Hometown Oneonta 05-21-26

Deep Dive into How the NY-19 Candidates Intend To Tackle Energy Affordability

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL and AMY OENOKIDA

UPSTATE NEW YORK

n the hotly-contested race for New York’s 19th Congressional District, each of the three candidates for office have made combatting rising electricity costs the centerpiece of their campaign messaging. What have U.S. Representative Josh Riley, state Senator Peter Oberacker, and Alex Portelli done, and what do they hope to do, to address the issue if they’re sent to Washington, D.C.?

Devlin Declines Participation in Proposed LWVCA Debate

County GOP Chair Accuses Group of Being ‘Far-Left’

COOPERSTOWN

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZEL

The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area wants to host candidate debates, including in the closely-watched race for county sheriff between Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. and his former deputy-come-primary challenger Mike Stalter.

But the county GOP, according to its chair and County Board Chair Edwin Frazier Jr., has a “long standing position” against participating in debates the group sponsors, citing a negative debate experience in 2018 and LWVCA’s political views. The League, a nonpartisan organization which does not endorse candidates, maintains the 2018 incident was an anomaly, pointing to years of successful debates wherein debate moderation is separate from their published policy positions.

When the LWVCA invited Stalter and Devlin to participate in a debate before the June 23 Republican primary, only Stalter agreed. Devlin “refused,” according to a LWVCA press release.

“Without the opportunity for the two candidates to meet with their constituents and express their positions on the issues related to this office, democracy in Otsego County is diminished,” said Maureen Murray, chair of the group’s Voter Service Committee.

In a statement, Frazier said the LWVCA “has abandoned any pretense of polit-

Continued on page 10

Josh Riley (D) Representative Josh Riley is seeking a second term as NY-19’s congressman. He lost his first race in 2022 to Marc Molinaro before winning a rematch in 2024. Riley has positioned himself as a populist on the issue of energy costs, describing one of their main causes as “corporate greed and political corruption” in an interview with AllOtsego.

past issues of “Hometown

KellyBailey is currently working on a new film, tentatively titled “Ratsbane.”

‘Hyde Hall Talks’ To Launch with Director James Ivory

By ERIC SANTOMAUROSTENZEL COOPERSTOWN

The 2026 “Hyde Hall Talks” series will begin with famed director James Ivory and a screening of his film “The Remains of the Day” (1993). The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at 4 p.m. The series will include four more talks with other guest speakers through the summer, in addition to four movies.

“This is really great that he’s coming here to speak about his film, and his long, varied career,” said Verna Everitt, events manager for Hyde Hall. “He’s had several Academy Awards, BAFTA awards, Cannes Film festival awards, so he’s quite amazing.” Ivory, now in his 90s, has a filmmaking

career spanning over half a century. Along with the late Ismail Merchant, Ivory ran the India-based production company Merchant Ivory Productions and created dozens of films. Many won awards.

“The Remains of the Day,” adapted from a 1989 novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro, focuses on the stories of a group of British servants and political intrigue surrounding World War II.

“It’s about the servants in a mansion like Hyde Hall,” Everitt said. “So the relationship was extremely tight, and we had 20 servants living here at one time, and we had servants that lived on local farms.”

Other talks slated for the rest of the summer are: • Betsy Jacks, executive director emerita,

Common Council Moves to Freeze AI Data Center Development

By BRANDON RAUL RAMIREZ

SUNY Institute for

TNews

he City of Oneonta Common Council took the first steps toward pausing the development of artificial intelligence data centers on May 5, as city officials expressed concerns that such highdemand facilities could overwhelm the city’s aging infrastructure.

In a unanimous show of support during the regular biweekly Common Council meeting, councilmembers directed the city attorney to draft a formal moratorium. The proposed local law would institute a temporary freeze on the construction of any new buildings primarily used for housing computer servers, providing the city time to study the environmental and logistical impacts of the burgeoning AI industry.

“We want time to study this issue so that the city can make the best possible decision about how to move forward,” said Councilmember Scott Harrington, who presided over the meeting as acting mayor in the scheduled absence of Mayor Dan Buttermann.

The move comes as municipalities across New York—including the Town of Oneonta—grapple with the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. Oneonta city

The proposed local law would institute a temporary freeze on the construction of any new buildings primarily used for housing computer servers, providing the city time to study the environmental and logistical impacts of the burgeoning AI industry.

officials noted that while no formal applications have been filed, there has been recent interest from developers regarding the city’s rail yards.

Council Member Elayne Mosher Campoli, who led discussion on the measure, emphasized the need for a “proactive instead of reactive” approach.

“It’s something that is here at our doorstep,” Mosher Campoli said, referring to interest inquiries that have been fielded recently by the Otsego Now economic development agency. “Without any kind of local law, we could have somebody come in here…that would put us in a very tough position if it’s something that could be threatening to our current infrastructure.”

However, the proposal was not without debate. Council Member Don Mathisen raised concerns about the city’s ability to support such facilities, noting that large-scale AI data centers can require up to 100 megawatts of electricity and 5 million gallons of water per day.

Other councilmembers said residents had expressed strong opposition to the possibility of AI data centers locating to the Oneonta area. Councilmember Kaytee Lipari Shue stated that the city should take a cautious approach while studying infrastructure capacity and environmental concerns.

“We are giving ourselves time to figure out how we can position the city to handle growth of any kind,” Lipari Shue said.

At the same time, Mathisen argued, “I don’t think we should shoot ourselves in the foot by saying ‘we don’t want AI data centers’ with a moratorium.”

He cautioned that a broad moratorium might inadvertently signal that Oneonta is closed to tech-driven businesses.

“We don’t want to send a message to the AI [related] businesses that we don’t want you,” Mathisen continued. “We do want people who use AI, but we don’t want an AI data center. That’s the way I see it.”

City Attorney David Merzig clarified that the moratorium would focus on new construction and would not affect existing server infrastructure at local institutions like SUNY Oneonta or Hartwick College. He also noted that a seven-day “laying” period and a State Environmental Quality Review process are required before the council can formally adopt the law.

In other business, the council cleared the way for a major summer upgrade at Wilber Park. Members approved a $475,000.00 capital project budget for splash pad improvements, a project largely funded by a $410,000.00 donation from the Oneonta Family YMCA and the Future for Oneonta Foundation. The city will contribute $65,000.00 from its Parks and Recreation Reserve.

The council also authorized a $100,751.00 agreement with the YMCA to manage Wilber Pool operations for the 2026 season. The contract includes an innovative $5,000.00 provision for lifeguard retention bonuses, funded by a NY SWIMS grant.

Addressing past concerns about pool closures,

YMCA representatives assured the council that lifeguards are compensated during weather-related shutdowns in accordance with state labor law. They expressly stated that “we do pay the lifeguards, so it’s not like we pocket the money. We have to follow New York State law.”

“Most of the time we go to the pool, open the pool, we sit there for an hour or two to see if the weather’s going to clear. And we’re obligated to pay them at least four hours of pay anyway,” a YMCA spokesperson said. “We’re always going to show up and try to get the pool open.”

The council also signaled a renewed focus on downtown quality-of-life issues. Acting Mayor Harrington introduced a roundtable discussion on the “Good Cause Eviction Law,” referring the eviction protections matter to the Housing Committee for further study. The potential statute would require landlords to provide specific justifications—such as non-payment of rent or property damage—before declining to renew a tenant’s lease.

On the parking front, the council discussed reviving the city’s parking infrastructure task force to address the needs of downtown workers and residents. Councilmember Lipari Shue highlighted the plight of service workers who must currently move their vehicles every two hours to avoid tickets.

“If you have a table at a restaurant because you’re wait staff and you have to go move your car, the choice is deliver cold food [to customers] or move your car so you don’t get a ticket. That sucks. We would like to be accommodating of the service workers,” Lipari Shue said. “We’re trying to make it easier to live and work in downtown.”

Lipari Shue introduced the idea of a parking permit system that would exempt certain downtown business owners, employees and residents from downtown parking lot restrictions.

Councilmember Mathisen expressed concern that parking permits might actually create financial burdens for service workers and part-time employees.

The meeting concluded with the emergency authorization of up to $850,000.00 for the purchase of a used 2018 “rescue pumper” fire truck. Fire Chief Brian Knapp informed the council of a rare opportunity to purchase a never-in-service vehicle at a significant discount after two other fire districts merged and no longer needed the apparatus.

The truck, which combines the capabilities of an engine and a rescue vehicle, will replace a 25-yearold unit that has faced mounting mechanical issues. Chief Knapp noted that a similar truck ordered today would cost upwards of $1.3 million.

The Common Council is expected to revisit the AI moratorium and parking proposals at its next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19.

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.

County Takes Ownership of Huntington Farm

MIDDLEFIELD

On Tuesday, May 19, the Otsego County Board of Representatives announced the purchase of the Cooperstown Holstein property, also known as the Huntington Farm.

According to a press release, the May 18 acquisition of this prop-

erty, located on County Route 33W in the Town of Middlefield, “will initially allow for improved protection and security for multiple county departments’ equipment and will also allow for a secondary entrance into our current campus on CR 33W.”

This auxiliary entrance would prevent the isolation of the county’s Public Safety and EMS staff and equipment if there were ever a failure of the current entrance

road, officials said.

“This purchase will also allow for the potential expansion of county facilities that would benefit multiple county departments and thus the numerous clients and residents they serve,” the release reads.

Otsego County representatives said the first building to be considered for replacement could be the Emergency Services Training Center.

“This building was scheduled to be replaced

in 2020, but the COVID shutdown forced the county to cancel those plans,” officials said.

“Otsego County has been exploring options regarding the existing, nearly 50-year-old building on CR 58 since 2016.”

Officials contend that many of the current Otsego County buildings have reached their “end of useful life” and the cost of maintenance and repairs far exceeds the

Continued on page 12

Lions Honor Program Partners

The Cooperstown Lions Club presented the staff at Otsego 2000 with its prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award on Saturday, April 18 at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market.

The MJF award recognizes human service to the highest degree in communities around the world, officials said.

Since 2019, the SNAP Match program has assisted families expe-

riencing food insecurity in gaining access to the nutritious food options at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, “thus preserving the health of these local families and supporting local farmers.”

In recognition of the people who make this collaboration between the Lions and Otsego 2000 possible, the Cooperstown Lions Club presented the MJF award to Ellen Pope, executive director of

Otsego 2000, and Peg Odell, Otsego 2000 program and communications manager, for their commitment to the Otsego County community and the SNAP Match Program.

Oneonta Officials Celebrate Transit Hub Opening, Capping Years of Downtown Investment

JULIA DELPOZZO

ity officials, state leaders and residents gathered on Tuesday, April 28 to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of the Oneonta Public Transit hub, a project that city leaders say represents both a new front door to Oneonta’s downtown and the culmination of nearly a decade of urban revitalization work.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 47 Market Street, held shortly after 2 p.m. and in the middle of a four-hour community celebration, marked the official completion of Oneonta’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, a state-funded program that has transformed key parts of the city’s core.

Also known as the Market Street Transit Hub project, the OPT hub was funded in part by $3.25

million from New York State’s DRI program. It is the final of seven projects completed under the initiative, originally awarded to Oneonta in 2016 as part of the state’s first round of the Mohawk Valley Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Other DRI projects in Oneonta included the Dietz Lot mixeduse development, the Water Street boardwalk, and a series of Market Street transportation improvements designed to increase pedestrian activity and safety.

“This is really about revitalization, complete revitalization,” declared Oneonta Mayor Dan Buttermann.

The new facility serves as a multi-modal transportation center and welcome hub, housing

Oneonta Public Transit and Trailways bus services while improving connections between Market, Main and Water streets. It includes a public parking lot, pedestrian access points, and a stair and elevator tower linking the site to surrounding downtown destinations.

City officials said those features are critical to improving walkability and access across the downtown corridor—a central goal of the broader DRI strategy.

The celebration itself highlighted both the project and the community it serves. Festivities began at noon and drew a crowd of residents, college students, state officials, and local leaders. Attendees gath-

HOMETOWN Views

EDITORIAL

Are Candidate Debates Becoming a Thing of the Past?

One of our top stories this week is an article about sitting Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr., who has declined to participate in a proposed League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Areasponsored debate with challenger Mike Stalter.

We’re not going to get into the back story here. The article sums that up very well. Suffice to say that we respect all parties involved and, full disclosure, we are a co-sponsor of the LWVCA’s “An Evening with Elaine Weiss” event coming up on Thursday, May 28.

