Hometown Oneonta 12-26-19

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AllOTSEGO.life

2019 otsego county yearbook

HOMETOWN

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

E!

E FR Volume 12, No. 13

City of The Hills

ONEONTA

Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, December 26, 2019

Visit www.

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T he Kennedy Method HOMETOWN

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

2019 citizen of the year

COUNTY REP SHEPHERDS IN professional James Cummings/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Pittsfield Fire Department Captain Mark Johnson hoses off the living room of Brian Madden, whose home caught fire when fumes from spray insulation caught fire inside his house at 287 West Hill Road in Morris on Monday, Dec. 23.

management, energy task force As she does every Saturday, Meg Kennedy sells flowers – at this time of year, poinsettias – at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, assisted by nephew Robert, son of Meg’s brother Owen.

Gay Struggles, Trump Victory Motivated Run ONEONTA

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rejudice he experienced in Oneonta as early as elementary school and Donald Trump’s election motivated Clark Oliver to get into politics.

He joined the Young Democrats, Oliver became their president, worked on campaigns, and on Nov. 5 became the youngest person elected to the Otsego County Board/MORE, A2

ON

AllOTSEGO.com

►BOMBER’S BURRITO BAR, in Oneonta shut down abruptly after six months, citing “cash flow issues.” The owner, John Hewitt, hopes to re-open in February. ►Andrew J. VanDusen, 38, was arrested after state police received several complaints from West End residents about packages being stolen off their porches. ►THE GLIMMERGLASS FESTIVAL’s premiere, “Blue,” was on the New York Times’ list of Best Classical Music of 2019. ►Nine people were injured after a State Fire vehicle accelerated through downtown Richfield Springs, striking four vehicles.

Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

By JIM KEVLIN HARTWICK

L

eadership gravitated toward Meg Kennedy, to hear her tell her story.

She first realized that was happening at an Oneonta Farmers’ Market vendors’ meeting in 2008 or 2009, where a difficult issue was being debated.

As the point of decision ap-

proached, Tom Warren, who runs the Stone & Thistle Farm, raising meadow-fed lamb and other natural products in East Meredith, spoke out: “Whatever Meg thinks we should do, that’s what we should do.”

To hear her tell it, Kennedy was as surprised by Warren’s comment as anyone.

“You suddenly have this reputation,” she reflected the other day in an interview in front of a roaring fire at her family’s Pleasant Valley

On Jan. 1, Prosecuting Crimes To Get Harder

By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN

Justice for All?

F

ifteen days is nowhere near enough time to marshall all evidence in a criminal case, argued District Attorney John Muehl.

But that’s what the justice reforms that came out of Albany during the state Legislature’s last session will require.

PART II: ARRESTS They go into effect Jan. 1.

Please See EVIDENCE, A3

Road home on being named 2019 Citizen of the Year by Hometown Oneonta, The Freeman’s Journal and www.AllOTSEGO.com.

She added with a grin: “You have to make sure you aren’t saying anything stupid.”

Just starting her third term, Kennedy, the sole Conservative Party member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, represents Hartwick, Milford and New Lisbon.

The facts: but they just scratch the surface.

Warren reiterated his respect for Kennedy the other day: “She stays calm in the storm. She’s very reasoned about how she thinks and talks. If she reaches a decision, it’s done with a great deal of consideration.”

County Board Chairman David Bliss called Meg Kennedy’s selection as Citizen “a very good choice.” He singled her out for key roles because “she’s intelligent and hardworking, and has a lot of Please See CITIZEN, A4

Springbrook Envisions Upscale Apartments In Historic Ford Building

By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA

S

pringbrook CEO Patricia Kennedy, got the good news a few Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA nights before Christmas.

Springbrook’s Patricia Her proposed Ford Block Kennedy and Seth Revival – 22 apartments for Haight with the Ford executives and professionBlock keys.

als above 186-212 Main St. – has been awarded a $1 million CFA grant through the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council.

“It’s not just our Christmas present,” she said. “It’s our gift to the community.”

The Oneonta plan came Please See VISION, A3

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

A-2 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

THURSDAY, December 26, 2019

NEW FACES AT 197 MAIN ST.

‘Pink Shoes’ Remark Pointed Clark Oliver Toward Politics Editor’s Note: This is the last of three profiles of new members of the Otsego County Board of Representatives who will take office Jan. 1.

By JAMES CUMMINGS ONEONTA

I

t was in elementary school that Clark Oliver realized he would always have to fight for what he believed in. “Maybe if your kid didn’t wear pink shoes, he wouldn’t get bullied,� a teacher told Oliver’s mom, Karen. “I was a young gay person,� he said. “Growing up in this town was hard.

I experienced bullying at different times in elementary school and that was my catalyst. I want any kid to

James Cummings/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Clark Oliver at SUNY Oneonta, where he recently graduated, making him the youngest person ever elected to the county board.

wear pink shoes and be safe in school.�

And years later, that moment would be one of many that inspired Oliver to venture into politics, now becoming the youngest Otsego County Board member in the history of the county. “More than just voting matters, activism and direct

involvement matters,� he said.

But it wasn’t until 2012, when gay marriage was legalized, that Oliver recognized the influence of politics. “I knew the fight that was going on. I knew that gay people couldn’t get married in many parts of this country, but I saw the White House lit

up in rainbow and I realized that people we had elected did that and that voting matters,� he said. “That was the moment I realized the power of politics.�

Oliver, an Oneonta native, attended Valleyview Elementary from kindergarten to fifth grade, before going on the national tour with “101 Dalmatians,� playing one of the puppies.

He graduated from Oneonta High School in 2016 and recently graduated from SUNY Oneonta.

During that time, he decided to join the Young Democrats and by August, became the president. “I wanted to make sure that Democrats were better represented in Otsego County.

When I became president, there were four Democrats and 10 Republicans on county board. That disproportionate of a tilt was not OK

with me.�

For Oliver, the straw that broke the camel’s back was the election of Donald Trump in 2016. “I had a large desire to do more after I saw the election of Donald Trump and the dysfunction in Washington,� he said.

His idea was the Young Democrats would help hold back the Republican majority in Otsego County in the fall of 2017. “We now have seven Republicans and seven Democrats,� he said. “The Young Democrats were the primary driving force behind that shift. We enacted a ground game that hadn’t been present before – knocking on doors and organizing phone banks.

We also had a candidate in 13/14 districts. It was unprecedented.�

Afterwards, he spent time helping Brian Flynn during

his Congressional Primary campaign in the spring of 2018 and later managed Joyce St. George’s state Senate campaign. “We increased the Democratic vote share by 10 percent and I’m really proud of that,� he said.

When Gary Koutnik retired from county board in early 2019, he endorsed Oliver. “I prioritize and want to encourage youth involvement in politics. I wanted to show young people that they’re just as qualified, just as capable as anyone in office.�

Clark has plans for when he takes his seat in January, starting with the county administrator position. “Now that it has passed, I want to make sure that we hire the right person.

I would like to see it be someone outside of county government,� the new representative said.

The

job scene To place effective employment ads, call 607-547-6103

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Julie Dostal, executive director of LEAF, was busy bejeweling the faces of guests, including Nichole Suttles, Oneonta, at the 2018 First Night.

The annual event continues this year at Foothills.

First Night, An Icy 5K And Two Cooperstown Bands

R

ing in the New Year with a parade, fire-spinners, live music, dancing and special guest Anthony Eardley, Oneonta’s American Ninja Warrior at the annual First Night Oneonta. 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 431-2080. • It’s the final 5K of the year as you run through scenic Oneonta dressed as favorite Frosty character or wearing a crazy hat. Dress accordingly. Registration from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Cost, $30/person. 1 p.m. Starts near Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. (607) 432-0010. • Relax after the hectic holidays with restorative, mixed-style yoga class that

Dave Weaver

still keeps with the festive spirit of giving.

All $10 suggested donations go to pantry.

Registration LIBBY requested.

CUDMORE 9-10 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 29, Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown.

607-547-2800, ext. 129. • Welcome New Year and party like it’s about to be 1920 while dancing the night away. Come dressed in best flapper outfit or wear black, white, & gold. Dressup optional. Cost, $7/nonmember. 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, Oneonta YMCA, 20-26 Ford Ave., Oneonta.

(607) 432-0010.

607-432-2022

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First 5 customers to spend $ 500 or more receive a $50 gift card*

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*offer excludes discounted items

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Open weekdays: 9 am to 5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm After hours by appt.

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• Up-and-coming Songwriter and Cooperstown native Jack Harris performs an acoustic set of his songs.

8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, Cooperstown Beverage Exchange 73 Main St, Cooperstown.

Info (607) 282-4374. • Ring in a funky New Year with Cooperstown rockers Hanzolo. 9:30-12:30 a.m.

Dec. 31, Mel’s At 22, 22 Chestnut St., Cooperstown.

(607) 435-7062. • If you want a cozy New Year’s Eve, spend the evening playing board games. 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Huntington Memorial Library, 61 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

(607) 432-1980.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3 Springbrook CEO Patricia Kennedy and COO Seth Haight survey the bright and airy space of the Ford Block. The windows also provide panoramic views of Muller Plaza and Main Street, Oneonta.

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Springbrook Explores 22 Apartments In Ford Block For Professionals VISION/From A1 about last year, as Springbrook completed Century Sunrise, a 120apartment complex in the former Endicott-Johnson Shoe Factory that provided housing for people with developmental disabilities. “We realized that this was our first step in working in housing development,” said Kennedy. “We believe we’re a good partner.”

Kennedy was involved in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, COO Seth Haight was on the Fox Hospital board, and saw how young professional the institutions were trying to recruit couldn’t find a place where they wanted to live.

“People are coming to the area for a job, whether it’s at Springbrook or Fox or one of the colleges, and they can’t find housing,” said Haight. “It puts us at a disadvantage. No one wants to live in the middle of nowhere.”

They looked at other spaces, but when Kennedy and Height saw the Ford Block’s upper floors, they were sold.

