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HOMETOWN ONEONTA E!

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch Complimentary

Oneonta, N.Y., Friday, December 14, 2012

Volume 5, No. 13

City of The Hills

IT ENERGIZES CITY MANAGER

Daunting To-Do List

By JIM KEVLIN

N

ext year, he may have to walk on water – if not Wilber Lake, Hodges Pond.

But, for now, Mayor Miller and Common Council have outlined a 2013 action plan for Mike Long, Oneonta’s first city manager, that most people – municipal executives included – would find daunting: • End the city’s “structural deficit” – for some time now, City Hall has been Mike Long spending more than it collects, eroding the required surplus.

• Establish development plans for the city’s economy, downtown and housing.

• Conduct a “rigorous evaluation” of all department heads, and look to streamlining departmental functions.

• Develop beautification plans for entrances to the city, including Lettis Highway and south Main Street.

Please See LONG, A8

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Mary Frances Perricone belts out carols at a karaoke microphone set up in Muller Plaza during the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday, Dec. 7/MORE PHOTOS, A3

Teen Center ‘Suspended’ As Of 12/31

T

he Oneonta Teen Center is closing Dec. 31 “until further notice” while “reorganization strategies are explored, according to Mark Davies, interim president of the center’s parent, the Oneonta Community Alliance for Youth.

The center, located in the basement of the city’s Allison Building, the former Armory, serves 30 teens on a typical weekend evening.

Davies said he was being “purposely evasive” because plans are still being developed. He said the center receives funding from the city and county, but he is unaware of any funding cuts and said that’s not the reason for the move.

ENJOY MSO: Main Street Oneonta’s annual meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Jimmy T’s, 222 Main St., including networking at 5 p.m., introduction of new board members at 5:30, and a meet-and-greet with City Manager Mike Long at 5:45.

Public welcome.

STORM AID: The United Way of Delaware/Otsego Counties planned to present a final check for Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee repairs to the Delaware County Board of Representatives Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Off the $112,500 collected in the past year, 51 percent was designated for this purpose.

In top right photo, Banjo gets the star treatment from Elizabeth Brantley, Jenny Burch and Aolani McCarthy.

At right, dancers from the Decker School of Dance’s performance of “The Nutcracker” meet Banjo, their newest co-star, during a Sunday, Dec. 9, rehearsal.

Ommegang Helps Out Storm-Struck Brewery

O

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Dogs To Grace Stage At 25th Anniversary ‘Nutcracker’

By LIBBY CUDMORE

D

onna Decker has directed 25 productions of “The Nutcracker” in Oneonta, but this year she’s debuting not one, but three new ragsto-riches stars.

Banjo, Dakota Maxwell and Pierre are all Susquehanna SPCA residents, and they’ll all make their stage debut in three performances of the Fokine Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Banjo, a former stray who will star Friday, came Please See NUTCRACKER, A9

WOWs Next Step In Bassett Patient Care

Styrofoam Capstones Replace 1 Dietz’ ‘Scary’ Granite Ones

By LIBBY CUDMORE

W

hen Chip Klugo stepped into the former LAN Gaming Center at 1 Deitz

St., the word that came to mind was “scary.”

“The full front façade up to the coping stones had gotten water damage,” he said. “Ice had formed Please See KLUGO, A9

tsego County’s Brewery Ommegang, using Barrier Brewing Co.’s recipe, is making 400 barrels of India Pale Ale, with proceeds to help the Long Island company recover from Hurricane Sandy’s damage.

Barrier Brewing, in Oceanside, 20 miles west of Manhattan, requires $100,000 in repairs to its plant, which had been open only four months when the storm hit.

“It was natural to offer a helping hand and foster the communal spirit of the industry,” said Simon Thorpe, Ommegang president/CEO.

By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN

W

OWs – workstations on wheels – are rolling through Bassett Hospital’s halls after a futuristic medical records’ system was activated in the

wee hours of Saturday, Dec. 8.

For the first time, with a few strokes of the keyboard, doctors and nurses, at bedside or in the hall outside, can instantly check a patient’s record, including diagnoses, treatments and prescriptions.

Chief Network Nursing Officer Connie Jastremski said WOW “puts everyone Please See WOWS, A7

HOMETOWN ONEONTA, THE LARGEST CIRCULATION NEWSPAPER IN OTSEGO COUNTY, 2010 WINNER OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD 5798 State Highway 80 x Cooperstown, NY 13326 x (607) 547-1400 x FenimoreArtMuseum.org

Tasha Tudor: Around the Year Through December 30

Around the Year illuminates the changing seasons and special annual celebrations with outstanding, rarely-seen examples of Tudor’s original art for greeting cards, children’s books, and holidays.

Tasha Tudor: Around the Year has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachuse�s

FIND� TASH A�TU GIFT�I DOR� TEM IN�OU S� R� SHOP !

(Detail) Untitled, 1973, Illustration for a Christmas card (1973) and Drawn from New England (1979) by Tasha Tudor, Watercolor on paper 8.5” x 9.25”, Collection of Jeane�e and Gerald Knazek ©1973 Tasha Tudor. All rights reserved.

MUSEUM ADMISSION Adults and Juniors (13-64): $12.00 Seniors (65+): $10.50 Children (12 and under): Free NYSHA members, active military, and retired career military personnel: Free

Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm (closed Mondays)

A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

HOMETOWN People

Professor Rinfret Publishes Book On Environmentalism

H

artwick College Assistant Professor of Political Science Sara R. Rinfret will soon release a book, “The Lilliputians of Environmental Regulation: The Perspective of State Regulators.”

Published by Routledge in its Research in Environmental Policy and Politics series,

the book deals with future of environmental regulation in the U.S. On the Hartwick faculty since 2011, Dr. Rinfret received her bachelor’s from Otterbein College, her master’s from Ohio State University, and her Ph.D., with distinction, from Northern Arizona University.

Heavens’ Hands Massage Therapy

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Kaitlin Bella, John Imperato, Jr. Are Married Before 150 Guests

E

dward Bello Jr. and Cathy Barraco of Richfield Springs announce the marriage of their daughter, Kaitlin Bello, to John Imperato, Jr., son of John and Maureen Imperato of Schenevus. The ceremony took place in front of 150 guests at Catlin Gardens in Slate Hill.

The bride is a graduate of Siena College. The groom is employed as an Otsego County Deputy Sheriff. The couple makes their home in Oneonta.

Wendy Ann Alley, L.M.T.,

Nationally Certified member AMTA Mr. and Mrs. John Imperato Jr.

