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Celebrate Spirit of Christmas

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GIFTS NEEDED FOR SALVATION ARMY’S ANGEL TREE/ PM -2:00 M A 11:30 :00PM Lunch 5:30PM-9 524 r 544-2 Dinne

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, November 30, 2012

Volume 5, No. 11

City of The Hills

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Complimentary

BIG

CITY BUDGET

One OPD Job May Be Filled

GUY...

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Southside Mall’s first “Midnight Madness,” beginning at midnight Thanksgiving, was declared a success by Mall Manager Luisa Montanti. Oneonta’s Mica Thorsland, toting a canoe out of Dick’s Sporting Goods, took advantage of the novelty./SEE ARTICLE, A8

A BIG HIT IN DOWNTOWN

By LIBBY CUDMORE

I Don Decker got the honor of driving Santa Claus in his horse-drawn wagon down Main Street to Muller Plaza in the Saturday, Nov. 24, Christmas Parade.

You Can See 320 Graduate On Web Site

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Y

es, you can see it all on Livestream.

In all, 320 SUNY Oneonta grads are eligible to attend the 2012 December Candidate Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Dewar Arena.

More than 1,500 family members and friends are expected to attend. The grads are welcome at the main graduation May 18 as well, but most will be long gone by then.

To watch on the web, go to www.oneonta.edu.

YOUNG ARTISTS: Art

from Valley View and Riverside elementary schools’ kindergarten and second and third grades (Lee Ann Myers’ classes) is now on display at The Green Toad.

t looks like they’ll split the difference.

Mayor Miller proposed leaving two police-officer positions (and five other City Hall jobs) vacant in the 2013 budget.

Deputy Mayor Mike Lynch has been lobbying to fill both jobs.

But coming out of the budget hearing Tuesday, Nov. 27, five

Police and firefighters stand as Police Sgt. Christopher Witzenburg states his case.

Chief Nayor is seated.

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Parade-goers along Main Street included these reindeer wannabes from Orpheus Theatre group. They are. front from left, Caroline Carter, Sarah Collins, Michelle Monser and Jacklyn Courter; back from left, Tarrah Skye Smith, Cameron Hazard, Maren Corkery and Gavin Smith/MORE PHOTOS, A3

Caring Connections Has Home, Seeks Volunteers

By LIBBY CUDMORE 100 volunteers served a record 640 turkey dinners very member of Caring Connec– complete with stuffing, potions has a story to tell. tatoes, cranberry sauce and For Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor, pie – at the Elks Club annual First United Methodist Church, it was a community Thanksgiving family with two children who had to look dinner on Thursday, Nov. 22. after another family member’s two children. Their apartment was too small, but ‘LINCOLN’ LINK: Cothey couldn’t find anything else in their bleskill native Boris McGiver price range. was featured in “Lincoln” as The energized Pastor Sivers reached Alexander Coffroth, the man out to the community and to other churchwho can’t say “Republican.” es. Among other challenges, Caring Please See CARING, A2

Eagles Back, Roadside Snack Dramatizes Once Extinct Here, Now Common

LOTTA TURKEY: Over

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council members – Russ Southard, Maureen Hennessy, David Rissberger, Larry Malone and Bob Brzozowski – pledged support for an amendment filling one position and leaving the other vacant.

They’ll be voting on the 2013 spending plan Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Council member Chip Holmes sided with Miller on the two vacancies. And only Lynch was insisting both be filled.

It was a lively evening in Please See POLICE, A6

By LIBBY CUDMORE PORTLANDVILLE

O

nce there were no bald eagles in Otsego County.

“In the mid-’70s, there was one nest remaining in New York State,” said Scott Van Arsdale, DEC Wildlife Technician based in Stamford.

“And because of DDT, their eggs were no longer viable.”

Ian Austin/hometown oneonta But just before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov.8, This once-rare bald eagle drew a crowd drivers on Route 28 near Springbrook were treated alongside Route 28 at Portlandville.

Please See EAGLES, A8

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

Capture the magic!

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• See hundreds of candles across the grounds • Warm up with complimentary wassail • Ride the Empire State Carousel • Enjoy caroling, wagon rides and holiday crafts • Visit with Saint Nicholas • Indulge in seasonal foods Step back in Time! TM

For information, visit FarmersMuseum.org or call (607) 547-1450 • 5775 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY Admission: Adults (13-64): $12 • Seniors (65+): $10.50 • Children (7-12): $6 • Kids (6 & under) and NYSHA members: Free.

Sponsored in part by NBT Bank, Haggerty Ace Hardware, and Cathedral Candle Company.

A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

HOMETOWN People Jimkata Back To Launch CD In Hometown

OCCA Gives Ron Bishop Top Award

T

he Otsego County Conservation Association honored SUNY Oneonta’s Ron Bishop as Conservationist of the Year at its annual dinner Friday, Nov. 16, at the Tryon Inn in Cherry Valley.

Bishop, Fly Creek, is a lecture in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Bishop Cooperstown’s Lou Allstadt was co-recipients of the award, which recognized their diligence in providing industry- Jimkata consists of Evan Friedell, Aaron Gorsch, Dave Rossi and Packy and science-based informaLunn. tion to the public during the neonta natives Jimkata return home bass notes. The albums boasts the singles debate about fracking for to promote their newest indie-elec“Sweet Glory,” “Night Shade” and “Chain natural gas. tronic album, “Die Digital,” on Store,” and is available on itunes and CD Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Oneonta Theatre.

Baby.com In All, 25 Students The band was formed in Oneonta when Currently touring to promote the album, From OHS At Fest the boys were teens, and were one of the Jimkata recently opened for Primus, LCD leven band members original acts at the Oneonta Theatre’s open- Soundsystem and Pretty Lights & The from Oneonta High ing performance.

Roots and spent the summer playing festiSchool were also “Die Digital” combines big guitar-based vals including Summer Camp and Mounselected for the Nov. 17 Area indie rock with sythesizers and heavy tain Jam. All-State Music Festival at SUNY Oneonta, sponsored Pop Culture Philosopher Publishes Heidegger Text by the New York State School Music Association iting a “career-long obsesThe textbook, published by One (NYSSMA), bring the total sion” with making twentiWorld Publishing, examines the number participating from eth-century scholar Martin German philosopher’s entire body OHS to 25.

Heidegger’s work accessible to of work through the lens of his first Band Director Michael students, Hartwick College Associand best-known book, “Being and DePauw said he is proud ate Professor of Philosophy Jeremy Time.” Wisnewski is also co-auof his students, and of the thor of philosophy books about “30 “additional honor that many Wisnewski announced publishing his latest book, titled “Heidegger, Rock,” “X-Men” and “Arrested OHS band students were first An Introduction.”

Development.” chair in the concert band.”

Wisnewski

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EXPERIENCE OUR VERY SPECIAL RARE WINE COLLECTION! Friday, November 30th Uncorks at 5:30PM • The Templeton Lounge

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This is your only chance to taste the very special rare wines that The Hotel keeps hidden deep in their wine cellar. Invite your best friends to join Sommelier Chad Douglass at The Otesaga’s “Cellar Dwellers” Wine Tasting on Friday, November 30th at 5:30PM. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet, 2007 (France), Col Solare Red Blend, 2005 (Washington), Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (California), and Graham’s Vintage Porto, 1991 (Portugal). $35.00 includes the one-hour wine tasting with paired small plate samplings. Of course you must be at least 21 years old to participate.

To make Wine Tasting or Hawkeye Grill reservations, please contact Maitre d’ Lori Patryn at (607) 544-2524.

OUR FOUR COURSE WINE TASTING MENU APPETIZER Smoked Salmon & Camembert Quiche Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet, 2007 (France)

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Caring Connections organizers Donna Behrendt, Tracey Martindale, and the Revs. Phil Livermore and Teressa Sivers pause for a photo while touring their new offices in Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities To Host Caring Connections Effort CARING/From A1 Connections needed a home, and now Catholic Charities has provided one.

By the time you read this, Caring Connections should have an office at 176 Main St., where people in need, be it housing, food or medical care, can be directed to the service.

The needs are varied, Sivers said.

Some people are facing evictions. Others need diapers for their babies. Or perhaps their car breaks down and they can’t fix it and pay the rent, too.

Others point to a deeper problem.