Opting out of political debates appears to be a trend, both locally and nationally, for both Republicans and Democrats.

President Donald J. Trump skipped a second debate with Kamala Harris in 2024. He also bypassed the 2023 Republican primary debates, on the grounds that they offered “little to no strategic advantage.” Trump’s refusal to debate did not, as we know, impede his run for a second term.

More recently, incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman, a member of the Los Angeles City Council—both Democrats—opted out of a televised mayoral candidate debate scheduled for May 13. Bass said a previously-scheduled trip prevented her from participating, and Raman pulled out because Bass did.

By all accounts, mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt—a registered Republican running as an independent candidate—is still willing to take the stage.

Here in Otsego County, candidates in a number of local contests have declined to debate their opponents in past races.

In her 2023 campaign for Otsego County clerk, Republican nominee Jennifer Basile chose not to debate her Democratic opponent, MacGuire Benton. Among other reasons for her refusal to debate, Basile cited concerns regarding the sponsoring organization. Despite heavy criticism, Basile was successful in her bid for the clerk position.

According to a letter to the editor written by current LWVCA Co-president Hudi Podolsky and published in the issues of October 5, 2023, “We will not be able to hold a debate for the position of Hartwick supervisor, where Robert O’Brien was unwilling to join his opponent in debate. Voters will hear from only three of the four candidates running for Hartwick Town Council, as Bryan LoRusso has refused to participate.” Both O’Brien and LoRusso were elected that year.

And in 2025, in the race for Hartwick town supervisor and Hartwick Town Council, the Hartwick United slate—Cody Moore, JoAnn Gardner and Caren Kelsey—was willing to take part in a

proposed LWVCA debate. But opponents Andrea Vazquez, Kimberly Henderson and Sarah McGuire were not. This time that choice seems not to have worked in the latter’s favor.

This all begs the question: Are candidate debates becoming a thing of the past? And, if so, why?

Some will argue that political debates have devolved into political theater. Others will disagree, contending such debates are a vital ingredient to better public policy and public leadership. But at the end of the day, both locally and nationally, a refusal to debate clearly does not necessarily weaken a candidate’s chance of being elected.

Thanks to his use of AI, Spencer Pratt has surged in popularity in his bid to be the next mayor of Los Angeles. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, by all accounts, owes much of his success to strategic utilization of social media.

So we wonder—is the move away from public debate a diversionary tactic? Is it truly due to the belief that such debates can and often do devolve into political theater? Or is this yet another example of the many ways in which the limitless use of social media and artificial intelligence is influencing our lives, and our elections, thus rendering public debate obsolete? I guess we’ll find out, come November.

FRANCIS P. SEMPA

Young Americans’ Attraction to Socialism is a Failure of Our Educational System

Recent polls indicate that younger and liberal Americans are increasingly receptive to socialism. A Cato Institute survey from last year showed that 62 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 have a favorable view of socialism, and 34 percent of that same group has a favorable view of communism. Equally troubling is the survey’s conclusion that 43 percent of all Americans polled have a favorable view of socialism. These are worrisome trends as America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, and they point inevitably to historical ignorance and a massive failure of America’s educational system. They are the results of the Left’s infiltration of American institutions since the late 1960s.

In 1964, the great political philosopher James Burnham in his book “Suicide of the West” called liberalism “the ideology of Western suicide.” Burnham did not blame liberalism for the West’s decline (he blamed the “decay of religion…and excess of material luxury…and getting tired and worn out, as all things temporal do”), instead he showed how liberalism and liberal ideas motivate, justify, and reconcile the West to its fate.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

“The influence of liberalism on public opinion and governmental policy,” he explained, “has become—by obscuring realities, corrupting will and confounding action—a major obstacle to… arresting, and reversing, the decline.” Liberalism, Burnham wrote, is unequipped to defend Western civilization because those on the ideological Left no longer believe in the superiority of Western civilization.

Burnham’s analysis was written in 1964— before the Far Left in this country infiltrated and took control of important institutions, such as the media, elementary schools, universities and colleges, school boards, publishing houses, and professional schools and associations. As the late David Horowitz often remarked, the radicals who took over the streets and often promoted violent revolution in the 1960s became the university professors, elementary school educators, television news anchors, school board members, book publishers, law school professors, editors, columnists, and overall opinion leaders. Sometimes they became political leaders—Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and many in Congress emerged from the Far Left of the ideological spectrum (some in the

“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.

60s, some later) to attain positions of power and influence. President Obama, you may recall, got his start in Chicago politics at the behest of former radical Weather Underground member Bill Ayers, and after being elected president he pledged to “fundamentally transform” America. When you control education, you shape the future. Those 62 percent of young Americans who have a favorable view of socialism, and the 34 percent who have a favorable view of communism most likely were never taught about socialism’s record in power. When Lenin seized power in Russia in the fall of 1917, he declared: “We shall now proceed to construct the socialist order.” Lenin’s socialist order included a secret police, slave labor camps, state control of the economy, the rise to power of a political nomenklatura who enjoyed power and privileges denied to ordinary citizens. Lenin’s successor, Josef Stalin, perfected the socialist order that ruled Russia and the Soviet Empire until 1991. Today, China’s Communist leader Xi Jinping has done Stalin one better, establishing what Stein Ringen describes as “The Perfect Dictatorship.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR … IN THEIR OPINION

Kudos to Utter for Great Newsletter

Have to give a shout-out to Jenna Utter for her role as the editor for “Village Voices.”

that I was active in was for Barry Goldwater in 1964. I was an usher at the state convention. When Congressman Ron Paul ran for president, I backed him.

Continued on page 10

Massie is the most conservative member of Congress and that the Epstein files should be published without the use of Sharpies.

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

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

a publication of Iron String Press, Inc.

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Staff Writer: Eric Santomauro-Stenzel Office Manager: Larissa Ryan

Sales Consultant: Randy Christian Intern: Arya Patel

Columnists and Contributing Writers Bill Bellen, Terry Berkson, Monica Calzolari, Rachel Frick Cardelle, Richard deRosa, Caspar Ewig, Maria Griswold, Chris Kjolhede, Larry Malone, Cassandra Miller, Wriley Nelson, Tom Shelby, Gayane Torosyan, Teresa Winchester, Jamie Zvirzdin

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Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326

Telephone: 607-547-6103. Fax: 607-547-6080. Email: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

This is one detailed publication that you just don’t see anymore in cities across the U.S. Visit Cooperstown six times a year and it’s nice to be informed along with “The Freeman’s Journal.”

Great job!

Tom Dahulick Omaha, NE

Charlie Had the Right Idea

The first political campaign

Although I had never heard of Charlie Kirk before he was assassinated, he said some things that Barry, Ron and I would have approved of: the U.S. has no business starting wars on behalf of Israeli politicians, and that a real Republican is a libertarian conservative, not an Epstein Bro.

Before Charlie got killed, he made it clear that America First meant staying out of foreign wars, that Thomas

Now that Charlie is dead, the organization he founded, Turning Point, has turned on Massie, covered for the Epstein Class, and promoted the Hormuz Horror Show. Everything that Barry and Ron and Charlie wouldn’t have wanted.

I can’t vote in Kentucky, but if I could, I’d vote early and often for Massie.

Chip Northrup Cooperstown

HAWTHORN HILL jOuRNAL RICHARD DEROSA

On Hope and the ‘Perennial Mind’

Icannot be sure of how others find reason for hope these days. I am on the lookout each and every day. Emily Dickinson wrote, “Hope is the thing with feathers/That perches in the soul/ And sings the tune without words,/And never stops at all.” I have been trying much more of late to listen to my soul and, while it is not in my nature to despair, listening to my soul’s songs of hope

has been tough. I need to believe that the often faint tunes I hear send this message: Hold on old boy, things will get better. I look for omens everywhere, within and without. Several mornings ago, while on my morning perusal about the place, I chanced on seeing a tree swallow slip out of the nest box on the far side of the upper hill. Talk about

HeiTz/SHARoN STUART

135 YEARS AGO

What mothers are made for—A home is what a woman makes it. A daughter is, in nine cases out of every ten, the reflection of her mother. The training of the girl of fifteen is shown in the woman of fifty. A son, by contact with the rougher world, sometimes outlives his early home influences—a daughter rarely does. She may take a misstep. Indiscretion may be to her a necessary teacher; but her early training will manifest itself sooner or later. A mother’s word, a domestic proverb, told at eventide by the quiet fireside, has been recalled by many a woman years after it was uttered. “I thank God that my mother told me what other women have been taught by the world,” said a gentlewoman to me. This, my friend, is the tribute which your daughter and mine should be able to pay to our memories long after we are gone.

May 1891

110 YEARS AGO

The Divine Law of Healing—There was a good attendance Friday evening at the Woman’s Club Rooms, where an address was given by Bliss Knapp, C.S.B., a member of the Board of Lectureship of the Christian Science mother church in Boston. Mr. Knapp is a very able speaker, and his talk on “The Divine Law of Healing,” had the close attention of all present. The speaker, whose talk was of an hour’s duration, was introduced by T.W. Stevens, who since the early days of the Christian Science church in Oneonta has been one of its leading members. “Moses,” the speaker said, “was the first man to know God well enough to know that he could heal sickness and sin.”

May 1916

50

YEARS AGO

David Frick, 21, a SUCO student was treated at Fox Hospital early Monday morning after he sustained minor head injuries as Oneonta police officers were arresting him. Police said he was making obscene gestures and yelling obscenities to “pigs” while standing at the corner of Chestnut and Main. When police tried to apprehend Frick, he became more abusive and refused to cooperate with officers. Frick sustained a bump on the head while they assisted him into the patrol car. He was charged with harassment. Frick appeared in City Court before City Judge Frank Getman who instructed Frick to “get a lawyer” before entering a plea. Frick was released on $50 bail.

May 1976

30 YEARS AGO

Activities at Neahwa Park should be part of the solution to Oneonta’s drug problems according to Michael C. Lawson, 18, a junior at Oneonta high school. “There ain’t much activity in Oneonta to do to keep the teenagers out of trouble,” Lawson said. “Mostly, it’s the park and that’s where most of the drugs are—in the park. Lawson said the pickup basketball games and other informal Neahwa gatherings are ripe for drug dealers. The three-sport athlete at the high school says there ought to be more organized leagues and other social activities for the city’s youth. Lawson made his comments Sunday at a “Martin Luther King Forum” sponsored by the local chapter of the NAACP. Another teenager, 17-year-old Steven A. Melendez, said the drug problems will be resolved through actions, not words.

20 YEARS AGO

May 1996

May 2006

Solution: “Flights of Fancy” (May 14)

Bach Meets Bengal in Cooperstown, NY

Cooperstown was treated to a rare concert on March 21 at Christ Church in Cooperstown. World-renowned sitarist Arjun Verma and tablist Naren Budhakar were soloists with the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra in another of the orchestra’s exceedingly inventive style of programming. “Bach in Bengal” was a unique, across-the-centuries collaboration between two masters of the East and West and was the inspiration for the project.

Ali Akbar Khan, often referred to as the “J.S. Bach of the East,” created his own take on the traditional bourrée by Bach and added stylish variations in the profoundly majestic style of North Indian classical music. The two genres fit together very well, resulting in a charming blend.

Next came variations on the Indian classical raga, which allowed Messrs. Verma and Budhakar to shine. Both were easily enjoying sharing the jewels of their cultural heritage in a manner that was fresh, modern and relevant. Following intermission, Arjun Verma’s “Indian Baroque Suite” concluded this fascinating concert. Variations on a Monteverdi ritornello (from his own opera, “Orfeo”) and a classical

By MERL REAGLE

raga were very engaging. What came as the third movement was most fascinating of all.

A “Lute Concerto” by Johann Fasch, in which Mr. Verma’s sitar weaved amongst the baroque lines adding touches of Indian ornamentation in addition to the playing of traditional phrases. Fascinating, and captivating, to say the least.

The soloists were accompanied by the Fenimore Chamber Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Maciej Żółtowski. Not only is Maestro Żółtowsk a great orchestra “builder,” but he shaped his orchestra into a finely tuned partner for these complex, integrated works. It seems difficult to believe that many conductors would like to, or even could, offer such sensitive accompaniments and engage in such a highly creative manner in building bridges between diverse cultures. The

Continued on page 10

Trait Names… How did you get this way?