Serving our local community since 1996

YuletIDE GREETINGS

Happy Holidays It’s time to get your

Christmas Gift Certificate

15 min massage.... $20 30 min massage.... $35

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55 Grove Street • Cooperstown • NY• 607. 547.1159 Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

The Catskill Chamber Singers perform at The Farmers’ Museum Cornwallville Church, one of a number of chorale groups to do so during the traditional Candlelight Evening, held this year on a balmy Saturday, Dec. 8. The singers are, from left, Jean Fleck, Leah Bridgers, Sarah Patterson, Emily Kirsch, Peg Twasutyn, Anne Dewell and Tracy Verma.

THE HAWKEYE

HOLIDAY

DINNER Friday, December 21st • 5:30PM-9:00PM • $18.95 per person The Otesaga’s Executive Chef Michael Gregory has cooked up a very special holiday tradition for you and your family - The Hawkeye Holiday Dinner on Friday, December 21st.

Begin with your choice of a traditional Caesar or delicious House Green Salad. Next choose from our savory Roast Duck or Roast Sirloin with Wild Mushroom Sauce. All entrées will include appropriate side dishes. Complete your Hawkeye holiday feast with festive Strawberry Trifle or freshly baked Apple Pie for dessert. All for only $18.95 per person.

Of course The Hawkeye Grill’s delicious regular menu is always available. Located off The Otesaga’s Lower Level overlooking Lake Otsego, you may reach The Hawkeye Grill through the Lower Level entrance off The Hotel guest parking area. Casual attire is always welcome.

For more information and to make reservations, call Maitre d’ Lori Patryn at (607) 544-2524 or (800) 348-6222.

O v e r 1 0 0 Ye a r s o f G r a c i o u s H o s p i t a l i t y ® THE OTESAGA RESORT HOTEL, 60 LAKE STREET, COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326 • O TESAGA . COM

Tina French, gallery coach for the Main View Studio, shows Marni Jamieson and Carmela Mariner one of the funky, festive sweatshirts the gallery’s artists customized for their fifth annual “Off the Wall” holiday show on Friday, Dec. 7.

Kathleen Avery and her son, Leo Frascatore, look over handmade jewelry at the annual Cookies and Crafts sale at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, Dec. 8.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Aidan Hendricks, Isabella Giacomelli and Carter Burrows react in awe to Donna Decker Dance Studio’s troupe giving a preview to “The Nutcracker” in Leilani’s storefront.

Mayor Miller, with Santa’s help, instructs youngsters in the crowd how, by waving their arms, they can generate the energy to light the Community Christmas Tree in Muller Plaza.

They followed his instructions, and the lights turned on.

Fine ArTS & CrAFTS Gifts for everyone on your list!

The Old Blacksmith Shop Gallery Holiday Hours: Wed. through Sun. 10 am - 5pm • Friday’s ‘til 7pm

7347 State Hwy. 28 • ScHuyler lake • 315-858-7081

Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

The morning of Oneonta’s Community Christmas Tree Lighting, Thursday, Dec. 6, Celia Petrie, 2, had seen snow for one of the first times and that evening was thrilled to be participating in her first holiday activity in the U.S. The family – her parents are Daphne de Souza Lima Sorenson and Mansir Petrie – moved to Oneonta from Brazil over the summer after her dad accepted the position of Global Education and Service Learning adviser at Hartwick College.

Young Brett Holleran, photo above, watches the tree lighting from dad Brett’s shoulders.

Randall Decker of Oneonta helps his stepdaughter Skylynn Ruple, 4, peer into Santa’s Cottage in Muller Plaza to see kids conferring with St. Nick.

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454 Main Street • Oneonta • 607-433-2536

Doubleday Field, Cooperstown • (315) 866-5150

OPEN HOUSE Number Two Thistle Hill Goes to the Movies Special presentation 2 pm Saturday: Thistle Hill Goes to the Movies!

Meet the weavers! Free mill tours!

Great gifts for the holidays!

Come see what we’ve been making for the movies!

Friday, December 14, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, December 15, 9 am to 5 pm Baxter Road • Cherry Valley 518-284-2729 or www.thistlehillweavers.com for directions

Storewide Holiday

SaLe Base Layer • Lounge Wear Fleece • Sports Wear Outer Wear • Boots Snow Bibs & Pants • Gifts!

Peace & Happiness to all this Christmas & Holiday Season.

Thank You for your patronage. God Bless Our Troops!

HOMETOWN Views

A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

EDITORIAL

Talking, Strategizing, Prioritizing Can Keep Arts Initiatives Alive

E

veryone’s a hero in a rising market and, let’s face it, there hasn’t been a rising market in a while, nationally or locally. So there’s fallout.

Our Otsego-Delaware market – commonly called a region, it’s actually a Greater Oneonta market, with Cooperstown as a separate pod – has been cushioned to a degree by the big institutions: Bassett Healthcare, the colleges, lately Springbrook and Chobani, New York Central Mutual and tourism – baseball, museum and eco-tourism. Historically, businesspeople will tell you, we’re late to a recession and late coming out.

So a run of closings this fall that began with downtown Oneonta’s always vigorous Sport Tech and was dramatized in recent days with Oneonta Theatre owner Tom Cormier announcing he will close the 600-seat venue at year’s end (plus, The Oneonta Teen Center’s pending demise) shouldn’t be a surprise.

With uncertainty from the “fiscal cliff” and debtceiling brinksmanship, it’s

• The painful benefit of economic downturns is that they thin out the less strong amid the stronger – economic Darwinism, if you will.

Flaws, papered over by general prosperity, become evident. The wheels fall off the one-horse shays, to further mix related metaphors.

The Oneonta Theatre is a case in point. Cormier bought the 1897 former opera house in 2009 because the numbers worked: Rents from six apartments and three storefronts covered the HOMETOWN ONEONTA $250,000 investment. He Drue Quackenbush, leased the theater to FOTOT center, gave the crowd (Friends of The Oneonta a preview of Orpheus Theatre) for a song; if it Theatre’s “Pocahontas” worked, fine. Then he met at The Oneonta’s OpenJon Weiss, a New York City ing July 31, 2010. rock promoter then living likely more will follow. in Franklin, and the two got On Cooperstown’s Pioexcited about recreating neer Street, there are five Warsaw at Polish National, empty buildings on either a similar Brooklyn venue. side of the Smithy Pioneer As with any undertakGallery, and one across the ing, challenges arose. The street; at Main and Chestnut, partners learned it costs Vintage Sweets closed the $4,500 month to heat the other week. In a commuspace in the winter. Staff is nity that’s a national – even expensive, so an effort was international – icon, this is made to enlist volunteers. unusual.

And there was competi-

tion: Foothills Performing Arts Center’s new $8 million main theater was faltering then, but it’s stable and growing now; SUNY Oneonta Campus Activities Director Bill Harcleroad’s vigorous programming for college students continues to this day, and multiple other initiatives, from the Cooperstown Concert Series’ sold-out performances to the West Kortright Center, chipped away at the audience. And Ommegang, which has discovered concerts’ drawing power.