“We were looking at another project in Binghamton and we were talking to the developer, and we mentioned the Ford Block,” said Kennedy. “And he said, “The owner, David Sarkesian, is one of our clients.’”

“It’s a great space,” said Kennedy.

“It’s a blank slate and it’s all open, but we want to maintain that edgy, modern but historic vibe.”

“It’s got a tremendous amount of light,” said Haight. “It’s a beautiful space,” said Mayor Gary Herzig.

“I’d live there in a second.”

The 22 apartments will be one and two bedroom on the second and third floors, with elevator access.

They’ll maintain the exposed brick, and though the windows will be updated for better insulation, the

_________ A complete Guide to

On Jan. 1, Prosecuting what’s fun Crimes To Get Harder in OtsegO COunty

_________ EVIDENCE/From A1 “The new ‘discovery requirements’ mean the prosecution has to get everything from the police within 15 days of arraignment so that we can turn it over to the defense,” he said during a presentation to local police officers on the state’s new discovery requirements on Thursday, Nov. 21.

The crowd included sheriff’s deputies, Oneonta police, village police, state troopers. Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner was among attendees.

Muehl gave an example.

“So let’s say you pull over someone on I-88 for speeding and you find five pounds of heroin in their trunk. You have to test it, but those

Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________ what’s fun _______ in OtsegO COunty

►THURSday, Dec. 26

BLOOD DRIVE – Noon - 6 p.m. Give blood, save a life.

Receive long-sleeve Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last.

West Oneonta Fire Department, 2865 Co. Hwy. 8, West Oneonta. 1-800-733-2767.

stained-glass fronts and historic character will be preserved.

The facades will be updated, including the first-floor spaces already occupied by the Latte Lounge, Green Toad Bookstore and Key Bank.

The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, “so we’ve made provisions to keep the footprint of the building,” said Kennedy. “It will be energy efficient, but also beautiful.”

The $1 million in CFA funding is the first piece, and Kennedy said DRI upper-floor-housing funds are already being sought. Once all funding is secured, Haight and Kennedy will present the final plans to the Springbrook board for approval.

“A special committee will evaluate the plan and make a final decision,” said Kennedy. “But they’ve indicated they’re in favor of

lab results aren’t under our control, so we can’t comply with those 15 days.”

In that case, he said, police would have no choice but to take the heroin as evidence, but let the defendant go. The defendant could only be indicted and arrested after the lab results came back proving the substance was heroin. That could take 6-8 months.

“The governor thinks we should have no problem finding them,” Muehl said sarcastically.

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CONCERT – 8 p.m. Up-andcoming singer/songwriter & Cooperstown native Jack Harris performs acoustic set of his songs. Cooperstown Beverage Exchange 73 Main St, Cooperstown. 607-282-4374.

►Saturday, Dec. 28 SUPPORT GROUP – 10 a.m. Noon. Family, friends, & people with multiple sclerosis are invited to group. Open dialogue encouraged, no question is too big or small. Sunshine Room, Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Call Phil Young 607-435-3653.

HOLIDAY TOUR – 2 p.m. Tour holiday exhibit ‘A Little Women Christmas,’ celebrate a Victorian Yuletide. Free, open to public. Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, 310 Genesee St., Utica. 315-797-0000.

COFFEE HOUSE –7 - 9 p.m.

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►SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 BENEFIT CLASS –9 - 10 a.m. Enjoy restorative mixed style yoga class to benefit Cooperstown Food Pantry. All $10 suggested donations go to pantry. Registration requested. Clark Sports Center, Cooperstown. 607-547-2800, ext. 129.

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this project and very excited.”

If it’s a go, Kennedy hopes construction can begin in the spring, with completion by spring 2021.

And though the apartments will be marketed to young professionals, they are not limited to Springbrook or Fox employees.

“Part of our research was getting an assessment of the need for housing,” said Kennedy. “We didn’t do a formal study, but what we found was corroborated over and over that there’s a need for this type of building project.”

But more than just being a place to live, housing downtown will help revitalize Oneonta’s economy, Herzig believes. “The closing of Bombers Burrito Bar reflects on the struggle we have,” he said. “We don’t have enough people who are part of our downtown.”

He continued, “The Ford Block and the Lofts on Dietz are so

Editor’s Note: Next week, Part III of “Justice For All” will explore the reforms’ impact on Drug Court.

Failure to comply, he said, means the case could be dismissed. “Why would the defense need to see our evidence in 15 days?” he said. “No one goes to trial in 15 days.”

And from the day of arraignment, he added, the new regulations mean the prosecution has six months to take the case to trial.

important because they are the opportunity we need. No one like’s empty storefronts, and having people living downtown is what we need to support our downtown businesses.”

Kennedy and Haight hope that the project will inspire other building owners to look at renovating their upper floors into housing.

“It’s expensive,” he said. “But it’s an investment in our community.

We all need to have good employees who are not only happy in their job, but also where they live.”

And although Springbrook is expanding, with offices in Norwich, Binghamton and Ithaca, Kennedy wants to remain close to the original Upstate Home for Children’s roots.

“Oneonta has been our home for 94 years,” she said. “We’re here, we’re can do it and we’re committed to staying local.”

“We’re going to have a lot of people who commit serious crimes, but are never prosecuted, because we have to wait to get evidence,” he said. “And when we do get the evidence, we’re never going to find the criminal to arrest them.”

Chief among his concerns are making arrests of drug dealers. “We can indict them, but we might never find them,” he said. “And even if we do find them, now we can’t put bail on them.”

He also worries about

the impact on the county’s Drug Court system. “When people go to Drug Court, it’s usually because they’re in jail, they’re finally sober and they realize that they need to make a change,” he said. “If we can’t arrest them, if we can’t put them in jail, they’re out there using.”

In addition to the tightened schedule for turning over evidence, Muehl said that the defense council has expanded rights to look at the evidence with the defendant present – even if it is the crime scene.

AllOTSEGO.

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A-4 HOMETOWN ONEONTA

HOMETOWN Views

THURSDAY, December 26, 2019

EDITORIAL

Kennedy Method Like Garretson Method 13 Years Ago

I

n a way, our Citizen of the Year designation – it will continue, of course – has come full circle.

Interviewing Meg Kennedy, this year’s designee, brought to mind Tom Garretson, the first designee, in 2006.

Throughout that stormy year, when the Cherry Valley area was torn between those who feared 24 industrial-sized windmills would degrade the town’s environment and ambience, and those who saw a boon in new tax revenues, Tom always kept his cool.

And there was a lot at stake, municipally and personally: His father-in-law, who he had succeeded that Jan. 1 as town supervisor, strongly favored the wind project.

At meeting after storm meeting, Garretson kept order, listened intently and – as Kennedy would have observed – not only listened, but heard.

In the end, he came down against the turbines, and led the enactment of a law to hinder them. Reunion Power of

Vermont finally gave up.

What changed Tom’s mind in the end wasn’t the arguments, but it was a trip he took to Fenner, a flat, indistinct town south of Utica, where a windmill farm was already functioning.

Garretson – a farmer, as is Meg Kennedy – came back with renewed enthusiasm for his adopted hometown – the Garretsons had come from New Jersey in the 1950s; the Kennedys from Long Island a decade or so later.

Compared to Fenner, he concluded, Cherry Valley simply had too much to offer – too much to preserve. Stunning scenery, among the richest and most textured local histories in the nation, a comfortable lifestyle, a farming community enrichened by the Glimmerglass Opera’s world-class culture.

He listened, he heard, he explored, he made the right decision.

This year’s designee, the county representative from Hartwick, Milford and New Lisbon, arguably made the

best decision in coming up with a first step in professionalizing Otsego County’s $120 million government – a county administrator whose mandate is to implement the will of 14 representatives who, in effect, are our neighbors.

That what’s always been a controversial discussion obtained the support of 11 of her 14 colleagues is astonishing.

And this was done with no table pounding or arm-twisting, but by calm consensus building.

She described what we’re labelling “the Kennedy Method.”

You listen. You HEAR. You ask, what’s fair? Then you decide. (One other step: You collect information.) “I have to get it proved to me,” she said.

Thinking as far back to the days when mom Margaret expected her to herd her nine younger siblings, she concluded, “I could always coalesce a group.”

Up to this point, it seemed impossible that the Energy Back in 2006, our first Citizen of the Task Force effort she’s chairYear, Cherry Valley Tom Garretson, showed the same coolness in problem- ing would go anywhere. Now, there’s reason to be much more solving as this year’s honoree.

optimistic about a consensus result, targeted by the end of 2020.

While Kennedy made it happen, as important, the chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives for only one term, David Bliss, allowed it to happen. That’s another unappreciated aspect of his polite, level-headed and increasingly steady leadership.

He saw her potential. He saw her willingness to work. He saw a kindred spirit and let it fly. (Nor was he absent, attending most of Kennedy’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and joining IGA members in casting key votes.)

As with Tom Garretson, Meg Kennedy isn’t seeking to change Otsego County – nor is Dave Bliss, for that matter. The idea is, incrementally, to make things better, to create enough jobs to fill our needs; to solve problems one by one, not all right this minute; to make our communities more consistently vibrant in a quickly changing world.

Happy New Year.

Meg Kennedy Making Things Happen CITIZEN/From A1 common sense: Intelligence and common sense don’t always go together.”

He was confident she would approach difficult issues “with an open mind.

She didn’t prejudge. I could trust her to do good work.”

All those qualities – and the woman who personifies them – were front and center in 2019, The Year of Meg Kennedy, if you will, which can be defined in at least four ways: ► One, the Energy Task Force.

In the year’s first month at the Otsego Chamber’s Energy Summit at The Otesaga, she announced the formation of the county board’s Energy Task Force, 21 members in four “work groups” – Building & Efficiency, Energy Supply & Distribution, Environmental Development, and Environment – plus 14 technical advisers.