ACROSS

1 Hill-climbing gear?

4 Log of chocolate

7 Eurasian area of conifer forests

12 Word in L.A.’s police slogan

19 Busy, like a gumshoe 21 Wiser, perhaps 22 Christmas chanteuse 23 Tells

24 Film director’s ancestor?

26 Actor’s ancestor? 28 Pews

29 Old music note, or a drink backwards 30 Marianne and Michael 31 Absorbed look 34 Rummage-sale condition 35 Rose beetle 37 Actor Novello 39 Worry beads? 41 Kids’ soccer assn.

45 “___ is my witness” 47 Rustic rearers

50 Rossellini’s Open ___

51 Author’s ancestor?

55 Wednesday smudge 56 Novelist’s ancestor? 57 A lot of lot 58 Deliberating group 60 “Alas!” 61 Fatso star

63 Third place

“Joe Hill” singer 65 Arctic grass

66 Early potato chip marketer

NEWS BRIEFS

Streeks Honored with Planting

COOPERSTOWN—On the afternoon of Friday, May 1, the Village of Cooperstown held its Arbor Day Celebration with a dedication ceremony in memory of Ron and Susie Streek, with several family members in attendance. Village officials planted a gingko biloba tree in front of the Main Street B&B, the Streeks’ former residence.

Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh read the annual Arbor Day Proclamation and provided remarks on Ron and Susie’s involvement in local organizations and village government. Ron served for more than a decade on the village’s Water and Sewer Board and its Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as several years on the Planning Board. The Streeks were active in both the Rotary Club and Lions Club, with Susie being recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Attendees included members of the Otsego Lake Sailing Club, where the Streeks not only were competitive sailors but also chaired numerous committees and were always willing to assist members.

Following the brief ceremony, attendees were welcomed to a reception at Mohican Flowers hosted by Carol and Bill Waller, longtime friends of the Streeks.

The Village of Cooperstown has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for nearly 50 years. To earn the Tree City status, the village upholds four standards including having a dedicated Tree Committee, establishing a tree ordinance, spending at least $2.00 per capita on trees, and participating in an Arbor Day Celebration.

HAB Tracking Now Underway

COOPERSTOWN—Otsego County Conservation Association seeks community volunteers for its new shoreline harmful algal bloom tracking program on Otsego and Canadarago lakes. Volunteer monitors will adopt and carefully observe sections of the shoreline, playing a critical new role in tracking blooms. Read the full story at allotsego.com/occalaunches-shoreline-hab-monitoring-program/.

Springbrook Set To Expand

CORTLAND—Regan Development Corporation was awarded $9.3 million in funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal to support the development of Cortlandville Commons, a 68-unit affordable and supportive housing development in Cortlandville. Springbrook, one of New York’s leading service providers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, partnered with Regan to include 11 supportive housing units specifically designed for people with disabilities and to serve as housing support provider for the residents. The project will be partly funded with Integrated Supportive Housing assistance from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. For more information, visit springbrookconnections.org.

AG James To Speak Locally

COOPERSTOWN—New York State Attorney General Letitia James will hold a campaign event in Cooperstown from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. The address will be provided upon RSVP. Tickets are available at the $250.00, $500.00, $1,000.00 and $2,500.00 levels, with some $100.00 young professional slots available. Visit secure.actblue.com/donate/tish053026 or contact Anthony@CulverPlace.com for more information or to sign up.

Cobleskill Hospital Lauded

COBLESKILL—Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cobleskill Regional Hospital was named one of the top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association for the second time in the past three years. CAHs are designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to provide essential services in remote areas. NRHA evaluates facilities on their inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and finance. Cobleskill Regional Hospital was the only honoree in New York this year.

Capstone Exhibit On Display

ONEONTA—The SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery’s final exhibition of the academic year, “The Capstone: 2026,” is on display in the Martin-Mullen Gallery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to noon on June 7 and by appointment through June 5. The annual exhibit showcases work by upper-level art students, including local students Hayley Baker of Bainbridge, Hannah Hasselbarth of Sidney, Amy Kosina of Oneonta, Lexi Rockefeller of Bloomville and Camilla Tabor of Cooperstown.

SNHU

President List Named

MANCHESTER, NH—Southern New Hampshire University announced its spring 2026 President’s List, honoring full-time students who maintained a grade point average of at least 3.70. Among the honorees were Jillian Niklas of Cherry Valley, Margo MacKenzie of Edmeston, Danielle Ragozzine of Maryland, Kellie McCloskey and Jennifer Hubbard of Oneonta, Sarah Doyle of Richfield Springs, Jordan Phelps of Richmondville, and Jeanmichael LeTennier of Unadilla.

Ayers Heads to Tennis Finals

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown tennis defeat-ed Holland Patent 4-1 in a Center State Conference road match on Friday, May 15. Henry Ayers (pictured above), Alfred Hom and Hayden Spencer won the singles flights. The first doubles team of Bianca Adam and Micah Raffo fell 106, but second doubles’ Rigzin Gazan and Deanna Wolfe won 10-4. Ayers advanced to the finals of the Section III Class D singles tournament with a 6-0, 6-4 semifinal victory over teammate Hom at SUNY Cortland on Monday, May 18. In doubles play, Gazan and Emmett Ayers and Adam and Raffo fell to opponents from Sauquoit Valley and Lafayette, respectively. Henry Ayers will face Manlius-Pebble Hill’s top-seeded Savir Gambhir, who has beaten him twice this season, in the finals at Hamilton College after press time on Wednesday, May 20. He and Hom will also play in the State Qualifier at Hamilton College on Monday, May 25.

Russell Sage Honors Emily Zeh

TROY—Russell Sage celebrated outstanding student achievements at its Undergraduate Honors Convocation on April 29. Among the honorees was Emily Zeh of Oneonta, who received the Outstanding Student in Physical Education Award.

Clean Sweep Seeks Volunteers

HARTWICK—The 2026 Hartwick Clean Sweep seeks volunteers to help load, unload, pack, sort and move refuse during the community cleanup day on Saturday, May 30. Volunteers should wear appropriate protective clothing, footwear, sunwear and gloves. Contact Martha Clarvoe at (607) 293-6654 with availability and contact information to sign up.

Fiddler’s

Frolic Event Returns

MILFORD—The Annual Fiddler’s Frolic will return to the Greater Milford Historical Association at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Musicians of all genres are invited to perform together. It will be held in the historic Sayre House Museum, 81 North Main Street, and will feature a 50/50 raffle and refreshments donated by Council Rock Brewery. All proceeds will support the restoration of the Sayre House’s historic cedar shake roof. For more information, text Association board President Marvin Zachow at (607) 431-9663.

Music Fest Begins in July

COOPERSTOWN—The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival will return for its 28th season with a lineup of six concerts in July and August. WindSync will perform its acclaimed wind quintet artistry at Fenimore Farm on Wednesday, July 15. The KASA Quartet from the Caroga Arts Ensemble will join famed saxophonist Eddie Barbash at Fenimore Farm on Tuesday, July 21. The Sebastians will chart a musical journey across the Alps at Christ Episcopal Church on Wednesday, July 29. The festival returns to Fenimore Farm for the final three shows of the season: The Westerlies on Tuesday, August 4; Michael Clevinger and Flamekeeper on Wednesday, August 12; and the Ying Quartet with Linda Chesis on flute on Monday, August 17. All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at cooperstownmusicfest.org.

Art Garage Exhibit Opens Fri.

COOPERSTOWN—The Art Garage’s first exhibition of the season will open with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 22. “Obsessed (Artists)” features multimedia, drawings, carved wooden bowls, and other work by local artists David Wilson, Lavern Kelley, Nancy Callahan, and Todd Bachman and will be open through July 4. The gallery, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and daily by appointment. Contact (315) 941-9607 or leartgarage@gmail.com for more information.

NBHoF Hosting Symposium

COOPERSTOWN—The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will hold its 37th Symposium on Baseball and American Culture on May 27-29. Co-sponsored by SUNY Oneonta, the symposium will feature presentations of more than 60 academic

papers on a wide range of related topics. It will begin with an address by Larry Lucchino Keynote Speaker Melissa Ludtke at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. A full schedule is available at baseballhall. org/symposium.

CCS Team Wins Envirothon

LAURENS—The 2026 Leatherstocking Envirothon, an outdoor scholastic competition testing students’ knowledge of natural resource topics, was held at Gilbert Lake State Park on Tuesday, April 28. Cooperstown Central School’s Team B won first place and will proceed to the next round; Cooperstown Team A and Worcester Central School finished second and third.

Ring Raffle To Support SQSPCA

COOPERSTOWN—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced that it will hold a fundraising raffle of a custom ring donated by Cooperstown’s J. Gorman Jewelry. The Equestrian Cameo Cocktail Ring is a navy blue agate cameo, hand-carved with a horse in white relief, set in a 24-karat gold bezel and surrounded by blue sapphires and natural diamonds. It retails for $2,990.00. Raffle tickets are $10.00 each or six for $50.00 and are available at the SQSPCA or J. Gorman Jewelry. The drawing will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.

Church Welcomes New Rector

ONEONTA—The Saint James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street in Oneonta, announced that Father Ivan Ruiz-Swartz will begin as the new rector on Monday, June 1. Father Ivan holds a degree in Anglican studies from the University of the South and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Departing interim Priest in Charge Father Paul Hamilton will offer a departing Eucharist at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, followed by a reception of appreciation for his two years of service from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

NY Gas Price Climb Slowing

UTICA—The average price of gas in New York State rose two cents to $4.60 per gallon over the week ending Monday, May 18, AAA Northeast announced. Domestic inventories fell by 4.1 million barrels over the week, marking the 13th straight week of decline and about five percent lower than the five-year average. Demand fell slightly from the previous week but remains relatively strong for this time of year. Exports reached a 10-week high and have averaged about 10 percent higher than the comparable figures from last year for the past month as U.S. production is diverted to nations more directly impacted by the American/Israeli war on Iran. Crude oil prices ticked up over the weekend as hope for a resolution to the crisis faded. New York’s gasoline price is 49 cents higher than last month and $1.34 higher than this week last year. To view the full report, visit gasprices.aaa.com.

Fox Earns Top Safety Grade

ONEONTA—Bassett Healthcare Network’s A.O. Fox Hospital earned a prestigious “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog that assesses medical facilities on errors, accidents, injuries and infections. For more information, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

Hawkeye Struggles Continue

COOPERSTOWN—Cooperstown baseball defeated Little Falls 9-4 in a non-division away game on Friday, May 15. Braden Rawitch earned the win, striking out three batters and allowing five hits and three runs over five innings. On offense, he went two-for-two with three walks, an RBI and a run. Joey Paterno struck out two and allowed two hits, two walks and a run in two innings of relief. Elijah McCaffrey had a two-RBI double, Brenin Dempsey scored three runs and Ty Burkhart scored twice.

The Hawkeyes fell 5-1 to West Canada Valley in a Division II game on Saturday, May 16. Paterno was stuck with the loss, striking out four batters but giving up four runs, seven hits and two hit batters. He hit a single and scored Cooperstown’s lone run of the night on a wild throw. The Hawkeyes celebrated Paterno, Dempsey, Wyatt Butts, Xavier Clement, Jonathan Torres and Anders Green in observance of Senior Night.

Cooperstown beat Mount Markham 7-3 in the resumption of a rain-postponed non-division game on Monday, May 18. Rawitch went three-for-three with three runs. McCaffrey earned the win on the mound with nine strikeouts, two hits and five walks in seven innings. The Hawkeyes rose to 9-3 for the season and 5-2 in their division. They will visit Herkimer for a non-division game after press time on Wednesday, May 20.

Cooperstown softball fell 8-2 to FrankfortSchuyler on Thursday, May 14. Lanie Nelen went two-for-three. Carlotta Falso took the loss with 11 strikeouts, six hits and five walks.

The Hawkeyes dropped a non-division game to Little Falls 12-6 on Friday, May 15. Falso was stuck with another loss after striking out three and giving up seven hits and three walks in seven innings.

Continued on page 12

ered to hear remarks, enjoy live music and visit local food vendors.

Area college students were especially encouraged to join the festivities, with the first 50 students from both Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta awarded a $5.00 token for food.

Entertainment included a performance by indie rock band Planeview, which is made up of SUNY Oneonta students Ryan Bean, Brendan Weatherup, Riley Smith and Sean McLane. Food trucks, including Ty’s Taco-ria, were also on site for the grand opening festivities.

Mayor Buttermann opened the ceremony, emphasizing Oneonta’s growth and future potential as a regional hub.