Even so, Cormier, in announcing the closing, called The Oneonta Theatre a break-even operation. As a successful businessman – he has the regional Dish Network franchise and installs high-end security systems in New Yorkers’ weekend homes in Delaware County – Cormier concluded the break-even effort was simply taking too much of his valuable time.

This may be for the general good. Half of the $390,000 in grants that City Hall diverted to The Oneonta would have built

the acoustical shell that the Catskill Symphony Orchestra requires before embracing Foothills as its home.

(That money may now be forthcoming from another source, further assuring Foothills will prosper, even if The Oneonta can’t.)

Meanwhile, The Oneonta has a new roof; the historic building is secure for now.

FOTOT is reactivated, although it would be wise to set modest goals – a movie here, a play there – rather than a full-bore effort the market can’t bear. Cormier has put the building on the market for $1.35 million, so while the numbers may have worked as $250,000, they may not work at the higher level. This may take a while to sort out.

• More worrisome than Sport Tech, The Oneonta or Pioneer Street is an underlying issue. Joe Booan, the former Cooperstown mayor who is a top-ranking ONC BOCES executive, mentioned it in conversation the other day: When he returned to his natal county from Virginia in 1999,

there were 13,000 pupils in the BOCES schools. Today, there are 8,900 – a 24 percent drop in a little over a decade. That’s our seed corn.

Still, what opportunities we have! With SUNYs Oneonta, Delhi and Cobleskill, Hartwick College and the Cooperstown Graduate Program, there are 12,000 young people studying in the neighborhood, with 3,000 newly minted graduates going forth annually. This is raw material – smart, hip, plugged into the future – a resource that, yes, can be captured to refuel the region. SUNY Oneonta allowed its Center for Economic & Community Development to lapse, and that’s fine: But, with the “SUNY Works” being talked up statewide, what’s the local replacement effort going to be?

In speaking to the Cooperstown Rotary the other week, the county’s able treasurer, Dan Crowell, was asked what, in the face of cutbacks, county government is doing to invest in Please See EDITORIAL, A7

LETTERS

Proposed Fracking Regs Argue For Ban On Fracking To the Editor: New York’s proposed fracking regulations are out and they are so bad that they are an excellent argument for prohibiting fracking.

The public can now comment, either on the DEC’s website or by snail mail to the DEC. I would encourage people to do so and copy their elected officials on their responses. I have put up a website with my take on the regulations here: http://tinyurl.com/FrackingRegulations Some key points: 1. There are no setbacks for a shale gas well from property lines. Meaning a gas well can be drilled immediately next to your property.

2. There are no setbacks for shale gas wells for school yards, parks, factories, offices, marinas, golf courses,

clinics, shopping centers, warehouses, etc.

3. A loophole would allow horizontal wells to be drilled under any state lake (Otsego), river or large stream.

4. The same loophole would allow shale gas wells to be drilled under state parks and forests.

5. The setback from a water well is only 500 feet. This would ensure that many New York wells will be gassed.

6. The division that issues drilling permits, Mineral Resources, is also responsible for environmental oversight.

The fox guards the hen house.

7. New York is now the only shale state with no state tax on oil or gas production; the state derives no direct revenue from gas production.

8. The regulations fail to address gas pipelines, gas compressor

stations or gas processing plants.

9. There are no regulations for where seismic tests can be conducted – with dynamite – anywhere in the state.

10. Toxic fracking fluids are not subject to public disclosure; they can sicken you but you cannot find out what they are.

The regulation’s lack of protections for people, buildings, livestock or the environment are a textbook argument for prohibiting shale gas industrialization.

If your town has not already banned fracking it should do so post haste because the DEC protects nobody with these regulations but the frackers.

CHIP NORTHRUP Cooperstown

All Elected Officials Should Hear What Mayor Miller Heard To the Editor: I would like to thank Mayor Miller for attending the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s hearing the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

With attendance pushing 800 individuals, it was an impressive sight to see citizens come together to voice their views and concerns on the Constitution Pipeline bringing fracked natural gas from Pennsylvania to our Empire State.

Mayor Miller has stated

he is in favor of the pipeline yet against hydrofracking. After listening to the landowners who will have their land, home values and lives changed forever if this project is allowed to benefit the fossil fuel industry, it became apparent that it was a disgrace that more elected officials were not present to hear this and other facts.

I now know what it will be like as an American to have my freedom taken away by my government,

when telling us what kind of quality of life my family would be forced to live as a result of benefiting the natural gas industry. Eminent domain used by FERC for natural gas pipelines and compulsory integration by the DEC forces non-leased landowners into well-spacing units. These laws are used against landowners to force participation in horizontal hydrofracking and climate change.

When it comes to providing jobs in the energy sector, producing photovoltaic cells creates 32.7; natural gas, 1.12, according to the

Jim Kevlin

Editor &Publisher Tara Barnwell Advertising Director Amanda Hoepker Office Manager Libby Cudmore Reporters

M.J. Kevlin Business Manager

Tori Meiswinkel, Susan Straub Sales Associates 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

Friendship Survived Congressional Race To the Editor: Recently in “Bound Volumes – 175 Years Ago,” you printed a story about John Prentiss being elected to Congress. There is more to the story.

Prentiss, publisher of The Freeman’s Journal, lived at what is now 16 Main St. He and his long-time neighbor and friend, William Holt Averill, a prominent lawyer and banker, ran against one another in the election of 1837.

The early returns had Averill ahead. Crowds, including Prentiss, gathered in front of Averill’s home at 18 Main St., where he passed out drinks as people celebrated.

As returns from outlying areas came in, Prentiss took the lead and the crowd, along with Averill, moved a few feet to Prentiss’ door, where he resumed serving drinks and the party continued.

The two men remained friends for the rest of their lives.

LOU ALLSTADT Cooperstown

‘CITIZEN VOICES’ SPEAK

Lack Of Growth Means That Services Must Go

HOMETOWN ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

University of California at Berkeley.

Figures represent jobs per megawatt and include jobs in construction, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Renewable energy is the answer. Just look to Germany.

While New York State endures a third round of submitting comments to the DEC, I hope the citizens of our great state stay as united as that night of the Constitution Pipeline hearing.

TAMMY REISS Butternuts

The Freeman’s Journal

When the 1837 Congressional returns showed victory shifting from neighbors William Averill to John B. Prentiss, the party shifted from 18 Main St., left, to 16 Main St., Cooperstown.

Editor’s Note: Citizen Voices, the business group headed by Oneonta businessmen Bob Harlem and Tom Armao, is preparing a series of articles to be published over the next several weeks addressing challenges to the local economy. The fourth appears below. We welcome these articles, and welcome any ensuing debate. To participate, e-mail Letters to the Editor to jimk@allotsego.com

A

s we discussed in our last article, an economy needs to have three sectors to be in balance: the public sector,

the retail sector and the manufacturing sector. All three need to work together for the economy to prosper.

