Hometown Oneonta 01-11-19

Bliss, BARBECUED!

SAVORY CHICKEN, PULLED PORK LATEST WEDDING TREND/B1

HOMETOWN !

E RE

F Volume 11, No. 14

City of The Hills

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig had plenty to smile about as he laid out Oneonta’s 2019 plans at the State of The State breakfast on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Mayor, DRI Could Finally Bloom In ‘19 ONEONTA

I

n 60 days, Mayor Gary Herzig said, the new Main Street plans will be revealed.

“This redesign is not by City Hall, but by 80 downtown business owners who have submitted proposals for $2.5 million in funding for improvements,” he said.

Herzig, alongside Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch and state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, spoke at the annual State of the State breakfast, hosted by the Otsego Chamber.

ON

AllOTSEGO.com

►ROS DEVLIN, the son of Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. has resigned from his correctional officer position, county Board Chair David Bliss said Monday, Jan. 7. “Rather than engage in further litigation and exercise his right to due process, Mr. Devlin chose to voluntarily separate from service.” ►OUTAGES REPORTED in Morris after County 911 Director Rob O’Brien filed a complaint with the state Public Service Commission after “large pockets” of Frontier Communications’ landline telephone customers were without service, some for weeks. ►OTSEGO’S CONGRESSMAN, Antonio Delgado, D-19, co-sponsored his first piece of legislation, H.R. 1, the “For the People” Act, aimed at “addressing the imbalance of corporate power to make government work for the people,” according to a press release.

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, January 11, 2019

Visit www.

AllOTSEGO.com

ONLINE Daily Newspaper Launched E As of 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 9, AllOTSEGO. com becomes Otsego County’s Daily Newspaper/ ONLINE, with world and national news, crosswords and more.

ditors with ink in their ing in leaps and bounds. from veins thrill at the news Since implementing a new the editor that traditional books are strategy Oct. 1 – when news rebounding (10 percent as of midhappens, we post it – traffic, 2018) and Kindle appears to have annualized, has grown 50 peaked, and is now declining (3.8 percent – 50 percent! percent).

That’s 592,716 users, Happily, Otsego County’s 1,867,988 sessions, and newspapers – the 211-year-old 2,957,100 page views – in a Freeman’s Journal and Hometown county of 60,094 people and Oneonta, now 10 years old – are 23,627 households. stable, profitable and ever-strivSo beginning today, we JIM KEVLIN ing to serve the reading public, are relaunching www.Alland will continue to do so for the OTSEGO.com as: Otsego foreseeable future.

County’s Daily Newspaper/ONLINE, But www.AllOTSEGO.com is growPlease See ALLOTSEGO, A7

Hero May Not Have Been Target, Chief Concluding Erika and Michael Heller, right, hold close two of their four boys who John Heller – her brotherin-law; his brother – rescued from an arson last Saturday, losing his own life. To their right is Amber Roe, John’s fiancé. In the foreground, Heller’s pallbearers console each other after placing the casket in the hearse after Jan. 4 funeral in Foothills’ Atrium.

Suspect’s Brother Person Of Interest, Can’t Be Located

By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA

W

ith one arrest, 100 leads and a “person of interest” who can’t be found, Oneonta Police are still piecing together what happened during the blaze Terrence that killed a man Truitt hailed as a “hero” on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5 Walling Ave. “We’re not sure what (Terrence) Please See ARSON, A6 Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FUNDRAISING DRIVE OVER $1 MILLION

Site Bought For New Shelter INDEX

J

ust six weeks old, the $2 million “Shelter Us” fund drive passed the halfway mark in recent days, giving the Susquehanna SPCA confidence to buy land for its new headquarters.

The SPCA has closed the deal on two acres of land at 5088-5082 Route 28, CPA Judith Brown’s Please See SPCA, A7

SPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes, with puppy Zero, and board Chair Gaylord Dillingham look over Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA new site.

Biggest Ambulance Company Acquires Locally Based CMT

By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN

O

wners Margaret McGown and Mark Zeek announced the sale of Cooperstown Medical Transport to AMR (American Medical Response), which employs 28,000 emergency medical

personnel in 40 states and Washington, D.C. An assetpurchase agreement was signed Tuesday, Jan. 8, and the sale is expected to be complete by the end of March, pending final apPlease See CMT, A6

HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

HOMETOWN People

All

Photography Exhibit on Display in city hall lobby

OTSEGO. home improvement

Become a Reinhardt Home Heating Customer

Serving the Central New York counties of Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie

For the past 80 years we have sought to bring smart energy products to our residential and commercial customers.

We deliver expertise with every gallon of fuel, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Our goal is for you to experience true home comfort.

Join us!

We Make Warm Friends! www.ReinhardtHomeHeating.com · 607-432-6633 3919 State Highway 23, West Oneonta

the snow is here!

we have a huge selection of saws , trimmers & snow throwers

Sharon SpringS garage 6799 Route 23, Oneonta · 607-432-8411 1375 US 20, Sharon Springs · 518-284-2346 www.sharonspringsgarage.com Mon - Fri: 7:30 am to 5 pm · Sat: 7:30 am to Noon

FRIDAY, January 11, 2019

Baby Boy From Walton First ’19 Bassett Birth

Austin James Robinson is the first baby born in 2019 at the Bassett Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA Birthing Center in Wayne Wright, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society’s librarian, shows off Cooperstown. Austin arrived at 3:01 a.m. a two-lens stereoscopic camera that is featured in three panels from the New Year’s Day to his “Oneonta Photographers, 1850-1900” he staged for GOHS during the fall mother and father, now being installed in the City Hall lobby. The show features work from William Mereness, Perry Young and Howard N. Smith, who took some of the Destiny Grant and Adam Robinson of Waltearliest images of Oneonta. on, Austin weighs 6 lbs., 13 oz., and is 19¾ inches long. Destiny noted that Austin’s birthday is exactly 30 days before benefit screening of seen for the first time in our her own birthday. 2018 was another record “Citizen Clark… A area. Individuals like Noam setting year with 1,081 Life of Principle,” Chomsky, Ralph Nader, babies born at Bassett.

A

Joe Stillman’s Celebrate ‘Citizen Clark’ Gets Benefit Screening In U-U Church

the story of former U.S. Attorney General and Human Rights activist Ramsey Clark will be held on Sunday, January 20th at 6:00pm in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Avenue, in Oneonta, NY. The film, narrated by Martin Sheen, is a chronological look at Clark’s national and international commitment to the causes of peace, justice and human Poster promotes Joe rights issues. Clark’s work in Stillman’s documentary. the Justice Department with run for the 1974 U.S. Senate John & Robert Kennedy, race in New York, and U.S. Martin Luther King, Civil interventions throughout the Rights, LBJ, the turbulent 1960’s, the Vietnam War, his world will be shown. New footage from the Parkland, Florida shooting, which was added to the finished version of the film, will be

DEJOSEPH LAUDED: Gabriel DeJoseph, Unadilla, was named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the 2018 fall semester. DeJoseph is a senior majoring in government and religious studies.

Frank Serpico, UN General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann and other journalists, politicians and human rights activists are featured in the film.

The award-winning documentary was recently honored at the Mediterranean Film Festival in Cannes, France, and its script was chosen to be part of the permanent library core collection at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Ben Friedell will introduce Oneonta filmmaker Joseph C. Stillman.

A donation of $10 is suggested for admission. For reservations call 607.287.5175 or email: js@alifeofprinciple.com.

BAKER ON LIST: Hanna Baker, Oneonta, has been named to the Nazareth College Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester.

Baker is majoring in Music Therapy.

ROSNER ACHIEVES: Cole Rosner, Oneonta, has been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List at Slippery Rock University.

Buying Antiques, estAtes, ArtifActs

Buzz Hesse Antiques & Appraisals Over 60 years experience

Call today for a courteous and confidential talk 370 MAin street, otego 607-287-5320 buzzh123@gmail.com

Buying Antiques, estAtes, ArtifActs

Your January Home Checklist 4 Keep the path to your heating oil fill pipe cleared for delivery. Clear a path from your driveway to the fill pipe.

4 Protect pipes from freezing. Insulate any exposed outdoor pipes.

4 Take steps to prevent ice dams. Ice dams are

areas of built-up ice that can accumulate around your roof line, causing leaks when the backed-up snow behind them begins to melt.

4 Make sure your driveway is maintained.

Keep your driveway cleared of snow and branches so that the fuel oil truck, deliveries, emergency vehicles and visitors have access to your home.

4 Knock heavy snow from tree branches.

4 Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

For all of life’s strains, sprains, coughs and colds Bassett Convenient Care Cooperstown Open Monday - Friday, 5 pm - 10 pm Open Saturday - Sunday, 9 am - 5:30 pm

Call to schedule same-day/next-day appointments - 607-547-5702 206 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-9961 | brucehallhomecenter.com Providing fuel oil & service locally since 1921

TO ADVERTISE IN

AllOTSEGO/home improvement CALL TARA OR THOM AT 607-547-6103

Bassett Medical Center Clinic Building, ground floor CooperstownCare.org

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, january 10-11, 2019

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

The future is here!

SubScribe to www..AllOTseGO.com­­

OTseGO COUNTY’s DAiLY NeWsPAPer oNLiNe ALL the LocAL NewS… PLuS ALL the feAtureS you exPect iN A dAiLy NewSPAPer world & National News • editorials, columns & Letters to the editor crosswords • daily & Sunday comics • horoscopes • dear Abby including all content of hometown oneonta & the freeman’s Journal

99

¢

eNJoy comPLete AcceSS for two weekS, theN…

a week

Go to

AllOTseGO.com­­ Now OUNDED

IA

JU

DG

E WIL

L

Cooperstown’s Newspaper

•F

1808 BY

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

R

IN

HOMETOWN

O M C O PE

$12.87 billable quarterly

For 211 Years

AllOTSEGO.com

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

HOMETOWN Views

FRIDAY, January 11, 2019

EDITORIAL

LEVELS RISING ON RESERVOIR OF GOOD WILL

Bliss Achieves Key Goal: Collegiality On County Board

T

he amiable Dave Bliss, who is enEach month there’s a consent agenda tering his second year as chairman that lumps together a few dozen routine of the Otsego County Board of resolutions so they can be taken care of Representatives, patently has achieved in one vote – a huge time saver in a his first goal: A “change of culture” usually lengthy meeting. toward a more amiable But any county rep can ask that any atmosphere. resolution be removed for individual “I believe we have debate, as Ed Frazier, R-Unadilla, a working relationsensibly did in this case on the “Climate ship with departments Smart Communities Pledge,” which heads and other board NYSERDA is encouraging local members,” the former Dave Bliss retakes governments to adopt. the rostrum after be24-year Middlefield town supervisor, Meg Kennedy, C-Mount Vision, ing reelected chair of asked the question on everyone’s mind, a Republican, said in an interview the county Board of assessing his first year at the helm, “Does it close the door on other possible Representatives after developments that might be considered and looking ahead to the second.

“Democrats and Republicans are evenly his Jan. 2 reelection. ‘Climate UN-smart’?” split – we need to work together.”

Well, guess what? In a county where • battle lines are firming up over natural gas, an A case in point surfaced at the county board’s amiable and informative discussion followed. organizational meeting on Jan. 2, where Bliss Michele Farwell, D-Morris, who was drawn into was reelected by a 12-2 vote.

Please See EDITORIAL, A5

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Tensions rise as former county board chair Kathy Clark, R-Otego, seated at left, speaks against reappointing the Republican elections commissioner for another term.

Standing is Administration Committee chair Meg Kennedy.

LETTERS

New Hotel: When Is Too Much Too Much?

M

To the Editor: In regards to the proposed 101 room hotel in Hartwick, I’d like to thank Bob Holt, career hospitality professional, for his willingness to “tell it like it is” regarding the true state of the hospitality business here in the Cooperstown area. While we at the Landmark Hotel in Cooperstown always welcome new competition, I’d like to introduce the following numbers into the public discussion, hoping it broadens perspective.

1) 36,865 - 101 additional rooms sounds innocuous enough, but the number that should be focused on is 36,865; (101 rooms x 365 days). That is the number of new “room nights” (a critical metric in the hospitality business) that will be introduced into a local visitation rate that is not growing: 36,865 room nights.