“Oneonta is the hub in Central New York and will continue to be the place to live, to do business, and to be entertained. This is the City of the Hills, a place for everyone,” Buttermann said, adding, “and we are thankful that our state and our [Otsego] county partners see that too and will continue to help us build and grow Oneonta to be the place and home for even more people.”

Buttermann then introduced New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley, who underscored the collaborative nature of the DRI and its communitydriven planning process.

Mosley explained that the transformation was shaped by local input and long-term vision, crediting residents and the planning committee for identifying community needs.

“We are really excited for what’s taking place down here because we are not only transforming lives, we’re transforming a region,” Mosely

said.

“This project really is the epitome of what we can do when New Yorkers come together,” Mosely added.

State officials echoed those remarks, noting that the DRI is designed to boost economic development through targeted public investment in infrastructure, housing and small businesses.

Governor Kathy Hochul, in a press release issued the same day, called the completion of Oneonta’s DRI “a major milestone” and highlighted the program’s statewide impact, noting that it has helped communities “reimagine their futures through strategic investments that support local businesses, strengthen infrastructure, and create new opportunities for residents.”

“Oneonta’s success is a

powerful example of what can be achieved through strong local vision and state partnership,” Hochul said in the statement.

The Market Street project illustrates those goals in action, according to City of Oneonta officials. In addition to replacing a deteriorating parking garage, the new transit hub improves mobility and encourages economic activity by linking key downtown assets, including Muller Plaza, the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, and nearby retail corridors.

Janet Ho, assistant commissioner of finance and integrated modal services for the New York State Department of Transportation, also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the DOT’s involvement.

“The State Department of

Transportation is so proud to be part of bringing this whole vision to life for your community,” Ho said.

Ho pointed to other regional transportation improvements, including the Lettis Highway roundabout, as part of broader efforts to modernize the city’s infrastructure and improve traffic flow.

Empire State Development Regional Director Allison Madmoune followed, offering a personal anecdote to illustrate the city’s growing appeal.

She told a story about a colleague who recently chose Oneonta for a weekend getaway. She asked him, “Why Oneonta?” to which he replied, “Why not Oneonta?” describing his positive experience exploring the city.

Madmoune said, “I feel like that quick story is the quintes-

sential example of a DRI in action. Because of the DRI’s projects. Because of the accessibility projects of Main Street, Water Street, Muller Plaza. He was able to come here for a weekend getaway. And now people are living here, working here, playing here, and visiting right here in Oneonta.”

She added, “This is just the beginning for Oneonta.”

The hub has been operational since December, yet officials said the April event provided an opportunity to formally recognize its completion and its role within the broader DRI framework.

That framework includes multiple interconnected projects designed to strengthen downtown as a center of commerce, culture and community life. Among them are the Downtown Improvement Fund, which city officials say has provided more than $2 million in grants to local businesses and property owners, as well as streetscape upgrades, pedestrian pathways, and public space enhancements.

Together, those projects reflect a broader strategy to expand downtown activity, encourage tourism and support long-term economic growth.

With the ribbon officially cut by Buttermann, attendees lingered at the site, socializing and celebrating what many described as a landmark achievement for the city.

For local officials and residents alike, the new transit hub is more than a transportation facility—it is a visible symbol of Oneonta’s investment in its future.

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.

Linda McCartney Retrospective Opens May 23 at Fenimore Art Museum

COOPERSTOWN

Summer at Fenimore Art Museum features a major exhibition beginning May 23. “The Linda McCartney Retrospective: From the Light” (May 23–September 7) offers a compelling look at the life and work of the celebrated photographer. Linda McCartney (1941–1998) was an exceptional photographer, known for her portraits of musicians such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin and The Beatles. Her story is close to a fairy tale, one of professional and personal accomplishments and loving dedication. Linda used photography to share her enthusiasm for the people and passions that formed and

informed her life story.

Linda, born Linda Louise Eastman in Scarsdale, New York, briefly took night classes in photography while studying art history at the University of Arizona. She preferred to trust her natural instinct rather than rely on formal photography training. She was an avid animal and nature lover, often photographing the landscapes and creatures around her. Linda started her career as a receptionist and editorial assistant for “Town & Country” magazine, eventually running her own photoshoots with music groups, including the Rolling Stones. Her photos of Mick Jagger on the Hudson launched her career as a professional photographer. Later, in 1968, her

photo of Eric Clapton used as the cover of Rolling Stone magazine made her the first female photographer to have a photo on the cover of the magazine. Alongside photography, music goes hand-in-hand with Linda’s work and her life. Linda met Paul in 1967 at the Bag O’Nails Club and then again four days later at the launch of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. They married in 1969 after a two-year courtship.

Paul and Linda’s relationship is a story of love, shared passions and commitment to family life. They spent nearly every night of their relationship together and bonded deeply over their appreciation of nature, and a shared commitment to their family life. Many of the

photos in the exhibit are photos of Paul and their children taken by Linda at various stages of their lives and in the many places they traveled to. Some of the photos in the show are by Paul, a photographer in his own right, with him and Linda sometimes swapping the camera back and forth.

In 1995, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. The last months of her life were spent surrounded by her family before passing away in 1998 at the age of 56 at the family ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Paul encouraged fans to donate to breast cancer research charities that did not support animal testing.

For more information on this and other exhibits, visit fenimoreartmuseum.org.

per player

18 holes of golf, cart, all beverages & picnic dinner cooperstownrotaryfoundation@gmail.com 607547 5646

To benefit: Cooperstown Rotary Foundation

Beware the Gift of Bishop’s Weed, aka Goutweed

Gardeners everywhere love to give starts from their garden to friends and relatives. It’s a great way to thin your flowerbeds and to populate new beds. But beware! Some of those “gifts” may come with a rider. They may include a Trojan horse, of sorts.

Bishop’s weed ( Aegopodium podagraria ) is a designated invasive species in some areas and is noted as a “weed of concern” or “aggressive” in other areas. For our area of Upstate New York, we would call this “invasive.” Do NOT be fooled into thinking that it is a useful ground cover. It can spread by its seeds or more likely via underground runners called rhizomes. It has three leaves which can be found as an all green or a variegated, white-edged variety. The latter is sometimes commonly called “snow-on-themountain.” Bishop’s weed has a complex flower that is white and looks very much like Queen Anne’s lace.

The United States Forest Service reports that Bishop’s weed was introduced to North America from Europe and Asia in the 1800s. It was soon noted to be invasive in Rhode Island, where it quickly spread and smothered other plants. It has been deemed “unstoppable” by some gardeners. Nevertheless, it continues to be sold by some nurseries. (I would not buy it; besides, I have plenty of my own!)

Bishop’s weed (also known as goutweed) has been recommended as an herbal treatment for asthma, chest pain, kidney stones and psoriasis. This may be the reason it was transported to North

America. The data on this use is very limited. And reviewers rate its effectiveness with one star out of

a possible five stars.

Eradicating this scourge is nearly as difficult as getting rid of Japanese knotweed or purple loosestrife (see previous columns).

One method, where the infestation may be limited, is to dig up your prized perennials and remove all soil and plant matter other than that you want saved. This can be particularly difficult with clumps of iris tubers or peony roots. Sift the soil in your flowerbed. Once all plant matter is gone from this section of your garden, you may return your favorite plants. This might best be done in the fall.

Another recommended method, where the infestation is thick, is to remove all flowers (and weeds) and cover the area with black plastic for a year or two. (This is similar to suggested knotweed eradication). Key to any method is complete removal of all Bishop’s weed roots or rhizomes; any and all removal is essential to this step.

So why not accept gifts of perennials from friends? There may be a lurking rhizome or a few seeds mixed in with that clump of garden phlox or bearded iris. Start by asking whether the giver has any Bishop’s weed in their garden. If they do, beware. You can limit your risk by removing all soil and all unattached plant matter before planting these gifts in your flower bed. Don’t take the risk of just putting those peony or daylilies starts in your garden. You might live to regret it.

Chris Kjolhede, MD, MPH, is an emeritus pediatrician at Bassett Healthcare Network.

Registration Now Underway for Lyn Edinger Memorial Tourney

COOPERSTOWN

Prizes valued at more than $1,000.00 are being offered at this year’s Lyn Edinger Memorial Golf Tournament, scheduled for Sunday, June 7 at the Meadow Links Golf Course.

The tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation, a charitable, tax deductible organization, officials said in a press release on Monday, May 18. Funds from the tournament support

community programs including the Friends of the Village Library, Bassett Healthcare Network’s SchoolBased Health Services, and scholarships including the Michael Mayne Scholarship at ONC BOCES and the Catherine Davis Black Scholarship at Cooperstown Central School.

Tee time is 1 p.m., with teams competing in a captain and crew format on the 18-hole course located at 476 County Highway 27, Richfield Springs.

The entry fee of $60.00 per person includes cart and greens fees plus food and beverages at the Picnic at the Pavilion, which will include an auction and awards ceremony following play.

Cash and gift certificate prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places as well as for “Closest to the Pin” and the Putting Contest. A special $500.00 “Hole in One” prize has been provided by Price Chopper.

According to the press release, individuals and businesses are welcome to

sponsor a hole on the course for $100.00 or make a donation to the auction. Hole sponsors will have their name featured on the hole of their choice and will be recognized, along with auction donors, at the awards ceremony and in tournament advertising. For more information on the Cooperstown Rotary Foundation or to sign up for the golf tournament, contact Gary Kuch at (607) 547 5646 or cooperstownrotaryfoundation@ gmail.com.

When was the last time you watched a Congressional hearing? Visit https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/chrg for an eye-opening experience.

Patricia Crowley Donnelly

1939-2026

TAMPA, FL—Patricia Crowley Donnelly, of Cooperstown, New York and Dunedin, Florida, died on April 28, 2026 in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by her loving husband, Paul, and their four children. She was 87. Pat was born on February 24, 1939 in Malone, New York to C. William and Harriet Jones Crowley. She grew up on West Main Street in Milford, New York, where she helped her parents with their business, the Crowley Corner Store. She graduated from Oneonta High School and earned degrees from the University of Rochester and Cardinal Stritch University.

OBITUARIES

A dedicated registered nurse, she worked in psychiatry, childbirth education, rehabilitation and hospice. She devoted her professional life to caring for others and was a strong advocate for compassionate elder care, believing that care should extend beyond medicine to dignity, purpose, and connection. The pinnacle of her nearly 20-year career as administrator of the Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home was introducing the Eden Alternative philosophy, which focused on creating a vibrant and meaningful community that positively impacted the daily life for residents, families, and staff.

She approached both her work and personal life with energy, empathy and an adventurous

spirit. An avid outdoorswoman, she found joy in motion and in the natural world—bicycling, skiing, hiking, camping, swimming, and paddling with friends and family. From her deck overlooking Lake Otsego, she enjoyed sipping coffee, while watching wildlife and the changing seasons.

A spirited traveler, she loved the Adirondacks, the White Mountains, Hilton Head Island, and the Gulf Coast of Florida, and visited more than 25 national parks. Her journeys abroad carried her to cities around the world—exploring museums and historic sites, savoring local food, and always in search of the best cup of decaf coffee—in places such as Amsterdam, Budapest, Cologne,

Dublin, Edinburgh, Havana, London, Paris, Quebec City, Rome, Tijuana, and Vienna. She treasured time spent with her children and, especially, her grandchildren, sharing her love of learning, dance, travel, and watching soccer. Family vacations—at the beach, in the mountains, or in a bustling city—were among her greatest joys.

Throughout her battle with cancer, she remained engaged and outwardlooking, continuing to read, learn, and connect with those around her.

She was an inspiration to those who knew her and recently earned certification to teach Shake Your Soul, a mindful and soulful movement practice.

A supportive and loving wife, mother, and

grandmother, she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Paul; her children, Erin (Randy) Cowles, Kara (Mike) Rutledge, Patrick Donnelly, and Megan (Martin) Donnelly-Heg; and her grandchildren, Jeremey (Melissa), Elijah, Hattie, Milo, Coralee, and Holly; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Kim (Rene) Chazottes, and her brother, Bill Crowley.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat Donnelly’s name to Otsego 2000 or the MDS Foundation are welcome.

In place of a formal celebration of life at this time, the family invites those who knew her to honor Pat in their own way—by spending time in nature—walking, swimming, paddling, or biking, and holding her in their thoughts. They also encourage reaching out to friends or colleagues to reconnect and share memories. Such quiet acts of reflection and connection would be a fitting tribute. A celebration of life may be scheduled at a later date. Condolences, memories, and remembrance videos and photos may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com.