The goal: to bring a range of sometimes warring advocates – renewable purists on one side and fossil-fuel bridge builders on the other – together behind a coherent, workable energy future.

After a year of fact-finding,

HOMETOWN

Ian Austin/HOMETOWN ONEONTAl

County Rep. Dave Bliss and Meg Kennedy concentrate on SUNY New Paltz Vice President Gerry Benjamin’s presentation of “County Manager v. County Executive” in December 2017 at Springbrook. The following month, Bliss was elected county board chairman and appointed Kennedy to study the best way to bring professional management to Otsego County government. Next to Kennedy are Springbrook CEO Patricia Kennedy and Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich.

the group received a $50,000 state grant Dec. 19 – the county’s anteing up another $50,000 – to hire a consultant to pull together this year’s fact-finding into a Community Energy Plan by the end of 2020.

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

Tara Barnwell

Advertising Director & General Manager

Libby Cudmore

Managing Editor

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant

James Cummings Reporter

Ian Austin Photographer

Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

Tom Heitz Consultant

Amanda Wilsey Consultant

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

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

► Two, County Administrator Opposed to the idea of a county manager/administrator/executive when she first ran in 2015 – she considered it “another layer of government” – she gradually changed her mind on experiencing the complexities of county government.

She grilled Gerry Benjamin, SUNY New Paltz vice president, when that local government expert keynoted a community meeting locally in December 2017, soon after election to her second term.

Named the next month by the new chairman, Dave Bliss, to chair the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee (and the key Administration, the ways and means committee), she scheduled a second monthly meeting for the IGA – every month for 24 – dedicated to studying the optimum managerial option for this county.

On Dec. 4, the Otsego County Board of Representatives voted 11-2, with one absence, to create the job of county administrator, moving Otsego with its $120 million budget out of the last half-dozen counties statewide that lacked professional management. ►Three, NYSAC

►THE KENNEDY METHOD

H

ere’s Meg Kennedy’s formula for problem solving: • Listen • HEAR – really hear • Ask, “What’s fair?”

• Decide

This year, she was also elected to New York State Association of Counties’ board of directors, the first Otsego County representative to receive that honor.

That puts her in touch with cutting-edge ideas in county governance, which she can then use for the benefit of

the rest of us back home. ►Four, The Fulcrum In the run-up to this year’s Nov. 5 county elections, when Democrats talked about winning a majority, and some Republicans may have worried about losing it, the arithmetic became clear – it’s a Meg Kennedy majority.

Six Republicans command 3,421 points in the board’s weighted-voting system; seven Democrats, 3,433, a difference of 12 votes. That means Kennedy, on partisan matters, Meg – her dad, Paul Kennedy, is Otsego County Conservative Party chairman (and

founder) – controls the outcome.

Meg Kennedy rules! (But given her record to date, it’s unlikely she would do so without deliberation, discussion and reflection.)

She was born in 1967 at Stamford Hospital; her parents, Paul and Margaret Kennedy, had moved up from Long Island and bought a farm in Roxbury.

As Kennedys multiplied, the parents moved to Laurens in 1974 so the kids, eventually 12 in all, could get a Catholic education at St. Mary’s School in Oneonta.

In conversation the other day, Bliss’ sister Patty, herself a former St. Mary’s principal, recalled her girlhood, seeing the Kennedy clan each Sunday filling a pew at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” in Cooperstown. (The Bliss family, with eight children, would be arrayed nearby.)

Paul and Andy (a decorated Marine colonel) are older, but – after Meg – came Betsy, John, Tricia, Owen (Owen Jr. was star center on last year’s CCS state championship basketball team), Jim (vice president of the international Chicago-based Ball Seed Co.), Susan (a Dominican nun with a Ph.D., now based in Nashville), Katie, Joe and Anne.

As third eldest, and eldest daughter, Meg’s leadership skills were soon required.

“I always got the young kids to do what we needed to do at home,” she recalled.

Please See CITIZEN, A5

Meg Kennedy flanked by her parents, Margaret and Paul, and brother John and his wife, Cristy, of Oneonta, and their growing family. At right is Meg and sister Susan, a Dominican nun (with a Ph.D.) in Nashville, Tenn.

AllOTSEGO.com

LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME • EMAIL THEM TO info@

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-5

The Kennedy clan gathers in the 1990s at the wedding of their uncle and their father’s brother, John Kennedy and his bride, left. From left are Susan, mom Margaret, future county Rep. Meg, Anne, Owen, Katie, Jim, Tricia, Paul, Betsy, Joe (the youngest, then 10) Andy, John and the father of the family.

While Meg is a Conservative (like her father), she says her siblings include Republicans and Democrats. Grown, the brothers and sisters range from a Dominican nun (Susan), to an honored Marine (Andy), to an high executive in an international seed company.

Administrator Settled, Focus Turns To Energy Task Force

CITIZEN/From A4 Growing up, she wanted to do what her older brothers did, playing outside – in particular, riding horses. Of many horses raised on Pleasant Valley Road property over the years, the family still has seven, all born on the farm.

Meg credits St. Mary’s School with giving her an ethical grounding, from the 10 Commandments, the Rosary and the church’s other teachings and rituals.

“It was a small school, I knew all the kids,” she said. “The teachers were very kind, and made sure everyone lived up to their potential.”

At CCS, “the teachers expected a lot of us.” With sister Betsy, a year behind her, she played field hockey and volleyball, and ran track. An indication of her future career in elective office, she was president of her sophomore and junior class, and was elected Student Council president her senior year, staging fundraisers for famine relief in Africa.

“I always could coalesce a group,” she said, again seemingly surprised. “You don’t see these things as you are moving through them.”

Graduating from high school in 1985, she followed brothers Paul and Andy to Cornell, the College of Agriculture & Life Science, studying horticulture and greenhouse management “with the idea I could come back and work in the greenhouses” – the family’s greenhouses on the Hartwick farm – “to do what needed to be done.”

Early on, her father had taken over his father’s Andrew R. Kennedy Seed & Bulb Co., selling to grand estates in the Hudson Valley and around Philadelphia; at its height locally, the family had 27,000 square feet of greenhouses – and Meg took over office functions after graduating from Cornell in 1989.

In addition to running Kennedy Seed, the family began selling flowers at the Oneonta Farmers’ Market, expanding to Cooperstown’s, Delhi’s and Callicoon’s, in Sullivan County. As the seed and

bulb business changed, the also an issue. into what we’ll call here, criss-crossing the county county administrator,” Meg farmers’ markets became That fall, she won, “The Kennedy Method” daily, and activists were said, adding characteristia much larger part of her 813-590, including 99 of problem-solving. One, protesting plans for a gascally, “We started with a family’s operation.

Conservative votes. “I won listen. Two, hear. “They decompressing station at the clean, blank slate.”

In 2010, soon after because I was more neutral aren’t the same thing,” she Oneonta Commerce Park.

A first key decision was Tom Warren made his on the issues,” she believes, said. Three, “what’s the A Democrat, Michele not to pursue an executive, pronouncement, Meg was adding, “I know a lot of fairest thing to do?”

Farwell, representing which would have been an approached by Fred Fields, people.”

“Then,” she concluded, Butternuts, Morris and elected position and require the former Hartwick Town Hearing the news, Tom “we could stay within the Pittsfield, joined the board, the county to develop a Board member, and asked Warren said something she box of appropriateness.” and eventually approached charter and take it to referto fill a vacancy on the still reflects on: “Meg won The 2017 campaign was Meg Kennedy with the idea endum. If the vote was nay, Planning Board, (where she because of who she wasn’t.” a vigorous one – Democrats of forming an Energy Task the effort would be back to still serves.) fielded candidates in Force, as Tompkins County the beginning.

That set the stage 13 of 14 districts – and had done. “Maybe we The IGA’s study for 2015, “one of more of a consensus could get everybody seated – it included inviting in top those years where approach emerged at the table and talking to executives from similar there were going from the organizaeach other and past each counties, and such experts to be a lot of open tional meeting, with other,” Farwell said. as Steve Acquario, NYSAC seats,” recalled Bliss, who represents Kennedy, by then executive director – also Republican County Cooperstown and the chairing the IGA, agreed. found an elected execuChairman Vince towns of Middlefield “What that shows about tive can elevate politics in Casale. Held by and Cherry Valley, Meg is that she’s very county government, vying Democrat Ed Lentz, elected chairman, open to hearing new ideas with a county board for District 5 “was one and Democrat Gary and talking,” Farwell said, primacy. of the districts we Koutnik, D-Oneonta, as adding, “As a leader, she “An executive was not a knew we had to win. vice chairman. is very happy to let other good fit for a rural county We were having a “I knew when I people play as much of a with a small population,” hard time finding voted for Dave” – his role as they may like.”

Kennedy said. “Sometimes, the right person to predecessor, Kathy Meg had observed an lower population centers are commit to that seat.”

Clark, R-Otego, had impasse in the energy overlooked.”

As he scanned debate, and was concerned And so the county HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal been a mentor of sorts the town boards and Meg Kennedy announces the coun- toward Kennedy – “I it would prevent muchadministrator option was planning board in needed economic developpursued. In the New Year, ty’s Energy Task Force – 21 people was voting for more the three towns, he in four task forces and 14 technical work.” ment. “We need to do the challenge of filling the advisers – at the Otsego County saw Meg’s name.

He appointed her something,” she told herself. job begins, and Bliss has Chamber of Commerce’s summit Bingo. chairman of the IGA “If we do nothing, nothing said he plans to ask Meg to last January at The Otesaga.

“I picked up the and Administration will ever happen. We need lead the search. phone and called committees – the two to get started, and see where At one point during the her. I knew there had In 2017, she turned most challenging – and, it takes us.” process, Meg Kennedy was been some hot issues she back a challenge from the later, to the committee that Coming out of waved over to a table to join had contended with on the former Hartwick town built the 2020 budget. Plus, Benjamin’s December 2018 a conversation. Looking Planning Board,” Casale supervisor, Pat Ryan, 1,055 she served as vice chairman presentation at Springbrook, back, she followed her said. Within a few minutes, to 524. This year, she was of the Greater Mohawk “County Manager v. County internalized tick list: Listen, “it was obvious she was up unchallenged.