2) 18,423 - At an average stay of two nights, that’s the number of additional room-booking visitors needed to absorb the additional

ake no mistake about it, this new hotel in Hartwick will ABSOLUTELY market itself as a Cooperstown hotel, thereby leveraging the marketing strength of the Cooperstown quaintness brand, even as it helps (unwittingly, perhaps) to destroy it.

FRED SCHNEIDER Landmark Hotel, Cooperstown

inventory. Where will they come from when they haven’t come already?

Like most hotels, (mine included), this proposed hotel is not an attraction bringing additional people to the area.

3) Zero - That is the anecdotal increase in occupancy that a number of B&Bs/inns/hotels achieved in the

area this year, without, yet, the impact of this new hotel. Some have told me personally they were down over 25 percent year over year. True, there may be any number of reasons for this, but the explosion of hotel rooms in the area (Oneonta included) is clearly having an impact.

4) Negative 7 percent - That is the rate growth (i.e. price increase, a key to paying employees a livable wage) the Landmark (which we think is a modestly successful business) has achieved over the past six years in the “off” season. That’s right; our 2018 winter rates are 7 percent below where they were six years ago. This is despite huge investments in our facility and marketing, and it’s because rate is always the product of demand and demand is always the quotient of room-night inventory divided by visitor count. Add inventory without additional visitors and rates go down.

Rates go down, employees get laid off.

Please See SCHNEIDER, B5

Assemblyman Salka: I Will Work Tirelessly For You To the Editor: As we start a new year, and new leadership for the 121st Assembly District, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who supported us in this past election. And for those who did not, I hope to gain your trust through hard work, accountability and service.

As we head into the 2019

legislative session, I look forward to working with my fellow legislators, regardless of their political John Salka affiliation, to further the interests of our communities

HOMETOWN

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

Tara Barnwell

Advertising Director & General Manager

Libby Cudmore

Managing Editor

Amanda E. Willsey Business Manager

Larissa Ryan Office Manager/Circulation

Jennifer Hill • Patrick Wager Reporters Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant

Judith Bartow Billing

Ian Austin Photographer

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production Tom Heitz Consultant

IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 MEMBER OF New York Press Association • The Otsego County Chamber Published weekly by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: (607) 547-6103. Fax: (607) 547-6080.

E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com

and our great state.

There are going to be issues that require debate and the advocacy that Upstate representatives will have to fight hard for. It is my firm promise that I will work tirelessly for the betterment of our towns, villages and cities, and I will always keep the interests of the citizens of the 121st as my main focus and concern.

I would also like to thank

former Assemblyman Magee for his long-time dedication to our communities.

As I have said during the campaign, I cannot do this alone. I will need the ideas and the energy of the constituents who have given me the honor to serve, and I will always be there for them.

After all, I work for you.

Respectfully Yours, JOHN SALKA Assemblyman-elect, 121st Assembly District

OPEN LETTER TO COMMUNITY

Does Society Of Friends Offer Solutions To Angst That Divides Our Nation?

F

or those who know we are, or, at least, would one, or all, of us, “uto- like to be. pian” isn’t the first The publication outlines, word that would come to in the main, goals of peace, mind. Practical, justice, economic fact-based, anasharing and planet lytical – those restoration as would be better worthy long-range adjectives to efforts for us all. describe us.

“The World We Yet we can’t Seek” is a non-parhelp but rectisan ecumenical ognize, locally statement of legand nationally, islative policy and the decrease of the Quakers have civility, neighrecently recomborliness and mended practical cooperativeness “The World We steps which local in our national Seek” offers the advocacy groups Quakers’ solution. conscience and can promote. Is it behavior, and overly optimistic? wonder if there’s a way for Perhaps. impractical? Maybe. citizens and our leadership to Ultimately that is in our take corrective actions. hands. Sometimes we need With that in mind, we’ve a reminder that our governall been reading “The World ment is us, “We the People.’’

We Seek,” a statement of For more information, legislative policy put out in reach out to one of us and 2013 by the Friends Comfind out how to get involved. mittee on National LegYou can call Emery C. islation (Quakers). It’s a Herman at 547-2146 for a statement of principle and loan copy of this booklet purpose, a path to a better or go to www.fcnl.org to way and, after these past few request your own copy. years, a necessary reminder EMERY HERMAN of how we can treat people JIM ATWELL and have our governments, DICK DeROSA from local to national, act in JEFF KATZ ways more reflective of who Cooperstown

LEGAL POT? NY Should Beware Of Pitfalls Editor’s Note: This appeared in YourAAA, the Jan./Feb. edition of the Automobile Association of America/ Northeast. Our state Legislature may legalize recreational marijuana as soon as this month.

T

he legalization of marijuana is gaining popularity within the U.S. A recent Gallup poll found that 66 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization. More than half the states have legalized marijuana us to some extent.

Of the six states in the AAA Northeast footprint, only Massachusetts has legalized the recreational use of marijuana. But there have been recent pushes to legalize it in both New York and New Jersey.

Traffic crashes increased by 6 percent in states that legalized recreational marijuana when compared to neighboring states, according to recent

Lovely – but looks are deceiving, some experts say.

studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute.

AAA, which opposes the legalization of marijuana for recreational use due to traffic-safety concerns, has launched new initiatives aimed at combatting drugged driving.

One program sponsors drug-recognition-expert courtroom training,

which helps sharpen the presentation skills of experts and prosecutors to strengthen their courtroom arguments related to impaired-driving cases.

“Drug recognition experts are facing even greater challenges when it comes to drugged driving,” said Mary Maguire, director of public & legislative affairs for AAA Northeast.

“And AAA Northeast is committed to helping law enforcement meet those challenges.”

The other program focuses on educating teenage drivers.

“More citations are given to teen drivers for drugs than alcohol,” said Diana Imondi, traffic safety programs manager for AAA Northeast.

Imondi helped develop a new curriculum covering driving and marijuana use. It will be taught in Rhode Island high school health classes this year before being rolled out to other nearby states.

AllOTSEGO.com • MORE LETTERS, A5, A6

E-MAIL LETTERS TO EDITOR TO info@

FRIDAY, January 11, 2019

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

History

HOMETOWN

Compiled by Tom Heitz and SHARON STUART, with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

150 Years Ago

Oneonta Home & Vicinity: Our town begins to feel the impulse of increased railroad facilities and will soon double its wholesale trade in flour, salt, plaster, lime, coal and general merchandise. Many carloads of lime are taken every week from this station by the farmers of Laurens, Morris, Hartwick, and other towns for agricultural purposes. The more the better for the farming interest. Inside of ten years, Otsego, Delaware and Chenango, the glorious 19th Congressional District, will be about as well furnished with railroads as any counties in the State. Hurry up the railroads, all the people will say “Amen” and bond their towns besides. A large number of men and horses passed up the valley last Wednesday to begin work on the Cobleskill and Cherry Valley Railroad, a work which is to be vigorously pushed.

A road from Broad Street to General Burnside’s at the foot of the bluff would bring much rear room in the stores and shops of Oneonta into practical use. We hear talk of a movement in that direction.

January 1869

125 Years Ago

The Local News: The McCammon Piano Company held its annual meeting Friday, electing the following directors: Geo. B. Baird, C.F. Shelland, R.D. Baird, D.F. Wilber, S.M. Baird. The officers for 1894 are: President – Geo. B. Baird, Vice-President – R.D. Baird, Secretary and Treasurer – C.F. Shelland. The Binghamton Sunday Messenger lately presented a $500 piano to Miss Mary Clapper, that young lady having received 7,704 coupons in the voting contest. As the piano awarded was a Matchless McCammon, manufactured at Oneonta, there is no doubt as to the value or utility of the gift.

January 1894

80 Years Ago

A Senate Judiciary sub-committee approved the nomination of Felix Frankfurter to the U.S. Supreme Court after hearing the little Harvard law professor assert his faith in the American constitution. He did so because for two days a procession of witnesses had denounced him as a radical, a Communist, a disbeliever in things American, and even in some cases, had objected to his confirmation because he is a Jew and was born abroad. Frankfurter denied that he was now or ever had been a Communist, either by party membership or inclination.

Old-time songs interwoven with the laugh-provoking comedy of the third annual presentation of Bill Winney’s minstrel show were well-received by a capacity audience in the Universalist Church last night. The production will be repeated at 8 p.m. this evening. Outstanding in the many features of the show were the three selections “Some Folks Say Crows Don’t Steal,” “I’m Working on the Levee,” and “In the Evening,” sung by the quartet composed of Kenneth Kniskern, G. Vaughn Russell, LaVerne Pierce and

100 Years Ago

40 Years Ago

January 1959

Sixteen-year-old William Frazier was babysitting the children of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Howard when fire broke out setting off a smoke detector. The two older children, hearing the alarm, dashed to the first floor from their bedroom on the second floor. Frazier, who was with the youngest child downstairs, gave the child to the oldest and instructed them to go to the neighbors and call the fire department.

Frazier then dashed upstairs where the third child was still asleep. Despite thick choking smoke, he made his way to the child’s room and carried him to safety. When the Howards arrived home and saw the fire engines they became worried the children had not escaped. But, when informed otherwise, Floyd Howard said: “That boy, or I guess I should call him a man, is what heroes are made of. How can you thank someone for what he did? A lot of times you forget just how much responsibility you give a babysitter.

Bill really showed us he could handle it.”

January 1979

20 Years Ago

U.S. postal rates will change this Sunday, January 10, and the cost of mailing a first-class letter will increase by a penny to 33 cents. This marks the first increase in four years and the smallest percent increase ever. However, some rates will decrease. For example, if a letter weighs more than one ounce, the limit for the 33-cent rate, the cost of each additional ounce up to a pound will drop a penny to 22 cents.

A hiring surge at construction sites, department stores and restaurants cut the nation’s unemployment rate to 4.3 percent in December and helped make last year’s job market the strongest during peacetime in 41 years. The seasonally adjusted rate, down from 4.4 percent in November, returned to the level reached in April and before that in 1970, according to the Labor Department. For the year (1998) January 1919 unemployment averaged 4.5 percent, the lowest since 3.5 Rev. Charles A. Wyman. Oscar Wells received his share of percent in 1969 during the Vietnam War. Last year’s mark laughs with his end-man songs, jokes and poems, as did was the lowest peacetime rate since 1957, when it averaged Bill Winney who sang “Hanky Pank and His Pinky Poo” 4.3 percent. and played a requested banjo solo.

January 1999 January 1939

10 Years Ago

60 Years Ago

A mob of screaming anti-Communist demonstrators surged against police lines in Detroit, Michigan Thursday night as Soviet Deputy Premier A.I. Mikoyan went to dinner with the automotive capital’s top capitalists. Snowballs were thrown. So were a few eggs. The crowd, estimated to number 300, many of them Hungarians and refugees from other Iron Curtain countries, ignored President Eisenhower’s plea Thursday for courteous treatment of the Soviet visitors. Mikoyan told a group of America’s leading auto-makers earlier in the day that it would be “a long, long time” before every Russian worker has an automobile.

About seven percent of Otsego County’s approximately 1,000 square miles have been leased for gas drilling, according to the Otsego County Conservation Association.

OCCA has published a map identifying the leased properties according to Erik Miller, the organization’s executive director. “This is our second map and it’s probably not complete because more leases are being signed all the time,” Miller said Thursday. Activity has been brisk in the last three years as processes such as hydrofracking and horizontal drilling make it possible to extract gas from shale several thousand feet below ground.

January 2009

Golly, Goodbye To All That Was 2018 – And Welcome To Whatever

To the Editor: 2018 – Farewell. Actually, farewell is an optimistic term, but there is a better expression: good riddance. Complaints about the past 12 months …

Unregulated patent medicine ads supposedly improving mental function; as well, pills that do miraculous cures and improvements (making “it” larger, disposing of wrinkles, growing hair). Since 1906, the government supposedly regulates such food and drug fraud. The agency is now narcotized by lobbyists

and cash gifts.

Cars advertised on TV speeding recklessly or traveling across rocky wastes nobody with any sense would travel. Owning four-wheel-drive vehicles supposedly makes drivers immune to recklessness. Ice storms in the South and border states result in accidents caused by speed in bad road conditions. Cause? Never covered.