If one segment is expected

to carry the entire economy, problems are likely to arise.

Each sector provides a particular benefit, while requiring specific needs to be successful. Over the years, this area has been very fortunate to have a growing public sector economy.

The region has become very dependent upon the healthcare industry, the education community and various

government agencies that have provided good-paying jobs, along with very good benefits.

In the past the public sector has help to isolate the area from economic swings, but this growth has resulted in an unbalanced economy.

The public sector provides “services” for a community. These services Please See VOICES, A6

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

HOMETOWN

History

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

125 Years Ago

The Local News – The D.F. Wilber Hook & Ladder Company are to give a grand minstrel show at the Metropolitan theatre on the evening of December 23rd. As is well known, this company contains among its membership some fine musical talent, all of which will be employed on the evening of the 23rd, and, in addition, four first-class minstrel performers from New York City have been engaged. The program will be very carefully arranged and it is expected the show will prove a great treat.

The town Sunday School Association was well attended and of great interest and benefit to all present. The program called for the discussion of practical questions and the persons to whom they were assigned advanced some good ideas. The importance of the Bible in the school, in the hand of each teacher, was very strongly endorsed. The line between safe and sinful amusements was discussed with considerable animation – public dances, games of chance and general theatre-going being regarded as unbecoming a Christian.

December 1887

100 Years Ago

Oneonta Herald Christmas verses – When grizzled Santa came to town, he didn’t wander up and down. A Herald in his hand he took. It was for him a shopping book. Just play the trick that Santa played – T’will save you money when you trade. “Ha” said Santa, “What’s the use of going further? New York’s bigger, but it isn’t better or cheaper; and when the going’s bad it would be foolish to tire my reindeer on longer trips. Everything useful, pretty or desirable for Christmas giving can be had in Oneonta, and right here’s where I do my shopping.”

December 1912

80 Years Ago

9 67 .0 32 .4

07

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Qu ONE Fr a ON am lit TA y m P H a ar ing O te t N E ri / F al AX s

17

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AR TW MA IN AR ST R E

Santa Claus is going in for realism in a big way at Christmas time this year. Santa’s 1932 array of toys includes miniature vacuum cleaners and electric irons, for example.

For boys there are electric trucks with real motors for them.

Steam shovels are equipped to dig and dump in the sand pile. Instead of runners, the 1932-33 sleds will be fitted with four wheels. Whether this change with the event of good old-fashioned snow remains to be seen, but Santa says light winters in the past few years justify wheels instead of runners, Santa reports. The animals too have a lot of new tricks. There are ducks that quack as they waddle and frogs that leap and croak. Dogs and cats groan and mew when taken for a walk on their leashes. Dolls will have their own wardrobes, complete from lingerie to bonnet. Doll houses are modernistic in architecture and a strictly modern note is

A Gift to Cooperstown! …and everyone else!

allenergyandmatter.com & marscuriosity.com bill.kraham@gmail.com A native son of Cooperstown

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40 Years Ago

Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller said Wednesday that the state should consider making seat belt use by motorists mandatory. Speaking to a luncheon meeting of the Traffic Safety Council, he noted that 3,000 are killed and 300,000 injured by traffic accidents in New York State every year.

He said much of this “epidemic” could be prevented by seat belt use. Studies show that only 30 to 35 percent of motorists use seat belts regularly. “We frankly don’t know if a mandatory seat belt law in New York would achieve results,” he said, “but too many lives are at stake to simply ignore the idea.”

December 1972

20 Years Ago

Hartwick College hopes to pay more attention to minority students and staff with the appointment of an interim director of multicultural affairs. College President Richard A. Detweiler has appointed Diane Slater of Oneonta to the job for about six months. Slater will be responsible for working with minority students, according to Ron Sherhofer, chair of the college’s new Pluralism Task Force. “We want Diane to focus on our students and not be too caught up in administrative work,” he said. A number of services for Hartwick’s minority students have been running at less than full capacity while the college sought to replace Carol Jean Hicks, who recently left Hartwick to finish a doctoral December 1982 degree, college officials said. Hartwick has about 1,500 students with a minority enrollment of about three to four struck in tiny electric ranges and refrigerators which, like percent. “My concern for the future of the college is that the electric lights, are wired for business.

December 1932 we understand why diversity matters to Hartwick College,” Detweiler said.

December 1992 Oneonta Sales Company, Inc. 27 Market Street, put its 1953 line of Ford cars on display yesterday, featuring the Officials at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta and new “miracle ride,” which smooths out bumps and controls side-sway on turns as one of the mechanical improvements. The Hospital in Sidney said Friday they are asking their employees to volunteer to be immunized for smallpox. The Prices will be unchanged from those on the present modinoculations are part of a New York State Health Departels, the Ford Motor Co. has announced. A new, wider and ment plan to vaccinate 16,000 healthcare workers for smallmore massive grille with a single chrome center spinner is pox to protect against a terrorist attack. Between 90 and 100 featured on the 1953 Ford passenger cars. A new chrome center bar wraps around the front fenders. New jet-tube tail Fox Hospital employees are being asked to volunteer for lights with larger signal area which can be seen more easily the vaccinations according to Dr. David Evelyn, Fox’s vicepresident of medical affairs. “If a suspected case of smallfrom the side or rear, and a new chrome deck lid handle pox came in, these people would be equipped to deal with mounted below the Ford crest with a concealed weathercaring for the patient without putting other healthcare workprotected key opening, are other features. Eleven body styles and 18 models are available in the three lines of 1953 ers at risk,” Evelyn said. President Bush on Friday directed some 500,000 military personnel and civilian defense workcars – Mainline, Customline and Crestline.

December 1952 ers serving in high risk areas to take the smallpox vaccine.

The president said that he will be inoculated as well.

December 2002

60 Years Ago

10 Years Ago

The GreaTer OneOnTa hisTOrical sOcieTy

HAS GREAT GIFTS!

locally made pottery, fudge, cards and prints.

Books by area authors-some signed!

Old-Fashioned toys and American-made ornaments.

extended hours! On the corner of Main and Dietz.

St. James’ Retirement Community We are having an Open House...

Would love for you to come!

St. James’ Manor • Sunday, Dec. 16th • 3-5 pm

Gift Baskets • Holiday Items • Gormet Provisons

M A RKE T

30 Years Ago

92 Main St. Cooperstown

Bring back some old memories.

Big Chuck will be here from WDOS. Jack Stahl will be at the piano and Too Many Divas will be here to entertain us!

This will be a Great Holiday Event!

The Manor will be decorated and our display characters (some of which used to be in Bresee’s front window) 9 St. James’ Place will be around the Christmas tree.