Valley Land Bank, tasked Executive,” Kennedy’s IGA HEAR, what’s fair… to the task. You knew she Joining the board in with rehabilitating or razing Committee also took on “Wow,” she said to was one of those people January 2016, she only blighted buildings to get the task of exploring that herself as she got up, “we who had instinctive leaderknew Dave Bliss, also a property back on the tax rolls. choice. just had a very productive ship qualities. We talked for freshman, and – just a bit In 2018, amid a general “People who voted for discussion!” two hours.”

– Oneonta then-rep Craig energy debate, 150 XNG Dave to be chair, they also The Kennedy Method He added, “We never Gelbsman. “I wanted to get natural-gas tankers were wanted to talk about a lives. think of her as being from to know the people, to get another party. She fits right an understanding of what in. She aligns with the they were doing.” values Republicans hold.”

She was assigned to Even though their father the IGA, Solid Waste & established the Conservative Environmental Concerns, Party in Delaware County and the Human Services in the 1960s, then brought it committees. here, her brothers and sisters Asked about a defining are a mix of Conservatives, moment, she paused, Republicans and Democrats, then spoke of an execuKennedy said. tive session involving a Conservatism fit her, she personnel matter. “I believe continued: “I take a more my contribution saved the careful approach to change. situation from escalating to I have to get it proved to the point where there could me.” have been a very different As it happens, she was outcome,” Meg said.

HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal asked about a county Since executive sessions Otsego County Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Ann Heegan, manager in 2015 during a are confidential, she candidates’ night with Lentz couldn’t get into details, but a member of the Energy Task Force, addresses her colleagues May 1 at Oneonta Town Hall. The chamber has issued a statement supporting at the Hartwick Community said, “I was really glad I renewables, but calling for temporary use of fossil-fuels to keep businesses Center on Route 11. He was there that day.”

Kennedy and her vice chairman, Michele Farwell, D-Butternuts/ supported the idea; she was What happened that day? stable.

Morris/Pittsfield, are at the table. In foreground are members Bennett unconvinced. Fracking was Her approach coalesced Sandler, Fly Creek, left, and David Hutchison, Oneonta.

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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1808 BY

ONEONTA

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HOMETOWN

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Happy New Year! Be in the know in 2020.

For 211 Years

AllOTSEGO.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

A complete Guide to

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________ Send calendar items to info@allotsego.com

weather. Race day registration 10 - 12:30. $30/person.

Starts near Foothills Perform►Monday, Dec. 30 ing Arts Center, Oneonta.

ZUMBA PARTY – 6 - 7 p.m. 607-432-0010.

Welcome New Year, party like BLOOD DRIVE – 1 - 5 p.m. it’s about to be 1920. Dress Give blood, save a life. Walkin best flapper outfit or wear ins welcome. Community black, white, & gold. Dress-up Bible Chapel, 577 Greenough optional. Cost, $7/non-memRd., Cooperstown. 1-800ber. Oneonta YMCA, 20-26 733-2767.

Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-432KNITTING GROUP – 1:30 0010.

- 3:30 p.m. Work on current in OtsegOprojects, COuntyhang out with the ► Tuesday, Dec. 31 Knit-Witts. Cooperstown Village Library. 607-547-8344.

New Year’s Eve! ATONEMENT SERVICE – 5 p.m. Atonement with Holy REGIONAL SCRIPTS DUE – Communion. Atonement LuSubmit scripts for ‘New Plays theran Church, 1 Center St.,

by Regional Playwrights’ for 2020 Winter Series. Fenimore Oneonta. 607-432-6852.

CELEBRATION – 5 p.m.

Art Museum, Cooperstown.

Start a safe & sober New Year’s Call 607-547-1453. celebration with parade down FROSTBITE 5K – 1 - 2 Main St. followed by poetry p.m. Run through scenic readings, festival featuring Oneonta dressed as favorite live music, games, dancing, Frosty character or wearing a & special guest Anthony crazy hat. Dress according to FROM Pg. 3

what’s fun in OtsegO COunty _________ _______ what’s fun

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NOTICE OF A 30-DAY PERIOD FOR INCLUSION OF LAND INTO CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS NOTICE is hereby given that Otsego County has established an annual 30 day period during which landowners can submit proposals to include viable agricultural land within certified agricultural districts outside of the eight year review period.

NOTICE is further given that said annual 30 day period in Otsego County begins January 1 of each year and closes 30 days thereafter.

NOTICE is further given that during this 30 day review period any landowner may submit proposals of viable agricultural land to be included into a certified agricultural district by filing requests with the Clerk of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, said requests to include the agricultural district into which the land is proposed to be included, a description of the land and the tax map identification number(s).

NOTICE is further given that at the termination of the 30 day period all proposals will be submitted to the Otsego County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board for its review, and that thereafter a public hearing will be held on the proposals and recommendations of said board.

Dated: December 26, 2019 Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.26 Legal nOtice

MEETING

NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego will hold its regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. However, when the date fixed for a regular meeting of the County Board falls on a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the day following. The meetings will be held in the Board Chambers on the second floor of the County Office Building in Cooperstown, New York.

THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to Article 7 of the Open Meetings Law. Dated: December 26, 2019

Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.26 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Exile On Main Street, LLC Notice of formation of Exile On Main Street, LLC, a limited liability company (the “LLC”).

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (the “SSNY”) on 12/17/19.

Office location: Otsego County.

The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 53 Dietz Street, Oneonta, New York 13820.

Purposes: any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.30 Legal nOtice

Notice of Qualification of BK COFFEE ASSOCIATES, LLC

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Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/09/19.

Office location: Otsego County.

LLC formed in New Jersey (NJ) on 07/31/19. Princ. office of LLC: 178 Old River Rd., Edgewater, NJ 07020. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to William D. Callas at the princ. office of the LLC. Cert. of Form. filed with State Treasurer, State of NJ Div. of Revenue, 33 W. State St., 5th Fl., Trenton, NJ 08608-1214.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.23 Legal nOtice

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received as set forth in instructions to bidders until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the NYSDOT, Contract Management Bureau, 50 Wolf Rd, 1st Floor, Suite 1CM, Albany, NY 12232 and will be publicly opened and read. Bids may also be submitted via the internet using www.bidx.com.

A certified cashier’s check payable to the NYSDOT for the sum specified in the proposal or a bid bond, form CONR 391, representing 5% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

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

Eardley, Oneonta’s American Ninja Warrior. Then first ever talent show featuring $1000 prize at 7:30, then black-light afterparty featuring entertainment by Cosmic Karma Fire Spinners. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607431-2080.

BOARD GAMES – 6 - 8 p.m. Night of fun Board & Party games with Serenity Hobbies. Ages 16+ welcome.

Huntington Memorial Library, 61 Chestnut St., Oneonta.

607-432-1980.

CELEBRATION – 7 p.m.

Ring in the New Year with fabulous food & fun featuring live music, dancing. Cost, $85/person. Hawkeye Bar & Grill, Otesaga, Cooperstown.

607-547-9931.

CELEBRATION – 9:30 p.m.

- 12:30 a.m. Ring in New Year with funky tunes by Hanzolo, and delicious beverages.

Mel’s At 22, 22 Chestnut St., Cooperstown. 607-435-7062.

Nature Center, Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rt. 31, Cooperstown. 607-547-8662.

►Thursday, January 2 STAMP CLUB – 7 p.m.

Bring stamp collections,

discuss with other stamp enthusiasts. Tillapaugh Home, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown.

607-547 5646.

SharonFarmSpringS g arage & Home Center www.sharonspringsgarage.com

Your Full Service KUBOTA DEALERSHIP

RTV’s • Tractors • Mowers Excavators • Parts & Service

Huge Selection of STIHL & TORO SNOW THROWERS, SAWS AND TRImmERS

►Wednesday, Jan. 1

2020

FIRST DAY HIKE – 10 a.m.

Start the new year with 1.5 mile hike with bird afficionado Becky Gretton. Followed by hot drinks, refreshments.

Legal

Rte. 23 Oneonta • 432-8411

LEGALS

ny.gov/doing-business/opportunities/ const-planholder.

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

NYS Finance Law restricts communication with NYSDOT on procurements and contact can only be made with designated persons. Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will be considered a serious matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Robert Kitchen (518)457-2124.

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

252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federallyassisted programs of the Department of Transportation and Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Title IV Program and Related Statutes, as amended, issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all who respond to a written Department solicitation, request for proposal or invitation for bid that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap

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and income status in consideration for an award.

shall mail process to: The LLC, 1577 County Highway 16, Burlington Flats, NY 13315.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

6LegalJan.23

Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 11/27/19.

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

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: 2453 St Hwy 205, Mt Vision, NY 13810.

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

6LegalJan.9

NY 13326.

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

6LegalJan.2

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) was 08/08/19.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 537 Morris, NY 13808.

Purpose: All Lawful purposes.

6LegalJan.2

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Please call (518)457-2124 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

Region 09: New York State Department of Transportation 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901 D264037, PIN 980681, FA Proj , Otsego Co., Rehabilitation and Replacement of 7 Large Culverts on NYS Routes 7, 28, 51 and 80 in Various Towns, Bid Deposit: 5% of Bid (~ $200,000.00), Goals: DBE: 8.00% 2LegalDec.23

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Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: LINCOLN HOPKINS LLC Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 11 December 2019.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 689 Beaver Meadow Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

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

6LegalJan.23

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Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of

BEEKMAN WOODS LLC.

M.E.B Records LLC

Art/Org filed 10/7/19.

Ofc loc Otsego Cty. SSNY desig. agent for svc/proc & shall mail to 24 Andrea Ln, W Sayville, NY 11796.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan23 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of BUTTERNUT COTTAGE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/09/2019.