Money in campaigns – the U.S. did not invent “money talks,” but was the first to make it a legal LETTERS

doctrine. Cash is supposedly a form of “free speech” guaranteed by the ill-quoted U.S. Constitution. If paper could weep, that document would flow with resentment about its ill-use.

As for talking money, it’s amusing to put Lincoln, Jackson, Hamilton, and, if one temporarily has him, Franklin propped on the nightstand for evening conferences. Lincoln is the best of the lot with both wit and brevity, and lots of people carry five bucks. Washington is also a good candidate – but not very humorous. It’s also

EDITORIAL: The Bliss Of Congeniality EDITORIAL/From A1 politics by the anti-fracking fight, said, “The economicdevelopment component is going to be central; it has to be.”

Danny Lapin, D-Oneonta, pointed out the pledge could open the way to a $250,000 grant to allow the county to plan for “extreme weather” eventualities that may result from climate change. As OCCA circuit rider, you might expect he likes the climate pledge. But he said his piece, and didn’t push it.

Keith McCarty, who chairs the Solid Waste & Environmental Concerns Committee, said he doesn’t necessarily favor the pledge, but he didn’t quash it in committee: He wanted it to be considered by the full board.

Maybe the county board can approve parts of the pledge that it agrees with and still open the door to grants? Andrew Stammel, D-Oneonta, did a quick Google and found NYSERDA is firm that the 10 points in the pledge be passed verbatim.

Still, county Planning Director Karen Sullivan offered to explore what wiggle room might be available and

report back at the February meeting.

• That kind of give-and-take would have been impossible during the 2013-17 period, when the then-chair was determined to impose her will and everything was a fight.

As if a reminder, that surfaced twice during the reorganizational meeting.

First, with Kathy Clark, ROtego, Bliss’ predecessor, and Frazier, her former vice chair, providing the two nay votes in Bliss’ 12-2 reelection. Would it have been more savvy, seeing where things were going, to just go along?

Afterwards, a political observer opined that, since Bliss had negotiated a resolution to the standoff over Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr.’s son, Roz, and Devlin had then defeated Clark’s husband Bob Fernandez in the sheriff’s race, there were still some open sores.

Second, Clark then removed from the consent agenda and challenged the reappointment of Lori Lehenbauer as Republican elections commissioner.

The county rep described three instances when she didn’t feel Lehenbauer had provided the Fernandez

campaign with accurate information.

In one case, she was assured a county Elections Board decision made the Friday before Labor Day could be challenged the following Tuesday, only to learn the three-day challenge period had expired over the holiday weekend.

Clark then provided the nay vote in the 13-1 decision to reappoint Lehenbauer.

Self-immolation.

• The good news is: That’s yesterday’s news.

Bliss is often heard to ask, “Do I want to die on that hill?” Indeed, winning everything isn’t everything.

Some fights are, and a more sensible approach – Bliss’s – is to build good will, so when those fights worth fighting come along there’s sufficient mutual confidence that different sides can compromise.

David Bliss is allowing a reservoir of good will to fill, and that promises good decisions that are already surfacing – in the astonishing professionalizing of department head salaries, for one – will become a welcome feature of Otsego County government.

very difficult to find a crisp and clean dollar bill to prop against a bedside lamp.

Following the news, but where is it? The most important piece of recent legislation was the tax give-away. The largest corporations don’t pay federal taxes.

Paradoxically, they now pay even less? How do you subtract from O? Has there been a single series of “news” about the tax frauds?

No. Instead, there can’t be enough time and space devoted to national leaders during their uncivil toilettraining accidents. Any news about

the stench from the national debt?

Flying national corpses about the country before (at last) burials – We haven’t yet elected Nero as president, but the final send-offs are grotesque. How about Evita Peron as a model? No. This is a republic supposedly devoted to understatement!

So: Where’s the first presidential cremation, no coffin, and a ceremony lasting a single hour without vocalists singing off-key?

ROBERT MOYNIHAN Cooperstown

Renewables Not Ready To Replace Gas

T

hose who oppose using fossil fuels to provide the bulk of our energy needs without offering viable alternatives are depriving this and future generations of job opportunities. When our country attempts to keep our illegal immigrants seeking to enter our country illegally in pursuit of jobs, Nancy Pelosi and those aligned with her call it “immoral”. What should we call doing that to our own citizens?

When those opposed to fossil fuels argue against them, they point to their environmental impacts, especially their contribution to MIKE “climate change” and ZAGATA laud renewables as being “pure” when it comes to the environment. Is that really the case?

When it was discovered that wind turbines were killing birds, that information was “swept under the rug” by the regulatory agencies and media. Golden and bald eagles are protected under the “Golden and Bald Eagle Protection Act” and the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act.” It is illegal to kill, harm, harass or pluck a feather from one.

However, in a move to subsidize the wind power industry by removing a regulatory hurdle, the Obama Administration granted the wind-power industry an exemption whereby each wind power company could kill up to 4,200 eagles over a 30-year period (Google “Obama

Save the Eagles International is circulating this photo of one of those grand birds felled by turbine blades.

Allows Wind Turbines to Legally Kill Eagles”). The environmental groups didn’t like it, but they were caught in a conundrum – eagles or wind power – and so they remained quiet.

That exemption only explains away the eagles, but doesn’t address the tens of thousands of song birds that are annually struck and killed by a turbine or blade. Is wind power “pure”?

• What about solar energy? According to an application filed by New York City, it takes about 40 acres of solar panels to provide the electricity for 1,250 households. Thus, if you were to provide New York’s 29 million residents with solar power via solar farms, it would take over 500,000 acres under glass.

Those acres would no longer be forests, brush or pastures with the ability to sequester carbon. That being the case, one must ask if there would be a net gain or loss with regards to reducing the carbon Please See ZAGATA, A6

THURSDAY-Friday, january 10-11, 2019

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Emergency Services Company Buys Cooperstown Medical Transport CMT/From A1 proval by the Susquehanna Regional EMS Council, covering Chenango County, and the Adirondack/Appalachian EMS council, which covers Otsego and Delaware counties.

In a press release, AMR said it will transition employees and customers to the new entity between now and then.

“Mark and I have lived the American Dream,” said McGown in announcing the sale of the three-county enterprise that began as one ambulance the couple bought for $900 in 1980 from Jim Dow, the Cooperstown funeral director.

When the sale occurred, CMT, as it’s generally known, was administering the operation of 13

ambulances (down from a peak of 17) from the main four-bay complex in Davenport, where administration and maintenance is also based.

CMT also has stations in Delhi, Bainbridge and Norwich, and a post (a single-bay garage) that is manned daily in Stamford.

HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal From a staff of Margaret McGown and Mark Zeek built two – at first, the Cooperstown Medical Transport up from couple staffed the a single vehicle in over 38 years. operation themIn 1980, the first year, CMT selves – CMT as of today emmade 110 calls; in 2018, that had ployed 95 EMTs and other emrisen to 8,241 calls. ployees.

AMR was founded in 1992 when several regional ambulance providers consolidated into a single company, prompted by changes in health-care reimbursement, new technology and the managed-care plans, all requiring a larger provider network, according to the its website.

In 1997, it merged with Med Trans, creating the largest ambulance service provider in the U.S. The CMT owners said the decision to sell wasn’t made overnight; AMR first expressed interest in acquiring the local company a decade ago.

McGown was working as a social worker at Bassett when she met Zeek, a New Jersey native who was doing alternative service at Bassett during the Vietnam War.

LETTERS/NATURAL GAS DEBATE

Microgrid Idea Wrong Solution To Oneonta Challenges To the Editor: Albert Colone’s letter in your Dec. 20-21 editions suggested a “municipal microgrid” might be something the different factions in the energy discussion could all agree on. The letter touched on technical matters that deserve discussion.

We need to understand that a “microgrid” refers to a local electric grid that can be isolated and continue to function for an extended period even when the larger grid goes down. Of course, the main grid is very reliable so, in fact, we don’t need a microgrid.

Colone writes that solar panels and wind turbines could provide electricity and heat for a complex at the railyards with gas used only as back up.

First, because of intermittency of solar and wind power, any microgrid that must support several buildings or run in “island mode” (off the main grid) for an extended period must primarily rely on hydropower or gas.

Second, solar and wind produce electricity, not heat. Generating heat from electricity – like your toaster does - has a less-than-even coefficient of

performance (COP), meaning for every 10 kW of electricity you pay for, you might only get 8 kW worth of toast.

We see now that no wind-and-solar microgrid in the railyards could realistically provide heat and electricity for more than a good-sized dog kennel, and it would need significant battery backup even for that.

Commercial “combined heat and power” (CHP) systems - including microgrid applications - are driven by gas turbines. A 25mW CHP “microgrid” could power a chunk of downtown Oneonta. It would require 6 million cubic feet of gas - that’s 15 CNG “bomb trucks” - daily to keep it running.

But that might not be the worst part.

If you only needed heat, you’d still have to run the turbines and generate electricity. If you didn’t need heat, you’d have to dump that part of your system’s energy even though you were paying for it.

Yet, even that might not be the worst part. This plan would mean that we postpone making necessary changes to our energy systems to cut

emissions and stem global warming.

Who would be against a CHP microgrid? I’ve got my hand up.

There are sensible solutions, though.

Wind and solar provide electricity that gets “net metered,” meaning we get paid back for any energy we push onto the grid beyond our needs. We’d still pull juice from the main grid, but we’d sometimes be pushing electricity back onto it.

You could use the Susquehanna River or even municipal water or sewage systems for geothermal energy to heat or cool downtown businesses.

That would be renewable energy: local, reliable, inexpensive. Geothermal heat typically has a coefficient of performance of 5, meaning for 1 unit of electricity you get 5 units of heat. It would not be a microgrid, but it would be smart.

The fact is, we don’t need a microgrid. But we do need to understand basic energy concepts and start using our heads to power our region into a sustainable future.

DENNIS HIGGINS Otego

Natural Gas Part Of The Solution, Not Problem – Look At Germany

What became CMT had its roots at Bassett Hospital, which had an ambulance staffed by interns in the 1960s, the owners recounted in an interview today. By the end of the decade, the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department assumed operation of the ambulance and began training its own EMTs. However, Bassett still had transportation needs, and bought a 1970 Ford van to use as what was termed termed a “medical coach.”

Drivers were members of the maintenance staff, who would be called upon to drive patients back and forth to The Meadows, and to take patients home.

When Dow agreed to take over the operation, the hospital sold him the van for $1.

Oneonta On Roller-Coaster, With Packed Funeral, Arrest, More Question On Fatal Fire ARSON/From A1 Truitt was trying to do,” said Police Chief Doug Brenner said of the suspect facing a charge of arson, first degree. “It looks like Heller was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Truitt, 34, is now accused of setting a fire on the second-floor that killed former Oneonta firefighter John Heller, 38, in his third-floor apartment. Truitt was arrested and charged with arson, first degree, Monday, Dec. 31, and appeared in City Court for a felony hearing on Friday, Jan. 4.

“We had information that didn’t line up John Heller with what (Truitt) had first told me,” said Oneonta Police Detective Sgt. Branden Collison. “He kept changing his stories.”

But police are seeking the whereabouts of his brother, Gabriel Truitt, whom they are calling him a “person of interest,” but providing no further explanation.

Though initially interviewed at the start of the case, Brenner said he has not been seen or heard from since.

“We’re trying to figure out to what extent Gabriel is involved,” he said.

Investigators don’t believe that Heller was the target of the fatal fire, and are still trying to understand the relationship between Gabriel, Terrence and a woman named Heather Engler, who lived in the apartment below Heller, where investigators believe the fire was set.

►“My brother might be in the house”

During the felony hearing on Friday, Jan. 4, Michael Syron, a taxi driver, told City Judge Lucy Bernier that Truitt flagged him down at 4 a.m. the morning of the fire in the Friendly’s parking lot, next to 5 Walling.

“My brother might be in the house,” Syron said Truitt told nation in the world that has with lignite (dirty coal) two facilities are in the early To the Editor: him. But the witness said he smelled smoke on Truitt, and thirds of that coal. phase of planning. Gas will that he later notice the armrest on the passenger side of his Two reports and a confer- a CHANCE of meeting the Accords’ stated goals. No Germany has problems replace coal, just as it did in car was “sooty.” ence warning that climate country equals our record – in the summer, when they the United States. And, just is warming due to human Truitt told detectives that he went to to the Speedway mart in tonnage or percentage of have too much renewable as in the United States, CO2 next to Main Street Baptist Church, where he borrowed a activity, i.e., greenhouse emissions reduced. Frackelectricity, they have to PAY will be reduced. gases (GHG). This warmtaxi driver’s cell phone to call firefighters, then went back to Implications for Otsego neighboring countries to ing will “disrupt many areas ing has made this possible. the house but found it “too smoky” to enter.

