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Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, July 10, 2025
Volume 17, No. 37
Otsego County Board of Representatives Discusses Awards, Airports, America 250 By BILL BELLEN IvISIon StemS D y S n Io t a Inform
Ware ranSom on I ProteCt es
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OTSEGO COUNTY efore the gavel could even be struck to signify the coming to order of the July Otsego County Board of Representatives meeting, there was already business on the floor.
Otsego County Rep. Andrew Marietta (District No. 8, Otsego) and New York State Employee Relations Specialist Tim Moretti came to the front of the room on Wednesday, July 2 to recognize the recipients of the biannual Outstanding Employee Awards for county
employees. Moretti’s position allowed him to play a pivotal role in this process, helping to analyze whether department nominations for the award included a commitment to various noble qualities such as outstanding service, high levels of productivity and effective professional
relationships. First to be recognized was Christine Corrigan, an assistant public defender with the county since January 2022. Corrigan was recognized for her dedication to her clients, being a respected member of the legal community, Continued on page 9
Popular Repair Cafés Returning to Farmers’ Market July 22, 29 COOPERSTOWN he Cooperstown Repair Café series continues at the Summer Tuesday Cooperstown Farmers’ Market in Cooperstown on July 22 and July 29. From noon to 2 p.m. both days, members of the public can bring in a broken item for volunteer repair experts to evaluate and make small repairs. They also will offer advice on how to fix a variety of items. The repairs will be done free of charge; materials needed to fix items will be available to purchase. The Repair Café series is a collaborative program of Otsego 2000, which runs the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, the Otsego County Conservation Association, and the Otsego Land Trust. Each Cooperstown Repair Café will have a different focus. On Tuesday, July 22, volunteer coaches will be evaluating and fixing Photo provided computers, cellphones, small appli- Paul Schecter of Otsego Computer Experts, also known as “Dr. Paul,” assists a customer at ances, bicycles, and sewing projects. a previous Repair Café at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. Schecter will help people with Free cellphone screen cleaning will computer and cellphone issues on July 22 and also offer free cellphone screen cleaning.
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INSIDE ► TERRY BERKSON’S FOND MEMORIES OF DAD AND HIS SKY VIEW CAB, page 4
also be offered. On Tuesday, July 29, coaches will be on hand to fix sewing projects (textile items that need patching or darning), clothing, bicycles, small appliances and small pieces of furniture. The sewing coach will offer advice on repurposing and visible mending techniques to try at home. The Summer Tuesday Cooperstown Farmers’ Market runs from noon to 4 p.m. and offers local produce, meats, cheeses, maple syrup, native plants, birdhouses, jewelry, gifts, charcuterie, prepared foods, and made-to-order paninis and breakfast sandwiches. The market, located at 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley, is also open year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “The Cooperstown Repair Café has been well received, and we have fixed dozens of items this year,” said Peg Odell, program and communications manager at Otsego 2000. “The volunteer repair coaches are wonderful to share their time and expertise. It’s a Continued on page 11
Tubia Named 2025 Parisian Memorial Scholarship Recipient
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ONEONTA his year’s Ricky J. Parisian Memorial ► Praise for doug and Scholarship Foundation rhonda willies, page 4 scholarship recipient is Oneonta ► smith’s chamber goal: High School senior Tanner ‘Be a familiar, friendly Tubia. The announcement face,’ page 5 was made on Friday, June 20 by David Brower, chair ► CHERRY VALLEY CHOCKof the foundation’s Selection FULL OF ART, page 6 Committee and past scholarship ► gilbertsville alive with recipient, during a presentation the sound of music, held in honor of the late Ricky page 8 J. Parisian. Selected through a nomination ► restored cemetery archway REINSTALLATION and review process that remains PLANNED, page 11 completely independent from the foundation, Tubia stood out for his character, leadership, and service to others, qualities that 1 98715 21709 4 exemplify the legacy of Ricky J.
Parisian, officials said. “Tanner is polite, thoughtful and helpful,” said Brower. “He is not only on time and prepared, but always willing to lend a hand, whether in the classroom or beyond. One of his nominators noted that Tanner didn’t just attend study hall, he made himself useful, often volunteering without being asked.” A leader among his peers, Tubia is known for his strong work ethic, integrity and exemplary academic performance, especially in college-level psychology courses. According to a press release, he is a proud member of the National Honor Society and plans to study forensics in college, an academic
path that aligns closely with the values of justice and public service that defined Ricky Parisian’s life. “Tanner treats others with kindness and respect,” Brower continued. “He is sincere, reliable and consistently strives to be the best version of himself. In short, he is exactly the kind of young person this scholarship was created to honor.” The Ricky J. Parisian Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Ricky J. Parisian, an Oneonta native, athlete and law enforcement officer who lost his life on May 20, 1994 while attempting to stop an armed robbery. Parisian, Continued on page 11
Photo provided
TANNER TUBIA
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