Thank you for your informative article and inspiring editorial about the former scout camp on Crumhorn Lake in your paper last week.
I have been fortunate to have lived across the lake from the camp since 1981 and love the peaceful nature of the land and the motorless lake. For decades, the Crumhorn Lake Association and Boy Scout camp posted “Crumhorn Courtesy” signs around the lake, inviting the community to enjoy the lake in a quiet and respectful manner. Neighbors would come to swim, kayak and fish. Others would come to ride their horses or take a walk. We all loved when the scouts arrived for the summer, had their campfires, canoe regattas and “Order of the Arrow” ceremonies. Most of us on the lake had generations of family members who were both scouts and scout leaders.
ONEONTA – Phyllis Jane Estes, 89, of Oneonta, passed from this life on October 19, 2022.
Phyllis was born on March 20, 1933 at Bassett Hospital the daughter of the late William and Ruth Johnson Smith. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son Michael Jackson on April 25, 1966, a granddaughter Jessica Bass on July 10, 2002 and a brother Bill.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years Steve Estes, children Raymon Jackson, Sherry (Chris) Bass, Mark Jackson, step children Jean (Dan) Byrne, Kate (Joel) Hawn, Amy (James) Kang, David (Patty) Estes, 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces nephews and dear friends.
In her early years in Cooperstown, Phyllis was involved as a Pack Secretary of the Boy Scouts, the fire department auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary.
Ronald R. Martin 80, of Edmeston, passed away at his home on December 18, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born in Utica, NY on December 17, 1941 the son of the late Kenneth and Betty Salisbury Martin.
A lifetime resident of the area, Ron married Jo-Ann Lewis on January 1, 1965 in the Leonardsville Methodist Church. He retired after 26 years as a heavy equipment operator with The Town of Edmeston Highway Department. He was a master heavy equipment operator, and had a knowledge of almost any type of machine. Ron was dedicated to the American Legion Baseball League for over 30 years in Edmeston. He served as the Otsego County Chairman, and was the 6th District Chairman for 14 years, covering 10 counties in New York State.
Oneonta’s American Legion marches on Market Street towards Main Street. (Kevin Limiti/Allotsego.com).
ONEONTA – Despite the occasional rain and cold weather, hundreds came out for the Memorial Day parade and a wreath laying ceremony Monday, May 31, in Neahwa Park to honor the country’s veterans who died in service.
Participants in the parade included the Oneonta Fire Department, the Oneonta PD, the American Legion, the Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts and the VFW.
Fred Hicken, grand marshall and WWII veteran, rides in Monday’s parade. (Kevin Limiti/Allotsego.com).
Fred Hicken, a WWII veteran, was the grand marshal of the parade.
The parade started on Market Street, adjacent to the Foothills Performing Art Center. It proceeded on Main Street and ended at the veteran’s memorial plaques in the park.
Mayor Gary Herzig gave a personal thank you to the veterans present at Neahwa Park.
“I had family members who lost their lives in the concentration camps,” Herzig said.
Herzig said that Memorial Day was important to “take the time to remember those who fought and particularly those who didn’t come home,” Herzig said. “Their sacrifice and their families’ sacrifice was also our entire communities’ sacrifice … We can only dream of what we could’ve been if we hadn’t lost those who didn’t come home. It’s a true loss not only for them and their families but all of us.”
Mayor Gary Herzig waves to spectators as he walks along Main Street. (Kevin Limiti/Allotsego.com).
During the ceremony at Neahwa Park, there was a short invocation to begin the ceremony that said a prayer for stopping the rain and allowing them to honor veterans. The Gettysburg Address was read, along with Gen. John Logan’s orders, which first designated Memorial Day as a time of honoring veterans.
Scouts BSA of Oneonta placed about 3,600 flags across the community.
The ceremony ended with a 21 gun salute and the bagpipes of Michael Woytach, an Iraq War veteran who is part of the VFW in Oneonta.
World War II veterans and VFW members salute during the ceremony at Neahwa Park. (Kevin Limiti/Allotsego.com).
“It’s just to pay my homage for those who can’t be here with us today,” Woytach said.
Herzig summed up the day with his closing remarks.
“It’s a sad day and also a proud day,” Herzig said.
COOPERSTOWN – The Boy Scouts of America Leatherstocking Council will honor retiring state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, at its annual Leadership Dinner Friday, Dec. 4, at The Otesaga.
Due to COVID precautions, Senator Seward will be joining via a live and interactive video feed to receive the BSA’s Community Leadership Award.
The BSA Community Leadership Award is presented to those who exemplify in their daily lives the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.
In preparation for Memorial Day, Boy Scout Bradley Morell, Oneonta, places a flag on veterans’ graves at Plains Cemetery this morning. The American Legion, which supplied nearly 5,000 flags, worked with Troop 23 in placing the flags in Plains, Mount Calvary and Glenwood cemeteries. “Originally, members of the Legion placed all the flags.” explained Scout Leader Dave Morell, “But about 10 years ago the Boy Scouts got involved to help.” “We would be totally lost without their help.” commented Post Commander Terry Harkenreader. The Legion is currently planning a condensed Memorial Day service on the 25th. “We will keep it small and require people involved to adhere to social distancing.” said Harkenreader. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Rick and Christine Hulse stand with their son Matthew Hulse as he is presented with a citation from the NYS Assembly, delivered during Matthew’s Eagle Scout ceremony by Assemblyman John Salka, R-121, at Cooperstown Center this morning. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
by LIBBY CUDMORE • Special To AllOTSEGO.com
Following the ceremony, Matthew speaks with his great-grandmother Louise Hulse, 102, who was among the many family gathered at the ceremony.