Therefore, a modest protake their excess in order to County? While green intenof life,” affecting trade and But at the scene that night, Collison said “there was not a posal: To lower the world’s maintain grid stability. In tions are noble, what good precipitating conflicts. lot of smoke” at the entrance; the smoke was mostly on the carbonization in the least the winter. when there is not are they if they don’t work? second and third floors.

Let’s assume for the moproblematic manner, priorienough renewable output, Economics count. France, ment that the data warrants tize the exploration, extracthey have to stoke up the anyone? Macron raised the ► “What most don’t know is she’s a victim of the conclusion – man-made tion, transport, sale and use coal plants in spite of coal’s price of gasoline 25 cents GHGs are the cause of domestic violence.” of natural gas. emissions problems. to save the planet. The global warming. How do Germany, the world’s These inefficiencies crepeople erupted. Cost/benwe solve this problem?

Investigators found a burned spray can in a pile of debris ate a dilemma. In spite of fourth-largest economy and efit matters. Ask Germany.

What works? near Apartment C, where Engler lived. Additionally, the botparagon of green virtue, ofpotential, there’s no current Germans haven’t erupted For smooth transitions tom of her door was blocked with a yet-unidentified material. fers a case study. In the year means of storing excess but Merkle will make deals to a less carbon-intensive Brenner believes that Engler was known to both brothers, 2000, Germany embarked renewable electricity. Back- with Putin to keep the lights future, the best path is the and Engler’s stepmother, Rochelle Denise Smith-Engler, on as massive transition up coal (coal plants must be on, the houses warm, and a use of natural gas – the posted on Facebook that her stepdaughter was a victim of continually running) profew euros in the ratepayers’ bridge fuel. Two decades of away from fossil fuels to domestic violence. renewables. The goal was duces unacceptable emispocket. data from the U.S. Energy “As by now most are aware my stepdaughter Heather to derive 80 percent of its sions that have remained The road to carbon neuInformation Agency (EIA) Marie Engler was a victim of the Walling Street fire in energy from renewables by stubbornly constant over the trality is a long one. Until is testimony to its efficacy.

Oneonta,” she wrote on Jan. 2. “What most don’t know is 2050, thus the slogan “80 by years. wind and solar storage probAccording to the EIA, she’s a victim of domestic violence.”

50.”

The goal remains “80 by lems are solved, renewables the substitution of gas for In initial interviews with Collison, Truitt said he “never With escalating costs in 50.” The clock is ticking. won’t work. Until then, gas coal in power plants has saw Heather,” but in a later interview said he was visiting Nothing’s happening. Who infrastructure, subsidies, is the go-to element in the lowered CO2 in the USA to her. you gonna call? process. levels not seen since the late and grid maintenance, the Then, at the station on Dec. 31, Truitt said “he wasn’t Gas producers! Gas has Otsego County can put its 1980s. This happened while price of retail electricity going to beat around the bush” about being on the second skyrocketed; Germans pay half the CO2 and almost head in the sand and form population and GDP grew floor, said Collison. the American equivalent of none of the oxides, volatile energy committees that a over the same period.

Brenner classified Engler as an “acquaintance” of Gabriel 37 cents per kilowatt hour. organic compounds (VOCs,) ignore the most reliable, afIn cities, substitution of Truitt, but did not specify the details of the relationship.

Here in the USA, we averand particulate contained in fordable, scaleable source of gas for oil in buildings has age about 10 cents. coal. With gas, Germany energy (as used in Oneonta, eliminated most sulfur di►“You spent your last day on Earth saving What do the Germans get has a chance of breaking the here and now) or take oxide (SO2), nitrous oxides others” for their money? In spite of present system’s stalemate. advantage of natural gas (NOX), and particulates, The 900-mile Nord 2 massive outlays, solar and produced only a few miles enabling them to meet EPA While Truitt’s felony hearing was underway in the city’s wind only produce about 25 Pipeline (gas from Russia) is south in Pennsylvania. standards.

Public Safety Building at Main and South Market, 350 in the planning stage. Dow The advantage is – GAS According to Bloomberg, percent of German electricfriends, family, fellow firefighters – from East Meredith, Chemical will partner with WORKS! Here and now! regardless of our withdrawal ity. Fossil fuels generate Germany to build an LNG double that (53 percent,) DICK DOWNEY Franklin and Worcester, as well as Oneonta – and commufrom the Paris Accords, the facility. Two more LNG primarily coal (35 percent,) Otego nity members gathered at Foothills to say goodbye to Heller.

United States is the ONLY “You spent your last day on Earth saving others,” his sister-in-law, Erika Heller, declared from the podium. “We are so proud.”

His father, John, told of a vision he had shortly after his son’s death. In it, he said, he saw a four-piece jigsaw puzzle. pollution abatement equipment, bans that a healthy economy and a healthy ZAGATA/From A5 John was in the lower left piece; his dad in the lower right, coal, China will buy and burn it environment are not mutually excluthat people say is contributing to cliand both of them in the top two pieces. sive – rather they are inextricably mate change. In addition to the carbon without those sophisticated emissions The lower left piece started to expand, he explained, and controls and there will be a net overall intertwined. issue, solar farms in California appear as it got bigger and bigger and to fill up with images of famloss in the planet’s air quality.

We can have both, but without one to be contributing to the songbird ily and friends, John said to his father, “I’m sorry, I have to Advocating against natural gas of the two we may not have the other. mortality go.

And look at what you still have.” without offering up a viable alterThink about that and what it means not You see, there is no free lunch and “His last act was passing those kids out the window,” said native, for example, isn’t merely a to you, but to your community. no form of energy yet discovered and Brenner. “Then he collapsed.” religious experience where the outharnessed is “pure.” For you, me and Judge Bernier decided Monday that there was enough Mike Zagata, a DEC commissioner the 2017 estimated 7.53 billion people come is between you and your God. in the Pataki Administration and envi- evidence to send the case to the Otsego County Grand Jury, who inhabit planet earth to exist, there The outcome may affect the lives of this generation and of generations yet ronmental executive with Fortune 500 and District Attorney John Muehl said he plans to convene will be pollution. unborn. It is important to remember companies, lives in West Davenport. the grand jury by the end of this month.

If the U.S., with its sophisticated

ZAGATA: Only Balanced Energy Evolution Will Work

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, january 10-11, 2019

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

AllOTSEGO.com Relaunched As Otsego County’s Daily Newspaper/ONLINE ALLOTSEGO/From A1 with the goal of giving readers everything you expect in a local newspaper, up to the minute and at your fingertips.

Effective at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 9, you can access all the breaking local news you now find on www.AllOTSEGO.com, plus world and national news, and such features as a daily crossword, comics (including color comics on Sundays), horoscope and Dear Abby.

Plus, for the first time, you will find all the material that appears weekly in Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal – hard news, features, editorials, columns, letters to the editor, obituaries, great photographs. The works.

To enable this, and to keep adding features, Thinking of Remodeling?

Think of Refinancing!

enhancing content – mostly, expanding service – we are offering readers a chance to participate in the future of local journalism: In Otsego County, certainly, but we also hope to establish a model that can be duplicated nationwide.

For the next two weeks, Otsego County’s Daily Newspaper/ONLINE will be available to you at no cost.

Then, for 99 cents a week – $12.87 billed quarterly via credit or debit cards – you will continue to have complete access to everything.

In anticipation of your support, two additional reporters have joined our staff: Jennifer Hill in Oneonta and Patrick Wager in Cooperstown.

Jennifer, who moved to Oneonta last July when her husband, Matt Murphy, accepted a faculty position at LGROUP@STNY.RR.COM www.leatherstockingmortgage.com 607-547-5007 (Office) 800-547-7948 (Toll Free)

New Purchases and refinances • Debt Consolidation Free Pre-Qualification • Fast Approvals • Low Rates Registered Mortgage Broker Matt Schuermann NYS Banking Dept.

Loans arranged by a 3rd party lender.

31 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown (directly next door to Stagecoach Coffee)

607-432-2022

Chuck Gould

22-26 Watkins Avenue, Oneonta Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm

··

SLEEP SHOP

Out with the old...In with the NEW! Just like 2018!

NEW MATTRESS MODELS are on the way!

OLD MODELS MUST GO!

Clearance prices on all discontinued models, limited quantities!

Free Delivery & SeT Up! Buy any Sleep SeT @ $599 or more and choose a Mattress protector or pillow for FREE! 4316 County Hwy 11 Cooperstown 607-547-6038 krazytoms.com sales@krazytoms.com SinCe 1962

Open weekdays: 9 am to 5:30 pm Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm Closed Sunday

Smart BuSineSS OtSegO Seminar SerieS

NYS Mandated Anti-Harassment Policies & Sexual Harassment Training Wednesday, January 16, 2019 8 am sign in; Seminar 8:30 - 10 am Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta Training for business managers and owners, this sexual/ anti harrassment policies training MUST be completed by all businesses by Oct. 9, 2019. $35 includes seminar with materials & certificate of completion

Call Karen Laing, Member Services Administrator at 607-432-4500 ext. 104 or e-mail Karen@otsegocc.com

otsegocc.com

the community. A CCS grad, he also has two master’s, from St. John’s College’s “Great Books” program and in teaching from the College of St. Rose. Before and since moving back home from Washington, D.C., six years ago, he has held a range of positions, including as a web producer for WUTRTV in Utica. And he’s been a substitute teacher in several districts. He and wife Nancy Tarr have two The Freeman’s Journal children, Henry and Naomi.

Putting final touches on Otsego County’s Daily Everyone at our newsNewspaper/ONLINE are, from left, Graphic Artist papers pulled together to Kathleen Peters, Managing Editor Libby Cudmore help make this happen, but and General Manager & Ad Director Tara Barnwell. special credit should go to Ivan Potocnik, the Father SUNY Oneonta, had written Georgetown, and in Public of AllOTSEGO.com as we on a wide range of issues for Administration from Penn. know it, birthed in 2015-16 online and independent pub- The couple has a daughter, while he did double-duty as lications in Shrevesport, La., Alexandra, a sophomore at office manager. He’s now where she had lived for six Oneonta High School. lead programmer analyst at years. She has two master’s, Patrick is a Cooperstown SUNY Polytechnic in Utica, in Russian Studies from native and well-known in

but took on the essential technical end of this undertaking in his spare time.

Thanks, Ivan!

Yes, we see a business opportunity in this venture.

Yes, we see a chance to provide even more community service. But there’s more.

You’ve seen the reports.

Many parts of our United States are becoming “news deserts,” served by no local news outlets at all. Those of us here at The Freeman’s Journal, Hometown Oneonta and www.AllOTSEGO.com pledge to you today: That’s not going to happen here.

But we need your help.

Go to www.AllOTSEGO. com now and follow the link to subscribe to Otsego County’s Daily Newspaper/ ONLINE, and keep local journalism thriving into the future.

Hitting $1M Mark, SPCA Buys Land For Shelter

SPCA/From A1 former office and the building next door.

“We’re finalizing everything with our construction management team. We are planning to break ground early in the spring,” said SPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes.

As for the money raised, “We had a goal of $1 million by the end of 2018,” said Haynes.

“And we’ve raised ►TO DONATE, more than follow link at that.”

SQSPCA.org That includes the $500,000 from the state, as well as pledges and gifts, one amounting to $300,000.

“We’ve had some amazing people come forward,” she said.

The $1 million raised doesn’t include the $59,945.92 raised through the Staffworks Save-a-Life campaign, which promised to match up to $10,000 in donations, as of Dec. 28.

Though the final totals have not been added up yet, Haynes said that the total – as well as an additional $10,000 for the top performer – will be announced at a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 17.

The site is across from Kevin’s Ford (formerly Smith-Cooperstown), owner Kevin Harris is on the campaign committee “and is already thinking of ways to partner with us,” said Haynes. “He’s excited about having us as neighbors.”

