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The Freeman's Journal 02-20-20

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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IN HEYDAY, HOFBAUERS’ ALPINE HUT, SCANLONS’ SPORTTECH THRIVED/B1

For 212 Years

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VISIT www.AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE Volume 212, No. 8

COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND

Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, February 20, 2020

Newsstand Price $1

CCS Numbers Plunge Fears For Football Reflect Enrollment By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN

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att Phillips, CCS ’02, shared a poignant story of Siena College photo his family’s affection for Named Siena College Redskins (now Hawkeyes) president, former football, and the 200 fans in Otsego County the CCS high school auditocongressman Chris rium applauded. Gibson was presented “If not for football,” said with a souvenir basket-

Phillips, today Clark Sports Center’s Activities & Group Reservations director, “I wouldn’t have come to school.” Cooperstown varsity football has had bad years, for sure, but always rebounded. “My senior year,” he said, Please See FOOTBALL, B5

►UPS & DOWNS

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he latest “Live Birth” data compiled annually by ONC BOCES Superintendent Nick Savin shows Oneonta’s schools in for most growth; Cooperstown’s, in for least. Chart compares incoming kindergarteners to graduating seniors. K 12TH Oneonta 140 134 Edmeston 37 33 Laurens 26 25 Milford 22 21 Schenevus 26 29 Morris 14 18 Worcester 18 26 CV-s 52 33 Cooperstown 50 79

+/1 +6 +4 +1 +1 -3 -4 -8 -19 -29

In Oneonta, Data Show Stability, Even Growth ONEONTA

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nrollment in Oneonta City Schools, it turns out, hit bottom with this year’s 10th graders. The 105 sophomores comprise the smallest class, K-12, among the 1,738 students currently in city comprise. What’s more, Oneonta’s schools have by far the largest enrollment, more than double

second-place Cooperstown Central, among the 19 school district in ONC BOCES. And, according to the annual “Live Births” compilation prepared by ONC BOCES Superintendent of Schools Nick Savin, it will continue to grow, at least Please See UPTICK, B5

ball by Coach Carmen Maciariello.

From Congress, Gibson Named Siena President

Political Competition Thrives

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hris Gibson, Kinderhook, former Otsego County congressman, was named president of Siena College Friday, Feb. 14. He succeeds Brother Edward Coughlin, a Franciscan friar, who died during a cardiac operation last July. The college’s first lay president, he called on the college to produce more “servant leaders” to help guide the nation/MORE ON A4

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Lawyer Challenges Delgado; Jim Powers In Assembly Race By JIM KEVLIN

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aving filled a vacancy on the Millbrook Village Board in 2017, Republican Kyle Van De Water ran for a full term in 2018. As he knocked on doors and handed out literature, he discovered volunteers for Democratic Congressional candidate Antonio Delgado had gotten there before him. And Delgado’s army of volunteers also handed out literature for the two Democratic Milbrook trustee candidates, Kevin McGrane and Tim Collopy, Van De Water Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal told the Otsego and Schoharie Republican county Himself the father of two sons, Congressman Antonio Delgado, D-19, Please See RACES, A6 shares high-fives with William Dina, son of Rotarian Kate Dina, left, during

►AN SUV RAN A STOP SIGN and was struck by a Pathfinder van at the intersection of Route 205 and 80 in the Town of Otsego. Seven passengers, as well as both drivers, were sent a visit to the Cooperstown Rotary Club Tuesday, Feb. 18. to Bassett with minor injuries. ►DR. KAI MEBUST, who had been filling the role on an ‘GOTTA RUN,’ MARTINI URGES interim basis, has been permanently appointed chief of Bassett Hospital’s Department of Medicine. ►A Fiery MEETING saw Richfield Town Board members Larry Frigault and Rex By LIBBY CUDMORE ►IF YOU GO: 2 p.m. Saturday, Seamon challenging virtually March 7, Green Toad Bookstore, every measure that came up book reading, Adrienne Martini, ONEONTA for discussion, as supporters “Somebody’s Gotta Do It.” applauded. like someone who lives here.” ►gretchen sorin, director of t’s not enough for Adrienne the Cooperstown Graduate Her third memoir, “Somebody’s Martini to simply run for her Program in Museum Studies, Gotta Do It: Why Cursing At The seat on the Otsego County read from her new book “Driv- Board of Representatives. News Won’t Save The Nation, ing While Black” at a reading But Your Name On A Local Ballot She wants you to run for office on Wednesday, Feb, 12. Can,” will be published on Tuestoo.

IN 3RD MEMOIR

Henry Holt & Co. is publishing county Rep. Adrienne Martini’s third book of memoirs.

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day, March 3, by Henry Holt & Co. “I wanted it to be useful and Please See GOTTA, A2

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epublican County Treasurer Allen Ruffles has been mentioned as a prospect for the county’s first administrator, but no decision will be forthcoming until a search process is complete. ►SEE EDITORIAL, A4

One Arrest; 6 Dogs Can Be Adopted Pit Bulls Were Taught To Fight – Elsewhere By LIBBY CUDMORE HARTWICK SEMINARY

‘People Don’t Know How Much County Does’

“If I can do this, anyone can,” she said. “Change has to start locally, and no one knows the local issues

RUFFLES’ NAME MENTIONED FOR ADMINISTRATOR

Ian Austin/The Freeman’s Journal

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little late for Valentine’s Day, but now you can take home Dove, Snickers, Hershey, Sweetie, Maple and Honey. “Jim Fitzgerald of Alpha Dog Consulting came in and assessed the dogs,” said Stacie Haynes, executive Azmat director, Susquehanna Animal Shelter, who took in six of the “Franklin 20” pit Please See DOGS, A2

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD


A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

LOCALS

The Soirée Honoring Dr. Dalton Raises $250K For Friends

Edmeston Panthers Claim Tri-Valley Championship

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

Security/Safety Guard

William Friedman, Cooperstown, was named to the Dean’s List at Tufts University for the Fall 2019 semester. LAMBERT LAUDED: John

P. Lambert, Cooperstown, was named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2019 fall semester.

After Arrest, Dogs Available Running For County Board From Raided Franklin Kennel Focus Of Rep’s 3nd Memoir GOTTA/From A1 encouraging,” said Martini, a writer and editor at SUNY Oneonta, where her husband Scott Segar is the theatre department’s technical director; the couple has two children. “It took me four months to write the proposal and get an editor interested. They wanted to get it out in the beginning of 2020 to catch the election.” Martini, a Democrat, was elected in 2017, defeating Republican incumbent Craig Gelbsman for the District 12 seat. “I did what a lot of people did after 2016,” she said. “I realized that nothing was going to change until more people got involved.” She sought out local Democratic leaders to ask how she could help, but was surprised when they suggested she run. “Rather than drive myself crazy, I did something crazy,” she said. And she quickly realized that to best represent the people, she needed to understand what they needed. “I had a woman come up to me at a fundraiser and ask what I thought about broadband,” she said. “I told her I didn’t see it as an issue, and she walked away. “I realized that the city, where I live, is an outlier. We have two colleges – of course we have broadband – but so much of the county doesn’t, and I realized how important it was. I completely changed my stance on it.” She also doesn’t shy away from telling readers about the legwork involved, and how campaigns have changed. “They say ‘oh, we’ll do phone calls,’ but everyone has cell phones and those numbers aren’t

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listed,” she said. “And a lot of times, people aren’t home.” But with several other newcomers on the ballot, they pooled ideas and resources. “It turned out the stuff I was most uncomfortable with – going door to door to every house – really moved the needle,” she said. “It was rough the first 6,000 times, but on the 6,001, it gets easier.” And once she was elected, she realized just how important the job was. “It’s just this fire hose of information,” she said. “So many people don’t realize how much government does, and how if it fails, civilization may not be possible. Don’t want rabid raccoons or measles? That’s the county health department. We test wells for contamination. All of it really surprised me.” What surprised her most, she said, was the county coroner system. “Most people don’t think about what happens to dead bodies,” she said. “But the coroner doesn’t have to have any particular expertise, he just has to go there and get the body, decide if they need an autopsy. You vote for the coroner, and he’s paid by the body.” The book took just over six months to write. “I made myself a sticker chart,” she said. “I had to write 1,700 words a day to get a sticker. Sometimes I finished at a reasonable time, sometimes it was 10 p.m. at night.” In early April 2019, she rented a hotel room in North Hampton, N.H., to finish the final draft. “I didn’t want to be distracted,” she said. “Plus there was a great yarn store nearby, so I could reward myself.”

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INSTRUCTIONAL TUTOR SUPPORT 1:1 AIDE TUTOR SCHOOL COUNSELOR A certified teacher and aide are needed to provide services to an elementary student, 2 hrs/day @ $35 per hour. The District is also seeking a School Counselor to provide IEP counseling services for an elementary student for 30 mins/week. All assignments are Monday-Friday, to begin ASAP through 6/26/20. Position details at www.cooperstowncs.org Deadline: 2/27/20 EOE

ADverTISInG conSulTAnT Do you like talking to people and getting out into the community? If you’re looking for employment or simply looking for a change, we might be looking for you! We want light-hearted, fun people to join our growing, successful advertising team. If you want to prosper by providing innovative print, web and digital advertising solutions to clients, give us a call. Send letter and resumé to Tara Barnwell, Advertising Director & General Manager, to tarab@allotsego.com. HOMETOWN

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Franklin also charged him with 19 counts of harboring an unlicensed dog. Azmat was issued appearance tickets, and DuMond said that the investigation will continue as they look into where Azmat took the dogs to fight. “We’re working with law enforcement partners across the state into possible locations where the dogs might have been trained for,” he said. Both DuMond and Trooper Aga Dembinska, Troop C Public Information Officer, said that this is the first dog fighting case they had seen in the area. Otsego County Sheriff Richard J. Devlin Jr. said that there was one case, but that it was long enough ago that he couldn’t say when. “That’s what makes it so scary,” said Haynes. “This was so well hidden.” But it’s not unheard of statewide. In December, Evans “Hustle” Fuentes, Edward “Big Myke” Johnson and Benito Gittens were all arrested and charged with animal abuse in the Bronx after police allegedly discovered that they were training dogs to fight. In all, 29 dogs, as well as equipment including heavy chains, double-thick dog collars, weighted dog vests and performance-enhancing dietary supplements were seized. Haynes took six of the pit bulls; however, three of the Franklin 20 – a German shepherd and two pit bulls at the Broome County Humane Society – were euthanized for severe behavioral issues that would make them dangerous to humans. “One of the pit bulls was hanging from the top of her chain link kennel by her teeth,” said Haynes. “The minute a dog does that, it says that they will attack.”

has the following immediate openings:

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DOGS/From A1 bulls after they were rescued from a Franklin home. “He said they were great and that they’re ready for adoption.” On Friday, Feb. 15, Nasir Azmat, 41, was arrested and charged with 41 counts of animal fighting and cruelty charges for the 18 pit bulls and German Shepherds seized from the Franklin house. “Although there was no evidence of dog fighting at that location, the injuries and scars, as well as equipment found at the scene, is consistent for training canines for fighting-related activities,” said Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond. In all, Azmat was charged with 20 counts of possessing animals with the intent to engage in fighting, one count of owning animal fighting paraphernalia and 20 counts of overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal. According to District Attorney John Hubbard, the torturing charge carries up to a year in prison on each count, while possession of fighting paraphernalia carries a 90-day sentence. Owning an animal to fight is only a 15-day sentence on each count. “I have a special place in my heart to defend the defenseless,” said DuMond. “I got to meet some of these beautiful souls and it’s heartbreaking to see such innocent victims in these horrendous living conditions. And they were horrendous.” “We will not tolerate animal abuse here,” said Erin Insinga, shelter director, Delaware Valley Humane Society, who initially reported the claim that dogs were being abused at the Franklin home. “The voices of the Franklin 20 will not go unheard.” In addition to the abuse charges, the Town of

Cooperstown Central School District

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bigail Cadwalader was one of three Cooperstown students who has been named to the Fall 2019 Dean’s List at SUNY Purchase, where she is studying Anthropology. Also on the Dean’s List are: • Christian Alexander, who is studying Journalism. • Lydia Williams, who is studying Cinema Studies.

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Three Named To SUNY Purchase Dean’s List

To apply visit fenimoreartmuseum.org for an applic ation, or contact Human Resources at 607-547-1462 or email j.zinger@fenimoreart.org. EOE.

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Cheryl Clough/The Freeman’s Journal

The Edmeston Panthers Varsity boys basketball team hoist the school’s banner after winning a second consecutive Tri-Valley League title with a 6041 win over Richfield Springs at SUNY Oneonta on Saturday, Feb. 16. Also at SUNY, the Cherry Valley Lady Patriots surrendered to Franklin, 56-37.

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ast weekend’s Friends of Bassett fourth annual Valentine’s Soirée raised $250,000 to support medical education at Bassett Hospital. More than 360 guests attended the Soirée at The Otesaga and paid tribute to Dr. James Dalton, the hospital’s director of Medical Education, who retired from Prime Care last year after more than 30 years. “The overflow crowd warmed to the opportunity to let (Dr. James Dalton) know how much we all value his efforts as a physician, educator and community member,” said Bill Streck, Bassett Healthcare Network CEO.

Your workday would include using computer-based monitoring systems, walking extensive museum grounds, completing incident reports, and troubleshooting for potential hazards. Applicants must be able to walk considerable distances in all weather conditions; have a clean driving record; and must be able and willing to work weekends, holidays and any shift assigned. We provide training and certification.

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Full-Time, Year-Round position with benefits

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Guests of honor at the fourth annual Valentine’s Soirée were Dr. Jim Dalton and wife Deb.

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THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

OBITUARIES

Harry M. Lindroth Sr., 76; Head Baker At Schneider’s FLY CREEK – Harry M. Lindroth Sr., 76, of Fly Creek, head baker at Cooperstown’s famous Schneider’s Bakery for almost two decades, passed away on Tuesday night, Feb. 11, 2020. He was born on Aug. 5, 1943, at Brooklyn Hospital in Brooklyn, a son of Milton and Beatrice (Thomas) Lindroth. He was raised by his step dad, Robert Lindroth. In the early 1960s, Harry met the love of his life, Phyllis A. Kinner, who was from Marathon and had moved to Cooperstown in 1961 to work as a hair dresser. They married at home on Beaver Street in Cooperstown on May 18, 1963. For 19 years, Harry worked for Schneider’s Bakery in Cooperstown as the head baker for Mr. Hubbell. He also cooked at many local establishments

over the years. For more than 20 years, Harry worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Otsego Highway Department. He retired in 2005. Throughout his life, Harry always enjoyed tinkering on different projects. Most especially he loved working on and restoring vintage cars, as well as going to car shows with his granddaughters, brother and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their beloved home on Keating Road, as well as being an avid snowmobiler and hunter. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Harry is survived by his daughter, Tammi (Rick) Kelly of Fly Creek; son, Harry (Kim) Lindroth Jr. of Bristol, Connecticut; four grandchildren, Caitlin Kelly-Corns and husband, Don, Morgan Kelly and

Mackenzie and Spencer Lindroth; godson, Michael Bosley; son, Kadyn; brother, Eric D. “Rick� Lindroth; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Phyllis A. Lindroth, who passed away on May 1, 2016. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Robert, David, Phillip and Carl. A funeral was held Saturday, Feb. 15, at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, with Fred Johnson officiating. Interment will be later this spring in Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in Fly Creek. Donations in Harry’s name may be made to Fly Creek Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 218, Fly Creek, NY 13337. Arrangements are entrusted to the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.

Justin Joslyn, 31; Studied Computers At SUNY New Paltz

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

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-3

MILFORD – Justin “Jozz� Joslyn, 31, of Milford, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020 at his home. Justin was born in Oneonta on Aug. 12, 1988, to Blaine and Celeste Joslyn. He graduated from Milford Justin Joslyn Central School and went on to study computer engineering at SUNY New Paltz and Herkimer Community College. Justin also enjoyed boating, camping, snowmobiling and spending time with his dogs. Justin is survived by his parents, Blaine and Celeste Joslyn of Milford; his sister, Kate Joslyn; Uncle Dean Joslyn and Aunt Theresa Joslyn and their children Brooke and Kevin; his Uncle Brian Joslyn and his daughter, Kelly Joslyn; his Uncle Edwin Price; his Grandmother, Alberta Launt; his cousin Brooke (Wurship) and Felipe Cuji and their children, Vinny and Michael. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Feb. 15, the Upper Susquehanna Cultural Center in Milford. Arrangements were entrusted to Ottman Funeral Home.

Janice Whipple, 89, CCS Graduate; Engineer, Buddhist, World Traveler COOPERSTOWN – Janice Whipple of Utica, an engineer and world traveler who was raised in Cooperstown, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020. No matter how you knew Janice in this life, you knew her life was extraordinary. Born on the first day of May in 1930, she and her sister, Elsie, lived happily in the Cooperstown area. When her mother, Madilyn, died, their beloved Aunt Martha took the girls in and raised them. Both girls learned quickly so it was no surprise when in 1947 Janice was named valedictorian of Cooperstown Central School. From there she graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University in 1951 with an engineering degree in photogrammetry and structural engineering. In 1969, she earned a doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in glacial geology and geomorphology. Her crowning achievement was to qualify and become a Registered Professional

Janice Whipple

Engineer in 1957. Janice worked as a consulting engineer on numerous projects, was a professor, and worked for the U.S. Geological Association. Her passion was traveling. Her adventures took her around the world. She especially loved trekking the Himalayas where she immersed herself in the cultures she experienced there. She took her Buddhist vows in the country of Bhutan. Janice was an avid reader and loved opera. Often, she enjoyed broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera in

New York City. She was also involved in preservation projects by historical societies wherever she resided. Her appreciation of art of any genre was evident and she took lessons involving watercolors. She sketched and painted wherever she traveled. Janice was someone who was never afraid to voice her opinions. She knew what she liked, as well as, what she didn’t. Giving advice freely was certainly one of her many strengths, whether you wanted it or not! She was a dear friend to many people. Pursuant to her wishes, there will be no service. We know that Janice would like you to go for a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature and our Earth. As you, we are thankful to have known her, to have known her convictions and her strong spirit. Na-ma-ste’. Arrangements are with the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL

ALLEN RUFFLES DISCUSSED FOR ADMINISTRATOR POST

If Not Him, Someone With Some Of His Qualities

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he question was, “Do you think THEY will let the county administrator do the job?” They, of course, being the county Board of Representatives. But the question misunderstands how the new county administrator job is envisioned. Judging from discussions surrounding the new job’s creation, the county representatives aren’t looking for someone to tell them what to do. They’re looking for someone who will allow them to do what THEY want to do more efficiently. The control of county government will remain in the hands of The Freeman’s Journal the 14 elected representatives,

County Judge John Lambert swears in Allen Ruffles as county treasurer on Jan. 1, 2018. Wife Amy holds the Bible. With them are their children, Mia and Cooper.

Handwriting On The Wall For CCS Visible For Years biggest turnout in CCS voter history. Enrollment had already declined from approximately 1,450 in the mid ’90s to 1,154 in the 2005-06 school year. The budget then was $13,240,000 and the administration privately conceded that CCS would very likely not be viable with less than 1,000 students. Today, we have 831 students and the budget is approximately $20 million with further expectation of an enrollment decrease and no responsible budget strategy. This is where CCS stands as varsity sports programs are on the block. This is where we stand after dozens of questions from the Please See HULSE, A6

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et me be clear. Natural gas and nuclear power have drawbacks and costs. There is no perfect energy solution on hand today. But I believe we do face a global emergency and need every means possible to reduce emissions – now. Not tomorrow, not in theory. Now. “The Sanders green energy ‘plan’ is based on magical thinking. It presumes that

Siena College photo

Chris Gibson, Otsego County’s former congressman, addresses the college communty after he was named Siena College president Friday, Feb. 14.

we can reduce emissions in electricity and transport to zero in 10 years while simultaneously shutting down the only two low-emission, always-available sources of power that together provide nearly 60 percent of our country’s electricity. “And that makes me wonder: Is the real problem that Sanders will lose – or that he might win?

Editor’s Note: Chris Gibson, former congressman for New York’s 19th District, which includes Otsego County, Friday, Feb. 14, was named president of Siena College. Here is an excerpt from his remarks to the college community.

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want to close my remarks by focusing on the students. You are why we are here. And we believe in you. You know you turn on the news toFAREED ZAKARIA day and we’re all bombarded. We get Washington Post column the negativity, the divide, the vitriol, we don’t treat each other right in this UNDE FO D country right now and we all wonder, R “How are we going to get through this mean season?” For 211 Years The answer’s in this room. We need IN

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

elected every two years from their districts, who are entrusted to act on their constituents’ behalf. Not such a bad idea. • For the past few weeks, a name has been circulating as a prospect for the county’s first administrator: Allen Ruffles, the Republican county treasurer who has just

‘Servant Leaders’ Will Take Nation To Brighter Future

ON THE RECORD

County Rep. ANDREW MARIETTA Cooperstown/Town of Middlefield

returned from a year-long assignment in East Africa with the New York State National Guard. The position must first be advertised, candidates vetted and a vote taken. A better candidate may emerge. Regardless, he or she might benefit from at least a few Ruffles-like characteristics. First, he had a varied background as a school teacher, insurance agent, banker (Key Bank’s former branch manager in Cooperstown), as well as a soldier, and the discipline that connotes. That should give him sympathy and understanding of a range of people. Two, he’s a county native, with Please See EDITORIAL, A5

PRESIDENT GIBSON

LETTERS

To the Editor: The time has finally come for all to realize that the viability of CCS is at true risk along with the viability of the Upstate New York region both educationally and economically. Onerous regulation and tax rates have driven businesses and residents out of the Empire State in droves, never to return. School sports programs are a very visible example of community identity; however, it’s the educational program that is most important and is at the highest risk. Fifteen years ago a group of district residents formed the Concerned Citizens group to protest, and soundly defeat, a $31 million bloated capital project that prompted the

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f Allen applied, it would be great. But it’s not a done deal.”

Tara Barnwell

Managing Editor

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Thom Rhodes Advertising Consultant

Lizzie Cooper Correspondent

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 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Milford • 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.

►SIENA COLLEGE’S trustees Friday, Feb. 14, unanimously named Chris Gibson the college’s first lay president. For more, type “siena” and “gibson” in the search line at

AllOTSEGO.com

www.

“servant leaders” step forward. They find a way. They’re able to find the language and the actions to unite all people. This is what we’re so proud of here at Siena College. This is what we do and this is why I believe and this is why this calling speaks to me. I have had three professional lives to date. First as a soldier coming out of Siena College, and that was very imporPlease See GIBSON, A6

FRONT PORCH PERSPECTIVE

Advertising Director & General Manager

Libby Cudmore

more Saints. We need more Siena Saints. Because it is here, at Siena, imbued with the Franciscan Tradition, where our view of Liberal Arts is about “whole person” development. CHRIS Liberal Arts about GIBSON intellectual development? Absolutely. But also physical development, moral/ ethical development, religious development, and spiritual development. I have seen the human condition in some of the most trying of circumstances, especially in combat. What I’ve noticed: It’s at those moments that

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Bad Luck Altered England’s History

o the victor go the spoils,” goes the adage. But the victor also gets to write the history. Certainly that was the case with the Norman triumph over King Harold’s army. The result was short shrift, given to the worst of luck afflicting the English King Harold, and to the resulting horrific scene witnessed by Harold’s high command. JIM Contrary to Norman acATWELL counts, King Harold was an effective ruler and good military tactician. Harold learned of William’s landing while he and his armies were far to the north, successfully crushing a Viking invasion.

News that William had been busy invading England down in Sussex gave Harold time only to mutter a few Anglo-Saxon epithets before ordering his battle-worn troops into a forced march southward. He drew them up finally a few miles north of Hastings, Sussex, and arranged them in tight formation on high ground there. William was thus forced to attack uphill. He undertook an unusual ordering of his troops: a first line of archers, a second of foot soldiers armed with pikes, and a third of mounted knights. He could not have known that the first line of archers, or at least an anonymous one among

King Harold with an arrow in his eye is depicted in the famed Bayeux Tapestry, a record of the Norman conquest of England.

them, would win him the day. For when those archers downhill Please See ATWELL, A6

AllOTSEGO.com • MORE LETTERS, A6

LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME • EMAIL THEM TO info@


THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

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

200 YEARS AGO

Excerpt from the Augusta, Georgia Chronicle, February 1, 1820 reprinted with the following introduction: “A Horrible Punishment” Who can read it and believe that such horrible cruelties are practiced in this land of freedom and civilization! The heart sickens at the recital! ‘Oh Slavery! Thou art the curse of heaven!” Execution – on Friday last, two Negro men, named Ephraim and Sam, were executed in conformity to their sentence for the murder of their master, Mr. Thomas Hancock, of Edgefield District, South Carolina. Sam was burnt and Ephraim hung, and his head severed from his body and publicly exposed. The burning of malefactors is a punishment only resorted to when absolute necessity demands a signal example. It must be a horrid and appalling sight to see a human being consigned to the flames. The circumstances attending the crime for which these miserable beings have suffered, were of a nature so aggravated, as imperiously demanded the terrible punishment which has been inflicted upon them. February 21, 1820

175 YEARS AGO

Letters from Washington mention that President Tyler had withdrawn from the Senate the name of Chancellor Walworth for the vacant seat on the bench of the U.S. Supreme Court, occasioned by the death of Judge Thompson of this State, and sent in that of Chief Justice Nelson, whose nomination it was confidently believed would be confirmed by the Senate. We had not supposed that objection to Judge Nelson would be taken from any quarter whatever, and was therefore surprised to find the Whig letter writers from Washington attempting to deprecate him in the public mind. His character is too elevated and his motives of action too pure, to be stained by the aspersions of political opponents at the Capitol or elsewhere. February 17, 1845

150 YEARS AGO

Local: Efforts have been made to divide different counties and to remove county seats at about every legislature for the past 25 years. In some cases, strong and vigorous efforts, backed up by ample resources, have been made, and yet in all that time not a single county in the State has been divided. In but one case has a county seat been changed. An attempt to divide old Otsego, or to remove the county seat, would signally fail. Advertisement: The Best – The Davis Sewing Machine now on exhibition and trial in the parlor of the Empire House, wins friends rapidly among all persons who have had experience with machines. Every family needs a sewing machine. In a large family, it pays for itself in a single year.

75 YEARS AGO

50 YEARS AGO

Cooperstown Central School’s basketball team defeated Richfield Springs 54 to 48, February 6 in a Center State Conference game at Richfield Springs. Brothers Cliff and Carter Coleman took control of the backboards grabbing 27 caroms between them. Carter Coleman joined Chris Shockley as Cooperstown’s top scorers of the evening with sixteen points each. The win moved Cooperstown into second place in the Eastern Division of the Center State Conference. The many friends of Charles A. “Skip” Coleman III, of February 21, 1945 Cooperstown, will be glad to know that he is continuing his basketball career even while serving in the U.S. Air Force The interest on $60 can be earned in a single week. Ladies at Loring Air Force Base, Limestone, Maine. On his Wing are invited to call and examine this machine. February 17, 1870 team, Skip has been averaging 38 points per game, and as a member of the “Bombers,” the air base team, he is averaging 28 points per game. Skip graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1968. Local: The Opera “Mikado,” by Gilbert and Sullivan, February 18, 1970 will be given in Cooperstown on March 28, 29 and 30 under the personal direction of Mr. and Mrs. Harry F. Dixie of New York in the interest of the Phinney Hose Co. The Cooperstown High School boys’ hoop team closed A strong cast and chorus of 40 voices has been secured. The out a 9 wins, 10 loss season with an 89-66 victory against elaborate Japanese costumes come direct from the city. Mohawk but will not be engaging in post-season action. Someone started a report that the floor of the PresbyteCooperstown Coach Dick White played all 12 members rian Church settled last week from the large congregations of his team in the game but it was the six active senior gathered there. The trustees have thoroughly investigated members who shined as they combined for most of the 89 the matter and assert that there is no foundation whatever points. Center Reid Nagelschmidt led the senior offensive for the report. The floor of the church rests upon the most barrage with 29 points and finished his varsity career with solid foundation. 1,065 points. February 21, 1895 February 15, 1995

125 YEARS AGO

25 YEARS AGO

100 YEARS AGO

Republican members of the House of Representatives have been doing little else but investigating the Democratic Administration since they took over the legislative part of the government last May 19 when the extra session convened. Conduct of the victorious war, why America startled the world by its overnight shipping achievements, and anything else that it was thought might furnish political capital was eagerly seized upon by an investigative committee. The Democrats now propose to bring these committees to book

BE AFRAID, BUT DO IT ANYWAY

Burly, Tattooed Men – And Young Reporter

The old Dominion Post building in Wellington, New Zealand at the time Erna joined the staff.

W

hen I walked into • that newsroom at I learned right away The Dominion in that these superstar men Wellington, New Zealand, I planned their day around still had some hope that the pub. And they had to be I might become a superstar fast. Pubs opened for just journalist. I had landed a one hour at 6 p.m. People job at THE morning called it the 6 o’clock swill. Barkeeps lined up pitchpaper in the capital of New Zealand. ers of beer and filled them I had never with hoses. Drinkbeen in a big city ers stood at round newsroom. Reporttables and downed ers pounding their all they could stories on manual between drags on typewriters made it cigarettes in one noisy. The air was hour. blue with cigarette I figured if I had smoke and language a shot at making to make a sailor my mark in the blush. ERNA MORGAN newsroom I had To meet my edi- McREYNOLDS better prove myself tor and start my job, at the pub. I had to make my We didn’t drink way past hard-bitten smirk- alcohol growing up. I hated ing, leering men. Except for beer. So to show I could the prim women’s page edi- hold my alcohol, I had to tor wearing a tidy sweater down gins and tonics as fast set with a string of pearls, as I could. After an hour, decent girls didn’t work at we all walked back across places like this in the ’70s. the street to the newsroom The editor was kindly yet — for reporters to write he gave me an assignment their stories, since we were appropriate for a young girl a morning paper. — writing features for a I hung around every special advertising edition. night until the chief reporter That wasn’t what I wanted gave me an assignment. to do. I wanted to hold • my own in that tough One night he needed a newsroom. I wanted to quote from the ministry of be a real reporter. Please See ERNA, A6

and force them to confess officially how much of Uncle Sam’s money has been spent in chasing the elusive rumors. An investigation of the Shipping Board and the War Department from May 19 to July 1, 1919 makes it plain that these two committees alone have spent at least $150,000 in those six weeks. It is estimated that when all of the receipts are gathered the cost to the American public to satisfy Republican curiosity will closely approach $1 million dollars. February 18, 1920

10 YEARS AGO

St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church was packed to honor all aspects of Stu Taugher’s life. His five daughters were pallbearers and participated in the service. Mayor Carol B. Waller praised his dedication of time to the village as mayor, as a village trustee and county representative – “something we give freely, something we cannot get back.” February 18, 2010

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

I

Is Choice Really Between Billionaires?

am undecided. After a year of run up to the Democratic primaries it seems safe to say party voters still don’t know who they want. The only thing they agree on is they want the candidate most likely to defeat Trump. Yet the entire party is tied up in a Gordian knot of confusion about who that candidate should be. There is no obvious white knight with a sword sharp enough to slice through the knot. I am a good example of the doubt within the party. I’ve generally believed the Democratic Party offered the best of the two feasible political choices available to me. Third parties have sometimes received my vote, but with my understanding that they had no chance of winning. Those votes were usually my small protests against the mainstream parties’ offerings. I now see the

current offerings of the Democratic Party as confusing, even bewildering. I understand that regardless of my primary vote the entire state will safely deliver its electoral votes to LARRY whomever is the chosen Democratic BENNETT candidate. Still, I’d like to settle on a choice that makes me feel good about the direction of the party. Joe Biden is the definition of the moderate Democratic candidate, but he seems to inspire no real following. He lacks the ability to incite passion in voters. He offers no agenda to fall in love with. Perhaps that’s an unfair criticism as moderates are by definition dispassionate, but I don’t see how such a candidate can defeat Trump, who lives for and by his passionate followers. Elizabeth Warren is sharp, smart, and brimming with policy ideas and a strong desire to implement them. Yet her inherent policy wonkiness seems

to be working against her. Proving again that it’s hard to become a passionate supporter of someone with a catalog of bullet-pointed white papers. Pete Buttigieg is a creation of our times. He’s smart, personable, and admired as someone who has overcome an obstacle that would have excluded him from consideration as a presidential candidate even 20 years ago. But he seems to be politically untested in the kind of warfare that will be needed to defeat Trump. Bernie Sanders has the ability to incite passion. He does so at every event. Contrary to the fears of both pundits and party elders, he isn’t a firebrand socialist. FDR, perhaps the most loved president of the 20th century, would have found Bernie a kindred spirit. He and Bernie reject the power of the wealthy and they champion the cause of the Please See BENNETT, A6

EDITORIAL: Interesting, But First Cast Net Widely EDITORIAL/From A4 a family: wife Amy, daughter Mia and son Cooper, so he has a stake – a personal stake – in the middle- and long-term prosperity of the county. Being a native is not a requirement, but a candidate should have a plausible reason for coming here. Third, he holds an elective office, so he would likely be sensitive to pressures county representatives feel, having to represent a varied voter base. • Fourth, he’s developed collegial relations with the county’s 20-some department heads, a group that – according to a survey county Rep. Meg Kennedy’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee conducted – is most resistant to the idea of reporting to a single boss. That’s understandable: Most of us would prefer less supervision to more, but things are going to change. Ideally, he will develop the department heads into a team, focused on meeting the board’s directives.

Fifth, he has led preparation of two county budgets, and participated in two more as deputy to former County Treasurer Dan Crowell. It’s going to be a central function of the county administrator. Short-term, anyhow, his able deputy, Andrew Crisman, would ensure good relations with the Treasurer’s Office. Sixth, Ruffles is not just experienced, but agreeable. Hard and soft skills, in whichever candidate is successful, is most important to ensuring the success of the new position. Put another way, building confidence, credibility and trust with all constituencies – the board, the department heads and the public.. Seventh, the county board, meeting Feb. 5, set the administrator’s salary at $100,000, considerably less than the $150,000 recommended to entice an out-of-county professional – $100,000 though, would be a nice raise for the county treasurer as he learns the new job. That’s a lot of pluses.

• Asked Monday about the chatter, county Rep. Andrew Marietta, the ranking Democrat, said he’d heard county board Chairman David Bliss mention Ruffles’ name in a meeting. “If Allen applied, it would be great,” Marietta said. “But it’s not a done deal.” “I think a lot of Allen,” said Kennedy, whose IGA committee is handling the recruitment. “But it would be shortsighted of us to stop looking. There’s a lot to be gained by examining different candidates as they come forward.” For instance, another potential candidate, former Cooperstown mayor Jeff Katz, has been mentioned for the job, and brings an impressive, albeit different, skill set. “It’s going to be a county board decision,” Marietta said. Not a Republican or Democratic one.” That’s exactly right. Still, thinking about someone like Ruffles helps focus on what qualities would help our county’s first top executive succeed.


THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Van De Water Challenges Delgado; Other 2020 Races Fill Up

RACES/From A1 committees at a two-county gathering last week at the Worcester White House Inn. When the votes were counted that Nov. 4, Delgado had won – and McGrane and Collopy had narrowly surpassed Van De Water. Thanks, Delgado, Van De Water implied. If Delgado was the shadow candidate against Van De Water in 2018, this year it will be a mano a mano between the two attorneys, as the Republican announced Tuesday, Feb. 18, he will challenge the first-term Democrat for the 19th Congressional District seat, which includes Otsego County, in this year’s Nov. 5 election. With Van De Water’s announcement and that of Jim Powers, Town of Butternuts, former county board chairman, who is running to succeed retiring assembly Clifford Crouch, R122, almost all voters across Otsego County will have choices in every race on this fall’s ballot, leading off with President Donald Trump and a Democrat to be named. The exception proving the rule is Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, who locally represents the towns of Cherry Valley, Roseboom, Decatur and Worcester. He stepped back from a run to succeed retiring state Sen.

CCS Crunch Coming For A Long Time

effective challenge, adding, “If a campaign (Van De Water’s) takes off, the money will be easy to raise.” Delgado hasn’t officially announced he’s seeking another term, but it’s expected he will. In an appearance at the Cooperstown Rotary Club Tuesday, Feb. 18, he ticked off a laundry list of legislation passed in the Democratic House and sent on to the Republican senate. Two of Delgado’s bills Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA & The Freeman’s Journal have even been signed into Telling a story of military service and personal law by President Trump, he challenges overcome, Kyle Van De Water of said, achieved by only six Millbrook, Dutchess County, Thursday, Feb. 13, Democrats. They include won support of Otsego and Schoharie counties’ the Family Farm Relief Act, GOP executive committees to challenge U.S. which raises the cap on smaller Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-19th, in the November farms able to reorganize under elections. At left is Assemblyman Chris Tague, Bankruptcy Laws from $3 R-Schoharie, unchallenged for the Republican million to $10 million. nomination in the 102nd District. At right is He also has high hopes a Jan Bartow, Town of Middlefield committeeman; bill that would organize all foreground is Steve Curry, City of Oneonta federal permitting processes committeeman. More at www. OTSEGO.com in the same website, making Jim Seward, R-Milford, and Water, having lined up county it easier for citizens and busiso far faces no challenge to committee supports – “most nesses to determine what they his incumbency. important, he has his own can and can’t do. Also, so far a Democrat county committee” – is likely In other races: is lacking to succeed to divert a primary Hawatmeh ►STATE SENATE Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said she would pursue. Adam Hall, a young father in the 122nd. “If these candidates need of four from Moravia, Cayuga Another Republican to spend resources and time County, announced he is Congressional contender, Ola in the primary, they aren’t running to succeed Senator Hawatmeh of Poughkeepsie, going to have the kind of Seward. A conservative, he’s who presented herself as “the resources they need to run an opposed to the state’s bailRepublican Ilhan Omar,” also effective campaign against reform regimen and worries spoke to the GOP commitDelgado; it’s just not going to about impingement on tees at Worcester, but Otsego happen,” said Casale. Second Amendment rights. County Republican Chairman He estimated $2-3 million He joins a race that Vince Casale said Van De will be needed to mount an includes county Rep. Peter

All

Jim Powers, left, former county board chair, is running to succeed Assemblyman Cliff Crouch. Adam Hall, right, of Moravia, may challenge Peter Oberacker in a Republican primary in the 51st Senate District.

Oberacker, R-Schenevus, whom Seward is supporting as his successor. Praising the senator’s 34-year tenure, Oberacker, president of FormTech, which does product research for national food companies said he’s applying a maxim from his industry to succeeding Seward: “Find something successful – and copy it.” Hall planned to run as a Republican, but learned county committees have already gotten behind Oberacker. He may run in a Republican primary regardless, he said. The Democratic candidate in the race is Jim Barber, a farmer from Schoharie and son of J. Roger Barber, state Ag & Markets commissioner in Gov. Hugh Carey’s administration.

►STATE ASSEMBLY In announcing he’ll run in the 122nd, a four-county district that includes the Otsego towns of Morris, Butternuts and Unadilla, Powers expects to face perhaps half-done contenders in a Republican primary. He said Crouch is supporting Jim Angelino, a retired Norwich police chief, and that Nick Libous, son of the former state senator from Binghamton, is also running. But, he said, he’s the only contender who has actually held an elective office. The splintered field may actually help Powers, he reasoned, and said he has a strategy he’s not yet ready to reveal. A Democrat has not yet surfaced there. In the two other incounty Assembly district, Dan Buttermann, NYCM adjuster, Oneonta school board member and organizer of Ted-X Oneonta programs, is challenging first-term Republican John Salka of Brookfield, in the 121st, which includes Cooperstown and Oneonta. In the 101st, incumbent Republican Brian Miller, R-New Hartford, is challenged for a second time by Chad McEvoy of Westford. The narrow district that runs from Utica to Orange County, called “The Catskill Snake,” includes Springfield, Middlefield, Westford and Maryland locally.

ERNA: On New Zealand’s Waterfront, Fears Overcome

ERNA/From A5 energy – I ended up with an “anonymous source” from the ministry. Made my story a HULSE/From A4 front-page lead. Concerned Citizens about a Who was the anonymous board plan to deal with this were source? The minister of asked over the last 15 years. energy. It’s about responsibility, After 5 p.m. his secretary accountability and the failure went home and he answered to read the handwriting on the his own phone. While I was wall starting back in 2005. terrified of looking foolish CCS is considered a wealthy district by New York State and therefore receives less state aid and lower percentages of aid when capital projects are done. This makes CCS an unattractive, BENNETT/From A5 but not impossible, merger partner for neighboring districts everyday person that is America’s supposed reason with much higher aid ratios. for being. Yet the press, the For now, this simply pundits, and the party believe compounds the dynamics of he could not defeat Trump. declining enrollment and a Enter Michael Bloomberg skyrocketing tax burden. For 15 years, or longer, CCS – a Republican running as has whistled by the graveyard a Democrat. Perhaps as until 200 residents showed up the last of the Rockefeller Republicans. Socially liberal, last week for a school board fiscally conservative, adminhearing about varsity sports istratively competent, and but the terrible problem is theoretically insulated from really about how to deliver corruptibility by his wealth, an excellent education to our children. Sadly, with emotions he appears to offer something other Democrats can’t offer. obscuring district viability, He simply pays his own way sports trumped education at and owes nobody anything. that meeting. His wealth lets him There has been no plan, and there isn’t one now; however, compete without having to budgets always pass and a $5 balance competing claims million capital project was just on him by interparty interest groups. His hubris rivals approved as merrily we roll that of Trump, but he is along oblivious to reality. Here is the bottom line, it’s much more adept as hiding it behind his screen of hypertime to read the 15-year-old competency, something which handwriting on the wall. RICHMOND J. HULSE Sr. Trump has neither the ability Cooperstown or desire to do.

in front of all of the hot-shot reporters, I wasn’t afraid of interviewing a government minister. I didn’t think he was like a cabinet secretary in The States. If I had – I would have been terrified. I thought he was like the highway superintendent in our little town. Maybe he was charmed by a naive young American

BENNETT: Must Voters Pick From 2 Billionaires? He believes he can beat Trump. That he can match or exceed him in dollars spent. That he can offer the most rationally competent alternative to Trump. That he can run the country without the corruption and venality endemic to Trump. That he can win on dispassionate competency. All this may be true, but will voters care? Or should they care? Is Bloomberg a strategic genius for avoiding the beauty pageant run-up to the primaries? Or is he just trying to buy the election? Is there real reason to believe he could best Trump? Finally, is there a defensible reason American voters should have to make a choice between two putative billionaires? Larry Bennett, recently retired Brewery Ommegang creative director who is active in local causes, lives in East Merideth.

woman who listened to him. And did exactly what she said she would do. Named him “an anonymous source.” But terror led me to winning his trust. I was so afraid I could make a mistake in my story that I called him back and double checked that I got it right. Those hot shot, cocky, big time journalists knew too much to call anyone back. They decided what the story was before they even did the interview. Then there was me. I trembled with anxiety every time I banged out a story on my Underwood with five carbon copies. There were a lot of “Be Afraid But Do It Anyway” moments but also 7a few “Don’t Do It – Be Afraid”. One weekend when only someone trying to prove themselves would be in the newsroom, the chief reporter sent me to the docks to find out

what was going on. There had been reports that there might be a dock workers strike. Shipping was a big deal in in a country way out in the Pacific that relied on ships to bring in things like cars, shoes, tractors, pretty much anything that required mass production. The country was simply too small to manufacture them. Not often did I have an assignment that meant I could drive a company car — but this one did. Within minutes I was on the docks walking between mammoth ships surrounded by burly, tough, tattooed men. Dressed in the standard frock and nylons that women wore to work in New Zealand in the ’70s, I walked around chatting, trying to get one of these tough guys to tell me what was going on. No one was going to do that for sure.

Eventually someone told me that the purser on one of the ships would know. But who among those dockworkers who would break ranks and let me through? I watched for my opportunity. Snuck up the gangway and wandered around the corridors looking for the pursers office. The offices had brass plates on them. Eventually I found the right door. The purser took one look at me — “you are crazy.” How did you get here? Did you know these are tough guys? They smash people’s heads for less than this. I got my story – afraid that I could make a mistake. Fail to get the “real” story. Fail to become one of those real reporters. Erna Morgan McReynolds, retired managing director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Oneonta, resides in Franklin.

ATWELL: Happenstance Can Change History ATWELL/From A4 launched a volley of hundreds uphill at the enemy, one arrow found a target that decided the battle and gave William the title of “Conqueror.” The arrow, somewhat spent from its long arched flight, still plunged into the right eye of King Harold. As those beside him gasped, Harold threw out his arms but stayed standing. Through the surviving eye, he could see the arrow’s shaft extending far out beyond his nose. By one account, he instinctively began to turn in a tight counterclockwise circle, as if to pull away from the arrow. It was a bizarre dance and short-lived. For

at some point he blundered hard against the shoulder of a knight, striking with the arrow’s fletched end. Reenergized, the arrow then was continued on its lethal path. Its tip was driven deep into Harold’s brain. The King crashed to the pavement, arms and leg flailing. But the clanking and spasms quickly ended; and with it, Harold’s life. And, with his sudden stillness, came a cosmic one: the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in the British Isles. William had conquered, and Western history was forever changed. Jim Atwell, a Quaker minister and retired college administrator, lives in Cooperstown.

GIBSON: Siena Should Create ‘Servant Leaders’ GIBSON/From A4 tant to me. I believe in this exceptional way of life and was willing to put it all on the line for that. And then I served in the U.S. House of Representatives, and that was also a great privilege. But of all the callings I’ve had, this one is the strongest.

Because I believe at this time in our country, in our country’s history, we need Siena graduates now more than ever. And so, with a reverence for the past but with an eye on the future, we go forward today: Proud, very proud of our past, but also knowing that, here at Siena, our best days are still in front of us. God bless you. Thank you very much.

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Skied! PAGE B-1

THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

WHEN ONEONTA

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Heidi and Monika Hofbauer, with grandmother Hilda, skiing in the backyard of their Oneonta home.

in Otsego County

BEST BETS

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In Heyday, Business Hot At Alpine Hut, SportTech By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA

I

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

Heidi Hofbauer-Buzzy tries out the SkiBob outside of Alpine Engraving, while she and mom Ingrid relive the Alpine Hut heyday of the 1960s and ’70s.

ngrid Hofbauer had a choice: either learn to ski or miss all the fun. “I grew up in Hawaii, but when I got married, my husband Eduard informed me that if I didn’t ski, I would be stuck at home!” she said. “He and his friends couldn’t afford the resorts in the Alps, so they would hike up the mountain and ski down.” She learned, and in 1967, the couple moved to Oneonta and opened the Alpine Ski Hut to cater to Otsego County’s then-skihappy population. “There was Mount Otsego in Cooperstown, the College Camp, Scotch

Valley in Stamford, Bobcat in Andes, as well as Hunter Mountain and Windham, which was a private club until the mid-’70s,” said Nancy Scanlon, the former owner of SportTech. “They were all close to Oneonta, a family season pass was affordable, and you knew your kids wouldn’t get in trouble.” Like Ingrid, Scanlon had to learn to ski as an adult to sell her product. “Helen Rees owned the store then, and she asked me to do the buying for the ski department,” she said. “So Bob and I learned on Bobcat in 1979.” In the heyday of Oneonta skiing, SportTech sold 150-200 pairs of skis every season. Please See SKIING, B3

HOLMESES TO REDO FORMER McLAUGHLIN’S

Empty Now, It’ll Be Working Kitchen By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA

S

eventeen years after she started designing kitchens for Bresee’s, Stephanie Holmes is returning to Main Street. “I’ve always wanted to come back downtown,” she said. “My husband Chip and I live downtown, we love Oneonta and we

‘W

e love the history of the space,” she added. “It’s important that we maintain the historic feel.”

STEPHANIE HOLMES Working Kitchen proprietor

want to be part of Main Street.” The owner of The Working Kitchen since 2014, Holmes is

moving the store from the East End to the former McLaughlin’s building. “It’s an investment to start a new showroom, so we decided to buy the building,” she said. With a planned opening in September, she and her husband, former Common Council member Chip Holmes, the two are redesigning the former department store space into a show room of appliances, Please See HOLMES, B3

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

Entrepreneur Stephanie Holmes is bringing her Working Kitchen to downtown Oneonta.

Loretta Holdredge, manager of Mystic Nook, and John Wargo tally up customer Rhannon Ham’s selections at the 2019 Cabin Fever Spirit Fest.

Tap Your SPIRIT Cry ‘BINGO’; Try Educational Games

F

ind spiritual insight and inspiration to beat cabin fever. Sit down with preferred practitioner, drop in for free workshops on topics from Mindfulness to Norse Mythology or shop for gifts. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, Institute for Spiritual Development, Lotus LIBBY Center, 41-45 Dietz St., CUDMORE Oneonta. 607-267-4693. • Just because school is off for a week doesn’t mean that learning has to stop! The Greater Oneonta Historical Society offers interactive games, trivia and more. 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, Oneonta History Center, 183 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-0960. • For further learning, there’s a day of hands-on workshops demos, games led by anthropology students to explore human evolutions, biology, culture, history, more. 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, SUNY Oneonta. 607-436-2011. • Enjoy a cozy Chicken & Biscuit dinner and then enjoy a performance of “Women Behaving Badly.” Cost, $12/adult. 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. (607) 432-4102. • Grammy-winning guitarist John Jorgenson headlines the Cooperstown Concert Series. Cost, $20/adult. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, The Otesaga, Cooperstown. (607) 547-1812. • Play Bingo and enjoy brunch to support the Susquehanna SPCA. Cost, $20/person includes food, game, donation to shelter. 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb, 23, The Green Earth, 4 Market St., Oneonta. (607) 547-8111.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

AllOTSEGO.com, WHERE OTSEGO COUNTY GOES FOR BREAKING NEWS

VISIT www.


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in OtsegO COunty ________

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THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

►Thursday, Feb. 20 EXHIBIT RECEPTION – 5 - 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Project Space Gallery Exhibit ‘In The Middle Of Nowhere’ by Dustin Bartlett. Fine Arts Building, SUNY Oneonta. WRITERS SALON – 7:30 p.m. Open mic followed by presentation by author Jack Nanuq, author of spy/mystery/ thriller novel ‘Parabellum’ set in upstate New York. Community Arts Network of Oneonta,

11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607432-2070.

►Friday, February 21 WINTER PROGRAMS – 1 - 3 p.m. Bring the kids for ‘Forest as a Habitat’ featuring interactive games on how action of animal & humans affect the forest, or ‘New York State Breakout Box’ families try to open Breakout Box with knowledge of NYS social studies. Free, open to public.

History Center, 183 Main St., Oneonta. 607-432-0960. COMPETITION – 3 - 5 p.m. Compete to build the best snowman. Includes hot drinks, treats, special visit from Olaf. RSVP required. Chestnut Park Rehab & Nursing Center, 330 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-684-8092. THEATER – 7:30 p.m. Presenting Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot.’ $20/adult. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-432-1800.

AllOTSEGO.

dining&entertainment

►Saturday, Feb. 22 TUBING – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Winter fun in the snow. $5/person. Warming hut with hot cocoa, snacks available for sale. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rt. 31, Cooperstown. 607-547-8662. ANTHROFEST – 1 - 3 p.m. Hands-on workshops demos, games led by anthropology students to explore human evolutions, biology, culture, history, more. Middle school aged students & up. Free, tickets required. A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, SUNY

_______ what’s fun in OtsegO COunty

Oneonta. 607-436-2011. PLANETARIUM – 3 p.m. Take digital journey through the cosmos in immersive multimedia experience. A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, SUNY Oneonta. 607436-2011. DINNER & PROGRAM – 5 p.m. Chicken & Biscuit Dinner

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garage Cherry Valley

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6799 Route 23, Oneonta · 607-432-8411 1375 US 20, Sharon Springs · 518-284-2346 Saturday, Feb. 29 sharonspringsgarageoneonta.stihldealer.net 6:30 pm www.sharonspringsgarage.com Mon - Fri: 7:30 am to 5 pm Cherry Valley Community Center Sat: 7:30 am to Noon Lumberjack Competition • Live Music

CABARET CONCERT & GUEST CONDUCTOR COMPETITION Saturday, March 14, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Alumni Field House, Dewar Arena, SUNY Oneonta This popular fundraiser will be conducted by our new Music Director Designee

MACIEJ ŻÓŁTOWSKI The concert will also feature

MANDY HARVEY

JUNE SHEEHAN

Retired Music Teacher Oneonta Middle School Retired Organist Saint James Episcopal Church Oneonta, NY

FUNDRAISER – 8 - 11 a.m. Support local veteran Gerald (Jiggs) Monroe who served in Vietnam, was awarded the Purple Heart. Enjoy buffet breakfast featuring pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausage, much more. Hartwick Fire Department, 3088 Co. Hwy. 11, Hartwick. 607-293-7730. BRUNCH BINGO – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy delicious brunch, fun game of bingo to support Susquehanna SPCA. $20/ person includes food, game, donation to shelter. The Green Earth, 4 Market St., Oneonta. 607-547-8111. TUBING – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Have fun tubing down a hillside. See Saturday listing. BALLET – 12:55 p.m. Direct from Moscow, showing of Bolshoi Ballet production of “Swan Lake.” $20/adult. Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta. 607-431-2080. TRUNK SHOW – 1 p.m. Trunk Show and Quilt Raffle drawing on last day of Susquehanna Valley Quilters annual show. Community Arts Network of Oneonta, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-432-2070. DISCUSSION – 3 p.m. Dan Butterman, candidate for 121st Assembly District seat, hosts conversation on Economic Development. Vets Club, 13 Lake St., Richfield Springs. 315-560-7835.

ONEONTA GUN SHOW At Quality Inn

(formerly Holiday Inn)

Route 23 Southside Oneonta Sunday, March 1 9 am to 3 pm

Sponsored by Midstate Arms Collectors, Inc.

The Guest Conductor Competition with Diane Williams as Master of Ceremonies Who will raise the most money for the Symphony and be named Guest Conductor?

General Manager Sodexo Dining Services SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY

►Sunday, Feb. 23

BUy · SEll · TRAdE 60 dealers on hand Admission $3

With additional support from America’s Got Talent Benson Agency Real Estate, Golden Buzzer Winner LLC

JIMMY HAMM

followed by program ‘Women Behaving Badly.’ $12/adult. First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta. 607-432-4102. COFFEE HOUSE –7 - 9 p.m. Music in range of genres by amateur local performers. All welcome. Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church. Church Rd., Schuyler Lake. THEATER – 7:30 p.m. Orpheus Theater presents Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot.’ See Friday Listing. CONCERT – 7:30 p.m. Cooperstown Concert Series presents John Jorgenson Quintet with Grammy-winning guitarist John Jorgenson. $20/adult. The Otesaga, Cooperstown. 607-547-1812. YULE BALL – 8 - 10 p.m. Dress up with friends for Harry Potter Ball featuring mocktails, food, games, vendors. Admission, $5. Proceeds support Reading Is Fundamental. Ballroom, Hunt Union, SUNY Oneonta.

MICHAEL WALLING

Senior District Manager and Vice President Community Bank, N.A. Oneonta, NY

CAST YOUR VOTE: www.catskillsymphony.net or at the concert each $1 donated = 1 vote The winner will conduct John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever at the close of the concert. GET YOUR TICKETS: $60 each/$450 table of 8 www.catskillsymphony.net 607.436.2670

A generous donor provides free tickets for children and their accompanying adults, as well asishigh schoolsponsored and college students. for more details. This concert generously by Tom Morgan Call and Erna McReynolds, in loving memory of Wendy Brown.

This concert is generously sponsored bysupported Tom Morgan & Erna McReynolds, in loving memory of Wendy Brown And by Benson Agency Real Estate, LLC. with additional support from Benson Agency Real Estate, LLC & Otsego County Board of Representatives Special thanks to our media sponsor 5 STAR SUBARU and SUNY Oneonta. Special thanks to our media sponsor 5 STAR SUBARU & SUNY Oneonta This performance is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency.


AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

B-3

Holmes Reviving McLaughlin’s Building Skiing Buoyed Alpine Hut, SportTech doing design work while living in Charleston, S.C., and wanted to continue pursuing it when she and Chip moved back to Oneonta in the early 2000s. “Mark Bresee needed someone in kitchens, so I went to work for him. I got to work with a lot of great contractors who were very generous with their knowledge.” When Bresee’s closed, Olon Archer, Doug Heneghan and Vinny Herrmann opened Towne Flooring & Kitchens in the Oneonta Ian Austin/ OTSEGO.life Plaza. Olon eventually bought them out, and Holmes Stephanie Holmes bought the kitchen business plans to reuse as many from him in October of tin ceiling tiles as she can salvage in her new 2014 and rebranded it Working Kitchen. The Working Kitchen. “Things have changed beautiful things that go with a lot since I started doing a kitchen.” kitchens,” she said. “For Their tenants – Stanley awhile, we were doing all Wade School of Dance, white kitchens, but lately, Decker School of Ballet we’ve been seeing a lot of and J.D.’s Wagon Wheel, color. And with the trend will remain. “We’re lucky to have such great tenants,” towards open concept floor plans, we’re taking down she said. “And we love a lot of walls and really that people are invested in opening it all up.” Main Street. There’s a lot And although she’s of talk, and we hope that moving out of the East End momentum keeps going.” space, the model kitchens Holmes, a Hartwick are not, and are all for sale. College graduate, started

All

All

SKIING/From B1 “One time at Bobcat, we rented the entire ski hill and sold $1 lift tickets,” said Nancy. “We invited reps to demo new equipment, and even though it was frigid that morning, we sold $800 worth of lift tickets – the reps all said it was more demos than they’d ever done!” Alpine Ski Hut sold similar numbers, as well as ski boots and outerwear. “Tanya Tucker bought a pair of ski gloves from us!” said Ingrid. “She wanted a very specific pair, so she sent us a letter and we mailed them to her.” Over time, skis evolved from wood with leather bindings to fiberglass. “They used to be long and straight; you could go fast and make long turns,” said Heidi. “In the 2000s, they became shorter, shaped skis with a different center of gravity, so it’s less on your knees and more on your hips.” “I still see people out there with the old skis,” said Ingrid. “They last.” And in the 90s, snowboarding became the new way to hit the slopes. “I learned how to snowboard to sell them,” said Nancy.

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“No one was sure if it was going to catch on!” However, the SkiBob – a bike mounted on a set of skis – never took off. “We tested it in Jefferson,” said Ingrid. “They were imported from Italy, and we sold them, but they could be dangerous. You could fly right over the front handle.” But rising insurance costs and reduced snowfall – facilitating the need for expensive snow-making machines – made the pastime less affordable for families. Scotch Mountain closed down in 1998 and Bobcat closed in 2005. “Now you have to drive an hour, and it becomes a whole-day endeavor,” said Scanlon. “And ski resorts are competing with Disney World, they’re

competing with resorts in the Caribbean, they’re competing with streaming services and video games.” And although skiing has died down as a pastime, Ingrid’s daughter Heidi Hofbauer Buzzy, who helped convert the shop to Alpine Engraving in 2013, taught her family to ski. “When I was three, my parents took me up to Scotch Valley and put me between their legs, and that was it!” she said. “Now, my son Dakota is on the ski team; they go to Hunter Mountain every Saturday.” They still even have skis for sale at Alpine Engraving. Both Nancy and Bob still hit the slopes every winter too. “I still ski,” she said. “And snowboard!”

at the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church, Church Street, Schuyler Lake Open mic sign up to perform.

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

75 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown · 607-547-2930 126 Main Street/ Rt 20, Richfield Springs · 315-858-0405

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Warm up your night with our Winter Comfort Food Specials! MEatlEss ENtRÉE & GRaNDMa’s MEatloaf MoNDays Drink Special: $5 Mel’s Cosmos

taco tuEsDays Drink Special: $3 Margaritas

WEDNEsDay - chEf NiGht

Drink Special: 1/2-price Select Glass of Wine

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$17 Special Price • 40-cent Wings Drink Special: ½-off Drafts

fish fRy fRiDays Haddock & Chips - $12

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Good Food | Good People | Good Drinks Come see our renovations! 22 Chestnut St., Cooperstown Open Mon-Thur 11 am - 9 pm | Fri -Sat. 11 am - 10 pm Sunday Brunch 9:30 am - 2 pm | Dinner 3 pm - 9 pm Reservations: 607-322-4012 | melsat22.com

AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

Fun today, Bob and Nancy Scanlon of Oneonta remember when outfitting people to hit the slopes was a profitable business.

M At U t Si en C t L O iO v n er S!

HOLMES/From B1 cabinetry and décor for designing a dream kitchen. “There are three 7-by-10 back windows that were filled in with cinder blocks,” she said. “We’re tearing those out and replacing them with factory windows, as well as removing the red, dated front for something more historic.” “We love the history of the space,” she added. “It’s important that we maintain the historic feel.” The new store will feature an actual working kitchen, where Holmes plans cooking demonstrations and classes. “Appliances are changing dramatically, we want to have live appliances so people can try them out,” she said. “It’s a commitment to buy something like that, so we want to be able to demonstrate it.” They will also offer design ideas and fittings for mudrooms, bathrooms and laundry rooms. “We do full houses now,” she said. In addition to appliances, Holmes said they will also offer some boutique retail. “We want to fill our demo cabinets with local artisan pottery, linens and aprons,” she said. “All the

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B-4

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THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA B-5

Worries About Football Point To Larger Issue: No Kids Oneonta Schools Healthiest

FOOTBALL/From A1 “we won one game. My senior year, we were undefeated.” Today, his daughter Leah plays with the team, continuing a family tradition. “She even talks about playing in the NFL someday.” The term “Live Births” – a term that floated through the room as the school board contemplated a wide round of cuts to the 2020-21 budget; the budget vote and school elections is May 19 – could trump the fans’ and others’ concerns. “We are forced to make decisions that don’t feel great,” Superintendent of Schools Bill Crankshaw said that evening: In 2007, there were 1,048 K-12 pupils; today there are 850, a 19-percent drop. “Live Births” are compiled annually by ONC BOCES Superintendent of Schools Nick Savin for all 19 school districts in his purview, nine in Otsego County. Based on the number of births in a district any one year, he projects those numbers forward: for instance, babies born in 2015 will enter kindergarten this fall. If fewer seniors are graduating in June than kindergarteners are arriving in September – and this goes on year after year – a school district is headed for trouble. For the 2019-20 school year, CCS has 79 students graduating, and only 50 kindergarteners entering, a 37-percent drop, by far the largest among the ONC BOCES schools. “At base, if you want a school, you have to build housing,” CCS board President Tim Hayes said in an interview, “affordable, quality housing … Until we start to create places for people to live in the community, I’m worried about the future of the community.” Hayes served on the task force that created the Village of Cooperstown’s new Comprehensive Master Plan, approved last fall, which – to some community concern – allows larger homes to be broken up into apartments. If there are no exterior changes, sufficient parking and other standards are met, village Zoning Enforcement

Football matters, Matt Phillips tells 200 fans at Feb. 12 CCS budget hearing. Details at

AllOTSEGO.com

www.

Officer Jane Gentile can simply issue a permit; a project doesn’t have to go through the H-PARB, planning or zoning boards, said Deputy Mayor Cindy Falk, who has played a central role in the comp plan and resulting zoning code. Apartment houses – the Railroad Avenue neighborhood, in particular, is designated as appropriate – still require a special permit from the Village Board, she said. It’s only been a few months since the new zoning was approved, but Falk said

Legal

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Legal nOtice Notice To Bidders BID # OTGOV003-20 COUNTY OF OTSEGO – BID REF # OTGOV003-20

Notice of Formation of

Filed 1/22/20 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 10 Market Street, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalMar.26

Sam’s Bicycles LLC. Filed 12/3/19. Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 8 Myrtle Ave,

Wonderful Oneonta Location! Newly renovated 3-BR, 2-bath home w/hardwood floors throughout, gas fireplace, newer roof, newer furnace, newer hot water heater, all new appliances. Bonus room on third floor. Don’t miss this one! MLS#125025 $144,900

Registered Mortgage Broker NYS Banking Dept.

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

Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: DRI 7, LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 6 February 2020. 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 393 Main Street Suite 5, Oneonta, New York, 13820. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalMar.19

LEGALS

filed with the Sec’y. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 01/08/2020. Office location: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: PO Box 309, Unadilla, New York 13849. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 6LegalMar.19 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of 21 Glenn Ave LLC

Notice of Formation of

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/31/30. Office location: Otsego. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 56 Waverley Ave Newton, MA 024587. Purpose: any lawful activity. 6LegalMar.12

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Central School District has a lot to offer its students,” he said, and on purpose. Because of a wealth of extra-curricular activities, seniors grade with “very attractive transcripts.” Beginning seven years ago, when he was appointed OHS principal, “we grew our clubs and organizations to grow an environment where there’s something for everyone,” whether the graduate is going into the workforce, the military or on to college. “Whatever ‘next’ is,” he said, “it draws them in.” The sophomore class, at 105, was a sharp reduction from this year’s seniors (134), according to Savin’s numbers. But with some ups and downs, enrollment continued to trend upwards, to 140 (this year’s sixth grade) to peak at 152 (this year’s third grade). The last “Live Births” analysis shows 140 kindergartners entering the Oneonta district next September, a net gain of six over the 134 seniors expected to graduate in June.

Bieritz insurance agency

Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of

UPTICK/From A1 modestly, for the time being. “It’s a great situation for us to be in,” said Oneonta Superintendent of Schools Thomas Brindley, who was at his desk Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the midst of winter break when students and most teachers were vacationing. While Cooperstown Central, where “Live Births” are plummeting, is looking for ways to make cuts across the board, including football, Brindley can look at “staffing needs related to those numbers” with some optimism. Yes, staffing is determined to some degree by the teacher contract, but there’s also room for “best practices,” he said. Certainly, families are drawn to Oneonta by jobs at the colleges or hospital, but the schools are an attraction too, said Brindley, a former policeman who was promoted from high school principal to the top job when Superintendent Joe Yelich retired last year. “But also, the Oneonta

INSURANCE MANY COMPANIES. MANY OPTIONS.

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FOR FURNISHING SELF PROPELLED MID MOUNT ROAD SWEEPER IS DUE MARCH 5, 2020 AT 2 PM IN THE DIVISION OF PURCHASE. REGISTER AT www.empirestatebidsystem.com TO DOWNLOAD SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS. 1LegalFeb.20

definitely don’t have enough housing for people who want to live here.” At last week’s meeting, Hayes and Crankshaw repeatedly said no firm decisions have been made about football or anything else. The next of a series of “open budget discussions” is planned 6-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the high school library. Savin, the BOCES superintendent, said that while CCS’ situation is the most dire this year, it’s not alone. “In Oneonta,” he said, “they seem to have some growth in the younger grades. Every other school in our region: They’re either staying flat or losing students.” He continued, “In more schools, because we have declining enrollment, the school boards and communities are looking at more collaborative ways of keeping their teams. It’s appropriate, in my view.” “That’s what the data does,” he said: “It causes the right kinds of conversations.”

AllOTSEGO.