Oneonta, NY 13820 Refreshments will be served. www.stjamesmanor.com just off county highway 47, 1 mile from Price Chopper or exit 16 off 88 Phone (607)436-9974

Italian Café & Catering Company

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A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

When Taxes, Fees Get Out Of Hand, Business, Schools, Government Services Decline VOICES/From A4 include education, health care, public safety and infrastructure like roads and other government services.

These services are paid for through taxes such as state and federal income tax, corporate tax, school tax, town, city and county property tax, state and county sales tax, highway tax, truck mileage tax and various other taxes.

There are also many fees, including the purchase of lottery and Powerball tickets that we pay to support the public sector.

These taxes and fees are paid by you and me as citizens and by the retail and manufacturing businesses, as the “public sector” is generally exempt from paying any taxes or fees. This works well if an economy is in balance, but if the public sector’s tax exemptions aren’t offset by a growing population and growth in the retail and manufacturing sectors, the tax base doesn’t keep pace with the cost of public services.

When this happens, the

residents and other businesses suffer as their cost to support the public sector increase disproportionately and they become less competitive. The area also suffers because it will not attract new business or encourage population growth needed to meet the ever-increasing cost of the services provided by the public sector.

A closer look at our education system reveals these very symptoms. According to a recent article in a local newspaper, about 9 percent of New York’s schools face the very real possibility of becoming insolvent – broke.

This situation forces us to ask how this could happen.

Our local schools are partially funded by property taxes and we have a shrinking property-tax base. State aid also helps fund the cost of operating our schools.

Those state dollars come from taxes and fees (lottery tickets) imposed upon you and me and our state’s businesses. The state’s budget, like ours, is facing a huge

deficit, due in part to the tem (TRS). As the returns economic downturn. That on the investments that are means state aid dollars are used to fund these programs shrinking. have fallen off, our costs On top of that the state have risen tremendously puts strings on the dollars over the last four years it gives our community. without a corresponding Those strings are called increase in State aid. As a “mandates” and school result, schools are forced to administrators generally cut positions and programs refer to them as “unfunded to balance budgets. mandates.” They are called The most costly mandates unfunded for three reasons. are in the area of special First, there may not be an education services, primarincrease in state aid to cover ily the result of federal reguthe cost of implementing lations (originally IDEA or them. Second, there may Individual with Disabilities not be an annual increase in Education Act) that have state aid to cover the ongobeen liberalized further by ing cost of implementing New York State. The reguthem. Third, the state aid lations are very prescripmay be cut but the unfunded tive and expenditures per mandate remains. student, although laudable, The problem with mancan be very high. Special dates has grown signifieducation is the perfect cantly in the last four years, example of a decades long, because the public schools mandated program that has have seen stagnant or renever been fully funded by duced funding as costs have either the Federal or State skyrocketed. For example, governments and, consewe are mandated (required), quently, the burden falls on

by New York State, to pay the local taxpayer. into the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and the LETTERS Teachers’ Retirement Sys-

If we examine our healthcare industry, we find that our hospitals are facing the same financial woes. They rely heavily upon reimbursement from private health insurers and federal reimbursement programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Just like with state mandates in education, the insurers impose mandates on the health-care industry.

Remember that old adage – “he who pays the fiddler gets to call the tune”? As Congress debates how to avoid the fiscal cliff, two things are clear: Obamacare is here and will be costly to implement, and Medicare and Medicaid will be subject to reform.

Close examination of our local budgets reveals that the discussions aren’t about how to grow them by adding new revenue. We are eager to pass moratoria on potential new business that could help add new revenue while facing a reduction in

our police force and quality of education. If the trend continues our firefighters will be next.

As mentioned earlier, our area economy has become overly dependent on the “public sector.” The City of Oneonta’s tax base is over 50 percent tax exempt. This means the other 50 percent pay the entire tax burden needed to fund our schools, public safety and infrastructure needs. As a result we face overly high taxes for those being taxed.

Higher taxes mean higher costs of doing business, which discourage further development, hamper the attraction of new business, both small and large, and increase the cost to live here. The end result is that companies leave, people’s net or disposable incomes decline, properties tend go into disrepair, more properties become delinquent on taxes and the area goes into decline.

Vibrant Public Sector Requires Vibrant Private One

To the Editor: I commend your newspaper for publishing the series of articles on economic sustainability, as proposed by Citizen Voices.

The obvious truth is that our public sectors cannot continue growing salaries, pensions and benefits, or even maintain their existing expense base, without a vibrant private sector which pays taxes. Something has to give.

The simpleton’s solution is to raise taxes, which is to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Just look at your phone bill. It is little wonder that consumers are giving up land line phones in favor of cell phones.

While it grieves me to hear of people losing their jobs (Dave Polley at the Office for the Aging immediately comes to mind), we must either increase sources of taxable income or reduce expenses. (The unfunded mandates imposed by the state and the burden of Medicaid on Otsego Manor is a problem of a different dimension.)

I am in favor of whatever will increase a viable private sector, be that drilling, pipelines, windmills or biofuels. To do nothing is to fail and failure is not an option.

WILLIAM DORNBURGH Cooperstown

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

Bassett Advances Medical Record WOWS/From A1 involved in the care of a patient on the same page with up-to-date, real time information,” which results in “better patient care and the best possible outcomes.”

The Epic system is the most widely used in the U.S. today, said Dr. Gretchen Hodgdon, who chaired the implementation committee. “We know they aren’t going away,” she said. “We know they are well-positioned to respond to any of the changes the government might implement.”

Without WOW, “I literally go to five different places in the hospital to collect data before I even walk into the patient’s room,” said Hodgdon. “With (Epic), all of the information is at my fingertips, and that means more time with patients.”

This is Bassett’s second generation of EMR; the first, from Vanderbilt, was futuris-

tic for the time when it was rolled out in 2008.

Beginning in February, the system will go live in Bassett Healthcare Network affiliate hospitals, They are in Oneonta, Little Falls, Cobleskill, Delhi and Sidney.

Since with Bassett’s “employed physician model, most of the doctors for 50 miles around work for the health network, and that allows a quick implementation of the unified medical record, Hodgdon said.

Epic, chosen after visits to four sites, promotes “evidence-based medicine,” she continued. On signing in, “the doctor or P-A is reminded of things that have proven to improve outcomes.”

Further, “If I ordered a medication that was already ordered on a patient, it would say, ‘This is a duplicate order: Do you want to continue?’”

With Cooperation, Limited Resources Go Farther EDITORIAL/From A4 the future. Nothing was the answer. He said there isn’t a spare $90,000 right now to invest in Town of Oneonta efforts to create a water district on Southside, even though sales-tax revenues from Lowe’s plans to double its footprint would have covered that in a couple EDITORIAL of years.

Rather than county involvement, it could be argued a city-town joint water venture is preferable; still, county-government thinking has to shift from cutting to investing – in the Economic Development Office, in the Tourism Office, in opportunities that arise. We already have the second- or third-lowest county taxes in the state; we can’t cut our way to prosperity, and there’s no need to.

