisCooperstown. com/Partners/BrochureExchange.

DMC also encourages all tourism-related businesses to review their current listings on ThisIsCooperstown. com to ensure everything is accurate. AI tools now routinely pull from websites to make travel recommendations, making precise digital information more important than ever. To request updates or additions, please contact the DMC office at info@thisiscooperstown.com or by calling (607) 322-4046.

The Destination Marketing Corporation for Otsego and Schoharie Counties was established in 2014 as a not-for-profit 501c6. By contract with Otsego and Schoharie counties, the DMC has been designated the Tourism Promotion Agency under the New York State Tourism Matching Funds Program. The DMC is funded by a portion of the occupancy tax revenues collected in contract with Otsego and Schoharie counties; cooperative marketing investments with tourism partners; and annual grants from the New York State Division of Tourism/Matching Funds Program.

Cass Martin Majestic is the president and chief executive officer of Destination Marketing Corporation for Otsego and Schoharie Counties.

LEGALS

The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful business purpose.

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

92 MAIN ST COOP LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on 2/25/2026. Office Location:

Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to 92 Main St Coop LLC, 6098 St. Hwy. 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMay.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF NOM NOM ENTERPRISES LLC

Article of Organizations filed with the SSNY on 2/14/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to Member, 6098 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMay.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PIONEER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC

Article of Organization filed with the SSNY on 3/5/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copies of process to The LLC, 29 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMay.14

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF KTR Construction LLC, filed with the Secretary of State on April 2, 2026. 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 639 Green Road, Otego, New York 13825. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalMay.14

►Need to publish a Notice of formatioN, public Notice, supplemeNtal summoNs, or Notice to bidders? Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

►Fri., April 10

CALLING ALL ART-

ISTS Open call for artists to submit work for consideration for the Annual Mansion Exhibit on the theme “Precipice.” Deadline to submit is 4/15. Fees apply. Community Arts Network of Oneonta. jenny@canoneonta.org.

BOOK CLUB Read

“The Artist and the Feast” by Lucy Steeds and then discuss with the group at 4 p.m. on 4/23. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344. ART 10 a.m. “Art Class for Homeschoolers.” Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 397-7309.

SENIOR COFFEE

HOUR 10:30 a.m. Coffee, tea, pastries, games, puzzles and good conversation. Held each Friday. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

OUTDOORS 1-3 p.m.

“Homeschool Nature Walk: Emmons Pond Bog.” Presented by Otsego County Conservation Association. Registration required. Emmons Pond Bog, 2028 White Hill Road, Oneonta. (607) 547-4488.

POTTERY

1:30-4:30 p.m. Open Studio. Experienced potters work on personal projects. No instruction provided. Fees apply. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

CONCERT 3 p.m. Faculty Showcase. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta.

CHICKEN DINNER

4:30-6 p.m. “Lauren Legion Dinner: Chicken BBQ.” Fees apply. Eat in or take-out available.

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

Laurens American Legion, 11 Main Street, Laurens. (607) 293-7356.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-7 p.m. “The Oakroom Artists” by The Oakroom Artists and “New Age Folk Art” by Janky Painting. Both exhibits on view through 5/6. Free and open to the public. Cooperstown Art Association, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-9777.

BOOK CLUB

5:30 p.m. “Book Club: A Curious Witch’s Year.” Take a year-long journey through the book “A Spell in the Wild: A Year (and Six Centuries) of Magic” by Alice Tarbuck. Free. Meets second Friday of each month. Mountain Magic Market, 52 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. (607) 287-7278.

COMEDY 8-9:30 p.m.

“Jeff Leeson—Only Gonna Say This Once Comedy Tour.” Tickets required. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

►S At., April 11

BREAKFAST

8-10 a.m. Free breakfast for veterans, EMS, firefighters and law enforcement. Bring a guest for a fee. Morris VFW Post 1417, 314 Ellis Road, Morris. (607) 263-2411.

GARDENING 9 a.m. to noon. “Seed Sharing Saturdays.” Bring seeds, take seeds, get gardening information at the table. Held each Saturday in April. Come!Unity Garden, Milford United Methodist Church, 113 North Main Street, Milford.

TAXES 9 a.m. VITA Free Tax Preparation and Filing. Get taxes prepared and filed free of charge by IRS-certified volunteers. By appointment only. Held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. First Floor Lobby, Alumni Hall, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta.(607) 436-2171.

PAPER SHREDDING

10 a.m. to noon. Declutter

Time OuT OTsegO

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

with Confidata’s on-site paper shredding. 5 boxes per car. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

WORKSHOP

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Baking at Lippitt Farmstead Workshop.” Fees apply; registration required. Fenimore Farm and Country Village, 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471450.

TAXES 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free Tax Preparation. Get taxes prepared and filed free of charge by IRS-certified volunteers. Oneonta Veterans Club, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.(607) 431-4338.

FUNDRAISER

10:30 a.m. Otsego County 4-H Dairy Calf Sale. Benefit for Otsego County 4-H Dairy Program. Hosking Sales, 6095 State Highway 8, New Berlin. (607) 547-2536 ext. 225.

REPAIR 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Cooperstown Repair Café.” Give your items a second life with the repair expert coaches. Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street, Pioneer Alley, Cooperstown. (607) 5478881.

PLANETARIUM Family-friendly shows open to the public. Fees apply. SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, Perna Science Building, Room 018A, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2011.

• 10:30 a.m. “Messengers of Time and Space.”

• 11:30 a.m. “The Sky Tonight.”

GAMES 11 a.m.