Tick Season Arrives; Health Officials Urge Vigilance Outdoors

By HANNA TADESSE

SUNY Institute for Local News

COUNTY

OTSEGO

With warmer weather settling into the region, local health officials are warning residents that tick season is already underway—and simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of illness.

According to a recent press release from the New York State Department of Health, the state has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease per year over the last three years. Nearly 19,000 cases were reported in New York State in 2024 alone.

The Otsego County Health Department, along with researchers at Bassett Healthcare Network’s New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, report a continued increase in tick-borne diseases locally, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

“We’ve seen a rise in Lyme disease,” said Amanda Roome, a research scientist at NYCAMH, which is a program of Bassett that focuses on agricultural and rural health.

“We’ve [also] seen a pretty big increase in anaplasmosis cases,” Roome said, referring to another tick-borne illness that causes fever and fatigue. If left untreated, anaplasmosis may result in respiratory failure, bleeding problems, organ failure, and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials say this upward trend reflects both growing tick populations and earlier seasonal activity. According to Otsego County Health Department Public Health Educator Abigail Mosenthin, ticks can become active as early as March, particularly in damp spring conditions. In Otsego County, activity typically peaks in May and again in early October.

Mosenthin also noted a growing concern about the presence of lone

star ticks in the region.

The lone star tick is a very aggressive tick that bites humans. The adult female is distinguished by a white dot, or “lone star,” on its back.

These ticks are associated with Alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS, a condition that can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat.

Roome said the primary vector of concern locally remains the blacklegged tick, commonly known as the deer tick.

“Our biggest enemy is the deer tick,” she explained. “They can carry the pathogens that cause Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis.”

According to the CDC, individuals with babesiosis often do not feel sick, though the infection can lead to hemolytic anemia, which can become serious for individuals who have a weakened immune system or other health

issues such as kidney or liver disease.

The state Department of Health reports that, since 2015, an average of 600 babesiosis infections and an average of 1,300 anaplasmosis infections are reported statewide each year. Ticks are also responsible for cases of more rare diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Powassan virus disease.

Deer ticks are particularly difficult to detect during their nymph stage, when they may be as small as a poppy seed. Because of their size, bites often go unnoticed until symptoms begin to appear.

Early symptoms of tick-borne diseases can resemble the flu and may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pain. Roome said Lyme disease and anaplasmosis often present similarly, making early detection challenging.

“Lyme is often called

a seasoned guard or brand new, we’d love to hear from you. This is a perfect summer job for high school and college students, as well as adults who enjoy fresh air and flexible schedules. Perks include:

• Flexible scheduling • Reimbursement for course costs after reaching a minimum number of hours • Eligibility to participate in the Village’s retirement system

Hourly rates range between $18.00-$21.50 per hour. There will also be reimbursement of certification/re-certification costs to lifeguards that work at least 220 hours during the season. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. EOE.

To apply, download an application from the Village website or stop by the Village Clerk’s Office. All lifeguards must be Red Cross certified in open water lifesaving and CPR. No experience? No problem! The Clark Sports Center is offering a certification course during spring school vacation (the week of April 6). Scholarships from the Friends of the Parks may be available to help offset course costs for those interested in working for the Village this summer. To register or learn about alternative dates, contact Matt at the Clark Sports Center at 607-547-2800.

the great imitator,” Roome said. “A lot of people put off diagnosis, so it’s important to watch for symptoms.”

Mosenthin added that residents should also watch for the characteristic “bulls-eye” rash associated with Lyme disease, although not all patients develop it.

With many residents heading outdoors for hiking, yard work and other warm weather activities, local officials and outdoor educators stress that prevention remains the most effective defense.

Mosenthin recommends wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot, tucking pants into socks or boots, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outside.

At SUNY Oneonta, Outdoor Education and Recreation Coordinator

Ryan Murphy emphasizes awareness of tick habitats.

“Ticks do not jump or fly. They wait on tall grass, brush, or other plants for a passing human or animal and then crawl or fall on from there,” Murphy said. Murphy advises avoiding tall grass and staying on marked trails whenever possible. He also encourages careful inspection of areas where

Continued on page 12

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum is currently accepting applications for:

Part-time/Seasonal, Membership & Visitor Services Associate $16.00/hr.

Working at the National Baseball Hall of Fame is a career experience unlike any other. We are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help welcome fans to the home of baseball.

This is a seasonal position running from May through August, with some potential opportunities to continue into the fall. As the face of the Museum, you will focus on providing Hall of Fame caliber customer service to visitors throughout the Museum, at the ticket booth and at the information desk.

A flexible schedule is required, including some evenings, weekends and holidays.

If interested, please visit baseballhall.org/careers to complete an application.

ical neutrality. Their organization has repeatedly aligned itself with farleft positions on issues including the Second Amendment, DEI-driven governmental policies, environmental policies, including upstate solar farms, and progressive social activism that are completely out of touch with the values of the majority of Otsego County’s residents.

“Republican candidates should not be expected to legitimize partisan political theater disguised as a neutral public forum,” Frazier said.

He cited the LWVCA’s website, which includes support for the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and details on the group’s DEI policy. Frazier pointed to one page with opinion articles in opposition to a 2020 effort to make Otsego County a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”

Frazier and Devlin also cited a messy 2018 debate for the same position as evidence that the LWVCA was not capable of hosting debates.

Devlin and opponent Bob Fernandez traded barbs about each other’s family members who also worked for the county and the audience was unruly. The League threatened to end the debate if the candidates and crowd did not behave, AllOtsego reported at the time.

In his statement last week, Frazier said that “Unfortunately, these ‘debates’ have increasingly become less about honest discussion and

more about creating hostile environments designed to generate headlines, soundbites, and political attacks against conservative candidates and Republican values,” adding that the 2018 debate “devolved into a complete lack of control resulting in an unruly crowd and the moderator quitting halfway through and turning the debate over to a member of the audience.” (AllOtsego reported at the time that a member of the audience offered to moderate, not that they actually did.)

Devlin wrote that “I am more than willing to discuss my record of helping make Otsego County one of the safest counties in New York while operating on one of the smallest budgets in the state. I am also prepared to address the misleading misinformation being peddled by my opponent.

“However, I believe that any such discussion should take place in a forum that promotes a healthy, fair, and balanced exchange of thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, as someone who has participated in League of Women Voters debates, including the infamous 2018 debate, I do not have confidence that the organization is able to provide such a setting,” Devlin wrote.

“The League’s interest in issues does not affect candidate events; the League’s role is strictly that of convener,” LWVCA Co-presidents Hudi Podolsky and Christina Bourgeois responded in a statement. “League moderators are trained to ensure that time is managed equitably and to keep the entire focus on the

dialogue between citizens and candidates.”

The two also said the League is a political organization which “has advocated for carefully researched issues” since shortly after its founding.

To host a debate, the League requires that at least two candidates agree to participate “so that it is clear to the public that the League neither supports nor opposes a particular candidate.” Candidates are given equal time for opening and closing statements, with the moderator accepting “respectfully” posed questions from the audience. “The League holds these events to ensure that citizens have an opportunity to hear directly from opposing candidates on the issues that concern the citizens.”

Podolsky and Bourgeois said the 2018 debate was an “anomaly.”

“It did not meet our usual high standards. Following that debate the League leadership concluded that there must be ongoing moderator training, which we instituted shortly thereafter. Since that debate, we have held several candidate forums. All were without incident,” the two said, pointing to recordings of some debates, most recently for Cooperstown’s school board.

Otsego County Board of Representatives Vice Chair Meg Kennedy told AllOtsego she has “always enjoyed” participating in LWVCA’s candidate forums. Kennedy, who has run on the Conservative and Republican lines, said in her experience questions from moderators have

been fair and the only “wild cards are the ones that come from the open floor.” She encouraged candidates and voters to participate.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to hear from your constituents, and their questions reflect their values and what they’re looking for,” Kennedy said.

The LWVCA said they contacted Devlin and Stalter during the ballot certification process by the Otsego County Board of Elections. The League offered multiple potential dates for a debate to be held at the Otsego County Courthouse in Cooperstown.

Stalter told AllOtsego he was “flattered” to be invited for the debate, and disappointed it will not be occurring.

“I think [Devlin] has a difficulty with what it is that we’re bringing to the table and the issues that we’re having with his administration,” Stalter said. “I don’t even know what his platform is.”

Stalter said he is running for “a better working environment for our employees,” to end the practice of boarding out much of the county’s incarcerated populations to other jails, and not to build a new county jail estimated at $100 million, as Devlin has long advocated.

According to Frazier in his statement to AllOtsego, “Sheriff Rich Devlin has a proven record of protecting public safety, supporting law enforcement, defending constitutional rights, and standing up for the taxpayers of Otsego County. His record speaks for itself and voters know exactly where he stands.”

LWVCA leaders said they have observed a trend of fewer candidates agreeing to debates. They pointed to both GOP candidates for the State Senate District 51 being vacated by Peter Oberacker, Assemblymember Chris Tague and Sullivan County Legislator Terry Bernardo, not responding to their inquiries about organizing a debate. The

League also said only one candidate for Town of Hartwick town supervisor agreed to a debate in 2025, with similar scenarios also occurring in 2023 for both that role and county clerk.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to get candidates to agree to just turn out in front of the people who they want to vote for them,” Podolsky told AllOtsego.

According to Frazier, Devlin “and all our candidates remain willing to engage directly with voters through community events, interviews, public appearances, grassroots campaigning, and moderated forums by organizations who do not demonstrate a clear ideological bias.”

They should not be forced, he said, “to participate in one-sided political spectacles masquerading as civic engagement.”

At this time, no other public forums or debates have been announced.

The LWVCA is expected to host a debate between the three Democratic primary candidates for the 102nd Assembly District on Thursday, June 4 from 7-9 p.m. at Bouck Hall Theater, 106 Suffolk Circle in Cobleskill, on the SUNY Cobleskill campus.

Socialism

Continued from page 4

In China, Mao Zedong constructed the socialist order in 1949—which still governs China today. China’s socialist order is responsible for at least 60 million Chinese deaths (and that doesn’t count the tens of millions of forced abortions carried out under the socialist order

in China). Other socialist orders sprang up in North Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Cuba, and the satellite states of Eastern Europe. The death toll for all of these socialist orders exceeds 100 million souls. Socialism’s record is not a secret. You can find out the horrid details in “The Black Book of Communism” (1999) and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation’s website at victimsofcommunism.org. Perhaps if our schools and universities introduced students to the works of Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, Whittaker Chambers, F.A. Hayek, Richard Pipes, Frank Dikotter, Robert Conquest, James Burnham and others who have told the truth about socialism in power, America’s young students would not be so enamored of socialism. In the end, socialism’s popularity is a result of the failure of America’s educational system.

Francis P. Sempa is the author of the books “Geopolitics: From the Cold War to the 21st Century” and “America’s Global Role.” He is a contributing editor to “The American Spectator” and writes a regular column for “Real Clear Defense.” The views expressed by contributors are their own and not necessarily the view of AllOtsego and its affiliates.

FCO

Continued from page 5 performance offered a genuinely revolutionary listening experience that was met with a thunderous standing ovation from a packed house. The soloists and the orchestra could no longer resist, and offered a masterpiece of an encore: a composition by Ali Akbar Khan, “Power of Joy.” It was a joyous and thrilling conclusion to a landmark afternoon of bridge-building through music.

T. Stephen Wager is a regular contributor to “The Freemans’ Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta.”

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

HARBOR PHYSICIAN SERVICES, PLLC.

Art. of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) 04/02/2026.

Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 48 Monroe Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820

Purpose: To practice the profession of medicine.

6LegalMay.28

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

TALBOT PROPERTIES LLC.

Filed with SSNY on 04/13/2026. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 2187 CNTY. HWY. 4, GILBERTSVILLE, NY 13776. Purpose: Any Lawful.

6LegalMay.28

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Hill City Hitting Center, LLC, a limited liability company (the “LLC”).

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (the “SSNY”) on 4/15/2026.

Office location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 253 Southside Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purposes: any lawful activity.

6LegalMay.28

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Grounded Minds Mental Health Counseling, PLLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on May 6, 2025. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: to prac-

tice mental health counseling and any lawful act or activity for which a professional limited liability company may be organized under the laws of New York.