•

Let’s not cry, Argentina, for Sport Tech, The Oneonta Theatre or Vintage Sweets. It is what it is. Let’s look at our assets and pursue our opportunities, but let’s try to do it together, as a community, establishing priorities and strategies.

For instance, at Cooperstown’s Smithy Pioneer Gallery, director Danielle Newell has proposed a Cinema Center, a neat idea. But instead of competing for scarce resources, would it make sense to partner with, say, Foothills, on, maybe, the Foothills North Cinema Center.

Instead of buying a building, perhaps it could get going in the Hall of Fame’s Grandstand Theater, or The Fenimore Art Museum’s neat auditorium, or CCS Sterling Auditorium – that’s how Glimmerglass Opera started.

Likewise, should Foothills, the West Kortright Center, the Smithy, Ricky Calleo’s Cherry Valley classical concerts, SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick, and all the others, collaborate on promotions, scheduling, finding talent, back-office costs? Could Ommegang, dark as a concert venue in the winter, organize a winter concert at Foothills?

Oneonta’s Mayor Dick Miller did pull together an Arts Summit soon after he took office in 2010. At least that got the conversation going. But it’s time for Step Two, expanding that conversation through the two-county Greater Oneonta region.

As we await the eventual economic rebound, talent doesn’t have to be stifled. Talking – then strategizing, prioritizing, sharing – will make sure it isn’t.

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A-8 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Long Looking Forward To Tackling Challenges

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LONG/From A1 • Conduct successful negotiations with the CSEA. Long, however, calls these challenges “opportunities, opportunities I’ve been involved in in the past. It’s what I do. It’s what I like to do.â€?

The mayor said the to-do list, approved by Common Council at its Dec. 4 meeting, reflects a conversation that’s been ongoing since last April, when the job description was developed, and continued through interviews that led to Long’s hiring in September. “It reflects a common understanding� – common among the mayor, Common Council and Long himself – “of what we’d like to see accomplished ... We want to get at the activity of a more effective job of planning for the future development of the city, in every respect,� Miller said.

Long’s already gotten started. Tuesday, Dec. 11, he met with state DOT officials, with two results: One, he accepted the state’s offer to help train city DPW staff, if and as necessary; and, two, since DOT has to sign off on roads in its system, he began conversations about the city gateway at Lettis Highway, I-88’s Exit 15. “That was one of things I thought of when I first drove up to Oneonta,� he

said of his interview visit last summer. “The first impression you get as a visitor means a lot.�

Certainly, signage would be upgraded, he said, and perhaps grass and perennials planted on the asphalt median strip. The Oneonta Federated Garden Club, which has played a role in Main Street’s beautification, will certainly be approached, he said.

Long views a development plan for the city as having two components. “One,� he said in an interview, “looking at existing businesses and industries and trying to determine what the city can do to help them to expand or stay healthy. “Two,� he continued, “the biggest potential is in the former railroad sidings: Having railroad access is one of the key ingredients in looking at major industrial development today.�

Corning’s plant on the River Street extension is using some rail, but is a prospect for more, said Long. The greatest potential is in the redevelopment of the old D&H yards, at the end of Fonda Avenue, he said.

On downtown redevelopment, Long said the immediate goal is to ensure City Hall assists in the timely conclusion of the renovation of the former Bresee’s and the Dietz Street adjunct, now due in late 2013.

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On housing redevelopment, Long – and the Housing Task Force that grew out of Miller’s housing summit at the former Center Street School last March – met a few days ago with Housing Visions, a Syracuse-based not-for-profit that enables redevelopment of old buildings and their return to the private sector. Long worked with Housing Vision when Auburn’s city planner.

As to the “structural deficit,� the mayor is looking toward PILOT agreements – for payment in lieu of taxes – with SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, as well as sharing services and, ultimately, city-town consolidation. (Town committees studying consolidation-related issues are due to report back to the Oneonta Town Board in the next few weeks.)

And both Miller and Long spoke of further savings by not filling positions vacated by retirements and resignations, while not ruling out layoffs as an undesired eventuality.

But Long is also looking, in part, to technology. Noting that putting LED fixtures in streetlights has, since his arrival, been expanded to the whole downtown. “The costs aren’t generally going to go down,� he explained.

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All

Answer from crossword puzzle in last week’s edition.

OTSEGO.homes

29 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, NY

ASHLEY

R E A LT Y

CONNOR

607-547-4045

Patricia Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

CooPerStowN VillAge rANCh

Move right in to this charming three-bedroom ranch located in a central village location, one block to schools, grocery store, hospital & sports center. The large living room/dining room has a nice wood-burning fireplace and opens to a newly remodeled kitchen with all new appliances and soapstone countertops. A rear entrance leads into a mudroom and spacious laundry room.

The full bathroom has been completely renovated. A rear deck looks over a nice yard.

Detached one-car garage, full basement, and hardwood floors throughout.

Come take a look at one of the few ranch homes available in the village of Cooperstown.

Offered Exclusively by Ashley Connor Realty $215,000.

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

PRicE REDUcTiON....OwNER MOTivATED

This 4,500 square foot center hall colonial home was built in 1988 in the middle of an 83 acre parcel, at the property’s highest point (1800 ft elevation), and overlooks the entire twelve mile length of Otsego Lake. While providing a total sense of privacy, this lovely residence is located less than 6 miles from the center of the historic village of Cooperstown, New York. The setting is approached by a mile-long private road and driveway that winds through forest and open fields, emerging at the top to a private world of woods, fields, and breathtaking views of the lake and distant hills. The current owner has created walking/running trails through the fields and woods overlooking the lake.

This property is located in the Cooperstown School District. This handsome 11 room home is in move-in condition and includes: MAIN LEVEL: A spacious kitchen with breakfast area, surrounded on 3 sides with floor-to-ceiling windows, cathedral ceiling, and French doors to an adjoining flagstone terrace. Kitchen cabinetry is by Crystal, Corian countertops, tile floor. The sunken living room features 10 ft. ceilings, 4 sets of French doors to two flagstone terraces, floor-to-ceiling cabinets and bookcases. Completing the picture is a handsome Rumford fireplace (propane conversion) built into a raised paneled enclosure with window seats. The family room is complete with built-in bookcases and cherry floors. A pretty powder room completes the first level. SECOND LEVEL:There are four bedrooms on the second level. The master suite includes private dressing room and spacious master bath with whirlpool tub overlooking the lake. Laundry room is located on the second level. There is an additional full bath on this level. THIRD LEVEL: This level features two spacious rooms and a full bath. These rooms can be utilized in a number of ways‌..current owners are using one as a sewing room and the other as a workout/exercise room. There is a full basement and an attached two-car garage. DETACHED BUILDINGS: A “winterizedâ€? playhouse with full bath. Two-stall parking garage with loft and attached heated workshop. IMPROVEMENTS: Andersen Windows, New roof, A whole house generator, Rinnai hot water system, New industrial furnace, Walking/running trails through the property overlooking the lake. This distinguished home, on 83 acres overlooking Otsego Lake, is truly one-of-a-kind. This property is being offered EXCLUSIVELY by Lamb Realty and can be seen by appointment only. Priced to Sell at $895,000. call 607-547-8145 to schedule your private appointment.

