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Edition of 12/12/2024

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Bassett Halts Changes to Retiree Benefits

Our concerns were heard.” The relief must have been palpable as Bassett Healthcare Network retiree Jan McGrath listened to a voice mail left by Bassett President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE late Friday afternoon, December 6. Only hours before, McGrath was one of more than two dozen Bassett Healthcare Network retirees who met on Thursday, December 5 to discuss unexpected changes to their Medicare Supplemental Plan, when words like “disappointed,” “betrayed,” “angry” and “shocked” were used over…

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More Work To Be Done To Cut Expenses

On Tuesday, December 3, the City of Oneonta’s Common Council initially declined to pass the tentative 2025 budget that they had approved on November 19. When put to a second vote, six of the seven council members consented to pass the 2025 budget of $20 million, with the caveat that there would be future budget cuts and solutions to cover the deficit while drawing down less of the reserves.…

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Matching Challenge Doubles Food Pantry Monetary Donations

Through the Cooperstown Food Pantry, Otsego County residents in need can receive a monthly distribution of food, including fresh produce, frozen meat, and fresh dairy. The pantry purchases food from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham, Kleffner said, where they can get $10.00 worth of food for each $1.00 spent.…

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Editorial: Get Your Holiday On

Are the kids clamoring for a visit with Santa? On Friday, December 13, the jolly old elf can be found in Cooperstown from 3-5 p.m. at his cottage in Pioneer Park. From 5-7 p.m., he can be found in Oneonta’s Muller Plaza. And in between—like so much Christmas magic—Santa will make an appearance on Main Street Unadilla, for the Santa parade at 6 p.m. (tree lighting at 5).…

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Oxley: Viewing Platform Not Necessary

Accessibility to the edge of the lake is as simple as good design of existing structures. First, ensure that the path is truly accessible. Today, accessibility is possible on many surfaces that would be considerably less expensive than a platform that requires footings dug into the lakebed. The garden at the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Lake Street has an accessible surface of gravel that was poured into grids that hold the gravel firmly enough to allow people with wheelchairs and…