6LegalMay.28

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DESIGNING OTHERWISE, LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/9/2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at 107 Haggerty Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalMay.28

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

Reborn Hope LLC

Articles of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/7/2026. 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, 140 Sanly Rd., Unadilla, NY 13849. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.4

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SUNFLOWER SLG LLC

filed with the Secretary of State on April 26, 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 P.O. Box 21, Springfield Center, NY 13468. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJun.4

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO

SUMMONS AND NOTICE

Index No.

EF2025-1093

Date Filed: 12/22/2025

Equity Prime Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff, -against-

Daryl Kiel; Deborah Allen; Any unknown heirs, devisees, distributees or successors in interest of the late Jared Kiel, if they be living or, if they be dead, their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the Plaintiff; and “JOHN DOE”, said name being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any, having or claiming an interest or lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 0 County Highway 3A, Unadilla, NY 13849

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Brian D. Burns, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Otsego County, entered April 22, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $194,250.00 and interest, recorded in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office on August 13, 2024, in Instrument Number 20243099 covering premises known as 0 County Highway 3A, Unadilla, NY 13849 a/k/a Section 323.00, Block 1, Lots 23.00 and 21.32.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described

LEGALS

above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Otsego County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME.

SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY.

SENDING A PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: December 19, 2025

V. Melanie Rajaphoumy, Esq. Associate Attorney LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (585) 247-9000 Fax: (585) 2477380 our File No. 25-100401 #102945 4LegalMay.28

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF OTSEGO

Index No.: EF2026-156

SUMMONS Original Filed with Clerk on: 2/25/2026

Plaintiff Designates Otsego County as the Place of Trial

The Basis of Venue is that the

Subject Action is Situated in Otsego County

Subject Property: 244 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820

NEWREZ LLC

D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff(s), -againstDEBRA L. CHRISTIANCE F/K/A DEBRA L. CARR AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JAMES A. CHRISTIANCE JR.; JENNIFER REGG AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JAMES A. CHRISTIANCE JR. AND JAMES A. CHRISTIANCE JR.’S UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTERST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; UNITED STATES OF AMERICAINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendant(s).

TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiffs Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 days of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, Judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO THE ABOVE

NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is

served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Brian D. Burns, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Otsego County, entered April 22, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Otsego County Clerk’s Office.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to compel a determination of claims and to foreclose the right of redemption which Defendants may claim to certain real property in connection with the foreclosure of mortgage held by Plaintiff recorded in the County of Otsego on May 5, 2008 in Instrument No. 2008-00063432 covering premises known as 244 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Dated: Uniondale, New York February 23, 2026

Respectfully submitted, PINCUS & TARAB, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, PLLC By: /s/ Linda P. Manfredl, Esq. Attorney for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556 (516) 699-8902

TO: Debra L. Christiance A/K/A Debra L. Carr as Heir 1250 Russell Drive Ocoee, FL 34761 Jennifer Regg as Ileir 2 Club Avenue Oneonta, NY 13820

United States of America-Internal Revenue Service 86 Chambers Street New York, NY 10007 #102949 4LegalMay.28

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Balanced Living Studio LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with the Department of State (SSNY) April 28, 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 145 Collins Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF MADE BY MADS LLC

Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/04/2026.

Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of any process to the LLC, 40 Main Street, PO Box 1036, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: Any lawful activity 6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF

ELECTRIC 7 TATTOO LLC.

Filed 4/13/26. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Christopher Hotchkin, 3067 Merrickville Rd., Franklin, NY 13775. Purpose: General. 6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Sacred Ojas Wellness, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 04/14/2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Sacred Ojas Wellness, LLC, P.O. Box 36, Springfield Center, NY 13468. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Artificers Almanac LLC filed articles of organization with SSNY on April 15, 2026. Office Location: Otsego County. Alison Dossick is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served and shall mail process to 21 Marion Lane, Otego, NY 13825. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Faithful Friends, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 04/23/2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 1977 New York State Highway 23, Morris, NY 13808. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 11 Sisson Hill Rd, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 05/06/2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 1 Spruce Street, Garnerville, NY 10923. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF ARC REFRIGERATION LLC A Limited Liability Company.

Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on February 22, 2026. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon hirn/ her to: The LLC, 6 Raymond Ave., # 1, Oneonta, NY 13820. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

WELCOME CABIN PROPERTIES LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 May 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 St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

Name: WELCOME CABIN RENTALS LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 May 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 St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

111 FAITH HOLDINGS LLC.

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 May 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 PO Box 1042, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.18

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A NY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name:

PLEASANT HEARTH LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 May 2026. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY has been continued

Continued from page 4

being excited! I hurried back to the house to share the news with Sandy. Why such ado about a tree swallow?

Well, it has been several years since any tree swallows have summered with us. That had not been the case for most of our previous summers up here on the hill. We could always count on at least one pair returning and usually there were two or three. When we spotted the first pair our first summer here, we named them Don and Dora. Every succeeding spring when the first pair arrived we would celebrate Don and Dora’s return. It really did not matter if they were not the original pair. We were just so happy to have them back.

There were several reasons. Their very return signified that all was well with the world, at least in the avian sector. It confirmed what writer Hal Borland described as nature’s eternal pattern. We humans rely on recurring patterns as well. And while they are here they dazzle us with their intricate aerial displays. And, from time to time, dive bomb us just to remind us that this is shared territory and getting too close to their nest is intolerable. There have been many times when they have perched atop the garden fence watching us work, as if

they were curious about what these odd looking two-legged creatures might be up to. I know from watching them from the deck that their primary interest in the garden is selecting stray wisps of hay for their nest. I rely as much as anyone else on a certain amount of predictability in my life. Just the right amount. Too little would be a bit destabilizing; too much would be stultifying. Balance and moderation are comforting, not only in the conduct of one’s daily life, but generally. Unfortunately, way too much is out of whack these days. Norms are shattered and not replaced by equally stabilizing alternate modes of being. There must be enough societal cohesion to keep things in balance. That is if, as Yeats put it in his great poem, “The Second Coming,” the center is to hold. Right now, the center is under as much pressure as it has ever been. Holding it together is each individual’s obligation to self, family, country and planet. It takes imagination to see beyond the self. Far too many unimaginative, selfish individuals now hold the center at bay. Shortly after espying the tree swallows I sat down, grabbed my copy of Thoreau’s journal and randomly picked out a few entries for early April. I do this from time to time in the early morning. He describes how Hosmer,

an acquaintance, is turning his manure pile to the sun so as to melt the ice crystals that have formed over winter. He wonders aloud what life is for, suggesting that he “…does not expect to stay here long.” Thoreau has been reading Columella, a Roman writer on farming and agriculture, who suggests that it is important to see spring as an augury of hope and that it is essential to “…be brave and hopeful with nature. Human life may be transitory and full of trouble, but the perennial mind, whose survey extends from that spring to this…is superior to change.” A lot of time had passed between one Roman’s jottings about life and a Concord farmer’s wondering about the worth of it all given the reality of one’s mortality.

It is this faith in “the perennial mind” and the enduring patterns of nature, despite a glitch here and there, that give me hope. It is hard though, especially when we live in a world embroiled in senseless wars, where far too many of us are inured to the needs and deeply human feelings of others, and where those who rule the roost are guilty of some of the most egregiously heinous and immoral behavior that we as a nation have ever experienced. The good news is that there are a lot of good, selfless, devoted, tenacious people out there fighting the good

fight. So, there is reason to hope and have faith in humanity’s ‘perennial mind.”

Dick deRosa’s Hawthorn Hill essays have appeared in “The Freeman’s Journal” since 1998. A collection, “Hawthorn Hill Journal: Selected Essays,” was published in 2012. He is a retired English teacher.

Ivory

Continued from page 1

Thomas Cole Site, on July 18

• Alexis Boylan, author of “Ellen Emmet Rand: Gender, Art, and Business,” on August 15

• Nancy Newman, professor of music, University at Albany, and author of “Songs and Sounds of the AntiRent Movement in Upstate New York,” on September 6

• Peter John Brownlee, author of “Gallery of the Louvre,” on September 19

Learn more and purchase tickets at hydehall.org.

Ticks

Continued from page 9

ticks are most likely to attach, including along the sock line, waistband, underarms, hair line and behind the ears. Prompt removal, followed by washing the affected area with soap and water, can help reduce the likelihood of disease transmission. Roome recommends carrying a tick removal

LEGALS

from pg. 11 designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 13 Spencer Meadow, Hartland, VT 05048. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.18

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY.

Name:

TAYLORTOWN EQUINE LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 May 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 1486 County Highway 26, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.18

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Notice of formatioN of a NY Limited LiabiLitY compaNY

Name: LLGG18 LLC

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 May 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 15 Hill St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJun.18

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Notice of formatioN of The Answer Consulting and Bookkeeping LLC

Art. Of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 3/4/2026. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY designated

as agent upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail a copy of process to 6 Beech Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalJun.25

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ViLLaGe of miLford Notice of coLLectioN of ViLLaGe taXeS

Please take notice that I, the undersigned Village Clerk / Tax Collector of the Village of Milford, New York, have received the tax roll and warrant for the collection of Village Taxes for the fiscal year June 1, 2026–May 31, 2027. Taxes will be collected at the Village Office, 64 South Main Street, PO Box 1, Milford, NY 13807 from June 1st through October 31st 2026. Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Take further notice that on all taxes remaining unpaid after June 30th, 5% (five percent) will be added for the first month and an

additional 1% (one percent) for each month and fraction thereafter until paid or returned to Otsego County Treasurer

Michelle Weigel Village Tax Collector PO Box 1 Milford, NY 13820 clerk@MilfordNewYork.com 1LegalMay.28

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otSeGo eXpreSS roUte 6 cHaNGe JUNe 2026

pUbLic Notice

Public notice is hereby made that the County of Otsego will now be shifting the Park & Ride stop from its location on Corporate Drive to OPT’s Transit Hub at the following address: 47 Market Street Oneonta, NY 13820

This change will be effective on Monday, June 22nd, 2026.

Passengers traveling to Otego, Wells Bridge, Unadilla, or Sidney from

kit when spending time outdoors. Fine-point tweezers are the preferred tool, and ticks should be grasped as close to the skin as possible without squeezing their bodies or using bare fingers.

Preventive treatments can offer additional protection. Roome pointed to research showing that applying permethrin insecticide spray to clothing— particularly shoes and socks—can significantly reduce the likelihood of tick bites. Permethrin is EPA-registered and widely available from various retail brands like Repel, OFF!, Coleman and Sawyer.

She also cautioned that pets can inadvertently bring ticks indoors, increasing the risk of exposure.

“The tick can crawl off of your cat, your dog, whatever. And then onto a person,” Roome said. “So, it’s really important to treat your pets as well.”

Simple steps such as using veterinarianrecommended tick treatments and even lint rollers to remove ticks from fur can help limit that risk.

The Otsego County Health Department offers educational presentations on tick-borne diseases and prevention for community groups. Residents interested in scheduling a presentation can call (607) 547-4230.

Officials stress that awareness and preventive action are especially important as outdoor activity increases in

the spring and summer months. By taking precautions and recognizing early symptoms, residents can enjoy the season while reducing the risk of tick-borne illness. 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.

Farm

Continued from page 2

benefits as detailed in a facility study completed in 2023 by N.K. Bhandari Architecture and Engineering. According to the press release, “This purchase will provide future boards options on replacing these aged facilities.”

CCS

Continued from page 6

Kayleigh Butler and Emma Green each had a double and two RBI. Nelen went two-for-four with three runs. Falso struck out seven batters but took the loss with 14 hits, two walks and seven earned runs in Cooperstown’s 13-8 nondivision loss to Mount Markham on Monday, May 18. Evie Baldo had a hit, scored a run and batted in two more. Cooperstown fell to 213 for the season and 26 in their division. They will host West Canada Valley for a Division II game after press time on Tuesday, May 19.

Oneonta are encouraged to utilize the existing bus stop at OPT’s Transit Hub on Market Street, which has 24 hour parking available at designated locations.

Route 6 currently stops at the Park & Ride at the following times, but these stops will be discontinued moving forward:

7:05 a.m. (Departing for Sidney) 5:45 p.m. (Arriving from Sidney)

Route 6 will continue to provide service at the Market Street Transit Hub at the following times:

7:00 a.m. (Departing for Sidney) 5:50 p.m. (Arriving from Sidney)

Route schedules may be accessed at otsegoexpress. com and those with specific inquiries may call the dispatch line at 800-388-9853. Paper schedules may also be requested by contacting the Otsego County Planning Department at 607-5474225. Updated route maps will reflect this change.