Beginner Mahjong. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

WORKSHOP 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Wire Wrapping Basics Class.” Learn basics of wire wrapping your own stone jewelry

with Amanda Trumbull of Soul Crystal Creations. All materials provided. Fees apply. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

WORKSHOP 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book Bling Breakfast with Julia. Bring a favorite book and bedazzle it with supplies provided. Fees apply. Main View Gallery and Studios, 77 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 4321890.

CRAFT 11 a.m. “Sitn-Stitch.” Bring knit or crochet project to work or learn the craft. Held second Saturday of each month. Unadilla Public Library, 193 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3131.

EXERCISE Noon. “Let’s Move: Come Play Capoeira.” Unique Brazilian practice that blends martial arts, dance, music and culture. All welcome. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600.

FERAL FEST

1-6 p.m. Live entertainment, finger foods, wine/beer/spirit tastings and more. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Feral TNR Otsego. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

OUTDOORS

1-3 p.m. “Walk The Planets.” Hosted by Dr. Erik Stengler of the Cooperstown Graduate Program. Explore a scale model of the solar system. Presented by the Otsego County Conservation Association. Meet at Compton Bridge Conservation Area, 184 County Highway 11C, Cooperstown. (607) 5474488.

SEWING CLASS

1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome.

Held each Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234.

BOOK CLUB 2 p.m.

“BYO Book Club.” Followed by Book Journaling Club. Meets second Saturday of each month. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

DRUM CIRCLE

2-4:30 p.m. “Oneonta Drum Circle.” Admission by donation to support local food banks. Held each second Saturday. First Presbyterian Church, 296 Main Street, Oneonta. (303) 406-1738.

CONCERT 7:30 p.m.

Dúo Copla. Presented by the Oneonta Concert Association. Tickets required. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 267-6968.

►Sun., April 12

MEDITATION 11 a.m.

“Sundays at Samye: A Morning of Practice and Study.” Meditation, study and discussion. Samye New York, 412 Glimmerglen Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5051.

FUNDRAISER 11 a.m.

Dog Appreciation Month Bingo! Minimum food purchase required. Win prizes and raffles. Brew U, 99 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 441-3227.

CONNECTIONS

12:30 p.m. Painting with Marjorie. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail.com.

CONNECTIONS

12:45 p.m. Bluegrass Circle Jam Session. Connections at Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. connectionsatcsc@gmail. com.

CRAFT 1 p.m. Quilling Class. Learn the art of quilling with instructor Caprice Eckert. Fees apply; registration required. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (845) 325-5848.

4-H PROGRAM

2 p.m. Otsego County 4-H Dog and Handler Skills Class Orientation. Class held 2 p.m. on Sundays 4/19 through 5/31. Fees apply. 4276 State Highway 51, Garrattsville. (607) 547-2536.

DANCE 3 p.m.; dance lesson at 2 p.m. “4th Annual Bunny Hop Swing Dance.” Presented by Callahan Catskill Real Estate. Fees apply. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (917) 612-4054.

►Mon., April 13

LIBRARY 10:30 a.m.

“Headstart Storytime.” Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

SWIMMING 11:30 a.m. to noon.

“Strong Kids: SPLASH.” Children who are independent in the water have a chance to move and play to music. Fees apply; registration required.

Oneonta YMCA, 20-26 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010 ext. 9.

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 sausage and cheddar frittata, hash browns, muffin, and a fruit cup. (607) 5476454.

• 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. QUILTING 1-4 p.m. “Drop-in Quilting Class: 9-Patch Quilt Block.”

Series held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Fees apply. Leatherstocking Quilts, 155 Main Street, Suite B, Oneonta. (607) 4413111.

YOUTH 1 p.m. “Homeschool Hangout.” Held each Monday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

VETERANS 5-7 p.m. “Women’s Veteran Night.” Good company, dinner and more with fellow women veterans. Held second Monday of each month. Oneonta Veteran’s Ourtreach Center, 4 Academy Street, Oneonta. (607) 203-2228.

GARDENING

6:30 p.m. “Magical Herbs of Spring and Summer.” Presented by Gert Coleman, Master Gardener with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Get tips on growing and using tender spring herbs. All welcome. Presented by the Oneonta Garden Club at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta. lauriezimniewicz@gmail. com

►tueS., April 14

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS 8-9 a.m. Local community members gather to chat about what’s happening around Oneonta. Held each Tuesday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6600.

COMMUNITY HIKE 9:45 a.m. Hike with the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Bring appropriate equipment/water and be aware of your level of fitness. This week’s hike will be at the Table Rock Trails, Oneonta. (607) 431-8010.

YOUTH 3 p.m. “After School at the Library.” Reading, games, arts and crafts. Held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980.

SLOW FLOW YOGA 5 p.m. Presented by the SUNY Oneonta ExCL Center. Held Tuesdays through 5/19. Fees apply; registration required. SUNY Oneonta Campus, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 4362831.

POETRY 5 p.m. “Village Verses.” Kickoff event for monthly multigenerational poetry appreciation group. All welcome. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. aviva330@gmail.com

DISCUSSION 6-8 p.m. “Death Over Drafts: Brewing Conversations Around Death.” Free; registration required. Snacks/beverages available for purchase. Presented by Upper Catskill Natural Burial Association and Shine on Death Doula at the Captain Cook’s Seafood Market, 13 River Street, Oneonta. (607) 386-2422.

TAXES 6-8 p.m. Free Tax Preparation. Get taxes prepared and filed free of charge by IRS-certified volunteers. 2nd Floor, Golisano Hall, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta.(607) 431-4338.

RABIES VACCINATION 6-8 p.m. Otsego County Rabies Vaccination Clinic. For pet dogs, cats and ferrets. Free. Previous vaccination certificate required for threeyear booster. Worcester New Town Barn, Worcester. (607) 547-4230.

CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert. Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta.

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