Office loc: Otsego County.

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

Articles Of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on 12/03/19 Office in Otsego County Secretary of State of NY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

Secretary of State of NY shall mail copy of process to the LLC at 19 Ford Avenue suite D, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.16 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of PROJECT ACE & NINE, LLC.

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Notice of Formation of Grand Rentals, LLC. Articles Of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY on 11/12/19 Office: Otsego County United States Corporation Agents, Inc., has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served A Copy of Process should be mailed to the LLC at: 25 West End Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.9 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: WALLER HILL FARM LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 19 November 2019.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 689 Beaver Meadow Rd, Cooperstown,

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Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: BeArt Farm LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 19 November 2019.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 312 Valley View Drive, Radcliff, KY 40160.

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

6LegalJan.2 Legal nOtice

Notice of Qual. of Kingfisher Properties, LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 7/9/19.

Office location: Otsego.

LLC formed in NV on 4/16/19.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 13 West James St., Richfield Springs, NY, 13439.

Arts. of Org. filed with NV SOS. 4730 S. Fort Apache Rd., Las Vegas, NV, 89147.

Any lawful purpose.

6LegalJan.2 Legal nOtice

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Country Wood Cellar, LLC

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NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CARNRIKE ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec’y. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 10/04/19.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 948 Cty Hwy 20, Edmeston, New York 13335.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalDec.26 Legal nOtice

Notice of formation of BUTTERNUT VALLEY PROPERTIES, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 9/30/19.

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

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it to: The LLC, PO Box 651, UnaBilla, NY 13849.

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

6LegalDec.26

►Need to publish a Notice of Formation, Public Notice, Supplemental Summons, or Notice to Bidders?

Contact Larissa at 607-547-6103 or ads@allotsego.com and she can get you started.

HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-7

THURSDAY, December 26, 2019

IN MEMORIAM Dr. Karl Jonathan Schoonover, 77; Optometrist, County Representative ONEONTA – Dr. Karl Jonathan Schoonover, 77, of Oneonta, the optometrist and former Otsego County representative, died Dec. 13, 2019. Following a fiveyear battle with pulmonary fibrosis, he peacefully passed away with his family by his side.

Karl was born on Sept. 6, 1942, the son of Rose and Karl Schoonover.

He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1960.

Karl received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1964 and graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1967, where he received his doctorate degree.

In 1967, Karl came to Oneonta, where he worked for a short time with Dr. Lusk, then opened his own optometry practice, which came to be known as Schoonover Eye Care.

He retired on July 1, 2011,

following 44 years of serving the community.

On Sept. 1, 2001, Karl married Sherry Mellott Hanson in Laurens.

Karl was a member and deacon of West Oneonta Baptist Church.

He was a past member of the American Optometric Association; served on the Laurens Central School board for 10 years; served on the Practical Bible College Training School board; and served on the Otsego County Board of Representatives in District 3, for more than 15 years.

Karl is survived by his wife, Sherry Schoonover; two sons, Kris and Rhonda Schoonover and Kent and Megan Schoonover; two step-sons, Erik and Jennifer Hanson and Kris Hanson; eight grandchildren, Kane and Klayton Schoonover, Kolton, Kwin, Kaleb and Kamryn Schoonover, Mikeeli and Natalie Hanson;

two siblings, Sharon Overman and Philip Schoonover; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was Dr. Jonathan predeSchoonover ceased by his parents and two brothers, David and Dennis Schoonover.

A service to celebrate the life of Dr. Schoonover will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at West Oneonta Baptist Church with the Rev. Aamir Din officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Karl Jonathan Schoonover may be made to West Oneonta Baptist Church, P.O. Box 224, West Oneonta, NY 13861.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bookhout Funeral Home.

Marshall M. Palmer, 83, Oneonta; Gave 40 Years Of Service To SUNY

ONEONTA – Marshall M. Palmer, 83, of Binghamton, who retired from SUNY Oneonta’s University Police after 40 years of service to the campus, passed away Dec. 17, 2019, at Wilson Hospital, Binghamton, following an extended illness.

He was born on July 6, 1936, at Fox Hospital, Oneonta, the son of the late Harry and Ruth (Dalley) Palmer.

Marshall graduated from Oneonta High School in 1954, and began working as a groundsman at the State

University College at Oneonta.

He retired in 1992 from the University Police after four decades of Marshall dedicated Palmer service in multiple capacities.

Marshall enjoyed bowling, fishing, fellowship with friends, admiring his cardinals at the bird feeder and watching his grandchildren’s many athletic and extracurricular endeavors.

Marshall is survived by his wife of 56 years, Regina. He is also survived by his three daughters, Sonya LaRose (Mark), Sharon Hanna (Ken) and Marsha Ward (Mark); 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Harry Jr., Robert and Wayne; and sisters, Shirley and Donna.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date.

Expressions of love and sympathy may be shared with family at MarshallPalmerFamily@ gmail.com

Herbert E. Baumann, 90, Laurens; WWII Veteran Retired To County LAURENS – Herbert E. Baumann, 90, of Laurens, a World War II veteran and utility lineman who retired to Otsego County from New Jersey, passed away after a brief illness early Sunday morning, December 22, 2019, surrounded by love and a loving family at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Born Sept. 19, 1929, in Garfield, N.J., he was a son of Herbert Paul and Elsie (Kinscher) Baumann. He first attended schools in Paramus and later Paterson, N.J. He left high school and worked for a time as a machinist for John Johnston in Paramus.

On May 22, 1951, he joined the military, and served with the Army 12th Infantry in Germany during the Korean War. Corporal Baumann was Honorably Discharged from the military on May 7, 1953, and returned home to New Jersey.

On April 24, 1954, he married Eleanor Diani in a ceremony at Most Holy Name Roman Catholic Church in Garfield.

In March 1956, Herbert was hired by Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G) in Newark, N.J., and was employed as an electrical lineman, working out of a substation in Hackensack.

During this time he became a member of the 25-year club, was a recipient of a suggestion award, and received the “turtle club” safety award in July of 1971 for having been hit on the head on the job and his life saved by his hard hat. He retired in March 1991.

In 1982, Herbert and Eleanor began coming to Hartwick and eventually lived on Lipton Road.

They later moved to South Carolina, but moved back to New York State in

November 2010 and settled in Laurens.

He was a member-at-large of the American Legion and the Laurens Senior Citizen Group.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Baumann of Laurens; a daughter, Judy Gruchacz of Hartwick; a son, Herbert P. Baumann and wife, Lesia, of Knob Noster, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jacquelyn Gruchacz, and Jesse, Jill E. and Brittany Baumann; and a brother, Walter W. Baumann and wife, Ellen (“Penny”) of Laurens.

He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Baumann.

Arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow &

Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

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

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

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

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

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20 Chestnut Street • Suite 1 • Cooperstown 607-547-5007 www.leatherstockingmortgage.com

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

99 Main Street, Oneonta office 607.441.7312 fax 607.432.7580 www.oneontarealty.com Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant

YOUR RADIO,YOUR NEWS. 90.1FM Oneonta

97.3 FM Cooperstown 99.3 FM Oneonta

Award-winning news and programming.

Listen from your radio, or any device, or online at wamc.org

AllOTSEGO.homes

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

lis NE tiN W g!

lis NE tiN W g!

A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

MLS#123922 $435,000 Center Hall Colonial w/Stunning Views!

4,000 sq ft, 3 BRs, 3½ baths, 13.76 acres, pond, 2-story garage, fenced yard, central AC, generator.

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

MLS#123746 $124,900 1893 Village Victorian (Addition 1986) 3 BRs, 2 baths, bonus room, on almost an acre. 1893 horse barn w/2 floors.

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

MLS # 123883 $329,500 Investment Opportunity on the Banks of Historic Fly Creek It has the making for your dream Farm-to-Table café or restaurant on 2.3 acres.

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

MLS#123744 $244,000 Elegant and Charming 4-BR, 3-bath Colonial has 3,000 sq ft on 10+ acres. Quality craftsmanship.

Minutes to I-88, between Oneonta and Binghamton.

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

MLS#114624 $59,900 MLS#123872 $190,000 1982 double-wide w/3 BRs, 2 baths and 1½ story, 2-car Two for the of system, One! Great investment. garage.

NewPrice heating updated electrical, new Located in Oneonta, moneyinmakers. walls and ceiling in 1turn-key BR. New ceiling master Willing bath. toCall consider financing.

Sharonowner P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell) Call Erin Moussa @ 607-435-1285 (cell)

MLS#123882 $187,700 Restored Farmhouse Historic home of 3 BRs, 1½ baths. Relax in the sunroom while enjoying the babble of the nearby creek. A must-see property!

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

MLS 124452 $2,500,000 Cooperstown Area – Prime Commercial Land Income w/vet clinic, room to build hotel, housing.

High traffic area. Dream Park rental, and house.

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

MLS#123952 $325,000 2 Ponds and 15 Acres This ranch home in Otego includes 3,300 sq ft, 5 BRs, 4 baths, views of mountains.

Close to I-88.

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

Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598

MLS#124392 $59,900 Move-in Condition Home located in Kortright.

1,000 sq ft home, 2-car detached garage, full basement, all on 2+ acres of property.

Call Sharon Teator @ 607-433-9520 (cell)

MLS#123593 $75,000 Spacious 2-Family Home 2-story barn, large village lot borders creek. Walking distance to school and amenities. Close to Chobani.

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

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MLS#124479 $394,000 Picturesque Fly Creek Setting Offering circa 1850 eyebrow Colonial home, post-and-beam barn, stocked pond, 8 acres.

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

75 Market Street Oneonta 607-433-1020

221 Main Street, Andes 845-676-3600

MLS#122670 $169,000 Possible Farmette Views in all directions. 3 BRs, built in 1854 w/dairy barn on 7 acres. 28’ x 40’ 3-bay garage, plus steel carport, concrete RV pad.

