COOPERSTOWN – The New Jersey Warriors, a hockey team composed of disabled U.S. military veterans, are set to visit Cooperstown from February 17-19. Hosted by the American Legion, a benefit will be held on the team’s behalf at VFW Post 7128, 60 Main Street, on that Friday evening. After a police escort from their hotel, the team will enjoy catering from area businesses including Council Rock Brewery, Brewery Ommegang, and Chobani, and an auction will take place with the proceeds going to the Warriors. On Saturday, the group will get a tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and then play a game at Badger Park at noon, inviting all community members to join them on the ice.
“It should be a fantastic event,” said Barry Shelley, the team’s local contact who has been a longtime hockey fan, even setting up a small ice rink in the attic of his Fly Creek home.
CHRISTMAS DINNER—Noon- to 3 p.m. The St. Mary’s Friends of Christmas, in partnership with the Bandera Family and Community Alliance, have teamed up to provide free Christmas dinners to those in need. Home delivery is available with a sit-down dinner being held at the American Legion, 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta. (607) 226-1785 or visit hunthalloween.com/event/friends-of-christmas-dinner-2022-eid4a7bjm4cjg
ONEONTA – No one should be without a Christmas dinner and, consistent with this sentiment, the St. Mary’s Friends of Christmas Dinner is continuing its 35-year tradition of providing meals to those who would otherwise go without or eat alone. Approximately 1,200 meals will either be delivered on Christmas Day from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church to locations that have registered with the Friends of Christmas, or they will be available for pickup at the Lord’s Table, which is operated by St. James Episcopal Church. For those who would like to eat in fellowship, the meal will be served as a sit-down dinner between noon and 3 p.m. at the American Legion on 279 Chestnut Street, Oneonta.
Hello again. I am so sorry that my original comment implied that people over 70 cannot do as much. What I meant is that our local American Legion/VFW needs more retired veterans of all ages to get involved, take on leadership roles and plan projects.
Please forgive any negativity that may have resulted from previous comments.
COOPERSTOWN – John Poole Briggs, 85, died peacefully at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida, on September 16, 2022, with his fiancé at his side.
He was born on August 9, 1937, to Harold John Poole and Edna Martha (Fredericks) Briggs of Northport. As a young boy, he spent summers on his father’s boat, the “Silver Fox,” where he developed a love for the ocean. A businessman at heart, John would sell batteries and T.V. tubes to fishermen and boaters on the dock in Northport. At 15, he opened his first T.V. repair shop behind the Midway, a newspaper & soda shop. He then proceeded to help his lifelong friend, Elsa Posey, who was also 15, open her school of dance.
In 1954, he drove his 1934 wood-side Ford across the country to Alaska. After his funds were exhausted, he returned home. The young businessman continued his T.V. repair business as he rented a shop on Main Street in Northport. One lesson he would reflect on often was when his father borrowed $1,000.00 from him and used it as a down payment to purchase a building for the business. His father’s opinion was, in business, if you have to make payments, “it is better to own than rent.”
CONTRADANCE – 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun social dance with the Otsego Dance Society. Will feature music by the Mandigo Blue band with Robby Poulette calling the dances. Suggested donation, $8/adult. New location at Cornfield Hall, 655 Co. Rd. 26, Fly Creek. Visit otsegodancesociety.weebly.com
BLOOD DRIVE – 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. American Legion Post 259, 279 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org
VALENTINES SOCK HOP – 5 – 8 p.m. Come out for fun dance with friends & significant others. Cover charge, $5/person. Benefit for the Family Service Association. American Legion, 279 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-432-0494 or visit www.facebook.com/alpost259/
WEST EDMESTON – Carl F. Hecker, 86, of West Edmeston, passed away on Tuesday January 25, 2022 at his home, with his Godson and nurses at his side.
Carl was born on April 22, 1935 in Queens, NY the son of the late Curt and Wilma Germann Hecker, and predeceased by his brother Kurt A.Hecker. He is survived by many nephews and nieces throughout the Hecker family.
Carl was employed in the construction trade for many years with the Grumman Corporation on Long Island. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving from 1953 to 1957. He was a life member of the VFW and a 38 year member of the American Legion.
Inclement weather has closed the COVID-19 testing site at the American Legion in Milford according to a press release from Victor F.C. Jones, Emergency Services Coordinator for Otsego County. The site will remain closed all day Monday, January 17 and will reopen Wednesday, January 19.
WINTER WALK – 10 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy the beauty of winter on this tree ID walk while you stretch your legs, get some fresh air. Dress appropriately for weather on this , bring your own water. Free, registration required. Presented by Otsego County Conservation Association at Robert V. Riddell State Park, Davenport. 607-547-4488 or visit occainfo.org/calendar/winter-walk/
SNOW TUBING – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Get outside for some winter fun, gliding down a slope on a snow tube. Weather & staff dependent, call Friday for most up-to-date information. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rd. 51, Cooperstown. 607-547-8662 or visit www.facebook.com/GlimmerglassStatePark/
THEATER – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy theatrical production of ‘Honk Jr.’ as presented by the Starstruck Players youth troop. Cost, $15/adult. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-432-1800 or visit www.facebook.com/OrpheusTheatre/
SPRINGFIELD READS – 4 p.m. Bring the kids to listen to community members read stories of kindness. Presented at Springfield Library, 129 Co. Rd. 29A, Springfield. 315-858-5802 or visit libraries.4cls.org/springfield/
COVID-19 TESTING – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Get tested and protect your friends and relatives. Appointments appreciated. Walk-ins accepted. American Legion, 86 W. Main St., Milford. Visit appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting to sign up.