COOPERSTOWN – When Matthew Hulse was given his Eagle Scout award, he wanted to make sure his great-grandmother, Louise Hulse, 102, was there to be a part of the ceremony.
“She was so enthusiastic when my uncle Alan (Lotito) got his Eagle Scout award,” said Matthew. “It was important for me to have her there to witness it.”
Hulse, now a freshman at SUNY Poly Technic and a member of Troop 1254, held his Eagle Scout ceremony at Cooperstown Center, where his grandmother resides, this morning.
“I’ve very proud of him,” said Louise. “He’s a wonderful boy.”
As two eagles circled, Oneonta’s Memorial Day celebration was conducted this morning at the memorial at the end of Veterans’ Memorial Walkway before the start of the parade. American Legion Commander Gary Ballard, top photo, oversees Troop 23 Boy Scouts Giovanni Hromada, Ben Casola, Kaleb Bergeron, Andrew Pierce, Caneb Casey and Noah Miller as they place wreaths at stations marking the different branches of the military. At right, OHS Valedictorian Aben Carrington recites Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address alongside Master of Ceremonies Les Grummons, to the crowds gathered in the park. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Burr Truck at 6180 Rt. 23 on Southside in Oneonta this afternoon at the former sight of Flagpole Nissan. Above, Bob Wood, Supervisor of the Town of Oneonta, Karen Lang, Otsego County Chamber, Jody Zakrevsky, Otsego Now, Mayor Gary Herzig, Barbara Ann Heegan, Otsego County Chamber, Mike Burr, Chuck Burr, owners of Burr Truck, Sandy Eighmey, Sidney Federal Credit Union, and Lillian McPhillips, Constituent Services representative, pause for a photo of the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Behind them are members of Boy Scout Troop 23, who were tasked with hoisting the 50’x 20′ American flag up the landmark flagpole. At right, scout leaders David Morell, Paul Van Der Kruk, and Pete Miller salute at the flag rises into the afternoon wind.
“The flag was right in the building!” said Chuck Burr. “I guess the former owners bought it before they left and they left it in there. We figured we would have it fly again to let people know we are here and open for business!”
Chuck Burr, who co-owns the Southside location with his cousin Mike Burr, are third generation owners of Burr Truck, which started in 1967 in Vestal. “We have a lot of customers here and we wanted to be able to service them better.” explained Burr, “We drove by, saw this building and thought ‘we can do something with that.’ One year later, here we are!” They currently offer truck parts for sale, but plan to expand in the next 3-6 months to include truck sales and leasing. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER – 5 – 7 p.m. Support the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts program in Morris. Enjoy a delicious dinner or get takeout. Cost, $9/adult. Morris United Methodist Church, 17 Church St., Morris. Call 607-316-8239.
HONEY BEES – 6:30 p.m. “Insight into the Life of the Honey Bee” by John and Diana Armstrong of Richfield Springs hosted by the Garden Club of Richfield Springs at Lighthouse Fellowship Center, Richfield Springs Bible Church, 19 Church St., Richfield Springs. Call (607)547-5648.
ORAL HISTORY – 7 p.m. Members of the Pittsfield Historical Society present and discuss collecting oral histories. Cooperstown Graduate program ends the night with the oral histories of Hartwick residents. Kinney Memorial Library, Hartwick. Visit www.facebook.com/Kinney-Memorial-Library-826941007399746/
Holding his newborn son Levi, Brian Arenella tells the story of how, as a 15 year old Boy Scout, helped turn an abandoned lot into the Maple Street Park for his Eagle Scout project. With help from the Oneonta Federated Garden Club and the city, the park has flourished over 25 years and was celebrated with a dedication this afternoon. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
FESTIVAL – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a walk through the City of the Hills Art and Music Festival and the Sidewalk Sale. Main St., Oneonta. www.facebook.com/CANOneonta/
FISHING DERBY – 4-5 p.m. Free “catch and release” fishing competition for children. Bring your own pole, bait/lures, and a clean bucket. Includes refreshments for participants and families. Enter a raffle by the Susquehanna Bass Association. Hodges Pond, Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Call 607-432-0680 or visit oneonta.ny.us/departments/parks-and-recreation/fishing-derby/
DANCE DEMONSTRATION – 10 a.m. Informative demonstration in the art of dance presented by Jillian’s Dance Arts. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. foothillspac.org
ART RECEPTION – 5-7 p.m. “Migration-Immigration: A Creative Depiction” opens depicting the arduous and dangerous path that has led many immigrant to the US throughout our history. Features the work of local artists working in water color, acrylics, oils, pen, ink, sculptures, and more. Cherry Branch Gallery, 25 Main St., Cherry Valley. cherrybranchgallery.com
OPENING RECEPTION – 5-7 p.m. The first exhibit of the season, “Abstraction” – emerging images and interpretations. The Smithy, Cooperstown. Info, www.smithyarts.org
SPAGHETTI DINNER – 5-7 p.m. Enjoy a dinner with homemade sauch, sausage and meatballs, bread, salad, drinks, and dessert. Take out available. Support the Boy Scouts. Cooperstown Vets Club, 60 Main St., Cooperstown. Info, Maria Deysenroth, mariadeysenroth@yahoo.com