Comments are invited from the

general public, private bus and taxi companies, other public transportation providers, human service agencies, and local businesses and employers. Interested parties may comment on the change or obtain more details about Otsego Express by writing to: Nicole Rahn, Planner Otsego County Planning & Solid Waste Department 197 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

607-547-4225 rahnn@otsegocountyny.gov 1LegalMay.21

LegaL nOtice

Notice of SeLf StoraGe pUbLic SaLe

Notice is hereby given Under Section 182 New York State Lien Law that the undersigned will sell at Online Public Auction per order of North Street Storage, 14 North Street Oneonta, NY 13820 at www. bid13.com on June 7, 2026. The sale of such property, described as contents of storage unit, is to satisfy

the lien of North Street Storage on personal property stored for the account of: Unit #64 - Harry Ramirez 2LegalMay.28

LegaL nOtice

Notice of pUbLic HeariNG otSeGo coUNtY

Otsego County will hold a public hearing on Wednesday June 3, 2026 at 9:55 a.m. at the Otsego County Office Building Second Floor Board Chambers, 197 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326 for the purpose of hearing public comments on the Otsego County’s community development needs, and to discuss the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications for the 2026 program year. The CDBG program is administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR), and will make available to eligible local governments approximately $20 million for

the 2026 Program Year for economic development, small business, and microenterprise activities, with the principal purpose of benefitting low/moderate income persons. Otsego County is applying for $300,000 in CDBG funds to implement a Microenterprise assistance program. The hearing will provide further information about the CDBG program and will allow for citizen participation in the development of any proposed grant applications and/or to provide technical assistance to develop alternate proposals. Comments on the CDBG program or proposed project(s) will be received at this time. The hearing is being conducted pursuant to Section 570.486, Subpart I of the CFR and in compliance with the requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

The Otsego County Office Building is accessible to persons with disabilities. If special accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, those with

hearing impairments, or those in need of translation from English, those individuals should contact Tammie Harris at 607-5474225, at least one week in advance of the hearing date to allow for necessary arrangements. Written comments may also be submitted to Otsego County Planning Department, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown NY 13326 until June 8, 2026. 1LegalMay.21

LegaL nOtice

Notice of formatioN of River Valley Campground LLC, a NY limited liability company (LLC).

Arts. of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (NYSS) on 01/20/2026. Office: Otsego County. NYSS designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail process to: LLC, County Highway 18, South New Berlin, NY 13843, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJun.25

Since taking office in January 2025, Riley has introduced or supported several pieces of legislation aimed at reducing electricity costs and regulating utility companies. Many have been bipartisan. Fuller details are linked in the online version of this article:

• H.R. 1355—Weatherization Enhance-ment and Readiness Act, to increase investments in home weatherization

• H.R. 5487—Keep the Lights Local Act, to prohibit foreign ownership of public utilities; NYSEG is owned by Avangrid, which is owned by Spanish parent company Iberdrola

• H.R. 6590—No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act, preventing utility executives from receiving bonuses when the percentage increase in the utility’s rates is more than the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers

• H.R.8350—No Taxes on Utility Bills Act, allowing federal taxpayers to deduct utility taxes and statemandated surcharges on gas and electric bills

Riley also recently collaborated with the Congressional Progressive Caucus on the “New Affordability Agenda,” a bill package which includes the “The Lowering Utility Bills Act.” Among other items, that bill would mandate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish a “range of reasonableness” on utility equity returns for transmission projects and ban transmission providers from recouping costs like lobbying and marketing via customer rates.

“I’m going to push as hard as I can for all of them,” Riley said. “But I’m also clear eyed about the challenges we face here, because I am taking on a corrupt establishment that has benefited from this system for a long time, and there’s a lot of politicians who are taking a lot of corporate [Political Action Committee] checks from these utility companies, and they would rather not change the status quo.”

To get the bills passed, Riley said, he is looking to make system-wide changes with “colleagues who are not bought and paid for by the utility monopolies.”

Riley has also leveraged his bully pulpit and legal background to oppose rate hikes. He spoke at multiple New York State Public Service Commission public hearings on NYSEG and RG&E’s proposed hikes last fall, sued the PSC in March over its approval of Central Hudson Gas and Electric’s rate hikes, and has intervened directly as

a party to rate cases.

“I’ve been fighting this thing so hard that NYSEG threatened to sue me if I didn’t stop, and they can’t buy me off because I don’t take their corporate tax checks, and they sure as hell aren’t going to intimidate me,” Riley said, referring to a defamation cease and desist letter he received from the company over comments about its profits.

On increasing energy supply, Riley said “we should be exploring every possible option that would put more energy supply on the market and protect the environment,” including nuclear energy. He criticized the Trump administration’s cancelation of multiple off-shore wind projects, both on energy grounds and that they took away “good union jobs.”

In February, a report from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said that a hypothetical cap-and-invest policy aimed at meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets set by the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act could lead to $4,100.00 in costs for upstate gas and oil households. The report comes amidst Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to roll back aspects of the 2019 law.

Asked about the issue, Riley said, “I generally think it’s a false choice to say that we can either protect the environment or have affordable energy.”

Riley said the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran, which has caused gasoline prices to increase through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, “reaffirms how important it is that we have energy independence.”

The Oberacker campaign has frequently criticized Riley as being too close with NYSEG, pointing to an investment of between $100,000.00 and $250,000.00 in the Fidelity International Index Fund first reported by WIVT/WBGH. The fund includes more than 700 different companies, one of them being Iberdrola.

“Phony Josh Riley’s Iberdrola investments are making him fabulously wealthy,” Oberacker said in a May 4 social media post asking viewers whether Riley should “sell his shares.”

Riley rejected those claims, calling Oberacker an “Albany bulls**t artist,” starting with “the first sentence out of his mouth” when the campaign started. He was referring to Oberacker’s campaign launch ad, “Soil,” where Oberacker said he was born upstate in a claim that remains on his social media pages. Oberacker previously said he was born on Long Island and moved upstate with his family as a young child.

“I want to be really, really clear, I do not own any stocks. I don’t own any stocks, and in fact, I’m leading the effort in Congress to ban politicians from trading stocks,” Riley said.

Riley said he is “not surprised in the least” that despite announcing his campaign last October, Oberacker’s congressional campaign website does not contain a policy page.

“The policies he supports are really, really bad for upstate New Yorkers. I suppose he would rather just be silent about it than publicize how much of a disaster he has been for ratepayers,” Riley said.

Peter Oberacker (R)

State Senator Peter Oberacker is hoping to oust Riley and has accepted the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump to do it. First elected to the State Senate in 2020, Oberacker previously served as a member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, town supervisor for the Town of Maryland, and as a board member for the town. Oberacker has said he wants to bring “country sense” to Congress.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Oberacker said he is running for three reasons: “It really comes down to affordability, affordability and affordability.” Among those concerns is rising utility costs, which he said were caused by “the radical environmental policies from Governor Hochul and former Governor Cuomo.”

Though the Oberacker team has not posted a federal policy page for what legislation he would support if elected to Congress, Oberacker has been active at the state level. As a state senator, he has introduced the “Utility Ratepayer Bill of Rights” package and spoken out against utility rate hikes. Along with his Republican colleagues in recent months, he has taken aim at the CLCPA and the state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission.

The Utility Ratepayer Bill of Rights includes the following bills. Fuller details are linked in the online version of this article:

• S.8935—The Right to Fair Rates, requiring itemized billing and utilities to attend local meetings before rate increases

• S.8947—The Right to Transparency, requiring itemized billing and utilities proposing rate hikes to attend “no less than three” municipal meetings per impacted county

updates

• S.9119—The Right to Local Oversight, extends the period for which a municipality, resident, or nonprofit can intervene as a party in a certification process for a large electric transmission project from 30 days to 45 days

• S.9118—The Right to Financial Protections, increasing service termination notice time by weeks; decreasing necessary arrears downpayment required to avoid service shutoff from one half what is owed or six months average billing, whichever is less, to one third what is owed or three months average billing; reducing the age residents are eligible for quarterly billing—if the average annual bill is $150.00 or less—from 62 years old to 55 years old, and more

• S.9031—The Right to Recourse, creates a mechanism whereby if a utility is alleged by 100 or more customers to be in violation of state public service law or orders for 90 days or more, the PSC must conduct a “forensic audit” of the utility and publish findings within 180 days

• S.9137—The Right for Inspections, requiring the state Division of Weights and Measures to inspect utility meters at least once per year

Oberacker was also a cosponsor on numerous pieces of bipartisan legislation the State Senate passed this year to address utility costs. Some of those bills, if signed into law, would prohibit utility companies from using ratepayer funds for political purposes; increase NYSERDA reporting requirements; give bill credits to affected ratepayers when a utility is found responsible for violations of public service law or orders; require utilities to provide notice of rate hikes to customers; and many other provisions.

Regarding utility rate hikes, at an October 2025 PSC hearing in Oneonta Oberacker said that, “Over the past month, my office collected over 570 utility complaints. 486 residents gave us permission to work their cases directly with NYSEG.

“Not only am I calling for no rate increase, I’m demanding a full account level audit,” Oberacker said, with “named case managers, written timelines, and public reporting of actual resolutions. If NYSEG can’t resolve a case in 14 days, folks, we want PSC escalation and provisional credits until the facts are verified.”

emissions targets in the CLCPA.

Oberacker has said he opposes the body because it removes local control and threatens upstate farmland.

“Everywhere I go, people ask me the same question,” Oberacker said in a May 16 social media post. “What can we do, what can I do, about ORES?

“Here’s the answer: fight back!” Oberacker said, reiterating a call for ORES to be defunded. He called ORES a “secretive agency overriding local control and pushing these massive solar projects into rural communities.”

Oberacker has also been highly critical of the CLCPA, citing in part the NYSERDA memo as driving his opposition.

“The Kathy Hochul cost burden is forcing New Yorkers to flee in search of more affordable states,” Oberacker said in a March statement. “On her watch, New York has had the highest rate of out-migration of any other state in the nation. But for years, Senate Republicans have been providing alternative solutions to her radical agenda and we will not stop until everyday New Yorkers can afford to live here.”

The Riley campaign has been critical of Oberacker’s receipt of donations from the Avangrid New York PAC, one for $100.00 in 2022 and another for $250.00 in May 2025.

“He takes a bunch of corporate PAC money directly from the utility monopolies,” Riley told AllOtsego. “I don’t.”

The Oberacker campaign previously told WIVT/WBGH it returned the contributions, including the $250.00 one last July before his congressional campaign began.

AllOtsego contacted the Oberacker campaign requesting an interview with state Senator Oberacker for this article. Campaign consultant Chapin Fay of Lighthouse Public Affairs replied that “If this story is just about Riley and Oberacker, I will get you some stuff today.”

AllOtsego responded that this story would include Oberacker, Portelli, and Riley, who have all qualified for the ballot, and reiterated the invitation for an interview. The campaign did not reply.

Alex Portelli (R)

rising utility costs are primarily being driven by supply shortages and insufficient investment in energy infrastructure. He pointed to the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant as a major turning point in New York’s electricity system.

“We’re just not producing the energy that we need,” Portelli said, adding that New York is “using the energy infrastructure that our grandparents built.”

He said he would support federal involvement in expanding nuclear and hydropower projects, including low-interest federally backed industrial loans to incentivize infrastructure development. He contrasted those proposals with excessive federal spending in other areas, saying that energy infrastructure should become a higher national priority.

While acknowledging that nuclear projects take years to complete, Portelli said hydropower upgrades could provide more immediate results, including retrofitting existing dams with turbines. He also explained nuclear power as one of the cleanest and most efficient longterm energy sources available.

He said nuclear energy is “something that scares people, but it’s something that we can’t be scared of.”

Portelli also advocated for reducing the role of large utility companies and shifting more authority toward municipalities and electricity cooperatives. He repeatedly criticized NYSEG and National Grid as “corporate monopolies” and argued that locally controlled systems in places such as Plattsburgh and Green Island have demonstrated lower electricity costs.

“I really think New York does energy backwards,” Portelli said. “The state should not be involved in production, and these monopolies should not control delivery.”

On climate change, he believes climate change is real, but argued that the United States alone cannot significantly reduce global carbon emissions. He considered hydropower and nuclear energy as the most practical low-emission alternatives.