Listing # c-0187

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BARBARA LAMB, Associate Broker 607-547-8145

ROBERT ScHNEiDER, Sales Associate 607-547-1884

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-9

Styrofoam Capstones Ensure Passersby Safety KLUGO/From A1 between the parapet walls and, when it expanded, had blown them out. It was bad.

You could feel the love it needed.”

And on top of the building, where much of the roof had caved in or was weak with years of storm damage and neglect, sat 11 crumbling 1,500-pound limestone capstones. “I can’t even imagine what would have happened if those had fallen,” he said.

Because the building is considered a landmark, they couldn’t just remove the profile capstones and slap on a new roof. “It’s historic architecture,” said Klugo, principal in Klugo Construction, the Corning-based enterprise that is renovating 1 Dietz as part of the larger Bresee’s Department Store renovation. “This used to be the old New York Telephone building. We don’t just want to make it all over

The new capstones are made of an EIFS building material (short for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems), constructiongrade foam with a “skin” on top of it, mounted into the building with metal posts.

“From a safety standpoint and a structural one, it’s a very sound way to go,” said Klugo.

“And we though that, since it was so high up, no one would touch it,” he joked. “Unless they were Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA really tall.”

Developer Chip Klugo The new capstones are points to the smart new keeping in line with the capstones at 1 Dietz. other plans for honoring the with plastic.” historic architecture of the So they used Styrofoam building. “The reason this instead. building is still standing is Look up at the cornice because it was a bomb shelnext time you walk by. The ter,” he said. “It was steel heavy capstones looked beams, clay tiles. It will be unchanged. The only differ- wonderful when we’re done ence is they now weigh 10 with it.” pounds each. “They look Specially fit interior storm exactly the same,” he said. windows have been ordered, “Just lighter.” because, as he explained

“Because you can’t have a historic property with storm windows on the outside.”

No elevator will be put in, but the mahogany and red marble staircase is being polished and refinished for use. “We’d have to raise the price of the apartments two, three hundred dollars to pay for an elevator,” he said.

The brick fireplace on the third floor will be one of the big selling points of the penthouse, although the moose head that used to hang over the mantle has since been removed. “We’ll make it either gas or electric,” he said. “It won’t be wood burning.”

And he’s not ready to dispose of the six surviving capstones just yet. “We’re going to incorporate them into our hardscapes,” he said. “Retaining walls, blocks in the back parking lot – they’re beautiful. I want to make benches out of them.”

25th Anniversary ‘Nutcracker’ Adds 3 Dogs To Dancing Cast NUTCRACKER/From A1 in for a dress rehearsal Sunday, Dec. 9. A natural, he broke character only once to nuzzle a group of giggling ballerinas. And when his scenes were through, he was happy to accept the love of his adoring fans.

“Wait until he tells the other dogs about this,” said Liz Mackey, SSPCA director. “This is the best day of his life.”

For the 25th anniversary, Decker wanted to do something special. “I heard about a company in the Midwest that used dogs in their ‘Nutcracker’,” she said. “And I thought it sounded like such a great idea. People love animals on stage.”

Worried that the applause might make the dogs skittish, the first idea was having a cat in Clara’s lap. But Decker, who has two kittens, realized that cats were “too

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

unpredictable.”

Decker partnered with the SSPCA to set the classic show apart from years past, but also to bring attention to the shelter. “I’m a real animal lover,” she said.

“I used to bring my dog, Buckwheat, to practice, and he was the ‘Sugar Plum Furry’ when we walked in the Santa Parade. He had a purple tutu, but we couldn’t get the tiara to stay on his head.”

But this will be the first time she’s ever let a dog share the stage with her dancers. “It’s the first time I’ve ever choreographed a dog!” she joked. “We’ll be holding a pork chop on stage left.”

Banjo, Dakota Maxwell and Pierre will each make a cameo appearance in one show, just after the party scene. The dogs will then wait in the lobby, where showgoers can fill out adoption paperwork.

“The adoption process takes a few days while we check references,” Mackey explained. “But the dogs are spayed and microchipped, and they have all their vaccinations.”

They even have costumes hanging in wardrobe next to the Rat King and the Toy Soldiers – a big red bow to wear around their neck. Winfield Maeben will co-star, walking each dog across the stage during the “cross.”

Mackey hopes to have all three dogs adopted the week after the show, and Decker hopes the cameos will bring new fans to the classic show.

“There’s people who love the ballet and don’t know about the SPCA, and there’s pet lovers who’ve never been to the ballet,” she said.

“Maybe they’ll both make some new friends.”

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

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THURSDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13-14, 2012

OTSEGO.homes

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

MLS#85182 - Village Victorian beauty is totally renovated.

Would make a GREAT rental! Off-street parking. $159,000 Call Lynn Lesperence @ 607-434-1061

MLS#86051 - Cherry Valley w/panoramic views and privacy 3 BR, 3 bath, new energy-efficient home. Offered w/10 acres but more acreage available. $295,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603

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MLS#86367 - Charming late 1800s farmhouse and 3 barns on 79 acres overlooking the Otsdawa Valley! 2 ponds, pastures, fields, and a hen house! $289,000 Call Lynn Lesperence @ 607-434-1061

MLS# 86056 - Quality-built ranch features 3 BRs, 2 baths, and attached garage on 11 acres w/apple orchard and creek. Wood-burning fireplace, master BR suite, spacious rooms, dry basement, deck, spacious backyard. $169,900 Call Tom Platt @ 607-435-2068 New Listing! MLS#87021 – Cooperstown Village. Fully furnished 3 BR, 3 bath. Off-street parking, 1-car garage. $245,000 Call or text Jim Vrooman @ 603-247-0506

MLS#85252 - Private setting for this rustic log cabin featuring a spacious open floorplan and ¾ wrap-around deck, pool, walk-out basement. Additional land available.

Priced right at $147,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633

MLS#84359 - Charming 2-family home convenient to Cooperstown and Albany. Downstairs–1 BR, upstairs–2 BR. Live in 1 unit and rent the other. Owner motivated. $80,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603

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MLS#86955 - 3 BR, 1.5 bath home close to Goodyear Lake.

Double lot. Some remodeling has been done.