“As faith leaders, we hear that people have no clue where to start,” she said.

“Caring Connections can utilize that help to get them back on their feet.”

The Caring Connections idea grew out of a meeting last spring between Sivers, the Rev. Philip Livermore of Main Street Baptist, Rev. Olu Harding of Elm Park United Methodist and others. The need was clear.

“Sometimes they catch you in the middle of a meeting, or on Sunday morning,” said Livermore.

Caring Connections began collaborating with Catholic Charities and the Oneonta Community Health Clinic to assess the need.

“We want to figure out what they need and where they’ve been to get them connected to the right services,” Sivers said.

Tracy Martindale, Catholic Charities, had a pregnant woman come in with her four children in tow, trying

to get into a shelter. She’d been to the Department of Social Services, but never had the right paperwork.

The bus trips to and from Social Services were physically trying, and she was getting frustrated. “She came in here, we called DSS and worked with the shelter,” she said. “We got her some items for the baby, and she got approved. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

And when an individual does not qualify for services, “we can connect them with churches that offer bus passes and gas cards, can give them some toiletries or will put them up in a motel for a night,” said Sivers.

Said the health clinic’s Donna Behrends, “We’re hoping that within the churches, there will be Sundays where the parishioners can donate to meet the needs. Like one month, everyone can bring in peanut butter for the food pantry.”

In all, 25 churches in Oneonta, Cooperstown and Delaware County have expressed interest in participating, and Caring Connections is now seeking volunteers.

“We want people familiar with local services who are interested in helping us for half a day every two or three weeks,” explained Sivers.

Volunteers will work directly with the individuals to assess their needs with confidentiality, and help direct them to the specific services.

Caring Connections will be conducting interviews Nov. 29 and 30 and will begin training in January for their February opening.

Hartwick Honors Anne Moriarty

A

nne Moriarty, Aramark Facility Services office manager, will be recognized for 40 years of service at Hartwick College’s 2012 Quinquennial Awards Celebration at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in the Foreman Gallery.

Robert H. Gardner, who also works for Aramark Facility Services, will mark his 35th anniversary with the college.

Also honored at five-year increments are staff members with Hartwick for from five to 30 years.

SALAD Duck Confit, Olive Oil Hen Egg & Mixed Greens Col Solare Red Blend, 2005 (Washington) ENTRÉE Chateaubriand with Fire-Roasted Winter Squash Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 (California) DESSERT Chocolate & Walnut Tart Graham's Vintage Porto, 1991 (Portugal)

PLEASE… STAY FOR DINNER!

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

H

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Santa fans, young and young-at-heart, lined Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 24, to try and catch a glimpse of St. Nick – and maybe catch some candy tossed into the crowd by friendly pirates, dancing reindeer, bagpipers and clowns. For Santa’s schedule at Muller Plaza, see B1.

ERO OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON ARRIVES

Winter had surely come to Oneonta as First Night’s Old Man Winter was ushered in by members of the Oneonta Teen Center, James Flannery, Steven Costine, Mike Moran, Donna Dvorack and Amber Verrelli.

Jonathan Brown, Oneonta, is more than happy to receive his own Elfmade candy cane at the end of his visit with Santa Claus.

Shayla Flood and Jaclyn O’Brien catch the season’s first snowflakes on their tongues.

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HOMETOWN Views

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

EDITORIAL

I

Think About Our Assets, Aspirations, And Fear Not – But Act

t’s a budget dilemma every government entity is struggling with – The County of Otsego, City of Oneonta and towns now, and villages and school districts in the spring.

In short, expenses are growing faster than revenues.

“The answer,” said Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller, “is in having revenues grow at a rate greater than expenses. Even this year,” he said of his city, “revenues are up 5 percent, expenses are flat, and we still have a $500,000 deficit.”

The good news, for now anyhow, is that Miller and the budget-savvy city manager Mike Long have kept tax increases under the state-mandated 2 percent. So have county Treasurer Dan Crowell and the county Board’s Administration Committee, chaired by county Rep. Rich Murphy, D-Town of Oneonta.

In both jurisdictions, this has been done through eliminating jobs. Seven positions – or six, if one of two police officer positions are saved – of 135 city jobs are gone; eight jobs are going at the

county. Total savings are expected to be in the $1 million range.

It’s true that we – that’s governments, businesses and individuals – always have enough for our priorities – we just have to keep shortening that priority list.

• Perhaps the best way forward is, not to gnash our teeth or rend our garments, but to envision what success looks like. Our county economy has been more successful than it’s been right now, and it will be again.

Thriving colleges would be an anchor and, happily, they are.

Both SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College are moving forward fiscally and programmatically under Presidents Kleniewski and Drugovich. It’s easy to be optimistic about that piece.

With Obamacare moving forward, Bassett Healthcare and its Fox affiliate can expect to benefit from the deal hospitals hatched with the administration: less reimbursement, but more revenues from expanded coverage for 30 million people. That should start in earnest by 2014.

Construction of the Constitution

Pipeline should begin in the spring of 2015, ensuring a spike in salestax revenues from 600 temporary construction jobs, and then $3-5 million in permanent tax revenues.

Access to relatively cheap natural gas – a quarter the cost of oil right now – will be felt across the local economy.

Of our county’s key tourist attractions, the Farmers’ and Fenimore Art museums are continuing to beat past years at the gate and Brewery Ommegang is turning into a significant magnet.

The Otesaga’s reputation and reach have never been better.

The gold standard for decades, The Baseball Hall of Fame, its gate down to 250,000 from 410,000, has been struggling, but the end of the steroids era (Randy Johnson may be coming as soon at 2014!) and the Hall’s 75th anniversary that same year offers the possibility of an exciting rebirth.

Little appreciated locally, Ioxus, the ultracapacitor-maker in the former Soccer Hall of Fame building in West Oneonta, is growing steadily, and the sky’s the limit if an anticipated $75 billion redo of the U.S. electric grid comes to pass. Just this month, AlwaysOn, which covers the Silicon Valley, named Ioxus to its IM-

PACT Mid-Atlantic Venture Top 100 in “creating innovative and vital solutions leading to legacy industry disruption” – right here in our county’s (Susquehanna) River City.

And, of course, there’s Springbrook, now up to 1,000 jobs. And sales tax, Miller and Crowell will tell you, is back to 2007 pre-recession levels, an excellent indicator things are getting better generally.

• While we’re waiting for all this fruit to fully ripen, however, there are things that can be done that will make our county’s economic rebound just that much more vibrant.

To help make the police-department cuts more palatable to his Common Council, Miller proposed a task force to review OPD operations. County Board Chair Kathy Clark would be wise to ally with Miller and expand that exploration countywide, to ensure that two dozen officers in Oneonta, six fulltime and eight parttime in Cooperstown, the Sheriff’s Department road patrols, three state police barracks, a university police force at SUNY Oneonta, DEC officers and multiple constables are fully collaborating and coordinating. There may be some

savings there.

The issue of municipal consolidation should also move to the forefront. Oneonta’s town-city dynamic has captured most of the ink, but are the two dozen towns and dozen villages that date back to the horse-and-buggy days necessary today?

While it would make better fiscal sense for Greater Oneonta for the two entities to merge into a larger city, there are also benefits if the city were simply to dissolve back into the town, an option that’s out there. Likewise, would it make sense for Cooperstown to dissolve into the Town of Otsego?

Ending town-village duplication would undoubtedly bring savings in Richfield, Cherry Valley, Milford and many of our other villages. If not doing so means degrading our excellent Otsego Manor, this is worth exploring.

The point is, these are the times that try men’s (and women’s) wallets, but they won’t go on forever. Our major institutions, with some exceptions, have bright futures, there’s innovation afoot in our business community, and we can streamline our expensive governments if we wish. If we wish. Fault, such as it is, isn’t in our stars.

‘CITIZEN VOICES’ SPEAK

Without Growth, Services We All Depend On Will Move Out Of Reach Editor’s Note: Citizen Voices, the pro-business group founded by Oneonta businessmen Bob Harlem and Tom Armao last December, has begun issuing position papers. This one, on the impact of low growth on local government, is the second. Your reactions, pro and con, are welcome; send them to info@allotsego.com.

I

n our first letter to you we introduced ourselves and briefly explained our concern for the economic well-being of our community. That economic well-being is inextricably tied to our environmental well-being. The two go hand in hand.

