News from the Heart of Otsego by Darla M. Youngs

Hartwick Happenings Abound!

The Town of Hartwick is located in the center of Otsego County, thus the title of this new monthly community column. Those wishing to contribute can e-mail fellow Hartwick resident Darla Youngs at darlay@allotsego.com.

Mark your calendars for the “Benefit Breakfast and Chinese Auction” to be held at the Hartwick American Legion on Sunday, October 15. Proceeds from this event will assist Tammy Croft with expenses incurred as heart issues have kept her out of work for a long period of time. Tammy has medical and travel expenses from having to go back and forth from Albany Medical as well as household expenses, and has had a tough time meeting those costs, organizers say. The breakfast, from 8 a.m. to noon, will include sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fried potatoes, pancakes and French toast. The Chinese auction also starts at 8 a.m., with the drawing of winners at 1 p.m. Donations for the auction are still being accepted. Those wishing to donate can contact Bob Croft at (607) 267-8299, Lucy Proper at (607) 267-7875 or Kim Bullis at (607) 267-7092. The Hartwick American Legion is located at 3099 County Highway 11.

Don’t miss the Town of Hartwick’s “Husky Halloween Trail of Treats” on Saturday, October 28. Hartwick Town Clerk Andrea Vazquez says the community response to this event, with both volunteers and trick-or-treaters, has been truly phenomenal. Andrea is looking for volunteers—families, couples, teens, businesses and local organizations are welcome. The Trail Celebration is scheduled to run from 4:30-6 p.m. Andrea said, “All are welcome! All are appreciated!” Treats can be dropped off at Town Hall in the drop box any time. Contact Andrea at (607) 386-9769 for more information.

Also in the spooky spirit of the Halloween season, Hartwick American Legion Post 1567 is planning “Halloween Party Scaryoke” on Friday, October 20 beginning at 8 p.m. Their Facebook invitation is hard to resist—“Calling all goblins, ghouls and witches to join us for Halloween Karaoke hosted by Kim Bullis. We’ll have drink specials to die for and a costume contest fit for the undead! Come early for dinner and stay for the fun!” Mindful of the current resurgence of COVID, those not fully vaccinated are encouraged to #MaskUp.

Have you been looking for the Hartwick recycling bins at Town Hall and wondering where they went? Don’t despair! The town has a new recycling center in the fenced in area just beyond the Town Hall parking lot, where the bins were located previously. In addition to the recycling bins, there is now a $.05 deposit collection and a scrap metal bin. Town officials are making this area available daily, but ask that people only leave items intended for their respective bins. As always, household trash is not permitted.

Believe it or not, Christmas is just 12 weeks away and counting… The Hartwick Craft Fair will be held on December 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Meeting House, 3080 County Highway 11. The search is underway for vendors—$25.00 for one day or $40.00 for both. Table fees go directly to the Hartwick LEAH Chapter. For more information, reach out to Taylor Keane at tkeane0136@gmail.com or (631) 896-5402.

Condolences to the family of Donald Clinton Phillips, who passed away on September 15 at Bassett Medical Center. Don, a graduate of Hartwick High School Class of 1941, served his country in the United States Army with the Company K 27th Infantry Regiment and was a 50-year member of Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1. He was 100 years old at the time of his passing.
Hartwickians also said goodbye last month to Mike Burgess, who passed away on September 10 at the age of 69. Condolences to those he leaves behind.

Did you know that Hartwick has a Literary and Zucchini Soup Society? I didn’t! Those who are interested in reading and discussing great books are welcome to join. They meet every third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Kinney Memorial Library. In other library news, October 1-7 is Banned Book Week—stop by to view the display if you get a chance. And don’t forget the book sale, coming up later this month. It begins on Friday, October 13 and runs through Sunday, October 15. Hours are: Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon with a $5.00 bag sale.

Nicholas Polulech has been working on new songs, according mother Julie Schorer. If you get the chance, check out his work on YouTube. You’ll be impressed.

And, last but not least, congratulations to Amanda Plows of Hartwick, who has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s summer 2023 Dean’s List. From May to August, Amanda—a full-time undergraduate student—achieved a grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 to achieve Dean’s List status. Congratulations, Amanda, and keep up the good work!

Darla M. Youngs is a resident of the hamlet of Hartwick, a bit of a hermit, and general manager and senior editor of Iron String Press.