Portelli was sharply critical of both Riley and Oberacker, arguing that neither candidate had proposed sufficiently aggressive solutions to address utility costs.

Alex Portelli, an insurgent candidate running against Oberacker in the primary, has not served in political office before. The longshot candidate sees that as an advantage in his June 23 primary with Oberacker.

“Riley is hammering at NYSEG, which is cool,” Portelli said, “but at the end of the day, that doesn’t really help us.”

• S.9023—The Right to Accurate Billing and Complaint Resolution, requiring ratepayer complaints to the utility to be investigated and resolved within 30 days, and for undisputed charges still requiring payment to avoid service disruption to be explained in a plain language written notice

• S.8946—The Right to Timely Customer Service, requiring utilities to offer live customer service and websites to contain real-time outage

One of Oberacker’s primary messages in recent social media posts has been calling for the repeal and defunding of the state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission. The office is responsible for siting renewable energy projects expected to produce 25 megawatts or larger and endowed with the authority to adjudicate, and overrule, local municipal zoning laws. The bill was intended to accelerate renewable energy development to increase electricity production and meet greenhouse gas

In an interview, Portelli framed his campaign around what he described as the need for major structural changes to New York’s energy system, repeatedly emphasizing nuclear and hydropower expansion, increased local control of utilities, and opposition to foreignowned utility companies. Many of his criticisms on the campaign trail have focused on Governor Hochul.

Portelli argued that

He also dismissed Oberacker’s proposed “Utility Ratepayer Bill of Rights” as largely symbolic and insufficient to reduce costs for consumers.

Portelli further claimed that Riley’s proposed “Keep the Lights Local Act,” which would restrict foreign ownership of utility companies, mirrored ideas he had already been promoting publicly before Riley introduced the legislation.

►Fri., May 22

YARD SALES All day.

Cherry Valley Community Yard Sales. Part of the “Spring into Summer” Festival. Cherry Valley. BLOOD DRIVE 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clark Sports Center, 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown. RedCrossBlood.org

COFFEE & PUZZLES

10 a.m. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

SENIOR COFFEE

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

WORKSHOP 11 a.m.

“Caring for the Caregiver.” The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center, 5506 State Highway 7, Oneonta. (607) 2674732.

REGATTA 3-6 p.m.

“Annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta.” Paddle with a Pro, opening ceremonies, The Pacman Generation Gap Race and Taste of the Regatta. General Clinton Park, 2507 Hinkley Lane, Bainbridge. (607) 967-8700.

PERFORMANCE

4-6 p.m. “Lyrical Sounds: An Offering of Poetry and Contrabass.” The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

OPENING RECEP-

TION 5-7 p.m. “Obsessed (Artists).” Quirky assemblages, Kelley drawings and spalted bowls. On view 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through 7/4. The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Road, Cooperstown. (315) 941-9607.

POTTERY 6-8 p.m.

“Perfumery 102.” Craft a natural atomizer perfume from scratch. Fees apply; registration required. The Smithy Clay Studio, 1 Otsego Court, Cooperstown. Gallery@ SmithyArts.org.

LIVE MUSIC

6-10 p.m. Follow The Muse. Includes food truck, outdoor/indoor bar and bonfire. Brew -

Things To Do In and Around

ery Ommegang, 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown. info@ ommegang.com.

MEDITATION

6:30 p.m. “Community Meditation with Jaime.” Followed by optional reflection and discussion with the group. All welcome; donations appreciated. The Local Bird, 139 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 2824166.

FUNDRAISER

7-9 p.m. “Fiddler’s Frolic.” Music fundraiser to help “raise the roof” and make repairs to the museum. Sayre House Museum, North Main Street, Milford. (607) 286-4060.

THEATER 8 p.m.

“Twelve Angry Men.” Presented by Bigger Dreams Productions. Tickets required. Also showing at 8 p.m. on 5/23 and at 2 p.m. on 5/24. Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center, 24 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4312080.

►Sat., May 23

FESTIVAL “Spring Into Summer” Festival. Continues 5/24 and 5/25. Cherry Valley. cherryvalley.com

• 8-11 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at the Firehouse, 11 Railroad Avenue.

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Tepee’s Fundraising Event for the Cherry Valley Community Health Center.” The Tepee, 7632 State Highway 20. (607) 264-3987.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors and food trucks. Parking lot, NBT Bank, 16 Main Street.

• 2 p.m. Organ Concert. Grace Episcopal Church, 32 Montgomery Street.

REGATTA 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. “Annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta.” Carnival featuring axe throwing, concert, hot air balloons, fireworks and more. Admission fees apply. General Clinton Park, 2507 Hinkley Lane, Bainbridge. (607) 9678700.

GILBERTSVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays through

Time OuT OTsegO

Things To Do In and Around Otsego County

October. Located by the Gilbertsville Post Office, 3 Commercial Street, Gilbertsville. (607) 7832305.

CRAFT DAY 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Edmeston Free Library, 26 East Street, Edmeston. (607) 9658208.

BASEBALL Noon; gates open at 11 a.m. “Hall of Fame Military Classic: A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice.” 7-inning legends game featuring two dozen former big league baseball players. Tickets required. Presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum at Doubleday Field, 1 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (607) 5477200.

EXERCISE Noon. “Let’s Move: Come Play Capoeira.” All welcome. Held each Saturday. Green Earth Health Market, 4 Market Street, Oneonta. (607) 4326600.

LATTES & LITERA -

TURE 1-3 p.m. Presented by the Morris Village Library at The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 285-4111.

SEWING CLASS

1:30-3 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Held every Saturday. The Green Giraffe, 179 Main Street, Unadilla. (607) 369-3234.

COMMUNITY DINNER 4-6 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, dessert, beverages and more. Dine-in only. Free. Church of Christ Uniting, 22 Church Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-1553.

HYDE HALL TALKS

4-8 p.m. “The Remains of the Day” (1993). Film screening and discussion with acclaimed director, writer and producer James Ivory. Tickets required. Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. (607) 547-5098.

OPEN MIC 5-8 p.m. The Gatehouse, 129 Main

Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

EXHIBIT OPENING 5 p.m. “Revolution! Local Lives in the Age of Independence.” Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-0960.

BASEBALL 6 p.m. “Night at the Ballpark.” Hall of Fame legends and former players greet fans throughout the field. Presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum at Doubleday Field, 1 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown.(607) 5477200.

OPEN MIC 7-9 p.m. “Coffee House.” Singers, writers, musicians and more are invited to share works. 10-20 minute slots. Light refreshments available. Free, open to the public. Held each 4th Saturday. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, 128 Church Street, Schuyler Lake. (315) 8582523.

►Sun., May 24

RACE DAY 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “Annual General Clinton Canoe Regatta.” Canoe/kayak races, balloon rides, market, music, trophy presentation, fireworks and more. Admission fees apply. General Clinton Park, 2507 Hinkley Lane, Bainbridge. (607) 967-8700. WORSHIP Festival of Pentecost.

• 8:30 a.m. St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 125 Main Street, Laurens.

• 9:15 a.m. Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4636 State Highway 28, Cooperstown. (607) 5479613.

• 10:30 a.m. Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-6852.

• 11 a.m. St. John Lutheran Church, Burlington Flats. FESTIVAL “Spring Into Summer” Festival. Continues 5/25. Cherry Valley. cherryvalley.com

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendors and food trucks. Parking lot, NBT Bank, 16 Main Street.

• 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Music at the Gazebo: Happy Haggs. Cherry Valley Gazebo, next to the stoplight.

• Noon. Music at the Gazebo: Drum Circle. Cherry Valley Gazebo, next to the stoplight.

• 1-3 p.m. “All About Plants” class. 25 Main Collective, 21 Main Street.

• 1 p.m. Music at the Gazebo: Elizabeth Graham. Cherry Valley Gazebo, next to the stoplight.

• 2-4:30 p.m. St. Tomas Basket Raffle. Drawing held at 4 p.m. Old School, 2 Genesee Street.

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.

LIVE MUSIC 2 p.m.

Otsego Music Trail: Dan Sales Jazz Quartet. Free and open to the public. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs. (315) 858-3200.

►Mon., May 25

MEMoriaL Day

DEADLINE Last day to register for the monthly “Veterans Free Dinner.” Presented by the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. Open to the community for a fee. Held at 6 p.m. on 5/27 at the Oneonta Elk’s Lodge, 84-86 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1312.

EXERCISE CLASS 9 a.m. Free; all welcome. Held each Monday and Thursday. Strawberry Hall, Worcester-Schenevus Library, 170 Main Street, Worcester. (607) 3977309.

PARADE 10 a.m.; line up at 9:30 a.m. at the Laurens Town Hall on Brook Street. “Laurens Memorial Day Parade.” Parade marches on Main Street to the Memorial Ceremony at the Laurens Village Cemetery, Gilbert Lake Road, Laurens.

PARADE 10 a.m. Cherry Valley Memorial Day Parade. Followed by a memorial service in the Cherry Valley Cemetery. Then chicken barbecue at the Tryon Inn and Backdoor Bar. Part of the “Spring Into Summer” Festival. Cherry Valley. cherryvalley.com

GARDENING 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plant Sale with Roaming Roots Farm. The Gatehouse, 129 Main Street, Morris. (607) 2854111.

PARADE 11 a.m. kick-off; gathers at 10:30 a.m. Local veteran units march up Main Street to the county building, where they hold a ceremony to pay homage to the soldiers who are no longer with us. Kicks off from the Cooperstown Vets Club, 60 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478282.

LIBRARY 6:30 p.m. Board Meeting. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main Street, Otego. (607) 988-6661.

►tuES., May 26

OTSEGO COUNTY

9 a.m. Meeting of the Technology and Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Andrew Marietta. Board Chambers, Otsego County Office Building, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5474203.

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 Pine Lake, Davenport. (607) 431-8010.

PRESCHOOL TUESDAY 10 a.m. “Look at Landscape Paintings.” Toddlers make a plein air painting. Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown. (607) 5471400.

SENIOR MEALS

11:30 a.m. Seniors enjoy a meal Monday-Friday. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors, $11 for guests. Today, enjoy a lunch of lasagna, tossed salad, garlic knots and pears. (607) 547-6454. • Each Monday-Friday. Nader Towers Housing, 2 Mitchell Street, Oneonta. • Each Tuesday and Thursday. Richfield Springs Community Center, 6 Ann Street, Richfield Springs.

BLOOD DRIVE

1-5:30 p.m. Schenevus Central School, 159 Main Street, Schenevus. RedCrossBlood.org

DEEP DIVE 2 p.m. “Fenimore Deep-Dive: Christina Burde, Thaw Curator of Native American Art.” Take a closer look at artwork or objects from the Fenimore Art Museum’s extensive collections. Programs presented the last Tuesday of each month online via Zoom. Registration required. Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1400.

LIBRARY 4 p.m. Board Meeting. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 5478344.

YOGA 5 p.m. “Fundamentals of Yoga.” 5-week class, held Tuesdays through 6/23, for students of all skill levels to review the basics. Fees apply; registration required. Presented by SUNY Oneonta ExCL Center at the SUNY Oneonta Campus, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta. (607) 436-2831.

CRAFT 5:30-7 p.m. Learn to crochet a hat with two different “crochet in the round” techniques. Registration required. Huntington Memorial Library, 62 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 432-1980. MEDITATION 5:30 p.m. “Let’s Meditate: Sahaja Meditation Drop-in Classes.” Free. Continues through 6/9. Cooperstown Coworks, 6 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown. (518) 4284692.

SACRED SOUND BATH 6 p.m. Presented by Sacred Ojas Wellness. Free; registration required. Bring your own mat/blankets/pillows. Village Library of Cooperstown, 22 Main Street, Cooperstown. (607) 547-8344.

LIBRARY 6:30 p.m. Board Meeting. Kinney Memorial Library, 3140 County Highway 11, Hartwick. (607) 2936600.

►WED., May 27

ADULT EDUCATION 10 a.m. “Cat Ballou: How a ‘Minor Western Spoof’ Became an Academy Award Winner.” Presented by John Chamard. Fees may apply; registration required. Center for Continuing Adult Learning, Oneonta. (607) 4417370.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 10 a.m. Free group open to all aged 18+, drop-ins welcome. Facilitated by staff trained in grief and loss. This is a safe and confidential space to focus on understanding the grief process. Held fourth Wednesday of each month. Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 107 Church Street, Cobleskill. (607) 432-5525.