There is a clear need to grow our economy and our population.

We say “clear” because of what we see going on around us. Mayor Miller is working to address a projected $441,000 deficit facing the city in 2013. That deficit arises from things beyond his control. Those causes include a declining real-estate property-tax base. The assessed valuation for city property dropped $40 million as the school property-tax rate dropped by 3.06 percent – while at the same time it increased 6.61 percent for the town. As you might expect, that led to some of our neighbors being mildly upset.

Unless our economy grows and our population increases, people will either have to continue paying more taxes, surviving with less in the way of “services” – or leave.

That difference in tax burden between the city and the town

occurred while the city had a tax equalization rate (set by the State) of 77 percent and the town’s was 100 percent. Right now Milford’s equalization rate is 54 percent and Davenport’s is 72.66 percent.

What is going to happen to folks in those towns when the state asks for a reassessment? What will be the impact on long-time residents of the Town of Milford when the prices being paid by investors, often from away, for rental property to feed the summer demand created by Dream Park are factored into the assessment?

Next year the cost of retirements for both teachers and nonteachers in the Oneonta School District is expected to increase by between 15.5 and 16.5 percent of salary. The Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) rate is currently 11.84 percent and it is predicted to rise to between 15.5 percent and 16.5 percent or an increase of over 30 percent. The Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) increase for non-teaching staff is also going up, but it is not as costly as the TRS increase. That combined increase will cost the district about $600,000 and is brought about by

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Indulging in an end-of-school-year ritual for the last time, youngsters leaped from Center Street School’s windows when it closed in June. But what do shrinking enrollments portend?

the lower-than-projected return on the investments that comprise the Retirement Fund – a fund that in many ways mimics your 401(k) in that it consists of stocks – many of which are energy stocks.

What new business is coming to town to offset that expense? As we encourage our elected officials to pass moratoria on energy development and transportation (pipeline), and restrictions on road use, are we creating an environment that will entice new business and people – people and businesses

that pay much needed taxes? In November, a letter to the editor appeared in a local newspaper entitled, “Keep Options Open for Local Jobs.” The author stated, “Don’t turn your back on manufacturing.” Was the author speaking to those of us creating an anti-manufacturing climate for our area, or to those seeking jobs that don’t and won’t exist unless we take positive measures to reverse our downward economic spiral?

As our economic well-being deteriorates, so does our cultural

base. Consider, for example, the unintended consequences of being forced to close the Center Street School – an action taken pursuant to a two-to-one vote. Many of Oneonta’s “grand old houses” will no longer be occupied by young families making their roots in Oneonta. Instead, they will be acquired by investors looking to use them as rental properties. The good news is that they will remain as part of the tax base. Had the school been kept open, instead of facing a 1.81 percent tax increase the city’s residents would have faced a 6.96 percent increase – and the town’s residents what have been ever harder hit.

As one rides through our area, he or she faces an aesthetically attractive view – that is until one looks with a keener eye. The once-farmed fields are now home to golden rod (Is it true that there are longer any active dairy farms in the Town of Oneonta?)

Abandoned homes and homes in disrepair are commonplace and the number of tax-delinquent properties is on the rise. If you were the proverbial canary in the mine what song would you be singing? We hope it would be “America the Beautiful” and that you support the need for the economic activity that made us the greatest Nation on earth.

ADRIAN KUZMINSKI OTHER VOICES

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

Jim Kevlin

Editor &Publisher Tara Barnwell Advertising Director

M.J. Kevlin Business Manager

Amanda Hoepker Office Manager Libby Cudmore Reporter

Ian Austin Photographer

Kathleen Peters Graphic Artist

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

A

To Prosper, Think Local

recent Letter to the Editor describes Sustainable Otsego as a “far left group whose agenda ... is to keep business ... and energy development out of our county.” In fact, we are pro-business as long as it’s good business, unlike shale gas development. Those among us who want to keep out gas cut across the political spectrum, and include many conservatives. We are better described as populist, not far left or far right.

Populists historically have advocated the interests and values of local communities while resisting the harms that too often accompany big government (the far left) and big business (the far right). Today big business and big government have merged. This

topic is treated at length in my recent book, “Fixing the System: A History of Populism, Ancient & Modern” (Continuum, 2008) Conservatism should be about preserving our local communities and resources; conservative rhetoric is all about individualism and small government. Yet some so-called conservatives betray these principles by embracing the big-business/big-government energy agenda. Far from being conservatives, they are the radicals, advocating a wholesale transformation of our region without recognizing the destructive consequences.

Hurricanes Sandy and Irene have shown that extreme weather is here to stay.

The scientific consensus is that climate change is accelerated by greenhouse gases from fossil fuels, including methane which escapes from all phases of natural gas production.

Since methane is 25 to 100 times more potent a greenhouse gas than CO2, natural gas is at least as dirty as coal or oil.

We need to transition to renewables locally as quickly as we can.

Fortunately, we live in the midst of a vast biomass region, counting field grasses as well as woodlots. We have local pioneering initiatives such as Enviro-Energy in Wells Bridge, making grass pellets, and New England Wood Pellet in Delaware and Herkimer counPlease See VOICES, A7

LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@allotsego.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

History

HOMETOWN

Compiled by Tom Heitz with resources courtesy of the New York State Historical Association Library

125 Years Ago

On Thanksgiving evening the streets of Oneonta were for the first time lighted by electricity. The evening was stormy and disagreeable and the bright, cheerful light did not a little to dissipate the gloom which seemed in the unusual quiet of the day to have settled over the town. The American system is used for street lighting and thus far the lights have been entitled to all the praise they have received, which is not a little. The company displayed enterprise and liberality in furnishing the light for Thanksgiving evening.

There are now some twenty-five arc lights in use about the village and in business places, and the demand for the incandescent light – the Westinghouse – is so active that a majority of the stores have already subscribed for it.

November 1887

100 Years Ago

Monday morning, shortly after 11 o’clock, a young woman walked into the Oneonta Hotel and was shown to the Ladies’ parlor by one of the bell boys. Ten minutes later she calmly produced a bottle of laudanum from her pocket and after pouring the contents of the bottle into a glass drank the deadly poison and fell to the floor unconscious.

Two ladies who were in the writing room adjoining the parlor saw the act of the young woman and the next moment heard her groans of agony. As quickly as possible they notified Mr. DeLorme, the day clerk at the hotel. Together they rushed back to the parlor where the woman was apparently dying. Mr. DeLorme used all first aid relief measures known to him and then summoned Dr. G. W. Augustin, who found her with respiration entirely stopped. By the use of powerful stimulants and artificial respiration, Dr. Augustin succeeded for a time at least in keeping her alive. During two minutes of consciousness, the young woman mumbled that she had taken a large quantity of laudanum, that she had no father or mother and that all she wished to do was die. She was eventually identified as Nioskaletta Van Wie, daughter of Lorenzo Van Wie, residing at Davenport Center.

Miss Van Wie was 19 years of age.

November 1912

80 Years Ago

The Oneonta checker team opened its season with a victory over Richfield Springs Friday night, winning 47 games, losing 27 and drawing 20. The match was played in the American Legion rooms at Richfield Springs. J.F. Roberts, New York State match champion, a member of the home team, scored five victories and a draw out of six games played. Perry, former Oneonta City champion, succeeded in

60 Years Ago

Day” in The City of The Hills.” Prior to the contest there were predictions that lumping the rabid fans of the opposing teams together in one ballpark would result in riots, mayhem and property damage. The predictions proved unfounded. Oneonta, indeed, had one of its finest hours.

November 1972

30 Years Ago

President Reagan is urging city officials around the country to support his proposal for a five-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax increase to finance a highway repair and jobs program. Reagan is also considering a plan to accelerate next July’s 10 percent income tax cut by six months so it would take effect in January. White House officials said last week that Reagan was leaning toward speeding up the tax cut in hopes of stimulating the nation’s faltering economy.

However, Republican Congressional leaders already have told Reagan there are not enough votes to pass the speed-up because of concern it would add to the mounting budget deficit. An earlier announcement that the administration was considering fully taxing the unemployment benefits of the nation’s jobless caused a furor and was quickly withdrawn.

Reagan personally vetoed that idea saying it was “not the November 1952 type of thing I want to do.”

