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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
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founded in 1808
SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES: RENTAL HOUSING, page 10 -1782 607-432 q.com b brooksb
Volume 217, No. 8
VISIT www.ALLOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, February 20, 2025
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Fundraising Hits Halfway Mark for 53 Pioneer Project By SARAH ROBERTS
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COOPERSTOWN he Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery and Clay Studio have reached the halfway point for funding of their renovation project at 53 Pioneer Street. The overall fundraising goal of $2 million supports the cost of construction, furnishings, equipment and additional staffing of the facility. To date, the project has raised $1 million in financial support from public and private sources, according to officials. “This milestone not only represents the community’s enduring commitment to preserving history, but also shows its dedication to ensuring the bright future of our creative community,” said Janet Erway, executive director of CAA and The Smithy. Altonview Architects has been retained to work on the renovation design, with particular attention being paid to making the building greener and more energy efficient, as well as preserving the historic nature of the property. Accessibility was also a desired focus, and the addition of an elevator addresses this need. “An elevator wasn’t in the original plan, but if you’re going to have a community space, it needs to be accessible,” Erway said. Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery were separate entities until 2014, at which time they merged—now sharing leadership, mission and members. The renovation of 53 Pioneer Street is intended to turn the building into a facility for artists and non-artists alike to enjoy. The current building dates back to 1826, and the updated space will provide “flexible three-story interior and garden space for broad community use,” according to the project materials. “Aside from the studio, exhibition, retail and event rental space that the new facility will provide, this
Photo by Larissa Ryan
Otsego County residents gather on Presidents Day to peacefully protest against the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency and the role of Elon Musk in the Trump Administration.
Local Groups Join Nationwide Movement in Opposition to Trump Administration
COOPERSTOWN embers of Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible, Cherry Valley We Are Worth Fighting For and the local Democratic Party rallied peacefully in front of the Cooperstown Post Office on Presidents Day despite the frigid temperatures and high winds. Their message? “Elon Musk has got to go” and “No kings in the USA.” “All these people are out here today, on Presidents Day, to participate in the national day of rallies sponsored by a whole bunch of Democratic groups to fight Continued on page 9 for democracy,” Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible
INSIDE ► Fundraisers usher Ghanaian guide to cgp studies, page 2 ► BASSETT WELCOMES NEW HEAD OF NEUROLOGY, page 3 ► CHORUS, ORCHESTRA TO TAKE THE STAGE, page 3 ► RAWITCH EXPLORES IMPORTANCE OF 2025 INDUCTION, page 4 ► NEW FDA RULE COULD SAVE MILLIONS OF LIVES, page 5 ► area hISTORIANS NEED YOUR HELP, page 9 Follow Breaking News On
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spokesperson Virginia Kennedy said during the protest. The groups joined a national day of protests mobilized by 50501, Indivisible, Third Act and other pro-democracy organizations on Monday, February 17. According to a press release issued Tuesday, February 18, “the protests sought to raise awareness of the unconstitutional policies of the Trump Administration, specifically the radical dismemberment of federal agencies, budgets, and services by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and Trump’s threats to ignore federal judges that hold Continued on page 9
Chickens, Roller Skate Take Top Festival Honors
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ONEONTA ill City Celebrations has announced the winners of the 2024 Festival of Lights. The three organizations that claimed first, second, and third place in the festival—voted on by Hill City Celebrations board members—were recently recognized by board officials with prize earnings. Each winning organization was gifted with a monetary prize, and Hill City Celebrations matched an equal amount of money for winners to donate to a charity of their choice, officials said. The Brooks’ House of BBQ’s holiday-themed arrangement of chickens in a barbeque pit earned first prize of $500.00,
Photo provided
Connie Herzig, chair of Hill City Celebrations, presents the first place prize winnings to John Brooks at Brooks’ House of BBQ.
with Helios Care as the designated charity. Second prize was awarded
to the Hill City Rollers, Oneonta’s roller derby team, who constructed a large roller
skate lit in multi-colored lights along the beginning of the festival’s route. The Hill City Rollers contributed $300.00 to Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program. Third prize went to Chase Memorial Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center in Chenango County. A new participant in the Festival of Lights, their display featured a cozy Christmas village. Chase donated its $200.00 prize to the Unadilla Valley Food Pantry. “We had a very successful 2024 Festival of Lights, and we would like to thank everyone for their amazing support and participation this past holiday Continued on page 9
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING WEEKLIES 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD