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Cooperstown’s Newspaper
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COOPERSTOWN WINTER CARNIVAL HAS OLYMPIC THEME/ 3
For 206 Years
VISIT WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, January 23, 2014
Volume 206, No. 4
COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND
36% Hike Shocking Hartwick Taxpayers Supervisors Butler, Ryan Trade Blame By JIM KEVLIN
Newsstand Price $1
BOARD VP: ‘WE LISTENED’
CCS Shrinks Bond, Plans March Revote
HARTWICK The Freeman’s Journal
Traffic is crossing the Route 11C bridge between Hartwick Seminary and Phoenix Mills for the first time since April.
Traffic Flows Freely Again On 11C Span HARTWICK SEMINARY
T
en months after the 11 C bridge was damaged when a too-large truck became stuck in the steel beams, the bridge reopened at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. On Wednesday, March 21 2013, The 80-year-old trestle was damaged Wednesday March, 21, causing lengthy detours all summer. The temporary approaches to the new bridge will be repaved come spring, according to county Highway Superintendent Ron Tiderencel. RENERT INDICTED: An Otsego County grand jury Thursday, Jan. 16, indicted Barry Renert, 62, on attempted murder, second degree, and two other charges in the Dec. 23 gunplay at Seventh Inning Stretch. BLOOD NEEDED: Due to weather-related cancellations, an emergency blood drive is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Christ Episcopal Church’s social hall, 69 Fair St. Make an appointment at 1-800-red-cross or redcrossblood.org CAUCUS DUE: For results of the GOP’s 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at 22 Main to nominate candidates for the March 18 village election, check WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM
A
fter four years of dipping into a $1.7 million budget surplus – originally, the equivalent of the annual budget – the Town of Hartwick ran dry. Then came the final surprise, according to Town Supervisor David Butler: The town’s annual $55,000 contribution to the state pension fund was doubled this year to $110,000. “It just came to a head,” said the second-term supervisor. “We don’t have a surplus to work with.” So when town property owners opened their tax bills in recent days, they found a surprise: a 36 percent increase over the year before. The news brought two dozen residents to the town board’s monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 13, but there’s nothing that can be done: Once bills are sent out, they cannot be changed. “It’s water under the bridge,” said Butler. An indication of trouble to come arrived last September in the form of the state Comptroller’s Office’s Please See AUDIT, A7
Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal
CCS School Board Vice President Mary Leonard, third from right, chairing in President Dave Borgstrom’s absence, announces a $5.959 million bond issue will go to a public vote on Wednesday, March 12. Others are, from left, board members Jean Schifano, Andy Marietta and Tony Scalici, Superintendent of Schools C.J. Hebert, and board members Marcy Birch and Theresa Russo.
Town of Hartwick’s Tax Hike Figured In School Board Paring
COOPERSTOWN
T
he Village of Cooperstown is finally getting its due, said Mayor Jeff Katz after receiving word that a $2 million federal transportation grant will allow the full
or details of the CCS $5.959 million bond issue to be voted on Wednesday, March 12, visit WWW.ALLOTSEGO.COM
COOPERSTOWN
A
fter paring 10 percent off the bond issue that voters defeated by an unusual 180-180 tie in early December, the CCS board voted Wednesday, Jan. 15, to send the pro-
$2 Million To Pay For All Sidewalks By JIM KEVLIN
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By JIM KEVLIN
plan to fix-up Main Street to go forward. “Pushing the argument of Cooperstown, and its importance, is how Katz we got this grant,” said Katz. Village Please See GRANT, A6
posal back to the voters Wednesday, March 12. “We listened to what (voters) said,” said CCS Board Vice Chair Mary Leonard in announcing the decision.
In deliberations, the school board identified three areas that came in for the most criticism in the original $6.6 million proposal and removed them from the new $5.959 million proposal, Leonard said. They were: installing acoustical tiling in classrooms, installing energy-efficient LED lights in the high school Please See BOND, A7
Bank Of Cooperstown Closes On Branch ONEONTA
T
he Bank of Cooperstown closed the deal Monday, Jan. 20, on land in Oneonta that will be home to the 5year-old institution’s first branch. Announcing the news a couple of hours later, Bank President Scott White said work – in the form of asbestos remediation on two buildings that will be razed – had already begun. All approvals – from the state DepartJim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal ment of Financial Services and FDIC, as Bank of Cooperstown President well as zoning and planning approvals from Scott White holds up an artist’s renPlease See BANK, A6 dering of the Oneonta branch.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014
A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
LOCALS
PRIVATIZED TOURISM BOARD HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING
ELLEN WEIR REDISCOVERS PHOTO OF MOUSEKETEERS AT CLARK GYM
Ellen White Weir was cleaning out some boxes the other day and ran across this 1950s photo of the local chapter of the Mouseketeers. She identified some, but not all, of the following: front row, from left, Claire Parsons, unknown, unknown, Judy Devinny, Mary Pugliese and Pam Welch; back row, from left, Jane Adsit, Ellen White Weir, Mildy (now Cleo) Mook, Diane Kull, Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal Lenny Pugliese (uncertain), last name Guiney, The newly privatized Destination Marketing Corp. for Otsego County board met for the first time Patty Hollis. The club would meet at the Clark Friday, Jan. 27, at The Otesaga. Surrounding Otesaga General Manager Jim Miles, who chairs the Gym and train on Esther-Williams-like water-balnew entity, are, from left, Executive Director Deb Taylor, Board Member Bob Holt, Best Western; let moves. If you can identify any of the others, Vice President Bill Michaels, Fly Creek Cider Mill; Secretary Carol Blazina, Foothills Performing please e-mail jimk@allotsego.com Arts Center; Treasurer Ken Meifert, National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Board Member Pat Szarpa, Cooperstown Chamber. Other board members are Barbara Ann Heegan, Otsego Chamber, and Paul DEAN’S CHOICE: Lawrence, Courtyard by Marriott. County Board Chair Kathy Clark, R-Otego, will appoint a final Stephanie Loucks of Cherry member to represent the county. DMC replaces the county Tourism Office.
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Valley, an accounting major, and Lucas Vanriper of Richfield Springs, a mechanical engineering technology major, are on the Academic Honors list at SUNY-IT for the fall semester. HONORED: Michele Jones of Cooperstown, a nursing major, is on the President’s List at SUNY-IT for the fall semester. NELSON LAUDED: Julia A. Nelson of Fly Creek, a senior in the School of Art & Design at Alfred University, is on the Dean’s List for the fall semester SHELTON SHINES: Jessica J. Shelton, daughter of Marianne Rae of Cooperstown and Robert Shelton of Oneonta, has been named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the 2013 fall semester. Shelton, a junior math major, was among the top five grads in CCS’ Class of 2011.
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THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-3
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 23-24, 2014
WINTER CARNIVAL 2014 CELEBRATE WINTER OLYMPICS! Winter Carnival Coloring Contest! Rules & Regulations
1. Contest open to children 12 and under. 2. Prizes awarded to the top three in each of the following age groups: 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12.
4. All entries must be submitted by noon on Sunday, Feb. 9. Winners will be announced at the Carnival Closer at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 at Cooperstown Back Alley Grille.
3. One entry allowed per person.
You do not need to be present to receive your prize!
Entries can be dropped off or mailed to The Freeman’s Journal Office, 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown, by Feb. 7, or dropped off at the Carnival Kiosk in Pioneer Park during the Winter Carnival Feb. 7 - 10, or mailed to PO Box 912, Cooperstown, NY, 13326. All entries must be received by Feb. 8.
COLORING CONTEST ENTRY FORM
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Address: Phone: Age:
Carnival 2014
Winter OlympiCs
(607) 547-1228
Winter Carnival Wine Tasting
48th AnnuAl Cooperstown winter CArnivAl FebruAry 7, 8, 9
Sat.Feb Feb 89 Sat. 212- 4- PM 4
2014 Winter Carnival
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StoP by aND See uS DuriNg the WiNter CarNivaL oN Feb. 8th at 8Pm & eNjoy Some CLaSSiC roCk by FoLDiNg Sky!
Cooperstown Natural Foods Extensive Grocery Selection Gourmet Specialty Items
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Book-Signing Raises $1,654 For Food Bank COOPERSTOWN
Name:
Church&&Scott Scott Pharmacy Church Pharmacy
Paul Donnelly/The Freeman’s Journal
Bill Waller poses with Audrey Murray, director, Cooperstown Food Bank, at the fundraiser.
Celebrate Winter Olympics!
udding author and fundraiser Bill Waller fell $47 below his goal. Waller, the former village Republican chair, has just published his first novel, “Tables from Table Number One,” and held a benefit at The Tunnicliff Saturday evening, Jan. 19, to raise money for the Cooperstown Food Bank. His goal: To raise more than $1,700, the amount his wife, former Mayor Carol B. Waller, raised at her Downton Abbey party last fall at their Mohican Flowers shop. For more than an hour, Bill autographed copies of his book for benefit-goers. But when he tallied the donations, they totalled $1,654, just short of his goal. The Food Bank, represented by director Audrey Murray, was grateful nonetheless. Frank Leo, Tunnicliff proprietor, and wife Leigh provided the refreshments. And Marge Landers, virtuoso cake-maker, baked one of her specialties for the occasion. ON DEAN’S LIST: Elisabeth Emhof, a freshman Theatre Arts major from Edmeston, is on the Dean’s List at Bob Jones University for the fall semester. ON DEAN’S LIST: Erin O’Mahony, Cooperstown, a visual arts major, and Meghan Murphy, Garrattsville, a psychology major, are on the Dean’s List at SUNY Potsdam for the fall semester.
Medallion Hunt! WIN $500!!
A medallion is hidden somewhere in Cooperstown!!!
Here Is tHe fIrst Clue!!!
This year’s theme is The Winter Olympics, So let’s start off with some of the specifics, Only on village property will you find our hidden treasure, The clock is ticking so start searching for good measure. $500 dollars to the person that wins, There’s no need to put on a swimsuit and fins, Our little Gold Medal is waiting to be found, So stay dry, dress warmly and start searching around. The next clue will appear in the Freeman’s Journal & Hometown Oneonta on Jan. 31. Get Your Copy on Thursdays • 21 Railroad Ave. Cooperstown. here Are the rules 1. WHERE: Medallion will only be hidden on Village Public Property. a. Medallion will NOT be hidden on private property. b. Medallion will NOT be hidden on Doubleday Field. c. Medallion will NOT be hidden in any construction sites. **No Village property will be dug up or destroyed during the Medallion Hunt.
3. WHEN: Clues about the location will be published by the Freeman’s Journal for three weeks prior to Winter Carnival. a. When the medallion is found, the finder must immediately return it to the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Commitee, by calling 315-272-5023 b. The winner will be 2. WHO: required to execute and Anyone can participate in the Medallion return a CERTIFICATE OF Hunt, EXCEPT: a. Immediate family members of the Winter ELIGIBILITY and GENERAL Carnival Committee are INELIGIBLE to win RELEASE FORM within 14 days of notification. If the Medallion Hunt prize. winner is under the age of b. All constants under the age of 18 must have permission of a parent or guardian to 18, the Certificate must be signed by his or her participate in the hunt. c. All contestants agree that the Freeman’s parent or guardian. NonJournal and the Cooperstown Winter Carni- compliance may result in val Committee, their advertisers and agents, disqualification. c. If medallion is not found and the Village of Cooperstown and town by the Carnival Closer of Otsego will have no liability whatsoever, at the end of the Winter and will be held harmless by contestants Carnival, the prize money of any injuries, losses or damages of any will be donated to a local kind resulting in whole, of in part, directly charity (decided by Winter or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of the prizes or participation Carnival Committee) in this contests.
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y o j n E e
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Perspectives
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014
A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
EDITORIALS
Allstadt, Northrup Dampen Urgency Of Anti-Fracking...
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racking is dead in Otsego County. Long live antifracking! That was the mixed message that came out of the debatechanging “Shale Gas Potential in New York: Limited Production Doesn’t Preclude Possible Negative Impacts,” Friday, Jan. 17, at Foothills. The fracking-is-dead part was completely convincing. • Chip Northrup, the Dallas oilman who has a summer place in Cooperstown, contrasted “DEC” with “reality” in his Power Point. The state predicted 42,126 wells and 53,969 jobs; it now looks like fracking could, at best, produce 1,409 wells and 3,100 jobs, mostly just west of Binghamton. “If you use the wrong premise – as DEC did – that’s how you come up with the wrong numbers,” Northrup said. • Brian Brock, Franklin, a geologist, showed how formations underneath Otsego and Delaware counties won’t yield significant natural gas. • Retired engineer Jerry Acton, from Berkshire, Tioga County, showed how extensive data on drilling in Pennsylvania indicates the farther away from the “sweet spot” in Northeast Pennsylvania, the less gas. He further tied it to the depth and width of the Marcel-
A
Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal
Preparing to field questions in Foothills’ main theater after their presentation exploring fracking’s limits in New York State are, from right, Lou Allstadt, Chip Northrup, Jerry Acton and Brian Brock. Emceeing at left is Tony Ingraffea, the Cornell engineering professor who has been arguing that leakage makes methane a worse greenhouse gas than smoke from coal.
lus formation. He then overlaid the data on New York State, showing how only that strip along the Pennsylvania border promises
to yield profitable levels of natural gas. • Lou Allstadt, Cooperstown, the retired Mobil executive
president, administered the coup de grace, detailing how every company, from the majors to now-bankrupt Gastem, pulled out
of New York’s Marcellus field generally, and Otsego County in particular. “There isn’t much gas in New York that’s worth chasing,” he said. Just as some of the folks who sat through the 2½-hour presentation must have been feeling relief to be able to close the door on fears of fracking, Allstadt incongruously declared, “We really need a statewide ban.” The crowd broke into applause. Even with fracking limited to Pennsylvania, impacts are still possible here, Allstadt continued. Inhaling dust from sand and silica stockpiles. Fracking “brine” used to control dust on Upstate roads. Disposal wells. Leaking pipes. The Foothills presentation, debuted at Cornell on Oct. 30, will be rolled out again Tuesday, March 4, before the state Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, with the idea of moving a statewide fracking ban forward. If folks have the time and motivation to pursue this, fine. But if there’s no Dodo in New York State, why ban Dodos? If there’s insufficient gas to frack, why ban fracking? (Certainly, regulations should be put in place to protect Upstate from brine and other negative impacts.) Let’s refocus our energies.
...So Let’s Invest ‘No-Fracking Dividend’ In Wider Good
s it happened, two days before, Bruce Seifer, Burlington, Vt.’s longtime economic developer, offered plentiful outlets for anyone with excess energies in a similarly well-attended lecture in venerable Courtroom #1 in the Cooperstown courthouse, “Sustainable Communities: Creating a Durable Local Economy.” Entering Burlington’s City Hall four decades ago when now-U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders was the socialist mayor, Seifer was involved in strategic planning on how to improve the lives of “working people, the elderly and the poor.” Curiously, that resulted in a better city for everyone. Today, Burlington’s median household income, $43,000, is 22 percent
higher than the City of Oneonta’s $36,000. A sustainable city included some regulation: For instance, when multi-unit housing changes hands, new owners have a year to implement energy efficiencies. Seifer said that’s saved city dwellers $20 million over the years. What was interesting, though, is that much of “sustainable” development is very similar to regular development: It’s people coming together to identify and implement good ideas. City Hall had a muscular rotating loan fund. And job training to meet new employers’ needs was embraced. The “Sanderistas” also determined to create a complete community, walkable, with a range of housing, jobs and amenities for
City Market, the largest entity of its kinds in the country. Redeveloping the former railyards on the waterfront – the view across Lake Champlain includes 72 Adirondack peaks – created housing for hundreds. A nearby pot-holed industrial area was redeveloped. Create synergies, and things happen. At the 1997 South End Art Hop, which brings tens of Bruce Seifer tells a nearly thousands to the city, then-Mayor filled Courtroom #1 how BurPeter Clavelle, Sanders’ succeslington, Vt., became “one of sor, ran into Mark Bonfligi; they the most viable cities in the met and hit it off, and City Hall U.S.” helped Bonfligi develop Dealer. all incomes. When the downtown com, which does websites for auto supermarket moved away, City dealers nationally, grow to employ Hall commissioned a market surmany hundreds. vey – essential to any undertaking, These ideas and many more are Seifer said – that resulted in a cocontained in Seifer’s new book, op that grew into the full-service
“Sustainable Communities”; order it through The Green Toad. The City of Oneonta is showing some of this same suppleness; only Burlington is decades ahead. • What was impressive is that both these gatherings – in the courthouse on Wednesday and Foothills on Friday – drew more than 150 people on snowy nights to contemplate issues of community betterment. That’s community muscle. People care. It’s great news that fracking can’t happen here. Kudos to Allstadt, Northrup, Acton and Brock. But Burlington can happen here. Let’s cash in the No-Fracking Dividend, and refocus those energies on creating a better local world.
LETTERS
Reasoning Species Must Be Able To Do Better
OUNDED
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For 206 Years
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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher
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Cooperstown’s Newspaper
who art on earth. All that we are is from their gift. To ensure that life procreates the sexual drive instilled in our DNA is powerful. We must learn from other species in order to know our place. Weights being placed on the left are: When
JU
To the Editor: Over population is one of the greatest problems humanity will have to face. The scale of justice is just that, “on scale.” Weights being placed on the right are: Life is the greatest gift from our father and mother
Mary Joan Kevlin Associate Publisher
Tara Barnwell Advertising Director
Thom Rhodes • Susan Straub Area Advertising Consultants Libby Cudmore • Richard Whitby Reporters Kathleen Peters • Dan Knickerbocker Graphics
Ian Austin Photographer Tom Heitz Consultant
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Town of Cherry Valley • Town of Middlefield Cooperstown Central School District Subscriptions Rates: Otsego County, $48 a year. All other areas, $65 a year. First Class Subscription, $130 a year. Published Thursdays 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 Contents © Iron String Press, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at USPS Cooperstown 40 Main St., Cooperstown NY 13326-9598 USPS Permit Number 018-449 Postmaster Send Address Changes To: Box 890, Cooperstown NY 13326 _____________ Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of Judge Cooper is in The Fenimore Art Museum
any species over procreates there is an eventual backlash. This backlash comes in many forms, the most resounding is food supply. The next backlash is living space. Another is the destruction of the environment. When exceeding the limits of sustainability, the quality of life erodes. One country that has taken unprecedented action is China. I applaud their purpose, perhaps not so much their method. The U.S. Congress has responded with unkind statements. I will be clear as can possible be stated, “If you are standing on lands your ancestors stole from other peoples because there was an overpopulating of your ancestral homeland, what right do you have to tell China what to do?” To rely on war and disease to curb overpopulation is totally unacceptable for a reasoning species. We must take responsible, knowledgeable, and assertive action to maintain prolonged sustainability. GERRY WELCH Cooperstown
It Took Village To Celebrate Holiday
To the Editor: A HUGE Thank you! As can be seen from the list below, it truly takes a village to bring Christmas cheer to our village. Thank you, from the Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee, to all the volunteers whose time and services made it possible for us to decorate Main Street and bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to town. Santa and Mrs. Claus sends a special shout out to: • Arrival Night - Mike DeSimone, Bucky Graham & Ray Snyder • Wagon - Greg and Ari Hall and their gallant steeds
Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Police and the Village Police Rick Kelly & the National Baseball Hall of Fame • Exquisite Village Tree - Joe Middleton and the Leatherstocking Corp, Tim and Jack Adams, Chris Graham and Tallman Tree Service • Sound System - Mark LaValley, Bill Waller & Jeff Katz • Sleigh - Chris Chandler • New Cottage Ornaments - Bill & Janet Rigby • Hot Chocolate Donations - Stagecoach Coffee and the Grady Boys and members of the
Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce • Cookie Donations - Linda & John Smirk, Patti & Steve D’Esposito, Pathfinder Village Bakers, Peter Bissell Hot Chocolate & Cookie Servers - Mary Beth Dow & Josh McMahon of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Duffy, John Henry Aborn, Sister Hanson & Sister Rasmussen, L.D.S., Lisa Mooney and the St. Mary’s Youth Group: Molly, Kelly & Reilly Mooney, The McGoldrick Family, Victoria Sacci, Don Please See LETTER, A6
Concrete Core Will Solidify Real Stone Wall To the Editor: Thank you in advance for clarifying this matter. The article describing the work to replace the wall at the Iroquois Farm property, located across Susquehanna Avenue from the Clark Sports Center, includes a few points requiring correction. First, The Clark Foundation, not the Leatherstocking
Corp., is the owner of the site and responsible for the work being performed. Second, the wall is not being constructed with a stone lining, as reported. The wall will have stone placed on all sides of the reinforced concrete wall described in the article. It will not be a thin lining or veneer. The structural
wall replaces a cavity that allowed water to infiltrate the structure which led to the problems reported in the article. Thank you for your attention in this matter. JOE R. MIDDLETON Senior Vice President Leatherstocking Corp. Cooperstown
AllOTSEGO.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOME • E-MAIL THEM TO info@
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014
BOUND VOLUMES Compiled by Tom Heitz from Freeman’s Journal archives, Courtesy of The New York State Historical Association Library
200 YEARS AGO
Report from Congress – House of Representatives, Friday, January 7, 1814: Mr. Wheaton, of Massachusetts, presented a petition of Paul Cuffee, a free colored man, who states, that from the motives of religion and humanity he has been induced to attempt the civilization of the inhabitants of the African continent, and praying permission for a vessel to depart from the United States to Sierra Leone for the purpose of carrying a number of families of free colored people to effect the object of his undertaking – Referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures. January 22, 1814
175 YEARS AGO
will be done by two disinterested people picked from the audience. After that a game of musical chairs for women will be played. At 9 o’clock Arthur Meechan of this village will give a demonstration of figure skating, to be followed by a musical game of chairs for men. Dancing will follow in the Inn from 10 o’clock until midnight. January 25, 1939
50 YEARS AGO
150 YEARS AGO
An old subscriber, Mr. William Crandal of Exeter, sends pay for the 56th year of his subscription to the Journal. He says: “I am 82 years old and partially bereft of sight; but I should feel lonely without the Journal, which I have taken ever since the late Col. Prentiss came to Cooperstown. (Ed. Note: In 1838, while John Prentiss was away serving the district as U.S. Congressman, William Crandal substituted as Editor of the Journal) Deserter shot – Officer Selah Fish went to Pittsfield, Otsego County, on Sunday to arrest a deserter named Brown. He entered the house where the young man was stopping and found him in the company of his father. On stating his business, the two made an attack upon him, one of them striking him with a knife. The deserter then tried to escape when Mr. Fish fired upon him. The first shot struck him in the arm, above the elbow; the second in the leg below the knee; the third, which stopped him, in the thigh. Brown was brought to Norwich and lodged in jail, and on Monday the balls were taken out. He was pretty badly hurt. January 22, 1864
125 YEARS AGO
Local – The wants of the excellent Fire Department of Cooperstown were the main cause of the erection of the handsome village public building on Chestnut Street, and in supplying this need a commodious Hall was also secured. It was first opened on Friday evening last, when upwards of 700 people gathered at the Concert and a majority remained at the dedication Ball – music by the Albany Lyceum Concert Co. and Gartland’s Tenth Regiment Orchestra – given under direction and management of the fire department. The Hall is of fine proportions, is well lighted by electricity, warmed by a furnace, and the acoustic properties are excel-
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January 28, 1839 lent. The expense incurred in its erection is now regretted by no one. January 25, 1889
100 YEARS AGO
Aviation’s death toll in 1913 was the heaviest of any year, as was to be expected, as more birdmen were making flights. In 1912, there were 140 aviation fatalities, while there were 192 deaths in 1913. Up to 1912, there had been 114 deaths. In 1913, there were 26 deaths from aviation in the United States, 18 in Great Britain, 61 in Germany, 51 in France and 36 in various other countries. Of the deaths, 12 were from drowning after falling from the air, 157 were killed by the impact of falling to earth, nine were burned to death and of the 14 others who were killed in various ways nine were spectators who were watching the birdmen. January 21, 1914
75 YEARS AGO
Plans are complete for the Ice Carnival to be held at the Cooper Inn rink on Wednesday night. The program of events will start at 8:15 o’clock with a revue by the Cooperstown Girls’ sextet composed of the Misses Nicci Sozzi, Mary McGown, Doris Blanchard, Mary Davidson, Barbara Hall and Connie Armitage. At 8:30 o’clock a grand parade will be held and prizes will be given for the most original costumes worn by men and women. The judging
Five men who recently joined the Cooperstown Rotary Club were formally inducted at the club’s regular weekly luncheon at the Hotel Otesaga on Tuesday of this week. They were Edward C. Smith, J. Edgar Badgley, Frank E. Demaree, Malcolm M. Brooks, and Frederick L. Reynolds. Frank C. Carpenter, a 40-year member of the club, spoke briefly on the aims and objects of Rotary, pointing his remarks especially at the new members. He emphasized the role the individual Rotarian must play if he is to live the spirit of the Rotary code. John A. Sill reviewed many of the projects in which the club has been involved in more than four decades of existence. Mr. Sill said the club recently undertook development of a student exchange program. January 22, 1964
25 YEARS AGO
The fate of the trolley transportation system in the village this summer will be determined in the next few weeks when the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce decides whether or not to endorse the project. Chamber representatives and members of the village parking committee, led by trustee Pamela Washburn, have been meeting to work out an agreement. The Chamber has been seeking “major support” from the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmers’ Museum and the Fenimore House, according to the Chamber’s spokesman, Irving “Peter” Day. January 25, 1989
10 YEARS AGO
Last Saturday, January 10, Otsego Lake was officially closed for the season. With temperatures falling well below zero, the lake was completely frozen with ice. Recent years have seen the lake close around the same date, if at all, including January 14 in 2003; December 29 in 2001; and December 19 in 2000. The lake did not close in 2002. “Uncovered: The Whole Truth about Iraq” will be shown to the public at the Otsego County Courthouse on February 11 at 7:30 p.m. A discussion will be moderated by Paul Scheele, SUNY Oneonta political science professor emeritus. January 23, 2004
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DAILY FOR BREAKING NEWS OF OTSEGO COUNTY
THURSDAY, JAN. 23, 2014
A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL
Bank’s New Oneonta Branch Is A Go BANK/From A1 City Hall (“It was very nice that that went quickly”) – are in hand, he said. In the weeks ahead, 34 and 36 Main street, homes across from River Street that had been broken into apartments and shops, will be demolished. White said he hopes to cut the ribbon on the new building by midJuly. The Bank of Cooperstown is aiming to open its Oneonta’s Eastman Conbranch at 34-36 Main St. by mid-July. struction won the contract to erect the new structure, service, he said. President Chris Amos will designed by Studio 109 In addition to Eastman, split each day between Designs, an affiliate of PW the bank is seeking to use as Cooperstown headquarters Campbell Engineers of many Oneonta vendors as and the branch. Pittsburgh, which specialpossible on the new struc“It’s a natural expansion izes in such projects. ture, the bank president said. for the bank,” said White, “The architectural idea is To start, three new who has been the venture’s to pay homage to Oneonta’s employees are anticipated: top executive since the railroad history,” said White. a branch manager/new beginning. We have clients The roof overhangs, winaccounts officer, a new acthere and we wanted to be dows and the clocktower counts officer/teller, and a able to serve them – and I echo depots of yesteryear. teller. think there’s an opportunity The clock will be illumiWhite said he and Vice for us to grow there.” nate “24-7” as a community
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R E A LT Y
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$2 Million Federal Grant To Allow Village To Finish Main Street Redo GRANT/From A1` Clerk Teri Barown was alerted to the award last week. The village had obtained $600,000 toward the $2 million price tag in the 2012 round of state economicdevelopment grants to pay for sidewalk replacement between Hoffman Lane and the Cooperstown Diner on the northside, and Fair and Chestnut on the south side. The new money means that, by the end of 2015, the sidewalks will be completed between Chestnut and Fair, plus the sidewalks on both sides of Pioneer Street. Pioneer “wasn’t part of the original equation,” said Trustee Cindy Falk, who chairs the Streets & Buildings Committee, “but it’s part of a unified whole.” Additionally, the new money will allow the longawaited reconfiguration of the Main-Chestnut intersection. The length of the crosswalk there has discouraged shoppers from crossing to upper Main Street stores. Plus, the money will bury
By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA
K
eeping with the everimproving looks of downtown Oneonta, the James Georgeson Avenue entrance to Neahwa Park is due for its own facelift. “When people come from downtown to a ballgame in Damaschke Field, we want to give them a professional image in a welcoming community,” said City Manager Mike Long. In recent days, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $227,692 for that purpose, part of $67 million distributed statewide for bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use paths. Long, along with Jeff House, Housing Rehabilita-
John Mitchell Real Estate
216 Main Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-8551 • 607-547-1029 (fax) www.johnmitchellrealestate.com • info@johnmitchellrealestate.com Dave LaDuke, Broker 607-435-2405
607-547-4045
Patricia Ashley – Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
Mike Winslow, Broker 607-435-0183 Laura Coleman 607-437-4881
Visit us on the Web at www.ashleyconnorrealty.com Contact us at info@ashleyconnorrealty.com For APPoiNtmeNt: Patti Ashley, Broker, 607-437-1149 • Jack Foster, Sales
Agent, 607-547-5304 Donna Skinner, Associate Broker, 607-547-8288 Amy Stack, Sales Agent, 607-435-0125 • Chris Patterson, Sales Agent, 518-774-8175
intervenes. When the state grant, acquired through the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Commission’s CFA process, covered only one-third of the project’s cost, Falk began looking at options. She, Katz and Trustee Lou Allstadt attended a grantsmanship training session at the state Department of Transportation regional offices in Binghamton, then applied for money through a Federal Highway Administration program that expires this year. Falk said letters of support from Congressman Chris Gibson, R-19, and others helped focus attention on the local effort. Katz said the reception at the DOT training session was encouraging, and underscored the importance of outreach. “We’re from Cooperstown. We want to be involved,” is the message the local trio delivered, said Katz. “The reaction we got: We would love to help Cooperstown.”
Same Program Helps Neahwa Park Upgrade
29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY
Just Reduced — This 4,000+- square foot contemporary home was built in 1987, sits on 16 or so acres with a stream and pond and has glorious views of Fly Creek Valley. The spacious main floor offers an entry way with sweeping staircase, office or guest room, 3/4 bath, large kitchen with breakfast bar and dining area, pantry closet, family room with cherry built-ins and bar, back entry with mudroom, laundry and half-bath off the two-car attached garage. There is a formal dining room, a large living room, master suite which includes a hot tub room with skylights, walk-in closet and soaking tub. Decks, some private, open off the back of the downstairs with nice spots for sunset watching. Upstairs is a large hallway with lots of linen and storage closets, a full bath plus two large bedrooms, one which has an attached playroom. Lots of walk-in attic storage. The fully finished basement has several large rooms for play and exercise, each open to the other as well as a workshop with outside entrance. This very livable home is being sold“as is”at a very acceptable price. Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty $280,000
remaining utilities downtown, add benches, bike racks, signage and new trash cans, and will allow Falk the restoration of the street lamps. Plus, the dead tree that has been an ad hoc utility pole in front of the post office for years now will finally be removed. The bids on the first phase – this summer’s work – is due to be let at the trustees’ January meeting, Monday the 27th, Falk said. The contractor intends to begin work as soon as weather allows, but to have everything back in place by the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend, when the annual Classic game marks the beginning of the Hall of Fame’s 75th anniversary. Work will then resume after Labor Day Weekend, with the idea of completing as much of it as possible before the weather again
New Year, New Improved Price! MLS#89813 Middlefield $275,000 Enjoy country living with Outstanding Views in this well maintained raised ranch style home. Plenty of room for the whole Family with 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths,and a Bright Sunny Kitchen with access to large deck, perfect for entertaining. The Dining Area with gleaming hardwood floor has a brick fireplace with wood burning stove for chilly nights. Bright and airy this home rests nicely on 17 acres of park like country side, with perennial gardens and a pond. The Detached newer garage has plenty of room for work shop and storage. Privacy Plus on this quiet country road located minutes from the Village of Cooperstown, and Bassett Hospital.
Chris Vuolo 607-376-1201 Brian Guzy 607-547-7161 Joe Valette 607-437-5745 John LaDuke 607-547-8551 Madeline K. Woerner 607-434-3697
tion specialist, applied for a grant from the state Department of Transportation to put in sidewalks, bike paths, curbing and signage on the entrance in hopes of attracting more people to the park. “It’s as important an entrance to the park as the River Street side,” said House. “But right now, there’s no pedestrian access, no sidewalk, and it’s a little ugly.” In June 2013, the LA Group in Syracuse was hired to make a master plan for Neahwa and Catella parks that included a dog park, a gazebo, a splash park and new trees. “The Neahwa and Catella entrance was floated as a high priority,” said Long. “Pedestrians are walking in the street,” said House. “We want to make sidewalks that can double as bike paths, that are wide
enough for wheelchairs and families with strollers.” Additionally, the lack of proper curbing causes problems in the park’s entrance. “Right now, the truck entrance to the fueling station is wide open,” said House. “Trucks go in haphazardly, and when they come out, it brings them right where people are walking.” They applied for the grant in August, and received word Monday, Jan. 20, that they were part of the $67 million dollars of funding statewide. “It’s a good project,” said Long. “I think we kept costs reasonable.” The grant program, aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle access as well as improving public transportation, awarded Oneonta 80 percent of the estimated $284,615 project total, as part of the ongoing parks master plan.
It DID Take A Village To Celebrate Christmas LETTER/From A4 na Borgstrom for organizing the Leo Club, Katherine Borgstrom, Caroline Gilligan, Christin Hascup, Tess, Tara & Lincoln DiLorenzo, Lizzie Falk and others who did not leave their names but came and stood in the cold and helped. Additionally, heartfelt thanks go to: Bill & Brenda Michaels & The Fly Creek Cider Mill for hot cider Molly Myers & Mike Hodgman for serving the Hot Cider Joaquim Landry, who helped organize the decorating of lampposts Kap’s Krew for lightning fast electrical service, The Tunnicliff Inn for so, so much, Tom Franck and Katie Booan for being such characters, Ann and Rachel, Brian Kelly and Crew, Mr. Sal and his tuneful teenagers, Dave Pep
and his merry band of elves, Mohican Flowers, Ron Jex and the General Store, Doug Thompson, Chris and Jay Hardman, Chris Satriano, Meg and Martin Tillapaugh, Leo Club, Global History Honors Class, Brian Clancy and the Village crew, Katie Lambert and the Angel Network and Quincey Chase and her father, Michael, who cut and delivered all the beautiful greens for Santa’s cottage. You guys (and gals) are all AWESOME!!!! Thank you also to all of you who sent donations, who helped decorate lampposts, who came to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus on arrival night. Peace, health and happiness in the new year from the CCCC. PEG LEON Cooperstown
Home Of The Week Lovely family home in park like setting; woods stream, and pond great for outdoor activity. Newly constructed two car garage ideal for a shop or to park your extra toys. Just minutes from Cooperstown. 4 BR, 3 Bath, and 12.7 acres. MLS #92120 Offered at $175,000
John J. Mitchell, Realtor Cooperstown Realty 265 County Highway 59 Cooperstown, NY 13326 Primary: 843-457-3968 Secondary: 607-435-4093
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-7
THURSDAY, JAN. 23, 2014
Hartwick Town Taxes Rise By 36%
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“There is concern right now about how some people can stay in their homes,” said board member Marcy Birch, who lives on the Hartwick side of Toddsville. Hebert said the school board is planning an outreach effort to educate voters about the need for the bond issue prior to the March 12 voting. That includes consideration of opening the polls early so people can cast ballots on their way to work in the morning. The 360 people who voters in the Dec. 11 referendum was low compared to past CCS votes, where as many as 900 ballots have been cast. Since the bond issue defeat, Hebert said many people have approached him, some saying they simply forgot the balloting was that day.
said. The surplus still stood at $700,000 in 2010, she said, but at the September 2011 town board meeting, according to minutes on the Town of Hartwick home page, she walked out, objecting to expenditures that she considered too great, Ryan said. The remaining board reopened the meeting and, she said, hired the town’s administrative assistant, Tavis Austin, at $42,000, and spent $100,000 on a fire truck, “which I felt we couldn’t afford.” Ryan was defeated by Butler that fall, and ran unsuccessfully against him this past fall.
JU
The goal of the expanded tech lab is to prepare local students to take advantage of the state’s $1 billion nanotechnology investment in SUNY-IT and the UticaRome economy. With the district’s building-aid ratio of 71 percent, local taxpayers will be responsible for only 29 percent of the expense, or $1.73 million. That will amount to about 18 cents a year per $1,000 assessment, or $180 in taxes on a $100,000 home. The particulars of the new proposal were worked out in a meeting of the Operations & Grounds Committee, a committee of the whole that convened before the regular board meeting. According to Leonard and Hebert, news that Town of Hartwick taxes are going up 36 percent was pause for thought, and convinced the school board to make the cuts that it did.
L
BOND/From A-1 and elementary gyms, and replacing the parking lots. Those items totalled $641,000. Most of the remaining are “structural maintenance or investments in infrastructure” in the half-century-old school complexes, said Superintendent of Schools C.J. Hebert. The proposed expenditures, he said, are “not flashy.” They range from an oil tank removal ($38,000) and bleacher replacement ($540,000) to replacing a storm drainage pipe ($193,000) and painting the bus garage ($75,000). The one programmatic item, renovating the shop area into a technology/ music room ($537,000), remains untouched because it is “a critical investment in the future that we could not take out in good conscience,” Hebert said.
E WIL
New Technology Lab Aims To Prepare Students For Careers In Nanotechnology
tion of the town and said board has too long relied upon the financial recommendation and guidance of its (past) CEO in making financial decisions,” Butler wrote. “This past practice will not continue.” For her part, Ryan, who was resisted by the majority of the Town Board during her four-year tenure, said the board insisted on spending money she didn’t believe it had. “They just kept pulling funds out,” she said. The process began in 2009, Ryan said, when she asked the state Comptroller’s Office what to do about the surplus that had reached 100 percent of the annual town budget. She was told, “spend it down.” She began to do that, buying a highway truck, a broom sweeper, a sander. “We really upgraded out highway department,” she
DG
Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal
Mira Miller-O’Conner, 3, of Cooperstown, crawls through a play tunnel Saturday, Jan. 18, on the opening day of The OWL’s Nest Children’s Museum in Oneonta. The museum and play space will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through the winter. For details, check oneontaworldoflearning.org
AUDIT/From A1 periodic audit. It noted: “Between 2009 and 2012, the board adopted budgets that appropriated an average of $191,000 in fund balance (surplus) for the following year. However, for 2010 the board planned to appropriate $450,000 in surplus fund balance when only $41,000 was actually available for use.” These “consecutive errors” and others caused “unplanned transfers,” depleting the surplus, the audit found. In his official response to the audit, Butler wrote the town was “fortunate” that the state Comptroller’s Office stepped in when it did. He blamed the town’s “previous chief fiscal officer,” his predecessor, former supervisor Pat Ryan. “It is clear that the town board – in full – is responsible for the financial condi-
JU
OWL’S CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TAKES FLIGHT
A-8 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA
THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JAN. 23-24, 2014
AllOTSEGO.homes
4914 State Hwy 28, CooperStown 607-547-5933 75 Market Street, oneonta 607-433-1020
MLS#87273 - 3 BR, 3 bath charming Greek Revival is professionally renovated w/modern amenities. 3 acres w/pond. Energy-efficient and luxurious. $325,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603
MLS#91741 - Center hall Colonial w/wide pine, maple and cherry floors. LR w/fireplace, DR w/original cupboards, kitchen w/cherry cabinets. Downstairs – 2 BRs, 2 baths; Upstairs – 4 BRs, 3 baths. Master BR w/dressing room, and private bath. Front and back staircases. Detached 2-car heated garage w/workshop, pond, horse barn w/3 box stalls. Land on both sides of road. Cooperstown School District. $369,000 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)
MLS#87366 - 3 BR, 1 bath 19th-century farmhouse w/some renovations on 8 acres w/trout stream and pond. Large rooms, woodshed, detached garage w/auto-servicing pit, well maintained barn w/large horse enclosure. Cooperstown Schools. $142,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#92460 – This amazing move-in condition Victorian still has its original feel and beauty. French doors, fireplace, and beautiful staircase. $119,000 Call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#92185 - 3 BR, 1 bath home in Burlington Flats. Renovated home offers radiant floor heat, updated kitchen, new sheet rock, vinyl siding and windows. Wood floors, 1st floor BR, 2 upstairs BRs, and hall area for office. Large double lot w/invisible fence. $95,000 Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)
MLS#90345 - Great location close to I-88. Turn-ofthe-century classic farmette offers hardwood floors, woodstove, and the craftsmanship of yesteryear. Large outbuilding was once a wood-working shop. $142,500 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#88224 - Wonderful country home w/4 BRs, 2 full baths, newer kitchen, and plenty of room to move around. 1st-floor laundry, walk-out basement, 2-car detached garage w/workshop. $169,000 Call Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
MLS#89409 - Move-in ready village home has 2+ car garage, heated basement, small garage for your workshop. Roof, boiler, and many appliances under 10 years old. New septic and leach field. $119,000 Call the Sluyter Team @ 315-520-6512 (cell) MLS#91269 - Country home has 3 BRs, 2 baths, formal LR and DR on 21 acres. 3-season sunroom overlooking an English water garden, family room, spaciousBRs, private office. Pool, large koi pond, large barn. New bath w/jetted tub, replacement windows and new doors. Newly renovated family room in basement. Convenient to Sharon Springs and Cobleskill. $279,000 Call Michelle A. Curran @ 518-469-5603 (cell)
MLS#91030 - Move-in condition 4 BR, 2 bath home on 7 acres in the hamlet of Fly Creek. Large LR w/wood floors, family room w/pocket doors. Entry w/woodstove leads to DR and kitchen. Spacious master BR w/private entry to balcony. All BRs have nice-sized closets. Perennials, covered porches, fire pit. Additional land w/large barn and creek available. $299,900 Call Kristi J. Ough @ 607-434-3026 (cell)
MLS#91135 - Views of Canadarago Lake and 7.9 acres! Interior is totally repainted, all new carpet and floor covering. 2-stall garage, storage building, finished basement w/family room and workshop. $149,900 Call the Sluyter Team @ 315-520-6512 (cell)
MLS#89516 - Well maintained home between Oneonta and Cooperstown has 4 BRs and 2 baths including large master suite. Nice LR, kitchen w/center isle, family room w/wood-burning fireplace, D.R. w/sliding doors that open to back deck. Stream, storage building, 1-car detached garage. $159,000 Call Linda B. Wheeler @ 607-434-2125 (cell)
MLS#84923 - Renovated 3BR, 2½ bath farmhouse on 3.2 acres. Country kitchen w/SS appliances, LR and formal DR w/fireplaces, large master suite. Fencing, run-in shed and barn for horses or livestock $250,000 Call Michelle Curran @ 518-469-5603
MLS#85578 – Perfectly situated on over 26 acres this solid contemporary home is within minutes of Cooperstown Village and Otsego Lake. It’s ideal for working, living and playing! Hot tub on the deck. $182,000 Call Adam Karns @ 607-244-9633 (cell)
MLS#86798 - Villa Isidoro Restaurant, Bar and B&B in Richfield Springs. Start your new business today! $575,000 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell) MLS#92345 - 2 bed, 1½ bath ranch with 2-car garage and basement ready to finish. 5 miles to Delhi. $95,500 Call Frank Woodcock @ 607-435-1389 (cell)
MLS#90828 - Charming home on Irish Hill features 3 BRs, 2 baths, newer appliances, finished room in basement, newer windows, vinyl siding, large deck. New shed, off-street parking, and walking distance to Cooperstown. Cooperstown Schools. $209,900 Call James Vrooman @ 603-247-0506 (cell)
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MLS#91571 - Priced to sell! Single-wide trailer that is currently rented, and second lot for another trailer. Both lots have septic, water and electric. $35,000 Call Sharon P. Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)
HiStORic OtSEgO cOunty HOMEStEAD
OTSEGO. homes CALL 607-547-6103 PRICED TO SELL...Affordable home close to Valleyview elementary school, playground, parks, hospital and downtown. This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bath’s, Hardwood floors in the living room and hardwood in the office area. Hardwood under carpet in dining room with a window seat. There is a full bath on the first floor as well as upstairs. NEW roof and NEWER furnace. Enjoy the privacy of a fenced yard and back deck for entertaining or just relax on a nice summer evening. The fenced back yard has beautiful landscaping with perennial flower gardens. $99,900 MLS#92640
TO ADVERTISE IN REGION’S LARGEST Lizabeth Rose, Broker/Owner
REALTY SECTION!
Cricket Keto, Licensed Assoc. Broker Peter D. Clark, Consultant Paula George, Licensed Real Estate Agent
MORE LISTINGS ON PAGE A-6
HUBBELL’S REAL ESTATE 607-547-5740•607-547-6000 (fax) 157 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326
E-Mail: info@hubbellsrealestate.com Web Site: www.hubbellsrealestate.com
Stone Mill Acres, a 1794 historic post & beam homestead in Fly Creek community, on 9.51 acres of fields and woods. The kitchen has Silestone countertops, chef style gas range with electric convention oven and room for casual dining. Off of the kitchen is a laundry room with ½ bath, plus large shelved pantry. There are 2 large BRs on the 2nd floor w/ floors of wide pine, handsomely refinished. Just across the horseshoe driveway that surrounds the house is a detached 2 car garage w/auto openers. Attached to garage is a spacious, airy room w/ entry from its own front porch; it features an additional bathroom. 3 solar panels are located well away from the main house and have covered 85% of the cost of consumed electricity since installation. There is a small barn with 2nd story, chicken house and charming garden shed. The property is fronted by Oaks Creek and Fly Creek. A rare buy! Exclusively offered by Don Olin Realty at $349, 000 For reliable, honest answers to any of your real estate questions, Don Olin Realty at 607.547.5622 or visit our website www.donolinrealty.com For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Associate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Associate Broker – 547-5557 Don DuBois, Associate Broker – 547-5105 Tim Donahue, Associate Broker – 293-8874 Cathy Raddatz, Sales Associate – 547-8958 Jacqueline Savoie, Sales Associate – 547-4141 Carol Hall, Sales Associate – 544-4144 Michael Welch, Sales Associate – 547-8502
Village Charm in a DuPlex
Don Olin REALTY
Make yourself at home on our website, www.donolinrealty.com, for listings and information on unique and interesting properties.We'll bring you home! 37 Chestnut st., Cooperstown • phone: 607-547-5622 • Fax: 607-547-5653
newer Family home
Cherry Valley Value & PriCe!