There are two houses on the combined property, which may be suitable for offices and the SPCA’s thrift shop, but that hasn’t yet been determined, said board chair Gaylord Dillingham.

The shelter itself would sit 100 feet back from the road. “We want to make sure we have parking and a safe place, away from the road, to walk dogs,” said Haynes.

The property is also close to Centers Cooperstown, the former Focus, which Haynes sees as an additional draw. “We want to have trails that connect right

HCP Architects, Albany, prepared this preliminary drawing of the Shelter.

there so people can walk dogs over to the nursing home,” she said.

One standout donor was Charlotte Kniskern, 95, a retired Bassett Hospital nurse, who passed away Oct. 17 and left money in her will. “She loved dogs, so when she died, she left a very generous amount of money towards the campaign,” Haynes said. “We’re working with her friends to try to name something in the new building for her.”

The shelter’s new “meetand-greet” rooms may be named in her honor. “It’s one of the things we’re most excited about,” she said.

“These are private rooms

where people can meet with dogs to see about taking them home.”

And although the new building will allow the SPCA to double its cat intake, Haynes said the goal isn’t to have more animals on hand, but to help all those animals find their forever home.

“The real goal is to increase health and safety and to make these animals visits shorter,” she said. “We can take in more animals, but we want these animals to find homes faster.”

As the groundbreaking nears, Haynes said the final plans for the building are beginning to take shape.

AllOTSEGO.

homes

This charming cottage, set on a knoll, is in perfect move-in condition. Glass-enclosed porch w/electric fireplace is perfect for relaxing and viewing the beautiful, private backyard. Great room has cathedral ceiling, 2 lofts. Kitchen sitting area has gas fireplace.

Whole-house generator, central vacuum system, chair lift up from the basement garage. Hiking/riding trails through the woods. This is a property that can easily be enjoyed year-round, both inside and out!

Exclusively offered at $284,900 ProPErty DEtails —9.94 acres intErior FEaturEs —2 BRs, 1 full bath —1,456 sq ft —Built in 1996 —Full foundation

Don Olin

REALTY, INC

—Open kitchen —Hardwood, ceramic tile floors —LR, great room —2 lofts w/pine floors —Propane stove in kitchen sitting area —Radiant floor heat

ExtErior FEaturEs —Frame construction —Stucco siding —Asphalt shingle roof —Built-in basement 2-car garage —Garden shed

37 Chestnut street · Cooperstown · 607-547-5622 · 607-547-5653 (fax) parking is never a problem!

For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Real Estate Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5557 Donald DuBois, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5105

Timothy Donahue, Real Estate Associate Broker – 293-8874 Madeline Sansevere, Real Estate Salesperson – 435-4311 Catherine Raddatz, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8958 Michael Welch, Real Estate Salesperson – 547-8502

For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, call 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com

Meticulously Maintained Home Perfect layout! Situated on

just under 7 acres in a quiet neighborhood. large yard, huge private back deck (new 2017), new roof (2015), storage buildings, trails throughout the woods w/abundant wildlife, massive 4-car attached garage w/workshop! Inside on the first floor you will find a massive family room w/natural light and Klipsch theater system, formal DR w/French doors to back deck, updated kitchen, large LR w/soapstone woodstove, large full bath, and 4 BRs including a master w/private full bath. Downstairs features a mudroom w/storage, laundry room, office, den w/ fireplace, and updated half bath. One you must see to believe! Don’t miss out!

Home of the Week

“The important elements, like the two entrances and the surgery suite, remain the same, but I’ve been visiting other shelters and seeing what they’re doing and that’s helped us figure out what we really want.”

For instance, after seeing several shelters with indoor/outdoor dog kennels, she decided that they are no longer a viable option.

“The people I spoke with said all of your resources – air conditioning and heat – go right out those windows,” she said. “And in the winter, the dogs end up going to the bathroom on this ice-covered area.”

MLS#118708 $279,900

THURSDAY-Friday, january 10-11, 2019

AllOTSEGO.homes

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

MLS#117535 $155,000 Well maintained ranch on a quiet street. Close to Richfield Springs, Fly Creek, Cooperstown.

Fenced backyard, full-size pool and deck.

Call Rabiatu Braimah @ 475-202-9551 (cell)

PR NE IC W E! MLS#115766 $185,000 Sun Shelter Technology Private driveway on 65 acres in Delhi. 4-BR, 2-bath, 1,900 sq ft home w/front and rear decks. Don’t wait !

Call Ron Guichard @ 845-676-3600 (cell)

MLS#119115 $84,900 Borders Exeter state land on both sides! Country home on 14+ acres has 4 BRs, 2 baths. Stream, pond, oversized 3-car garage. Fixer-upper. Bring your tools.

Call Kristi Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)

MLS#119206 $275,000 151 Acres of Splendor 4-BR farmhouse, barns, pastures, silo, panoramic views. Home is in good shape, don’t wait on this one.

Call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)

MLS#116387 $244,900 Income Property 4 separate parcels, 16 rental units generate income of $100,000+ annually and net income $36,000+. Owner may hold mortgage.

Call George (Rod) Sluyter @ 315-520-6512 (cell)

MLS#118060 $110,000 Professional medical building on Main Street in Unadilla. Solid brick and cement block building w/newer 1-BR apt upstairs w/ laundry.

Spacious 4roof, BR, 2separate bath house is close to I-88. Large Call Carol workshop/garage, Olsen @ 607-434-7436 backyard, small(cell) shed. Make your appointment today. Priced to go this week!

Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598

MLS#104145 $185,000 Views of Otsego Lake from Here! Walk to Main Street, Cooperstown and Bassett Hospital.

Call Donna Schulz@ 607-267-6330 (cell)

MLS#117208 $379,900 Original Greek Revival home has been renovated w/o expense spared. Home is 1,800+ sq ft. On 39+ acres w/stream, bridge, views, towering pines, wildlife.

Call Karin Wolfe @ 917-327-1017 (cell)

MLS#119313 $350,000 Prime commercial property in Cobleskill. Currently a car repair shop on the busiest section of Main Street.

Shop built in 2016. Town water and sewer.

Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)

MLS#117875 $299,000 Country Chalet 3BRs, 3½ baths, 4.7 acres w/indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room. Great location on a quiet road for weekend getaway or your home.

Call Rodney Campbell @ 315-868-0148 (Cell)

MLS#114612 $449,500 Motivated Seller 171+ gorgeous private wooded and open Catskill Mtn acres. Ranch house built in 1986, 2 stocked ponds, 3-car garage, small barn.

Call Stephen Colwell @ 607-435-6542 (cell)

MLS#115892 MLS#114624 $59,900 $105,000 1982 double-wide w/3 BRs, 2 baths and 1½ story, 2-car Country Charm 4-BR,system, 2-bathupdated home w/wide pine garage. New heating electrical, new and hardwood flooring. gas ceiling fireplace stoves,bath. large walls and ceiling in 1 BR.2New in master deck, 3-4 season front@porch.

New metal Call Sharon P. Teator 607-267-2681 (cell)roof.

Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

PR NE IC W E!

75 Market Street Oneonta 607-433-1020

MLS#118994 $425,000 Magnificent Log Home on 90 Acres ! 4 BRs, 2 full baths, 2 kitchens, large pond, indoor pool! Great hunting and hiking! Near Cooperstown and Oneonta.

Call David K. Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)

lIs NE tIN W g!

MLS#117678 $289,000 Spectacular Country Offering 55 surveyed acres w/2,700 sq ft, built in 2003. 1-floor living, insulated finished walk-out basement. Landscaped grounds.

Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

4914 State Hwy 28 Cooperstown 607-547-5933 221 Main Street, Andes 845-676-3600

MLS#118020 $239,000 Ranch home w/custom kitchen, private setting. 2+ acres, close to Oneonta, Sidney.

Call Carol Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (cell)

lIs NE tIN W g!

lIs NE tIN W g!

www.howardhanna.com

MLS#119339 $69,900 5.5 acres of land, pole barn w/new attached garage. Well, electric, septic system (leach field is in) included. Approved driveway. Trout creek.

Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068 (cell)

MLS#118563 $339,000 Catskilll Mountain Paradise! Selling for less than 80% of building costs! 3 hours from GWB. 32 acres, 2+ miles of trails w/spectacular mountaintop view!

Call or text Erin Moussa @ 607-435-1285 (cell)

Locally owned and operated Single and multi-family homes Commercial property and land

99 Main Street, Oneonta office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580

PRiCe ReDuCeD! This move-in ready home features updated kitchen w/island, spacious DR w/hardwood floors and pellet stove open to LR. Nicely sized BRs, master BR has vaulted ceiling, private balcony. 3-car garage w/electric, fenced yard, front porch, deck. This is a nice home w/lots to offer at an affordable price. View this inviting home!

MLS#115327 $69,900

www.oneontarealty.com

Country Living! Only 2 miles to historic Oneonta and I-88 access. This 3-BR, 1½-bath home features wide open living space with lots of natural light.

Newer kitchen and countertops. Master suite has large California-style closet, nice sized BR w/slider opening to sunroom boasting skylights, lots of windows w/privacy, wood-burning stove. Newly renovated full bath w/slate walls.

5 acres w/loads of perennials, shrubs,3 ponds and many great sitting areas to enjoy. 1-car garage under house and new storage building.

MLS#119442 $148,500

Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant

HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326

ASHLEY

E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.com

29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-4045 Patricia Bensen-Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

Cooperstown Comforts

Lake-View Ranch

(8491) 3-BR, 2-bath ranch w/Otsego Lake views. Formal DR, fireplace, large LR w/large windows, den w/cherry built-ins, hardwood floor, master BR. 2-car attached garage, deck. Otsego Lake rights w/dock.

Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$339,000

By a Murmuring Stream

(8546) Life is wonderful in this 3-BR Colonial. Charming Village residence provides hardwood flooring, den, eat-in kitchen, laundry room, hot-water heat. Garage, large front porch, garden shed, terraced yard. Close to schools and shops.

This cheerful home has everything. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$169,000

(8287) Valley-view chalet on 13.80 acres w/2-3BRs, 2+ baths. Enhanced by natural woodwork, hardwood floors, loft, 2-story LR, eat-in kitchen, beamed and cathedral ceilings, partially finished basement, gas heat. Garage, deck, 2-story barn. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$269,000

John Mitchell Real Estate

INSURANCE MANY COMPANIES. MANY OPTIONS.

Let Us Take You Home

Bieritz insurance

216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com

Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405

Laura Coleman 607-437-4881

Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183

Madeline K. Woerner Jane McCoy 607-434-3697 607-232-3442

Kristen Bellois 607-282-2251

REALTY

CONNOR

Debbie Watkins-Parker 914-489-3523

Every week someone decides to sell a house.

Every week someone decides to buy a house.

BE THERE WHEN THEY MAKE THE DECISION!

Your “HOMETOWN” Insurance Agency 209 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-2951 across from Bruce Hall 607-263-5170 in Morris www.bieritzinsurance.com

Celebrating our

Ben Novellano

th 27 YEAR! 1990-2017

Custom-built 4-BR Cape Cod features views of Susquehanna River valley. This hidden gem features first-floor BR suite with his/her closets and bath. Kitchen, DR, family room, mudroom/laundry, BR complete first floor. Upstairs are 2 BRs, full bath. Ample closet space. Natural woodwork. Attic has 2 accesses. Full basement has potential for finishing. Electric thermal heat storage system, pellet boiler in basement. Oversized windows let in natural light.

Deck, 2- year-old metal roof has 10-year transferrable warranty.

1 acre w/privacy, plus easy access to a main road. Milford School.

Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty NOW $230,000 Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com

For Appointment: Patricia Bensen-Ashley, Broker/Owner, 607-437-1149 Jack Foster, Sales Agent, 607-547-5304 • Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-287-4113 Chris Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175

Real estate agents in the know advertise in THE REgION’S lARgEST NEWSpApER REAl ESTATE SECTION. Call 607-547-6103 NOW!

AllOTSEGO.homes

$

All

7 NIGH

4 pm

OTSEGO.life

“The under Pit”, Tunn the icliff I nn

-9 p m•

$ 95

12

Bliss, BARBECUED! PAGE B-1

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 10-11, 2019

Ever

y Tu

esda y!