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

lis NE ti N W g!

www.howardhanna.com

MLS#124532 $99,900 Peaceful and Private 52 wooded acres gently sloping upward from the road. Borders other large parcels. Ten minutes from I-88.

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

MLS#122649 $389,500 Log-Sided Home on 10 Acres Home consists of 1,920 sq. ft. of living space. Owner built with care.

Private lot w/trails. Perfect for outdoorsman.

Call Tom Tillapaugh @ 607-434-9392 (cell)

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4914 State Hwy 28 Cooperstown 607-547-5933

MLS#123881 $174,800 Right on the Lake End of road, furnished. LR, DR, open kitchen. Great views, spacious decks. 100’ aluminum dock, foam insulation.

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

MLS#124400 $535,000 Location, Location Retail corridor—1.4 acres on State Rte 28, Hartwick. Money maker. 6 units, a lot collecting rent. Diligently maintained by owner.

Call Sharon Teator @ 607-287-2681 (cell)

MLS#122568 $399,000 Currently the Willow Tree Inn This B&B is 7 miles from Cooperstown. Endless countryside views.

3,694 sq ft, 6 BRs w/private baths. 2-story barn.

Call Kristi Ough @ 607-547-5933 (cell)

157 Main Street,Cooperstown 607-547-5740

www.hubbellsrealestate.com

Country Atmosphere

(8629) 3-BR farmhouse-style ranch on a lovely rural 15.90 acres w/romantic gardens, hills view.

Formal DR, fireplace, gracious LR, original mill work, wood flooring. Country kitchen, main-level laundry. Garage, metal roof, enclosed porch, barn, 2-BR guest house, fencing. Edmeston Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$179,000

Cooperstown Village

(8618) Impeccable 3-BR, 2-bath Colonial provides pellet stove, bay windows, natural woodwork, formal DR and eat-in kitchen w/oak cabinets.

Laminate flooring, laundry room, ceiling fans. Vinyl siding, large covered deck, large yard. Large 2-car garage. Move-in condition. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$224,000

What is Christmas?

166 Main Street, Ste 1, Oneonta office 607.433.2873 www.oneontarealty.com

it is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. it is a fervent wish that every cup overflows with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. at this time of year we reflect on our lives and the blessings we have received over the years. our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. in this spirit, we say thank you for your patronage and for allowing us to be of service to you. no Matter What no Matter Where it’s always Home if Love is there.

We wish you abundance, happiness, and peace in a new year filled with hope.

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holiday Season!

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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1808 BY

ONEONTA

& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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SELLING OR BUYING? DO IT ALL HERE! 607-547-6103 For 211 Years

Don Olin

REALTY, INC

AllOTSEGO.com

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

SeaSon’S GreetinGS! Margaret, Marion, eric, Cathy, Mike, tim, Caryn and Madeline

Home of the Week Perfectly Set on 58 Acres

(8676) Nearly new 4-BR, 3-bath contemporary Cape set in rustic beauty w/idyllic valley view w/3 ponds. This gracious home boasts custom kitchen w/white cabinets and work island, formal DR w/views, LR w/deck access. Main-level master BR, ceramic tile baths. Finished basement, hardwood floors, 2-car garage.

Impressive styling in a serene setting.

North of Cooperstown. Richfield Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$469,900

157 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-5740 www.hubbellsrealestate.com

AllOTSEGO.life

2019

WEEK 36

EDITION OF SEPT 5-6: Branson Skinner, Canopy Growth’s farm manager for New York State, examines the hemp crop at Waterpoint Farm on Smith Road, Springfield Center, the former Stitzel dairy farm. The Ontario-based company is joining a dozen farmers in Otsego County and hundreds statewide anticipating the state Legislature’s so-far-stymied legalization of marijuana.

OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 49

EDITION OF NOV. 28-29: Media darling Zoe undergoes her first TV interview (with Peter Eliopoulos of WTEN, Albany) at the Susquehanna Animal Shelter following a surgery to remove an 11-pound tumor on her shoulder. The German Shepherd was found chained up without food or water in front of an Exeter Center home, having chewed off her own leg. But following a successful operation and a biopsy that showed the tumor was not cancerous, she was adopted into a Burlington Flats home. A GoFundMe drive raised $7,000 toward Zoe’s medical bills. Her former owner was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

WEEK 2

EDITION OF JAN 10-11: 2019 began with a shocker: John Heller, inset right, a former Oneonta firefighter, died in a fire on the top floor of 5 Walling Ave. after rescuing four nephews and his fiancée. Above, at the funeral at Foothills on Jan. 4, a few days after the Dec. 29 tragedy, sister-in-law Erika Heller and her husband Michael, John’s brother, hold close two of their four boys whose rescue had John hailed as a hero. To their right is Amber Rose, his fiancée. In the foreground, Heller’s pallbearers console each other after placing the casket in the hearse. Later in the year, Gabriel Truitt, 33, was arrested, accused of setting the fire after he was spurned by a women living on the floor below.

WEEK 12

EDITION OF MARCH 21-22: Cooperstown Central School’s Hawkeyes’ team captain Jack Lambert leads his triumphant teammates Noah Lifgren, Calvin Sandler, Jesse Funari, Ryan Lansing, Ryan Burns and Ben Tafuro off the court following their 71-61 Class C Championship win over the Middle Early College Kats on Sunday, March 17, at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena in Binghamton. It’s the first time the CCS boys’ varsity basketball team has won a state title, harkening back to Oneonta High School’s undefeated and untied season in 1959-60.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019 • PHOTOS by IAN AUSTIN, JIM KEVLIN, JAMES CUMMINGS & JENNIFER HILL

All

Souvenir Supplement to HOMETOWN ONEONTA, THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & www..

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2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

WEEK 3

WEEK 1

EDITION OF JAN 3-4: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President Greg Harris, right, visits The Fenimore Art Museum’s Clark Gallery over the weekend to see where famed rock photographer Herb Ritts’ photos will hang over the summer. With him is Todd Kenyon, Fenimore director of marketing. The exhibit, which hung until September and was the theme for this year’s Gala, brought admissions up by 13 percent. One of the famous images was of Madonna.

EDITION OF JAN 17-18: An era ended with Margaret McGown and Mark Zeek’s sale of locally owned Cooperstown Medical Transport to AMR (American Medical Response), which employs 28,000 emergency medical personnel in 40 states and Washington, D.C. Over 40 years, the couple had participated in the massive evolution and sophistication in the EMS sector.

WEEK 4

WEEK 5

EDITION OF JAN 24-25: For Sam Wyant, Oneonta, the empty streets were an opportunity to take his Indie ‘95 600 Triple snowmobile out for a spin on Chestnut Street. Though as many as 20 inches were predicted, in all only 10 inches blanketed the county.

EDITION OF JAN 31-FEB 1: Oneonta Assistant Fire Chief Jim Maloney (dark glasses) enters 189 Main after it was evacuated Monday, Jan. 28, for a second time, by carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning boiler in the basement of the former Oneonta Hotel next door. At left, city Code Enforcement Inspector John Hester and Stephen Yearly follow. County Judge John Lambert ordered the building, which was declared “unsafe” by the city last year, to be vacated, and the owner, Melania Pervu, to be held in contempt. Though put up for sale shortly after the ruling, in December, the building was recently declared to be in foreclosure. In the center is Michelle Caton, who manages the state Small Business Office on the fifth floor.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The dates on the captions represent the editions of Hometown Oneonta & The Freeman’s Journal in which they were published.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

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WEEK 6 WEEK 8

On Feb.10, Frankie Panzarella, 13, of Cooperstown, accepts a $500 check for finding the Winter Carnival Medallion.

While Frankie actually found the medallion – it was taped to a trash can in the village’s Badger Park – the whole family contributed ideas and encouragement to the undertaking, including dad Frank and Rocco, the family pet.

WEEK 7 EDITION OF FEB. 21-22: Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump organizer Jamie Waters gives a highfive to mascot Goodie before taking the plunge Saturday, Feb. 17.

The 2020 jump was postponed following a car accident in which Jamie, along with his wife, Brenda, were seriously injured, but the 25th annual jump has already been scheduled for Feb. 20, 2021.

EDITION OF FEB. 14-15: Former Oneonta Mayor Nader, now SUNY Farmingdale president, and wife Kathy drove up from Long Island the evening before, and invited her mom Lorrie Wolverton to join them Saturday, Feb. 9, at the newly opened Nick’s Diner on Oneonta’s Chestnut Street, one of the first meals served since it closed in 2013. The Thursday before, Rod Thorsland, inset at right, whose family owns Pondo’s II in Colliersville, had a soft opening of the diner.

WEEK 9 EDITION OF FEB. 28-MARCH 1: As more people look into creating energy-efficent homes, John and Linda Kosmer have been in their passive solar Fly Creek home for a decade.

A shaft in the Kosmers’ home allows air warmed by sunlight and a wood stove to rise into the attic. Fans then draw warm air into a channelfilled concrete slab. During the day, the slab warms; at night, it releases heat. The couple reports a divergence of only 3 degrees inside the home.

Where the Community Comes Together!

Celebrate

The YMCA connects the community in so many ways. Join us for programs all throughout the year!

The YMCA—Where discoveries are turned into memories!

Check Out Our Y Programs

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2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

WEEK 11

EDITION OF MARCH 7-8: Cooperstown Police Chief Mike Covert holds the medications and devices he uses daily to stay alive. An audit of the county found that he was no longer eligible for health insurance through the Sheriff’s Department, where he spent the majority of his 25-year career, and didn’t qualify for health insurance through the village. He had been on Civil Service Section 72 leave, but in August, after being unable to fulfill his duties for a year, left his position.

EDITION OF MARCH 14-15: Stephanie Parez, East Meredith, makes her purchase from Barb Mednansky and Dean Matthews during the clearance sale at McLaughlin’s, the last department store on Oneonta’s Main Street.