November 1982 getting a draw with Roberts. W. Quaif of Richfield Springs had a clean slate for the evening, winning all four games he played. A. Fenton came through with three wins and A year after a proposed state law would have forced deer three draws in six games. Oneonta’s M. Anderson was the hunters to wear blaze orange coats and hats, red and black outstanding player of the evening winning 13 games, losing check coats are still the garb of choice for hunters shopping three and drawing one. A comparatively recent arrival in the at the Stevens Hardware store in Oneonta. “There has been ranks of local checker enthusiasts, he has made a careful a lot of talk about blaze orange over the years, especially study of the game and has been baffling some of the oldlast year when they thought about making a law, but to tell timers by his cleverness. you the truth we have a hard time selling it,” said proprietor November 1932 John Stevens.

November 1992

20 Years Ago

40 Years Ago

Oneonta State is the new soccer kingpin in the City of The Hills. Playing before more than 6,000 spectators, the Red Dragons defeated Hartwick College by a convincing 30 score on Monday. Oneonta State thus became the college division champion of New York State. The Red Dragons earned their way to the championship contest by trouncing Adelphi last Wednesday. But, a spell of bad weather nearly prevented the championship game from taking place. An early snow storm, followed by freezing weather, then rain, left the city’s playing fields in all but unplayable condition

by Thursday. Late Wednesday night Oneonta Mayor James Lettis offered, on behalf of the city, the use of Damaschke Field for the game and officially decreed Monday “Soccer

Visit us November 26 thru December 9 and

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10 Years Ago

Pollsters face a growing number of obstacles while doing their work – such as the rapid growth of cell phone use, caller-ID technology, and answering machines. Researchers believe less than five percent of households use only a cell phone, although the number is higher among certain groups like young urban adults. The overall number using only cell phones is likely to grow. Most agree, however, that these developments have not yet crippled telephone surveys. The polling industry is unlikely to abandon telephone surveys without something more reliable to take their place.

November 2002

Christmas Tea & Bazaar Saturday, December 1 • 1-4 pm

Holiday Tea in Heirloom Tea Cups • Cookies • Music Needlework • Hand Crafts • Holiday Decorations Grandma’s Attic •

Cooperstown United Methodist Church 66 Chestnut Street, corner of Glen Avenue Handicapped accessible

Charles Schneider, Music Director & Conductor

Saturday, December 8, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

SUNY Oneonta, Hunt Union Ballroom Beethoven Triple Concerto

Featuring internationally-acclaimed guest artists:

Jungeun Kim, Pianist; Peter Wiley, Cellist; Ida Kavafian, Violinist Also on the program: Mendelssohn's 4th Symphony (Italian) and the premiere of Edward Green's "Once Upon a Time."

Tickets are Adult $30/Student $15 at the door or in advance.

Email: cso@oneonta.edu Phone: 607/436-2670 Online: catskillsymphony.net This performance is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency.

This performance is supported by SUNY Oneonta.

A-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

5 Council Members Split Difference On OPD Hires

Free Gard en F lag with any $10 purchase

Amish Barn Company Gift Store 6048 State Hwy 7 • Oneonta • 607.432.0527 (2 mi. east of Price Chopper toward Colliersville)

www.amishbarnco.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK – YEAR ROUND!!

*While supplies last. Select garden flags only, available at register.

Must present this coupon to redeem. Expires: 12/23/12

Christmas Gathering!

Sunday, December 2 1 to 4 pm The Middlefield Schoolhouse

Visit with Santa & Ms. Claus Hot chocolate, coffee and tea “Cookie Walk” - Homemade cookies for sale Handmade gifts crafted by our Stitches Group and from our Gift Shop!

The Middlefield Schoolhouse Co Hwy 35 off St Hwy 166, 6 miles east of Cooperstown Info go to middlefieldmuseum.org

The Shops at Ford and Main!

Monkey Barrel Toys

Kwan & Kristian House, owners

The basics any woman needs for her wardrobe can be found at Creative Dress Boutique.

Super soft sweaters, scarves, accessories... a bit of whimsy!

Educational and imagination-driven toys, games and costumes for children of all ages…

Monkey Barrel Toys has it all!

Creative Dress Boutique

Zondra Hart, owner

Creative Dress Boutique • Monkey Barrel Toys Hospice Thrift Shop • Project Anthologies Spice Company • Collage Food Boutique Half Pint Printing • National Bank of Delhi

POLICE/From A1 Council Chambers, as Oneonta police officers and firefighters came out in force.

Members of the Association of Firefighters Local 2408 stood when Sgt. Chris Witzenberg spoke. “I’ve been here 15 years and I’ve seen this department go through some dark times,” he said, “But now momentum is phenomenal and moral is high.”

“If you eliminate those two positions, the light at the tunnel grows dark,” he warned.

Detective Eric Berger echoed Witzenberg’s sentiments. “It will become a more reactive department,” he said. “Area checks, quality of life enforcements – those things will go right out the window.”

“I saw these guys on Halloween,” said Rissberger.

“You could see the stress on their faces, hear it in their voices.”

Unmoved, Miller reiterated his main reason for

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Off Main

Vintage Jewelry Sale!

the cuts. “These positions haven’t been filled in a year,” he said. “You made it through the summer with far less.”

But he held out hope in the form of a task force he proposed to study police operations and staffing, similar to one that looked at the fire department two years ago.

“The result of that inquiry was adding a position – if we remove these two, that doesn’t mean the task force won’t add them back in.”

One candidate has already begun the interview process, and both Hennessy and Southard expressed a desire to see him hired. “We already made a commitment to the chief and the force,” said Southard. “I don’t feel comfortable pulling the rug out from under him if he’s trying to build something.”

One of the questions Malone suggested the task force investigate: “What is a fully staffed police force?”

According to Chief Dennis Nayor, the last time any survey was done was sometime in the 1960s and came up with 28. “But it’s not enough,” he said. “There’s no extra supervision.”

“If we haven’t looked at staffing since the ‘60s, it’s high time we do that,” said Miller. He also stated that positions vacated by retirement would, in all likelihood, be filled.

Fri. Nov 30 and Sat. Dec 1, 10-5pm An exclusive collection from Karen’s antiquing travels.

15 Commons Drive Cooperstown - Open Mon-Sat until Dec. 30 10-5pm 434-3418

265 Main Street • Oneonta

POULENC • FRANCK • FOUR TRANSCRIPTIONS OF DEBUSSY

LYNN BLAKESLEE

PROFFESSOR AT THE EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

V I O L I N RUSSELL MILLER

PROFFESSOR AT THE EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

P I A N O

$20 SUGGESTED DONATION (CHILDREN FREE OF CHARGE) FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 607.286.7109

Join us for an old-fashioned start to this wonderful holiday season!

Free admission!

•Display of Victorian children’s toys •Unique gifts from specialty vendors •One-of-a-kind handmade items •Father Christmas •Holiday treats •Bonfire

First Night is Coming!

Hyde Hall Holiday

Sunday, December 2 Noon to 4 pm

Hyde Hall (located in Glimmerglass State Park) 1527 County Hwy 31 Cooperstown 607-547-5098

Buttons $15 On sale now just $10 Get your button at City Hall, Green Toad Bookstore, Artware, YMCA, Greater Oneonta Historical Society, Green Earth, Oneonta Theatre, Daddy Al’s General Store,

Directed by Donna I. Decker, Ballet by Irine Fokine Friday, December 14, 7 pm Saturday, December 15, 1 and 7 pm Goodrich Theater, State University College at Oneonta

Theresa’s Emporium, Home Town Deli & Grocery, Suzanne’s Unisex Salon, Hannaford, Price Chopper or online at FirstNightOneonta.com

$18 general $15 students and seniors Tickets available: Green Toad Bookstore, Oneonta The Eighth Note Music Store, Oneonta Augur’s Corner Bookstore, Cooperstown Rachel’s Framing and Fine Art, Delhi Tickets also available through Decker School of Ballet /FBC 607-432-6290 or www.deckerschool of ballet.org FBC accepts MasterCard and Visa

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30, 2012

A-7

To Prosper, Think Local

"The Seven Threats to Every Estate Plan" 5VFTEBZ %FDFNCFS QNo QN $PVOUSZ *OO 4VJUFT 4UBUF )JHIXBZ .JMGPSE Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

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VOICES/From A1 ties. Our biomass resources could be sustainably harvested, processed and consumed locally for heating, replacing fossil fuels including gas as well as oil, and potentially developed into a biofuels industry.

Talk about jobs.

Economists call this process import replacement, a proven path to wealth creation. The more dollars circulate locally, beginning with harvesting raw materials, to transporting, processing, distributing and consuming them, the better off we all are. This is the ultimate boost to the local economy and a real energy independence!

Unfortunately, big business dominates Washington and Albany. As a result, current public policy promotes fossil fuels, including shale gas, at the expense of renewables.

Santa Central!

ViSiT

Open House

al gas-producing counties of Western New York are among the poorest in the state.

Finally, it is the ultimate NIMBY argument to be against fracking but in favor of drawing gas from the proposed Constitution pipeline. It is still fracked gas. Is it okay to accept the devastation of other communities to get their gas?

It’s time to look seriously at renewables, especially biomass, in Otsego County.

This is not a panacea for national and global problems; we and others rich in biomass cannot supply the world. But a locally selfsufficient energy industry at least frees us of energy dependency, and makes the energy burden for everyone else that much less.

Adrian Kuzminski, Fly Creek, is moderator of Sustainable Otsego.

Cherry Valley’s Annual Holiday Open House Weekend Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 1-2 10-5, Holiday decorations, artwork, gifts, jewelry, refreshments, door prizes.

11-2, Soup and sandwich lunch, St. Thomas The Apostle Church, with Chinese auction with drawing at 2.

Free cookies and cider during Cherry Valley’s Open House and Sharon Springs’ Victorian Christmas!

Friday through Sunday Nov 30 to Dec 2, 11 am to 2 pm at 7632 US Hwy 20 Cherry Valley, NY 607-264-3987 www.thetepee.biz 20-50% off select items through Christmas season

Shale gas is no mom and pop operation; it is produced by national and global corporations to benefit distant investors.

Although initially this might be a locally derived product, it would be available to us only after circulating through a complex national and increasingly global system of distribution, storage, refining, pricing and redistribution.

We are told that we will reap great savings in heating costs for homes, businesses, and schools. But what gas company is going to write a contract for 30 years of gas at current prices?

We are told that natural gas will be a boost to local industry. Yet the availability of natural gas for decades in parts of our county – Oneonta and Richfield Springs – has failed to spark any significant economic development. The tradition-

1-3 p.m., visit Santa at Cherry Valley Museum. (Goodie bags for children) Noon-5, Decorated trees raffled daily, wagon rides, Glimmerglass State Park

Possible Dreams™

choice of 100+ Santas

Country Memories

10-3, Saturday only: Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School’s Holiday Shoppes Participating Merchants: A Dickens of a Christmas • A Rose is a Rose • Cherry Valley Museum • The Rose & Kettle Restaurant • Aris Mixon & Co. gifts • Plaide Palette • The Cherry Branch Gallery • The Tepee • Nectar Hills Farm Store

ROUTE 80, SpRingfiEld CEnTER

38 ArTiSTS ExhibiTing

Village Hall Gallery 187 Main Street, Sharon Springs 518.284.2402 www.vhgallery.com 10-4, Thursday-Monday

www.countrymemories.org •Visit us on 315-858-2691 • ctrymem@aol.com

Sharon Springs’ Main Street Victorian Holiday Celebration Dec. 1, 2012

spa services have returned The Gift ofofLuxury to the historic village sharon springs

Spa Services in Historic Sharon Springs

8-Noon: Breakfast at the Firehouse. $8 per person 9:30: Cancellation of commemorative stamp, post office. (While there, check our Victorian memorabilia at NBT branch, and buy a Hats Off To Hunger Victorian hat ($10) 10-10:30: Salute To Servicemen, with dedication, reveille, placing of Christmas wreath on Veterans Memorial at Sharon Spring Central School 10-2: Children’s author Cindy West signs “Lily In The Box� at American Hotel 10-5: Tell Victorian Santa what you want for Christmas at holiday-themed Farmer’s Market, Roseboro Hotel. Photo portraits, $10

ALL-NATuRAL sOAP, BATH PRODuCTs

Be sure to visit us !

Saturday, Dec. 1, during Sharon Springs Victorian Christmas!

10 -7, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 10-5, Sunday, Dec. 2

All-natural olive oil soap, milk soap, lotions, lip balm, bath oil, bath salts, scrubs, gift baskets, gift sets and more!

197 Main Street, Sharon Springs 518-284-2228 • www.mcgillycuddysoap.com

11-3: Freshly cut Christmas trees available at Hessian Hill Farm 10:30-11: Bloody “Merry� Toasts to Queen Victoria ($5 each) at American Hotel 11-11:15: ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas dance performance featuring local children, porch of Roseboro (Encore performance at noon) 11-noon: Victorian tea, slide-show presentation by town historian, Stone Mansion. $25; space limited, reserve at www.beekman1802.com (Encore at 3) 12:30-12:45: The Mistletoe Mustache, humorous operetta, porch of Roseboro.

(Encore performance, 1:30) 1-2: Oratorical contest, 9-12th graders, Sharon Spring Center, sponsored by American Legion 2-3: Author Jack Singer (“Justice at 40 Below�) tells tales, slide-show of dog mushing in Alaska. Studio North, South Main. Free 2-3:30: Christmas carols around fire at American Hotel, plus recital of “enhanced� version of The Sharon Springs Christmas Chicken Story 3:30-4:30: Learn Victorian-era group dances. Period finery welcome. Free 4-6: Classical guitarist Harry George Pelligrin performs, New York House. Wine, cheese, $10 at door. (Encore at 7) 4:30: Best Victorian Costume Parade & Contest, 204 Main Street Bar & Bistro. Prizes to best lady, best gent 6-7: Light town Christmas tree. Caroling. Hot chocolate, warm cider, courtesy Sharon Springs Rotary Throughout day: Victorian horse-drawn carriage rides; American-made furniture and design store, Love Decades, opens; holiday meals at restaurants throughout town; much more!

skin care •. massage baskets skincare massage •. natural natural products products •. gift gift baskets

Shop Locally Home shop locally From from home withwith ourour Online Certificates online Gift gift certificates 200 main street . sharon springs . ny 13459 www.springhousespa.com 518 284 2400

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Five Course New Year’s Eve Dinner 6pm & 9pm Seating Reservations recommended

Dinner Thursday to Sunday Hourly from 5pm Sunday Brunch 8am to 2pm Sunday Afternoon Meals 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reservations recommended

518.284.2105

info@americanhotelny.com

www.americanhotelny.com

Enjoy Cherry Valley’s Annual Holiday Open House Weekend Saturday-Sunday dec. 1-2 10am to 5pm

Holiday Decorations • Artwork • Unique Gifts • Jewelry • Refreshments • Door Prizes HoliDAy sHoPPinG in A RelAxeD AnD PeRsonAl AtmosPHeRe the Greater cherry Valley chamber of commerce, po Box 37, cherry Valley ny 13320 • 607-264-3100 • www.cherryvalleychamber.org

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30, 2012

A-8

Shoppers Declare Satisfaction With Mall’s ‘Midnight Madness’

By LIBBY CUDMORE

J

oe Porter, Oneonta, described his “Black Thursday” shopping trip to Walmart as “Hectic – there were fights, lines up the wazoo – it was insane.”

But at the Southside Mall, “Midnight Madness” was the antidote for shoppers who like the “frenzy” of Black Friday, but a bit-more-sedate frenzy.

“Our customers ... love to shop overnight,” said Mall Manager Luisa Montanti, “so we thought we would offer that to them.”

Shoppers – wrapped in blankets, stamping their feet to keep warm and excitedly chattering about what they wanted to buy – lined up for Southside Mall’s first midnight kickoff of Black Friday. “I saw a boyfriend tossing a rubber ball for his girlfriend to chase so she could keep warm!” said Randy Curran.

Shoppers started lining up at 10:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving, many coming over from shopping at Walmart’s 8 p.m. opening.

Many had driven from as far away as Walton or Delhi, but some, even further.

“She came from Pakistan to see what’s on sale!” said Zainav Rifique, whose sister, Zehide, was visiting from their homeland for a week.