6 en treé

T

s for

34 Pio n Stree eer t

S pe

Fri &

$7

c ia Entre Januls throug e ar y 2 h + Penn e Pas soup or 6 ta (w s a • Gr /Sicili lad + eek C an m g hick eat s lass of w en • a Shri uce) • C ine or mp F hick b ra D en M eer i a

Brides Flout Stain Risks To Enjoy Tempting Treat

Sat avlo

rsala

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO

THINGS TO DO

By LIBBY CUDMORE

ONEONTA

it’s bridal fair time!

N

ikki Bower reminds you to always eat barbeque ►FOOTHILLS with care. annual Wedding Expo is noon-3 “I’m not a girly-girl, so wearp.m. Sunday, Jan. ing a wedding dress all day was 13, on 24 S. Marhard for me,” she joked. “I was ket St., Oneonta. trying to eat responsibly, but I got $5 in advance; barbeque sauce all down the front $7 at door. 431of my dress!”

2080 Married June 25, 2016, Nikki and her husband Sean were on the cutting edge of the latest in wedding trends – forgoing filet mignon and lobster tails for some good old-fashioned barbeque.

“It’s more affordable than steak and shrimp,” said Bobbi Harlem, owner of the Carriage House, the Southside wedding venue. “And for us, it goes really well with the barn-like atmosphere of the Carriage House.”

Please See BARBEQUE, B3

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

So much for the Singing Telegram Girl (Liz Dixon). Wadsworth (Jack Flynn), Mr. Green (Katie Capra) and Professor Plum (Trystan Jennings) bemoan that she never got to finish her song before being killed as part of “Clue: On Stage” this weekend at OHS.

Murder Mystery, Scottish Delights, Cat Yoga Returns

W AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

Nikki Bower, left, knows sometimes good food can be messy. She and husband Sean, above, were early local adopters of a growing barbeque wedding trend.

NEXT YEAR, JOE HUGHES JOINS HIS MENTOR

Tony Drago looks over the program from OHS’ first Drago Basketball Tournament, 60 years ago.

This Year, Drago Tourney At OHS Marked 60th Year

By JENNIFER HILL ONEONTA

T AllOTSEGO.life

Jennifer Hill/

wo OHS athletic directors – the current one, Joe Hughes, and a legendary one, Tony Drago – presented the annual Tony Drago Tournament trophy Saturday, Dec. 1, to the Lady Yellowjackets.

They realized they were marking two milestones.

One, it will be Joe Hughes’ last:

He is retiring in June.

Two, Tony Drago was marking his namesake tournament’s 60th anniversary.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Hughes.

“There was no better way to go out than with the OHS girls’ win.

Presenting the trophy with Tony to them was an honor.

“I’ve been blessed to have had such a good job and worked with such good people,” he said.

“Coaches, students, directors, and of course, Tony.”

Please See TOURNEY, B5

as it Mr. Mustard in the bedroom with the rope? Or Mrs. Scarlett in the study with the revolver? Only the Oneonta High School drama club knows the answer as they present “Clue: On Stage.” Tickets, $10. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 11-12, Oneonta High School, 130 Upper East Street, Oneonta. (607) 433-8200.

• Beat the mid-winter blues with the Cabin Fever Film Fest! This week, enjoy “Phantom Thread,” a criticallyacclaimed drama about the love life of dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock. Free. 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 11, The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown.

(607) 547-1400.

• Find your “Om” and LIBBY your “Meow!” as Cat CUDMORE Yoga returns with Lisa Brown. All proceeds to Susquehanna SPCA. $10. Bring your own mat. 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 11, First Baptist Church, 21 Elm St., Cooperstown. (607) 547-9371.

• It’s a taste of the highlands with a Scottish heritage themed potluck dinner. Bring a dish to pass 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 13, Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 Co. Rd. 26, Fly Creek. (607) 547-9946 • Enjoy the Metropolitan Opera’s performance of Cilea’s “Adriana Lecouvreur” without having to travel to Manhattan. 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.com, WHERE OTSEGO COUNTY GOES FOR BREAKING NEWS

VISIT www.

January Clearance Event

Don’t miss out on HUGE savings during our Month of Clearance UP TO 80% OFF SELECT SEASONAL MERCHANDISE THROUGHOUT THE MALL!

B-2

AllOTSEGO.life Friday, January 11

FUNDRAISER – 6 p.m. Cat Yoga with Lisa Brown. All proceeds to Susquehanna SPCA. Suggested donation, $10.

Bring your own mat. 1st Baptist Church, 21 Elm St., Cooperstown.

607-547-9371.

FILM SCREENING – 6 p.m.

Showing “Aquaman.” Walton Theater, 30 Gardiner Place, Walton.

607-865-6688.

MOVIE NIGHT – 6 - 8 p.m.

Family movie night featuring “Ice Age.” Popcorn & drinks provided.

Admission, $2. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main St., Otego.

607-988-6661.

FILM SCREENING – 6:30 p.m.

Beat Cabin Fever with “Phantom

THURSDAY-Friday, JANUARY 10-11, 2019 Thread” (2017) about love life of dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock.

Free with donation. The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. 607547-1400.

THEATER – 7 p.m. OHS presents “Clue: On Stage.” Tickets, $10 general admission. Oneonta High School, 130 Upper East Street, Oneonta. 607-433-8200.

CONTRADANCE – 7:30 - 10 p.m. Square Dance with Doubleday Dancers of Cooperstown at Winter Dance.

Caller, Ray Taylor. Cue, Elma Taylor. Admission, $5/person.

Cooperstown Elementary School.

607-547-8665.

Saturday, January 12

BOOK COLLECTION – 10 a.m.

- Noon. Clean out spare books, donate to Village library for Winter Book Sale to be held Winter Carnival Weekend. Enter through Fair St. entrance by police station. Cooperstown Village Library.

607-547-8344.

MAKERSPACE – 10:30 a.m.

Bring knit/crochet project or start something new with friends.

Cooperstown Village Library. 607547-8344.

OPERA – 12:55 p.m. Live streaming “Adriana Lecouvreur”

by Cilea. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-4312080.

FILM SCREENING – 1 & 6 p.m.

Showing “Aquaman.” See Friday Listing.

POTLUCK DINNER – 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass at

AllOTSEGO.

dining&entertainment

OTSEGO COUNTY

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO WHAT’S FUN AROUND HERE send calendar items to info@allotsego

Scottish heritage themed potluck dinner. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 Co. Rd. 26, Fly Creek. 607-547-9946.

THEATER – 7 p.m. OHS presents “Clue: On Stage.” See Friday Listing

Sunday, January 13

FILM SCREENING – 1 p.m.

Showing “Aquaman.” See Friday Listing.

SUNDAY PROGRAM – 3 - 4 p.m. David Strogatz, Ph.D. presents “Bassett Research in Our Community: The Longitudinal on Aging Drivers.” Village Ballroom, Village Library of Cooperstown.

607-547-8344.

SELF DEFENSE – 5 p.m.

Course for anyone looking to broaden handgun knowledge, physically/mentally prepare to defend themselves. Cost, $50/ person. Oneonta Sportsman’s Club, 251 Rod & Gun Club Road, Oneonta. 607-433-0515.

BASKETBALL – 6 p.m. Cheer on Oneonta Octane basketball team at home game. SUNY Oneonta. 607-432-0001.

Monday, January 14

STITCHERS GROUP – 1 - 2 p.m. Bring knit, crochet, other stitching project to work in company of knowledgeable peers.

Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main St., Otego. 607-988-6661.

PUBLIC SPEAKING – 5:30 p.m. Practice public speaking with the Toastmasters. All welcome. White House Building, The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. 607-547-1466 or e-mail b.fischer@fenimoreart.org.

Tuesday, January 15

KIDS MORNING MOVIE – 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Bring the kids for fun morning movie “Nemo.” Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main St., Otego. 607-988-6661.

It will snow!

COMMUNITY PROGRAM – 2 p.m. The Gathering Place presents Selinda Brandon, wildlife biologist, presenting on the Eastern Coyote. Learn about our shy, omnivorous neighbors in the woods. Refreshments to follow. Woodside Hall, 1 Main St., Cooperstown. 607-547-0600 ext. 101.

Wednesday, January 16

FILM SCREENING – 1 p.m.

Showing “Aquaman.” See Friday Listing.

WRITING CLUB – 4:15 p.m.

Join local writers to improve your craft, share ideas/progress in supportive environment. All ages/abilities welcome. Harris Memorial Library, 334 Main St., Otego. 607-988-6661.

CHESS MEETING – 6 - 11 p.m. Weekly meeting welcomes players of all levels. No fees.

Cafeteria, College Union, SUNY Oneonta. Call Dom at 607-4847240.

CHAMBER MEETING – 6:30 p.m. Speakers from This Is Cooperstown discuss importance of Richfield Springs tourism to our area. Richfield Springs CoOp, 140 W. Main St., Richfield Springs. 315-529-7584.

OPENING NIGHT – 7 p.m. Returning for a second season, Film Society of Cooperstown presents “All The President’s Men” (1976) with after film discussion led by Will Walker, associate producer of history at CGP. Free, refreshments included.

Village Ball Room, 22 Main St., Cooperstown. 607-437-6903.

BOE MEETING – 7 - 8 p.m. Library Media Center, Cooperstown High School. 607-547-8181.

Thursday, January 17

2 large plain pizzas $25* Tax included! Toppings extra

Just in time for

75 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-2930 126 Main Street/ Rt 20, Richfield Springs · 315-858-0405 Not valid w/other offers • 1 coupon per person

• Bocca osteria • happy hour

Half Price Pizzas and BOGO On all hOuse drinks*

CABIN FEVER WINTERFEST! Join us for sledding, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, campfires, food & games and more!

FREE

WINTER FUN AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!

Enjoy the view of the lake, stay warm by the fire & have a FUN-FILLED day!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26TH 11 AM - 3 PM Gilbert Lake State Park, Laurens for more information, go to www.cabinfeverwinterfest.com

conservation/renewable energy programs, more with Karl Seeley professor of economics at Hartwick, Dan Butterman candidate for NYS Assembly district 121, Leslie Orzetti executive director Otsego County Conservation Association. Followed by Q&A session. Elm Park Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

BUSINESS SEMINAR – 8 - 10 a.m. 2 part Branding Seminar for small businesses. Start-ups learn why/how & 6-step process to build their new brand. Existing businesses learn to evaluate current brand for consistency, determine if/where to make changes. Cost, $35/person.

Otsego County Chamber, 5th floor, 189 Main St., Oneonta.

607-267-4010.

MOBILE SCREENING – 9 a.m.

- 2:30 p.m. Screening coach offers free mammograms, pap tests to women 40+. Southside Mall, Oneonta. 1-888-345-0225.

Friday, January 18

BAGELS & BENEFITS – 8:30 - 10 a.m. Enjoy bagels and benefits breakfast presented

by Family Resource Network.

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, 5th Floor, 189 Main St., Oneonta. 607-267-4010.

VOLUNTEER – 6 p.m. Orientation for new volunteers to get to know animal shelter. Reservations preferred. Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 St. Hwy. 28, Cooperstown. 607-547-8111.

AllOTSEGO. classifieds

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 7 - 9 p.m. Join panel to discuss Economic development, renewable energy possibilities, existing

new york pizzeria

www.boccaosteria.com · 607-282-4031 5438 State Hwy 28 · Cooperstown, NY 13326

Every Friday 5 pm to 8 pm *Bar service only

.com

ITEMS FOR SALE 25th Annual Citrus Sale Oneonta First UMC. Calif. large navel oranges, 18 for $10. Other quantities available; pink seedless grapefruit (if available). Order by 1/28 for 2/14-15 pickup.

Free delivery Oneonta area.

607-431-9029 or 607-4324102.

3Class.Jan.24 APARTMENT FOR RENT FOR RENT Village of Cooperstown 2/2 home next to NBT on Pioneer and Church. Den, library, small kitchen, close to Bassett, Main Street, the gym, etc.

Quiet complex. $1800/mo plus utilities and heat.

Includes lawn maintenance and snow removal.

Text 6 pm-8 pm 607-437-6853

Do what you Do and let our readers know about it!

Bands. ConCerts. arts. theatre.

Food. entertainment. Comedy. Films. musiC. Fashion. Fairs. Festivals. Plays. museums. exhiBits. danCe. sPorts.

Whatever!

Tell our readers what you’re up to!