WEEK 13

WEEK 14

EDITION OF APRIL 4-5: Father John P. Rosson, veteran pastor at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Catholic Church in Cooperstown, celebrates his retirement mass Sunday, March 31.

A younger generation assaulted the relatively long-in-the-tooth heirarchy this year, including, from left, Libertarian Wilson Wells of Oneonta, and Democrats MacGuire Benton of Cooperstown, and Clark Oliver of Oneonta.

Twenty-something Wells succumbed to 30-something Jill Basile in Oneonta’s county board District 11, but Benton was elected to the Cooperstown Village Board in March, and Oliver will join the county board Jan. 1, the youngest person in history to join that body. Luke Murphy, also in his 20s, was elected to Oneonta Common Council. Also in the political fray was Bobby Walker, a pal of MacGuire’s at CCS and a SUNY Albany senior, elevated to head the state’s College Republicans.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

AllOTSEGO.life B-5

2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 16 EDITION OF APRIL 18-19 Police cruisers, fire trucks and an ambulance hurried to Cooperstown’s Fair Street boat ramp Sunday, April 14, after a report a car had ended up in Otsego Lake.

Despite rescue efforts, the driver, John Smirk, 75, drowned.

In the foreground, a solemn county Sheriff Richard J. Devlin, Jr., arrives at the scene.

In response, the Cooperstown Village Board erected a blinking sign at Fair and Lake streets, as has been occuring around the village in the past year, this time causing an eruption of protests among neighbors and the light’s removal.

It was one of several village board actions this year that prompted protest.

WEEK 16

WEEK 15

WEEK 17 EDITION OF APRIL 25-26: Gabriel Truitt confers with his attorney Lee Kindlon April 24 after being denied bail by County Judge Brian D. Burns in Otsego County Court. Triutt, 33, was arrested and charged with the murder of John Heller for allegedly starting the fatal Walling Street fire in front of his girlfriend’s apartment.

His trial is slated to begin Jan. 22, 2020.

EDITION: APRIL 11-12: Melissa Ackerly of Delhi, right, and Alexandria Murphy of Oneonta were among the bereft customers peering through the window Monday, April 7, for a final look at their beloved Friendly’s, which closed suddenly to the surprise of employees and customers alike.

Crews were already taking out the ice-bins and removing counters.

Some places have local branches.

We Have Local Roots. sfcuonline.org Oneonta (2 locations) • Sidney • Norwich • Delhi Bainbridge • Walton • Greene • Hancock

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2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 18

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

WEEK 20

EDITION OF MAY 2-3: Bill Shue, left, and Fran Colone propose appointing “Captains of the Street” to spread the word about future meetings of the Sixth Ward Neighbors United to fight RSS’s proposal to build low-income and recovery-friendly housing in the Sixth Ward.

RSS ultimately withdrew the application.

EDITION OF MAY 16-17: Twins Bonde and Liam sleep in their bassinet last spring. Their mother, Kimberly Steeley, 27, inset photo, was arrested and charged with their deaths after she allegedly fell asleep on top of them, 16 days apart.

WEEK 19

WEEK 21

EDITION OF MAY 9-10: GOHS Executive Director Bob Brzozowski strolls past 31 Railroad St., Oneonta, where famous “Philo Vance” mysteries were being written by S.S. Van Dyne, at right, a century ago. VanDyne, born Willard Huntington Wright, is believed to have created fictional sleuth Philo Vance at this home of his aunts. The building is now under threat of demolition by the Salvation Army, who want to build a parking lot.

EDITION OF MAY 23-24: Eyewitness Matthew McIvor surveys the scene of a fatal crash at Kelly’s Corners, where Matthew E. All allegedly rammed his car into a Sherrif’s Deputy’s vehicle following a high-speed chase, injuring Deputy James Mateunas.

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A.O. Fox Hospital is proud to acknowledge some of our greatest achievements in 2019.

Thank you to our talented clinicians and staff members for caring for our community members each day!

1. Nationally Recognized for Outstanding Care Provided to Diabetes Patients 2. 20th Annual A.O. Fox Golf Classic Raises More Than $50,000 Towards New Ultrasound Machine 3. A.O. Fox’s Joanne Burdick Scholarship Awards $2,000 to College-Bound Students to Total $96,000 in Gifts Since Scholarship’s Inception WISHING YOU HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

4. A.O. Fox Hospital Recognized by Human Rights Foundation Campaign for Dedication to LGBTQ Patient Care 5. A.O. Fox Awarded $10,000 for Food “Farmacy” in Sidney; Ribbon-Cutting on Jan. 6, 2020

Member FDIC

2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

AllOTSEGO.life

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WEEK 23

WEEK 24

EDITION OF JUNE 13-14: Two years, two months and 28 days after a raging fire razed their historic building, Milford Methodist Church members celebrated the opening of a modern, one-story church a few steps to the north of the original. The original stained-glass windows, rescued from the church wreckage and restored, are installed in the wall behind them. Singing praise before a full house are, front row, from left, Pastor Sylvia Barrett, Patsy Lyon, Sandy Andrews, Emily Mattison-Welsh, Cindy Campbell and Maureen Johnson. Back row, from left, are Gerianne Carillo, Mark Andrews, Anthony Welsh and Ralph Eggleston. At left is Music Director Ron Johnson. The Rev. Everett Bassett, district superintendent, participated in the celebration.

WEEK 22

EDITION OF MAY 30-31: Assembling “Shoebox Treasures” gave curator John Odell a chance to get reacquainted with Cookie Rojas, one of his boyhood heroes.

WEEK 25

EDITION OF JUNE 6-7: Josh Edmonds, right, a partner in the Simple Integrity construction company, pauses with members of his team, Norm Farwell, Morris, left, and Tanner Ray, Edmeston, in front of 45 Delaware St., Cooperstown.

Edmonds expected the structure, which he envisions as the home of the future, to be certified by the Passive House Institute.

EDITION OF JUNE 20-21: Rachel Soper, Town of Oneonta, told Common Council an environmental review of the former D&H Railyards, proposed as a commerce park, is insufficient. Environmentalists from around the county also spoke against any plans for a natural-gas decompression station at the site. By year’s end, however, all permits were in place and Otsego Now, the county’s economic-development “single point of content,” was looking into possibilities for the property.

We wish you all the very best for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2020!

The staff of Hometown Oneonta, The Freeman’s Journal and www.AllOTSEGO.com includes, front row, from left: Graphic Artist Kathleen Peters, Bound Volumes/Hometown History columnist Sharon Stuart, Managing Editor Libby Cudmore, Office Manager Larissa Ryan. Back row, from left: Photographer Ian Austin, Advertising Consultant Thom Rhodes, Editor & Publisher Jim Kevlin, General Manager & Advertising Director Tara Barnwell, and Reporter/Photographer James Cummings.

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

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1808 BY

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Not pictured are Ivan Potocnik, web architect; Alan Mayo, distribution; Amanda Willsey, consultant.

For 211 Years

AllOTSEGO.com

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AllOTSEGO.life

2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

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WEEK 27

EDITION OF JULY 4-5: In his heyday as the City of Oneonta’s future “Mr. Baseball” and mayor, Sam Nader hosted stars like Joe Dimaggio, above, and Bobby Kennedy, but does it ever get any better than this? At right, family and friends gather in the backyard of his 95 River St. home July 8 to fete Oneonta’s greatest on his 100th birthday.

George Steinbrenner, on leaving baseball, wrote Sam Nader, “They say, ‘All good things must come to an end.’ That will never apply to our friendship, I pray.” Here, his daughter Alice O’Conner holds the microphone. From left, wellwishers include Claire Borthwick, Rick Follett, Sam’s sister Jemele, Mark Boshnack, Ellen Sielig-Boshnack, Sherie Rubin, Carol Follett, Alice, the city’s first lady Connie Herzig and sportswriter John Fox.

WEEK 26

WEEK 28

EDITION OF JUNE 2728: Partners in life, Doug and Carrie Thompson are now also partners in The Green Cow, the county’s first grassfed beef butcher shop, located at 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown.

The Thompsons are among the pioneers in the county’s growing grass-fed beef sector, owning farms along Little Lakes Road between Warren and Jordanville.

EDITION OF JULY 11-12: Decked out in red, white and blue, Oneonta’s Kim Noorlander and daughter Lucy enjoy the City of the Hills’ Fourth of July parade from the sidelines of Main Street.

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2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

WEEK 31

EDITION OF AUG. 1-2: Seventy-five buffalo escaped from Grubb’s West Creek Buffalo Company, Town of Seward, Schoharie County, Saturday, July 20, after a 2,000-pound bull trampled the gate. It took three weeks, but in time, all of them roamed home. (Photo courtesy WKTV)

WEEK 29

WEEK 30

EDITION OF JULY 18-19: Tim Mead, the Baseball Hall of Fame’s new president, is nothing if not approachable. Here, he poses with fans from Hartford, Conn., after they asked him to snap a photo of them in front of the scoreboard in front of 25 Main St., as he arrived in Cooperstown for his first Hall of Fame Induction since taking office in April. From left are Luis Garcia, his wife Carmen and daughter Glendaly. In front is granddaughter Macci, 8. Jeff Idelson, inset right, the Hall of Fame president since 2008, retired on July 21, just after Induction Weekend.

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

EDITION OF JULY 25-26: Sue Warner of Cherry Valley calls to Romeo as her husand Lew looks on. Cherry Valley Mayor Lou Guido signed a law banning farm animals from living within village limits, and although Romeo is grandfathered in, no other horses will be allowed.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

AllOTSEGO.life B-11

2019 OTSEGO COUNTY YEARBOOK

WEEK 33 WEEK 35

EDITION OF AUG. 15-16: Dolores Wharton, wife of retired SUNY Chancellor Clifton R. Wharton Jr. and a captain of industry in her own right, serving on Fortune 500 board of directors, published her memoir, “A Multicultured Life,” published Sept. 1 on amazon.com, a companion piece to her husband’s 2015 “Privilege & Prejudice.” Our editorial page called it “an engaging, irresistible memoir of not quite a century of American life, as she and her husband moved from the nation’s black aristocracy to the heights of the American mainstream – in academe, industry and government. Theirs is a soaring life story of hard work, discipline, determination – and achievement. “

WEEK 34

EDITION OF AUG. 29-30: Just because summer was winding down doesn’t mean that life on the lake had to end! Ron Brown, proprietor of The Factory Store in downtown Cooperstown, and Caroline Jenner, a friend visiting from Pittsburgh, soak in the scenery from The Glimmerglass Queen’s observation deck.