As the doors were thrown open, the line of shoppers walked briskly but politely.

No pushing, no shoving. “We’re a happy group,” said Dorothy Norton of Goodyear Lake.

Most of the stores were open for business, although TJ Maxx, Kay Jewelers and JC Penney, in line with their companies’ national business strategies, waited until the Friday morning.

Grace Larkin, a retired OHS teacher,

All

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

E-Mail Address: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Visit Our Web Site at www.hubbellsrealestate.com

cOOPerstOwn viLLage circa 1850

OtsegO Lake Find

cOOPerstOwn viLLage cOmFOrt

(7110) Historic 4 BR/3+ BA Greek Revival home replete with French doors leading to gracious LR, family room w/fireplace and built-in bookcases. Hardwood floors, main-level master bedroom, eat-in kitchen w/cherry cabinets and bay window. Two-car garage, picket fencing–it’s distinctive and delightful!

Hubbell’s Exclusive. $259,000

(7589) Partake of the delights in this superbly kept 3 BR home. Many extras include formal DR, hardwood floors, modern kitchen, garage, rocking-chair front porch. Near shops, lake, and golf course. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive. $299,000

Private 100 acres

OtsegO Lake-view cOntemPO

(7302) Enjoy easy entertaining and quiet family life in this spectacular 4 BR/2+ bath home on 1.8 acres featuring 2-story foyer, LR w/fireplace and vaulted ceiling, den w/ fireplace, master suite, eat-in kitchen, pantry, formal DR, hardwood floors. Large porch, deck, in-ground pool, finished basement, lake privileges. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive. $675,000

(7104) Incredible valley views on a private road. Trails throughout, fantastic hunting, small pond. Adjacent to County forest. Old farmhouse needs work. Solar powered 35x10 getaway, open floorplan,1 BR. Possible owner financing. 8 miles from Cooperstown.

Hubbell’s Exclusive $189,000

OtsegO Lake LOt in cOOPerstOwn

(7407) Choice building site with excellent lake views and w/ lake access and beach are directly in front of property. Level lot, easy to build on.

Hubbell’s Exclusive $295,000

cOuntry ranch On 1.5 acres

(7046) Relax in the comfort of this happy haven on 1.5 acres near Dreams Park. Enticing home offers 3 BRs, knotty pine eat-in kitchen, LR with hardwood floors, convenient breezeway, garage with overhead storage.

Milford Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive $109,000

R E A LT Y

CONNOR

607-547-4045

Patricia Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

Greek Revival Farmhouse

Five BR Greek Revival farmhouse, only minutes from the village of Cooperstown, is situated in a private setting with 22+ acres and over 1,000 ft of frontage on the Susquehanna River. This 1830s home has been renovated and updated with new kitchen countertops and a new full bath on the 2nd floor. The house has many built-ins, hardwood floors up and down, a fireplace in the large country kitchen and LR, front and rear staircases, knotty pine and exposed beams, and an enclosed sun porch off the DR. Optimal for agricultural opportunities. Cooperstown schools. This home is truly in move-in condition.

Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty $359,000 Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com • Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com

For APPoiNtmeNt: Patti Ashley, Broker, 544-1077 • Jack Foster, Sales Agent, 547-5304 •

Nancy Angerer, Sales Agent, 435-3387 Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 547-8288 • Amy Stack, Licensed Sales Agent, 435-0125

EAGLES//From A1 to a once-rare sight – a bald eagle, 10 feet from the road, feasting on a roadkill deer and bringing traffic on the busy route to a slow crawl.

“When I started birdwatching, it was unusual to see a bald eagle,” said Tom Salo, former regional coordinator for the state Breeding Bird Atlas. “They’re not so rare anymore.”

Use of the pesticide DDT interfered with the eagle’s ability to process calcium, which made their eggs too brittle to survive nesting. In 1976, the Cornell University and DEC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife began “hacking” eggs – hatching young falcons and feeding them in an artificial nest while they learn to fly and hunt.

So raised, 198 eaglets were released. The experiment was such a success that 16 other states launched similar programs. All bald eagles in Otsego County are either from among the 198 or their descendants.

The last remaining wild pair even got a family of their own. “They raised six foster eaglets,” said Van Arsdale. “They didn’t know they weren’t their chicks.”

There are now eight nest-

ing pairs in Otsego County, and the Appalachian Eagle Project has counted as many as 20 at a time in recent years. “They used to band every eaglet,” Salo said.

“But they’re in such good shape that tracking them isn’t necessary.”

Eagles nest in territories and mate for life. Eagles that aren’t nesting aren’t as easily tracked, as they wander across state and county lines. “Some even go to Canada,” said Van Arsdale.

Otsego County is popular for eagles because of its 44 lakes well-stocked with fish. Nests have been spotted lately at Goodyear and Otsego lakes, as well as in Unadilla and Richfield Springs.

And in the winter, when all the Oneonta and Cooperstown tourists have gone home, migrating eagles from Canada and northern New England stop by to enjoy the warmer weather and to fish on the unfrozen ponds. The Appalachian Eagle Project takes an annual bald eagle trip to Delaware County in January, and Salo said it’s not unusual to see 20 or 30 of the National Birds feeding on fish that come through the dam.

PRicE REDUcED ON 2-STORY cOLONiAL iN PRESTiGiOUS SUGAR HiLL NEiGHBORHOOD! Beautifully maintained home on a private dirt road, one owner, built in 1982. Gracious 2-story foyer, wide pine floors, LR with fireplace and built-in bookcases, formal DR, half-bath, eat-in kitchen, mudroom w/laundry and utility closet, cherry-paneled library, fireplace and French doors. 2 BRs with shared bath, large master suite w/vaulted ceiling, fireplace, bath, dressing room.

Third floor provides 2 additional BRs, full bath, and storage room.

New cedar siding (2005), roof (2008), Andersen windows (2010).

Wooded 6.3 acres ensure privacy, fenced rear yard, 2 stone patios, mature perennial beds. Cooperstown school district.

Offered by Lamb Realty for $575,000, below the current appraised value of $670,000. Listing # c-0189

29 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, NY

ASHLEY

cheerfully handed out shopping baskets at Bath & Body Works. “This is my fun job!” she said.

Bath & Body Works and FYE had the most shoppers, lured in by $10 Blu-Ray and $5 hand lotions.

New this season was the first for Dick’s Sporting Goods, which was staying open until the 6 a.m. doorbusters. “It’s been very hectic!” said associate Taylor Smith.

By 1:30 a.m. many customers were done shopping, but those who stayed camped out with a Twisted Pretzel, a sub or some chili with Fritos from Magnolia’s Fudge.

By 3:30 a.m. Montanti reported that at least 250 of the earlier shoppers had returned, along with others, to await the results of the drawing. “It was a huge success,” she said. “Stores were surpassing their sales plans and traffic remained steady throughout the weekend. We will absolutely do it again next year.”

Snacking Eagle Dramatizes How The Big Bird Is Back

OTSEGO.homes

(7608) Enjoy the distinction of this well-kept 3 BR/3 BA chalet. Home offers wrap-around deck, den, open floorplan, gas fireplace, main-level master suite, modern kitchen, DR. Lake privileges, 2-car garage. Parklike setting with mature gardens. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Co-Exclusive. $419,000

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Mall Manager Montanti was on hand to welcome shoppers in the wee hours.

FANTASTic PiERSTOwN LOcATiON! Country cottage 5 minutes from Cooperstown with 2 BRs, sleeping loft, galley kitchen, full bath and laundry. Charming LR/DR with vaulted ceiling and exposed hand-hewn beams.

Large private deck with country views. Propane heat for full-time living or rent seasonally on a weekly basis. Lucrative 11- or 12-week season, rental details available. Beautifully maintained and fully furnished, a turn-key investment. Situated in the center of 2 bucolic acres with mature trees and lovely lawns.

Value priced at $199,000. Listing # c-0185

LAMB REALTY 20 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown

Out Ahead of the Flock!

Tel/Fax: 607-547-8145

DONNA THOMSON, Broker/Owner 607-547-5023 • www.lambrealty.net • E-mail: realestate@lambrealty.net

BARBARA LAMB, Associate Broker 607-547-8145

ROBERT ScHNEiDER, Sales Associate 607-547-1884

DOTTiE GEBBiA, Associate Broker 607-435-2192

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30, 2012

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO

Wednesday, November 28

GIFTS for one and all!