Reach the most newspaper readers in Otsego County.

Call 607-547-6103 noW!

AllOTSEGO.

dining&entertainment

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 10-11, 2019

B-3

Brides Swap Filet Mignon For Pulled Pork BARBEQUE/From B1 Barbeque “is more family-style and more relaxing,” said Ryan Brooks, owner of Brooks’ BBQ. The Bowers’ wedding was catered by Andre’s Blue Ribbon on Route 7 east of the city. “We didn’t even know they catered,” said Nikki. “We’ve always gone there, and so we asked, and they agreed!”

“Barbeque has always been popular in other parts of the country,” said Theresa Andre, who operates Andre’s with her husband, Pat. “But now, a lot of people are doing these rustic-theme weddings, and it fits right in.”

Pulled pork is the favorite, but chicken remains popular, and brisket is making a comeback.

“The Food Network has really been promoting brisket, so that’s what everyone’s asking for,” said Andre. “We offer southern-style barbeque, low and slow, with a dry rub rather than a lot of sauce.”

But as delicious as they are, ribs aren’t a popular choice, for obvious reasons. “People love our ribs, but it’s risky with a white wedding gown,” said Brooks. “Chicken and pulled pork are easier to eat.”

Brooks also partners with both the Carriage House and Sunrise Catering. “We’ll do the appetizers

Jessica Soriano, a waitress at Brooks’ BBQ, serves up a plate of their pulled pork – a wedding day favorite!

and desserts, as well as handle china, linens and wait staff, but Brooks’ will be the entrée,” said Janet Hurley-Quackenbush, who runs Sunrise Catering with her husband Mark. “It’s always a crowd-pleaser.”

According to Brooks, his caterers handle 20-30 weddings a season, both on-site and off. “We had an email yesterday from a fan of ours who wants us to cater his wedding,” he said. “It’s a little outside our 100-mile service area, but for a wedding, you don’t

worry about mileage. When we get to be part of their day, it’s huge for us.”

And small portions are the way to go. “When people are dancing or hanging around a bonfire, you may not want a big plate of meat,” said Andre. “We like to do a buffet with sliders so we can let people mix and match sandwiches, or do a quarter chicken, rather than a half. You can always come back for seconds!”

But don’t forget the fixin’s. “We pride ourselves on our homemade mac ’n’ cheese!” said Harlem, “It’s extra cheesy and creamy.”

“Our mashed potato bar is really popular,” said Quackenbush.

“People really love comfort food.”

It also lends itself to easier cleanup. “It’s a little more casual, you can use disposable service, rather than china,” said Harlem.

Brooks has even made bottles of his famous sauce available as wedding favors. “We can do a custom label, or people buy our sauce and put a bow on it,” he said. “But we don’t recommend using it in place of throwing rice!

That could get messy!”

As for Bower’s dress, it was Ian Austin/ OTSEGO.life Janet Hurley-Quackenbush, owner of Sunrise Catering, nothing a good cleaning couldn’t fix. “David’s Bridal cleaned it for and caterer Jennifer Russo have the delicious food and the rustic decor you need for your wedding! me,” she said.

All

Weddings Turn your Dreams inTo realiTy!

Premiere Wedding Destination

The Carriage House Event Center

Indoor and outdoor ceremony sites Spacious, well-kept property and facilities Year-round availability A beautiful landscape for any event

193 County Hwy 49 | morris, ny 607-376-1590 www.thegroveofbv.com www.thegroveofbv@gmail.com

This day needs to be perfect…

Let us help make it perfect for you!

Weddings and Bridal Showers

Now accepting reservations for 2019 & 2020 790 Southside Drive, Oneonta · 607-434-0103 · www.carriagehouseoneonta.com

Make It Memorable Make It Magical

Wedding Cakes Mohican Flowers Where Creativity Has Bloomed for More Than 100 Years!

207 Main St, Cooperstown, NY • 607-547-8822 • 800-378-1143 mohicanflowers@aol.com · Mohicanflowers.org

Specialty Cakes for Any Occasion Marjorie Landers 46 Chestnut Street Cooperstown phone 607.547.8340 marjorielanders@stny.rr.com

You want the perfect flowers for that special day

Coddington’s Florist

Come to Coddington’s for the most amazing fresh flowers you have ever seen!

607-432-3744 | Clinton Plaza (lower level) | Oneonta coddingtonsflorist.com Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm | Sat 9 am to 3 pm | Closed Sundays

B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 10-11, 2019

LEGALS Legal

Legal nOtice

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the NYSDOT, Contract Management Bureau, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read.

Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com. A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 25% of the bid total, must accompany each bid.

NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents and Amendments are posted to www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/const-notices.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all Amendments are incorporated into its bid. To receive notification of Amendments via e-mail you must submit a request to be placed on the Planholders List at www.dot. ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder.

Amendments may have been issued prior to your placement on the Planholders list.

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification.

Contact Robert Kitchen (518)4572124.

Contracts with 0% Goals are generally single operation contracts, where subcontracting is not expected, and may present direct bidding opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to D/W/ MBEs. The New York State Department of Transportation, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat.

252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office

Legal

the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap and income status in consideration for an award.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL

BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 02: New York State Department of Transportation 207 Genesee Street, Utica, NY, 13501 D263901, PIN DRC319, FA Proj , Albany, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington Cos., Upstate East Where & When Debris Removal Contract, Regions 1, 2, 7, 9 and Northern Counties of Region 8, Columbia and Ulster., Bid Deposit: $750,000.00, Goals: DBE: 0.00% Region 10: New York State Department of Transportation NYS Office Building,, Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY, 11788 D263898, PIN DRC119,

Legal

Legal

FA Proj , Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester Cos., 2 Year Where/When Debris Removal Contract for Downstate New York, Bid Deposit: $750,000.00, Goals: DBE: 0.00% 2LegalJan.17 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Traditio Designs LLC. Filed 8/10/18.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: C/ O Maciej Lorens, 168 Rosa Mystica Dr, Edmeston, NY 13335.

Purpose: General.

6LegalFeb.14 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Abundant Self Storage LLC. Arts. Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/02/19.

Ottice: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC. Legaling Corporate Services INC. 1967 WEHRLE DRIVE WUITE 1 #086 BUFFALO, NY 14221.

Purpose: Any Lawful purpose.

6LegalFeb.14 Legal nOtice

Notice of the Formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: Teach REAL, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State (NYSS) on June 4, 2018.

Office for the LLC in in Otsego County.

SSNY is Designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to principal office of the LLC which is 5 Monroe Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalFeb.14 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of KOMEEKHA

COTTAGE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/19/18.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 9 Westridge Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalFeb.7 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of WESTRIDGE COTTAGE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/19/18.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 9 Westridge Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalFeb.7 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of ONEONTA AIRPORT PROPERTIES, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on December 11, 2018.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC. 602 Bullville Road, Montgomery, NY 12549.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalFeb.7

Legal

St., Ste. 700, #40, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalJan.31 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Melody Village Manager LLC, Art. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 11/26/18.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Reg. Agents, 90 State St., Ste. 700, #40, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalJan.31 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Melody Village Owner LLC, Art. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 11/26/18.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Reg. Agents, 90 State St., Ste. 700, #40, Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: any lawful activities.

6LegalJan.31 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of MDFARMEQ, LLC.

Legal nOtice

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/12/18.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 807 County Highway 35, P.O. Box 155, Maryland, NY 12116.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.24

Notice of Formation of

Legal nOtice

Melody Village Investors LLC,

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

Art. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 11/26/18.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Reg. Agents, 90 State

Name: OSTERHOUDT MECHANICAL LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 12 December 2018.

Legal

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 5940 St Hwy 7, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJan.24 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Friends of the Trans Adirondack Route, LLC. Article of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) 5/21/13.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served.

Purpose of LLC: to engage in any lawful act or activity.

Street address of Principal Business location is 246 Southside Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

County of Principle Business is Otsego.

6LegalJan.24 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of Sugarhouse Farms Limited Liability Company in Otsego County.

Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (NS) on December 4, 2018, NS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, NS shall mail service of process (SOP) to 3 Michael Drive, Schenectady, NY 12303.

The purpose of Sugarhouse Farms LLC is to operate as a corporation legally and lawfully in the State of New York.

6LegalJan.24 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of B.C.E. HOME SERVICES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/12/2018.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 304 Main St., Schoharie, NY 12157, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.24

Legal

Legal nOtice

SUMMIT GROVE BUILDERS LLC.

Notice of formation of

Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 13 November 2018.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 8211 St Hwy 80, Springfield Center, NY 13468.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJan.10

The Parish Paper, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 12/1/2018.

Office Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent for process and shall mail to: 41 Ford Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.24 Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) HUNT’S REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES LLC The Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on October 29, 2018.

OFFICE LOCATION: Otsego County.

The Secretary of state is designated as Agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to 297 Shaw Brook rd, South New Berlin, NY 13843.

PURPOSE: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

6LegalJan.10 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of 61 CHURCH STREET, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of state on November 2, 2018.

The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, 45-75 159th St., Flushing, NY, 11358.

The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act.

6LegalJan.10 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name:

Start your morning OTSEGO.com with

All

Legal

OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/online

Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: ANTHONY WAHL PROPERTY LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 1 November 2018.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 568 St Hwy 166, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJan.10 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: ANTHONY WAHL REAL ESTATE LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 27 November 2018.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 568 St Hwy 166, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJan.10 Legal nOtice

Notice of

Legal

Formation of Craft 174 LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/20/18.

Off. loc.: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served & shall mail proc.: 174 Underwood Dr., Otego, NY 13825.

Purp.: any lawful purp.

6LegalJan.10 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of 31 Pioneer Street, LLC Filed 11/20/18 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 31 Pioneer Street Suite 3, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.17 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Professional Service Limited Liability Company (PLLC) Name: Leatherstocking Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and NP in Acute Care Services PLLC; d/b/a: Leatherstocking Anesthesia and Acute Care. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 21, 2018.

Office location: Otsego County.

The SSNY has been designated as the agent of the PLLC upon whom processes against the PLLC may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the PLLC, 225 Bristol Road Hartwick, NY 13348. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.17 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of David Benjamin LLC Arts of Org. filed with New York Secy of State (SSNY) on 11/8/18. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 165 W. End Ave, Apt 17D, NY, NY 10023. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6LegalJan17

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY-Friday, JANUARY 10-11, 2019

B-5

Drago Tournament Began Same Year Coach’s Team Went Unbeaten

AllOTSEGO.life

Jennifer Hill/

Tony Drago reviews the program from the first year of what became the annual Drago Basketball Tournament, which marked its 60th year in December. It featured Drago’s famous unbeaten, untied basketball team, that featured such players as the future Jerry Jeff Walker (Ronald Crosby) and Jim Konstanty.

AllOTSEGO.

ENERGY SUMMIT INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMY

Thursday, January 31, 2019 • The Otesaga Resort Hotel Registration 9:30 am • Summit 10 am - 3 pm • Lunch Buffet Noon • $60/person

This Summit is the region’s MUST-ATTEND energy event.

Become informed and help shape an energy roadmap. Explore nexus of energy, climate change and much more as it relates to our region.

Registration closes Thursday January, 24 at 5 pm Contact Karen Laing, Member Services Administrator 607-432-4500 ext. 104 or email Karen@otsegocc.com Mail a check to PO Box 18, Oneonta, NY 13820

opportunities

A&D Transport is looking for taxi drivers.

Part & Full time positions.

Please contact Chrissy 607-287-3799

Hartwick College is seeking a full-time, 12-month Administrative Assistant responsible for coordinating all support functions for the Translational Biomedical Research Management (TBRM) Program. For detailed information, please visit www.hartwick.edu/jobs. EOE.

School Secretary

The Oneonta Municipal Civil Service Commission announces an open-competitive exam for School Secretary for the Oneonta City School District on March 2. Application deadline is Jan 28. Applications and exam announcement are available at the Personnel Office, 258 Main St. or at www.oneonta.ny.us/personnel

EOE

MeMories to Cherish every life has a story. everyone deserves a final appreciation.

Open Competitive Exams The Oneonta Municipal Civil Service Commission announces open-competitive exams for the following positions on March 2.

Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator Application deadline is Jan 28. Applications and exam announcement are available at the Personnel Office, 258 Main Street or at www.oneonta.ny.us/personnel EOE

For this reason, obituaries have always been published at no cost in Hometown Oneonta, The Freeman’s Journal and www.AllOtsegO.com.

Be sure to remind your funeral director to provide obituary information to our newspapers, along with your favorite photo of your loved one.

Or submit the information yourself, either directly to info@AllOtsegO.com, or by filling out a special form at www.AllOtsegO.com/loved-ones/

OUNDED

IA

L

Cooperstown’s Newspaper

•F

E WIL

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

R

1808 BY

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

O M C O PE

space allowing, as many obituaries as possible will appear in the print publications.

All obituaries submitted will be published in a timely fashion on www.AllOtsegO.com.

IN

SCHNEIDER/From A4 The sheer mass of room nights added to inventory with little to no visitor growth has collapsed the winter rates in this village to the point of decision for a number of us. That decision will dramatically affect employees, let alone the historical property upkeep B&Bs/inns contribute so much to here in the greater Cooperstown area.

5) $73 — That’s the current published winter rate in a few fine establishments here in the village. $73!

You’ll pay 50 percent more to stay in Binghamton! (Not that there’s anything wrong with Binghamton!)

Let me be frank, in no way am I requesting that any government body shelter my business from competition. Nor am I requesting it protect businesses that do not invest in themselves and then find themselves obsolete. I am saying, though, that the B&B/inn community in this area adds significantly to the quaintness we all market as the idyllic small-town Cooperstown experience.

When you jeopardize Bed & Breakfasts by introducing another 36,865 chain-hotel room nights with little to no new demand, you are threatening that Cooperstown experience.

Make no mistake about it, this new hotel in Hartwick will ABSOLUTELY market itself as a Cooperstown hotel, thereby leveraging the marketing strength of the Cooperstown quaintness brand, even as it helps (unwittingly, perhaps) to destroy it.

Without doubt, the proposed hotel can and perhaps has already cited its own marketing studies to the Hartwick town Planning Board. And many others will simply take on faith that no one would invest the kind of money needed to build a hotel without understanding the math. I simply offer that the math I presented above is no “study.”

FRED SCHNEIDER Owner, Landmark Inn Cooperstown

game when the OHS boys defeated the “previously unbeaten” Mount Pleasant High from Schenectady in double-overtime, 67-65.

A girls’ division was added to the tournament in 1990, but the format didn’t change. As with the boys, four girls’ teams competed.

That same year, the holiday connected to the tournament changed from Christmas to Thanksgiving because too many schools had started their own invitational tournaments that were crowding out OHS’.

Later, the tournament was held over two weekends instead of one, the boys playing the weekend before Thanksgiving and the girls the weekend after.

DG

County Hotels Can’t Absorb Hampton Inn

Carolina, NC State, and Duke were in it. I wanted a similar tournament in Oneonta – invite three teams to play OHS in Oneonta over the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s.”

OHS administrators liked Drago’s idea.

Alumni visiting for the holidays and families of the students playing in the tournament would reconnect at the games, share thrills and agony, and likely return for the next year.

Eventually, it would become a holiday weekend ritual.

The first tournament in 1958 drew 1,500 fans, who watched a thrilling end of the championship

JU

TOURNEY/From B1 Hughes and Drago, who retired as OHS athletic director in 1984, share more than just that title.

Their families have been close since at least the late 1930s, when Drago and Hughes’ dad, Bill, attended OHS together. Tony was best man at Bill’s wedding, and a second father to Joe. “Joe is my son,” Drago declared. “He’s a good kid.”

As for Joe Hughes, “I followed in Drago’s footsteps.”

He went away to college, but came home to teach and coach – baseball, rather than basketball – at both men’s alma mater.

Hughes earned his BA from Florida International University and racked up numerous laurels in the College World Series and Minor League Baseball.

Drago served in World War II, graduated from Springfield College, and was Duke’s assistant basketball coach in the 1950s before returning to Oneonta in 1957.

Both men were inducted in OHS’ Athletics Hall of Fame.

Drago got the idea for the invitational basketball tournament while at Duke, which played in the annual Dixie Classic tournament.

“It was held over the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s,” Drago said. “Wake Forest, North

For 210 Years

AllOTSEGO.com

Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals Residential Associates (FT & Substitutes – FT: M-F, 2nd shift & M-R, 3rd shift; Subs: all shifts) Building Healthy Families Support Specialist Building Healthy Families Resource Specialist Center Associate Assistant Teacher Classroom Teacher WIC Nutritionist OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competetive wages, excellent benefits & opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, benefit package summary & descriptions of all employment openings, visit

www.ofoinc.org

EOE

FRIDAY, jANUARY 11, 2019

B-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

IN MEMORIAM Althea ‘Allie’ Gennarino, 82; Retired Teacher Leaves Husband, 5 Children ONEONTA – Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Althea “Allie” Gennarino, 82, a retired teacher in Unadilla, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2019 with her family by her side at Bassett Hospital.

Allie was born on July 5, 1936, in Hancock, to Fred and Minnie Alma Beecher, the second youngest of their five daughters. Allie met Lawrence “Butch” Gennarino, her husband of 62 years, in Oneonta. The couple was

married on Sept. 1, 1957.

Allie’s love of learning was inspired by her teacher at the one-room schoolhouse she attended until third grade. After graduating from Cortland High School, she pursued a teaching degree at Oneonta State Teachers College.

Allie taught kindergarten for 26 years at Unadilla Elementary School. Her gentle way positively influenced the early lives of hundreds of children. After

*

warehouse clearance *on all in-stock monuments

Complete On-premise Custom Carving and Lettering Facility 11 Genesee Street, Cherry Valley•607-264-8201 www.cvmemorials.com

Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special.

Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

retiring, she enjoyed meeting with friends and fellow former teachers for breakfast and lunch.

All who knew her were grateful for Allie’s kindness, acceptance and patience, whether she was teaching children to read or a friend to drive. Allie will be fondly remembered for her love of reading, swimming with her grandkids, planning picnics at her family’s camp, taking photos, organizing her many photo albums, and, above

all, spending time with her family. Her thoughtful, caring, efficient, and selfless personality made a lasting impression on others.

She is survived by her husband, Butch Gennarino; five children, John Gennarino, Catherine (John) Hanchar, Maria McMullen, Patricia (Dennis) Shea, and Joe Gennarino; nine grandchildren, Joseph McMullen, Jessica Shea, Patrick (Hannah) McMullen, Cortney (Bill) Simons, Emily Shea

(Mark Henrichs), Butch (Michelle) Gennarino, Mary Hanchar, Elizabeth Gennarino, and Johanna Althea Hanchar; five Gennarino great-grandchildren, Liam Simons, Karissa Mack, Benjamin Simons, Billy Keene, and Tony Keene; and three sisters, Viola (Charlie) Fuimera, Virginia Beecher, and Carol Brown.

Allie is predeceased by her father, Fred Beecher, mother, Minnie Alma Beecher, brother, Hilton Beecher, sister, Winona Hovey, and son-in-law, Steven McMullen.

A Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary’s Church.

Burial will be in the spring at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.

Douglas J. Spence, 85; With Twin Brother, Lived Eventful Life ONEONTA – Douglas J. Spence, 85, who worked on Apollo 8, met the Beatles and spent 31 years in the newspaper business in Florida, died at his home in Ormond by the Sea, Fla., on Dec. 18, 2018.

He and his twin brother, Donald, were born in Oneonta on March 28, 1933, to the late John and Betty Spence.

After graduating from Oneonta High School in 1952, the twin brothers joined the Navy. Doug served as a radarman, sailing around the world for four years.

His first crossing of the Equator took place near Singapore, changing his onboard status of “slimy polliwog” to “trusty shellback” with the traditional King Neptune’s line crossing ceremony.

After the Navy, Doug

attended SUNY Oneonta and New York City College, graduating with a degree in printing and Douglas Spence publishing.

He worked for the missile division at Chrysler Corp. in Detroit as publication specialist, and transferred to General Electric in Syracuse, then in 1962 to Daytona Beach for the Apollo Program, putting the first man on the moon. Soon after that “Giant Step” occurred and most people were laid off from GE, Doug elected to stay in Daytona, working at The News-Journal for 31 years.

One of Doug’s favorite stories to tell was how he

met the Beatles: In 1964, brother Don had created an abstract poster of the Beatles. The twins took off to Miami where the Beatles were appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. They passed out 100 posters, one of them reaching the hands of Brian Epstein, the band’s famous manager, who invited the twins up to the Beatles’ suite to discuss the possibilities for this abstract artwork that had both the Beatles and their manager quite excited.

As a huge NASCAR fan, and having attended the races for many years, when the twins turned 80 years old they both drove Richard Petty Stock Cars 8 laps around the high banks of Daytona at 150 mph.

In 1999 he was published in National Woodworking Magazine, showcasing his

furniture. Doug also won numerous awards both locally and on photography websites. The City of Ormond Beach featured his photograph of the WWII Watch Tower on the front cover of their Annual Visitor’s Guide Publication in 2005. He was a long time member of The Casements Camera Club of Ormond Beach.

He was predeceased by his brother, William (Bill) Spence.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, and three sons, James Donald (Charlene) of Scotia, Jeffrey William (Denise) of South Daytona, and Andrew Thomas (Lisa) of Oneonta.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 12, at Haigh-Black Funeral Home, 167 Vining Court, Ormond Beach.

Henry Quackenbush, 82; After Retiring, Enjoyed Family Camp On Afton Lake

ONEONTA – Henry L. Quackenbush, Jr., a New York Telephone employee who enjoyed retirement at his Afton Lake camp, passed away at home on Dec. 30, 2018.

He was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Oneonta, the son of Henry and Eloise (Congdon) Quackenbush.

Hank was a graduate of Oneonta High School, Class of 1955. He married Carolyn Bossio on Aug. 16, 1959, at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta.

He retired from NY Tel in 1991.

After retirement, he and Carol purchased a camp on Afton Lake where he enjoyed swimming, fishing, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing on the deck.

His happiest times were when he was with family. He was known for his sense of humor and infectious laugh. Hank was a hard-working man who was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever he was needed. He was a loving husband and father and family always came first.

He is survived by his

wife, Carol of 59 years; his two sons, David (Michelle Shultis) and Mark (Janet); his Henry L. daughter, Quackenbush Kristin (Tom) Goodrich. He will be fondly remembered by his granddaughters, Brittany, Macey, Drue and Bryn. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Bobnick and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased

by his brother, Leslie and sister-in-law, Helen and his sister, Arleen Scanlon.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., with a prayer service at 3 p.m., Saturday, January 12, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

Interment will be at a later date.

Donations in loving memory of Hank may be sent to the Oneonta Fire Department.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home.

Elinor ‘Jane’ Montgomery, 84;Organist At Milford Church

MARYLAND – Elinor “Jane” Montgomery, 84, who played organ at Milford Center Community Bible Church for many years, passed away Jan. 5, 2019, at Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta.

She was born May 15,

1934, in Treadwell, the daughter of Vernon and Gladys (Diihr) Townsend.

Elinor was married to Millard D. “Zip” Montgomery for 40 years, prior to his passing on July 6, 2008.

She was employed as an ER technician at Fox Hos-

pital for 40 years. She was a member of the Milford Center Community Bible Church where she played the organ for many years.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Phinney, Richard (Cindy) Ploutz, and Donald (Noreen) Montgom-

Thank You

The family of Terance Pugliese would like to thank all of those who stood in line for many hours to attend Terry’s calling hours, all who took time out of busy holiday schedules to attend his service, those who made donations and gave flowers in his name, and those who sent sympathy cards and well wishes (we know you were with us in spirit).

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, caring, and kindness. Our sincerest hope is that you remember Terry fondly with his big smile and kind word for everyone.

ery; grandchildren, Tonya, Lara, Jenevieve, Isaac, Jordan, Sandy and Ellen; great-grandchildren, Elinor Connor, Montgomery Samantha, Trystan, Tanner, Ashley, Jacob and Jerry; great-greatgrandchildren, Trenton and Mia She was predeceased by her daughter, Janet Ploutz in 2010.

The funeral service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan 12 at the Milford Center Community Bible Church, 2582 State Highway 28, Oneonta, with the Rev. Stephen Fournier, officiating.

Interment will be at the Milford Center Cemetery at a later date.