WEEK 32

EDITION OF AUG. 22-23: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Anthony P. German, former commander of New York State’s armed forces, announced he will challenge U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-19, in the November 2020 Congressional elections. He poses with wife Diana in their home outside Oneonta, where they raised four children during the general’s service.

EDITION OF AUG. 8-9: Susquehanna Animal Shelter Executive Director Stacie Haynes and Rick Bliss, Lane Construction’s Cooperstown manager, confer Tuesday, Aug. 6, as the site of the future animal shelter on Route 28 was cleared. The groundbreaking was Aug. 24, and by year’s end the SQSPCA was well on its way to a $5 million fundraising goal.

For all your 2020 DIY projects We have what you need!

Happy

h

holidays From Zoe and the hundreds of other animals rescued and cared for with your support in 2019!

Visit Tuesday - Saturday Noon-5:00 PM 4841 State Highway, 28 Cooperstown, NY 13326 www.sqspca.org

munson’s 5662 State Highway 7, Oneonta

607-432-8756

www.munsonstruevalue.com

Experience Counts Wishing you a warm and Happy New Year.

Our business is customer satisfaction.

COlliersville, NY · www.suburbaNprOpaNe.COm

607-432-1903

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WEEK 38

EDITION OF SEPT 19-20: Hanzolo, the Cooperstown-based rock/funk group, brought the crowd to the stage and got folks dancing at Albany’s annual Pearlpalooza festival. From left are band members James Matson, Nick Summers, Joey Katz, and Carl and Jack Loewenguth. Hanzolo qualified to perform by winning WEQX’s Battle of the Bands the month before at Albany’s Skyloft.

WEEK 37

WEEK 39

EDITION OF SEPT. 12-13: David and Carlie Kindernedl relax by Hinman Hollow Creek in Milford, where they have begun building “Hippie Hollow,” a refuge from Otsego County’s madding crowd and modern life.

EDITION OF SEPT. 26-27: The wreckage of an XNG truck lies strewn along I-88, west of Binghamton after it crashed at 1 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23. The driver, who died in the crash, swerved to avoid a deer. It was the first fatality since the “virtual pipeline” began distributing fracked gas from Northeast Pennsylvania throughout the region.

(Broome County Sheriff’s Department photo)

Peter ArmAo

| tom ArmAo

Thank You!

“We thank our past, present and future customers for their support!

We pride ourselves on being Otsego County’s GMC and Nissan Dealerships providing the best service, quality and everything in-between”.

--Peter & Tom

Country Club motors and nissan 55 & 70 oneida street, oneonta · www.CountryClubautogroup.Com join us on: facebook and twitter

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WEEK 41 EDITION OF OCT. 10-11: SUNY Oneonta’s eighth president Dr. Barbara Jean Morris, center, is flanked by family members after her Saturday, Oct. 5, installation at the Dewar Arena.

From left are son-in-law Mohit Tiwari, daughter Moriah Sandy Tiwari, granddaughter Jaya Tiwari, sister Margie Fish and husband Robert Fish, mother Betty Morris, son Jacob Sandy, grandson Joshua Sandy, daughter Michaela Sandy and nephew Gregory Fish.

WEEK 40

WEEK 42

WEEK 44

EDITION OF OCT 3-4: Jennifer Kirkpatrick, sister of Gillian Gibbons, asked 50 supporters at a “Justice For Gillian” rally in Muller Plaza Saturday, Sept. 28, to send letters asking the state Parole Board to deny convicted murderer David Dart parole in the stabbing death of her sister, 18, in Oneonta’s Municipal Parking Garage 30 years ago. Dart was denied parole in November.

EDITION OF OCT. 17-18: Mary Margaret Sohns, who received a heart transplant after Lyme disease irreparably damaged hers, repaid the favor by raising more than $17,000 for the “Heart & Sole” walk in Verona, N.J. The money raised will help the heart failure and transplant teams at Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark.

EDITION OF OCT. 31-NOV. 1: Listen to the public, county Judge John Lambert, former village attorney, advises trustees as they weighed new zoning regulations in the village. Though dorms were taken off the list of special-use permits the trustees can approve, converting houses to apartments was voted to be an allowable use.

l a u n an

new Year’s Celebration sale!

JanuarY 1 through JanuarY 14

ALL Karastan carpet 10% off!

ALL daltile tile 10% off!

ALL Karndean vinyl plank 10% off!

remnant blowout!

Stephen Huffman Manager/Sales Mike Baldwin Sales

We give special thanks to the business & residential people in our region for making us the best flooring store in the area!

Check out our awesome selection of customized blinds and so muCh more!

a truCKloaD of remnants is on the way into the store for this sale!

25 off % 35 off %

ALL in-stock carpet rolls ALL remnants already marked

Family Owned and Operated

61 South Main Street, Oneonta 607-353-7433

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WEEK 47

EDITION OF NOV. 14-15: Maciej Zółtowski, one of the three finalists for conductor, rehearses with the Catskill Symphony Orchestra. Silas Huff and Carolyn Watson, both now at the University of Kansas, are also candidates. A decision is expected soon.

EDITION OF NOV. 21-22: Oneonta Police Chief Doug Brenner sorts through some of the 226 phony IDs seized in the weekend raid at the Sip & Sail Tavern, which was shut down for 53 violations by the state Liquor Authority.

EDITION OF NOV. 7-8: “I’ve prepared for a role like this my whole life,” says incoming Otesaga General Manager John Shideler.

A Colonial Williamsburg veteran, as is Jim Miles, who he will succeed Jan. 1, Shideler has been onsite since mid-summer, to ensure a smooth transition.

WEEK 49 EDITION OF DEC. 5-6: Oneonta’s Carla and Wayne Balnis, right, have obtained Bresee’s mechanical skaters that performed for years on Jim and Katherine Catella’s Belmont Circle front yard.

They hope to reconstruct the rink at their Gilbert Street property in the Sixth Ward.

WEEK 50 EDITION OF DEC. 12-13: Dan Buttermann joined the long tradition of ballet “en travesti” as Mother Ginger in The Fokine Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” a role previously played

by Jim Maloney and Andy Wentink, among others. At right is one of his three daughters, Malena.

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WEEK 51

EDITION OF DEC. 19-20: Nathan Waterfield, Cherry Valley, cuts through a 100-year-old blue spruce Tree at 8 Pine Boulevard on Tuesday, Dec 17. The tree, which was nearing power lines, was considered to be a hazard by homeowner Gayle Smith, who runs the Overlook Bed and Breakfast.

EDITIONS OF DEC. 26-27: A Mozart Mass in Latin, sung by the Voices of Cooperstown Saturday, Dec. 20, at Christ Episcopal Church, drew some 200 enthusiasts, excellent for an “off-year.” (The “on-year” is every other year, when the Voices sing Handel’s “Messiah,” always a hit.) At right, tenor Quinn Bernegger, the CCS graduate who is pursuing an opera career, was a guest performer. Other singers are, front row, Kerstin Green, left, and Martha Vaules. Middle row, Jean Fleck (partially hidden) and Audrey Murray. Back row, Laura Harris, left, and Jeanine Sabella.

YOUR LOCAL SOURCE LEAF

Proud to support healthy lifestyles!

Otsego County Alcohol & Other Drug Task Force

Reclaiming Lives • Strengthening Families Building Communities in Otsego County LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions is dedicated to helping create a community where children and adults can live in a healthy environment that is free from the effects of alcoholism and other addictive diseases.

www.leafinc.org • 607-432-0090

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church

39 Walnut Street, Oneonta 607-432-3920 · www.stmarysoneonta.org

Come and join us at Saint Mary’s Catholic Community for Christmas – the Birth of God We are looking forward to worshipping with you.

The Feast of the Holy Family Saturday, 28 December 2019 Mass for the Vigil – 5:00 pm

‘R

ing out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let her go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.’

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Much Happiness & Prosperity In The New Year!

From Your Friends At The Freeman’s Journal Hometown Oneonta & AllOTSEGO.com Ian Austin • Tara Barnwell • Libby Cudmore James Cummings • Tom Heitz • Jim Kevlin • Joe Kevlin John Kevlin, Megan Burke & Kyla and Brianna Alan Mayo • Kathleen Peters • Ivan Potocnik • Thom Rhodes Larissa Ryan • Sharon Stuart • Amanda Willsey

IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan “M.J.” Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-2017

You dream it, We print it.

Your LOCAL one-stop print shop Promote what makes your business awesome with our fully equipped custom print shop.

Sunday, 29 December 2019 Mass during the Day – 10:30 am The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Wednesday, 1 January 2020 Mass during the Day - 10:00 am

330 Pony Farm Road • Oneonta 607-432-0155

The Solemnity of the Epiphany Saturday, 4 January 2020 Mass for the Vigil – 5:00 pm Sunday, 5 January 2020 Mass during the Day – 10:30 am

Proud to Be Oneonta’s Only

Family Owned Funeral Home Check out our new website at www.stmarysoneonta.org and go to your APP Store to find the Saint Mary’s Church App.

• Traditional Services • Cremation Services • Prearrangement Planning

“Our family is committed to providing you with a personal as well as professional level of service and still maintain affordability” --John & Kathleen Pietrobono

51 Dietz Street, Oneonta • 607-432-1511 • www.lhpfuneralhome.com

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