Oneonta, NY 13820. Purpose: General. 6LegalMar.19

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on December 5, 2019. Office Location: Otsego County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC at: The Limited Liability Company, 483 Cherry Street, Bedford Hills, New York 10507. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.19

she’s unaware of any house conversions or apartment complexes being proposed. In the 1970s and ’80, Hayes said, homes were being built in the district, but in the 1990s “preserving open space was more important than building houses for people who wanted to live here.” Much of the surrounding towns of Otsego and Middlefield require threeacre lots, he said. That may be changing, Hayes said. In addition to Cooperstown’s new zoning, the Town of Hartwick has contracted with Delaware Engineering for a Route 28 study. The study wasn’t focused on housing, Falk said, but as survey results began coming in, housing needs were frequently mentioned. With the largest employer in the county – Bassett Hospital, “a half-billiondollar medical center” – just three blocks from Cooperstown Elementary, things should be different. “Every day I see ads for employees at this medical center,” Hayes said. “We

Legal

FORMATION OF Home Town Hauling & Recycling, LLC A Limited Liability Company. Articles of Organization were filed with the New York Secretary of State on January 29, 2020. The office of the LLC is to be located in Otsego County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the 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 to: Home Town Hauling & Recycling, LLC, 1074 Co. Hwy. 36, Worcester, NY 12197. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity. 6LegalMar.12 Legal nOtice Notice of LLC Formation of DeGlee Farms, LLC, a NY limited liability company (LLC).

Legal

Cert. of Conversion filed with NY Sec. of State (NYSS) on 01/06/20. Office: Otsego County. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. NYSS shall mail process to: 2093 County Highway 18, South New Berlin, New York 13843. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 6LegalMar.12 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: HAYNES HOUSE LLC Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 17 January 2020. 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

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

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to 15 Pine Blvd. Cooperstown, NY 13326. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalFeb.27 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: Central Leatherstocking Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on January 6, 2020. Office location: Otsego County. The SSNY has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom processes against the LLC may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 225 Bristol Road Hartwick, NY 13348. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 6LegalFeb.27

Legal

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name:

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01/13/20. Office: Otsego County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to 256 Littlewood Rd, Morris, NY 13808. Purpose: Any lawful. 6LegalFeb.20

MARK D. MISIEWICZ, PT, PLLC.

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Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 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 235 Griggs Rd, Springfield Center, NY 13468. Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws. 6LegalFeb.27

Notice of Formation of

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of The LyonsDen LLC.

FURVENT, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the NY Secretary of State on 1/6/20. 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 21, Gilbertsville, NY 13776. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act. 6LegalFeb.20

Filed with SSNY on

►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.


AllOTSEGO.life

AllOTSEGO.homes

THURSDAY, February 20, 2020

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MLS#124171 $150,000 Hunter’s Paradise 29 surveyed acres, 1000’ frontage, 95% wooded, mostly pine. Quiet road. Small stream on property. Close to Cooperstown. Call Donna Schulz @ 607-267-6330 (cell)

MLS#124632 $475,000 Custom Cooperstown home w/5 BRs, 5,200 sq ft 27 acres, stream, breathtaking views, huge deck, radiant heat, finished basement, master suite. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)

MLS#123478 $12,500 5.1 acre wooded lot w/stream. Mostly level, great place to build a home. RV on lot is sold with land. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)

MLS#123685 $129,900 Village Home on 1.5 Acres! Quiet street. 3-BR home w/room to expand. Second floor is framed for 3 additional rooms and bath. Call Melissa Klein @ 518-705-9849 (cell)

MLS#120481 $279,000 Secluded Log Cabin on 11.75 acres in the scenic Catskills. 3 BRs, 2 baths, 3-car garage, full basement, wood stove. Renovated kitchen w/granite counters. Call Gabrielle Vasta @ 607-267-1792 (cell)

la Nd

MLS#120943 $285,000 Historic Property Post-and-beam Colonial home w/2,227 sq ft was originally built for the school principal. Overlooks Historic Gilbertsville. Call Carol Olsen 607-434-7436 (cell)

4914 State Hwy 28 Cooperstown 607-547-5933

MLS#112548 $299,000 Established turn-key B&B/café. Prime location. All furniture, fixtures and equipment stay. Excellent condition. Motivated sellers! Call Pamela Andela @ 315-717-1907 (cell)

MLS#124911 $169,900 Affordable 4-BR Cape in the hamlet of Grand Gorge. Master BR on main floor, other BRs on 2nd floor. Hunter Ski Resort close by. Heated enclosed porch. Call Carol Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (cell)

MLS#124966 $130,000 Money Maker! 5-unit, multi-family in Oxford. Well maintained apartment building has natural gas, public sewer. Located in the village center. Call Lorraine Takahashi @ 845-545-0884 (cell)

MLS#124925 $200,000 115 acres of hills and mountain views. Build your own home, hunt on your own land in New Lisbon. Call Sharon Teator @ 607-267-2681 (cell)

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lis NE tiN W g!

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MLS#124479 $394,000 Picturesque Fly Creek Setting Circa 1850 eyebrow Colonial home, post-and-beam barn, stocked pond, 8 acres. Call Kathy Fistrowicz @ 607-267-2683 (cell)

MLS#123824 $239,000 150’ Lake Frontage View of entire lake. End of road, dock, boat lift, full deck, 3 BRs, furnished, freshly Move-in Spaciouspainted. 4 BR, 2 bath housecondition. is close to I-88. Large Call George (Rod) Sluyter @small 315-520-6512 backyard, workshop/garage, shed. Make(cell) your appointment today. Priced to go this week! Virtual Tour: www.RealEstateShows.com/708598

MLS#123337 $99,000 Owner Financing Possible! 3 adjacent land parcels in the heart of baseball country! Less than 10 minutes to Cooperstown. 24 acres of privacy. Call David Mattice @ 607-434-1647 (cell)

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221 Main Street, Andes 845-676-3600

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75 Market Street Oneonta 607-433-1020

MLS#114624 $59,900 MLS#121682 $37,500 1982 double-wide w/3 BRs, 2 baths and 1½ story, 2-car 22garage. AcresNew 4 miles to Oneonta. Never been logged. heating system, updated electrical, new Wooded areas. siteinfor newbath. home walls andw/open ceiling in 1 BR.Building New ceiling master orCall bring yourP.camper. apple(cell) trees, creek. Sharon Teator @ Hunting, 607-267-2681 Call Carol Olsen @ 607-434-7436 (cell)

MLS#122670 $159,000 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)

MLS#124487 $83,000 Village Farmhouse Built in 1890 on a corner lot. 2,366 sq ft of living space. Wide plank floors, pine wainscoting. 4 BRs, 2 baths. Waltons’ porch. Call Pamela Andela @ 315-717-1907 (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)

157 Main Street,Cooperstown 607-547-5740

www.hubbellsrealestate.com

Perfectly Set on 58 Acres

(8676) Nearly new 4-BR, 3-bath contemporary Cape w/valley view, 3 ponds. Custom kitchen w/ white cabinets and work island, formal DR w/views, living room w/deck access. Main-level master BR, ceramic tile baths, finished basement, hardwood floors, 2-car garage. Richfield Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$459,900

Dynamic Dutch-style

(8662) 5-BR, 3-bath home w/views on 41.60 acres. 2-story foyer, LR w/fireplace, large built-in bookcases, French doors to veranda. Impressive staircase, formal DR, crown moldings, maple floors, mudroom, laundry. Gourmet kitchen, master suite, 3-car garage. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$679,000

One-Level Living! This home in the City of Oneonta offers 5BRs, 3 full baths and a generous open floorplan throughout! Light-filled kitchen w/gourmetstyle peninsula, large DR! Picture window has views of an expansive backyard. Facilities of the Oneonta Tennis Club are just footsteps away as the house adjoins the club. 2 outdoor courts, swimming pool, and cabana are all for your enjoyment w/club membership! This is a rare opportunity, so come and take a look! You will be pleasantly surprised with this hidden gem. MLS#125004 $189,900 Fly Creek Valley

Price reduced!

2004 top-quality construction country contemporary home w/wonderful long views of the valley. House is in move-in condition. 3 BRs, 2½ baths, large open LR/DR w/large windows viewing the valley, kitchen. Lower area is den/office/play room and could be separate living quarters w/private entrance, 2-car attached garage.

Exclusively offered at the new price: $274,900 propErty dEtails —2.62 acres —Private septic/sewer

—Finished lower level w/garage access, walk-out —Open kitchen w/granite countertops intErior FEaturEs —Carpet and ceramic tile —3 BRs, 2 full baths flooring —1,632 sq ft —Large bright LR —1-story ranch w/full basement —Family room in lower level

Great open space—LR, DR and kitchen flow seamlessly from one room to the next. Sneak off to the side and you have 2 big BRs and full bath. Upstairs provides unexpected versatility—2 more BRs, 166 Main Street, Ste 1, Oneonta office, craft room, game room or create a grand master suite. Check it out today! office 607.433.2873 www.oneontarealty.com MLS#124216 $152,500

•F

OUNDED

IA

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& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch

Cooperstown’s Newspaper

1808 BY

ONEONTA

IN

HOMETOWN

O M C O PE

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

Don Olin

REALTY, INC

AllOTSEGO.com

—Master BR w/walk-in closet ExtErior FEaturEs —Frame construction w/wood siding and metal roof —Attached 2-car garage —Propane fuel —Covered porch —Storage building

37 Chestnut street · Cooperstown · 607-547-5622 · 607-547-5653 (fax) parking is never a problem! For Appointment Only Call: M. Margaret Savoie, Real Estate Broker/Owner – 547-5334 Marion King, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5332 Eric Hill, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5557 Donald DuBois, Real Estate Associate Broker – 547-5105

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

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

Home of the Week 29-Acre Estate

(8579) Executive ranch w/5 BRs and 3+ baths. First-floor living, built w/quality and luxurious features including cherry floors, French doors, wrap-around deck, 7-zone heat, central air. Cherry cabinets in custom kitchen w/cozy fireplaced sitting area. Master suite as well as guest suite. Second floor is currently used as game room and executive office. 3-car garage. Private setting on 29+ acres with panoramic views. Cooperstown Schools.

Hubbell’s Exclusive—$825,000

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


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The Freeman's Journal 02-20-20 by All Otsego - News of Oneonta, Cooperstown & Otsego County, NY - Issuu