(7790) Budget-loving, 3BR/2+BA Victorian Farmhouse built in 2006. Some of the special features are Master BR w/tiled bath and walk-in closet, Kitchen w/tiled floor and granite counter top. Formal DR w/access to large deck, LR w/gas fireplace, Den or Office space. Second floor laundry room. Over-sized garage. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$164,900
Shannon Stockdale
(7765) The perfect home for an owner occupied investment. This 5BR/5BA historic home in the heart of Cooperstown. Inviting features include remodeled kitchens, new hardwood floors, knotty pine built-ins, hand painted murals. Large sunroom which leads to a spacious deck surrounded by perennial gardens. All utilities are separate. Cooperstown Schools. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$299,000
Since 1947, our personal service has always been there when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for all your AUTO • HOME • LIFE insurance needs.
BUSINESS
Hours: M-F 8am-5pm Phone: 607-432-2022 22-26 Watkins Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820
(7440) Fascinating 3BR/2+BA 2004. Enticing home offering large yard, large view deck, Gracious LR w/ gas fireplace. large family/rec room. master BR w/tiled bath and walk-in closet. Custom kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, DR, easy-care cement board siding, 3-car garage. 3 zone hot water heat. Hubbell’s Exclusive—$289,900
Thinking of Remodeling? Think of Refinancing!
PARKING IS NEVER A PROBLEM
Make yourself at Home on our website http://www.donolinrealty.com for listings and information on unique and interesting properties. We'll bring you Home!
One Sweet LOcAtiOn!!
LGROUP@STNY.RR.COM www.leatherstockingmortgage.com 607-547-5007 (Office) 800-547-7948 (Toll Free)
New Purchases and refinances • Debt Consolidation Free Pre-Qualification • Fast Approvals • Low Rates Registered Mortgage Broker Matt Schuermann NYS Banking Dept. Loans arranged by a 3rd party lender. 31 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown (directly next door to Stagecoach Coffee)
AllOTSEGO.home
www.donolinrealty.com
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REALTORS, FOLLOW THE BANNER AD AT ALLOTSEGO.COM
Sitting right on the edge of Wilber Park with gorgeous views of the creek and mountains. This solid city house is currently set up as 2 family but has been lived in the last few years as 1 family house. 1st floor consists of spacious LR w/hardwood floors, eat in kitchen w/nook overlooking the creek and park, 2 BRs and bath. 1 of the BRs could could easily be used as a DR, den or office. 2nd floor has 2 more BRs, bath, kitchen and LR. Nice porch off 2nd floor kitchen w/views of the park, creek and mountains. Home has 2 driveways and a very large shed at the back of the property. All of this for $129,900 MLS#92613
OBITUARIES
THURSDAY, JAN. 24, 2014
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL B-7
Michael J. Basile, 62; Chief, Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 2 HARTWICK SEMINARY – Michael J. Basile, 62, chief of Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, after a valiant battle with cancer, at Bassett Hospital, with his family by his side. Born Jan. 12, 1952, in Far Rockaway, Queens, he was a son of Joseph F. and Phyllis (Maiorino) Basile. Raised on Long Island in Massapequa, he graduated in 1969 from Plainedge High School. After briefly attending college, he went to work for Baisley Lumber Co. on Long Island. In 1972, after moving to Hartwick, he learned the electrical trade with his uncle. He later started his own business, Basile & Son Fire Alarms. He came to meet Clau-
dia D. Hall, and the two were married Oct. 19, 1986, in a ceremony at the Cooperstown United Methodist Church. Throughout most of his life, Mike was dedicated to fire service, beginning with his membership as a young man in the North Massapequa Fire Department. Locally, Mike devoted 40 years to firefighting and EMS efforts in the community and county. He first served Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 1 as captain of the Hartwick Emergency Squad. In addition to chief of Hartwick Seminary’s Company No. 2, he was serving as the deputy EMS coordinator in the county Office of Emergency Services. In his leisure, Mike enjoyed playing the accor-
dion as well as the keyboard along with his brother, Alan, in their band, “Travelin’ Thru.” Mike is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Claudia, their son and daughter-in-law, John (“J. R.”) and Jennifer Basile, and one granddaughter, Kaylee Basile. Also, his mother, Phyllis Basile; one brother and sister-in-law, Alan P. and Peggy Basile; one sister and brother-inlaw, Joann M. and Bernie Zeh; his nieces and nephews, Katherine Basile, Joe Basile, Bernie Zeh III, Christopher Zeh, Dominick Zeh, Michelle Zeh, Jody Harrington, and Jenna Utter and her husband, Kevin, and their son Lucas; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Harrington and her husband, Gary. Mike will be espe-
cially missed by his beloved Dalmatian, Chief. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph F. Basile, who died Dec. 9, 2012. Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, with Father John P. Rosson, pastor, presiding. At the conclusion of the Mass, a firefighter memorial service is planned. Immediately following the mass, Chief Basile’s remains, aboard E-372, Company No. 2’s 2006 Freightliner Pumper, will be carried past Company No. 1 and the chief’s former home, culminating in a final
alarm at Company No. 2. A reception will follow in the Fire Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Hartwick Fire Department Co. No.
2, 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.
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
Eric D. Smith, 42; Back Alley Grille Chef Was Self-Taught COOPERSTOWN – Eric D. Smith, 42, a chef remembered for his unflappable attitude, died Sunday Jan. 12, 2014 at his home. Born Dec. 24, 1971, in New York City, Eric was the son of Benjamin F. Harris and Cynthia Smith. When he was several years old he and his family moved to the Oneonta, where he was raised. Following high school, Eric pursued his lifelong love of cooking. Most recently he was the chef at the Cooperstown Back Alley Grill. He is survived by his mother, Cynthia Curry of Graniteville, S.C.; his four children, Erica FalkSmith, Binghamton, Tavian
Falk-Smith, Oneonta, and Quinten and Dayne Bissell-Smith of Oneonta; and by his siblings, Anthony
Smith of Binghamton, Trina Carter-Laurie of Freeport, Long Island, and Dorinda Smith-Harris of S.C.
Arrangements are entrusted to Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.
Proud To be Oneonta’s Only
Family Owned Funeral Home ~ 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta 607-432-1511 ~ www.lhpfuneralhome.com
“Our family is committed to providing you with a personal as well as professional level of service, and still maintain affordability” -John & Kathleen Pietrobono
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