The merry shops of the Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum are open ‘til Christmas Eve. Hours: Daily 10am-4pm (Fenimore shop closed Mondays)

Or shop online 24/7!

Just Outside of the Village of Cooperstown on Lake Road (Rt. 80)

FarmersMuseum.org | FenimoreArtMuseum.org NYSHA Members Receive 20% Off

SPEAKER -- Noon. Cultural anthropologist Don Hill on “Jim Crow Era Field Recordings 19581961.” Free, all welcome. Alden Room, Milne Library, 108 Ravine Pkwy., SUNY Oneonta. Info, (607) 436-2619.

RUMMAGE SALE -- Noon6 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta.

Info, (607) 432-3491.

WORK SHOP -- 6-8 p.m. Family Service Association “Kids in the Middle” Child care, refreshments, limited transportation help provided; reservations required.

United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Cooperstown. Info, (607) 432-2870.

HISTORY -- 7 p.m. The Fly Creek Area Historical Society meeting. Tom Heitz presents “Fly Creek Aeronaut,” talk on Leo Stevens, balloonist and one of several inventors of the parachute.

Free, all welcome. Refreshments served. 852 Cty. Hwy. 26, Fly Creek. Info, (607) 547-2501.

Thursday, November 29

RUMMAGE SALE -- 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Rummage Sale: half-off pricing from 5-8 p.m.! Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Info, (607) 432-3491.

WORKSHOP -- 9:30 a.m.noon. Family Service Association presents “Loving Discipline.”

Child Care, refreshments, limited transportation help provided; reservations required. United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Cooperstown. Info, (607) 432-2870.

HOLIDAY TRAIN -- 1:15 p.m.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in Oneonta to collect food donations for North American food banks. James Georgeson railroad crossing outside Neahwa Park, Oneonta. Info, www.cpr.ca.

WORKSHOP -- 4 p.m. Oneonta Concert Association presents, “The Making of Portals” workshop shows how Tim Fain’s multi-media show came together. Free.

Oneonta Theatre, 47 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, www.oneontaconcertassociation.org.

EMPTY BOWLS -- 5-6:30 p.m.

Hartwick College hosts 3rd annual Empty Bowls soup supper, an event to raise awareness of hunger and poverty in local communities, $15 per handmade bowl to fill with soup. Music Circle, Anderson Center, Hartwick College, One Hartwick Dr, Oneonta. Info, Rozene, (607) 4314833, rozenes@hartwick.edu.

LANDSCAPE FORUM -- 7 p.m.

“Oral Histories of the Land: A Community Dialogue About Our Natural Landscaping.” Post Office Conference Room, Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Hwy.

y a p e W SH! CA t s e h g i H rices p aid p

A-9 12, East Meredith. Info, (607) 278-5744.

RAVE -- 7:30 p.m. O-GASM: Experience the Explosion. DJ SnowMiser at the Oneonta Theatre. $10. 47 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

Info, (607) 643-4022.

Friday, November 30

OPEN HOUSE -- 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Book signing and overrun fabric/ rug sale. Thistle Hill Weavers, Baxter Rd., Cherry Valley.

Info, (518) 284-2729.

RUMMAGE SALE -- 9 a.m.-noon Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta. Info, (607) 432-3491.

MOVIE -- 6:30 & 9 p.m. SUNY Oneonta Red Dragon Theatre presents The Borne Legacy. Free with SUCO ID, $3 to all others.

108 Ravine Pkwy., Oneonta. Info, (607) 432-3500.

DINNER -- 5-7 p.m. Family Services Association annual pork dinner. $9 adults, $5 kids, under 5 free. American Legion at 279 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, (607) 432-2870.

CONCERT -- 7:30 p.m.

Oneonta Concert Association presents Tim Fain’s multi-media violin show. Tickets at The Green Toad Bookstore and Eighth Note.

The Oneonta Theatre, 47 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, www. oneontaconcertassociation.org.

Saturday, December 1

COOP FARMERS MARKET -- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Bounty of seasonal fruits and veggies, local meats, fresh fowl, eggs, cheese, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, sweet treats.

Handmade goods. Pioneer Alley, rain or shine. Info, (607) 5476195, www.otsego2000.org ONEONTA FARMERS’ MARKET -- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Locally-grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, more.

Weekly entertainment. Garage Walkway, Main St. Plaza (in front of Clarion Hotel). Info, www.

Oneontafarmersmarket.com OPEN HOUSE -- 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Book signing, overrun sale.

Thistle Hill Weavers, Baxter Rd., Cherry Valley. Info, (518) 2842729.

COMMUNITY SERVICE -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4-H SOS helps Sandy victims by sewing hats, gloves, and pillow cases. Materials provided. Please bring machines and supplies. Also accepting donations until 12/10. New Lisbon Town Hall, 908 Co. Rd. 16, Garrattsville. Info, (607) 547-2536.

OPERA -- 12:55 p.m. The Metropolitan Opera Season continues at Foothills Performing Arts Center. Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito. 24 Market St., Oneonta.

Info, (607) 431-2080.

MOVIE -- 6:30 & 9 p.m. SUNY Oneonta Red Dragon Theatre presents The Borne Legacy. Free

with SUCO ID, $3 to all others.

108 Ravine Pkwy., Oneonta. Info, (607) 432-3500.

CHORAL CONCERT -- 7:30 p.m.

The Catskills Choral Society annual Winter Concert Tickets: Adv: $17 Adults/$12 Seniors/$10 Students, At the Door: $20 Adults/ $15 Seniors/ $10 Students.

Limited seating. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, catskillchoralsociety.org.

TRIBUTE -- 9 p.m. Get the Led Out pays tribute to Led Zeppelin.

The Oneonta Theatre, 47 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, tickets, (607) 643-4022.

Sunday, December 2

ALTERNATIVE MARKET -- Noon-1 p.m. Market features Heifer Int., Habitat for Humanity, Church World Service and more.

First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church St., Cooperstown. Info, (607) 547-8401.

MOVIE -- 1, 6:30, & 9 p.m.

SUNY Oneonta Red Dragon Theatre presents The Borne Legacy.

Free with SUCO ID, $3 to all others. 108 Ravine Pkwy, Oneonta.

Info (607) 432-3500.

FIRE HISTORY -- 2 p.m. Jim Tallman and Al Keck discuss history of the Cooperstown Fire Department, most memorable fires, and modern challenges.

Downstairs meeting room of Village Library Building, 22 Main St., Cooperstown. Info, (607) 547-8199.

OPEN HOUSE -- 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Butternut Valley Alliance open house offers local crafts, music, refreshments, presentation of the BVA Excellence Award. Empire Hotel, 136 Marion Ave., Gilbertsville. Info, (607) 783-2064.

WRITER’S CIRCLE – 4 p.m.

Smithy Pioneer Gallery provides feedback for writers of all levels.

55 Pioneer St, Cooperstown. Info, (607) 547-8671.

HARVEST DINNER – 6 p.m.

Butternut Valley Alliance Fall Harvest Dinner. Reservations requested. The Empire Hotel, 32 Marion Ave., Gilbertsville. Info, (607) 783-2859.

Monday, December 3

TESTING -- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free rapid HIV testing. Planned Parenthood, 37 Dietz St., Oneonta.

Info, (607) 432-2252.

SPAGHETTI DINNER -- 5-7 p.m.

Boy Scout Troop 1254 spaghetti dinner. Grand Canyon trip fundraiser. $7 adult, $5 child. Fly Creek United Methodist Church, 852 Cty. Hwy 26. Fly Creek.

PRESENTATION -- 6:45 p.m.

Rachel Stevenson discusses famous art thefts in “Art Theft: Fact and Fiction.” 62 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, (607) 432-1980.

We wat replaNOW ch b ce (mo at st b te ran rie ds s )

WE BUY GOLD, SILVER, COINS, FLATWARE... anything of value... Just ask!

We buy broken and unwanted jewelry!

NOW OPEN IN ONEONTA!