Family room and rear enclosed porch. $99,900 Call Frank 607-435-1389

MLS#85862 - Situated on 1 acre, close to Oneonta. 4 BR, 1 ½ baths. New replacement windows, fairly new roof, LR, DR, den/office. House has been under renovation, still work to be completed. Barn, pavillion and garage w/3 doors, enclosed back porch, back and side deck. $159,900 Call Linda Wheeler @ 607-434-2125

MLS#82653 - 3 BR, 1 bath home on 1.36 acres. New appliances: range, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer. New paint, new carpet, new septic system. $53,000 Call Frank 607-435-1389

MLS#84128 – Immaculate, well maintained and freshly painted home is walking distance to downtown shopping.

4 BR, DR, LR, kitchen, 2 baths, den and sunporch.

Laminated wood floors, some carpeting. Once was a 2-family and could easily be renovated back. $169,500 Call Linda Wheeler @ 607-434-2125

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homes

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

MLS#82700 - 3 BR, 2 bath ranch on 1 ½ private acres. Great yard surrounded by woods, just 15 minutes to Oneonta.

Hardwood floors, modern kitchen, large DR, large master BR suite. Full, finishable basement. Motivated sellers. $128,500 Call Tom @ 607-435-2068

MLS#87103 - Charming 2-story home w/3 BR, 1 ½ baths.

Close to Cooperstown and Cooperstown schools. $79,000 Call Frank @ 607-435-1389

MLS#87096 - Move-in ready cedar-sided Cape on over 8 acres, Cooperstown Schools. Open floorplan w/kitchen, full bath and 2 BR on 1st floor. Spacious master BR w/skylight and cathedral ceiling. Full 2nd floor bath, and 4th BR. Family rm, office, 5th BR and laundry rm, deck, pool. $259,000 Call Kristi Ough @ 607-434-3026

MLS#84612 – Close to Oneonta and Delhi, this secluded location is convenient to schools, hospitals and shopping.

Situated on 10.8 acres, this home is move-in condition. $229,000 Call Adam Karns 607-244-9633

Country In the CIty!

AllOTSEGO.

MLS#84136 – Minutes from Oneonta, 3 BR, 2 bath ranch w/a full, finishable, DRY basement and 2-car garage on quiet dead-end street. Lots of new: windows, appliances, furnace, water htr, UV water filtration. Master BR suite is an efficiency apt but could easily be converted back. $129,900 Call Tom @ 607-435-2068

MLS#85578 – Location, seclusion and views make this solid comtemporary build in the Cooperstown area ideal for working, living, and playing. Within minutes of the Dreams Park, Otsego Lake and Baseball Hall of Fame. $239,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633

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MLS#87273 - 1830 renovated Greek Revival–3 BR, 3 ½ bath on 3 acres w/pond and landscaping. Gourmet kitchen w/custom cabinetry in kitchen, formal DR, office and partially finished basement. Energy efficient. $349,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603

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

Charming 4 bedroom Victorian on the hill, overlooking Oneonta. Huge lot to do gardening, orchard, vineyard, whatever strikes your fancy. Spacious, breezy, light and open floor plan will interest you. Semi- private setting, no one will know you are there.

New roof, freshly painted, and other improvements round out this treasure. $126,500. MLS#85169

oneontarealty.com GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY or owner-occupied 2-family home has been well maintained.

Two enclosed porches, paved driveway, backyard. Close to elementary school and parks. $105,000 MLS #83581

Vince Foti

GREAT OWNER-OCCUPIED Live downstairs and have the upstairs pay your mortgage!

Separate utilities, remodeled apt downstairs w/french doors and large BR. Wrap-around porch and 2-car garage. $129,000 MLS #86210

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

DOWNTOWN 6-UNIT APARTMENT HOUSE

Well maintained, code compliant and fully rented, this centrally located, architecturally appealing apartment house offers excellent cash flow. On the market for the first time in over 30 years.

Complete financials available to qualified buyers. $269,900 MLS# 86451 and 86464.

Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Lic. Assoc. Broker John Mitchell, Lic. Assoc. Broker Stephen Baker, Lic. Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant

locally owned & operated single & multi-family homes, commercial property & land

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

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

Thinking of Remodeling?

Think of Refinancing!

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

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

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

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)

otsego Lake caLm on 37 acres engaging Farmhouse on 25 acres (7434) Explore the extras in this 6BR/2BA residence set in a quaint hamlet on 25 acres 8 miles from Cooperstown. Terrific home enhanced by original millwork, country eat-in kitchen, woodstove, 2 new furnaces.

Spacious layout, den, replacement windows, plank flooring. Large wrap-around front porch, large 2 story barn, pole barn. PLUS a 1 BR cottage, completely remodeled. It deserves a prize for real quality. Richfield Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive. $199,900

cooPerstown viLLage circa 1850

(7570) Outstanding lake views!

Secluded Family Compound includes two 2-unit Log homes. Open floorplans w/tile flooring, dining area, french door views. Cozy bookcased library.

40’ lake-view decks. new Hickory cabinet Kitchen, knotty pine paneling, 73’ of lake frontage.

Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive. $999,000

Cooperstown Village Circa 1850 (7110) Historic 4BR/3+BA Greek Revival home replete with French doors to gracious living room, family room with fireplace and built-in bookcases. Hardwood flooring, main-level master bedroom, Eat-in Kitchen w/ cherry cabinets & bay window. Two-car garage, picket fencing. It’s distinctive & delightful!

Hubbell’s Exclusive. $259,000

Private 100 acres

otsego Lake cottage

(7122) A real tempter w/ 50’ of private lake frontage with sweeping views. You will love the charm of this unusual, 2-bedroom Cottage. Ideal features include bright & open layout, woodstove, and storage shed. Some new windows, knotty pine paneling, gas heat.

Large lake view deck. New septic. Parking for 3-4 cars. Well-maintained. Priced lower than assessment. Hubbell’s Co-Exclusive. $195,000

(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 3-bedroom residence sited on 1.50 acres. Enticing home offering knotty pine Eat-in kitchen, Living room with hardwood flooring. Convenient Breezeway. Garage with overhead storage.

Near “Dreams Park”. Happy haven for a discerning buyer! Milford Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive $109,000

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

New to the market Custom raNCh!

2200 square foot 1972 custom ranch home with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and an attached garage. One bedroom is currently a home office and the garage has been converted to a shop/exercise room with patio doors, The property is located in the foothills of the Catskill mountains in central New York, with sweeping views of the mountains and valley.

The home is very private, yet close to Cooperstown, Oneonta and Albany, Interstate 88 and only 3 hrs from the GWB. The front room has a gas fireplace and 10, six ft windows that provide exceptional views. The wood floors are a mix of oak, pine, ash and bamboo. Multiple windows fill the home with light and views of the raised garden beds and edible plantings. $194,000. MLS#87015 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 LaDuke 267-8617