Also buying Silver Plate and Gold Fill

Oneonta, NY 3961/2 Chestnut St. • 607-267-4766 Binghamton • Elmira • Rochester

All

A-10

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30, 2012

OTSEGO.homes

4914 St. Hwy. 28, CooperStown 607-547-5933 75 Market Street, oneonta 607-433-1020

Available exclusively by RealtyUSA.com through The Rain Day Foundation H.E.L.P Program

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MLS#86474 - Charming 4 BR, 2½ bath, Cooperstown village home w/updated kitchen, granite countertops, newer appliances, large private yard and garage. $234,900 Call Kristi Ough @ 607-434-3026

MLS#85820 - Very nice country home w/3 BRs, 2 baths and 2-car garage, just minutes to the village, and a few miles from both Otsego and Canadarago Lakes. $139,000 Call Kathy @ 607-267-2683

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MLS#87038 - 3 BR, 2.5 bath home on 2.67+/-acres.

3 levels of living space w/open floorplan, outside deck and balconies. Vaulted ceiling, kitchen, DR, LR, 2 BR and full bath. Second flr master suite w/full bath and balcony.

2-car detached garage w/workshop area and storage space. Minutes to Cooperstown and Fly Creek. $205,000 Call Kathy @ 607-267-2683

MLS#85275 - 3-4 BR, 2 bath farmhouse w/2 lrg barns on 1 acre. Completely renovated, w/lots of new: plumbing, replacement windows, metal roofs, exterior paint, furnace and oil tank. Spacious renovated kitchen, hardwood flrs, sun porch, fireplace, clean htd basement w/workshop. $195,000 Call Tom @ 607-435-2068

New listing! MLS#87096 - Cedar-sided Cape on over 8 acres in Cooperstown school district. Open floorplan w/full bath and 2 BR on 1st flr. Kitchen w/slate flrs, spacious master BR w/skylight and cathedral ceiling. Full bath and a 4th BR on 2nd flr. Family rm, office, possible 5th BR and laundry rm. $269,900 Call Kristi Ough @ 607-434-3026

MLS#86265 - Great location! High traffic and great visibility on Main St in Oneonta. 3000 sq ft bldg, numerous rooms, office space, bathrms, clean full basement, parking for 20+ cars, handicapped accessible, very well maintained. $235,000 Call Brad @ 607-434-9234 All offers considered!

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MLS#85578 – Location, seclusion and views make this solid contemporary ideal for working, living, and playing.

Within minutes of Dreams Park, Otsego Lake and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bring Offers! $239,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633

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MLS#86907 - Come take a look at this solid home on 15 acres. It has been updated with wonderful additions.

Call or text Sharon @ 607-267-2681

MLS#85025 - Motivated sellers will consider all offers!

Come take a look at this great Cape Cod set on 2.62 acres.

Call or text Sharon @ 607-267-2681

MLS#86251 - Ranch home a mile from town with 4 BRs, open floorplan, garage, nice backyard…many updates! $139,000 Call Brad @ 607-434-9234

MLS#84000 - Westford log home on 5 acres with many updates and a large 4-car garage…secluded and close to 801 acres of State land! $186,900 Call Brad @ 607-434-9234

MLS#85154 - Village Greek Revival, 4 BR, 1 ½ bath, 2+ car garage. Spacious rooms, eat-in kitchen, DR, LR, office/den, storage/workshop, original wood floors, newer carpeting, and lrg back deck. Recent improvements include new septic, hwh and newer furnace! Cooperstown Schools. $139,000 Call Kathy @ (607) 267-2683

MLS#86980 - 4 BR apt over a 1000 sq ft commercial office space or storefront. This home features hardwood floors, high ceilings, built-in cupboards and shelves, wood window shutters, and more. Lots of storage including a walk-up attic, 2-car attached garage, and 4-bay garage. $189,900 Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068

If you’re looking for where the wild things are, this 83+ acre natural wildlife sanctuary in Otsego County, just minutes from downtown Oneonta, two colleges and culture, is the place for you! Small, partially remodeled farmhouse with recent updates. Acres upon acres of open space pledged to remain in its natural condition! Come take a look and a hike, and please don’t forget your boots. MLS# 87908 $215,000

(607) 431-2540 • www.prufoxproperties.com

Advertise in

AffordAble Town of oneonTA Home!

AllOTSEGO. homes

CALL AMANDA AT 547-6103 the region’s largest real-estate section MORE LISTINGS ON PAGE a8

Features include spacious living room with built ins, nice eat in kitchen and bedroom and bath on the first floor. House is vinyl sided, has replacement windows and the roof is 5 years old. Very large yard and 2 car garage complete the package. Whether just starting out or looking to downsize this could make you the perfect home. $95,000. mlS#86074

ASHLEY

MLS# 83154 - Great location! Build your business here!

2 miles from Cooperstown, 1.2 miles from Dreams Park.

Road frontage on St Hwy 28. 4.5 acres with 700+ sq. ft. building in place. Thousands of cars pass this location daily. $399,000 Call Rod & Barb @ 315-520-6512

Since 1947, our personal service has always been there when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for all your AUTO • HOME • LIFE insurance needs.

BUSINESS

Hours: M-F 8am-5pm Phone: 607-432-2022 22-26 Watkins Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820

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MLS#85556 - Totally furnished creekside bungalow w/2 lrg maintenance-free Trex decks. Completely landscaped, Florida-style living w/boat mooring in front of home.

2 BRs, 1 bath. Hyder Creek navigable to Canadarago Lake. $149,500 Call Rod and Barb @ 315-520-6512

Thinking of Remodeling?

Think of Refinancing!

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)

oneontarealty.com COME TAKE A LOOK Affordable, spacious, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with hardwood floors, deck and nice yard. Located close to downtown, parks and schools. $109,900 MLS #86998

216 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 • Tel: 607-547-8551/Fax: 607-547-1029 www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com

Affordable Homes

3 bedrooms, 2 baths in Springfield. $78,000 Listing #86266

PRICED TO SELL! Center city home with 4-5 bedrooms and 1 ½ baths.

Hardwood floors in every room.

Large front porch and nice back yard. Close to Wilber Park, high school, colleges and downtown. $119,900 MLS #86603

Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner

Dave LaDuke Broker 435-2405; Mike Winslow Broker 435-0183; Tony Gambino 516-384-0095; Mike Swatling 435-6454; Joe Valette 437-5745; Laura Coleman 437-4881

John Mitchell, Lic. Assoc. Broker Stephen Baker, Lic. Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant

3 bedrooms, 1 bath in Schuyler Lake. $89,700 Listing #84842 2 bedrooms, 1 bath in Richfield Springs $79,000 Listing #87185

Cricket Keto, Lic. Assoc. Broker locally owned & operated single & multi-family homes, commercial property & land

office 441.7312 • fax 432.7580 99 Main St Oneonta • oneontarealty.com

CONNOR REALTY

ChuCk Gould

MLS#84136 – Minutes from downtown Oneonta, this 3 BR, 2 bath ranch has full basement and 2-car garage on a quiet dead-end street w/lots of new. Master BR suite is an efficiency apt but could easily be converted back. $129,900 Call Tom @ 607-435-2068

MLS#84581 - Huge price reduction! Motivated sellers will entertain all offers. This home boasts 5 BRs and 4 baths.

Stone fireplace, surround sound, 2 garages . $250,000 Call or text Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681

for complete listings visit us at realtyusa . com

FOREVER WILD!

MLS#84612 – Location, seclusion, views! Close to Oneonta and Delhi, this secluded location is convenient to schools, hospitals and shopping. A private world on 10.8 acres.

Make this move-in condition house your home. $229,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633

Home of the Week Middlefield farMhouse

The best of both worlds–a charming farmhouse on nearly 4.5 acres, only 2.5 miles to the village of Cooperstown. This 1850s Victorian farmhouse has 4 BRs, 2 baths, a wonderful post-and-beam barn w/horse stalls, and beautiful perennials and stone walls. A welcoming side porch leads to an eat-in kitchen and large family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace with Jotul woodstove. Private deck off the kitchen is lovely for outdoor dining.

DR, parlor, first-floor BR, and full bath w/laundry complete the first floor.

Wonderful wide plank wood floors throughout. Upstairs are 3 BRs, an office or large walk-in closet, and full bath. Plenty of room outside for gardens and/or animals. Cooperstown Schools. Offered Co-Exclusively by Ashley Connor Realty $349,000

29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-4045 • www.ashleyconnorrealty.com